Hope for the Holidays
A/N: This lovely art was gifted to me by my brilliant captain swan secret santa 2020, the wonderful @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713. I asked for inspiration to write and she was kind enough to create this for me along with making art for my fic Little Red Riding OH! So since this was meant for inspiration here is a fic that hopefully matches this beautiful aesthetic. Also I would just like to apologize its after the holidays I did my best.
Summary: It’s the holiday season in Storybrooke and with a whoop-de-do and hickory dock the Swan-Jones family is having happy holidays this year. (This fic does ignore season 7 I don’t have anything against s7 it just didn’t work with this fic)
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
It's Christmas time again in Storybrooke, and everyone is in the swing of preparation. Everywhere you went was decorated in lights, snowflakes, garland, and wreaths. The Swan-Jones residence is no exception to that.
The porch was wrapped in garland, the windows and door framed in lights. Each window held a winter scene and the door held a wreath. Inside the stockings hung by the fireplace, the stairs wrapped in lights. In the kitchen Hope stood on a stool helping decorate a tree but not the one you would put presents under.
“Like that?”
Henry looked over to see his sister scattered M&M’s all over her gingerbread tree, “Yeah that looks great.”
Hope beamed with pride as she moved on to her next cookie.
A half an hour later Nova was pulling out their finished cookies out of the oven placing them on the counter to cool off.
“These look really good guys. Santa is gonna love these cookies.” Nova smiled over her shoulder at the kids.
“Melody said Santa's not real,” Hope said as she leaned on the table.
“Well,” Nova turned, removing her oven mitts, “just because she says he’s not real doesn’t mean it’s true. There are people that say fairies aren’t real but we know that’s not true.”
Nova winked at Hope causing the little girl to smile Just then the front door opened. Hope jumped off her stool and bolted toward the intruders.
“Mommy! Daddy!”
“Hi baby,” Emma greets their daughter, bending down to pick her up, sitting her on her hip as she makes her way further into their home.
“Did you have fun with Nova?” Emma turned her attention to the kitchen to see her oldest sitting at the table. “Henry? I thought you were spending the day with August?”
Henry shrugged, “We finished early so I came home.”
Hope patted her mother trying to get her attention, “Mommy we made trees.”
“Oh..?” Emma furrowed her eyebrows looking at Nova and Henry for an explanation.
Nova smiles, retrieving a plate of already cooled off cookies. “We made gingerbread trees with M&M ornaments.”
“Oh those look really good.”
Hope turned to her father, “Daddy when are we gonna get a tree?”
“Actually, love, we are putting up our tree tonight.”
Hope's eyes go wide, looking back and forth between her parents. “Really?”
“Really really,” Emma says, “Daddy forgot where it is. Why don’t you and Henry help him go find it?”
“Okay.” Hope slides out of her mothers arms running over to her father, grabbing hold of his hand and heading downstairs while Henry follows behind.
Emma turned to Nova, who was making her way towards the door. “Thank you again for watching her.”
“What else are fairy godmothers for if not to help out,” Nova asked, causing Emma to chuckle. “Hope looked excited to put up the tree.”
“Yeah. We’ve been promising to get it up since the day after Thanksgiving and-”
“Say no more. Since the first curse broke, Storybrooke hasn’t been such a quiet town. At least you can finally get it up tonight.”
Just then they hear the sound of glass breaking in the distance. Emma’s face scrunched up as she brought her hand to her head trying to rub the worry away.
“Well I will leave you to see what that noise was,” Nova nods, turning and taking her leave.
“Thanks. Have a good night.”
Once the door closes Emma turns to head downstairs.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
An hour later the tree is up and mostly decorated. Nothing else was broken in the process except for the one bauble that they mostly use as filler.
“Our tree is the best tree,” Hope declares as she throws her hands in the air appreciating the hard work she and her family have done.
“It does look really good but I think we are missing something,” Henry examines.
“What?”
Killian steps back and nods his head, “Aye, lad, I agree.”
“What?!”
Killian smiles, sending a wink to Henry before retrieving the last thing in their box of decorations. Once he had a firm grasp on it he lifted it up showing his daughter a star. Hope's eyes light up and her little mouth forms a small ‘o.’
“Would you like to do the honor, duckling?”
Hope excitedly nodded her head, a smile lighting up her face. Killian hands her the topper, her delicate hands cradle it as he rounds her. Wrapping his hands around her small waist he lifted his daughter so she reached the top of the tree. As Hope put the finishing touch on top of their tree Emma got on her knees at the bottom to plug it in and bring it to life. Once the tree was lit and the star on top Killian placed Hope on his hip stepping back leaning on the back of their sofa. Emma stood, going to stand next to Henry wrapping her arm around her oldest, admiring her family's creation.
“So what do we think?”
“It looks beautiful!”
“We did good.”
“We always do.”
Emma's eyes sweep over her family. Her son that soon will be taller than her, her husband that has begun to gray, and her daughter whose eyes still haven't lost the wonder of the world. These were the moments she wanted to last forever.
