"You look beautiful, Regina."
Regina was not convinced. She stood before the mirror, smoothing out the non-existent wrinkles from her crimson dress. She'd paired the long-sleeve dress with some thigh high black stockings (much to Emma's delight), a full face of make-up, including dark red lipstick. She'd pinned her hair back, not wanting it to be in her face and bothering her today, and she'd inspected every inch of herself, still feeling that she should do more.
"Hey," Emma said, taking a step forward and turning her girlfriend towards her. "You look perfect."
"Everyone will be looking at me."
Emma reached up and stroked her shoulder, avoiding her head as she knew Regina would yell at her if she ruined her hair or make-up.
"Well, you're kinda the guest of honour."
"I hate it when everyone looks at me."
"We don't have to do this."
"Emma, it's the day of the baby shower. Of course we have to do this."
Regina turned back to the mirror, her hands falling to her belly. Thirty weeks pregnant. There was now absolutely no denying the fact that she was pregnant; her rounded belly could no longer be mistaken for weight gain. She was very visibly pregnant, had been for some time, and she was waddling. And everyone would be watching her.
Regina looked up when she felt Emma's arms come around her belly, her chin resting on her shoulder.
"You have never been more beautiful to me than right now, Regina. I can't take my eyes off of you. You look stunning."
Regina sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. Emma was being so sincere that it cut right through her insecurity (annoyingly).
"Stop making me feel better."
Emma laughed against her neck.
"Can't help it. You're sexy when you smile."
"This is all your fault. You did this," Regina accused, pointing to her stomach. "And you just had to be Snow White's offspring. My children's grandmother speaks to birds in her free time. Why couldn't you be literally anyone else's child?"
Emma laughed again. Regina was now just being ornery, and Emma couldn't pretend like she didn't also love when her girlfriend was in this kind of teasing mood.
"I wouldn't get to see you like this if I were someone else's kid. It wouldn't bug you as much."
Regina turned, looking into Emma's eyes.
"If she's themed this baby shower, and if it's bird themed, I swear on our child's life that I am banishing her to the land of mirrors."
Emma rolled her eyes.
"You'll behave. She put a lot of work into this."
"I shall do no such thing, Emma Swan!"
Emma leaned forward, grinning, and kissed her soundly.
"Behave and I promise I'll give you an orgasm for every half hour you're nice to others."
"If there is even one bird, my price doubles."
"Yes, your majesty."
The truth was, Regina was nervous. She knew the baby shower would be today, but she hadn't been told anything else. The only stipulation she had had was that there were to be no games. She despised the very idea, and although Snow had looked incredibly disappointed at the rule, she'd ultimately agreed. So there'd be no ridiculous games in which she'd have to participate, but Regina knew absolutely nothing else.
She had no idea if there really would be a theme for the shower (and that didn't sit well with her because Snow White was unbelievably tacky and Regina could just imagine what she'd chosen for decorations). She didn't know who would be in attendance (if anyone, she was the Evil Queen, after all). Regina hated not being in the "know", but it had been stressed to her that the baby shower was being planned for her, so she could remain stress-free. Regina was simply expected to show up.
Speaking of which.
"We should leave. We'll be late otherwise."
Emma shrugged.
"The party doesn't start til you show up, anyway. But yeah, we could get going now. You okay?"
"As I'll ever be."
"I promise not to leave you alone there," Emma swore, taking Regina's hand and leading the way out of their bedroom.
"You had better not, unless you'd like a divorce."
Emma stopped at the landing of the stairs, looking at her curiously.
"What?"
"Well, we'd have to be married for me to divorce you."
Regina stroked her ring finger absentmindedly.
"Yes, I suppose you're right."
Emma watched Regina's expression carefully. She had never once brought up the idea of their marrying, as she had fully accepted that Regina would never want to repeat the experience after her horrific first marriage.
They had talked about Regina's marriage a few times, usually late at night when it seemed that secrets were so easily spilled, difficult topics being discussed openly in a way they weren't in the daylight. Regina was most honest then, most unguarded, and it was on those nights that she confided in Emma that her marriage to the King had been a harrowing experience, one that continued to affect her even now. Regina had told her that she'd been treated like a possession, a pawn to be yielded and controlled, that she had been owned by him, legally, because of that piece of paper. He'd legally been allowed to do anything he wanted to her. He'd had every right to her and to her body, and he'd taken full advantage of the fact. And Regina had had no ability to refuse. Nowhere to go. No way to escape, and Regina had told Emma that she'd had no desire to ever be in such a position again again. Regina's words, her tone, had left no room for interpretation.
