A/N: Taylor Swift owns the song "Enchanted".
Chapter Thirty-Five – Enchanted to Meet You
"Stop fidgeting!"
Violet and Mandy fussed over Wendy as they placed the finishing touches on her make-up and hair.
"I can't help it!" she argued, wondering what she looked like. The girls had her sitting with her back towards the mirror of her vanity and it was killing her. She had no idea if Peter was going to show, but she was quaking with excitement.
"Ok!" Mandy grinned. "Time to take a looksy!" Spinning Wendy around, she beamed at her handy work.
Wendy gawked at her reflection. She wore one of her white tops with billowing sleeves cuffed at the wrists with a high collar, a brooch that belonged to her grandmother taking its seat at her neck. She wore a high-waist skirt of a beautiful mauve color, a thick black belt, stockings, and a set of Old West laced boots. Her hair had been pulled up and piled onto her head in a bun with pearl bobby-pins keeping it in place. Matching pearl earrings dangled from her ears, and her make up (though simple) made her blue eyes pop, sure to stun everyone, herself included.
"Oh, my…Vi…Mandy…thank you!" she whispered, touching her cheek to make sure it really was her. Her reflection mirrored her actions, tears filling eyes. She looked like a real Victorian beauty, just like the heroines in her favorite stories.
"Hey, no crying," Violet grinned, hugging her friend. Dressed in buckskin and leather, she fixed her feather earrings and checked her war paint. She looked stunning as an Indian squaw, albeit a little pale.
"That's right! No crying, or you'll ruin the make-up," Mandy giggled. She was dressed in a rather skimpy excuse for a "nightdress," a decent amount of cleavage showing. The theme was unclear as of that moment, but she promised they would understand once they got to the dance.
Tinker Bell and Flameburst flew to the girls, having finished their snack from Wendy (a handful of grapes and several morsels of chocolate chips). They chimed back and forth, seeming to discuss something until at last they flew outside and vanished for a few moments.
"What was all that about?" Mandy asked, her hands on her hips.
"They're up to something," Violet smirked, smiling when she saw them fly in with a fiery-hued rose.
"Where on earth did they find that?" Wendy gasped, accepting the gift as they handed it over.
"Either they made it or they were hiding it," Violet suggested, to which they nodded when she said "made it."
"Thank you, Tink, Flame," Wendy smiled, smelling the bloom.
"Here, let me," Violet said, taking the flower and another pin. Pinning it to her hair, she grinned as she stepped back and admired her handy work. "Voila!"
"OMG, I'm so excited!" Mandy squealed. "Ok, let's go!"
"I'll meet you down the street," Violet said, waving as she slipped out of the window and flew off with the two female fairies.
Checking herself in the mirror one last time, Wendy took a deep breath before grabbing her purse and coat, following Mandy out of her room. Heading downstairs, she saw her little brothers and Nana placed comfortably in front of the TV. Nana raised her head at their arrival, her ears perked. She barked, wagging her tail.
Jon looked up, his jaw dropping when he saw his sister. "Wow, Wendy! You look like great-grandmothers Mary and Wendy from the photo albums!" he exclaimed, running up to meet her.
"Wendy, you look so pretty!" Mikey beamed, running to her and grabbing her skirts.
Gathering her little brother into her arms, she kissed his head. "Thank you, Mikey, Jon," she said softly, glad that her brothers approved. "You're sure you'll be all right?"
"Positive," Jon nodded, taking Mikey from her. "What's the worst that can happen?"
Giving them all good-night kisses, she turned to leave when she saw her father standing in the kitchen. He was staring at her, astounded, his eyes huge in disbelief. "Wendy?" he asked.
Swallowing, she took a step forward and said, "I'm going to the Masquerade at school, Dad. I should home around ten-thirty or so."
He walked to her, taking her in as if he had never seen her before. A sad smile stretched over his lips and his eyes watered. "…you remind me so much of your mom."
Her own eyes filled with tears as she heard this, her heart twisting in a knot. "…thanks, Dad."
Leaning down, he kissed her forehead. "Have fun…and be safe."
"I will be," she promised, kissing his cheek. Smiling shyly, she left with Mandy, shutting the door behind her as she moved out and went to find Violet.
