Just a dream

Ashazara asked for a oneshot of Emma sacrificing herself for a parent. It turns out to be a dream and the parent goes to check on her.

"I'm sorry, dad. It was the only way." Emma said, her voice growing faint. Charming was speechless. This couldn't be happening. Not Emma, not his baby girl. He stumbled over to her. Her eyes were already fluttering closed.

"Don't give in." He ordered her. "You can fight this, Em. You're strong." Emma shook her head, smiling up at him.

"No. This is it. But I'm not sorry. It was me or you, and I wasn't going to let it be you…I love you, dad…" And with that, Emma's eye fell shut, and her body grew limp.

Charming shot bolt upright in his bed. His heart was hammering in his chest. Emma. Was she truly dead? No, no, she was safe upstairs in her bed. She hadn't died protecting him. She was ok.

Even still, Charming had to be sure for himself. He quietly got out of bed and made his way up to Emma's room. He looked through her door and saw her silhouette lying on her bed. He could hear her gentle breath rising and falling steadily. He made his way to her side and gently stroked a finger down her cheek. She looked so peaceful when she was sleeping.

"I know you didn't really do it, but still, no daring heroics on my part, please?" Charming whispered. He smiled. He kissed the tips of his fingers and pressed them carefully to Emma's forehead. "Sleep well, princess. I hope you have sweeter dreams than me." With that, Charming carefully tiptoed back down to his own bed, and drifted back into a much more peaceful sleep, knowing his little girl was indeed ok.