A/N: Hello my lovely readers! I'm glad that I'm getting this chapter out so quickly, as I was worried that it would take me a while to figure out where I wanted to go in this chapter. Sorry that I'm getting this out at like 1:30 am, but I had a sudden surge of inspiration that couldn't be ignored. Either way, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

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Margaret stirred from her sleep as the first signs of light broke over Neverland's horizon. She quietly opened her eyes and stretched out her arms as she rubbed the grogginess from her eyes. It was strange that she didn't recall falling asleep in her bed. How did she…?

Oh.

Flashes of the previous night streaked across her vision as she recalled what had occurred. Seeing her parents, feeling their arms around her. She still couldn't fathom the very idea that she truly saw them. And it was all due to Peter. He was the one who had brought her there. Margaret remembered that she needed to find a way to thank him. However, she had no idea as to what she could do or give. Even though she'd resided in Neverland for quite some time, she wasn't certain as to what Peter could appreciate. She'd have to think it over when she had the time.

Margaret looked across the room at Peter, who despite his sleeping state looked lively as ever. A strange surge of fondness burst within Margaret as a little smile tugged at her corners. Despite how poorly she thought of Peter when she first arrived, she realized that her time with him had caused her to develop…feelings. It was strange to admit it. Margaret had sworn off boys or dating until after she graduated university. She wanted to focus entirely on her studies, and dating someone would provide too many variables to distract from that goal.

But in Neverland, things were different. She couldn't worry about school as there was a lack of an educational presence here. And maybe that was why she hadn't even realized that her fondness for Peter had grown into something more and unfamiliar. This was entirely new territory; she'd never allowed herself to even think, fantasize, or crush on someone.

While it would seem impossible, Margaret's keen ability in keeping a healthy distance from her classmates allowed herself to avoid any familiarity that would spawn any unwanted emotions. She hardly knew the names of the any of the boys in her class. Of course, if one approached her and spoke with her, she would politely engage in conversation. However, she would find subtle ways to hint that she wasn't particularly interested in forming any familiarity with anyone. She was fortunate that the high standards of Grim Prep allowed for her male classmates to understand her intentions.

Peter was far from the man that she'd pictured herself with. Margaret had long thought out the acceptable traits she would want in a partner. She wasn't particularly worried about romance, but of course she would like the idea of having someone care for her as she did him. Practicality and responsibility were particularly important to Margaret, with honesty and intellect following close behind.

Peter, in many ways, was the opposite of those qualities. He wasn't dim by any means, but he wasn't exactly a scholar either. He definitely was not traditionally responsible, nor was he practical. However, Peter was honest as far as Margaret knew, which as far as she could credit him as being a picture of her perfect partner.

The one thing that Margaret had never considered was that she could value other qualities. Peter wasn't quite intelligent in the traditional sense, but he was knowledgeable in how to survive. He knew plenty about pixie dust, fairies and their history, their origins, and even how to interact with the other life in Neverland. He was skilled with a knife, and had the ability to fly. Where there was a lack in practicality there was sincerity and a care for others. Yes, he was reckless and a bit cocky as described by Nana, but he did truly care. Margaret's affections toward Peter were a bit of an enigma for her as she tried to decode her exact reasons, but she found far too many to truly discern the source.

When had she fallen for him, anyway? Was it when he risked his life to give her a sign that Nana was alive? Was it when she had cared for him when he was injured by the pirates? She didn't know. But that wasn't important in the grand scheme of things. Margaret was hopelessly infatuated (she refused to say she was in love, as she couldn't believe that it could've turned into that yet) with Peter Pan, a fact that she wasn't certain how to handle.

As Margaret felt herself grow overwhelmed with her thoughts, she didn't notice Peter awaken from his sleep. He stretched and forced back a yawn as he shook his head to jumpstart his senses. He looked up to see Margaret staring at an indiscernible spot on the wall, apparently drowning in thought. Peter quietly climbed out of his hammock and approached slowly, peeking at her from the corner that separated the area where Margaret's bed lay and the hammocks for the Lost Boys and Peter.

"Margaret?" Peter asked softly. Margaret blinked as she looked over at him. Peter walked out from the corner, sitting on the edge of her bed.

"I apologize, I didn't notice you there."

"Thinking?" Peter inquired. Margaret pursed her lips and nodded.

"Well, I guess I should get up and start preparing breakfast. I don't wish to keep anyone waiting," Margaret stated as she threw off the covers. Peter sighed, feeling an edge of guilt over disturbing her.

"If you want to sleep some more, you can. You don't need to start preparing breakfast this early," Peter told her gently. Margaret shook her head.

"It never hurts to get a head start on food," she replied simply. Peter watched her quietly for a moment before he resolved to go outside into the clearing.

The morning air pierced his lungs as a fresh breeze wafted past his ginger hair. The sun had made more progress over the horizon, now wearing a pinkish coat that lined the still sleeping sky. A ball of light jumped over the trees before swirling around him. Tinkerbell began to excitedly jingle incoherently.

"Easy, Tink! Whoa there, girl, what's gone on with you all of a sudden?" Peter asked, chuckling. Tinkerbell flew in front of him as she repeated her excited jingle from before, though slightly slower.

"The pirates…they've retreated!" Tink finally managed to jingle out. Peter blinked at the news, surprise catching him off guard.

"Wait, are you serious? The pirates have…left?"

