Dedicated to GlindaLovesShoes, who wanted to see the family bake a cake.

Don't make sense to me at all

People rushing 'round like fools

What kind of race are we all in

Free me from these chains I'm in

It's gonna be a good day

("Good Day," Sean Maguire)

Chapter 10: Pleasant Distractions

"Your feeling must've been about Charming waking up," Robin said, setting a cup of tea in front of me.

I nodded as I watched Emma play with some plastic keys as she sat in her high chair. "I guess so. It's gone after all."

He saw down next to me, sighing before reaching up to play with Emma. "Why do you think he has his memories?"

"My best guess? It might be because he was almost dead when the curse transported him here? The curse might not have registered he needed a memory wipe."

"The curse is sentient?" Robin raised an eyebrow, looking amused.

"Yes. No. I don't know," I sighed, sipping my tea.

He nodded as Emma grabbed onto his finger, playing with that for a bit. "Do you think he'll want Emma?"

"Probably," I replied. "Though I'm not sure what kind of condition he's in. He may not be ready to raise her."

Robin sighed, kissing Emma before looking at me with pained eyes. "Does it make me a bad man if I hope he's not ready to raise her?"

"No," I replied softly, kissing Emma's hand. "I have the same hope. I don't want to give her up. Ever."

"We shouldn't worry now. We don't know what Charming will want," Robin reasoned. "Let's just focus on Emma and our friend."

I nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."

"Now, I think it's time for Emma to go to bed," he said.

Emma not sleepy. Emma stay. "Mama! Papa!" She banged her hand on mine, frowning at me.

"No, Emma. You need to go to bed. Mama and Papa are going to bed as well." I picked her up, holding her close. "How about a story?"

Lullaby.

I handed her to Robin. "Lullabies are Papa's department."

He chuckled, holding her close. "You coming?"

"In a little bit," I replied, picking up our mugs. "I just want to clean up down here first."

"Don't take too long. It's been a long day and you need rest." He kissed my head before I kissed Emma's cheek to wish her goodnight.

I washed our mugs, my mind spinning. Charming was awake and apparently had his memories. How long could they keep that from Zelena? What would she do if she knew? Could we rescue him and bring him here to keep him safe?

Then what would happen with Emma? Would he try to parent her? And how would we react? How would Emma react? She was such a daddy's girl when it came to Robin, I didn't think she'd be happy to have to call someone else "Papa" nor would she understand, given how young she was.

"Regina? Are you okay?" Robin wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

I leaned back against him. "I thought you were going to bed."

He kissed my neck. "Couldn't sleep without you beside me and got nervous when you hadn't come up yet."

"I just got lost in thought. Charming waking up as created so many questions for us and Emma." I turned in his arms, wrapping mine around him.

He rubbed my back. "I know. My mind is full of them as well. But I think we need to sleep on this. Come to bed, lovely, and we'll deal with it in the morning."

"Can we go to Storybrooke?" I asked, looking up at him. "Can we go see Charming ourselves? Tomorrow?"

"I don't think tomorrow, lovely. The weather man was wrong." Robin motioned to the window and I saw snow falling past it.

I groaned and he rubbed my back again. "We'll go as soon as we can. I promise you that."

"Okay," I said. "I just hope the snow keeps Zelena from getting to him as well."

Robin kissed my head and guided me up to bed. We undressed and climbed under the covers, curling around each other. I laid away for several more minutes, my mind still full of Charming and all the change this could bring to our lives.

Roland woke me up the next morning. "Mama, it's snowing out. Does that mean school is closed?" he asked.

"I don't know," I said, pushing the blankets back. "Let's go turn on the TV and see what the news says, okay?"

He nodded, taking my hand as we crept downstairs. There was a chill in the air and I made a note to up the thermostat so it would be warm when the others woke up later.

Roland and I settled on the couch, turning on the news. Scenes of snow covered streets and people trying to dig themselves out filled the screen before the anchor returned. "All local school districts have declared a snow day," he announced.

"Yes!" Roland bounced next to me. "Can I go back to bed now, Mama?"

"I think we both should," I said, glad I could sleep in after the restless night I had. We returned upstairs and I tucked him back in, kissing his forehead. "See you in a few hours."

I checked on Emma and Rachel, both of whom were still sound asleep in their cribs, before climbing back into bed. Robin scooted closer to me, wrapping his arm around my waist. "Snow day?" he mumbled.

