Regina overreacts to a surprise by Robin, who goes off in a huff. Emma tries to repair the damage.

Another two months passed; it was now late November; today, Henry was returning to Storybrooke from Harvard for the Thanksgiving recess. The Swan-Mills couple were now seven months pregnant without any further incidents. Robin had fully settled in to Mifflin Street and most of the town were now fully aware of his rather unusual relationship with the married couple.

Margot Locksley-Mills, as she was now known, had also moved into the mansion, temporarily sharing Honour's bedroom, while Zelena took a three-week break to meet her online friends in San Francisco. On the edge of Storybrooke, Belle had moved into Rumple's house, into a guest bedroom, as they had started to try and mend their relationship, telling themselves it was for Gideon's sake.

As he brought a tray with cups of tea into their bedroom, neither of his lovers was in a particularly good mood that morning. Though never a great morning person, Emma in particular, seemed even more grouchy than usual, as she lay on her back massaging her swollen abdomen. "I feel like a fucking beached whale - I was never this big with Henry! I get out of breath just going up and down the stairs and this little swine never keeps still! My hair's greasy, and I keep getting spots. I'm hideous!"

"At least you don't have to get up to pee every ten minutes!" moaned Regina "And even my boobs have started leaking! Thanks a lot for this, thief!" She glared at Robin. "You're definitely getting the 'snip' after this!"

"The snip? Shouldn't we just cut his balls off and have done with it?" said the blonde. "And thanks Gina, for not disagreeing, when I said I was hideous!"

Robin tried desperately not to laugh as he listened to the pair bitch and moan. "My loves, neither of you look hideous, or ugly, or any such thing! You're beautiful, and it'll all be worth it in just a couple of months!"

"Nice try, thief, but that's bull and you know it! Wait, was that a grin? How dare you grin?" Emma was now in full flow. "You try pushing a bowling ball out of your cooch, and see if you like it?"

"If I did, it'd probably blow my cock off! Then you could call me Robina!"

"Oh, do shut up!" Regina tried not to smile. "You're not coming near us ever again with that thing, until you get a damn vasectomy!"

"Oddly enough, I've already spoken to my future cousin-in-law, about just that very subject! He's explained the process, and it isn't too complicated. So, if you're both agreeable, I'll be getting a vasectomy in the near future!"

That drew their attention. "You'd be willing to do that?"

"Of course, Emma. You'll each have given birth twice, we already have Honour and Roland. And I have Margot too. What with Henry, I can't imagine you'd want any more children after this? So, I'll make the arrangements…"

The wives exchanged a concerned look, Regina the first to respond. "No! Please don't do that just yet. I'm sorry we're picking on you, but don't go doing anything hasty? Let's just see what happens, in the months ahead…"

"All right. But seeing as you're both struggling with this, it seems a small price to pay."

"We're not struggling, we're pregnant!" Emma grouched. "Go read up on pregnancy hormones and stuff on the web, and ignore most of what we just said. I'll be fine, when I get myself cleaned up. I'm just tired."

"How about I run you both a bath? I'll go sort out the little ones with breakfast, and you can take a soak?

"Gina and me in the bath right now/ Doesn't leave much space for the water."

"Hush you!" Regina rolled her eyes. "That sounds heavenly, but we don't have time to lounge. Henry's due back, and I need to organize food for the weekend. Thanksgiving dinners don't just happen by accident, you know?"

"All in hand, love! I meant it to be a surprise. We've organized a Thanksgiving lunch at the Earl, for all the family. Maria and Caroline are organizing lunch, so you just have to turn up and enjoy it. Do you think I want you sweating over a hot stove, trying to organize lunch for everyone, when you're seven months pregnant? Not a chance!"

"What about Emma's parents? And Neal?" Regina seemed to be genuinely annoyed. "They're expected here too! You had no right taking that decision without consulting me! Consulting us. Henry wants lunch with his family!"

Robin was stung. He thought he was doing something nice, but clearly hadn't expected that reaction. Emma saw the hurt look on his face.

"Well I think it's a lovely idea, Regina! He's right. Why should you cook for everyone else, when you don't have to? You'll just get hot, flustered and-"

"AND I HAPPEN TO LIKE IT! I like doing it, okay? He had no right..." Even as the words left her, Regina knew she was being petty and spiteful, but just couldn't stop herself. "I can manage! I don't want to spend all day in the forest with a bunch of smelly strangers! I probably won't even like the food! What do they even know about cooking?"

