This is a really neat meta-
Everything he ever wanted to was to be that man, the one who was different, who never lied, who won her for who he is not who she thought he was. And here she is thinking he helped Ariel, when really he hates himself beyond belief for what he did to them. It’s killing him.
That face is a face of a man who think’s he no longer deserves this amazing woman. When she asks him if he did it, all he can do is try to tell the truth and say “No.” but of course Emma pulls the modesty card, and it just hurts him. Because he’s not being modest, he’s telling her the truth. He didn’t do this, Ariel did it on her own.
“When I win your heart, Emma, and I will win it… It will not be because of any trickery.”
After everything, he is still trying to be as honest and honorable as he can for her. Because he is so in love with her. And on top of ALL of this, he is now in a situation where either Zelena starts going after her family… or HE is the one to take her powers. Even if she agrees to it, for the safety of her family, HE is the one who has the curse, he is the one who has to kiss her and take everything that makes her the savior away. And he knows he could never forgive himself for that.
Rest of it is here http://ronandhermionesource.tumblr.com/post/82723387909/but-no-can-we-talk-about-how-heartbreaking-this