More Than She Wanted

-And life is the road:

Maleficent keeps her word and arrives at eight in the morning the following day. The nurse has just left the room after teaching Regina how to breastfeed. A task Regina feared would be difficult, but Amelia and Emerald is obviously born for the job, and latches on to her breasts as soon as they get the chance. Afterwards, they simply fall asleep, so quite an easy task, really.

Regina has just finished buttoning her shirt when Mal pops her head inside the room. Her blue eyes sparkle at the sight of her daughters fast asleep in Regina's arms.

,,That looks very cozy," the dragon smiles.

,,Oh it is," Regina assures. ,,But do you mind holding them for a while, I really need to get out of this bed."

Maleficent jumps at the opportunity to hold her daughters, and Regina carefully places both Amelia and Emerald in her arms. The babies coos softly but doesn't wake up.

Regina promptly kicks the covers away and swings her legs out of the bed. Her body feels somewhat achy, but it feels nice to stand up and walk around again. Regina is quite grateful that Mal brought some fresh clothes, and the brunette quickly changes out of the hospital gown and into a pair of leggings (leggings!) and a long button up shirt.

,,That wasn't very nice," Mal says and looks down at her sleeping daughters.

,,What wasn't very nice, my dear?"

,,Sleeping alone."

,,Oh," Regina chuckles. ,,Well, I'm getting out of here later today so.."

,,Looking very much forward to that," Maleficent says sincerely and rocks the babies gently back and forward.

Regina quickly runs a comb through her tangled hair. What she really needs is a shower. She can't wait to have a shower later today.

,,How are you feeling, my beauty?"

,,Apart from being a bit sore, quite well. I would very much like to go home soon."

Maleficent chuckles. ,,So impatient."

Emerald coos in her sleep, and Mal strokes her little hand.

,,What was that, my sweet? Do you agree with me? Is your mother impatient, huh?"

,,Nice. Just gang up on me already," Regina jokes and sits down in the chair next to Maleficent.

,,Wouldn't you prefer to lie down?"

,,No thanks, I've already lied down plenty," Regina dismisses and returns to the half-eaten breakfast the nurse brought her earlier.

Maleficent is busy staring herself silly at Amelia and Emerald. Both babies are dressed in white body stockings and tiny pink, knitted hats.

Regina takes the opportunity to eat the scrambled eggs she was served earlier. The eggs are half-cold and the bacon is flaccid, but it doesn't matter one bit. Regina is absolutely famished, and could probably eat the plate as well.

,,How do you feel about Grace?"

,,Pardon?" Regina says between mouthfuls of bacon.

,,Grace. As a middle name for Amelia."

,,Oh." Regina swallows the piece of bacon. ,,I like it. Sounds very regal."

,,And it fits Emerald Hope perfectly."

,,So it does," Regina agrees and takes a sip of her half cold tea. Then she resumes the task of scarfing down the eggs as fast as possible.

,,Hungry?" Maleficent says and watches fascinated as Regina eats the food in top speed.

,,You should try giving birth to two children."

,,Gladly."

,,Stop that," Regina says firmly. ,,We already have twin daughters. We have more than enough on our plate already."

Maleficent shrugs. Emerald coos, and this time Regina has a distinct feeling that her daughter is on her side.

A couple of hours passes like that. Amelia and Emerald coos, but doesn't cry as such. They are very calm babies, and neither Regina nor Maleficent can stop staring at them.

It's quite obvious that the girls have inherited a perfect mixture of their mothers' facial features. Of course, their eyes are blue, but Regina has a distinct feeling that Emerald's eyes will darken very soon.

And the babies are quite difficult to tell apart as well. If it hadn't been for a tiny birthmark just above Amelia's knee, it would have been impossible.

Regina glances at her watch. She is already tired of being stuck at the hospital. She just wants to go home with her wife and daughters and get adjusted to everyday life with their newborn daughters. But sadly, doctor Whale has said that she has to wait a few hours more. Just to get the babies and herself completely used to breastfeeding. Pff. Regina has already covered that one. Amelia and Emerald is doing an excellent job at eating. Regina almost doesn't need to do anything. Expect for getting used to the new, somewhat strange sensation of milk flowing through her breasts.

