A/N: I'm glad you guys liked the surprise flash-forward :) For all of you still with me, now we're back to regularly scheduled programming.
Tuesday, August 7, 2:15pm
It took two weeks for Regina to find the nerve to talk to Robin about possibly donating his sperm so she and Emma could have a baby. They had seen each other plenty over the past few weeks, dropping off the kids at each other's homes, and even having a birthday party for Roland at a local waterpark. For being reluctant about becoming a mother, Emma had kept pushing Regina to ask him. But, Regina kept chickening out. She was admittedly hesitant about it, constantly going back and forth between loving the idea and thinking it was too dysfunctional, even for them. Finally, she decided to at least talk to him about it that Tuesday afternoon. Emma had offered to go with her for moral support, but Regina felt it was something she should approach alone, at least initially. If he agreed, there would be plenty of opportunities for discussion among the three of them later on.
Regina had asked Robin to meet her for a late lunch, so she stopped by Locksley Bistro during his afternoon break. They were having lunch on the second floor of the restaurant, which had been closed off after the lunch rush ended and wouldn't reopen until the happy hour and dinner crowds started showing up a few hours later. Regina took a few bites of her watercress salad and a sip of her cider to help calm her anxiety. As she exhaled in preparation to speak, Robin beat her to it.
"Regina," he said, appraising her from across the table. "Why did you really ask me to lunch?"
She chuckled. Of course he would be able to tell there was something going on with her. He had learned a lot about her in their five years together as co-parents, best friends, and fake spouses. "Sorry, I'm nervous."
"I know. I can tell. What's going on? Is everything okay with you and Emma?"
"Oh, absolutely," she smiled. "Everything's great. Better than great, actually."
"Oh, good," he commented, taking a bite of his bison burger. "So, what is it then?"
"Well, Emma and I have been talking about the future," she started, absentmindedly toying with the fork in her hand, spinning the handle between her fingers. "Our careers, our relationship, continuing to live together, and everything that entails."
"That's great," Robin nodded. "I'm glad to hear it."
"Thanks," she said quietly. "One of the things we have been talking about a lot as of late is our plan to eventually have more kids."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Emma's not ready to have kids herself, personally, given that she's still dancing professionally, and being pregnant and giving birth isn't really in the cards for her right now. But, she said that she would like to be pregnant some day."
"And what about you?"
"Well you know I never thought I'd have kids of my own. But, ever since I realized last summer that you and I would be ending our marriage and as things continued to progress with Emma and then me leaving the show…I can't stop thinking about it. And given my age, I mean I know I'm not ancient, but I need to do it relatively soon if I'm going to try."
He smiled at her. "What does Emma think?"
She let out a breath. "She was hesitant at first…a bit freaked out. She wasn't sure if we were ready as a couple to have kids together, given that our relationship is still quite new and we're still learning what it's like to be together full-time now that we aren't living halfway across the country from each other. But, things have been going remarkably well, despite a few hiccups and fights here and there, but we've learned how to work through it. We've talked it over a lot over the past few months, and she says that she wants this and that she's all-in if I want to have a baby soon."
"That's great, Regina," he said. "I think you'll both be terrific mothers…hell, you already are."
She smiled at that, before shifting in her seat. It was time for the awkward part of the conversation. "Yeah…So, that's where we're at now. I've met with a fertility doc who verified that everything seems like it's in working order and that I should realistically be fine for the next year or two, at least, if I want to try."
"That's promising," he commented.
"Yeah. It's a relief to know that there's still some time so I don't have to rush, but since I'm not working at the moment, it seems like it could be a good time to do this."
"Makes sense. So, have you already started the process?" he asked, suspiciously eying the glass of cider she'd been nursing since they sat down.
"No, not yet. We have a giant binder of donor possibilities at home that I've been looking through, but nothing feels right. It feels so impersonal, which I get that it should be, because it's not going to be the donor's baby. But I'm still not totally comfortable with that method."
