"It's Christmas, Emma. My Christmas gift should be that I do not have to see your mother on this day."
Emma rolled her eyes. Regina and Snow had actually been getting along rather well lately, despite Regina's insistence that she was merely tolerating the other woman. But there was more than one afternoon where she came home to find her mother having tea with Regina (she brought me lunch, Emma. It would have been rude to turn her away.) or, alternatively, where she came home to an empty house, only to find that Regina was at the loft (Boo was asking for me. I wouldn't want to disappoint him by not attending.). Or the most incriminating time, when Emma had walked into her mother's home and noticed a brand new painting on her wall, provided by none other than Regina (Your mother has atrocious taste, Emma. I was testing my theory that she'll hang anything in her home. She's proven it by hanging that hideous painting in her living room). Except the painting was beautiful (a pair of finches sitting curled up on a tree branch, a light dusting of snow on their bodies), and her mother had loved it. And the way Regina smiled every time Snow thanked her for the painting was all the more damning.
So, no. Emma knew Regina wasn't simply "tolerating" her mother. But she also knew that Regina wouldn't just out and admit that she liked Snow's company.
Curse the thought.
"Well, you better accept your fate cause we're already here."
Henry had been sent to his grandparents' after he'd already opened his gifts at home. They'd sent him just over an hour ago in order to help Snow prepare dinner, giving the women extra time to get ready before they joined the rest of the family.
"You're lucky I love you as much as I do."
Emma nodded quickly.
"That, I definitely don't contest."
Emma parked the car and made her way over to Regina's side, eyes narrowing when she found the door already opened.
"Oh no, that's not how this works. Put your feet back in there," Emma scolded, guiding Regina's legs back in the vehicle. She closed the door, waiting a minute, and then opened the door, staring pointedly. "There. Now, you can get out."
Regina rolled her eyes, taking Emma's hand and allowing herself to be helped out of the vehicle.
"I'm not an invalid, Emma."
"No, you're a queen. And no queen of mine will be opening doors for herself, especially not when she's pregnant. Doors are heavy."
"Oh my God-"
"No, no. I am no God. Just a mere peasant in love with her queen."
Regina shook her head, walking towards the loft.
"I am leaving you now," Regina called back.
Emma hurriedly pulled the laundry basket of gifts from the trunk, jogging to catch up.
"Of course, your majesty. Just as long as you allow me to open doors for you on your way out."
Emma laughed when Regina shoved at her playfully, her own grin on her lips. She did enjoy when Emma was playful like this, bringing lightness in Regina's life that had been lacking for so many years.
They made their way up the flight of stairs, Emma knocking loudly and taking a step back. Snow opened the door wide, grinning when she saw who was standing on the other side.
"Regina! Emma! Merry Christmas!"
Snow pulled both women inside, hugging them fiercely. She then dropped to Regina's stomach, smiling widely.
"And Merry Christmas to you, baby. I can't wait to celebrate with you next year." Snow stood, helping Regina with her coat as she continued speaking. "I already bought the baby an outfit for next year."
"She bought several," Charming interrupted, joining them at the entrance and kissing his daughter's cheek.
"Well, we don't know if it's a boy or a girl. We need options, husband of mine."
Charming grabbed the laundry basket from Emma before moving to Regina, the two exchanging a look. Regina did like Emma's father, nearly always had. He had far more sense than his wife, and he was so good to Emma. He was an excellent father, and that was what endeared him most to Regina.
"Moms! You're finally here."
The women approached the kitchen, Emma's hand stroking at Regina's lower back as they approached their son.
"Finally? It's only been like an hour, kid. Did you miss us that much?"
"Yep. And grandma and grandpa told me we can't open presents until you got here."
"Ah, that's what it is."
The boy simply grinned at his mothers. Meanwhile, Emma looked around the loft.
"So, where's my brother?"
"He's taking a short nap. It's been a very exciting morning for him."
Emma looked over to the living room, which was filled with toys and bits of wrapping paper. A Christmas tree sat in the corner, lights blinking merrily. There were stockings hung up and a stuffed Santa sat in a corner. A felt Christmas tree hung on the wall at Boo's eye level, clearly there for him to play with. Her heart clenched at the scene.
She should have had this. This should have been her childhood too, one filled with happiness and gifts and Christmas traditions and family. She should have woken up on Christmas morning and raced to her parents' room, waking them up to see what Santa had brought her. She should have eagerly run to a beautifully decorated tree and ripped open presents, excitedly showing the gifts to two adoring parents.