Speaking of that, Amelia stirs and whimpers.

Maleficent's half closed eyes instantly snaps open. ,,I think she's hungry."

,,Again?" Regina says and sighs. It hasn't been that long since she last fed the babies.

,,I'm afraid so, my dear."

,,Well, okay then. Give her to me."

Maleficent places Amelia in Regina's waiting arms, and the baby stirs again as Regina unbuttons her shirt. She gently lays the baby in the correct position, and winces just a little when Amelia latches on and sucks eagerly.

,,Does that hurt?" Maleficent questions and raises an eyebrow.

,,Just the first few seconds," Regina assures. ,,But it does feel rather strange though."

Maleficent chuckles warmly and repositions Emerald against her shoulder. ,,Yes, I can imagine it must feel strange."

,,Mhmm," Regina says absentmindedly as Amelia tugs a little and drinks eagerly.

Emerald wakes up and stirs against Mal's shoulder.

,,I do believe our other daughter is hungry as well, my beauty."

,,Right," Regina says. ,,Perfect. Great timing, now that my shirt is undone anyway."

Maleficent sniggers a little at that, and lays Emerald on Regina's chest. The baby instantly finds what she's looking for, and latches on.

Both babies' drinks eagerly and little, contend noises can be heard coming from them. Maleficent smiles broadly, and Regina gently strokes Emerald and Amelia's little backs.

Suddenly, the little sucking noises fades, and Regina catches her daughters' yawning synchronically before falling asleep against her chest.

,,I guess that means feeding time is done," Regina chuckles lightly.

,,it seems like it," Maleficent says warmly.

,,Do you mind putting them in the cradles while I…" Regina doesn't finish the sentence, she just gestures towards her undone shirt.

,,But of course, come on, little dragons," Mal says and gathers both babies in her arms. She gently lays them down in the two white cradles by the bed.

Regina quickly rebuttons her shirt and puts a pillow behind her back to sit a little better.

Mal gives her sleeping daughters' a fond look. Then the dragon turns her attention back to Regina and walks over to her and kneels in front of the chair where Regina is sitting.

,,What do you want, dragon?" Regina teases and chuckles.

,,A kiss." Maleficent says plainly.

,,Oh. Well I'm afraid you can't have one. I haven't showered for 24 hours. You really don't want to be close to me right now."

,,As a matter of fact I do," Maleficent says and leans in to capture Regina's lips.

Regina decides not to argue. Instead she simply wraps her arms around Mal's neck and presses her lips against hers.

Maleficent's hands quickly ends up in Regina's dark locks, and Regina gently cups her wife's face between her hands.

One of their daughters' coos in her sleep, and interrupts Regina and Mal's kiss. Regina sniggers quietly. ,,I don't think our daughters appreciate what we're doing."

,,Apparently not," Mal chuckles and wheels the cradles over to them. ,,Perhaps they want to be close to their mothers."

,,Mm," Regina says and watches her sleeping daughters. Both girls are lying on their backs, and Emerald stirs a little and swifts in her blankets.

Then there's a soft knock on the door, and even before Regina or Mal get the chance to answer, the door opens and Snow pops her head inside.

,,Hi," the princess says softly and smiles. ,,May I come in?"

,,You may," Regina says and waves Mary Margaret inside.

Snow smiles broadly and instantly falls over the sleeping twin girls.

,,Oh, Regina!" she says effusive. ,,They are beautiful!"

Maleficent clears her throat. ,,Excuse me, but they are my daughters too."

,,You're right," Snow says. ,,Of course they are. I'm sorry."

,,It's alright," Mal says teasingly. ,,As long as you remember it in the future."

Snow bends down to look closer at the babies. ,,Who's who? They are very hard to tell apart."

Regina chuckles and stands from the chair to walk the few steps over to the two cradles. ,,That's Amelia Grace," she says and points to the baby sleeping in the left side of the cradle. ,,And that's Emerald Hope."

