A sleepless night

Just one of my own again. Based on the picture Jen posted on Instagram a while back of her and Ginny lying together on the floor. Contains season 6 mid-season finale spoilers.

I know we're on a hiatus, which often leads to requests running dry, but again I feel I should ask. Are people still wanting me to write Our Charming family? I really don't mean to sound like a broken record, but if people still want me to keep writing, your requests are paramount. This story doesn't exist without you guys :).

It was breaking Snow and Charming's hearts, what was happening to their daughter. Having the visions had been bad enough for her. The effect it had on her confidence and anxiety had been dramatic. Now, actually seeing the person behind her visions, it was harrowing for her. Emma seemed to be falling apart. She wasn't sleeping or eating properly. She couldn't focus. Even Henry and Neal brought her little joy, and neither her parents nor Killian could give her comfort. For the time being, Emma and Henry had moved back in with Snow and Charming. Killian had also joined them, this time. Emma wanted everyone under one roof. She had to know she could protect them if Gideon came calling. Snow, Charming and Killian were doing their best to tell Emma that they wouldn't let Gideon get to her, or anyone else for that matter, but she was having none of it. As far as Emma was concerned, her fate was sealed. She just wouldn't have anyone she loved get caught in the crossfire.

It was Snow's turn to be awake at night, that evening. She had got Neal down fairly easily, and had spent her lonely time awake in the wee small hours just memorising her son's beautiful little face. But something was gnawing at her, that night. Something just didn't feel right. She knew it was more than Charming not being with her. That was a constant feeling of unease that she knew wouldn't leave her until this curse was broken. No, this was something more. Snow got up from beside Neal's crib. With silent feet from her time as a bandit, she crept through the loft apartment. It didn't take her long to discover what was wrong. Her heart sank. There, lying right at the front door, was Emma. She was shivering under a thin blanket with just one measly pillow under her head. She had her woolly hat on to try and shield her head from the draft brought in by the cold, winter night air. Snow knew she was clearly still awake. She was obviously trying to force herself to stay up, just in case Gideon came. Snow approached Emma.

"Emma?" She whispered. Her daughter ignored her, pretending to be asleep. "Emma, I know you're awake." Emma sighed, her only acknowledgement of her mother's presence. "Honey, your father or I are always awake right now. There's no need for you to stay down here. Go back up to bed." Snow pleaded with her. Emma shook her head, clinging to her threadbare blanket. She couldn't sleep. Emma wouldn't sleep until her fate was met. Snow's heart broke for her little girl. She wished she could take this fear and uncertainty from her, but she could not. That didn't mean Snow was going to leave Emma here to shiver her way through the night. No, instead, Snow got down on the ground beside her.

"Ok then." Snow whispered gently. If you don't want to go back to bed, that's fine. But I'm going to stay here with you. It's not like I'm going to be sleeping anyway. You sleep, Em. I'll be right here. Gideon's not going to get you. Not tonight." Emma squirmed uncomfortably.

"Neal." She murmured, exhausted. It hurt Snow's heart how hard Emma was fighting sleep.

"Neal's asleep in his crib, perfectly content. I've spent enough time with him for just now. His big sister needs me now." Snow whispered. "You're safe, Emma. I'm here. Get some sleep now." Emma didn't have the energy to resist. Within seconds, she was fast asleep. Snow frowned as she tucked her legs behind Emma's and wrapped one arm around Emma, holding her close. Gideon wasn't going to hurt her baby girl. Snow wouldn't let it happen, and she knew Charming wouldn't either. Snow would hold her close the whole night long. She would not let her daughter be taken from her ever again.