The City of Storybrooke

Chapter One

The Mayor's Son

Emma Swan, head of Storybrooke Police Force, was summoned to the newly elected Mayor Mill's office. Emma had held her position for just over a year. She had been in the police force nearly ten years. A tall and striking woman with a mane of long golden hair, she wore no make up and always seemed to have a frown on her face. That permanent frown was something her son she and her ex wife, Regina Mills shared. One of three things anyway. Emma knocked on the Mayor's office door. She heard a voice from inside calling her in. Stepping into the office she came face to face with her ex-wife and newly elected Mayor of Storybrooke Regina Mills. The Mayor was an attractive woman. She had a black bob haircut, wore red lipstick and dressed in a crisp red-skirt suit.

'Commissioner Swan' the Mayor said 'good morning to you' she pointed to the seat in front of her. Emma sat.

'Madam-Mayor congratulations on your recent election win' said Emma.

'Thank you' said Regina 'but lets stop with the formalities here Emma, we know each other too well for that.'

'I feel it best to remain professional in these circumstances' Emma said.

'In what circumstances? The ones where we don't have a son together'? Regina said.

'Fine Regina if that's how you want this to go down. How is Henry?' Emma said.

'It is and he is doing very well' Regina said 'he is looking forward to seeing you this weekend. How's Hook ?'

'Well, still in recovery from surgery though' Emma said.

'Well glad to hear there no complications. Now to business business, you know what I said during the election?'

'That you were going to clean up Storybook. The most crime invested city in the country' Emma said.

'That's it and the first steps in doing that are cutting down on two things drugs and guns' Regina said 'For the addicts themselves I am currently looking to developing a rehabilitation program but for the suppliers, the big boys, at the top I want them in prison. I will also be passing laws on stricter gun control for this city.'

'Sounds like you intend to pass some crazy legislation while you can. Be careful Regina you won't always have this much power' said Emma.

'But right now I do and I need your help. Look I know we have had our differences and we have a history. I am not asking you to like me but I am asking you have faith in me, to trust me and my abilities to do this because I need your help' Regina swallowed. She extended her hand to Emma 'Woman to Woman will your help me Commissioner Swan'? Emma grasped Regina's hand in her own and shook it firmly.

'Well glad that's been sorted out' Regina said. 'Passing laws is all well and good but you know the two who I want you to bring in no matter what the cost maybe'

'Gold and Pan' Emma said. 'They have alluded the police force for years. Do you honestly think we could catch them now ? Regina if I could arrest them they would already be facing the electric chair' said Emma.

'Commissioner Swan that was before you had me as Mayor of Storybrooke' Regina said smiling.

'Who's being formal now ? Drop the Commissioner Swan business. It's Emma'.

Peter Pan was the owner of a pub called Neverland in the North District of Storybrooke. He was a young man of twenty one. He had a shock of curly dark hair and was considered very handsome by many of the women who worked in Neverland. He sat at the bar reading yet another newspaper full of Regina and her elections schemes. He scoffed and throw it away.

'What a load of rubbish' he said 'she probably doesn't intend to keep half of it. All she wants is the power like all the rest of them. They will say anything. At least Gold and I keep our deals'. He heard laughter at that. He turned around to see Bell laughing at him. She was one of his oldest friends and something of an attorney for his business. She was short woman, her hair was also bushy and curly, the colour of straw. She had a thing for green-all her cloths were green.

'What's so funny'? He asked.

'Oh nothing, just that if I was to make a deal with you I would pay very close attention to how you phrased things' she said 'but I will say this do not underestimate this woman. I knew her once and she is ruthless. You're right in that she cares greatly about power but she that just gives her more reason to stuff you and Mr. Gold out as she won't want to share it.'

'Do tell me of your history with the Mayor' said Peter motioning towards a booth in the corner. But she shook her head.

'Another time Peter, it's a juicy story though' she said smiling. Peter rolled his eyes.

'Oh and by the way are you ever going to make a move on that darling Wendy?' said Bell.

'What?' Peter said pausing.

'Don't tell me you haven't noticed the looks she gives you. I know she is something of hostage around her but the girl has a lot of potential and could be more then just eye candy for Gold and his men when they drop by' Bell said as she took a seat at the bar and twirled around in the chair.

'I am not holding her hostage she agreed to work for me' he said. Bell rolled her eyes 'besides I pay her very well for what she does and have no interest in pursuing that kind of a relationship with anyone currently'.

'Peter you can't hold out on all these lovely girls forever' Bell said.

'I can do whatever I want Bell' he said 'there are no kings in this city. Only me'.

