Emma just wants to get out of there. Victor wants that too. Later, Tinker Bell delivers some uncomfortable truths...
Sherwood Clinic
As he chatted with Bridget, Henry received a text from Daisy, a nurse working in the new clinic, telling him Emma was now awake.
He went back into the post-op room, to find Regina had again returned to be with her wife, as they now lay squashed side-by-side on the single bed, Emma's head resting on Regina's chest. She looked slightly better, but bored and irritable. irritable.
"Oh, so you're back then? Had a nice leisurely lunch? I thought you'd wandered off and left me. I've been bored stiff lying here!"
He rolled his eyes. "Don't be silly ma, and don't exaggerate! You've been asleep nearly two hours and Daisy's been texting me every twenty minutes. She told me you'd just woken up. I've been close by the whole time."
"Daisy?" both mothers replied simultaneously, Emma more curious. "Another one, Hen? Who's Daisy? Should we be worried? What about Vi? I hope you're being careful!"
"Mums, stop. Enough already," he sniggered. "She's just a friend who happens to work here. She's Vi's friend, too."
The mothers exchanged a questioning look. They knew Henry ad become popular with the girls, even more so since returning from Harvard, all broad-chested and muscled; but they couldn't help feeling protective. Moments later, doors opened and Merlin's daughter appeared, wearing surgical scrubs, scrub cap and a tired smile. It was obvious she'd just come out of theatre.
"How's it going in there?" Henry asked, stepping back.
"Not too bad," she sighed, wearily. "Dad's gone back in to relieve Victor. He's been operating for a good few hours now. Most people don't seem to realise the sustained level of concentration you need in there. Anyway, never mind us, how are you two feeling?"
"I'm fine and ready to leave!" griped Emma. "So, take this IV out, and sign me off or do something so I can get out of here? I'm sure you've got more important cases than me to tend to."
"Not so fast, Mrs Swan-Mills! Only Doctor Whale can discharge you, as he has all your history and can give you the once-over. You had a serious injury, and lost a lot of blood. We've been giving you plasma, but we need to make sure your vitals are okay before we let you go. The consequences of not doing so, are serious!"
Emma groaned as Regina moved to hold her hand. "Whale? Not him again. Oh, for god's sake…"
Anna's happy demeanour changed in an instant at Emma's childish behaviour. "Oh, not all this again? I suggest you to keep a civil tongue in your head when he sees you! If you'll forgive my language, he's worked fucking hard this afternoon and saved lives. He's been through the wringer, physically and mentally, and the last thing he needs is bitchy, asinine comments!"
"I BEG YOUR PARDON?" Regina now growled. "How dare you speak to my wife like that?"
"She's only making a fair point, mums!" Henry interrupted her, to the surprise of both mothers. "You're both always horrible to Victor, and it's time you packed it in for good! As Ruby and Dot told you the other day, people here think highly of him, even if you don't! He's a local hero in the forest. Mum, you screwed up his life a hell of a lot more than he did yours, and he doesn't deserve it! You may not like what Anna said, but it's only the truth!"
Emma hated her son talking down to them like that. Her immediate instinct was to get angry, but seeing the equally annoyed look on him, remembering what happened between them just a few days earlier, she scowled, staying silent. Anna knew her remark had made them angry but didn't care. These bitches need to realise the world doesn't just revolve around them! Her parents had long ago told her how to handle bullies, and angry people, and she knew she could take these two on, no problem!
"Now then, I'm going to complete my checks on your blood pressure and heart. If everything's okay, I'll ask Doctor Whale for his opinion, and whether to sign you out. We won't detain you any more than necessary!"
"And if I just get up and leave? What'll you do about it?"
"Nothing. Although it would be an incredibly stupid thing to do! Don't be too surprised to find that after your trauma, it's unlikely your magic will return in full immediately. I should know, I have magic myself. If you have any relapse after leaving here, without proper attention it's quite possible you could go into a coma. So, you can either act like a petulant child, or you can listen to sound medical advice from highly trained professionals, stop treating our care as a major inconvenience, and wait for a little while longer!"
Emma had never been challenged so aggressively since becoming the Saviour. She was genuinely surprised at just how assertive the young woman was, but her instinct to come back at her was tempered by the irritated look from Henry. She glanced at Regina, who was similarly stunned.
Henry chuckled at the exchange, earning scowls. "Not nice getting it back, is it mums? She's right though! Be patient and wait, just like everyone else around here."