"Snow day," I confirmed with a sigh. He rubbed circles against my stomach with his thumb as I drifted back off.

"Ahh, there you are," Zelena said, sitting on her dark throne. She rested a hand against her cheek as she drummed her fingers against the armrest. "I've been waiting for you."

I crossed my arms. "At least I should be grateful I was already asleep this time and I haven't passed out somewhere again."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'm sure you've heard about Charming."

"Yes," I said, deciding not to lie. "Snow called me yesterday."

"Of course she did. I know what you did, asking her to read to Charming. What did you think would happen?"

I shrugged. "Something, I guess. Maybe it would've broken the curse. You want that, right?"

Zelena scowled. "I don't want my stepdaughter and her True Love to be happy! They're supposed to be miserable."

"You can't have your cake and eat it too, Zelena," I told her. "Either we break the curse or everyone stays miserable. Your choice."

"Ugh! This is all because Rumpelstiltskin tricked me!" She slapped the armrest in her frustration. "Everything would've been perfect otherwise."

I sighed. "Did you just call me here to throw a temper tantrum or to talk about Charming?"

"Ahh, yes, Charming." She smirked at me.

"What do you know?" I asked, not wanting to give too much away.

She crossed her arms. "Why should I tell you?"

"Oh please. Not these games again."

"Fine." Zelena stood, stepping down from the throne before sauntering toward me. "I know he supposedly has his memories."

I held my head high. "Okay. Now what?"

She grinned. "Don't get your hopes up. The curse will get him too and his new memories will kick in."

"Are you sure he has new memories? He was practically dead when the curse hit. Maybe it didn't make any for him?"

"He wasn't supposed to die before the curse hit," Zelena countered. "That would've been an added bonus but the curse kept him alive, albeit unconscious. So I'm certain he has cursed memories as well."

My ears pricked up at that. "But you don't know for sure?"

She scowled again. "I wouldn't hold out hope for Charming to remember he's Charming. Got it?"

"So you just called me here to gloat?"

"Pretty much." She grinned before stepping back. "Enjoy your snow day. Ta!"

Before I could get in one parting shot, everything faded to black and I felt the familiar falling motion as the mental connection was broken for now.

I sat up with a gasp. Robin stirred behind me, sitting up as he rubbed my back. "Regina? What's wrong?"

"Zelena," I said. "She decided to have a little chat."

He sighed. "What did she want now?"

I glanced over my shoulder at him. "To taunt me about Charming waking up. She insists he'll have cursed memories like everyone else."

"You don't sound like you believe her though." Robin scooted closer to me, wrapping his arms around me as he rested his chin on my shoulder.

"I don't."

He nuzzled behind my ear. "And why's that?"

"Because it's Zelena," I replied. "She likes playing head games with me."

Robin kissed my neck, easing me back down onto the bed. "Don't let her play them then. We'll get to Storybrooke soon and can take stock of the situation then."

I propped myself up on my elbow, looking him over. "You're really coolheaded about this. What's up?"

"You're too worked up," he replied, running his hand up and down my arm. "So one of us has to stay calm. Right now, it's me."

"True." I flopped back down, covering my eyes with my hand. "Everything is just so…ugh."

He inched closer to me, resting his hand on my stomach. "Would you like a massage?"

I lowered my hand, looking at him. "A massage actually sounds good."

"Tell me where you keep your lavender massage oils and then roll onto your stomach," he ordered.

Taking off my pajama top, I opened my top drawer and handed him the oils. "Not too much. I don't want the smell to be overwhelming."

"Yes, dear," he said. I laid down and hugged my pillow close as I felt him straddle me. "Let me know if I hurt you."

"I will," I replied, closing my eyes. I could smell the lavender and soon his warm hands were working on the knots in my back.

I let out a low moan as my muscles began to relax under his ministrations. "Dear god, when did you learn to do this?"

"I found one of your books and studied it. I take it I'm doing a good job?"

"You're doing a wonderful job. Don't stop."

He chuckled, working through one big knot. "Good gods, milady. You have a lot of tension. I should do this more often."

"You'll get no complaints from me." I moaned again. "This is better than sex."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far," he said, making me laugh.

After a few more minutes passed before I heard Roland's little voice: "Mama? Papa? What are you doing?"

"I'm giving Mama a massage to help her relax. She does the same thing to me every so often," Robin explained. "Do you need something?"

