Needing comfort

A guest asked for a oneshot of Emma having a nightmare and crawling into her parents bed with it being Emma as her normal age in the show. So this will of course have an adult Emma in a bed with both her parents so if that makes you feel uncomfortable I recommend you don't read this chapter :)

Emma's heart was pounding in her chest as she made her way downstairs. She had to check that they were both still there- that they hadn't abandoned her. She tiptoed down the stairs as quietly as possible until she was at the doorway to her parents' room. She breathed a small sigh of relief. There they boy were, sound asleep. Neal sleeping in the cot beside them. It had just been a bad dream. She didn't need to panic, they weren't leaving her again. She could go back to bed now. Creak. Emma cursed herself under her breath. In her relief she'd stepped on the creaking floorboard. Both her parents' eyes opened and they raised their weary heads. Having a baby made them very light sleepers.

"Emma?" Snow asked sleepily. "What are you doing up at this time?"

"Nothing." Emma lied quickly. "I was just going to get myself a glass of water. Sorry I woke you…"

"Emma." Snow said, not believing her daughter at all- neither of them did. "You can tell us, why are you really down here?" Emma sighed, knowing it was pointless trying to keep it from them. They'd work it out of her eventually. She looked down at her feet, mortified.

"I had a nightmare." She mumbled. "The pair of you left me…said I was useless to you as an adult. I had to check it wasn't real. I had to see that you were still here. I can't…can't lose…" Emma couldn't finish her sentence. She was having a panic attack. Snow and Charming jumped out of bed instantly. Charming ran to the kitchen and got a paper bag and a glass of water whilst Snow rubbed circles on Emma's back, trying to get her to calm down. Charming came back and Emma took the bag, using it to help her regulate her breathing. When she felt better she placed the bag down on the bed and stood up straight.

"I'm ok." She croaked.

"Ok? Emma, honey, that's not ok." Charming said, gently tilting Emma's chin so they were making eye contact. "What was that about, ay?"

"I can't lose you both. Not again. Not even in a dream. I was terrified that it was real. I'm just beginning to find out what I missed out on all those years. Parents who actually love me and not for the pay check I bring. The idea of being separated from you it…it…" Emma shuddered, unable to finish her sentence. Charming pulled Emma into a fierce hug. Snow behind her running her fingers through Emma's hair.

"We are never going to leave you again." Charming promised. "No matter how old you are, you are always going to be our daughter- our little princess. Understand?" Emma nodded into his shoulder. "Good. Now, go back up to bed and go back to sleep. You need rest, honey." Emma bit her lip, feeling dread wash over her. She knew if she went up to bed she'd just toss and turn all night. She'd still be going over her nightmare in her head.

"Nah, once I'm up, I'm up. I'll just go through and lie on the couch." She said. Her parents saw through that immediately. The couch was close to the door. It meant if her parents were to leave Emma would know.

"Of course, there's always a third option." Snow said, knowing Emma was still worried about being separated from them. "Our bed's plenty big…you could come in with us."

"Oh um…" Emma said, mortified. Truth be told, part of her wanted to. She would be able to sleep knowing they were there and not going to leave. But she couldn't stay- could she? "No, it's alright, really. I'll be fine on the couch…"

"The offer stands if you want it, Em." Charming added, sensing Emma's worry. Emma looked torn towards the bed. She never got to do this as a child. She deserved it, didn't she? Slowly, Emma nodded. Snow smiled, taking Emma's hand and leading her over to the bed. Emma got in to the middle and lay there nervously. Snow and Charming got in either side of her. Snow reached out and squeezed Emma's hand.

"It's ok." She whispered encouragingly. "You're safe. Nobody's leaving you." Emma nodded slightly, trying to relax. Charming put an arm around her and gently stroked his thumb along her shoulder. To Hell with it. Emma thought. She cautiously moved over and rested her head against her dad's chest. Charming's heart stopped just for a second. He looked over to Snow who had tears in their eyes. For so long they'd longed for Emma's walls to come down so they could be the parents she deserved. Now it seemed after one nightmare they were gone. They had their shot- there was no way they were going to abandon her and waste it.