Title: Whither by Moonlight
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Two - As it was, so will it be
Rated: PG13
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Author's note: It is a popular misconception that to be naive means to have no knowledge of the world and its going's on. Not so, naive means that you just don't see intrigue and deception when its under your nose. The dictionary says that Naive means to be unaffected, straightforward in style, eschewing subtlety or conventional techniques. In my book that is Peter Pan to a tee - but to be naive does not mean one is ignorant of the world or people, it just means you don't subscribe necessarily to the norm. Ignorance is also confused with innocence. You may be ignorant of the subtlety of conventions and rules that hold one person back from following their hearts desire, but that doesn't mean your not aware of them and try to find ways around them. Innocence can mean many thing, you may be innocent and untouched, but still know the mechanics of a biological act without having partaken in it. In my world, Peter is a contradiction of noble child and wild animal, he has all the simple courage and honest belief of a child, but all the instinct for survival and self gratification of an animal. He is unrestrained by the trappings of convention and society and goes, for the most part, where his belly guides him. Given his arrogance and overweening ego, it is hardly surprising that when presented with a new and irresistible temptation, he partakes of it with unbridled gusto. If this doesn't fit with your interpretation of the character then there is little point in continuing to read, as these traits will colour this story from start to finish. On another tack......this is proving way too much fun to stop now, so hold on, this could be an interesting ride. Fluff and angst abound.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The first intimation that is was morning was when Sara dropped the tea tray, the crockery smashing noisily as it fell from her nerveless fingers. The cause of her shock was the sight that greeted her when she arrived to rouse her young mistress. Wendy raised her head, still groggy with sleep to find her maid goggling at her with her mouth open. After uttering a small squeak of dismay, Sara threw her apron over her head and rushed out of the room.
Nonplussed, Wendy reached a hand up to rub her eyes and stretched luxuriously, her toes curling as she made to swing her legs out of bed. Inexplicably she couldn't move. Something was holding her very firmly about the waist, that something tightening his grip as he felt her stir. Suddenly her memory returned with a rush and she blushed from the top of her head to her toes, the cause of Sara's shock now embarrassingly evident. Wendy Darling was naked in bed with a man, and to make matters worse it was no ordinary man, it was Peter, returned to her from the past and now set to completely destroy her carefully planned future.
The sound of raised voices galvanised her into action, her hands pushing the heavy arm from off her body, allowing her to sit up and tuck the sheet around her body just as her Aunt burst in on the scene, Sara hiding behind her as she bustled in.
"What is this daft girl squeaking about Wendy dear......she says......she says.....oh my lord....." Millicent Hardwicke put a hand out to steady herself as the full impact of the scene in front of her seemed to make the room spin. Wendy was just about to rise from her bed, the sheet wrapped haphazardly about her torso, her bare legs visible beneath the material, her hair a disordered birds nest about her shoulders.
Beside her, still slumbering peacefully despite the uproar was Peter Pan, his lean body displayed in all its glory from the waist up, his bare feet sticking out the end of the bed.
"Aunt....its not...I mean......I didn't..."
"You certainly did my girl......oh dear, I feel faint......how could you....oh lord I need to sit down." Sara helped Millicent to the dressing table chair, whisking off the clothes left from last night, the maid clutching them to her bosom as if to ward off goodness knew what, her eyes glued to the figure still sprawled across Wendy's bed.
Wendy bit her lip, mortified to be caught in such an unequivocally compromising situation. Her blush that had started to fade now flared anew as she hung her head, the sheet clutched tightly to her breast.
Behind her, the perpetrator of this disaster finally stirred. Peter rolled onto his side and reached out a hand, his fingers stroking the bare expanse Wendy's back, the intimacy of the caress not lost on Millicent as she struggled to stop hyperventilating.
His voice laced with sleep, Peter spoke. "Wendy.....come back to bed."
Wendy felt she was about to burst into flames from the heat of her blush alone. Drawing herself up, she turned her head and hissed at Peter over her shoulder. "We're not alone, you oaf!"
Slowly Peter raised his head, his blue-green eyes meeting those of Wendy's Aunt and maid, a smile lighting his features as he lazily regarded the tableau. Wendy sat on the edge of the bed, as rigid as a broom stick, only the faintest of tremors shaking her body. Her Aunt stared open mouthed at Peter, not believing her eyes and the maid snapped her mouth shut and ventured a small smile back at Peter, instantly smitten with his cheeky grin.
Millicent rose regally to her feet, her chin thrust out as she regarded her disgraced niece and her lover.
"I will expect a full and final explanation for this piece of knavery, Wendy....I expect you in my room in five minutes.....decently attired."
With a sniff, Millicent swept from the room, Sara trailing behind her after hurriedly piling the shattered crockery on the discarded tray, leaving Wendy and Peter alone.
With a groan Wendy fell forward, her head nearly touching her knees, her hair hiding her face as she rocked back and forth.
"I'm ruined.....ruined......he'll never look at me now.....oh why didn't you leave last night....why did you stay!"
A little alarmed at her apparent grief, Peter unravelled himself from the bedclothes and slipped out of bed, coming to crouch in front of her, his hands coming up to grip her shoulders, stopping her rocking motion.
"Wendy....don't cry.....it won't be so bad.....nobody will make a fuss in Neverland.....come back with me....today, now....."
