Parenting
Crowned tiger wanted a oneshot where Snow and David care for Emma after she exerts herself from using too much magic.
Snow and David waited in the living room for Regina to "poof back" their daughter. Emma had been having a magic lesson from Regina, and insisted on keeping going despite obviously being passed her breaking point for the day. She's managed to create a glowing orb in her hand, triumphed for a second before fainting, and falling asleep. Regina didn't have the strength to carry Emma to her car, and didn't want to have to deal with her waking up in a grouchy mood so just called Snow and told her the situation, telling her she'd appear with Emma in their living room in a few moments.
Sure enough, a purple smoke entered the room and when it cleared Regina was visible, supporting Emma by her shoulders. David immediately came over and scooped Emma into his arms.
"Thanks Regina." Snow said gratefully. "This saved her getting woken during a car journey." Regina nodded.
"You're welcome. When she wakes up, I'd imagine she'll have quite a headache. There's also a chance she'll be sick so I'd have a bucket on standby. Basically, it'll be like she's got a hangover." Regina informed them. "I'd best go straight back. Henry will be home from school soon and he doesn't have his key." Regina looked at the- for now- still sleeping Emma and grimaced. To her, Emma was a nuisance enough when she was well. She imagined she's be quite the extra pain in the neck when sick. "Good luck." She added, before disappearing again. Snow turned to David, who still had Emma settled in his arms.
"It'll be easier if you take her to our room. It means not risking her waking from being carried up the stairs." Snow explained. David nodded, and did as his wife said. Snow came into the room a few minutes later with the bucket Regina suggested and sat on the free side of the bed. All they could do now was wait.
About an hour later, Snow's head turned to where Emma was when she heard a faint groan. Sure enough, Emma was waking up.
Emma squinted in pain at even the dull light of the dimly lit room (Snow knew it would be best to keep the room fairly dark). She panicked for a moment, not knowing where she was. Last thing she remembered she was in Regina's house. She's made a glowing thing and was pretty proud of herself…then nothing. She tried to sit up, but felt a hand on either shoulder push her down again.
"It's ok." A familiar voice whispered. "You're back home, Regina brought you here." Emma squinted to where the voice came from to see her mom. She turned to see her dad on the other side and relaxed a little. Her head was killing her. It was just so bad that… that… David could see Emma retching and quickly put the bucket under her mouth. Emma wasted no time in emptying her guts into the bucket. Snow held Emma's hair back for her with one hand and rubbed her back with the other. When she was done, Snow took the bucket from her.
"I'll go clean this out and get you some water." Snow whispered. Emma tried to sit up again, embarrassed.
"Please don't." She protested. "I can do it myself." David gently got Emma lying down again.
"Let us take care of you." He said quietly. "It is our job, after all."
"But Neal…"
"Is asleep in his crib. It's your turn to get some TLC. Suck it up." David said with a smile. Emma tried to roll her eyes, but winced at the slight pain it caused her. Had it not hurt her, David would have considered that a victory.
Snow came in a moment later. She handed David the now clean bucket and held the straw from the glass of water to Emma's mouth.
"Small sips." She whispered. Emma just looked at her, bemused.
"Really?" She groaned. Snow raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, really. You need to stay hydrated and if you sit up you'll be sick again so this is the way it's happening. Like it or lump it Emma." Realising she had no choice, Emma reluctantly drank the water. She scrunched up her face when she realised it tasted weird. "I crushed up the pain meds and put them right in the water." Snow explained. "Again, so you don't have to sit up." Emma made a noise of disgust, but drank anyway. She needed the pain relief. When she'd had all she could drink, Snow took the glass away and put it on the bedside table and David pulled the covers around Emma.
"Ok. Now you need to rest and let your body recover. It's not used to using magic, you need to be more careful, Em." David scolded lightly.
"Please, save the lectures." Emma begged. "My head's still pounding." David leaned down and kissed Emma's forehead.
"Even more reason to try and get some sleep. It'll help." He got up from the chair and Snow got up from the bed.
"Call us back if you wake and need anything." Snow whispered as they tiptoed to the door.
"Wait." Emma called. They both turned round. Emma looked away from them. "Will you stay?" She mumbled. Snow and David smiled at each other as they made their way back to where they had been moments before. Feeling better, Emma settled back properly against the pillows and closed her eyes. Now she could try and sleep.