Now Emma was equally annoyed. At her. "Now you're just being stupid! You like it well enough. Or is it you just always have to be in charge? Always act like the queen, with her adoring subjects!"

"HOW DARE YOU?" it was rare these days for Emma to speak like that to her wife. "I've never acted like that! This is my home! My rules, and I say what we do! You'll just have to cancel them!"

"' 'MY home? MY rules?' Forgive me, I thought it was OUR home? Clearly, I've been mistaken…"

"You know what I mean!" she rasped back.

"No, I don't! Just what do you mean, Regina? Robin is doing something really nice, for us, and you become shitty about it! Just because he didn't tell you? It was supposed to be a surprise, dammit, a nice surprise! Why don't you just fucking well grow up?"

Both women sat, seething, avoiding looking at each other. Robin was amazed how quickly things had flared up. He sighed loudly but he was still too irritated himself.

"Very well. I'll tell them we're going to cancel." Then he stopped to think. "No, on second thoughts, fuck it! I'M going! And so are Roland, and Honour! You do whatever you want. I was looking forward to my first ever Thanksgiving with all of my family. Those 'smelly strangers' as you put it, include my sister and my cousin!"

"Do what you want, thief." Regina growled, still scowling.

"Well, regardless of whatever she wants, I'd love to come Robin!" Emma glared at her wife. "Unlike this spiteful cow, I think it's a lovely idea, and I could do with a change! I'm the size of a fucking horse, and don't want to spend the day ferrying food and drink around for everybody. So thank you Robin, I accept!" Emma was more hurt by the 'my home, my rules' comment than Regina's surly attitude.

Nonetheless the brunette wasn't done. "For god's sake Emma, you're overreacting! Think of Henry! He's coming home especially for this!"

"I'M overreacting?" Emma fumed. "Do you even hear yourself?"

"Henry already knows!" Seethed Robin. "It was partly his idea."

Regina glared. "He knows?"

"He wants both sets of grandparents joining us, including Belle, now that she and Rumple are trying to get back together somehow. And Caroline and Maria. And no doubt Carrie would like to bring Victor Whale along too, as they're engaged. I just – look, you know what? Just forget it! Do whatever the hell you want, Regina! You usually do."

~oOo~

The former outlaw stormed out of the room, leaving a silence until they heard the front door slam loudly enough to break its hinges. Now the next silence between the two women seemed to last forever.

Finally, Emma lifted herself off the bed and headed to the bathroom, still clearly angry as she turned to her wife. "Nice one, Regina! Way to go, fucking up a perfectly nice day for everyone! I'm going to freshen up, then I'm going out. You'll be fine now, won't you? In 'your' house?"

Regina wasn't good at climbing down from any argument, even when she was clearly in the wrong. She said nothing for the next half hour, watching Emma silently emerge from the bathroom, dressing as quickly as she could, before heading out without saying another word. Then it was her turn to slam the front door as she left.

A few minutes later she rose, showering quietly, before heading downstairs.

"Hello?" she called, but it was clear everyone was out. As she walked into the silent kitchen, she saw a short note, clearly written by Robin:

The children are with me

She'd been angry. But now she was calm, and began to finally realise what she'd done. Robin was usually the last to give in to anger, but merely by the tone as he left, and his terse note, she knew she'd absolutely enraged him. He was furious, and she knew from bitter experience in the Underworld that it took a lot longer for him to calm, than her. Less than an hour ago, he'd brought tea to their bedroom. She and Emma had both been hormonal, and made snide remarks. Yet he'd been nothing but reassuring, flattering even. But they'd still bitten his head off! Then he'd told them he'd arranged a holiday lunch to make their lives easier. And instead of thanking him, she'd been a bitch. Not Emma, her! Emma was right; she's fucked it up completely! Her and her big stupid mouth had pissed off the kindest, most loving man she'd ever known. And to make matters worse, she'd even made Emma angry! Added to which, since Robin left, his unborn child was now moving constantly, almost in anger, making her stomach lurch and a feeling of nausea overwhelm her.

Tears finally started to flow. Sobs, which grew, until she wept uncontrollably. She knew hormones were partly responsible for her absurd behaviour, but once again, she'd gone too far! She had to make amends.

But how?

Sherwood

After leaving the house, Emma, still annoyed by Regina's behaviour, decided to find Robin. She knew him well enough to know he was furious and, although Regina may have been the one at fault, she'd also treated him poorly that morning, and wanted to rectify things. Ever since her early bleed two months ago, she knew better than to tempt fate by apparating anywhere, instead choosing to take the yellow bug into town. Honour and Roland had broken up from school the day before, so she assumed he'd either gone to the diner (it was still only nine o' clock) or Sherwood. A quick call to Ruby confirmed they weren't having breakfast, so she drove to the edge of the forest, walking the last half mile into the new Sherwood village.