,,Beautiful names for beautiful girls, they are amazing," Snow gushes and stares herself blind at the girls.

Regina and Mal share a look. Emerald and Amelia has claimed their fourth victim. It's obvious that Snow is completely bewitched by them.

,,Is that a package under your arm, dear?" Regina chuckles lightly.

Snow finally tears her gaze away from the sleeping babies. ,,Oh right, yes. It's for you. For both of you." She hands Maleficent the package.

Maleficent tears the wrapping paper away, and Regina smiles broadly when she sees what's hiding under it. It's two baby blankets. One light pink and one deep purple, and with the names "Emerald" and "Amelia" embroidered on them.

,,Thank you dear. That was very kind of you," Regina says and gives her stepdaughter a quick hug.

,,Oh, it was nothing, nothing at all," Snow beams. ,,How are you feeling, Regina?"

,,Quite well, thank you. I am just very eager to go back home."

Snow chuckles.

Amelia chooses this moment to stir and make a rather dissatisfied noise.

,,What's that, sweetheart?" Regina coos as she lifts the infant out of the cradle. ,,Are you a bit unhappy, hmm? What are we gonna do about that?" she cradles Amelia in her arms and plants a soft kiss on her forehead.

Amelia yawns and blinks up at her mother, but doesn't wake up properly, and Regina is certain that she will be fast asleep again in a moment.

Both Snow and Mal looks like they are about to burst with happiness. Maleficent looks positively mushy. She clearly has a soft spot for seeing Regina with their daughters.

Then there's another knock on the door.

,,Come in," Mal says gently not to disturb Amelia further.

The door opens to reveal Emma, Killian and David and Zelena.

Emma rolls her eyes when she sees her mother with Regina and Maleficent.

,,Right. Of course you're already here," the Savior says and shakes her head.

,,I couldn't wait," Snow defends herself.

,,Of course you couldn't," Emma says, and then to Regina and Maleficent: ,,Congratulations, you two."

,,Thank you," both women say in unison.

,,So, where are the little dragons?" Zelena says and smiles widely.

,,Well, one of them is here," Regina says and moves the blanket a little to give her family a proper view of Amelia.

,,Quite good looking, aren't they," Killian says and gives both girls a fond look.

,,Yes they are," Maleficent agrees. ,,All three of them."

Zelena chuckles.

,,I think you're talking mumbo jumbo again, my dear," Regina says and shakes her head.

,,Was it a hard birth, Regina?" Emma questions and unconsciously touches her own, growing stomach.

,,Of course it was," Regina shrugs and readjusts Amelia in her arms.

,,Did you swear the whole hospital down?" the Savior questions and sniggers.

,,No she didn't," Maleficent says before Regina gets the chance to answer. ,,She didn't make a sound. Went completely silent when it hurt the most. I have never seen anything like it. It was quite impressive."

,,I was focusing on my breathing," Regina shrugs. ,,And yelling about the pain wouldn't exactly have helped a lot, would it?"

,,That really is damn impressive," Emma says. ,,I yelled like a maniac when I had Henry. Speaking of Henry, I'm sending him over later. He's still asleep."

,,That's understandable. Poor thing," Regina says.

Emma chuckles. ,,He was completely high when he came home yesterday, and rambled none stop for an hour before he finally went to sleep."

,,I hope I haven't traumatized him too much," Regina frowns.

,,I don't think so," Emma shrugs. ,,But he did mention something about driving your car."

,,What?" Snow says.

,,He must have been completely out of it," Killian chuckles.

,,That sounds kind of illegal," Zelena points out.

,,Sounds very illegal," David says and raises an eyebrow.

Maleficent turns to her wife. ,,What?" the dragon blurts out.

Oh, Henry, you weren't supposed to tell anyone.

,,I couldn't drive myself. Or maybe I could, but he wouldn't let me, and you weren't home so.." Regina says vaguely and puts the sleeping Amelia back in her cradle.

,,So what?" Maleficent demands.

