Chapter 8: Holidays Approaching

Regina crept down to the kitchen, careful not to wake the rest of the house. She opened the refrigerator and pulled out the cheesecake stored on the second shelf. After cutting a slice for herself, she put it back and carried her plate to the table. Once she sat down, she dug into the cheesecake and enjoyed her delicious treat.

This was a craving she could get behind.

She decided she needed some milk as well and she got up from the table, returning to the fridge. Regina took out the milk and poured herself a small glass. After taking a sip, she returned the milk as she heard someone walking toward the kitchen. "Hello?" she called out.

"Hello," Robin replied, appearing in the doorway. He crossed his arms as he studied her. "Everything okay?"

"Yes," she said, closing the refrigerator door. "I just really wanted some cheesecake. Or rather, Baby Girl did."

He chuckled, letting his arms fall to his sides. "The cravings have started, huh?"

She shrugged. "Pretty much. Do you want some cheesecake too?"

"I'm good," he said. "Do you want some company while you enjoy your cheesecake and milk?"

"I would love some," she said, holding out her hand. He took it and she led him to the table, where they settled in chairs next to each other.

He leaned back in his chair, grinning. "I guess that cheesecake is really good."

She nodded as she swallowed another bite. "It is. Or my craving is just that strong. It's fifty-fifty at this point."

"Fair enough," he said with a laugh. "As long as you're enjoying it, that's all that matters, I guess."

"Pretty much," she replied, taking the last bite and setting her fork down. "That definitely hit the spot."

He chuckled, leaning forward to kiss the side of her head. "I'm glad."

She took his hand as she sipped her milk. "Thanks for keeping me company. I hope I didn't wake you when I got up."

"No, my bladder woke me up," he said. "And then I saw you weren't in bed so I came to look for you."

"Oh," she replied. "Well, as long as I didn't wake you up. And if this happens again, you don't always have to come down to join me. You can just go back to sleep."

He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "I could. But I do like to spend time with you. And right now, with everyone else asleep, we have each other to ourselves."

She grinned. "Yes, we do."

"So, while you finish your milk, how would you like to spend our unexpected time together?" he asked.

"I don't know," she said. "Do you have any ideas?"

He shrugged. "We could start discussing names."

She frowned as she set her milk down again. "Didn't you say that can be difficult and dredge up some bad feelings? Do you want to do that in the middle of the night?"

"I think we can start," he replied. "See how it goes. And if we get heated, we can stop and cool down before going to bed."

"That makes sense," she said, taking a deep breath. "Okay, where do we start?"

He shrugged. "Have any names come to your mind since we found out that we were having a girl?"

She shook her head. "Not really. I've been focused on Thanksgiving. Though I guess I have wondered if you wanted to name her after your mother."

"You have?" he asked, sounding surprised. "Really?"

"Of course," she replied. "I know how important she is to you and she has been like a mother to me since we first danced together. I can't imagine anyone else I would want to name our daughter after."

Robin, though, looked hesitant. She frowned, wondering what he was thinking. "What's wrong?" she asked.

He sighed. "Personally, I'm not a fan of naming children after other people."

"Oh," she said, feeling something tighten in her stomach.

"I just think it's important to give them their own identity and not make them feel like they have to live up to someone else's legacy," he said. "Not that I think you've done that with Henry and I believe he's very much his own person…it's just how I feel."

She nodded, swallowing. "I appreciate you sharing that with me."

He rubbed the back of her hand. "But I do also know that we need to find a compromise that reflects both our wishes."

"Okay," she replied, not sure where he was going with that.

"So, maybe we should consider Claire as a middle name," he said. "Let our daughter have her own first name but still honor my mother."

Regina's heart melted and she nodded. "I think that's a good compromise."

He grinned. "Thank you. So now I guess we need to find a name that pairs well with Claire, huh?"

"Sounds good," she said before yawning.

"But that can wait until the morning," he said, smiling softly. He picked up her empty plate and glass. "I think it's time to get you back to bed."

She nodded. "I think you're right."