"Breakfast, please? Emma's already magicked herself into her high chair and is banging on her tray."

Robin and I sighed. "We'll be right there, sweetheart. Can you try to distract Emma for a few more minutes?"

"Okay, Mama," Roland said before leaving the room.

I sat up as Robin handed me my pajama shirt. "I'll give you another massage tonight," he promised.

"I'll hold you to it." I kissed him before slipping on my shirt. "Come on, let's go feed our children before Emma really throws a tantrum."

Robin stood, gripping my arms gently. "And don't think of Zelena, okay? She's not worth it."

I sighed, smiling. "I'll try not to."

"Good." He kissed me. "I'll go get Rachel and I'll meet you in the kitchens."

"I'll see you there." I took a deep calming breath before leaving to ahead downstairs. Zelena was not going to ruin this snow day.

By the time lunch rolled around, Roland had cabin fever. The snow hadn't let up and so I couldn't let him outside to play. He was feeling cramped in the living room as Robin and I entertained his sisters.

I saw him standing at a window, looking forlornly outside. Feeling bad, I handed Rachel to her father. "Can you entertain both girls? I'm going to spend some time with Roland."

"I'd love to," Robin replied, taking Rachel in one arm. He made a funny face at her. "We'll have lots of fun, right, sweetheart?"

She reached out to grab her nose as Emma squealed in delight, clapping her hands together. I headed over and sat next to Roland. "Bored?"

"Why won't it stop snowing?" he whined. "I want to go outside and play."

"I know but there's plenty to do in here. Do you want to play a board game with me?" I asked him.

He sighed. "That seems boring too."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "There has to be something you want to do that isn't playing outside. We'll find it."

"Okay," he replied, taking my hand. He then grinned up at me. "Can we bake something?"

"Bake something? Like what?" I asked.

He bounced up and down. "Chocolate cake?"

I laughed. "Okay, okay. Let me go make sure we have all the ingredients we need and if we do, we can make a chocolate cake."

Roland cheered and followed me into the kitchen. He did a little dance around the room as I checked all the cabinets and the refrigerator. I turned to him with a big smile. "Good news! We're having chocolate cake for dessert!"

"Yes!" He jumped up and down. "I'll go wash my hands!"

I laughed as I pulled out the bowls as well as a few ingredients to start with. As I turned around, I found Emma sitting in her high chair and grinning at me. I glanced around before asking: "Emma, what are you doing here?"

Emma want cake!

"We still have to make it, Princess," I told her.

Emma help. She smiled at me, revealing another tooth was coming in.

Robin poked his head into the kitchen. "Emma in here with you?"

"Yep," I replied, motioning to the little girl. "She wants to help us bake a cake."

The air crackled and Rachel appeared in her high chair with a puff of white smoke. Rachel want cake!

I looked at Robin. "Are you going to join this cake making party?"

He chuckled. "Why not? It looks like it's going to be a fun one. What do you need me to do?"

"Go wash your hands," I said as I ran a facecloth under the faucet. "And check on our son. He's been gone an awfully long time."

"Will do." Robin kissed my cheek before hurrying from the room.

I wrung out the facecloth and turned to my squirming and excited girls. "You two want to help me bake a cake, you need clean hands as well."

They both laughed as I washed their hands before kissing their foreheads. "I love you both."

"He was having fun blowing bubbles," Robin explained, marching a giggling Roland into the bathroom. "But we're now ready to help with this delicious chocolate cake."

Roland dragged over his little stepstool and stepped up to the counter, looking up at me with eager eyes. "What do we do now?"

"First, we measure the ingredients," I told him, pulling out measuring cups and spoons. "Let's start with the sugar."

I helped him measure out everything before picking up Emma. "Come on, sweetheart. You can pour the sugar in for the cake," I told her.

Emma help? she asked me as Robin picked up Rachel. He carried her over as I handed the cup to Emma.

"Yes, you're going to help," I said. "Pour the cup into the bowl, Emma. Just like Roland is doing."

She watched as Roland turned over the cup and emptied all the flour I had measured into the bowl. Glancing down at her cup, she reached out her little arm and did the same with her cup of sugar.

"Good girl!" I praised her, kissing her cheek. "You're such a good helper, Emma!"

Emma help! She laughed and clapped her in hands in joy.

"What can Rachel add?" Robin asked, bouncing our other daughter as he stood next to the counter.

Roland held up a spoon. "How about the vanilla, Mama?"