"I have always thought it was a bit odd that men would randomly donate sperm, not knowing how many potential genetic offspring they might have walking around," he added.
"Right," she said, stabbing a piece of tomato with her fork and taking a bite. "That's kind of my thought, too. I think it's amazing that the option exists for women who wouldn't otherwise be able to have a child of their own, but personally, I don't know if I love the idea of my child potentially having siblings they don't know about, especially because the sperm bank is local so they could all be in the same class or something. And I know I'm just being paranoid, but if somehow confidentiality was breeched, I don't want the genetic siblings or the donor to try to contact us, given that I'm in the public eye and have a lot of money. I know the chances are slim, but given everything that has happened with my mother, I wouldn't put it past her to somehow use her connections to find out who the donor was, and then to somehow use that against me as a last-ditch effort to manipulate my life. Which is why I'm thinking the whole anonymous sperm donor thing may not be the right decision for me…or for Emma and me, rather."
She watched as his eyebrows lifted a bit at that declaration. She figured he may have been predicting where the conversation was headed, so there was no turning back. "We talked about adoption, too, because we both like the idea of giving a child a home who really needs it. But, we're thinking that could come later. I still really would like to have the experience of being pregnant and giving birth. So...God, this is awkward," she mumbled, taking another gulp of her cider before deciding to lay it all out on the table. "I'd rather use someone I know, so that way I know about other siblings, medical history, et cetera. And I was kind of hoping you might consider being the donor."
"Oh," his eyes widened, causing Regina to think that maybe he hadn't expected that question after all. "Really?"
"Yeah. I mean, you're my best friend, and this way the baby would be a genetic half-sibling to Roland and Henry. I don't know who else I would ask for something like this…maybe Killian, but he's not my first choice since I don't know him as well."
"And Emma is okay with you using your ex-husband's sperm to get pregnant?"
"Well, it's not like she's capable of providing what I need in this case. And it was actually her idea," she answered. "It's not like I'd actually be fucking you to do it. It would have to be through IVF, regardless. I spoke to my doctor and even with your vasectomy, it's still possible to retrieve the sperm needed. And clearly you are still producing viable swimmers, given little Jessie's existence."
He winced. "Dare I ask what sperm retrieval entails?"
"You could try the regular donor method first…the whole 'doing it in a cup' thing," she said, blushing a bit. "Since you got Gwen pregnant, you're clearly capable, but the doc says that it is unlikely that there'd be enough for what would be needed for a regular insemination procedure. So, if that wouldn't work, then they would do a needle extraction. It's quick and the recovery is supposed to be super easy. I would have to do the full in-vitro procedure instead of insemination, but I don't care about the added cost and recovery on my end."
"Hmm," he hummed noncommittally.
"So, what are you thinking? Have I completely scared you off?" she nervously laughed.
He chuckled, but said nothing.
"Look, Robin," she started. "I don't need an answer right now, or even this week or next week. Take some time and think about it. And talk to Gwen, because I'm sure she'll have some strong opinions, especially because my baby would be Jessie's half-sibling from a genetic standpoint."
Realization donned across his face at that. "Right."
"I know that it's complicated," Regina said. "Which is also why we would have to establish ground rules and make sure we're all on the same page – you, me, and Emma… and Gwen, since she'd inevitably be part of this decision from your perspective. I don't even want to consider this if we aren't all in agreement from the get-go, or if this would cause problems between you and Gwen."
He took a sip of his water, silently wishing he had ordered a scotch instead. But, he was still technically on the clock. "And so what are you thinking? How would this work?"
Regina took a deep breath. "As far as I'm concerned, even though we're friends and co-parents to the boys, this child would be mine and Emma's. In that regard, you're the donor, so it would be no different than if we used an anonymous donor. You would just be doing us a favor by giving us the sperm we need. All decisions regarding the child are Emma's and mine alone. You don't get a vote in anything relating to the child."
"Would the kid know that I'm their father?"
"You'd only be the father biologically, Robin. You would have to be okay with not being involved as a parent."
"That's what I meant."