He cleaned off the plate and washed out the glass before placing them in the dishwasher. Robin then returned and helped her to her feet. "Now back to bed."

"Back to bed," she agreed, lacing their fingers together before kissing the side of his arm. "Love you."

"Love you, too," he said as they walked back upstairs and toward their bedroom.

They climbed back into bed and Regina curled against Robin as he turned off the light again. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, darling. Sweet dreams," he said.

"Sweet dreams to you," she replied. "See you in the morning."

And content beside him, she drifted off to sleep again.

"Okay, good work, everyone," Ingrid said, clapping her hands. "Go enjoy your lunch and then we'll continue working on the routines afterwards."

Regina's stomach growled as they walked to get their water bottles. Beside her, Tink chuckled. "Is Baby Girl hungry?" she asked.

"I don't know about Baby Girl," Regina replied. "But I certainly am."

"Fair enough," Tink said. "Did you bring your lunch or do you need to buy it?"

Regina swallowed some water before saying: "I brought lunch. It's in my refrigerator in my trailer but I can meet you in the break room if you want."

Tink shook her head. "I need to buy mine so I'm leaving the lot for lunch. I'll see you afterwards."

"Alright," Regina said. "Enjoy your lunch."

"You too," Tink replied. "See you later."

They parted ways and Regina walked toward the exit leading to the trailers. She decided to grab her lunch and then come back to eat in the break room with anyone else there as well. It would be nice to enjoy some time with some of the other dancers.

Especially since she wouldn't be there next season.

"Regina!"

She paused right by the doors leading outside and turned, surprised to see Dr. Hopper walking toward her. Regina stood there, waving to him as she waited for him to catch up to her.

He stopped next to her. "I'm glad I caught you. I was hoping we could talk."

"Oh," she said, surprised. "About what?"

"The gender reveal," he replied. "How are you feeling now that you know you are having a girl?"

She glanced at the door before asking: "Do you mind if we talk in my trailer so I can also eat?"

He shook his head. "Not all."

"Thanks," she replied, pushing the door open. "Follow me."

They walked outside and crossed to her trailer. She opened the door for Archie and they entered it. Regina went straight to her little refrigerator. "Can I get you something to drink?" she asked him.

He shook his head. "I'm good. Thank you, though."

"You're welcome," she said, taking out her lunch and joining him at the table. "I hope you don't mind me eating while we talk."

"Not at all," he replied. "So, how did you feel once you learned you were having a girl?"

She swallowed the bite of her sandwich before saying: "Really happy. You and Robin really helped me get to a good place about it."

He smiled, nodding. "Good. I'm glad to hear it."

"I'll probably have some doubts creep back in over the next few months," she told him. "I know that I'm not cured, that that's not really a thing for this."
"That is true," he agreed. "But I'm always a phone call away. You can talk to me anytime."

She nodded. "I know, thank you."

He watched her take a few more bites before asking: "How are you handling the social media attention?"

"It's been fine," she said, recalling how many notifications she had gotten after the show. "Everyone has been pretty positive for the most part."

"That is true," he replied. "I know you and Robin have a very dedicated fanbase, both individually and as a couple."

She nodded, thinking of her Royal Court as well as the Merry Fans, as Robin's fans called themselves. And their fans still called them Outlaw Queen, the name given them on the show, though they didn't really have a fanbase name. "Yes, we are very fortunate," she said.

"But even positive attention can get very intense," he replied. "Parasocial relationships are prevalent nowadays."

"Parasocial relationships?" she asked, confused.

He nodded. "It's when people feel like they have a personal relationship with you because of social media."

She frowned. "Like Sidney?"

"No, not like him," he replied. "Sidney believed you were in love with him and misinterpreted and twisted everything you did as proof of that love. This isn't that extreme. It's just that with celebrities like you and Robin posting more of your lives on social media, it's easy for people to feel like they know you and therefore treat you with more familiarity than you normally would with someone who isn't a friend or a family member."

"Oh," she said. "So, not dangerous?"

