That evening, Gen rented a car and took Henry and Mary Margaret to a nearby hotel, leaving Emma alone in the hospital room with Regina.
In the middle of the night, Emma stirs awake in the chair she pulled up to Regina's bedside. Her fingers are laced with Regina's. Emma simply stares at the perfectly still body of her lover, letting tears fall.
"I hope you know I'm here." She turns in the chair and runs her hand up and down Regina's arm. "I love you, and I wish I knew that you could hear me say that. And if you can hear me, just know that I'm not going anywhere. I'll never leave your side. As long as it takes."
She drops her head on the bed and presses Regina's hand to her cheek, staring at the wall. "That meeting was awful, just so you know. I tried calling you after, but obviously that didn't work out. Gen and I had lunch which made me a feel a little better, and I'd really like to know who in the hell this gorgeous, rich, and oddly powerful woman is. Not that I'm jealous or anything. There's just… Alright I'm a little jealous. Like is she more your type than me? I mean, she's certainly got more to offer you than I do."
Emma turns her head to look at Regina, but keeps Regina's hand to her cheek. "I'm being stupid, aren't I? I may have had my doubts for a brief moment like an idiot, but I'm 99% sure you love me so yeah. I should probably say 100%, shouldn't I? Is it bad that I'm feeling self-conscious right now? You're in a damn coma, and I'm having an ego crisis because of some lawyer who has actually done nothing but try to help me and you."
Sitting up, Emma takes Regina's hand in her own and places light kisses over her fingers and knuckles. "You're beautiful, even like this. How is that possible? How are you always so incredible? It's nearly impossible for me to think of a time I haven't been in love with you, and there's not a moment that I wasn't at least enraptured. And you can deny all you want, I remember how you looked at me at the beginning." She chuckles to herself, reflecting on their first years together.
"I miss your eyes. Your gloriously seductive voice, especially when it drops for me. Your warm hands." Emma cups Regina's hand and blows a hot breath on it before setting her cheek in Regina's palm.
Tears fall as Emma clenches her eyes shut. "Please wake up for me," she begs weakly.
"I want to be close to you." Emma crawls into the bed and carefully lays next to Regina, draping Regina's arm over her and locking their fingers. With her head on Regina's shoulder, she kisses Regina's face.
"If you wake up while I'm asleep, I promise not to be crabby when you wake me up." Emma tucks her head into Regina's neck and closes her eyes to sleep.
The next morning, Henry enters the room. As soon as he sees Emma asleep with Regina, he holds out his hand to stop Mary Margaret and Gen. He closes the door behind him and tip toes to the bed.
"Ma," he whispers. He moves to her side of the bed and gently shakes her. "Ma, wake up."
Emma opens her eyes and looks around, confused. She glances down at Regina and her face falls. "Guess she's still asleep." She carefully sits up and climbs out of the bed.
"Morning," Henry says quietly.
"Morning," Emma repeats. She puts a hand on his shoulder and squeezes. "I could really use some coffee."
"Gram's got some in the hallway." He moves to the door and opens it for Mary Margaret and Gen.
Emma smiles and quickly takes the coffee cup, smelling it before steadily sipping. "Thank you." She turns her attention to Gen. "And thank you."
"For?" Gen asks, taking a seat in one of the chairs.
"Everything. You've done a lot more than the typical lawyer, I imagine."
"Attorneys do what is necessary to ensure the success of their clients."
Emma rolls her eyes. "God, you're even kind of humble in a weird formal way."
Mary Margaret looks between Gen and Emma. "Do you know when your meeting is?"
Emma's shoulders slump, having temporarily forgotten about the interview with the social worker.
"Her shift begins at 9," Gen informs them. "From what I understand, she is… enthusiastic to have this sit down."
With a raised eyebrow, Emma directs her attention to Gen. "Enthusiastic? Couldn't come up with a better word than that?"
"Emma, you are the biggest outstanding case at the hospital. Do not expect this woman to be easy on you."
Emma sighs and slams her coffee down on the table. "Good fucking morning."