She could feel his heat in her mouth. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced; wet and fluid, yet hard. She was entranced by the feeling until his rough voice awoke her, "Wendy…"

As her senses came into focus, she began to feel shame and anger at him for forcefully taking something she could never regain. But his eyes were not smug like those of a pirate thieve, somehow they were remorseful and seeking understanding. His forget-me-nots were looking up to her London skies, as if asking for rain. And she would let it pour. "How dare you." Her eyes narrowed and a lump rose in her throat as she turned on her heal towards what she believed to be the direction of the Jolly Roger.

"Wendy!" He exclaimed. Her feet determinedly carried her farther. "Wendy, I beseech you, it was an honest mistake…"

Her pulse was racing as she stopped to face him. "How on Earth could one person erroneously, and quite convincingly I might add, take the mouth of another?!"

He took in a breath. He knew any answer that he might offer would further seal his fate. But fate desired to be kept on course. "Ello Cappy." A plump girl in a far-too-tight corset sauntered up to him under the lamplight. The amount of rogue she wore on her face inspired the image of a pig. "Looks like you're havin' a bit o' struggle with that one. Why not join ol' Martha at the tavern when you get tired, hm? You know the one." She winked over her shoulder upon her exit.

Hook slowly rotated towards his innocent companion. Her look inspired fear akin to the very crocodile he had sworn he killed. She had turned and was walking resolutely away. Hook knew that the poor girl was lost in her frenzy; any other time he would let her walk it off, but she was headed straight for Blind Man's Bluff. The landmark was known as such for the steep cliff that appeared without warning.

"Wendy." He tried again to no avail. She was getting unbearably close. "Wendy Moira Angela Darling!" He commanded. As she turned to blink at him, his breath hitched.

"You know my Christian name?"

He could not name the emotion in her voice. The captain stalled.

"How is it that you are able to recall it?" Her eyes swept over his person, as if trying to analyze everything he was.

"You were an ally of… Pan." His voice was a mixture of anger and pain. "I gathered everything I could about you and reviewed the material thoroughly."

She winced as she looked down. What would Peter think of her now? After discovery of his activities in her absence, she doubted he even cared. Had he ever cared? Did she want him to?

"He had a soft spot for you." The captain continued. "You know he did. I'd even hoped that you would inspire the boy to finally grow up; a terrifying yet satisfying notion that left me conflicted. After all these years, I, Captain James Hook, wanted to be responsible for his end. But there you were. Here you are. I cannot argue with everything you stand to be."

She was silent.

"You said you found pirates exciting," His voice was repentant, "Wendy, is it wrong that I found you to be the same?"

Her stomach was stirring. "I need a moment to think." She spun away from his prying eyes.

Suddenly, his good hand was snaking around her torso. "Unhand me!" She squealed. "If you wish to force me, I… I'll scream!"

"I'm afraid I cannot, Madame." He apologized. "For the world is much more interesting with you in it."

She followed his gaze down the precipice, watching a rock topple into the waves far below. Her body was rigid with fright as he swiftly withdrew her to safety. Hook was about to remove his arm until he recognized she was clinging like a child. He remained perfectly still, waiting for her to regain her composure. "I know that somewhere in that pretty little skull of yours you'll acknowledge that if I'd wanted to have my way with you, it would have happened upon first sight."

Her breathing was becoming normal, but she would not let go of his arm nor face the man at her back. The feeling of his lips playing with hers pressed at the corners of her mind. Tears fell down her hot cheeks. She would not let him see. "I'd like to go to the ship now." Her voice attempted strength.

The captain felt a tug somewhere at his core. "I shall see you there."

Xxx

The pair walked along the river by the light of the full moon. Both were lost in thought and it was quiet sans for the sounds of nature. Hook had chosen the route in order to avoid any further confrontation of rowdy women or crew. He knew that the men were probably having the time of their lives. Drinks and whores were in ample supply. He was giving this night up; seemingly without reward. Unless the taste of her sweetness was a part of the tally…

Wendy had never thought much about men before. Perhaps it was due to the constant care that she'd given her brothers. All boys around her age were like siblings to her. All of the grown-ups were, well, grown up. This enigma walking beside her represented neither of those categories and it confused and infuriated her. It made her feel things that no proper lady should. Still, he had kept her from falling earlier. At least she should be the one to keep her manners in this reprobate world. "Thank you." Her voice broke the stillness.

For a moment the captain was unsure to what act his companion was grateful for. Then it decided to chalk it up to wishful thinking. He might as well try to make the most of the night, "How will you ever repay me?"

"I beg your pardon!" He huffed. "You were the one to take something from me that should have only been shared on my wedding day."

"Did it belong to the London boy?" He smiled. He didn't know why he felt so vindicated.

"Not an ounce of me belonged to him."

"Now would be my turn to apologize." Hook bent low, "Wendy Darling, I am in truth sorry for my brash actions, how might this pirate make amends?"