Hey guys! It's taken me a while to get this hammered out. Enjoy and please R&R!
She wakes with a startled gasp, but dare not make a move in fear of her slumbering husband. He had to work a little extra after coming home earlier in the day to bring her lunch, among other things. Other things including activities she thought were sure to induce labor naturally. All day after he left she was giddy with the excitement that soon her labor would start. However, by the time Mary – Margaret had dropped off the boys later that evening she was in a considerably worse mood. She ordered them pizza and let the boys vegetate on the sofa before sending them to bed early. They protested that she was actually sending them to their rooms instead of allowing them to fold out the sofa, but a few well – aimed glares let them know now was not a good time to be on their mother's bad side.
She had been irritable and cranky and she was tired and Robin still wasn't home. She phoned him earlier and it went to voicemail after a few rings. She was so annoyed that she hung up without even leaving a message, instead resorting to a string of text messages calling him everything but the Son of God. After about the tenth message Emma rang to tell her Robin was out answering a call and couldn't respond, so unless she was in labor she needed to let Robin finish the call so he could get home to her. Regina huffed out an annoyed fine into the phone and brusquely hung up. About thirty minutes later Robin rang but she was too pissed off to answer the phone call. He left her voicemail apologizing for not being able to pick up the phone and that he would bring her a milkshake in apologies. He would be home soon, he promised. Regina was too exhausted, both emotionally and physically to stay angry with him and to try and stay awake to wait on him. Surely he would understand.
Asleep is how he found his wife once he arrived home. He entered their mansion on Mifflin Street confused by the eerie quietness. He thought for sure he'd find his wife and sons huddled on the fold out sofa, the soft glow of the television illuminating their peaceful faces as they slumbered because they'd fallen asleep waiting on him. He sets her promised milkshake on the side table and leans over to brush a kiss over her forehead, cupping her cheek as he stares at her peaceful state. Peaceful that is, until she murmurs in her sleep, eyes snatching open, her heart hammering in her chest as she sits up abruptly.
"Hey, hey, hey, you're alright, you're okay. It's just me. Sorry to have woken you."
"Robin?" She asks, voice scratchy with sleep.
"Yeah, it's me love. I brought you that milkshake I promised." She shakes her head, willing sleep to leave her body.
"Oh, how sweet."
"Do you want it?"
"Hmmm, maybe a few sips and you can have the rest."
"Are you feeling okay?" He asks as she winces a bit, leaning to grasp the Styrofoam cup.
"Yeah, just a little achy. Come, sit." She offers a space next to her on the sofa bed while she takes a few sucks through the large bore straw made for extra thick milkshakes. He sits and maneuvers himself so he can massage her shoulders, eventually working his way to the base of her back. She sets the cup back down and leans forward, her belly heavy between her legs to help alleviate the pressure in her back. "My God that feels so amazing, you have no idea." She hums out. A soft chuckle escapes his lips.
"I can only imagine. What did the doctor say at the appointment? Any progress?" Regina had appointments every other day now, checking to see if she's started dilating. Sometimes Robin could take her, but most of the time it was Emma.
"Mmm, still at two centimeters. If I don't start progressing soon they'll either strip my membranes or induce."
"Strip your membranes? That doesn't sound fun at all."
"Mmm," she sighed out, eyes closing, relaxing into her husband's ministrations once more. "No, it doesn't sound the least bit fun to me either."
"Sorry our love making session didn't make things happen for you," he commented with a peck to her cheek as he finished. She grasped his cheek in return, pecking a kiss to his lips.
"That's alright, we had fun doing that, and well, who's stopping us from a repeat performance?" She stated calmly, biting her lower lip.
Robin was tired, so exhausted, covering extra shifts so he could take off a little more time when the baby arrived. It was an arrangement he made with David, Emma and Graham and he certainly didn't want Regina to know. She'd kill him. Perhaps she'd settle for simple nipple stimulation. After she'd mentioned it was a good way to stimulate labor, he did a little research of his own and decided she indeed tricked him into fucking her because nipple stimulation was the best method.
"Alright, how about you just lay back down here, I'll get the boppy?" He asked as he moved to stand up. She halted his movements, grasping his hand.
"No, we've got pillows, I can just move them here. We'll be quick. Your massage kinda jump started things down there," she sighs out with a sly grin. Robin simply nods his head, returning the grin before diving in with a kiss.
