Prompt number:
141. Regina trying to cope with pregnancy hormones
Entry Day: Friday
#OQPromptParty2018 day five guys! Can't believe I made it! This was the tricky one for me. It definitely tested me!
This chapter is going to skip around a bit so I can hit on several different pregnancy symptoms. Hope it's not too much.
Any mistakes are mine and I hope you can forgive me for them.
Pregnancy Perks and Drawbacks
They told the children a few days after they found out about the pregnancy and they were both ecstatic. Roland jumped around the house while yelling I'm going to be a big brother over and over, it was adorable. Henry gave her a big hug and said he was really excited and that he's happy she's so happy.
Immediately after they informed Zelena, who squealed rather loudly and hugged them both, she offered to be her midwife and wouldn't take no for an answer. Neither of them had any problem with that. Zelena's definitely better than Whale, and Regina was planning on her sister being there for the delivery anyway, so it was perfect.
Snow cried and hugged her so tightly that she couldn't breathe, then immediately went into pregnancy tips. She's very helpful that way. If Regina ever has a question or concern Snow is the first person to call.
She feels blessed to have a family that's so excited for this new blessing in her life. This little girl is already so loved by so many people and it warms her heart.
Now that she knows why she's been feeling so nauseous, she can do something about. There's a simple potion she can brew, all she has to do is drink a sip of it every morning. Robin is a bit nervous about it, using magic on their child, but she assures him it's safe. The brew only includes natural ingredients, it's the same mixture a midwife in the Enchanted Forest would offer.
The nausea doesn't last much longer though, thankfully, because it was driving her mad. It's gone within a few weeks when she's well into her second trimester.
One thing that hasn't lessened is Robin's protectiveness over her.
Since the day he discovered her pregnancy she has fallen asleep and woken up with Robin's hand on her stomach, no matter their sleeping position. This morning is no different. She wakes to him rubbing her belly, just staring.
"I can feel a bump," he whispers. He must have noticed her shifting and realized she is awake, but he hasn't stopped sliding his palm over her lower stomach.
"Can you?" She sits up quickly and looks down. She's been waiting to start showing, is actually a little excited about it. She slumps back against the mattress again because everything looks the same to her.
"There's definitely a bump." He shifts to sit up so he can lean down and kiss her stomach. "Hello, Princess," he mumbles against her skin.
"You're ridiculous," she chuckles as she runs her fingers through his hair.
"I'm just happy," he smiles up at her before returning his eyes to her stomach. He's rubbing slow circled over it with his fingertips and smiling. He loves her and this baby so much and it overwhelms her all at once. Before she knows it she's letting out a sob and he's looking up at her with concurred eyes.
"Why are you crying, babe?" he asks as he swipes a tear away with his thumb then rests his palm on her jaw. He's looking at her, almost through her, then his face smooths and the concurs melts away. Somehow he's always able to read her by just looking, he must know she's not upset.
"I don't know why." She shakes her head, lets out a huff and looks up at the ceiling. The few deep breaths she takes do nothing to stop her tears.
He rubs his thumb over her cheek to draw her attention. "But you're happy, yes?"
"Yes," she cups both of his cheeks and looks into his eyes, "So, so happy."
He breaks into a smile and sighs in relief, "Happy tears then."
"Hormonal pregnancy tears," she rolls her eyes then aggressively wipes under them.
This is ridiculous, she's crying because of the way Robin looked at her stomach, is looking at her now.
"Your body's going through a big change, it's alright to be a little overly emotional." He settles back up by the pillows and pulls her to him. She rolls onto her side and lets him spoon her. The warmth that radiates from him is always comforting and settling, it helps calm her emotions.
She closes her eyes and sighs, "Thank you."
"Of course, my love." He plants a kiss to the back of her head then adds, "Anything you need."
And he has been there for anything she has needed. He held her hair back when she was vomiting and didn't know why. Always took care of the kids or dinner when she was too tired. Cleaned the house and did the laundry, everything. He has been perfect from day one, has never let her down, and she knows he never will.
She's nearly asleep again when she hears the door creek open. "Can I come in now?" Roland whispers rather loudly and they both chuckle.
"Come here, sweetheart." Regina says softly and Roland is crawling up the bed as she opens the covers so he can slip in beside her. He snuggles in next to her and Robin wraps his arms around them both.
