"Homecoming"

"Time for you to go home!" the nurse said as if singing a little song. Regina watched as she swaddled Henry, who was already starting to fall back asleep.

Being a newborn was really tough.

The nurse picked him up and rocked him as she walked toward Regina. "Mommy's here to take you home! I'm sure you're going to love it," the nurse said.

"Hello, Henry," Regina said, her voice pitching higher like it did when she spoke to Neal or Penny. She took her son into her arms and bounced him gently. "Daddy and I are so excited to welcome you home!"

Henry just yawned in response before falling back asleep and Regina's heart melted a bit more.

"Where is your husband?" the nurse asked, looking past her.

"I'm right here," Robin said, entering the nursery. "I just wanted to check on Emma. She's fine and is ready to go home with Cleo."

Regina smiled, nodding. "That's good. I hope she gets plenty of rest once she gets home. She deserves it."

"Agreed," he replied, smiling down at Henry. "It looks like this little guy also is getting plenty of rest."

"He is," she said, still bouncing Henry. "He's probably going to sleep all the way home."

Robin chuckled, nodding. "I'll go get the carrier and we can get him ready for his first car ride."

"His first car ride," Regina said, realization dawning on her as joy filled her. "There are so many different firsts we're going witness."

"Yes, you are," the nurse replied, smiling widely. "It's going to be fun and crazy ride. Try to enjoy every minute."

She helped Robin strap Henry into the carrier before Regina tucked the blanket around him. After checking to make sure his little hat was securely on his head, she stepped back and thanked the nurse as Robin picked up the carrier. The nurse waved to Henry, even though he was asleep. "Enjoy your new home, Henry."

Robin took Regina's hand and they headed toward the exit. With every step, it became more real to Regina – they were taking their son home. Henry was truly theirs and they were finally, finally parents.

Emma and Cleo met them at the elevator bank. Regina smiled as she approached Emma, who was sitting in a wheelchair. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore and tired," she replied, sighing. "But they've assured me that's normal and I just need to rest."

Cleo nodding, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And that's just what you're going to do once we get home."

Regina smiled as the elevator doors opened. They all boarded and Robin hit the button for the lobby. Turning to Emma, Regina said: "You do what Cleo says. And if you need any help, don't hesitate to call me and Robin. We're still here for you."

"I know," Emma replied, smiling. "We're stuck with each other for life."

"Pretty much," Robin agreed. "I hope you don't get sick of us."

She shrugged, though she was unable to stop smiling. "I don't think I will."

"Good," he replied as the doors opened. He held them as Cleo wheeled Emma out before Regina left. Robin followed her with the carrier, Henry still asleep inside it.

They reached the doors and Cleo smiled. "I think this is where we need to part. Have a good ride home, you two."

"Thank you," Regina said, squeezing Emma's shoulder. "You get plenty of rest. You deserve it."

Emma thanked her before Cleo helped her out of the wheelchair. Leaning on the older woman, Emma slowly walked away to head to Cleo's car. Robin and Regina stood there for a bit longer watching her before he handed the carrier to Regina. "I'll go get the car. Be back in a moment," he said, kissing her.

She held up the carrier, watching Henry sleep inside it. Regina smiled, her heart skipping a beat as she once again realized that her son was here and he was coming home with them. Her dreams had truly come true.

"You ready to see your new home, Henry?" she asked him. "We have everything ready for you. I'm sure you're going to love it."

Robin pulled up in his car and parked to help her attach the carrier to the car seat base. Once it clicked into place, Regina climbed next to Henry to keep an eye on him. She smiled as Robin pulled away from the hospital, heading back to Storybrooke. Every so often, he would glance back at them with a smile as bright as the one she knew she had.

She looked back down at Henry. He slept on, his little chest rising and falling under her hand. Regina wondered what babies dreamt about and hoped that they were only good ones. She knew hers had been very good of late – she dreamt about him and everything that lay ahead of them as a family.

"How's he doing?" Robin asked her.

"Good," she replied. "He's still sound asleep."

He chuckled, turning onto their block. "Sounds about right to me."

They pulled into the driveway and Robin put the car in park. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he looked back at her. "I'll come around to get him."

"Okay," she said, rubbing Henry's little stomach. "We'll be here waiting for you."

Robin got out of the car and a few moments later, opened the back door. He leaned forward and took the carrier out of the base. As he did so, Henry opened his eyes and focused on his father for a moment. Robin smiled. "Hello, Henry. Welcome home," he said.

"I guess he's excited to at least see the house before he falls asleep again," Regina replied, sliding out of the car with his bag. Robin helped her down before they closed the door behind her.

"Then we should take him inside," he said, taking her hand. She gave it a squeeze as they walked up to the front door. Regina darted forward and unlocked the door, opening it.

"Welcome, Henry," she said. "Here's your new home."

She and Robin entered the house. He set the carrier down on the coffee table and unbuckled Henry from it. Lifting him up, Robin cradled their son and slowly turned around. "This is where you are going to grow and learn," he said.

Henry yawned before closing his eyes again. Robin stopped and laughed. "He lasted longer than I thought."

"Me too," she replied. "Shall we go put him in the bassinette?"

Robin bit his lip as he looked down at the sleeping baby. "I don't want to let him out of my sight just yet. Do you?"

"Not really," she admitted, also wanting to keep Henry close by her. After all, it still felt like a dream that he was really there.

"How's this? I'll go upstairs and bring the bassinette down so we can keep him close by," Robin suggested, holding out the carrier to her.

She smiled, kissing him. "Sounds perfect. Thank you."

He then headed upstairs and she walked further into the living room. Sitting on the couch, Regina unbuckled Henry and took him out of his carrier. He yawned before settling back against her, still sound asleep as she rocked him. "I love you so much, Henry," she whispered. "And I am so glad you're home."

