Author's Note: Thank you to everyone for your kind reviews. I hope things aren't very confusing in this chapter since I'm changing POV's at least three times within the chapter.

Chapter Four

            The music was still playing and people were still dancing. A part of his mind acknowledged that. The rest of it focused wholly on one person on the dance floor. There she was; the object of his every desire. He would know her even if he were blind. A warm smile spread across his face as he watched her dance with her partner. Taking in her costume, he wished that he could be the one to dance with her. What else would she come dressed as? But as a lady pirate. Her hair free from any restraints was wild around her head. She wore a thick belt to carry her long sword and her dress was red with its thick, flowing skirts. Her mask was effective at hiding her expression from him. From where he stood, he could not see if she were laughing or frowning. She would have looked as she had when they had danced among the fairies.

Without much thought, he found himself walking towards her. It was a moment before he realized himself and stopped to look at his surroundings. It wouldn't do to forget what he had learned to be worthy of her so early on. He quickly looked around for any lady of his acquaintance so that he could politely ask her to dance with him. It would be too direct to walk up to Wendy and break up her partner and her in the middle of a dance. Then again, if he randomly asked any lady, the wrong impression would be given and he wasn't about to complicate things by adding any parties that weren't necessary.

So instead, he did the next best thing. He waiting for an opening in the dance where everyone switched partners before he broke in. In just a moment, it was she that was in his arms. She who had been the cause of so much in his life. She who could affect him like no other before her. Wendy. 

The feelings within him as he held her now were so much more different than when they were younger. True, he still felt a little uneasy at being so close to her and holding her. This time, things were so much more than they were. She was right about that too. By growing up, he felt more of everything when he was around her. It seemed like his senses were on full awareness of everything about her. The way her hair swayed as he twirled her in time to the dance to the way her body moved with a fluid grace. He had to take a moment to himself to realize that he was not dreaming that she was actually there with him. It was she with him in this moment. Suddenly he felt light and he felt an exhilaration that even flying couldn't match up to.
            The smile that crossed her lips was warm and polite. If she hadn't taken all of him already, he was completely hers now. Who would not be won by something as enchanting as that? He felt like they were floating in the air but their feet had not left the ground. His heart seemed to beat out of his chest and the arms around her were shaky.
"Do I know you sir?" she asked curiously, though her warm smile was still on her face.
She had spoken. It had been so long since he has last heard her voice, he felt uncertain. He looked down and saw the waiting expression on her face before contemplating what to say. "I am just another masked face lady," he answered playfully. The chance to play with her was too enticing to pass up. "Do I seem familiar?"
"Faintly," she said honestly. She squinted to try and focus on his face. "I feel I may have danced with you before."

"Perhaps at a previous ball," he commented off-handedly. In truth, a small part of him wanted her to know who he was but he couldn't ruin a moment of anonymity. Right now he would be whatever she wanted him to be. A deep wish brew in him that he could be her dream even without the mask. Tonight, perhaps it would be best to remain a mystery to her. The prospect of a small game made his playfulness come forth.
"Perhaps," she said faintly. She looked away momentarily to glance around her, feeling suddenly shy in front of this stranger.

Peter gave a small knowing smile as he took the opportunity to stare at her costume more closely while she was too shy to look back at him. His eyes couldn't focus. They wanted to see everything new in her at once. His eyes roved the curve of her neck to the slightly protruded collarbone and the creaminess of her skin. Everything about her was enticing. Their gloves became a hindrance to him. They were a barrier from his skin to hers and he wanted to know how he would feel holding her hand again without them. His eyes couldn't concentrate on any one part of her. They wanted to see everything all at once. For anyone who watched him, it would look as he wanted to burn Wendy with his gaze.

"Does my costume offend you?" she asked, breaking him from his thoughts.

"Your costume?" he asked as he slowly came back to his senses.

She smiled again. "Yes."

"Not at all."

"You would be the exception," she sighed somewhat sadly. He wondered briefly about what grief others had given her. "Somehow, to come as a pirate maiden does not sit well with polite society."

He couldn't help but hear the note of sarcasm and frustration from her. This brought a grin to his lips. Wendy was still a bit of a rebel to some degree. "Does that bother you?"

Wendy looked up at him. Seldom did anyone ask her for her point of view. Her eyes flashed with a sudden longing to know whom she was dancing with. Her brows knotted as she suddenly frowned. "No," she half whispered to him. "Not so much now." Her eyes went to his and she smiled again.

