Summary:

Emma and Regina knew each other from high school. They were friends but nothing ever happened because Regina was mortified of the idea she might be a lesbian. She always felt things for Emma but she would never act on them or even acknowledge them because she was NOT gay. (Yea right... ? ﾟﾙﾊ). They parted ways after graduation.

This is where our story starts. Regina was attacked and Emma saved her. I want a lot of hurt/comfort theme.

A/N:

There is a rape attempt here. I tried not to make it graphic and not to focus on it much but I tagged it anyway because I'm sure this topic as such could be triggering.

Also, please forgive if I got this wrong. I don't want to offend anyone. I can't even imagine what rape victims are going through and even though it didn't go that far here, I'd say the aftermath might be very bad. Again, if I didn't do it justice, please tell me. I have no intentions of simplifying this subject. It's dark and Regina is just lucky she has someone like Emma to save her. Not everyone has such luxury.

Chapter 1

Few years after graduation:

Regina decided to go out today. She was ready to meet new people. She finally accepted she's gay after years of denial and it was time to check the gay bar near her place. She only just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to this neighborhood. She tried to pretend she was straight for so long and tried to convince herself mostly but the sex with men was… let's say very disappointing. She didn't even like them. She didn't want a hairy flat chest and beard on the face. Men never turned her on. She thought it's her. She was worried something was wrong with her at first, but she realised she was getting slightly hot when women were around. More specifically one blonde woman but that was a long time ago and she buried those feelings. She has hurt Emma with her denial enough as it was.

Now she accepted it was not her. She was not the problem. Men were. She was sure after watching some lesbian porn and getting her panties soaked. Women were only friends and nothing else. She could hear her mother scolding her ever since she was a little girl. But mother was not present anymore. She could finally accept herself for who she was.

And that's how she ended up at the gay bar today. There was a karaoke night which she secretly enjoyed and TV in a corner playing sports. She would surely suggest some better program but who was she to judge.

"You're not here often, are you?" a slim brunette asked her while eyeing her head to toe.

"First time actually. But I plan to come more often. It's quite cozy," Regina smiled.

"Oh yeah, this place is dope. I'm Ruby," the girl grinned and extended her hand.

"Regina," she answered and shook the offered hand. "So, I gather you're local?"

"Hmmm you could say that. Let's sing!"

"Oh no no, I can't sing. No," Regina shook her head but Ruby was not having it.

"Every newbie has to sing. It's the rule," she explained as she took Regina's hand and dragged her to the karaoke corner.

"Rule?" Regina raised her eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Eeehhhmm, yeah!" Ruby lied. "Which song do you want?"

"None?" Regina laughed.

"Haha. Funny. Come on, choose," Ruby urged.

Regina rolled her eyes and browsed the song library. She got the feeling she wouldn't escape this. She knew she could sing but there weren't many songs she would know. She didn't really listen to pop music.

"Soooo," Ruby asked impatiently.

"Okay, I got one. Katy Perry - I kissed a girl," Regina pointed her finger on the song.

"Classic. Nice. Let's hit it!" Ruby yelled and wooooed.

Regina insisted to have another drink before this madness and secretly hoped she found the excuse to skip this. Ruby just eyed the bartender and drinks were in front of them in a minute, though. Well that much for your brilliant plan, Regina thought.

Ruby handed her a microphone and turned the karaoke on with huge grin on her face. Regina was glad to be slightly tipsy. Let's just get this over with…

And she did. She got really into it and the whole bar was clapping to the rhythm. Shyness left her after the first verse and she moved her hips and sang like Katy herself. It was over before she knew it.

Regina realised the whole bar was watching her and clapping and cheering for her when she turned off the mike and handed it over. "Well that was embarrassing," she eyed the floor, back to her self-conscious again.

"Embarrassing?!" Ruby laughed. "THAT was the best performance of the year! I should probably take your picture and hang it on the wall of fame," she grinned.

"No chance!" Regina's eyebrows shot all the way up from shock.

"Let's get more drinks, Katy," Ruby grinned.

"Ha ha," Regina rolled her eyes at the nickname.