"Alright," Robin said, coming down the stairs with the bassinette in hand. He entered the living room and placed it down near the couch. "Here?"

Regina nodded. "That looks good."

"Good," he said, stepping back. "Now, we just have to put him down."

She glanced down at her sleeping son and she felt a pang in her heart at the thought of letting him go, even if he was going to be in the same room as her. "That might be a problem," she admitted.

"Let's try to ease into it," he suggested, sitting at the end of the couch closest to the bassinette. He patted the seat next to him. "Come on down here."

Regina slid down the couch, still cradling Henry. She sat next to Robin, who looked down and gently rubbed their son's belly. "Okay, that was step one. We can wait a few minutes and do step two."

"What is step two?" she asked, curious.

"Step two is placing Henry into the bassinette," he said, motioning to it with his hand.

She frowned, not sure about the plan. "I thought we were easing into this? Two steps don't seem to do that."

"Oh, there's definitely more than two steps," he assured her. "Step three is that we sit here and watch him for a bit."

Regina nodded, feeling a little better. She glanced down at their sleeping son before asking: "And step four?"

"Step four, one of us goes into the kitchen to make lunch while the other stays with Henry," he replied. "And then step five, the other goes to the kitchen to have lunch."

"Okay," she said, still unsure but believing this was the best plan of action. "Five steps seem good."

Robin smiled, leaning closer to her. "Actually, there's a sixth step."

That surprised her and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what is it?"

"It's when we rush back in here to make sure he's okay and that he's still here," Robin told her.

She laughed and nodded. "I like step six."

He chuckled. "Step six might already be my favorite too. So shall we move onto step two so we can get closer to it?"

"Alright," she said, reluctantly standing. "I'll put Henry in the bassinette."

Regina stepped up to the bassinette. She glanced down at her sleeping son before taking a deep breath and placing him inside it. He wiggled a bit before getting comfortable, his sleep undisturbed.

Sitting back down, she let out a sigh as Robin wrapped his arm around her. He kissed the side of her head. "Good job."

"Thank you," she said, leaning against him. "So how long until step four?"

He shrugged. "I'd say at least fifteen minutes."

"Fifteen minutes sounds good," she replied. She then pressed a hand to her stomach. "And I am starting to get hungry."

"Okay, so fifteen minutes and then I'll head into the kitchen to make us some lunch," he said, kissing the side of her head again.

A wave of guilt washed over her. Robin had been running around doing everything they needed to bring Henry home while she had spent time with their son. It was his turn to spend time with Henry and so she patted his knee. "I'll make us lunch. You rest with Henry," she told him.

He tilted his head, giving her a confused smile. "Are you sure? I don't mind. You can have your bonding time with Henry."

"I'm not going to hog our son," she replied. "It's your turn to have some time with him."

"Alright," he said, placing his hand on her knee as he smiled. "If you insist."

She nodded, kissing his cheek. "Daddy and son bonding time, even if he's sleeping through it."

"He's been sleeping through most of our bonding time," Robin replied. "It won't be anything new for us."

"Same here honestly," she said, chuckling as she kissed his cheek. She leaned back before asking: "Has it been fifteen minutes yet?"

Robin checked his watch before shaking his head. "Only about ten minutes. We have five more minutes before initiating step four."

She glanced at Henry before her stomach growled, forcing her to start step four earlier. Patting his leg, she stood up. "I think I'll go into step four now. My stomach is demanding equal attention so I'm going to go get lunch started."

"Are you sure?" he asked, looking concerned. "You okay to leave him?"

"Not really, but I'm only going into the next room and he's in his father's more than capable hands," she said, leaning down to kiss him. Pulling back, she then said: "I'm going to have to get okay with leaving him for periods of time, right?"

He nodded. "We both do. Baby steps."

"Right," she said. "Here I go, taking my first baby steps away from him."

"Good luck. I'll be right here with him if you need us," he assured her, reaching in and gently rubbing Henry's foot. She nodded before leaving the living room.

Regina entered the kitchen and immediately went for a box of macaroni and cheese. It seemed absolutely appropriate and would be an easy meal to make. She started to mix the milk and butter in a pan, waiting for it to boil as she thought of her husband and their son.

If she was honest, she was a bit concerned about Robin. She knew he loved Henry. It was clear in his eyes, his smile and how he interacted with their son already. But it struck her as odd that she wasn't fighting with him to spend time with Henry. He was volunteering to do everything rather than wanting to sit with the baby. She didn't know what was going on there and hoped it wasn't anything bad. Maybe he was just nervous about being around the baby now that Henry was home. If so, she would help him get used to having Henry with him and show him that he had nothing to worry about.

And if it was something worse…well…they would cross that bridge when they got to it.

She stirred in the macaroni and lowered the flame. Regina hummed as she stirred it, feeling the pasta start to soften as it cooked. Deciding to give Robin a head's up, she stepped aside for a moment to lean into the living room. She saw him watching over Henry with a soft smile on his face, still rubbing their son's foot. It was a sweet scene and lessened her concerns for a moment.

"Robin," she said softly. He looked up and she gave him a big smile. "It's your turn to walk away from him. Lunch is ready."

He nodded, standing up and leaned over to kiss Henry's forehead. "Mummy and Daddy will be right back," he told the boy.

Robin walked toward her and she gave him a quick kiss. "Can you set the table for me?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied, bumping his nose against hers. "What did you make?"

"Take a wild guess," she teased him, heading back over to the stove.

He chuckled before pulling down two bowls. "The meal of champions, right?"

"If the champions are us, then yes," she replied, spooning the cheesy meal into the bowls. She then handed one back to him before grabbing the other. They headed to the table.

