A/N: sorry about the delay. Last minute work trip! Time jumps in this chapter because I want to speed Regina's pregnancy along.


"Are you ok?" Emma asked Henry on Sunday evening a week later. The boy had been silent all weekend, shut up in his room unless Emma had called him down for meals. They were currently eating beans on toast (Emma had neglected to go shopping for a while) and watching a re-run of Friends on television.

"I'm fine," Henry replied.

"You sure about that?"

"Peter comes back to school tomorrow," Henry said after a pause.

"Oh."

Somehow, what with everything else going on in their lives, Emma had completely forgotten that Peter Panner's suspension was coming to an end. Although there had been no backlash against Henry for his involvement with the drug crackdown, both Swans knew that might all change once Peter returned. With no hard evidence linking him to the drugs and nor his involvement with Felix beating up Henry, Mr Gold had been unable to expel Peter. A suspension was the best he could do.

"Are you worried?" Emma asked.

"Kinda," Henry admitted. "I know I won't see him much because of our timetables but at lunch and break time it's going to be inevitable that we run into each other. Storybrooke isn't that big."

"Peter is going to be watched very closely by every member of staff. One foot out of line and that kid is gone. He won't risk that, not with his GCSEs coming up in a few months," Emma assured him.

"I guess," Henry said, pushing his half finished plate away. "Nothing I can do really though, is there."

"Stick with Michael, Nick and Ava," Emma suggested. "They'll look out for you."

"I don't want to drag them into it," Henry said.

"They're your friends," Emma said gently. "They'll want to be there for you if you need them. Plus I'm Peter's tutor so he knows if anything happens to you I'm going to be coming down on him like a tonne of bricks."

"I don't need you fighting my battles," Henry scowled.

"Good," Emma replied. "Because there won't be a battle. Everything will be fine, you'll see."

And it was. Peter approached Emma on Monday morning with a note of apology for both her and Henry. He behaved impeccably all week, and teachers commented to Emma about how good he had been: focused in class, excellent homework, polite, punctual. It was like he was a different student. Henry and his friends hadn't been bothered once and everything settled quickly back to how it always was.


March flew by in the blink of an eye and before Emma and Henry knew it, the final bell had rung and the Easter break began.

Two weeks holiday. Two blissful, school-free weeks. Aside from a few chocolate eggs, Easter itself passed the Swans by - church had never played a big part in their lives. Plus they were both too excited about what was to come the following day.

It had been a surprise, presented to the two of them the week before school ended. Regina had beamed at the looks of pure joy on the two faces as they opened their respective envelopes, each containing a plane ticket.

"Sicily?" Emma said, her mouth open in shock as she read and reread the information before her.

"I go every year," Regina explained. "My mother's family is from there and I always visit my cousin for the Easter holidays. She lives in this ridiculous villa paid for by one of her many ex husbands and she loves entertaining, the more the merrier. So this year I thought the two of you might like to join me."

"Cool!" Henry exclaimed. "Does it have a pool?"

"Two," Regina nodded. "There's one in the front garden and one at the back."

"Awesome!" Henry grinned, practically bouncing on the spot with excitement. "Thanks Regina!"

Emma said nothing. She just stood from the sofa and walked to her girlfriend, wrapping her arms around the brunette in a tight hug. Regina hugged her back, hiding her wide smile in Emma's untamed curls.


So the day after Easter Sunday, the three of them settled in their seats and watched the tarmac of Heathrow speed past before the wheels lifted and their plane swept up into the cloudy sky. Neither Emma nor Henry had been abroad since Neal passed away and the moment they burst through the clouds and emerged into bright, endless sunshine, both of them remembered how much they loved to travel.

Three hours later and they safely bumped down onto Sicilian soil and minutes later they were filing off the plane. Regina breathed in deeply as they entered the tunnel, the familiar smell of Sicily making her heart sing. Palermo airport was busy, hoards of tourists scrambling for their baggage before heading out into the Mediterranean heat.

"How far from the airport is this villa?" Henry asked as Regina hailed a cab and gave the driver instructions in fluent Italian as Emma loaded their luggage into the back.

"About half an hour," Regina replied, "It's in the foothills of the Erice Mountain so we have to drive around it and then back through the town."

"And how far from the sea?" Henry asked.

"About ten minutes by car," Regina said as she climbed into the taxi. "But I think Zelena has some bicycles in the garage so I'm sure you can borrow one of those and cycle down yourself whenever you like."

