EMMA AT DEREK'S PARTY VIII

Emma watched with wide eyes, in anticipation, as the beast surrendered to the power of the necklace, after some minutes of fighting it, and swiftly shifted to a tired and gasping Derek. Surprisingly, he was still in his suit.

Emma didn't want to think on how he had managed that. She was just happy that he was okay.

Quickly, she told the squirrel to remove the bonds.

Prescott obliged of course, and Derek fell to the floor, terribly worn out.

Before Emma could take more steps toward him, Melvina zapped past her and knelt before her son, holding to himself and muttering comforting words.

Emma understood. She was sure that the woman was crying. She would cry if she was the one too.

So, she waited.

Watching as Derek stood up, watching as Melvina smoothed his suit from creases, still watching until their gazes met.

Time stood still.