Work Text:
Dr. Regina Mills adjusted her suit jacket as she walked down the hospital corridor, her mind buzzing with the day's challenges. As she rounded the corner, she nearly collided with Nurse Emma Swan, who was briskly making her way to the nurse's station.
"Watch it, Mills," Emma snapped, her green eyes flashing with irritation. "Some of us are actually trying to get work done here."
"Funny, I thought nurses were supposed to help doctors, not obstruct them," Regina retorted, her brown eyes narrowing. The scar on her lip twitched as she spoke, a faint reminder of a past she rarely discussed.
Emma huffed, crossing her arms over her red jacket. "Maybe if some doctors appreciated the nurses' work, there wouldn't be so much obstruction."
One particular day, they had an interesting case that stumped the rest of the doctors and nurses and Dr. Mills and Nurse Swan were called in to as they were the best in the hospital to treat the patient with a rare condition. Dr. Mills stood by the patient's bed, reviewing the chart with a critical eye. The patient, a middle-aged woman, had recently developed Foreign Accent Syndrome after a mild stroke. Regina tapped her pen against the clipboard, deep in thought.
"We should focus on neurological rehabilitation and speech therapy," Regina stated firmly, looking up to find Nurse Swan standing across from her. "This isn't just about her newfound British accent when she’s never even lived there; it's about ensuring there's no underlying damage we missed."
Emma crossed her arms, her green eyes narrowing. "I disagree. I think we should start with psychological support. The accent change can be traumatic, and addressing her mental state is just as important as the physical rehab."
Regina's brown eyes flashed with irritation. "While psychological support is important, it's secondary. The primary concern is her neurological health. We need to address the root cause first."
Emma rolled her eyes. "Typical doctor response. Always focusing on the physical and ignoring the emotional. She's scared and confused. A little empathy wouldn't kill you, Dr. Mills."
"Empathy?" Regina snapped, the scar on her lip twitching slightly. "Empathy doesn't heal brain damage, Nurse Swan. Medical treatment does."
Emma took a step closer, her voice low but intense. "You might want to try listening to the people who spend the most time with the patients. You know, the nurses. We actually talk to them, get to know them."
Regina's jaw tightened. "I do listen, but I also rely on evidence-based medicine. Personal anecdotes don't replace clinical data."
Emma scoffed. "You're so stuck on your precious data that you can't see the person right in front of you. She's not just a case number, Regina."
Regina's eyes narrowed. "And you're so caught up in your touchy-feely approach that you forget we're here to treat illnesses, not just hold hands."
They stood there, glaring at each other, the tension thick in the air. Finally, Emma broke the silence.
"Look, we both want what's best for the patient," she said, her voice slightly softer but still edged with frustration. "Can't we find a middle ground?"
Regina sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Fine. We'll do both. Neurological rehab and psychological support. But we prioritize the medical treatment first."
Emma nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Agreed. But don't forget, a little empathy goes a long way."
Regina rolled her eyes, though a hint of a smile played on her lips. "I'll keep that in mind, Nurse Swan. Now, let's get to work."
"Gladly, Dr. Mills," Emma replied, turning to the patient with a reassuring smile. "Let's show them what a great team we can be."
As they moved forward, the biting tension between them slowly began to thaw, though neither of them would admit it just yet. Their disagreements were just the beginning of complex relationship.
Weeks passed, filled with sharp exchanges and cold glances. But gradually, they began to notice each other's dedication and skill. Regina saw how Emma tirelessly cared for patients, while Emma noted Regina's unwavering commitment to her work, despite her often aloof demeanor.
One evening, a code blue was called for Mr. Jenkins, a long-term patient both women had grown fond of. They worked side by side, desperately trying to save him, but ultimately, he slipped away.
Later that night, Regina found Emma sitting alone in the break room, her red jacket draped over the back of a chair. She approached cautiously, feeling an unfamiliar ache in her chest.
