The drive to Storybrooke was unlike anything Nathan had ever experienced. The further they went, the quieter the world seemed to grow, as though the noise of the outside dulled the closer they got to this hidden place. Nathan watched the world blur past the window, his golden eyes catching faint hints of violet with every passing light. Beside him, Henry slept peacefully in his car seat, his little face relaxed and trusting.
Regina's voice cut gently through the hum of the car. "You were important to the children at the orphanage, weren't you?"
Nathan blinked, startled by the question. He hadn't expected her to ask something so… personal out of no where. "I—I don't know. I just… tried to help. They didn't have much, and sometimes no one really listened to them. So I did what I could. I guess it made things easier for them."
Regina's hands tightened ever so slightly on the wheel, though her tone remained smooth. "That's not something every ten-year-old would think to do. You gave them comfort." Her eyes flicked to Henry in the mirror, then back to Nathan. "It seems you do have a gift with children."
Nathan lowered his gaze, but inside, the words filled him with warmth. No adult had ever said that to him before not as if it mattered, not as if he mattered.
As the journey continue Nathan finally saw out the window the sign reading "Welcome to Storybrooke." Nathan almost nerding out that he was finally here, heard Regina's voice. "Welcome to Storybrooke Nathan your new home with us."
He looks up at the review mirror catching Regina's eyes giving a soft smile and a little nod.
He then continue to look out the window when going through the town. Sadly it was night time so he didn't see any of the characters but the night sky did make it magical , especially the clock tower frozen.
The car climbed a winding hill, and then Nathan saw it: tall wrought-iron gates looming before them. They creaked open on their own, as though acknowledging their arrival. Beyond them stretched a wide stone drive, leading up to a sprawling white mansion with dark shutters and a roof lined in slate. Small amount of warm light spilled from the windows, glowing against the dusk.
Nathan pressed closer to the glass, his breath catching. It wasn't just a house. It was a mansion bigger then any house he's ever seen and he'll be living here.
The car came to a smooth stop before the grand staircase leading up to the home. Regina stepped out first, her movements graceful, precise, yet softer than he had seen her before. She opened Nathan's door herself before circling to unbuckle Henry from the seat belt. The way she adjusted the straps and lifted him in the carrier with practiced gentleness stirred something deep in Nathan's chest.
Security. Belonging. Home.
"Come along," Regina said, motioning for Nathan to follow.
The heavy doors opened into a foyer that seemed to stretch forever upward. A chandelier of crystal caught the light, scattering it like stars across the marble floor. Polished wood gleamed along the banisters of a sweeping staircase and paintings hung in gilded frames, watching over the space with quiet dignity. The air smelled faintly of roses, apples and old books, carrying the weight of history and something else something humming beneath the surface.
Nathan froze on the threshold, his platinum hair catching the light so that the crimson streaks gleamed like fire. He felt small again, just a boy who used to be another forgotten name in a ledger but then Regina turned toward him, Henry nestled securely in the carrier in her arms, and gave him a look that erased all the doubt. Stretching out her hand.
"Welcome home, Nathan Mills." she said softly.
The name struck something inside him. His name. Not just a boy from the orphanage anymore. Nathan Mills.
He reached out holding her hand that so smooth and felt like he can hold on forever. As he stepped across the threshold, something stirred in his mind. The familiar, half-formed system interface flared to life, sharper, brighter than ever before.
[System Notice: Anchor Point Secured.]
[Storyline Integration: Complete.]
[Main System Awakening in Progress…]
Nathan's breath hitched. Text spilled before his inner vision, more vivid than ever:
[Perk Unlocked: Hearthbound – When tied to a home or family members your strength and resilience increase, and recovery is faster.]
[Perk Progression Available.]
[Locked Skill Detected – Requires Exposure to Magic.]
The screen pulsed once before dimming, leaving Nathan both exhilarated and unsettled. He had expected something yes, but not like this, not with more perks and unknown ones at that. Storybrooke wasn't just another town. It was the key to everything.
And somehow, Regina was at the center of it.....he didn't mind tho.
"Are you all right?" Regina's voice drew him back. She was watching him with that sharp, perceptive gaze of hers, though her tone carried no judgment, only concern.
Nathan straightened, forcing a small smile. "Yes, ma'am. Just… taking it all in."
Her expression softened almost imperceptibly. "It can be a lot at first."
She led him through the hall, pointing out rooms as they went. The kitchen with its polished counters, apple shinning from the lights and gleaming appliances, the sitting room with high-backed chairs and shelves lined with books, the dining room with its long table fit for a family.