"Cool," Henry grinned.

As soon as Emma had slid in besides Regina, the taxi pulled away from the airport curb. Emma laced her fingers through Regina's and squeezed. The brunette smiled at her girlfriend before the two of them leaned back into their seats and watched the scenery flash past. Soon they were out of the city, the suburban streets giving way to neat, patchwork fields, olive tree groves, vineyards, and the occasional village settlement. Mount Erice loomed ahead of them, the road snaking around its base before the town of Erice itself came into view, nestled at the foot of the huge peak. Dusk was beginning to fall as the taxi passed through the peaceful, relaxed town and climbed a narrower, windier road. Finally, they swung left onto a gravelled path leading to a large, wrought iron gate which stood open, welcoming them.

"Bloody hell!" Henry said when they turned the corner and the villa came into view.

The building was huge, painted a brilliant, bright white, with grand pillars covered in flowering creepers framing the ornate wooden front door. Pale blue shutters on every window had been thrown open to allow the cooling evening air to breeze into the house. Tearing their eyes away from the impressive building, Emma and Henry joined Regina in staring at the sun which could be seen hovering what seemed like mere inches above the ocean's surface.

"This is the most beautiful place on Earth," Emma announced as she stepped out of the cab and walked, awestruck towards the low stone wall which ran along the property's edge.

The villa's grounds had been carved into the side of the mountain, facing the sea. Below, ragged trees, craggy boulders and a narrow, snaking road covered the mountainside leading back to Erice. Terracotta roofs, whitewashed walls, and the occasional turquoise rectangle of a swimming pool made up the town before the landscape gave way to wide, flat fields leading down to a strip of yellow sand and the sparkling, orange-tinted Tyrrhenian Sea.

"It's pretty amazing," Regina nodded, coming to stand behind Emma and wrapping her arms around her waist, resting her chin on her shoulder.

"I love you," Emma said, turning her head and pressing a kiss to Regina's temple.

"Jeez, get a room!" shouted an unfamiliar voice from behind the couple.

Regina rolled her eyes before she turned around to greet her cousin. "Hi Zee."

The two women embraced, Zelena's slender, freckled arms squeezing Regina impossibly tightly.

"Welcome back," Zelena smiled as she released Regina. "And you must be Emma," the redhead added, extending a hand in greeting.

Emma shook it and nodded. "Yes, and this is my son Henry," she said, waving towards the teenager who was walking towards them from where he had been admiring the circular swimming pool set to the right of the driveway. "It's nice to meet you, and thank you so much for having us to stay. Your home is beautiful."

"Lovely to meet you both too and you're more than welcome any time. But you haven't seen inside yet," Zelena remarked. "I did try and do some cleaning but I'm really not big on domestic chores. Just ignore all the cobwebs any higher than two metres, ok?"

"What happened to your cleaner?" Regina asked as she, Emma and Zelena walked towards the luggage the taxi driver had just finished unloading.

"She ran off with the gardener," Zelena said as she picked up some bags. "His wife was so mad! Came up here shouting about how she was going to rip his balls off and feed them to the dog. The two lovebirds disappeared the next day but I think they're living in Syracuse now."

"It's like you live in a telenovela," Regina laughed.

"We're not in Spain or Latin America, you realise?" Zelena chuckled as the two of them walked into the large entrance hall, Emma and Henry following after they toed their shoes off at the door.

"Emma may be the geography teacher but yes, I am aware that Sicily is not a part of Spain. Is there an Italian equivalent for a telenovela though?"

"Search me. You know I don't watch television," Zelena said as she dropped the bags she was carrying at the foot of the stairs and beckoned the trio to follow her into the kitchen.

The room was cool, a welcome relief from the muggy heat outside. The stone flagstones were smooth beneath Emma's bare feet as she and Henry looked around in admiration. The pale wooden surfaces were pristine, the appliances sparkling as if they were brand new. The long table was already laiden with dishes and Emma's mouth watered as she looked at a heaped bowl of hummus with a loaf of fresh bread sat beside it.

"I don't cook, by the way," Zelena said. "I mostly live off cold meats and little nibbles from the deli so I hope that's ok for tonight at least."

"This looks amazing," Emma said. "And why would you cook if you can buy all this food?"

"My thoughts exactly," Zelena smiled. "Although I'm sure Regina will insist on cooking something a few nights during your stay."