They didn't have to walk too far to find her. Just a few houses down, she stood by a tree, conversing with the two sprites. She grinned when she saw the others and together they strolled down to the school.
"Are you sure they won't notice it's you?" Wendy asked as they came to the front doors. Tink and Flameburst took this opportunity to hide in Wendy's purse, peeking out through the zipper.
"If they do, I've got a good story for an alibi," she whispered. "But I've got enough war paint on that they won't be able to tell."
Just as Violet had hoped, the teacher guarding the gym entrance let them pass, not taking a second glance at the girls. Stepping inside, they were surrounded by students, strobe lights, and pounding music. Mandy squinted in the dark room, distracted by the colors, until she found who she was looking for. "FREDDY!" she screamed, waving at the boy. "We're over here!"
Violet and Wendy scanned the area, trying to find him, and when they saw how he was dressed, they couldn't hold back their laughter. Fred was decked in green – a feathered cap on his head. He grimaced, trying not to hide his face.
"Fred," Violet snickered. "What are you supposed to be?"
"Well, isn't it obvious?" Mandy smiled, hugging her boyfriend's arm. "He's Peter Pan, and I'm Wendy!"
The raven-haired females couldn't stop the giggles that erupted from their mouths. Thankfully, Mandy took no note and dragged Fred off to dance. Both Tinker Bell and Flameburst popped out of Wendy purse, also clutching their stomachs as they laughed from seeing the odd couple. They darted off, in search of food, punch, and mischief.
"That's the skimpiest Wendy I've ever seen," Violet said, finally calming down.
"And that's one outfit I'm sure Peter would never wear," Wendy giggled. Looking to her friend, she smiled. "I'm so glad you could come, Vi. It's good to spend more time with you."
"Same here," she grinned. Suddenly, her face lit up. "He's here!"
"Who?" Wendy raised an eyebrow, turning around. Her eyes widened in surprise as she grinned upon seeing a familiar boy walk towards them, covered in war paint and feathers.
"Hey, Vi, Wendy," Ruff said, his eyes lighting up when he saw his girlfriend. He shared a kiss with her before grinning at Wendy. "Nice outfit!"
"Thank you," she nodded. "I can see you have the same theme in mind."
"We picked it out yesterday," Violet answered. "Lily helped us, actually. Hey, listen, y'mind if Ruff n' me go-?"
"Have fun," Wendy smiled, waving them off. She watched them leave, her heart sinking. She hadn't counted on being alone. Looking from one side to another, she scanned the faces in the gym until she caught sight of a familiar woman. Walking over, she gawked in amazement. "Ms. Seaworth?!"
Christine looked down and smiled at Wendy. Dressed in a peasant's top, a rustic-looking vest with matching boots, a ruffled burgundy skirt, and giant gold hoop earrings, she made a rather sexy-looking pirate for a teacher. "Hi, Wendy! Having fun?"
"I guess so," Wendy said politely. "I just got here."
"So did she, and she stole my nephew away," Christine chuckled, pointing at a couple on the dance floor.
Following her gaze, Wendy found herself watching Ben, dressed in a fine blue suit with gold trim and buttons, spinning and swaying with a gorgeous young girl, her translucent gown billowing around her.
"Conch?!" gasped Wendy, stunned to see the mermaid moving around, and on two feet!
"She said she was taken out of the water and her tailed dried off," Christine shrugged as she explained. "Then she received that dress from the fairies and came here. I never realized Ben caught himself a girlfriend."
Wendy laughed, shaking her head. "Never-Neverland has filled our lives with surprises, ma'am."
"You can call me Christine when we're not in class," Christine smiled, patting Wendy's shoulder. "And you're absolutely right about that, Wendy."
"Right about what?"
Christine squeaked upon someone winding their arms around her. She could feel the intruder's chin rest upon her shoulder, his breath tickling her ear. "James! You scared me!" she gasped, playfully slapping his arm. Grinning, she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a kiss to his lips. "When did you get here?"
"Just now," he replied, smirking in delight. He tipped his hat to Wendy, nodding to the girl. "Miss Wendy, you look lovely as always."
