"Okay, but like, what if it's tastefully done?"

"There is no such thing, Emma. You will not."

"But it's my body. I can do what I want with it."

"It is, but if you would like me to touch said body ever again-"

"I do."

"Then you will not paint over the beautiful canvas that you were blessed with."

"You think I'm a beautiful canvas?"

"Of course I do. A beautiful canvas that will be put for sale if you dare tattoo the words 'baby daddy' anywhere on it."

Emma laughed loudly, grinning at Regina, who smiled playfully at her. They had been bantering back and forth for the better part of the afternoon, Regina having woken up feeling light, playful, and Emma had taken full advantage.

"Okay, but what if I-" Emma halted speaking the second she saw Regina's face fall, watching as the woman lay a hand on her stomach. "Regina?"

"Oh," Regina panted, doubling over.

"Baby?"

Emma immediately got up from the couch, darting over to Regina. Regina looked up, eyes wide.

"Emma."

Emma immediately grabbed Regina's elbow, searching her face.

"Are you okay? Are you having a contraction?"

Regina's brows furrowed, and she breathed heavily. She shook her head slowly.

"I-I don't think so. I believe this is another false alarm."

She'd had them a couple of times already, the doctor having warned Regina at their last check-up that this was normal. Her body was preparing to give birth, the doctor had said. Even though this had happened a few times already, the pain still made Regina's heart race. Though, this being the third time it happened, Regina felt far less scared this time than she had the first.

Regina breathed slowly, gripping Emma's wrist as she rode out the wave of discomfort. It felt like someone had wrapped a drawstring around her belly and was tightening it uncomfortably. It stole her breath, the way her belly tightened, the pressure unyielding during those moments. It wasn't exactly painful, but it was very, very uncomfortable. And, admittedly, a little frightening.

"You're okay, baby. I'm right here."

Emma had been a pillar of strength, by her side during every one of her false alarms, which greatly eased Regina's anxiety. She'd been calm, rubbing her back and speaking gently to her. And when Regina whimpered, Emma held her close, encouraging her, reminding her that she was not alone. Regina had taken great comfort from her calm lover, the woman's strength soothing her.

Emma, for her part, panicked internally every single time Regina had Braxton Hicks. She was so worried about her, feeling guilt every time Regina was in pain. However, she had read repeatedly that she needed to be calm, that she needed to keep her cool, so that she could be a supportive partner. Emma always pushed down her fear, taking deep breaths and focusing on Regina, on supporting her, on doing whatever she could to make her feel better. And the more Emma calmed herself, convinced herself that Regina was fine, that everything was fine, the more she believed it. And she could see the effect she had on Regina, so Emma continued the mantra in her mind that she's okay, this is normal, her body knows what to do.

By the time the false contractions passed, Regina was exhausted. She leaned heavily on Emma, who wrapped her arms around her and held her close. Emma tugged her to the couch, pulling her into her arms and holding her close.

"Are you okay?"

Regina nodded.

"I'm fine, Emma. I promise. Now that the pain has passed, I feel alright."

Emma kissed her temple, guilt filling her belly.

"I'm sorry."

Regina looked up, brows furrowing.

"For what?"

"For doing this to you. I know I've been… joking throughout the pregnancy that I 'did this' to you, but I really did do it to you. And now… you're suffering and when you go into labour for real, you'll be in excruciating pain. And I what? I get to stand by and get off scot free. It's not fair."

Regina's eyes softened. She leaned up and kissed Emma's jaw, shaking her head in disagreement.

"It is far worse to be watching from the side, helpless. I know you'd take the pain from me in a second if you could."

Emma nodded vehemently.

"I would. I wish I could."

"I know, darling. As would I, if you were in pain."

Emma kissed her temple, rubbing her arm with her hand.

"I'm sorry there isn't more I can do," Emma asked, then paused for a moment. Now was the perfect opportunity to check in, to ask if Regina needed anything. "Or, is there? What else can I do to make you feel better? Is there anything I'm doing that bugs you?"

Regina smiled softly, leaning her head on Emma's clavicle and enjoying her touches.

