Hidden scars

Mezza asked for a oneshot of Charming proposing a family swimming trip but Emma doesn't want to go because it would reveal scars.

Emma fidgeted on the couch as her parents buzzed around her sorting out their own and Neal's swim gear.

"Come on Emma, get moving! We want to be there by two so we're home in time for Henry coming back from Regina's at five." Snow said, tossing her a rucksack to pack her stuff. "Don't worry about shampoo, conditioner or shower gel, I've got those for all of us…"

"I'm not going." Emma said. Both Snow and Charming stopped their packing frenzy and looked at her.

"What?" Charming asked. He'd been looking forward to this since he'd suggested the idea the previous night. "Why?"

"I'm just not much of a swimmer. I don't even know where my costume is and then there's my hair getting all tuggy from the chlorine…"

"Stop." Charming said. "You're not telling the whole truth. What's going on?" Charming asked his daughter. Emma looked at her now shuffling feet. She had been hoping to avoid ever discussing this.

"It's no big deal…"

"Well then you won't mind sharing." Snow pressed. Emma sighed and rubbed her temple.

"I just have some scars on my back and upper arms that I don't like showing. I haven't been swimming in years. It's fine, I'll just sit at the side and watch you guys." Emma said. Snow and Charming felt horrified. Their baby was worried about scars? It was obvious it was too soon to ask questions about the scars, but they could encourage her to not let them affect her today.

"Emma, you look beautiful and no amount of scars will change that. Please come into the pool with us. We won't mention the scars at all." Snow knew that both she and Charming would feel queasy upon seeing them, but not because they wouldn't look aesthetically pleasing, but because someone had dared hurt their daughter. Emma still seemed reluctant.

"You don't have to if you don't want to Emma, but it would be really nice if you joined us. You're part of this family so any family activity won't be complete without you." Emma was very touched by her father's words. She felt safe with them.

"If I don't like it I get straight out. There's to be no mentioning of the scars and not even looking for overly long. Deal?"

"Deal." Both parents agreed simultaneously. It would be difficult to not react to the marks, but if it meant their daughter could feel safe doing a family activity then they would.