Aiden & Jodie
Rating: K+ Word Count: 3860 Before reading this fic, please read this page HERE otherwise some of the characters may confuse you. Summary: Emma considers life with her children. They have Dinner with Snow and the rest of the extended Family and Aiden becomes convinced that Snow hates him.
“It wasn't me, it was Jodie!” Aiden protested quickly. Emma sighed and rested a hand on her seven year old son's head.
“Jodie isn't real Aiden!” Oliver responded instantly, shoving his younger brother. Aiden went to shove back but Emma quickly intervened, stepping between the two of them.
“Boys enough! Oliver, this is your warning. Shove your brother again and you're going in the naughty corner.” She warned before crouching before Aiden and brushing his hair back.
“You tell Jodie I'm not mad at her for breaking the plate, okay? But let's see if we can avoid breaking anything else today, can you and Jodie try that?” She offered and Aiden nodded, scrubbing at his eyes before smiling.
“Jodie says okay. We'll try.” Emma brushed her hand over his hair before kissing his head and standing.
“Good boy. And thank you Jodie. Now you two clean up the plate you broke and then you can go play.”
“Not with me!” Oliver called as he headed up the stairs.
“Oliver!” Emma scolded as she heard his bedroom door shut behind him. Sometimes she really hated the school holidays. At least Elsa was at home, but she was sleeping with Kennedy so, as usual, Emma was alone and in charge of four kids, all of whom had some sort of magic running through them. Along with Pirate blood. She was actually genuinely surprised that her entire head of hair hadn't turned grey yet.
“Mommy, we cleaned up the plate! We're gonna go make bracelets in my room now.” Aiden wrapped his arms around Emma's middle for a moment before hurrying away up the stairs to his room.
“Have fun Aiden.” Emma said, moving to finished cleaning up the kitchen. She had chosen to wait out Aiden's imaginary friend phase. She knew he was the only one in his school year that had prominent magic and he was the only one of his siblings that didn't have proper control over his yet. So he'd invented Jodie to blame his mistakes on. His Aunt Eva, who was in his year, had some form of magic, but it wasn't very strong. Other than Neal, none of her siblings had particular talents with magic. Whereas all of their children had scarily strong powers. But Aiden was the one who had the most trouble. His telekinesis could be dangerous, they all had been subject to Aiden's toddler tantrums (had she mentioned the Pirate blood?) and had something magically thrown at them. He was the one that was most afraid of his own magic. Elsa was working with him on trying to gain control and he was seeing his Aunt Regina on a regular basis to try and help, but he clung to Jodie as an excuse.
Her phone bleeped, breaking Emma from her thoughts and she dried off her hands before grabbing the device.
[Text from Mom] Hey, we're having a family meal tonight if you want to come along? Henry, Regina's family, Ruby & Belle will be there, so the kids will have people to play with.
Emma chuckled and pocketed her phone, heading up to see Elsa. She knew her dad would ask Killian while he was at the station, so she should be receiving another text from their True Love some time soon. Knocking lightly on the door to their room, Emma pushed it open and smiled at the tiny baby curled upon her wife's chest.
“Elsa? You awake?” She asked as she stepped inside, leaving the door ajar so she could listen out for the other children.
“Yes... I heard Ollie slamming his door, it woke me up.” Elsa mumbled, not opening her eyes. Emma chuckled and sat on the side of the bed, bending to kiss her wife before stroking Kennedy's head, feeling the soft hair that resided there.
“My Mom just text. She wants us to go to dinner there tonight. Apparently it's gonna be a full family affair. You wanna go?” She asked and Elsa grumbled quietly.
“Emma! I've just woken up! Don't make me make decisions!” She whined and Emma chuckled, kissing her again. Kennedy grumbled at Emma leaning over her and Elsa whined again. “We'll go just so we don't have to cook anything.” Elsa grumbles, sitting up slowly as Kennedy woke and started to cry. Emma smiled softly just as the back door slammed shut.
“Mooom!” Taraja shouted and Emma groaned, thunking her head against Elsa's shoulder.
“You ever wish we had less kids?” She questioned as Elsa chuckled, shaking her head and kissing Emma's hair.
“Never.”
“Yeah me neither. I'd better go.” She stood just as Elsa shifted to settle Kennedy.
“Shut the door honey.”
“I will Els.” She swung the door shut quietly behind her before heading for the stairs.
“MOM!” Taraja yelled again.
“I'm coming Tara, stop yelling. Your Mama was napping with the baby.” She scolded before Taraja came into her line of sight. Her nose was bleeding, she was holding a few teeth in one hand and both her legs were scraped up. “Oh god, Tara what happened sweetheart?” Emma guided her to the couch gently, starting to fuss over her as she attempted to see the extent of her injuries.