"Your presence is all I need Emma. You are immensely comforting to me. You're so calm and I… I need that. I trust my body to know what to do. It's why I never wanted a 'birthing plan' or to attend the classes they suggest here. We didn't have such things in the Enchanted Forest. My body will know what to do, and I trust myself and my instincts. They've usually guided me well in the past. I have heard that some women become so delirious with pain or discomfort that lose focus on anything besides wanting to remove the baby, that they revert to their baser instincts. If I do, I trust myself to look inward to find what I need."

"Are you afraid of losing it like that? Of feeling so much pain that you aren't able to control yourself?"

"No. I am accustomed to pain. I don't think I'll lose control."

This type of pain was foreign to Regina, but she'd been attacked repeatedly in her life. She had survived all types of torture, of agonising pain, and she'd developed a way of retreating into herself if the pain became too great.

"Does it bother you to think you'll be going through this with an audience?" Emma asked curiously.

"What do you mean?"

"Labour. Like, there'll be nurses and the doctor and probably other random people around."

Regina shook her head.

"I'm of no interest to them, except perhaps those who are caring for me. The others, they're used to seeing women in labour. I'm just another face to them. No one knows me in Portland, which is exactly what I wanted."

"Good. I was worried you'd feel… self-conscious. In case, like, you decide to give birth naked."

Emma had read that some women decide to strip down entirely and give birth without any clothes. Frankly, Emma didn't care, as long as Regina was safe and comfortable. She was supportive of whatever Regina wanted.

"The idea of nudity here is taboo. Nudity, in the Enchanted Forest, was normal. It wasn't scandalous. Bodies were not hidden. I'm truly not concerned about being naked in front of anyone on the maternity ward. Or anyone else for that matter."

Emma nodded. She did know that the idea of being naked was normal for those who had grown up in the Enchanted Forest. She had seen her mother naked way too many times when they'd been roommates. After the curse had lifted, Snow had confided to her that she always found it strange that Emma was so uncomfortable with nudity. For Emma, it was strange to her that her mother would be so at ease with being entirely undressed in front of a stranger. They'd had a good laugh afterwards, and Emma had been relieved when her mother agreed to start wearing clothes around the loft.

"Okay. Good. Is there anything that I'm doing that you don't like? Or something… something that you know you won't want me to do? I'll keep it on my radar."

"Don't tell me to calm down or stay quiet or criticise me. I would like to think that I'll keep my composure, but the truth is, I'm not certain that I will. I've never done this before."

Emma's eyes widened, appalled.

"I would never."

Regina smiled softly at Emma's horrified tone.

"I don't believe you would, either. But I have heard stories of husbands… hushing qtheir wives or telling them they are embarrassing them. I don't want you to-to criticise me during such a vulnerable moment. I need your support."

Emma nodded.

"I promise you, Regina, I would never."

"I didn't think you would. But, you did ask what I didn't want you to do."

Emma chuckled against her hair, pressing her lips to the crown of her head.

"I did. You're right."

"I usually am."

"You're right about that, too."

"I know."

Emma chuckled again, delighted that Regina was still feeling playful.

Regina snuggled in closer, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She could feel her body relax as Emma's familiar scent filled her nostrils, her heartbeat slowing as she rested against her lover. It was incredible just how much of a physical reaction Emma could stir in her, her muscles relaxing almost instantly the second Emma started stroking her back.

"Emma, I… I don't know if you understand how much comfort I draw from you," Regina started, suddenly feeling the need to tell Emma just how much she meant to her. "Am I worried about giving birth? Of course. I'm worried that something will happen to the baby. I'm worried something may happen to me. I'm concerned that someone may come and steal our baby, as irrational as that fear may be. But those fears, they're appeased knowing that you will be there with me, that you'll do everything in your power to watch over me and the baby, and I know that you'll protect the baby after I've given birth. I can't imagine I'll be in a position to do so myself, but I know that you will, and you'd give your life for our child. You've no idea how comforting that is to me."

"I would, without a second of hesitation, Regina."

"I know that, darling. Which is why, despite my anxieties, I do feel a sense of calm because I know you'll be there with me. But, I do know… Emma, after I give birth, I will want you to follow the baby. I will not want you to let the baby leave your eyesight. The baby isn't even born, yet I feel a violent need to protect our child. I will need you to make sure the baby doesn't leave our side. If they take the baby to be weighed or to be observed, I need you to leave me and follow our child."

