Henry Mills (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
henrydaniel) wrote2015-10-11 05:36 pm
henrydaniel) wrote2015-10-11 05:36 pm
(no subject)
picture prompt, text, lyric, w/e you can think of, hit me with it!
picture prompt, text, lyric, w/e you can think of, hit me with it!
[ Henry's been off on his own now for a while. Years, and while he sends the occasional bird traveling through a portal to send word that he's fine, he hasn't seen anyone since the weeks following his 18th birthday when he took off on August's motorcycle and into another realm. There are ways, of course, if there's an emergency for him to get home or for him to call for help, but he hasn't felt the need, so he hasn't gone. There's so much to explore, so many other fairy tales to learn about from different cultures, and this is all he's wanted, to piece together whatever his story is going to be.
But, when he gets word that there could be a threat in Storybrooke via something like a game of telephone, Henry doesn't hesitate. He's 28 now, he can actually help, a swordsman, a hero, well traveled and versed in fighting to save people. Tossing a magic bean, he steps through into Storybrooke and is on Main Street outside of Granny's within seconds, sword in hand. He actually looks very much like David, dressed in similar Enchanted Forest-esque clothes, and he runs right to Emma's house, ignoring anyone who stops to stare.
Spoiler alert: everything is fine in Storybrooke, but he doesn't know that yet and doesn't even knock before slamming through her front door, calling out. ]
Mom!
[ He's looking around frantically, calling out as he does. ]
Mom!
But, when he gets word that there could be a threat in Storybrooke via something like a game of telephone, Henry doesn't hesitate. He's 28 now, he can actually help, a swordsman, a hero, well traveled and versed in fighting to save people. Tossing a magic bean, he steps through into Storybrooke and is on Main Street outside of Granny's within seconds, sword in hand. He actually looks very much like David, dressed in similar Enchanted Forest-esque clothes, and he runs right to Emma's house, ignoring anyone who stops to stare.
Spoiler alert: everything is fine in Storybrooke, but he doesn't know that yet and doesn't even knock before slamming through her front door, calling out. ]
Mom!
[ He's looking around frantically, calling out as he does. ]
Mom!
Edited 2017-11-08 17:28 (UTC)
[It's been so long that she almost doesn't recognize his voice. Letters came every now and then, reassurances that he was alive and well, but Henry had been elsewhere for a decade. Ten long years-- the fact that she'd made him wait just as long before they'd ever even met one another in person hasn't escaped her, and while she doesn't have it in her to be bitter, she misses him.
Recognition aside, there's only one way to respond to that kind of urgency. She's in motion immediately, having been wiping down one of the counters in the kitchen when she'd heard the door burst open, and her gut drives her to move at an all-out run towards the entryway, her heart in her throat. It's him, she knows it's him, but for him to be yelling like that--]
Henry?!
[She looks a bit windswept as she comes across him just beyond the foyer, and even ten year older, it's undoubtedly him.]
What's wrong?!
[Because something has to be. Hugs and sarcastic comments can wait.]
Recognition aside, there's only one way to respond to that kind of urgency. She's in motion immediately, having been wiping down one of the counters in the kitchen when she'd heard the door burst open, and her gut drives her to move at an all-out run towards the entryway, her heart in her throat. It's him, she knows it's him, but for him to be yelling like that--]
Henry?!
[She looks a bit windswept as she comes across him just beyond the foyer, and even ten year older, it's undoubtedly him.]
What's wrong?!
[Because something has to be. Hugs and sarcastic comments can wait.]
[ Once he has eyes on her, he relaxes somewhat. If she's okay, standing in front of him and fine, then whatever's coming hasn't happened yet. ]
I got word Storybrooke was under attack, that you're in danger.
[ He's still keyed up enough to have his sword out, holding it but pointed away from her, eyes still wide, waiting for something to happen, but then he realizes. ]
You're...not in danger?
I got word Storybrooke was under attack, that you're in danger.
[ He's still keyed up enough to have his sword out, holding it but pointed away from her, eyes still wide, waiting for something to happen, but then he realizes. ]
You're...not in danger?
