Summary: Six weeks later and Regina goes into labour. But Emma winds up in hospital for a very different reason...
The Jolly Roger, Storybrooke Harbour
As they watched the sun setting on the distant horizon, Emma sat by the table on the quarter deck, enjoying the view. Killian closely followed his ever-curious daughter, as she happily wandered around the main deck; the almost two-year old getting into everything. He couldn't take his eyes off her for a moment when she pottered around like this! Most of the year he had willing crew members keeping an eye on the little blonde bundle of mischief, but as the Jolly was moored in port for the winter, waiting for the end of March to start the tourist season, there were only the three of them on board.
It was almost the end of January, and bitterly cold, so all of them were well wrapped up in hats, scarves and coats, against the gentle winter breeze that blew in from the Atlantic. Emma thought he was quite mad to want to come here, in this chill, just to check over his beloved former pirate ship. But, after the two of them, the Jolly Roger was his third most precious jewel. And she had to admit, it was a beautiful sight, as the dark wood gleamed in the fading sunlight.
Emma was almost eight months pregnant. If the doctor's calculations were to be believed, about two weeks behind Regina, and nearly ten weeks ahead of Ruby. Unlike Henry's, it had been a very smooth pregnancy, with no morning sickness or dizziness, other than the occasional times she tried to use her magic, having forgotten she'd been advised against it. Regina had gone through almost the same, and they put it down to the remarkable healing powers of the waters of Lake Nostos. In fact, the only weird thing about this pregnancy was the affect she and Regina had on each other when they were within twenty feet away of one another. The effect, an urgent pulling, an overpowering need to be close together, had at first irritated Regina's wife. But after a long talk with Merlin, and a subsequent apology from Marian herself, the issue was ignored. Nonetheless, as a result, she and her best friend tried to keep a distance from each other over the Christmas holidays. It had been tough, and they had missed each other, but neither wanted to antagonise Marian further.
It was as she was watching Hope bumbling around, trying, for the umpteenth time, to climb up the ratlines, that her phone rang. Recognising the sound immediately, the satanic O Fortuna, by Carl Orff, she grinned. Looking over, Killian smiled back. As a joke, over Christmas he'd set the dramatic orchestra opening against Regina's name in Emma's phone directory. Although she'd laughed her head off the first time that Regina had rung her after he did it, she nonetheless told him off for fiddling with her phone in the first place!
"Regina? How's it going?" she said, once the call connected.
"Emma, it's not Gina, it's Robin. I'm using her phone as my battery ran out. We're at the hospital."
She froze. "Hospital? Why, what's wrong? What's happened?"
"It's alright, but we were up most of the night. They think she's gone into premature labour."
"She's a couple of weeks early. Everything okay?"
"So far, so good. Sorry for the call but, I was wondering if I could ask a favour? As you know, Margot's staying with us. She's not used to being with the men yet, so…could you look after her for the day? Sorry to ask, but I'm a bit-"
"No, no, of course I can! No problem. She likes Killian anyway. Is she with you or at home?"
In the nine months since he'd been resurrected, Emma had gotten to know Robin better, and she discovered him to be an incredibly easy guy to get on with. Perfectly suited to someone like Regina, who seemed to calm just by being in his presence. She and the former outlaw had become closer, having bonded over the whole imminent baby thing, and she'd grown to trust him. Although he rarely used it, having powerful magic gave them something else in common, and she'd even asked him to consider taking on the sheriff role, until she was back on her feet. But he'd politely declined, instead offering to deputise occasionally when she needed extra help. She'd asked Mulan, but she also declined, saying she didn't want the extra responsibility right now, and wasn't sure it would be appropriate, Philip still being mayor, and all. Thankfully, her father stepped up and accepted to be Interim Sheriff till she was ready to go back, or they found someone. Ruby had been right, he was bored of only working on the farm, particularly as he now had extra staff to help him there.
Storybrooke Hospital
Within the hour, Emma walked into the maternity unit, Killian staying in the car with Hope, to find an anxious Robin pacing around outside in the little reception area, with his daughter sitting nearby on one of the chairs, looking at her tablet computer.
"Emma, thanks so much for stepping in..." obviously relieved to see her, he pulled her into a gentle hug, mindful of the large bulge, kissing her cheek. "You look lovely, blooming. You and Killian'll be doing all this yourselves soon! It's a bit cramped in there, and it's no place for Margot, right now."
