Hey everyone thank you so much for reading and reviewing, I's so glad that you all are enjoying it. So this is just a little fluff piece. I though that my babies deserved a bit of a break some happiness. Enjoy :D

Two months later. Christmas.

"Regina, is everyone really coming over?" Maleficent asked for the hundredth time putting a hand on her hip. Regina rolled her eyes as she slipped in her last earing. It was Christmas night and their friends and family were coming for a big Christmas dinner. Mal had never celebrated Christmas before and so she didn't understand the big hype over the silly holiday. Standing up from her vanity she smoothed out the creases in her beautiful, form fitting, red dress and carefully stepped around the stool.

She walked over to Mal and took the blondes hands in her own and looked her in the eye. She took a deep breath for the dramatics before simply saying yes. "Mal its Christmas and it's something the people of this world celebrate and it was something we celebrated back in our land. I happen to love Christmas, it's a time where the snow outside is beautiful and there's lights everywhere. The house is decorated and everyone's happy and in love," she said with a big smile pulling Mal closer. "Henry loves Christmas and so will this little one," she said placing a gentle hand on her stomach. Mal was four months now and was clearly showing. She was wearing a warm purple sweater that had a low V-neck, dark jeans, and a pair of black boots. Her hair fell freely in long golden curls, she looked so beautiful.

"Yes, yes," Mal said trying to hide her smile.

"This is your first real Christmas and since Emma had Henry this morning you didn't get to experience the early morning wake up and chaotic present unwrapping," she said with a small laugh. "But tonight everyone's going to come over and we're going to eat and talk and have fun. We're going to sit by the fire and open presents and just take in the moment." Maleficent saw the sparkle in Regina's eyes as she decided what their life was going to be about.

"You look so beautiful tonight," she purred brushing her fingers behind her ear. "I just want you all to myself."

"And you will… later," she promised.

"Who all is coming again?"

Regina gave her a small smile. "Well me you and Lily. Henry, Emma, Snow, David, and Neil. Ruby and Granny, and I invited Zelena but I never heard back from her."

"Ok. Never in a million years did I think I was ever going to be having Christmas dinner was Snow White. But let's go have the most magical evening." She held out her hand and led the way. When they reached the bottom of the steps they were greeted by Ruby and Granny. Lily had let them in and she and Ruby were already consumed in one another. Granny gave them a warm smile and presented the casserole and brownies she made for the evening.

"Thank you," Regina said. "Bring it to the kitchen." Regina, Mal, and Granny left for the kitchen leaving the two girls alone.

"I suppose this makes us family now," Granny said placing the containers on the counter.

"They've only been together for a few months now," Regina pointed out.

"Yes but the way those two look at each other makes me think they'll be together for a while."

"I agree," Mal said very nonchalant stealing one of the brownies earning a look from both Regina and Granny.

"Do not make me ban you from the kitchen," Regina warned.

Mal raised her eye brows and threw up her hands in defense. "Sorry," she said chewing the last bit. "Can I help with anything?" she asked when there was a knock at the door.

"Can you get the door?" she asked pulling her lasagna out of the oven.

Ruby and Lily had moved into the living room where the tree was lit and the fire was on and Christmas music was spilling form the radio filling the room. They were on the couch whispering and laughing. Mal smiled softly when she passed the two and pulled open the front door. All five of the Charming's walked in with piles of presents and food. "Merry Christmas!" Snow announced. Henry ran in giving Mal a quick hug before speeding off to find Regina. David was caring little Neil who was wearing a big blue coat and a cute little hat with ears making Mal smile.

"Uh presents go in there," Mal said to Emma. "And food goes in the kitchen," she instructed Snow.

"How are you feeling?" Snow asked as they walked back. "You're looking great."

"Thank you Snow, and I'm doing just fine. Everything is going very well," she said running a hand smoothly over her stomach. When they entered the kitchen all the woman embraced each other in hugs and Henry slipped away to the other side of the room. He saw that plate of brownies and quickly snatched one from under the wrapping. Once he put the cake to his mouth he caught Mal's eye and stopped fearing he had been caught. She placed a finger to her lips and looked away pretending she hadn't seen a thing. Henry smile and shoved the whole thing in his mouth before Regina could see. Maleficent was pretty cool.

As the night continued everyone migrated back and forth between the living room and kitchen. Regina and Granny stayed in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the dinner. Once the dining room table was set and all the food was laid out Regina popped her head in the adjoining room and announced that it was time to eat.

Once everyone sat down Mal leaned over to Regina. "No word from Zelena?" she asked in a whisper.

"No," she said sadly.

"Well her loss," Mal said trying to cheer her up. It had only been two months since they had brought Zelena back but Regina was trying really hard to make her sister apart of their family. She wanted her to have the same second chance at redemption she had. Zelena however was proving to be a bit difficult but she just needed time.

