After Regina finished seeing the last of their guest out, she went in search of her mate. The day had been a success. Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and Regina found herself looking forward to more family holidays and special occasions together. She shut the lights off as she passed through each area of the house until she reached the dimly lit living room, where she found Ember sitting on the couch nursing a tumbler of her apple cider. She furrowed her brow as she realized that she could smell the cider from across the room. With a quick shake of her head she crossed the room unnoticed by Ember.

His green eyes were focused on the lights of the Christmas tree that twinkled in front of them.

"What's on your mind, dear?" Regina asked as she sank into the couch beside him.

"Orphans." "Okay, you'll have to be more specific." She leaned in close to his side. He smiled softly and slid his arm around her shoulders.

"Were you aware of the fact that Storybrooke has a fairly large number of parent-less children."

"I am. I try to allocate as much funding as possible when I do the budgets each year in the hopes that it would make a difference. Many of the children lost their parents in the pointless wars that Snow and I waged against each other. It's one of the things I regret most." He kissed the top of her head.

"You've changed so much, Regina. Done so much good, I think it's time that you forgave yourself for your past. You can't change it, but you've definitely learned from it." Her finger trailed abstract patterns across his jean covered thigh.

"Mmm...maybe you're right." They sat in silence for a long drawn out moment.

"I want to do something for the kids of Storybrooke. Not just the orphans, but all the kids."

"That sounds lovely, but what do you have in mind?" She could feel his excitement grow.

"I have a tentative idea, but I would like to check some things out before I tell you, if that's okay?"

"Of course." She smiled as his face lit up with a large smile of his own. Together they sat in the living room enjoying the lights, until Regina felt one of Ember's hands begin to wander. She snagged it from her side and laced her fingers through his.

"What exactly were you trying to do, Mister Swan?"

"I believe I was trying to continue our conversation from this morning." He purred in her ear. Goosebumps raced across her skin at the sound.

"I don't think fondling me in such a manner would a conversation make." Ember rumbled in his chest before swiftly grabbing her by the waist and pulling her across his lap until she was stradding him and he could look in her eyes.

"Would you prefer a more direct course of action, my Queen?" He trailed his hands up her thighs until they came to rest on the thin leather belt that wrapped around her waist. Regina nodded as she watched his eyes become tinged with his dragons bright greens. She waved her hand and the door to the room shut and locked. Another wave caused a purple sheen to spread across the room, casting a silencing spell around them. It wasn't until then that Regina allowed herself to give into her need for her mate. Her fingers slid into the short hair on the side of his head and she brought her lips to his ear.

"I want you to fuck me, Mister Swan. Right here on our couch in front of our Christmas tree." Ember swallowed, it was rare that Regina spoke that way, but when she did it was like a bolt of pure arousal right between his legs.

"Strip." She began to raise her hand to remove her close with magic, but was halted by Ember's hand. "The old fashioned way." Regina slipped off his lap and began to slowly work the buttons of her shirt open one by one. Green eyes followed her every move. The red silk floated to the floor after she discarded it. As was apt for the holiday, she wore a red lace bra that had Ember licking his lips. She moved on to unbuckle her belt. Once she unbuttoned her slacks they fell to the floor and revealed the matching red lace panties. Every time Ember saw Regina like this, it always felt like the first time, and he was always captivated by her beauty.

"See something you like?"

"Always." He hummed as he pulled her back to her previous perch on his lap. His hands stroked across her soft flesh. Memorizing every curve, until his fingers disappeared in dark locks and he pulled her toward him to meet her lips in a heated kiss. Regina's fingers curled around the bottom of his sweater and pulled it over his head forcing their lips apart so it could pass, but neither could resist resuming their kiss as soon as the cloth passed between them. Regina's hands were in constant motion tracing each defined muscle across Ember's torso.

Her nails raked over his nipples as she passed, she smiled into their kiss as he shuddered underneath her. At last her hands landed on his belt. With a few flicks the buckle was undone and she pulled it free with a flourish. Button and zipper quickly follow, before she holds her herself above him in order to give him enough space to wiggle the jean down his legs and pool at his feet. Not the most sexy of looks, but at this point she could care less.