At that moment the door burst open again as Merlin and Whale entered. The Sorcerer immediately picked up on the tension between the women and his daughter.
"Ah, Annabelle my dear. Would you kindly assist Nurse Evans in theatre? She's having issues with internally suturing a patient, and a guiding hand wouldn't go amiss?"
Anna flashed a final look at the wives. "Sure. I was just about to run blood tests here, so…"
"No problem, Anna," said a clearly exhausted Whale, "I'll finish off here. Thanks for all your help this afternoon. You've been a godsend!"
As Annabelle moved to leave the room, her father stepped closer, lifting her hand in his. "Darling, a small favour? Celia's arrived a short while ago. She texted me and apparently she's just checked into Granny's Diner in Storybrooke. Your brother's also arriving shortly. Would you be a darling and meet them? Help them get checked in, show them around, that sort of thing? I'll be working with Victor for a couple more hours, but I'll definitely get to you by eight."
"Sure dad," Anna smiled at him. She had to admit, she was pooped, so a little rest and time with her own family was more than welcome. "But don't do your usual and work too late yourself, yeah?"
He pulled her into an embrace. "I promise, my love. It's the first time all my babies have all been together for months. You really think I'm going to miss that?" He gave her a peck on the forehead before sending her on her way, Victor smiling at their little exchange. "You've a lovely daughter there. She was a huge help today, once the first injuries came in, and she's streets ahead of me on modern surgical techniques. I've learnt a lot just from having her in theatre."
"Thank you, Victor, I'll tell her you said that. She's my youngest. A little headstrong, but very bright. Incredibly perceptive too. She has her mother's looks. God, I miss her!"
Regina watched the exchange between the two doctors, feeling as though she and Emma had become invisible. She always prided herself on being centre of attention in any group, but these damn men were ignoring them. The cheek of it? Like they were just two normal patients, not the Saviour and the Queen?
"Ah-hem! Gentlemen, are you going to stand there talking all day, or see to my wife?"
She instantly regretted it, as Merlin turned, his face instantly changing to give her one of the most condescending looks she'd ever received since her mother.
"My apologies, Mrs. Swan-Mills. You must forgive us, we've only been spending the last four hours in theatre saving lives. Including yours, I may add? Now, I suggest you finally change your attitude. I heard my daughter tearing a strip off you earlier, and I have to say I've some sympathy. Everyone's equal here, and everyone deserves equal treatment!" He berated her like a child. "Now, I'm going to leave you in Victor's capable hands, and go clear up more of the human mess another royal with an inflated sense of importance left behind. So, if you'll excuse me?" He turned away from them to leave.
"I beg your-"
But she was interrupted by Emma's hand gripping hers. "Not now, babe? Please?"
Victor studied their little interaction. While he and Regina always held each other in equal contempt, it was the Saviour and her family that caused him the most pain over the last decade. Her father hated him for his one-night fling with Snow that one evening years ago. Snow hated him for his curt manner with David. Then their daughter, who had magically thrown him against the wall for no reason, several times. They brought traumas and injuries, some life threatening, to him regularly and expected him to drop everything, every other patient, for them. They were self-important and a pain, and he just wanted shot of them. Nonetheless, he was the professional. At least he was going to New York soon!
"Now Emma, I know you want to get out of here as soon as possible. I want the same! So, to achieve that it's really very simple. I need to know that your blood pressure has stabilized enough, your wounds have healed internally, your heart's regular, and you are fit enough to walk, at least to a wheelchair. So, let me get on with it and let's hope, okay? Henry, as I need to examine her, could you kindly wait outside?"
Henry smiled, nodding and turned to them. "Sure. Mums, remember now…patience?" Both mothers glared right back at him.
"Okay Emma, let's check your heart first - loosen your top please?" He pulled up his stethoscope, Emma obliging without further comment. As he leant over, pressing the cold orb against her chest, Emma saw his face up close. Shit, he looks shattered!
"Whale, how long have you been awake?"
"Too long, frankly! Merlin asked me to come over here just after I finished night shift in Storybrooke. But we have no choice. There were over thirty-three seriously injured here, mostly, but not all, from the battle outside the clinic. Stabbings and gunshot wounds mainly."
"Thirty-three? Regina almost gasped. "Our side or theirs?"
"Mostly theirs, though we had a few late arrivals. I think your father added to the total. Surprising, as he'd already had a head wound of his own before he left here. The stabbings didn't help."
