This chapter ends at kind of a weird place, but that's because it was getting to be too long. I'll be posting the next chapter soon!

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Chapter 12

The next few weeks seemed to fly by as Emma, Regina, and Maddie all got to know each other. Regina and Emma finished their classes and were officially foster parents. The Monday dance classes with the girls was always a hit and Maddie's schooling was going swimmingly. Regina had cut back on hours and was training Mal for running the place as Zelena had decided to stay a dancer. Cora was fine with that as she had considered Mal part of her family anyway. Besides, Regina wasn't exactly giving up ownership, she just decided on being more of a silent partner. Because of this, Ruby had been promoted to assistant manager and new 'girls' were hired to take over Emma and Ruby's spots.

Regina was home with Maddie as Emma was meeting up with some of the other survivors before their court case the next day. They had gotten through all of those that plead guilty and would now be starting on those who didn't. Alex wanted to run them through an idea of what would be happening the next day. She came in and handed them each a piece of paper. "I know none of you knew any of the men, but here is a list of names and when their cases are. Tomorrow we'll be dealing with the first one."

Emma looked at the paper and felt dizzy as her heart pounded and the room seemed to spin. She closed her eyes and tried hard to make the feeling pass. "Emma? Hey, are you okay?" Courtney asked as she saw the blonde turn ghost white. "You look like you're going to pass out."

Emma took a few breaths. "The third one…" She said quietly. "He's…he's my fiancée's ex-husband."

The room was quiet, and Alex looked at the list. "Daniel Colter? It does say he was married at the time. In fact, he's saying he was with his wife the night in question…but he said his wife at the time is now dead."

"Well, she's not." Emma said, fighting the emotions. Did Regina know? "They couldn't have investigated this that hard since Regina was his wife at the time."

"They didn't because it's all on video." Alex said with a sigh. "We'll have to talk to Regina. Emma, can you stay after so we can discuss this?"

Emma just nodded and tried hard to pay attention as they discussed the case the next day. How was it possible that Regina's ex was one of the guys who raped her and the others in the room? As the rest were leaving, Emma just sat in a daze.

Meanwhile, Regina had just finished working with Maddie with her spelling and was getting the baking things ready. She figured baking would be a good way to work on the fractions she was learning in her math class, and it would be a fun way for them to bond. There was a knock on her door, and she wiped her hands as she answered it. Upon opening the door, she froze, her heart in her stomach. "Daniel? What are you doing here?"

He smirked at her. "Look at you, Regina. You've done well for yourself, haven't you? A nice house, a smoking hot girlfriend and a nice little Princess to top it all off."

Regina grit her teeth and went to close the door when his foot stopped it. "Go away."

He gave a shrug. "I'll go away once you get your bitch to drop the charges against me."

Regina felt sick. "Wh…what charges? Daniel, they're only going after anyone who paid to rape her. You…" She looked at him. "No, Daniel, you didn't."

"That's right, I didn't, and that bitch needs to tell them that and you need to tell them I was with you that night."

"If they're charging you, then you were on the video." She shook her head. "You were a lot of things, but I never would have thought you'd rape a child!"

"It wasn't rape and she wasn't a child. You are so stupid, Regina. She and her pimp set this all up so she could make money. She was a little whore who now is saying she was raped."

Regina shook her head. "Go away. I don't want you here with your lies. If you got caught, that's your problem."

"No, sweetheart, it's your problem too. How would your precious little whore feel if she thought you knew? That you encouraged me even?"

Regina laughed right in his face. "She wouldn't believe you. How would the ADA like to know that you're threatening the victim and her family? Get out now."

"Gina? Are we still gonna bake cookies?" Maddie asked, coming to the door. "Who's here?" She looked at Daniel and stopped frozen, her face white before she looked at Regina. "You lied to me! You said I wouldn't get hurt again!" Fat tears rolled down her cheeks. "Why did you bring him here?"

Regina finally let it click and she gasped, looking at Daniel who was smirking at Maddie. She shoved him out of the door and slammed it, locking it as she grabbed her phone. "Maddie, I'm sorry. I haven't seen that man for years. Please, I have to make sure all the doors are locked and call the police. I promise, you're not going to get hurt, baby girl, but please go to your room until I call for you." She wished Emma was here just so she wasn't dealing with this alone. Maddie went to her room and Regina called as she went around, locking all the windows and the back door. "Olivia Benson or Amanda Rollins please." She knew it was pure adrenaline that was carrying her. "Olivia, thank goodness you're in. This is Regina Mills, Emma's girlfriend." She didn't even let Olivia talk before she continued. "I had no idea my ex-husband was one of the men being charged for rape against Emma. He's here and I didn't let him in, but Maddie saw him, and I think he raped her too. Olivia, I don't know what to do."