Regina made sure to drink enough water between her cocktails because she didn't want to get drunk. She was in a mood, she was tipsy and that's the ideal kind of drunk. She noticed few men looking at her hungrily and she internally scoffed. They didn't look gay, she didn't get why they were in this bar.

"So, I guess you're here often?" she asked Ruby that sat next to her at the bar.

"Well yeah, my girlfriend is the bartender so I usually hang around here."

"Ah, I see," the new karaoke star nodded. "She seems nice."

"Belle? Yeah, she is," Ruby blushed.

The TV caught Regina's attention. She wasn't one for sports but football was replaced by MMA. Which she also knew nothing about. Regina didn't enjoy the fighting but she liked to watch those ladies. A lot of their muscular bodies was on display and she surely couldn't complain about that. Her breath hitched when she saw Emma on the telly. She was in the ring warming up for the fight. Regina's mouth dropped. She saw peripherally Ruby grinning at her.

"What?" she asked not looking away from the TV.

"Who are you gaping at?" Ruby teased.

Regina blinked and looked at Rubes. "Oh. No one," she answered and lowered her gaze, sipping the drink.

"Right. Is it the blonde?" the young brunette continued her questioning.

"No no. I just… Ehm, I like MMA. Wanted to watch this match," she lied.

"Is it? Lucky you then. The match was like a week ago. It's not live now," Ruby laughed and Regina blushed being caught in a lie. "No need to be embarrassed though. We all love Emma. She's kinda famous around here," Ruby said with a goofy smile.

"Famous?"

"Oh yes. Sometimes she comes here. She doesn't train far from here. And sometimes there are some lucky girls that she takes home," Ruby winked. "Plus, she's actually really famous. At least in the sport industry. She won the championship this year and last as well. And she's… well, she's awesome," Ruby said honestly.

"Yeah, I know," she whispered.

"You know her?"

"We went to the same school," Regina shrugged.

"And?"

"And nothing," Regina sighed. "I think I'll head home now," she announced and got up from her seat.

"Sorry if I said something stupid," Ruby apologised.

"You didn't, no worries," Regina tried to smile. Ruby was very nice to her all evening. It wasn't her fault Regina still hadn't moved on even though she internally claimed all feelings were buried. She paid for her drinks and wished Ruby a good night, promising she will come again. She was so deep in thoughts she didn't notice those 3 men standing up as well and heading out after her.

Regina took a deep breath and tried to calm her racing mind. Emma was a MMA fighter and she was near. She even went to this bar. She could meet her again. She started to walk towards home while thinking whether it was a good idea to meet with her or not. Sure, they were friends, but Regina also knew the blonde had a crush on her and even though Regina was also attracted to Emma, she kept denying it.

She was abruptly interrupted from her thoughts by a pair of strong hands. She was shoved to the connecting street with a hand over her mouth. She felt another hands on her body and laughter while she was bend over in front of a brick wall.

"Please let me go," she tried to say through the hand. She felt her summer dress being lift up. Panic immediately shot through her whole body. This can't be happening. This is not happening.

"Oh we will! Don't you worry!" one of them laughed.

"Just take my money, phone… but please let me go," Regina started to sob.

"Good idea. We might take that as well. Right after your dignity!" another voice burst out laughing. "Oh look! She's wearing a thong. She craves for a dick!" he was pressing his clothed hard-on on her ass cheek.

"No, I don't! Please don't do this," tears run freely down her cheeks now.

"We saw you at the gay bar and decided to help you out. You just weren't fucked by men properly yet but don't worry, we're here for you," he exclaimed and tighten the grip on her mouth. She could barely make a sound. No one would hear her nowadays when people always listened to music. She heard a flyer on his jeans being unzipped and her underwear torn apart. She braced herself for the pain. She had no idea how she would make it through. She basically zoned out from the fear and shock. She didn't hear nor see what happened next. She didn't see someone saved her until she was in that person's arms.

Emma walked home the short distance after training. She preferred to cool down after all the sweating. Of course, she took shower and made sure she was out of danger of catching a cold from the sudden change of surroundings, but a walk home was her way to relax. She didn't wear headphones because she preferred to hear what's going on around her.

