Her pregnancy confirmed, Regina gets a check over by Merlin. Now it's Emma's turn to get a shock! A difficult decision needs to be made, preferably before Robin and Roland return from their trip to Europe.

Mifflin Street

"You're pregnant? What the fuck, Regina?"

The words left Emma's mouth before she had time to think. "How could you-" But she managed to stop herself. That was a bloody stupid question! For a split second, she imagined she'd betrayed her; but fortunately had the good sense to stop herself from saying something else which would have only one reaction.

"When did you suspect?" She tried to sound calm, seeing panic on the brunette's face.

"About two hours ago. When I saw them in the drug store. I was sick in the diner this morning."

Emma's shook her head in resignation, sliding down next to her, her back against the cold bathroom wall. Nothing was said by either of them as she studied the stick for a good two minutes, until Emma finally spoke again.

"Robin's?"

After rolling her eyes in sheer disbelief, Regina gave her a hard glare. "Who else? You'd know, you were there!"

It was another stupid question. "Sorry. I thought you used protection? We both did, didn't we? Was it the wrong spell?"

"Same one as you. I've never needed to use it since I was married, but I know my own magic and I don't make mistakes like that! It could only be that one night at the inn. I've never been with him since, I swear. I wouldn't, not without you." Although sounding confident, she gradually collapsed into silent sobs, Emma wrapping a shoulder around her to comfort, as she rested her head on her.

"Hey, hey. It'll be all right! We'll get through this Gina, like we always do."

"I was so careful with that damn spell! It's not like I even needed it before he came back!" Until she fell pregnant with Honour, she was certain she was infertile, due to the potion she'd taken many years before.

"Well the first thing we need to do, is get you checked properly, to see if you really are pregnant. Those kits can sometimes be wrong. Then you need to weigh up your options."

"Strange. I once took a potion to make me infertile; and now that bloody man's got me pregnant…twice!" Although she said the words bitterly, Honour was her absolute world. Though she dearly loved Henry and Roland, her little girl somehow completed them.

Storybrooke Hospital

The following morning, Regina sat in a consulting room.

She's been nauseous on waking, but hadn't thrown up like she did yesterday. Emma had decided to join her, just in case Whale was the medic on call. She noticed how much things had changed here since Honour had been born. A repaint, new carpets and curtains, new equipment. It all looked as though serious amounts of money had been invested? Even more unusual, when Emma phoned to book on Regina's behalf, she'd been asked whether it was for Obs and Gynae. Saying yes, she was offered a female doctor, which she accepted straight away, not even realizing they had one.

A very prim, neatly starched (the uniform at least) nurse stepped into the room. "Good morning, ladies. Mrs. Regina Swan-Mills, isn't it?" Regina nodded back. "Miss Sage is ready to see you now!"

"Miss Sage?" muttered Emma, "We were booked to see a doctor!"

"Yes, Mrs. Sage is the doctor on duty. She's a senior surgeon, hence the title. So if you could join me?"

The slightly imperious nurse led the pair into an adjoining room, to be greeted by Annabelle, Merlin's youngest daughter. Merlin's kids seem to have taken over the fucking town! thought Emma. Remembering the recent clash with her and Regina, she almost wished it was Whale!

"Ah, Regina & Emma Swan-Mills? We meet again," said the cheery blonde. "Do please take a seat? How can I help you?"

Regina didn't waste time. "I believe I may be pregnant, Doctor - sorry, Mrs. Sage. I took a test yesterday, which came back positive."

"Okay, let's check for certain. Those little testkits aren't always reliable." Anna started typing into her desktop. "And while we're doing that, let's ask a couple of questions. I have your recent history here, and it seems Doctor Whale did give extensive notes on your last pregnancy. So, when was your last period?"

"Roughly two to three months ago. I have a very irregular cycle," she looked at Emma, "Well...at least since after I gave birth to my daughter, five years ago. Before that, I never had one since I was a teenager."

