Played again

CharmingsDaughter asked for a oneshot of *6x16 spoilers!* Charming saving Emma instead of Rumple. He kills the spider with his sword. He then insists on taking Emma to the hospital to get checked out.

Emma knew there was a reason she hated spiders. This was it. This very moment confirmed her fears that spiders were nasty creatures that ought not to be meddled with. She couldn't believe Gideon had played her. How could she have been so stupid?! This was it. He didn't even need the sword to kill her. She was going to die. Emma's heart was pounding in her chest, but she couldn't move. She couldn't think straight. She knew the spider was winding her into a certain doom, but in her cocoon of its silky web, there was nothing Emma could do to save herself. But then, Emma was aware of something changing. She could almost make out a voice, they were shouting loud enough. She knew someone was by her now, but she couldn't seem to move right, or open her eyes. Her brain was too foggy. It was only when the person shook her shoulders and cried out her name in desperation that Emma was finally able to take in a great, shuddering, breath and open her eyes. It was her dad. He had rescued her. Emma was suddenly aware of the spider's web surrounding her body. It made her feel sick. She suddenly had to rip it off her.

"Are you ok?" Her dad asked as he helped her. Emma nodded, getting the disgusting material off of her and standing up. But just when Emma thought it was over, the spider came scuttling back into view. Emma quickly blasted it with her magic, but it wasn't strong enough to kill the beast. Charming placed both hands firmly around the handle of his sword. With a furious cry, he flung the blade at the creature. With an ear-splitting screech, the spider's legs curled into its body, and it was no more. Charming carefully approached the giant insect, making sure Emma was safely behind him. When he was sure the beast was dead, he pulled his sword from it. He then turned to Emma and pulled her into his shaking arms.

"How?" Emma asked him. Last she knew, it was her mom that was awake.

"Your mom woke me up, thought something fishy was going on when you hadn't contacted her in so long and thought I'd be more useful to you. I'm glad she did. Now," Charming took Emma out his arms. "Where's that son of a bitch?" He snarled. "I'll rip his head off!"

"He's not here." Emma told her dad. "The beast was his pet. He played me, again." Charming placed a reassuring hand on Emma's shoulder.

"It's not your fault. You always try to see the best in anyone. But no more. Belle and Rumplestiltskin are on their own with saving Gideon and dealing with the Black Fairy. I won't let you get caught in the crossfire any longer." Charming wrapped an arm around a still shaking Emma. "And they best hope I don't see their son around here any time soon." He growled. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you home."