Regina pushed open the door to the library, smiling when she locked eyes with Belle upon entering the building.
"Regina! Nice to see you."
"Likewise. How have you been?"
"Good. I'm excited to show you what I've made. Come on."
Regina followed Belle to the back, belly fluttering with excitement. She rubbed her stomach when she felt the baby kick, patting it softly as she followed Belle to the back room.
"I made the ones you asked for, but then I couldn't help myself. I started looking up other ideas, and, well-"
Belle stopped speaking when she heard Regina gasp. She looked over at her, grinning when she saw Regina's awe-struck expression.
"Belle…"
"They turned out well, didn't they? I'm so pleased."
Regina stared down at the tiny onesies laid out on the back counter of Belle's office. Tears immediately formed in her eyes, quickly falling down her cheeks.
Regina had asked her weeks ago if she could make some custom onesies for the baby, Belle immediately jumping at the opportunity. She loved sewing, adored creating custom pieces, and she so rarely had the chance to make baby outfits. When Regina had approached her, Belle eagerly agreed, going home that very evening to begin looking up more ideas. Regina had asked for specific ones, which Belle knew she'd make, but she couldn't help herself. She knew she'd be making more than the three that Regina had requested.
"These are wonderful, Belle," Regina said sincerely, looking up at her friend.
Regina's eyes fell back to the beige onesie before her, fingers tracing over the stitching: If mom says no, ask ma. Regina's heart swelled. She looked at the next one, My ma loves me to the moon and back, a little moon and rocket ship off to one side. Regina bit her bottom lip in order to keep from bursting into sobs. By the time her eyes fell onto the third outfit she'd requested, I love my mama, Regina had to pause, looking over at her friend and wiping her eyes.
"I couldn't help myself. I had to make more than what you asked for. I didn't think you'd mind."
Regina immediately shook her head, taking a deep breath and looking back down. She chuckled when she saw a little yellow shirt, Hatched by two chicks, two baby chicks on either side of the writing. Her heart melted when she spotted the fifth outfit: Two moms are better than one. And when her eyes fell on the last onesie, Regina threw her head back and laughed: What?! My mom's a lesbian? Which one?!
"I liked that one best."
Regina immediately threw her arms around Belle, surprising the other woman.
"Thank you," she murmured sincerely.
Belle nodded. When Regina had told her that she'd had trouble finding anything for the baby that said "ma" and asked for help, Belle had been immediately on board to surprise Emma. She liked her, the blonde sheriff had been nothing but kind to her since she'd arrived in this town. Belle had been eager to do something nice for her in return.
Regina pulled back, wiping at her eyes and looking back at the outfits. She was overwhelmed with gratitude, hands tracing over the perfect stitching. Emma would love this gift. Emma was so kind and supportive and giving, it felt nice to be able to do something back for her lover. Her belly fluttered with excitement. She couldn't wait to see Emma's face.
"I have a bag for you as well. I thought I'd save you a trip to the gift shop."
Regina belly warmed when Belle pulled out a gift bag, a baby elephant with a balloon adorning the side.
"Thank you. You didn't have to do that."
Belle shrugged, smiling as she carefully folded the baby clothes.
"There's so rarely any babies around here. It was fun getting to shop and look at everything. I can't wait to meet the little one."
"Neither can we," Regina said, rocking from side to side as she rubbed her belly. "The baby will be coming in just a few weeks."
"How have you been feeling?"
"I've been lucky. This pregnancy has been relatively easy, and Emma's been so attentive."
Belle looked up, grinning.
"I'm not surprised. She adores you."
Regina's stomach fluttered.
"Yes. Well, the feeling is mutual."
"You look good when you're in love, Regina. It suits you."
Regina felt her cheeks warm. Not knowing how to answer, she simply stayed quiet, heart skipping a beat as she thought about seeing the woman she was so desperately in love with. Especially now that she had a gift to surprise her, knowing how much Emma would love it. She couldn't wait to see her reaction.
Belle walked the bag over the Regina, following the woman to the front door.
"Thank you again, Belle. I can't tell you how much this means to me. To us."
Belle nodded, squeezing Regina's arm.
