Rewatched the pilot this weekend and this plot bunny wouldn't leave me alone. :)
Title: Treasured gift
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Snow/Charming
timeline: pre-curse
That night after visiting Rumpelstiltskin James couldn't sleep. Snow had finally succumbed to exhaustion an hour before. It was now midnight and the prince knew he should try to rest. He wanted to be alert to fight whatever Regina threw their way. However, sleep wouldn't come. All James could think of was how unfair it was. His life with Snow and their child was just beginning. They'd been through so much already that they deserved happiness.
With a sigh James settled back against the pillow. He wrapped his arms once more around his wife pulling her close. He wasn't a Prince by blood. He'd given up all the treasures of King Midas. The money and power had never mattered to love and family were the most treasured of gifts. All he wanted was to continue to wake up with Snow in his arms every morning. To watch their daughter grow up. Rumpelstiltskin's mad rambles echoed through the prince's troubled thoughts. If what he said was true James was going to be trapped away from those he loved most. Seemed like the worst kind of hell ever invented. He'd rather fight to the death protecting his family than endure eternal separation.
The clock in the hall chimed as another sleepless hour passed. Alerting James unnecessarily to how precious every second was. As night passed into dawn James continued to watch Snow as she slept. Both of their hands cradled protectively against their unborn child. People took family so much for granted James thought sadly as he placed a light kiss on his wife's forehead. It was one of the most precious things in the world and he was not going to let Regina take it from him. Some how they'd find a way to beat the curse. James had to have faith in that. The alternative was unbearable.
"I love you."James whispered to Snow.
After a long moment the prince turned away from Snow's sleeping form and looked out the window. The first rays of sun were starting to color the sky. Signaling the start of a new day. A new day that held the promise of a battle. A fight for everything that James held dear. The treasured gifts that not everyone was lucky enough to receive: true love and family.
Things worth fighting for.
end