Once they were situated again, she could finally feel his arousal pressing against her through the two thin layers of fabric that separate them.

"You're so handsome, my love." She whispered as she kissed and licked down the side of his neck and across his upper chest. A thrill raced through Ember at the words. It was still surprising the effect words like handsome had on him. In response he slid his hands inside of her lace and cupped the round mounds of her ass, forcing her to grind against him. He groaned in response.

His long fingers made quick work of the clasp of her bra, sliding the delicate article down her arms then tossing it away from them. Finger tips glided across warm flesh until his hands cupped her breasts. His thumbs stroked over her nipples until they grew hard under his attention. Ember licked his lips before he slid his hands around her back and pulled her toward him, engulfing one of the peaks in his hot mouth. Regina gasped at the contact, her fingers threaded into his hair and held him in place. His tongue stroked over the nub repeatedly, until Regina began to rock in his lap.

"Please, my darling." She whispered above him, as her hand slipped between them and she stroked his hard length through his boxers. His breath caught in his throat. With a soft growl he wrapped his arms around her and one swift, but gentle, movement later Regina found herself laying on the couch looking up at the florescent eyes of her lover. She waved her hand and both of their remaining clothes disappeared.

Ember slid his fingers down her stomach and slip them into the pool of heat between her thighs. She moaned at the contact.

"Always so responsive for me." He husked in her ear followed by a nip at the mark on her neck. Her hips jerked into his hand. He chuckled softly at her enthusiasm. As he stared into her eyes he lined himself up and entered her slowly. Regina tried to maintain eye contact with him, but the feeling was just to much. Her eyes closed of their own free will, as she enjoyed the sensation of being filled by him. The pace he set was gentle.

"Harder, Ember. I'm, not going to break." He paused mid stroke and looked down at her. His fingers traced her flat stomach.

"But..." Regina cupped her love's face and brought his gaze up to meet hers.

"Pregnant women can have normal sex lives. Logically, I know you, know this." Ember blushed then nodded.

"I do."

"Good boy. Then fuck me like you mean it, Mister Swan." She gave him a sexy smirk. He hesitated for one more second before crashing his lips into hers. Regina buried her fingers in his hair as he began to thrust into her at a more reasonable pace. They both pulled away from their kiss from lack of oxygen. Regina buried her face against his neck, moaning softly with each stroke. She could feel her climax building in her belly.

Brown eyes were drawn by the smooth, unmarred flesh of Ember's neck. She suddenly had the overwhelming need to mark the skin and claim Ember as her own. She nipped and kissed her way down his throat and across the top of his shoulder. Just as her orgasm approached she raked her fingers across his back. Had it been anyone else, they certainly would have walked away with scratches that would last for days. Since it was Ember he barely registered the feeling.

Ember bathed in the exquisite feel of being surrounded by his Queen's heat. He could tell she was close to falling over the edge of her climax, so he slipped his hand between them and stroked her clit in time with his thrusts. She shuttered beneath him and two strokes later her back arched and she clenched around his length. The feeling was enough to send him over the edge not long after.

The room fell silent except for the sounds of their panting as they caught their breath. Ember placed kisses across Regina's shoulders and chest, then up her neck and jaw until he reached her lips.

"Best..." Kiss. "...Christmas..." Kiss. "...ever." Regina's bright laugh surrounded them.

"Indeed."

~~R+E~~

When Regina woke the next morning the first thing she became aware of was being sprawled on top of Ember's warm body. It wasn't the first time she has woken up like this and he never seemed to mind so she snuggled into the heat further. The second thing she noticed was that they were not in the living room anymore. Instead they were tucked into their bed upstairs. Ember must have transported them upstairs with his magic after their activities the night before.

She traced her finger over the scar that cut across the smooth flesh of Ember's shoulder. Occasionally she still had nightmares about the day the blond was hit by Charming's sword. If he wasn't a dragon, she was sure he would have been grievously injured. Regina leaned forward and pressed her lips to the puckered skin.

As she laid there slowly waking up she peeked at the clock next to the bed. They would have to get up soon if they were going to make their special delivery. Slowly she began to roll off of the human mattress that was her mate. Just as she was about to rise from the edge of the bed, two long arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against Ember's well muscled body.

