Trying to remember

Cagiant246 asked for a oneshot of Charming not instantly recognising Emma when she returns in season 3 and she has to quickly explain herself until he remembers.

Emma's heart pounded as she knocked on the door. This wasn't going to be easy. She heard someone turn the key in the lock and the door swung open to reveal her father. Charming stared at the woman. There was something familiar about her, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Everything was like that since they'd returned though. It was taking people slightly longer to remember things.

"Don't shut the door." Emma said quickly, worried her dad would just be annoyed she's interrupted them so late. "My name is Emma."

"Emma." Charming repeated slowly, staring at her, his eyes squinting. He knew that name. He knew her face, where did he know this woman from? She nodded.

"Yes, Emma...can you remember me at all?" Something about the way he said her name, Emma was sure there was something there. Charming shook his head.

"No, I'm sorry. Not yet anyway. Were you from our kingdom back home?" Emma's heart sank. This really was tricky.

"No, not exactly. Do you want me to be honest? It's a pretty unbelievable connection..."

"Try me." Charming said. He was pretty sure he'd believe anything at this point.

"You're my dad." Emma said nervously, worried he'd just laugh and slam the door in her face. But he didn't, he just stood there, shocked. Charming's brain was going a thousand miles a second. This woman was claiming to be his daughter. How could that be possible? They were the same age. Did he even have a daughter? "You and Snow had me in the Enchanted Forest. You put me through a magical wardrobe to save me from Regina's curse. You were then frozen in time until I found you again. I have a kid. Your grandson, Henry." Emma said, trying to trigger some memories. Charming raised a hand to his head, it was beginning to feel like agony. Images were flooding his brain. Images of the blond in front of him and a little brunette boy. "I'm sorry!" Emma said, panicking. "I shouldn't have came, this was too much for you..." Emma went to leave, but Charming grabbed her arm.

"Emma." He said weakly. He remembered, this was her, she was home. How? "How are you here? You remember us?" Emma's whole body relaxed, he remembered.

"Hook. He found me in New York and gave me a memory potion. Where's mom?" Charming smiled.

"Come on inside. We have something to tell you..."