He leans over her, trading kisses until she starts with her hands, pulling at his shirt, urging him to take it off as she dips her hands under the hem, rubbing his sides and working her way up to his chest. He hums against her lips, breaking their kisses to remove his shirt and his pants. If she's already wet and ready then perhaps he could get in a few hours of sleep before they have to be back up with their morning routine of readying the boys for camp and breakfast and him setting off to work.
He stands before her and she just simply gazes at the fine specimen of a man that is her husband and she can't help the devious grin that spreads across her lips. Her libido seems to triple and suddenly her panties feel as if they are soaked. Had she just cum simply by staring at him?
"Do you want to try the spooning position again?" Robin interrupted her thoughts.
"Oh, uh yeah, that worked well, I think." He nodded his head.
"Good, welp, let's get to it, shall we?" He asked as he made to climb over her. She hesitated a moment, waiting for him to get comfortable before reaching for her. She stiffened. "Regina, something wrong?" She huffed out a breath before craning her neck to look at him.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what, love?" He asked, pecking her forehead that glistened with sweat from the heat of their makeout session.
"I'm sorry this is such a chore for you," she huffed out, her face scowling. Her clit was throbbing and gods she was desperate for release but she wanted to make sure she as well as Robin were sexually sated. Who knew how long it would be before they could have sex again?
"Regina? What?" Robin scoffed as he laid back on his back. She turned over onto her back and tried to stifle the tears that were falling freely from her face. "Gods woman, this isn't a chore for me. I want to help you. I want to meet our child just as bad as you do and if this is what it takes, trust me," he stated, motioning to his soldier that was standing at attention between his legs, "I am more than prepared to get the job done."
"I know, but it seems the only way I can get you to touch me is if I tell you it will help start labor. Do you even want me anymore?" Robin drags a hand down his face, turning his head to face hers. Grabbing onto her hand, he pecks kisses over it before bringing it down to his penis.
"Does this feel like I don't want you anymore?" He asks. She lets out a frustrated giggle. "Because, I assure you love, I still find you incredibly desirable. I love your for more than just your looks, you know. You have the biggest heart, you're incredibly intelligent. You're bold, you know what you want and you're not afraid to go after it, case in point, convincing me to fuck you to start labor even though I'm terrified to do so." She turns her had to look at him.
"You're terrified to fuck me?"
"Yes," he nods. "I don't want to hurt you, or the baby."
"But we've had sex plenty of times during the pregnancy. You're not hurting the baby."
"I know, I know, but I can't help but feel that I might do something to hurt you – strain your back or something?" She chuckles at that, removing her hand from his grasp so she could grasp his cheek and pull him in for a kiss.
"Trust me, our child is perfectly safe in there and the only way for you to hurt me with sex is to not have sex with me at all. I want to get it all in as much as possible before we enter what I'm sure is going to be a very long dry spell. For me at least."
"For you?"
"Well, most recommendations is no sex for six weeks after birth, possibly more if I have to have a C – section. I may not even feel like sex, or feel desirable enough for sex. I could be a hormonal mess, even worse than now until everything balances back out."
"Is that what happened after you had Henry?" She shrugs her shoulders.
"I don't really remember, it was a while ago. I've, uh, always had such a high sex drive. When I was pregnant with Henry I was terrified we could lose the pregnancy if we had sex. The doctors assured us that it was perfectly fine and healthy for us to continue with a sex life while pregnant but even then I only acquiesced a few times. I didn't realize how much of a horn dog Daniel was. I just thought he was all about pleasing me and indulging my sexual needs. I wasn't selfish, no, but I definitely thought our overly active sex life was because of me."
"Well, I mean, look at you, who wouldn't want to make love to you twenty – four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred sixty – five days a year?" She smiled.
"Well, I suppose. Anyway, I was so enamored with Henry after he was born I kinda neglected Daniel for a good three months before he convinced Mary – Margaret to stand up to me and insist Daniel and I take some much needed time together, away from Henry. He took us to the coast for the weekend at a bed and breakfast. I was a nervous wreck worried about Henry. If I had pumped enough for him, if Mary – Margaret would rock him to sleep like I did, if she read to him using silly voices. I was such a wreck and Daniel was still so patient and understanding. It took a bit of trying on his part to convince me everything was fine and that we were allowed to have that time together, just the two of us and we didn't need to feel guilty for leaving our son because the most important thing we could do for him was for us to be connected and be strong together and to just be together. We were a team and we needed to be on the same page."