“We were playing basketball. I went up for a jump-shot and I missed. I banged my face off the rim and then fell. But it got rid of the last of my baby teeth!” She opened her hand and Emma groaned, kissing her head gently.
“You need to be more careful Tara!” She scolded as she attempted to focus her magic. She wasn't the best at healing spells, but she was proficient enough to heal the scrapes and hopefully set Taraja's nose.
“Why though? We both have enough magic to heal me, so...?” Emma groaned as she finally finished, her daughter looking less like something out of Night of the Living Dead now.
“That doesn't mean you can be reckless Tara!” She scolded and Taraja shrugged, grinning brightly to show off the gaps.
“I'm gonna go put these under my pillow now then go back out to finish the game, alright?”
“Just make sure you're back in an hour. We're going for dinner at Grandma's tonight, so after all this you'll need to shower.” Emma warned as Tara took off up the stairs.
“Sure Mom, whatever!” Pulling her phone back out, Emma shot a message to Killian, informing him of the plan before sending one to her Mom, accepting the invitation. It was always a job to get them all in one place. God she hoped there was an announcement like they were having another baby. With all their extended family included, there were 21 kids between four families, fifteen of them under the age of ten. Emma seriously doubted they could handle including any more children within their overly large family. Thanksgiving and Christmas were both hell times. And she had a feeling there would be some sort of argument tonight as well but they were all used to it now. She had a feeling it would likely be Marian and Snow this time. They liked to argue over who was the better parent. Or Roland and Charming. Those two butted heads quite often too.
It was three hours later when they arrived at Emma's parents sprawling house within the forest. After James had been born, Charming had set about building it. He'd offered to build Emma one, but Killian had refused before she could. Instead he went about converting one of the Warehouses down by the docks into a habitable home. Which is where they lived now. Aiden was clinging to Elsa's hand, gripping at his Mama tightly as she gently adjusted Kennedy in her sling. Aiden didn't like being around so many people in such closed quarters. Jodie always threw things when there were this many people and then he got in trouble for it.
Emma knocked lightly and the door swung open moments later.
“Emma!” Neal stood there, all 5'7” of him (at twelve. Emma was a little disturbed that he was already as tall as her), exactly eye level with his older sister. He pulled her into a hug instantly, his hand resting on the back of her head, as everyone in their family always did.
“Uncle Neal! Uncle Neal look what I can do!” Elizabeth bounced, pulling away from Killian and holding her hand up to the air, causing a downpour to start atop the house, mercifully avoiding the people gathered outside. It hadn't the first few times she'd tried that trick. Releasing Emma, Neal crouched in front of his niece, offering his hand out for a high five.
“Way to go Lizzie! That's really cool!” Elizabeth grinned, slapping her hand against her uncles. Aiden shrank back even more. It wasn't fair! Even Elizabeth had control over her magic and she was five! He was seven, he was a big boy and Jodie still caused him trouble!
“Neal, don't just block the doorway. Let them in!” Snow called from inside and Neal chuckled, stepping aside to let them all into the large house.
“Is anyone else here yet lad?” Killian asked, clapping his hand on Neal's shoulder.
“Yeah. Henry and Jack got here half an hour ago. They're making Mom really happy. And Uncle Robin's lot is here too, they're all in the back yard, except Magdeline. We're just waiting for Aunt Red now.” Killian chuckled, shaking his head as Taraja took off to find Leo, wanting to show off her Basketball injury from earlier in the day.
“How are Jack and Henry making Snow happy?” Elsa asked, once again adjusting Kennedy, who was whining unhappily at being squished into the sling once more.
“They're talking about adopting.”
“Not more kids!” Emma groaned, gently knocking her head against the wall as she walked.
“Don't forget me Emma! I'm gonna have more kids than even you when I grow up!” Neal called, chasing his sister down the hall, glad he'd found a new way to make her squirm.
“No you're not! I'll make sure you never get married! We don't need more kids in this family Neal!” Emma called back as he slung his arm around her shoulder.
“I'm gonna have so many kids you'll end up forgetting their names!”
Getting a table big enough to seat twenty children and twelve adults was an impressive feat by her parents, although it did mean that their family meals were nearly always held outside. Emma was sat between Tucker and Leo, listening to Leo brag about sporting injuries with Taraja. Tucker, on the other hand, was playing food aeroplane with Frank, who was happily squealing at his brothers antics. Elsa was sat with Kennedy, next to Snow and Marian and Magdeline. Aiden was sat on his Father's lap. Killian had tried to insist that the boy sit by his side, he was a big boy now, but Aiden had whispered about Jodie being scared of all the people and Killian had caved. Elizabeth sat on one side of her Father and Amy on his other side. He was listening to Amy happily describing her last trick. She'd managed to win ten dollars from Will Scarlett with simple science that she'd learned from a book her Mum had given her.