He shrugged. "Not likely but some can cross into Sidney territory if they aren't careful."

She shivered, hoping that didn't happen again. "I hope not. I don't think I could handle another Sidney."

"Nor should you," he replied. "I think you'll be fine. If anything, they might end up being a nuisance that you have to block but nothing dangerous."

"Good," she said.

He nodded before saying: "There's something else I want to talk to you about but it's a recent development so I don't think you've seen it yet."

She frowned, setting her fork down. "What is it?"

"Percy has posted," he replied. "He went on something of a rant on Twitter."

"And I'm guessing it's about me," she said, knowing it in her gut as it twisted into a knot. Archie nodded and she blew out. "Do I even want to know what it says?"

He sighed. "Probably not, but I'll sum it up for you. Pretty much, he accused the producers of sabotaging him by pairing him with a partner they knew was an invalid."

"Invalid?" she asked, her annoyance flaring up again. "Charming."

"I know," he replied. "And that's the condensed version. I think his thread was at ten tweets when I decided to come see you."

She let out a little laugh as she processed that information. "Ten tweets? Really?"

He nodded. "Yes, though it was mostly directed at the studio and the show. But he took a few more shots at you, just not directly."

"Unsurprising," she replied, wishing he would just go away for good. "I'm sure I can figure out what he said."

"Probably," he said. "I wouldn't go looking for it."

She chuckled. "Oh, I won't. The news will probably bring it to me though."

He sighed. "Yeah, I know. I wish they wouldn't give him that attention. It likely makes him worse."

"You don't need to tell me that," she replied. "I get it."

"True," he said. "Do you have any other thoughts or feelings you want to share?"

She took another bite of her salad as she thought about his question. After swallowing, she said: "I just want him to move on. I'm over this drama. We're out of each other's lives and I don't want him bringing me back into his constantly."

"I know," Dr. Hopper replied. "Hopefully we never have to mention him again."

"I hope," she said. "But I worry we may have to mention him at least one more time, likely when I give birth."

He nodded. "Well, I think you and Robin will be in a world of your own with your new child and whatever Percy has to say about it won't be able to pierce your little bubble."

She chuckled, imagining herself in the hospital room with her daughter curled up on her chest as Robin lay next to her. Regina nodded. "You're probably right," she said.

"Probably," he agreed. "So, if you want to let out any remaining feelings toward Percy now and then when we leave this trailer, never speak of him again, I'm good with that."

"I think I'm good," she said. "I think my only remaining feeling toward him is annoyance and I know that will go away if I just don't give him any real estate in my head."

He grinned. "I think that's a very good approach."

She shrugged. "Therapy seems to be finally paying off."

"I'm glad to hear that," he told her, grinning. "And you know I'm always available even when you're not on the show."

"I do," she said. "I'll probably call you. I'm happy about having a daughter but I'm sure the usual doubts will creep in often between now and when I give birth."

He nodded. "It's likely. So I'm here whenever you want or need to talk."

She thanked him again before checking her watch. "Lunch is almost over. I'm going to need to get back to the rehearsal room."

"Of course," Archie said. "I know better than to hold you dancers up. I'll talk to you soon, Regina."

"Talk to you soon," she agreed. "And if I don't see you, happy holidays."

He stood, nodding. "Happy holidays to you and your family too."

She stood as well, placing her lunchbox back in her fridge. They left the trailer together but parted ways outside. Regina walked back inside the building and entered the rehearsal space. Several dancers were huddled around Tink, who held her phone. When they all looked up at her with concern in their eyes, she knew what they were looking at.

Percy's latest rant.

"Archie said the thread was at ten tweets before lunch," Regina said, deciding not to pretend she didn't know about it. "What is it at now?"

"Twenty," Greg replied, never looking up from Tink's phone even as everyone else did. "And still counting. I'm almost impressed that he can find so many ways to repeat essentially the same idea."

She rolled her eyes. "Give some people a soapbox and they will refuse to get off it."

Ruby nodded. "That's a very good way to put it."