"Yeah, I'm not feeling so lovely right now, more like a hippo. I guess I'll get to see you lot in action first, and learn from the mistakes?"
"Oh, there's going to be loads, no doubt. Mainly by me! Marian's in there with her right now. Seems the baby's decided to come a couple of weeks early. The nurses reckon we've a few hours to go yet. You want to pop in and see her?"
"Yeah, sure, if I'm not in the way?"
"Of course not, you're family!" She beamed back at him. Such a lovely guy, she thought. "But they don't want more than two of us in with her till after the birth. So you pop in, and I'll stick here with Margie till you're out."
A minute later, she stepped into the delivery room, seeing Regina lying propped up on a hospital bed on the far wall. However, as with the diner six weeks ago and twice since over Christmas, her own uterus seemed to instantly come alive with magic once again, making her gasp. The surprised look on Regina's face told her she was getting the same treatment! "Woah!" he blurted, before even having the chance to say hi.
"Emma!" her best friend looked up, clearly hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, Regina's hand went to her swollen belly in shock at the magical burst. "Come on in. What're you doing here?"
"Rob asked me to take care of Margot. Hi Marian!" she said to the taller brunette, now standing beside her holding her hand. "How are you feeling? Anything you need brought in?" Emma walked over to her friend, and they both felt the internal magic from below going wild. All until Regina reached her free hand out to grasp Emma's. The moment their skin touched, and fingers entwined, both women felt the magic course through their arms, remembering what Merlin had said. It's not u, or the babies - it's the babies' magic talking! The magic calmed within both of them almost immediately.
"I'm shattered! This little swine in here decided he couldn't wait another couple of weeks! We've been up all night. Robin apparated us in, and Marian's been here with me the whole time…" she squeezed her wife's hand, giving her a sad smile. "Mar, you go get yourself a coffee and a freshen up, my love? You must be as exhausted as me!" The look she gave her told Emma it wasn't the first time Regina had asked her to take a break. "Robin's outside and Emma can sit with me till you get back? Go on, you could do with a rest. I'll be fine."
"Well…" she considered her options. "At the very least I could do with a pee! All right, I'll go get myself a tea. Emma, you want something?"
"I'm fine. I only called in to grab Margot, so Robin can get back in here. Isn't Zelena around?"
"She's back in San Francisco. Robin has Margot with us till the spring."
Marian stood, gathering her bag. "He poofed a spare bag and clothes for me too, so I'll have a quick shower and change. Back as soon as I can!" she bent down, kissing her wife on the cheek.
"Take your time, my dear, it's not like I'm going anywhere!"
Once she left the room, Emma looked down at their entwined fingers. "Weird, isn't it?"
"Totally. Perhaps Merlin's right. Maybe their magic's just searching for more magic, or perhaps these babies will be connected in some way? All I know is, it only happens when you're near me, and only stops when we're touching. Have you found out whether you're having a boy or girl?"
"Nope. We want the surprise."
"Same here, though Robin's convinced it's a girl. Marian thinks it's a boy and she's usually right about most things! God Emma, I'm so tired..." she slouched back. "And we've hours to go!"
"Well try to sleep! Go on, I'll stay here till she gets back, or I can call Robin in?" However, even as spoke, she could see Regina's eyes closing as she slowly lost consciousness.
After about ten minutes, Robin popped his head in the door. "She's asleep? Thank goodness. I thought she'd never drop off!" After resting the brunette's hand back down, Emma stood to leave, Robin thanking and hugging her once again. As before, the moment she started walking away, all those weird magical sensations stirred up again. Fortunately, not waking Regina. But they disappeared the moment she left the room.
Two hours later, Emma was looking out the bay window, watching Killian running around her lawn with Margot and Hope. The two-year old screaming and laughing, as the former pirate appeared to be pretending to be a sea monster, while Robin's red-headed daughter, the result of what could only be described as his rape by Zelena, pulled Hope along with her, like a protective big sister. It was a lovely sight, but she was trying to focus on her phone call with Henry.
"Yeah, she thinks it's going to be a few hours yet."
"Should I come home? I'm sure it's allowed, given the circumstances!"
"I wouldn't yet, Hen. These are your last two terms, you've only been back a few weeks, and you've got your finals in March. Best you hang on till the weekend. I'll let you know if anything happens."
"I'm worried about her, ma! I want to be there for her. And for you when it's your turn next month!"
"That's sweet of you, but I don't think she'd appreciate it, you missing big chunks of your last terms! She'll be fine. Besides, she's got Marian and Robin taking care of her."
