A/N: I know I know, I said it would be up sooner but college happened... I have't proofread just wanted to get this posted. I will eventually go back and fix any typos.
Songs: Nightingale and Skyscraper by Demi Lovato
The next day came quickly. One minute Regina was leaving Emma to an ice bath and the next she was watching as Emma entered the ring.
The fight was being held in an abandoned subway platform. Regina cringed at the dust, dirt and rodents. Henry looked around shocked at all that was underneath the city. Regina, Kathryn, and Emma all tried to convince Henry to stay behind in the hotel and not watch the fight. But Henry's stubbornness won out.
Emma showed them all to their seats and said, "Don't drink ANYTHING that isn't in a closed bottle or can. Don't eat anything that isn't in a sealed package. And do NOT get involved in any bets. Got it."
Regina nodded and asked Emma how long the fight was going to take. Emma thinks for a second and says, "probably about an hour. There is only one fight, and they need to get out of the platform before any kind of passerby or security hears.
Regina nodded and pulled Emma into a hug, "Good luck"
Emma smiled and thanked her before leaving to get ready.
Regina really wished she would have stayed at the hotel. She cringed every time Emma took a hit. Emma was bleeding from her eyebrow and lip. She is going to have multiple bruises by the morning.
Regina's stomach churned as she heard the spectators cheering for Emma's opponent to 'kick the blonde bitches ass' or 'make her tap out'. Regina wanted to yell at them and tell them that they are sick and that Emma is a child.
Regina could see that Emma was getting tired but her opponent more so. Emma's opponent was a girl built like Emma but with tanned skin, hazel eyes, light brown hair, and a large tattoo on her calf.
Regina averted her eyes when the girl tackled Emma to the ground, just like Danny had done. Regina watched as Emma fought to break the girls hold. Regina could hear Tony yelling for Emma to 'win the fucking fight. Finish her!'
Regina held her breath when Emma's arms seemed to be moving slower and her eyes were glazing over like she was losing consciousness.
Regina peaked when she heard part of the crowd cheer while the other half groaned and shouted. Emma somehow managed to reverse their positions. Emma tried to win with the same move she used on Danny but this girl broke free and got up. Emma slowly got up too. Emma waited for the perfect moment, she threw one round house kick that caught the girl in the head. The tanned girl went down and groaned not getting up.
The 'ref' pushed Emma away and called the match.
The girl's coach pushed his way through the crowd and picked the girl up into his arms and carried her away.
The ref walked back over to Emma and lifted her right arm, ignoring her wince at the movement, and declared her the winner.
Tony cheered and hugged Emma. Med gave her water and held a towel to the cut above her eyebrow.
Emma nodded at what ever Med had said and walked towards Regina, Kathryn, and Henry.
Henry was smiling and said, "Emma that was freaking awesome! You kicked ass!"
Regina turned to Henry and said, "Language."
Henry rolled his eyes and said, "Sorry, but it's true."
Emma smiled weakly and said, "Thanks. But I'm going to go get changed and made to look presentable. You guys can wait here or over by the exit."
Regina made the decision for them all, "I'll go with you to get cleaned up and Kathryn can take Henry to the exit. We will all meet there."
Henry groaned and nodded. Kathryn put her hand over her heart in mock hurt and said, "I'm sorry I'm not as cool as I used to be. If I remember correctly you used to love hanging out with Aunt Kat."
Henry smiled placed a hand on Kat's shoulder and jokingly said, "It's not you, it's me."
Kathryn rolled her eyes and brushed Henry's hand off before calling over her shoulder, "Come on you male cliche"
Henry smiled and followed.
Regina shook her head while Emma chuckled.
Regina soon realized that Emma didn't go anywhere except behind a curtain to get changed.
Emma was talking with Med when a smelly man came up behind Regina and said, "What's a pretty thing like you doing at these fights?"
Regina groaned disgusted and said, "That is none of your business. No please leave."
The man took a step closer to Regina and said, "Look lady, down here I run shit. Maybe you need a man to teach you to follow rules."
Regina was about to respond when Emma appeared behind them, "I suggest you back the fuck up and away from my mom. Or should I call the betters back in for another fight"
The man turned and looked at Emma. When Emma didn't back down he sucked his teeth and threw his hands up, "No need for that. I was just leaving"
Emma watched him as he walked towards the exit and until he was out of sight.