"Did you read this?" Ursula asked, looking concerned as she pointed to Tink's phone.

"No," Regina replied, walking closer to them. "Archie told me about it. We had a talk over lunch."

Relief filled Ursula's eyes. "Good. I don't think you need to read what he's saying, especially about your pregnancy."

"I agree with that," Regina said. "Especially as it seems he's still singing the same old misogynic tune he always seems to sing these days."

"That is true," Tink replied, putting her phone away even as Greg groaned. "Sadly, he has found an audience who eats all that shit up."

Walsh shrugged. "You can find an audience for anything on the internet these days."

Anna sighed. "That's sadly true."

"Well, let's not give him any more thought," Regina said. "I know I'm not. I'm here to dance and that's what I'm going to do."

"That's the spirit," Ingrid said, coming into the room. She clapped her hands. "Phones away. Let's go over the opening number again."

Everyone nodded and they moved toward their starting points. Regina hit her mark and went through a few stretches to make sure her body was still loose and limber. She then held her arms over her head and positioned her feet, ready for the music to begin.

It was time to dance.

"Henry, it's time for bed," Regina said, leaning against the entrance to Robin's recording studio in the house. She had waited for him and Henry to finish playing before speaking, not wanting to interrupt this moment between stepfather and stepson.

Robin glanced at the clock and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, we lost track of time," he said.

She chuckled. "I had a feeling. That's why I came down here."

"Sorry, Mom," Henry said, placing his guitar back in its case and propping it up against the wall. He then hugged Robin. "Night, Robin."

"Night, Henry," Robin said, hugging him back. "See you in the morning to take you to school."

Henry nodded before saying goodnight to his mother. She hugged him back, saying: "Sweet dreams. See you in the morning."

Once he left the recording studio, she turned to Robin. "And then there were two."

"Emma? Mum?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

"Out with Killian and likely won't be back until the morning," she replied. "And already said goodnight, saying she was going to watch TV in her room before going to bed."

He nodded, grinning. "What do you want to do then?"

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, saying: "Your choice."

"My choice?" he asked, looking surprised. "Really?"

"Yes," she replied. "What would you like to do?"

He bit his lip before asking: "How do you feel about a good soak in the bath?"

She let out a little groan. "That sounds heavenly."

"Then it's settled," he said, taking her arm. "We're going to have a nice bath and then maybe a cuddle in bed."

"I think that's a great plan," she replied, patting his arm as he turned out the lights. "Good choices."

He laughed as they headed upstairs. Soon, they were both relaxing in their tub with her back against her front. Regina let out a soft sigh and closed her eyes. "My body needed this more than I realized," she said.

"I had a feeling," he said, kissing the side of her head as his fingers brushed over her abdomen. It was starting to round as their child continued to grow inside her and she smiled at his touch.

She loved it.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her. "I know the morning sickness seems to have stopped but are there any other symptoms?"

"Not right now," she replied. "Everything is pretty good."

He kissed her shoulder now. "Good."

She nodded, running her hand down his arm. "You know, when I was pregnant with Henry, I did experience one symptom during my second trimester."

"What was it?" he asked, sounding almost panicked. "Is it bad?"

"I guess it depends on your definition of bad," she replied. "I was really, really horny."

He paused for a second and when he spoke, his voice sounded strangled. "Horny?"

She nodded, doing her best to keep her voice even. "Oh, yes. There were days I could barely keep my hands off Daniel. I just really, really needed sex."

"I see," he replied, his voice still odd. He cleared his throat. "I guess if you experience that symptom again, I will need to help you with it."

"I hope so," she said. "It's not the same if I just handle it myself."

He kissed the side of her head. "I understand."

She hummed. "Good."

"Are…Are you experiencing it now?" he asked, sounding hopeful the answer would be yes.

"No, I don't think so," she replied. "Honestly, it's kinda hard to tell. I always want to jump you."

He laughed. "Is that so?"

She nodded. "You're downright sexy."

"Oh" he asked, still sounding amused.