Regina sat down but Robin remained standing. He leaned against his chair. "What do you want to drink?"

"Seltzer, please," she said. "Thank you."

He nodded, opening the refrigerator. Robin returned with a seltzer for her and a soda for him, sitting down across from her. She smiled, taking a forkful of macaroni and cheese. "Bon appetite!"

"Thank you," he said, taking a forkful as well. With a nod, they began eating their lunch.

"So, Tuck won the name pool my employees had created," Robin said. "Will was a little put out."

She chuckled. "I know he was really hoping we would choose William. And it's a great name and he's a wonderful friend I wouldn't mind name a child after…"

Robin paused, setting his fork down and tilted his head. "Really?"

"Yeah," she replied. "Will's like your brother and he's been a very good friend to us over the years. Maybe one day, if we decide to adopt again."

"Maybe," Robin answered, leaning back with a silly grin on his face. "Though if we do, you know there would be no living with him after that, right?"

She chuckled, nodding. "I do. And we would probably owe Anastasia an apology gift."

"Probably," he agreed. He then turned serious as he said: "But Will didn't choose his own name. He guessed Roland."

"Oh," she replied, surprised. She tilted her head. "You never even suggested your grandfather's name."

Robin nodded. "I know. That's because Grandpa Roland made us all promise that we wouldn't name a child after him until he was dead."

"Well, now that I think about it, that does explain why none of the younger generation is named after him," she said, doing her best to go over all of Robin's cousins and their children. None, as far as she could recall, were named after the Locksley family patriarch.

"A few have it as a middle name," Robin said. "He did relent and let that happen. But we've all be forbidden from using it as a first name until he's gone."

She chuckled, taking another bite of her macaroni and cheese. "That certainly sounds like Grandpa Roland."

Robin's response was silenced when they heard a little cough coming from the living room. At its sound, Regina tensed up as her mind imagined her son struggling and needing her. She pushed her chair back from the table and jumped up at the same time as Robin. Both rushed into the living room, eager to check on their son. Her heart raced as she looked into the bassinette.

Henry slept on, his little chest rising and falling regularly. The baby boy was apparently fine.

The adrenaline rush died down and Regina felt herself sag. Robin wrapped his arms around her, holding her up. "Maybe we should eat in here," he suggested. "Just to be safe."

"Yeah," she said, nodding. "I think that sounds like a good idea."

He kissed the side of her head. "You stay here with Henry. I'll go get our bowls and glasses. Be right back."

She thanked him before sitting down on the couch. Regina leaned closer to the bassinette, rubbing Henry's foot. "You gave Mommy and Daddy a scare there, sweetheart," she told him. "We don't want anything to happen to you."

Henry slept on, oblivious to the panic he had caused in his parents.

Robin returned, handing over her bowl and fork as well as her drink. He then went to grab his and joined her on the couch. "How is he?"

"Good," she replied, leaning against her husband. "He's still asleep and looks very peaceful, unlike us."

"We're going to be worrying about him until the day we die, aren't we?" Robin asked, looking over at their son as well.

She nodded, swallowing a bite of macaroni and cheese. "Most likely."

"At least we'll be worrying about him together," he said, nudging her and smiling.

Regina smiled back, nodding. "Yeah."

They continued eating as they watched their son sleep. When they finished, she gathered their bowls and forks. "I'll go clean these while you keep an eye on him?" she asked.

He nodded. "That sounds good."

She hurried into the kitchen and quickly cleaned everything, sticking them in their dishwasher. Regina then returned to the living room as Robin continued to gaze down at their son, a pensive look in his eyes.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked, sitting back down next to him.

He looked at her and smiled. "I was just thinking that one day, Henry will be enjoying mac and cheese with us."

"True," she replied. "Unless he doesn't like it."

Robin let out an exaggerated indignant gasp as he moved his arm from around her. He leaned forward and gently placed his hands over Henry's ears. "Don't say such things! He's very impressionable."

She laughed, rolling her eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm sure he's going to love macaroni and cheese just like us."

"Yes, he is," Robin agreed, sitting back and wrapping his arm around her again. "We're going to have to stock even more once he can eat it."

"We're probably going to have to stock a lot once he starts eating solid foods," she said. "We already have a lot of formula stocked for him."

He nodded. "We do. It's going to be interesting to watch it go from formula to baby food to regular food."

"Yes, but let's not rush him," she told Robin, patting his knee. "Let's let Henry be our baby boy."

"Agreed," he said, holding her close. "Let's just enjoy these days."

Henry let out a little sigh before settling back down again. Regina's heart soared as she watched her son continue to sleep. He was there and they were parents at last.

She couldn't be any happier.

Cries filled their bedroom and Robin sat up, rubbing his eyes. Beside him, Regina also sat up and turned on the light. She then picked Henry up from his bassinette, his little face turning red as he squirmed in his swaddling. Regina rocked him as she patted his back. "Is it time for his feeding already?" she asked.

Robin glanced at the clock by his side of the bed and nodded, pushing the blankets back. "I'll go make his bottle."

"Thank you," she said, trying to soothe their hungry son. "I have some in the fridge already. You just have to pop it into the bottle warmer."

"Sounds good," Robin said, rubbing his face as he padded out of the room. He headed down to the kitchen and found one of the bottles Regina had prepared, popping it into the bottle warmer set up on their counter. Once the light turned green, he pulled it out and tested the formula against his arm. It felt just right so he headed back up to feed their hungry son.

Regina smiled as he entered, holding out her hand. "Here, I'll take that."

"Oh," he replied, feeling a pang of disappointment. He had been hoping to feed Henry but he handed the bottle over to his wife, knowing how long she had dreamed of this moment. Robin wanted to let her enjoy it and knew that it would then be his turn to do the same. So he swallowed down the disappointment as he climbed back into bed.