-I will never again be anyone's possession.
Regina had also admitted, on one of those nights, that she had no regrets about killing him, and Emma had confessed that she, too, was glad to hear that Regina had gotten revenge on the man who had violated her so completely for over a decade. Regina had been surprised to hear that at the time, given that most people thought she was a monster for having such an opinion.
-Most people don't know what it's like to be forced into something you don't want, to not be given a choice. If they did, they'd know that he was the real monster, Regina. Not you.
Emma had survived the foster care system, and she knew exactly what it was like to have survived such atrocities. It was one of the reasons Regina felt so safe with her lover. Emma had never, and she truly believed that she would never ever, do such a thing. Consent was a cornerstone of making love with Emma, as was her lover's pleasure, something Regina hadn't experienced before her.
While Emma had gone on to have many pleasurable experiences, many attentive and caring lovers, Regina had not. For Regina, sex had always been something with which pain had been mixed. It was something she had come to accept, something she had thought was normal, that sex would be painful, especially at first. Emma had shown her that that very, very wrong. She'd shown her what sex was supposed to be, what making love was meant to feel like. How it should have been all along. And now that she knew, Regina would never give that up. She'd told Emma that she wanted to make love with her for the rest of her life, something that had made Emma's heart soar.
But still. Because their conversations about Regina's marriage (enslavement) to the King, and Regina's feelings about the entire decade she'd been forced to endure with him, Emma had accepted that marriage, for Regina, was akin to a prison sentence. And she understood her feelings entirely. So, Emma had worked through her own feelings, eventually coming to a place of acceptance that marriage was off the table for them. Emma had wanted to marry Regina, would have loved to call her her wife, but not at the expense of Regina's comfort and safety. She knew what marriage had done to Regina, what it signified to her, and Emma had exactly zero intention of ever provoking (or bringing back up) that kind of trauma in her lover.
So, while Emma had accepted that they would never marry, it still caused a small pang of want, of sadness, to hear Regina even allude to the idea of their marrying. For in order for Regina to divorce Emma, she'd have first had to marry her, something Emma knew wasn't in the cards for them. She accepted it, but still, a small twinge of sorrow buried itself behind Emma's ribs.
Emma slid her arm around Regina's waist and kissed her temple, pulling herself from her thoughts.
"You're free now, baby. You'll never have to go through that again."
"Yes," Regina said slowly, eyeing Emma as she spoke.
"I don't ever want you to feel that way with me. The way you felt with him. Feel like… you're trapped. Or suffocating. I want you to feel free, not like you've been put in some inescapable cage."
Regina reached up with one hand and stroked Emma's cheek.
"I do feel free with you. You provoke a lightness in me I don't believe I've ever felt before. I am certain I'd never feel trapped by you, Emma. You evoke such a different feeling when I think of you. Of a future with you. With you, I don't think I'd ever feel like I were in a cage."
Emma, oblivious to what Regina was implying, smiled softly at her.
"Good," Emma responded, kissing the tip of her nose. "Because I don't want that for you or for us. I never want you to ever feel that way again. I just want you to be happy. I'm so happy to be your girlfriend. And I'll be happy to stay your girlfriend forever."
Regina felt a small pang of something at Emma's words, but before she could contemplate the idea any further, Emma kissed her temple and pulled away.
"Come on, let's get going or we'll be late."
Emma sent a quick text to her mother to let her know that they were on their way. They were half an hour late, but Emma didn't care. She could not stop smiling, beyond excited to be getting to celebrate their baby. Her cheerful mood eventually rubbed off on Regina, whose anxiety was temporarily quelled by Emma's relentless smiling.
They pulled into Granny's thirty five minutes later than they were supposed to, Emma quickly rushing to the other side of the car and helping Regina out. She followed her girlfriend to the door, opening it for her and grinning when they were met with a loud shout of "Surprise!".
