Snow and Charming left not long after the Doctor did. The soup was surprisingly tasty and Regina actually managed to keep it down. Henry ,still feeling nauseous, decided against eating for a while. Regina was feeling a little better after being able to keep her food down and also her headache had lessened. She wasn't sure if it was the medicine helping her or just the flu finally giving up.
Regina slowly got out of bed thinking it might be a good time to have a bath. She gathered some clothes and bathroom essentials. She ran the water to the right level and temperature and slowly lowered herself in. It instantly made her feel a little stronger. She lay still for a few minutes letting her body relax. She couldn't help but appreciate the people who had been helping her mostly Emma and Henry but Snow bringing soup , just maybe she and Mary Margaret might have a chance of being friends again.
She was still a little peeved at Snows happy go lucky attitude. It was nothing to do with her never-ending mission to constantly do the right thing, it was the fact that she always so pushy and touchy with Regina. Just the week before she had made a subtle joke around her and Charming about swords. OK, maybe it wasn't about swords and maybe it wasn't so subtle, but still Snow had defiantly overreacted by lecturing her about appropriate jokes in front of polite company and embarrassing her in-front of Emma who made fun of her for days after. Regina was used to laughing with Emma who had the same appreciation for a good joke, to be honest, she had forgotten they were even there.
Something Regina hadn't expected from herself, was to let that piece of her be discovered by Emma. The part of her that her mother had call it vulgar language and told her no man would want a woman who made such crude jokes. Emma hadn't cared though at one of their late night of drinking wine and conversation Emma was telling Regina about a man she had dated once back in Boston.
She had talked about the fact that he was really rude and didn't even buy her a drink. She even ended up having to pay for the meal after. They guy had still persisted to follow Emma home. Obviously hoping to be invited in. Emma told Regina the entire way home she had been planning to say something to him when she got back. As she had reached her destination he had grabbed her. It hadn't been polite or ladylike but Emma made her feeling perfectly clear to the man, to quote the moment " You really think, after this piss-take of a date, that I'm letting you anywhere near me or my house. You spent more time itching your nut sack and grunting at your phone, than actually trying to talk to me. Take one more step towards me and I can guarantee you'll regret it." But the Man persisted.
Grabbing Emma at the waist and viciously pulling her towards him. Emma felt something on her thigh, she needed to react. She very precisely and brutally punched him where it counted. He balled over onto the pavement, coughing and spluttering, trying to get his breath back. He was angry and his face was a bright red by the time he got his composure back. He grabbed her ankle and yanked her almost pulling her over before Emma kicked him so he was laying on his back on the floor. She pressed her shoe into his chest. " Now I can call the police and get this sorted out right now or I could show you what it feels like to be stared and gawked at. I think option two is sounding a whole lot better to me, what about you? " Emma nodded wanting a reply from the man but instead she got spat at. She dove towards him and grabbing him by his collar and pulled him from the floor. " Ok I gave you your options and it looks like you've chosen." Emma yanked him to the nearest thing she could tie him too. Which happened to be a bike rack. She used the handcuffs, which she kept on her at all times, to stop him from running away. As a bails bond person, handcuff become quite a handy tool. But in this situation, they were the only thing she needed.
She made sure he was secure and began her task of humiliating the despicable creature in front of her. She started by taking most of his clothes off, leaving him in a tie, underwear, and socks. He had screamed for someone to help him. No one did for quite a while. He was still stuck there when Emma left for work in the morning. He had clearly said a few things to people walking past because he was covered in rubbish and sticky coffee. He also smelt like he pissed himself at some point. She would feel sorry for him if she hadn't of heard him that morning shouting at a young mother walking her kids to school.
Emma called the police as she got into her car that morning. He was gone by the time she got back and she had, later on, heard he was also done for assaulting a police officer and they had also discovered he had been running away from previous charges of domestic violence. " All in all, a productive date" Emma had finished her story.
Regina couldn't help but crack up a little. The image of Emma yanking around some horrible man and humiliating him was one thing; to have actually accidentally caught such a vile criminal was so Emma. Regina could picture her making the statement at the police station. " He groped me so I put him on his ass and made him stay put until you guys turned up. He's naked because it's funny and he needed to learn a lesson about how to treat a woman."
