Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time.
AN: Guest asked for Charming's thoughts as Snow's being choked during 5x8.
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Once Upon a Snowing
Paralyzed
"Kill her mother."
Fear seized his heart at those words, his half heart that beat in his chest, thanks to the woman he loved. He struggled with the bonds fruitlessly and his voice was paralyzed. He was screaming on the inside, but no sound was coming out. Not Snow...not his beautiful Snow. He couldn't lose her...he wouldn't survive that. He would be a mere shell of himself without her light; without her love.
He glowered murderously at the witch and the King. He expected this kind of evil from Zelena, but to think he had actually for a moment thought Arthur could be a friend made him want to wretch. If only he could free himself from these manacles, he would wrap his hands around the maniacal King's neck and end him for even daring to try take his Snow away from him.
The metal of the chains cut into his wrists, but he didn't care about the pain. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the vine that was wrapping around his wife's slender neck.
He jerked against the manacles and his breathing became ragged, as he saw her gasp for air.
"No...please no…" he kept screaming inside his head. Fear was choking him and he pleaded to the Gods not to take her...to take him instead. His thoughts flashed to his son, whom was back at the diner, safe with Granny. Neal needed his mother.
He had once given his life for that very reason. Then Snow split her heart and saved him. But he couldn't save her and he felt worthless. He saw his daughter's pain and struggle and the feeling of worthlessness nearly consumed him. He couldn't be there for her either. He could barely hear her words...something about pleading with Merlin to fight Arthur's control. Everything that happened next was fuzzy, but he saw Arthur disappear with the witch and their bonds snapped, just as Snow was released from the vine.
He scrambled to her and cupped her beautiful face in his hands.
"I'm okay," she muttered. He couldn't tear his eyes from her, as he examined her neck, seeing the red marks left by the vine.
"Charming...I'm okay," she whispered to reassure him. He could only take her in his arms and press kisses to her head. He breathed in everything about her and kissed hair. He never wanted to come that close to losing her again. He wanted nothing more than to keep holding her in his arms, but their priority now was helping Emma light the Prometheus flame. Then, with any shred of luck, they could make the Excalibur whole again and purge the darkness from their daughter.
But neither of them could predict the events that were about to occur. They had avoided losing each other, but their daughter would face losing the one she loved now. Her pain was just as gut wrenching for them, as seeing her in pain was as difficult as anything they had ever experienced. Neither of them could know that the lengths Emma would go to save Killian would cost her everything and cost them their memories again.