A/N: Takes place immediately after their last scene of 4x02.

Resting her forehead against Emily's, she can't help but smile. She knows she shouldn't, because her girlfriend is upset and in pain and scared, but she can't stop. Emily wants a life with her. She wants them to have a safe and happy future. A future for them together.

And she knows it should make her sad that Emily has to be worried about it, but the only thing she can think about is that Emily wants this. Emily wants her.

She runs her hand up and down Emily's arm, trying to comfort her, pressing a soft kiss on her cheek. "Please, don't lie to me again. Especially when you're in pain." Emily nods against her, tangling their hands together. "I get that you want to protect me, I do, but not telling me when you're hurt- It just leads to more trouble and more pain." Again, Emily nods, releasing a shaky sigh. "I know."

Leaning back slightly, she watches Emily. Her eyes are still tear-filled and she looks tired. Carefully, she crawls onto the bed to sit next to Emily, trying not to move too much, hoping not to cause Emily any more pain.

When she's finally settled against the head board, Emily's hand still in hers, she scoots down slightly, leaning back into the pillows and Emily shifts to rest her head on her chest, cautiously draping her right arm over her stomach, letting out a short, small wince.

"Is this okay?" She feels Emily move her head slightly and softly touches her back, trailing her fingers along the spine. "Yeah, it is." Emily sighs and spreads her fingers over Paige's ribs, moving her head slightly to kiss her chin. "I'm sorry for messing up," she hears Emily mumble and shushes her with a gentle kiss on the side of her head.

"It's okay," she says, drawing a circles on Emily's back, and they fall silent. Her hand keeps moving and she smiles at the ceiling.

Emily wants a future, a life with her. Emily wants her. Emily wants her and honestly, for her that is more than enough to make things work. "We're okay." It's barely a whisper that she doesn't get a response to, Emily breathing deeply and slowly on top of her.

She keeps tracing shapes and forms into Emily's back, burying her nose in soft hair, careful not to hurt Emily, and in her mind it all plays out. She sees them at college, pushing their beds together to sleep in each other's arms, she sees them moving into an apartment together, she sees them kissing and laughing and hugging. She sees them happy.

Her heart flutters, speeding up and she closes her eyes, inhaling deeply. "I love you so much," she breathes out, kissing Emily's hair lightly.

Steps come from the hallway, and she opens her eyes just as Emily's mom looks through the door. "Hi, Paige." Mrs. Fields' voice is quiet, calm, and she gives her a friendly smile. "Hello, Mrs. Fields," she whispers back and suddenly she is aware of everything she is touching and everything Emily is touching. Clearing her throat, she shifts a bit, trying to sit up without waking Emily. "I was comforting her and she fell asleep. Is- is this alright?"

Emily's mom laughs silently and nods. "Yes, it's alright. She needs sleep. And she needs you." Swallowing, she looks at Mrs. Fields. "I know. I'm here." She gets a nod and another smile before Mrs. Fields lets her eyes rest on her daughter's face for a moment. "Tell me when you leave, okay?"

She wants to ask if she can stay the night, but she already knows she can't because her parents are waiting for her. So, instead, she nods and tugs Emily closer to her just a bit, avoiding the bruise. Mrs. Fields leaves them alone again and she exhales, kissing Emily's head and drawing a heart on Emily's back.

She stays for another hour, thinking about the future, their future, and she knows she should be scared, but really, the only thing she is, is happy.