Henry ate greedily and Regina chuckled. She looked over at Robin. "He has your appetite."

"Yes, he does," Robin agreed, smiling down at their son. "Like father, like son, right?"

She chuckled, nodding. "Indeed."

They watched Henry finish his bottle. She handed the empty container to Robin as she brought Henry to her shoulder, patting his back. After a few moments, he let out a good burp and she rubbed his back. "Good boy," she cooed.

"I'll go clean this while you put him back to bed?" Robin offered, already knowing his wife wouldn't likely hand over their son just yet.

Regina smiled at him. "Thank you."

He tried to make his trip back downstairs as quick as possible but when Robin came back up, Henry was already sound asleep in his bassinette. Swallowing down his disappointment again, he climbed back into bed and kissed Regina's cheek. Robin turned off the light as he said: "Goodnight, Regina, Henry."

"Goodnight, Robin," she said sleepily. She curled against him, letting out a happy little sigh. That bolstered his spirits a bit and he kissed her forehead, glad that she was happy. He drifted off to sleep repeating his new mantra.

Just be patient. It'll be your turn soon enough.

"So, how's motherhood going?" Mary Margaret asked.

Regina collapsed onto the couch, exhausted but happy. "So far so good. It's been hectic as we try to find a new rhythm and routine but I think we're doing good."

"I'm sure you are," her friend replied. "You and Robin are one of the best teams I've ever seen."

"Yeah," Regina said, though she went over the past couple days and how she and Robin were parenting together in her mind as the worry she had tried to ignore returned again.

Mary Margaret was quiet for a moment before asking: "If everything okay?"

"Yeah," Regina insisted. "Of course it is. I'm just tired, sorry."

"Uh huh," Mary Margaret replied. "Okay, you want to try that again remembering who you're talking to?"

Regina sighed, finding that Mary Margaret knew her so well both a blessing and a curse. She looked around to make sure her husband wasn't within hearing distance before admitting: "I'm worried about Robin."

"Why?" Mary Margaret asked. "He seemed so excited about becoming a father. Is he having second doubts?"

"Oh, no," Regina replied. "He's so happy that he's a father and he's clearly head-over-heels in love with Henry."

Her friend hummed before asking: "Alright, then what is the issue?"

"I don't know," Regina admitted. "It's hard to explain."

"Give it a try. Maybe we can figure it out together," Mary Margaret told her.

Regina bit her lip as she tried to gather her thoughts. "He seems hesitant to be around Henry. Like if anything needs to be done away from Henry, he volunteers to do it. For example, when we brought him home, Robin went to get the bassinette and to bring a few things in from the car and then volunteered to go make lunch. I suggested I make lunch and he stay with Henry."

"Okay, but that was the first day," Mary Margaret said. "Do you have any other examples?"

"Well, at night, I usually handle the feedings," Regina replied. "But he does make the bottles for me so we're both up."

Mary Margaret hummed. "Anything else?"

Regina relayed a few other incidents where it seemed Robin volunteered to do everything but whatever Henry needed at that time. "And I don't know if I've ever seen him just pick Henry up to hold him. Every time, it seems I've been the one to place Henry into his arms," she finished.

"That's interesting," Mary Margaret said. "David and I practically had to fight each other over who got hold Neal the first week he was home."

Closing her eyes, Regina felt her heart sink at that. She had expected to be the same with Robin and was now even more worried that it wasn't the case. "Why isn't Robin doing the same with Henry?" she asked.

"I don't know," Mary Margaret replied. "But there is one thing I do know."

"What is that?" Regina asked.

Mary Margaret's tone softened as she said: "You and Robin are the strongest couple I know. And you are because of how great you two are at communicating with each other. You two need to talk about this."

"You're right," Regina replied. "I just don't know how to broach it without sounding accusatory."

"Maybe you can approach it out of concern for him? You just want to make sure nothing's wrong, right?" Mary Margaret asked.

Regina swallowed past a lump in her throat as she said: "Yes."

"Then that's how you approach it," Mary Margaret told her. "No pretenses. Just an honest talk to make sure everything is okay with him."

"You're right. Thanks, Mary Margaret," Regina said, feeling a bit better after talking with her friend.

"Well, enough about Robin for now," Mary Margaret replied. "Tell me more about Henry! Have you introduced him to Queen yet?"

Regina cast a glance at Her Majesty's bed and toys, missing her faithful companion. "Not yet. We wanted to get settled with him and then introduce her. My mother is coming over this weekend to bring her home and to meet Henry."

"Oh, that sounds like a good idea," Mary Margaret said. "And I'm sure Cora is just going to melt over her grandson."

"I'm pretty sure she already has," Regina replied with a smile. "I've been sending her pictures every day and she actually learned how to use emojis to respond to them."

Mary Margaret laughed. "Cora Mills using emojis? That is impressive!"

"I know, right?" Regina said. "She's going to be over the moon to finally hold her grandson."

"What about Robin's mother? I know you two are on much better terms with her, so is she going to come see Henry?" Mary Margaret asked.

Regina smiled. "Yes. We're introducing Henry to her and Robin's grandparents tomorrow on Facetime and then Susan is going to come out next month. She wanted to give us some time to bond with Henry."

"Of course you have it all planned out," Mary Margaret replied with fondness in her voice. "Are you sending them pictures as well or will tomorrow be the first time they see him?"

"They've gotten all the same pictures my mother has gotten," Regina told her. "So they know what he looks like."

Mary Margaret said that was good. She then asked: "So when are your coworkers going to get some pictures, huh?"

Regina laughed. "I'll send you all a bunch of pictures today, I promise."

"Good," her friend replied. "We're starting to feel a bit neglected."

"I apologize," Regina said. "I'll do better. I promise."

