Notes: This Fic is an attempt to highlight all the things Emma swan - A Saviour, a child, a mother, a bit prickly at times but a lover a fighter who can spread hope and be silly. Day One of OUAT appreciation week. One Shot
Emma slammed the door of the bug shut, before making her way across the carpark, squinting as the sun peeked over the roof of the Sheriff's station. Suddenly pausing, her mouth gaped open with a bewildered expression. Noticing the police cruiser, coated in streamers and what appeared to be whipped cream. For a moment she contemplated, what her life had become and simply shrugged. Pushing the double doors open, focusing on the relief the hot bitter taste of coffee would soon bring.
"Morning Sheriff" A sarcastic tone greeted her when she walked around the corner.
Tinkerbell gave a small wave, with a cheerful sarcasm standing in the middle of the cell to the left, placing her hands on her hips. In the adjacent cell snoring, a hat covering his face, was Jefferson; he was a regular, never quite able to stay out of trouble.
"Full house today" she sighed "great" mouthing the word sarcastically, dreading the paperwork awaiting her. David entered the office at a brisk pace and irritated expression, the father and daughter shared a silent exchange. With one look a whole conversation took place, noticing Emma's red tired eyes, her father gave her a sympathetic smile.
While he rushed about, grabbing papers going back and forth around the desks. This was standard, the current organisation system was non-existent, eventually he stopped for a moment, quickly scribbling something down.
Walking up to the bars Tinkerbell placed her arms through them "Can I go now?" her tone firm and bitter.
"Not until, you've sobered up" David muttered, not looking up from his work.
David's eyes went wide as he remembered something before rushing over to the fax machine, where he fixed a paper jam. By simply tearing the paper out with force, before slapping the ancient equipment with his palm for good measure, it screeched in response. A good sign it seemed as he smiled, slipping his paperwork into the slot and walking away.
"I'm fine now" Tinkerbell pleaded stepping forwards, head pressed in between the bars, her words slurred a little.
"No Tink" David sighed "no more drunk and flying, Emma will sign you out, after you rest up"
Emma was watching the coffee machine intently, her eyebrows raised at this comment "First, coffee" Emma insisted with a sluggish tone.
"Sorry" David sighed out of breath" crazy night, the lost boys started a fight club, and the fairies have been badly influenced" He stated with a smirk his eyes on Tinkerbell "I've barely been here" He explained while briskly unclipping his shoulder holster and placing it back in the safe, before grabbing his coat off the rack.
"Dad, "Emma sighed, not sure if she really wanted to know "what happened to the cruiser?"
"Oh, that" He chuckled "just a run in with some munchkins, I'll clean that later" He waved his hand in there air as if trying to push the problem aside, while he continued to collect his belongings readying to leave.
"Is there anything else, I should know about?" Emma looked over eyebrows raised.
"Zelena put through another complaint about her neighbour, she wants someone to go over there"
"I'll get right on that" Emma stated with a scoff, still holding resentment towards the witch.
Shaking her head while putting her sugars into the large cup of fresh coffee, as her father grabbed the last of his things. Before briskly making his way around the corner towards the exit, Emma's face fell as her father disappeared.
"What's your hurry?" Emma frowned, taking a large gulp from her coffee mug.
"I want to get home in time, to see your brother, before I get some sleep" David stated somewhat anxiously, the paralysing fear he was missing out again, still plagued him every day.
"Give him a hug for me" Emma called out, frustration clear in her voice.
David briskly walked back into the office an apologetic expression, realising he'd almost forgotten something very important. Now at Emma's side he placed his hand on the back of her head he leaned in, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead.
"Why don't you come by after your shift" Her fathers eyes pleading, but she could only shrug in response unsure where her day would take her, and he left.
Emma's morning was rather uneventful although busy, with mountains of paperwork and emails to comb through. Able to let both Tinkerbell and Jefferson out into the world again, with a stern warning and a cup of coffee for the road. It wasn't until an automatic reminder appeared on her screen, she even stopped to look at the time. Frowning as she read it, having no recognition of setting it, she frowned clicking on the link it became clear, she hadn't set it, this was set years ago, by the former Sherriff.
"Graham" She inhaled sharply as guilt washed over her, although she still thought of him, lighting a candle every year on the anniversary of his death, it seemed he had been forgotten as time went on
"I miss you" Emma breathed out, her eyes sad and longing.
Sitting there in silence for a moment it was the first little break she'd taken all morning; she sipped the remainder of her coffee, that was now ice cold. Stomach growling, she looked up at the clock the time was past one and she hadn't packed a lunch. Just as the thought entered her mind Snow White walked into the office, pushing the stroller in with one hand, with a brown bag full of food in the other.