Roland had been told that since there's a baby growing in Regina's belly that she is going to need some extra sleep, and he has been so good. No more running into their room before the sun and waking them. He comes in quietly now and only wakes Robin then they leave her to sleep. But often times once Roland's taken care of and Henry is up to watch after and entertain him Robin sneaks back into bed with her so he's there when she wakes.
The extra sleep has been so helpful, she can make it through the day a bit more easily and not fall asleep after leaning back in her chair for too long. There have been many occasions that Robin or Snow have walked in and caught her napping. Every time it was so embarrassing. She's the mayor, she can't be sleeping on the job. But Snow always assures her that it's fine, no one just walks into her office besides herself, Robin and Zelena. Her body needs the extra rest, she should take a proper nap on her couch in the middle of the day. But that is absolutely out of the question, she can make it through a day.
"Did you sleep enough, Regina?" Roland asks once he's settled.
"I did, baby." She kisses his forehead and and bops his nose with hers. "Thank you for being so quiet."
"I did good?"
"You did," she smiles and pulls him closer.
When Regina walks into Granny's later that day during her lunch break, intent on ordering a grilled cheese, something she's been craving, she smiles when she sees that Granny will be serving her.
They haven't told anyone else about the baby, they'll all find out eventually, for now she wants to keep it in the family. But Granny has been eyeing her suspiciously, like she knows something's different. It must be part of her wolf senses, but Regina knows that she knows. Besides that everyone else is oblivious.
The menu sitting on the counter in front of her isn't really necessary, she knows it by heart after over thirty years of it remaining basically the same, but she picks it up anyway to aid in making her selection of a side to go with her sandwich.
The last time she was here she discovered that she can no longer eat burgers, or meat of any kind really. Seems to be one of her weaknesses, meat, an instant way to make her queasy. A shame really, she loves burgers. But, it seems the baby will not be a meat lover. She can handle it, though, being a vegetarian for a few months. There are plenty of alternatives to meat, one being peanut butter, and the other Granny's amazing grilled cheeses. A perfect substitute for any type of animal flesh product.
Now, does she go a little healthier and order a salad, or fries, or maybe even a milkshake?
Never mind, the baby has made her selection.
Fries.
The pregnancy cravings have recently started to kick in in full force, damn things, and the baby definitely wants something salty. Could be worse, though. There could be some strange mixture of things that she craves instead. She's often heard about pregnant woman craving pickles and ice cream. Disgusting notion. Who could ever mix those two foods together?
"What would you like with your grilled cheese today, Your Majesty?" Granny asks from behind the bar as she tilts her head down so she can glance over the top of her classes, a knowing smile spreading across her lips.
Regina knows the older woman has figured out she is pregnant. They've never discussed it directly, but the two of them have an understanding of what's going on. Granny would never say anything out loud about her condition, she knows better than that. She'll just make little comments they both know the meaning behind that no one else will be able to see through. There have also been many occasions that she's caught Granny glancing at her stomach before looking at her face, probably not even consciously, when she makes the little comments. It's lovely to have the little secret between them, it makes her feel close to Granny, like they're friends.
"I think it's going to be fries today," she answers with a smile as she drops a hand to her stomach.
"Got it." Granny nods her understanding as she takes the menu from her hand.
"And," Regina says quickly causing Granny to turn back around, "A chocolate peanut butter milkshake," then adds a quick, "Small." If she's going to indulge she's at least going to do it in moderation.
Granny winks at her and smiles, "Comin' right up."
Her baby bump is starting to become a bit more obvious now as she's entered into her twentieth week and it makes her a bit uncomfortable. She's not going to be able to hide her condition for much longer. None of her clothing really allow for discretion. Every dress and skirt form fit to her body, and her pants aren't much better.
Robin walks up behind her after she's slid off yet another skirt that doesn't fit anymore and thrown it across the room. He grips both her shoulders and starts massaging them before asking, "I guess that skirt wasn't suitable?"
"No!" She huffs and shrugs his hands off. "Nothing is. None of it fits." She can feel her eyes starting to well up with tears and she lets out a grunt. "This is ridiculous!" She yells, "I'm crying because of clothing." And she is, fairly hard now.
Her emotions have been all over the place lately, it's been a struggle to keep them in check.
"We've talked about this," he walks up to her and rests his hands on either side of her belly, "Our growing daughter needs these extra hormones. Anything you feel, even if it's over the top, is okay."