When they finally reached the upper floor, Regina paused before a door. "This will be your room from now on." she said, pushing it open.
It was a spare room, simple, clean but more than Nathan had ever hoped for. It seemed to big for boy his size. A neatly made bed with crisp linens, a wardrobe, a desk by the window, and pale curtains that shifted faintly with the night air. No decorations, no personal touches yet but it was his to do what he wants with in time. His own space, in a house that wasn't just temporary.
Nathan stepped inside, his fingers brushing the polished wood of the desk, the fabric of the quilt. It wasn't grand like the rest of the house, but it was steady. Solid. Real.
Behind him, Regina shifted Henry carefully in her arms no free from the carrier. "We'll make it yours in time," she said. "For now, I expect you'll be comfortable and get some sleep for now."
Nathan turned, his golden eyes bright. "Thank you, Miss Regina."
She paused, then allowed the faintest smile. "Regina is fine."
Nathan's chest tightened with quiet joy. For years, he had dreamed of this moment, not riches or grandeur but to be in Storybrooke with the simple word he had always longed for. Home.
And as he looked at Regina holding Henry, and the warm light of the room surrounding them, Nathan Mills knew this was just the beginning.
Nathan lay in the his bed now, quilt tucked up to his chin, staring into the quiet dark. The house felt strange not because it was cold or empty but because it was full. Safe. Real.
He shifted, listening to Henry's soft fussing down the hall, followed by Regina's low voice as she soothed him. The sound alone was enough to settle something deep in Nathan's chest. For once, he didn't feel like an outsider pressed up against the glass of someone else's life.
The System stirred, pulling his gaze inward.
[System Status: Online]
[Name: Nathan Mills (?@#^?)]
[Age: 10]
[Location: Storybrooke – Anchor Secured]
[Stats Locked, will be awakened at Age 12]
Affinities:
• Henry Mills — Active bond. Growing stronger with care and time. (Affinity type: Older Brother)
• Regina Mills — Active bond. Connection strengthening through trust and care.
• Emma Swan — Faded bond. Affection remains, but distance weakens ties.
Perks:
• Hearthbound — Strength, resilience, and recovery are enhanced when tied to a home or family.
• Charm — Increased natural likeability, trust, and influence over others.
• Bound By The Key — Latent magical essence linked to Henry's fate flows through you. Effects locked until triggered.
[First effect half Unlocked for arriving to Storybrooke]
• [1: Effect : Gains a subtle resilience ????????]
• [2: ????]
• Arcane Veil (Locked)
• [Effect: Latent magical resonance detected. This trait cannot be accessed until subject has been touched by magic.]
• Locked Skill: ??? — Requires Trigger Condition (Not Yet Met).
As he reads the status he smiles reading his name, Nathan Mills. Then he frowns looking at the question marks. He mummers to him self. " What does that mean? Do I have another Name? Maybe from my birth parents in this life."
Confused but getting nothing from it he leaves it be for now since he can't do much about it.
Nathan's golden eyes softened as he read. Regina's name, right where he knew it would be. It wasn't a surprise, but a reassurance proof that the bond he felt beginning was real. He wasn't just imagining it.
His gaze lingered on Emma's faded entry. It wasn't gone, not yet, but it was dim. Weakened. Like a photograph left too long in the sun. He tightened his fingers around the bracelet she had given him, the one reminder of nights when he hadn't felt so small and forgotten.
"…Guess this is goodbye for now," he whispered. Fully bitter, nor fully angry. Just… letting go for now.
Then gazing at his perks smiling that he's actually got abilities, tho not powerful its a start. Three does catch his eyes, leaving the last 1 since it's not Unlocked, the first one Bound By The Key has some of the text visible.
" So I have resilience to something, hopefully it helps." And the other still tho locked called Arcane Veil but needs magic. He close the status screen. The system shimmered faintly acknowledging without answering, and then faded back into the quiet.
Nathan drew the quilt closer and rolled onto his side. The ache of the past hadn't vanished, but it no longer drowned him. He had Henry now. He had Regina. He had a home.
For the first time across two lives, he closed his eyes and felt… safe.
Meanwhile…
Regina paused by the doorway after eventually getting Henry down in his nursery. Through the gap she saw Nathan curled on the bed, his platinum hair catching threads of moonlight.
Something pulled at her chest not pity, but recognition. A boy so eager to belong, yet so careful not to ask for it.
She watched him a moment longer before whispering, almost to herself:
"We'll figure this out. Together."
And for the first time, she let herself believe it.
( Finally we are in Storybrooke, chapters will definitely be one a day since we have basically caught up to what I've written )