This was a prompt submitted to me by OUAT: Emma has a fever and cuddles up with Snow while Henry takes care of Neal and David rushes around to get medicine.
Emma hated to admit she was sick, but there were times that she just couldn't hide it. Working outside in the dead of winter had caused her to develop a fever. It was a little high so she was feeling a little delirious. She was curled up into Snow's side, refusing to let go of her. Her mom had said she was going to go to the store to get some medicine, but Emma pitched a fit.
"Don't go," she whined, clinging tighter to her top. Snow sighed, stroking her curls.
David gave them both a soft smile. "I'll head to the pharmacy and pick it up," he said. "I'll pick up some dinner as well so you don't have to cook."
"You really are my prince charming," Snow replied, kissing him when he leaned down for one. He bent down to pick up Neal, but then he started to fuss.
"Playing," he insisted, pointing to his toys.
"You can play when we get back, bud. We have to get Emmy some medicine."
"No!" Snow had been fussing over Emma all day and he was in a bit of a mood as a result.
Henry stepped out of the kitchen. "I'll keep an eye on him, Gramps, so you can leave him here."
David put a hand on Henry's shoulder, kissing his head. He had really stepped up since his mother got ill, offering to help out more. He was really becoming a great young man.
"Thanks, Henry, I'll grab your favorite candy bar while I'm out."
Henry smiled wide. "Sweet."
Snow smile at the boys before looking down at a moaning Emma, who was folding her arms over her chest.
"I'm freezing, Mama," she whispered.
"I know you feel that way, but you're burning up."
"Just one blanket, please," Emma pleaded, giving her mom a puppy dog pout.
Snow debated it for a moment before grabbing a light blanket that hung over the couch. She tucked it over Emma, kissing her forehead, trying not to wince at how hot she was. Emma sighed in content, continuing to cuddle up with her mom.
Henry got on the floor, playing with Neal and letting him show off every Rescue Hero that he had. They eventually started coloring, Henry convincing Neal to make Emma a get well card while he worked on his own. Finding Dory played on the television, which had something for everyone.
Half an hour later, David walked through the door with a few bags. He had gotten Emma's medicine and some juice to help bring down her fever along with food for everyone. He knew his daughter's appetite was low, so he got her some broth and crackers and everyone else's favorites. Emma seemed just fine with that, especially when David promised her a popsicle once she finished that up.
Everyone gathered together on the couch, watching the movie together. Neal and Henry passed Emma their cards. She smiled at them, giving them each a weak kiss on the cheek.
"These are great guys, thank you so much." She could hear Neal trying to talk to her, so she turned to him, pulling him onto her lap. "What's going on?" He started to point out everything on the card, attempting to explain it. Emma nodded, pretending to understand.
It got later and Henry took Neal up to bed, promising he would head in for the night himself after it. David lead Emma upstairs to her room, while Snow helped her lay down. She laid a cool compress across her forehead, kissing the top of her head.
"We'll come in and take that off in a bit, you can take more medicine the morning," she told her daughter.
Emma nodded, her eyes slowly closing. "Okay, Mama."
"We love you," David said, stroking her warm cheek.
"Love you too," she mumbled, before drifting off to sleep.
Snow leaned into David as they walked out of the room. There were certain things they would never get to do with Emma since she hadn't grown up with them. They would never be happy that she got sick, but they were grateful that they could take care of her when she was. They had heard about her childhood and how she would be alone most of the time when she was ill. Together, Snow and David had made a vow. Never again would their little girl have to face being sick alone. She would always have them, no matter what.
"It's been a very long day," David whispered. "How about we head in ourselves? I have a feeling tomorrow will be more of the same."
Snow nodded. "Thank you for running around like a crazy person. Tomorrow, I'll take over for that. You can be the one she cuddles."
"Well how could I turn down cuddles from my favorite little girl?" He asked with a smile.
As a reminder, this month is July Jamboree, so I'll be posting at least 1 one shot a day this month. Keep up the requests, whether it's on here or my Tumblr: justanoutlawfanfiction. Even if you've already requested, you're always welcome to leave more prompts.