Emma nodded. She could hear in Regina's tone just how important that request was to her.

"I will. I promise you that."

"Okay. I need to know you'll be with the baby or else I won't be able to rest. I already know that I'll be distressed until our child is in my arms."

Hearing the anxiety in Regina's voice made Emma wrap her arms more securely around her.

"I won't let anything happen to the baby. I promise you."

"Okay. I know. I do know that, Emma. I just needed to hear you say it."

"Of course," Emma said softly, kissing her temple. "I'm not the one giving birth, but I feel just as protective over you and over our kids, sweetheart."

Regina couldn't help the smile on her face.

"Kids, plural."

Emma nodded.

"Crazy, right? Kids. Can't believe we're going to be raising another one together. Imagine if we went back to that first day I arrived and told our past selves, surprise! I know you hate each other right now and you're fighting over Henry, but guess what? You're going to fall in love and have more together."

Regina laughed softly.

"I'd have thrown a fireball at your face."

Emma laughed along with her.

"I'd have deserved it. I didn't even ask your permission to knock you up."

"Maybe not," Regina conceded, stroking Emma's arm. "But I'm very glad that you did, Emma. I have no regrets. I'm incredibly happy."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, Emma. I've always wanted more children. Raising Henry has been the single most fulfilling thing I've ever done with my life, and if he had been the only one, I would have been content. He is more than enough. He's the best part of both of us and I love him fiercely. But, I admit, I always wanted several children. I cannot describe the joy I feel knowing that I will have the opportunity to raise another child. And with a partner, this time. With you."

Emma placed her index finger under Regina's chin and tilted her head, bending down until their lips met in a chaste kiss. She pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, noting the tears that gathered in Regina's.

"I love you so much."

Regina's eyes softened, her heart feeling like it was melting in her chest.

"And I you, Emma. You do need to stop being so wonderful, however."

"What? Why?"

"Because I haven't even given birth to this child and yet you make me want to have more with you."

Emma chuckled.

"You're sexy as hell all the time, Regina, but even more so when you're carrying my baby. So, don't threaten me with a good time."

Regina grinned.

"I'd love to have more," Emma said sincerely, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Regina's ear. "As long as the birth goes smoothly."

"As would I. Continue to treat me so well, and we'll have a dozen children."

The way Emma's eyes went misty made Regina's belly clench.

"I always wanted a family. Can't believe I got this lucky. Can't believe I got you."

Regina smirked.

"Some would call that a negative prize."

Emma's expression shifted, turning serious.

"You are not a negative prize, Regina. You are the very best thing to happen to me and to these children. Don't say things like that. How d'you think it'd feel for Henry to hear you say that about his mother? He loves you to pieces. I love you to pieces. Jokes like that aren't funny, sweetheart. Please stop saying them."

Regina, properly chastised, nodded.

"I'm sorry, darling. I'm not accustomed to someone coming to my defense so frequently. I was teasing, I promise."

"I think a little part of you meant it," Emma argued gently, kissing her cheek to soften her words. "I don't like it. When you say it out loud, you're reinforcing some of the words floating in your head. You're hearing yourself say it. It just… it reinforces the thought, even if it's to yourself. I don't want the mother of my children thinking she's lesser than. Because, she's not. You're amazing, Regina. Our kids are so, incredibly lucky to have you. And so am I."

Regina, whose heart felt swollen in her chest, wiped at the tears that fell. She shifted, nuzzling into Emma's throat. The way Emma saw her, loved her, made Regina feel like the luckiest woman on the entire planet. She'd never dared hope for this kind of love. She never thought she'd ever be worthy.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too, baby."

Regina swallowed hard, taking slow, deep breaths in order to avoid crying harder. She felt incredibly emotional, moved beyond words with what Emma had just said to her. She closed her eyes, reveling in the way that Emma touched her, soothed her, enjoying her gentle affection until she felt peaceful again. Regina then pulled away, just enough to look Emma in the eyes.