"Why are you up so early?" He murmured into her hair. Regina chuckled and stroked the arms around her.

"We need to be somewhere and if we don't get our day started now there are some people who will be severely disappointed." She could clearly imagine the look of confusion on her lover's face.

"Who?"

"It's a surprise." He huffed into her hair.

"Fine, but it better be a good one." Regina smiled softly even though Ember couldn't see her.

"It is. Now why don't you throw some clothes on and go see if our son is up yet?" He pressed a kiss to her neck before climbing out of bed. A cloud of white smoke surrounded him and when it dispersed he was clad in a tank top and pajama pants.

"As you wish." He said with a bow, followed by a roguish wink before he exited the room.

"3...2...1..."

"WAKE UP HENRY! YOUR MOM WON"T TELL ME THE SURPRISE!" She shook her head. Some things never changed.

~~R+E~~

Regina steered her car through the quiet streets of Storybrooke. A light snow had coated the town overnight and it seemed as if everyone had decided to stay inside rather than venture out into the cold. Ember stayed quiet as he tried to guess where they were going.

The mayor guided the car into a large warehouse at the edge of town. When Ember's eyes adjusted he was met with the sight of a large red wagon with a team of four large black horses attached. In the bed of the wagon were multiple red velvet bags that appeared to be filled to bursting.

"Regina, what is this?"

"Come." She said as she exited the car. Henry and Ember were quick to follow. One look at Henry's happy face made it clear that the boy knew exactly what was going on.

"Your Majesty!" A voice rang out as a man stepped from behind the horses.

"Mister Dalton!" Regina greeted him.

"I see we expanded our circle by one more." The man said with a happy lilt to his voice. Regina wrapped her arm around Ember's and pulled him over to where the man was waiting. As they drew closer Ember studied him. He had a mop of dark hair with piercing blue eyes. He would be what one would call ruggedly handsome. Ember was ashamed to admit that he was a bit jealous of the closeness he could sense between his mate and this person.

"Benjamin this is my mate, Ember. Ember this is the owner of Storybrooke stables and very good friend, Benjamin Dalton." Benjamin held his hand out to the Sheriff, who took it on reflex. Benjamin's handshake was firm but not overbearing.

"Nice to finally meet you, Sheriff Swan, and on such a happy day at that. Travis is going to be so disappointed he missed it."

"Travis?" Ember asked, finally having found his voice.

"My husband."

"Oh...OH!" Relief coursed through Ember. Logically he knew that he didn't have anything to be concerned about, but his dragon sometimes reacted on instinct rather than logic. Regina rolled his eyes.

"You'll have to forgive him, Benjamin, his inner animal sometimes gets the better of him." Benjamin laughed outright.

"No worries here, Sheriff. Your reputation precedes you and contrary to what my husband would say, I'm not an idiot." Ember's laugh joined his.

"Ah, something we have in common. I too belong to the idiot club. We should start a idiot's anonymous." Ben clapped him on the back.

"I like him, Regina." Regina leaned into Ember's side.

"Hmm...perhaps I'm the one that should be worried." She sassed with a raised eyebrow. Blue eyes crinkled with mirth.

"Like I said...not an idiot." He winked at the couple before turning to face the wagon. "So is this going to be the year that you lose the disguise?" Ben said offhandedly.

"Disguise?" Ember's curiosity was piqued.

"To answer your question, Mister Dalton, no it will not be." Ben tsked.

"I keep trying to tell her that it's time to let the world know, but she always insists." He shrugged.

"Okay, gentlemen." Regina interrupted their banter. "There are some very important people waiting on us." She waved her hand at was transformed into a picture perfect image of Mrs. Claus. The red dress she now wore looked like velvet trimmed in white. Ember's mouth hung open.

"Come on, Dad!" Green eyes turned toward a voice that didn't match the one that belonged to his son. In Henry's place stood a elf, shorter than Henry's usual height. His hair was strawberry blond, and his ears definitely came to a point. Nobody in Storybrooke would ever be able to guess that the two people in front of him were the Mayor and her son. Just as he was about to speak, a cloud of purple smoke surrounded him. As it cleared he looked down at himself and realized he had been turned into none other than Santa Claus himself. His beard had grown to cover the entire lower half of his face and was a bright snowy white. His suit matched Regina's dress, red velvet trimmed in white. He wasn't loving the larger stomach that came with the get up, but he could roll with it for one day.

