I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
2: In It Together
Zelena could only wonder what this family dinner was about. Regina seemed to be better, having cooked and she was willing to stomach the Charmings. Robbie was just happy that meant Little Guy was over. They were making a mess finger-painting in the living room with Lily supervising. Emma hovered around Regina as she pulled a dish out of the oven.
"Should I take that?" Emma asked.
"I've got it." Regina sighed as if she had really exerted herself with having to put the pot on the counter.
"Anything I should help with?" Zelena asked.
Regina blinked, almost as if she did not realize Zelena was there. "Um… if you could set the table, please."
Zelena nodded, surprised Regina was being nice to her. See, it was possible for Regina to be polite, even when she was not at her best. Zelena showed restraint by not pointing that out and just setting the table as asked. Emma brought in a couple of dishes to put down — rice and peas and corn on the cob.
"What's this all about?" Zelena asked as she straightened out the bowls to the middle of the table. She actually missed these little setups. They had not had a proper family dinner since Regina began getting sick often.
"We have an announcement to make and Regina's bearing through it even though she should be in bed," Emma replied.
"How could you possibly have another announcement to make? You're already married, mated, and pregnant. It's not like you've knocked her up again."
Emma made a face. "No, it kinda is like that. Just go with it."
"Should she be moving about the kitchen like everything is normal?" Zelena glanced into the kitchen, frowning as Regina finished adding something to the chicken breasts she made. Regina should not be doing any of this, but because she liked to be super-omega or whatever, there she was, pretending everything was normal.
"You know she shouldn't, but your sister listens about as well as you do." Emma shrugged. "You want to go see if you have big sister clout and can force her to stop?"
Zelena had never actually tried to use "big sister clout." That seemed more like a Maleficent thing. She glanced into the living room where Maleficent was helping Henry with some writing project. She could handle this on her own. She took a deep breath and marched into the kitchen. Don't get kicked out. She wanted to hear the announcement, after all.
"Regina, maybe you should let me handle this," Zelena said.
Regina scoffed. "You handle dinner? You sound like Emma. I'm quite well on my own in my own kitchen."
"No one said you weren't capable. It's just…" She could not say Regina was obviously struggling. This should not be this hard! Regina was either normal or she was not. Why was she acting like both of those things were true? "Look, I'm here if you need help. Emma's here if you need help."
"Good to know, but I don't need help." Regina scowled at her as if she had done something wrong.
Zelena threw her hands up, not in the mood to argue about this. It was not like she wanted to do these omega chores anyway. She went and busied herself with Maleficent and Henry and left the rest of the table to Emma. Dinner was served before she could quite understand what Maleficent was doing, but not long enough to keep Maleficent from trying to shoo her away.
"Wow, nice spread, Mom," Henry said as he pulled out Maleficent's chair for her. He then leaned over. "Did I do that right?"
Maleficent laughed. "Great so far. Before you know it, you'll have all the perfect tips to being a gentleman and freak your moms out when everyone's calling your phone for dates."
Emma frowned. "I swore Lily was the one to watch with this dating nonsense."
Lily scoffed. "I'm not letting a date near that kid until he's thirty."
Snow was the one who spoke up shockingly enough. "You can't do that. His True Love is out there waiting for him and he might meet her when he's eighteen."
Henry made a face. Zelena was not sure if the face was because of "true love" and considering what they had to put up with his parents and grandparents, she was right there with him. But, maybe the idea of meeting his mate at eighteen bothered him. This realm seemed to believe in finding matches later than their teens. Or, maybe Henry was not interested in girls, which seemed a little unlikely considering his very close friendship with Violet.
"Yeah, but he won't be dating until he's thirty," Emma said.
"Why? You dated when you were a little older than me," Henry replied.
Emma and Lily glanced at each other. "Yeah, which is why you're waiting until thirty," Emma said and Lily nodded.
"This dinner got off-track faster than usual," Maleficent commented.
"Yes, let's just eat," Regina's voice was clipped as she made the order. Tiny beads of sweat dotted her forehead.
"Babe, you okay?" Emma held Regina's hand and rubbed her knuckles. Regina calmed right before their eyes. Zelena was stuck between being disgusted and impressed. She was happy Regina had someone to comfort her, but then this was just an alpha and omega display that it made her want to vomit.