“Why don’t we make some hot chocolate and pick a Christmas movie to put on,” She said, trying to extend this moment a little longer.
With cheers of agreement Hope and Henry settled in on the couch in charge of picking their movie of the night. Emma and Killlian headed to the kitchen to get the cocoa.
“So what should we watch?” Henry asked, picking up the remote.
“Hmmmm,” Hope tapped her index finger on her chin.
“What about Elf?”
Hope shook her head.
“What about Frosty the Snowman?”
Again she shook her head. Henry went on naming a couple more holiday movies that Hope shook her head to.
“Die Hard?”
Hope let out a giggle, “That's not a Christmas movie.”
They heard a shrill ringing of a cell phone come from the kitchen. They turned to see Emma with her phone to her ear rubbing her forehead while Killian rubbed her back. When she hung up she turned, whispering to Killian. Hope turned back around settling on the couch.
“I don't think we’re gonna watch a movie,” Hope sighed.
“No,” Henry said, “We’ll get to watch two movies.”
The corner of Hope's lips quirk up as Killian rounded the couch placing two mugs carefully on the table. He took a seat next to Hope as Emma came to sit on the edge of the coffee table in front of her family.
“You have to go.”
“I’m sorry baby.”
“It’s okay. Me and Hope can pick a movie and by the time it's finished you two will be back to pick the next one,” Henry offered.
Emma smiled, “Sounds like a plan.”
“We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Killlian said, bending down to place a kiss atop his daughter's head before standing, patting Henry on the shoulder as he walked behind the couch.
Emma placed a kiss on each of her children's heads before following her husband out into the cold night.
Two hours later they walked through their front door Emma jumping to shake off the snow.
“Well that was a bloody waste of time,” Killian uttered under his breath. They were following up on a call of a suspicious character wandering around. When they arrived and couldn’t find anyone the caller insisted they do a more thorough search, insisting someone was there. They went around in circles until they found a deer that had wandered out of the woods. They then had to try to scare it back into the woods.
Emma decided not to remark on the situation, instead divesting herself of her coat and shoes as fast as she could before making a b-line for the living room. Only to find two mugs of hot chocolate empty, along with a mysterious plate that wasn’t there when they left with what she can only assume are cookie crumbs decorating it, with credits rolling on the TV. Their daughter was fast asleep while Henry was trying to fight off the sandman.
“Oh hey you're back,” Henry yawned.
“Aye and I think that movie will have to wait for another night. Off to bed, lad.” Killian nodded toward the stairs.
“You sure? I'm fine,” Henry tried stifling another yawn.
“It’s okay kid. Go. I’m just grabbing your sister and we are hitting the hay too.”
“Alright,” Henry stretched as he stood heading up the stairs, “Night.”
“Night lad.” “Good night.” They both called after him. Emma moved to pick up her daughter, settling her head against her shoulder.
“You got her, love?”
“Yeah go. I’ll be in once she's in bed.”
They both headed upstairs Killian headed one way Emma headed the other. Hope only stirred once she was placed in her bed.
“Mmm mommy…”
“Shshsh baby it’s okay. I'm here.” Emma whispered.
“You pick a movie?”
Emma sighed, “No sweetheart. We will watch a movie tomorrow, promise.”
Hope sighed contentedly before falling back asleep.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*
All was quiet in Storybrooke park while the seven dwarves passed it by. Which caught one dwarfs attention. Dopey stopped and looked around at the seemingly empty park with fresh fallen snow covering it. He tapped on his brother's shoulder.
“What is it, Dopey?”
Dopey pointed to the park.
“What's wrong?”
“I don't know.”
Dopey pointed at the park again before pulling out his notepad writing his question on it. ‘KIDS?’
“Kids? There are no kids. OH.”
Dopey nodded his head.
“He’s right, that is a little weird.”
“Hmm. Maybe-” Before Grumpy can finish he was hit.
“What the- Who threw that?!”
The dwarves carefully watched and saw movements behind the tree. They watched as Hope appeared at the top of the play castle.
“Hope what are you-”
She cut Bashful off by shouting, “SNOWBALL FIGHT!”
Kids jumped out from behind the trees chucking snowballs at the seven dwarves. All being hit in various places.
“OH You are messing with the wrong men, sister.” Grumpy said, bending down forming a ball in his hand and chucking it at the little girl, who ducked letting out a shrieking giggle.
The other six followed suit and joined the children in throwing snowballs back and forth. Laughter filled the air as the dwarves gave chase and the kids ran between the trees and playground. Each side gave as good as they got soon everyone was covered in a light dusting of snow. With everyone's focus on their next target or on making more ammo no one saw a car pull up until flashing light started and siren beeped. Everyone turned to see the sheriff exiting her cruiser.
“MOMMY!” Hope dropped her snowball and bolted to her mother.
“Really someone called the cops on a snowball fight?”
Emma rolled her eyes as she lifted her daughter into her arms, “Relax Leroy. I’m not here as sheriff, I'm here as a mom.”
“Really?” Hope pulled back looking at her mom. If she were any older she would’ve noticed her mom flinch at her question before her mom schooled her features.