He pulls her into a hug and holds her tight. She goes reluctantly at first and tries to push him away, but he persists and holds her tighter. Eventually she concedes and melts into him, that's when he starts to rub her back.
Great. Now she's crying more. He is always so supportive and calm with her ever changing moods. He listens to all of her whining and complaining and always calms her down. She doesn't deserve him. Wrapping her arms tightly around him she fists his shirt in her hands and burrows her face into his neck.
Once she's calmed down Robin pulls away and tucks some hair behind her ear, "Let's go through these clothes, I'm sure we can find something that will accommodate our growing daughter." He leans down and peppers several kisses to her belly then takes her hand to pull her towards the closet.
"Don't bother," she stops him and takes a step back. With a wave of her hand and some purple smoke she's dressed in a perfectly fitted red scoop neck blouse, high waisted black pencil skirt and a flowy black jacket that drapes perfectly to disguise her abdomen.
"Why didn't you just do that before?" Robin laughs.
"Because I wanted to be able to get dressed without having to use magic," she shrugs. "But apparently I won't be able to do that until I have a whole new wardrobe."
"Are you going to magic that as well?"
"No." She looks at the clothes strewed about the room and smiles. "I'm going to put on what I want to wear then magic it to fit."
Robin walks up to her and wraps his arms around her waist to pull her towards him. "That sounds like an excellent idea."
"I think so," she tilts her head to the side and smiles.
"Brilliant you are," Robin praises then bumps her nose with his and she feels her cheeks flush.
She rests their foreheads together and sighs. "I love you."
His lips are a breath away when he whispers, "And I love you."
Then their lips connect and she's not sure if he made the move or she did, but it's perfect, he's perfect.
One morning Regina is standing in her closet in only her bra and a pair of slacks, staring at her body in her full length mirror. She is running her hand slowly over the curve of her rounded stomach.
When did that happen?
It feels like she woke up this morning and it had grown a foot. She can't believe it, she's really showing now, no more hiding. This is her twenty fifth week of pregnancy, it shouldn't be so surprising. Yet, it still is. She hasn't really felt pregnant until this moment, with her belly all rounded and defined.
Snow pulls her from her thoughts when she hears her yell, "Are you ready to go to breakfast, Regina? Where are you?" from her bedroom. "There you are." Snow stops when she enters the closet. "Oh, you are getting so big." Snow says excitedly, a sweet smile spreading across her face as she watches her standing there looking at herself in the mirror.
"It's like I grew overnight." Regina shakes her head. She has not been able to pull her eyes away from the mirror, away from her stomach.
"I noticed a week ago." Snow says casually with a wave of her hand as she walks closer to Regina.
"How did you notice before I did?" Regina asks, a bit shocked as she looks over her shoulder at Snow.
"You have always been so slim and fit, I noticed the minute your stomach started to round." Snow places her hand over Regina's that's still resting on her stomach and gives it a pat.
"I didn't realize you paid such close attention to me." Regina looks at Snow, eyes narrowed, but she doesn't glance up from her stomach to meet them.
"Of course I do. I promised I'd look after you and this precious girl." Snow rubs her belly sweetly and they both share a smile. "Now,you need to get dressed or we are going to be late." Snow orders before she turns to walk out of the room, but Regina gasps and stops her.
"Regina, what happened? Are you alright? Is it the baby?" Snow rushes up to her and places a comforting hand on her back.
"It just felt like something ran across my stomach. What was that?" Regina asks, looking down and running a hand over her belly.
"Oh my gosh!" Snow squeels, "Regina, you just felt the baby move for the first time. This is so exciting." Snow crouches down, places both hands on Regina's stomach and waits.
"Wow," Regina sighs. "That's not what I imagined it would feel like, it's strange." She is still a little shocked at the fluttering in her belly. Her daughter is finally big enough to feel her move. It makes it all feel more real.
"It's really light at first, but as the baby grows you'll feel it more." Snow's lips curve into a wide smile when the baby moves again against her hands, then she's turning to yell, "Robin!" and Regina jumps.
Thirty seconds later Robin walks into the closet and chuckles at them, "What are the two of you doing?" They probably do look ridiculous with her half dressed and Snow hunching forward towards her.
"Regina felt the baby move." Snow answers before she has a chance to, then steps to the side so Robin can feel for himself.
His face lights up and he immediately walks over to her and drops his hands to her belly. "Really?" he asks.