Regina took a breath. "Sorry about that, everyone. Please, enjoy the meal."
"Yeah, but we know this is about more than the food, so hit us with your news," David said as he loaded his plate with everything possible.
Snow squealed. "Yes, tell us!"
Emma and Regina stared at each other for a long moment, silently deciding on who would speak. Somehow, Emma was nominated. But, why not, Emma? After all, Regina was the dutiful omega. It was sickening. Can't be me.
Emma took a breath. "So, we found out that we're actually having twins…"
"Awesome!" Henry cheered.
"Yeah, but Regina's probably going to be sick for the entire pregnancy," Emma finished.
Henry winced. That had to be emotional whiplash. "Wait, why?" He looked directly to Regina. "Are you going to be all right? Is the baby…" He shook his head. "Are the babies all right?"
Regina waved it off. "I'll be fine and they're perfectly healthy. I'm just going to be cranky and sick for the next few months. Everything will be fine, though." This was said in a way that made it seem like the opposite was true, but Regina would not lie to her precious son, right?
"Then, this calls for a toast!" David raised his glass. "My daughter made twins!"
"All by herself, right?" Lily said, which was good, to drive home what an alpha-dickhead thing that was to say.
David blushed. "Sorry. I'm just excited. I mean, twins! Emma, you're having twins!" He grinned and raised his glass again.
Emma laughed. "You're so bad at this, Dad. We're having twins." She leaned in to kiss Regina's cheek, which made Zelena's roll her eyes. And, of course, Regina seemed to glow from the attention. It was just disgusting. Zelena was not sure how she would keep her meal down as they all started to eat, but Emma kept making heart eyes at Regina and kissing her hand, which Emma did not let go throughout dinner.
-8-8-8-8-
They were kicked out again. Maleficent was not shocked, but Zelena was. She always was. She just could not understand — or maybe accept was a better word — why Regina was so irritable or why she was so sick all the time. Maleficent was quite happy they had not shared with Zelena that the potion Regina took was fighting with her pregnancy as she would probably worry herself into an early grave, but they would probably have to tell her before she worried herself into an early grave. But, despite her confusion, she was trying to be better.
"Do you think the tea made it worse?" Zelena asked as she paced the living room, wringing her hands like she had just talked Maleficent into murdering the king.
"No, Zelena, the tea didn't make it worse. You saw how her face lit up when you placed it in front of her." Maleficent was impressed Zelena tried to help Regina's nausea with a tea Zelena's mother used to make. Unfortunately, the babies tossed and turned the entire time, making Regina that much more miserable. Halfway through the cup, Regina had to teleport herself to the bathroom where she vomited on and off for the next ten minutes. She was not in the mood for company after that, unless, of course, that company was her mate.
Zelena shook her head. "She was fine before the tea."
"She was not." Regina had tried to put on a strong front for them, but the fact that she had come home on time from work said more than any words could. Regina tended to work until Emma came to pick her up, so they could go home together, but she could not make it that far today and did not seem to want to alert Emma, as she was still quite stubborn.
"What if she wasn't supposed to have that? What if I poisoned her and the baby? Babies! Two babies poisoned thanks to me! I should've asked Emma before giving her anything. She's always on about how Emma knows what to do for her." Zelena groaned, maybe in disgust or still bothered by her own actions. "Could you imagine if I poisoned her?" Her own actions then.
Maleficent went to make Zelena a drink to calm her down. She did not like pacifying Zelena in this manner, but it was better than using magic on her. "You didn't. She's fine. Stop worrying."
"She's not fine. She probably called Emma to save her." There was another groan. "Such an omega thing to do." She shook her head, like she did not want to say that. It seemed like there were always a thousand thoughts and emotions swirling through Zelena at any moment and she was not sure which ones to let out, so sometimes weird ones escaped at odd times. "I'm awful at this."
"What do you mean 'this'? Trying to help?" Maleficent handed Zelena her drink and then sat down next to her, their knees touching.
"Taking care of people. Her, Robbie, I'm awful. I'm an awful omega. I think that's why it bothers me so much. Regina's so effortlessly an omega and I'm me. And, yes, her dependence on Emma is very gross, but it's also sweet she has Emma and can trust Emma to take care of her. I mean, I clearly can't do it."
