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Regina bit her lower lip as she watched Kathryn enter her office. She was about to ask her best friend for a favor, which is something Regina didn't like to do generally.

"Regina, it is great seeing you," Kathryn smiled genuinely at the mayor.

Regina reciprocated the smile, pointing at the chair across from her, "I am really glad you could make it on such short notice."

Kathryn took the offered seat, her eyes curiously lingering on Regina, "No problem, Regina. You know I am always happy to help."

Regina cleared her throat, squirming uncomfortably on her seat, "I know, and for that I am really grateful." Licking her suddenly dry lips, her eyes locked with Kathryn's, "As you know, Emma Swan is currently residing in Storybrooke."

"Uh, yeah, I heard she's great and hot," Kathryn gushed, a big grin spreading across her face. Gritting her teeth, Regina stared, bewildered at her best friend.

It was beyond her, how this coarse blonde woman fascinated everyone. Granted, she was good looking, obviously well worded and very gifted in music. The more the brunette thought about it, the more that reasons came up not to dislike the blonde rapper so immensely.

Snapping herself out of the reverie, Regina focused back on Kathryn, "Yes, so have I heard. Emma invited me to a jam session at their house for tonight. Henry would sell his soul – obviously – to accompany me, but for one, it is a school night and two, I do not think it would be appropriate for his age. So, with that being said, would you like to go with me?"

Clapping her hands together, Kathryn gave Regina a thumbs up, "Of course I'd loved to go! I will check in with Frederick. Maybe he would like to spend the evening with Henry."

"That is a splendid idea," Regina smiled, taking a deep breath.

She was actually quite relieved that Kathryn would accompany her.


"You think it was a good idea, inviting Regina Mills?" August asked, furrowing his brow.

Emma sighed while she dropped the weights she had been lifting for the past thirty minutes.

"Yes, I think it is," she stared, determined at her friend and manager. "Did you ever question my actions before?"

August rolled his eyes, leaning against the bench, "Don't, Emma. Don't make me remind you of Lily."

Emma huffed, closing her eyes as she heard August's words. Fair enough. Back then she did some weird stuff.

"Don't start with Lily again, okay? This is fucking different! Regina treats me and all of us like gum beneath her expensive shoes." Emma argued, taking another – much heavier – weight.

"So what? She's a mean bitch. Why do you even care?" August exclaimed, but held the weight pole lightly to support Emma.

"Because I do, August – all my life people treated me the way they wanted to. I am a role model. I try to inspire people regardless of anything. Plus, I don't even really believe that she's THAT mean in reality."

She pushed through the screaming pain in her arms, sweat dripping down her forehead and arms.

"I think that's enough lifting for today, Emma. Look, do whatever you think is necessary, but don't let her under your skin."

Letting her arms fall back down, Emma looked questioningly at her friend, "Why would you assume that anyway?"

August snorted, shaking his head in mild amusement. "Emma, I've known you since we were both in the system, if there is anything in the world that intrigues you more than making music, it's women – not all kinds of course. However, my gut tells me that Regina could fall into your pattern."

Emma swallowed, wiping the sweat off her face she looked back at him, "I got this."

"Good. Now go shower – you smell." August winked as he left the little room.

Emma squeezed her eyes shut, pinching the bridge of her nose she sighed, deciding that a shower was indeed a good idea.


The place was actually crowded when Regina and Kathryn arrived at the musician's house.

"Wow," Kathryn breathed, "they sure know how to throw a party."

Regina rolled her eyes, unimpressed as she looked around and saw a flash of blonde hair.

"Aye, Madame Mayor."

Regina turned around as she saw Killian Jones leaning against the doorframe. "Didn't think you'd come."

Grinning brightly at the man, Kathryn stepped forward, "I'm Kathryn, Regina's best friend."

Jones took Kat's hand, as he smiled charmingly at the woman, "Pleased to meet you, I am Killian."

"And she is married," Regina scoffed, pushing past him.

Kathryn looked apologetic at the man, who motioned deeper into the house, "They're almost done setting up the little stage."

"I'm going to get us something to drink," Kathryn motioned to the kitchen as she walked away.

Regina watched Emma as she was taking her seat on a stool in the middle of the room along with Ruby. Killian joined them, a guitar in his hands.

"Hey everybody, most of you know my band who will accompany me with their instruments. In addition, after I am done, they will perform some of their songs. Have fun!"

Kathryn handed Regina a glass of wine while the brunette watched Emma with rapt attention.

Song

20 years old in the streets and I'm rollin' with gangsters now
Hip-hop is takin' over me, my language, my clothes, my lifestyle
And I carry that attitude with me to this day, more or not
And I'm young and hot-headed
Always running from police and skateboardin'
Graffiti, loiterin', I sorta got my peace from the chaos
Was no more "may-I's," surrounded by have-nots
And maybe some day I's will

Regina felt the song, suddenly she understood some more about the blonde and her antics. She swallowed, raw emotion hitting her.

I was against the grain, even when I was growin' wheat
Got back into rock and roll, and then got into poetry
Started expressin' everything I could through the medium of pen and pad
Playin' instrumentals off a tape and then over-dubbin' what I had
It was everything, because I had nothin'
And man that was alright, 'cause now I had somethin'
Little did I know that would be the hardest thing to do God ever put before me
So I took a look at what I've been through
And I made it my glory, and this is...