Emma looked around as Regina was swarmed by the party-goers, in awe of the effort put forth for her pregnant girlfriend. One wall was nearly entirely covered by balloons, a mix of gold, blue, pink, beige and taupe, all arranged in an arc, enveloping a large banner that read He or She? What will baby be? Emma was stunned at how elegant it looked, eyes taking in the beautifully arranged display. Her gaze then drifted around the diner, streamers and decorations covering nearly every surface. Her eyes welled up as she took it all in. All of this for Regina, who deserved every ounce of effort put into it.
"Emma, honey, what do you think?"
Emma turned to her mother, enveloping her in a hug. Snow squeaked in surprise, her daughter's uncharacteristic display of affection catching her off guard. She eagerly returned the gesture, however, hugging Emma tightly.
"Thank you," Emma whispered. "Thank you for doing this."
"You're welcome. We all wanted to celebrate this baby."
Emma pulled back, nodding.
"You definitely took that to heart," Emma said, looking around the room. "This place is really decked out."
Snow beamed.
"I had a lot of help. Belle and Ruby did a lot of the planning. Granny was vital throughout all of it. Your father and Henry did most of the heavy lifting."
Emma's eyes wandered over to her son, who was standing happily next to his grandfather, who sported his World's Proudest Grandpa (x2) shirt. Emma chuckled, and then she smiled softly when she looked at Henry. She was unbelievably proud of their son. She would be sure to mention that to him later.
"Thank you, mom. It means a lot to both of us."
"I can't wait for my other grandbaby!" Snow said excitedly.
Emma chuckled. That much was obvious.
"Sorry, mom. One sec."
Emma made her way over to Regina when she was beckoned, arm sliding easily behind her lower back. She leaned over and kissed Regina's temple, smiling at the group of people around her girlfriend. They were all chattering at once, Ariel and Archie congratulating Emma while Belle and Kathryn fawned over Regina's belly. Zelena was loudly boasting about her soon-to-arrive niece or nephew, Mulan shaking her head as she bounced baby Robyn.
Emma stood there quietly, simply enjoying the conversations around her. She flattened her hand, sliding it up and down her lover's back, feeling for tense muscles. Finding none, Emma smiled. Regina was enjoying herself then. She began gently stroking her thumb along the back of Regina's ribs, observing her girlfriend as she smiled and chatted with Kathryn. Regina looked happy, a far cry from how apprehensive she'd been leading up to this event, and Emma's heart felt full. This is what she wanted for her lover, for the mother of her children. She just wanted Regina to be happy.
Regina, feeling Emma's eyes on her, glanced over at her girlfriend. Her body warmed at the look of pure adoration in Emma's eyes.
"Love you," Emma murmured, blushing slightly when she heard Belle's awww.
Regina simply smiled back at her, reaching to squeeze the hand that was resting on her hip.
"We'll open presents soon," Belle said excitedly. "Why don't you eat a little something first, Regina, and then we can get started? You'll need your energy."
Belle pointed to a table, Emma's eyes nearly bulging out of her head at the sheer amount of gifts on it.
"Jesus."
Ruby laughed.
"Yeah, people kinda went all out."
"I'll say," Emma replied, taken aback at the generosity of the townspeople.
The table was overloaded with wrapped boxes, gift bags, with even more gifts and boxes of diapers stacked next to it.
"I haven't greeted everyone yet," Regina replied, looking around the room.
She was a little overwhelmed, but she was also surprisingly excited. Regina hated being the centre of attention, despised it, but she had to admit, she was also humbled at the amount of people who were in attendance. She even spotted the dwarves hovering in a corner, and Grumpy had actually smiled at her. Regina felt like she was in another realm.
"I'll make you a plate. You go mingle," Emma offered, kissing her temple before heading over to the snack table with Ruby. Emma's eyes widened, looking over at her friend when she laughed. "Do you think you have enough food?"
"Your mom was worried we'd run out."
"Not likely. This is enough to feed an army."
"Well, since we invited the guys, we figured we'd better get a bigger spread."
Emma nodded, chuckling. She grabbed a plate and began filling it with sandwiches, cheeses, some fruit and pickles. She made a spot for a bit of macaroni salad and a few veggies, stacking some cookies on a napkin for Regina for dessert.
"You're not gonna make yourself a plate?"
"Regina probably won't touch half of this stuff. I don't think she'll be very hungry with everything going on."
Emma made her way back to Regina, handing her the plate and insisting she eat. She then took over the conversation with Zelena, who informed her that they were going to love her gift and that she hoped they made very good use of it. The way she said it made Emma look at Regina, who narrowed her eyes at her sister.