Maleficent sighed. She was not expecting this today. Zelena's self-esteem declined as she became more self aware. But, we can work through this and hopefully build her up.
"You do realize there's no right or wrong way to be an omega, right?" Maleficent asked.
"Intellectually, I am aware. But, my sister is the perfect freaking omega."
Maleficent laughed. "In what sense? She's not submissive by any stretch of the imagination."
"She's whining to her mate as we speak."
"Because she's sick."
"Yes, I get that, but still. She's the perfect omega."
Maleficent could not help the snort that escaped. "I don't say this often or lightly, but bullshit." The word actually made Zelena flinch, but she pressed on. "Regina is Regina. She likes kids, cooking, and taking care of people she's close to. Her omega perfection ends there. Take her off that pedestal before she falls and your relationship takes a dive as well."
Zelena sighed. "Be that as it may, I'm just… not up to snuff."
"You're going to make me say it again, I suppose. Bullshit."
Zelena yelped. "Language." As if Zelena did not curse up a storm under the right circumstances.
"You're still doing this. You don't need to be anyone's ideal anything. We just need you to be you. That's what Emma told you, right?" She hated to think it was because Emma was an alpha, just as she was, and that was why they could not get through to Zelena. No, because Regina's an omega and she tries all the time and gets the same result.
Zelena sipped her drink and glanced away. "Maybe I don't know who I am."
"Well, that's bullshit, too." Maleficent crossed her legs at the ankle. "You know exactly who you are. You can't make that line up with being an omega, though, and that's bothering you for some reason. Regina's pregnancy seems to be throwing you for a loop. You don't know if you're coming or going anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Like just now, we both know you like Emma and you're happy Regina has someone who cares for her, but then you dismiss their relationship because you think it makes Regina too much of an omega. You're clearly out of sorts." And that was putting it mildly.
Zelena nodded and took a rather healthy swig of her drink. "I've been thinking about what you said, about me throwing tantrums and such. I know I do and I know I shouldn't. I have to grow up. There are babies on the way. I need to help. I should be able to do for these babies like Regina does with Robbie." Okay, that explained her circling back to being a bad omega.
That made sense, to a degree. "But what do you mean by that? What do you having tantrums have to do with taking care of these babies?" Tantrums were as much a part of Zelena as her red hair at this point.
"I can't have a tantrum while one baby or more is having one."
"You don't. You throw tantrums when it's just us adults around. You have other things to focus on when the kids are around. What are you really worried about?"
Zelena frowned and sipped her drink. "You make complaining and self pity hard."
"Blame your sister for that. I was once minding my business, feeling sorry for myself, and here she comes, picking me up. So, consider this paying it forward. Besides, you're much too powerful to doubt yourself like this."
Zelena pursed her lips. "All the witchcraft in the world won't prepare me for these babies."
"How are these babies different from your own?"
"The circumstances. I love Robbie, but she started out as a scheme born in madness. I wasn't concerned with raising her. It hadn't even occurred to me that I would need to."
From what she knew about Zelena's past that tracked. It was nice to see she was beyond that, but she needed to be reminded she was not that person anymore. "And now?"
"Now?"
"What do you think of her now?"
"What do you mean? I love my daughter and want the absolute best for her."
"Like these babies?"
"Well, yes."
"Then what the hell are you worried over?"
Zelena opened her mouth and closed it. "Screw you and your logic!"
Maleficent laughed. "Don't worry over silly things then."
"It's not silly, though. Am I even raising Robbie?" Zelena gulped down even more of her drink.
Maleficent rubbed her knee, pleased when Zelena did not even bat an eye to the contact. "Of course you are. Letting her hang out with her family is good for her. Lily loves taking her out as much as she loves Henry dragging her around town. And, no, Regina isn't raising her before you start that nonsense."
Zelena finished her drink instead of arguing. Maleficent then dragged her out of the condo. Zelena needed fresh air and they both needed to get to know their now hometown better.
-8-8-8-8-
Zelena held the box of donuts close to her chest as she made her way to the Sheriff's station. Since speaking with Maleficent, several things plagued her mind and apparently Emma settled her better than Maleficent for whatever reason. So, she had a gift for Emma to make up for possibly bothering her during working hours. She probably did not need it, as Emma was very open with her, but it was better safe than sorry.