Wendy raised her head, her face streaked with tears of regret, her hands still clutching the sheet to her chest as she stared down into Peter face, struck again with how handsome he'd grown. Sniffing she released one of her hands from the sheet and reached out to touch his face, his lips curving into a smile as her finger traced an eyebrow, his hands still holding her arms as she explored his features. Despite her tears her lips also curved into a mirror of his smile, her hand cupping his cheek.
"Peter I can't come back to Neverland with you.....my life is here.....my family......a future.....Steven...."
"He'll not have you....I won't let him." Snatching his hands away, Peter rose to his feet in a sudden move, his fists balled at his side as he towered over her. Wendy reared back, rising to her feet so that they stood toe to toe, both too caught up in the moment to see the incongruity of arguing without a stitch of clothing on.
"I don't belong to you Peter......I'm not yours to do with what you like.....so don't try and bully me!"
"Then stop talking about him.....he's not your future.....I am.....Neverland is your future.....nothing else!"
"I told you, I can't go back there with you....I won't!"
"Yes you are!"
"What are you going to do.....force me?"
His eyes flashing fire, Peter seethed for two seconds before cupping her angry face in his large hands and shutting her up with a kiss, the reason for the argument dissolving into the ether as the brushfire that was their mutual attraction flared once more into life, consuming them both in its flame until there was nothing to think about except the insistent clamour of their bodies demands for fulfilment and release.
At some point Sara put her head around the door only to withdraw it when it became apparent that the couple by the bed were oblivious to her presence. In her quick appraisal she noted that the naked, golden skinned God was kissing her young mistress with unbridled enthusiasm, the young lady just as eager to kiss him back, with her arms firmly around his neck, the sheet forgotten on the floor between them. Shutting the door behind her, Sara grinned broadly before smoothing down her apron and returning to Miss Millicent's room to advise her that her niece was unavoidably detained.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sometime later, Wendy lay amongst the disaster area that was her bed, the rumpled sheets and covers strewn haphazardly over their limbs. Peter was pressing moist kisses to her shoulder and collar bone, his eyes flicking up to meet hers, the amusement in them bringing a frown to her forehead.
"It's not funny Peter......I can't go back to Neverland with you..and that's that."
"You can.....and you will.....if I have to ruin you a hundred time before you agree....."
Rolling onto her side, Wendy propped her head on her hand and faced away from him. Unperturbed, Peter gathered her hair together and tossed it over her shoulder before transferring his attentions to the nape of her neck and her shoulder blades. It was if he'd been starving and she was a banquet for him to feast upon. He couldn't get enough, his hands sliding down over her waist and hip, marvelling at the silky texture of her skin as he dragged his fingers back up, grazing over her rounded nether cheeks, goosebumps rising on her skin as he passed.
As if reaching a decision, Wendy swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, her hair tossed back over her shoulder to hang in rippling waves down her back.
"I have to see my Aunt.....I'll get Sara to find some clothes for you.....there's bound to be some of my late Uncles shirts and suits still about the place."
Peter watched her as she found her crumpled night dress and negligee, donning the filmy clothes before belting the thin wrap tightly around her waist and leaving the room, not once looking back at him.
Sighing, Peter lay back on the bed with his hands behind his head. Things hadn't worked out at all as he'd expected, but he wasn't about to complain. To him, his future was clear as crystal, he just had to bring Wendy around to the same way of thinking. The door to the bedroom opened and Sara entered with a bundle of clothes in her arms. She kept her eyes firmly averted from the figure in the bed, dumping the clothes on the chair before tripping over to the window and pulling the curtains to let bright sunlight flood the room. She then extinguished the gas lamp before gathering up the remnants of clothes scattered around the room, tutting over the shredded remains of Wendy's underthings, leaving the room and its occupant to his own devices.
Shaking his head, Peter sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, in doing so he pulled the remaining covers off the mattress, revealing the under sheet. Several red marks drew his attention, his fingers touching the blood stains smeared over the sheet, his brows drawing together at the implications. He'd hurt her, made her bleed. He tried to think back, his passion blurred memories not recalling any protests or pleas for him to stop what he was doing, their coupling only minutes before as needy and wanton as anything they'd done last night. But still, there was blood meaning he'd injured her at some stage. The thought made him feel ill before common sense kicked in and he rationalised that if Wendy was in pain or hurting she would surely tell him. He'd have to ask her when she returned.
Rising to his feet he stretched and scratched, his skin still tingling from their lovemaking, his joints popping as he flexed his arms before reaching for the clothes on the chair.
Once dressed in a shirt and trousers, Peter went to the window and looked out at the street below. The morning was clear and well advanced, people walking hither and thither along the swept pavements, several carts making their way to and from their destinations, even an automobile appeared and chugged its way along the street, holding Peter's interest until it passed beyond his limited view. Turning away, he stared at the disordered room. Reaching down he picked up the wrecked screen that had hidden him, propping it up in the corner before he returned to the bed and heaped the bedclothes back on top. The carpet was a mess by the door from the spilled breakfast so he carefully stepped over it before opening the door and sticking his head out into the corridor. In front of him was a balcony which he approached and leant over, staring down at the foyer many feet below. Hearing nothing, he made his way downstairs, his nose directing him to the door leading to the kitchen. Pushing open the swing door he saw the maid, Sara, bustling about the tidy room, her skirts swishing as she arranged cups and saucers on a tray, getting ready to take a tray up to Miss Millicent's room. Spotting Peter in the doorway, she froze, one hand half way to putting a milk jug on the tray.
"I'm hungry," Peter announced without preamble as he advanced further into the kitchen.