Regina gently placed her hand on Emma's forearm and called her name, "Emma"
Emma blinked and looked at Regina, "You ok? He didn't touch you or anything right?"
Regina shook her head, "No, I'm fine."
Emma nodded and walked over to a table and grabbed her duffle bag.
Emma looked at Regina and tilted her head, "Let's get out of here."
As they were walking Regina looked to Emma and said, "Thank you. For you know, defending me, calling me your mom. It meant a lot."
Emma looked at Regina and said, "You're welcome, and I hope that it was ok. I like you. You're one of the good ones."
Regina smiled, "Yes Emma, it is perfectly fine. You can call me what ever you feel comfortable with."
Emma smiled and said, "Well then come on Mom."
Regina smiled and followed closely behind as they approached the exit and saw Henry and Kathryn standing there waiting.
They all left and headed back to the hotel. Emma and Henry showered first and changed into jeans and t-shirts.
When everyone was showered and changed Emma suggested they go to a diner and get dinner since it was already 5:45PM.
The diner wasn't far so they decided to walk. Emma opened the door and allowed Regina, Kathryn, and Henry to enter first. A young waitress heard the bell and asked how many without looking up.
Regina answered, "Four please."
The waitress sighed and said, "follow me."
The waitress lead them to a booth and handed them menus.
They were looking over the menu when Emma's phone chimed. Emma fished it out of her pocket and looked at the message, it was from Beat. 'Hey there is a open mic night down at Paddies. You should come before you head out. Old times sake"
Emma smiled and replied, "maybe. I have to see if I can bring Henry."
Beat txted back right away and said, "Bring him I'm bringing AJ."
Emma responded, "I'll ask and let you know"
Beat responded with , "ok"
Emma put her phone away and looked back at the menu. The waitress came back and took their orders. Emma ordered a double bacon cheeseburger with the works, french fries, a milkshake, a Cesar salad, and mac and cheese.
Regina, Henry, Kathryn, and the waitress Samantha all looked at Emma astounded that she just ordered that much food.
Emma looked at them and said, "What? I'm hungry, and I'm sore. Food makes everything better.I promise I'll eat it all."
Regina just laughed and placed her order.
I was almost 7:30PM by the time they all finished their food and as Emma insisted ordered dessert.
Emma looked at Regina, Kat, and Henry and asked, "Would you guys wanna go to a open mic night tonight?"
They all nodded. Regina asked, "Is it ok for Henry to join us?"
Emma nodded, "I mean it's a bar but Beat is bringing his younger brother who is like 15. So it should be ok."
Regina nodded and said, "Sure why not. What time is it? It's almost 8PM"
Emma took out her phone and txted Beat "We're coming. 8:45 right?"
Beat responded right away and said, "Sweet. Yup! See you there."
Emma pocketed her phone and said, "8:45. It's not too far, we can take the train."
Emma showed Henry how to buy and swipe a metrocard while Regina and Kathryn tried to not look disgusted.
They got on the train and while Kat, Regina, and Henry sat down, not having train legs, Emma stood only swaying slightly.
When they got to their stop Emma showed them around. It was busy and filled with young men and women ready to enjoy the night.
Emma walked them down the block and across the street to a little bar called Paddies.
Standing in front of the door was a large man with a black shirt that read 'Security'. Emma walked up to the large man and said, "Hey Tubby."
Regina and Kat gulped as the man looked in their direction. Henry took a step back while Emma just stood there smirking.
The man then started Emma down trying to figure out who she was. Then it dawned on him, "Well I'll be damned. If it ain't the Swan."
Emma walked up to him and gave him a hug. Emma waved Kat, Regina, and Henry over.
When they came over Emma introduced everyone, "Tubby this is Regina, Kat, and Henry. Guys this is Tubby."
Tubby rolled his eyes and said, "Tobias. Or as Swan here calls me Tubby."
Regina smiled and said, "Nice to meet you."
Tubby looked at Henry and said, "You don't look 18 kid."
Henry pouted and said, "Either does Emma."
Regina scolded and said, "Henry!"
Tubby just laughed and said, "He's right through. Swan here is a baby."
Emma growled and crossed her arms. Tubby just laughed it off and said, "Get in there you guys, grab a good table."
Emma smiled and said, "Thanks Tubby."
Tubby smiled waited for them all to enter before turning back around slipping on his mask of indifference and toughness.
Once inside the bar was crowded but not unreasonably so. Emma looked around and saw Beat waving her over.