"Looking good, Santa." Ben whistled. Ember narrowed his eyes.

"Be careful, Dalton. I don't know your husband yet, but I'm not above telling him you are cat calling other men." The brunet tilted his head.

"Some how the threat just doesn't have the same feel to it coming out of this body."

"Mister Claus! Get on this wagon, we are going to be late." Regina called, now perched in the driver seat, reigns in hand.

"You heard your lady." Ben said with a wink. "See you when you get back." Ember clamored up onto the open space of the bench seat beside Henry. With a flick of the reigns the horses were in motion. As they pulled out on to the street Ember noticed a few people were walking down the side walk, and yet no one seemed to pay any mind to the large wagon carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus down their street.

"Why isn't anyone pointing us out?"

"Because they can't see us, Darling."

"What? Why not?"

"Because this isn't for them. The only people who will see us are the people who are at our destination."

"How long have you been doing this?"

"Every Christmas, since I've gotten my magic back. And as long as we were in Storybrooke."

"She didn't tell me at first either. Not until I was done being a little shit."

"Henry, language!"

"Sorry...but it's true, Mom." Regina brought the wagon to a halt and smiled at Henry.

"Fine, but you're my little shit, so there." She laughed softly at their shocked faces. "Come on, dears, were here." Ember hopped down from his seat, then turned to look to see where they had arrived. The Storybrooke Group home stood in front of them. "Grab a couple bags, Santa. The fun part is about to begin, and remember in here we are only Santa, Mrs. Claus and Jack our trusty elf." She informed him with a wink. He was stunned to silence so he did as she told him and gripped two of the large sacks and hoisted them from the wagon. They were almost to the front door when it cracked open. A small little head of red curls poked from inside.

"They're here! I told you I heard something!" The little girl's voice squealed as she shoved the door open all the way and raced toward them. She didn't stop until her arms were wrapped around Regina's legs.

"Tiffany, look how much you've grown." The girl pulled back and gave an exaggerated nod.

"I'm almost as big as Jameson now."

"Oh I bet he doesn't like that, does he?" Red hair flung back and forth as Tiffany shook her head. "I didn't think so. How about you lead us inside and you can help us pass out everyone's gifts?"

"Yay!" She turned and ran back into the house. Regina glanced back to where Ember stood in awe. He was trying desperately to control the tears that had blurred his vision. That could wait until later, now it was all about the kids inside.

When they crossed the threshold, Tiffany lead them to the living room where a large chair was sat in the corner surrounded by children.

"Oh, Mrs. Clause, I had no idea you were bringing Mr. Claus with you this year, let me see if I can find you another chair." The woman in charge said softly. Ember laid a gentle hand on her arm and smiled softly.

"Not necessary, Mrs. Shoemaker, I'm Mrs. Claus's assistant for the day. She told me about this very special place and I managed to get all of my deliveries done the night before so I could meet you all. I always wondered why she told me to skip this particular house on Christmas Eve, now I understand why. She wanted to keep these beautiful smiles all to her self. Very clever, Mrs. Claus." He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"It seems you've figured me out, Mr. Claus." Regina returned with a small laugh. She drug her two sacks over to the chair and sat down. "Now for having such keen hearing, Tiffany will be helping me to pass out your present this year. Have you done your best to be kind to one another over this past year?" All of the kids nodded with enthusiasm. Regina glance at Mrs. Shoemaker, who nodded in agreement. "Excellent. I'm very proud of you all." She began to untie the string holding the first bag closed, when she was ready she lifted Tiffany on to her lap and began to pull wrapped presents from inside the bag. Each child stepped forward when their name was called and shared their favorite memory of the past year and what they were looking forward to in the coming one.