'Well my my aren't you full of yourself today'? She said.

'What else can you tell me about Regina ? Does she have a weakness ?' Peter said.

'Back when I knew her I would have said no she doesn't but not any more' said Bell.

'What do you mean'? He said.

'She and her ex-wife have a son together. I have seen the way she looks at him. Would say he is one of the few people that ruthless bitch actually cares about' said Bell.

'Really how old is he and what's his name?' said Peter.

'Harry or something like that. I think he's around seventeen or so. Apparently he doesn't have many friends though' said Bell.

'Interesting the poor boy must be lonely. Maybe he could do with some magic in his life' said Peter Pan with a smile.

'I know that look what are you plotting'? Bell said

'Nothing only giving poor little Harry Mills some fun that his mothers would not approve of. His name is actual Henry, Bell' said Peter.

'Did you look him up'? She said.

'Yes actually, isn't a single picture of him though' said Peter.

'His mother is really protective of him. Doesn't let the camera's near him' she said.

'Aww so the little boy has an over protective mummy' Peter said.

'Do you have a crush Peter' said Bell.

'Of course not. I have never mate the kid.' he said.

'He's not that much younger then you' she said 'but he does remind me a little bit of you though now that I think about it. From what I know of his mother...well one of them'.

'Dear god could you mention having two mothers. One for me was bad enough but two ? One being the Mayor and another being the Commissioner'? He said shaking his head.

'Yeah but then again no one is going to touch a hair on his little head. Oh and by the way when I joked if you had a crush on him you said you didn't know him. You didn't mention the fact you are both men' she said smiling.

'What are you implying'? Said Peter.

'Only that I can read you like a book, you're still that lost little boy' she said.

'No I am the leader of the lost boys' he said.

'Oh my my Malcolm you're still in the pocket of'-she started.

'Shut up you stupid tinker' Peter said fetching his coat and heading out of the bar deciding he had had enough.

'I don't know what she be playing at with that type of teasing and the use of that name' Thought Peter as he walked on have a crush on Henry Mills as if he and I are from two completely different worlds, we could never meet.

If there was one thing Henry Mills disliked about his sessions with Archie Hopper it was when the topic of conversation turned towards Girls.

'You seem to be very quiet on the topic of romantic partners, Henry' said Dr. Hopper 'it strikes me as unusual when most of the young men I see are crazy for women' he smiled.

Henry looked away from his Therapist. He was a handsome young man with brown hair and green eyes. He had high cheeks bones and straight nose. He was still in his school uniform except the tie which was always the first thing he got rid of when the bell went. Dr Hopper's office was small and somewhat stuffy but still it was welcoming at all times and Henry always felt safe sitting there. Doctor Hooper was a tall balding man with little of his ginger hair remaining.

'While friendly he is perceptive' Henry thought to himself then again he is also bound by confidentiality and has never repeated the things I say to him to either of my mothers so maybe I can trust him with this. You know I think I should it would be a relief to be honest with someone about it.

'Dr Hooper' Henry said 'the reason why I have never mentioned girls is because well I think I might be gay.

'I thought as much' said Dr Hopper 'do either of you mother's know about this'?

'No. You would think it would be easy for the guy with two mums to come out and say he is attracted to guys but both of them seem to be so wrapped up in their work and themselves' Henry said.

'Tell it is Emma who is currently involved with a man isn't it'? Said Dr. Hopper. Henry nodded 'and Regina is single isn't she'? Henry nodded.

'How do you view themselves then'? Dr. Hopper said 'what are their labels.'

'Regina is a lesbian and Emma I don't know really she hasn't commented on it since getting involved with Killian' said Henry.

'I see' said Dr. Hopper.

'It's not like there is someone in my life currently, there is no boyfriend to hide so I don't know' Henry said.

'What if there was a boyfriend'?

'I don't know. I used to be able to talk to Regina but now I am not so sure any more and I will be leaving for college pretty soon. I want to talk to her about this before I go' said Henry.

'Maybe you should because sooner or later there will be a boy in the picture and you will have to tell them. Do any of your friends know'?

'No and it's really uncomfortable. Violet might suspect something but she hasn't asked me and Felix's is as clueless as ever. Actually I am worried about him' said Henry 'he has been acting strangely recently almost as if he is keeping something secret. Sometimes I think he's flat out on drugs the way he is carrying on. He stopped showing up at school' Henry shrugged.

