A/N: Major apologies for how long it has taken to update: I got a second job, so ALL free time I have goes towards sleeping lol! Please don't hate me! But~ here's another chapter, friends. Thank you for your lovely comments and all the faves/follows- I feel so special! Feel free to leave me a comment if you've got anything to say. I do not own Once Upon a Time, or any character likenesses, but I do own this story, and I hope you enjoy it! [Also, please tell me how you like the whole Regina narration thing; I'm not so sure I did it well, but I sure tried!] ALSO: I realize this chapter is a wee bit short, but I'm working on a better, longer chapter, that should *hopefully* be updated this weekend! 3~

XX

Emma stared, bright eyed, at the brunette before her, her heart swelling in her chest and the hint of tears lingering beneath her eye lids. Regina had stayed with her the entire time, had kept her promise to protect her, and that meant more to Emma than anything ever had. She reached out, grasping her former teacher's hand, shuddering from the warmth the slight contact sent throughout her body. She felt much stronger, already, and made a move to get out of bed, when a strong hand pushed against her shoulder.

"Miss Swan, what is it exactly that you think you're doing?" Regina frowned down at the blonde, who still held her hand.

"I'm going home, Miss Mills, what are you doing?" The smartass response was typical Emma fashion, and Regina rolled her eyes in response. Always so stubborn, Emma would not be deterred, but thankfully, her parents arrived just then, doctor in tow, and Regina quickly let go of the blonde's hand, lest the simple action be noticed. Regina took that moment to move to the back of the small hospital room, pulling out her cellphone and calling the local diner to inform Ruby that Emma was awake. The young waitress started screaming in the phone, and Regina could not help the tired smile that formed instantly on her lips at the girl's obvious happiness. Ruby assured Regina she would inform all of the rest of their friends about the girl having woken up, and satisfied, Regina made her way back to the small group.

"...didn't break any bones, which is surprising, and you seemed to have made a full recovery. You simply had a concussion and multiple lacerations, which all seem to be healing just fine, as well as the bruises.."

Doctor Whale continued his monotonous speech of what exactly had happened to Emma, but she honestly did not care in that moment. She was too busy looking at the calendar on the wall; she'd been asleep for three days. She still could not fathom that Regina Mills would stay by her side in the uncomfortable room for three entire days, and wait, what had happened to Sidney?

Emma thanked Doctor Whale for her imminent discharge before turning towards her father and giving him a dark look. "Dad, what happened to Mister Glass?"

The temperature in the room dropped dramatically, and all three adults shared a knowing look before turning back towards Emma. Mary Margaret attempted speaking, but she didn't seem to know the correct words to say; nor did David, who merely looked at his wife apologetically. Regina spoke up, sensing Emma's anxiety and wishing to calm it.

"Your father saved our lives, Emma, as did your actions in sending him an immediate text upon sensing danger. Sidney is gone. He will no longer torment me."

This seemed to be the answer that Emma was looking for, and she sighed, leaning back into her pillows. Doctor Whale returned with papers releasing Emma, as well as prescriptions, and the foursome exited the building. As if on cue, Mary Margaret received a call from a very harassed teacher who had agreed to take over her class for a short while, so she apologetically ran off to rescue the woman who seemed quite angry.

"Well, looks like it's just the three of u-" David's phone rang, and the color drained from his face as he scowled, before responding to the mystery caller in the affirmative and hanging up briskly. "Two of you, I suppose. Regina, will you take Emma home? There's been an accident that I need to attend to."

Regina, of course, nodded in affirmation, leading Emma to her car as quickly as she could. She had left out a large portion of her story of staying by Emma's side- namely, the parts where Emma would groan and call out Regina's name in fear- but she deemed it for the best, and hoped that should Emma ever remember her recovery time in the hospital that she would forgive her for not being completely honest. Emma seemed completely unfazed by the turn of events, but Regina knew that there was still some deep seated fear in her mind that Sidney Glass would once more come back to haunt them. Regina absentmindedly helped the blonde into the car before maneuvering to the driver's side and climbing swiftly in.

XX

The ride from the hospital was more or less uneventful; both women seemed at ease with one another while simultaneously jumpy from the trauma they had endured together. Regina kept glancing over at Emma to ensure she was still there, and unbeknownst to her, Emma repeated the action on more than one occasion. Entirely too soon for either woman's taste, they arrived at the small two bedroom apartment that Emma shared with her foster parents. Regina quickly moved to let the girl out, seemingly afraid of a sense of frailty that she had never before seen from the blonde. Emma smiled thankfully, taking the older woman's hand to raise herself up out of the black luxury vehicle. The touch shocked both women, and they quickly withdrew, once more unsure of how to feel when everything seemed so right together. Regina walked Emma quickly to her door and gave her a quick hug before turning around to leave. She had nearly made it to the car when a soft voice rang through the air, causing her to stop and slowly turn around.

"Miss Mills?"

Regina looked into emerald eyes, positive that whatever Emma had to say next would change everything, whatever everything was.

"I'd like to go to that conference with you, if you don't mind."

Regina simply stared, her heart skipping a beat at the thought of being alone in a hotel room with Emma.

Relax, Regina, she's your student. She's a minor. She's your student. She's a minor.

The mental chant once more began in Regina's head, and she opened her mouth to inform Emma exactly why that would be a bad idea.

"That is a wonderful idea, Miss Swan, but one that will require your parents' permission."

Regina mentally strangled herself; that was definitely not what she had intended to say. However, the beaming smile that Emma gave her in return made her change of heart completely worth it, and she left the girl walking in, preparing herself mentally for a long week ahead.