"What? I think you'll really, really like it," Zelena said with a grin. "Oh, is that my baby crying? I'll be right back."
Emma and Regina exchanged a look. There was no time to contemplate the thought any further, however, as Snow then came bouncing over.
"Are you ready to open gifts?" she asked excitedly.
Regina nodded, handing her half empty plate to Emma.
"I've finished."
"You sure?"
"Yes. Thank you. Although, would you mind getting me a glass of water?"
"Course not," Emma replied, heading to the drinks table.
Emma grabbed a bottle of water before making her way back to where Regina was sitting in an overstuffed chair in the front of the room. She stood before her so that she was blocking Regina from the view of everyone, leaning over slightly as she handed her the water.
"You okay?"
Regina smiled.
"I am. I feel a little like a show animal, but I'm okay."
"The cutest show animal this side of New York."
"Only as far as New York?" Regina asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Well, the Bronx Zoo has penguins and even though you're definitely in the running cause you walk just like 'em now, they're sort of cuter-"
Emma barely finished her sentence before Regina reached out and smacked her arm. Emma immediately laughed, pulling back and looking over at Zelena when she whooped in delight.
"Get 'er, sis!"
Emma rolled her eyes, pulling a chair close to Regina, who was still mock glaring at her.
"Cutest penguin," she whispered, ducking back when Regina threatened to hit her again.
"Okay, children!" Snow cut in, looking reproachfully at Emma.
"What! She's the one who hit me."
"And she's the one who is pregnant; therefore, you're automatically wrong."
Before she could protest, Snow turned away from Emma, facing the crowd of guests.
"Thank you all so much for coming. Regina's going to open presents now, but there's tons of food so please help yourselves. We also have a chart on the back wall where you can try and guess the gender, the day, and the time you think the baby will be born. It's three dollars per guess and whoever is closest wins half of the money we collect. The other half will be used to buy another gift for the baby once it's born, whatever Emma and Regina realise the baby is missing."
Snow then turned back to the couple, smiling shyly.
"I hope you don't mind. I know you said no games but we thought something like this might be nice, and a good way to keep people engaged. Plus, it was an easy way to get the baby a little gift after he or she is born."
Regina simply smiled at Snow. She was too overwhelmed by everything that was happening, by the sheer amount of smiles sent to her from around the room, to reply. She would never have guessed this many people would be in attendance. She was particularly surprised by the amount of Henry's friends who were here as well. She'd never have expected that teenagers would want to come to a baby shower, but there was a small group with Henry (Ava, Nicholas, and Grace, and a few boys from Henry's basketball team) all chattering and eating snacks together. It warmed her to see her son have such a network of support around him.
"Okay, first gift!" Snow announced, handing over a gift bag.
Regina took the bag, gingerly removing the tissue paper and handing it over to Emma, who placed it in a garbage bag. Regina could feel everyone's eyes on her, making her a little nervous. Focusing her attention on the bag in her hand, she fished around for a card but couldn't find one, glancing up to see if anyone would indicate it was their gift (no one did). Regina could feel her palms sweat a little at all of the eyes facing her now that she was looking up, but her heart melted when she reached into the bag and removed a tiny, baby elephant themed outfit, with matching pants, onesie, and booties. She held it up, smiling as she heard a round of awwws, her anxiety loosening a little as she removed a tiny touch-and-feel book and a stack of receiving blankets.
"Thank you. I didn't see a card-"
"No need for a card," Grumpy said gruffly. "I bought a book instead of wasting money on something you're going to toss anyway."
Regina chuckled along with several others. Leave it to Grumpy to state something so bluntly.
"Thank you," she said sincerely, handing the gift to Belle and accepting the next one from Snow.
This one did have a card, To baby. Love, Archie and Pongo.
Regina opened the box to pull out several Dalmatian-themed gifts: an outfit, a stuffed toy, and another book. Regina thanked Archie, her nerves settling even further as she moved onto the third present (a baby care set that included things like brushes and nail clippers, a thermometer and nail scissors) from Happy, and then a fourth (a set of bath toys, a baby towel with a hood in the shape of a bunny, and some teethers from Ariel). By the fifth gift, Regina was entirely relaxed, laughing easily at the gift from Ruby (a book entitled Go the Fuck to Sleep and a bottle of Nyquil).