[Chorus: Ruby]

This is my story

This is my glory

This is what keeps me alive

This is me flying

This is me trying

This is what keeps me alive

Regina was surprised about how powerful Ruby's voice was, conveying the lyrics and emotions perfectly.

After the song ended, applause engulfed the room. Blushing slightly, Emma waved quickly before picking up another song.

Song

I wrote this song as a message for help
On behalf of anybody findin' they self
I wrote this letter to numb your pain
'Cause everyday I wake up, I'm feelin' the same
I got issues just like you got issues
I been hurt, I seen the scar tissue
If I showed you, would you run away?
Do I gotta hide 'em for you to wanna stay?
Do I, even need you? Should I leave you?
Do I, gotta be you, just to please you?
Do I, say I'm all good, when I bleed you
Through my, heart? Quit tearin' mine apart

[Chorus: Ruby]

I shout, I swear, I get angry, I get scared
I fall, I break, I mess up, I make mistakes
But if you can't take me at my worst
You don't deserve me at my best

Life is about makin' mistakes
It's also about tryna be great (right)
Do not let failure scare you away
I know you fed up, you fall, get up
It's all in us, I can speak about 'cause I did it (true)
Ladies and gentlemen, here's the exhibit
It's my life, look a little closer, you could see the highlight
Gold ain't always golden but I told 'em
Look at all the years I've been waitin' for a moment
Shed a lot of tears just to smile in the mornin'
Tell me could you love me? Tell me could you love me?
Tell me could you love me if I told you why?

[Bridge: Emma + Ruby]

This song's for anybody, yeah
Who feels like I did, never the cool kid
This song's for anybody
Who fought their way through, always remain true
This song's for anybody
The one's who tryin' to get it, the one's who dream it and live it

After another song, Kathryn was tipsy and singing along with Neal, who had joined them at some point.

Regina didn't remember when, she was too busy watching Emma.

Song

Yeah, and if I had a dollar
For everytime they told me what I wouldn't be
I would be a rich girl with a crib on a big hill (ha forreal)
But I gotta work to get paid
Earn my own way
Work the third shift, burn the whole splits
Says burn up (Hold up, let me get it)
Look, failure is not an option, I gotta be at the top
Like I'm sorry, but I don't really feel sorry for y'all
I'm sorry I got a new number that you can't call
I'm sorry to everyone who still wants me to fall
Hold up, you know what, I ain't sorry at all

"Thank you all for your support and I will see you at my show. Stay true! Now enjoy my band and their tremendous songs!"

So I, hope that it was worth it when you was searched and you found what glitters ain't gold
And I, knew I wasn't perfect but I know that I made it all on my own

Emma left the circle as she vanished into the opposite hallway. Regina cleared her throat, looking somewhat surprised at Kathryn and Neal who talked animatedly.

She averted her eyes back to the band that was now playing. Emma was right, they were good.

Song

I was a young man
Never needed nothing
I had a real good life
Then you took my breath
On a Sunday as a sundress
Right then I lost my mind
I was a strong man
Right until the day
You took me down like a rolling stone

Regina laughed quietly, shaking her head at the irony. Looking at her empty glass, she decided it was time for another drink.

Entering the kitchen, she walked to the counter. She refilled her glass and leaned against the fridge, taking a deep, calming breath.

Emma came into the kitchen, her steps halting as she saw Regina.

"Miss Mills," she downed her beer in one swig.

"I must say, Miss Swan…Your music is really not that bad," Regina said slowly, her eyes raking up and down Emma's body.

"Um…thanks, I guess," Emma placed the empty beer bottle on the counter as she walked towards Regina.

Regina furrowed her brow, confused at first – but then she saw mischief gleaming in Emma's eyes.

Never saw it coming
Blinded by the moment
Don't know why I crave you all the time
Sugar on the tongue baby
Burning all night long yeah
Doesn't make no reason or no rhyme
Never saw it coming

Regina's heart rate picked up, licking her lips she felt anticipation grow. Emma stood only a few inches away, lifting her arm slowly, placing a hand on the fridge, and almost backing Regina into it.

The usual green eyes darkened a little as Emma watched Regina. Two could play that game.

"Regina?" Emma rasped, close to Regina's ear. "I would like to get another beer – from the fridge."

Regina huffed quietly, something unfamiliar shooting through her body – disappointment?

"Of course. You could have said something, you idiot." Regina snapped, pushing Emma's offending arm away.

Emma chuckled, opening the fridge. "Of course, but where's the fun in that?"

Regina stared in disbelief at Emma, all kinds of emotions rattling through her body.

"You are treading on thin ice here, Miss Swan," Regina growled with an underlying warning.

Emma took a sip from her beer as she smiled openly at the Mayor.

"You know at first…I didn't understand your problem with me, but I think I'm beginning to see – there is actually no problem between us. I've rattled you, Regina, and you hate that. Just a few seconds ago, you thought I'd kiss you – finally quench that thirst and curiosity. I didn't – but now you are busy thinking about why I didn't."

Emma grinned smugly at the visibly tense woman.

Regina was baffled at how well Emma could read her, and at the same time she was angry with herself.

"Oh, Miss Swan, you fool. As if I would ever want to have your lips on me. Don't flatter yourself." Regina laughed cruelly, taking her glass as she left the kitchen in a hurry.