"I see. And was this pregnancy planned, Mrs. Swan-Mills? Are you on any fertility meds or treatments, I need to know about?"

"Just call me Regina. And no to both, it certainly wasn't planned." She looked at her wife, who looked sympathetic, though not best pleased.

"Fair enough. Let's run a blood test and take a urine sample, so we know for sure? I'll also take your blood pressure and prescribe some vitamins, while we wait." She looked at the history. "As this isn't your first pregnancy, you'll already know all about the does and don'ts regarding your diet and exercise routine, so I won't cover that unless you want me to?" She stopped, now looking at Emma and trying to be cautious in her next choice of wording. "So, I understand you're a gay couple? If this wasn't a planned pregnancy, do you want to look at all options?"

Regina's eyes sprang wide, understanding fully what she was hinting at. "NO, absolutely no! If indeed I am pregnant, I'll neither wish to abort, nor put it up for adoption!" She turned to look at her wife, ensuring Emma fully understood. If she disagreed, this could seriously damage their marriage!

Emma recognized the look. It wasn't up for debate. She'll have it with, or without me.

"Of course. We'll do whatever's necessary." Emma added, a lack of commitment obvious in her voice.

"Always good to know your partner has your full support at times like this," Anna noticed the uncertainty in the younger woman's voice. "Now, one final thing. Until everything's confirmed, I won't be putting this into the records. However, as you may know, my father may be the Sorcerer, but in this world he's also a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaelocology. That's his specialist field, so I'd like to share notes with him, if you'll allow? Seeing as this could be a special case."

Emma frowned. "What do you mean, 'special'? What's so different, that Merlin needs to be involved?"

"She has magic. Strong magic. Each potential foetus can be affected by it, and sometimes it can actually fight against the mother's own magic. And that's definitely something my father knows more about, than me. So, may I be allowed to discuss it with him?"

Regina nodded. "Yes, that makes sense. Let's get the tests done quickly, please?"

Mifflin Street

It was later that evening when they received the call from the hospital. The children were watching a Disney film, and Emma tidied up in the kitchen.

"Regina? It's Anna Sage. I just wanted to let you know that the bloods have confirmed everything. You're definitely pregnant. From the hormone levels, probably seven to eight weeks."

"I see," she replied, not altogether surprised. She definitely felt different.

"I'm going to prescribe you some mild anti-emetics and supplements to help with any sickness, along with vitamins and the like, as I mentioned earlier. I told my father, and he asked if he can pop around to see you for a few minutes this evening? He said he'll bring the medication with him. Would 8pm be okay?"

~oOo~

A few minutes before eight, Regina was in her bedroom, changing into a nightgown and robe after a warm bath. Emma was sitting with Honour on the sofa when the knocker on the door rapped. Regina had told her to expect Merlin and to let him into the sitting room.

"Good evening, Emma! Apologies for the late visit, but Anna insisted I bring these over?" He handed over the package. The blonde was once again overwhelmed by the magical aura that seemed to just glow around the man.

"No problem. Come on in, Regina's just had a bath. She'll be right down." She led him past the children watching TV, and into the sitting room, waving him to take a seat, which he ignored. Instead, he surprised her by smiling at her, before turning to softly collect both Emma's hands in his own.

"Anna must have got you two mixed up! She said Regina was the one whose was pregnant? Oh well, let's take a quick look, shall we?" And before she could even answer, he continued. "Oh yes, I can sense the foetus already! There's definitely a magical presence in there. Can't you feel it?"

"Wait…what? NO! Regina's the one pregnant, not me!" How the hell could he think that? Greatest Sorcerer of all time indeed!

Merlin didn't seem the slightest embarrassed, merely surprised. "Both of you? Well, that's a surprise!"

"Hold on, I'm NOT the one who's pregnant! I thought you were supposed to be the bloody expert?" she was irritated at his assumption.

"Then I'm sorry to upset you, Emma. But you most certainly are pregnant! I can sense it."