“Yeah, baby,” Emma kissed her head, “Really.”
“In that case,” Grumpy throws the snowball he had in his hand at Sleepy, effectively waking him up and restarting the snowball fight.
Emma turned looking out over the chaos seeing some other kids from the school mixed with the dwarves before spotting her brother along with her son.
“Neil. Henry. Come on you too,” she called.
“Aww why?” Neil complained.
“Did you forget what day it is?”
Neil thought for a moment before realization dawned on him and his face lit up, “It’s gingerbread day!”
That sent him and Hope sprinting to the cruiser. As Henry half heartedly jogged up to his mom.
“Where are the parents?”
“They just ran up to grab some hot chocolate for the group about 3 minutes before the dwarves came walking up,” Henry explained.
“Okay go make sure your sister and your uncle don’t drive away without us okay,” Emma asked her oldest as she walked further into the park.
“Leroy!”
The man looked up and walked over to the sheriff.
“Would you guys mind staying until the parents come back? Henry just said they ran up to get some hot chocolate for the kids.”
“No problem, sister.”
“Thanks,” Emma walked to the car with her waiting children. As they pulled away they caught sight of the seven men yielding to the fight, and with what looked like Bashful offering to build snowmen.
When they arrived at the station Emma and Henry decided to carry the younger kids inside.
“Killian, you might want to get the cell ready. We got some unruly criminals here.”
Killian looked to see his wife and eldest carrying in his daughter and brother in-law under their arms like barrels of rum.
“Oh this lot does look dangerous. I’m sure I can get a confession out of them.”
“Never,” Hope declares as she's placed in her fathers arms. Then letting out a squeal as he begins to tickle her furiously. She squirms trying to get out of his grip but it's no use she's trapped. Her face begins to turn red while laughing so hard.
“Stop. Stop. Okay. I confess.” she shouts getting Killian to stop his torment.
As she lay panting in his arms Neil shouts, “You’ll never break me.”
“Oh you think?” Emma gestured for Henry to lift him up.
Henry cradled the seven year old in his arms as he was told. Once her son had a secure grip on her brother she lifted his shirt and proceeded to put her cold hands on his stomach and back.
“AH! Okay Okay!” Neil screamed as he tried to wiggle away from her hands.
“Well they confessed Swan. What do you say their punishment should be?”
“Community service. I heard there are some gingerbread men in need of some houses.”
“I suppose we’ll have to supervise,” Killian says, putting down his daughter and grabbing his coat.
Soon they were all back in the car and on their way to the Charmings farm house. Once the car stopped the kids bolted out of the bug racing to the door. After greetings were had along with a quick dinner they began making the gingerbread.
Snow already had the dough prepared so Neil and Hope got their own piece to roll out and cut shapes out of, with a little help from their moms. Henry had his own piece to roll out for the gingerbread people that were to live in their creations. Once the houses were slipped into the oven, Hope and Neil ran over to Henry and helped him stamp out the people and animals to live in their houses.
Emma looked around, “Where did dad go?”
Snow cleared her throat, “I think he took his eggnog and your husband to the barn to act as elves.”
Emma paused for a moment before it dawned on her what they were doing, “Oh.”
“What's daddy and grandpa doing?” Hope looked up from where she just stamped out a gingerbread dog.
“Nothing grandpa just needed help with something out in the barn.”
“Can I go help?” Neil perked up.
“No honey. They won’t be long, besides we need your help with the gingerbread,” Snow answered before distracting the kids by getting them to help her place the newly formed cookies on a baking sheet. Taking out the pieces for the gingerbread houses and placing in the different people, animals, and trees in the oven. Emma took the pieces off the baking sheet and let them on the cooling rack as Snow showed the kids how to make the icing. After whisking together the three ingredients, they separated the icing into separate bags as the kids took turns choosing what color each bag was going to be, leaving some icing on the side for building.
“We miss anything,” David called as he and Killian walked in.
“Actually you're just in time for construction,” Emma said, giving Hope and Neil their respective house pieces.
Each dad flanked their child as they assisted with the houses. Keeping their grumbling to a minimum every time a wall fell in. As Snow took out all the sweets and treats she got to decorate the houses while Emma and Henry snuck a gingerbread man.
Houses were finally built and decorating was in full swing when the shrill ring of Emma's phone. Emma withheld her groan and excused herself to a different room. A couple minutes later she walked back in, “Sorry, guys. I have to go.”
“Emma what is it?”
“Just a brawl broke out at the Rabbit Hole again.”
“I’ll grab my coat,” Killian said.
“Emma, why don’t you stay? Me and Killian can handle it,” David offered.
Emma shook her head, “No it’s fine. Besides, you've had your share of eggnog.”
“Mom?” Emma looked over to see her daughter covered in frosting, sugar, and cookie crumbs looking at her expectantly waiting to see what she needed to do.
She walks over and bends down in front of her daughter, “Mommy and Daddy have to break up a little fight ok?”
“Should I clean up?”
“No, you can stay here and finish up. Me and Daddy will be back as fast as we can.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“Love you too.” Emma stood, kissing her daughter on the head.