"That sounds great," I said, nodding to Robin to take the spoon.

He placed it in Rachel's hand and guided her to dump the vanilla in the bowl. She let out a little laugh too before banging the spoon against his nose.

"No, no," he said, taking the spoon from her. "We don't hit Papa with spoons, Rachel."

She only laughed and clapped her hands onto his cheeks. He made silly faces at her, keeping her laughing.

Roland and I helped Emma dump a few more ingredients into the bowl before I placed her back in the high chair. I kissed her cheek as I left a plastic cup for her to play with. "Good girl! Roland and I are going to mix everything now."

"Mama! Ro!" she chanted, banging the cup against her tray. "Mama! Ro!"

I chuckled as I returned to Roland's side, handing him my big wooden spoon. "You ready?"

He nodded, starting to mix the ingredients together. I stood back and watched him, arms crossed.

Robin approached me, still rocking Rachel. "This is a fun family activity."

"It is," I agreed, leaning closer to him to take Rachel's hand. "What do you say, sweetheart?"

Cake! Rachel squirmed in her father's arms, giving us a toothy grin as she did so.

I laughed. "Yes, we're making a cake. And having fun, right?"

Cake!

"Okay, okay, you clearly only have one thing on your mind." I rolled my eyes as I looked up at Robin's amused face. "Not a word."

He smirked. "I wasn't going to say a thing…except that I think our son needs some help with mixing."

"Oh!" I darted forward, noticing that Roland had slowed down and seemed tired. "Here, I'll take over and finish, baby."

Roland nodded. "I'm going to go rest my arms, Mama."

"Good idea. Maybe Papa can get you some juice too. I'm sure you're thirsty," I said, sending a look toward Robin.

He placed Rachel in her high chair before taking Roland's hand. "Come on. Let's go find you the perfect juice box. What are you in the mood for?"

"Apple," Roland said, happily going off with his father while I finished mixing the batter.

I turned on the oven to preheat it before clapping my hands, rubbing them together. "Okay, it's time to wax the pans!"

"I can help with that," Robin said, ruffling Roland's hair as he sipped at his juice. He then rolled up his sleeves. "Where do I start?"

Pulling out two pans, I handed him the box of wax paper. "Tear off a good-sized portion of that, okay? Crisco is in the fridge as well."

"That blue container with the yellow lid?" he asked, opening the fridge door. Once I nodded, he pulled it out and began waxing the pans.

I picked up the bowl and poured the batter into the two pans. "Robin, can you grab one so we can put them in the oven at the same time?"

"Of course," he said, grabbing one. Together, we placed them in the oven and I closed the door with a sigh.

Leaning against the counter, I looked over my family. "Now what do we do?"

Rachel yawned and Robin laughed. "I think she has the right idea. A nap certainly is appealing. What do you say, Emma?"

"Up!" She held out her arms to him.

He picked her up before grabbing Rachel. "We're going to take a nap. You coming, Roland?"

He shook his head. "I'm not tired."

"He can stay with me," I said. "We can wait for the cakes to finish baking together."

"Can we watch a movie?" he asked.

I nodded. "That sounds wonderful. Let me make us some hot chocolate and we can snuggle under the blanket on the couch."

Roland cheered as Robin groaned. "That's a bit more tempting than a nap."

"You're welcome to join us," I offered.

Emma frowned, hitting him with a little fist. "Papa! Papa! Papa!"

"Thanks, but I think I'm wanted more elsewhere," he said, before pretending to eat Emma's fist. She let out a peal of laughter.

Once they were gone, I prepared the mugs of hot chocolate while Roland watched. He looked up at me. "When the cakes are done, what are we going to do next?"

"Make the icing of course! Do you want chocolate or vanilla?" I asked him.

He thought about it before answering: "Chocolate!"

I laughed. "Then we'll make the icing after the movie and your sisters' naps. How is that?"

"Okay," he said, following me into the living room. We curled up on the couch together, wrapped in the big blanket. He leaned against me, sighing. "This is the best snow day ever."

"Yes, it is," I agreed, kissing the top of his head before starting the movie.

Roland barely made it a half hour before keeling over, sound asleep. I let him use my lap as a pillow and ran my fingers through his curls, the movie forgotten. We had been mother and son for over two years now and it still amazed me. He was one of the best things to happen to me and I cherished every moment we spent together.