She heard David call for Mary Margaret in the distance and her friend held the phone away as she responded. When she returned, Mary Margaret apologized. "My family needs me. I'll talk to you soon," she said.

"Give David and Neal my love," Regina replied before they ended the call. She sighed, rubbing her eyes before deciding to take a nap herself.

Regina stood and headed upstairs, opening the door to her room. She paused, finding Robin also curled up on their bed and Henry napped in his bassinette. Her husband was on his side, facing the bassinette as if he had fallen asleep watching their son. It tugged at her heart and she smiled, feeling a little reassured. Maybe he really did just need to adjust to being a father and would soon be fighting her over who got to hold Henry next in no time.

Climbing into bed, she spooned her husband and let out a soft sigh. She closed her eyes and let sleep carry her away, joining her family in dreamland.

Robin waited for the Skype call to connect as he held Henry in his arms. His son slept on and he prayed Henry would at least open his eyes once during the call. But he guessed there would be more calls that Henry would be awake for.

Still, he hoped.

"Is that my newest great-grandson?" Robin looked up and found the video call had connected. Grandpa Roland sat around the computer with Grandma Ellie and his mother, all three leaning closer to see Henry.

Robin chuckled, adjusting the baby so they could see him better. "Yes, it is. Please meet Henry Robin Locksley."

"Henry Robin," Grandma Ellie mused, nodding. "I like it."

Grandpa Roland nodded in agreement. "It's a good, strong name. You and Regina chose well."

"Thank you," Robin said, pleased his family liked their name choice. "After losing Regina's father, it just made the most sense to pass his name on to his grandson."

His mother nodded, love and adoration in her eyes. "He's beautiful, Robin. You and Regina must be over the moon now that he's finally here."

"We are," he replied, rocking Henry. "It's so amazing and so very tiring as well. Those three AM wake ups are more brutal than I imagined."

All three chuckled. "Welcome to fatherhood," Grandpa Roland said.

"Do you and Regina trade off?" Grandma Ellie asked. "She takes one night, you take the next?"

"Right now, we're both waking with him," Robin said. "I usually make the bottles and Regina feeds him."

Grandpa Roland rubbed his chin. "Sounds like solid teamwork but probably not a good long-term strategy."

"Agreed," Grandma Ellie replied. "It just means you'll both be exhausted. You should start to rotate."

Robin nodded, knowing they had a point. It did seem counterproductive for both of them to be up with Henry and it would finally give him time to bond with his son. "I'll talk to Regina about it."

"Good," Grandma Ellie said. "You'll both appreciate it. Trust me."

"So, Robin, tell us more about this beautiful baby boy," Susan said, gazing adoringly at her grandson.

"He's already a big eater. Every time we give him a bottle, he sucks it all down," he replied, smiling down at his son. Henry brushed his cheek with his little hand before settling back down.

Susan pressed her hands to her heart, looking like she was melting. "He's just so adorable, Robin."

He nodded, his heart swelling with love for his son. "I know. I can't wait to learn even more about him."

"We can't wait to meet him," Grandpa Roland said. "We're going to try to get out there as soon as well can."

Robin smiled, excited to be able to see his family with his son. "We can't wait to have you come meet him. It'll be wonderful to be all together."

They nodded as Henry squirmed in his arms, making a few noises. Robin looked down, frowning as he rubbed his son's back. "I think he's either hungry or needs a change. Still trying to learn all the different cries," he said.

"We'll let you go to tend to him," Grandma Ellie said. "We'll talk to you soon."

Before he could respond, Henry let out a loud wail. He rubbed his son's back and made soothing noises, starting to stand and hoping his mother would figure out how to end the call. Or maybe he could send Regina in here to do it while he tended to whatever their son needed.

Regina appeared next to him, taking Henry from his arms as she cooed to the baby. "Does someone need a diaper change? Or is someone hungry? Let's go figure it out," she said.

"Oh, I had him," Robin said, trying to hide his disappointment. He wanted a little more time with Henry. "It's fine."

He started to reach out for Henry again but Regina swatted his hands away. She smiled. "No, you talk to your family. We'll be fine."

She walked away and Robin slowly sat back down. He blinked a few times, trying to process what had just happened when he heard someone calling his name. Looking up, he found his family still on the screen. All three looked concerned.

"Are you okay, Robin?" Susan asked.

"Yeah, yeah," he replied, lying a bit. "I guess I didn't expect Regina to swoop in like that."

Grandma Ellie rubbed her chin before saying: "Is one of the reasons why you two haven't started switching off on who cares for Henry during the night the fact that Regina is taking care of him and not really letting anyone else do it, including you?"

"I wouldn't say it's that exactly," Robin said, feeling defensive of his wife. "This is a dream Regina thought would never come true and I think she's still worried that she's going to wake up and find it didn't really happen. So she's holding Henry a little tighter for now. I'm giving her some time to realize that he's here and he's not going anywhere."

"That's sweet," Grandpa Roland said, "but don't forget to advocate for yourself. These early days are important and you deserve a chance to bond with your son as well."

Grandma Ellie nodded. "You've been waiting for this day too, Robin. You deserve to enjoy it as much as Regina."

"We're not saying Regina is the bad guy here. There are no bad guys here," Susan said kindly. "There are just two new parents who are navigating a new schedule, probably walking around in a fog half the time and not really comprehending what's going on. Regina most likely doesn't realize she's always swooping in to take Henry. She's just being a mother. But I know you two. If you sit down and tell her, I'm sure she'll be apologetic and want to work with you."

What his family all said made sense and he nodded, rubbing his face. "I'll talk to her and get that schedule set up. You're right. It'll probably make things a lot easier for us."

"Parenting doesn't come with a manual," Grandma Ellie said. "All you have is the experiences of those who came before you. That would be us."

