"I was wondering where you were."
Emma glanced over at Regina, who was leaning against the doorframe.
"What are you doing?"
She'd been looking for Emma all over the house, having been promised a massage today. She was a little surprised to find her lover here, given that she was supposed to be in their room getting ready.
Regina entered the nursery, taking a look around as Emma was. They'd finished setting it up last week, putting away the last of the baby's newly washed clothes and blankets. The baby would spend the first few weeks in their room with them, this room only containing the bare minimum of items (until Emma finished decorating it to Regina's standards, after the baby was born).
"Just… looking. I got a little distracted when I walked by. I just… can't believe we're having a baby."
Regina stepped closer, Emma engulfing her in her arms as soon as she was within reach.
"Are you alright?"
Emma nodded.
"But…I'm scared. And I'm worried about you, about you giving birth. So many things could go wrong."
Regina tucked her head into Emma's throat, placing a soft kiss there.
"I know, darling. I'm a little worried as well, given that this is the first time I'm doing this. However, women have been giving birth for thousands of years without the benefit of modern medicine. I'll be giving birth at the hospital, surrounded by medical professionals. We won't be taking any chances. If anything begins to look dire, we'll move to an emergency C-section. Try not to think about it, Emma. Everything has looked perfect thus far. And this pregnancy has been relatively easy. I don't believe there will be any issues. I'll be okay."
They had already decided Regina would not be giving birth at Storybrooke hospital. They had agreed they'd drive to Maine Medical Center, despite the fact that it would take an hour and a half to arrive there. There was no way Emma was leaving Regina's and the baby's lives in Whale's hands. Regina was all too agreeable. She did not want the man to see her in such a vulnerable state.
"I know," Emma responded, pulling Regina from her thoughts. "I'm still scared though. You're everything to me, Regina. Everything. The reason I have this home, these children, this life… it's all because of you. I can't do this without you."
Regina reached up and cupped Emma's cheeks.
"And you won't. I am going nowhere, Emma. My father told me that my mother gave birth without any complications. And he told me that his mother successfully birthed ten children, also without major complications. I am not them, but we share the same genes. It's literally in my genes to have uncomplicated births. I'll be fine, Emma. The doctors will take care of me should anything go wrong."
Lately, it seemed they took each their own turn becoming anxious. This week, Regina felt good. She felt confident. She was not scared or worried, no more than usual. She felt safe and comfortable. She wasn't looking forward to the pain of childbirth, nor to any possible complications, but she wasn't feeling overly scared either. She trusted her body. She trusted herself to know what to do, in the moment. And she trusted Emma to take care of her as well. It seemed Emma's anxiety, however, was making its presence known today.
Regina was grateful that she felt calm this week, wanting to alleviate Emma's fears the way her girlfriend always seemed to appease hers.
"You are the reason I have any semblance of happiness as well, Emma. I'm forever indebted to you. You gave me a son, and now you've blessed me a second child. You've made me a mother twice over. You've also given me a second chance at a life, at happiness. At love." Regina leaned forward and kissed Emma tenderly. "I will not give that up so easily. I want this, with you. Nothing is going to take me from you, Emma. I simply won't allow it."
Emma bit back tears, nodding in agreement.
"Me neither."
"Good."
Regina leaned forward and gave her another languid kiss before pulling back, stroking her cheek one last time before letting her arms drop.
"Now, I believe I was promised a massage?"
Emma grinned, anxiety lessening at Regina's playful tone.
"I believe you were. Care to strip down naked so I can oil you up?"
"My, my. This isn't one of those 'happy ending' massage parlours I have heard so much about, is it?"
"It could be," Emma responded, wiggling her eyebrows.
"How preposterous. I'll not have such a perverted establishment in my town. I'm shutting you down immediately."
"Immediately, or after the massage?"
Regina grinned.
"Surely we can come to some kind of…. agreement so you don't shut down my business?"
"Well," Regina paused, pretending to think it over. "I am the mayor."
"That you are," Emma agreed, kissing Regina softly on the lips.
"I do want that massage though," Regina mumbled against her mouth.
Emma laughed, pulling away to smile at her.
"Go get naked, I'll prepare the bed."