Entering the Earl of Locksley, Emma was surprised to find Roland sitting at a nearby table, playing a board game with Tuck. Walking closer, she saw what he was playing.

"Hi Rolly. I didn't know you knew how to play chess?"

"Hiya," he knocked over one of the friar's knights with his bishop. "You never asked."

"Bugger's too damn good, if you ask me?" said the frustrated priest. "He almost had me queen away!"

She smiled down at the dimple-cheeked boy, who was changing so rapidly, and now started to look more like Marian as his face slimmed. "Now I know you can play, you and I have definitely got to have a game soon! You seen your dad anywhere?"

At that, the boy's expression changed. "Yeah, but he's in a filthy mood! Not sure where he's gone, but Honny's out the back with Maria."

"Ok, thanks. I'll pop back a little later. We'll have lunch together, okay?"

She left him and went outside in search of Honour and Robin's sister. As she turned toward the lake, Little John appeared from beside a hay bale.

"Hey Emma, how you doing?" He wrapped an arm around her, bringing her into a gentle side hug, being mindful of her growing bulge. "You're lookin' grand, my girl! Only a few more months?"

"Don't remind me - it can't happen fast enough. Have you seen Robin?"

"Yeah, but I'd best avoid him, if I were you! It's not often he loses his temper, but whatever happened this morning, has really got to him. Last time I saw him like that, he beat seven bells of shit out of three of Nottingham's men! And that was before he had magic! Just leave him be, Emma. He'll calm down, given time."

"I know what caused it! Please John, where is he?"

"Far end of the lake. But don't say I didn't warn ye!"

~oOo~

It took a good ten minutes for Emma to follow the path around the edge of the lake magically created by Merlin.

She eventually spotted him, a good few hundred feet away, before she approached. He seemed to doing something with explosives?

Getting closer, she saw that he was lifting large rocks magically, hurling them high into the air over the lake, effortlessly, before firing some sort of fireballs at them as they flew! The noise of the exploding rocks could be heard echoing all around. As fragments flew closer to her, she yelled out. "Hey, watch out?"

"What – Emma?" He looked up for the first time. "What are you doing here?"

"Trying to apologise! And stop you doing something stupid, because of our behaviour!"

"Just leave me be. I'm not good company at the moment..." As he spoke, a boulder that must have weighed at least half a ton, was flicked high into the air, as though it was a mere football. Within seconds, a piercing yellow beam of light, like a laser. struck it in the middle, blasting the boulder to smithereens with an almighty crack echoing all around. Shocked by the noise, she looked at him as he did it again, noticing how the pearcingly bright beam came from his eyes?

He never even used his hands? How the hell does he even do that?"

"Let me be the judge of that? Look, Robin, I'm sorry we were spikey this morning. I didn't mean any of it! I'm just tired, grouchy and feeling useless! Gina may have had other issues and, to be honest, I'm also pissed off with her. It's the pregnancy, but it'll pass! Please Rob, please stop? Your little peanut in here," she massaged her abdomen, "Has been twirling around like a bloody cheerleader since this morning! I really need you to calm her down?"

He walked slowly over the rocks towards her, realizing as he drew close, just how exhausted she looked. Her eyes had dark rings and her pallor was definitely a little greyer. He placed his hands on her shoulders, pulling her into a gentle hug. "I'm sorry."

"What have you got to be sorry about? We were horrible!"

"For storming off. For making arrangements, without discussing them first. For assuming you'd be okay with my family joining us for Thanksgiving? For getting you pregnant."

"Hey, don't you dare be sorry for that last one! This may have come as a shock, but I was even more terrified when I thought I'd lost her! I want this baby! Our daughter. And whatever Regina's carrying. And I know she wants them both too. As for the Thanksgiving lunch, well, you meant it as a surprise. And I do want to get to know your sister and Carrie properly. It's just that we're both so used to being independent, especially Gina! She is so not used to not being in charge!"