,,So Henry drove me to the hospital," Regina admits. ,,And he did an excellent job at driving, might I add."

David splutters. ,,I knew I was teaching him to drive for a reason."

,,Yes, your little lessons proved to be quite useful, Charming. I suppose I owe you a thank you."

,,Does that mean I can continue to teach him how to drive in the future?"

,,Yes," Regina nods. ,,It turns out you're an excellent teacher."

,,I can't believe Henry had to drive you," Maleficent mutters. ,,If only I had been home.."

,,Now now, dear. No more wallowing. As far as I recall, you kindly let me squeeze your hand later on."

,,Mm. That I did," Mal says and holds up her hand as prove. Her wrist is covered in angry, red marks matching Regina's fingers.

,,Oh god," Regina says and shakes her head. ,,I'm sorry about that."

,,That's quite alright my dear," Maleficent assures, and then cheekily adds: ,,It wouldn't be the first time you've grabbed me a bit roughly."

Zelena cackles and sends her sister an amused glance.

,,Oh-uh," Regina says silkily to Emerald and Amelia. ,,Do you hear that, baby girls? That's the sound of your mother spending a lovely night on the couch."

Maleficent instantly clamps her mouth shut and holds her hands up in surrender. ,,I take it back."

,,That's too late," Zelena sniggers. ,,We all heard you."

,,Unfortunately," David adds and makes a face.

,,Isn't it a bit early to traumatize your daughters?" Killian asks and grins.

,,Get over yourselves," Emma chuckles and hands Regina a package. ,,Here you go, Regina."

Regina quickly opens the package and finds two, tiny white body stockings with the words: "I fly with dragons" written across the front.

Maleficent grins widely. ,,Brilliant. Very clever."

,,But not very royal," Regina comments dryly.

,,Maybe I can remedy that," Zelena says and hands the couple another package. This time, Maleficent tears the wrapping paper away, and she grins widely when Regina leans over to see what it is.

Regina chuckles. ,,Perfect." Inside the package is yet another two body stockings. With large crowns printed on the front.

,,A bit of both of us," Maleficent nods and grins.

They hear a tiny, disgruntled sound from the cradle. This time, it's Emerald who's awake. Regina is just about to pick her up and rock her in her arms, but after a quick nod from Mal, she says:

,,Snow? Would you like to hold her?"

Snow's face splits into a wide smile. ,,Yes. Very much."

Regina picks up Emerald and places the infant in her former stepdaughter's arms.

,,Ohh, pretty baby," Snow babbles and rocks Emerald back and forward.

Yes, most definitely bewitched.

Henry arrives at the hospital a few hours later when the two sorceresses are alone with their children, and shortly after his arrival, doctor Whale shows up and gives Regina and the babies permission to leave the hospital.

They promptly pack everything away, and Emerald and Amelia is placed in each of their own carrycots, properly swaddled in their baby blankets.

Maleficent drives while Henry and Regina sits on the backseat with the babies. The little family soon arrives at the mansion, and Regina's wish about a shower is granted. Maleficent and Henry are more than happy to look after Amelia and Emerald while Regina takes a nice, warm, long shower.

She trusts her wife and son to look after the girls, and takes her sweet time in soaping herself in repeatedly and then washing it off to get the smell of hospital out of her skin.

After her shower, all three of them sit down at the table to eat what's left of last night's lasagna, and Regina thinks about how crazily happy she is.

She thinks about it later as well, when the babies have been fed and put to bed in their little cradles. Henry, who is still completely knackered from yesterday's excitement chose an early night, and so does Regina and Maleficent. It's not very late, but Regina would be grateful for a bit of sleep before Emerald and Amelia wakes up again.

Both women climb into bed, and Maleficent wraps her arms around Regina. The brunette instantly snuggles closer to her wife.

,,I thought I was going to sleep on the couch tonight," the dragon sleepily points out.

Regina sniggers. ,,I felt merciful."

Maleficent sighs contentedly and plants a light kiss on the side of her neck. ,,I'm very pleased about that, my dear."

To Be Continued..