The bath had made Regina a little light headed. She wasn't sure why but she was sure it would be fine because she was beginning to feel better. Her stomach had calmed and her headache just a dull throbbing. Her body, however, ached all over. The bath was relieving that some but she still felt weak. She just decided to sit there a while.
Henry woke a little after Regina did. He still felt rough but he wanted water. He got out of bed slowly and made his way carefully downstairs. He walked like a zombie to the kitchen. He grabbed a chair so he could reach the glasses off the top shelf. Usually, his mom would get them down from him. But this trick worked when he had been home alone and wanted to make a secret Milkshake. Today the chair felt wobbly or was he wobbly. His legs shook and he slowly went on his tiptoes to reach his Favourite glass with a picture of Hogwarts logo on the side. His mom used to read them to him before he realised who she was. He never did get to read the last book. With everything going on he never remembered to ask Regina about it. Maybe he could find it and read it to her. Then they could get around to watching the films. Regina always made a point of making him read the books before he watched the film. He spent a month constantly reading lord of the rings so he could finally watch the film. That why he enjoyed it when a film came out that wasn't a book first. Star Wars was a particular favourite of his. He and Emma had binge-watched them together one week.
He had almost reached it when Emma started him by entering the room. He let out a small scream and fell backward. Emma ran towards him hoping to catch him narrowly missing him by an inch. He hit the floor with a hard bang, his head making contacted with the floor.
" Shit Henry, Oh crap. Henry?" Emma shouted. She didn't touch him in case he hurt his back. She was panicking more than she ever had before. Why hadn't he just asked her to get the glass? He was too sick to be climbing on chairs. She couldn't worry about that now she needed to get help. She pulled her phone from her pocket and dialled for the ambulance. She tried her best to explain everything. Henry was starting to come too. Emma noticed and quickly but softly put her hand on his chest to make him stay still.
"Don't move Henry you've just fallen and hit your head, it's very important that you don't move," Emma said tears threatening to fall, she kept herself in check for Henry.
" OK Mom," He said in a weak voice, He gasped in pain tear falling from his eyes but he stayed still. Emma still couldn't believe he could be so brave.
"I've called an ambulance their on there way. I need to leave you for two seconds. Regina needs to know whats going on." Emma said she stroked his hair lightly and kissed his forehead. She stood up and quickly climbed the stairs to Regina's room. She knocked on the door no reply. She could smell lavender and honey. It lingered in the air. There was usually a light hint of it when Regina was around but this was strong. Regina had clearly decided to have a wash. She knocked on the bathroom door. No answer. She tried again. Nothing.
"Oh great this is going to be awkward," Emma said realizing her only option. She tried the door nob. Of course, it was locked. There was only one thing for it. She took a run up an barged into the door. Luckily enough it swung open not breaking anything just pulling the lock of the door frame. Regina had fallen asleep in the bath. The bath was covered in bubbled and was still steaming a little. She knew this meant that it hadn't been long since Regina had gotten in. She walked over to her slowly and grabbed her shoulders. With a start, Regina woke up.
"Blaa" She jumped." Ow, what are you doing in here, get out." Regina said trying to make sure that she was covered.
"Oh get over it were both women." Emma said, " It's not like I haven't had to deal with worse situations." Regina looked a little angry.
"Well, I would rather you not break into my bathroom whilst I'm in the bath," Regina said fuming but not really having the energy to fight.
"That doesn't matter Henry just fell off a chair downstairs and knocked himself unconscious. He's awake now but I told him not to move the medics are on their way but I can' go without you. I'm crap at hospitals and kids" Emma said sadly. She passed Regina a towel quickly. Regina tried her best to stand up but couldn't gather the strength to stand up. Emma could see that she was struggling.
"Do you need help?" Emma asked not knowing what to do because it was Regina. Anyone else maybe but it seemed like crossing a line and she wasn't sure what would happen. Regina didn't answer she just continued to struggle. Realising it was useless she gave a weak nod. Emma walked cautiously over to her.
"OK, I'm going to grab under your arms and pull you out. you need to help as much as you can." Emma said. She pulled her sleeves up on her shirt and stood behind Regina. She hooked her arms underneath the brunettes. She began to pull her up. Regina used all of her strength to lift her legs ungracefully out of the bath at this point Emma had closed her eyes not wanting to make her friend feel awkward. Regina was struggling to get out because Emma couldn't see what was going on. There was only one thing for it.