"I'm sorry about Mr. Jenkins," Regina said softly, her voice breaking the silence. "He was one of the good ones."
Emma looked up, her eyes red from crying. "Yeah, he was," she replied, her voice trembling. "I just... I just wish we could've done more."
Regina sat down beside her, unsure of what to say. For the first time, she saw Emma not as a rival, but as someone who cared deeply for her patients, just as she did.
"I know it's hard," Regina began, hesitating. "But we did everything we could. Sometimes, it's just not enough."
Emma nodded, wiping away a tear. "You're right. It's just... he felt like family."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their grief hanging heavy in the air. Then, Regina reached out, placing a hand on Emma's arm.
"Thank you for being there," Regina said quietly. "I couldn't have asked for a better partner at work in that moment."
Emma looked at her, surprised. "You're welcome, Regina. And thank you for being there too."
Their eyes met, and for the first time, there was no hostility, no barrier between them. Just understanding and a shared sense of loss.
As the weeks went by, their relationship continued to evolve. They found themselves seeking each other out, sharing moments of laughter and frustration. Regina discovered she enjoyed Emma's quick wit and infectious smile, while Emma appreciated Regina's strength and quiet vulnerability.
One evening, after a particularly grueling shift, they found themselves alone in the parking lot. Emma, dressed in her usual skin-tight jeans and red jacket, leaned against her yellow bug, watching Regina approach her own Mercedes conveniently parked next to hers.
"You know," Emma said with a grin, "for someone who wears suits all the time, you sure know how to get your hands dirty."
Regina chuckled, her brown eyes sparkling. "And for someone who dresses like they're always ready for a night out, you sure know how to save lives."
They laughed, the tension between them melting away. Regina hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer.
"Emma," she began, her voice soft. "I've never... I've never felt this way before. About anyone. Let alone a woman."
Emma's smile was gentle, her green eyes filled with understanding. "It's okay, Regina. We don't have to label anything. Let's just see where this goes."
Regina nodded, her heart pounding. She took another step closer, her breath catching as their faces drew near.
"I've been wanting to do this for a while," Regina admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Then what are you waiting for?" Emma replied, her voice teasing but her eyes sincere.
Regina leaned in, her lips meeting Emma's in a tender kiss. Sparks flew between them, a connection that felt both new and inevitable. When they finally pulled away, Regina looked into Emma's eyes, her uncertainty replaced by a newfound sense of clarity.
"Wow," Regina said, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "That was... something."
Emma grinned, her heart swelling with affection. "Yeah, it was. And there's plenty more where that came from."
As they stood there, the night air cool around them, Regina realized that she didn't have to be afraid of this new feeling. With Emma by her side, she was ready to embrace whatever came next.
—-
Regina and Emma lay intertwined on the plush rug in front of the roaring fireplace, the heat of the flames mingling with the warmth of their bodies. The remnants of their passionate night were evident in their disheveled hair and contented smiles.
"You know," Emma said, tracing a finger along Regina's scar, "I've always wondered about this. What's the story behind it?"
Regina sighed, her expression growing serious. "It's not a happy story, I'm afraid. I got this from an abusive ex-husband. My mother forced me to marry him before I went to college and medical school. He was... not a good man."
Emma's eyes softened, her hand gently cupping Regina's cheek. "I'm so sorry, Regina. No one should have to go through that."
Regina nodded, her brown eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "It's okay. It made me stronger, in a way. And it taught me what I don't want in a relationship."
"Like what?" Emma asked, her tone teasing yet genuinely curious.
Regina chuckled, running a hand through Emma's blonde hair. "For one, someone who doesn't appreciate my suits."
Emma laughed, her green eyes sparkling. "Well, I have to admit, you do look pretty dashing in them. But I think I prefer you like this." She gestured to their current state, clothes discarded, wrapped in a cozy blanket.
"You know, I never imagined my night would end up like this," Regina mused, a playful glint in her eyes. "Passionate night in front of a fireplace with a beautiful woman."