"Don't play that game," she replied. "I know you know it."

He chuckled again. "I guess. What I do know is that you're downright sexy too. It's a real struggle some days to keep my hands off you."

She snorted. "Then you must lose every day."

"I do," he replied. "And I don't have any regrets."

"Good, because I don't either," she said, turning her head and kissing his jaw. "Not a single one."

He nuzzled her before saying: "Glad to hear it."

She kissed his neck. "Do you think we've soaked long enough? Because if so, I think we should move to the bed."

"I think that's a wonderful suggestion," he said. "Let me get out first so I can help you."

"I can get out of a bathtub on my own," she replied, amused even as she moved up so he could get out of the tub. "You don't really need to help me."

He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his torso before holding out his hand. "I know. But then I have an excuse to hug you while I wrap you in a towel."

She took his hand and carefully stepped out of the tub. "You know you don't need an excuse to hug me. We're married."

"I know," he replied, wrapping a towel around her before resting his chin on her shoulder. "But this feels more romantic and sensual."

"I can't argue that," she said, leaning against him as she felt his warmth wrap around her.

He kissed her neck. "I didn't think you would."

She bit her lip. "So, are you just going to hold me or are we going to go back to the bedroom?"

"Sorry," he said. "Got a little carried away."

"Understandable," she replied, stepping away. "But it's definitely easier to cuddle in bed, if you ask me."

He chuckled. "Let me drain the tub and I'll be right there."

She nodded, giving him what she hoped was a sultry look. "Don't take too long," she said.

"I won't," he replied, already reaching into the water to pull the plug. "I'll be right behind you."

"Good," she said, leaving the bathroom. She sat on the bed and pulled out the lotion she used after every shower, rubbing it on her arms as she waited for Robin to leave the bathroom.

He stepped into the bedroom, turning off the light in the bathroom. Robin walked over to the bed, climbing onto his side and kneeling behind her. "Do you need me to get your back?" he asked her.

She nodded as she rubbed some lotion on her legs. "I'll let you know when I'm ready for that," she said.

"I'm ready," he replied, sitting behind her. "Just hand me the bottle when you are."

"Will do," she told him, unwrapping the towel so she could moisturize her abdomen. She tossed the towel aside as she continued working, covering every part she could reach before handing the bottle to Robin. "Your turn."

He rubbed the lotion into her back and she moaned as he also worked through some tense muscles there as well. "Ooh, that feels good," she said.

"Maybe you should treat yourself to a spa day soon," he replied. "You're going straight from competition to the holiday special. You haven't had time to really take care of your body yet."

"That sounds nice," she said with a sigh. He did have a point about her not really having time off yet to let her body rest and recover. "Maybe after Christmas."

He handed the lotion back to her as he said: "Before Christmas. Don't put it off."

She sighed, turning to face him. "There's a lot to do before Christmas. We haven't even decorated the house yet."

"The decorators are coming to do the outside this weekend," Robin told her. "If you want, I can call and see if they can do the inside too."

"No," she replied. "I appreciate what you're trying to do but I love decorating the house for Christmas."

He nodded. "Alright. But take your time, okay?"

"Okay," she promised, giving him a quick kiss. "Besides, I know you and your mother will be right behind me fretting the entire time so I'm sure you'll both make sure I won't overexert myself."

"Did you just say 'fretting'?" he asked, grinning.

She gave him a little shove. "Jerk."

He chuckled. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

"Like you don't say some weird or old-fashioned words from time to time," she told him, crossing her arms.

"I have an excuse," he replied. "I'm British. People expect that of us."

She hummed. "Sure."

He wrapped his arms around her, gently lowering her to the bed. "And I promise not to fret the entire time we're decorating."

"You will," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Because you love me."

"I do," he replied, smiling. "You and our daughter."

She melted a little inside. "Yes."

He kissed the edge of her nose. "We should probably get into our pajamas."

"Yeah," she agreed. "Though I'm too comfortable to move right now."

"Alright," he said, pulling away from her. "I'll do it."