"Ok, swan you can open your eyes but not a word at least until I'm dressed," Regina said her voice a little shaky. Emma did as she was told. She was able to help Regina into a towel and put her on the toilet seat for a breather.
"Can you dress your fine self?" Emma said winking at her. Regina frowned and threw a roll of tissue at her.
"Out now Swan!" Regina said, she couldn't help but giggle a little at Emma, who tipped a little diving out of the way of the toilet roll.
"So rude," Emma said. Leaving the room and shutting the door behind her. She quickly went back downstairs to Henry. She lay a blanket over him and kept him calm. She heard the sirens a few minutes before the knock at the door. She was already there to answer it. "He's in the kitchen, I made sure he didn't move. His mom will be down in a second." She informed them. They went to look after him. Emma tried to follow but was stopped by a police officer who started to talk to Emma.
" Stay here Madam, Who are you then, and what happened?" asked a young scruffy looking man with an untrimmed beard and tired voice was gruff, unwavering and professional.
"I'm his mom, I was looking after him whilst his other mom was getting better. She caught the flu and he must have gotten it from her" Emma said not thinking about how that might confuse them so used to people getting it by now.
"Ok, so you don't live together?" He said perplexed by her words.
"Oh, no we're not together he lives mostly with his other adopted mom. I'm the birth mother." She said realizing her mistake. At this point, Regina appeared at the top of the steps. She looked tired and a little wobbly.
"Stay there Regina, I'll help you down the stairs," Emma said concerned she ran up the steps.
" I can do it my self-thank you" Regina insisted. Emma still put her arm around Regina's shoulders and helped her to descend the stairs slowly. Regina realized half way down she might have needed help her legs were feeling heavy already. They finally reach the bottom where the officer was still waiting. Somehow even though she was sick Regina managed to look put together. She makes up flawless her Shirt was not even a little creased and her jeans looked brand new and well fitting. Emma didn't know Regina had clothes like those. Perhaps its what she wears when she's at home if her everyday outfits where anything to go by.
She had decided to go for a more casual foot where of white converse. She looked more normal and less evil queen in these clothes. Emma couldn't help realize how nice it was to see Regina let go a little, it suited her.
Henry was being carried through the hallway on a stretcher. He looked a little panicked and reached out for Regina as the walked past. Regina walked by his side all the way to the Ambulance and sat next to him the whole time whispering to him and stroking his hair lightly because it calmed him. Emma went in her bug and drove behind them. Only one other person could go in the van and Emma didn't want Regina to drive plus she Knew how to soothe Henry when he was in pain. Like she had said before "I've changed every diaper, soothed every fever, endured every tantrum." Regina was entailed to go with him in the Ambulance.
They arrived at the ambulance where Henry was rushed in. Regina was helped out of the van by another medic. Emma ran over to her.
"What happened, what did they say?" Emma asked. She helped Regina walk into the Hospital. The other paramedic rushed off to help. It was slow going but they made it to the right waiting room after Getting lost a few times. Regina was tired now and heavy fell into a sofa, there wasn't many people sat in the room so they had three seats to themselves. Regina decided they were all hers and lay down. Emma was tired also but knew she had to stay awake. She went to fetch some coffee, snacks and a few pills for Regina to take. Thankfully Regina had brought tissues and throat sweets. She still had a huge coughing fit and her face had gone red with embarrassment. Everyone made sure to stay clear of her even Doctors keeping them updated. Emma didn't care though her immune system was strong. A cold wasn't anything she couldn't handle. After a while, Regina fell asleep. Her head was on Emma's lap which meant that Emma couldn't move much. She didn't mind though she kind of like it. In a weird way, it was nice. Regina wiggled a little and a hand came to rest on her head. Emma rolled up her jumper for Regina to use as a pillow and also spread the blanket Henry had been using before the doctors gave it to Emma before they took him into a room.
Regina was asleep for a while. Like when Henry did the same thing she started to play with her hair not realizing what she was going as she looked at the people around her. Regina groaned and moved a little before sighing. Emma couldn't see the evil queen anymore. Just her sick friend who even though was spewing her gut up before now looked peaceful and kind of beautiful. This shocked Emma, She had never thought of Regina as beautiful before. not in this was anyway. She, of course, noticed if she was wearing something particularly flattering, often making the odd remark to make Regina uncomfortable. She didn't know why but she all of a sudden noticed Regina, She saw the woman who had fought for her happy ending. She might have gone a bit of the rail's at some point but she built herself back up stronger than ever. It was strange to witness such a transformation. Year by herself alone with her son had softened Regina a little and years of trying to fight alongside them for her own happiness had made her break a little of her reserve. However this new thing between them, it was new for Regina and Emma's friendship. She was starting to trust Emma. She was letting someone else look after her for once and not fighting it that hard.