[He's so-- tall. Despite his concerns, that's what hits her the most. He'd already been taller than she was when he'd left, but it still strikes her.]
Hell of a 'hello' after ten years.
[But he'd been worried. She can't help smiling at that, and it comes out lopsided.]
I'm fine. Everyone here is fine-- who told you what?
Hell of a 'hello' after ten years.
[But he'd been worried. She can't help smiling at that, and it comes out lopsided.]
I'm fine. Everyone here is fine-- who told you what?
[ Oh boy, well. Sorry about that, mom, and he'll fix your door. ]
It uh...might have been...you know. From someone who heard a thing, who heard a thing from another person who may or may not be a fake soothsayer?
[ Henry looks a little sheepish now and puts the sword away. ]
You know how this family works. We even think something's wrong and here we are. And now here I am.
[ Which means he's hugging her now, tightly and murmuring down into her shoulder. ]
Missed you, mom.
It uh...might have been...you know. From someone who heard a thing, who heard a thing from another person who may or may not be a fake soothsayer?
[ Henry looks a little sheepish now and puts the sword away. ]
You know how this family works. We even think something's wrong and here we are. And now here I am.
[ Which means he's hugging her now, tightly and murmuring down into her shoulder. ]
Missed you, mom.
Sounds like a reliable source.
[Do you see these eyes of hers, kid? She's judging you. Judging hard.]
You're not wrong, though. Kind of how we do things around here.
[A pause, and her crooked smile wavers just a little. That moment of panic is past, and it's starting to sink in that he's really here-- and before she can do anything, he beats her to the hug, and she feels something well up within her as she puts her arms around his middle, hugging him tightly-- maybe a little tighter than necessary.
Ten years is a long, long time.]
Maybe I should see if that soothsayer is looking for part-time work if it means I get to see you more often.
[But she'd told him to go, to find his story, and she'll never begrudge him that. The embrace tightens, and she hides her face against his shoulder in turn, her voice cracking faintly.]
Missed you, too, kid.
[Do you see these eyes of hers, kid? She's judging you. Judging hard.]
You're not wrong, though. Kind of how we do things around here.
[A pause, and her crooked smile wavers just a little. That moment of panic is past, and it's starting to sink in that he's really here-- and before she can do anything, he beats her to the hug, and she feels something well up within her as she puts her arms around his middle, hugging him tightly-- maybe a little tighter than necessary.
Ten years is a long, long time.]
Maybe I should see if that soothsayer is looking for part-time work if it means I get to see you more often.
[But she'd told him to go, to find his story, and she'll never begrudge him that. The embrace tightens, and she hides her face against his shoulder in turn, her voice cracking faintly.]
Missed you, too, kid.
[ There are times he feels guilty for being away so long, and this is one of those times. When he's in his mom's arms and time catches up to him. Maybe no one actually ages in Storybrooke, but time still passes and people still changes. When he pulls back, he looks for those subtle changes in her eyes, then smiles and squeezes her hands before letting go. ]
Someone might be calling soon, by the way? I sort of showed up through a portal in front of Granny's and ran here with the sword and the panic...I was worried.
[ So if her phone blows up, he's why. Also, oops. But he also doesn't care because too many times something has been wrong.
Now that things have calmed down, though, maybe Emma notices a silver band on his left hand, maybe not. ]
You know I'd never stay away forever. Home is always home, time won't change that. But I am sorry it's been so long. Magic beans are a little hard to come by.
Someone might be calling soon, by the way? I sort of showed up through a portal in front of Granny's and ran here with the sword and the panic...I was worried.
[ So if her phone blows up, he's why. Also, oops. But he also doesn't care because too many times something has been wrong.
Now that things have calmed down, though, maybe Emma notices a silver band on his left hand, maybe not. ]
You know I'd never stay away forever. Home is always home, time won't change that. But I am sorry it's been so long. Magic beans are a little hard to come by.
[It's surreal, for him to be so much older and for herself to be virtually unchanged, at least physically. She has to wonder if this is what it was like for her parents, except for them, there was nothing in-between her birth and adulthood. Henry might have been grown now, but in her heart, he'll always be ten. She'll never forget the kid who showed up at her apartment and sat himself down at the counter with a glass of juice.