“Henry, you good?” She turned to her eldest.
“Yeah. I’ll call Regina if need be.”
“Okay, love ya kid.” She walked over to where he was sitting kissing him on the head before saying goodbye to her kid brother and parents.
Leaving them with a “We’ll be back,” followed by the sound of the door closing.
They continued decorating until every cookie was covered in frosting and various treats.
“These gingerbread look amazing. I think you guys get better every year,” Snow announced.
Neil began pointing out all the details of his house to his mom, while Hope stayed quiet. David approached her admiring her house.
“These gingerbread people are so lucky to have such a beautiful house. You did a great job.”
“Thanks grandpa.”
“What's the matter Princess?”
Hope sighed, “I feel sad because Mommy and Daddy keep missing Christmas.”
“Yeah. That is sad but they are keeping everyone safe.”
“I know but work doesn’t even have decorations.”
David got an idea, “Hmmm. Maybe we can fix that.”
“Really?”
David nodded, “But tomorrow. Tonight, you want to watch Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer?”
It was Hope's turn to nod.
“Snow. Hope said she wants to see you run over by a reindeer.”
Snow gasped dramatically, “Rude.”
Hope giggled, “No! The movie!”
“Oh,” Snow exaggerated, “Well then let's move this party to the living room shall we?”
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
“Do you think Regina was acting weird?” Emma asked as she pulled the cruiser into its rightful spot outside the station.
“What do you mean, love?”
“Like she always complained when I brought you to the bi-weekly meeting but today she insisted you come with. Then she kept asking for more details on everything all the while looking at her phone. Then she all but shoved us out of her office.”
Killian shrugged, “I didn’t find it odd. Regina’s always been rather demanding.”
They exited the car and made their way into the station. When they reached the main area their jaws dropped and their eyes blew wide. White and blue lights were draped everywhere, snowflake ornaments hung from the ceiling and decorated the windows. Polar bears, reindeer's, and snowmen were meticulously placed throughout the office; along the window sill were a family of penguins.
“Surprise!”
They turned their heads to Emma's office to see her parents, with their daughter.
“What's all this?”
“Well Hope felt bad that you were missing out on so much. We thought we might decorate so even when you're working you can be celebrating,” David explained.
“And in case anyone doesn’t celebrate Christmas we didn’t want to offend -”
“So you turned it into a winter wonderland,” Emma interrupted Snow.
“You don't like it,” Hope asked looking down at her feet, her fingers twisting into knots.
Killian took that moment to swoop down and snatch up his daughter, offering her a bright smile, “I think it’s brilliant, little love. Thank you.”
He peppered kisses across her cheek, sending the little girl into a fit of giggles. When he stopped the little girl looked at her mother waiting to hear her thoughts.
“I think it's beautiful. Thank you baby.” Emma places a kiss on her child's cheek, “Do you know who would really love it?”
Hope tilted her head.
“Aunt Elsa. We can call her on the mirror later and show her.”
Before Hope could even smile at the thought of seeing her distant aunt Emma's desk phone rings.
“That would be our queue. Come on Hope let's go join Neil and Henry sledding.”
Killian places the little girl down allowing her to grab onto her grandmother's hand. The group says quick goodbyes as Emma rushes into her office to answer her phone. It fortunately was a non-emergency call so they didn’t need to rush out right away. When she finished the call she looked up to see her husband wearing a smirk upon his face.
“What?”
“Looks like Hope added a special decoration to your office.” He said pointing up.
She follows his finger to find a small bundle of mistletoe hanging just above her head. She cant help the chuckle that escapes her throat.
"Tradition dictates I must kiss you.”
“As if you need any more reason to do that. Seems like a workplace distraction. I should take it down.” Emma teased as he approached her, his arm coming to rest on either side of her entrapping her in her chair.
“Hmm later, tradition must be fulfilled.”
Emma let out a giggle as their lips came into contact and continued to be in contact until their next phone call.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Hope decorations must have worked some magic over the town residents because after they were put up the calls became less frequent. A couple residents even stopped by dropping off treats and presents to show their appreciation for keeping the town safe throughout the year.
Before anyone knew it, it was Christmas Eve. Everyone had gathered at Town Hall for one big holiday meal before tomorrow where they would all have their own private celebrations at home. Everyone brought a dish or treat but Granny cratered for the most part.
Hope was running around with other kids when they were all called for dinner. She found her parents and they gathered up plates before sitting with family and friends enjoying a delicious meal together. Not long leftovers were wrapped up and the dessert table was being set up.
“Mommy can we have dessert?”
Emma nodded, picking up her daughter, “Let's go see what looks good?”
They walked over looking over all the pies, cakes and cookies.
“So what do you think baby?”
“Hmmm,” Hope thought over her options while tapping a finger on her chin. Before she could answer a shrill ringing came from Emma's pocket. Emma placed her daughter down answering it. Hope looked up at her mom watching her face crumple as she listened to whoever was on the other end. Hope turned to look around the room spotting her father; she made her way over to him. Killian saw his daughter just as she was coming up to him. He dropped to his knee to be level with her.