But she hadn't. Her childhood had been nothing like that.
Emma was happy for her brother. She absolutely was. She was grateful he got the childhood she did not. She was also grateful that Regina had given Henry what Emma knew she could not provide for her son. Not back then. And she was doggedly determined to give their baby the childhood that Emma had so desperately wanted too. But as she made her way over to her parents' living room and stood there, staring at the mountain of toys and clothes, the scraps of wrapping paper littered on the floor, she couldn't help a pang of sadness for the little girl within her who should have had this as well.
Regina, who had noticed Emma's change in mood, watched her lover's gaze turn to the living room. She had known exactly what Emma was thinking. She waited for a moment, watching as her girlfriend made her way to the living room, waiting to see what she needed. She watched closely as the emotions played across Emma's face, finally spurred into action when she saw the tears gathering in Emma's eyes.
Regina made her way over, standing before Emma, reaching out and taking her hand.
"Emma?"
She startled, Regina's voice ripping her from her thoughts.
"Will you come to the bathroom with me for a moment?"
Regina tugged on her fingers, not waiting for a reply. When she'd safely closed the door behind them, she immediately pulled Emma into her arms. Emma snuggled in close, closing her eyes. The action caused her tears to spill down her cheeks, Regina tightening her hold when she felt wetness against her skin.
"I know, darling."
"I'm okay," Emma whispered. "I'm fine."
"It's okay to not be fine for a moment, Emma," Regina replied, guilt gnawing deep in her chest. "I'm sorry. This should have been your childhood too. I'm so sorry-"
"Don't. It's not your fault. I don't blame anyone but my parents."
"It's not entirely their fault, Emma. I didn't leave them a choice-"
"There was always a choice," Emma snapped, tensing as soon as the sharp words came out. "Sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say it that way at you."
"It's alright. This isn't easy for you."
Emma pulled away, shifting to sit on the bathtub, wiping at her cheeks. She looked up at Regina, who was looking down at her from against the sink. She was so observant, so supportive.
"You didn't deserve that. I'm sorry."
"We're okay, Emma. No harm was done. I'm more concerned about you and what happened out there."
Emma shrugged, looking down at the bathroom floor.
"I'm just sad. I'm happy for my brother. I'm so grateful to you for doing that for Henry," Emma said, indicating in the direction of the living room with her chin before looking back up at Regina, "and I'm looking forward to all the Christmases and events that we'll have with Henry in the future. And I'm really looking forward to all the memories we are going to give to this baby. I want our kids to have the best memories. To never feel the way you and I felt growing up."
"I'm sorry, darling. I wish you'd have had the same childhood your brother is getting."
"You too, Regina. You should have had this too, celebrating the holidays that you guys had in the Enchanted Forest." Emma shook her head. "Your mother was a sadistic piece of shit. She never deserved a daughter as amazing as you. My parents, they failed me in a different way. They just chucked me into a different world all on my own so that I would save them. Who does that! I'd never sacrifice my own kid to save myself. Just throw my baby into an unknown abyss and hope for the best. Are you kidding? I gave up Henry so he'd have his best chance, because I knew it wasn't with me. You're supposed to do what's best for your kid. Even if it fucking feels like your heart is being ripped out of your chest, you do it. Because it's what's best for them.
"But you and I? We didn't have that. Mine just threw me out. And your mom? She kept you, but she tortured you. And she used you, sacrificed you, so that she could elevate her own status. It's fucked up. It's all so fucked up."
Regina could see the way Emma was working herself up, so she took a step forward until she was standing directly in front of Emma. She then held out her hand. Emma took it willingly, Regina guiding that hand, along with the other, until Emma's arms were wrapped around her middle, head resting on her belly. Regina then encircled her arms around Emma's shoulders, holding her close.
"You would never do what they did, Emma. I know that. You have been a wonderful mother, right from the start. You put Henry up for adoption because you knew you could not care for him the way he needed to be cared for. You knew he'd have his best chance with someone who could provide for him in a way you could not. That is love. That is being a parent."
"I didn't do so well with this one," Emma responded self-deprecatingly, nuzzling Regina's belly.
"We aren't dwelling on our past decisions, Emma, especially one that lasted but a moment. Yes, you made mistakes. Heaven knows I have made thousands of mistakes in the course of my life. You were frightened, and you acted poorly. But it's in the past. No harm came of it."
