Summary: AU. Emma never went to jail. Instead, she is assigned to community service, because Neal comes back and takes the blame for the robbery. She has to work in a night shift in a local hospital, and one of their coma patients just doesn't seem to leave her mind. Will she find out more about the woman who doesn't appear to have anyone around for her, but in a way is still the most beautiful woman Emma has ever seen? Swan Queen.

Author's note: Hey you guys. Thanks for sticking with me so far. I decided to try a little AU right now, in order not to get predictable. Feel free to comment, criticize or even just tell me you don't like it at all. I'm very open to any reviews, and since I don't have any beta so far, I really appreciate them all. Also, feel free to suggest a plot and I will try to make into a song – and continue this little project. I do not own OUaT or its characters.

"I don't mind spending everyday

Out on your corner in the pouring rain

Look for the girl with the broken smile

Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

And she will be loved

She will be loved."

(Maroon 5)

It was a pretty simple job, and she wouldn't complain. Water the flowers, change the flowers. Everything in order to make their patients feel more at home - at ease during their stay at the Boston Community Hospital. She'd probably have taken a much more exhaustible task if she wasn't pregnant, but still, she was partner in crime of her ex-boyfriend, and then, she couldn't just walk away without any punishment. That's why she was lucky. The hospital wasn't so bad, and to say the truth, she didn't like to be at the apartment alone all night, especially now Neal was in jail. Not that she'd ever take back that son of a bitch. Nope. She could do this alone. She would do this alone.

It was past midnight when she began her typical route. From room to room, she entered, very quietly, and checked if everything was okay. Not medically, no, but the overall aspect. This particular hospital was famous for being focused on the patient wellbeing along with the medical care. So, instead of nurses rushing around late hours – and therefore waking up people unnecessarily – she would go, check if the blanket is well put, if the window is closed, if the temperature is cozy, if the flowers are okay or needed to be replaced, and also, if the person is indeed sleeping peacefully or in distress of some sort. If that was the case, she would beep the nurse and then they'd take care of it. She liked to think as herself as a night elf, who comes around and make the place more comfortable, but never gets the chance to meet or interact with anyone. She worked in silence, did her job and left. Simple as that.

Before 6a.m., she grabbed a cup of coffee and head home. Not sleeping through the night really helped her to sleep almost immediately when she got home, and that was kind of a blessing. Thinking too much, nowadays, was really harsh giving her current situation.

Pregnant. 18-year-old. Alone. Not that it was ever different. She'd always been alone, since birth. Several foster homes, none really being one. The only time she felt loved she was shattered. Neal was the one to blame, but really, her as well. How could she give her own heart to someone else?

Room 108. That was her dream. Again. She was entering this room, in order to see a beautiful brunette, who seemed to be the most exquisite woman she'd ever seen in her whole life. She has this smooth, soft olive skin, and beautiful wavy dark hair that went all the way to her shoulders. Almost too colored lips for a sick person, and although she looked a bit pale giving her circumstances, she also seemed to glow. Her body seemed to have will of its own and she stood right beside the bed and cupped her chin. Who are you? The woman's lips seemed to curl, just a little around the corner. And then she woke.

It was a pretty calm Wednesday night. Next day would be New Year's Eve, and the hospital was nearly empty, since all those patients that could go home were discharged. That gave Emma the time to sit on the corridor couch while waiting for her shift to end. It was no coincidence that the couch was right in front of room 108. Something about the brunette mesmerized her, and she couldn't quite place it. Nonetheless, here she was, standing. Staring through the window glass, the window used to monitor a patient that is in a coma for nearly three months. No one knows anything about her, except her name. Regina Mills. The one who was found a couple of streets near the hospital, unconscious. Her tracking lead to a fancy hotel she was staying, but nothing else. She didn't have any records. She didn't go to any school or college. She didn't have anything on her except her name, on her chain. And that's it.