"True. Didn't you think it was weird when mum made that announcement on Christmas Day that they were marrying Robin? It's only a year since she told everyone about Marian and her! I'm scared to think what they'll announce next year. A 'quadruple'!"
Emma chuckled. "I actually suspected they might do something like this. You've seen for yourself how they all are in public, right? It's different, but it works for them. They seem happy; so good luck to them. Seems odd though, after Aurora and Phil marrying Mulan. I think those three being accepted by everyone is what made your mum go for it. Anyway, never mind all that. How are you and Christina getting on?"
"We're good. Vi's got a one year slot in Vienna with an orchestra, so she's moving out once she qualifies."
"I'm sure Chrissy will be relieved. Must be hard on her, you sharing your flat with a former girlfriend?"
"No, they're cool. Really good friends actually. Grace is still staying though…"
"You do realise being surrounded by all these young women sharing your apartment is freaking your other mum out, don't you?"
"Yeah, but it's not like I'm setting up a threesome like her now, is it? Although, now I think about it..." he was deliberately winding Emma up, trying not to snigger. "Grace is definitely more bi than straight these days! Could be cool..."
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear you say that, young man, even if you are joking! Not the sort of thing a mother wants to hear. All the same, I'd be happier if-" she stopped suddenly, as a massive jolt ran through right through her lower belly, making her drop to her knees. "Ooof!"
"You okay, mum? You went quiet there."
"Aaaargh," she groaned loudly, as her lower half seemed to tighten, like a strong menstrual cramp. "Oooh, god, fuck!"
Henry heard her. "Mum! What's up? What's happening?"
"Ooh shit, no! Waaaay too early!" she gasped, the pain ripping through her.
"MA, TALK TO ME!" he yelled, now worried.
"Henry…listen…I gotta go, okay? I'll call you back…" then the line went dead.
"MA? What's-" He rang straight back, but it went to voice mail, so he immediately dialled another number, relieved when somebody picked up.
"Grandpa? It's Henry! Something's happened to mum!" Hearing Charming's first response. "No, Emma mum. I think there's a problem!"
Sure enough, there was a problem. During the call, Emma was fairly sure she'd had a contraction. Don't panic, it could be just Braxton Hicks? After the shock, she got off her knees, stumbling forward. But it's too early. Way too early! She shuffled to the window, seeing Killian still playing with the girls on the lawn.
She banged on the window, hard, to get his attention, though the windows were well glazed and, with all the racket the girls were making, he couldn't hear her. Without thinking, she drew down her magic and focused to apparate herself outside. Bad idea! The moment the mist cleared and she appeared on the lawn, a wave of dizziness slammed into her, making her knees buckle as she crumpled onto the grass. Only then she remembered that she wasn't supposed to use magic when pregnant!
"EMMA!" she heard his voice, as she folded into a foetal position, passing out.
Storybrooke Hospital
She woke up to noise and bright lights. And a concerned face right above her.
"Dad? Dad, what's happened? Where's Killian? Where am I?" her voice seemed croaky.
"Hello, my love. Hospital," Charming kissed her brow as she tried to sit up. He gently pushed her back. "No, no, just stay still! It's alright, but you've got a drip in your arm…" her eyes flared as she looked up at an IV attached to her left arm, slowly familiarising herself with her surroundings. She was lying on a hospital cot in a little white room, various machines close by.
"Dad, what's going on? What about the baby?" she felt bile starting to rise in her throat. "Where's Killian? Who's got Hope?"
"Calm, Emma, calm! It's okay." David kissed her on the forehead once again, concern etched into his face as he took her hand. "Killian found you unconscious on your back lawn, and called the hospital. They came out to you, and decided you needed to be brought in here. They've checked on the baby, and everything's fine. He's been sitting by your bed throughout, though he just popped out to talk to Doctor Whale about your progress. Mum's taking care of Hope and Robin's girl."
Her mind raced as she tried to remember what had happened. "I was on the phone to Henry. About Regina…"
"Henry was the one who called me! He was very worried how you ended the call, didn't know where Killian was, so asked me to get over…"
"I'd better call him back. Do you know where my phone is?"
"You'll do no such thing except rest, my girl!" he said firmly. "At least till they've checked you out. I've spoken to Henry since, and explained that the doctors think you fainted. Whale wants to find out why."