By the time the last gift was pulled from the back, all of the kids had received at least 4 gifts each. A set of brand new clothes, an age appropriate book, a toy, and a pair of new shoes. No child was left out, no one got more or less. Ember didn't know how Regina pulled this feat off, but he was in absolute awe of the woman cradling Tiffany in her lap. The poor tyke fell asleep not long after the last gift was given.
One of the older children carefully lifted the girl from Regina's lap and helped to usher all of the younger kids out of the room so they could put their new things away. The caretaker approached Regina with tears in her eyes.

"Mrs. Claus, I can never explain what your visit means to us. I just wish you would reveal who you are so we could thank you properly." Regina reached out and took the woman's hands in hers.

"I'm just someone who wants them to all have a Merry Christmas and they deserve it more than most." Regina smiled softly. "And the smiles on their faces and yours is all the thanks I will ever need."

"You're a saint." Mrs. Shoemaker sniffled. "I know I say it every year, but every year it's more and more true."

"I'm not a saint, dear. I've made my share of mistakes, but I'm determined to do better and be better. I think that's all any of us can really do." Regina was immediately engulfed in a hug. One that she readily returned. Ember remained silent, knowing that if he spoke he would turn into a blubbering mess. Regina patted the woman's back before gently pulling away. She reached inside of, what Ember thought was an empty sack and pulled one more thing from inside. She handed the envelope to Mrs. Shoemaker. "This should be enough to cover any incidentals over the next year." The woman didn't open it, instead she merely clutched the envelope and its contents to her chest.

"Thank you." Regina nodded with a tender smile.

"I believe it's time for us to take our leave."

"Let me call the children. They'll want to say good-bye."

"Of course, we would never leave with out saying good bye." The caretaker smiled wide then exited the room to find her charges. Regina reached over and stroked Ember's back.

"You okay?" She whispered, sensing that he wasn't. He gave her a tight smile and nodded. Before they could continue their conversation the first of the children came into the room. In a small parade they each hugged the trio and thanked them all for their gifts before wishing them a Merry Christmas.

As they climbed back into their wagon the group of children waved from the front porch. Ember briefly wondered what that would look like to any passerby that couldn't see the wagon. The trip back to the warehouse was silent. After they all disembarked the wagon, Ben took their place and urged the team of horses out of the warehouse once more. Regina waved her hand and they were all back to their normal selves again.

"Henry, will you go wait for us in the care please?" Henry nodded, but looked at his father with a bit of concern before leaving. Once the door shut being their son, Regina turned her focus to Ember, who hadn't said a word for a very long time.

"Ember, darling, talk to me." He leaned against the hood of the car, pulling Regina til she was standing between his legs.

"I didn't think it was possible to love you even more, Regina Mills, but I do." His green eyes filled with tears once more. "I don't know if you even realize what an incredible thing it is you are doing for those kids. I wish that all kids in the system had it so good. I wish I would have." He finished quietly. "Why don't you want them to know?" Regina's shoulders sagged.

"When I first started doing this, it was just after magic came back. Everyone still saw me as the villain. What child would want a present from the Evil Queen? Especially when the older ones would understand that I'm part of the reason they don't have parents." It was Regina's turn to tear up. "I wanted to make sure they were well taken care of, so I concocted this idea and with Benjamin's help I was able to pull it off. He stores the gifts for me in on of the out buildings on his property and he makes sure the team is hitched and ready by the time I arrive. He has always kept my secret, him and Travis. Then eventually Henry and now you."

"How do you do all of this?" Regina blushed.

"I am very well off, Ember. So much so, that I would never be able to spend it all in my lifetime. What better way than to make these children's life as easy as possible. Granny feeds them on Christmas Day and I deliver their presents on the day after Christmas. " Ember cupped her face in his large hands.

"You're an incredible woman. I am so thankful that you're mine." He leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. "I do have one more question?" He said as he pulled back. She raised her eyebrow indicating he should continue. "Can I grown a beard? I kind of liked it." She laughed in relief.

"I'll make a deal with you."

"I'm listening." She fingered the collar of his flannel shirt.

"You can grow a beard while I'm pregnant, but once the baby comes, if I ask you to, you'll shave it off. Deal?" Ember pursed his lips and appeared to think hard about her offer, then quickly pecked her on the lips.

"Deal."