Regina made her way to the en-suite, Emma heading directly to the bed and performing the spell that ensured that the mattress would sink around Regina's belly and allow her to lie flat on her stomach. She then intended to go get the massage oil out of the closet, but she stopped short, breath catching in her throat when Regina reappeared, naked, in their bedroom.
Regina shifted on her feet, feeling a little exposed, but her anxiety was quelled by the look on Emma's face. Emma looked at her as though she were the most beautiful woman in the world, her attraction clearly evident in her expression.
"Wow. You're just so fucking beautiful." Emma blinked a few times. "You should probably lie down before the masseuse gets other ideas."
Regina chuckled, making her way to the bed and settling in with Emma's help. She moaned when she felt the mattress yield under her belly, the weight of her stomach supported by the distorted material.
"Good?"
Regina nodded, shifting on the bed. She'd been incredibly lucky. This pregnancy, thus far, had been relatively easy. However, with each day that went by, she was growing more and more uncomfortable as her stomach expanded to make room for the child growing within. It was also growing heavy, and Regina was grateful that Emma had been so selfless during this time, offering her massages, taking over the lion's share of the household chores, and allowing her to rest as often as she needed to. Regina had never had this kind of partner before. She'd never known what she was missing. But now that she did, she knew she'd never give Emma up. Not without a fight anyway.
"Now, we have two scents to choose from," Emma said from the closet. "Do you want lavender or grapefruit?"
Regina frowned.
"I know. You hate both of them, but we finished all of the shea butter one and I forgot to grab more. Sorry. I'll pick more up, but for today, you'll have to settle for one of these. Which do you hate less?"
"Shea butter."
Emma chuckled, grabbing the lavender scented oil and making her way back to the bed. She then leaned forward and kissed Regina's shoulder in apology.
"Lavender it is. This is supposed to be calming, anyway."
"Perhaps we should choose the lavender. I do feel like throttling you."
Emma laughed, squirting some of the oil in her hand and rubbing it between her palms, heating it up.
"I know. Worst partner ever," Emma tsk-ed, gently easing her hands over Regina's back.
"Awful," Regina moaned, muscles instantly relaxing under Emma's touch.
"I'll hide in a box of shame later."
"After my massage."
"I wouldn't dream of going before."
"Good."
"Because you'd throttle me."
"I would."
"Maybe I'd like it."
Regina didn't respond, so Emma stayed quiet, knowing her girlfriend was too busy enjoying the attention to her aching muscles. She rubbed, stroked, and kneaded Regina's neck, arms, and back, before moving down and paying special attention to her butt, for purely selfless reasons of course. She then moved on to her legs before dropping to her knees at the foot of the bed and focusing on Regina's feet and ankles. Somewhere between her back and bum, Regina had fallen asleep, but Emma continued with her massage until she'd done her entire body.
Once she was satisfied Regina's feet had been properly addressed (and Emma's hands were too sore to continue), she finally got up, tip-toeing to where Regina lay sleeping peacefully. Emma leaned forward and kissed her softly on the cheek before quietly making her way out of the room, gently closing the door.
She made her way to Henry's bathroom and washed her hands, swapping out his hand towel for a new one and drying her hands with the clean one. She then made her way to their son's room, knocking on the door and peeking her head in when he called out.
"I'm going to the store to pick up a couple of things for your mom. Did you need anything or did you want to come along for the ride?"
Henry shook his head, tapping his headphones.
"I'm playing with Nick right now. Um, could you maybe grab some snacks though? I ate all the chips mom bought."
"The ones she bought like three days ago? She bought you a family size bag of chips."
"I was hungry."
"You're gonna get as big as a family if you keep eating that way."
"If I get as big as a family, I promise you can cut me off. Please?"
Emma sighed. She was a sucker for her son, she knew as much. And now, there would be a brand new child to sucker her as well.
"Alright, what do you want?"
"Twizzlers and Cool Ranch Doritos. Oh and maybe a root beer? Thank you!"
"Yeah, yeah. Keep it down though, will you? Your mom is asleep."
"In the middle of the day?" Henry asked, surprised.
"She's growing a human being, kid. It's hard work."
"Fair point. Alright, I'll be quiet."
"Good. If you wake her, she becomes your problem."
Henry grinned.
"Definitely don't want that."