"I hurt you."
"You did, momentarily. But you've righted that wrong. Several times over, in fact. The important thing is that you are here now, and I know that you aren't going anywhere. And even more importantly, the baby will never know what happened. You haven't ruined anything, Emma."
Emma pulled back just enough to look in Regina's eyes.
"Thank you."
Instead of responding, Regina leaned forward and kissed Emma's forehead.
"How do you know though, for sure?" Emma asked, a hint of insecurity in her voice. "That I'm not going anywhere? Because it's true. I'm never going anywhere ever again, not unless you and Henry are going there too. But, how do you feel so confident?"
Emma worried that she'd irreparably shaken their foundation of trust. She'd hurt Regina so badly.
"I know you, Emma," Regina replied softly, reassuringly. "It's as simple as that. Just as you always know when I'm lying, I know you. I know your character. It won't happen again, I am sure of it. We're okay."
Emma gave a small smile.
"I worry sometimes that it'll always be in the back of your mind."
"I've grown as well, Miss Swan. I'm no longer in the habit of holding grudges."
"You knew where I was going with that thought."
"I did," Regina said, sharing a small laugh with her lover. "I told you: I know you."
"Sorry."
"Don't be. It's true. I did hold grudges. For decades, in fact."
"I'm glad that's not the case anymore. I'd be screwed."
"More importantly, you wouldn't be. Not by me, in any case."
Emma grinned widely then.
"And that would be a travesty. You have a fantastic ass."
Regina raised an eyebrow.
"Travesty. That's quite a big word for someone so small."
"Says the one who's smaller than me."
Regina dropped a hand to her belly.
"Not smaller than you anymore."
"That's all baby," Emma replied, her hand coming to rest on Regina's.
They shared a smile again, their fingers interlacing.
"Are you alright?"
"I am," Emma assured her, tugging her down so that Regina was sitting next to her on the side of the tub. "Thank you. For this talk and for making me feel better."
Regina reached out with her free hand and cupped the back of Emma's head, guiding her to her lips. They kissed slowly, Regina pouring all of her affection into it, hoping Emma could feel just how much she meant to her.
"I love you," Emma whispered, when they finally pulled apart. "Like, I love the absolute shit out of you, Regina. I don't think I've ever felt this strongly about anyone, ever. Actually, I know I haven't. I can't do any of this without you. You're my rock."
Tears gathered in Regina's eyes, despite the fact that she tried very hard to keep them at bay. Damn her pregnancy hormones.
"And you are mine, Emma. I was so frightened without you. Before you. But since you, everything has changed. I feel safe. For the first time in my life, I feel safe. You've no idea what that means to me."
"Actually, I do," Emma said with a smile, kissing her forehead.
"You do, don't you?" Regina agreed, nodding against her lips.
"I do, and I can't describe how happy that makes me."
"Girls?" Snow interrupted, knocking at the door. "Everything okay?"
"Girls?" Regina whispered, narrowing her eyes at the door. "I'm older than she is!"
Emma snorted.
"Yeah, mom. We're good. Just give us a second."
Emma pulled away from Regina after giving her another quick kiss, turning to the mirror and swiping under her eyes. Regina took a moment to do the same, grabbing a tissue to swipe at the mascara that had run. When both women were satisfied they looked presentable, they exchanged one final kiss and opened the door.
"There you are!" Snow exclaimed, still waiting by the door. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah, ma. You guys were gone a long time."
"Maybe I was trying to give you another baby brother or sister," Emma sassed.
"Oh, no. That's-" Henry immediately began pretending to gag.
"Emma!" Snow replied, scandalised, smacking her husband when he began laughing.
"Really, mom?" Henry complained, turning to Regina. "She's the one you picked? Out of all of women out in the world? Her? You have terrible taste."
"Be careful, Henry. I also picked you."
"I thought mister Gold picked me."
Rather than respond, Regina simply ruffled his hair.
"Mom!" Henry whined, pulling away.
"I think it's time to wake Neal," Snow interrupted, looking at the clock.
Regina glanced at Emma, who turned away at the sound of her brother's name. Emma was getting better, no longer visibly flinching or walking away entirely when his name was mentioned, but she still struggled.
"Why don't Emma and I go?" Regina replied, taking Emma's hand.
"Oh! Yes, he'd love that," Snow said happily. "He just loves you, Regina."