Entering the station was weird. Zelena did not really know any of the deputies outside of gatherings at Regina's house, including David and she was not a fan. Of course, being the idiot that he was, he did not know that, so he smiled bright the second he glanced up from his desk.
"Hey, Zelena!" David waved, causing Dorothy and Mulan to glance up, giving her curious looks.
"Um… hello," Zelena managed with some trepidation. She was not sure why she was nervous. She knew all of them and not one said an unkind thing to her in recent memory, not even Dorothy the Witch Hunter.
"Are you here for Emma?" Mulan asked.
"Yes," Zelena answered in a stronger voice, feeling a little more confident since nothing out of the ordinary happened.
"She's in her office." Dorothy nodded to the door.
Zelena's eyebrows shot up. "I didn't know she even used that."
"She's been taking a lot more personal calls lately," David replied.
Zelena nodded. Regina. Well, she hoped the calls were better than home. "Is she available?"
Dorothy shrugged. "Knock and find out."
Zelena did just that. Emma beckoned her inside, but she was on her cell phone. Zelena shut the door behind her and sat down. Emma held up a finger and Zelena nodded. There were lines under Emma's eyes.
"Regina, I will have to arrest you if you do that," Emma said with a sigh. "No, I can't arrest him! If being an asshole was illegal, we'd all be serving life in prison." She rolled her eyes. "Love you, too."
"Hung up on you?" Zelena asked as she sat down in front of Emma's desk.
"You know she did." Emma put the phone down. "I've got to walk over to her office after this anyway. What brings you by? You're not turning yourself in for something, are you?"
"No, I'm still a little angel." Zelena smiled, even though she did not feel too up to it. "Besides, we both know I'd never turn myself in, unless it's a trap."
"Is it a trap? Are the donuts the bait?" Emma nodded the box. "I'm not below walking into a trap for junk food."
Zelena put the box on Emma's desk and patted the top. "No, those are to grease the wheels of conversation."
Emma laughed. "You don't have to bribe me to talk to me, but no, you can't have the donuts back." She pulled the box over to her side.
Zelena curled her lip. "No, thank you, anyway. I can't understand how you eat those things."
Emma grinned. "So, what's up? Why are you trying to bribe me?"
Zelena took a deep breath. "After talking to you before, I felt… settled. It's a new feeling." I hate to think the hug had something to do with it.
Emma nodded. "Kinda throws you, right?"
"Yes. But, I trust you because of it."
Emma grinned even more and pride sparkled in her eyes as she sat up a little taller. "Okay. So, what's up?"
Zelena swallowed before she opened her mouth. "My… sex status…"
Emma nodded. "Yeah?" She shrugged, like this was no big deal.
"I know you had problems with yours and you seem to be doing better with it. How do I get past this? I have to do something. I fear I might start to resent Regina if I don't. Or something even worse. I mean, what if Robbie presents as…" Zelena could not even speak the word.
"I get it. I was scared with Henry. I'm actually still a little relieved, but I'm slowly coming to understand that status doesn't change who you are. Henry's still Henry. I'm me. Regina's still Regina."
Zelena scoffed. "You mean the perfect omega." Why am I so bothered by that? Because I don't measure up? I don't want to be the perfect omega. But, I don't want her to be the perfect omega either. Regina is so much more than that.
"I used to think that, too, but it's such a goddamn lie. Name three things that make Regina the perfect omega."
"The cooking."
"Obvious."
"The whole mothering bit."
"And what else?"
Zelena opened her mouth, but fell short of an answer. Was that really it? They saw Regina at home so much, she had reduced Regina to those two things? Her little sister was so much more and she was the one reducing Regina. It had nothing to do with who Regina truly was.
"And there the similarities end. I told you, I made this same mistake," Emma said. "Besides, Regina did those things when everyone thought she was an alpha. I did alpha shit when everyone thought I was a beta. You do bat shit crazy stuff regardless. Your status doesn't change that."
Zelena sighed and rubbed her eyes with both hands. "I know."