"And he felt the best way for that was with sex?"
Regina scoffed. "Well, I think we were both sexually frustrated. We fought. Mostly about Henry. I wanted to do things one way, Daniel another, and we couldn't talk to each other like civilized adults about it. It was just so much pent up energy and we had no way of releasing it. Daniel wanted to wait until I felt comfortable again. Unfortunately that meant relying on me to make an advance. I just thought he didn't find me attractive anymore. But that weekend away, it was exactly what we needed. Once I actually thought about everything he was saying to me, I realized he was in need of care just as much as I was. So after a few glasses of wine, because I had pumped enough, we were able to spend some much needed time together."
"Oh really?" Robin's eyes rose on his forehead.
"Sorry, is this too much?"
"No, no I think it's valuable information to know so I have an idea of what to expect, we won't be caught off guard. Maybe I'll look into booking us a weekend away. Perhaps we can get Mary – Margaret and David to come over and watch the kids for us. It'll give us something to look forward to when things seem to be getting out of control." Robin yawned. This was a draining conversation and he was no longer hard and he was incredibly exhausted.
"Oh, Robin, are you tired?" Regina asked as she stroked his cheek. "Did you have a bad shift? I'm sorry, I didn't even ask how your day was."
"No, no, don't worry, it's alright. There are other important things. Let me just grab a cup of coffee, hmm?" He leaned into her to give her a kiss as he left the bed to head to the kitchen. "Do you want anything while I'm up? When was the last time you ate?"
"Um, I had a little bite of pizza. There are leftovers if you want," she called to him from her position on the sofa. He tossed a hand up with a wave as he walked off towards the kitchen. Regina settled herself back into the pillows piled on the sofa, wincing as another dull ache made its way from her back to her stomach. She inhaled a breath, letting it out slowly, wondering if this was a sign of things to come.
"Hey babe, I heated you up some pizza too so you'll have some energy," her husband winked as he handed her his plate while sipping his coffee. She smiled a tight smile as she accepted the plate. She really wasn't hungry but he was being sweet so she couldn't really refuse.
"Thanks dear," she said as she took a bite. He smiled at her as he seated himself next her, reaching over her shoulder with his mouth, indicating he wanted a bite of her slice. She was more than happy to hold it up for him. She withdrew the pizza and sat the plate on the side table and turning herself so she faced him. She took his coffee cup and placed it next to the plate. He wiped his hands as best he could while still chewing his bite of pizza. Regina leaned forward, placing her palms on his chest so she could kiss his lips. The coffee flavored pizza taste on his lips wasn't too terrible. It didn't take him too long to deepen their kisses. He withdrew from her lips and instead began attacking her neck, nipping and sucking at her pulse points. Her panties were definitely soaked by now. He reached underneath her sleep shirt, worming his hands up towards her breasts to gently massage them.
"Whoa, what's this?" He asked, withdrawing his hands.
"Oh, well, shit. That's a bit of a dampener. Ha ha ha," she chuckled as she removed her shirt and searched for napkins to wipe at her breasts. "That would be colostrum." She calmly stated.
"What's that?" Robin asked, staring at his wife wide – eyed.
"It's a milk – like substance. It's the stuff the body produces for the baby until the real stuff starts coming in. Don't worry about it, your nipple stimulation must be working wonders." Robin looks up at her, an unreadable expression on his face. "What?" she asks nervously.
"The nipple stimulation worked? Does that mean you're in labor now? Do we need to put Operation Baby into action?"
"What? No, I'm not in labor yet. And even if I were, it would just be the beginning stages. I can labor at home for a long while before we need to make our way to the hospital. Did you not go through any of this with Lydia?" Robin sat back onto the sofa, drawing Regina in between his legs.
"Well, maybe, it's all a bit fuzzy. It wasn't happening to me. I was trying to remain calm for her. She barked out orders and I followed them."
"Well that's good to know. Now, where were we?" She sighed out, grabbing onto his hands and positioning them over her naked breasts. She leaned into him, relaxing and closing her eyes. She worked his hands over her breasts until she was satisfied he would keep up the ministrations while one of her hands wandered down between her legs to stroke her clit.