"Well, baby bro and I have that in common," Emma said, turning to Regina and kissing the back of her hand.
They headed up the stairs, both missing the adoring smile on Snow's face.
"They're so gross," Henry commented, going back to peeling potatoes.
"I think it's sweet. Aren't you happy they got together?"
Henry nodded.
"I am. But like, I don't need to see it every five minutes."
"No?" Charming asked, approaching his wife and wrapping his arms around her middle. "Wouldn't want to see this, then?" He asked, kissing her. "Or this? Or this?"
Snow giggled as Charming kissed her between questions, both adults grinning as Henry made grossed out noises. They then turned on him, wrapping him in their arms and kissing his cheeks.
"Oh, gross! You guys were just kissing each other!"
Henry tried to wiggle free, laughing when his grandparents held on tighter and kissed his cheeks. He wasn't entirely serious; he really did like that both his mothers and his grandparents were happy, that they'd found their true loves. But, he was also a little serious about not needing to see it all the time.
Henry was thankfully saved from his grandparents when his mothers returned, little Neal clutching his mom around the neck, burrowed in close. Henry smiled. Neal was really cute, and he remembered cuddling up to his mom that way when he was little too. She was a really good cuddler. He hoped his little brother or sister liked to cuddle too. He was looking forward to getting to hold the baby once it was born.
"Hi, baby," Snow cooed, running her fingers through her son's hair. "Did you have a good nap?"
The boy turned in Regina's arms, whining at the harsh lights. Regina chuckled, pulling his blanket up and tighter around his back.
"Alright, sweetheart. Maybe when you're a little more awake, we can talk."
Snow went back to the kitchen, standing beside Henry and chopping the potatoes he had peeled. Regina joined them, sitting on a bar stood and rubbing Boo's back comfortingly. She remembered how Henry used to curl up just like this when he woke up from his naps, and those were some of her favourite memories. She loved that this sweet little boy had taken such a liking to her, allowing her to revisit past moments she'd shared with Henry. It was bittersweet, Regina thought, looking over at her son. He was so grown up now. So much taller, older, and he'd changed so much, but when she looked at him, she still saw that little boy who used to run at her and fling himself into her arms after a long day at school. Regina wasn't sure she'd ever stop seeing that little boy, even when Henry started having his own kids. If he chose to have any.
She was pulled from her thoughts by Emma, who had snuck up beside her and began rubbing her back.
"You're so good with him."
Regina leaned into her hip, resting her head for a moment before pulling away.
"He's a very sweet little boy."
"He is. I can't wait to watch you when the baby is born."
"So, Emma, Regina," Snow said, pulling the women from their private conversation. "Anything else to report with the baby? I know you said the appointment went well, and I'm so relieved to hear that, but I wondered if there was anything more to share?"
"What are you asking for, Snow?" Regina knew the woman well enough to know she was after something.
"Pictures," Snow replied eagerly. "Did you get any pictures?"
"Oh," Regina nodded, pointing at her purse. "Would you mind, Emma?"
Snow squealed when Emma finally handed them over, tears gathering in her eyes as she looked over the black and white images.
"Oh, Charming, look at the baby! Oh, so perfect. Look at this little foot!"
The two grandparents stood closely together, fawning over the photos.
"Should we tell them what happened after the appointment?" Emma asked, tapping her belly.
Regina nodded. She was happy to share that information.
"I felt the baby move for the first time," Regina announced.
"No! You didn't!" Snow exclaimed, passing her husband the photos and approaching Regina. "Can I feel?"
"The baby isn't moving currently, but I doubt you'd sense anything. Emma wasn't able to feel anything."
Snow pouted, disappointed.
"I suppose it is a little early."
Regina nodded, though she had no intention of letting anyone feel the baby move until Emma had first. And Henry second. She knew that Snow was excited, and Regina was happy that she was. But feeling the baby move was something that she wanted to make sure both Emma and Henry experienced before anyone else.
The afternoon passed by quickly after that. The boys excitedly opened more presents once Neal came around, their parents watching and ooh-ing and ahh-ing appropriately. (Henry was particularly taken with the Star Wars Lego kit he received from his grandparents, reading the box and pouring over the instruction booklet while Neal raced around with the new excavator he received from his sister.) The two couples then took their own turn opening the gifts they'd bought for one another, the boys giving an occasional glance to their "boring" Christmas gifts.