She nodded contemplatively. "So initially, I don't think I'd want to reveal to anyone who the donor was, both because the media and fans would have a field day if they found out, but also because it would overcomplicate things and probably confuse all the kids. We could talk about revealing the truth to the child later on in his or her life, but right now I would say not until they're 18, or until they start asking questions incessantly and Emma and I deem it appropriate. If we were going to reveal your identity, we would ask you first to make sure you're okay with it. Donors through the sperm bank have to sign a form indicating whether they want to be truly anonymous or if the child can find out the paternity information when they turn 18, so we would give you that same option. But ultimately, it's up to us and the child to decide if he or she wants to know. You wouldn't be allowed to reveal that, ever, no matter how old the kid is. And legally, we'd make you sign something agreeing to all of these stipulations."
He bit his lip as he nodded, letting her words sink in. "So, I would not be involved whatsoever."
Regina sighed. "From a parental standpoint, that's right. But Robin, it is complicated, because realistically, you're going to be around any kid I have, even if you don't donate, given that Roland and Henry are still many years away from turning 18. So, it comes down to whether you would be okay with regularly seeing a child that is genetically yours, but who you have no legal right or moral or financial obligation to. I totally understand if that would just be too weird for you. I won't be offended or upset if you say 'no' to this. If you have any doubt about it, then I don't want you to agree to it."
"And what about Emma? You said she wants to have a kid some day, too, so does that mean…"
"No," Regina shook her head. "That came up, and we talked about it. We wouldn't be opposed to having the same biological father for our kids if we decide to go that route, but we wouldn't expect you to commit to letting us use you twice for that purpose. She's actually thinking of asking Killian for herself. He's her best friend, and if I use you, that way our kids each have one blonde and one brunette parent. We figured it might make our kids look more like 'ours.' "
"I see," he nodded.
She took the last bite of her dish and placed her cloth napkin on the table next to her plate. "Anyway, it's getting late. I should let you get back to work, and I have to pick up Roland from day camp soon. Take some time and think about it, talk to Gwen, and if you have more questions let me know. If you are considering it, you, Emma, and I at the very least should sit down and talk about it more."
"Absolutely, Regina. And I am considering it, but I do need time to think about it and to talk to Gwen," he said, standing up as she did the same. He pulled her in for a quick hug and kissed her cheek. "Have a good time with the boys tonight."
"We always do."
*.*.*
"Well?" Emma asked Regina as soon as Roland escaped to the guest bedroom to go play video games. Henry still wasn't due back from his friend's house until later, so the two women had a bit of time to themselves. The blonde was freshly showered post-rehearsal and was relaxing on the couch with a glass of lemon water. "How was lunch?"
"It was okay…"
"Just okay?"
"Well, he didn't say 'no,'" she sighed. "But he didn't seem thrilled by the request, either." Regina quickly gave Emma the Cliff's Notes version of their discussion.
Emma frowned slightly. "So, how did you leave it?"
"He's going to think about it and talk to Gwen. He said he'll let me know."
"Did he say when he would decide?"
"No. I didn't give him a deadline because I don't want him to feel rushed. But, I think it's worth continuing to look at anonymous donors just in case, and maybe think about approaching Killian, too. If Robin says no, or if it's not feasible with him, I think I'd prefer Killian over a stranger, given the idea of Cora lingering at the back of my mind. I don't think I can risk using an anonymous donor, even if the chances of her exploiting that are nearly zero."
"We can keep that in our back pocket if needed. But, let's give Robin time. Maybe if we don't hear from him within a week or so, you can ask him what he's thinking or if he has more questions. That way you're not pressuring him, but you can get a better idea of where he is on things."
"Yeah…God, this is so stressful."
"I know," Emma said, rubbing Regina's back. "I wish the technology existed to not require sperm for this, but I don't think modern medicine is quite there yet."
*.*.*
"Emma!" Regina shouted as she sat on the couch the next day, her feet propped up on the coffee table and her laptop resting on her thighs.