"MY DAD? He's been stabbed? What's wrong with him? Gina, I need to see him, now!"
"Calm yourself," said the medic. "I meant he increased the injured on their side! Forgive my language, but he beat seven bells of shit out of Colonel Smith when he found out he hurt you! He hospitalized two more villains near the town hall, before Robin Locksley pulled him off, and calmed him down. Quite the aggressive fighter, your father, judging by the injuries!"
Emma felt an odd mix of annoyance that her father had put himself at risk, losing his temper because of her, and pride that he recovered quickly enough to beat the bad guys. "Is he hurt?"
"Some cuts and a head wound from the battle. Spencer slammed a rifle into his head and knocked him out. I'm told by those that were there that Spencer almost stabbed him in the back when he was still unconscious, but Locksley got to him in time to stop it. That's when he killed him. Blade up the mouth and through the brain? No one comes back from that! Still, when Charming came round, he refused treatment, and Robin took him straight to the school." A silence passed as Whale wrapped the sphygmomanometer sleeve around her arm and inflated, watching the reading closely while measuring her pulse. "Hmm. A little lower than I would like, to be honest."
Crestfallen, Emma looked to her wife, who squeezed her hand in reassurance. Having listened to her son and Merlin, she decided on a different tack from usual. "Doctor Whale, please? I just want to go home."
He studied her. There was a risk. "Look…I want that too. I shouldn't do this, as you're still not ready; but…I will sign you out, but only on a couple of strict conditions..." He looked at her wife, who also seemed to be pleading with her eyes. "First, Regina takes you straight home, and you spend at least the next 48 hours resting. No jumping around, nothing! I mean bedrest, read a book, watch TV but nothing on your feet!" He aimed the next one at Regina. "Second, you call me, or the hospital, the minute she becomes listless, or in any way unresponsive! Then check her pupils regularly to see if there's any change, particularly if they're larger. I mean that one! It's really important! Then finally, no magic during your convalescence! It could exhaust you enough to make you lose consciousness and we really don't want to go there after what you've been through. So, do I have your agreement?"
Emma nodded. "Good, otherwise I'll have to send young Doctor Sage over to give you another pep talk!" He chuckled to himself, ignoring the silent glares from both women. "Just before you leave, I'll ask a nurse to disconnect your IV and give you some of our 'industrial strength' pain killers for the aching shoulder. Well now, more patients to see…"
"Erm. Doctor Whale?" The older woman called before he left.
"Yes Regina?"
"I…I want to apologise. Henry's right. I've treated you rather poorly in the past and, well, some of it wasn't deserved. I have many faults, and I'm trying to fix them. I find apologising very difficult but, Doctor Sage was right. I have been a bitch to you in the past, but I'm…I'm sorry. I'll try harder in future."
Whale saw the obvious discomfort in her eyes, as Emma added, "That goes for me too. I'm sorry, for being arrogant, bossy and rude. You didn't deserve that."
He saw just how uncomfortable they both were for doing something so out of character. "Well, I have to confess, I've always found you and your family to be some of my more…challenging…patients. But I accept your apologies. And I'll also try to be a little less…well, less me!" All three quietly smirked at that.
"Caroline Locksley speaks fondly of you. Are you…together?"
His expression changed in a heartbeat. "Early days yet, but yes, we're dating. She'll be coming with me when I go to New York, to continue training. She's an intelligent, wonderful woman with a big heart. I don't deserve her but, well, I hoping…"
Emma knew she'd been a fool for ever being jealous of Robin's cousin, who just wanted to be a friend to her wife. She smiled back. "Well she's also very beautiful, and quite the catch. Good luck."
~oOo~
Twenty minutes later, Emma and Regina shuffled slowly out of the forest clinic, Emma still exhausted. Henry was there, outside reception, to greet them.
"Victor's already had a word, let's get you back home."
"Where's your car, Hen?"
"At home. I don't need it. We'll just poof there."
"The correct word is 'teleport' Henry," Regina couldn't resist correcting him. "And neither of us are supposed to use magic yet. At least, not until your mother's recovered."
Henry just stepped in front, taking Emma's right and Regina's left hands in his own. "Just as well you're not going to then. I'll do it."
Mifflin Street
Moments later, a familiar swirl, and all three of them were stood in the mansion's living room.
"HENRY! Good god, tell us before you do something like that! Your mother's currently fragile."