A few hours passed and Emma had to fallen asleep waiting for the Doctors report. They woke up around seven. Emma was the first to wake, A old man had been wheeled in and he was making quite a bit of noise. She couldn't understand any of it but it was loud enough to wake Regina also who was confused as to how she had been asleep for so long. Emma's hand was still resting on her head. It felt strangely pleasant so she didn't mention it, they just stayed like that for a while. Emma started to play with Regina's hair once more. A little started by this not expecting this kind of intimacy with Emma. She sat up.
"Sorry habit," Emma said her cheeks blushing a little.
"It's fine I'm just not great at that kind of stuff you know. Touching." Regina admitted. It was true she never was one to hug someone. Until Henry came along Daniel had been the last person she had shown real affection too. Regina noticed the look on Emma's face it was sad and a little guilty.
"This is my fault you know, if I just stayed up after the doctor came over he would have asked me. I fell asleep longer than I wanted. I messed up again, I'm sorry Regina. I'm kind of useless at this stuff." Emma said her voice a little choked up. Clearly, she was blaming herself for Henry being though a few years ago Regina may have Agreed with her. She knew Emma better than that and knew that it couldn't have been helped. She lay her hand on top of Emma's.
" It's ok Dear, I know you were tired no one can blame you for sleeping. Henry is a young boy he's bound to end up here a few times. I just want to know whats going on" Regina admitted stroking small circles on the back of Emma's hand with her thumb. In one sudden movement, Emma flicked her wrist so they were holding hands.
"Thank you, Regina, I guess you are right, I just hope Henry is OK, the Poorboy spent his morning being sick and now he's here," Emma said. She liked the comfort of Regina's hand in hers. I felt like it was keeping her grounded. If it wasn't for Regina she would be really panicking by now and would probably be kicked out the hospital. It was Regina's presence next to her keeping her calm. She knew when it came to Henry's well being Regina was on top of it.
At eight 0' clock that night a middle-aged man with short neat grey hair came up to them.
" Hello, Miss Swan and Miss Mills. Your son is looking a lot better. He broke his Arm and did minor damage to his spine and ribs. He will have trouble for a couple of weeks getting about. When he hit the floor his head got quite a hit. It's not Bad but you should know that it could turn quickly in these situations. We have him stable at the moment. We have reset the bones and made sure he is will be keeping him under observation until he's given the all clear. If you like you can go see him he's just woken up." Th kind doctor said. He kept glancing at them like something about them confused him. He shook his head and signalled them to follow him to Henry's room. Regina was the first to rush in. imminently sitting next to him on the bed. She grabbed the hand that didn't have a tube in it.
"Oh love, look at you, from now on until you are tall enough, you have to get me and Emma to help you with the top shelf." She said tears running down her face from seeing Henry so banged up and vulnerable. Emma was having a hard time holding it in. She closed the door as she entered the room to give them privacy. She walked up to where Regina was sat and lay a hand on her shoulder. and rubbed small circles to try and soothe her. It worked slightly. Regina looked up at her. Her eyes red and puffy tears staining her cheeks. Without thinking about it Emma wiped Regina's cheek with her thumb. They stared into each other's eyes.
"Mom's?" Henry said breaking the silence. the quickly look away from each other as though being caught doing something the shouldn't have been doing. the both looked at Henry. "Everything OK?" He asked a little scared not really sure what was happening to him. Regina smiled sweetly at him. She placed a hand on his and brushed his hair back with her other hand.
"Henry you broke your arm and did some damage to your back and head. You have to stay here until they say you can go, don't worry honey we will be here for you." She cupped his face with her hand. She had sat with him in the van and comforted him but she felt like she had needed Emma there with her to help her stay calm. It had been hell she had almost burst into tears a few times. She still felt dizzy and it was starting to get worse. She could feel a headache coming. He face went pale. Emma knew what was going to happen and brought her a bowl from beside Henry's bed, Mean for him and his concussion but his mom seemed to need it more.