"Thank you, Captain," Wendy smiled, curtsying. She did her best to look happy, but each time she thought of how she was going to end up by herself, she was tempted to go back home. Maybe Tinker Bell and Flameburst would be willing to grow into their human sized forms so they could talk…?
"I'd like to steal this fine instructor away for a moment," Hook said, offering his arm to Christine. "Please excuse us, Wendy." He and Christine took off, heading for the dance floor.
"My students will be staring," she warned him as he placed his hook on her waist and let her slip her hand into his.
"Let them," he chuckled, enjoying the feel of her fingers wrapping around his. "You make a fine pirate, Ms. Seaworth."
"Thank you, James," she grinned impishly. "I see you decided not to change," she said, motioning to his full uniform of his usual pirate coat and matching hat.
"As I once told that brat known to all as Pan, 'women can't resist pirates'," he said brightly.
"Oh did you?" she asked, letting him lead. "Speaking of which, where is Peter?"
"I'm sure he's floating around somewhere," he winked, leaning in. "Never mind them…let me admire you."
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
Tinker Bell felt her heart speed up when Blue Falls snuck over to them, his wings fluttering gently as so not to earn too much attention. She waved at him and he returned the gesture, smiling as he landed beside them.
"Tink!" he said in the fairy language, picking her up and spinning her around.
"Falls!" she giggled, kissing him. "When did you get here?!"
"I just came in with Peter and the old pirate," he chuckled, pointing at Hook. "Peter can't wait to surprise Wendy."
"I can't wait to try the punch!" Flameburst squealed, giddy as she munched on a chip.
"Is there ever a time you don't eat?" her brother sighed.
"Not ever," she sang cheerfully, moving on to grab a strawberry. As she moved amongst the plates of food, she could sense a strange, dark force nearby. Her brows furrowed, she lifted her head and gasped, dropping her food. "Tink! Falls! Quick!" she hissed as she hurried back to them.
"What is it?" Tinker Bell asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Look!" she pointed, her eyes huge, her face pale.
Looking in the direction Flameburst pointed, they caught sight of a figure standing at one of the exits. Smoke seemed to flow off of him, his eyes shining white from time to time. The sinister eyes narrowed at something, or perhaps someone, in the crowd. Turning, he slunk out of the gymnasium and vanished.
"Shade," Tink whispered.
"Where's he going to?" Blue Falls asked, suspicious.
"Hopefully, far away from here," Flameburst whimpered.
Flying off of the table, Tinker Bell frowned. "I'm going to follow him. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"I'm coming, too!" Blue Falls declared, darting off after her.
"Wait for me!" Flameburst cried, hopping off after them and hurrying along. This couldn't be good…
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
Wendy wandered along through the crowd, feeling utterly useless. She had tried looking for the familiar glow of the fairies' lights but they were nowhere to be seen. Violet was in a corner kissing Ruff, Mandy and Fred were dancing on their own, Ben and Conch were laughing about some joke, and Hook had taken Christine Seaworth. Heaving a sigh, she turned to leave when she bumped into someone.
"Oh!" she cried, taking a step back. "I'm sorry, I wasn't-" Lifting her head, she gasped, her eyes wide in awe.
There before her stood a handsome young pirate. He wore a fine poet's shirt open at his chest, a set of midnight breeches and shining boots covering his lower body. A cutlass was strapped to his side with a blood red sash. A forest-green cape was draped over his shoulder while a set of long dark gloves covered his hands. His brown hair was free of its usual ponytail, framing his face and falling into his shining emerald eyes. On his head was a black hat with gold trim, a large white plume spilling out over the brim.
A devilish smile was on his lips as he swiped the hat off of his head and bowed lowly to the astonished girl. "G'evening, milady," he said, winking at her. "Allow me to introduce myself – I'm Captain Peter Pan, Eternal Youth and Little Terror of the Seven Seas, the only boy James Hook feared himself!"
Wendy couldn't help herself as she laughed, blush filling her cheeks. Giving a deep curtsy, she smiled back. "'Tis an honor, Captain Pan. I'm simply Wendy Darling."
"Miss Darling, it is a privilege to stand before you," he said, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. Offering his arm, he asked, "Would you care to dance?"