"Sorry - just thought it would be quicker?" He grinned.
Same day – a little earlier.
After the clinic had been secured, Robin had decided to help David. He apparated at the school gates, wary of any potential attack from any of Spencer's remaining thugs. While desperate to see how Regina was recovering. Knowing Emma would probably also be there, made him feel anxious and confused.
I kissed her, and woke her up from apparently dying? I kissed her awake? She said she loved me. I said I loved her. Magic. She woke up. It can't be, I'm still in love with Regina. They're married for god's sake! I don't have those sort of feelings for Emma now, do I? His mind was an emotional whirlwind as he considered what had happened. What do I do? Get a grip Robin or you're really going to screw up their marriage for good! He felt utterly confused, slowly becoming aware someone was talking to him. Charming.
"Robin? Robin! Where did you go?" David laughed, "I lost you there for a minute! You were miles away!"
"Sorry, David. Just an awful lot on my mind."
"Is this about killing Spencer? If so, he gave you had no choice! I've ended quite a few men's lives in combat, but it doesn't get easier, does it?" He placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Thanks but it's not that. It's just…just…"
"I need to thank you for what you did for Emma. I saw just how badly beaten she was, and Ruby said my girl nearly bled to death after! She said you pulled her out and did magic on her outside? Henry also messaged me. I'll be forever be in your debt for this, Robin. The mere thought of losing her…" David's eyes teared up just at the thought.
"All's well that ends well, David. I'm quite sure Regina's taking good care of her. I'm just pleased she- "
"DAVID?" Screamed the petite brunette figure from the school entrance. The bell for the end of the school day hadn't sounded yet, but the Head Mistress was charging toward them. "David! I just spoke to Ruby. You were hurt!" She looked anxiously at the bandage strapped around his forehead and within moments crashed into him in a tight embrace. "What happened? How's Emma? Regina? I heard they're home now. David?"
He just enjoyed the hug, holding his true love. "It's okay now. I'll tell you all about it tonight. Emma took a beating, and she was shot, but she's fixed now, tired and resting. We can go see her later. However, she owes her life to this man." He pointed to Robin.
It was only then Snow even noticed him. Releasing her husband, she skipped across, grabbing him soundly in an equally tight bear hug.
"Ruby told me what you did. Thank you Robin, I owe my baby's life to you! You have no idea…" A stray tear fell on his jacket as he continued holding her gently, looking across at a smiling David. "I tried to get over there to help, but Mulan stopped me leaving. She was right of course, we needed to protect the children too."
"Yes, she was, and I'm pleased Emma and Regina are on the mend so quickly."
Snow stepped back, lifting one of his hands up, kissing the back of it. "I'll never forget this, Robin. Ruby told me you carried her out, and stopped her bleeding to death. She thought we'd lost her! To think I somehow thought you hated her? All because of Regina."
"Snow, I've never hated Emma! I may have been initially upset Regina moved on from me, but it was only three weeks for me, five years for her! I guess I now know what it must have been like for her when Marian came back? Or the woman I thought was Marian! But Emma's good for her, and they're clearly madly in love. So although I'm sad she's moved on, I'm happy for them. Both of them. Plus, Emma's helped look after my children when I couldn't. So, I'm trying to get to know her too." He was careful how far to go with this.
"Is that why the two of you were spotted in the back of a car coming back into Storybrooke late last night" Snow smiled innocently, but the question was still there.
God, she had spies everywhere!
"Yes. We went out for a bite to eat, and I borrowed Merlin's friend's car. Sort of a getting-to-know-each-other meal? We didn't want to be overheard. It was Regina's idea."
"You're a good man. I'll admit, I was worried when Zeus sent you back. I felt sure Regina would…would...I couldn't bear Emma being left alone again. Not after everything she's been through."
"Not going to happen, Snow! They have true love, and they deserve each other."
"They do." Snow wiped another tear from her cheek. "So, you've come to collect Honour and Roland and take them back?"
"Yes, although thinking about it, I wonder if I could ask a small favour?"
~oOo~
Back in Mifflin Street, Henry and his mothers sat at the dinner table, Emma having her first meal since the operation. Regina figured hot chicken soup and soft rolls were the most her jaw could manage and enough for Emma, before she sent her off to bed. As they finished the meal, Regina voiced something bothering her.
"I'm surprised nobody's seen Guyliner? I'm sure he would have got word back from Robin about Spencer and the clinic? I always thought he liked a decent fight?"