"I'm not surprised, great tall thing that you are. There's bread on the bench and butter in the pantry. Sit yourself down and I'll fetch them. The misses is waiting for this tray, so I'll have to leave you to manage."
"Thank you....?"
"My names Sara.....now don't hold me up, I have to get this ready."
Pulling out a chair, Peter sat down at the scrubbed wooden table, his arms folded on its surface as he watched the trim maid whisk around the kitchen as she prepared a steaming pot of tea before disappearing to fetch the promised butter. Leaving him with a fresh loaf to partake of, Sara picked up the tray and left him alone.
Peter eyed the broad bread knife with amusement, drawing his own wickedly sharp dagger with which he proceeded to rip apart the loaf before using his fingers to scoop a glob of creamy butter onto the chunk of bread before stuffing it in his mouth. He was still munching his way through the loaf when Sara returned, her gaze sweeping over the young man at her table before bustling over to the stove to make herself a cup of tea.
"You certainly set the cat amongst the pigeons this morning...who would have thought.....well, what's done it done.....I suppose this means that it will be you marrying Miss Wendy, not that nice Mister Steven."
Peter paused in his chewing to stare blankly at her before finishing his mouthful and swallowing. Ignoring her question, Peter went to wipe his hands on his clothes but Sara exclaimed loudly before he could do so, throwing a tea towel at him to use instead. Shrugging, Peter used the cloth and threw it on the table before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Sara threw her hands up in horror.
"Good grief, you really are a barbarian....and handsome devil to be sure, but still a barbarian....you'll have to buck your ideas up if your going to marry her."
"I'm not......"Peter started to say only to have Sara give a cry of outrage, her eyes flashing.
"You're not going to marry her?.....but you have to. You can't leave the young miss now you've had your wicked way with her.....you simply can't...oh that would be the wickedest thing I've ever heard of!"
Peter rose to his feet, his temper rising. As he uncoiled to his full height, Sara spluttered to a halt, her outrage forgotten in admiration of Peter's height and breadth, her eyes rounding as he turned the full force of his magnetic blue-green eyes on her.
"What I was going to say was.....I'm not planning on leaving her here, she's coming back to Neverland with me.....today if I can get her to go...as for marrying her.....I'm the only husband she'll ever have while I'm alive.......I'll kill anyone who says otherwise."
Sara goggled at him, her expression softening at his obvious sincerity, her romantic heart racing in her chest as she clasped her hands together and grinned at his ferocious expression.
"Oh I just knew it.......you're in love with her.....silly me, of course you are.....oh how romantic."
"Yes, I love her....and she loves me......she's just forgotten."
Combing his fingers through his already disordered hair, Peter paced away from the table and stared out the back door at the garden beyond.
At that moment a bell jangled loudly and Sara jumped, recognising it as the front door bell.
"Oh lordy, who could that be at this time......now look, you stay here, don't go wandering around.....oh what a morning..."
Patting her hair to make sure it was still tidy, Sara raced out of the kitchen to see who was so importunate as to call at the house before midday.
Trotting to the front door, Sara could see a silhouette through the patterned glass. Fixing a polite smile on her face, Sara opened the door to come face to face with the right honourable Steven Bishop, a posy of rose buds clutched in his gloved hand, his handsome face creased in a smile as Sara stepped back to allow him in.
"Good morning Sara, I know I'm early but I couldn't bear to wait any longer, is my darling girl awake?"
"Er.....yes sir, she is.....but not dressed yet.....if you'd like to wait in the morning room...I'll inform her you're here..."
"Oh no need.....I'll just go up....."
"NO!!....er...I mean no sir...I'm sure that wouldn't be proper, even though you're to be married......er engaged as you are......please sir, I'm sure she won't be long..." She ushered him into the morning room, her face tinged pink with embarrassment as she shut the door hurriedly before he could make any protest.
Mopping imagined sweat from her brow, Sara hitched up her skirts and raced up the stairs, praying that the Golden Skinned God in the kitchen didn't stray and meet the Dark Haired Adonis in the morning room. Catching her breath at the head of the stairs, she paced slowly to the door of Millicent's bedroom and tapped on the wood. The door opened soon after and Sara bustled in, shutting the door behind her with a snap. Millicent looked at her in some surprise, Sara casting a glance at Wendy who was sitting on the window seat staring out blindly at the view outside.
"Excuse me Madam, Miss.....but I have a gentleman waiting to see Miss Wendy in the morning room."
"Who is it....it's much to early for calls....."
"Mister Bishop ma'am."
Wendy's head snapped around and she stared white faced at her Aunt and Sara. "No...he wasn't due until two......" She whispered faintly.
Millicent pressed a hand to her bosom and drew in a deep breath. "Well my dear, it would seem that fate has decreed you must make a decision now....this minute."
Sara interrupted. "I should mention that the other....er....gentleman, is currently in the kitchen......"
"Peter?"
"He was hungry....lord was he hungry, polished off an entire loaf!"
Millicent suddenly sprang into life, throwing off her wrap and marching over to Wendy, pulling the startled girl to her feet.
"Right young lady.....you need to get dressed, go with Sara and throw something on......I'll get dressed and go down and keep Steven entertained while you sort out the other young man."
"Sort out?"
"Find out if he'd prepared to marry you of course.....if not, we'll have to take our chances with Steven......he's infatuated with you, he may overlook your indiscretion......"