"Nope. Alright, see you soon."
Emma made her way downstairs and out the door, driving herself to Rockwood in order to get Regina's favourite massage oil, as well as a couple of gifts. She'd noticed Regina's feet had been more and more swollen these last couple of weeks, and she'd read that compression socks could help with the pain. So, with some help from the shop keeper, Emma left the store with massage oil, the socks, and a few snacks for their son. She then went to the maternity store for some dresses and a pair of biker shorts that the worker insisted Regina needed, as they provided much needed support for her belly. Emma didn't argue, simply adding it to the pile of things for her girlfriend. She then made one last stop to a department store, grabbing a few more surprises before finally making her way home, stopping only to pick up pizza and some flowers.
By the time she returned, two hours had passed. It took two trips to bring everything into the house, and when she finally went searching, she found Regina curled up on their chair in the living room, watching tv. She entered the room, carrying the pizza and flowers.
"Hi, baby."
Regina looked over and smiled.
"Hello. You've been gone some time."
"Yeah. But if it makes you feel any better, I brought you presents."
Regina's eyes instantly lit up.
"Did you?"
"Yeah," Emma replied, placing the pizza on the coffee table. She kept hold of Regina's roses in her other hand, however. She leaned down to kiss her lover gently on the lips before handing her the bouquet. "For you."
"What's the occasion?"
"I love the hell out of you and wanted to make you smile."
Regina's heart clenched. She smiled brightly in response.
"You make me smile every day."
"Then I'm doing my job," Emma said, leaning down to kiss her again. "I'll just bring the kid his pizza, if that's okay?"
"Of course."
"Are you hungry?"
"Not particularly."
"Okay. I'll put ours in the kitchen."
Emma placed their pizza on the kitchen counter before bringing the other up to her son, along with his bag of snacks. Henry's eyes lit up the same way Regina's had, grinning brightly at his mother and thanking her repeatedly. He turned back to his headphones, enthusiastically telling Nick about the treats he'd been brought, causing Emma to chuckle. He was definitely the perfect balance between her and Regina.
Emma then made her way back downstairs, stopping at the entrance for Regina's gifts before heading back to the living room.
"There's not really any particular order," Emma said, dropping down onto the cuddler chair next to Regina. "And I didn't wrap anything, but I didn't think you'd mind."
Regina simply looked down at the various bags, feeling slightly overwhelmed.
"You bought all of this while I was sleeping?"
Emma nodded.
"I didn't think I'd be gone so long but there was so much to look at and I kept thinking of other things you'd like. I was only planning to be gone an hour."
"Emma, you don't have to buy me things. I already know how much I mean to you. You show me in so many other ways."
Emma smiled at her, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.
"I'm glad you know how much I love you. But, also, let me spoil you? I want to spoil you. You deserve it, and not just because you're carrying my baby, but because I love you."
Regina blinked back tears. Emma was so incredibly thoughtful.
"I love you too."
Emma beamed at her.
"Alright. Let's start with this bag. It's probably the least exciting."
Emma handed over the bag from the first shop she'd visited, depositing it in Regina's lap. Regina carefully reached inside, smiling widely when she pulled out the bottle of shea butter massage oil.
"Now you don't have to throttle me."
"I thought you liked it when I manhandled you," Regina responded, lowering her voice slightly.
"Only on days that end in 'y', baby."
Regina chuckled.
"Thank you for this," she said, indicating the bottle, as well as the other bags.
"Oh, don't start with the thanks yet. You might hate everything I got. See what else is in there."
Regina reached in the bag and pulled out two pairs of socks, frowning in confusion.
"Thank you. They're lovely."
"They're not just regular socks. They're compression socks. I know your feet have been bothering you. I read that these'll help. I can put them on you, for you, if you want."
Regina's heart clenched.
"You are incredibly thoughtful, Emma Swan."
"I just don't like it when you're in pain."
"Nor do I."
"So, hopefully these'll help," Emma said, moving onto her knees and gently guiding the socks over Regina's swollen feet.
Emma took a moment to rub her hands up and down Regina's feet and calves, taking in the look of relief on her girlfriend's face.
"Thank you," Regina replied, tugging at Emma's hand after a moment. "Kiss me."
Emma quickly complied, moving back up to the chair and pressing their lips together.