"I am not drugging my child, Ruby Lucas."
Ruby grinned.
"We'll see on those late nights when the kid won't stop screaming. I'm giving you options."
Regina rolled her eyes and continued opening the other gifts, receiving countless outfits and blankets, toys and books, more and more humbled with every item she opened. She was overwhelmed by the towns' generosity, at one point simply sitting back and observing the dozens of smiles around the room and the sounds of laughter that permeated it. It astounded her to realise that pretty much everyone in town was here, even Gold, who was sitting in the back corner, observing his girlfriend. He was likely here solely to support Belle, but he'd also brought an incredibly generous gift (a high chair).
"He picked it out himself, though he'd never admit it," Belle said lowly, so as not to be overheard by anyone else. "It converts as the baby grows. It starts as a high chair, which is step 1, but can be turned into a table and chair for a toddler, which is step 2.
"When the baby outgrows the highchair, you disconnect the top seat, here, where the baby sits. You remove the tray, and you're left with just the seat and the little legs, which makes a toddler seat. The bottom of the high chair converts into a table, the platform here under the baby seat becomes the tabletop."
Emma looked at the box, fascinated.
"Or you can remove the seat and tray just above the platform, and use just the top part of the highchair," Belle continued. "If you place that on the floor, it's low enough that the baby can get in the seat alone when he or she is old enough. And when you're ready, if you remove the padding and the straps, the chair turns into a little toddler stool."
Regina's eyebrows shot to her hairline. This type of highchair did not exist when Henry was younger. It was incredibly impressive, and likely quite expensive. She hadn't expected for Gold to attend, nor for him to bring a gift, and certainly not one that was this generous. She caught his eye from across the room, smiling sincerely at him and mouthing a thank you. He ducked his chin in a single nod of acknowledgement, Regina holding her smiling gaze for a second longer and turning back to Emma.
"Wow," Emma said. "Nice gift."
"Quite."
It took nearly another hour to get through the rest of the gifts (toys, rattles, bottles and a bottle cleaner, diapers, a diaper bag with change pad that was stocked to the brim with creams and wipes and soaps and cloths, countless burp cloths and swaddles and receiving blankets, a sound machine, outlet covers and safety locks, a diaper bin, a baby monitor, bath toys).
When it came time to open Zelena's gift, they were both apprehensive as Regina unwrapped the box given Zelena's earlier comment. However, they were both surprised by the incredibly innocuous gift (a breast pump). Zelena had met Regina's surprised expression by shaking her head, an innocent smile forming on her lips. What were you expecting, a sex swing? This is a baby shower, dear sister. Regina hadn't dignified that with a response.
Snow and Charming's gift had come next. They bought a change table, which also doubled as a dresser, Regina's eyes widening even further when Henry followed behind with the toy box that Charming had crafted himself.
"I wanted to make you something for the baby," he explained.
Regina despised crying in front of others, but she couldn't help the tears as she ran her fingers over the small toy chest, complete with a soft cushion on top for the baby to sit on when he or she is playing.
"Open it up, there's more."
"More? This is far too much."
Snow shook her head, tears also filling her eyes as she looked at Regina. Her former stepmother looked so shocked throughout this entire event. It seemed she truly hadn't realised just how much the town had changed with her. Everyone was aware of how much Regina had progressed, that she had left behind her cruel ways and that she was good now. Snow had thought Regina was at least somewhat aware that the townsfolk viewed her differently. But to observe her today, it appeared that Regina really hadn't realised how well liked she was.
Snow was pulled from her thoughts as Regina opened the toy chest. Regina bit back a sob as she began pulling out handmade items: a blanket, two sweaters, a small stuffed rabbit, and two wooden toys. Tucked under the lid was a card, and when Regina opened it, there was a voucher for a maternity shoot, which could be used at any point in the pregnancy. She looked at Emma, unable to speak. Emma, luckily, seemed to understand.
"Mom, dad. This is incredible. I can't believe you did all of this. Honestly, it wasn't necessary. It's… Thank you so much."
The couple smiled at their daughter, at Regina, both unbelievably proud of the two women before them.
"Alright, it seems there's only one gift left."