"What!!...Are you mad?" Wendy's stood rigid, her eyes flashing, her cheeks pink.
"Don't argue with me girl......get dressed and get down to the kitchen.....NOW!"
Shutting her mouth with a snap, Wendy flung herself past her Aunt and out of the room, her own door banging shut a second later. Millicent passed a hand over her eyes before turning to Sara.
"Go and see to her Sara.....be as quick as you can then get back here and help me......oh my goodness....what a parcel of worms this is..."
In record time Sara had Wendy into a simple dress that didn't require all the ramifications of corsets, brushed out her hair and tied it back simply, away from Wendy's pale face. Leaving the muddle to clear up later, the busy maid then rushed back to Millicent's room and help the doughty lady with her own rushed toilette. Wendy made her way down the stairs with a heavy tread. She was a bundle of nerves, knowing that Steven was standing only a few feet away as she quietly passed the morning room door and approached the kitchen. Pushing open the swing door she drew in a sharp breath when she found no evidence of Peter. The back door was open so she hurried across the flagstone floor, her heart returning to her chest when she spied his tall form amongst the herb beds. For a moment she watched him as he paced among the knee high shrubs, his hands resting on his hips, his head downbent as he scuffed at something on the ground. The white shirt hung loosely on his lean frame, her Uncle a more corpulent man than the present wearer. The top two or three buttons were undone and the morning breeze teased the fabric away from his skin, leaving a vee of tanned skin visible at the front. The riot of blond curls crowning his head glinted in the late morning sunlight, almost giving him a halo. As if sensing her regard, he lifted his head and met her gaze with his own, his lips instantly curling into a grin as he dropped his hands from his hips and started towards her. Wendy couldn't help herself, she grinned back at him, her slippered feet drawing her onwards until they met halfway, Peter's hands immediately cupping her face, tilting her mouth up to meet his in a kiss that left her breathless.
Long seconds later they pulled apart, Wendy pink and dizzy, her eyes like stars as she gazed up at him. Blinking she brought herself back to earth and backed away a step to give her time to gather her scattered wits.
"Peter...you have to stop doing that...I can't think...."
"But I like kissing you.......and you like me kissing you too."
"I know but....."
"Wendy......when can we go home....I want to take you back to Neverland.....today....right now....."
As he advanced again, Wendy put out her hand to stop him, her palm flattening against his chest, his skin warm against hers, distracting her again as she tried to form the words needed.
Flicking his eyes down to see what fascinated her so, Peter grinned anew and slowly drew her into his arms, her body complying before she could attempt a protest.
"You asked me once if I knew what love was........if I'd ever loved anything, or anyone......I foolishly replied that love offended me...that I wanted nothing to do with love and growing up...but I was wrong.......I love you.....and I know you love me." Wendy muttered something into his chest but he ignored her, kissing the top of her head before continuing. "I want you more than I wanted anything else in my life.....we were meant to be together.....forever. Come back with me to Neverland.....be my everything.... take me for your husband."
Overwhelmed, her emotions stretched to the limit, Wendy burst into noisy sobs, her hands clutching at his shirt as he wrapped her more tightly in his arms, her body shaking as she wailed against his chest.
So caught up in their own world they didn't notice the figure standing in the doorway of the kitchen, his grey eyes blazing as he took in the affecting scene, his hands flexing before clenching into fists as he stepped purposefully into the sunlight and marched towards the couple standing in the herb garden.
"What the hell do you think you are doing with my future wife!!"
Peter's head shot up and Wendy jerked in his arms, his own holding her firmly against him as he stared at the angry man bearing down on them.
"Take your hands of Miss Darling......at once!!" Steven's order cut the air like a blade, icy and sharp. Halting a foot from them, Steven stood with his feet apart, his body vibrating with anger, his hands still balled into fists, ready to lash out as soon as Wendy was clear. Peter could read all this in a blink of an eye, his own narrowing as he tensed in readiness for a fight. He loosened his hold on Wendy and she hurriedly scrubbed at her face before preparing herself to face her former husband-to-be. Before she could do that, Peter gently but firmly pushed her behind him, one look from his eyes silencing her before his body blocked her view of her former betrothed.
"Wendy will never be your wife......she's mine, always was and always will be."
"What tosh.....she's never mentioned you...whoever you are...so get out of my way and leave this house!"
"You are the one leaving......"
"Get out of my way you.......gutter snipe!" Incensed, Steven swung his fist, aiming for Peter's jaw. Peter had already read his intentions in his eyes and dodged back, the fist missing him by inches.
"Oh NO!!.....please......stop...." Wendy's cry only served to spur the two men on, Steven swinging again, this time his fist being caught by Peter who twisted the mans arm behind his back, bringing his own arm up around the mans throat. They jostled and wrestled, Peter's lips pressed in a grim line, Steven's teeth bared as he managed to drop his shoulder and pull Peter off balance, loosening his grip around Steven's neck and breaking the hold. Separated, panting, the two circled each other like dogs, Steven pulling off his suit jacket and throwing it off to the right before advancing on Peter again. In height and breadth they were evenly matched, Steven having a slight weight advantage, Peter more battle hardened, his muscle like corded wire as the two men wrestled for supremacy, punches flying, eliciting muffled grunts and pain filled gasps as they found their targets.
Wendy could only watch in horrid fascination as the two men in her life fought for possession of her future, her heart torn between the two, both of them everything she could want in a man, both determined to have her at any cost. Glancing up she saw her Aunt and Sara standing in the doorway of the kitchen but she could only shrug helplessly and stand clear of the combat, the herb garden sadly trampled as the two men circled again.