She grabbed his arm. "You were one of the reasons I was really comfortable," she said, trying to pull him back.

His smile softened as he lay back down next to her. "Is that so?"

"Yes," she replied, curling against him. "You're nice and warm."

"Ahh," he said, laughing. "So I'm just a giant heater, huh?"

She nodded. "A very comfortable one."

He chuckled again. "Okay, I guess we can sleep naked. The boys generally don't come barging in anymore."

"True," she admitted, pressing her hand to her stomach. "And we don't know how long until this one will do that. So we should probably enjoy our privacy while we can."

"Good point," he said, pulling off his towel. "But we do need to get rid of these first."

She nodded as her mind came up with one solution. "I'm going to claim pregnancy brain for this and probably won't let you do it again…but just drop them on the floor. We can pick them up tomorrow."

He gasped. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes," she replied, kissing the end of his nose. "Tomorrow."

"Okay then," he said, grinning as he removed their damp towels. He dropped them on the floor next to the bed before laying down with her again. "There."

She pulled him closer to her again. "Good. Now, let's cuddle."

He chuckled. "Let me turn off the lights first. Then we can cuddle."

"Alright," she said, sighing. "But be quick."

"I will," he assured her, quickly pulling away and turning off the lights in their room. He then wrapped his arm around her again. "How was that?"

She closed her eyes as she let out a happy sigh. "Perfect."

He kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, darling."

"Night, Robin," she said. "Sweet dreams."

"You too," he replied. "See you in the morning."

With a happy sigh, she finally drifted off to sleep in his arms.

"So, what do you think of the name Caitlyn?" Robin asked as Regina ate her breakfast the next morning.

She frowned. "For our daughter?"

He nodded. "Yes. It's classic and pretty."

"And pretty overused," she said, turning to their boys. "How many girls are named Caitlyn in your classes?"

"Six," Henry said. "There used to be seven but Katelyn with a K moved at the end of last year."

Roland grinned. "There are five in my class and three in the other class."

"See?" Regina replied. "I'm not saying we have to come up with an ultra-unique name that no one else would ever pick…but I would say something that isn't so common."

"Right," Robin said, nodding as he sipped his coffee. "Okay, any other suggestions?"

Roland shrugged. "I don't know."

"It's okay," Regina said, gently patting his hand. "We have time. If you find a name you want to recommend, Papa and I would love to hear it."

"Okay," Roland replied, his eyes lighting up. "I can do that."

She then turned to Henry. "Same for you."

He nodded. "I did have one idea, if you're interested in it."

"Of course we are," Robin said, moving closer to the table. "We're all ears."

"I was thinking that maybe you should name her something music-related," he said. "You know, since you're a musician and Mom's a dancer."

Regina had never considered that before and she found she liked the idea. "That sounds sweet. Do you have any ideas?" she asked him.

"Well, I mean, there's always Melody but I feel that's a bit overdone," he said. "Maybe Aria?"

"Aria?" Roland asked. "What does that mean?"

Robin set his mug down on the table. "I'll explain on the way to school. Give your mother a kiss and then get your shoes, jackets and bags."

Henry and Roland stood, kissing Regina goodbye before placing their plates in the sink and leaving the kitchen. Robin leaned closer to her, giving her a quick kiss. "We'll talk more when I get home?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "I don't need to be at the studio until this afternoon. So we've got time."

"Perfect," he said, grinning. "See you in a little bit."

He left the kitchen and a few minutes later, she heard the front door open and then close again. With the kids off to school, she finished her tea and decided to get changed. Regina also wanted to research some more music-themed names.

Especially ones that would pair well with Clare.

"Good morning," Clare said, as if summoned. She entered the kitchen and started to make herself some tea. "Did I miss the boys?"

"Yes," Regina said. "Robin just left with them."

Clare nodded. "I'm sorry I missed them but I had a later night than I expected."

Regina frowned as she placed her plate and mug in the sink. "Everything okay?"

"Yes," Clare replied. "I just got engrossed in a movie and when it was over, I realized it was very late."