"Okay, now open the next one," Emma said, as soon as Regina pulled away.
"I think you're more excited than I am."
Emma nodded eagerly.
"Oh, hell yeah. What would you prefer next? Clothes or stuff?"
"You choose."
"Stuff first, clothes last? So you can strip naked and model what I bought and then you'll work up an appetite for pizza."
"I will not be stripping naked in our living room while our son sits upstairs."
"Pfft, the kid is distracted. He won't even notice."
"Still. I will not be stripping naked."
"Half naked?"
"This is not a negotiation."
"Your smiling makes it seem like it kinda is."
"I'm smiling in discomfort."
"My lie detector is screaming at me."
"It appears your lie detector is faulty. Perhaps a change of batteries is in order."
Emma laughed, grabbing the bag of things she'd bought at the department store and handing it over.
"Here."
Regina grinned, peering into the bag, eyes widening at the multitude of items. She first fished out a pair of open-back slippers (Now you can just slide them on. I made sure they had little grippies underneath so you don't slip). Next, she found a couple of face masks (We can do facials! I think it'll be fun) and a box of ginger tea (I know your stomach's been upset lately). There were some bottles of nail polish and hair ties, a few hair pins that Emma stated she thought Regina would like (she did), along with new make-up from Regina's favourite brand.
"Emma, this is too much."
"Regina, trust me when I say it is not enough. I read this morning that your heart literally got bigger over the course of this pregnancy to help pump the extra blood your body is producing for the baby. Like, what the hell? Not to mention that you're exhausted. Your feet hurt all the time. Your back is always sore. You can't even get a good night's sleep because you're so uncomfortable. Trust me. This is nowhere near enough."
Regina looked at Emma for a moment. She never thought, in a million years, she'd ever have someone who looked at and cared for her the way Emma did.
"I would have 100 of your children, Emma, for the way you treat me."
Emma leaned forward and kissed Regina gently, stroking her cheek with her fingertips. She kissed her slowly, gently, savouring the moment of connection between them before leaning up and kissing her forehead.
"I'm gonna need a second job," she murmured against her hairline.
Regina snorted, leaning on Emma's shoulder as she giggled.
"Idiot."
Emma grinned.
"So. I was promised a strip show."
"Yes, well. Unfortunately, the only stripper available is pregnant."
"She's a total smoke show though."
Regina rolled her eyes but got up, a small, pleased smile on her lips. She looked over at the threshold of the living room, waving her hand and veiling the room. If Henry were to look in, he'd see it empty. She'd lift it once she was dressed.
"Really?" Emma asked, excitedly. "You're gonna strip? I can watch?"
"You've seen me undressed countless times, Emma. I do not understand the thrill."
"Your body. Your naked body. And boobs. You're letting me see them. What's not to understand?"
Regina rolled her eyes again, but it was definitely for show. She liked that Emma was so enthusiastic about seeing her undress.
"I won't be removing my bra."
"That's okay. I'm not complaining."
Regina held out her hand for the bag. Emma happily handed it over, Regina reaching inside and pulling out the first dress, holding it up. It was beautiful: light olive in colour, short sleeves with a ruffled hem.
"If you hate it, I kept the gift receipts. We can return what you don't like."
Regina smiled widely at her.
"I love it. It's beautiful. Help me put it on?"
Emma got up immediately.
"Don't have to ask me twice."
She reached out and pulled off Regina's top, then she squatted down and lowered her pants. When Emma stood back up, she helped guide the dress over Regina's head, face softening when she took a step back and got a full view of the outfit.
"You look beautiful, baby."
"Do I?" Regina asked, flattening the dress over her belly. "I need a mirror."
"I'll take a picture."
Emma took out her phone, snapping a quick photo and then showing it to Regina, who grinned happily.
"It does look nice."
"Yes, it does," Emma agreed, kissing her temple and putting the phone away. "Next one?"
Regina nodded in agreement, raising her arms so Emma could remove the dress. She reached into the bag again, fully aware of the green eyes raking over every inch of her exposed flesh. She shimmied her shoulders, knowing that her breasts would bounce, smiling at the laughter Emma let out.
"God, I love you."
