Thank you everyone for reviewing and staying with me. sorry the last chapter was short, this one is a little bit longer but the story is not over yet so keep reading thanks!

Emma didn't move from her place at Regina's side. Yes she had changed back into regular clothes but she didn't go home. She stayed in Henry's chair and just held her hand. Multiple nurses and her parents tried to remove her from the room when visiting hours were over but she fought them. The lights had dimmed and Emma rested her head on the side of the bed. She was hoping she would wake in the morning but no one knew for sure. The Charming's had taken Henry home a few hours before so it was just the tow of them. Emma closed her eyes deciding that it would be best if she too got some sleep.

It was as if she knew it had been an hour every time she woke up. Eleven, twelve, one, two. She just couldn't stay asleep. Staring at their interlocked fingers Emma barely smiled. Their hands fit together like puzzle pieces. Her skin was soft and the contrast in their skin tones was beautiful. She couldn't wait from Regina's big brown eyes to open and realize she was alive and safe. She wanted her to see her through healthy eyes and squeeze her hand in return. Emma wanted to know if Regina still wanted her now that they were back home and not dying.

"I've been thinking," Emma whispered. "I've been wondering how we opened a portal… twice. And I think I figured it out." Emma swallowed her next words not sure if they should be said just yet but she could always say them again. "I think it- it was hate that took us there but love that brought us back." Emma nuzzled the side of her face against Regina's wrist and stared at the door. She didn't want anyone to come in… not just yet.

"Is that really what you think?" a hoarse voice spoke out of the silence. Emma's eyes widened and she slowly picked up her head and turned it. Her eyes soon met those gorgeous brown orbs that were staring right at her. "Because if it is… I don't think I could have said it any better." She gave a weak smile and blinked a few times. Emma was speechless, she woke up, and she was talking to her. Her bottom lip began to quiver and fresh tears pooled in her eyes. Blinking long and hard those tears rolled out and Emma scooted forward rested her head on Regina's chest and just cried. She gently grabbed hold of her sides and just cried. Regina immediately wrapped her arms around the blonde and squeezed. She didn't care how much pain she was in, it was worth it. She was just as happy to see her. "You brought us back," Regina whispered with a smile. "How? And how am I not dead?"

Emma pulled back and sat up whipping away her tears. "I thought you were dead but then the craziest thing happened. You, well the queen, walked out of the forest and… and we talked. She gave be the cure and then disappeared."

"I- I remember. You were they blonde woman by the fire…" she said realizing her new memory.

"That was me and you were in my arms, but I never let her see your face."

"No you didn't, thank you."

"So I gave you the potion and nothing happened so I thought it didn't work. I didn't know what else to do so I kissed you… true loves kiss can break any curse right? So I kissed and kissed and kissed you waiting for something to happen. The next think I knew a portal opened up right next to us so I picked you up and jumped in. I woke up in the hospital the next day and knew I had to find you and make sure you were alright. I've been here all day waiting for you to wake up. Everyone else went home because it's two o'clock in the morning but I had to stay."

"Who all was here?" she was curious to know who was actually worried about her.

"Henry and my parents. They said they would be back in the morning."

"Thank you for staying."

"I would never leave."

"Emma…"

"Yeah,"

"Do we need to talk about what comes next?"

"What comes next where?"

"With us. Because I knew we have both said and done things but I am tired of playing games, I want to be with you. And I hope you want to be with me."

Emma quickly nodded her head in agreement. "I want to be with you too," she assured. "There may be things we need to work out and discuss but for right now I just want sit with you with no one else around."

"What about the doctors-"

"Why?! Do you need the doctor, are you in pain? Because I can go get him!" she said standing up getting worried.

"No no calm down, I'm fine. I'm just saying they could walk in any moment to check up on me."

"I don't care." Regina smiled at her and did her best to scoot over. She patted the small space next to her. "Join me?" Emma nodded and carefully laid down on her side next to her. Emma embraced her and snuggled as close as she could. She softly rubbed her nose against her check and Regina turned her head. Their faces were centimeters apart. They could feel each other's breath bouncing off their skin. Emma's eyes flutters from gazing into Regina's to down to her lips. Without any more hesitation Emma leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her ruby lips. Regina didn't hesitate either. Their lips soon found a rhythm, tasting again. This kiss was like none of the ones they had ever shared before. It wasn't rushed or greedy, it was sweet and gentle, full of love and want. This wasn't their usual kiss of overflowing lust or the kiss of Emma desperately trying to wake the dead. This was their love, their true love at its finest.

Regina pulled her impossibly closer and just held on as if Emma were leaving any second. When the kiss finally broke Regina bite her lip. "I'm sorry about not caring if I dyed or not, I know it hurt you to hear me say it."

"It's ok you're alive, it doesn't matter. Just promise me that if in the future you're ever in another life or death situation you will fight till the end."

"I promise."

After their final words Regina nuzzled her face in the crook of Emma's neck and just laid there peacefully. They were finally at peace, just for this moment, they had peace.