"And I know it's hard to accept. Do you know how many times Regina's had this conversation with me? My doctor had this conversation. Hell, Granny had this conversation with me. It's hard, but we're more than status. And, even if we were just status; we're both in pretty good company and we just need to recognize that and then acknowledge it. Shouldn't this be something to bring you closer to your sister rather than make you drift apart?"
Zelena nodded. "Yes, you're right, but I feel like I don't know how to be an… omega."
Emma chuckled. "Trust me, Regina doesn't either."
"She certainly knows how to cuddle into her alpha."
"Ah, you think she's acting like an omega when she's leaning on me. Then, am I acting like an omega when I lean on her? What about when I need her help? Hell, when I need your help when stuff goes sideways? Am I less alpha and even if I am less alpha, am I less Emma?"
Zelena scratched her forehead. "I don't think less of you for your status or even when you do things that seem less-than-alpha. I don't even think about it. Why isn't it the same with Regina?"
"I guess because you're an omega like her and you don't want anyone to judge you for it, but you're you no matter what and that's who everyone wants."
"Really? That seems too… simple." It was exactly what Maleficent kept insisting.
Emma shrugged. "Sometimes, things really are just that simple. Regina knows how to be her and you know how to be you. Just be you and try not to say omega like a dirty word. You're fine. If you're anything like me you built this attitude from a lot of shitty people."
Zelena scowled. "My adoptive father."
"Who was an asshole, no doubt."
"Indeed."
"Therefore, what he said was bullshit. I learned my attitude about alphas from a lot of hurt kids who didn't know what they were doing beyond surviving. Not the best examples and not the best ideas to cling to as I get to know people in better circumstances. I'm sure your adoptive father was wrong about a lot of things, so why let him shape you? This is one of the things Regina had to figure out with your mother. It helps her be the person she wants to be rather than the person Cora made. It's something I keep in mind to not be the assholes I've met in life. Try not to be the assholes you met in life."
Zelena nodded. All of that made sense. Why would she let her adoptive father shape who she was? He did not know who she was! He spent every moment he had making her feel small, making her wish for another life. Well, she had that other life and it was as good as she thought it would be, even if it was not exactly as she planned. She would not let him ruin it.
"Is it weird to you to talk with me?" Zelena asked. It seemed like it should be weird, but she found she liked talking to Emma. She really is my kindred spirit.
"Well, yeah, considering we don't usually talk, but I like it. You're my sister-in-law and Henry's aunt. I want us to have some kind of relationship. We're family, right?" Emma grinned once more.
Zelena smiled back and for a moment, she hated how good she felt. It was like she was weak, but she easily dismissed that. This was what she wanted her entire life and she could trust Emma. So, her smile remained and she nodded. They were family and that made her strong. She had people who were there for her, who would support her, and make her better.
"So, what now?" Zelena asked.
"To help me cope, Regina had me say things I like about being an alpha out loud. I don't know if you want to do that with me—"
"Why wouldn't I?" She had already shown Emma her emotional wounds. Why stop now?
"Okay, so what do you like about being an omega?" Emma asked.
Zelena fought down a wince at the word. She would definitely have to work on that. "My daughter."
Emma nodded and smiled. "I get that."
Zelena wracked her brain for something more. "I like… I like having something else in common with my sister. As I said before, I feel like it should help us be closer, but it's tearing us apart."
"But, it doesn't have to and you know that. You and your sister love each other. I get you want to spend more time with her, so just do that. She likes your company. You're not going to always agree, but you'll always love each other."
"How do you even know this? You're siblings with a toddler."
Emma laughed. "Making it very easy to do stuff with him, but also Regina and I have to give each other this speech every now and then. You know how it is."
Zelena nodded. "I do." She glanced away for a moment. "Should I talk to Regina?" She was not sure Regina wanted to be around her right now.
"In general, of course. About this? If you think you need more, yeah. I can't stress enough how much Regina loves you. I know she's difficult right now, but it's the babies, not you. Don't take it personal."
"I'll try to remember that. Thank you for this."
Emma's face lit up. "Look at you, thanking me."
Zelena curled her lip. "Make it a thing and it'll never happen again." And she was going to ask for a hug, but Emma was too smug at the moment.
"You and your sister are so mean." Her expression did not dim. It was amazing to have someone look at her like this. She was happy Emma was in her life. I'm happy for her, Regina, and even Maleficent. Not to mention Robbie, Henry, Little Guy, and even Lily. This is the life I want. I have to do better with it.