Regina nods her head then freezes when she feels another flutter. "Can you feel it?"
He nods once and kneels down in front of her so he's eye level with her stomach. "Hello, little girl," he says against her belly and it makes her giggle when the movement becomes stronger. Robin looks up at her wide eyed and amazed. "She recognizes my voice."
"I think she does." Regina laughs when Robin leans in closer to say, "I love you, baby." And she finds herself running fingers through his hair.
"Alright," Snow interrupts the moment. "I'm headed to Granny's to meet everyone," she announces as she looks down at her watch. "You two better not be far behind."
"We will," Regina nods, "This girl and I are hungry."
"Let's go then." Robin pushes himself to his feet, grabs the shirt she has hanging next to the mirror then helps her into it. "The boys will be excited to feel their sister."
Regina is sitting in a booth at Granny's diner with Henry beside her and both his hands resting on her belly. There are people walking through the diner staring at them and she doesn't even care. Let them figure it out.
"Wow!" Henry says excitedly. "That is so cool! What does is feel like for you, mom?" He looks up to her with wide, curious eyes and he looks so much like the little boy he used to be. It has her heart clenching at the memories of her little boy, not so little anymore.
"It feels like something small's running across my stomach, sort of like a bug." It's the closest thing she can think of to compare the feeling to.
"Weird." Henry says with a shrug before he goes back to eating his breakfast.
"My turn! My turn!" Roland yells as he slides from the booth beside his father to squeeze in beside her and Henry. He moves his small hands back and forth on her belly for a minute then looks up at her. "I don't feel anything."
She lets out a laugh at how adorably impatient he is. "You have to be patient, sweetheart. She'll move again soon."
And he is, sits there for over five minutes before there's movement again. "I feel it!" Roland yells as the baby shifts against his little palms. He drops his forehead to her belly next and says, "Hi, little sister," and she nearly bursts into tears. He loves his sister so much already and he hasn't even met her. She just knows he is going to be such a good big brother, along with Henry.
This little girl can't get here fast enough.
Her stomach has been unsettled all day, and so has the baby. Something just feels off and she's not sure if she should be worried. She tries to stay calm. One comfort is that the baby's moving, she can feel it, so she must be alright.
That's when the cramping starts out of nowhere. Small things at first, barely noticeable, but they increase in intensity while she's alone in her office. It terrifies her.
She picks up her phone and dials Robin immediately.
"Hello, milady," he greets cheerfully.
"Something's wrong," she says through a groan as the pain increases. Something's definitely wrong.
"What's going on?" Robin asks. His voice is calm and steady, which she knows is for her benefit.
"I'm cramping," is all she says. It's all she can get out in her panic. It's too soon, she's only thirty weeks.
"I'll call your sister. Just try to stay calm and keep breathing, I'll be there as quickly as I can." The call drops suddenly so he can get hold of her sister as fast as possible. She throws her phone onto the desk and grips onto the arms of the chair.
She leans back, closes her eyes and tries to take steady breaths. Maybe nothing's wrong, maybe she's just imagining this. Or maybe the universe finally woke up and realized that nothing she loves has been taken away from her lately.
No. She needs to stop thinking like that, it's making her panic.
The breaths she's taking are too quick, they need to be slowed. She focuses on inhaling until her lungs are full, then blows it out slowly. All the while her hands are running over her belly searching for any type of movement, there hasn't been any since the pain started and it's terrifying.
There's a puff of green smoke near the door of her office that slowly dissipates to reveal her sister. "What's going on?" Zelena asks as she comes to kneel in front of her.
She moans then says, "I'm cramping."
"Alright, it's alright." Zelena smiles reassuringly as she rubs a hand over her thigh. "I'll find out what's going on." Then her hands move to settle over her belly and she can feel the magic emanating from them. Zelena is scanning for abnormalities, her magic will be able to detect if anything's off.
"What is it? What's going on?" Robin yells when he enters the room and runs up to them.
"Shhh." Zelena shushes him harshly, "I'm trying to find out."
Robin kisses her temple and takes one of her hands. She latches onto it like it's a lifeline. He's always been able to steady her with a simple touch, but it doesn't seem to be working for this. They just have to watch and wait while Zelena concentrates on finding the problem.
Regina feels the magic stop and watches Zelena drop her hands to her sides and sigh. "The baby's fine," she announces in relief.
"She is?" They both ask at the same time.
