This is an AU fic set in present day Portland and Storybrooke, Maine. Dr. Emma Swan is an extremely skilled physician and surgeon at a hospital in Portland who is told she needs to go on an unexpected house call. When she first sees who is requesting the call she is furious but will her first impression change when she learns more about why she has been called? Loosely based on an episode of MASH with the same name.
Hi all! So here is my 2nd attempt at a multi-chapter AU fic! What have I gotten myself into? Enjoy and remember comments are writing fuel! Here we go...
~11/12 note: So I realized today (6 chapters in) that I DIDN'T TAG EMMA AND REGINA IN MY FIC DESCRIPTION. *facepalm* I have fixed this and I hope more people decide to check out my fic. What a doof I am. Enjoy
"A house call? Since when do we do house calls?" Emma asks, her tone harsh. She is in the middle of a swarm of appointments in the hospital's free clinic and she already has a pile of paperwork on her desk from her morning surgeries to finish that is practically growing by the minute. "And what on earth for?"
"Ms. Mills over there needs assistance up in Storybrooke, you will accompany her there now." Dr. Lucas answers, gesturing to the entrance of the waiting room where a brunette woman is standing.
Emma turns from her boss to look at the direction she has indicated. Standing there is a woman Emma guesses is in her early 30s and dressed impeccably from head to toe. Everything from her cleanly pressed business suit to her perfectly styled hair to her high heeled shoes screams class, and despite her also being breathtakingly beautiful, Emma feels her muscles tighten and her jaw clench.
"Dr. Lucas," Emma turns back to her boss but doesn't lower her voice and her teeth are clenched. "I thought the idea here was to treat the neediest first, not the best dressed. I'm in the middle of appointments." With that Emma brushes passed the older doctor and makes her way to grab another medical chart behind the counter.
The well-dressed woman waves Dr. Lucas over and out of the corner of her eye Emma can see them chatting quietly in the corner. The frustration is growing inside of Emma as she tries to focus on the chart in front of her. She's clenching the chart firmly when she hears her boss calling her back over.
"Dr. Swan, you will go with Ms. Mills. Immediately." Dr. Lucas says firmly. "Dr. Nolan is coming in in less than 5 minutes and he can cover for you. You can take my doctor's bag. It is in my office."
Emma takes a deep breath and tries to fight back her anger, though she can't fight back everything. Turning her eyes to Ms. Mills she adjusts her stethoscope around her neck, stands up straight, and clears her throat.
"Well, maybe I can stop by around 6ish on my way to the club for some sherry and caviar." Emma says in her best 'rich person tone'.
Glaring at Emma, Dr. Lucas says, "I'll explain to you later what an ass you're making of yourself. For now, go grab my bag and go with Ms. Mills."
Emma turns towards the hall to go to the head of the department's office. As she walks away she turns walking backwards and in her most snobby of voices says "Oh and if Charles and Margret stop by just have them wait by the pool. The Dom Pérignon is chilling at the bar." And with that Emma turns back and walks with large strides down the hall to retrieve the doctor's bag.
Having retrieved the bag full of medical supplies, Emma is following the brunette to the entrance of the hospital. She continues to follow her into the parking lot to a black Mercedes. Rolling her eyes Emma approaches the passenger door and climbs in, placing the bag in the seat behind her and the other woman climbs into the driver's seat. The expression of the woman next to hers hasn't changed since Emma first saw her. Her face is void of emotion, not an expression to be read. She places her arm on the back of Emma's seat, looking behind her to back out of the parking spot.
As they head for the highway Emma fidgets in her seat. Why was she doing this? Where on earth were they going? Who the hell is this woman?
After several minutes she turns and faces her body towards the woman driving, eyes fixed on the road.
"Nice wheels you got here." Emma says, eyes full of challenge on her. "What, driver have the day off?" She adds, tilting her head.
Ms. Mills briefly turns her eyes to Emma, before returning them to the road.
