Security item
BoredBrad asked for a oneshot of Neal being upset with his mom and sister at Granny's because the other kids make fun of him for carting around his teddy bear. Snow tells him there's nothing wrong with still having his security item and says that Emma can't sleep without her baby blanket. Emma turns red and is embarrassed that her mom said that in public.
"Oh buddy, you don't need to hide him away." Emma said, trying to coax Neal into bringing his teddy back out his mom's bag. "I don't think Herbert will like it in there. It's dark and I think all teddy bears are afraid of the dark…"
"I'm not bringing him out." Neal said huffily. He was sitting with his arms folded on the table and his head resting grumpily on his hands. The kids in his kindergarten class had made fun of him for carrying Herbert around with him. None of the family knew until his teacher Mrs Steenburgen had a discreet word with Snow to let her know. They now understood why he was suddenly being so distant and angry whenever anyone brought Herbert up.
"Honey, there's nothing wrong with needing your bear." Snow said, again trying to convince her son. "It's ok to have something that makes you feel safe. Emma can't sleep without her baby blanket." Emma nearly choked on the sip of soda she had been taking.
"Mom!" Emma complained, her face turning red. "Not in public." She hissed, embarrassed. "Anyway, how did you know that?" Snow smiled at Emma's bashfulness. The principle of needing something to make you feel safe applied to her too.
"A mother just knows these things. It's a bit of a clue when it's sticking out from under your pillows every morning sweetie. Besides, the point is its ok to need comfort from something. It's nothing to be embarrassed about."
"Yeah right." Both Emma and Neal mumbled together. Snow smiled. Even with such a large age gap they could be remarkably similar.