"I think it was my fault," she groaned. "I felt something wasn't right, tried to reach Killian outside, and used magic to poof to him. I just forgot what Merlin said about using it while pregnant-"
"Well speak of the devil…" he said as Killian walked back in, Whale immediately behind him, "…you can tell him yourself!"
"Swan! You're awake? Thank god..." worry fell from Killian's face as he darted to her, kissing her sweaty brow. "How are you feeling?"
She grasped his hand, holding on for dear life, as she told him what she remembered. "I shouldn't have used magic, but I needed to get to you. But something happened to the baby!" She looked up at Victor Whale, hoping he could shed some light.
"Your baby's fine, Emma. It's the first thing I checked, after your pulse, when you came in. However, as far as I can tell, I think you had a contraction. That's probably the pain you felt."
"Already? But I've got a month to go! Maybe its Braxton Hicks?"
"Possible, but unlikely. You've already started dilating."
"But…it's a month too early!"
"It's not uncommon, Emma, and a one-month premature birth is quite safe these days. Your baby seems strong, so I wouldn't worry if I were you."
"So…how long have I got? Are we talking a few hours or what?"
"Varies from woman to woman, so we can't know for certain. Only your body and that baby does! Your waters haven't ruptured so...from experience it could be anything from four or five hours to a couple of days. But I'm glad we now know the reason you fainted." He looked up at the IV, making a small adjustment. "Now, I'd best be on my rounds. I already assigned Doctor Hilary to you for the prenatal. I assume you're happy for her to continue and handle the birth too?"
"Please, I trust her…"
"Good, she's very accomplished. She's with Regina and Merlin right now, so I'll ask her to call in on you…"
"Merlin? What's he doing here?" was Regina having problems? "Has she had hers yet?"
"Still in labour, I believe. It's her first, so it can take a while sometimes. Merlin happens to be a surgeon in one of his many 'personas', but I believe he was helping her with some magical aspects of the birth, something beyond my area of expertise, unfortunately."
"Can I see him? Don't forget, I've got magic too, so he might be able to help!"
It was over an hour before the ancient wizard, the most powerful sorcerer who ever lived, stepped into her room. David had already left, and Killian was sitting close by, standing up to greet him.
"Good afternoon, Swan-Jones family! Victor asked me to pop by. Everything okay?"
"Thanks for coming. I'm not sure. I used magic accidentally, and wound up in here…"
"Yes, an unfortunate by-product of your condition. I recall a former wife of mine putting herself into a coma for two weeks when she was expecting our child…"
"Your child? Former wife?" she looked him over. "Merlin, just how old are you?"
He smiled. "One of the most common questions I get asked. In the Gregorian calendar, I'm probably just over two millennia…"
"Two thousand years old? You've got to be kidding?"
"You husband's closer to three centuries, Emma. Time loses its significance after a while…"
"That's like…around the time of Jesus! And the romans! You were there?"
"Not exactly. I was in what is now England. Hence the connection with Arthur and Camelot. But as you can imagine, I've seen quite some changes…"
So, you've been married before?" Emma had forgotten all about why she'd asked him to come.
"You remember Celia?" Emma nodded, realising it must have seemed a stupid question. "I've been married many times over the centuries, though I currently have two wives living in two different continents, with two different versions of me. I've got seven children currently living, including Celia and her three siblings." He could see the Saviour opened-mouthed in astonishment. "But I'm sure we're not here to talk about me. How can I help?"
"Oh, erm, well…" she tried to gather her thoughts. Versions of him? "I guess I'm worried about my magic and this baby! He's going a bit wild from time to time and, because magic seems to be involved when I'm anywhere near Regina, I'm wondering if it's something I need to be concerned about before the birth? You said it had something to do with our magic connecting? But it doesn't seem to sense your magic. Or Robin's for that matter. Why just Regina?"
"Or why just Regina's baby's magic, should be the right question, I believe."
"Right, let's go with that! Why? We kept away from each other over Christmas, but the times we've seen each other they go ballistic! It doesn't hurt, but…"
"But you feel you've lost control? Yes, well, as I told you the last time I was here, there is a connection between the two of them which I cannot go in to because doing so could seriously affect your futures."
"But futures that only you and Jefferson can see? Merlin, you're not helping! Regina told me you had Jefferson travel to the future; that he said something to Henry afterwards. So you can do it, when it suits you? If there's anything I need to know about this kid's future…"
"Calm yourself Emma. There is nothing 'bad' to worry about. In fact, if my suspicions are correct, and they usually are, your futures look exceedingly good. As for Henry, well, that was Jefferson saying something to save his daughter, and Henry, from future harm. And no, I will not go into it! Suffice to say you owe that man a significant debt as a result, even though what happened can never be revealed."