“What's wrong, lass? I thought you and Mum were grabbing some dessert.”
“Mommy got a call.”
Killian looked up to see Emma half heartedly jogging over.
“Everything alright, love?” Killian stood, not liking the look on Emma's face.
“No, we gotta go.”
“Hope,” Her mother caught her attention, “We have to go.” Emma looked around a moment before pointing in a direction, “Aunty Ruby is right there okay. Go straight over to her.”
“Are you gonna come back?”
“We will try our best, little love. We will be back before Santa comes by.” Killian offered, seeing the sad smile on Emma's face.
“Save me a hot chocolate okay?” Her mom asked before dropping a kiss on her forehead. Killian dropped a kiss on her head as well before they both jogged out of sight.
Hope looked over to where her mom previously pointed and saw her Aunty Ruby was still there. She walked over dragging her feet a little. When she was right next to her aunt she reached up and tugged on her hand.
“Oh, Hi sweetheart, what's up?”
“Can you help me get some hot chocolate?” she asked in a quiet voice.
“Sure thing,” Ruby smiled at her niece, before excusing herself. They walked over to the drink area and Ruby picked up the kettle filled with hot chocolate and poured some in a small plastic cup then added the whip cream and cinnamon on top.
“Alright one hot chocolate with all the fixings. Lets have you sit down okay?” Ruby once again grabbed hold of her niece's hand and walked her over to a table. Once she was settled in her chair Ruby placed the cup on the table in front of her and then pushed her in.
“There you go. Enjoy,” With that Ruby left the girl to her drink.
Half an hour later, the party was still going. Kids running off their sugar high, adults enjoying some eggnog and reminiscing on the past year. Ruby was walking through the crowd when she spotted a little girl not sharing in the fun, instead she sat by herself looking pensive at the cup in her hands.
Ruby made her way over, glancing at the cup seeing it was still full, the whipped cream had melted and the chocolate liquid gone cold. She crouched down beside the small girl.
“Hey sweetheart, something wrong with the hot chocolate? I can make you another one.”
“No.”
“Can you tell me why you didn’t drink it?”
“It’s mommies.”
Ruby nodded, looking around the room not seeing the blonde. “Where is Mommy?”
“She and Daddy got a call. But mommy asked me to save her a hot chocolate.”
“Oh I see,” Ruby now understanding what was going on. Emma must’ve meant for her to watch after Hope; the little girl forgetting to mention that when she was given a mission.
“Well, you're missing out on a really awesome party. Don’t you want to go play with your friends?”
“Mommy said to save her hot chocolate.”
“I know but I promise there is plenty of hot chocolate. We can make a fresh one, for when they come back.”
Before Hope could answer, music started playing loudly over everyone’s voices.
‘You're a mean one
MR.Grinch
You really are a heel’
They turned to see the Grinch enter the room causing the room to erupt into a mix of screams and laughter. The Grinch began wandering around the room coming up to different people making fun of them, approaching a kid that wore a Grinch shirt, screaming back at kids that screamed at him. Then he made his way over to them.
“What do we have here? Oh you have a terrific scowling on your face. It’s 7:00 are you wrestling with your self loathing?” He spoke to Hope in a gruff voice.
“No, we are deciding on what to do with this cold hot chocolate,” Ruby answered.
“Cold hot chocolate! I love cold hot chocolate. Mind if I wet my whistle?”
Hope thought for a moment before letting go of the cup. The Grinch snatched it right up and gulped it down.
“AH. Thanks kid, that's just what I needed before the snowball fight.”
They watched him as he went over to a corner of the room where two baskets filled with what looked like giant cotton balls. The kids all ran over grabbing balls and throwing them at the Grinch.
“Come on! Come on! Is that all you got? Is that all you got?” the Grinch taunted as he threw fake snowballs back at the kids.
“That looks like fun.” Ruby sang light heartedly, “Come on. You go show that Grinch how to throw a snowball.” At Hope's hesitation she added, “I will keep an eye out for your Mommy and Daddy. As soon as they are back I will come get you and we will make mommy the best hot chocolate ever.”
That seemed to do it. Hope shot out of her chair, running over the join in on the snowball fight.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Emma entered her home followed by her husband.
“You guys alright?” Ruby asked, meeting them at the door.
Emma gave her a look that had the other woman change her question, “Are you physically alright?”
“We are fine. Glad to be home,” Killian answered.
Ruby nodded, “I’ll let you guys get to bed. Merry Christmas.”
Killian closed the door behind her before turning back to his wife, who was currently propped up against the wall staring at their lit Christmas tree. He approached her from behind, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“Come on, love,” he dropped a kiss onto her shoulder, “Let’s go to bed.”
Emma shook her head, “You go ahead. I’ll be up in a bit.”
“Are you sure love?”
“Yeah I just want to be alone for a bit.”
“Okay but you know you are not alone right?”
Emma turned, offering her husband a small smile, “I know,” she gave him a quick kiss, “I love you.”