'Maybe it's time Henry you considered opening up to people some more. It' s been six years since your mothers got divorced and you have been closing yourself off ever since. Those two women love your more then anything. You need to be more open, you owe it to them and to yourself' said Dr. Hopper. 'I have heard about your friend Felix and your current problems at School. Whatever you friend Felix's is going through however is not your battle and do not lay waste to yourself over it'.

'I know Felix is not my responsibility' said Henry 'I have to look after myself'

'You do but there is also letting those who love help you look after yourself and their is no shame in that'.

Regina picked Henry up after his session and they drove home in silence. As soon as he was home Henry went straight to his room and curled up in his bed. Thank God it's a Friday he thought. Maybe I should tell Regina about the whole maybe I am gay thing. After all she won't freak out or anything like that after all. He went downstairs to look for her but all he found was a note on the fridge saying she had gone out on important business and that there was meal in the fridge. He ripped up the note and went back to bed. All that of trying to pluck up my courage for nothing. He had his head under the covers and closed his eyes, he wasn't hungry. He felt exhausted.

Henry Mills answered his ringing phone while still in bed.

'Hey Henry want to come with me and Felix's to a party tomorrow night' ?

'Sure thing Wendy where is it going to be at'?

'At the crocodile in the city centre' she said.

'Cool. How's work going for you' said Henry 'where is it you work again'?

'Oh at this office down town' said Wendy 'only after School and weekends'.

'Cool I'll see you tomorrow night then' Henry said and hang up. His mother wouldn't mind him spending the night out and in fact encouraged him to do so. Said she wasted her youth stuck in her room.

'With a mother like my grandmother I am hardly surprised of that, dear god Cora was a scary woman' Henry mused to himself. Who knows what could happen maybe I will meet Peter Pan himself Henry laughed as if Peter Pan would be at a party Wendy Darling had invited him to.

Peter Pan sighed.

'What's wrong'? Said Wendy Darling.

'You know I hate these types of thing' said Peter Pan.

'Of course I know that but here is the thing' said Wendy 'a lot of people who work for you will be there and so will a lot of people we have gotten hooked. It is the perfect chance to make some real fucking money Peter'.

'Yes I know and that is why I am going. We need the cash if we want to stay ahead of Mr. Gold and his crowd' said Peter 'I don't need you to explain things to me Wendy you invited some people from outside the business of course'.

'Yes of course, always good to get some new blood' she said.

Emma Swan headed up four flights of stairs to her and her husband's apartment. Since she and Regina had separated and then divorced she had returned to dating men.

'Wonder what that would make me now I suppose bisexual would be the closet thing' she thought even though labels really should be left for jars. Her husband Killian Jones was a wealthy business man and had the look of a stereotypical bad boy with black beard stable and a strong jaw. As soon as her mother Mary Margaret had seen him she had laughed as it was just so typical of Emma falling for the bad boys. As soon as she entered her apartment she felt a man wrap his arms around her waist. He kissed the back of her neck.

'How many times Killian do I have to tell you to not sneak up on me like that' said Emma.

'Oh but it is just so much fun. How did the meeting with Regina go'? He said.

'Oh are you jealous of my ex wife and mother of my child' she said.

'Maybe just a tad' he said kissing her neck again.

'We're over a long time ago Killian' Emma said as she slipped out of his grasp and turned to face him 'if it wasn't for Henry I doubt we would still have contact at all. She and I could never go back to being friends'.

'Why not if there is nothing between you two'? He said.

'That's your insecurity talking again. Because there is just too much history there and every time I see her it all comes flooding back' said Emma.

'Fair enough' said Killian.

'Don't be jealous' Emma said 'let make some dinner shall we'?

'Sure' said Killian 'Henry will be here this weekend won't he'?

'Yes he will' Emma smiled. She couldn't wait to see her son again. She still had pictures of Henry as a baby on the mental piece and Regina had given her some photos of him growing up. She smiled bitterly she had missed out on so much. But she was here now and was cooking a good meal for her husband and her son would be here this weekend. 'All is well really...I would like to think that if it wasn't for Regina as Mayor...she will clean out this city but at what cost...all things come with a price' she thought to herself

Regina Mills had just arrived home and noted that her son still hadn't eaten. She sighed and went upstairs and knocked on his door. He didn't answer so she pushed the door open and saw that he was fast asleep. She shook her head.
I know he need to talk to me but I have just been so busy these days. I should take him out for dinner tomorrow instead of leaving a plate of frozen food here in the house for him.

But the next day Henry had other plans. Wendy Darling and her two brothers picked him up as 8 pm and Regina had no choice but to hold off on dinner plans. She did say to Henry though before he left.

'Henry I want us to go for Dinner on Monday'?