Both men were sporting cuts and bruises, both were dishevelled and dirty from tussling on the ground. Of the two, Peter seemed to be almost enjoying himself, his eyes sparkling as he stepped to the side, his pink-tinged teeth bared in a grin after spitting a mouthful of blood onto the ground at his opponents dusty feet.
"Do you surrender?"
Steven blinked at him, his hand coming up to swipe at the blood trickling down from a cut above his eyebrow.
"Never.....I will be the only one walking away from this fray...you will be thrown into the street like the rubbish, you're not worthy to touch the hem of her dress, let alone hold her!"
Peter smirked, his eyebrow quirked as he smiled. "You be surprised to learn what I've touched...and she wasn't wearing a dress at the time!"
The words had been spoken quietly, only audible to the two antagonists, well out of Wendy's hearing. With a roar Steven threw himself at Peter, the two clashing like bulls, Steven's fist landing a lucky facer on Peter before he found himself flat on his back on the path, a sharp blade pressed to the underside of his chin and a pair of flashing green eyes glaring into his angry grey.
Steven blinked up at his adversary in surprise, the wind knocked out of him, his arms pinned by Peter's knees as he straddled Stevens chest, his dagger pricking the pale skin over the pulse point in his throat.
"Now......do you surrender?"
"Peter.....please...." Wendy's plea going unnoticed, the two men
too intent on their silent battle of wills to pay any attention to distractions beyond their struggle.
"Over my dead body you heathen!" Steven hissed, his teeth bared as the blade pressed harder, his chin lifting to relieve the pressure.
"That can be arranged....but for her sake, I'll leave your skin intact.....for now...."
Slowly Peter rose to his feet, the blade held loosely in his hand as he stared down at the man on the ground. Stepping away, he watched warily as the man climbed to his feet, his fingers coming up to touch the spot where a bead of blood welled, dark red against his pale skin.
They were both dishevelled and breathing heavily, sweat mingled with dirt on both their faces. Wendy remained where she was, her eyes bright with unshed tears, her heart breaking as Steven broke the connection with Peter and shot her a glare filled with disappointment and bewilderment. For a second he held her gaze, his hand held out towards her, asking her silently to go with him. Mutely Wendy shook her head, the light in his eyes dying as his hand fell to his side. Tipping his head down, he spat on the ground, a mixture of blood and spittle, wiping his bruised lips with the back of his hand before turning his back on them both and marching back along the path to the kitchen door. Millicent and Sara stood back as the angry young man brushed rudely past them, the silence in the garden broken only by the slamming of the front door. As if broken from a spell, Wendy slumped to the ground, her hands covering her face. Peter wiped the blade of his knife on the leg of his trousers before tucking it into his belt once more. Batting at the dust covering his legs and shirt, Peter slowly made his way over to the wall where Wendy sat disconsolately, her Aunt and the house-maid melting back into the shadows of the kitchen, leaving the lovers alone.
Crouching down on his heels, Peter waited for Wendy to lower her hands before speaking to her. The minutes ticked by before she lifted her head to stare at him, her eyes roving over his face, noting each new cut and bruise.
"Oh Peter......why did you never come back for me.....why did you forget me?"
"I never forgot Wendy.....truly I didn't......it just got so......confusing. I was growing and I didn't know why, I wanted so many times to come back and ask you what was happening, but each time I baulked at the last hurdle......but I never forgot you...." He smiled, his eyes looking off to the side. "Tink would never let me forget....she was always blaming everything happening to me on you...she tried to turn me away from you, but instead she kept your memory alive....."
"I'm not sure whether I should thank her or curse her...." Wendy murmured, remembering the small sprite that had made her life so uncomfortable during those early encounters. Peter swung his gaze back to her and gave her a small, sad smile.
"I doesn't matter now which you do....Tink won't know about it.....she died some time ago.....I still miss her."
"Oh Peter....I'm so sorry....she loved you so...."
"I know.....I love her too, she was my first friend in Neverland...for such a tiny creature she had a huge heart."
For a moment they shared the loss of the tiny creature, Wendy's hand reaching out for his briefly before releasing it and clambering to her feet. Peter also rose, watching as Wendy wiped the tears from her cheeks, her head turning towards the house.
"I'll have to send a message to my mother.....we've made all these plans....the dress....."
"Wendy....."
She turned her head back to face him, her eyes not meeting his, their focus on a spot just below his chin.
"Peter.....I have alot to do.....so many things to cancel...I'll be out for most of the afternoon.....after....a-fter I've visited my parents....they have to know what's happened."
Her hands had been unconsciously twisting together, her bottom lip trembling as she fought to maintain her composure. Letting go a curse under his breath, Peter pulled her towards him and wrapped her in his arms.
"Don't cry.......it's for the best....I promise you.....come away with me to Neverland.....I want you to......it wants you to.....you'll have a future there, with me......together..."
"It Peter? You speak of Neverland as if it were alive."
"It is Wendy.....in ways you cannot imagine...but I'll show you, I'll show you everything.....you'll see."
With her head resting against his chest, she could hear his heartbeat, steady and strong beneath her cheek. Sighing, she pushed away, Peter releasing her as she stepped back.
"I have alot to do......you need to get those cuts seen too, Sara has a medicine chest she uses for all our small needs. I'll be back sometime later today."