            Peter's smile faltered as he heard the closing notes to their dance. A flicker of sadness could be seen on Wendy's face as she realized that their brief time together was ending too soon. The flicker gave him hope. Maybe he needed to test what he feared. Peter twirled Wendy one last time before he carefully pressed his lips to her hand.

"Thank you for this dance Red-Handed Jill," he spoke very softly. Turning quickly, but not without missing the look of utter disbelief on Wendy's face as he disappeared through the throngs of people.

            In the flurry of people scattering to find new partners for the next dance, Wendy lost sight of her mysterious stranger. Her hand was still outstretched to where he had let go of it to escape her and the tingling sensation rising up her arm was numbing. The way that he had held her hand and the careful movements of his body were so familiar to her. She could not make out the color of his eyes behind his mask but she could tell that they were vibrant. There was a life and spark within them that she had only seen once before. It was a love of life and the gift of containing only joy. There was a light in his eyes that spoke of so many promising things to her: adventures, excitement, intrigue and all the like. Then he had also called her childhood pirate name and now could not be seen amongst the crowds of people who were surrounding her. The whole experience left her with a mixture of disappointment and curiosity.

            How could he have known her pirate name? Feeling supremely suspicious, she walked around in search of a voice of reason. In her haste, she missed the simple masked Mr. Smee walk right past her in the hallway. Smee tried to give her as minor a glance as possible before he continued on his way to socialize.

"Mother," called Wendy softly, as she caught her mother in the drawing room.

"Yes, dear?" asked Mary as she excused herself from her acquaintances to address her daughter. "What is it?"

"Have you seen where Nathaniel has gone off to?" she asked lightly.

"I have not seen him since we arrived dear," answered her mother. "You might want to look near the piano." Her mother pointed to the other side of the ballroom. "You know how he loves to listen."

"Yes," answered Wendy. "Silly of me not to think of it before, thank you." She smiled warmly at her mother and walked towards the ballroom again.

            Ever since returning from Neverland, Nibbs had found that he could beat out his frustrations with the real world by playing a pianoforte. Ever since he witnessed his new mother daintily bang her fingers against the keys to create the most beautiful of melodies, he had found his calling. True, he still would be as rough as the rest of the other boys, if not more when it came time for play fighting. But the need to bang against something appealed to him. If he could not use his strategy towards planning battles now, he could plan out how his fingers could move against the keys on the piano. For his adventurous side, Wendy had given him as many novels as she could to satisfy him. He was not a very avid reader but he was beginning to appreciate some of the classics. His favorite was still listening to her retellings of classic stories and fairy tales.

            Wendy caught sight of Nibbs, just where her mother had suggested and slowly made her way towards him. Her eyes couldn't help but rove around the room in hopes of catching a glimpse of her mysterious dance partner but couldn't make him out in the crowds. It was almost frightening how well he had disappeared from her view earlier and she wished that she could see him again. The way they had danced and gazed upon one another seemed like it was a moment in one of her stories. The Prince and Princess meet and their eyes see only on another. She had never experienced that kind of intimacy since… she didn't want to think about that.

Had she been looking more closely, she may have noticed that the object of her inner turmoil was watching her closely as she made her way towards her stepbrother. His eyes never wavered as he watched her every movements intently. He already predicted her destination but was rather puzzled as to why. Then a grin spread across his face as a few theories came to mind.

As Wendy approached Nibbs turned his head in her direction to give her a nod of acknowledgement before turning to watch the pianist conclude his movements.

"Nibbs, I would speak with you," she said pressing her hand against his arm.

"Of course," he answered politely as he took her arm and walked with her towards the wall. "What is it?"

"Nibbs," she started a little flustered. "Have you been telling your friends about me again?"

"Whatever do you mean?" he asked coyly.

"Don't be coy with me Nibbs," pressed Wendy as she leaned her head in closer to him. "You know what I am talking about."

"Depends on what they were teasing you about," he said with a grin.

"Heavens Nibbs," cried Wendy as she cringed at his playfulness. "You never cease this do you? It is almost like you purposely tell the most embarrassing things about me to ward off potential beaus."

"Why would I not?" asked Nibbs, sniffing. "You have already given your secret kiss away. No need to have more unwanted attention."

"You speak as if I have forgotten," said Wendy as she turned her gaze towards the twirling couples before her. When she turned her face towards him she had that accusing look back on her face. "That gives you no excuse to go around parading my childhood…"

"Oh come now Wendy," interrupted Nibbs with his hands up in the air. "What did the bloke say to put you in such a fuss?"