She motioned to his mother and grandfather. Robin smiled. "Thank you."

"We'll let you go," Grandpa Roland said. "Give that wife and son of yours kisses from all us, got it?"

"I will," Robin promised. "Talk to you all soon."

They ended the call and he stood, walking to find his wife so they could have a serious conversation about parenting duties going forward. He found her in the living room, feeding Henry. Regina rocked him gently and had the most beautiful smile he had ever seen as she gazed down lovingly at their son. In that moment, Robin's conviction faltered and he decided that they could always talk about the division of duties later.

He took a deep breath and turned back out of the room. As he walked into the kitchen, he glanced over at Queen's empty bowl and missed their dog even more. If she had been around, he could've kept himself busy caring for her until he could talk with his wife.

It's only temporary, he reminded himself. Queen will be back tomorrow and you can talk with Regina after her mother leaves. You will work this out.

But even he felt as if he was lying to himself.

Queen raced into the house and jumped up on Robin's legs, her tail wagging. He crouched down and scratched behind her ear, kissing the top of her head. "Did you miss us, Your Majesty? We missed you," he told the dog.

"She definitely missed you," Cora replied, smiling as she hugged Regina. "She's been mopey since I picked her up."

Regina watched Robin lavish attention on their dog and felt her heart constrict. Why was he so relaxed around Her Majesty and so reluctant and tense around their son? Was Mary Margaret correct and it was just nerves? Or was it something more?

Cora pulled away from her and took her hands, smiling. "So where is my grandson? I am so excited to meet him."

"He's napping in the living room," Regina said, motioning to the room. "Come on."

She led her mother into the living room and to the bassinette where Henry slept. Cora into it and Regina saw her eyes soften. Henry certainly melted her mother's heart and she smiled, happy to see her mother genuinely happy.

"Oh, Regina," Cora said, sighing happily. "He's so beautiful."

"He is," Regina agreed. "Robin and I are so in love with him."

She knew that was true. Even if she had some questions about Robin's hesitancy around Henry, she absolutely knew that he loved Henry and adored him. And that was a good start, she believed.

"May I hold him?" Cora asked. "Or is it best not to disturb him?"

Robin stepped next to Regina and she looked up, finding him smiling proudly. "He's a good sleeper. Once he's down, he stays down for a few hours. Nothing can wake him until then."

"He's right," Regina said, brushing past Robin as she picked Henry up from the bassinette. She cradled him as she looked up at her mother, who was studying Robin with a thoughtful look. A pang hit Regina's heart as she wondered if Cora had also noticed something off with her husband but she pushed it aside for now, brightly saying: "Here he is."

She placed Henry into her mother's arms and Cora cradled her grandson, smiling softly at him. Tears filled her eyes as she said: "Your father would've been so honored that you named your son after him."

"There honestly was no other choice," Robin said, wrapping his arm around Regina. "We just knew it was the right name for him."

"I wish Daddy was here to see him," Regina replied, feeling a lump in her throat. Robin pulled her closer to him, hugging her as she let the wave of grief washed over. Archie had told her it was best to let herself experience her feelings when they happened rather than fight them so that was what she was doing.

Cora nodded, her eyes still fixed on her grandson. "I do too. He would've doted on this beautiful baby boy."

"He would've been amazing with Henry," Robin agreed softly. "And we're going to make sure our son knows how wonderful his grandfather was."

Regina swallowed as she leaned against him, touched by his words. She whispered: "Thank you."

"I mean it," he whispered back. "Our Henry will know all about the man whose name he bears."

She closed her eyes and pressed her face against his neck for a few moments, breathing in his familiar and comforting pine scent. After a few inhales, Regina pulled away and turned to her mother. Motioning to the couch, she said: "Why don't you sit down, Mother?"

Cora glanced behind her and nodded. She sat down as she cradled Henry, who still slept soundly in his grandmother's arms. Regina sat next to them, rubbing her son's foot as she felt another wave of love wash over her.

"Can I get you something to drink, Cora?" Robin asked. "Or something to eat?"

"I'll take some water," she replied, looking away from Henry long enough to give him a grateful smile. "Please."

He nodded, asking if Regina wanted anything. When she said she was good, he then headed into the kitchen. Queen followed him dutifully, no doubt hoping for a treat while he was in there. And knowing her husband, it was likely she would get one as an apology for keeping her away for so long.

Once he returned, he sat next to her while Queen laid at her feet. The dog eyed the baby in Cora's arms but made no move toward him just yet. Regina and Robin had spoken with their vet and their pediatrician about how to introduce Queen to Henry and had a plan they would put into effect that night. So for now, Regina just leaned against her husband and enjoyed watching her mother bond with her son.

It was beautiful and everything she had dreamed of for so many years.

"I think I should take Queen out for a walk," Robin said, placing the last dish into the dishwasher. Her Majesty perked up and raced for the door, no doubt eager to go outside with him once again.

Regina nodded, knowing Queen preferred him to walk her and that this was part of their evening routine. Yet it still felt like another way he was trying to escape being alone with Henry. She hadn't been able to talk to him about it just yet as she found she didn't know how to bring it up without making it sound like he was a bad father.

Hopefully, her mother could help her.

Cora stood, walking toward her coffee maker. "Can I get you coffee as well?" she asked.

"No, thank you," Regina said, stretching. "It'll keep me up and I want to get some sleep before Henry's feeding."

"Is it your turn to handle the feeding? Or do you handle all the late-night feedings? You and Robin have a schedule, right?" Cora asked, turning to face her as she waited for the coffee to brew.

Regina shrugged as she sipped her seltzer. "Robin usually wakes up with me. He makes the bottle and then I feed him. Does the same during the day too."