Still refusing to meet his eyes, Wendy quickly turned and picked up her skirts, running back to the house along the narrow brick path. Peter watched her go, his expression resigned.
"You can fight me all you want, but I'll win in the end."
Turning away from the house he lifted his face to the sun before walking slowly down the length of the garden to the apple orchard at the end where he lay down in the sweet grass, Sara finding him later fast asleep like a babe in the woods.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Wendy's interview with her parents was emotionally fraught and exhausting. Her father was still at the bank, her mother frankly disbelieving at first, thinking that Wendy was having wedding nerves, but as she poured out the drama of the previous night and morning, her mother's face gradually fell, paling as Wendy described the fight between Wendy's former betrothed and the person Mary Darling could only think of an interloper, to so destroy her daughters peace of mind and disrupt all their plans at this late stage.
"But who is this.....Peter Pan?" Mary asked in bewilderment, her hand pressed to her forehead.
"Remember Mother.....all those years ago when I went missing for a few days with John and Michael....."
"But dearest.....you described him as a boy, not much older than yourself....an eternal boy....how can he be this man who accosted you?"
"He didn't accost me Mother......well at first, but afterwards," Wendy blushed, her face lowered as she stared fixedly at her hands clasped loosely in her lap. "It is him......somehow all grown up....I don't know how...but it is him.....he came back for me......wants to take me back to Neverland."
"What? No...Wendy..oh my dear, you can't possibly.....its outrageous of him to suggest such a thing...to leave your family, your friends....to live like a savage....oh my dear." Horrified, Mary swept her daughter into a tight embrace as if to ward off all thought of such a possibility.
"He says he loves me......and...I think he does...."
"But Steven loves you too dearest......you were to be married...."
"Oh Mother.....I know.....and it was the dearest wish of my heart to marry him.....but now......now I don't know....I just don't know..."
They sat, mother and daughter, in a tight hug for many minutes, the afternoon sun bathing them in a warm glow as each drew comfort from the other. The sound of the front door shutting drew them apart, Mary Darling wiping her cheeks before brushing down her dress and drawing in a deep breath.
"That will be your Father. Dry your eyes, we'll tell him together.."
"He'll be so cross....."
"He loves you Wendy.....he wants only the best for you......that's why we were so pleased when Steven...but that's neither here nor there....he's not an ogre dear.....just tell him the truth...I'm sure he'll understand."
Mary Darlings faith in her husbands equanimity was sorely tested, the walls reverberating with the sound of his shout of horrified outrage, the floor vibrating with the force of his pacing as his wife and daughter appraised him of Wendy's change in circumstances.
"I won't allow it......its preposterous.....he must go and Steven made to come up to scratch.......he must!"
"I can't let him do that Father......it wouldn't be fair to him..."
"Fair? What's fair about some bounder despoiling my daughter on the eve of her wedding.....its not to be borne...."
"Exactly Father.....we have to face...I have to face the fact....I could be with......c-hi-ld." Wendy stuttered to a halt, the awful possibility as much a shock to her as to her appalled parents. Overcome, George Darling slumped into his favourite chair, his wife reaching over to pat his hand as she worried her bottom lip, darting concerned glancing between her husband and her eldest child.
"Then there's nothing to be done.......this Peter must marry you...and quick, before the scandal breaks....we'll have to invent some plausible reason why you've changed prospective husbands at such a late date...." Her Father raised a hand to cover his eyes and groaned, loudly. "Oh the scandal....the bank.....how do I explain to Quidditch-Cooch, oh Mary, how has this happened?"
"George dear......there was no way any of us, least of all Wendy could have foreseen this.....incident occurring. We must accept that it has and make the best of it."
"Why don't we send her to your sisters, we could say she went down with some horrible malady......had to cancel the wedding.....anything..."
"I don't think that will answer George dear.....there's always the possibility that Steven, if he's as angry as Wendy says, will spread the truth regardless of the consequences."
"Oh no....he wouldn't....I mean......" Wendy halted and swallowed hard, not entirely sure that Steven wouldn't, after all, what man likes to be not only jilted at the alter but cuckolded as well.
"We have to assume he will, dear....his pride has been hurt, and you know how it is with men and their pride....." Mary Darling clamped her lips shut when her husband raised his hand to glare at her.
Wendy rose to her feet and started to pull on her gloves, her movements awkward and graceless. "I have to go.....I have to decide what I'm going to do....."
"Oh my dear..." Standing up, Mary enfolded her daughter once more against her warm bosom, Wendy grateful to rest her heavy head against her Mothers shoulder.
"I'm so sorry...." Wendy whispered, "I didn't mean for this to happen."
"Shhhhhh of course you didn't......these things just happen...for whatever reason and we just make the best of it. Now get back to your Aunts and later this evening, your Father and I will come round and meet this.......Peter. Things will work out.....they so often do."
Kissing her Mother on the cheek, Wendy cast her father a last glance, receiving a tired wave of his hand before she hurriedly left the small house in Bloomsbury and walked briskly down the street towards her Aunts, just a handful of streets away.
She had arrived in a handsome cab but now felt the need to walk, her lungs drawing in gallons of the sweet afternoon air, untainted as yet by the smoke of the fires to come that evening. As she rounded the corner a hand gripped her arm above the elbow and she turned her head to find herself staring up into stormy grey eyes as Steven pulled her tight into his side and set off with her in another direction.
"We need to talk..."
"Steven I'm so sorry.."