"I think you mean wicked. Well, I'll leave you to your duties. Don't worry about dinner tonight, though."
Emma arched an eyebrow. "You'll cook?"
Zelena scoffed. "Of course not, but I can at least buy the takeout this time. I want to help out more." She wanted to be there for their family and that did not make her weak. Depending on them had made her so much stronger and so much happier.
"Sure, knock yourself out." Emma held up her hands.
"Good." Zelena disappeared in a cloud of green smoke. She felt so much better.
-8-8-8-8-
Dinner did not go over well with Regina, even though everyone else enjoyed the different pot pies. One taste had an already upset Regina tied in knots. It was not that it made her sick, but the taste was revolting to her. So, she refused to eat and scowled the whole time. At first, Zelena thought she harmed Regina and the babies, but she realized, nope, this was just Regina in her new bitch mode. A spark of fury went through her, but she calmed. This was not personal.
Zelena even managed to ignore the fact that Emma was literally kneeling at Regina's feet and rubbing her stomach. For a brief second, it had bothered her, as she immediately thought it was such an omega thing to be so needy for her alpha, but also, Emma, the alpha, was kneeling for Regina. More than that, Emma was comforting Regina and Regina deserved that.
"Regina, what do you want to eat if not this? I'll get you whatever you want," Zelena said while everyone else, meaning Henry, Maleficent, and Lily ate their pot pies. Robbie and the Little Guy had mashed potatoes. Snow and David had gone on a date, which was fine by Zelena. She would need to work her way up to dealing with them on a more personal level.
"I want one of you to learn to cook so we can have a home-cooked meal when I can barely stand up. Is that too much to ask?" Regina countered. Emma opened her mouth to respond, but Zelena stopped her by holding up a hand. She could do this. She could show patience.
"We'll get there, but until then, there's this. Or would you rather I conjure a meal? I can do that." Zelena replied.
"I want…" Regina snarled and placed a hand on her enlarged belly, near Emma's hand, but not quite. "I want you to leave after dinner. Everybody has to go after dinner!"
Zelena only laughed. Regina's go-to emotion was anger now and her go-to reaction was to throw everyone out. It was not personal. Zelena glanced at Emma, who nodded.
After dinner, Zelena and Robbie left with Maleficent and Lily. Maleficent invited her over for a nightcap, which she accepted. Lily took Robbie to her room, claiming to want to read to her. Zelena did not question it, even though she doubted Lily had books on Robbie's level. Of course, she could be wrong considering Lily's affection for Robbie.
Zelena dropped to the sofa. Maleficent went to make them drinks, as usual. Zelena never said, but she liked that Maleficent did this for her, even when she was doing it just to calm Zelena down. It was nice someone cared enough to try to take care of her.
"I'm very proud of you," Maleficent said.
"Proud of me?" Zelena wanted to be insulted, but she was warmed by the sentiment. She wanted to do something else to make Maleficent proud of her.
"You helped out and you just took Regina's venom without reacting negatively. Great job." Maleficent smiled.
Zelena took a breath. "I'm trying."
Maleficent smiled even more, like she was happy for Zelena. "How does it feel?"
Zelena sighed. "It felt good. I feel good."
Maleficent stepped over and handed her a glass. "That's good. You deserve to feel good."
"Do I? What have I done to deserve that?" Zelena had been wicked and a blight every day of her life. How could she deserve good things? No, I haven't been wicked every day of my life. A lying asshole told me that and I have to stop shaping my life around his words.
"You accepted your sister's love and that you have people in your life who care about you," Maleficent replied as she sat down next to Zelena.
"And that means I deserve good things?" She was genuinely curious.
"Yes. Once you start accepting love, you make life easier for all of us. It's easier for you to enjoy life now and it's easier for you to get the things you desire."
"What would you suggest I do to enjoy life?" Ever since accepting Regina into her life, Zelena did not really have any plans for life.
Maleficent sipped her drink. "What if we all go out? We can leave the Swan-Mills a day to themselves and do something fun together. You might enjoy that."