“I love you too,” He gave her another kiss, “if you aren’t in bed in 15 minutes I’m coming down here and carrying you upstairs.”
Emma let out a small chuckle, “In that case I’ll see you in 20.”
Killian gave her a stern look before planting one last kiss on her lips then heading upstairs.
Emma turned back to the tree letting out a sigh. She couldn’t help but think back on the past month on all the things she has missed out on, all the promises she’s broken with her daughter. All she wants for Christmas is to spend one day as a mom, a wife, and a daughter without having to worry about being the Sheriff.
“Mommy?”
Emma turned to see her four year old standing in front of her in her pajamas holding out a plate of cookies.
“Baby what are you doing up?”
“I couldn’t save you hot chocolate. But I don’t think Santa would be mad if you ate one cookie.” Hope offered her the cookie plate she and Ruby set out for Saint Nicholas earlier that evening.
Emma smiled, “I think you're right. We still have sometime before Santa stops in Storybrooke. Why don’t we make some hot chocolate to go with our one cookie?”
“Can we watch the short elf movie too?”
Emma nodded leading her daughter into the kitchen so they could make two cups of hot chocolate before settling on the couch. Emma put on Prep and Landing as they both sipped on their warm chocolate drink and munched on their one cookie.
True to his word Killian came downstairs to bring his wife up with him but was stopped by the sight that greeted him. His wife and daughter snuggled up together under a blanket on the couch. Killian carefully entered the room not wanting to disturb them, deciding to just let them sleep for now. No doubt Emma would wake later tonight and carry their daughter upstairs when she does. Pulling the blanket up higher on them he turned off the tv before heading back upstairs.
Later in the night Hope stirred awake hearing movement coming from behind her. She looked up to see her mom still asleep so she carefully turned around to see who it was. She gasped at the sight of a round man dressed in red placing wrapped packages under the tree.
He turned to see the little girl awake. Pressing a finger to his lips he shushed her. She nodded watching him take another package out of his sack. Where the others were colorfully festive this one was only wrapped in brown paper with some twine.
“Can you make sure your mom gets this?” He whispered.
Hope nodded.
He gave her a smile, placing the present under the tree. He rounded the couch and went on with his work before stopping in front of the little girl.
“Thank you for saving me one.” He picked up a cookie. After he finished, he went back to the fireplace and a wink of his eye up the chimney he rose.
Hope just sat and stared at the fireplace unsure what to do.
Emma stirred awake beside her.
“You awake baby?” She asks groggily. “Come on, let's go to bed,” she says, not waiting for an answer.
Emma picks her up and carries her upstairs. Hope's eyes never left the fireplace until it was out of sight. Then she settled in her mom's arms, laying her head against her shoulder, she quickly fell asleep once more.
The next she woke it was from the sun streaming from her window in her bedroom. She woke slowly before the realization of what day it was dawned on her. Then her eyes shot open and she bolted out of bed leaping down the hall to her parents room. She sprang onto their bed.
“It’s Christmas!” She announced. “Mommy! Daddy! Wake up! It’s Christmas!”
Though she screamed and shouted, her parents didn’t move. She fell on her knees onto the mattress and began tapping them. “Mooooomy. Daaaaaddy. Waaaaake uuup.”
Suddenly an arm snatched Hope and tackled her to the bed. The little girl fell into a fit of giggles as her parents squished her between them.
“Merry Christmas my loves,” Killian whispered, pressing a kiss to both their heads.
“Merry Christmas. I think we should stay in bed all day,” Emma suggested.
“Noooo. Mommy we have presents to open.” Hope tried to wiggle out of their grasp.
“Oh that's right. Okay we can go; open presents.” Emma released her daughter who sprang out of bed while encouraging her parents. They followed her downstairs where to their surprise instead of grabbing any of the colorfully wrapped presents she went straight for a simple brown one. Then again to their surprise instead of tearing into it she turned to them and offered it to Emma.
“What's this?” Emma took the package.
“It’s for you. I was told to make sure you got it.”
Emma scrunched up her eyebrows as her daughter looked at her expectantly.
“You gonna open it?”
“Why don’t you find one for Daddy and you to open first then we’ll take turns?”
“Okay.” Hope set out on her mission to find a present that was for her father while Killian grabbed some cushions from the couch for them to sit on in front of the tree.
Emma leaned over whispering, “Is this from you?”
“No. Maybe Henry dropped it off last night?”
Hope came over dropping a present in her fathers lap, “Here you go Daddy.”
“Thank you lass.”
She went back to the tree and grabbed a present for herself and sat in front of her parents.
“Okay mommy open it.”
Emma laughed as she began to pull on the twine before ripping into the paper to relieve a rectangular box. She opened it to find a Christmas card inside with a picture of Santa and his sleigh flying through a snowy night sky on top of some tissue paper. Opening the card she found elegant cursive writing in golden ink.
‘Sorry for taking so long to get this to you. It took some extra time with that barrier you and Regina have up.
I’m glad you finally got the family and home you’ve always wanted. I would have never been able to give one as wonderful as you have now. Though you might not need this to help find a family anymore, maybe it can help get you some peace.