"Am I interrupting some mother-son bonding or can I join you?" Robin asked, softly. I looked up to find him in the doorway, smiling at us.

I smiled back at him. "Be my guest."

He climbed under the blanket, carefully maneuvering a slumbering Roland, and I curled against him. "The girls asleep?"

"Yep," he replied, rubbing my arm. "We probably have a good hour. What do you think about him?"

We glanced down at Roland, who rolled closer to us as he pressed his face into the pillow on the couch. I shrugged. "I guess the same."

"Good," he said, giving me a squeeze. "That will give us plenty of time to cuddle."

"I like the way you think, Lord Locksley." I sank further into his embrace as I rested my head on his shoulder.

He kissed my head as the movie played. "Do you feel better from earlier?"

"A bit," I said. "I still feel bad leaving Charming so close to Zelena."

"Me too, but we don't have any choice right now. I've told you. Once we can, we'll get back to Storybrooke and we can assess the situation."

I nodded, resuming running my fingers through Roland's curls as he slept. "What are we going to do if Charming does have his memories?"

"Whatever we can do to protect him," he replied. "Too bad we can't take him from Storybrooke."

"Why do you say that?" I asked with a frown.

He shrugged. "The curse makes it so no one can leave."

"Or so we've assumed. No one has tried," I realized. "Even still, if Charming has his memories, it just proves my theory that the curse didn't account for him surviving and so didn't affect him. He might be able to come and go like us."

Robin stopped rubbing my arm and I could see his brow furrow in concentration. "That could be possible, I guess. You would probably know best."

"The Dark One would probably know best," I mused, not really wanting to go see him. But he was looking to be my only option.

"I'm going with you if you talk to him," Robin insisted. "And I'm bringing the bow this time."

I sighed, rolling my eyes. "Fine. But just keep in mind that I may not be able to bail you out if Zelena decides to lock you up."

"I won't shoot him. As long as he doesn't hurt you, that is."

"He hasn't yet."

He gave me a look. "Doesn't mean he won't try somewhere down the line. Especially if you won't give him what he wants."

"I don't know what he wants," I replied.

"Which makes him dangerous."

I rolled my eyes again. "We're arguing in circles."

Roland stirred, rubbing his eyes before opening them. He frowned. "Are you two fighting?"

"No," Robin assured him, pulling Roland onto his lap. "Mama and I were just talking. We had a bit of a disagreement but we're not fighting. Right, Regina?"

"Right," I agreed, rubbing his leg. "How was your nap, sweetheart?"

He shrugged. "Okay. But I missed the end of the movie."

Robin laughed as I shook my head. "Don't worry, sweetheart. You haven't missed much. Trust me."

"Oh. Good." He snuggled against his father. "Are the cakes ready yet, Mama?"

"Let me go check. Why don't you two stay here and have some manly bonding?" I winked at them before standing. After I stretched a bit, I headed to the kitchen.

I checked my cakes, sticking a tooth pick in both. When I pulled it out, there was no batter on it. They were ready. I took them out and set them on cooling racks. Next step was to make the frosting.

Heading back into the living room, I paused as I watched Robin tickling Roland. Our son squirmed in his arms as his laughter filled the room. Tears began to slowly trail down his cheeks but he didn't beg his father to stop. Not yet.

Leaning against the wall, I smiled. Father and son, just like it had been when Robin had first taken me to the rebel camp almost three years ago. They had a bond that was special, different from the ones Robin had with Emma and Rachel and different from the one I had with Roland. It was beautiful to see.

"Papa, stop!" he gasped out at last, body arching off Robin's lap as he tried to get away from his father's relentless fingers.

"What do you say?" Robin asked, though he slowed down his tickles.

"Please!" Roland exclaimed, breathless. 'Please stop, Papa!"

Robin's fingers fell away and he nodded. "Okay."

I watched as Roland caught his breath, rolling closer to his father again. He laid his head on Robin's shoulder, letting him rock him.

Deciding the icing could wait for now, I joined them on the couch again. I rested my head on Robin's other shoulder as he wrapped his arm around me. It was the three of us again and all felt right for that moment.

After Emma and Rachel woke from their naps, I put them back in their high chairs with a smile. "You two ready to finish making our cake?"

Cake! they cheered together before banging their hands on their trays.

"I see someone said the magic word," Robin said, leading Roland into the kitchen as well. He rolled up his sleeves and Roland imitated him. "What's next?"