"I see," Cora said. Regina could see the wheels turning in her mother's head and knew she was probably suspicious of Robin's actions too.

Taking a deep breath, Regina admitted: "I want your opinion. You've watched Robin today, right?"

"I've watched both of you," Cora replied, pouring some cream into her coffee. She stirred it as she sat down at the table again. "Do you have some concerns about Robin?"

"One," Regina admitted. "I want to start by saying that I have no doubt that Robin loves Henry and that he is happy our son is here."

Cora nodded, sipping her coffee. "But…?"

"But I'm worried he's afraid to be alone with Henry," Regina said. "He usually volunteers to do things away from Henry and while he will do things for Henry, I feel like I'm doing most of it. And I don't know how to bring it up without accusing him of being a bad father because he's not."

"You're right he's not," Cora agreed. "But he's also not scared of Henry or to be around him. From what I can tell, he's very eager to help with the baby."

Regina frowned, feeling even more confused. "Then why isn't he doing more? And why does he always volunteer to do things and leave Henry?"

Her mother took another sip before setting her mug down. "I told you I was watching both of you."

"And?" Regina asked, curious now. What had her mother observed in her? And would it help her understand her husband's behavior better?

"You're an excellent mother," Cora said, "but you're shutting out your husband."

Regina's heart dropped into her stomach and she felt her face heat up as she asked: "What do you mean?"

"You naturally are responding to every little sound and movement Henry makes. But so is Robin. You're so focused on Henry you're not realizing when you're essentially pushing him out of the way," her mother said.

"Oh god," Regina said, horrified. Robin wasn't waking up with Henry to just help her. He was waking up to take care of his son and she kept blocking him. She played back several other scenarios and realized that she had been viewing it all wrong.

Feeling like the worst wife possible, she asked: "Why hasn't he said anything?"

"Because this is Robin we're talking about," Cora replied. "Your loving husband who will put his own happiness on the backburner for yours."

"Fuck," Regina said, running her fingers through her hair. "What do I do now?"

Cora chuckled as she sipped her coffee. "You talk with your husband and work on not reacting so quickly. Give him a chance to be a father. Okay?"

"Okay," Regina replied, sighing. "I'll do that tonight. And then in the morning, I'll get him some strawberry strudel to continue groveling."

"Groveling?" Robin asked, entering the kitchen with Queen. He gave the dog a treat before looking at Regina again. "Who do you need to grovel to?"

Queen finished her treat and walked over to Regina, placing her head on Regina's lap. Scratching behind her ear, Regina met Robin's eyes and said: "You."

He continued to smile though he tilted his head, looking confused. Cora stood, picking up her mug. "Well, that's my cue to leave. Call me tomorrow, okay, sweetheart?"

"Okay, Mother," Regina said, standing. She hugged her mother. "Thank you for all your help."

She and Robin walked Cora out, going through the living room so she could say goodbye to her grandson. Cora then hugged both of them before leaving. As she drove out of their driveway, Robin closed the door and looked back at Regina. "Okay. So why do you feel like you need to grovel?"

"Because I've been awful to you," she said, reaching out to take his hand. "And I'm sorry I didn't realize it until my mother pointed it out."

He pulled her closer, rubbing her arm as looked into her eyes. "I'm still confused, love. How have you been awful to me?"

She sniffed. "I thought you were scared to be around Henry."

"You did?" he asked, sounding surprised. "Why?"

"Because you seemed to look for every reason to not be with him, especially when we first brought him home," she explained, finally voicing her fear that had turned into her shame.

He sighed, guiding her into the living room and easing her onto the couch. Robin sat next to her, taking her hand. "I wasn't scared of being with him. I just knew that you had been waiting so long to be a mother that I wanted to give you some time to enjoy being with our son. I figured I would have my time another day."

She felt even worse now, assuming that he didn't want to be around their son rather than that he was giving her time with Henry. "Oh…"

"So you thought I didn't want to be around him?" Robin asked. "Is that why you've been doing everything for Henry?"

Regina winced as a few more things clicked into place. "Not consciously. I've mostly been too focused on being the best mother, I forgot to let you be the best father."

"There's been something I've been wanting to talk to you about and now is the perfect time," he said, making her stomach twist in knots. Was she going to find out she had failed him in other ways?

"I think we need to come up with a schedule, especially for Henry's night feedings," he said. "We both can't keep waking up with him."

Relief swept through her as she nodded. "You're right. A schedule will definitely help. And maybe delegation of childcare duties with him as well."

"Sounds good," he said, patting her knee. "I'm going to get us something to drink as well as a pen and paper to write everything down. I'll be right back."

He kissed her forehead before standing. Robin paused at the bassinette, looking down at Henry with love and adoration in his eyes. Leaning over, he reached in and no doubt caressed some part of their son's body before leaving the room.

Regina leaned back and sighed. She felt a lot better now that she and Robin had talked. Mary Margaret was right and would likely gloat once Regina told her about this. And she would deserve it. Regina would let her have for a few moments before stopping her so they could move on.

And then hopefully, that would be the end of this rather embarrassing chapter.

"Alright," Robin said, carrying in two mugs. He set them down, assuring Regina it was tea before he sat next to her again. Robin handed her the pen and paper. "Shall we get started?"

She nodded and together, they worked out a good schedule for handling Henry's care. It seemed pretty fair and they would both get plenty of time with their son. "And, of course, cuddle time can be whenever with whoever," Robin said.

"Agreed," she replied, smiling. "No one should ever be denied cuddle time. So I think we're good."

"I think so as well," he said, kissing the side of her head. "And next time, we should both just sit down and talk with each other if we're having issues or concerns."

She nodded, taking his hand. "I promise to talk to you."