"Your uterus is just going through a trial run, Braxton hicks," Zelena rubs her belly and smiles. "They can be very painful sometimes."
"So they're both alright?" Robin asks cautiously.
"Yes," Zelena nods.
Regina curls forward and groans again. "Will they stop?"
"Eventually." Zelena waves her hand in front of herself and a glass filled with water appears. "Take some deep breaths and drink some water. They should stop soon."
Regina takes a sip of the water, then another and takes a deep breath. Knowing these pains are nothing serious makes it a little easier, but not any less painful.
"You may experience these a few times before you actually go into labor, you'll figure out the difference between these and the real thing."
"I hope so. That was terrifying." She's still a bit shaky so she takes another sip of water and a deep breath. The pain is still there, but it's lessened a fair amount.
"It was." Robin kneels down beside her and moves a hand to the center of her stomach. "Don't scare us like that little one." Almost on cue the baby kicks at the sound of her father's voice. She always responds so well to him. Daddy's little girl already.
Regina is sitting on the sofa with her feet in Robin's lap. He had insisted on rubbing them when he saw her shrug out of the heels she insists on wearing. Made sure to tell her he could tell her feet were hurting, which also meant her back was hurting, which it is, because she sighed and closed her eyes the minute she was out of them. She didn't think he could see her, but he must have snuck up on her. He certainly possesses a thief's ability to sneak about without detection. Damn him. He tells her all the time that he doesn't understand why she needs to wear shoes she well knows are uncomfortable.
It probably is stupid to wear three inch heels whole thirty five weeks pregnant, but it won't stop her.
He starts digging his thumbs into the arch of her foot and she lets out a grateful moan. "Right there." That's where all the tension is.
He shakes his head, "If you wouldn't wear those blasted shoes your feet wouldn't hurt you so at the end of the day," he says as he shifts his concentration to the ball of her foot.
"I've told you, I like the height. They make me feel powerful." She answers as she tilts her chin up a bit in full regal manner. Then she closes her eyes and relaxes back on the arm of the sofa with a sigh when he switches feet.
Damn that's nice. He really is good with his fingers. She smirks as the thought of him doing something far less innocent with those fingers pops into her head. With all the extra hormones her body has been producing her sex drive has gone through the roof. There have been many times that she's just caught a glimpse of him and it turned her on. To his surprise she has jumped on him many times and insinuated sex in the oddest places. And bless him he's never turned her down, not once.
She hears him scoff then opens her eyes to look at him. "My love, you do not need any assistance in that area, believe me."
"Thank you, thief, but you are easy to overpower." The wink that follows is wonky, she can feel it, but it has him smiling either way.
"Is that so?" Robin questions with a chuckle as he pulls one of her toes and it gives a pop. "What about me is easy to overpower, hmm?"
"You aim to please," she reaches forward and pats him on the cheek, "It's one of your best qualities."
"And what do I do that leads you to believe I'm a pushover?"
"Well, who's rubbing whose feet." Regina answers with a wag of her eyebrows.
"Touché." He concedes, with a nod. "That can't be all."
"Let's see." She starts tapping her chin with her pointer finger as she thinks. "Whose house do we live in?"
"Yours, yes," he nods, "Because mine is a tent and you refuse to stay in the woods. Go on."
"Who always picks the show or movie we watch." That one is her one hundred percent.
"You again because I know nothing about that magic box. Next." Robin waves that one off easily because he really doesn't know much about the television, that wasn't a very good one. No matter how much he bashes it, though, she knows he's come to enjoy it. Especially when it's just the two of them curled up on the couch under a blanket and their hands can wander.
She is starting to have trouble now, she knows he can see it in her scrunched expression and the way she's chewing her lip.
What else can she say? There isn't much more.
Oh! She's got something.
"Who ends up on top?" She says with a raised eyebrow and a satisfied smile on her face. She's won, came out with a metaphorical kick to the balls.
He's been smiling through all the others, but after that one it drops and he tries to look hurt, but fails. He's smiling again before saying, "Going for the low blow then, ay?"
Regina just nods her head at him.
"You're getting a bit too cheeky for my liking," Robin says, so he starts tickling her feet instead of rubbing.
"Robin stop that, you know I don't like it when you do that." She warns with a harsh tone and a warning finger pointed in his direction.
"I know you don't like it, because you're so ticklish." He continues to lightly run his fingers over the bottom of her foot, even through her death glare.