Tell the Captain I’m awfully glad to see him finally off my naughty list.
~Mr. C’
Emma eyebrows came together once more over the letter. Setting it aside she pulled back the tissue paper. Her eyes blew wide as her mouth fell open at what she saw. Nestled in the tissue paper was a brown teddy bear with a red bow tie around his neck and a four leaf clover embroidered on one of its paws.
“Where did you come from?” Emma whispered to the bear looking for answers.
“What is it?”
Emma gingerly picked the bear up, “When I was little, I saw these things called Care Bears. They supposedly had magic depending on the shape they had on their belly. One had a Shamrock on it and it had good luck. I wanted it thinking maybe if I had one I could have some luck too. But I knew if I had an actual Care Bear whatever foster parent I was with would take it to resell it. So I asked Santa for a bear with a four leaf clover.”
“There’s something else in there, love.”
Emma looked down at the package and saw there was she moved more tissue paper away and found a bundle of socks. Not just any socks but the good kind of socks with her name stitched into them
“Socks?”
“When I was little most of my socks had holes in them and were scratchy. So I asked Santa for better ones with my name on them so no one could take them.”
Emma looked at the socks and the bear in awe. This was the same year she stopped believing in Santa Claus. She turned to her husband.
“He can’t, can he?”
“Asked the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming to her husband Captain Hook,” Killian teased.
“Daddy it's your turn,” Hope declared.
They went on opening the rest of the presents. The bear and socks never leaving Emma’s lap. When all the presents were open Emma offered to make pancakes for breakfast which Hope eagerly accepted.
She pushed herself off the floor, Bear in hand, heading for the kitchen when there was a knock at the door. She opened it to Leroy and Smee standing on their porch.
“Morning,” they greeted.
“Morning, do you guys want to come inside?”
They entered and she closed the door behind them.
“So what’s up guys? Is there something wrong?”
“No ma’am. It’s just… well we saw you had to leave the Christmas Eve party last night. And we thought-”
“We wanted to offer our services.” Leroy cut off Smees stammering.
“What do you mean?”
“We are offering to let you have the day off. We can take over sheriff duty and not just us.”
“The rest of my brothers and some of the Captain's crew have offered to help.”
“Are-are you guys sure? It’s Christmas.”
“We celebrated enough yesterday,” Leroy said.
“The crew that have offered don’t have families so they don’t have anything else to do today.”
Emma just stared at the men for a moment, “I don’t know what to say.”
“I do,” Killian walked over to his wife wrapping an arm around her, “Thank you. The offer is much appreciated.”
Emma turned slightly grabbing her keys, taking the key to the station off her ring and handing it over.
“Here. You can put it in the mailbox at the end of the day. The keys for the cells are in my office. And please just keep the peace, don't stab anyone or threaten them with a pickaxe.”
Leroy took the key and then nodded to Smee to take their leave. Emma opened the door for them, “Thank you again guys and Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” they said before turning down the porch and leaving.
Emma closed the door, pausing there a moment. She looked down at the bear that she was still holding in her hand.
“Everything alright, love?”
Emma let out a breathy laugh, “Yeah. Everything’s just perfect.”
She passed him, placing a kiss on his lips before making her way into the kitchen, placing the bear on the table. She got everything out for pancakes and got to work.
After breakfast and a quick nap they all got dressed and headed over to the Charmings farmhouse. They arrived to find Regina and Henry were already there. They shared in conversation, and played games while waiting for dinner.
“Dinners ready,” Snow called and everyone gathered around the table.
“Wow mom, did you leave enough room for the food?” Emma joked looking at the decorative table.
“Of course. It’s just a little decoration.”
“The Santa train is a little much,” Regina piped up.
“Well next year you can host Christmas dinner,” Snow said.
They gathered their plates and dug into their meal in companionable silence. Once everyone finished and the table cleared they all settled in the living room to exchange gifts. The children set out to sort the gifts until all the gifts under the tree were with the right recipient.
“Who goes first?”
“Why don’t we start with the youngest? Hope, pick a gift to open.”
Hope thought a moment before picking up a small square present.
“That ones from me,” Henry said as Hope lifted the top.
Hope gasped before lifting out a little wooden toy, “It’s a fairy!”
“August helped me make it for you.”
“Thank you Henry.”
“Okay your turn Neil.”
Neil tore into the wrapping paper and the box and pulled out, “It’s a flannel like dads!”
On and on this went until the floor was covered in empty boxes and ripped up wrapping paper. Once the last present was opened they all decided it was time for dessert and a Christmas movie.
“What movie should we watch?”
“The muppets,” Neil shouted.
When everyone was in agreement and settled in with a plate of chocolate pie David puts on the Muppets Christmas Carol.
By the time the movie is over the kids are curled up fast asleep with chocolate smeared across their faces. The adults clean up the wrapping and gather the presents. Killian runs the gifts out to the car while Emma tries to rouse the kids enough to get them to the car. Henry is able to walk but Hope is demanding to be carried. Saying their goodbyes they take their leave.