"Okay, lock everything up and take Maddie into an internal room that you can lock. I'll call you when Amanda and I are there. Is he still there?"

Regina peered out the window. "I can't tell. I don't see him, but I don't know for sure. Is Emma still there with Alex? I don't want her coming home if he's out there."

Olivia checked and went back to the call. "Emma is still here. I'm going to have her stay here until the scene is clear. What's that Amanda? They got him? Regina, the officer doing the drive by to make sure everything is okay has Daniel and is bringing him here. Amanda and I will still come out there while he's being booked."

Regina let out a sigh. "Good. I really need to go check on Maddie. Please keep Daniel away from Emma."

"We will. We'll call when we're there." Olivia hung up the phone and sighed, looking at Amanda. "Things just got complicated." After filling Amanda in on everything, Olivia grabbed her phone and knocked on the door where Emma was. "Emma? We're heading out to your place and wondering if you wanted a ride?"

"My place? Why?" She bit her lip. "Does it have to do with Daniel?" Emma explained how she saw his name on the list.

"Yes. Everyone is okay, just a bit shaken up and he's in custody."

Emma looked at Alex. "Can I go? I need to make sure they're okay."

"Yes, of course. Damn it, we should have looked further into this. I'm sorry."

Emma sighed, gathering her things. "Yeah, not like I'm not used to the system failing." She closed her eyes for a moment. "Sorry. I…you didn't deserve that. I'm just…this all could have been prevented way back when I was sixteen, you know? Now, somehow the stars collided, and this shit is happening."

Alex sighed herself. "You're not wrong, Emma and I did deserve that. We should have done more investigating. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I'm just…" She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. I just want to get home to my girls."

Regina hung up the phone and double checked everything was locked before going to find Maddie. When she knocked on her door, it opened revealing the little one packing her bag. "Maddie? Honey what are you doing?"

"I never should have unpacked. I knew it! It's always bad luck to unpack because the minute you do, something happens." She looked at Regina with tears in her eyes. "Why did you bring Danny here?"

"Honey, I didn't. He just came here. How…how do you know him?"

She looked down. "He camed to that house and he hurted me so many times. Regina, I can't do it again."

"Oh honey." Regina sat down on the bed. "I…honey, he used to be my husband a long time ago. I haven't seen him in about ten years and was not expecting him to come here. I had no idea he ever hurt you, my love, and I promise I'd never let him hurt you again."

Maddie looked at Regina. "I don't know what to think." She admitted as she sat on the floor. "It maded me sick when I saw him."

"Honey, it made me sick when he said what he did to Emma and it makes me sick that he hurt you too."

"He hurted Emma?"

"That's what he said." Regina sighed, grabbing a stuffed owl and holding it. "I had no idea. I swear, I didn't know."

Maddie came over and wiped Regina's tears with her little fingers. "I believe you." She said quietly, and just so show she meant it, she started unpacking. "Is Emma coming home?"

Regina wiped her eyes. "I hope so. Some detectives are coming to talk about what just happened. Maddie, please know that I would never let anyone hurt you. Even if he'd gotten in, I'd do everything to keep you safe."

"I do believe you. I think I was just surprised at first and a little hurt because I didn't understand why he was here. I'm sorry I started packing."

"Honey, it's okay." Regina said, hugging the little one. "Can I help you unpack?"

Maddie nodded and the two got set on that as they waited for Emma and the others. Emma sat in the backseat of the car, texting Regina that she was on her way and double checking they were okay. "I don't want to talk too much in front of Amanda and Olivia, but are you okay?"

"A bit shaken." Regina replied. "Emma, I swear I had no idea. I'm sick about this and Maddie is shaken too. He hurt her as well."

Emma closed her eyes thinking of that poor little girl. It was bad enough to do it to a 16-year-old, but to do it to an eight year old was so wrong. "I believe you, Regina. We have to call her social worker and report this."

"I did and she is coming just to make sure Maddie is okay. I'm so sorry, Emma. I should have looked before I answered."

"Regina, it's not your fault. I'm almost home, okay? I love you."

"Emma are you okay?" Olivia asked, turning in her seat. "You've been quiet."

"Honestly, I'm frustrated and I am scared of taking it out on you guys."

"Better us than Regina." Amanda said. "Besides, we deserve it."

"That's right. We promised you that we'd do our job and you'd be safe, and we didn't investigate enough to see the connection. This could have and should have been prevented by us. I'm so sorry, Emma."

Emma sighed, watching out the window. "Being upset isn't going to change anything. I just…it scares me because he knows where I live. You said they weren't dangerous but showing up on my fiancée's doorstep and making threats sure doesn't feel safe. I'm honestly rethinking all of this."

"You mean testifying?" Amanda asked.

"Yes. I mean, I have Maddie to think of too."