She absolutely hates it when he does this, he knows it too, mostly because she hates the fact that she is so ticklish. No matter how hard she fights it, she's ticklish. It's a little weakness about herself that not many people know. No one actually, save her and Robin.
He discovered it accidently one night when he was ghosting his hands up her side. She squirmed at his touch then tried to hide it, but he noticed. After that he began testing different places on her body to see if they were ticklish as well. She absolutely hates it. He knows exactly where to touch her to get her squirming and giggling like a little girl. He also knows other areas that have her eyes rolling into the back of her head and moaning, but that's a different monster all together.
"Robin, I mean it. Stop." She warns sternly then tries to pull her feet away.
"Or what?" He says defiantly, grabbing her ankles and continuing his torture.
Regina is fighting him, kicking her legs and saying stop through her laughter then suddenly her brow furrows, her mouth falls open in a gasp and she sits up slightly.
Robin's hands freeze. "Regina, babe, what is it? Is it the baby?" She clutches her stomach and groans again, that should be pretty obvious. "Are you having a contraction?"
She leans further forward and squeezes her eyes shut. "Okay, stay calm," Robin soothes. "I'll go call Zelena and get her to come over right away." As he moves to stand up she stops him by grabbing his wrist. "Breathe, babe." He encourages softly as he rubs her back gently.
She turns her face away from him because she's smile, can't help it. If he sees that he'll know she's lying. He moves to kneel down in front of her so he can see her face. Looking at his concern she can't suppress it anymore, she starts openly laughing.
"You little devil. Did you just fake labor?" When she laughs in response he continues. "You did not just scare me half to death to get me to stop tickling you." He really does look hurt now.
"It worked didn't it." She says through her laughter.
"What a bloody terrible thing to do. I was genuinely worried." He's pouting now and it's so cute.
"I know, and it was adorable." Regina places a hand on his cheek and runs her fingers through his stubble.
"I'll forgive you," he says reluctantly, "But only because you are carrying my child." He rubs his hand over her stomach and leans up to peck her lips in a quick kiss.
"Oh, so if I wasn't pregnant you wouldn't forgive me?" She crosses her arms over her chest and sits back on the sofa.
"Love," he chuckles, "If you weren't pregnant we wouldn't be in this situation at all."
He's got her there. "True."
He kisses her one last time before he stands up and extends his hands to her. "Come on, love, let's go and eat. I did go to all the trouble of ordering Granny's for us," he says sarcastically.
"Oh," she over exaggerates her surprise. "However did you manage that after your long day?"
"Selfless I am. Couldn't very well let my pregnant woman go to all that trouble could I?" He teases as he takes her hands and hoist her up.
She immediately hunches forward and moves a hand to the bottom of her stomach with a groan. Her grip tightens on his hand and she lets out a slow deep breath.
Robin looks nervous for a brief second but then he seems to remember what she did to him only moments ago. "Ha ha. Very funny. I'm not falling for that again." He says with an ingenuine laugh before he turns to make his way to the kitchen. Regina squeezes his hand even tighter and pulls him back to her.
"No, Robin. I really think I'm having a contraction." She bends her knees a little and lets out another groan. "Ah! Definitely a contraction."
"Shit. Okay." He runs his free hand through his hair so he can think a minute. "Sit down, babe." He grasps her other hand and slowly helps lower her to the couch. "What are you feeling?"
"Cramping." She says quickly and simply.
"Anything else?"
"Does there have to be anything else?" She asks in strained voice with a shake of her head. What a silly question.
"I don't know, I've never been in labor," he answers honestly.
Regina chuckles lightly then groans. "Ah, don't make me laugh."
"Sorry." He apologizes quickly. "It was not his intention to make your pain worse, I just wanted to lighten the mood."
She nods and lets out a hum. "What should I do?" He asks as she squeezes his hands a little harder for a second then releases them.
"You can go and get the food because I'm just messing with you again." She looks up at him with a smirk and his face drops. She fooled him again, the exact same way.
He narrows his eyes at her and crosses his arms over his chest. "You truly are evil."
"And that's why you love me." She leans in and kisses him then leans back and rubs her belly. "How about that food, the baby is hungry."
Robin scoffs at her as he stands to his feet. "Only because it's for the baby. You, madam, are in trouble."
"Oh," she says coyly, "Are you going to punish me, hmm?" She raises an eyebrow at him and her lips spread into a smirk.