"How did you know?" Even as she questioned her tone wasn't surprised after all these years, having people take care of her finally felt normal.
"Your father mentioned, he had a rough night," Her tone agonised and sympathetic "so I figured you'd be too busy to get yourself lunch" Giving her daughter a knowing, somewhat judgmental look.
"Thanks mom" Emma smiled, as she handed her the brown paper bag that contained a sandwich, banana and a juice box "You're not working today?" She questioned confused not entirely sure what day of the week it was.
"No" Snow was fussing about, cleaning up some of the clutter from the desks and emptying the overflowing bins, while Emma sat eating her sandwich.
"You two, need more help around here" Snow sighed, showing her frustration at the burdens her family insisted on facing alone.
"Killian's been deputised as well" Emma counted, but her tone was too defensive.
"I know, but… when's the last time, we all got dinner together" Snow let out another sigh sadness in her tone.
"It's been crazy lately," Emma spoke in between swallowing food "things will calm down" Emma paused her eyes sad "I can't believe there was a time Graham ran this all by himself"
"He didn't have to deal with magic, and lost boys" her voice broke, unable to forget their time in Neverland, the smell of the nightshade poison still fresh in her mind.
"Ok, I'll put an add out" Emma sighed rolling her eyes.
From the stroller behind her Neal awoke and immediately started wailing, Emma turned her swivel chair around and got up from her desk.
"What's got him upset" Emma smiled as she reached down and picked him up.
"He wants to spend more time with his sister" Snow turned her head looking over at her two children together with pride.
Emma bounced him gently holding him upright, one hand one the back his head. He settled quickly, mumbling his cry becoming a giggle.
"Em, Emmm" Neal mumbled look at her eyes wide with adoration.
"Did you hear that?" Emma's eyes went wide excited as she held him close, pressing her head on his.
"Yes... he's been doing it all morning, like I said" She turned to her, with a pointed look "he misses you"
"I'm sorry" She cooed "you're growing so fast, maybe you could be our new deputy"
"Don't give him any ideas" Snows eyes wide with genuine fear.
"What's wrong with that?" Emma smiled teasing, in her heart knowing exactly what her mother's concerns where.
"It's wishful thinking, but I was hoping he'd want to be and accountant or something" Her eyes softened even as she thought about it "in an office, regular hours... no dragons"
Looking over her daughter, her eyes sad as she thought back on everything she'd been through. Emma manoeuvred Neal to her hip while using her free hand, to grab her sandwich.
"I don't know about that, given he also comes from true love, it's likely he has magic too" Smiling and making silly faces at her brother as she spoke.
"He can; still be a magical accountant" Snow counted her voice faltered.
"What I'm trying to say is, his your son" Emma raised her eyebrows reminding her mother with one knowing look of her own story.
"Right" Snow sighed, before she smiled.
Emma gave her mother a reassured smile just as the phone rang out breaking the moment of calm, Emma awkwardly picked up the phone, sandwich in one hand, her brother in the other. Placing the receiver on her shoulder as the person on the other end of the line spoke, her expression quickly changed to a frown. Snow stepped forwards trying to hear but it was unintelligible, and all Emma did was nod in response to yelling. Growing concerned Snow took Neal from Emma's arms, before she hung up the phone rushing over to grab her keys.
"Come on, I'll need backup" Emma called out already making her way down the hall.
"There's no car seat in the cruiser" Snow remained still, watching Emma relaxed demeanour, while going about her hectic day, leaving her expression in an amused frown.
"We'll take the bug" Emma voice was excited grabbing the rest her equipment, while encouraging her mother to follow her out.
Fireballs flew across the clear blue sky, the wave of heat erupting in the air above in an array of blue and red. Emma's head purposely slumped back into her headrest as she sighed, flexing her hands she was ready to fight.
"Stay in the car" Emma commanded.
"What about you?" Snow's voice trill, grabbing Emma's forearm as she was about to exit the car.
"I got this" Emma turned her head giving her a confident smile.
No matter how many times she saw Emma face evil and overcome it, her fear didn't waver like any parent standing back, letting go hesitantly, hoping she would return safely.
"I know" Snow sighed as a smile escaped her lips.
As soon as the driver's side door opened, Emma heard the cause for Zelana's complaint, the ear-splitting sound of drums smashing to an upbeat rhythm. What would have been a picturesque scene in the suburban street, was quickly escalating to a warzone.
"I'll burn you alive" Zelana screamed, her lip curled in anger.
"You can't scare me away witch" A young man, yelled from his porch waving his fist, deviance in his expression.
"My daughter is trying to sleep" Seething, Zelena looked towards her neighbour with venomous hatred.