Regina grinned up at her from her bent position before straightening and pulling out a second dress, red this time. It was long and flowing, but what stood out most was the plunging neckline.
"I see why you chose this one."
Emma grinned widely.
"Oh, yeah. Even if you don't keep that one, I wanna see you in it."
"I don't see how I'd be able to wear a bra with this dress."
"Oh, no," Emma replied, feigning sadness. "That's too bad. I am both shocked and saddened by this information."
Regina narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, you appear to be heartbroken," she answered flatly.
Regina gave a dramatic sigh before turning around and presenting her back to Emma.
"It appears you will see boobs after all."
"Is it my birthday?!" Emma exclaimed excitedly, reaching out and quickly undoing Regina's bra. She guided it off her shoulders and slowly turned her around, eyes zero-ing in on said breasts. "They're fucking magnificent."
Emma looped the bra on her wrist, letting it slide down to her elbow as she reached out and cupped Regina's breasts, leaning forward and kissing the tops of each one.
"Your boobs are so fucking perfect," Emma complimented, kissing them softly a few more times before gently releasing them. Regina had been more tender lately, so Emma hadn't gotten the chance to touch them often.
Regina shook her head at the sheer happiness on Emma's face.
"You are easily amused."
"Simple minds and all that. Do you need help getting the dress on?"
Regina nodded, slipping in her arms through the arm holes when Emma held up the dress for her. She tucked her head down as Emma guided the dress, smiling to herself as Emma reached under the neckline and gently swooped out her hair. Emma then guided the dress down, taking a step back and giving her a look that Regina knew was pure appreciation.
Emma whistled.
"God damn, Regina. You are hot."
Regina tugged at the bust, trying to place her breasts properly. It was difficult without a mirror.
"Let me help."
She let her hands fall to her sides as Emma carefully tucked the top of the dress around her breasts, fiddling with the cinching just underneath. Regina smirked as Emma was very precise with her adjustments, despite the fact that the dress would momentarily be removed in order to wash it.
"There. Perfect."
Emma took a step back, nodding to herself. Regina did look absolutely stunning. She took a couple of photos before stepping forward to show her lover, who scrutinised them closely before finally agreeing that she also liked it.
"This could be the perfect nursing dress. You know, just pull one out and boom, right into the baby's mouth."
"I'm sure that's exactly what you had in mind when you made this purchase."
"Obviously. I'm only ever thinking of you."
"Well, that is true," Regina responded. Emma really did think of her often.
"It was maybe a little bit for me too."
Regina snorted.
"I'm sure, dear. I believe you've one more garment in there?"
"Yeah, it's a pair of shorts. Maybe you can wear them under your dresses or with a shirt or something. Or under your pants. I know it's cold out. The lady said these help support your belly so it's less heavy."
Regina smiled softly.
"Thank you. I will certainly require your help, however. I haven't seen my feet in weeks."
Emma laughed loudly, Regina watching her in amusement. It was true. Emma had had to shave her legs, paint her toes, and help her put on socks as Regina could no longer do it herself.
"Okay, baby. I think I can do that."
Emma grabbed the biker shorts from the bag, tucking them between her knees as she reached out and guided the dress off of Regina's body. She then knelt down before her girlfriend, waiting as Regina held her shoulders and lift a leg. Emma slipped on one side, then the other, gently guiding it up and over Regina's belly.
"There. How's it feel?"
Regina took a step back, standing still for a moment before ultimately walking around the room.
"They don't seem to remove any weight, but I do feel better supported."
"Do they feel okay?"
Regina nodded. It was like wearing spanx, really. Her belly felt held tight, so it wasn't moving as much, which seemed to help her back.
"Is there anything you don't like?" Emma asked, as she knelt down and removed the shorts. "Honestly. If there's anything you don't want to keep, I'm happy to exchange it for something else."
"No, Emma. I love everything you bought. Thank you. This was an incredibly thoughtful gesture."
Emma guided Regina's pants up her body before grabbing the shirt she'd been wearing and helping her put it back on.
"Thank you," Regina said, leaning forward and kissing her.
"You're welcome. Why don't I go get that pizza and put this stuff away? Then we can just spend the evening here together and cuddle."
"That sounds wonderful, darling. A perfect evening."
Emma nodded in agreement.
And it was.