"I fully intend to," he leans in to whisper the next part against her ear, "Later, in bed." He takes her earlobe between his teeth and gives it a little nip, it sends a chill down her spine. "I am going to tie you to the bed and spank you." He leans back and she can see the fire in his eyes. "I'm planning to tease you all night."
"Well, you better go get the food so we can get to it." She grabs his hand and pulls him towards the kitchen.
"Someone's eager to face her punishment."
"Can you blame me?" Just the thought is making her slick and sensitive. "I'd skip to it right now if I didn't need to eat something." In a heartbeat. But her stomach is growling and the baby's getting restless, that would be more than a little distracting. She can wait long enough to eat something though, her drive won't disappear in ten minutes.
"Not in the slightest," he answers with a smile and a pull of her arm so she's stumbling back towards him and he can catch her and pull her close. "If you knew what I had planned you may consider skipping the food." Then he leaves her there and heads for the kitchen.
She scoffs. "Now who's evil?" She yells at the back of his head. He turns back around so she can see his smile and wink and she just grunts her frustration. She really does need to eat, but it's going to be the quickest meal in history.
She has used her fake labor gag on Robin a few more times, it's too much fun making him squirm, and he falls for it every time. Not to mention, after every false alarm she has a punishment waiting for her, and she really does enjoy being punished.
But she's promised that she's done, she won't do that to him again. So, she's planning to try it on Snow shortly instead. It will be incredibly amusing watching her turn white as a sheet.
They are both in the nursery putting away the things they just spent all day buying. Once one starts shopping for cute little baby things it's hard to stop. They came home with bags and bags of cute little onesies and dresses and shoes and toys. The bags are now all strewed about the room as they both try to decide where to put all of the new items.
Regina sighs as she sits down in the rocking chair to get off her feet for a moment and watches Snow pull out this and that then put them in their designated places.
It had been a good day, surprisingly. Regina never would have thought she could enjoy an entire day of shopping with Snow. In fact, she almost backed out because she didn't think it was a good idea for them to spend so much time together, thought it would end up in an argument. Much to her shock, they spent the entire day laughing and oohing and aahing at cute little baby items.
It's nice that they have become close. So close, in fact, that Regina feels she can mess with her a little.
When Snow is fully lost in her task and humming a little tune she decides it's time. She lets out a small moan and shifts in the chair. Snow glances over at her for a second but continues with her task. Alright, got her attention. Regina lets out a slightly louder moan and shifts again. Snow pauses what she's doing and looks over to her.
"Regina, are you alright?" Snow seems to be concerned. She heard the first moan but ignored it, but the second didn't have the same result.
"Oh, yeah," she waves her off. "My back is just hurting, probably from all the walking." As she rubs her stomach and scrunches her face up a little she shifts again. "Continue with what you were doing, I'm fine." She assures with a small smile and a nod.
"If you're sure." Snow says skeptically with a raised eyebrow.
Regina continues to look uncomfortable while she rubbing her stomach. Nothing is getting done because Snow glances over to her every few seconds and nervously fidgeting with the clothes she's trying to fold.
Snow's thinking she's trying to play off labor pains, her mind always goes to the worst scenario when it comes to her. In Snow's defense, it's something she would do. Hide her pain from others until she can't anymore.
Snow chose to go through bags and pull things that need to go on the shelves because they're nearer to her so she can keep a closer eye on her. Got her. Now to just bring it home. Regina lets out a slow hum as she drops her head onto the back of the chair.
Snows head snaps in her direction at the sound of yet another moan. She definitely looking uncomfortable, is gripping tightly onto the arm of the rocker and scrunching her face up, that should do it.
Snow walks over to her and squeezes her shoulder. "Regina are you in pain?" She asks as she kneels down in front of her.
Regina immediately shakes her head. "Hmm, no. I'm just a little uncomfortable. Don't worry I'm fiiiiine." She drags the last word out and grips both of the arms of the chair a little tighter. Another hum passes her lips for good measure and Snow's eyes nearly bulge out of her head.
"Oh my goodness. Regina, I think you're in labor." She exclaims as she stands and looks at her watch. "I'm going to time it, let me know when it's over."
"I really don't think that's necessary. It's just a little back pain." She pauses and widens her eyes for dramatic effect. "That just wrapped around to my stomach." She moans again and moves a hand to her stomach. "Ouch."