Afterwards, everyone gathered around the table to eat dinner, Snow insisting that Charming and Emma help her while Regina sat and "continued growing her grandbaby". Regina yet again insisted that she could help, but she was outnumbered by the other three adults, who insisted she stay at the table.
"Remember this if you ever get someone pregnant, Henry," Charming advised. "That person will spend 40 weeks growing your baby. You don't let them do anything more than they need to do."
Henry nodded.
"I know. Ma's been handing out life lessons more freely than an after school special."
Regina snorted into her glass of water.
"But he's not going to get anyone pregnant, right Henry?" Emma cautioned.
"No, ma. Hard to get someone pregnant when you haven't even kissed anyone."
"Good boy," Regina praised, patting his hand. "No kissing."
"Says the lady who is pregnant. You did way more than kissing, mom."
"That's different. I'm an adult. And your mother and I love each other very much."
"Yeah, about that. You never answered my question. You could pick anyone. And you choose ma? She's a goofball."
Regina rolled her eyes. She knew Henry was egging his other mother on. It was part of their game: Henry saying something to tease Emma, and Emma either verbally sparred with him or retaliated by wrestling him to the ground.
"A goofball you share half your genes with," Emma replied, wrapping an arm around Henry's head and giving him a noogy as she walked by.
It appeared to be a wrestling kind of day.
"Ma! The hair!"
Emma just laughed.
When they finally sat for their meal, everyone chatted animatedly while Emma mostly remained quiet, but her smile gave away just how happy she was. She was basking in the feeling of family. She was positive that she had never had such an enjoyable Christmas before, ever. Her stomach ached with how much she ate and how much she'd laughed, and she happily kissed both of her parents goodbye when the evening came to a close. She drove Regina and Henry back home, all three settling in the living room to vedge and continue digesting their dinners.
Henry eventually got up and walked over to the Christmas tree, grabbing the tablet he'd received for Christmas, along with the new sunglasses he'd been gifted by his grandparents. He put them on, swiping at the screen as his mothers watched on.
"What?" he asked, finally noticing they were staring.
"What's with the glasses, kid. We're indoors."
"I like them. Do you mind?"
Emma chuckled, turning to Regina.
"He gets the sass from you."
Regina beamed at her, proud, causing Emma to laugh again.
"Whatever."
The women cuddled up on their chair, settling on a Marvel movie despite knowing that Henry would most likely not watch it, given that he was absorbed with playing a game on his new tablet. It didn't matter to the women, however, who were simply content to be in the presence of the two people they loved most. Three, if you counted the baby, who didn't have much of a choice but to go where Regina went for now.
Emma gently stroked Regina's arms, occasionally peppering soft kisses against her shoulder as she held her. They watched the movie quietly, both surprised when their son suddenly announced halfway through that he was going to bed early.
"I love Boo, really. But he's exhausting," he offered, by way of explanation.
The women laughed, both agreeing.
"Just wait until this one comes along."
Henry groaned, but he was smiling. He really couldn't wait to be a big brother, even if it meant he'd be this exhausted all the time. Spending time with little kids definitely made him rethink having any. Maybe when he was older he'd have more energy.
"Goodnight, moms. Love you."
"Love you, kid."
"Goodnight, my little prince. Sleep well."
"You too!"
Henry jogged up the steps, his mothers watching him go. They heard him close his door, Emma rubbing Regina's belly when they were completely alone.
"So, do you want to finish this or watch something else?" Emma asked.
Regina shrugged.
"I don't mind. I do enjoy watching Robert Downey Junior, but I plan on riding your cock in about an hour so it's your choice whether you'd like to finish this movie or pause a new one halfway through."
Emma choked on her own saliva, Regina's casual response completely not what she'd been expecting. She coughed loudly, croaking a what when she finally caught her breath.
"I said, we can start a new-"
"No, I heard that part. It's the middle part that I missed."
"What? Which part did you miss? Oh!" Regina exclaimed, pretending like she suddenly understood. She twisted around to face Emma, a salacious grin on her lips. "Could you perhaps mean the part where I said I'd be straddling your hips and riding your cock?"
Emma nodded quickly.
"Yeah. Yeah that part. I didn't think I heard you right."
"Oh, you heard me perfectly well, miss Swan," Regina said, licking her lips. She slowly moved backwards until she was kneeling on the floor, perpendicular to Emma. "I plan on riding you later. But right now," she said, lowering Emma's zipper and tugging at her jeans. "I have other plans."