Once home they get Henry and Hope to their respective beds and wish them a good night before falling into their own.
“Did you have a Merry Christmas, love?”
“Yeah but I can think of a way to make it a bit merrier,” Emma held up a sprig of mistletoe over her head.
Killian laughed before leaning down and making sure to make his wife’s night just a bit more merrier.
After they were done and Emma was fast asleep next to him Killian couldn’t quite go to sleep. He pulled on some pajama pants and headed downstairs for a glass of rum.
When he poured himself a drink and then turned looking over the living room as it shined with all its glittering decorations and bright lights.
He sighed, content washing over him as thoughts of his family filled his mind. Then a chuckle escaped him. Who knew the fearsome Captain Hook would one day be a family man.
He was pulled out of his musing when he caught a sight of a shadow just behind the tree. Placing his glass down he rounded it preparing himself for a fight when he saw the cause of the shadow his shoulders slumped forward.
“Lass what are you doing up?”
His daughter sat behind the tree under its glow like some forgotten gift from this morning. In her she had a box with paper on it and in her hand a pen.
“I’m writing a letter to Santa.”
“Already making your list for next year?” He crouched down next to her.
She shook her head, “No, I'm sending him a thank you for all the presents and for remembering mommy.”
Killian's smile grew at his child’s kindness, “That’s awfully nice of you darling. But it’s rather late. Why don’t we save this for tomorrow and we can mail it out when we are done?”
“Okay,” Hope agreed, setting aside her tools so her father could lift her in his arms.
His daughter in his hip they headed upstairs to finally get some rest.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Leroy and Smee had nothing to report after Christmas had passed and remembered to leave the key to the station in the mailbox. And to Emma’s relief they did not return to find any stabbing victims.
The days leading up to New Years Eve were much like the days leading up to Christmas. Having to run off in the middle of dinner or in the process of building snowmen.
It was the 30th when Emma and Killian got an emergency call first thing in the morning. They were in the middle of breakfast when they got a call.
“Henry, can you watch Hope?”
“I was heading over to Moms after breakfast.”
“Please take her with you. I'm sure Regina won’t mind.”
Henry nodded and when the two siblings were done with their breakfast they made their way down Main Street.
“Hey Henry?”
“What’s up?”
“What do people do for New Years Eve?”
“Well they play games, eat lots of food, some do things to prepare for the new year. Why?”
“I was just thinking maybe we can have a big town party.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because if the whole town is in one place Mommy and Daddy can be there too.”
Henry thought for a moment, “That’s a good idea, why don’t we ask Aunt Regina about it?”
“Okay.”
They got to Regina's manor and were greeted by Regina, Zelena and Robin.
“Emma called and said you were bringing Hope with you.”
“Mom, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure. Hope why don’t you and Robin go play?”
The girls ran off together as Regina turned back to her son.
“What did you want to talk about?”
“What are we doing for New Years Eve?”
“Oh I’m not sure why?”
“I have an idea but we will need some help and some magic.”
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
December 31st New Years Eve. Things were kind of slow at the station. It was around 8:00 when Emma started to think they had a chance of celebrating the holiday at home.
Just as soon as the thought crossed her head the phone rang. Letting out a groan she picked it up.
“Sheriff station, how can we help?”
“Sheriff, you're needed on Main Street now.”
“On our way,” Emma said, hanging up then grabbing her jacket. Killian was already up and holding the door for her as they made their way to the cruiser.
Sirens on as they sped down the street only to come up against a blockade. Putting the cruiser in park they got out.
“What’s all this Swan?”
“I don’t know.”
Behind the blockade appeared to be the entire town along with a number of booth all along Main Street.
“Sheriff, glad you could make it,” Madame Mayor called as she approached the woman and her deputy.
“Mommy! Daddy!” Hope came into sight running towards them with a sparkler in hand.
“Hope, be careful!” Killian rounded the barrier trying to slow their daughter while she held a fire stick in her hand.
“Sorry.”
“Regina what’s all this?”
“This is Storybrookes New Years Eve party. You have your daughter and our son to thank for this idea. They thought with the town all celebrating together we can all keep each other in check and you can join in on the celebration while still being able to do your job as Sheriff.”
Emma balked, “When-How-”
“Yesterday and all this morning. With help this town was more than willing to ease your load. And with the help of some magic it wasn’t too hard to pull together.”
“Thank you Regina.”
“Happy New Years Eve Emma. See you on the other side.” With that Regina disappeared into the crowd of towns folk.
Emma and Killian allowed Hope to pull them around for about an hour playing any game she asked of them before they decided to hunt down some food. After eating they wandered a bit, stopping to chat with some friends and reminisce over the past year. Before they knew it the countdown had started.
“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
A loud whistle sounded off the firework show. Hope jumped up and down cheering them on. Emma looked up at her husband pulling him down for a kiss.
“Happy New Year babe.”
“Happy New Year love. Maybe this year will be a little less hectic.”
“Well if our daughter has taught me anything it’s to always hope for the holidays. And somehow everything will be alright.”