Emma was dumbfounded. He was the Sorcerer. Why would he say that? "That's impossible, I can't be! Regina and I…she's the one who…" before being interrupted by Regina now entering the room.

"Emma, what's with the shouting? Hello Merlin, sorry, I mean Professor Sage. I keep forgetting your medical title. Your daughter said you were popping over."

"Good evening, Regina," he realized he'd completely floored the Saviour, and deciding he'd already said enough on that subject. "Yes…well, I was just going to drop your medication off, and give you a quick checkover. You don't need to lie down, I can do it like this. May I?" Then, without asking, he took both her hands in his own.

Regina could instantly sense a low level of magic surge through her entire body. A tingle, a throb that gently pulsed its way throughout. He closed his eyes in deep concentration, before declaring:

"Good! Well, you're definitely with child, about seven or eight weeks, I believe. I can just about sense a heartbeat, which is slightly unusual at this stage, but not abnormal. Interestingly though, I can also sense a tingle of magic there! It's very slight, but it's there alright. Hormone levels are fine, although you seem a little dehydrated? Nothing to worry about; I also brought over some multi-vitamins and zinc, which'll help."

"You can tell all that, just with magic?" Regina was astonished. "Emma, do you hear that? I'm-" it was only then she noticed Emma had gone! "Oh! Well, thank you for coming across, Professor. I must confess, I'm a little surprised to be getting evening house calls from a royal gynaecologist?"

"You're welcome. And please just call me Merlin? I only use titles when I'm working, or for getting tables in restaurants. Can be useful, you know?"

"I'll bet!" she sniggered. "You arranged that dinner for Robin and Emma, didn't you? L'Auberge Cachée? Pierre Roch? You're moving in very exalted company these days, Merlin?"

The Sorcerer smirked. "Perks of the job! Although in Pierre's case, I knew him in Paris a very long time ago. When I trained in London, his daughter Mia and his granddaughter were in a car crash. I performed surgery on them both, but it was a close thing. Pierre has magic too, you know? But he decided to stay away from it for good in a non-magical world. Didn't want to have all that power."

"I'm beginning to understand why! It's odd. For the last few years, there's only been me, Emma, Gold and the fairies here with magic. Maleficent too, of course! Now we've Robin, you, your entire family, even Hook. And some of the magic is leagues stronger than mine! I'm beginning to feel a bit redundant here."

"Redundant? You've a baby on the way! Unless you're thinking of…"

"No! Absolutely not! I spent my life thinking I could never have one. I poisoned myself and regretted it ever since. I could never live with myself if I terminated this! And Robin would never…" she froze, realizing she'd just blurted out his name!

He just smiled back, tapping his nose. "My confidentiality is assured, Regina. I assumed it was Robin's, anyway. The magic trail off your baby is strong, and it has his signature in it, although there's something else there. This little one…" he paused to look at her abdomen, "will hold very powerful magic indeed!"

"I…um…well, thank you for calling in, Merlin. I guess I better find out what's happened to Emma?"

"Yes, she disappeared, and I think it may be something to do with something I said. I'll see myself out. Goodnight Regina."

Then, in a silent whirl of golden mist, the Sorcerer was gone.

~oOo~

It was a good half hour before she came up to the bedroom, assuming her wife asleep. Instead, the bed was empty and the light on in the bathroom.

"Emma, are you okay?" Silence. So, she walked in, surprised to find her in her nightdress already, but sitting on the floor, with her back firmly against the wall. Emma was merely staring into space, her mind clearly elsewhere. "Emma my love, are you alright? Is it the shock of the pregnancy?"

No answer. The blonde just kept staring in to space. "Emma, what is it?" Then she saw the used positive pregnancy detector, now lying on the floor in front of her. "Emma, I put that in the bin! Why on earth did you take it out?"

"It's not yours. It's the second box you bought." The blonde almost whispered.