Deciding to push some more, Emma, eyes still fixed on the other woman, asks, "This may seem rather gauche of me to be upset but when the local countess," Emma nearly spits the word, "Busts in on a bunch of sick people in need I tend to get a little testy."
With a sigh, eyes not leaving the road in a steady voice the brunette responds, "When a person you love is in pain, it is very hard to wait."
"They're all in pain, lady." Emma deadpans, turning her body to face the road again.
The rest of the 30 minute ride is done in silence. Emma spends her time looking out her window trying to contain her frustration. She runs her hands through her blonde hair several times and fiddles with the seams on her white coat.
Finally, they are turning off the highway and after several twists and turns Emma spots a sign that says "Welcome to Storybrooke". Emma knows very little about the town other than it is a small coastal one that she once heard a co-workers refer to as "right out of a postcard."
Emma prefered the small city of Portland herself. She rented a nice apartment in the West End, in walking distance of the Old Port and it's restaurants and shops but far enough away to avoid the crowds and noise. There was something to be said about the small town though she thought as she sat in the car and observed the quaint town, a smile on everyone's face that they passed.
They drive through the downtown and onto a windy road Emma's sees is named 'Mifflin'. It seems less populated and trees shade the road. They pass many long driveways and houses set back far from the road before they reach a driveway on their right, a mailbox at the end marking '108'.
The driveway is paved but in great need of a repaving and winds to the left. As the car makes it's way down the bumpy drive, Emma looks out the window.
Ahead of them is a large white house that is well-built but Emma can see is in need of some cosmetic repairs. At first glance Emma notices a window on the second floor is missing a shutter, the front steps need a new coat of paint, and the path is missing a brick or two.
Despite the few minor repairs needed the house looks inviting. There is a soccer ball in the front yard and several flower gardens along the path to the door. Beautiful flowers are growing in them but it seems it has been a bit since the last time it was weeded.
On the left side of the house Emma spots a small chicken coup and three small chickens pecking the ground. Behind the coup and partially hidden Emma also sees what looks to be a large and well-cared for vegetable garden. To the right of the house is probably the largest apple tree Emma has ever seen and the branches are full of the bright red fruit.
Regina pulls the car up to the two car garage and presses a button on her car visor to open the right door. As the door glides open Emma spots a handful of children's bicycles to the left next to a very large minivan, and a large toy chest in the back. Emma's frustration has quickly been replaced by complete bewilderment.
"This is it? This is the estate?" Emma asks, not thinking of anything else to say, resorting to sarcasm to attempt to cover her confusion.
"Indeed." The woman responds, driving slowly into the garage and turning off the car.
Emma is in a fog as she unbuckles her seatbelt and grabs her bag from the back of the car before opening the door and stepping out. Finding herself speechless, all her earlier attitude and fire having left her, Emma awkwardly follows the other woman out of the garage and towards the path to the front door of the house.
They are only a few steps from the door when it swings open and a girl with long brown hair flying behind her, only 5 or 6 Emma thinks, runs towards them.
"Regina!" She squeals, jumping immediately into the arms of the woman in front of her, wrapping all four of her limbs around the brunette. Burying her face into the woman Emma now knows is named Regina's neck, she just barely hears the girl whisper, "Why are you dressed so fancy?"
Holding onto the small girl tightly Emma hears Regina respond in a delicate voice, "I had to go into Portland, Belle. Sometimes I have to dress up. Where are Wendy and Peter?"
Beginning to slide down from Regina's arms, Belle answers, "Peter is up with Henry and Wendy is with us! We are painting!" She ends, starting to jump up and down.
Emma is standing next to but behind the pair with her mouth half open, completely silent. She's still trying to figure out what world she has walked into. She looks from the small girl who is grabbing at Regina's hand trying to lead her into the house to Regina's face. Emma had only seen one stoic expression resting on the other woman's face for the last 45 or so minutes they have spent together. This new expression is full of life, full of love. It is so unexpected.