"What is it?" the blonde asked as she pinned the last few bobby pins into her hair, holding her bun in place. She was getting ready for another long day of teaching at her company's pre-professional summer dance intensive.
"You know how the results of the video contest are supposed to be announced this week?"
"Yeah, but not until Sunday morning," Emma said, moving behind the couch to rest her elbows behind Regina's head. "It's only Wednesday."
"Right. They haven't announced anything yet, but I just got an email from her team."
Emma perked up. "And?"
"And, it was a courtesy email. We're not going to win—"
"Wait, you called me in here to tell me we lost?"
Regina chuckled. "No. You didn't let me finish."
"Sorry," Emma said meekly.
"They said that everyone on the team liked our video the best, but because of my involvement and 'celebrity status,' they didn't think it would be fair for us to win. They think that people will cry foul play because of my fans getting us into the finals and that people will think you guys don't need the recognition, because everyone knows who you are now anyway. Which, frankly, is bullshit, because you guys did all of the work and deserve it, and would have won if it weren't for me. But, they want to give it to an emerging artist who will be able to use this as a huge launching point for their career, which I can understand."
"So you did call me in here to tell me we lost."
"I still wasn't done. Stop being so impatient, dear," Regina scolded. "So, they won't let us win the prize of having the video shown on stage at the show or bringing you guys to perform with her on a tour stop. But, they do have a counter offer."
"A counter offer?" Emma asked.
"They said," she cleared her throat as she read from the email: " 'We were extremely impressed by the artistry of the movement, the choreography, the performance, and the film as a whole. We would love to offer your team the opportunity to choreograph and perform in the music video for her next upcoming single, scheduled to be filmed in October in Montréal. If you are interested, then please reply back and we can set up a time to discuss compensation and logistics.'"
"Wait, seriously?" Emma leaned closer, trying to read over Regina's shoulder.
Regina smiled. "Yep. Which, is actually a much better prize, in my opinion. The music video will be there forever. The concert prize would've been limited to just the tour exposure."
"Holy shit. That's amazing."
"Right? I don't know what they're thinking in terms of compensation, but if it's at all reasonable, you guys should absolutely do it."
"Hell, I'd do it for free," Emma confessed. "But I probably shouldn't tell them that."
"No, you definitely shouldn't," Regina stated.
"But wait, what about you?"
"Hmm?"
"Would you be involved in the video?"
"Oh, I doubt it. I'm sure they have much more qualified videographers and editors than my novice skills, and it's not like I'm a choreographer or dancer. This is all you guys."
"I don't want to do it unless you're involved," Emma replied. "You were part of the team, and you're the reason the final product looked so amazing."
Regina turned around on the couch and sent her girlfriend a disbelieving look. "Emma, that's ridiculously noble of you, but you're an idiot. You're not turning this down just because there isn't something for me to do in this project. This would be a huge win for you, not to mention for Lily and Killian. Think about what this would do for your individual performing and choreography careers, plus both of your companies would benefit from it, too. I appreciate the supportive girlfriend act here, but it's really not necessary."
Emma sighed. "Okay. But, promise me you'll advocate for yourself? Maybe not as a camera operator or editor, but you should ask to direct it, or have some sort of cameo, or something."
"I'm not qualified to direct a legendary singer's music video. But, I would like to be there so I can learn from it."
"Good. Plus, I'm sure you'll have some brilliant ideas in terms of what choreography will look best on-screen, so Lily and I could always use you for that. You deserve some sort of credit on this."
Regina rose up onto her knees to be at eye-level with Emma, placing a kiss on her lips. "Fair enough. Now, finish getting ready and then we should probably call Lily and Killian and let them know the good news."
A/N: I hope you enjoyed and that you like the outcome of the contest! (And I hope that it was a surprise. So far no one who gave me predictions guessed correctly). I'm still going to try to update this twice per week, so the next chapter will be up on Sunday. Up next: Robin meets with Emma and Regina to give them an answer and Regina starts thinking about what's next in her career when a new potential opportunity arises.