"I understand. I'm happy to help put a smile on our sheriff's face. She deserves to be spoiled."
Regina smiled.
"She does."
"Alright, go. Go find her and tell me all about her reaction later."
"I will."
Regina then headed down Main street, deciding that she'd stop at Granny's for a bear claw on her way to the station. She was mentally debating what she wanted for herself when she caught sight of a very familiar backside. A smile quickly formed on her lips, belly clenching in excitement as she spotted Emma standing in front of Granny's. Speak of the devil. The perks of living in a small town.
Regina's smile turned into a frown, however, when she noticed Leroy standing in front of Emma, his anger obvious even from a distance. Emma's back was to Regina, but she could tell, now that she was quickly approaching her lover, that Emma was tense. Her spine was rigid, Emma standing tall as she argued with Leroy.
Regina could feel her own anger stirring in her belly as she took in the way Leroy was grimacing at Emma, standing far closer than Regina liked, and when he began shouting at her, her eyes narrowed threateningly.
"…doesn't matter if you're only going in for a second, Leroy-"
"Listen, princess-"
"No, you listen, dwarf," Regina immediately barked, as soon as she was within distance, "back off."
She shoved his shoulder back when he took another step towards Emma, boiling with rage.
"Do not threaten my sheriff."
"Regina-" Emma attempted to speak, but she was immediately cut off by Leroy.
"This doesn't concern you, Madame Mayor."
"It concerns me when a citizen of my town is attempting to intimidate a member of my sheriff's department."
"Just because you're sleeping with-"
Regina immediately waved her hand, silencing him.
"It is in your own best interest that you not finish that sentence."
She then turned to Emma, softening her features as she looked her over.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Regina. We were just having a discussion."
"Regarding?"
"Leroy's parked in a no parking zone," she said calmly, looking over at the man as he attempted to yell at them. He was enraged, and Emma was just a little bit amused as he got more and more frustrated with his inability to speak. "He was just going to move his car."
Regina looked over at the vehicle in question, very clearly parked in front of the no parking sign in front of Granny's diner. She looked over at the man in question, who was now nearly purple with outrage.
"And what is his poor excuse for parking in a zone that is clearly marked that no parking is permitted?" she asked, turning her gaze back to Emma.
"He was 'only going into Granny's for a second'," Emma quoted.
Regina turned back to Leroy.
"Please indicate to me where on this sign you see that parking is permitted if you're 'only going into Granny's for a second'."
The man immediately began speaking, throwing his arms up in frustration when he was unable to communicate.
"Calm down and I'll consider allowing you to speak."
Leroy glared at her. Regina waited a second, finally waving her hand and restoring his voice.
"You can't just go around removing people's voices like that!"
"And you cannot 'go around' and park in a no-parking zone. And yet, here we are."
"Come on, Leroy," Emma interjected, nodding towards his car. "This was just a warning. Stop escalating the situation. Move the car and don't park here again. Next time, I'll have it towed."
Leroy glared. Regina glared at him just as harshly, ready to pounce should he make a move towards Emma.
Leroy, noticing the way the Mayor's hand twitched, let out a noise of disgust.
"This is why this type of thing shouldn't be allowed. This is between her and I," Leroy started, glaring at Regina as he indicated towards Emma, "and it has nothing to do with you."
"Anything that concerns her, concerns me. I am the Mayor of this town. Everything that happens in it, concerns me."
"You didn't care this much before you guys started playing house," Leroy spat. "Now, what? You're gonna banish me or set me on fire because you're in love with her? Bet you wouldn't even have stopped if I'd been talking to Mulan. You've got a special interest in this one, sister, and it's not right."
Emma knew he was antagonising Regina, so before things could get any worse, she rested her hand on Regina's forearm.
"Leroy, just-"
Regina, however, didn't let her finish.
"You're right," Regina said lowly, her fury settling over her like a blanket. "I do have a special interest in this one. Professionally and personally. And I may be mostly reformed from my murderous ways, but I assure you that when it comes to this one, I am but a hair's trigger away from resuming my old habits. The Evil Queen is always close to the surface, dwarf, and if I ever catch wind of you threatening, intimidating, or God help you, touching, my sheriff, it will be the last thing you ever do."