"Not here.....there's a little park just around the corner...don't mistake me Miss Darling....I intend to listen very closely to what you have to say.....but it will have to wait until we have a measure of privacy."
Pressing her lips together, Wendy meekly allowed him to steer her down the street, his fingers digging painfully into her arm.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
(still with me?? Oh good......tally ho!!)
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Two - As it was, so will it be
Rated: PG13
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Author's note: It is a popular misconception that to be naive means to have no knowledge of the world and its going's on. Not so, naive means that you just don't see intrigue and deception when its under your nose. The dictionary says that Naive means to be unaffected, straightforward in style, eschewing subtlety or conventional techniques. In my book that is Peter Pan to a tee - but to be naive does not mean one is ignorant of the world or people, it just means you don't subscribe necessarily to the norm. Ignorance is also confused with innocence. You may be ignorant of the subtlety of conventions and rules that hold one person back from following their hearts desire, but that doesn't mean your not aware of them and try to find ways around them. Innocence can mean many thing, you may be innocent and untouched, but still know the mechanics of a biological act without having partaken in it. In my world, Peter is a contradiction of noble child and wild animal, he has all the simple courage and honest belief of a child, but all the instinct for survival and self gratification of an animal. He is unrestrained by the trappings of convention and society and goes, for the most part, where his belly guides him. Given his arrogance and overweening ego, it is hardly surprising that when presented with a new and irresistible temptation, he partakes of it with unbridled gusto. If this doesn't fit with your interpretation of the character then there is little point in continuing to read, as these traits will colour this story from start to finish. On another tack......this is proving way too much fun to stop now, so hold on, this could be an interesting ride. Fluff and angst abound.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The first intimation that is was morning was when Sara dropped the tea tray, the crockery smashing noisily as it fell from her nerveless fingers. The cause of her shock was the sight that greeted her when she arrived to rouse her young mistress. Wendy raised her head, still groggy with sleep to find her maid goggling at her with her mouth open. After uttering a small squeak of dismay, Sara threw her apron over her head and rushed out of the room.
Nonplussed, Wendy reached a hand up to rub her eyes and stretched luxuriously, her toes curling as she made to swing her legs out of bed. Inexplicably she couldn't move. Something was holding her very firmly about the waist, that something tightening his grip as he felt her stir. Suddenly her memory returned with a rush and she blushed from the top of her head to her toes, the cause of Sara's shock now embarrassingly evident. Wendy Darling was naked in bed with a man, and to make matters worse it was no ordinary man, it was Peter, returned to her from the past and now set to completely destroy her carefully planned future.
The sound of raised voices galvanised her into action, her hands pushing the heavy arm from off her body, allowing her to sit up and tuck the sheet around her body just as her Aunt burst in on the scene, Sara hiding behind her as she bustled in.
"What is this daft girl squeaking about Wendy dear......she says......she says.....oh my lord....." Millicent Hardwicke put a hand out to steady herself as the full impact of the scene in front of her seemed to make the room spin. Wendy was just about to rise from her bed, the sheet wrapped haphazardly about her torso, her bare legs visible beneath the material, her hair a disordered birds nest about her shoulders.
Beside her, still slumbering peacefully despite the uproar was Peter Pan, his lean body displayed in all its glory from the waist up, his bare feet sticking out the end of the bed.
"Aunt....its not...I mean......I didn't..."
"You certainly did my girl......oh dear, I feel faint......how could you....oh lord I need to sit down." Sara helped Millicent to the dressing table chair, whisking off the clothes left from last night, the maid clutching them to her bosom as if to ward off goodness knew what, her eyes glued to the figure still sprawled across Wendy's bed.
Wendy bit her lip, mortified to be caught in such an unequivocally compromising situation. Her blush that had started to fade now flared anew as she hung her head, the sheet clutched tightly to her breast.
Behind her, the perpetrator of this disaster finally stirred. Peter rolled onto his side and reached out a hand, his fingers stroking the bare expanse Wendy's back, the intimacy of the caress not lost on Millicent as she struggled to stop hyperventilating.
His voice laced with sleep, Peter spoke. "Wendy.....come back to bed."
Wendy felt she was about to burst into flames from the heat of her blush alone. Drawing herself up, she turned her head and hissed at Peter over her shoulder. "We're not alone, you oaf!"
Slowly Peter raised his head, his blue-green eyes meeting those of Wendy's Aunt and maid, a smile lighting his features as he lazily regarded the tableau. Wendy sat on the edge of the bed, as rigid as a broom stick, only the faintest of tremors shaking her body. Her Aunt stared open mouthed at Peter, not believing her eyes and the maid snapped her mouth shut and ventured a small smile back at Peter, instantly smitten with his cheeky grin.
Millicent rose regally to her feet, her chin thrust out as she regarded her disgraced niece and her lover.
"I will expect a full and final explanation for this piece of knavery, Wendy....I expect you in my room in five minutes.....decently attired."
With a sniff, Millicent swept from the room, Sara trailing behind her after hurriedly piling the shattered crockery on the discarded tray, leaving Wendy and Peter alone.
With a groan Wendy fell forward, her head nearly touching her knees, her hair hiding her face as she rocked back and forth.
"I'm ruined.....ruined......he'll never look at me now.....oh why didn't you leave last night....why did you stay!"
A little alarmed at her apparent grief, Peter unravelled himself from the bedclothes and slipped out of bed, coming to crouch in front of her, his hands coming up to grip her shoulders, stopping her rocking motion.
