Title: an unexpected gift
Fandom: Once Upon a Time
Rating: PG
Length: 200 words
Warnings: None apply
Summary: Neal’s thoughts on his early days with Emma. Takes place during those early days after they first met.



She showed up in his life like an unexpected gift. Emma Swan. Even her name was perfect. Neal wasn't sure why he'd jacked the yellow bug, it wasn't exactly inconspicuous. He'd felt drawn to it like it was meant to be his. Like he was meant to be there in the back seat trying to get some sleep when Emma boosted it from him. Sometimes it was easier to catch a few Zs when the sun was still up, fewer nightmares. Usually.

As a car thief Emma was a little green, but still impressive. For Neal, it was love at first sight.

Emma's edges were sharp. Neal had spent enough time (too much time) in Neverland to be able to spot the lost girl in her eyes right off. But she was more than some lost little thing. Emma was special.

Neal wanted to be able to give her the home she deserved. The very home he himself craved. He just wasn't sure how to make that happen. This place, while worlds better than where he had come from, wasn't exactly easy. He wasn't sure if they had happy endings in this world, but he sure was willing to try.