It took a moment for Regina to comprehend what she'd said. Lifting the stick, she saw the familiar line, and the baby face. "You, you're pregnant? You're pregnant too?"

"So it would seem! Merlin said he sensed it. Looks like your thief really did a number on us, eh?" Her voice had a hint of bitterness, as she stared expressionless at the wall opposite. Regina walked over to the bin, lifting the lid to retrieve her own stick, which still lay wrapped in tissue, at the bottom. She silently sat next to her wife on the bathroom floor, now holding both pregnancy sticks.

"Did you have any idea? I felt some sickness, but…you?"

"Nope, nothing. But then, I didn't even when I was expecting Henry! I still can't believe it."

"I don't understand? I put that barrier spell on both of us. You did it too! It should've worked!"

"It's not like either of has practiced that one? I was on the pill when I was with Killian, and you thought you were infertile. Still, Hood getting us both knocked up in one night is kind of impressive!" She tried to joke, albeit without any trace of humour. They sat side by side in silence for a good ten minutes, lost in thought. Eventually, Regina broke it.

"I'm sorry Emma, I know the circumstances are not ideal but, I can't just terminate mine. I hope you'll forgive me? But I just couldn't…" she desperately fought to hold off tears.

Emma broke out of her thoughts when she saw the older woman shaking. "What? No, Regina, no! For god's sake! I'd never expect you to have an abortion! Not after everything you've been through." She brought her arm around the other woman's back, gently pushing her head to rest on her shoulder.

Quietly sobbing, Regina took the free hand in hers. "What about you? What are you going to do?"

"No idea! First, I guess it's my turn to visit Merlin. Then, who knows?"

Storybrooke Hospital - The following morning

After a sleepless night for both women, the pair now once again stood at the hospital reception desk.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Swan-Mills, but as I recall, Sir Merlin's schedule is booked solid all week. However, his daughter can see you. Would that be okay?"

Emma huffed, getting more frustrated and angsty, and not particularly wanting to see the woman who was so rude to her and Regina recently. "Not really, no! It's…a magical, medical problem! Something Merlin knows about. It needs to be him! Look, could you just-" But she was interrupted when the receptionist picked up another call on her headset.

"Nurse Shaw. Oh, Professor, it's you. Good morning!" the woman noticeably brightened, primping her hair with her fingers, looking flushed as she heard the voice on the other end. "Yes, Emma Swan-Mills, that's correct. Yes, okay, I'll send her right up!" Ending the call, she looked back at them. "Well, it seems Sir Merlin...sorry, Professor Sage, seems to have been expecting you? Go straight up; second floor, room eleven."

~oOo~

Two minutes later, Merlin was waiting at his office door to greet them.

"Emma, Regina? Lovely to see you again. Do please come in?"

"You were expecting us?" there was a note of suspicion in Regina's voice.

He waited to close the door behind them before answering. "Well, I told Emma she was pregnant last night. She was more than surprised, so no doubt she wanted to verify things and then come in? I'm assuming you carried out a test, Emma?"

She nodded, Regina a little testy at his calm manner. He was hiding something. "Merlin, what do you know? You told Emma she's pregnant, before she even knew herself! You told me all about mine. So come on, what do you know?"

The Sorcerer smiled benignly. "Everything we say in this room will remain strictly confidential unless you decide otherwise. Let's see. I sense that you're both pregnant, probably about seven or eight weeks, I would guess. Both foetuses seem healthy at this very early stage, as I can just about hear heartbeats!"

"That's impossible!" Emma was insistent. "You can't tell a heartbeat, until at least eight weeks! It's too early, I checked online!"

"A scanner can detect a heartbeat around eight weeks, but the baby's starts around six. I detect it once it starts. And I also sense early signs of magic. Rather powerful magic, actually! I also recognize the signature coming from both. They clearly share the same father. Would I be right in assuming it's Robin of Locksley?"

Regina nodded, staying silent. He continued. "That explains the magic. An usual situation, granted. I'm assuming you both wish to continue to term?"