After a few moments, she began writhing, prompting Robin to blow a huff of air into the back of her hair.
"Regina, love, what are you doing?" He asked, kissing down the side of her neck.
Her eyes were closed in concentration, brows furrowed deep in thought. Small gasps erupted from her lips.
"Ah, I see. Can I help you out there?" He asked. She only moaned in response. His right hand left her breast and drifted down to join her hands that were currently working on her clit. His hand was stronger and more forceful and God it had her squirming up and up and grasping onto the back of her husband's neck as he stroked her.
"Fuuuuck!" She managed on a particularly heavy stroked. Robin chuckled, nipping her ear.
"Shhhh, the boys," he admonished. They weren't in their room with the door shut and she'd be mortified if they wandered downstairs to investigate the strange noises she was making.
"Robin, please," she begged him.
"Please what?"
"I need you to, mmmm," she huffed out.
"You need me to what?"
"I need you to get inside, one last really good fuck. No holding back. I really really really want it rough."
"Do you now?"
"Mm hmm."
"Are you sure that's what you want?"
"Fuck, yes Robin. Will you just fucking fuck me already?" She rasped out in a harsh whisper. He knew his wife's moods and she was really pissed right now. She was frustrated and he wasn't making things any easier. He withdrew his hands.
"Alright, alright, no need to bite my head off. Here, sit up and get on your side." Regina sat up as requested, a bit high on adrenaline, ignoring the throbbing ache in her back and instead worried about the throbbing pain her clit was in after stimulation. Robin helped her lie on her side. "Are you comfortable?" He asked, grasping her hips. She simply nodded her head. "Okay, good, you ready?" She nodded her head once more, eyes closed in anticipation, legs clamped tight just the way he likes it. It's there, the tip of his penis, sliding in between the back of her legs. He pushes forward, searching for her entrance. She lifts her leg a little, allowing him to drag in the wetness between her folds. She lets out tiny whimpers before he finally starts pushing in. She can feel her vagina pulsing and it's quite surreal for her. Her senses are heightened and she's not sure she's ever felt this high before. Finally with one final thrust, he's snug inside, stilled.
"Oh god!" She yells out, clasping a hand over her mouth, sending a silent prayer the boys are still sleeping. She's been quite vocal during the time they've started and as much as she would like to not scar her boys, she's more interested in jump starting the labor process. Robin shushes her, pecking kisses to the back of her neck that sends shivers down her spine.
"You've got to keep quiet, okay?" She simply nods her head in response, reaches for the hand resting on the top of her hip and drags it to her breast, massaging them. He chuckles into her hair, marveling at how she's emphasizing the need for nipple stimulation but still also wanting penetration. He begins his thrusts slowly. He pulls almost all the way out before sliding back in and resting a few seconds and then pumping a few times before repeating the movements. Her head lolls forward as she sucks breaths in her mouth while trying to stay silent. He knows she wants it rough but he's afraid he'll be too rough and thinks her suggestion is more for his benefit than hers. He won't be as gentle as he wants to be and hopes what he's doing is a nice happy medium for the both of them.
So far her responses to him have been encouraging, her hips meeting his thrusts and she's long since let go of his hand and is instead moaning and biting into one of the pillows. He sniggers and then lets loose, riding her ever increasingly tightening pulses.
"Of fuuuck," she moans out as her body stiffens. It didn't take her long and he finds himself quickly approaching release. "Are you going to cum Robin?" She asks, her body curled in on itself for a better angle.
"Yes babe, stay just like that," he coaches, increasing his thrusts so much so that they become erratic and he finds himself spilling inside her. "Fuck, sorry, sorry, I didn't meant cum inside." He says, quickly withdrawing, cum dripping from his penis. Regina relaxes, slowly rolling herself over onto her back. She pats his arm.
"S'okay, don't worry about it, just go, um, go and get a washcloth and maybe some clean sheets? For when the boys come down in the morning? I'm just gonna lie here and catch my breath." Robin chuckles, and leans forward to peck a kiss on her sweaty brow.
"Alright love, you rest, I'll get us cleaned up and I'll get the sheets changed."