He nodded, dropping to his knees in front of her, before placing two gentle hands on either side of her swollen belly, bringing his lips closer. "Hey you in there? Yes you, my pretty! Sorry papa was being a bit noisy just now, but you really need to settle down for me, because you're making mamma feel poorly! Can you do that for me, poppet?" He followed it by closing his eyes, focusing his magic and sending calming waves of thought through his hands and into the Saviour's body, drawing on memories from Merlin's super-fast induction. Even Emma felt a wave of warmth spread through her body, her mind now visualising a beach and sunshine. Her unborn baby settled almost immediately.

"Wow, that was weird! Were you thinking about a sunny beach?"

"I thought it would calm her." Robin was surprised, as it had been the first time he'd tried that particular spell of Merlin's. "Did you see it too?"

"Yeah, and she's stopped! That's a really neat trick - you so need to show me how to do that one, and fairly quick!"

"Perhaps Merlin can help." He rose off his knees, taking her hands.

She looked into his blue eyes. "So am I forgiven? For waking up as a bitch?"

"Nothing to forgive." He wrapped his arms around her again, and pressing his lips to hers, which she opened immediately to welcome him. Nothing too heated, no tongues, just warmth and comfort, desperately needed after this morning. "Let's head back."

"Good idea, because since been destroying a quarry this morning, I skipped breakfast; and you know that, for me, that's unheard of! Another reason your daughter may have been unhappy?"

"Well we'd better fix that. Come on..." he took her arm, leading her back, "I need to speak to Carrie and Maria."

"Did you cancel the Thanksgiving lunch?"

"Not bloody likely, I'm looking forward to it! I'm sorry Emma, but I'm not having a special day fucked up by just one person, even if it's Regina! The children are really looking forward to it, too. If you don't want to come, I'll understand."

"No, I already told you I want to come! Robin, I love my wife, but she needs to learn, everything doesn't just revolve around her! I think she'll come around. At least I hope so."

The Mansion

"Yes, thank you Clive. If you could send the draft documents and copy deeds around for us to countersign? I'll have them back to you later this week. Thanks. And give my love to Felicity? The two of you should really come over for lunch soon! Goodbye…" She hung up the phone on her Notary and Storybrooke Council Chairman, feeling she'd taken a good first step in fixing one of her problems.

Now she needed to sort things out with Robin.

She searched the speed-dial number for the next call. "Hi Regina," answered Lady Caroline Locksley. "Nice to hear from you. How are you?"

"Hello Carrie. Okay thanks, but could be better." Robin's sister had an innate ability to make her open up more than most. "Look, I'm sorry for the short notice, but I really need to speak to you fairly soon. Are you available? I'll come over to you if necessary."

"Well I'd hoped to see you at the dinner on Thursday? But Robin called and told me you and Emma weren't coming, but he was. He sounded angry, to be honest, and didn't want to talk! Is something wrong?"

"Frankly, yes. And it's all my fault. Can we meet?"

~oOo~

Caroline came over about half an hour later. Just before she arrived, Regina checked her texts for any message from either of her lovers. Nothing. So she sent a short text to each of them:

'Regina: Robin, please call me!'

Then one to her wife:

'Regina: Emma, I'm sorry! Where are you? Please call?'

She didn't expect any quick replies, but she got one back from Emma anyway:

'Emma: With Robin. Leave us be. We'll talk later…'

Caroline was more than surprised when Regina opened the front door before she even used the knocker. Seeing the usually upright woman standing there, red-eyed and looking desperate, she dropped her bag, pulling her into her arms. The hug was more than welcomed, Regina sinking her face into the other's shoulder, trying desperately not to sob.

"What is it? What's happened?"

"I screwed up, that's what. Robin was lovely, but I was a real bitch! And I even managed to make Emma angry. I'm a truly horrible person, Carrie."

"Don't be silly, you're nothing of the sort! Sounds more like a lovers' tiff to me. Now tell me what happened? And don't leave out any of the important bits?"

~oOo~

Regina explained everything. The more she talked, the more she realized how irrational she'd been.

"Regina, why's it so important you host a meal? You're heavily pregnant, and standing for too long in a hot kitchen is going to be very uncomfortable! I don't understand why you would put yourself through all that, if there's a perfectly good offer elsewhere?"

Regina looked into her eyes, smiling as she saw the resemblance to Robin and his sister. "I guess I felt I was losing control. I can't use my magic fully while I'm like this, and I've always hated feeling weak! I'm having to rely on everyone else, and that makes me uncomfortable. I'm so used to being in charge that it's hard to break the habits of a lifetime. After being a queen, even being mayor was a step down for me! Now I'm nothing, just a…a housewife! A big, fat pregnant housewife. If I can't be in charge of my own town now, at least being in charge of the home, of meals and events, just helps me feel I have 'control' of...something!"