"You lie down next to Henry, I'm going to go find someone and ask a few questions," Emma said and walked out the room. Regina wiggled her way next to Henry who was happy to be cuddled softly by his mum. She didn't press hard in case it hurt him.
"Mom, what happened to you and Emma you seem different with each other? You don't usually like people touching you without permission. You didn't even flinch when Emma put her hand on your shoulder." Henry said having obviously noticed His mother's weird moment.
"I'm not sure honey, It's probably nothing just us worrying about you and keeping each other strong I guess," Regina said not entirely sure what to say to her son who stared at her with Emma's eyes. He nodded understanding a little. Emma arrived a moment later with a nurse by her side. Emma let the woman into the room and entered behind her.
"Miss Mill's, Miss swan tells me you have the flu, Usually we don't let people visit who have a virus but considering Henry is already in the decontamination rooms because of his sickness bug. It's should be OK. Now I have another nurse rolling a bed to put next to Henry's so you can stay with him. I'm sorry Miss Swan we can not do the same for you because your not ill but you are welcome to stay on the small sofa or even share if you'd like with Henry and Miss Mill's. Emma nodded.
"OK I'm going to do a check up on both of you OK, First Henry then You Miss Mill's," The nurse said to Henry and Regina who went through her routine and fifteen minute later was down with them both.
"OK so you both have the flu, Regina yours is a little worse than Henry's because for some reason your body seems to be fighting it off slower than usual. Henry's should be gone in a few days. Regina, I think you should take it easy and see a doctor if anything else occurs, for now, whilst you are here I'll give you some tablets to settle the symptoms." She handed them to Regina. "Take two every four hours. Keep hydrated and stay away from anything that might make you tired." She advised. She left the room to continue the rounds that Emma had interrupted.
"I took a while to find someone but that woman was the only one willing to help even though she looked like she was doing work, the other nurses were lolling about in their uniforms not doing anything but telling me they are too busy," Emma said looking a little peeved. "You think if you trained that long to be a nurse you'd want the job right, nope I don't think so lazy bitches... Oh sorry, Henry, mind my language" She said Regina was giving her the look. " It's true though, they were crap. ten different nurses all just standing there the only walking past with looking busy it the one who helps me, come on you'd swear too." Emma said.
"Maybe yes but not in front of my son," Regina said a little appealed at the blonds language.
" our son?" Emma corrected.
"He can be our son if you don't swear in front of him until he is old enough to drink alcohol," Regina said standing ground not entirely serious but managing to keep her face straight to answer Emma.
"Sure sure, that a deal" Emma swore to Regina. She plonked her self at the foot of the bed. Later on, a Lanky male nurse drove an extra bed in for Regina the put it as close to Henry's as they could. She didn't need any machines to help her so Emma felt more comfortable sitting next to her. She was terrified of pulling one of Henry's tubes out by accident and hurting him. Henry fell asleep after Emma had read Robin Hood to him. She knew that even though Regina was pretending not to pay attention she was. The brunette couldn't help but admire the connection Emma had with Henry. They had so much fun together. Emma was the first person Henry mentioned when he got a new toy. She was the fun mom. Regina was stuck being the boring mom. This put a frown on her face. After Henry dossed off Emma confronted Regina about why she looked so sad.
"He will never love me as much as he loves you. You have fun with him and make him laugh, I kill his fun and tell him what to do. He will never love me the same as he loves you. I think I need to come to terms with that fact" Regina said tears pricking at her eyes.
"Are you crazy Regina, you're his mother, you clean his wounds, and looked him when he couldn't himself. Stay awake for hours at a time to feed him or make sure he was ok. You're his mom Regina I'm just a lucky he had you because I'm not sure where he would be now if you didn't. I grew up in a world where rules were meant to be broken. Everyone around me was making me realise life shouldn't be taken seriously otherwise you will break down and to put yourself back together is the hardest job" Emma admitted.
She was always feeling guilty for not being there for Regina and Henry. She knew she couldn't look after him, But why hadn't she wanted to know him. Perhaps it was guilt or maybe at the time she fell worthless like she didn't deserve him. she felt like that a few time since she arrived at Storybrooke. Watching Regina care for her son had taught her a lot. She thanked Regina for needed to soon.