Emma led everyone to the table that Beat had.
Sitting at the table was Beat, his younger brother AJ, and on again off again girlfriend Aria. Emma introduced everyone and sat down next to AJ.
AJ smiled and gave Emma a big hug.
Soon the lights dimmed and people started cheering. A few seconds later the MC walked on stage and adjusted the mic.
"Hey hey hey! What's up everyone?! So as you fuckers know it's open mic night and we accept everyone so no matter how much they suck don't boo them off stage. So without further ado lets get the show started."
Emma and Beat started cheering along with the rest of the bar. The first 10 acts were decent 2 or 3 were good and 2 were just absolutely horrendous. List of performers was winding down and the MC smiled and said, "Thank you to all the acts. That was our last scheduled act of the night, but it seams we have an old friend out in the crowd. Emma Swan is here."
A few people started cheering while Emma shot Beat a murderous glance. Beat just shrugged and yelled, "OVER HERE!"
The spot light moved from the stage over to Emma. Emma shyly waved and tried to hide. The MC then started talking again, "Come on everyone show Emma so love. For some of you who don't know Emma is known as Swan or Voice, cause this girl can sing."
Someone in the crowd then yelled out, "And cause she is HOT!"
The MC chuckled and said, "I agree man. But come on Emma, come up here and give us a show. We even have a keyboard for you."
Emma groaned and stood up. The crowd was cheering and yelling. Emma then got up on staged and gave the MC and fist bump.
Henry was cheering and saying, "GO EMMA!"
Emma sat at the keyboard and tapped on the mic, "umm, hey everyone. I know if you follow my band the Grey Swans's this song is going to seem like not my style but umm this one is special. I umm... I want to dedicate this one to my foster mom, my mom Regina Mills. She is in the back there. Um.. She is probably one, no she definitely is the best parent I have ever had and she umm, she means a lot to me. So umm.. here is goes."
Emma starting playing on the piano and started singing.
I can't sleep tonight
Wide awake and so confused
Everything's in line
But I am bruised
I need a voice to echo
I need a light to take me home
I kinda need a hero
Is it you?
I never see the forest for the trees
I could really use your melody
Baby I'm a little blind
I think it's time for you to find me
Can you be my nightingale?
Sing to me
I know you're there
You could be my sanity
Bring me peace
Sing me to sleep
Say you'll be my nightingale
Somebody speak to me
Cause I'm feeling like hell
Need you to answer me
I'm overwhelmed
I need a voice to echo
I need a light to take me home
I need a star to follow
I don't know
I never see the forest for the trees
I could really use your melody
Baby I'm a little blind
I think it's time for you to find me
Can you be my nightingale?
Sing to me
I know you're there
You could be my sanity
Bring me peace
Sing me to sleep
Say you'll be my nightingale
I don't know what I'd do without you
Your words are like a whisper cutting through
As long as you are with me here tonight
I'm good
Can you be my nightingale?
Feels so close
I know you're there
Oh, nightingale
Sing to me
I know you're there
'Cause baby you're my sanity
You bring me peace
Sing me to sleep
Say you'll be my nightingale
Oh
Mm, mm
Mm
When Emma stops sing the crowd is cheering and yelling. Emma looks over at Regina and smiles. Regina is looking back at Emma with tears in her eyes.
The crowd is yelling encore. Emma smiles and raises her hands, "Alright alright ya animals. I got one more. This is one I wrote a while ago, and it seems fitting that I am back in the city a point where I was at my lowest. So um.. yeah."
Skies are crying, I am watching
Catching tear drops in my hands
Only silence as it's ending
Like we never had a chance
Do you have to make me feel like
There's nothing left of me?
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
As the smoke clears, I awaken
And untangle you from me
Would it make you feel better
To watch me while I bleed?
All my windows still are broken
But I'm standing on my feet
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
Go run, run, run
I'm gonna stay right here,
Watch you disappear
Yeah, oh
Go run, run, run
Yeah, it's a long way down
But I am closer to the clouds up here
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Oh Oh
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
(Like a skyscraper)
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
When Emma stood up she smiled and jumped off stage. The audience was cheering and giving Emma high fives.
When Emma got back to the table Regina stood and pulled Emma into a hug. She then whispered in Emma's ear, "I will be your nightingale."
Emma smiled and hugged Regina, she found mom, she found a family.
A/N: So here is chapter 9, I haven't started ch.10 so I have no idea when it is going to be ready...