Caroline chuckled softly, taking her hands in her own. "Ooh, where shall we start? Right, well first things first, madam! You are most certainly not fat. You're carrying that baby beautifully, and if I was gay and you weren't married, you'd definitely be at the top of my hit list!" Regina gave her a reluctant smile. "Second, you are a hell of a lot more than a 'housewife'. You're a mother! And a rather brilliant one at that. Whatever career any woman chooses, what could be more important than bringing a new life into the world and nurturing it into a human being? Everything else pales into insignificance compared to that. I hope and pray I haven't left it too late to have my own child one day. And when and if I do, I hope to model myself on you! So, stop putting yourself down. As for being 'in charge', well you now have not one, but two adults who love and adore you and just want to help you. I can't speak for Emma, as I hardly know her; but I know Robin. He may be angry now, but he'll calm down, in his own time. Best leave him be. Remember, he's dealt with strong-minded women before."

"You mean Marian?"

"Yes. She could be fiery too. Very loyal, loving and caring but she could be feisty. In some ways, you remind me of her. She was no shrinking violet! Beautiful brown eyes, olive skin and dark hair - Robin certainly has a type!"

"Awkward, stroppy brunettes?"

"Independent-minded, intelligent women! You know, in a different world, you would have liked her."

"I only know what she looked and sounded like. It turned out to be Zelena in disguise."

"I heard about that! You know Robin's seeing Doctor Hooper to deal with his anger issues over Zelena? He felt if he didn't, he'd surely kill her."

It was obvious from Regina's expression she wasn't aware. "That explains how he was able to face her recently. I just thought he was calming down for Robyn's, I mean Margot's, sake."

"Well he was raped, Regina! That's not something anyone, a man or a woman, gets over quickly."

She shook her head. "We Mills women have been nothing but a pain to your family! I'm amazed he puts up with me."

"Because he's totally in love with you! That's why he cares so much. Anyway, let's talk about this Thanksgiving, shall we? Now, Maria and I are preparing a Locksley dinner, partly at the request of your son Henry. So I want you and Emma to come, eat, rest and be entertained and spoilt. And no arguments, madam! In return, you three can host it next year, while Maria and I look after your lovely babies. Now what do you say to that?"

They exchanged a grin before Regina went back in for another hug, wrapping her arms around the taller woman. "I say thank you very much, Miss Locksley, I would love to come. But allow me to do something, at least? If I'm not being allowed to cook, perhaps I can make a dessert? I make the best apple turnover you'll ever taste!"

"Ah. Sounds delightful, but we were intending to surprise Robin with his own mother's signature dish. We call it Locksley Pie, but it's a pudding really. Hot apple pie, covered in pastry and caramel and a secret ingredient. It's Maria's tour-de-force now!"

"Sounds delicious. So, what's for main? I'm assuming there'll be turkey? It is Thanksgiving after all."

"Roast turkey and goose! Traditional Locksley fare. Perhaps you could help us with the preparation? But no heavy-lifting, agreed?"

"Agreed. Thanks, Carrie, I'm looking forward to it."

"Maria will too. She's been over here over three months now, and she feels she hardly knows you! We three can have a lovely gossip and bitch in the kitchen - she's rather hilarious, you know?"

"Sounds just what I need! Yes, I meant to reach out to Maria but with one thing and another, we haven't found the time. I know the children love her to bits! I've missed having close women friends – I married the last one, you know?"

"So, I gather. Emma - beautiful, athletic leggy blonde, I understand? I need to get to know her too."

"You did say you were straight, didn't you?" she glared, trying to hide the grin.

"Quite sure. I have my very own brain surgeon fiancé, too. But if I ever change teams…" she sniggered.

"I think we could only ever handle one Locksley at a time!"

Carrie left the house an hour later, after having tea and discussing arrangements for the holiday dinner. Regina felt so much better for opening up to her, missing her as soon as she left. Now she needed to fix other matters. She picked up her phone and sent another text to Robin:

'I know you're still angry with me. I'm sorry, and I know you don't want to talk to me right now. I've spent some time talking to Caroline about the Thanksgiving dinner, so perhaps you could talk to her? Please ignore everything I said, I was just being a bitch, as usual! I love you! xxx'

Then one to Emma:

'Emma, please talk to me! I love you! Xxx '

This time, she followed it with a sad-faced, teary emoticon. Emma always used those. After pacing around waiting for an answer from either of them, her phone beeped. It was Emma:

'Still annoyed, though food has made me feel better. We'll talk later, but I still love you too!'