Regina frowned in confusion as the table was empty, which was all the better as the sheer amount of presents she had received was overwhelming. She'd thought the opening of the gifts was finally over. Regina was grateful for each and every one of the presents; she loved all of the gifts she'd received, but the town had been far more generous than was necessary. And certainly far more than she had ever expected. But, it seemed there was more.
Regina watched as Emma got up and made her way to the back of Granny's, returning with the cradle she'd made. Only now it was filled with gifts, Emma beaming at her as she placed the cradle at Regina's feet.
"This one is from me and Henry," Emma said, looking around the room. "I made a cradle for Regina, for the baby. Henry is the one who filled it with presents."
There were murmurs around the room about it's such a nice cradle, she made that?, seems Charming passed on his woodworking talent!, what a nice gift, Emma secretly pleased at their comments. She watched as Regina yet again admired the cradle, looking up at Emma with tears.
"Thank you, darling. I love it so much."
"Welcome, gorgeous."
Regina then reached inside, grabbing the first thing that caught her eye: a board book. She pulled it out, tears sliding down her cheeks as she read the cover: My Family by Henry Daniel Mills. Regina began pouring over the story, her hand coming up to her mouth as she cried.
"It's uh, it's a story I wrote for the baby. About how ma and mom met, and how they fell in love and stuff. And how happy they were about the baby."
Regina's fingers stroked over each page, heart nearly bursting with emotion. When she reached the final page of the book, she had to bite her tongue in order to stave off her sob. The last page contained a photo of Emma, Regina, and Henry, all smiling at the camera. Regina wiped at her eyes in order to read the words underneath:
You, little baby, created from two moms filled with love
Are just what we wanted, our gift from above
Our family was missing you, and now that you're here
We're complete, we're happy, and we love you so dear
Regina lost her battle with her tears, openly sobbing against her hand as she gave the book to Emma, immediately getting up and reaching for her son. Henry held her close, squeezing his eyes shut as he, too, fought against the urge to cry. It was too much hearing his mom weep, and it didn't help that there were many others who were openly crying around him.
"I love you so much, mijo," Regina said through tears, "Thank you."
Henry nodded, squeezing his mom back. Regina took several minutes to collect herself, making her way to Emma (who had finished the book and had passed it off to Belle, who was reading it, biting her bottom lip) and threw herself in her arms.
"This is too much for my heart, Emma."
Emma let out a wet laugh.
"You and me both, baby."
Regina took comfort in Emma's embrace, letting out a shaky sigh as Emma stroked her back. Regina gratefully took the tissues Snow offered her, pulling back from Emma in order to wipe at her eyes and nose.
"Well, this has been eventful," Regina stated to the room, smiling when her statement earned a few soft chuckles.
Regina managed to get through the rest of Emma's and Henry's gift with minimal tears, excusing herself to the bathroom when she'd finally finished showing off its contents (some toys and a few outfits).
Regina sighed heavily when she sat down on the toilet, taking a much needed break for herself. She stayed there long after she'd finished peeing, closing her eyes and enjoying the silence (though she could still hear the muted conversations seeping through the door). She'd enjoyed herself today, surprised to admit even to herself that that was the truth, but she was exhausted mow. She hadn't expected to cry quite so much.
Regina's eyes snapped up when she heard the bathroom door open, pulling herself from her thoughts. She wiped and pulled up her underwear before flushing the toilet.
"Regina? You okay?"
Regina sighed in relief when she heard Emma's voice, quickly opening the door and smiling at her lover. When Emma held out her arms, Regina went willingly, resting heavily against her and letting herself be held. She smiled contently when Emma stroked the back of her neck, closing her eyes and simply enjoying the feel of Emma against her.
"You okay?"
"I'm tired, but I'm fine, darling. Today was eventful, but it was a good day."
"Yeah? Better than you thought it would be?"
"Much."
They stood there for several more minutes before Regina finally pulled away.
"We should get back to the party," she stated, making her way to the sink to wash her hands.
"You're probably right."
They exited the bathroom, Regina taking Emma's hand as they approached Snow.
"I meant to tell you before, the decorations are beautiful," Regina complimented. "I'll admit, I was a little taken aback though as I see no birds. You surprise me, Snow."
Emma looked over at Regina, biting her lower lip. Their earlier conversation was most certainly not forgotten.
"Oh, well. I know you don't love them, but…" Snow looked around, pointing shyly at a corner. "I did put a little one over there. It's just a baby one, though, so I thought it fit the theme."