"You know that I feel the same way, don't you? That I adore you beyond all measure, Emma. You are… I could never have hoped to find someone as wonderful, as loving and attentive, as you. I never believed I ever would. Some days, I cannot believe that you… that I am so lucky to have found someone like you, Emma. I never could have dreamed-"

Regina cut herself off, emotions stirring up again and catching like a knot in her throat. She looked into Emma's eyes, searching them, imploring her to see just what she mean to her. Luckily, it seemed that Emma understood because she nodded, her own eyes swimming with tears.

"Yeah, baby. I know," Emma said softly, leaning forward to kiss her. "I know."

"Good. I am incredibly lucky, Emma. And I am well aware of the fact. I adore you, darling."

Emma smiled, her belly filling with warmth. She did know that Regina loved her. Regina proved it every time she looked at her, every time she subconsciously reached out for her when they were standing near one another, every time she returned from the grocery store with bags full of snacks that Emma liked. Emma knew that Regina felt safe with her as well, because the woman searched for her when she felt worried, sought her gaze in a crowd full of people, shoulders visibly relaxing when Emma smiled at her. And the same was true for Emma, who couldn't sleep unless a part of her was touching Regina, whose entire body calmed when Regina was near her.

"You're going to tell me when you go into labour, right? Like, if I'm at work or I'm sleeping or something, you're going to tell me right away, right?"

"Well, if it's the middle of the night, and the contractions are far apart-"

"No," Emma immediately interrupted. "No. The second you feel pain, Regina, I want to know. We made this baby together and we're going to go through this labour together. Well, as much as we can. I don't want you doing any of this alone, okay? So please promise me, the second you have contractions, you'll tell me."

Regina looked up at Emma, at Emma's imploring expression. Never before had she had a partner who was so supportive.

"Promise me, Regina."

"Alright, darling. I promise."

"Good."

They cuddled quietly on the couch, Regina closing her eyes and enjoying Emma's gentle attention, focusing on just how good it felt to have the other woman's hands on her, stroking up and down her back, her arm. Never had another's touch been so soothing, so comforting. Regina basked in Emma's attention, sighing happily.

"Emma? I was thinking…"

"About?"

"I named Henry."

"You did," Emma confirmed. "And you did a great job. The name suits him."

"Thank you. But I was thinking that you should name this baby."

Emma stayed quiet, stunned.

"What?"

"You should name this child, Emma."

"I'm not- I can't name the baby. That's what our kid will be called for the rest of its life. What if I make a horrible choice?"

"I won't allow you to name our child something idiotic. But I've been thinking about it. I think you should choose the name. We don't know if we'll have any more-"

"We want more. I'll name the next one."

"This is the next one. And although we would like to have more, perhaps it won't happen. I may not fall pregnant again, and this may be our last child. I'd like you to name this baby because if you don't, and this is indeed our last, you'll never have had the opportunity to name one of our children."

"I'm not keeping score, Regina. Besides, what if you hate me forever for picking the wrong name?"

"I don't have a name in mind, darling, so there isn't a 'right' or 'wrong' answer. I'd like you to choose our child's name, unless you don't want to."

"No," Emma said quickly. "It's not that. It's just, it's a lot of pressure. And you're the one doing all the hard work. You grew this baby and you're the one who will give it life. You should get to name it."

"I am, in a sense. I do intend to give you my opinion, and I won't allow you to choose a name that I despise."

Emma hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip.

"You're sure?"

Regina nodded.

"I am, darling. I've been thinking about it. I'd like you to choose."

The longer Emma sat there in silence, the wider her grin grew.

"Have you come around to the idea?" Regina finally asked, noticing Emma's expression.

"I've never named anything before. Except maybe a teddy bear. I've never even considered that maybe one day I'd get to name… my kid."

And the expression on Emma's face, the wonder and awe in her voice, that was why Regina had wanted her to name their child. Emma was so loving and caring and wonderful and supportive and she never asked or expected anything in return. She gave so much. Regina wanted Emma to have this opportunity, for she had strongly suspected Emma would like it.

"You can name your child; however, you are not permitted to teach this child to be as insufferable as you are," Regina teased. "I only have patience enough for one of you."

Emma laughed into Regina's hair, shaking her head.

"You're such an asshole. I hope this kid is exactly like me."

Regina stayed quiet for a second.

"I'll be leaving to purchase some milk."

Emma snorted.

"Need a pack of smokes too?"