Regina took a large step forward, directly into Leroy's personal space.
"I suggest you move your vehicle now, because my patience has run out."
Leroy growled but did as he was told, muttering a whatever before storming off. Regina stood in front of Emma as she watched the man drive off, only turning to face her lover once the car had disappeared out of sight. She narrowed her eyes at Emma's amused expression.
"Something funny, sheriff?"
"I had that handled, you know."
"Yes. You are more than capable; however, when someone threatens my sheriff-"
"Your sheriff? I like the sounds of that," Emma said, taking a step forward and wrapping her arms around Regina's waist, pulling her into a hug. "You're very sexy when you're defending me."
"I was simply looking of an excuse to torture someone. It has been far too long since I've had the satisfaction."
Emma chuckled against her shoulder. She held Regina close, pressing her lips to the soft skin against throat.
"I'm sorry if you felt I was undermining you," Regina said after a moment, reflecting now that her anger had calmed.
"Nah, it's all good. I get it. I don't feel like you were undermining me. But, probably shouldn't make it a habit. I don't want people to start thinking I can't do my job without you around to protect me."
Regina pulled back just enough to look into Emma's eyes.
"I'm sorry. I meant it when I said that I do believe you are more than capable, Emma. However, when I saw him advancing on you…"
"You went all 'mama bear' on him?"
"In a manner of speaking."
Emma warmed.
"I liked it. It was kinda hot to see you get all protective to be honest."
She'd so rarely had anyone defend her in her life. It was nice to witness Regina defend her, even if it hadn't really been needed. Plus, angry Regina? Sexy as hell.
Emma rubbed her hands down Regina's arms as she looked into her eyes, stopping when she felt something dangling between Regina's fingers.
"Oh yeah. I wanted to ask you about this," Emma said, guiding Regina's hand up. "What's this?"
Regina grinned at her.
"A gift for you."
"For me? What did I do to deserve a gift?"
Regina leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips.
"You don't have to earn a gift, darling. You should be showered with gifts regularly."
"I am. I'm showered with the gift of your love."
Regina snorted.
"Sap."
Emma laughed, kissing her cheek.
"You really got me a gift?"
"I did. However, you can't open it until tonight."
Emma gave her best 'puppy dog' expression.
"That will not work, sheriff."
It did work a little though, because Regina tugged on her hand and guided her into Granny's.
"Have lunch with me," Regina said, suddenly feeling the need to keep Emma within eyesight.
Emma was fine. Leroy hadn't even touched her, but Regina's adrenaline was still pumping, and she wanted to be with her lover, if only for a little while.
"Okay. Let me just call my dad real quick and make sure everything's good at the station."
Regina nodded in acknowledgement before heading into the diner, watching from the counter as Emma paced along the sidewalk, pausing randomly as she talked on the phone.
"She looks good in uniform, doesn't she?"
Regina startled, looking over at Ruby, who was grinning at her. Regina's eyes drifted back to Emma, who was dressed in jeans and the taupe brown polo shirt Regina had ordered for everyone at the sheriff's station. She did look good. Emma always looked good, in Regina's eyes. However-
"Eyeing my girlfriend, are you?" Regina asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ruby chuckled.
"Admiring from a distance, your majesty. You always did like pretty things."
"Quality is important to me."
Regina's attention drifted to the front of Granny's when she heard the bell above the door, watching Emma move as she approached. She glanced down at her hips, eyes drawn to the way Emma walked so confidently towards her. Regina could feel her libido stirring at the way Emma strutted towards her, so boldly. Emma's confident swagger never failed to make Regina's body respond.
"Uh, why do I feel like you were just talking about me?" Emma asked, glancing between the two women currently staring at her.
"Because we were," Regina replied. "Ruby was simply stating the fact that I have excellent taste."
Regina delighted in the way that Emma's cheeks flushed when Regina looked her up and down, checking her out without a hint of shame.
"Right. Um, did you place our orders yet?"
"Not yet," Ruby replied for Regina, amused by the look of embarrassment on Emma's face. "Grilled cheese for you and a grilled chicken wrap for Regina?"