"Ahh," Regina said, glad it wasn't anything serious. Everyone had gotten caught up in a TV show or movie at one point and stayed up later than they meant to, including her. "So the movie was good?"

Clare nodded. "Very good."

Regina chuckled before looking back at the table. "Do you want me to stay with you while you eat?" she asked.

"No, no," Clare said, waving her off. "You go do whatever you were going to do. I'll be fine. I might even eat outside, enjoy the sounds of the ocean."

"That sounds nice," Regina agreed. "Enjoy."

She left the kitchen and headed upstairs. Returning to her bedroom, she changed into some comfortable clothes and brushed her hair. Just as she put it into a ponytail, the door opened and Robin stepped in. "Figured you were here," he said.

Regina chuckled as tightened her ponytail. "I take it drop off went well?"

"It did," he confirmed. "I explained what an aria was to Roland. He's somewhat familiar with the opera and he declared it stuffy and boring though he thinks the name is pretty."

"Good to know," she replied, laughing.

He nodded, sitting on the bed and facing her. "So, what do you think?"

She turned in her chair to face him. "About what? Naming our child something music-related? Or naming her Aria?"

"Either," he replied with a shrug. "Both."

"Well, I like the idea of giving her a music-related name," Regina said, "but not Aria. It doesn't really fit anything we do."

He nodded. "I agree on both counts."

She chuckled. "I was about to look up some more music-related names. Wanna come help?"

"Happily," he said, standing and holding out his hand. "Your laptop or mine?"

"We can use mine," she replied, taking his hand. "I already have some websites bookmarked that might be able to help."

He helped her up. "Then let's go."

They left the bedroom and went to the room she used as her personal space. He pulled over a chair as she booted up her laptop, ready to look up names for their daughter. As Robin leaned closer, he said: "Here we go."

"Here we go," she agreed.

"Another great rehearsal," Ingrid said, clapping as they finished the run-through of another number. "Go home and get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

"That actually sounds like my cue," Nimue said, stepping into the room. "I know you're probably all eager to get home but I do need your attention for a few more minutes. I have an important announcement."

Regina shared a look with Ursula, wondering what the announcement was as they all moved closer to Nimue. She crossed her arms as Nimue looked around, making sure everyone was there.

"So, the network has worked things out with Disney," she said. "While we will still tape a few performances here in the ballroom, the majority of the holiday special will be filmed at Disneyland!"

"That's going to be so much fun!" Tink said, bouncing on her feet as she clapped her hands. Regina had to agree with her – filming in Disneyland for Disney Night was always fun and she looked forward to it each season.

Nimue nodded, smiling. "Yes, but this won't be like when we tape for Disney Night. We'll be taping after the park is closed and will be taping for most of the night. So no, you won't be going on the rides."

There were some groans and Regina raised her hand. "So I guess we're not bringing our families either?" she asked.

"For the most part, no," Nimue said. "But there will be one day that will require an audience and so you will be welcome to bring your families then. The more the merrier, especially if it reduces the need for the general public, who can be harder to control."

"That sounds like fun," Anna replied, clapping my hands. "I know a few people who would love to come."

Regina nodded, knowing that her boys and Clare would love to see some of the performances. She raised her hand again. "Question – would they be able to do some of the rides that night or will the park again be closed?" she asked.

Nimue paused for a moment before saying: "I don't know but I can check. Do you think it will matter?"

"Probably not," Regina replied, thinking of her children. "I just know they're going to ask."

"Of course," Nimue said, smiling. "I'll ask the network and get back to you shortly. We need to finalize the schedule and then we'll send that to you as well."

Everyone nodded and she looked around. "Any other questions?"

Ingrid raised her hand. "I have one. When were you going to tell me about this change? I've been choreographing for the ballroom not Disneyland!"

"Not now, Ingrid." Nimue held her gaze as she said: "We'll discuss this once the dancers go home."

"Yes," Ingrid replied. "I just wish you had discussed it with me before telling them."

"We did discuss it," Nimue said. "You knew this was a possibility."