Regina nodded firmly and without hesitation. "Yes!"

"And you, Emma? I sense you're having doubts?" his eyes searched hers for any sign of hesitation.

"I don't know. I'm still in shock, to be honest. I never imagined doing it again. We've been raising Honour and Roland anyway. Henry's grown up and well, I'm not sure. It's only last night you told me I'm pregnant? It's just too early to say."

"I know it's difficult to talk about Emma, and I promise I won't judge you, but if you are considering a termination, I need to know as early as possible. I'll leave you to consider. However, I suggest you both come in two weeks time for a scan? If you prefer, my daughter Anna can take things from here and of course, if there need to be examinations, most mothers prefer a female doctor. So I'll leave it with you. Now if you'll excuse me?"

A few minutes later, as the two of them left the room, stopping at the cafe, Emma spotted Merlin further down the corridor, shaking hands with Ruby and Dorothy Lucas as he led them into an adjoining room. She made a mental note to speak to her mother. First, she needed time to think, before she made one of the most difficult decisions of her life.

~oOo~

"Hi Mums!" Henry sat, slouched on the bed in his student digs, facing his mothers on the web call.

It was his second year in Harvard, and he'd now moved from group rooms into his own larger suite in a student house close to campus. After a wobbly first year away from home, he was now really getting into his stride in the social life and his studies in English and Medieval Literature; he was excelling in both. Although it had only been a week since he last spoke to them, they both looked tense, like they had the weight of the world on them.

"You look worried. Something wrong?"

Damn, he always was perceptive, especially when it came to them.

"Fine, Hen, just a few things on OUR minds right now. Nothing to worry about."

Henry looked at their tired faces. Like they hadn't slept. "Ma, don't do that! Something's obviously bothering you. What is it?"

"We're just a little under the weather, Henry." Regina answered for her. "I picked something up, and I think your mother caught it from me," she lied easily. "Nothing a decent night's sleep won't sort out. Plus, we're missing you. And Roland."

"Yeah, he skyped me a few times. Someone in England bought him an iPad, and he's been calling me even more than you guys do? He told me all about their trip so far and apparently, they're in Stratford-on-Avon today. Shakespeare's birthplace? Robin said they're going to be visiting his grave and a bunch of other stuff. I have to admit, I'm jealous! Mind you, what about finding Robin's sister alive then, eh? Brilliant or what?"

Regina grinned "Yes, I'm pleased for him. Your mother and I spoke to Maria a couple of nights ago; she seems very nice."

"And bloody gorgeous! A couple of mates were in the room with me, when Rolly rang. I won't tell you what they said when they saw her! But…wooarr!"

"Henry, don't be so sexist!" Regina chided him gently, and earning him an eye roll from his blonde mother.

"And don't talk about Robin's sister like that!" Emma added. "She's probably old enough to be your mother!"

'What can I say? I'm an average straight guy? Can I help it if I notice good-looking women? You two should know all about that!"

"Hey!" they both answered, almost in unison, earning a laugh from their son. "I do not 'notice good-looking women', as you so graciously put it!" said Regina. "Only your mother. She's the only good-looking woman for me." Emma smiled back at her.

"Good! Sorry mums, couldn't resist. Anyway, are you having some sort of party for them when they get back Friday? Honny said she wants to. He's called her a few times. Robyn too."

"Roland's calling Honour? When was this? I don't remember her saying anything?"

"Grandma lets them speak to him from school in the morning break. Zelena knows about it."

"Then why wasn't I told?" Regina felt side-lined. "I don't mind them calling one another, but I think we deserve to know!" She looked at Emma. "Did you know?"

Emma shook her head "Nope."

"Well, I guess the girls still think Ma doesn't like Robin much? Honny and Robyn want to speak to him, so it's not that surprising."

"Henry, I do like Robin! I told them that weeks ago. I wish people wouldn't think we have a problem. I don't!" Though I'd like him more if he hadn't just got me pregnant!