She pulls back just enough to smile wryly at him, her arms still hooked around him, fingers laced together behind his back for the time being.]
It's cute that you've been gone so long that you think that's weird here.
[Although he's not wrong, someone probably will call soon. This town doesn't have the best luck with portals. She doesn't notice his ring just yet-- if only because she's too busy studying his face, noting the ways in which it's changed.]
You were doing what you needed to. Working on finding your story, right? I've always known it wasn't forever, it just feels like it sometimes-- but whatever the reason? I'm glad you're here now. [Also:] I can't believe that you're even taller than when you left. I almost didn't recognize you.
[But only almost.]
She pulls back just enough to smile wryly at him, her arms still hooked around him, fingers laced together behind his back for the time being.]
It's cute that you've been gone so long that you think that's weird here.
[Although he's not wrong, someone probably will call soon. This town doesn't have the best luck with portals. She doesn't notice his ring just yet-- if only because she's too busy studying his face, noting the ways in which it's changed.]
You were doing what you needed to. Working on finding your story, right? I've always known it wasn't forever, it just feels like it sometimes-- but whatever the reason? I'm glad you're here now. [Also:] I can't believe that you're even taller than when you left. I almost didn't recognize you.
[But only almost.]
[ He can take the scrutiny, he expected it, even, and then he laughs a little, shaking his head. ]
What can I say? There's something in the water out there.
[ There's a very, very faint scar on his cheek, still visible with all the studying Emma's doing, but it definitely wasn't a major injury and it isn't a big scar, by any means. It faintly resembles his grandfather's, even, just a little higher up. And he studies Emma too, re-memorizing her face because he's been in a place with no modern technology, it isn't like he could pull up photos of her or charge a smartphone and FaceTime. ]
Okay, so, tell me everything that's been happening here, and don't hold back. How're grandma and grandpa? And Regina and Hook, and...everyone?
What can I say? There's something in the water out there.
[ There's a very, very faint scar on his cheek, still visible with all the studying Emma's doing, but it definitely wasn't a major injury and it isn't a big scar, by any means. It faintly resembles his grandfather's, even, just a little higher up. And he studies Emma too, re-memorizing her face because he's been in a place with no modern technology, it isn't like he could pull up photos of her or charge a smartphone and FaceTime. ]
Okay, so, tell me everything that's been happening here, and don't hold back. How're grandma and grandpa? And Regina and Hook, and...everyone?
[She reaches up without meaning to, ghosting her thumb along the length of the scar. It's small, and barely visible, but it's tough for something like that to escape a mother's notice.]
Looks like you're keeping up the family tradition.
[Those Charmings wear scars well, at least. Her smile blooms wider, and she grasps both of his shoulders in the absence of their embrace, as though if she lets go of him he might just vanish through another portal without warning. No thanks, not today.]
If you really want everything, we've got a lot of ground to cover. [But of course, she'll go through it all with him.] Your grandparents are still the same as they've always been, although I think they might be slowing down on the daring heroics-- we haven't had much use for those lately, but nobody's complaining. Regina will be over the moon to see you; we'll have to tell her you're here soon or else she'll think I was holding out on her. Hook is--
[Her expression shifts just a little, brighter somehow.]
He'll be happy to see you, too. Actually, I have some news.
Looks like you're keeping up the family tradition.
[Those Charmings wear scars well, at least. Her smile blooms wider, and she grasps both of his shoulders in the absence of their embrace, as though if she lets go of him he might just vanish through another portal without warning. No thanks, not today.]
If you really want everything, we've got a lot of ground to cover. [But of course, she'll go through it all with him.] Your grandparents are still the same as they've always been, although I think they might be slowing down on the daring heroics-- we haven't had much use for those lately, but nobody's complaining. Regina will be over the moon to see you; we'll have to tell her you're here soon or else she'll think I was holding out on her. Hook is--
[Her expression shifts just a little, brighter somehow.]
He'll be happy to see you, too. Actually, I have some news.