As she began to slip her arm through his, someone bumped past her, shoving her aside. Wendy was shocked as a girl from Mandy's cheer squad pushed her way through, dressed in a provocative Snow White gown, much too short and low cut for Wendy's taste.
"Hey, cutie," she giggled, batting her eyelashes at Peter. "How about we go find a nice corner and-HEY!" She screeched as Wendy bumped her aside, giving her the same treatment she had just received.
"I would love to dance with you, Captain Pan," she said loud and clear, securely wrapping her arm around his.
"HEY! You little Brit-witch!" the other girl snapped. "He was going to dance with ME, you little-!" She yelped as Peter lunged forth, gnashing his teeth at her.
"Captain Pan dances with no one except Lady Darling!" he snarled, twirling his cape dramatically as he stalked off with Wendy at his side. Pulling her close to him, he stood his ground in the middle of the floor and began to move to the soft music that began to play. "Are you ok, Wendy?" he whispered, breaking out of character. He took her in at last, noticing how grand and elegant she looked, dressed like his first Wendy. The look suited her, and she was gorgeous. She smiled at him, her eyes shining in the darkness, and he felt his heart flutter within his breast.
"I'm all right…thank you, Peter. I've never had someone stand up for me like that," she blushed. "You were very dashing."
"Well, you were prim and proper, but with an edge," he grinned, pressing his forehead against hers. "You stood up for yourself before I did…you should be proud." Gazing into her eyes, he whispered, "…did I tell you yet that you're beautiful?"
"This night is sparkling, don't you let it go!
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you!"
Wendy felt her face burn bright red, shivers trailing down her spine when she heard his words, the song's lyrics reinforcing what she felt inside. "Thank you…"
For a moment, they were quiet, just listening to the words of the song the DJ played. Peter bit his lip, took a breath and spoke. "Wendy…about the other night…a few weeks ago, we…kissed."
Wendy blinked, stunned. Why had he said "kissed" and not "thimbled"?
"I was scared of what I'd done, but…well, I don't know about you, but…I kind of liked it," he confessed. "Wendy, I can't change who I am. I'm Peter Pan. I like being me, and I need to be myself if I have to go back and stay in Neverland…but I want to be good enough for you, too. So…even if I'm not very good at this whole 'love thing,' I want to give it a shot with you, even if we have to go slow and I need to learn about what I'm supposed to do as a…boyfriend, is it?"
Wendy's eyes were huge as she listened to him, her heart ready to burst. True, he was still a child deep down, but he was different…it was as though he was accepting that he was older now…a teenager, not a child, in body. And though he seemed to know and understand some of the customs of a teenager, he was still innocent, and wanted to keep it that way…
"This was the very first page, not where the storyline ends.
My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again.
These are the words I held back as I was leaving too soon -
I was enchanted to meet you!"
"So…are you ok with that?" Peter asked shyly. His eyes widened as she pressed her mouth to his, pulling away, her eyes downcast.
"Peter, you are who you are…I love you. Of course we'll take things slow," she smiled beautifully. "We have all the time in world, right?"
A grin lit up his face, the childish insecurities vanishing as he realized Wendy had accepted him as he was perhaps even long before now. Pulling her even closer, he tilted his head and closed his eyes, placing a kiss on her lips.
"This night is flawless, don't you let it go!
I'm wonder-struck, dancing around all alone.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew -
I was enchanted to meet you!
Please don't be in love with someone else,
Please don't have somebody waiting on you…"
Pulling apart, they smiled at one another before she rested her head against his shoulder, a sense of bliss filling her. How was it that he could make her feel so happy…?
"PETER!"
The shrill voice of Tinker Bell made them jump, looking around to see where she was. The fairy came shooting towards them in a flurry of fairy dust, crash landing into Peter's hat.
"Tink! What's with you?" Peter asked, taking his hat off of his head and peering down at the magical creature. She shook her head, clearing her mind, and began to go on and on tinkling and chiming, flailing her arms and pointing back the way she came. Peter's eyes grew huge once more, but this time, there was horror and anger.
"Peter, what is it?" Wendy asked, frightened by the look on his face.
Facing her, he answered, "It's your family – Shade's attacking your home!"