Regina nodded before leading the way to one of the booths at the back of the diner. When she slid in the booth before Emma, she smiled innocently at her.
"You're incorrigible, Madame Mayor. I know what you were thinking."
"That you're incredibly attractive and the way you move makes me wet?"
Emma paused, feeling the air steal from her lungs at the way Regina spoke so casually about something that, currently, made Emma twitch in her pants.
"Because, darling, it is no secret how my body reacts to you," Regina said lowly, leaning forward on the table. "My panties are clinging to me. The way you move, so confidently, turns me on."
"Jesus, Regina."
Regina grinned. She loved playing like this with Emma. Especially because, try as she might, Emma rarely managed to one-up her. She loved flustering her lover. She did decide to take pity on her, however, and change the subject. So, she placed Emma's bag on the table, sliding it off to the side, knowing Emma would whine about not getting to open her gift now.
"So I really have to wait until tonight to open my present?" Emma asked, staring at the gift bag and question. "You know I hate waiting."
"You waited quite patiently for me."
"Yeah, well. You were worth waiting for."
"Is my gift not worth waiting for?"
"I don't know yet. I haven't opened it. But I have unwrapped you and, well, that was definitely worth waiting for."
"Are you flattering me so that I might give you your gift early?"
"Depends. Is it working?"
"Perhaps," Regina replied cryptically.
"Well, you should know then that I'd have waited until the end of time for you, baby."
Regina shook her head, grinning.
"Alright, enough of that before you start to sound like your parents."
Regina grabbed the bag, handing it over to Emma. The truth was, she wanted her to see what she'd gotten her as well. She was far too excited to make Emma wait any longer.
"Are you sure? I'm mostly teasing. I can wait if you had something planned."
"No, I had only planned on giving this to you a little later because I hadn't expected to see you so soon."
"Well, then I'm twice as happy. I get to spend extra time with you and I get a present."
Regina smirked.
"I'm sure."
"Can I open it now?"
"While we're young, sheriff."
"Well, some of us are-"
"Complete that sentence and you'll find yourself suddenly quite single."
Emma laughed, tugging the gift bag onto her lap. She peered inside, grin forming as she spotted what looked like baby clothes. She immediately looked up at Regina.
"Stuff for the baby?"
"And for you, my love."
Emma's belly tightened at the affection in Regina's voice. She looked back down in the bag, pulling out the first onesie. She held it up, chuckling at the message.
"Hatched by two chicks," she read aloud. "This is so cute!"
Emma admired the onesie for a moment before putting it down, reaching in the bag for the next one. She held it up, biting hard on her lower lip when she read the message: My ma loves me to the moon and back.
"Regina," Emma said in awe. "Where did you find this?"
They'd looked, unsuccessfully, for anything suitable online.
"I asked Belle to make them. She did beautifully."
Emma nodded. Everyone knew how talented Belle was with a sewing machine.
She reached into the bag again, tears welling up in her eyes when she read the message on this particular onesie, about the baby loving its mama. She blinked rapidly, trying to stave off the tears.
"I cried quite a lot."
Emma nodded in agreement.
"Yeah," Emma said softly, voice catching. "Regina, this is… This is so thoughtful."
Regina reached out across the table, Emma immediately linking their hands.
"I love you very much, darling. You've been incredibly supportive of me, and you are continuously doing things that you know will make me happy. I wanted you to know that I appreciate you. You deserve to be showered with gifts as well."
"I don't need gifts. I know you love me. You don't need to do stuff like this to show me."
"I don't need them either, but when has that stopped you? It's nice to shower the one you love with gifts."
Emma chuckled.
"True."
Regina pulled her hand back and encouraged Emma to continue opening her gift. She could feel the emotion swirling in her belly as she watched her lover pull out the next onesie, thoroughly pleased that Emma looked so happy. When Emma laughed, turning to show her the one about which mother being the lesbian, Regina grinned.
"I liked that one as well. That one was Belle's idea."
"I'll have to thank her next time I see her. She did an incredible job. These are gorgeous."
"I agree."