"He's not on shore mum. I know John gave him a mobile phone like Robin's, because I have the number. But Killian took the Jolly out on sea trials very early this morning, before the first tide, so he wouldn't know what's been going on, as he wasn't within range of a signal. It's his last chance tomorrow if the ship needs any repairs. He's got the two weddings on Friday, then sails on the first high tide early Saturday morning."
"TWO weddings? I knew about Ruby and Dorothy. Who else is getting married?"
"Mulan, to Philip and Aurora. They hadn't fixed their date but apparently, Rory took one look at all the wedding bunting, all the flowers and stuff on the Jolly when they prepped it yesterday and decided to take advantage. Archie's doing their service and Robin's going to be Philip's Best Man apparently. Mulan's also pregnant, so they didn't want to waste any time and didn't want a fuss. I'm going to both! I've never seen a poly wedding before."
"That includes most of us! How come you know all this, Henry? We certainly haven't been invited."
"I have an interest in other people, mum, not just family? As for the invitations, there aren't any. Philip wanted to keep this informal as, although he's technically a prince, he and Aurora always hated all that formal royal stuff. He said everyone's invited, children too. It's at midday, a couple hours after Ruby's. You going to come?"
"I'm not sure. Your mother's still convalescing and I don't want her being left alone. I'll go to Ruby and Dorothy's, as Honour's a bridesmaid and Roland's a pageboy, but after that, it's unlikely."
"Don't be daft, Gina," Emma interrupted. "You should go. I'll be just fine here. Anyway, you love all that formal stuff."
"We'll decide in the morning. Anyway, Henry, would you help me clear up? I'm sending your mum to bed soon as she needs the rest. And no arguments from you, madam!" She said curtly to Emma, who promptly poked her tongue out at her.
~oOo~
About an hour later, with Emma, she thought, soundly asleep, Regina sat nursing a book in the living room when the door knocker slammed.
"Hi Mum!" yelled Roland, charging forward and jumping up to place a wet, sticky kiss on her cheek, before racing around her to his bedroom, not waiting for a response.
"And hello to you too Roland!" she called to his departing frame, albeit with a wide grin, realising that, though he was none the wiser, that was a greeting she'd almost lost forever earlier today. In contrast, Honour strolled slowly inside, laden with a bag, a cut-out cardboard figure from school, and her lunch box. "Hi Mummy!"
"Hello, my love," she bent down on one knee to cuddle the child she'd once never thought capable of bearing. "Did you have a nice day at school?"
"Yes. We had stories and later I saw grandpa and even daddy came in! I wanted to play with him, but he said had to go again" She frowned, clearly disappointed. She's fallen in love with him already.
"Well never mind, I'm sure you'll see him again very soon, but he's been a little bit busy. Your papa was very brave today, and helped a lot of people, so he's probably very tired." As she kissed the top of her head she saw who had brought them safely home.
"Tinker Bell? Everything okay?"
"Yes, fine thanks. Rob asked me to drop them off, as he had to get back to Sherwood. I heard about everything that happened at the clinic today. Is Emma alright? Are you?"
"We're are now, but it was a little too close for comfort."
"So I heard. And the kiss?"
"Kiss? I'm sorry, what kiss?"
The fairy realised she may have spoken too soon. "Oh, nothing. I need to ask Emma about something. Is she around?"
"She had a massive blood transfusion earlier, so strictly speaking she should still be in hospital. She's resting up, and probably asleep. I'd rather she wasn't disturbed."
Henry's heavy steps bouncing down the stairs interrupted them. "No, ma's awake mum! She's asking for the painkillers Victor gave you? Said she's got a big headache. Hi Tink!"
"Hello Henry. You're looking well. You seem to grow even faster by the day!"
Henry smiled. "Well, you're looking rather lovely too. You seem to be glowing these days. New diet? Hair?"
Tinker Bell chuckled, blushing at the compliment. "New magic actually, and thank you, kind sir, for the compliment! My powers have been restored, not just the wings."
The news had surprised Regina when Ruby told her, as she knew about Blue's previous refusal to give back magic to her most independent-minded fairy. "How on earth did you persuade her?"
"I didn't, Merlin did. I think he's somehow got to her; she's always had a thing for him. So, she's now going around correcting a few...mistakes, Nova's allowed to be with Leroy, Silvermist can leave to find Wilhelmina and me, well I've been given my powers back. Good timing too, as I'm sailing off with Killian and Rosie Sage on Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing Elsa and Anna."