"And I promise to talk with you," he said as Henry started to cry. He stood, crossing over to the bassinette and picking up their son. Robin cradled him, smiling softly down at him. "Were you feeling ignored?"

"He's probably also hungry," Regina said, checking the time. She stood, making a decision. "I'll go make a bottle and then you can feed him."

Robin's smile lit up his face. "Thank you, Regina. I appreciate that."

"You're welcome," she said, kissing his cheek. "Though I doubt you'll be saying that at the first diaper change you get to take."

"Oh no," he replied, rocking Henry. "I'll appreciate that as well."

She laughed, heading into the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, she took out one of their bottles and placed it in the warmer. As soon as the timer went off, she returned to the living room. Pausing at the door, she smiled at the scene before her. Robin stood in the middle of the room, swaying with Henry. Their son watched his father, clearly fascinated by the man. It was adorable and made her insides melt.

"Here you go," she said, handing Robin the bottle. "I'll leave you two alone to bond and I'll go spoil Her Majesty with a week's worth of belly rubs."

"Sounds like a plan," he replied, easing the nipple between Henry's lips. As they son latched on and eagerly sucked down the formula, Robin added: "Once he's fed, we can then introduce Queen to Henry."

Excitement filled Regina as she nodded. "See you then."

She headed upstairs and found Queen lying on her bed. Regina sat on it and Her Majesty walked over to her, lying her head on Regina's lap. Chuckling, Regina scratched behind her ear. "Did you miss us, Your Majesty? We missed you," she said.

Queen rolled onto her back, showing Regina her stomach. Regina happily rubbed it, enjoying her time with her beloved and faithful dog. "We have a new friend for you to meet. Daddy will bring him up soon. I think you're really going to like him," she told Queen.

Her Majesty closed her eyes and let her tongue loll out, clearly enjoying the attention she was getting and not really listening to Regina. Chuckling, Regina continued to rub her dog's belly as she enjoyed having her entire family home together at last.

"Alright, he's been fed and burped," Robin said, carrying Henry into the bedroom. "I think we have some time before he needs to be changed and then falls asleep."

Queen lifted her head and tilted it, studying the baby in Robin's arms. Regina sat up next to Her Majesty, rubbing her side. "Then I think we should introduce Queen to Henry."

Robin sat down on the other side of Regina, using her as a buffer. If something went wrong, she would be able to grab Queen while he was able to quickly get away with Henry. However, Queen had proven herself to be good around children, so they didn't have too many worries with her being around Henry.

"Queen, this is Henry," Regina said, rubbing Henry's little foot. "Henry, this is Queen. We think you two might become really good friends."

Queen leaned over Regina's lap and sniffed Henry. The baby boy watched the dog with the same intensity he studied the world around him as he learned more about it every day. Regina kept a hand on Queen, ready to react in case something happened. She held her breath, waiting to see what happened next.

Her Majesty then laid down again, resting her head on Regina's lap as she studied Henry. Regina scratched behind her ear. "I know this is going to take some getting used to. This baby won't be going home after a few hours but I think you'll adjust," she told the dog.

"The vet said we just have to be patient," Robin replied. "We'll keep monitoring the two of them and see what happens."

She nodded, reaching out her arms. "How about I change Henry into his pajamas and you talk Her Majesty for a W-A-L-K?"

He grinned, placing Henry into her arms. "Sounds like a good plan. We'll be right back."

"We'll be here waiting," Regina said, standing with Henry. She watched as Robin and Queen left the room, the dog's tail wagging, before looking down at her son. "Bedtime, sweetheart."

As if understanding her, Henry yawned and tried to rub his eyes. She chuckled. "Alright. Let's get you in your pajamas and then you can get some sleep. You've had a big day – you met Grandmother and Queen! You deserve some rest."

She changed him into his pajamas and laid him in the bassinette. His eyes closed and his breathing evened out as he slipped off to sleep. Regina leaned down and kissed his forehead, murmuring how much she loved him and wishing him a goodnight.

Regina changed into her pajamas and went into the bathroom to brush her teeth as well as wash her face. She left the door open a bit so she could hear Henry in case he cried but he slept on. The only sounds she heard were Robin and Queen returning from their walk. Regina spit her toothpaste into the sink as she felt Robin behind her. When she stood again, her back was pressed against his chest and he kissed her cheek. "Hello, love," he whispered.

"Hello," she whispered back. She closed her eyes. "We've certainly had quite the day."

"Yes, we did," he agreed, kissing her shoulder. "But it all was for the best. I think we're going to be even better now."

She nodded. "I agree."

Robin finished up his nightly routine and they returned to the bedroom. Queen lay on the bed, watching the bassinette with her big brown eyes. Regina scratched behind her ear before climbing into bed. "Goodnight, Queen," she said.

Queen yawned before settling on Regina's legs, resting her head on them as they prepared to fall asleep. Robin turned off the lights and cuddled against Regina. "Goodnight, love," he said.

"Goodnight," she replied, closing her eyes as she took in his soothing woodsy scent. "Enjoy Henry's feeding in a few hours."

"I will," he said. "And you can enjoy waking up with him a few hours after that."

She grinned, glad they now had a schedule and would both get chances to spend time with Henry. "I will."

And so surrounded by her family, Regina drifted off to sleep. She woke when Henry started to cry and Robin climbed out of bed. Opening one eye, she watched as he picked their son up from the bassinette and carried him out of the room. She closed her eye again and fell back asleep, knowing Henry was safe in his father's arms.

There would no doubt be other challenges they would have to face and overcome but she felt more confidant in their ability to be a team. Parenting was going to be a grand adventure and she was glad she was taking it with Robin.

She couldn't ask for a better partner.

A/N: Henry is home! Robin and Regina are adjusting to their lives as parents. They had a bit of a bump there but finally talked it out.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Mac