"It's not me you have to convince though, ma, it's them! Anyway, enough about that, what's got you both so worried you're not sleeping? Come on, I'm not stupid! It's certainly not a flu bug. What is it?"

"It's just 'women's issues' Henry! Nothing we'd feel comfortable about discussing with our own son."

"Ah." Henry paused, assuming she was referring to periods, or something gynaecological. Definitely not something he would want to hear his own mothers talk about. "Okay, but promise you'll tell me if it's something serious? I do worry about you both."

"I promise, Hen. If it was something serious, we'd tell you. Now, tell us what on earth you've been doing to blow your monthly allowance this time?"

Days later...

Friday morning came. The morning Roland and Robin would return after their six weeks in England. Fortunately, Regina had no further morning sickness for the past week since she started taking the pills Anna had prescribed. The young doctor also recommended chewing small pieces of raw ginger to combat any nausea, which seemed to do the job.

Regina, freshly bathed, smiled to herself as she stood naked in front of the full-length bedroom mirror, hands placed either side of her abdomen.

Five years ago, she just knew she was barren, having poisoned herself to avoid giving her mother what she wanted. An heir to a stolen throne. Years later, having lost her soulmate, her true love, she found herself pregnant. The joy her young daughter gave her was immeasurable. And now she was being given another gift. By the same man. Her thief.

"Well my little one; are you going to be a beautiful princess like your sister, or a handsome knight like your brother? I don't care; all I know is I will love you forever. Now grow safely in there, my darling; you have a wonderful family here waiting for you." But I do need to tell your father about you!

Emma stepped into the bedroom doorway, unnoticed, and watched her, standing naked, gazing at herself in the mirror as she spoke to her belly. Regina was always stunningly beautiful but seeing her like this, in all her glory, brought so many emotions to the blonde. She looked so serene, so calm, that she didn't want to disturb the gorgeous view. Especially as it was turning her on!

"Gina?" She spoke as softly as she could, causing her to jolt regardless. "Sorry, I didn't want to disturb you. Plus, I was enjoying the view?"

Regina rushed to cover herself with a dressing gown; wholly unnecessary as the other woman had enjoyed the sight on so many occasions. She blushed. "Was there anything you wanted, or were you just getting an eyeful?" she smirked.

"Bit of both. But I wanted to tell you something? I've…I've reached a decision."

"A decision, about?" Then she realised. "Oh! You mean a decision about…" she looked down at Emma's own stomach, still washboard flat after eight weeks.

"Yeah, that's why I went off for so long yesterday. I needed time to think. I went walking down by the docks, and I spent two hours just sitting, looking out to sea."

Looking for a certain pirate, no doubt?

"And your decision?"

The older woman knew no matter what it was, it meant a huge change to their relationship.

"When we left Merlin, I was just…dazed, you know?" It's over twenty years since I got pregnant with Henry. And the experience was horrific. Giving birth in prison isn't conducive to happiness, and my memories of that time were just…awful! I couldn't face that again." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I'm ashamed to say, Henry was partly right. I hated Robin. I mean, really hated him, Gina! He's everything a woman wants in a man. He's warm, kind, loyal, loving, a brilliant father and a man prepared to sacrifice his own life for someone he loves. I can't compete with that! He's the father of your children, and even Henry thinks the sun shines out of his arse? And now, he's got the gods' blessing, and even has magic of his own. Powerful magic. And what can I give you?"

Regina didn't wait for her to continue. "Love, Emma! Your love, just as I have given you mine! You forget, you also gave me Henry. And, you also put your life on the line for me, taking the darkness in my place, remember? Emma, our love is true! Please don't put yourself down to me? You're my wife, and I made my vows to you, and you alone." She placed a hand on the blonde's cheek.

But Emma wasn't done. "I thought about you and…the baby to come. I never thought for a moment of asking you to do anything but have it, Gina. You're a wonderful mum and hearing you just now, nothing's changed! This baby will be blessed with having you, but, it also needs its father. This baby has a father, and he needs to be involved full time. He needs to be here…with you!"

