A/N - I thought this little story was done, but thanks to a reviewer who requested some Mama Snow goodness and trust building, this chapter came about. :)
Snow awoke to the sounds of a fussy Neal. Gently picking him up and cradling him, she noticed a low light was on next to the couch. Still in a somewhat sleepy haze, Snow focused on why the light would be on. Emma. Right, she had slipped and hurt her ankle in the woods and was sleeping on the couch til she healed enough to take the stairs.
It was then that Snow noticed the mound of used tissues on the coffee table. She approached the couch. "Emma?" She said softly. Emma's eyes shot open as she inhaled a sharp breath. "Mom?" "Shhh, it's okay. Neal woke me and I saw the light on. I wanted to be sure you were okay." Emma breathed a soft sigh of relief and slowly shut her eyes again. Snow settled in one of the chairs and began to rock Neal knowing full well that pushing her daughter would get nowhere, but making herself available? That just might work.
Finally the silence got to Emma and she pushed herself up on her elbows. "Mom?" Snow had been carefully observing her daughter. "What is it, sweetie?" Emma heaved a long sigh and dove in. "Remember yesterday after the incident at the station?" Snow nodded, "Yes."
"Well the reason I left in such a hurry was because when I questioned the Snow Queen at the station, she made a few statements that made me question things. She tried to convince me that you don't actually love me, that I'm only here to save you…" Tears welled up in Snow's eyes as Emma finally spilled the words that Ingrid had filled Emma's mind with. After the incident, and regardless of the fact that Emma was fully grown woman, she was left confused and wondering if she really should or could trust any member of her family.
More tears were shed as Emma completely cracked. She hit the ground hard and it was up to her mom to pull her up, to help her trust again. Soon, Snow found herself sitting on the couch, cradling Emma as she sobbed. Emma had taken Neal and was gently caressing his tiny fingers, a motion which seemed to soothe her open wounds.
"Emma?" Snow began tenderly. Emma let out a shuddering breath. "Yeah?" "Do you remember when we were in your nursery in the Enchanted Forest?" Emma nodded. "Remember how you said you weren't used to anyone putting you first?" "Yeah." Well now's my chance to tell you and help you believe how much you are wanted, and cared for, not just because you're the savior, but because you're our daughter. Oh Emma, you were wanted, loved, so cherished long before we knew anything else. So get used to us caring and choosing to have you in our lives. We want you here because of who you are, not what you can or can't do. Got it?" Emma let out a soft chuckle. "Got it. Thanks, mom. I love you." Emma leaned her head back as her mom lovingly stroked her hair. "I love you too, Emma."
Just before daybreak, Charming emerged from the bedroom, quite nervous realizing both his wife and son weren't in their usual sleeping places. However, his heart swelled with love as he soaked in the scene before him. His wife, daughter and son were fast asleep on the sofa. Snow had a hand on Emma's head as Emma leaned into her mom, cradling her sleeping baby brother.
He knew they'd all be sore when they woke, but he couldn't help but smile as drank in the beautiful scene.