Days like these

Just one I made myself from a Facebook conversation about Snowing having a large family had the curse never happened.

It was days like this the parents treasured. Days where they could just forget their duties for the day, the older children could skip their lessons and they could just be a family. Snow sat watching as her husband ran around with all five of their beloved children. Five was just the perfect number for them they had decided, and all close in age, in the hopes they would be close in relationships and always be there for each other. First Emma, eight. Then Neal, seven. Then Rosie, five. Followed by Christopher, four. And finally, little Michael, who was only two. Snow of course had also been running around with her husband and children pretending to be on a wild adventure to Agrabah, but she also enjoyed watching her children. Seeing all their individual personalities shine through as they played with their daddy. Through their true love, each had their own amazing gifts. Emma was the only one with magic in the traditional sense, but the others all had their own form. But that was only a tiny part of each of their children, the parents knew. Their Emma, so filled with will power. Their little warrior princess who would never give up. Then Neal, their little knight in the making. So wise, so quick with planning. Their baby girl Rosie. The quietest of the lot. She had one of the kindest hearts either Snow or Charming knew, able to coax a smile from anyone. Christopher, their little dreamer. He could create the most fabulous adventures for him and his siblings. Sometimes Snow and Charming were sure he could make some of his dreams a reality. Then their baby boy Michael. He was a little Charmer, a chip off the old block.

The day was passing, and the sun was slowly beginning to go down. But Snow knew her children well and knew her husband would be running with them for a while yet. Rosie was the first to come over to her mama. She loved playing with her siblings, but loved quiet time just as much.

"Please tell me a story mama." She asked, snuggling into Snow's side. Snow smiled, wrapping an arm around her.

"Of course my love." Snow launched into one of what she knew to be Rosie's favourite tales from her and Charming's past. It wasn't long before little Michael toddled over and plonked himself in Snow's lap, his little legs just not able to keep up with the others for so long. Christopher was next to give in, curling up by Snow's other side, listening to her story. Soon Neal also admitted defeat, tiredly coming over and sitting in front of Snow. Emma was stubborn, both parents knew. And she'd keep running until she dropped. Charming could see her drooping, and didn't want to overtire her. He stopped and took the hand of his eldest child.

"Come on." He said gently. "Let's go listen to mama's story." Emma pouted, not wanting to admit defeat and give up, but she could see her daddy was giving her no choice. Slumping her shoulders, she trudged alongside him until they approached the group. Snow shared a knowing smile with her husband as he settled himself in front of Snow with Emma on one side and Neal on the other. It didn't take Emma long to forget about wanting to continue you playing as she listened to her mama's story. Snow knew just how to get all her children's attention. Both her and Charming did.

Eventually, Neal had fallen asleep on Snow's lap, the other four children not far behind. Snow and Charming had one of their eye conversations. It was agreed. Sleepover in mom and dad's room tonight.

"Who wants to stay with mama and daddy tonight?" Charming asked. He was answered with whoops and cheers to which he and Snow chuckled. They would take that as a yes.

After a quick dinner (they had already had a late picnic lunch) the children scurried up to their parents' room for the night. Well, all except Michael whom Snow carried. He was out for the night. The remaining children got into their nightclothes and got into the bed. This was one of the advantages of living in a palace- beds big enough for seven. Well, providing three children sleep at the foot of the bed. Soon they were all settled. Charming now telling a story. One by one, the children nodded off. Even Emma gave in eventually. Charming smiled at his wife, their two youngest sons between them.

"I love you so much." He said, brushing his hand across her cheek. Snow held her hand against his pressed against her face.

"And I you." She returned. Together they shared something wonderful- a beautiful family. For that, they would always be grateful to each other.