They say the body is the weakest during the night, at three AM. It's the most common time in which one is likely to die. It also happens to be the time she first felt pain. Not like the small stabs here and there she felt earlier in the evening. No, these were near searing, split your body in half pains and it was three AM. She'd been feeling them off and on and they made her sleep fitful. She's not sure how Robin could possibly be sleeping through all of her shifting and tossing and turning and figures he must truly be exhausted. She just doesn't have the heart to wake him. If she woke him now he would be even more exhausted for the actual birth and she couldn't do that to him. She sucked in another inhale, counting, searching her memory for the breathing exercises she learned while she was pregnant with Henry. This time around she didn't feel the need to drag either one of them to Lamaze classes and now in her near panic mode she wishes she had. He could hold her hand, rub her back and keep her focused while he breathed and she mimicked. Perhaps this portion of the labor would drag out for a while. She knows second births come quicker, but she labored for 23 hours with Henry and that was twelve years ago. Certainly her body has forgotten what it needs to do to expel something the size of a watermelon through such a small opening. Thinking through all these things almost made her forget the contraction was ending. Was it a contraction even? Perhaps it was Braxton – Hicks and she was in a slight panic for no reason. Water. She'll get up and get herself a glass of water. She'll sit in the kitchen and attempt to time out whatever was happening. Then she'll know for sure.
Light. Light danced across his face. The living room curtains had been drawn. He rolled over to find his wife's side of the sofa bed empty. Cold, meaning she'd been gone for a while.
"Regina!" He called, sleep evident in his voice. He cleared his throat as he swung his legs over the side of the sofa bed. "Regina love, where are you?"
"I'm in the kitchen, dear!" She returned his call. He stumbled his way through the dining room, wiping sleep from his eyes as he pushed the kitchen door open to reveal his wife and their two sons seated for quite the breakfast spread.
"Regina…"
"The boys helped," she quickly supplied, hoping to stave off any reprimand that was about to tumble out of his lips.
"Did they now? This is pretty impressive for an eleven and five – year old."
"But honest, we did help! Gina showed Henry how to flippeded the pancakes and I got to use the toaster and stir the scrammled eggs!"
"Yeah Robin, we promise mom didn't have to lift a finger!"
"But she did have to stand on her feet to supervise you two," Robin said with a raise of his eye brow as he took a seat.
"No, I pulled over the bar stool," she stuck out her tongue in reply, wincing a little bit. She took a peak at the stop watch she had going on her phone. Forty minutes apart and holding.
"You okay, love?" Damnit, Robin noticed.
"Oh me? I'm fine, just one of those twinges from carrying a seven pound baby around."
"Okay…" his voice trailed off, not quite ready to believe her.
"Well boys, are you almost done? I called Mary – Margaret to come pick you up, so why don't you clear your plates and finish getting ready?" Both boys shoveled the last bits of food in their mouths and did as their mother instructed.
"You called Mary – Margaret?"
"Well, you just looked so peaceful and I know you had a rough night of sleep so I decided to let you sleep in. Seems like you needed it."
"Thanks love, but you didn't have to."
"Actually, I did. Who knows when little miss will make her arrival? I need you to be well – rested. For both our sakes." Robin nodded his head in understanding.
"Alright then. I'll fold up the sofa for you, clean up the kitchen and get ready to head out to work. Am I allowed to do that?" He asked as he stood up, walked towards her and placed a kiss on her lips.
"Sure, sure. I'll just sit here, take a bit of a breather." She rubbed her belly, finding comfort in the soothing motions. It gave her something to focus on until Robin left for work and she could figure out if she was truly in labor or if this was just some cruel trick at hand.
A few moments later Robin poked his head through the kitchen door.
"Hey babe, the sofa's all made up. You sure you don't want me to help you back out there?" Regina bit her lip. The sofa would be a more comfortable place to labor if that was what was truly happening. She looked down at her belly, stilling her motions and looked back up at her husband.
"Uh, sure, since you've offered, maybe I could use a little help." He made his way over to her, holding out his hand for her to grasp. She took it eagerly, a little too much, causing him to wince.
"Are you in pain?"
"No!" she shouted quickly. "Uh, I mean," she stumbled over her words.
"It's just you're grasping rather tightly to my hand."
"Oh, um, sorry, didn't realize my own strength. I just want to make sure I have a good grip. Don't wanna fall. It's hard to keep balance when your center of gravity is a foot in front of you."
Robin simply nodded his head, pulling her up and placing a hand on her low back. Regina quickly snatched her hand from him.