Emma fished back into the bag and pulled out the last two pieces, heart swelling in her chest at just how thoughtful this gift was. She laid out all of the onesies and looked them over carefully, overwhelmed with emotion. When she looked up at Regina, unsure of how to thank her for something so sweet, so incredibly thoughtful, she was met with a look that was nothing short of adoring. She could so clearly see exactly how Regina felt about her.
Emma got up, knowing she didn't have the words to properly express herself. Instead, she slid into the booth with Regina, cupping her cheeks and kissing her soundly on the lips. Regina responded just as enthusiastically, gripping the bottom of her elbows.
"Thank you," Emma murmured, pulling back to look her in the eyes. "This means so much to me."
"You mean the world to me, Emma. I want you to know that."
"I do. And you too. I love the hell out of you, you know."
"I do, yes."
Emma beamed at her, Regina feeling her belly fill with affection. Emma meant the world to her.
"Sorry to interrupt, ladies. But I thought it might be better not to serve you cold food."
Ruby winked at them, placing the two plates before them.
"Enjoy."
"Thank you, Ruby."
"Thanks, Rubes!"
Regina slid out of the booth and made her way back to her side, grinning when she felt Emma's foot nudge her own under the table.
"Care to play footsies with me, Madame Mayor?"
Regina pulled her plate towards her, shaking her head.
"Isn't that a little scandalous, sheriff? We have reputations to uphold."
"I think we're okay. I don't see any signs around here saying no footsies," Emma observed, looking around the booth.
Regina snorted.
"You're an idiot."
"Yeah, but I'm your idiot. You were pretty clear about that today."
"And you'd best not forget it."
"Oh, I wouldn't dream about it baby," Emma replied, taking an obnoxious bite out of her grilled cheese sandwich and then stating around her mouthful: "This is all yours."
Regina shook her head.
"Idiot."
Emma beamed.
Regina sighed heavily when she finally walked in the door later that night, tugging off her coat and hanging it up. She toed off her boots, quietly padding to the living room as she rubbed her jaw, trying to relieve the tension. She'd been clenching her teeth again, a habit she'd been trying to break for years.
Regina paused when she hit the threshold of the living room, her heart clenching when she spotted Emma and Henry, both curled up on the couch. Emma was reading, brows furrowed in concentration. Henry was sporting the exact same expression, but he was hunched over his hand-held gaming device. She took a moment to look at them both, happiness swirling deep in her belly as she watched the two people she loved most in the world.
Her hand subconsciously drifted to her belly, rubbing it soothingly as she considered that in just a few short weeks, there would soon be another member added to their family. She couldn't believe they would soon be a family of four, that she would be a mother of two, and that, this time, she would have a co-parent. She wondered what this baby would be like, if she was having a girl or a boy, and if the baby would be as easy to care for as Henry had been. Regina could not wait to meet the baby, incredibly eager to see its little face, learn its personality, to love and cuddle the miracle that she and Emma had created together.
Regina's eyes drifted over the woman in question, who was so enraptured with her book that she hadn't even noticed her presence. It made Regina feel incredibly satisfied to know that Emma's guard was completely down, the woman so at ease in their home that she hadn't even noticed the front door open (it might also have something to do with the fact that their son's video game was obnoxiously loud, but still). The fact that Emma looked so peaceful, her entire body at rest, made Regina's heart melt. Especially after seeing the way Emma had been so tense earlier today at work. It made her happy to know that Emma was at home, safe, as she should be.
Regina's brows furrowed a little as she thought about the interaction earlier today with Leroy. It bothered her that he had dared threaten Emma the way that he had, stepping into her personal space and raising his voice to her. Regina tried not to think about the fact that Emma was the sheriff, not wanting to consider the fact that the woman was in that particular line of work, given how dangerous it could become, especially in a town like Storybrooke, where it seemed that every week there was a new magical danger. She would prefer that Emma be in a safer line of work, like accounting, where the biggest danger was Emma dying of boredom.
Regina shook her head. She didn't want to consider Emma dying, in any fashion.
No.
Regina would never tolerate Emma being taken from her, would destroy anyone who dared harm a single hair on her sheriff's head. No one would take Emma from her. She wouldn't allow it.