"Okay, breathe it out. Just try to relax." Snow says quickly then takes a deep breath. Regina can't tell if it's supposed to be for her benefit or Snow's.
She may be taking this too far, but it's so easy.
"How's your pain level?" Snow moves in closer and places a hand on Regina's stomach so she can feel. "It doesn't feel any tighter than usual, but that doesn't mean anything. In early stages of labor contractions can't be felt from the outside." Snow rambles.
Regina shakes her head at Snow's babbling then answers her question. "My pains about a one," then she moans and curls forward, "Okay two." That should definitely make Snow nervous. Anytime she admits that she's in pain Snow flips her lid.
Snow starts pacing and huffing in frustration. "Which really means a five," She says with a roll of her eyes. "You've probably been having little contractions all day." She's pacing back and forth as she babbles. "Why didn't you tell me you were uncomfortable? Why did you let me keep you out so long? All that time on your feet probably accelerated your labor even more!" Snow yells very quickly as her voice gets higher and higher. "I can not believe you went all day without telling me you were having contractions."
When did it go from the beginning stage of labor to she's been having contractions all day? Snow really knows how to blow something out of proportion. Maybe this is too much, may be she should stop. But before she can say anything Snow is yelling more.
"If your pain is a five you have to be more that half way through." She takes a glance at Regina then corrects herself, "Actually, knowing you, you're probably fully dilated and you're only just telling me you're having contractions because you can feel the head crowning."
"Snow, the head is not crowning." Regina chuckles. She is getting a bit ridiculous now.
Snow comes back over to Regina and bends down in front of her again. "Are you feeling any pressure," she glances between Regina's legs, "Down there?"
"No," she shakes her head. "You really need to calm down." It's time to tell her. "I was just messing with you."
Snow's face goes blank as she processes Regina's words. "What?" is all she can get out of her mouth.
"I'm not really in labor," Regina admits, "I was just trying to see how you would react. I must say, your reaction was definitely better than Robin's." She crosses her arms over her chest and rests them on her belly before she leaning back in the rocking chair. She really is satisfied with herself. That was the best reaction yet.
"You- you've done this before?" Snow still doesn't seem to believe what she's hearing. She looks very stunned.
"Several times." She smirks at Snow's disbelieving expression.
Snow smacks her arm and yells, "Never scare me like that again!"
Regina just laughs. "Hey, don't hit a pregnant woman."
"I will hit a pregnant woman if she just made my heart stop. I really thought I was going to have to deliver your baby. You really scared me, Regina." She sits back on the floor and rests her arms on her knees. The deep breaths she's taking must be to get her heart rate back under control. Oh no. She just terrified her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think you would react like that. I promise," she places a hand over her heart to show that she is serious, "I won't do it again." This may have been a poor choice. Now Snow's going to be paranoid every time she's around her.
"Good," Snow nods, "I don't think I could take it again." She exhales heavily, clearly still frazzled.
"I'll make sure you're not around when I actually do go into labor."
"That's probably best," she nods.
Regina watches her open her mouth then close it again. There is clearly something she wants to say. "What is it, Snow?"
"There's something I've been wanting to ask you," she says a bit sheepishly, "And you definitely owe me after that."
Snows pausing, waiting for a response so she gives one. "Go on," then waves her hand between them and smiles.
"I would like to be there when this baby is born." Snow reaches out and rubs her stomach as she quickly adds, "But only if you're comfortable with it."
"Well you just made things a lot easier," Regina smiles. "I was planning to ask you that very thing."
"Really," Snow asks, surprised.
"Well, we both know that at some point Robin will become too much and I'll snap at him." She knows what she's like in pain, irrational and angered very easily. So, when Robin is forced away from her because he gets on her nerves, which is inevitable, or Zelena pushes too hard and is no longer allowed to touch her, she will have that third person to lean on until her temper settles and she can look at the other two again. Snow is perfect for that.
"You were really going to ask?" Snow asks with her hand pressed to her chest. She looks so touched. "I can't believe you want me there for something so special." Snow is all giddy now, the deceit before completely forgotten.
"Of course," Regina reaches out for one of Snow's hands, "You have continuously been there for me and this baby, I would love to have you there to help me bring her into the world."
"Yay!" Snow claps her hands together and bounces up and down a bit. "I'm so excited." Then she stands and hugs her so tight.
The rest of the day is spent putting everything away, with Snow still keeping a close eye on her.