"I got it now. Go on and finish getting ready, you don't wanna be late for work. Are the boys almost ready to go?"
"Well last I checked they were brushing their teeth."
"Okay good. I'll just sit out here then. Check out what else there is to watch on Netflix." Robin's mouth dropped open.
"Did you finish Stranger Things without me?!"
"Uh, um. I can always watch it again? The second season will start soon and I'll need a refresher."
"Well, at least you have the decency to look sheepish about it." They had finally made their way over to the sofa and Robin helped Regina sit down and placed pillows around her and under her feet as she stretched them out onto the coffee table. "Comfortable?"
"Mmmm." Robin leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss. For some reason he didn't really want to leave her side. There was something off about her and he could have sworn he saw a grimace pass across her features.
There it was again, that tingle in her spine, breaking around her sides and across her front, threatening to open her up little by little. She pulled out her phone to check the timing; thirty – two minutes. It's been one hundred thirty – seven minutes since Robin left and forty - five minutes until Emma arrives. Emma's been showing up every day spending time with her until it was time to go to work. Regina isn't sure how Emma has been functioning getting up before ten AM everyday just to come over and watch over her. At first she found it annoying, but now she's anxious for the blonde to show up.
"Whoa, easy there baby girl," she soothes her roiling stomach. She bends over to get closer to her bulging bump. "You are a girl, aren't you?" she asks the bump, trying to distract herself from the reality that in a short amount of time she was going to give birth. "Oh my gosh, what if you're not a girl? What if you're a boy? I think your daddy and brothers might be a little sad. But they'll love you just the same. Have you enjoyed your time in there? Hmm? Are you ready to be out here in the world with us? I must admit, as much as I want you out here, I think I'll miss you being inside. I'll have to share you. Everyone will want to hold you and hug you and squeeze you tight until your head pops off." She felt a strong jab. "No, don't worry, I'll make sure that doesn't happen. Try to go easy on mommy, alright? No need to tear me open, okay? Let's keep it nice and tidy down there, alright? Momma's a little thirsty. You can hang on for a moment while I get myself something to drink, right?" Her fingers thrummed across her abdomen waiting for a response. She got none, but took that as a response all the same.
While it took her hardly any time at all to waddle into the kitchen and get herself a glass of water, the return journey had her pausing to grasp the dining room table and taking in deep inhales and releasing even bigger exhales. She'd left her phone on the sofa and now she had no way of knowing how much time had passed between the last contraction and whatever these smaller ripples of pain she was feeling now that she was up and walking around. She sighed one last time and straightened herself and made her way slowly back towards the sofa. Drawing her legs up cross – legged, she allowed her heavy belly to rest on top of the pillow she placed in her lap. Leaning to the side to check her phone, she mentally adjusted the timing to account for her momentary stops in her trek for water. A small gasp escaped her lips once she surmised most likely twenty – five minutes had passed between her contractions.
"Alright, no need to get panicky, it's just a fluke. Perhaps I miscounted," Regina spoke aloud, trying to calm her nerves. The remote wasn't too far for to stretch and she decided now would be as good of a time as any to distract herself with a mind-numbing episode of some random television show. Perhaps Law & Order SVU. Or would that be too violent to watch while bringing a child into the world? She clucked her tongue. Maybe X Files? Oh, that's right, Netflix took that out of their lineup. A hasty sigh escaped her lips as she leaned her head back on the sofa, rubbing circles on her belly. Stilling her motions, she could feel it tightening under her hands and a soft moan escaped her lips. "No, no, no, not now. Can't you wait a little longer baby girl? No one's here right now. At least wait for Emma to get here."
"Did someone say they couldn't wait for Emma to get here?" Emma called out as she waltzed up the stairs and into the den. Regina's head snapped up, glancing at the phone in her hand.
"You're early," she whispered out, her eyes narrowing.
"Well, I was too excited to sleep, so I figured if I came over now, maybe we could take a mid-morning nap."
"Hmm, and why are you excited?"
"Oh, well – you know? I'm not entirely sure. I just couldn't get myself to settle and Killian practically kicked me out of bed. He decided to have a lie in and well, I was keeping him up."