"I like cooking," Regina defended. "Plus I know you've bought lasagne sheets and mince in anticipation for your favourite dish."

Zelena smirked. "I may have. Anyway, do you guys want to eat now or shall I show you to your rooms?"

"I'm starving," Henry piped up.

"Dinner it is then," Zelena laughed. "Emma, red or white?" she asked, holding up two local wine bottles.

Emma grinned broadly. She knew this was going to be one of the best holidays of her life.


Hours later, Emma stood staring out of the bedroom window. The white chiffon curtains fluttered gently in the night time breeze as the blonde admired the view. It was almost completely dark outside, the faintest tint of yellow still visible on the horizon. Squares of orange and white below told her where Erice was but the mountainside below her and the fields beyond were shrouded in night. As she looked out, she heard Regina emerge from the ensuite bathroom and pad slowly over to stand beside her.

"This is so beautiful," she murmured as she felt Regina's arm slide around her waist, the brunette's head resting on her shoulder.

"I know," Regina smiled. "I love this house."

"Thank you for bringing me and Henry," Emma said, turning and taking Regina in her arms, their bodies pressed tightly together.

"Thank you for coming," Regina replied. "Did Henry settle in his room ok?"

"He has a four poster bed," Emma remarked. "I think he thinks he's a medieval knight or something. When I left him he was running a bath to try out the jacuzzi settings. He hasn't had a bath since he was about seven!"

"You know, we have a bath as well," Regina said, eyebrows cocked.

"Oh really?" Emma smirked. "I was just thinking I needed to wash the airplane feeling off. Would you care to join me?"

Fifteen minutes later and Emma stepped gingerly into the bath, the hot water beneath the bubbles scorching her toe in a good way. She settled back against the cool porcelain and beckoned Regina to join her. The older woman smiled, dropped the silk bathrobe on the chair and took Emma's proffered hand. Twisting around, Regina settled between Emma's parted legs, her back pressed against the blonde's breasts and strong arms wrapping around her at once.

"Mmmm, this is nice," Emma said as she placed soft kisses along Regina's shoulder.

"It is," Regina nodded, her neck arching slightly as a tongue laved the skin there.

Emma nibbled Regina's ear, whispered 'I love you' and settled more comfortably against the bathtub, her hips shifting against Regina's ass.

The bathroom was quiet, only the dull lapping of the water against the sides and the soft crackle of bubbles to be heard. Emma closed her eyes, her fingers splayed on the tops of Regina's thighs, stroking the skin gently. Regina too closed her eyes, her head leaning against Emma's shoulder and her face turned towards her neck. She breathed deeply, inhaling the familiar, comforting smell of her girlfriend. This, she decided, was pure bliss. Her skin tingled pleasantly where Emma's fingers were touching it, her body cradled safely in the crux of Emma's.

"This is going to be amazing," Emma said sleepily after a while.

"What is?" Regina asked.

"Us. This holiday. Your baby. Our life," Emma answered, her hands moving up to cover the slight swell of Regina's stomach.

The blonde had found her girlfriend standing in front of a mirror the week before, scrutinising carefully the previously flat plane of her stomach. The pregnancy, at last, had begun to show. Emma had dropped to her knees in front of Regina at once and placed a loving kiss to the middle of her stomach.

Now Emma's hands touched the visible bump once more, moving slowly back and forth over the water-slicked skin.

"I hope so," Regina said, her own hands moving to cover Emma's where they lay, the two of them looking through the suds to where their fingers interlaced, pale skin against olive.

"I know so," Emma replied.

"How have your sessions with Archie been going?" Regina asked.

Despite what their therapist had recommended, both women had been somewhat reluctant to bring up the subject of the pregnancy or Robin in the past, knowing it might mar or sour the day. Not that Regina wasn't worried about doing that in the bath, but she felt the time was right. They were both relaxed, content, and thinking positively about the future.

"Good," Emma said. "We're, I'm, making progress. It's not been easy, far from it. But I think I'm almost there."

"And where's there?"

"I think I can separate this baby, your baby, from its father. Now, when I think about you and this child, I don't feel that rage bubbling inside me. It's no longer Robin I'm thinking about when we talk about your baby. It's you, us," Emma explained.

"My nightmares have almost stopped," Regina said. "Even when I'm not with you, I barely dream about that night any more. And as for this baby's father, as far as I'm concerned it doesn't have one. Robin is nothing to do with this child and he never will be."