Edited 2017-11-08 22:34 (UTC)
[ Henry tugs at her hand so they can go sit down on the couch, soaking in all the information she has to say and brightening himself. ]
I do too, but you first.
[ He needs to go see Regina, and soon, he knows, or her feelings will be hurt. Then will come everyone else. But when something's wrong, it's Emma he goes to first. She's been through so much, and he's actually really damn relieved she's fine. ]
What's your news? Don't leave me hanging, here, mom.
I do too, but you first.
[ He needs to go see Regina, and soon, he knows, or her feelings will be hurt. Then will come everyone else. But when something's wrong, it's Emma he goes to first. She's been through so much, and he's actually really damn relieved she's fine. ]
What's your news? Don't leave me hanging, here, mom.
[He tugs at her hand the same way he used to when he was younger. Some things never change, no matter how many years have passed.]
Well--
[She drops down into a seat on the sofa, the same way she always has, leaning forward with her hands clasped between her knees as she angles herself towards him. No matter how different he looks, the scene itself feels natural, like this is how things have always been, the way they're supposed to be.]
Maybe it's not as good as surprising you with a dog, but I'm guessing we've kind of outgrown that. Can I interest you in a little brother or sister instead?
Well--
[She drops down into a seat on the sofa, the same way she always has, leaning forward with her hands clasped between her knees as she angles herself towards him. No matter how different he looks, the scene itself feels natural, like this is how things have always been, the way they're supposed to be.]
Maybe it's not as good as surprising you with a dog, but I'm guessing we've kind of outgrown that. Can I interest you in a little brother or sister instead?
[ To say he's stunned is, well. An understatement. His mom is pregnant. His mom is going to have a baby, at least the's assuming because he's pretty sure she doesn't need his permission first. The shock is all over his face but it's not bad, at all, and it widens into a slow grin. He doesn't even answer, just wraps his arms around her. But this actually makes it easier for him to break his news.
Pulling back, he clears his throat, trying to look calm, cool, and collected. ]
Well, I guess that depends. Can I interest you in a grandson or granddaughter in return?
Pulling back, he clears his throat, trying to look calm, cool, and collected. ]
Well, I guess that depends. Can I interest you in a grandson or granddaughter in return?
Are you serious?
[Her expression almost mirrors his-- the good kind of shock, with absolutely no effort put towards staying collected. There are times when Emma is great at maintaining her poker face-- this isn't one of them. She throws her arms around him again, hugging him tightly.]
I mean-- with who? Are you--
[She finally spots his ring, grabbing hold of his hand to examine it.]
You're married?
[Her expression almost mirrors his-- the good kind of shock, with absolutely no effort put towards staying collected. There are times when Emma is great at maintaining her poker face-- this isn't one of them. She throws her arms around him again, hugging him tightly.]
I mean-- with who? Are you--
[She finally spots his ring, grabbing hold of his hand to examine it.]
You're married?
[ He laughs softly, squeezing her hand as she looks at his ring. ]
I am definitely married because if there's one lecture I don't want from Regina...although. Now comes the one about getting married without coming home first.
[ Henry looks at Emma, holding onto both of her hands. ]
We didn't have a fancy wedding, we were fighting the stupid regime - wicked step-mother and all. [ It was very Snow and Charming married by Lancelot. ] But we...knew. So we went for it. And now Ella and I want to come here. She's still back in her kingdom for now, I didn't want to bring her if there was danger, but...
[ He finally takes a breath and lets it out. ]
I'm coming home. For good. So I'll be here to help make sure my baby brother or sister is into comics and hot cocoa with cinnamon way before their first birthday.
I am definitely married because if there's one lecture I don't want from Regina...although. Now comes the one about getting married without coming home first.
[ Henry looks at Emma, holding onto both of her hands. ]
We didn't have a fancy wedding, we were fighting the stupid regime - wicked step-mother and all. [ It was very Snow and Charming married by Lancelot. ] But we...knew. So we went for it. And now Ella and I want to come here. She's still back in her kingdom for now, I didn't want to bring her if there was danger, but...