Zelena tilted her head. "You want us to go out?" It might be nice to enjoy this family away from Regina. Everything she did was usually through Regina, but now Regina did not want her — or anyone really — around. Maybe that was part of why she was so upset. Who was she without Regina now? She had no idea. So, yes, it was time to find out.
Maleficent pursed her lips. "Do you not want that? I thought you'd enjoy some time out."
"No, I'd like that. I'm just shocked you want to."
Maleficent arched an eyebrow. "Why are you shocked?"
"Well, you're Regina's best friend."
Maleficent shrugged. "So, I can't be your friend?"
"Well…" Zelena took a deep breath. "I just thought you associated with me because of her."
Maleficent frowned. "Is that the energy I put out?"
Zelena shook her head. "No, that's just my perspective. You're Regina's friend and you tolerate my presence."
"Do you then tolerate my presence since you're Regina's sister?"
"No, of course not. I wouldn't be here if that was the case. I just thought it was for you. After all, not too many people can stomach me for long periods of time."
Maleficent frowned. "I wish you wouldn't think like that. Yes, I met you through Regina, but you're my friend by your own merit and I prefer being around you to a lot of other people around here."
Zelena nodded. "I'm going to try to work my way out of that mindset. Regina isn't a measuring stick and she isn't the reason everyone tolerates me."
"First off, we don't 'tolerate' you. We enjoy you. You're a delight when you want to be."
Zelena smirked. "You mean when you want a touch of chaos."
"That's part of it. Look, we like you. We're not just letting you be around because you're Regina's sister and she loves you. You're your own person. Do you think I continue spending time with you after Regina kicks us out because you're her sister?"
"When you put it like that, it sounds silly."
"Because it is. I'm your friend on your own. I hope you're my friend on your own and not because I'm Regina's friend."
"Of course, I'm your friend!"
"Well then, I'm glad that's settled." Maleficent sipped her drink and Zelena followed suit.
-8-8-8-8-
It was late and Zelena was gone. Maleficent was ready to call it a night, but Lily sat down next to her. Lily was dressed in her pajamas, apparently ready to call it a night as well. She smiled at Lily and rubbed her bare knee.
"Had a good time with Robbie?" Maleficent asked.
Lily nodded. "I'm shocked at how much I like that kid. I mean, Henry, I get. He has a full on adorable personality. Robbie doesn't really have a personality yet beyond crazy toddler, but I just want to do stuff with her, like read her these animal books that she likes. Weird."
Maleficent smiled. "Not weird. You're just happy and you like that she likes you."
"I do. Sometimes, I think this is all a dream. No way I have a real mom, an aunt, a cousin, and whatever the hell Zelena is."
"I get what you mean. This is magical. There are so many things I wish I got to do with you, but I'm happy to just be here with you now."
"Me, too, Mom." Lily leaned against her shoulder and she wrapped her arms around Lily.
"Then you'll be okay with going out to dinner with me, Zelena, and Robbie?"
Lily scoffed and pulled away just enough to look at her. "Yeah, I'm cool, but what brought that on?"
"We're in Regina's face almost every day. Maybe sometime alone with just her mate and son will help settle her. Maybe the babies will calm down if it's not a flurry of activity around. If it goes well, we could make it a thing."
"I don't mind, Mom, but you sure you want me on your date?"
Maleficent laughed and pressed her face into Lily's hair. "It is not a date!"
"Sounds like it is. Plus, I think you have the hots for Zelena."
Maleficent scoffed. "I do not."
"Well, you at least have a soft spot for her. You like her. You want to protect her, coddle her, and never let another bad thing happen to her."
"All of that is true, but it doesn't mean I have the hots for her. After all, I feel the same about you, Henry, Robbie, and Regina."
Lily laughed. "But, fuck Emma, huh?"
"You know I didn't mean it that way! I'm quite fond of Emma and her capacity to be the bigger person without being insufferable, making me question how she is actually her parents' child. Anyway, shall we do this dining out thing together?"
"I'd love that. The Swan-Mills do deserve time alone and we haven't gone out together in a while. I look forward to it."
"Me, too."
The conversation faded. Lily got up for a moment, poured herself a glass of wine, and found something for them to watch. Eventually, Fenrir wandered in from who-knew-where and made himself comfortable in between them. It was a great end to a wonderful day.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: so, they go out on a family date.