"He called me Red Handed Jill!" she exclaimed quietly.

To this Nibbs stopped grinning and Wendy could see the frown on his face.

"What is it?" she asked hesitantly.

"I never told anyone about that," he said seriously.

"You, you haven't?" asked Wendy as she suddenly got very nervous.

"Who was it that called you that?" asked Nibbs. He was no longer joking and his seriousness made Wendy almost afraid.

"I wish I knew," answered Wendy honestly. Her gazed turned down as she thought about all the feelings that ran through her as she had danced with him. Her sigh was almost inaudible as she turned to look back up at Nibbs. She couldn't help the innocent, questioning look in reply to his stern exploration of her face. The intent on his face made her wary. "What is it?"

"Your eyes almost look dreamy," he said looking at her a moment longer. "Are you taken with whoever this man is?"

"No matter if I am," said Wendy as she tried to keep out the defensiveness in her tone. "Something about him was so very familiar." Wendy tilted her head to decide which words could properly describe her feelings.

"Excuse me Miss. Darling," prompted a masked gentleman.

"Yes?" she asked politely.

"I have come to ask if you would give me the next number," said the young man as he offered his hand to her.

"I have the next one sir," blurted Nibbs rather rudely.

Wendy turned around enough to give him a scolding look with her eyes before she smiled apologetically towards the gentleman. "Please excuse my brother," she said. "He can be rather overprotective of my person."

"Not at all," answered the man undeterred. "In what other way would a brother be of proper use?" joked the man gently.

Wendy allowed herself to laugh sweetly enough as she took his hand. She glanced back at Nibbs to see him glaring at the man's head as he crossed his arms. He watched closely as Wendy began the dance, making sure that there was a decent amount of distance between them. True, he was being unreasonable and over protective where she was concerned but he couldn't help it. Though they were not actually blood relations, all the Lost Boys were very sheltering towards their older sister. If the other boys were here now, they would have been equally wary of any potential beaus. His eyes moved over to where John was dancing with his lady on the other side.

John, who was not as viciously protective of Wendy as the Lost Boys were, was busy courting someone himself. He was more realistic to things. The inevitable would happen and Wendy would eventually find that perfect man that would make her happy. The man that would give her a house to raise their children and so she could pass on her stories. It was something that was ingrained within her, which was what the boys loved about her the most. They were all getting older and Nibbs knew that it would happen, but he was going to make sure it wasn't as soon as all that. It was Wendy who had been the one constant in their ever-changing lives. He owed it to her to make sure that she would be very well taken care of. Most importantly, he owed it to someone else.

Irritation was something very consistent in his being and he could feel his tense muscles beginning to ache. He gave another glance towards Wendy and her partner before he returned his focus on the piano and its mesmerizing notes. It allowed his mind to clear as he tried to keep his focus on how the master was playing the keys with ease. It gave him a few moments of peace before the questions came to his mind as he thought of what Wendy had brought to his attentions. Someone had figured out that her fantasy pirate name was Red Handed Jilly. It was something even the Lost Boys wouldn't have mentioned to anyone. The name was connected to so many conflicts and fighting. It was not something they used to tease Wendy about because it was a rather serious matter to them.

The striking of the clock brought Nibbs out of his thoughts as he realized that they had thirty more minutes left before everyone was to reveal themselves. The night was drawing to a close and he was relieved for it. He had wished that Slightly would have been able to keep him company during this but his friend was busy taking care of his mother during her illness. It was oddly coincidental to Nibbs that Aunt Millicent had conveniently come down with something tonight when she was fine the rest of the time. If he thought enough about it, he would guess that it was his aunt's way of showing that she was not ready to part with Slightly to another woman just yet. Nibbs had, had no excuse to decline attending. Michael and the rest of the boys were still too young to come to events such as these. He couldn't wait for them to hurry and grow up.

"Time could not move anymore sluggishly," confessed a masculine voice to the right of him.

Nibbs turned to see a young fellow a couple years older than himself standing beside him. The fellow wasn't looking at him but at the dancers.

"I would be glad to be rid of this mask," he finished.

"My face feels as though I could scratch it off," said Nibbs good-naturedly.

"So I am not the only one then," he laughed. It was then that he looked at Nibbs. "This truly is a great coincidence."

"How so?" asked Nibbs.

"I believe we have been introduced before, this very afternoon in fact," answered Peter.

Nibbs thought for a moment before his eyes widened. "Moby Dick…" started Nibbs with a grin. "Yes, I do remember. Fancy seeing you here again chap."