I straightened up and kicked Roland's stool back into place. "Now we make the icing. Roland's chosen chocolate."

"Chocolate chocolate cake is delicious!" he exclaimed, bouncing up and down as Robin chuckled at his antics.

"Yes, it is," I agreed, pushing back his curls. He was going to need a haircut once the roads were cleared, I decided.

Pushing aside that mom thought, I pulled out clean bowls. "Okay. This is going to be quick and then we can get to the fun part—icing the cake!"

Roland climbed onto his stool as I started to melt butter over the stove. He watched me, knowing he couldn't touch the open flame. "Can I do something while that melts?" he asked.

"Sure," I replied. "How about you and Papa measure out the cocoa powder and the powdered sugar? Amounts are in my recipe book."

"Come, my boy. Let's go get Mama's book," Robin said, helping Roland down from the stool.

"Don't forget the milk," I said, pointing to our refrigerator. "And leave it out. We might need more."

Once the butter was properly melted, I poured it into a bowl. "Okay, let's add the cocoa and the sugar. I'll go get my whisk."

Robin and Roland added the ingredients as I instructed them, whisking everything together. We didn't need much more milk so as Robin put the carton away, I let Roland add the vanilla. "But it's chocolate," he said, staring at the spoon.

"The vanilla is still necessary for taste," I explained. "So go ahead and dump it in."

He still looked confused but did as I asked as I kept whisking the frosting until it was a smooth and creamy mixture. "Frosting's done!"

"So we can frost the cake now?" Roland asked me.

"Absolutely," I replied. "Robin, can you get some bowls down so I can divvy up the frosting?"

He nodded, grabbing several bowls. I scooped some into each bowl, though two little ones only got a little. "Those are for the girls. So they can feel like they are helping," I explained.

"Then we should probably get them out of those clothes. I have a feeling they're just going to coat themselves in icing," he replied.

"That's probably a good guess," I said. "Okay. Roland, can you take the bowls over to the table while your father and I undress the girls?"

He nodded, picking up the bowls and doing as I asked. Robin and I each took a girl and Rachel wriggled in my grasp. No naked time.

"I'm just taking off your dress," I told her. "You'll still be in your diaper and onesie. Don't worry."

She still seemed grumpy and I figured there was also going to be a fight later when I had to put her in the tub for the inevitable bath. I got her out of her little green dress, tiny socks and the headband holding back her black curls. "There we go," I said, kissing her cheek.

Robin settled Emma into her high chair, pulling her golden curls into a little ponytail. She grinned and waved her hands, excited for whatever we were going to do.

I placed two bowls in front of them. "Have fun you two."

They both squealed in delight, squishing their hands in the frosting. I took a seat next to Roland, handing him a little plastic spatula. "You ready?"

He nodded eagerly and we began to spread frosting over the first layer of cake with Robin's help. We worked diligently and quickly had it frosted. "Okay, I'll go get the second layer," I said.

As I stood, I covered my mouth. Emma had frosting everywhere and was painting her grumpy sister in chocolate. I leaned back. "Robin, get the camera," I whispered.

"I'll be right back," he whispered back as Roland continued to smooth down the icing to perfection.

Rachel hit out at Emma, who giggled. She clearly thought it was a game and was having fun. I watched as Rachel grabbed Emma's arm and scowled at her.

I knew they talked to each other using the magic, much the same way they spoke to me, but I never intruded on their conversations. Now, I wondered what they were discussing though I imagined it was more Rachel yelling at Emma.

"Got the camera," Robin said, handing it to me as he turned on the video camera. He started with a close up of Roland. "And here's our master froster putting the finishing touches on this delicious chocolate chocolate cake. Wave to the camera, Roland."

Roland grinned at his father and waved like he asked. "This is going to be the best cake ever!" he proclaimed.

We laughed as Robin turned his attention to the girls. "Over here, Emma has decided to ice Rachel rather than the cake."

Emma laughed, reaching out a chocolate covered hand toward the camera. Beside her, Rachel gave her father a nasty look that was so clearly inherited from me.

"Can I get a smile, Rachel? Please, sweetheart?" he pleaded, crouching down to get closer to Rachel. She just continued to scowl.

"Sorry. She's a Mills girl," I replied. "That's the best you're going to get now. She's pissed."

He sighed, looking up at me. "Why?"

"I don't think she likes getting messy," I replied.

"No, I don't think she does either. Well, let's get that other cake iced and then we can give Little Lady Locksley a bath."