"Two packs."

Emma wrapped her arms around Regina, still giggling.

"God, I love you. You know, I'm so lucky to have you. I'm lucky to be with you. And there's literally not one other person I'd want raising my kids. You teach me how to be a better person every single day, Regina. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. You are literally the reason I feel happy and safe and comfortable. You're my everything."

Regina turned to bury her face in Emma's neck, crying softly as she held tightly to Emma's arms. She couldn't respond, moved beyond words by Emma's declaration. Emma was far more romantic than Regina would ever have expected, and this pregnancy made her far more emotional than she'd ever been in the past.

"I love you, baby," Emma continued. "You're literally one of the best people I know. I've never had this with anyone else, this family. This sense of belonging. This safety. And it's all because of you. Because you're so loving and loyal and protective. And you're crazy patient with me. I know other people see you differently. You just… you hide these parts of yourself. But you're wonderful and you're beautiful and you're funny and sassy and just… incredible. I love you just the way you are. I wouldn't change anything about you, Regina."

Regina wept in Emma's arms, her words washing over her and settling deep in her soul. She leaned heavily on Emma, who murmured soothing things in her ear, who rubbed her back so gently, who pressed soft kisses anywhere she could reach.

"You are so good to me, Emma Swan."

"I love the shit out of you, Regina."

Regina let out a soft laugh.

"I've gathered that. I feel as though I don't have the words to describe how I feel. But I want you to know, Emma Swan, that your feelings are quite mutual."

Emma pulled away just enough to meet her gaze. She swiped at Regina's cheeks, wiping away her tears.

"You're everything I've ever wanted, baby."

Regina sighed, tilting her head and kissing Emma softly on the chin. She then rested her head on her shoulder, closing her eyes.

"I've cried far too much today."

Emma smiled softly, once again stroking her back.

"Sorry, sweetheart."

Regina shook her head.

"No. It… it was nice to hear your thoughts."

"Good. Cause I meant what I said."

"I know. And you do know the feeling is mutual, yes?"

"I do. You show me all the time what I mean to you."

"Good."

"You okay?"

"I am. Thank you, darling."

"Okay."

Regina held onto Emma, nuzzling into her side, laying soft kisses on her skin. She reveled in Emma's unwavering attention, sighing happily.

"So, you're really gonna let me name this baby? You trust me enough for that?"

"There is a reason I included fine print in our agreement: I will be approving or rejecting the names as I see fit."

Emma chuckled.

"Fair enough," she replied, before gently slipping away from Regina and coming down to kneel in front of her on the floor. "Alright, baby, we need to have a conversation. We still don't have a name for you and you're due in like four weeks. Do you have your own name picked out? Did you hear a name these past 36 weeks that maybe piqued your interest?"

Regina bit her bottom lip, grinning as Emma spoke so seriously to her belly. She felt the baby kick when Emma placed her hands on her stomach, heart warming at the way their child reacted to its other mother.

"Why do we name babies before we know their personalities? Maybe I'll name you something like Ben but then we learn your personality and you're more like a Ryder or a Finley and your name doesn't suit you."

Emma leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss to Regina's belly.

"Are you even a boy? What if you're a girl? I wonder what you're going to be like," Emma mused. "Are you going to look like me? I hope you look like your mom. She's gorgeous."

Emma's eyes darted up for a second, grinning at Regina, before looking back down.

"It doesn't matter what you look like. What's important is that you act just like me. Your brother is way too much like your mom. I need someone to mentor. You're gonna have my personality, aren't you?"

"Not if I have anything to do with it," Regina interjected, smile on her lips. "This child will be just like me."

"Lord, help me. I'm already outnumbered."

Regina laughed, stroking her fingers through Emma's hair. Emma smiled up at Regina again before leaning forward and kissing her belly.

"I'll love you no matter what," Emma promised, speaking to Regina's belly. She then moved back, looking up at Regina. "We should pack your hospital bag," Emma stated. "We've been meaning to do that."

Regina nodded. They had been meaning to do that.

"Alright. Help me up. We've also been meaning to clean the shower."

"By 'we' you mean me, don't you?" Emma groaned, gently pulling Regina into a standing position.

"Such a smart princess," Regina said lightly, patting her cheek.