Who is this woman? Emma thinks
Emma follows Regina and the girl into the house and immediately hears the sounds of children's whispered voices. Passing through the entryway, which is lined with numerous pairs of shoes of all sizes, a living room appears to their left. The carpet is pulled back, replaced with newspaper and 4 children sprawled out with paints and paper around them. The children range from a couple years younger than Belle's to the oldest who is a girl Emma guessed to be around 17 or 18.
Looking up, the older girl smiles at Regina, "Peter is upstairs with Henry." She says quietly, likely trying not to bother the other children and their art making, though a few turn and smile at Regina who waves at them in return. The girl, who Emma assumes is Wendy, turns and offers a smile to Emma, who gives her a small one in return. Belle makes her way back into the group and Emma just stands there, bag in hand, still speechless.
"Thank you, dear." Regina responds softly to the girl and gestures to Emma to follow her to the stairs in front of them. Emma continues to quietly follow the brunette and they start to climb the stairs.
Emma is starting to piece some things together. Emma Swan had grown up in the system. She had spent a lot of time with foster families and group homes but nothing like this. Emma could already tell that this house was full of love and kindness. Thinking about the children she'd just seen and thinking back to her own childhood and the other children she knew, Emma's chest starts to ache. Who is this woman in front of her?
As they reach the top of the stairs they walk a few steps down a hallway, turning into a room on their right. The room is full of bookshelves filled on every shelf with books of all sizes and conditions. The walls are covered with posters from fantasy tv series, movies, and comic books.
There is a twin bed sticking out from the wall in the middle of the room and a chair next to it. In the chair a boy is sitting, likely around the same age as Wendy. He is tall with dark skin and short hair and in his hands he has a large book that he is reading aloud. As he sees the women enter he stops reading and slowly closes the book, placing it on his lap with a smile.
In the bed lies a boy, likely 10 or 11, his eyes closed and brown hair a mess and damp. As the older boy puts the book down the younger one begins to stir. His eyes open slightly and he starts to whimper. Regina rushes to his side and places a delicate hand on his cheek.
"It's okay Henry, I'm here." She says softly, rubbing a thumb over his sweat covered cheek. "I brought a very nice doctor here to see you. Her name is Dr. Swan."
Shaking herself out of her daze Emma, bag in hand, steps closer to the bed. Henry opens his eyes a little wider to look at her.
"Hey kid, I'm Emma. What's going on?" Emma says, placing her bag on the end of Henry's bed, starting to open it. Henry's eyes inspect her carefully and his eyes begin to narrow. At this Emma adds, "I'm a doctor, I promise. I have a diploma and everything." She says while holding up her hand.
Emma opens her bag and takes out her stethoscope. She moves to the far side of the bed where Peter is sitting, which is the opposite side that Regina is, still leaning over the boy. Peter scoots out of the way to give Emma more room. Placing the ear buds in her ears Emma brings the chest piece down to the boy and places it inside his pajamas and onto his chest.
"Can you take a few deep breathes for me, Henry? Just a few, in and out." Emma asks, starting to move the stethoscope around, listening carefully.
Nodding, Emma pulls the instrument back and out of her ears, draping it around her neck.
"Does Henry have any allergies and is he on any medications?" Emma asks, turning to Regina.
"He does not and just some tylenol." Regina responds.
Emma nods again and reaching for her bag she pulls out a thermometer and places it under Henry's tongue. So far the boy is a perfect patient.
"Will you excuse me a minute?" Regina says to Emma, "I'll be right back, Henry."
Several minutes later Emma is walking out of Henry's room and into the hallway. She spots Regina to her right coming towards her, a toddler on her hip, paint smeared on his face. Regina has changed out of her fancy attire and is now wearing a plain white t-shirt, jeans, and casual slip-on shoes. Her hair is pulled back from her face and in a loose ponytail.
Without realizing it, Emma is smiling at the pair as they stop next to her.