Regina blinked, her belly stirring uncomfortably. There was that feeling again, that possessive instinct that kicked in any time she thought about anyone getting too close to Emma. It had flared up earlier today, consuming her, when Leroy had been threatening Emma. Regina was fairly certain he wouldn't actually have done anything to her girlfriend, but that hadn't stopped her incredibly protective instincts from taking over. She'd been a hair's breadth away from fire-balling the dwarf. Had he gotten any closer, or had he raised his hands to Emma, Regina would have incinerated him without second thought.
Regina was protective. She knew that. She had incredibly strong protective instincts, especially when it came to the people she loved. But there was something else there, when it came to Emma. Something that made her feel uneasy, something that Regina had been trying to ignore, trying to work through, something that made her feel incredibly uncomfortable. And, if she were entirely honest, made her feel sick and wrong and ashamed.
Because, she felt possessive of Emma. Regina barely acknowledged the word though, even to herself. She despised that part of the way she felt about Emma was that Emma was hers, her mind often calling the other woman her sheriff. Her girlfriend, her partner. Hers, hers, hers. That same thought had slipped out today, Regina recovering from that lapse by stating that she was the Mayor, and that, given that Emma worked for the sheriff's department, she was, in fact, Regina's sheriff. Just as Mulan was Regina's deputy, technically speaking. She employed them both, so, technically they were hers. But, Regina's mind reminded her, that wasn't how she had meant it. Not by a long shot.
And, Leroy had been correct that Regina wouldn't have stopped had it been Mulan. It was different because it had been Emma.
She trusted both Mulan and Emma. They were both excellent officers. However, her instincts, her desire to protect Emma, the way she viewed Emma as hers – her mind forcing her to acknowledge the truth – had made her act without thinking. It hadn't been a question. She had automatically walked over when she realised Leroy was angry with Emma, ready to pounce if he had dared hurt Emma. Because no one hurt or intimated or threatened what was hers. As it was, just his encroaching on Emma's space had made Regina want to throttle him.
Regina chewed her bottom lip. This was a problem. She needed to rid herself of this feeling. Even as she stood there, staring at her lover, she could feel her mind's possessive thought: mine.
Regina shook her head. Emma was not hers. She was not a possession. Regina could own a jacket. The jacket could be hers… Just as the clothes she wore and the tablet she owned and the car she drove were hers. But not Emma. Emma was not hers. Emma was not a possession. She was not an item to be owned.
Regina shivered. After she'd been married, he'd told her that she was his. That he could do what he liked to her, for Regina was his wife. She was his. She was nothing more than a possession, a pretty decoration to be used by him and paraded around for others to admire. She had been an object, one of the many that the King owned.
Regina refused to ever label anyone in such a manner, especially someone as precious to her as Emma. Emma was an independent person, who just happened to choose to be with her.
She's not your possession. She is not yours,Regina scolded herself. She is a woman. Not an object. You cannot own her.
She was pulled from her thoughts by a soft gasp, Emma's face lighting up when she spotted her.
"Regina! When did you get here?"
Emma immediately tossed the book she'd been reading on the coffee table, jogging over to her lover and pulling her into a hug.
"Just a moment ago."
"I'm sorry. I didn't hear you or else I would've come to greet you at the door."
Henry snorted.
"Golden retriever."
Regina chuckled, arms drifting up to encircle Emma's back, drawing in the woman's affection and erasing her earlier thoughts. Emma was certainly not her possession. She was the woman she loved, and oh, how Regina loved her.
"You okay?" Emma murmured, sensing something in Regina's mood.
"I'm fine, darling. I had a long day. I'm a little tired."
"You want a foot massage?"
Regina's shoulders sank with relief.
"I would love a foot massage."
Emma pulled back, grinning at her lover.
"Go sit. I'll be right back."
Emma pecked Regina on the cheek before heading out of the living room.
Regina made her way to the couch, settling down next to Henry.
"Did you have a good day?"
Henry nodded.
"Yep. Did you?"
"I did."
"You look tired."
Regina laughed softly.
"Are you telling me I look terrible?"