[ He finally takes a breath and lets it out. ]
I'm coming home. For good. So I'll be here to help make sure my baby brother or sister is into comics and hot cocoa with cinnamon way before their first birthday.
[ Henry hasn't been home in ten years, and he's cutting it very close to eleven. A lot has happened, he's changed, and he has more than one surprise for his mother. It's why he's hunted for something to use as a portal for the past eleven months. Finally, magic bean in hand, wife and month old baby in the other, he lets out a breath and tosses the bean, crossing over into Storybrooke with his family.
His first stop should be home, but instead, it's Granny's - not the diner, but the bed and breakfast, and he grabs a room, not wanting to completely overwhelm Ella on her first day in a modern world. And maybe because he wants to be a little selfish, have this time by himself plus Lucy who won't have much to say. Knowing Ella's resting, he takes a small bundle swaddled and dozing with him to Regina's.
With a baby in his arms, he's less likely to be yelled at. Right?
Knocking on the door, he lets himself in, calling out. ]
Hello? Anyone home?
[ He's dressed like a Charming, including a sheathed sword at his hip. ]
His first stop should be home, but instead, it's Granny's - not the diner, but the bed and breakfast, and he grabs a room, not wanting to completely overwhelm Ella on her first day in a modern world. And maybe because he wants to be a little selfish, have this time by himself plus Lucy who won't have much to say. Knowing Ella's resting, he takes a small bundle swaddled and dozing with him to Regina's.
With a baby in his arms, he's less likely to be yelled at. Right?
Knocking on the door, he lets himself in, calling out. ]
Hello? Anyone home?
[ He's dressed like a Charming, including a sheathed sword at his hip. ]
Edited 2017-11-10 01:32 (UTC)
[It's a lot of news to take in all at once, but it's undeniably the good sort of overwhelming. Momentarily at a loss for words, she leans in and pulls him into another tight hug, resting her chin against his shoulder. There's so much she wants to say, so many questions she wants to ask him, but what comes out instead sums it all up pretty well.]
Kid...
[There's a very faint twinge to her voice, the kind that sometimes accompanies the threat of tears, though even with her face hidden from her, he can hear her smile in her words.]
You really are all grown up, huh?
[She's not sure she's ready for this-- but it's so good to see him, and so good to see him happy.]
Kid...
[There's a very faint twinge to her voice, the kind that sometimes accompanies the threat of tears, though even with her face hidden from her, he can hear her smile in her words.]
You really are all grown up, huh?
[She's not sure she's ready for this-- but it's so good to see him, and so good to see him happy.]
I really am.
[ He smiles, just lingering in this hug, in how good it feels to really be home. But then he pulls back, his grin huge. ]
And you're gonna be a mom again. How are you feeling? Okay? Do you need anything, like...errands taken care of or someone to take over Savior duty? Wait, you're not on active Savior duty are you? Someone else has to step up now.
[ It's a good thing he's back because there's no way his pregnant mom is running head first into any danger at all, even if it's just 100 baby dragons or something. NO. ]
[ He smiles, just lingering in this hug, in how good it feels to really be home. But then he pulls back, his grin huge. ]
And you're gonna be a mom again. How are you feeling? Okay? Do you need anything, like...errands taken care of or someone to take over Savior duty? Wait, you're not on active Savior duty are you? Someone else has to step up now.
[ It's a good thing he's back because there's no way his pregnant mom is running head first into any danger at all, even if it's just 100 baby dragons or something. NO. ]
Whoa, slow down! I'm not retired.
[Although maternity leave is definitely something she should be considering, but she hasn't had to do a lot of Savior-ing in recent years. Storybrooke has been quiet, almost too quiet, but it's been a break they all deserve. It had been years in coming, but finally people were able to relax and properly rebuild their lives.]
I'm fine. It's still early, you know? In some ways, it almost doesn't feel real-- kind of like your being here.
[She smiles all the same.]
I'm glad you are. [Like that wasn't obvious.] Think we can turn the Savior thing into a mother-son gig?
