Father-daughter dance

A guest asked for a oneshot of Charming overhearing Emma tell Belle that she'd always had a big dream growing up of having a dad to go to her father-daughter dance with. As a surprise he and Snow set up the perfect father-daughter Ball in Storybrooke so Emma can finally go to the Ball with her dad.

"You look wonderful my darling." Colette said, placing her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "I cannot believe it's time for your coming of age Ball. Your father will be waiting for you for your first dance, as tradition dictates. He'll steer you right."

"It was one of the best days of my life." Belle sighed, lost in the moment.

"We had things like that here." Emma replied, as she helped Belle move the boxes of unclaimed items to the back of the store. "Father-daughter dances. There was one every year at school. None of my Foster dads ever took me. They were never that interested. Even if they were it's not like I had a proper dress to wear. Emma shook her head to get herself out of her stupor. "Anyway, doesn't matter now. I have dad in my life. I don't need father-daughter dances to know he loves me." Belle gave her friend a sympathetic squeeze of the shoulder.

Neither knew that Charming had overheard the conversation as he had arrived to see if they needed help. It made his heart ache that Emma had been left alone during such important moments in her childhood when so many other of her schoolmates would have had someone to take them. Well if Emma wanted a father-daughter dance then she would get one.

The first thing that needed sorted was making sure ever father-daughter pair in town was there. Charming set about booking the town hall and then invited them all, making sure they were all able to attend. Afterwards, he arranged for Snow to make sure Emma had the prettiest dress in town. Never again would she have to worry about attending an event because she didn't have anything to wear. Charming knew that Snow would make sure Emma stole the show.

After that, it was just a waiting game. It was difficult for the parents to keep the secret from their daughter, but they had to in order for it to have its full effect.

Their efforts paid off. The day eventually arrived. Snow got Emma into the dress and fixed up her hair and makeup. She could have cried at how beautiful her girl was. She insisted on getting a few photos before driving Emma to the town hall. Emma was only told her dad was waiting for her there. She still wasn't entirely sure what was going on.

Snow dropped Emma off and she wandered into the Hall. She was totally blown away by the sight. It was decorated from top to bottom in pinks and reds and sparkles in between. The dancefloor already had a few couples on it. Emma recognises Jefferson and Grace along with the dentist Gregory Biggs and his daughter Lauren amongst others. Charming stood in front of Emma dressed in his finest royal garb.

"I heard you telling Belle you wanted a father-daughter dance as a child." He began. "I can't go back in time and fix that, but I can give you one now. Emma…you look so beautiful." Charming had tears gathering in the corner of his eyes, as did Emma.

"You did all this for me?" She said, voice choked with emotion. Charming nodded. Emma rushed forward and wrapped her arms around his middle.

"Thank you." She said quietly. "Nobody's ever done anything so special for me."

"I'd do anything for you." Charming told her, he pulled back and bowed. "Now, may I have this dance, Princess?" Emma smiled and held out her hand.

"You may." Charming took her hand and led her onto the floor.