"No," Henry said immediately, grimacing. "Sorry. You just… look run down, I guess."
Regina nodded, butting his arm with her shoulder.
"I'm teasing you, my little prince. I know I look tired."
"Is it the baby?"
"Some of it is, yes. It's hard on a woman's body to grow a human being. However, it was also a long day, so that didn't help."
"Should you stop working? So you can rest."
"No, Henry. I'm alright. I'll rest tonight and I'll be fine in the morning."
He looked skeptical, so Regina smiled softly at him.
"I'm fine, mijo. I'm okay."
Emma entered the room at that moment, frowning when she saw her son's expression.
"Everything okay?"
"Tell your son I'm fine, Emma."
Emma tilted her head, eyeing Regina.
"What's wrong?"
"See? I knew something was wrong. Even ma thinks so."
Regina sighed.
"I'm fine, both of you. Henry's worried that I'm tired. Tell him I am fine."
"No, I'm worried you're overdoing it," Henry corrected.
Emma sat on the coffee table in front of Regina, placing the bottle of lotion next to her.
"You are kinda bad for pushing yourself, Regina," Emma said gently, leaning down and guiding Regina's ankle onto her thigh.
"You are meant to be on my side, Miss Swan."
"I am on your side. I'm just saying."
Emma removed Regina's sock, squirting lotion into her hand and warming it for a moment before starting to rub her foot.
"Do you think mom should stop working? Maybe she should take some time off."
"I will be doing no such thing, Henry Mills."
"Well, you're tired. A lot."
"It's to be expected, mijo," Regina said patiently. "This is what happens during pregnancy."
Henry frowned. He didn't like it.
"This is why it's important to do everything you can to make it easier for her," Emma started, looking at her son as she gently pressed into the heel of Regina's foot. "Cleaning up after yourself, or emptying the dishwasher, or making yourself supper. The less she has to think about, the better."
"I like looking after you both," Regina argued, looking from one set of green eyes to the other. "Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm an invalid."
"No, but the kid can do some things for himself too when you're tired. He took out the garbage earlier today and swept the kitchen floor. Those are super helpful chores, Henry," Emma praised.
Regina looked over at her son, eyes filling with tears.
"You swept the floor?"
"Well, I know you used do that after work. And it was getting late. I thought maybe I should- oh no. Are you upset?" Henry immediately filled with guilt when his mom started crying. "I'm sorry, mom-"
"No," Regina shook her head, reaching out and grabbing her son's hand. "I appreciate that you did that, Henry. Thank you."
It was not part of his regular chores, but he'd noticed his ma doing all of the tasks his mom used to do, before she got pregnant. But she'd been busy folding laundry, another thing his mom used to do, so he'd decided to sweep, figuring he could do that quickly before grabbing his Nintendo.
Relieved that his mom wasn't upset, he simply smiled at her.
"I wanna help."
He didn't like seeing him mom so tired, and he'd noticed his ma was dragging her feet too earlier today. They both worked hard, both of their jobs incredibly taxing. It was worse now that his mom was pregnant, the woman looking perpetually exhausted lately.
"You are helping, mijo. But it's important that you not take on too much either. You're still our child."
"I'm fifteen."
"A tall child," Regina amended, grinning when Henry laughed. "Oh!"
Regina winced, but she reached for Henry's hand and placed it over her belly.
"Someone wants to say hello."
When he was sure his mom was okay, Henry looked down at his mom's belly.
"Hi, baby."
He pressed into her side, grinning wider when he felt an answering kick against his hand. He rubbed the spot soothingly, belly clenching in excitement when he received a few more kicks. He really could not wait to meet his sibling.
"I'm so happy you got pregnant," Henry blurted out, looking up at his mom. "I'm so excited to be a big brother."
Regina's eyes welled up with tears again. She reached up and stroked his cheek, smiling affectionately at him.
"I'm glad, mijo."
Henry looked back down at her belly, Regina and Emma's gazes meeting as they smiled at one another.
I love you, Emma mouthed, smiling softly at Regina.
Regina's heart melted. It hadn't been planned, but they both shared their son's thoughts: neither one could wait for their baby to be born.