Her baby kicked insider her belly. She didn't want to know if it was a boy or a girl, she wanted the idea of the surprise. So, she finally entered the room – a move that was almost familiar since she did it every other week since she began to work there. "Hi Regina, how you doing today?" Her voice was soft, tentative. "I know I promise to stop by sooner this week, but I didn't have the chance. The nurses were all around with some emergency next room and they'd see me in here." She finally said, sitting by the bed. "I know this is no excuse, but, hey, I'm here now, right?" Her smile faltered. She didn't even begin to understand what was that about this woman who at the same time make her so hurtful yet so hopeful at the same time. It was like a long gone acquaintance that she missed so much and couldn't let go. "Hey, the baby kicked today. I'm due on February, so, I guess it's safe to say I'm almost there, right?" I wish you could be here. But she never dared to spoke that. "Last week I finally get the time to go out and buy a crib. Assembling it will not be easy; the instructions are all kinds of crazy." She chuckled. Taking the older woman's hand, she squeezed for a short second, and then, just held it. "I'm thinking about Henry, if it is a boy. People say it's a bit old fashioned, but I like it. It seems… royal. I want the kid to be as good as he can be, given a mom like me." She grinned. Talking about herself was never easy, even to a complete stranger who probably wasn't even listening. "And if it was a girl, what do you think about Dylan? I know it sounds like a boy's name, but I think I really like it. She'd be tough and no one would play her. Dylan Swan. "It's nice, don't you think?" A little spark of excitement lighted up her face. "I still have 6 weeks of work, over here, you know? But I can come with the baby if you want to meet them." Emma sighed. I don't even know why I'm doing this. Talking to a stranger like she really cares. I mean, if she wakes up tomorrow, she wouldn't even know who I am. But I'm so lonely that I'd take it anyway. How depressing, Emma. She let go of Regina's hand. This was all pointless. Who is she kidding, anyway? She was alone. Regina was not her friend. And nothing would really change that. A tear slipped on her cheeks, but she didn't really bother to dry. She just got up, and went home.

The following weeks, Emma's routine was pretty much the same. Sleeping all morning – and sometimes, afternoon – organizing some baby things, setting up the nursery, and then, heading to the hospital for her night shift. Since things were relatively calm around the hospital, she had the chance to talk to Regina very often. She told her about everything she could think of, her previous life, how Neal had set her up with the watches, how was like to grow up in the system, and even share some thoughts and dreams about the future. It was almost like a therapy session, without the feedback, of course. Somehow, Emma always felt like she could tell anything to the brunette. Of course, it is not like she could be judgmental. However, the blonde simply knew it wasn't because of that. She knew she felt like she'd known Regina for her whole life and being with her, even if in an one-sided manner, made her feel secure and safe.

One day, Emma was more than happy. It was January 27th, and she just got off of her doctor's appointment, to see how the baby was doing. She was thrilled to know that he or she was perfectly healthy, and she even got to bring an image of the baby. She came a little early for her shift, since she was in the hospital anyway, and she was almost bouncing around of joy, and wanting more than anything to share it with someone. A special someone. The blonde got off the elevator on the first floor and went immediately to the brunette's room. When she arrived, though, she was in shock. The room was empty, and someone was cleaning it.

A deep chill ran over her spine and she didn't know how to react. Grabbing the arm of a passing nurse on the hallway, she asked, a little breathless. "Where is she?" The look on her face didn't help, and she was secretly thankful that the nurse was not one of the one's she met before.

"Ma'am, who are you talking about?" The nurse clearly noticed the distress of the young girl, who was so very pregnant. "How can I help you?"

"The brunette that was here on this room, where is she? Don't tell me she-"

"Ma'am, are you a relative? You know we only can give information about a patient if it is-"

"Please" Emma was in the verge to cry. "Please, just tell me if she-" She couldn't even voice the concern of the possible death of the brunette.

The nurse, or course, knew she wouldn't let her go without anything. "She's okay". It was like a balm rushing over Emma's body. How could she be so afraid of losing someone that was not even hers? "She got discharged this afternoon. She wake up in the morning, and since there was no reason for keeping her here, the doctor in charge just ran some tests and let her go. She seemed fine." The nurse tried to reassure her.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for Emma. She needed to know more. "Do you know where she went? I need to find her!" Emma was beginning to show distress all over again.

"Ma'am, you have to calm down. I'm sure she will call you-"

"No, it is not like that, she don't remember me-"

"Ma'am, there's no indication of memory lost, so I'm sure if you just calm down-"

"You don't understand! I have to find her! She doesn't know me, but I do know her and I have to find her before is too late." Emma finished, already running to the elevator hall.

The nurse went after her, worried. "Ma'am, you have to calm down. You can always come after later, now-" Emma stopped. She didn't get why the nurse would care so much, and then, she looked at herself, at her feet, more exactly. "Now, I'll have to ask you to seat down while I can bring you a wheelchair. As you see, you're in labor. Your water just broke."

Eighteen yours later, Emma was holding her beautiful baby boy. Labor was tough, and although she thought she wouldn't make it, she did. The awful part was over, and now she was enamored. Henry was everything she'd ever dreamed him to be, so sweet and with big beautiful grey eyes. The nurse's said that they couldn't guess the color yet; it was too soon to tell. Truly, she couldn't care less. He was healthy. That was all that matters. And for the first time in hours, she could really relax and enjoy herself.