Robin followed me with the camera as I picked up the second layer and brought it over to the table. "Do we have enough icing?" he asked.

"We should," I replied. "Why?"

"Just checking." He winked at me. "I'd hate for us to have to take away Emma's new favorite toy because we need more."

I sat down next to Roland to help him with the icing. "You keep filming. I'll worry about everything else."

He chuckled as I leaned closer to my energetic son. "You are doing a wonderful job, my little knight. Keep up the good work."

"I can't wait to eat it," he told me, grinning. His adult tooth was almost completely in but another baby one was loose. My little knight was growing up.

I leaned closer, tapping his nose and living a little icing on it. "I'm sure it's going to taste super delicious."

As Robin kept filming, we finished our cake together.

That night, I fought sleep as I lounged on the couch. Not even the sugar rush from our chocolatey cake could keep me up. So I sat there in the strange state between consciousness and sleep, Rachel curled up on my chest. I rubbed her back but despite having had a bath, she was still grumpy, her mind filled with mumblings. Had she been able to speak, she would have been muttering under her breath.

She also glared at Emma, who was busy playing with Robin's face and laughing at the funny things she could do with it. He pretended to eat her fingers, making her squeal with delight, unaware her sister wanted nothing more than to light her on fire. That thought came in loud in clear for me.

I was going to have to do something about her violent tendencies before her magic really came in.

Roland had been lying in front of the TV on his stomach but he stood and climbed onto the couch. He curled next to me, resting his head on my chest. "Can we cuddle, Mama?"

"Of course," I said, looking down at Rachel. "What do you say? Shall we cuddle with your brother?"

Roland is nice. Roland doesn't make Rachel messy. Roland can stay, she told me. She turned her face to look at her brother, her glare lessening.

I chuckled, pulling Roland closer to me. "This has been the best snow day ever," I told him.

"I agree," he said, eyes starting to flutter closed. "Can we do it all again tomorrow?"

Robin glanced at the TV. "We might just be able to. Looks like the snow won't finish in time for school to open again tomorrow."

Roland let out a faint cheer and I chuckled. "Well, I don't think we'll make another cake. But we'll find something to do."

Something not messy? Rachel asked, turning her head to once again glare at Emma.

"Yes, sweetheart," I told her. "Something not messy. Now leave your sister alone."

She sighed, closing her eyes as she grasped onto my shirt. I took a deep breath and sank back into the couch cushion. The warmth from Rachel and Roland lulled me to sleep and I surrendered happily.

"Ugh. Are you always this domestic?" Zelena asked, her lips curled up in disgust.

I sighed, crossing my arms. "Why do you care?"

"I don't," she insisted. "It's just so…sickening."

"Are you spying on us?" I asked, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. Was she watching Emma? Rachel? Did she look in while Robin and I were having sex?

She scowled. "Of course not. I just get a glimpse of what's happening right as I connect with you. I saw your daughter and the thief's son curled next to you, both sound asleep."

"Roland is also my son," I said, not sure why I was arguing with her about this.

Zelena tapped her fingers against the chair. "He's your stepson."

"My son," I insisted. "I love him and care for him. It doesn't matter that I did not give birth to him like I did Rachel."

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes. "So, are you enjoying your little snow day?"

I nodded. "How about you?"

"I've been doing nothing but fielding complaints! The streets aren't plowed, the sidewalks aren't shoveled, the sidewalks are too icy, ice is causing tree limbs to fall, there's a downed powerline and no power, blah blah blah." She rolled her eyes. "Why do people expect me to fix everything?"

"Because you're the mayor. It's your job," I said.

"I didn't ask for it! The curse wasn't supposed to take me with it. It was supposed to take everyone else away and leave me behind to be queen."

I tilted my head. "What did you think being queen entailed? You'd be in charge then too."

"Being queen meant everyone had to do what I say, not the other way around," she snapped. "You have an odd system of government."

"It works for us. We have a thing against evil tyrants," I replied. "And I'm getting really tired of being your complaint department."

Zelena sighed. "I guess I shouldn't abuse our mind connection. Perhaps I should complain to someone else."

"Good. I'm sure the Sheriff would love to listen to you. Go complain to him," I suggested.

"I could complain to him, but I generally keep him around for…other things." She smirked.

I grimaced. "I don't need that image so please don't elaborate. Please."