[Although maternity leave is definitely something she should be considering, but she hasn't had to do a lot of Savior-ing in recent years. Storybrooke has been quiet, almost too quiet, but it's been a break they all deserve. It had been years in coming, but finally people were able to relax and properly rebuild their lives.]
I'm fine. It's still early, you know? In some ways, it almost doesn't feel real-- kind of like your being here.
[She smiles all the same.]
I'm glad you are. [Like that wasn't obvious.] Think we can turn the Savior thing into a mother-son gig?
[ Henry chuckles, looking down for a second, looking very Charming-esque when he does. Then, he looks back up, grin still in place. ]
If there's room for one more on the team, I'm happy to be a part of it. Being back here doesn't feel real yet, either. I still have to go back and get Ella. Not knowing what was happening here, with her being pregnant, I didn't take any chances, you know? But I can't wait for you to meet her.
[ He lights up just mentioning her. ]
She's smart, and strong, and hit me in the face the first time we met.
[ You know, like Snow and Charming. ]
If there's room for one more on the team, I'm happy to be a part of it. Being back here doesn't feel real yet, either. I still have to go back and get Ella. Not knowing what was happening here, with her being pregnant, I didn't take any chances, you know? But I can't wait for you to meet her.
[ He lights up just mentioning her. ]
She's smart, and strong, and hit me in the face the first time we met.
[ You know, like Snow and Charming. ]
[Also not unlike Emma's first encounters with Neal and Hook. Neither of those first meetings had been entirely fairytale like, and she's lost count of how many times she'd punched Killian before they'd ended up together. Sometimes swords were involved, too.]
Keeping the family tradition alive, I see. Proud of you, kid.
[And teasing though she may be, she still means it.]
It won't be a long trip back, will it? She can travel safely with the baby on the way and all?
[Portals can be tricky. She doesn't blame him for wanting to play it safe.]
Keeping the family tradition alive, I see. Proud of you, kid.
[And teasing though she may be, she still means it.]
It won't be a long trip back, will it? She can travel safely with the baby on the way and all?
[Portals can be tricky. She doesn't blame him for wanting to play it safe.]
I mean, can't be a Charming and fall in love without either getting hit or hitting someone in the face, right?
[ But at her question he nods quickly. ]
Everything's above board. Hey, why don't you come with me to get her? She can't wait to meet you.
[ But at her question he nods quickly. ]
Everything's above board. Hey, why don't you come with me to get her? She can't wait to meet you.
Of course not, it's in the blood.
[His grandparents will be so proud when they hear. She pauses at the offer, but only for a moment, surprised smile pulling wider.]
Yeah? It's been a long time since my last portal-jump-- I think we're overdue for a family trip, don't you?
[His grandparents will be so proud when they hear. She pauses at the offer, but only for a moment, surprised smile pulling wider.]
Yeah? It's been a long time since my last portal-jump-- I think we're overdue for a family trip, don't you?
[ Henry has to lean in and hug her now, wrapping his arms tightly around her and just resting his chin on her shoulder. ]
Yeah. But I'm gonna be selfish for five more minutes and make Ella wait. I missed you, mom.
[ He just needs this for a minute, a moment with no other family fighting for attention because he knows it'll be non-stop once he's back for good. ]
Yeah. But I'm gonna be selfish for five more minutes and make Ella wait. I missed you, mom.
[ He just needs this for a minute, a moment with no other family fighting for attention because he knows it'll be non-stop once he's back for good. ]
I can get behind that.
[She smiles, and there's a familiar waver to her voice as she hugs him tighter, turning her head to kiss his cheek as she makes a concentrated effort to keep her voice from becoming too thick with emotion. So far, she's losing the war-- but she doesn't care. It's been much, much too long.]
A few more minutes where I don't have to share you? Sounds like a dream.
[Sometimes, everyone has to be a little selfish.]
[She smiles, and there's a familiar waver to her voice as she hugs him tighter, turning her head to kiss his cheek as she makes a concentrated effort to keep her voice from becoming too thick with emotion. So far, she's losing the war-- but she doesn't care. It's been much, much too long.]
A few more minutes where I don't have to share you? Sounds like a dream.
[Sometimes, everyone has to be a little selfish.]
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