"Emma, we've discussed this! I'm NOT letting you go!" She wrapped her arms around her waist, pulling her closer, "Ever."

"Let me finish? Please? I thought about the life in my own womb. For a while, I thought about terminating it," Regina winced at that, even though she already knew. "But I couldn't. I couldn't do that! I thought about adoption, but only for a moment. Can you imagine that? After Henry, after spending all my childhood in foster homes, I actually thought about it?"

Regina stayed silent, still holding her but placing a small kiss on her cheek.

"I walked through the park and saw dad playing with Neal. They were laughing, and dad was doing that pretend fighting with those wooden swords? Neal's a teenager, but they were still horsing around. They looked so happy! And that's when I realized. This life inside me wasn't planned. I actively tried to prevent getting pregnant but dammit, this life, this child inside me, they defied the odds. It took me a few hours to realise it, but…I want it, Gina! I want it!" She sniffled. "I want it to have a loving family. Two mothers. And I want it to know its dad from day one, not twenty-eight years later, like me! So, I've decided that, if everything's okay, to keep it."

"It's your choice, but I happen to think you're making the right decision. It'll be tough, but, we're going to do this together, like we always do." She placed a small, moist kiss on her lips. "Together!"

"So, we're really going to bring two more babies into this family?"

"We are. We still have enough energy, we have no financial issues, we've done it before, and we have the space. It'll be hard work yes, but we're no longer battling demons, witches and insane demi-gods every five minutes, are we?"

"We need to tell the kids, though. After the first trimester, just in case. I'm not sure how they're going to take it? Henry might be awkward. He already thinks we're middle aged! You know the first question he's going to be asking?"

"Who's the father? So, we both know who we need to talk to before any one of them!"

Emma unexpectedly started laughing. "He's so going to shit himself! One night in the sack with two women, and he's got both of us up the duff? I kinda want to get his reaction on camera!"

"I prefer the word pregnant, dear! Or, with child? 'Up the duff' sounds so coarse, don't you think? But yes, he's going to be surprised, to put it mildly."

"You nervous about telling him?"

"I should be, but I'm not. It's Robin. He's a lot more mature than you give him credit for! Instead, I suspect he'll be apologizing to us, before pledging to do everything to help us raise them."

"Well we'll see, won't we?" The Saviour was unimpressed. "I still say he'll shit himself."

~oOo~

It was just after noon when she received Robin's text:

RL: We've landed. Waiting for luggage to arrive. Roland half-asleep on Maria. We're picking up a van. We'll call when we're on the road.

RS-M: Welcome back. Don't drive if you're too tired! We've missed you both. x

RL: We've missed you too, love. Long drive ahead. I'll call you when we're closer. xx

RS-M: Stay somewhere if you're too tired. xxx

RL: Will do. xxxx

She smiled. She'd missed them terribly, but just knowing they were now safely back in the country made her feel slightly relieved. She touched her abdomen again, to sense her little one.

"Papa's nearly home, my sweet."

It was almost dark already when the white 12-seater hired Transit came within a mile of the Storybrooke town line. Robin now sat hunched over the wheel, fighting tiredness. Roland lay on the back seat, head lurched back in deep sleep, while Maria Locksley looked around, excitedly.

"So, let's get this right so I don't screw up? Regina WAS your girlfriend? You were killed five years ago, saving her from Hades. You spent three weeks dead, although five years passed up here, before Zeus sent you back? Meanwhile, Regina decided she also likes girls, and moved on and married Emma, who's also the Saviour, who used to date Captain Hook. Emma's parents are Snow White and Prince Charming. Sounds completely normal so far!" She roared with laughter, Robin shushing her so not to wake up Roland.

"When you put it like that, it does sound kinda crazy. But yes, right so far. Go on?"