Regina smiled, though noticed the lack of kisses or emoticons. A few seconds later, another one came in:

'If you're trying to reach Robin, don't bother. He kind of melted his phone'

She gulped, knowing she was the cause of his anger. A minute later, yet another message:

'And whatever you decide to do, I'm going to his Thanksgiving lunch! I found out what what's on the menu. I'm not missing that!'

That brought a small chuckle from the brunette. Food – the way to Emma's heart!

'I'm coming too. Don't tell them, but I've never eaten goose. Mother said it was for servants. I'm going to be helping in the kitchen, though under supervision so I don't overdo it. Carrie wants to get to know you, and I want to get to know Maria.

'She's as funny as hell, and a very dirty sense of humour. She's here now with John and the boys. I'd love you to come over, but best wait for Robin to cool down. Don't want him building another quarry!'

'Quarry?'

'I'll tell you later. xxx '

Robin and Emma finally came home around six in the evening, bringing Honour and Roland back with them. Emma had already told him the gist of her texts with Regina, that she was wanting to apologise for her behaviour, and was now going to be coming with them to the Thanksgiving feast.

"Go easy on her, Rob! You know she didn't mean it."

Robin had now calmed enough, helped by a couple of pints at the pub before they left. As the four trooped in, Roland and Honour raced ahead, moving to hug her. "Mummy! Why didn't you come?' asked Honour. "It was fun! Aunty Maria taught me 'blind man's bluff'!"

"Sounds lovely, Now go easy there, darlings! Don't squeeze too hard. I've missed you both."

Emma stepped inside, followed by Robin. Regina gulped a little, remembering what she had to do. "Now why don't you two go and wash. Dinner will be at seven. I need to have a word with your mamma and daddy. Off you go…" As they dutifully obeyed, Regina stood to address them. Robin saw the awkward look on her face.

"Gina, I-"

"No Robin, please don't say anything...yet. There's something I need to get off my chest first." She stepped closer to them, looking up to ensure they weren't being overheard by the children. "My behaviour was atrocious this morning! I want to apologise. I was spiteful, bitchy and neither of you deserved it. I want to make amends..." She saw Emma about to say something, "No Emma – you please wait too, till I'm finished?"

"Firstly, Robin, I was completely horrible to you, even though you were being lovely and kind. I felt I was losing control so, as usual, I lashed out! I called your family strangers-"

"Smelly strangers, actually!" He corrected, watching her wince.

"Even more unforgivable! Your family are lovely, and they most certainly do not smell! I was just being bitchy and once again, I'm so sorry. I know you're still angry, but I want to give you something by way of a further apology." She picked up a small gift-wrapped box from the sideboard. "Here…" she placed it in his hands, before turning to her wife. "Emma, in a way, my behaviour towards you was even worse! I called this 'my house', and implied we had to follow 'my rules'. That was also unforgivable. So, I would like you to have this." She handed a heavy envelope of documents to her. "You're my wife. What's mine, is yours. We are equals, and I want you to read through and sign what's inside."

"What is it?"

"A change of ownership for the deeds to this house. Our house, Emma. I asked Colin to set up a new family trust, which will take ownership of it. You and I will own it fifty-fifty until the children each reach twenty-one, then we can decide, together, how we add them to it. I'll try never again to refer to 'my house'! Please say you forgive me?"

The blonde moved to hug her, careful to move their swollen bellies to the sides as she put her hand under her chin, bringing up her mouth up to her own. "You're forgiven. Thanks. I'll also put my rental house into the same trust. What's mine is also yours, Regina!" The brunette beamed up at her and the women kissed again, the morning's events now forgiven. Robin smiled as he watched them reconnect.

Now lifting his package, he eased the wrapping off, to find the gift was a brand-new cell phone. And a very good one, at that! He looked up to see them looking directly at him, while still in each other's arms.

"I gather your other one got destroyed this morning? Thought you could do with a replacement."

He smiled back, realizing Emma had probably told her what had happened in his rage. "Yes, I didn't realise they melt so easily."

"They do, especially when you 'laser' them with your eyeballs! How do you even do that?" Emma sniggered, the women separating, Regina now stepping in front of Robin.

"Your family are wonderful! I've only known Carrie a matter of months, yet I regard her as one of my closest friends. I'm also going to try to get to know Maria as well as Emma has. John helped me so much when you were gone, and he and the men have been like brothers to me. I love them all. Please forgive me, Robin?"