"Exactly." Olivia said, turning more to look into Emma's eyes. "He hurt her too, Emma. Protect her by testifying and getting him locked up."

Emma looked from Olivia, back to the passing road. "I'll think about it."

Once home, Emma rushed from the car to the house. "Regina? It's me, Olivia, and Amanda." Emma called out and smiled when the little one came running to her. She picked her up and held her close, emotions overwhelming her. "I'm so sorry, baby girl." She whispered.

Maddie snuggled into Emma's neck. "You don't gotta be sorry for anything." She then lifted her head and looked at Emma. "We gotta put Danny in jail. He was bad, Emma. He hurted us."

Emma sighed and kissed Maddie's forehead. "We'll talk about that later, honey."

They all sat down and Olivia and Amanda took Regina and Maddie's statements before going back to the office. Jaymee, Maddie's social worker came and after speaking with Maddie privately, she was assured the girl wanted to stay and really, there was no reason for her not to.

The three of them sat and talked that night and reassured Maddie that she was safe there. Over the next couple days, they got the two first court cases done and both men were found guilty and sent to jail. All the survivors were feeling good, but Emma was nervous for Daniel. She believed Regina when she said she had no idea Daniel did that when they were married and Regina was set to testify about how he'd often be gone late or for a couple days. Of course, it was years ago, so she couldn't remember exact dates, but it showed his pattern. In the end, Daniel was found guilty and sent away for 50 years with all the counts of rape against him.

Emma, Regina, Maddie, and their guest Cora all sat down for dinner one Tuesday when Emma's phone rang. "It's Mal. Why is she calling?"

"I'm not sure, love. Answer it."

"Hello?"

"Emma, it's Mal. Look, I know you haven't danced in a while and I get that and support you but…well, we have a private party starting in an hour and three girls came down with the flu. Please, I wouldn't ask you this if I wasn't desperate. It's all women and you can just dance, you don't have to do any lap dances if you don't want to. Emma….please."

Emma sighed. "Hang on." She put the phone down. "Three girls are sick and Mal needs a dancer for an all women party. Would it be okay if I went in?"

"Are you sure, baby? You haven't since…well you know."

"I know and well, I miss it. I know I can handle it and it'll be good money."

"You're gonna go dance?" Maddie asked. "Can I come watch?"

Emma smiled and tapped her nose. "I'm sorry, but you have to get to bed after dinner."

"Emma, if you want to do it, go do it." Regina said with a smile. "I won't stop you."

Emma picked up the phone. "I'll be right in."

"Oh, thank you so much! Hey, can you um…can you ask Regina if she'd come too?"

"Are you kidding?"

"I'm desperate."

Emma smirked. "Regina, Mal wants to know if you'll come help out too."

Regina rolled her eyes and held her hand out for the phone. "Mal, I haven't done that in years."

"I know, but I'm doing it. Come on, we'll bring The Dragon Lady and the Evil Queen out of retirement for one night only."

Emma bit her lip, wondering if Regina would actually do this. Regina put her hand over the phone. "Mother, would you be able to…"

Cora started laughing. "Yes, but I want the video of this! It's been years, Regina. You really think you still have it?"

Regina rose a brow. "Oh, I've got it, mother. Mal? Emma and I will be there."

*An hour later*

"What the hell was I thinking?" Regina asked, letting Emma fix her make up. "I haven't done this in years!"

"You look smoking hot." Emma said, licking her lips. "Babe, you're going to be just fine…and we're taking this cute little outfit home."

Regina smirked. "Oh, are we?"

"Mmm yes, your majesty." Emma said, buttoning the cape around Regina. "Will you cover my scars? I haven't had to do that in a long time."

"I will, but baby, you're beautiful no matter what." Regina said, kissing Emma.

"You two better not start having sex on stage." Mal said, coming out of the dressing room.

"Holy shit." Emma said, her mouth open as she looked at Mal. "Where have you been hiding that body?"

"You mean if I'd have shown you earlier, it would be my house you're living in?" She asked with a wink.

"Ha. You wish." Regina stated. "Let's get this over with."

"Ladies and well, ladies! We have a very special surprise for you!" Will announced from the D.J. both. "The return of three very popular dancers! Please put your hands together for The Evil Queen, The Dragon Lady, and The White Swan Princess!"

Cheers were given as they all came out to different stations. However, as soon as the music started, Regina smirked at Mal who gave a nod back and they started circling Emma, who had no idea what was going on. Ruby was impressed as she watched while handing out drinks. Clearly Emma had no idea what was going on, but she did a great job going with it. It was like watching a show where the two were fighting over the third, but mix that with gyrating hips, garments flying off, and sexy as hell women. In the end, Regina won and kissed Emma to the raised sounds of cheering and money being thrown on stage.