"I'm going to miss you. Wait - Rosie Sage? Another of Merlin's daughters? Why on earth is she going off with Guyliner? She only just arrived! I heard he was going away for months, possibly years?"
"The two of them have been, well, seeing each other these last two days. It's all very new but, well, who knows?"
"Does Merlin know about this? I can't see him being delighted at her dating him of all people!"
"He knows. They talked. It's early days yet, and they're both taking it very slow."
"Wonders never cease! Oh well, I best take Emma her pills. Thanks for dropping the children off, but I'd best be going up there…"
"Ooh, that reminds me," the fairy took a package from a small carrier bag. "Victor asked me to drop these off for Emma. He said they're from the hospital and much stronger than the ones he prescribed earlier. He asked me to tell her how to use them, although I think he also needs me to check on her, to make sure she's not trying to work or do magic or anything."
Regina scowled. "That man is getting too big for his boots! How dare he?"
"That man is also the man who rewired your jaw! The man who has worked himself to death the last few days. So, go easy on him. He's thinking of Emma's health; don't knock it!"
"Why does everyone keep lecturing me on Victor-bloody-Whale, and treating him right?" She harrumphed, "Go on then, take them up to her and see for yourself. You know the room."
~oOo~
Emma lay in bed, grouchy. She'd been asleep since they arrived, and woke with her whole arm and chest throbbing. Hearing the door open, she growled. "Where the hell did you go, Hen? I only asked to get my pills, not make the bloody things! My shoulder's killing me!" Then, seeing it wasn't her son or wife, "I…oh, it's you! Sorry Tink."
The fairy, now moving to the bedside with a small package and a glass of water, gave her a sad smile. "Hello, Emma. I'm sorry you're still feeling rough! Victor's given me some hospital-strength tablets to help ease the pain. He said he didn't have them to hand in the forest but got them from Storybrooke. Apparently, you're to take two before bed, stay away from alcohol and work, and don't even think about driving anywhere."
"No argument there," she took the box. "Doctor's orders. No problem." She burst two tablets from their foil and swallowed them, and the water, in a single gulp.
"Emma, you've probably got a few questions? About the kiss?"
"Eh, what kiss? What're you talking-" she stopped when she noticed Tink's frown.
"You KNOW what I'm talking about Emma. THE kiss! The one that brought you back to life."
Emma looked like a startled rabbit in headlights, unsure what to say next. But she had to say something, if only to stop where she knew the fairy was going. However, Tinker Bell saved her the trouble.
"To answer the question you're avoiding, yes, it was True Love's kiss! Robin brought you back to life with True Love's Kiss. You're feeling confused, in denial, and so's he."
The best form of defence is either attack…or denial; Emma decided to use the latter approach this time. She laughed. Loudly. So loudly and so fake, that even Honour would have seen through it.
"You're joking, right? Robin Hood and Me? That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard! There's nothing between me and the forest fart! How could you even think that?"
"I have my powers back, Emma. I'm a fairy! I know the magic from that kiss, and I felt it when he kissed you, even though was no way near! We all did. Blue, Merlin, Rumpelstiltskin. Everyone with magic would have felt it, and anyone with experience would know. Henry felt it, but his magic is new so he didn't recognize what it was. I talked to the Dark One later, and even he confirmed it. I thought Regina must have too, but she was in the clinic, a place without magic, when it happened. But it did happen Emma. It did!"
Emma, the ache in her shoulder temporarily forgotten, started to panic. "Bhat's impossible! We're just friends. That's it. What about Regina? I love her. I'm in love with her! I couldn't…she…I…I…" she looked away, then "You haven't told her, have you?"
Tink placed a hand on her arm, trying to reassure her. "No, I haven't, but someone's bound to, so you need to tell her."
"I can't! I just can't! It would kill her. She's lost so much."
"Who says she's losing anything? I've known her a long time, long enough to know she loves you, and you love her. But love requires honesty. You need to tell her. And soon!"
Emma turned from her without another word, curling into a ball under the sheets, and hoping to god the pain would go and leave her to think.
Fortunately, Whale's 'industrial-strength', as he referred to it, medication took effect and sleep overwhelmed her. The fairy stood quietly by as she calmed, pulling the blanket up over her shoulders, before leaving the room.
"Goodnight, Emma," she whispered. "Sweet dreams."
~oOo~