Seeing them

Julia asked for a oneshot of Caleb being present when Snowing see Emma in season 6.

Snow and David both felt like their hearts were in their mouths. This was the first time they would see their children since they had gone through the wardrobe seven years ago.

David was the one to reach forward and turn the handle. He couldn't wait any longer. He had to see his children, to know that they were ok. They were greeted by a glowing field of light. Puzzled, Snow pressed her hand to the light. As soon as she pulled away, the field began to dissolve, leaving behind the image of their children, sitting together on a bed. Both were facing away from the door. Both had headphones in, listening to some music. Caleb held his little sister on his lap, gently tapping the beat against his leg. Emma seemed less focused on the music. She was reading a book at the same time.

Snow and David stared at their children in awe. Caleb…he had grown so much. His boyish features were hardening slowly into those of a young man. Then there was Emma. This was the first time the parents had gotten a proper look at their own child. Gone was the tiny premature newborn, in her place was a pixie like little girl. One who was clearly carrying too much on young shoulders.

"They're so beautiful." David breathed. Snow couldn't even respond, but she very much agreed. Their beautiful children.

"We can't waste another second." David said, his voice filling with excitement. Their family was about to be finally reunited. "We can't miss another second-"

"Wait." Snow interrupted him, stopping him from going through the door.

"Why? What's wrong?" David asked, confused. How could Snow stand to be there when their kids were just feet away? Snow looked around, her heart breaking. She wanted to hold her children as badly as David did.

"We can't go through there." Snow croaked.

"Snow, we have to…"

"If we go through that door Emma will never become the Saviour." Snow said quickly. If she didn't do this now, she wouldn't be strong enough. If either Emma or Caleb turned around and saw them, Snow knew she couldn't deny her children their family. David looked between his children and his wife.

"But she'll have a new destiny, with us!" He pointed out. How could Snow even think about giving this chance away? "Caleb has been responsible for his sister for long enough. We can have them both now. We can't ask them to sacrifice their happiness to ensure everyone else's."

"But we have to!" Snow pleaded with him. This was breaking her heart too. "How many people in this town are separated for their children as well? We can't keep those families apart because we aren't willing to wait just a little bit longer." Snow told him. David stared at his children, his heart shattering into a million pieces. He knew Snow was right. They couldn't condemn the whole town to be cursed for all eternity when their daughter was the Saviour they were all relying on.

"He's doing a great job, isn't he?" David whispered. Snow nodded, a single tear rolling down her cheek.

"We always knew he would." She croaked. This was hard for both of them, but they at least knew their children were still together. One day, they would be together with them.