Ingrid just walked away, leaving Nimue to sigh as she turned back to the dancers. "Sorry about that. You're free to go. We'll have more information about Disneyland shortly."

Everyone thanked her before leaving the room together. Ursula glanced back at the door before saying: "That was weird."

"Eh, it's nothing we haven't seen before," Regina reminded her. "You know how Ingrid can get during the season. Nimue discusses some possibilities with her and then Ingrid is still surprised and upset when those plans are implemented, acting like she had no clue they were happening when really she just didn't take the ideas seriously."

"That's true," Ursula agreed. "You'd think she would be more relaxed since this isn't the competition but I guess not."

Ruby shrugged as she fell into step with them. "It's a primetime special. It's a big deal, judging by the rumored guest list."

"Well, I know about Robin and his band," Regina said. "Who else is supposed to be participating?"

"A few other former contestants," Ruby said. "But I also heard they're getting Alice and Cyrus as well."

Ursula frowned. "Who?"

Anna gasped as she turned around, walking backwards. "You haven't heard about Alice Liddell and Cyrus Jinn?"

"No, I'm old," Ursula replied as Regina tried not to laugh.

"You're not old," Anna said, rolling her eyes. "They're two upcoming actors who are rumored to be dating."

Regina chuckled. "Ah, the old will-they-won't-they gambit."

Ursula smirked. "You and Robin know that gambit well."

"I suppose," Regina replied, shrugging. "Of course, others framed our relationship that way. We very much were dating, we just did so secretly."

"You two were the worst kept secret in the studio," Anna told her. "We all knew you were dating."

Regina shrugged. "We weren't hiding it from you guys. We were hiding it from Isaac and Gold and the audience."

Ursula chuckled. "That is true."

"Alice and Cyrus are probably doing the same," Anna said. "Or pretending to. Who knows these days?"

"I guess we'll find out if they do participate in the Christmas special," Regina said.

Anna nodded. "I hope we can meet them. I would love to just get a picture with them."

Ursula chuckled. "I'm sure that can be arranged."

"Anyone else rumored to be participating in the Christmas special?" Regina asked Anna, wondering who else would be part of it.

"Hannah Montana," Anna said. "Or rather Miley Stewart. But I really doubt that. She's been avoiding big events like this for a while now."

Walsh nodded, falling back to join their conversation. "It's understandable. She did a lot as just a teenager. She deserves to take as much time off as she needs to rest and just do whatever she wants."

"Amen to that," Ursula said.

"I heard the VKs may reunite too," Anna said. "There's big buzz about that."

Regina raised an eyebrow. "Okay, now I have to wonder if these are really the probable performers and artists or just someone's wish list."

Ursula nodded. "I have to agree with that. Even you said you doubt the Miley Stewart rumor."

"I do," Anna replied. "Though I think the VK reunion might be true. Too many outlets are reporting it."

"Reputable ones?" Walsh asked.

Anna nodded, shooting him a look. "Is Variety reputable enough for you?"

"Yes, it is," Walsh said, impressed. "That would make this a big deal if they do reunite. Maybe we'll be dancing with them."

Anna's eyes lit up. "That would be so cool."

Ursula laughed. "I have to agree with that."

"So, who else is rumored to be participating in the special?" Walsh asked. "You named a couple actors but mostly musicians. It can't just be all musicians, right?"

"I suppose," Anna said. "I can check my phone once we're back at the trailers."

He nodded. "Sounds good."

They stepped outside and Regina took a deep breath of the fresh air. She didn't care who else performed during this special. It was just going to be fun to celebrate the holidays with her Dancing With the Stars family and dance one last time before giving birth.

She couldn't wait.

A/N: So I thought I had already posted this and was surprised when I realized I didn't! But maybe it was fate since this chapter does take place around the holidays.

Robin and Regina have an idea of what to name their little girl. Now they just need to find the right name for her.

And we'll be heading back to Disneyland next chapter! Will it be more magical than the last time? Find out soon!

-Mac