"Did … did you ever come here with Robin?" Emma asked, her heart racing a little as she waited for the answer.

"No," Regina replied. "He hated flying. We never went anywhere we couldn't drive to. For all his control issues, he seemed more than happy for me to come down to Sicily every Easter without him. Thank goodness," she added.

"I'm glad," Emma said. "I'd hate to think of the two of you spending time here before. I want this to be a place where it's just the two of us. And Henry."

"And the baby," Regina reminded her.

"And the baby," Emma nodded, her hands moving softly over Regina's stomach. "Does Zelena know?"

"No," Regina said, "but I'll be telling her before I emerge in a bikini at the pool tomorrow. I wouldn't put it past her to comment on how I've gained weight."

"You're beautiful," Emma assured, soft kisses peppering Regina's neck once more. "And sexy, and kind, and funny, and intelligent, and the most amazing woman I have ever met."

Regina opened her mouth to answer but the words turned into a gasp as Emma's fingers slid down between her legs. Even in the warm bath water, Emma could feel the heat radiating from the brunette's sex and as her fingers parted the folds, a thicker, stickier liquid coated her fingers.

"Yes," Regina groaned as Emma's fingertips circled her clit before retreating down to probe gently at her entrance.

Emma was slow, relaxed, almost lazy in her movement. The fingers of her other hand had moved to cup Regina's breast, squeezing the increasingly sensitive nipple occasionally. Regina's legs parted wider and her pelvis tilted up as one of Emma's fingers slid inside her body at last. It pumped in and out, curled tight against her wall as it moved. Emma's palm pressed insistently against her clit, a constant pressure that made Regina shudder as her orgasm coiled inside her. Emma kissed Regina's neck, her tongue laving a particularly sensitive spot behind the brunette's ear as her finger moved slowly, steadily.

When she came Regina arched her body away from Emma, cold air rushing against her wet skin as her body crested. She cried out, husky and low, before she collapsed back, water sloshing over the edges and splattering symbolically on the floor. Emma slowed her fingers and eventually slid out of Regina, her hand resting on her thigh as she gazed down the body before her. The bubbles had all but gone, and the olive skin beneath the water rippled and shimmered as Regina breathed deeply.

"I know I've said it a million times," Emma began, "but I'm going to keep saying it and I'm going to keep meaning it. I love you, Regina. I love you so much. I loved Neal, I still love Neal in a way and that will never change. But this, what we have, it's different. I've never felt this way about anyone before and I know what we have is special. It's not been easy, and I know the future is going to be tough but I believe in us, I believe in our love. And I know that me, you, Henry and this baby, we're going to make it work."

Regina turned slightly in Emma's arms so she could look into the sincere green eyes above her.

"I've never loved anyone the way I love you, Emma. Not Daniel, and certainly not Robin. Our relationship is stronger than anything and I know we're going to get through everything we're about to face. Not just because of our love but because of our commitment and devotion to one another. I'm sorry that it's not been an easy path but I'm also grateful in some ways because it's brought us closer, made us stronger, and means we're capable of dealing with anything and everything which comes our way."

The kiss was slow but passionate, their tongues and lips and teeth promising everything their hearts felt for the other. By the time their mouths broke apart, goose pimples pebbled Regina's exposed skin as the bathwater around them had cooled significantly.

They stood, the water dripping down their naked bodies as they stepped onto the bathmat and reached for two fluffy towels Zelena had left out for them. Once dry, they walked wordlessly into the bedroom and climbed onto the bed.

They made love for hours that night, each bringing the other to their peak countless times in a myriad of ways as they explored their bodies once more and rolled around in the huge bed. Finally, in a tangle of limbs and sheets, they fell asleep, Regina's head resting on Emma's stomach and the blonde's fingers stroking slowly through brown, tangled hair, ghosts of 'I love you' on both their lips.

That evening, that conversation, it had been a promise. A promise to one another that they were both still in this, that the daunting future growing closer every day within Regina's belly was not going to destroy them. Their relationship could survive this, would survive this. And in many ways, it was the baby itself which cemented their devotion, their commitment, their love. Robin couldn't control Regina any more, he couldn't dictate her life, destroy her happiness. Emma was still with her, still committed, still in love with her. And this baby, well, that was just the start of their adventure together.


Yes I decided to make Zelena her cousin not her sister - thoughts? I just didn't want to write more half-sibling stuff and I've pretty much ignored Cora's existence since Regina's attack so ...