He didn't answer, just pulled her in gently, muscular arms enveloping her. He followed it with a kiss that quickly developed into a full-on, open-mouthed affair. She almost purred in relief.

Emma looked on with satisfaction, knowing the morning's incident had been finally put behind them.

"All forgiven."

~oOo~

Henry arrived home that evening, after the long trip from Boston, his mothers and step-siblings welcoming him in embraces and hugs.

Emma couldn't help noticing how he seemed to be avoiding contact with Robin, for some reason. He'd been very welcoming to the young man, even hugging him when he arrived. Was there a problem? I thought Henry liked him? Last time he was here he even suggested we marry him. What's wrong? She made a note to tackle him about it later.

Robin had also noticed Henry's awkwardness towards him, putting it down to his appearance from a shed with an unknown girl, both looking dishevelled and embarrassed, at Roland's football game two months earlier. Was that it? Was Henry doing something behind Violet's back? Robin chose to say nothing, waiting until the boy was alone.

Emma was the first to get to him though, heading into the young man's bedroom minutes after he'd dropped off his enormous rucksack on the bed. Henry had just stripped off his sweater and jeans, to change before he heard the door click behind him. Flicking his head back, he saw his blonde mother enter, placing a silencing spell across the door, before jerking back momentarily, as a result of the dizzying effect producing magic now had on her.

"Wow, so not used to that!" she groaned.

"Ma, what are you doing? I'm getting changed!"

"I need a word."

"Can't it wait? I almost had my pants off!"

"I'm your mum - it's nothing I haven't seen before! Anyway, what's going on between you and Robin?" Emma always had a habit of coming straight out with whatever was on her mind. "Why are you avoiding him?"

"Ma, there's nothing going on! Just…leave me to get changed."

"Superpower, Henry! I know when you're lying, remember? Come on, spill! What's he done?"

"He's 'done' nothing!" Henry was beginning to lose his temper. "Anyway, I don't want to talk about it. You may have forgotten, I'm no longer a child, so I'm not going to 'spill', or talk about iT. Now please leave me to change!"

Emma knew he was hiding something, but decided not to push it. "Okay..." she got up again. "But you know I'll find out in the end?"

~oOo~

And she did!

The following morning, she woke earlier than usual, in desperate need of a pee, to find the bathroom door locked as Regina, in similar need, got in just before her. So, she stepped out onto the landing to use the guest bathroom, when she heard deeper, male voices below. Assuming it could only be Henry and Robin, she tiptoed down the stairs to listen. It seemed Henry had just walked in there.

"I've just made a pot of tea, Henry. Want a cup?" she heard Robin offer.

"Nah, not really drinking tea. Black coffee's my thing these days! I'll just make some instant."

"Your mothers aren't drinking caffeine at the moment, though after the births, they'll probably need the hard stuff just to stay awake! I know I will."

"Yeah, I remember with Honny! Still, the pregnancies seem to be going smoothly. Any problems?"

"Just the usual stuff. They're both more tired and irritable, but since Emma had that scare, they've been taking things easier. But you know them – they both hate being inactive. Still, only a couple of months to go."

"Yeah. Then all hell breaks loose, right?" He chuckled. "Four kids in one house? Kinda glad I'll only be here part-time. Are you dreading it?"

"Quite the reverse, actually! I can't wait! I love children, and we have not one, but two rather brilliant mothers here. I'm sure we'll all cope just fine." The two men stopped to slurp their drinks.

Henry knew he had to clear the air with Robin, especially after one of his mothers had already noticed last night's behaviour. "So…Robin…about that football match. About what you saw?" He looked a little sheepish, but he continued. "You didn't tell either of my mums then?"

Emma's ears bristled. What didn't he tell us?

"Didn't tell them what, exactly?" asked Robin, waiting for the him to open up further.

Henry looked at him, wondering just what he knew. "About me and Jess."

"Jess? The young blonde at the match? What's to tell?"

He nodded. "Me coming out of a tent with her, with someone who isn't Violet? I know you saw us!"

So that's it? Thought Emma, listening just outside. The little sod's been two-timing Violet? She thought they taught him better than that!

"That's your business, Henry. Although it looked suspicious, I don't assume anything. I may regard you as a son, but you're also a grown man, and you make your own decisions, good or bad. I just hope you don't hurt anyone as a result. If you want to talk about it, I'm here. If you don't, you don't."

Somehow, that made it so much easier for Henry to get something off his chest. "Well, it was sort of how it looked. Jess and I hooked up…"

"Does Violet know? Are the pair of you still together?"

