Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I think this is all about Snow White and Prince Charming. The Evil Queen made this curse to take away their happy ending.” Henry said. “She hated them. When Snow White was young she accidentally stole the Evil Queen’s happy ending.”

“Right” said Dean. “And in this town Snow White and Prince Charming are…?”

“They’re Emma’s parents. My teacher, Mary Margaret, she is Snow White.” Henry sighed. “But I still haven’t found Prince Charming yet.”

“I think I saw a book that could help. Let me go find it.” Sam muttered as he wandered back into the bookshelves.

Emma sat silently as she took in everything Henry and Dean were discussing. Her parents.

Snow White and Prince Charming.

Mary Margaret the woman who was nice to her and Dean at Henry’s school.

Parents.

Her whole life Emma felt abandoned. By the people who left her on the side of the highway, by all those foster families.

Neal.

His abandonment had cut Emma in places she didn’t know could have been cut.

Dean glanced up at Emma as Henry kept talking while showing Sam some of the fairytale book.

He saw her faraway look and realised that talking about her supposed parents was pretty difficult for Emma.

Together they had made their own family. It hadn’t mattered that she came with no trust and an old blanket bearing her name. Or that all Dean brought was the shell of himself that was left after he lost his mom, dad, and brother.

Dean could see Emma trying not to crawl into herself like she was used to doing.

Henry continued to ramble on about everything he knew regarding the king and queen. “I even think I've found the glass coffin that Snow White was buried in during her sleeping curse. You know, the one where Prince Charming comes to wake her from her long slumber?”

Another mention of Snow White and Prince Charming had Emma flinching as she tried to keep up with Henry and Sam.

“Hey Henry, it’s getting kinda late and Emma and I need to sleep. Let’s pick this up tomorrow okay?” Dean asked as he stood and placed a comforting hand on Emma’s shoulder.

“What, oh yeah okay.” Henry answered distractedly as he peeled his attention away from the story book.

Emma placed her hand on Dean’s, squeezing it. Thank you, she mouthed up at him. “Should I walk with you home kid?” She asked Henry.

“No it’s okay, I don’t think my mom would like that too much.” Henry paused. “Will you be here tomorrow?” He asks hesitantly, not sure how much he could count on Emma to stay.

Emma gives a faint smile. “Do you think we would let you do Operation Cobra alone?”

A grin took over Henry’s face as he gave Emma a tight hug and then rushed out the door.

Emma let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Emma gingerly sat back down at the table and placed her head in her hands. Quietly, her breath shuddered and her shoulders began to shake.

Dean recognized this as Emma’s breaking point. He sat down beside her and pulled her in for a hug. “It’s okay Em, it’s going to be okay.”

Together they sat as Emma cried for her lost family.

A short while later Emma brushed at her tears and faced Dean. “Thank you.”

“Emma, you never have to thank me for being there for you. C’mon, let's get something to eat. A good grilled cheese will make things seem better.”

Together they stood and walked their way over to where the Impala was parked. However, upon arriving they were greeting the the sight of a giant yellow boot on the front wheels of the Impala.

Dean practically started foaming at the mouth in anger at the sight. “Who DARED touch baby?” He belowed. “I swear, when I catch this monste-”. He was cut off by the ringing of Emma’s cell phone.

“Emma Swan.” She answered.

“Miss Swan, I’d be happy to continue demonstrating my power, but am I right in guessing your resolve to stay is only growing?” Regina spoke, demanding the attention of Emma and Dean.

“You have no idea.” Emma said bitterly.

“Well then. I think it’s time we made peace. Why don’t you drive over to my office? Or walk, whatever suits you.” Before either Dean or Emma could answer, Regina hung up.

Dean sighed. This was not how he saw this day going at all. They should have left the second Bobby warned them too. “Em, how about I stay here with Sam and work on the memory curse this town in under while you see to Mayor Pain in the Butt?”

“Sounds good.” Emma responded. “I’m sure I can distract her for long enough that you can get that boot off.”

Dean chuckled. Emma knew that she came in a close second to baby in his heart. She was never offended, simply all the more enamored with Dean for his love of his Impala.

“All right. Check back in soon. Love you.” She said as she quickly kissed him and hurried off.

“Love you too.” Dean called back after her as he headed back into the library.

Emma walked into Regina’s office and calmly sat down across the desk from Regina as she sat in her chair.

“I’d like to start by apologizing, Miss Swan.” Regina began.

“What?” Emma asked, confused.

“I just have to accept the reality that you want to be here. And that you come with Dean attached. It appears.”

“That’s right. I do.”

“And that you’re here to take my son from me.”

“Okay, let’s be clear. I have no intention of taking him from anyone.”

“Well, then, what are you doing here?”

“I know I’m not a mother. I think that’s pretty self-evident. But I did have him. And I can’t help that he got in my head and I want to make sure he’s okay. The more you try to push me out, the more I want to be here.”

At that moment Sheriff Graham came rushing into the office. “Mayor Mills. We have an emergency. It’s Henry.”