She was passing one dark street that always gave her chills. She didn't particularly need to be afraid because she knew how to defend herself but she knew this street was full of troubles. Not once she saved people from the burglars and tonight seemed no different. She heard a muffled cry and turned to the dark street. She could see 3 silhouettes behind the trash container. She dropped the gym bag when she reached the trash and shouted: "what the hell is going on?!"

She didn't wait for an answer once she realised two men were holding some woman down and the third one was unzipping his pants. She nearly puked. She focused real hard to keep the content of her stomach inside it and instead focused all her disgust into the punches. She was done with all three of them within few minutes, giving them a hard kick in the nuts once they were down.

She took her phone out of the pocket and dialed 911 while she kneeled and reached for the broken lady that sunk to the ground, face hidden in her hands, crying in shock.

"Hey, it's okay now. You're safe. I'm calling the police so they can deal with them," the blonde said quietly, not to disturb the other woman even more.

Suddenly the woman raised her head and Emma dropped the phone.

"Emma?"

"Regina?"

"Oh god, Emma!" the brunette all but cried out in relief and jumped into Emma's embrace. The blonde was speechless. Did she just safe Regina? Her Regina? "Please take me home, please."

She didn't have time to think now, though. The police assistant was asking through the phone and Emma grabbed it quickly from the ground while holding Regina tightly with her other hand.

She explained what happened and gave the police their location. She then hung up and let go of the other woman.

"I'll help you stand up. On three, okay?" she asked and Regina nodded. When they were standing, Regina still clung to Emma for dear life. "The police will be here soon," the blonde reassured her.

"I don't want to talk to them. I don't want to be here any longer. Can we go home? Please?" Regina was saying into Emma's shoulder. She clearly didn't want to face reality.

"Okay, of course. I'll take you home." We can go to the station tomorrow, Emma thought as she walked with Regina out of the damn street.

Emma got Regina home and turned the lights on. She figured darkness was not a friend right now. Regina didn't let go of her the whole ride. It was a short distance, normally they would walk but Emma thought it would be better if she got Regina home as soon as possible.

Regina's apartment was big but cozy. The brunette always had a feel for interiors. Even her dorm was way more stylish than Emma's. The blonde wondered what the older woman did for living. It surely didn't look like she was doing bad financially.

The apartment was on top floor, overlooking the city skyline through massive windows. Living room was connected to the kitchen, paintings were all over the place. Regina even had a small fire place beneath the huge TV. There, on the fire place ledge, Emma spotted their very old picture from high school. They were hugging each other and smiling brightly. Emma was shocked Regina kept this picture. AND placed it on such visible spot.

The brunette sat heavily on the couch in her living room and stared into nothing. Her gaze was empty and mascara ruined. Emma immediately turned her attention to the brunette. She wasn't sure what to do. It ached her to see Regina like this. She frankly wanted to kill those pigs right on the spot.

She went to the kitchen to get water. She opened a medicine cabinet when she was trying to find empty glass. She didn't want to sneak peak but one certain tube of pills caught her attention. She knew those. She took one in her hand and finally got the empty glass.

"Have some water," she placed it on the conference table in front of the brunette. Regina just shook her head. At least she's present, Emma thought. "Gina, your body is in shock. Water can't hurt, hm? I also took a sleeping pill for you. I think you'll need it tonight," she gave her an encouraging smile and placed the pill next to the glass. She used her high school nickname on purpose and it seemed to work. Regina turned to face her and Emma could see she finally truly acknowledged her presence.

"Are you not staying?" she asked with a quivering voice.

"Do you want me to stay?" Emma asked gently. Regina just nodded and drank the water. "Okay," Emma gave her a small nod. "You should take a shower. It helps… and then you'll take the pill, okay? I'll be here. Nothing will happen to you." Regina nodded again but made no attempt to get up.

Emma got up first and offered her hand to the brunette. Regina took it weakly. "Gina, tell me what you want to do. I'm kinda clueless here. You have to talk to me," Emma looked deeply into brown eyes. She really wanted to get through the walls that Regina's mind built as a coping mechanism. She needed to get to the woman inside. She needed to hear how she can help.

"Shower sounds good," Regina replied quietly.

"Okay. Where is your bathroom then?" Emma asked as she didn't see it behind the closed doors.

"In my bedroom," the brunette replied.

