Title: Blue
author: Cindy Ryan
Hours after Henry had fallen asleep James checked on his grandson for the twentieth time that night. He knew Henry was fine but still he had to check. Charming had learned a hard lesson that day. Nowhere was safe; not any more. He'd thought Henry would be fine at the stables for a few hours. James should've known better. Nothing was the same in Storybrooke since the curse had been broken.
The prince rubbed a weary hand over his face. He'd tried to do too much lately. Work in the mines, protect and lead the town, look for Snow and Emma...the list went on and on. The most precious thing James had left had nearly paid the price. He'd been too busy too distracted and he'd nearly failed in his greatest duty. Family was everything...just as important as true love. Charming had already lost one even temporarily and had almost...
James let the awful thought trail off as he closed his eyes. Five minutes. If he'd been five minutes later God only knew what a horrific scene he would've found. Daniel could've easily snapped Henry's neck without realizing what or who he was holding. Bile rose in Charming's throat and he swallowed it back. As he opened his eyes he found himself staring at the bruises that were on his grandson's pale skin. Harsh blue against the moonlight streaming in the window. Stepping further into the room Charming leaned down and pulled the blanket up further around Henry's shoulders. He placed a light kiss on the boy's forehead before retreating back to the hallway and closing the door.
Later as James tried to sleep he couldn't shake the memory of the stables. Of pulling Henry out of harms way. Hearing his grandson gasp for air would stick with James for a long time. Snow would tell him that he couldn't protect Henry every minute of every day. Charming was sure as hell going to try. . With a yawn James's eyes drifted closed and sleep finally did come.
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