She simmered, hating being kept in the dark. "So what did Regina want with you? She's still in labour?"
"She is, four rooms along from you, as it happens. She asked me if I could do anything about her own child getting 'over-excited' magically. She heard you'd been brought in and wondered if I could help? She wants to see you but was worried about setting the babies off again. I cast a small spell over her that should block the magic for a day or so…"
"Could you do the same for me, so I can go see how she is?"
"Of course. It won't affect your labour, but remember, it's only temporary!"
In a birthing room nearby, a very irritated, tired and uncomfortable Regina sat, trying to read a newspaper, for the umpteenth time. Robin sat beside the bed, on the phone to someone, when Emma walked, slowly and unsteadily, into the room.
"Still no sign of that baby yet?" she called, knowing the answer already.
"Emma! They told me you were brought in. What happened?"
"I had a contraction, and stupidly forgot not to use magic, didn't I?" she mocked herself.
"A contraction? But you're even earlier than me!"
"Try telling the baby that! Yeah, I'm eight months. But never mind about all that; Merlin did to me what he did to you, and switched this little bugger's magic off for a while ! So I thought I'd look in before I headed home. Any change?"
She rolled her eyes. "I just had a contraction a few minutes ago, and Hilary said I'm four centimetres dilated, so should be in the next couple of hours. They said you had a contraction too?"
"Yeah. Four hours ago. I'm a month too early, so I thought-" she stopped as Marian walked back into the room.
Normally, when the slender brunette saw Emma and Regina together, the Saviour often noticed her glare. Even more so after the events before Christmas. Although she'd apologised to her previously for her jealous behaviour, Emma couldn't help feeling that Marian still didn't trust her around her wife. So, it was more than a surprise to Emma that, when she spotted her holding Regina's hand by the bedside, her face instead turned into a beaming smile!
"Emma, Lovely to see you again?" this time it sounded genuine. "I saw Killian earlier. I gather your pregnancy might have started too?"
"Hi Marian. Er...yeah, I hope not, but maybe," she immediately dropped Regina's hand, just in case. "I passed out at home. My fault completely! I was just calling in to see Gina before I left." She sounded almost defensive, wary of a bad reaction.
"Well don't go on my account. If you two being together and holding hands stops all that weird magic thing coming back, and calms the babies down, then stick around. I've just been outside, talking to Merlin. He explained everything…"
Robin and Regina looked at each other, thinking Marian had finally gone insane. Emma, meanwhile, was more surprised that the woman was being a lot less frosty around her. "Everything? How do you mean…everything? "
"About the babies' magic, of course. And the sort of magic that links them together. I think it's rather sweet!"
"Erm, sorry I might be being a bit thick here, but when you say linked, how do you mean?" However, before anyone could answer her, Regina gasped again as the next contraction bit down.
"Ooooooww shit!" cursed the usually well-spoken former mayor. "Ow, ow, ow, ow!" she gasped, pressing on a buzzer that had been lying beside her. Within seconds, a formidable-looking nurse bustled in, followed by a slightly timid one.
"Another contraction, Mrs. Locksley? Okay, I make that five minutes. Good, labour's coming along nicely. Now…" she saw the other three gathered around the mother-to-be and commanded in her most officious voice to control her breathing, before spotting Emma. "Only two birthing partners allowed in at any one time, I'm afraid! So, who's staying and who's leaving?"
A few minutes later, Emma clambered awkwardly into the SUV, Killian holding the door open. "So, what you're saying is, they have no idea when your labour's actually going to start?"
"Yeah. Apparently, it could take anything from hours to days! So, I said I'd rather go home, than wait here overnight. I remember from last time; those beds are seriously uncomfortable compared to ours. Regina's been here overnight, and she looks like shit!"
"She any nearer to having it?"
"A couple of hours to go, they reckon. Still, let's get home. I could do with a-" As she spoke, she felt a hot, wet sensation pour over her lower half. She looked down to a considerable problem.
"Oh no...!" she groaned. "Forget everything I just said! My water's just broke!"
"Waters? What, you don't mean…?"
"Yeah, I do mean! Get me back inside - this one's not waiting!" She looked at the uncomfortable mess she was now sitting in.
"Oh, and sorry about the car seat!"