"Yes…and no. She doesn't know about Jess specifically, but Vi and I decided not to be exclusive. She's also been with other people recently, too. It was sort of her idea. Vi thinks she's too young to tie herself to one person at the moment. She said I could either accept it, or…we split."

"And how do you feel about that? Do you also want to 'play the field' with other people?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure! I've had some fun at Harvard, but…well, now I've done it, just having sex for the sake of doing it, isn't quite my thing. I enjoyed it, but I can't help feeling it's a bit…er...sad? It was great with Vi, before she wanted something else. But now? I don't know. I guess I'm missing something."

"It sounds to me as though your feelings for Violet were stronger than her feelings were for you. You may have been starting to fall for her. That's always painful, if it's not reciprocated."

"Sounds like you've been there yourself?"

"I have. I'd had relationships long before Marian, Roland's mother, but nothing like as serious. I've had feelings for others which were not returned, and that always hurts. While sex may be extremely pleasant, when you combine it with mutual love, there really is no comparison! You need to figure out what you really want in a relationship. But never mislead whoever you're with!"

"I guess. Vi definitely wants something different to me. We're still friends, but she's 'experimenting'. Men, and women, basically."

"Then you need to decide what that means to you. If you're comfortable with it, then there's no problem. If you're not happy, you need to tell her, change, or move on…"

Henry took another gulp at the coffee. "I guess. Thanks for keeping it to yourself, though. It's nice having another guy around. I love my mums dearly, but when I see all my friends' dads, it just reminds me how I never got any proper time with my own."

"Yes, Neal was pretty special. He pretended he wasn't, but he was sharp as a razor. Mulan, Phil and Rory got to know him too. Remember what Merlin said? That he's still a hero? You know, you remind me of him sometimes. I'll never be able to replace your dad Henry, but if there's anything you want to know, or just need someone to talk to, I'm here." He patted the younger man's shoulder.

"Thanks. And for what it's worth, I think you'll be a brilliant dad to the babies. You know, a couple of months ago I even told my mums you three should get married!"

Robin chuckled, though Emma, still listening in, and touched by the affection the two men had for one another, leant closer, to listen to his response.

"Well, they are already married; so sometimes...I feel like I'm an intruder. If it were left to me Henry, I'd ask them both to marry me, as soon as possible! You know, back in my realm, and over here until recently, they used to use horrible names for children born out of wedlock. But that's not the reason I'd ask them. It's taken me a while to realise it, but I am truly in love with both of them. Is that wrong? To love an already-married couple? I don't know the answer, but I want them to be happy. Even if I can't be part of it."

"So, if they did what the Briars did to Mulan, and asked you to marry them, you wouldn't refuse?"

"That's most unlikely, Henry. They're happy."

"You didn't answer the question."

"Because that's between me, Emma and Regina. All I can tell you, is that I love them both. Equally."

Emma's heart warmed at that, and the child in her womb sensed something too. She almost apparated back to the bedroom, anxious not to be caught spying, but remembering Merlin's advice, she instead crept silently back up the stairs, praying they wouldn't creak. She finally made it back to the bedroom unobserved, opening the door to find Regina getting up from the bed.

"Morning! You woke early?" Regina slipped a dressing gown on.

"I needed to pee, and you were already in there."

"Bad, isn't it? This one keeps pushing down on my bladder. I feel like I spend half my time on the loo these days. I'm running myself a bath with those gels Carrie recommended. Care to join me, Mrs. Swan-Mills?"

Never one to pass an opportunity to see Regina naked, or share a bath, she beamed. "Sounds perfect, Mrs. Swan-Mills. We only got a quick dip yesterday, and I could do with a proper soak," she followed her inside, walking together to the edge of the slipper bath. Even after two years of marriage, Emma still felt a thrill when they stripped together for a bath, trying not to stare at her wife's now more-voluptuous curves, her breasts and darkened areolae now enhanced by the pregnancy.

Each groaned in bliss as, in turn, the warm waters enveloped them. They moved to opposite ends of the bath, interlocking their legs for room.

"Is Robin downstairs, or has he gone out?" Regina stretched across, collecting a sponge before dipping it in the foam and massaging Emma's legs. Before their pregnancy, she used to lie in there with her back resting on Emma's chest. Now their bulges simply wouldn't allow it.

"He's in the kitchen talking to Henry. He'll probably be up here soon with tea. But there's something I need to ask you, before he gets here…"

~oOo~