"Well, I guess that's understand. I definitely don't want to think about you and that thief in bed either." Zelena looked nonchalant but for some reason, I didn't believe her.

She then grinned at me and I felt my blood freeze in my veins. "Perhaps I'll talk with Prince Charming. He seems like he would be a good person to complain to. He'll listen and maybe give me advice. Of course, with his amnesia, he might not be able to."

"Leave him alone," I hissed.

"No," she replied. "I'm going to take him and mold him into my greatest ally. So even if you break the curse like I keep asking you, imagine how brokenhearted my stepdaughter is going to be."

"If everyone gets their memories back, wouldn't he?" I asked, confused.

She smiled. "Of course. But not before he spends a night or two in my bed."

"You're despicable."

"I prefer wicked," she snapped.

I stood there, gaping at her. "Are you going to come and brag when you seduce Prince Charming…ugh, that sounds wrong just to say it!"

She laughed. "Maybe. I'll let you get back to your snow day. And just know that while you're enjoying time with your family and trapped by snow, I have all the time in the world with Prince Charming."

"The snow is not going to keep us away forever. You won't seduce him that easily! Deep down, I know he still loves Snow."

"Maybe," she said. "Maybe not. I'm pretty irresistible."

"Only in your delusional mind."

Zelena waved me off. "You're not going to ruin my good mood. But hopefully I've ruined yours. Ta!"

My vision started to swim but I was not going to let her get the last word. "I'll find a way to stop you, you bitch!"

I sat up on the couch, my hand bracing Rachel. She squirmed on my chest but continued to sleep on, her breath hot on the skin bared by my shirt collar. Roland stirred beside me, rubbing his eyes as he frowned. "What's wrong, Mama?"

"A bad dream," I said, standing with Rachel. "Let's go tuck you all in for a good night's rest."

"I've got them," Robin replied, holding out his hands to Rachel. "You rest more, lovely. I can handle bedtime."

Still feeling tired, I nodded as I passed Rachel off to him. I leaned down to kiss Roland's forehead. "Good night, my little knight."

"Good night, Mama." He missed my cheek before taking his father's hand. Robin led him upstairs as I tried to collect myself.

Zelena was just trying to get a rise out of me. I reminded myself that over and over but nothing worked. All I could hear was her taunts about seducing Charming, hurting him and Snow in the process even if they didn't have their memories.

Robin's arms wrapped around me. "I'd thought you would've headed straight to bed," he said, kissing my neck.

I sighed. "I'm too worked up."

"Zelena paid you another visit." He didn't pose it as a question. He just knew.

"She wants to seduce Charming."

His arms went slack and I knew if I turned around, he would look dumbfounded. "She what?"

"I know. It eats me alive that she could just be so…so…"

"Wicked?" he supplied.

I sighed, slumping against him. "I'm just so tired of her. And I hate feeling like we're failing Charming and Snow."

He scooped me up, holding me close. "Come on. I'm going to take you to bed, tuck you in and we're going to sleep. No feelings of guilt."

"You know that's easier said than done," I replied, resting my head on his shoulder. "It might be impossible."

"We'll see," he replied, climbing the steps and heading toward our room. He laid me on our bed and handed me my pajamas. "Change and we'll go from there."

I nodded, quickly changing into the warm flannel. Robin changed as well before climbing into bed, pulling the blankets around us. He took me in his arms, curling around me after turning off the lights. "Quiet your mind."

"How?"

He took my hand and pressed it to his heart. "Focus on that."

I rolled my eyes but found myself following the steady beat of his heart. The beat that had often lulled me to sleep, that had assured me everything was going to okay. He knew that and was reminding me of it.

My eyes started to close and curled closer to him. I kept my hand pressed to his chest, needing the balm his heartbeat provided as I drifted off to sleep.

Zelena could wait for another day.

A/N: So some fluffy family feels to end the year because I do realistically expect this to be the last chapter for 2016. I'm focused on getting a Christmas fic out on time, so everything else has taken somewhat of a backseat. (Which also is an explanation/apology for the delay in Comfort Food).

I hope you all enjoy my Christmas fic, "The Christmas Wish." It's a non-magical AU where best friends Henry Mills and Roland Locksley ask Santa for a gift that ends up changing the lives of their single parents, Regina and Robin, forever.

For those who are celebrating this holiday season, I hope you have nothing but good times with those you love and who love you. And to everyone, have a happy and healthy New Year.

-Mac