Regina looked pointedly at Emma. You owe me.
Emma grinned. The truth was, both women would have been disappointed if Regina had lost their wager.
Regina stalked away, victorious.
"Everything okay?" Snow asked, glancing over at Regina's retreating form.
Emma nodded.
"Perfect. This party was amazing, mom. Regina's just getting a little tired. I am too."
Snow agreed.
"I think we all are. Maybe you should say something to thank everyone and then we can start packing up?"
"Good idea."
Emma went to Regina, who agreed it was time to go. The two women thanked their guests profusely for coming, for their generosity, Regina going as far as to then stand by the door and thank everyone individually as they left. Ruby, Belle, Zelena and Granny worked on the decorations while Henry, Charming, Mulan (baby Robyn in her carrier) and Emma began hauling gifts into vehicles.
When the diner was back to its original state, Regina thanked Granny repeatedly for letting them use the space, Granny smiling and patting her hand in response.
Snow and Charming, along with Zelena, Mulan, and Robyn followed Emma, Regina, and Henry back to the mansion in order to unload the hoards of gifts they'd received. They hauled nearly all of it up to the baby's room, Regina insisting they just leave everything on the floor to be sorted later.
By the time Snow, and Charming left, Regina was ready to collapse.
"I'm not trying to be rude, Zelena, but I'm exhausted and you need to leave."
"Stating you're not trying to be rude and then proceeding to be rude is quite ill-mannered."
Regina rolled her eyes.
"Get out."
Zelena grinned.
"Do you not wish to receive my gift?" she asked, twisting her wrist and producing a box wrapped in green wrapping paper. "Henry, be a dear and entertain your niece in the living room?"
Henry gave her a look. He was happy to play with Robyn, he loved her, but this was very clearly a dismissal. Whatever was in the box, he wasn't meant to see it.
"Now, Henry."
He sighed. But, he couldn't help smiling widely as he reached out for the baby, who threw herself in his arms. As soon as he left the room, Regina turned to her sister.
"You got me a gift already."
"Please, you believe that dull gift is what I bought you? That was from Mulan."
"It wasn't a boring gift. It was really useful. And expensive," Regina added, turning to Mulan. "That was far too generous."
"You're welcome," Mulan said, smiling politely.
"No. This is my gift. It's also quite useful."
Zelena handed the box over to Emma.
"Here, you hold it whilst she opens it."
Emma did as instructed, too curious as to what was inside to do otherwise. Zelena was a firecracker, and whatever she had bought would definitely be entertaining.
Regina sighed, taking a step forward and tearing at the paper. Her eyes bulged out of her head as she ripped the gift open, looking over at Zelena.
"It's a sex swing!" Zelena said excitedly. "And there's a vibrator in there too, somewhere."
"Oh my God!" Emma said, laughing. "You did not."
Regina blushed crimson, matching her dress.
"Zelena!" she hissed, though she was staring at the swing… but not with interest.
"You shouldn't lay on your back this far in your pregnancy, and I know how you love the missionary position-"
Emma's eyes snapped to Regina's. How the hell did Zelena know that?
"Oh, please," Zelena cut in, knowing exactly what Emma was thinking. "You didn't need to tell me. You're both so dull it's of no surprise. Of course you like missionary. Now you can still enjoy it, using this swing."
"I like looking at her," Emma muttered, taking a step towards Regina.
"You blithering sap," Zelena said with disgust, though it was for show. The truth was, she adored the fact that Emma loved her sister so intensely. But she'd never admit that. "Well, now your dreams can come true."
Emma looked to Regina, who was still staring at the swing. She loved having sex with Regina in any position, but they'd unfortunately had to give up missionary when Regina had gotten too pregnant for it.
When Regina finally looked over at her, Emma knew exactly what she was thinking.
Emma grinned.
"Thanks for the present."
"I expect to hear about how much you like it."
"Well, stick around a few hours and maybe you will."
"Emma!" Regina exclaimed.
"That's not what I meant, but I like the way you think, Swan." Zelena then turned to Mulan. "Come along, poppet. Time to go."
Emma brought Zelena's gift upstairs before Henry could see it, grinning as she looked over the box. Oh yeah, she'd certainly be using this gift to give Regina every last one of those orgasms she owed her.