"He's gorgeous, Emma" She heard the brunette say, with a huge smile. "He's just like you." That smile could light up the whole world, and Emma couldn't even respond. She was mesmerized. Regina was more than beautiful awake, and it was the first time she'd seen those shining dark eyes.

And then, she woke up.

The room was rather dark, although it was clearly morning already. The blinds were closed, that's why. She shifted uncomfortable in bed. First thought was about her baby, so she went looking for her tiny bundle beside her bed. It was then that she noticed that someone was in the room, holding the baby. The woman was on her back, and Emma thought it must be a nurse. "Hey" she said, already trying to sit up a bit. "Is he giving you much trouble?"

When the woman turned, Emma was speechless. The brunette who was holding her baby was nobody less than Regina Mills herself. Am I dreaming?

She wasn't. Although, she wasn't sure Regina was real either. How could she? I'm definitely going mad or something. Regina, on the other hand, sensing that she needed to give the blonde some sort of explanation, just said the truth. "I was looking for you. I've been looking for you for a while now, but honestly, I didn't know where to start." She gave Emma a small smile. She was nervous, of course. Emma was still in shock, mouth agape and not so sure how to react to this turn of events.

"He's quite charming, you know. I bet you're very proud." Regina continued, understanding that Emma needed some time to process things. "I'm happy for you, Emma." That's it. The way she said her name, it was so very magical, Emma couldn't resist.

"You… found me?" Emma still couldn't believe none of this was happening.

"Yes, it was not the easiest thing. I only remembered your name and I'm pretty sure you never gave me your address while talking to me. When I woke, I was so confused that I didn't even bother to ask anything to the doctors, I just wanted to get the hell out of here. But then, when my mind started to clear, I could only remember you. Well, not you exactly, because I never had seen you, but your voice. Your laugh. Your name." Regina's eyes were full of expectations. "And then, I finally came back to the hospital. Asked of you. A nurse said that you worked here at nights, so I just sat and wait. But you didn't come last night and I ended up falling asleep on the waiting's room couch." She wouldn't tell Emma how devastated she was after she woke up and found out that the blonde never came. She almost lost hope, but, she decided to try again. Browse around the hospital and ask other people. If Emma really worked there, someone must have known something about her. And she was right. About the third nurse she has asked, she discovered that Emma was in labor, and currently resting on one of the hospital rooms. And there she was.

Emma was overwhelmed. How could she ever begin to imagine that the girl she was kind of obsessed with was now walking and talking and living as she should, but not only just that, but also came back for her? A tear slipped from her eyes towards the path of her cheek and she was smiling, so very happy.

Regina understood the sign as a good one, and approached the bed, still holding the infant. "I hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of holding him. He woke up just before you and he seemed so lonely, that I just-"

"No-" Regina looked at her surprised, and maybe a little hurt.

"No? Look, Emma, I'm sor-" But Emma hold her hand and silenced her.

"No, I don't mind. I'm glad he got to meet you, finally. Even if it is before me." The blonde stroked her thumb to reassure the brunette. "Regina, I don't even know how to start. For months now I've been talking to you, and now, I can't believe you're awake, I don't even know how to begin with." Emma didn't let go of her hand. "I guess I'm just surprised… and happy, of course. Very happy."

"Glad to hear that. I'm happy too. Happy to finally get up and live my life, to get to know the woman of my dreams-" The second after she said that, she realized how did it sound and blushed fiercely. Of course she thought of Emma as the woman of her dreams, but mostly because she was constantly dreaming and her voice was the only thing she remembered. But it sounded so much more on that sentence.

Emma didn't seem to mind, though. Bold courage renew, she just said "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything." Regina answered, heart thumping hard on her chest.

"Kiss me." It was soft, not as a demand, certainly not as an order. It was small, insecure, and for a second Regina understood that Emma was afraid of being rejected, even if acting not to. That made her not think it twice, closing the gap between the two of them, with the baby still secured in her arms. The kiss was very tentative, slow and smooth. But somehow it conveyed all those things they didn't have the time – or guts – to say yet.

When they parted, they're both a little flushed. More of the emotion than the actual action of the kiss. It was just brand new to them, and that kind of connection – especially if with someone you barely know – is a bit overwhelming. Finally, Emma broke the silence. "Stay?"

"There's no place else I'd rather be." And then, they kissed again.