"And where is your bedroom?"

"Oh. Right. There," Regina pointed to the door furthest from living room.

Emma took her to the bedroom and sighed. It was like Regina wasn't even there. Like she wasn't present and Emma didn't know what to do to snap her out of it. The blonde took off Regina's dress since she didn't seem to move to do it herself and gasped at the bruises that formed on her skin from how tightly they held her. She also noticed the absence of some underpants. She wasn't sure whether to remove the red bra as well or not, but she decided against it. She didn't know Regina didn't have underpants. She didn't plan on undressing her completely. Not that Regina noticed. She just didn't react at all.

"I'll wait outside, okay? Take off your bra and take the shower. Call if you need me," Emma said and headed out of the bathroom. She didn't know where to sit and Regina's large bed was neatly made. She settled on the floor next to a big wardrobe that was near the bathroom. The carpet was actually very fluffy and comfy.

Regina was functioning on some sort of autopilot. She was aware of her surroundings but she didn't fully register them. She knew Emma was in her apartment. That was good. Emma was helping her. Emma saved her. Those men were about to… no, she couldn't think about that. She took her bra off and stepped into the shower. She washed her skin with soap softly at first but when she registered bruises that weren't there in the morning, she felt their hands back on her. She started to scrub her skin in order to clean herself from them. Her skinned burned with their touch no matter how deeply and thoroughly she scrubbed it. She was determined to get their hands off her skin so she threw away the sponge and started to scratch herself with nails.

Her skin was already raw when Emma got there. "Stop! Regina, stop!" she screamed and caught her hands. She embraced the shaking brunette, getting completely soaked from the shower. She couldn't care less, though. She went to check on Regina when she heard sobs and found the brunette scratching herself nearly to the meat. Her arms and legs were completely raw, her hips and belly screamed in red. She was just reaching her back when Emma got there.

The blonde was no expert but she could detect some sort of a breakdown when she saw one. She stopped the shower and helped Regina out of it. She dried her carefully with soft fluffy towel and looked at the damage. It would probably be better to get this checked. She should see a doctor anyway after the traumatic experience.

"Gina, I'll take you to the hospital, okay?" Emma asked softly. Regina's eyes went wide and she was shaking her head. "I really think a doctor should see you," Emma tried to explain when she saw the brunette's reaction.

"No hospital, please. I'm okay."

"You are very far from okay. What was that in the shower, Gina? Hmmm? Someone educated should see you..."

"I'm sorry," Regina breathed out and hid her face in the crook of Emma's neck. "But please... no doctor. No man..."

"You don't have to be sorry. Just promise me you won't hurt yourself again," Emma gave up the fight of taking her to the hospital. It looked like it would do more damage.

Regina nodded and Emma sighed. "I didn't hurt myself," Regina mumbled. "I just wanted to scrub them off…"

"I understand but you did hurt yourself in the process, Gina. Do you have any ointment here?"

"I don't know," she shrugged.

"Ha, I have it in my bag. I usually carry one for muscle pain and one for small scratches I sometimes get," Emma said her trail of thoughts loud. She sat Regina on the bed and run to her bag and back. She didn't want to risk leaving the brunette too long alone again. "I'm gonna apply it, okay? It won't hurt, I promise."

"Okay," she replied and watched as the blonde was gently spreading the cooling ointment. Her skin started to burn but beneath the delicate touch and cream it calmed down. When Emma was done, she watched her go to the bathroom and coming back with her nightgown. She dressed her in it and motioned towards the bed.

When Regina was safely tucked, Emma went to get more water and the sleeping pill. She found the brunette with widely open eyes, staring in the direction in which she left.

"I'm here," Emma smiled and placed both items on the night table. "Take the pill, Gina. It will help you sleep. I'll be here the whole night, okay? I'll sleep on the couch," Emma said and was about to leave the room.

"Emma?"

"Yes?" the blonde stopped.

"Thank you," Regina whispered.

"Don't mention it," Emma shrugged and closed the door.

"Emma?" she heard right after so she opened the door again.

"Yes?"

"Can you please leave it open?"

"Right. Sorry. Of course."

"Thank you."

"Good night, Gina."

"Good night, Em."