Almost out of nowhere, the plate in front of Killian went flying past them, smashing against the floor. Everyone instantly turned to Aiden, who shrank back against Killian.
“It was Jodie!” He insisted instantly as Emma stood, moving to clean the plate up automatically, used to helping with his telekinetic accidents.
“It's okay Aiden. Just say sorry for Jodie and we can carry on with Dinner.” She said as she crouched to pick up the pieces, Killian rubbing his son's back gently.
“Emma no!” It was Snow that spoke, standing from Elsa's side and frowning at her daughter. “He needs to take responsibility for throwing the plate, even if he didn't mean to!” She insisted as Aiden shrank down a little more.
“But it wasn't me! It was Jodie! She threw my plate I swear!” He insisted, clutching at his Father's shirt. Killian rubbed his back gently.
“I know it was Aiden. It's okay, Grandma just doesn't know.” Killian whispered to his son, using his hook to move the boys hair from his face.
“Just say you're sorry for Jodie honey.” Emma added on, having finished picking up the pieces of plate.
“Is Aiden in trouble?” Frank asked Tucker quietly. Tucker shushed him and Regina stood, motioning to Marian and Robin.
“Thank you for the lovely dinner Snow. We'd best be heading back. It's nearly Magdeline's bedtime.” She said quickly as they rounded up their children and took their leave as Snow continued to glare at Emma.
“Mom, can I talk to you in private please?” Emma asked, setting the broken plate back upon the table, near to Henry so that none of the remaining children could hurt themselves on it. Snow nodded stiffly and moved to follow Emma back into the house. Emma's hands were shaking slightly as she walked.
“Are Mommy and Grandma gonna fight?” Elizabeth whispered to Killian. He gently kissed her head.
“I hope not Lizzie.” He glanced to Red hopefully and she thankfully got the hint, standing and clapping her hands quickly.
“Right! Lets play Hide and Seek outside. Who wants to be It first?”
Emma turned to Snow once they were in the kitchen, gritting her teeth to try and calm herself down.
“Jodie is real to Aiden. If we just leave it, he'll grow out of it.” She informed her mother, managing to keep her tone even.
“He has to take responsibility for his Magic Emma. It's not like any of us would be mad at him!”
“That doesn't matter to him! He wants to blame it on someone for now while he's adjusting and it's better this Jodie than any of his siblings!”
“But he's the one doing it! He should just admit it! My kids do!”
“Your kids barely have any magic other than me and Neal! You can't judge my boy by the same standard! He's got more power in his pinky than most of my siblings put together so it's easy for them to take responsibility, they'd never accidentally hurt someone!”
“And if he did hurt someone? What then? Would you let him blame Jodie if he hurt Elizabeth? What about Kennedy? Would you let him blame his imaginary friend then?”
“Yes! Because he apologises for her! Which means he apologises! And this will pass! He's not your son, you can't decide what's good for him and what isn't!”
“Fine! But in my house he takes responsibility for his magic!”
Aiden listened at the door of the kitchen, sucking on his bottom lip unhappily. He'd made Mom and Grandma fight. Grandma hated him. It was his fault. He snuck away from the kitchen and towards the games room. He'd sit in there until it was time to go home. He didn't feel like playing Hide and Seek.
“Grandma hates me Jodie.” He mumbled as he sank into his favourite rainbow coloured bean bag. He ran his hands over his face, wiping at his eyes. He hadn't even realised he'd been crying but it didn't surprise him. He wanted to go home. He wanted to go back to his room and hide in there. To make his bracelets and dream catchers and other things. He didn't want to be here with his Grandma who hated him and his family who all thought he was a freak, just like the kids at school. Jodie and Mommy were the only ones that liked him.
“Everyone hates me Jodie. We should run away together. Me, you and Mommy. We could run away somewhere. Until Grandma forgets that she hates me.” He drew his knees up to his chest as he spoke, moving to bury his face in them.
“I don't hate you Aiden.” Snow said from the doorway where she'd been listening to his speech to the air.
“Do so.” He mumbled, not bothering to look up at her. “I heard you yelling at Mommy about me. You hate me 'coz Jodie throws things.” Snow drew in a deep breath, shaking her head.
“I don't hate you Aiden. In fact, I wanted to know if you wanted to help make dessert for everyone?” She offered, moving to crouch in front of him.
“Can we make Brownies? Jo-we... we really like Brownies.” He corrected himself quickly. Grandma was being nice to him. He didn't want to make her hate him again by bringing up Jodie, even if it was her that really loved Brownies. He liked them a little, but she was the one that loved them loads.