Zelena lifted her hand, and a large flame appeared in her palm that she aimed towards the neighbouring house.
"Hey, stop "Emma yelled out exasperated, as the flames continued to soar threw the air "stop!"
No fear in her voice or hesitation Emma raised her hands above her head gracefully, before flinging them down to her side, sending a white light of magic across the sky, extinguishing the flames.
"Zelena, we talked about this" Emma frowned her voice in a disappointed mom tone "if you're having a problem, you call for help, you can't set things on fire" Emma stood now only a metre away, hands on her hips.
"I did call your father, "Zelana rolled her eyes" but I'm yet to see results"
"I know," Emma sighed apologetic "I had a busy morning"
"Robin can't sleep with this racket" Zelena's hands were clenched it tight fists as she struggled to hold back her anger.
"I'll talk to him... "Emma began to walk away before turning back "no more fireballs" Emma was firm, glaring at Zelena her eyes warning her of the consequences.
Closely watching the exchange from the passenger seat with pride, before cautiously making her way out of the car. Snow didn't take her eyes off Zelena, smiling she took Neal from the car seat and walked to Emma's side.
"What can I do to help?" Snow tone was cautious watching Zelena closely.
"Oh great, there's more of you... how charming" Zelana groaned.
Snow rolled her eyes just as the noise started up again this time, she could also hear the sound of Robin's cries from the house. Zelena's face contorted with anger, but she did not fight simply storming back into her house.
"We really got to start, briefing new residents, so they don't get into a fight with wicked witch" Emma stated exasperated.
"I might have something, that could help" Snow said smiling, as an idea formed.
"I'll try and talk to him" Emma nodded walking right through the garden beds, the flowers burnt and blackened from the flames.
The closer she got to the house the more the noise bothered her, by the time she reached the door she had to clasp her hands over her ears. Lifting her fist to bang on the door, surprised to find it swung open as he knuckles tapped it, she didn't hesitate to head inside.
Walking towards her in a pair of khaki shorts no shirt showing of his immaculate abbs, a bowl of ramen noodles in his hand, he stuffed food into his mouth with chopsticks.
"Oh hello, you must be the a "He paused placing his palm to his forehead "Sheriff" an excited smile when he finally recalled the right word "the witch warned me of your coming" he frowned somewhat confused as if expecting something else.
"Turn that off" Emma yelled over the music he her mind spiralling unable to think, the sound of the drums send vibrations through her body.
"Oh of course" He smiled somewhat bemused, as if he had no idea that was the reason for her visit.
He was tall but with a boyish smile, walking with an overconfidence over to his stereo and pressed mute, Emma sighed with relief, her muscles untensed.
"Look ah Mowgli, I know your new here, but this world is different…" Emma used her hands as she spoke as if gesturing to the world around them, could give any real context "we need to respect other people's boundaries and needs"
"That witch is, taunting me" The man child stated pointing his finger "she knows, how I feel about fire"
Emma walked in a circle her eyes peering around, she couldn't help but notice the stereo was about the only furniture he had, the kitchen bench overflowing with empty takeout boxes.
"I understand this world is scary and you want to feel in control," Emma looked to him with sympathy seeing his guilty expression "but Storybrooke it's a special place this all only works… if we all work together"
"A pack" his said the word with reverence, before his eyes went wide with understanding.
Emma smiled shaking her head she couldn't believe his himbo energy, completely oblivious to the fact that his life had been in danger.
"Please, just turn down the music" Emma asked in her best firm but polite tone.
"Oh" Mowgli's eyes went wide somewhat confused and a little embarrassed "She never mentioned, I didn't realise"
"What..." Emma exclaimed her mouth open in shock "She never even asked you to turn it down"
It was then the front door opened again, Zelana and Snow step through the doorway the early tension was gone. A pair of noise cancel headphones over Robin's ears they walked into the house. Neal babbling reaching over to Robin while still in Snows arms, his mouth open in a wide smile.
"Two-man cubs" Mowgli smiled gasping in awe.
"You see, Zelena's was just trying to protect her daughter" Emma explained in an exasperated sigh.
"I see, I will help" Mowgli announced, with wide eyed expression, his mouth full of noodles.
Although misguided it was endearing to see the expression on his face change, they knew he had chosen his path. The music came back on eventually and with the headphones supplied by Snow they left the three of them, as they happily danced around to the beat, no flames in sight.
Stifling a yawn Emma waited as most of the other students made their way out to the street. Her eyes peered at the crowd trying to spot Henry, but as the masses disappeared, he hadn't emerged. For just a second she grew concerned. Wondering if maybe she'd got her days mixed up and Regina had already picked him up. Until Violet, followed closely by Henry walked through the doors and down the steps, he gave her a small kiss before they parted ways.