"They've retreated the Jolly Roger," Tink elaborated. Peter nodded as he felt a sudden heaviness punch through his chest. He took a moment to compose himself before he glanced toward the kitchen window where Margaret was preparing breakfast. She looked up at Peter and gave him a sweet smile as her eyes sparkled in his direction. Tink moved in front of Peter's line of vision. "So, are you going to tell her the news?"

Peter looked away from Tink as a stony and guarded expression washed over his face. "Yeah, I guess I should," he replied dejectedly. Peter took a deep breath as he began his short walk of regret. He had a duty to tell her, but every fiber of his being wanted to keep her here a little longer. However, he wasn't selfish enough to do that. Peter knew it would be a horrendous betrayal of Margaret's trust. He just couldn't hurt her like that.

"Margaret, do you have a moment?" Peter asked, peeking his head in the doorway. She looked up from the food that she was preparing in confusion before noticing the strangely stoic expression on Peter's face. What was this about?

"Yes, I do," Margaret replied with a hue of confusion in her tone. Peter walked up to Margaret.

"I just received some news that might interest you," he began cryptically. Margaret cocked her head over to the side as a playful but anxious smile spread over her cheeks.

"Alright, well then what is this news?"

Peter shifted his jaw as he closed his eyes. He needed to tell her. "Tink just told me that the pirates have retreated to the Jolly Roger. So, the island is free from the pirate threat for now." Peter couldn't have sounded more dead in his soul if he wanted to. The light that was usually present in his eyes appeared to have diminished entirely.

Margaret froze as her eyes widened. For a brief second, joy flickered over her features. But then, her face fell as she gazed into Peter's eyes. "That means…I guess I can go home," she said in dejected disbelief. Peter saw the way her eyes saddened, the way her mouth pursed as she looked away from him. It appeared that she might not be ready to return home after all.

"I think we shouldn't leave quite yet," Peter added quickly. "After all, it might be brief. The pirates could also be trying to lure us out. It's best to make sure that they'll be located at the Jolly Roger for a while."

Margaret's expression lit up slightly at the implication that she wouldn't be returning home so quickly, but a weight settled over heart at the thought of returning to London. She didn't know why. Just a week ago she would have been more than happy to return home, but then…

Margaret turned her head to look over at the Lost Boys resting. They were completely unaware of this news. It hurt her to think about how Tootles would react to her leaving. She was quite attached to him now.

"Well, if I'm to be here a little while longer, and if the pirates are no longer much of a threat, could you give me a tour of the island? I haven't had the chance to be introduced to the island properly. I like the idea of finally seeing the mermaids," Margaret said, superficial optimism present in her voice.

Peter's eyes lit up. "Of course, I would be honored, truly," Peter replied. Margaret managed a wry smile before she began to focus intensely on finishing breakfast. She didn't want to think about all of these swirling sad emotions. She just wanted to enjoy her last few days here in Neverland as much as she could.

Peter didn't know what to do with himself. He realized Margaret would probably need some space, judging by the way she really seemed to suddenly dedicate herself to making the food. He decided it would be best for him to wake up the Lost Boys.

They all protested sleepily as they were roused from their sleep. Slightly was the only one that was perturbed at being awoken early. However, Peter's quiet proclamation of the news slapped everyone awake.

"What? The pirates have retreated?" The Twins asked excitedly. All of the Lost Boys began to celebrate. Now they could have adventures in the jungle once again.

"No more boring lookout!" Cubby exclaimed in excitement.

"I'm so happy we can go hunting again!" Nibs cried. Slightly celebrated with the rest of the boys, except for Tootles, who looked over at Margaret with a sad look on his face. He was the only one that realized what this meant. Peter decided against mentioning it to the rest of them. He didn't want their happiness to be cut short by him.

Margaret forged a fake, but convincing expression of contentment on her face as she procured breakfast for everyone. The Lost Boys (except for Tootles) were barely able to eat in their energetic state, choosing to leave the hideout with their plates half eaten.

Tootles found himself barely able to eat as sadness consumed him. He played with his food sluggishly as the Lost Boys left him behind without noticing. Peter, Margaret, and Tootles ate what they could silently as they all were unable to will themselves to break the silence at first.

However, after some time, Tootles finally spoke. "Do you have to leave?" He squeaked quietly. Margaret looked up from her food tearfully as she stood up and walked over to where Tootles sat, kneeling in front of him.

"I'm sorry, Tootles, but I really do. My Nana needs me," Margaret told him. She didn't add that she wasn't meant to stay in Neverland, though she had formed the thought in her mind. Someone as practical as her had no place in Neverland. She was meant for the practical, mundane life in London.

Tootles nodded his head in a melancholic way, prompting Margaret to hug him tightly. "I will always remember you as my first friend in Neverland," she whispered as she stroked the top of his onesie. A few tears slipped out of Tootles' eyes, wetting Margaret's shoulder.

Peter, feeling a wave of emotion hit him, chose to step outside where he could clear his mind. He didn't want to admit how much the news was affecting him. It was ruining his soul to think of Margaret going back home. An extreme and foreign sense of guilt prodded him. He should be happy for her; this is what she wanted from the very beginning. But he remembered the sadness that appeared on her face when he told her the news. It was likely that she didn't want to leave yet, despite what she said.

A stray tear slipped down Peter's right cheek. He wiped it away quickly, ignoring the lump in his throat. It was then that he finally admitted to himself that he had truly fallen in love with Margaret Darling. And now, he wasn't certain he could handle the heartbreak of her going away.