As the night slowly turned into morning, Arizona stayed by Emma's side, never once leaving. She was there when Emma's eyes fluttered open, confusion and panic evident in her gaze. But the moment she saw Arizona, her body relaxed, and she let out a sigh of relief.
"Arizona," she whispered, her voice hoarse. Arizona simply squeezed her hand in response, a silent reassurance that she was there for her.
Arizona's heart seemed to beat in rhythm with Emma's, a silent symphony of relief and reassurance. "Hey," she whispered back, her voice barely above a whisper, "You gave us all quite a scare there."
Emma tried to smile, but her features were still drawn and pale. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her gaze dropping to where Arizona was still holding her hand. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this vulnerable, this exposed. But with Arizona, it didn't seem so terrifying.
Arizona gave her hand another reassuring squeeze, her thumb tracing small circles on the back of Emma's hand. "Don't apologize," she said softly, "You're okay now, that's all that matters."
She kept her gaze on Emma, her vibrant blue eyes filled with warmth and concern. Emma was still visibly shaken, her usually bright eyes clouded with fear. But Arizona could see the determination in her gaze, the will to push through whatever was holding her down.
"Get some rest," Arizona suggested, her voice gentle. Emma nodded, her eyelids already drooping with exhaustion. She closed her eyes, her breathing gradually evening out. Within minutes, she was asleep, her body finally giving in to the exhaustion that had been building up.
Arizona watched her sleep, her heart filled with a mix of relief and concern. She had seen Emma in many situations, but this was different. This was personal, a glimpse into the side of Emma that she didn't let many people see.
As she sat there, watching Emma sleep, she realized just how much she cared for the younger intern. She was in love with Emma, and she was ready to stand by her, through thick and thin. Because for Arizona, Emma was worth fighting for. She was worth every sleepless night, every worried glance, every moment of uncertainty.
With a sigh, Arizona finally let herself relax. She leaned back in the chair, her gaze never leaving Emma. The room was quiet, save for the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor and Emma's slow, steady breathing.
Outside, the hospital was coming alive with the dawn. The corridors were filling up with doctors and nurses, the air buzzing with the energy of a new day. But inside the room, time seemed to stand still. It was just Arizona and Emma, a moment of calm amidst the chaos.
Arizona looked down at their intertwined hands, her thumb still tracing small circles on Emma's skin. She couldn't help but smile, a small, tender smile that was only for Emma. Because no matter what happened, no matter how many walls Emma put up, Arizona would be there, ready to scale them. Because she loved Emma, panic attacks and all.
And as the sun began to rise, painting the room with gentle hues of pink and orange, Arizona knew that they would face the day together, hand in hand. Because they were in this together, through thick and thin. And as long as they had each other, they could face anything.
"Bailey patient he umm... had cystic fibrosis," Emma started
Arizona's soft words hung in the air, a soothing balm against the raw pain in Emma's heart. "And it reminded you of Lily," she stated gently, her eyes softening with empathy. Emma could only nod in response, the lump in her throat preventing her from speaking.
"It's okay, Emma," Arizona reassured her. "You're safe here. You're not alone."
Arizona's gentle squeeze on her hand provided a grounding point, a beacon of comfort amidst the tumultuous storm of emotions. Emma found herself clinging to that touch, drawing strength from the warmth and reassurance it conveyed.