'Okay sure mum as long as you're not busy' said Henry.

'I will make time. Remember I am your mother and I love you' she said and kissed his forehead before he headed off to Wendy Darling's car. Regina sighed. Hopefully Emma can talk to him while he's at her place during the weekend Regina thought.

The club Wendy was taking him to was perhaps was the most popular one in Story Brook City. Henry wondered vaguely how many people would be there. There were a lot. The three floors of the club were packed. Felix and Violet mate them at the door.

'Your employer is here' said Felix to Wendy. Henry and Violet blinked. Wendy shot him a look and taking him by the arm disappeared into the club.

'What was that about'? Violet said.

'Don't know but why would her employer be here'? Said Henry 'She works in a stuffy office in town doesn't she'?

'That's what she always said to me. But she's never actually mentioned the name of the place' said Violet. Henry shrugged.

'Maybe her employer is younger then we think' he said.

Peter Pan listened to Wendy's report on her recent sales. She was good very good. Bell had a point maybe he should put her to more use. He dismissed her. Turning he looked down from the balcony of the club to a dance floor where he saw a boy at the bar.

'That is the most beautiful boy I have ever seen' he thought before going to the dance floor and walking towards him.

'Hey there fancy a drink?' He said to the boy.

'Sure' he said.

'You're definitely too young to be in this bar' Peter said 'what's your name and how old are you'?

'My name is Henry and I assure you I am old enough to be in this club' he said. Peter grinned this guy had a sense of humour.

'Well glad to hear it because there is an even better club just across the street' Peter said.

'Yeah?' Henry said.

'Yes unless you're here with your girlfriend'?

'Don't have a girlfriend' said Henry.

'Oh. Well let me ask you this' said Peter 'you ever danced with a guy before'?

'No, never' said Henry.

'Lets go over there then' Peter said as he clasped Henry's hand 'guys dance with guys there all the time'. Henry just let himself be pulled away by this stranger, away from his friends, by this handsome man.

The club across the street was much smaller and it had men dancing with men and women dancing with women.

'I've never been to a gay club before' Henry said as he was pulled onto the dance floor by his handsome stranger. The two boys danced to the very slow music and very close together.

'What else have you never done'? Said Peter 'you ever kiss a boy before'?

'No'

'Do you want to'?

'Yes' said Henry. Their lips clasped together. Tongues, mouths and teeth. Henry pulled back gasping.

'You never actually told me your name' Henry said 'or am I just supposed to call you stranger'?

'Handsome stranger'? Peter said and Henry rolled his eyes 'my name is Peter'. Henry smiled at that and kissed him again. He felt Peter's hands wrap around his waist and he ran his finger through Peter's hair. They broke apart and went to one of the couches on the other side of the room. Henry was in Peter's lap. They had to pull apart to catch their breath eventually though.

'Well, what else are we going to do tonight'? Peter said.

'We can't do much because I promised I would be home at a certain time' said Henry.

'How old are you again'? Said Peter 'not old enough to drink at least is what I'm getting'. Henry just smiled at him.

'Can I at least give you my number' Peter said 'please'.

'Okay' Henry said smiling. He pulled out his phone 'what your full name'?

'Peter Pan' Henry was sure he had miss heard. He looked up at the other boy.

'Is that a joke'?

'No my name is Peter Pan' Peter said.

'I'm ...Henry Mills' said Henry.

'Your...the mayor's and commissioner's son...the two women who want me in jail' said Peter. They both stared at each other. Henry shifted off Peter's knee. Only then did he look away. Henry touched his lips, it had been his first kiss. With Peter Pan of all people.

'I think you should go' came Peter's voice. Henry nodded. 'How did you even end up at my club tonight'?

'My friend brought me along' said Henry.

'Who is that'?

'Wendy' said Henry

'Wendy Darling' said Peter.

'She works for you doesn't she' said Henry. Peter nodded and stared at the boy who slowly walked away from him and out of the club. Peter watched him go and licked his lips. That boy was from another World this shouldn't have happened and yet it did. It had happened. Peter Pan bit his lip

'One of my employees has some explaining to do' he thought.

Henry lay in his bed at Emma's apartment curled up in the blankets his eyes closed. But he wasn't asleep. He wanted to see Peter Pan again. He wanted to kiss him again.

'What have I gotten myself into, He's a monster, a complete monster. There is a reason why my mothers want to lock him up. But...he did let me go...when he could have done anything to me. Why didn't he...'Henry got up and walked around his room. 'I want to see him again. Dear God I want to see him again. I want to understand him. I really am my mothers son.'