Monster Patrol

A guest asked for a oneshot of Emma having a nightmare that wakes up everyone in the house including a 5 year old Neal. He is adamant she must have monsters under her bed and declares himself Monster Patrol. He insists on checking under everyone's bed for monsters every night with his little flashlight. Emma cries because nobody ever checked for monsters under the bed when she was little and she thinks it's sweet.

"What's going on?" A sleepy Neal asked, rubbing his eyes, as he tottered into Emma's room. "Why was Emma screaming?" Snow and Charming were already in Emma's room having just assessed her themselves when they heard her screaming.

"Everything's fine buddy. Emma just had a scary nightmare. Go back to sleep…"

"A nightmare?!" Neal said, suddenly wide awake and ready to spring into action. He ran back through to his room and grabbed his little sonic screwdriver flashlight. "Emma, I'm sorry but you're room might be invaded by monsters under the bed. They cause nightmares. I'll be on Monster Patrol for you since they scare you lots." Neal scurried over to Emma's bed and browsed underneath with his torch. He checked round the other side but was satisfied that the monster's had at least left his sister's room. "You seem all clear, but I'll check the other rooms just in case." Neal scampered back out and went round to check under the other beds. While he was gone, Emma began to tear up.

"Nobody's ever done that for me before, even when I was the one thinking the monsters were there." She sniffled to her parents. "It's the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me."

"Well you have a very sweet, caring, little brother." Charming said, proud of his boy. Neal came back through with his flashlight switched off.

"Seems like they've gone away, I think your screaming frightened them Emma. But just in case I'll sleep here with you to protect you." He said before clambering up into the spare side of the bed and under the covers, scooting over beside Emma. "I'll keep you safe, you don't need to be scared." He promised her. Snow and Charming looked down, now both very close to crying themselves. They had such a caring little man. Emma cuddled into her brother and kissed the top of his head.

"Thanks bro." She said, touched. She may not have had monster chasers when she was younger, but she had the best one available now.