“Sure we can Aiden. Come on then, into the Kitchen.” She encouraged, offering a hand down to help him up from the beanbag chair. He stood without her help, fiddling with his shirt for a second before wrapping his hand around Jodie's. Of course, to Snow, it looked like he was holding air. “Is Jodie coming too?” She asked, doing her best to sound supportive. He looked up at her, biting at his bottom lip before nodding slowly.
“She comes everywhere with me. She's my best friend.” He admitted quietly and Snow nodded, leading him into the kitchen. She pulled out the ingredients and quickly weighed them out, Aiden watching her in interest.
“Don't your other friends at school get jealous that Jodie's your best friend?” Snow questioned carefully as she brought him a stool so he could wash his hands, locating Eva's baking apron for him.
“I don't have any other friends.” He mumbles as he runs his hands under the water.
“None at all? What about Eva?” She questioned. Aiden shook his head, biting at his lip again as he stepped from the stool to dry his hands.
“She has her own friends. I'm not one of them. And everyone else tends to pick on me. Because Jodie throws things around sometimes.” He explained as Snow moved the stool so he could reach the bowl to mix.
“When does Jodie throw things around? What tends to be happening?” She asks, handing him the spoon.
“It's when she gets scared. When there's lots of people around or when people are shouting. Or when Oliver gets mean to me.” He stirred carefully, his entire focus down on the bowl.
“So when did Jodie become your best friend?” Snow asked, taking his hand and helping him stir a little more so that it didn't take three hours for it to get finished.
“After I started school. The boys were picking on me and then Jodie showed up. She'd get mad if they did and throw things. They didn't stop, but now I'm not alone when it happens.” He explained and Snow felt her heart broke. Well of course he made someone up, if everyone was picking on him, he would be lonely. She'd have a word with Eva tomorrow about all this. See if she'd help her nephew out.
“Hey. Aiden, I'm sorry about shouting at you before.” She lifted him up and turned him around, setting him on the floor and crouching before him, cupping his face in her hands. “I don't hate you. I could never hate you. I love you Aiden. And you and Jodie are always welcome in our house, okay?” He nodded, biting his lip.
“I love you too Grandma.” She pulled him into a tight hug and he hugged her back, squeezing her tightly as he did. When he pulled away, he swallowed thickly before speaking again. “Are you still mad at Mommy?” He questioned and Snow shook her head, kissing his forehead.
“No. Not at all. How about we finish making the Brownies and then we'll go see her.” He nodded eagerly and hopped back up to continue stirring, happily telling Snow all of the things he and Jodie did together, since no-one else would play with him.
Emma sat with Elsa at the long table, everyone but them and Kennedy playing Hide and Seek in the surrounding forest. Kennedy was asleep, curled in blankets, upon the table, and Elsa was holding Emma close, wiping at her eyes gently and whispering to her sweetly.
“It'll be okay honey. You and your Mom never remain mad at each other for long. And you know you're in the right. It'll all be okay.” She assured her wife, kissing Emma's cheeks in an attempt to wipe away the last of the tears.
“She's never criticised my parenting before Els. We've bickered over stuff sure, and fought a few times, but never over our children. She thinks I'm a bad mother!” Elsa shushed her quietly, stroking her hair as if she were Elizabeth's size.
“She doesn't think that Emma. She loves you. So you've disagreed on one issue. That doesn't mean she thinks you're a bad mother.” Elsa assured, kissing her cheek again before lifting her face and kissing her lips. “And even if she does, which she doesn't, I think you're a great Mother. Killian thinks you're a great mother and all your children think so too. They are the one's who's opinions matter on this subject.” Elsa whispered against Emma's lips. Emma smiled and pecked Elsa's lips in a gentle kiss.
“Thank you Els. You always know what to say.”
“Mommy! Mommy we made Brownies!” Aiden called as he hurried out of the house, Snow behind him with a tray of fresh baked Brownies. Emma held her arms out for her son, wrapping him in a tight hug and pressing a kiss to his head.
“Hey my little boy. I love you.”
“I love you too. And Grandma has something to say!” He motioned to Snow, who stepped forward, setting the tray down.
“Emma, I'm sorry I shouted. I know the full situation now. I was wrong.” She admitted. Elsa released Emma so she could stand, stepping past Aiden and pulling her own Mother into a tight hug.
“I love you Emma.”
“I love you too Mom.”
Snow released her, cupping her face and kissing her forehead gently.
“Now. Where's everyone else gone? We've got Brownies!” As if they were waiting for the announcement, everyone that hadn't already left came pouring from the trees, flooding to the table to grab at the treats. Emma sometimes really wished they'd all had less kids. But looking around at everyone happily chewing on the sweets her son and Mom had made, she couldn't be happier.