Chapter 3: Storybrooke

It wasn't that long of a drive from the sign to the actual main street of Storybrooke or to the Mayor's office for that matter. John Darling pulled the car to a stop as Michael examined the clock tower at the end of the street- permanently locked on 8:15. "I wonder how come that's not working."

"I'd be more concerned if this second helping of pixie dust holds up," John replied as they exited the car. "Be sure to grab the kid." Michael nodded and gently lifted Henry into his arms. "I've got the story all worked out so you don't have to say anything. Just let me do the talking." Michael nodded, shifting Henry nervously.

"I can't believe we're taking him right into the lion's den. If she realizes-"

"We just have to trust that she won't."

The Mayor was seated at her desk in a black-and-white office. She had dark hair and was dressed in a simple dress shirt and skirt, though it didn't stop her from looking stunning. John practically held his breath as she examined the two of them in surprise before he felt a pulse from his coat pocket. Instantly, her expression softened to a smile as she rose. "I've been expecting you gentlemen." She extended their hand and they both shook it cautiously. "My name is Regina Mills and I'm the mayor of Storybrooke. Have a seat." They did as she returned to hers as well. "Now which of you is John Darling?"

John raised a finger. "That would be me, Mayor Mills. I thank you for allowing us to live here. This place seems like a fairy-tale."

He swore he almost saw her smile drop for a millisecond, but another pulse from his pocket and she was beaming again. "That's what I put in the brochures. Now we have a house all ready for you in the back of town. It has plenty of space and should fit exactly what you're looking for. We just have a few things for you to sign." She slid the papers forward and John set about signing his name with a flourish. It was then Henry let out a giggle, causing her to almost finally recognize he was there and setting the two brothers very much on edge. "Who is this?"

"This is my adopted son, Henry," John explained, keeping his voice calm and level. "My wife and I adopted him about a month ago when I lost her tragically. My brother, Michael, offered to help me as long as I needed with him. I figured the best thing we could all use was a fresh start." Michael gave a nod, not nearly concealing his fear at the situation as well.

He swore his heart stop when the Mayor's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Henry?" The two were instantly on their feet and she rose as well, dark smile on her face. But then once again that pulse emitted from his pocket and she was back to smiling sincerely. "He's very cute. I adopted myself once, but unfortunately it didn't work out." She slid a key across with John being quick to grab it. "Everything's all set Mr. Darling. I'm so sorry about your wife and I hope you find what you're looking for here. Let me know if you need anything."

"We will. Thank you, Mayor Mills." With that, the two hastily retreated to their car, Michael buckling Henry back into his car seat. John patted his pocket. "At least we know it works."

"Yeah," Michael sighed with relief. "I brought the safe. Hopefully, we'll be able to lock it up in there and we'll stay safe." He took the key from John and examined it. "She gave us a house. That was nice of her."

"Indeed. So, what first? Should we unload or should we eat?"

"I saw a diner on the main street. We can stop in there before we head to the house." John gave a nod and the two headed back the way they came, coming to a stop in front of a diner called Granny's. The place wasn't very busy with only two people gathered. The brothers slid into a booth, Michael setting Henry's bassinet next to him. "So where'd you come up with the story?"

John shrugged. "It just seemed the easiest." A moment later, a young woman with red streaks in her hair and clothes that made Michael stare a few second too long appeared with menus.

"I don't believe I've seen either of you around here before," she smiled. "And who's the cutie?!"

"That's Henry," Michael answered with a smile. "I'm Michael and he's my brother John. It's his adopted son. I'm here to help because his wife died." He let out a grimace as John kicked him from under the table, shooting him a glare.

The girl however didn't miss a beat- the smile still fixed on her face. "Well, I was actually talking about you brother, but he's cute too." She leaned down next to John coyly. "Let me know if you're ever on the rebound." He merely glanced at her coldly. "So, I'm Ruby and I'll be your waitress today. What can I get for you to drink?"

"Tea for both of us. Hot," John answered. She gave a nod and headed back around the corner. It was then he noticed his brother's look. "What?"

"I think I'm old enough to order for myself by now, John. Do I even have to look at the menu or can I expect you to pick my lunch too?" Henry let out a burble, and Michael instantly turned to face him. "So, why do you think this place is cursed?"

"I'm not quite sure yet," John admitted. "I would say from our waitress it was with lack of clothes, but everyone else appears respectable." On cue, Ruby returned with cups of hot water and some tea bags for them to choose from. John was quick to notice she had scrawled her number on his napkin and rolled his eyes. "I'll have the Vegan Mac and Cheese." He gave Michael a look.

Michael smirked. "I'll have the same thing." Ruby nodded and walked away once again. "Point taken. You know me. We'll have to feed him once we get home," he smiled at Henry as he tickled his stomach. "He's probably pretty hungry. It's been an exciting day, hasn't it?"

"Michael." His brother looked up and John gave him his sternest look. "Stop." Michael seemed to realize what he was doing and nodded, quickly removing his hand. John noticed instantly how upset he was. "It's for the best," he reminded his brother kindly. "It's for Wendy."

"I know," Michael answered, taking a sip of his tea after stirring it. "But what about him? Ten years of living with two people who refused to get attached? And I thought our childhood was awful." John refused to answer, and Michael soon gave up on him ever answering.

-FAWH-

Mayor Mills certainly had an eye for real-estate. The house was quite large and sprawling with a grand staircase that led to five bedrooms upstairs. The front was very grand with a garden already sitting out front full of flowers and herbs. The white brick complimented the brown trimming and roof brilliantly. It even had a garage for them to park their car in.

Inside was just as grand. The kitchen was beyond everything Michael could have dreamed with a sprawling countertop and enormous fridge. There was a living room with a real fireplace and a grand foyer with a vaulting ceiling that had to be at least ten feet high. The walls were white though and though the place came with furniture it was somehow even sparser than their apartment. It took them about an hour to move everything in from the car, including a newly purchased crib they hastily set up in one of the bedrooms between the ones they claimed for themselves. Michael commented about maybe painting the walls for Henry, but John was hesitant if that would be a good idea. Michael had grumbled but soon agreed, feeding Henry before tucking him in for the night. He had made sure his brother was out of the room before tucking him in and kissing his forehead. "Goodnight, Henry. We'll be right here if you need anything. We'll always-" he stopped himself; seeming to realize the line he was crossing. "Just, sleep tight."

Soon they were stocking groceries in the fridge while a new baby monitor rested on the counter buzzing slightly, but silent. "I can get used to this," Michael smiled at his brother.

John nodded. "It's nicer than I was expecting." He pulled the vial out of his pocket. "I'll go lock this upstairs in the safe. Hopefully, it holds out." He started to exit.

"It's nice," Michael called before he could, causing him to turn. "For the first time in a long time, I know he can't hear us or see us. It's peaceful."

John gave a nod to this, nearly smiling. "Indeed it is." He started up the stairs, pausing to peek in at the sleeping Henry. "We can do this," he whispered to himself, clutching the vial, for once allowing his confident and cold demeanor to slip. "We can do this." They could. They would live with Henry for ten years while keeping him at enough of a distance that they would easily be able to swap him out for Wendy when the time came. It would be easy. But Michael's words were on the edge of his mind about this boy never having a family. But that wasn't their problem. They didn't have one either. They and Henry were just two broken halves.

Two halves that could make a whole. The second it entered his mind he forced it down with ferocity and bile. He continued to his room where they had hung a painting of London in front of their safe. He put in the combination and gently placed the glowing green vial inside. As he shut it in there, he hoped he shut any sympathy for the boy as well.