Emma grinned, nudging her playfully. "Isn't that how all good nights should end?"
They laughed together, the sound echoing softly in the large room. Regina sighed contentedly, pulling Emma closer.
"What about you?" Regina asked softly. "Tell me something about your past."
Emma's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, I was a foster child. Never got adopted. I aged out of the system and decided that if no one was going to save me, I would save others. That's why I became a nurse."
Regina's eyes widened with admiration. "That's incredible, Emma. You've turned a tough start into something so meaningful."
Emma shrugged, though she looked pleased. "I just wanted to make a difference. And I have to say, meeting you has been... quite a surprise. A good one."
Regina smiled, her eyes softening. "I'm glad we collided in that hallway, even if we were at each other's throats at first."
"Me too," Emma replied, her smile turning mischievous. "Besides, it's not every day you get to tame a dragon lady."
Regina laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "Dragon lady, huh? I'll take it as a compliment."
"It is," Emma assured her, leaning in for a kiss. "And for what it's worth, you have definitely tamed this wild nurse."
They kissed again, the connection between them deepening with every shared moment. As they lay together, the past no longer seemed as daunting, and the future felt bright and full of promise.
"You know," Regina said, breaking the comfortable silence, "I think this could be the start of something amazing."
Emma smiled, her heart swelling with affection. "I think so too, Dr. Mills. I think so too."
—-
Regina and Emma sat side by side in the office of Dr. Roberts, the hospital's Chief of Staff. The room was lined with bookshelves and framed medical degrees, a testament to Dr. Roberts' long and illustrious career. He sat behind his mahogany desk, eyebrows raised in surprise.
"So, let me get this straight," Dr. Roberts said, glancing between Regina and Emma. "You two are... together?"
Regina cleared her throat, her usual confident demeanor slightly shaken. "Yes, Dr. Roberts. Emma and I are in a relationship."
Dr. Roberts leaned back in his chair, clearly processing the information. "Well, I must say, this is unexpected. Not because you're both women—that's your business—but because, Dr. Mills, you always seemed so... aloof. Frankly, I didn't think anyone would date you."
Emma stifled a laugh, earning a quick glare from Regina. "No funny business at work," Regina murmured under her breath.
"Indeed," Dr. Roberts continued, missing the exchange. "Hospital policy is quite clear. Relationships between staff members are allowed, but professionalism must be maintained at all times. If there's even a hint of inappropriate behavior on the job, you'll be transferred to different departments. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear," Regina said firmly, her brown eyes meeting Dr. Roberts' gaze with unwavering seriousness.
"Understood," Emma added, her tone more subdued as she took in the gravity of the situation.
"Good," Dr. Roberts said, nodding. "I have no doubt you both can handle this with the utmost professionalism. But remember, your careers are at stake. Now, go on, get back to work."
As they left Dr. Roberts' office, the weight of the conversation hung heavily in the air. Regina walked briskly, her jaw set, while Emma followed, her usual carefree demeanor noticeably subdued.
"Regina," Emma began once they were alone in a quiet hallway, "I didn't mean to make light of the situation in there."
Regina stopped, turning to face Emma. "I know you didn't, but this is serious, Emma. Our careers are at stake. We have to be careful."
Emma nodded, her expression earnest. "You're right. I understand now. I'll be more careful, I promise."
Regina sighed, her expression softening. "I just don't want anything to jeopardize what we have, or our work. We're good together, both personally and professionally. Let's make sure it stays that way."
Emma smiled, reaching out to take Regina's hand. "Deal. And for the record, I like serious Regina. But I also like it when you smile."
Regina couldn't help but smile at that, squeezing Emma's hand. "Alright, let's get back to saving lives. No funny business."
"No funny business," Emma echoed with a wink. "At least, not until we're off the clock."
They shared a quiet laugh, the tension easing between them. With a renewed sense of determination, they headed back to their respective duties, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.