"Ewww,"
"Oh my god! Not like that! What's wrong with you? Why would I tell you that?" Emma's eyes were wide with shock as she lightly tapped Regina's arm. Emma picked up the discarded remote control on the sofa and began scrolling through the title options that were displayed on the screen. "So, what's our pleasure this morning?" Silence. "Anything? Are you going to let me pick today?" Still more silence. Finally, Emma turned around to see what she could only later describe as pure horror etched on Regina's features. "Regina? Regina, what's wrong? Why are you making that face?"
"I, uh," she manage out on a whispered breath as a scream ripped through her lips.
"Oh my god, are you in labor?" Emma asked as she stood and began to pace. Regina could only nod her head. "How long have you been like this? Were you like this when Robin left? Is that why he asked if I could come over a little earlier than usual? Did you even tell him?"
"Robin sent you over early?"
"Yeah, he said something seemed a little off." Regina chuckled, her husband knew her well. Emma came to sit down by Regina.
"No, don't si – "
"What the hell Regina, this better be your glass of water you wasted." Regina cocked her head. "Right, when did this happen?"
"Literally five seconds ago."
"Well, shit. Now I need to change clothes. Do you want me to call Robin? We should head to the hospital now, right? Your water broke. Things should go a little more quickly now, right? Oh my god, when was your last contraction?"
"Hmmm," she mumbled.
"Are you having one right now?" Regina nodded her head, extending her hand for Emma to grasp. "Holy shit you're strong."
"Emma, shut up, I can't concentrate," she whined out.
"Right, okay." After a few moments, Regina's grip lessened and she eventually dropped Emma's hand. "Ok, good. So, I suppose we need to get you to the hospital. Do you want me to call Robin now and have him meet us there? Or do you want him to come here? Regina? Oh no, no, no, don't cry. Why are you crying?"
"It hurts, Emma. What if we're too late? What if I misjudged how long this will actually take? I thought I had longer. I didn't realize the contractions would start coming so close together so soon."
"Hey, it's okay, it's alright. Let's just, uh, get your things and I've got my patrol car, it won't take us too long." Regina nods as she cradles her belly, trying to ease the stress on her low back.
"My bag, grab the overnight bag," Regina yells out as Emma heads towards the door.
"Where is it?"
"It's in the hall closet."
"Okay, anything else?"
"Uh, shoes, I need my shoes."
"How about these?" Emma approaches her holding out Robin's house shoes.
"Those are Robin's."
"Well I either spend ten minutes looking for your shoes, or I can put these on you and we can head to the hospital. You don't want me helping you deliver in the squad car, trust me. We can ask David or Mary – Margaret to bring you a more appropriate pair. Or I can come back after we get you situated." Regina hastily nodded her head. "Good, now let's get going."
Emma precariously balanced Regina's overnight bag, purse and pillow in one arm and assisted the heavily pregnant woman down the stairs and out to her patrol car in what seemed an eternity but was only ten minutes. Ten minutes and another contraction that had Emma wondering if her hand was broken.
"Alright there, I can't call Robin while you've got a death grip on my hand. You wanna page him in the walkie?" Regina looked up at Emma, tears leaking out the corners of her eyes.
"Really? You're gonna let me touch the walkie?" Regina couldn't help but ask with doe eyes. Henry always had a fit when Emma would take him for a ride in the patrol car but would never let him play on the walkie.
"Well, desperate times. I think he'll want to hear this from you," Emma winked. Regina laughed a little, and cleared her throat.
"Evil Queen to the Thief, over." Emma rolled her eyes at their ridiculous names for each other.
"Regina? Is that you?" answered a voice.
"Yeah, it's uh, it's me."
"What are you doing on Emma's walkie?" Regina grimaced. Emma snatched the walkie from Regina's hand as she gripped the door handle, biting into her pillow.
"Hey, Robin, it's me. Are you ready to be a dad?"
"Seriously? It's time?"
"Yep, it's time. We're on our way to the hospital, wanna meet us there?"
"Yeah, yeah, let me just find David and call Graham."
"Alright, and Robin?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't take too long, Regina's water broke about twenty minutes ago and her contractions are roughly ten to fifteen minutes apart," Emma cautioned.
"Right, right."
Emma hung up the walkie and reach once more for Regina's hand, a small gesture of reassurance. Regina gave it a gentle squeeze, closed her eyes and focused on her breathing. In a few short hours she would hold her baby. A baby she never in a million years thought she would have without some sort of miraculous intervention.
Goodness...it seemed so much longer while writing this out...next chapter: The Birth, yay!