"I seems that Henry has pneumonia." Emma says to Regina after realizing that she is standing their staring. "I gave him some antibiotics and a cough medicine that should make him more comfortable. There really isn't much else we can do except let it run its course." She adds. "I have enough medicine in the bag for 2 days so I'll need to go to the pharmacy to get some more for you. I'd like to come back tomorrow and see how he's doing though."
"Thank you, Doctor." Regina says, attention moving back to the boy who has started wriggling in her arms. Placing him onto the floor he runs off towards the stairs.
"Is he your son?" Emma asks, without thinking.
"Phillip? No. He lost his parents in a car accident a little over 6 months ago. He's been staying with us ever since." Regina answers, looking at Emma and Emma can see that she is searching her face for a reaction.
Emma looks away for a moment and then turns back to Regina the curiosity getting the best of her and asks quietly, "And the others?"
"Similar stories. They stay with me as long as they need to. Wendy and Peter are the oldest and help me whenever I have to leave, which isn't often if I can help it." Regina answers with a sigh and then a pause. Emma doesn't push further but Regina continues. "Henry is my biological son and has been sick for a couple of days. Our normal doctor is on vacation for a few weeks. I know Dr. Lucas from a long time ago and I went to her asking for help and advice. I wanted to avoid bringing Henry into the hospital unless absolutely necessary so I wouldn't have to leave the others. Luckily Dr. Lucas was happy to help and told me you were her most skilled physician."
"I guess I owe you an apology, huh?" Emma asks, rubbing the back of her neck with her hand. Looking at the ground and then back at Regina. "Can I do anything to help? I want to make up for all the horrible things I said before."
"Just help Henry get well." Regina says with a small smile, turning towards the stairs but before she moves she turns her face back to Emma's and adds, "He is very dear to me. They all are." And she walks passed Emma and starts to descend the stairs.
Emma stands alone in the hall for several minutes contemplating her afternoon, contemplating these children, this house. Contemplating Regina. Shaking her head, Emma begins her way down the stairs to find the other woman. She finds her in the living room, surrounded by the children, a huge smile on her face.
Emma stands in the doorway for a moment, silently, watching, an ache building in her chest. The fact that Regina is smiling, these children with (from Regina's explanation earlier and from her own experience she can assume) tragic background also full of joy around her is remarkable.
Who is this woman? She finds herself thinking again.
Regina drives her back the the hospital and the ride is spent almost entirely in silence again though a different energy in the air this time. Emma is trying to wrap her head around the woman next to her and Regina is just concentrating on the road. As they pull up to the hospital it is dark and Emma sees Dr. Nolan and Dr. Lucas talking by the front entrance, likely headed home for the evening.
Regina pulls up to the front of the building and slows to a stop.
"Thank you Dr. Swan. We will see you tomorrow?" The brunette asks, turning to look at Emma.
"Yes, I have the day off so I can come over in the morning if that is okay." Emma responds.
"We will see you then." Regina answers and Emma exits the car, making her way over to the two doctors who are now looking her way.
"Nice looking taxi driver." Dr. Nolan teases as Regina drives away, the three doctors watching.
"That is a fantastic woman." Emma says, eyes still on the car growing smaller in the distance. "You know she's taken in a bunch of orphans up in Storybrooke and takes care of them pretty much all by herself?"
"That's why I put her at the front of the line." The older woman says, turning to look at Emma.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Emma asks, crossing her arms over her chest.
"When they put you in charge of a hospital they take the bone out of your head that makes you explain orders." She responds, hands on her hips.
Dr. Nolan is laughing as the three of them start to walk to the doctor's parking lot.
"I wonder if she'd go out to dinner with me." Emma means to say in her head but with the day she's had it comes out of her mouth.
Both Dr. Nolan and Dr. Lucas shake their heads as they make their way to their cars and say their goodnights.
Emma settles into her yellow bug but doesn't move to turn the car on. Suddenly, thoughts of Regina and her big white house full of children being shaken away she remembers that she has a pile of paperwork to finish from earlier. Jumping out of the bug she closes the door and jogs back towards the entrance of the hospital. It's going to be a late night but Emma can't find it in herself to mind.