"Hey kid" Emma stood up straight, her face lit up as he approached.
"No bus today" Henry smiled relived as he walked over.
"I was coming by, just had to break up a fight between the wicked witch and her new neighbour... this town is getting crowded" Emma sighed, opening up the driver side door and slumping into her seat.
Henry chuckled as she told the story, her tone almost bored while recounting how she resolved a neighbourhood dispute between the wicked witch and a boy raised by wolves.
"What's funny" Emma frowned looking over at her son.
"Some days, I just can't believe it" Henry grinned, pulling the Storybook out of his schoolbag.
"Really... 'you' can't believe" Emma teased smirking.
"I mean, I was ten, I believed" He shrugged chucking his school bag in the back of the bug and getting in the passenger seat "but I didn't see all the possibilities, now they seem endless"
"I was hoping things would calm down" Emma sighed exhausted.
"A lot of people have found a home here" Henry looked up to his mother with pride.
"Thanks to you" Emma reached her hand over to the radio, turning up the volume on their favourite song.
They drove the long way home, making their way down the main street of Storybrooke passing Granny's dinner. No longer the glum dreary town it was, full of colourful characters embracing there true self's and flourishing. When the song ended and there was quiet once more Emma let out a deep breath, somewhat squirming in her seat.
"So how what happened?" Emma asked hesitant.
"Oh, five whole minutes" Henry teased, seeing the intense look in her eyes.
"What, I just want to know… how it went?" Emma tried to hide the intensity, but her voice gave her away.
"I was fine Mom, I asked her" Henry pulled out his phone unbothered by her prying.
"Annd?" Emma emphasized her hands gripping the steering wheel tight.
"She said yes" Henry smiled with a small shrug uninterested.
"That's it, that's all I get" Emma groaned.
"Yep" Henry grunted out.
"So, you'll need a tux?" Emma turned looking at him expectantly.
Henry didn't verbally respond nodding his head with an antagonised expression, as he scrolled through his phone, somewhat uncomfortable. Emma shook her head but smiled relieved, while Henry turned the music back up bopping his head along when they turned into their street.
Emma and Henry walked up the steps into their home the front door wide open, there smiles faded quickly changing to concern. The sound of clattering metal along with the smell of burning, bellowed out of the kitchen. Cautiously they edged closer to the door, Emma's hand outstretched instinctively keeping Henry in her periphery. Pushing the door the kitchen open slowly; her eyes went wide at the sight before her and her shoulders slumped relieved.
"You never should have let him watch the cooking channel" Henry chuckled at the sight of his father-in-law, grunting as he riffled through the kitchen cabinets.
"Do we dare enter?" Emma teased, already sliding the door open.
"You can" Henry smirked, before turning and heading upstairs to his room.
Plates and bowls were scattered everywhere along with crumbs and splotches of sauce, he seemed to have used every utensil they had.
"Ah, your home" Killian eyes went wide with joy, before it faded as he remembered the mess he'd made.
"I'm impressed, but who's eating all this food" Emma chuckled, seeing a feast before her of meat and various sides.
"I made this lasagne; everyone keeps talking about" Killian stated diverting from her questions, he reached into the oven a glove pulling the tray out with ease in one hand placing it on the bench proudly.
"What's the occasion?" Emma raised her eyebrow curious and amused.
"I invited some people over... "Killian stated proud "what do they call it a putt, ugh" he placed his hook on his chin as he tried to recall the word.
"Putlock" Emma breathe out with a laugh.
"That's it Swan" Killian smiled excitement in his tone.
"Have you been talking to my parents" Emma sighed remembering both of there not so subtle requests, for them to spend more time together.
"Ran into them at Granny's this morning" He explained before giving a small shrug "but this was my idea"
"Your full of surprises" Emma smiled swooning over her husband she stepped forwards, as did he and the slowly closed the gap between them.
Her hands on his neck holding it gently she pulled his face towards her, his mouth tasted of salt and garlic, making her giggle slightly. Breathing heavy as their kiss became more intense, Killian's eyes closed, he could feel her long hair on his chin, using his hook he brushed it off to the side. Before she surged forwards pushing against his body when passion took over, desperate for more. Killian arms wrapped around her before lifting her onto the counter, all the while there lips never completely parting.
"What time is everyone going to be here?" Emma bit her lip her hands gripping his leather jacket holding him close.
Killian grinned joyful his face still millimetres from hers "About an hour" before leaning in and kissing her lips slowly.
Emma smirked inhaling "Plenty of time" she breathed out between kisses.
Smiling like two kids in love, they made their way out of the kitchen and upstairs to their bedroom closing the door quietly behind them.