"Now unbeknown to you, while you were in the Underworld, you left Regina in the Pudding Club…" She saw his confused look. "Pregnant? Family way? She gave birth to your daughter, Honour, a few months later. You also have another daughter, also called Robyn, named after you, 'cos they thought you were dead; and she's a year older than Honour. Her mum's the Wicked Witch, who also got pregnant by you, and who you porked because you thought she was Marian? All correct so far?"

He winced at the glib reference to Zelena and Marian, but nodded for her to continue.

"So, most of the guys are still there? I'm looking forward to seeing John again. And Mulan joined you later? She's still there?"

"Yup, she's a close friend. She got married last month, to Princess Aurora AND Prince Philip."

"Both of them? Is that even legal?"

"Only in Storybrooke! I was Philip's Best Man," he said proudly. "And the three of them got married on Captain Hook's Jolly Roger. Straight after Ruby Lucas, or 'Little Red Riding Hood' in the books, got married to Dorothy Gale."

"Dorothy from the 'Wizard of Oz'? That's hilarious! And more gays! What is it with Storybrooke and lesbians? The men around here can't be up to much, if the girls keep marrying each other instead?"

Robin sighed, thinking of Regina and Emma. "Maybe you're right, though…" He stopped talking as the van went over the town line, instantly feeling his magic, return like a jolt of electricity throughout his body. "Oooh, that's good!"

"What's that?"

"Something I didn't tell you about. When I came back, Zeus gave me some extra…abilities? You're not going to believe the next bit!"

~oOo~

It was around seven in the evening when the Transit pulled up outside the mansion. "Come on Rolly? Wake up! You're getting a bit too heavy for your old man these days..." Robin nudged his son gently. "You're home."

The three tumbled out of the van, Robin propping up his sleepy son as he trudged slowly towards the door. Before they even reached it, it opened, and a beaming Regina stood, arms wide, to welcome them.

"Roland?" she pulled him into her arms. "I've missed you so much! I think you've grown another inch!"

"Hi mum, missed you too." He yawned, hugging her as though his life depended on it. Finally letting him go, she saw her thief.

"Regina," he said simply, pulling her into a tight embrace. She relished the feel of his strong arms wrapping around her once again, his familiar scent, his longer beard tickling her cheek. Him. As his head leant against hers, she pulled her body even tighter into him, hips against his thighs, almost forgetting where she was.

"Welcome back," she whispered. "You have no idea how much I've missed you!"

Maria watched them from a respectful distance. I thought you said she's your ex? she thought to herself. That's when she noticed a taller, athletic blonde step out from the house, watching the still-embracing pair with an odd look on her face. "Emma, right?" she said, distracting her and hopefully letting her brother know they weren't alone.

"Yup, and you're Maria? That webcam doesn't do you justice!" She replied, offering a hand. Hell, I see what Henry means. This woman's supermodel material!

Seeing the offered hand, Maria looked at it and said "Nope -you're bringing up my nephew. You're family!" before pulling Emma into a light hug of her own. "Any mother of Roland's is family to me!" She also gave her a light peck on the cheek. Emma, who didn't normally respond well to hugs from strangers, saw her wife staring at them. So couldn't resist, responding with a light kiss of her own before they separated.

"Emma?" Said Robin stepping closer. "Did you miss me too?" before dragging her into a hug without asking.

"Oof! Yup, I remember saying to Regina, "where's that annoying git? I really miss him!"" she snarked. He completely ignored the barb, and carried on hugging regardless. She rather liked it, though she'd never tell him that!

As they separated, he saw that Maria had already done the same to Regina. "God, you can really see the family resemblance between you two - it's in the eyes!"

"Yeah. I got all the pretty bits, and sadly, poor old Maria here got the leftovers?{" Robin grinned, delighted to see how easily his baby sister had warmed to them.

"Oh, do shut up, thief!" chuckled Regina.

Maria smirked at their putdown. "Putting you in your place? Rob, I love them both already!"

~oOo~