"Yes, very good to see you again," answered Peter with a grin.

"I am sure you were busy all night dancing," teased Nibbs as he jabbed at his ribs.

"The only consolation about wearing a mask is that it gives you the liberty of anonymity," answered Peter. "I have not danced for most of the night."

"How did you occupy your time?" asked Nibbs. "I have been almost bored to tears." He turned to look at the piano again before he added, "Not one for dancing?"

"Not particularly, no," laughed Peter. "But if it is called upon me, I must accept." He turned his head and grinned at Nibbs again. "I am passing the time by my powers of observation. Besides, there has been a lack of suitable partners," he finished as he hoped he would be baiting Nibbs into mentioning Wendy.

"Then you have not danced with my sister," commented Nibbs a bit smugly.

"Oh yes," said Peter nonchalantly. "Your storyteller sister. Which one is she?"

"The pirate over there in the red," pronounced Nibbs as he pointed in the direction of Wendy. She was in the middle of being twirled and Peter had the urge to steal her away from her partner again. She was like a magnet that he was pulled towards.

"I have had the pleasure," said Peter as he tried to keep his tone neutral. "She would be one of the exceptions to my observations."

"You would not be the only one," laughed Nibbs as he jabbed Peter in the ribs again. "She is always asked to dance, she is."

Peter could only nod as he tried not to look at Wendy. She seemed to be enjoying herself and she had not noticed him yet. He wondered if she even considered that he might be the boy she knew. He had not given her anytime to truly respond to his clue. Watching her as she talked to her mother and exchange words with Nibbs was precious. He could have watched her as long as she would let him. Little did he know that he was on her mind. The mysterious man who had made such an impression upon her so fast.

"So tell me more about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," said Peter to change the subject. Longingly gazing at Wendy would not escape Nibbs' notice. He turned his head completely from the dance floor to hear out the story.

            Wendy may have looked like she was enjoying herself but she was lost within her head with thoughts. She obligingly looked at her partner and smiled to be polite but she was not with him in mind. Her thoughts were centered around him. The way he had held her and the way that his eyes lit in a special way. Even in her moment of embarrassment, she could feel the intense gaze and it brought a fluster to her cheeks. He did not act like a stranger but rather as someone that had been close to her for a very long time. If only this were not a costume ball. She glanced up at the Grandfather clock at the end of the dance hall. Midnight would be here at the close of this dance. She had to find him before that. Even though something inside told her that she would recognize him anywhere.

            The thought that Nibbs would have mentioned her pirate name did not necessarily anger her. He had been known to get in the way of potential suitors by telling them something rather unladylike about her. It had not really bothered her until the moment her mystery gentleman had called her Jill. Of all the opinions of the potential suitors, he was the one that she found herself caring about. He had not seemed offended, nor insulting. There was a hint of teasing and a hint of something else. It was something akin to hope. Her feelings were suddenly very confused and she tried to clear her mind.

            Wendy's eyes searched the room again for any sign of him. She caught a glimpse of Nibbs talking with someone, but their back was turned towards her so she could not see them as she passed. Images and bodies were blurred as she was twirled again and she could hear that the music was drawing to a close. She felt a sudden relief and vaguely wondered at the silence of her current partner. Her eyes moved towards his and he seemed to be watching her intently. She knew she should have blushed under his scrutiny but she felt nothing. Feeling oddly dull about the entire situation.

"You seem made to dance Miss. Darling," he commented.

Wendy nearly frowned as she realized she did not know his name either. "Thank you," she smiled. "You are no stranger to it yourself sir," she said politely.

"I have wanted to ask you to dance all night."

Wendy smiled weakly at him as she tried to divert her gaze. "I thank you for your attentions."

"You have more than my attention Miss. Darling," he said seriously.

She honestly did not know how to respond to that. He was being very blunt and it unnerved her. It was almost forced. That is when the music finally stopped and she stepped back to take her bow. "Thank you for the dance, kind sir," she said. "I must take my leave now."

Before he could respond, she had turned quickly around to walk towards Nibbs. The clock struck midnight and everyone around her quickly took off their masks to mark the end of the secrecy. Shouts of surprise and laughter rang through the halls as everyone exposed their identities. Wendy found herself taking her own mask off and blinking to get used to the lighting. She stopped short of her destination as she saw the one who was talking to Nibbs turn around. Her heart seemed to stop for a moment as she saw the familiar mask in his hand and the face it had kept hidden from her.