As the three were in the back, Ruby came back with a grin. "You guys were awesome." She bit her lip. "Um Emma? One of them were wondering about a lap dance from you? I told them you don't do that anymore, but she really was insistent that I ask. She uh, she said to give you the name Serena."

Emma froze. "Serena? No shit?"

"That's what she said."

"Who's Serena?" Regina asked, trying not to let the green monster of jealousy show.

Emma, who hadn't noticed, started touching up her make up. "She was in the system like me, and we met at a group home." Emma blushed a little and nodded to Ruby. "I'll be right out."

"Oh? Did you two get along?" Regina asked, noticing how Emma seemed excited to do this.

Emma chuckled. "We got kicked out of that home after they caught us…well, doing things." She stood and went to the door. "She was not only my first kiss, but also the reason I realized I liked girls. I'll be back."

Regina glared after Emma for a few moments until she felt Mal's hand on her back. "It's okay, Regina. She loves you. It was obvious on stage that she only has eyes for you."

Regina tried to let it go and gave Mal a smile. "That was kind of fun, being back on stage with you. Just like when we first started."

Mal grinned. "Are you kidding? It was a blast. I may have to look into doing a once-a-month act."

The two dressed and came out to sit at the bar while Regina waited for Emma. She saw her blonde smiling and laughing as she gave this Serena a lap dance. Serena was good at keeping her hands where they were allowed, but Regina still hated to watch Emma's body being touched by her. "She would have only been like 13 or so when they were in the home together. Imagine what she thinks seeing Emma's body now."

Mal rolled her eyes and handed Regina a drink. "She can't be thinking anything close to what Emma was thinking about you tonight, dear. Let her have some fun. It's been far too long since I've seen her smile. Besides, that Serena is engaged and so is Emma."

"I know I just…look at her Mal. She's beautiful and young and…doesn't have an ex who rapes children." Regina sighed, downing her drink.

Mal shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Emma doesn't hold that against you, Regina, and you know that. I have never seen someone so in love before, so don't go ruining it by being jealous."

"She's right." Lilly said from behind the bar. "Emma loves you, Regina. There's literally no reason to think she'd want her past over what she has now."

"You're both right. I know you are." Regina sighed. "I just can't help it."

"Help what?" Emma asked, startling Regina. She sat right on Regina's lap and kissed her.

Regina grinned. "What was that for?"

"I don't know. I just…I'm having such a good night and I love you and wanted to show you. Do I need a reason to kiss you?"

"Hey, why does she get a kiss and I didn't?" Serena asked, coming over as well.

"Because she's my fiancée and you're not." Emma said with a smirk. "Regina, this is Serena. Serena, this beautiful woman is my fiancée Regina."

"It's so nice to meet you." Serena said, holding her hand out. "You all were great on stage. I couldn't believe it at first when I saw it was my Emmy up there!"

Emma blushed. "Well, I haven't seen you since we were 14. I'm surprised you even recognized me."

"Who could forget your eyes, Emmy?" Serena gushed. "Kevin's eyes are nice, but I'll never forget yours."

"Kevin is her fiancée." Emma explained. "Have you enjyed your party?"

"Very much. This place is fantastic and I'll be leaving rave reviews. I heard that you had some call outs, but really, that was my luck because wow, that show was amazing."

"You got lucky." Emma said, taking her drink. "Tonight was the first time I've seen Regina and Mal dance and I haven't for a while now. Not since…well just not for a while."

"Emmy, I heard what happened. I mean, no, I didn't know for sure it was you until I saw you going into court one day and then I knew. I'm a secretary for some of the judges and had seen the case information but of course, not the names. When I saw you there with some others, I just knew, and my heart sank for you. You didn't deserve that; none of you did. I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault, Serena. Besides, some good has come from it. I am in therapy which is doing wonders for me and Regina and I have a foster daughter. She is the most beautiful little thing." Emma took her phone out and showed her a picture.

Serena looked and gasped. "Emmy! She looks just like you! I'm so happy for you!" She took Emma's phone. "I'm putting my number in here. Let's please keep in touch. Text me your address so I can send a wedding invite."

"I will." Emma said with a smile. "Now get back to your party before it's too late."

"Thanks, Emmy!" Serena said, kissing Emma's cheek.

Emma then smirked at Regina. "Don't think I haven't noticed you glaring daggers towards us." She said, moving closer to Regina, opening her legs and standing between them. "Regina, no one can ever take me from you. I love you so much. I am yours." She said, looking into her eyes.

"Damn right you are, Swan." Regina growled, pulling Emma closer to kiss her. "Come on, I want to show you something." She smacked Emma's ass, making her yelp.

Mal rolled her eyes. "Clean up when you're done, okay?" She called with a chuckle.

"Emma's in trouble." Ruby said with a whistle.

Mal laughed. "Emma's gonna love it."