Regina squeezed her hand and gave her a smile. She picked up her class and raised it getting everyone's attention. "Thanks to everyone for coming and pitching in so tonight could be possible. This last year has been kind of crazy," she chuckled.

"Kinda?" Granny asked with a smirk earning a laugh from everyone.

"Yes well maybe a lot crazy, but we've all stuck together through the thick and thin and for that I am grateful," she confessed looking between Mal and Lily. I hope everyone has a wonderful night and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Snow repeated raising her glass.

"Merry Christmas," they all said in unison.

About halfway through dinner there was a shy knock at the door stopping everyone's conversation. Regina dabbed her mouth with her napkin and pushed back the chair as she stood up. Her heels clicked on the wooden floors as she descended down the three steps to the front door. Pulling it open she was met back a wall of cold air and her sister. Zelena stood back form the door with her hands firmly in her pockets. A smile formed on Regina's face, "I'm glad you could make it." She stepped aside so Zelena could come in but she didn't move.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" she asked softly. Regina hesitated for a moment but nodded and stepped out into the wintery air closing the door behind her. She rubbed her bare arms and shuttered as a cold run up her spine.

"What is it?" she asked turning the air white.

"I wasn't going to come."

"But you changed your mind."

"Yes. I don't feel very welcome here… in Story Brooke, but why should I. I don't have any friends and everyone in there still looks at me as if I'm about to steal their baby or kill them. I didn't think they would want me here… didn't think you wanted me here to ruin your night."

"I invited you."

"You were just being nice."

"Yes, but I do want you here. And it's going to take time for them to fully accept you, but they will."

"Easy for you to say."

"On the contrary. It took years for them to finally accept me, so I understand what you're going through. The question is what made you change your mind?"

"…" Zelena shifted her stance and looked away for a second. "I felt her."

Regina's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Felt who?"

"Mother." They hadn't spoken of Cora since her death. They had decided it would be best if they left her in the past for good. Regina needed to move on as well as Maleficent and Lily. Zelena didn't think that talking about her or what happened was ever necessary.

Fear struck deep in Regina's heart at the mention of Cora. She swallowed hard, "What do you mean you felt her?"

"A few hours ago I was sitting alone in my room deciding what I was going to do for dinner tonight since Granny was coming here. I walked over to the window and just watched as the snow fell, piling up on the window seal and roof tops. I guess my mind began to wander but I got this strange feeling that someone was watching me. I felt a heavy presence in my room. I know it was her Regina, I just know it. It's like her spirt is still lurking and it came for a visit." Regina silently stared at her for a moment unable to find words or an explanation. "I decided to come because I thought I might feel safe here."

"Of course… Come in, we're eating and there's plenty of food. We can talk about this later." She placed a hand on her shoulder and led her inside. Regina and Zelena walked in and everyone's conversations paused again as they approached. Zelena looked nervously at everyone unsure where she should sit.

"Good to see you again Zelena," Mal said breaking the awkward silence. "Good of you to join us."

"Uh yes. You can sit here," Emma said gesturing to the empty seat next to her.

Thank you, Regina mouthed to her as she returned to her seat.

Shedding her coat Zelena slowly joined the rest of them and sat down. The conversation began once more and food was beginning to be passed to her. Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad after all.

….

Once dinner and all the presents had been opened everyone was in the living room lounging. They were all so full and growing tired. Henry and Neil were on the floor playing with their new games while Lily and Ruby were wrapped in a blanket by the fire. Snow and David were standing around the tree with Granny telling stories from the old days making them laugh. Zelena had relaxed since she had arrived and Regina knew she was enjoying herself. She was finally apart of something nice and friendly. She and Emma were having a pleasant conversation and drinking hot chocolate with whip cream and cinnamon of course.

Regina and Maleficent sat on the couch quietly watching everybody and listening to the music. Regina scooted closer to the dragon and rested her chin on her shoulder. "So how has your first Christmas been?"

Mal turned her head and placed a loving kiss to her forehead. "It's been wonderful. I must say I was wrong, and that the night has exceeded my expectations. It reminds me of that other holiday you insisted we celebrate."

"Thanksgiving?"

"Yes that's the one, and if I might add, I like this one much better." She had even received gifts. She hadn't been expecting anything from anyone other than Regina and Lily. From them she had received jewelry, one of her favorite things, and some clothes. She was surprised when Snow presented her a bag and told her to open it. Little baby girl clothes filled the bag along with a pair of earrings form Emma. They had just been to the doctor a few days ago confirming that their baby was indeed a girl and they couldn't be happier.

"Told you, you would like it," she laughed cupping her cheek. She leaning in capturing her lips in a tender kiss. "Merry Christmas."