"Wendy....don't cry.....it won't be so bad.....nobody will make a fuss in Neverland.....come back with me....today, now....."
Wendy raised her head, her face streaked with tears of regret, her hands still clutching the sheet to her chest as she stared down into Peter face, struck again with how handsome he'd grown. Sniffing she released one of her hands from the sheet and reached out to touch his face, his lips curving into a smile as her finger traced an eyebrow, his hands still holding her arms as she explored his features. Despite her tears her lips also curved into a mirror of his smile, her hand cupping his cheek.
"Peter I can't come back to Neverland with you.....my life is here.....my family......a future.....Steven...."
"He'll not have you....I won't let him." Snatching his hands away, Peter rose to his feet in a sudden move, his fists balled at his side as he towered over her. Wendy reared back, rising to her feet so that they stood toe to toe, both too caught up in the moment to see the incongruity of arguing without a stitch of clothing on.
"I don't belong to you Peter......I'm not yours to do with what you like.....so don't try and bully me!"
"Then stop talking about him.....he's not your future.....I am.....Neverland is your future.....nothing else!"
"I told you, I can't go back there with you....I won't!"
"Yes you are!"
"What are you going to do.....force me?"
His eyes flashing fire, Peter seethed for two seconds before cupping her angry face in his large hands and shutting her up with a kiss, the reason for the argument dissolving into the ether as the brushfire that was their mutual attraction flared once more into life, consuming them both in its flame until there was nothing to think about except the insistent clamour of their bodies demands for fulfilment and release.
At some point Sara put her head around the door only to withdraw it when it became apparent that the couple by the bed were oblivious to her presence. In her quick appraisal she noted that the naked, golden skinned God was kissing her young mistress with unbridled enthusiasm, the young lady just as eager to kiss him back, with her arms firmly around his neck, the sheet forgotten on the floor between them. Shutting the door behind her, Sara grinned broadly before smoothing down her apron and returning to Miss Millicent's room to advise her that her niece was unavoidably detained.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sometime later, Wendy lay amongst the disaster area that was her bed, the rumpled sheets and covers strewn haphazardly over their limbs. Peter was pressing moist kisses to her shoulder and collar bone, his eyes flicking up to meet hers, the amusement in them bringing a frown to her forehead.
"It's not funny Peter......I can't go back to Neverland with you..and that's that."
"You can.....and you will.....if I have to ruin you a hundred time before you agree....."
Rolling onto her side, Wendy propped her head on her hand and faced away from him. Unperturbed, Peter gathered her hair together and tossed it over her shoulder before transferring his attentions to the nape of her neck and her shoulder blades. It was if he'd been starving and she was a banquet for him to feast upon. He couldn't get enough, his hands sliding down over her waist and hip, marvelling at the silky texture of her skin as he dragged his fingers back up, grazing over her rounded nether cheeks, goosebumps rising on her skin as he passed.
As if reaching a decision, Wendy swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, her hair tossed back over her shoulder to hang in rippling waves down her back.
"I have to see my Aunt.....I'll get Sara to find some clothes for you.....there's bound to be some of my late Uncles shirts and suits still about the place."
Peter watched her as she found her crumpled night dress and negligee, donning the filmy clothes before belting the thin wrap tightly around her waist and leaving the room, not once looking back at him.
Sighing, Peter lay back on the bed with his hands behind his head. Things hadn't worked out at all as he'd expected, but he wasn't about to complain. To him, his future was clear as crystal, he just had to bring Wendy around to the same way of thinking. The door to the bedroom opened and Sara entered with a bundle of clothes in her arms. She kept her eyes firmly averted from the figure in the bed, dumping the clothes on the chair before tripping over to the window and pulling the curtains to let bright sunlight flood the room. She then extinguished the gas lamp before gathering up the remnants of clothes scattered around the room, tutting over the shredded remains of Wendy's underthings, leaving the room and its occupant to his own devices.
Shaking his head, Peter sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, in doing so he pulled the remaining covers off the mattress, revealing the under sheet. Several red marks drew his attention, his fingers touching the blood stains smeared over the sheet, his brows drawing together at the implications. He'd hurt her, made her bleed. He tried to think back, his passion blurred memories not recalling any protests or pleas for him to stop what he was doing, their coupling only minutes before as needy and wanton as anything they'd done last night. But still, there was blood meaning he'd injured her at some stage. The thought made him feel ill before common sense kicked in and he rationalised that if Wendy was in pain or hurting she would surely tell him. He'd have to ask her when she returned.
Rising to his feet he stretched and scratched, his skin still tingling from their lovemaking, his joints popping as he flexed his arms before reaching for the clothes on the chair.
Once dressed in a shirt and trousers, Peter went to the window and looked out at the street below. The morning was clear and well advanced, people walking hither and thither along the swept pavements, several carts making their way to and from their destinations, even an automobile appeared and chugged its way along the street, holding Peter's interest until it passed beyond his limited view. Turning away, he stared at the disordered room. Reaching down he picked up the wrecked screen that had hidden him, propping it up in the corner before he returned to the bed and heaped the bedclothes back on top. The carpet was a mess by the door from the spilled breakfast so he carefully stepped over it before opening the door and sticking his head out into the corridor. In front of him was a balcony which he approached and leant over, staring down at the foyer many feet below. Hearing nothing, he made his way downstairs, his nose directing him to the door leading to the kitchen. Pushing open the swing door he saw the maid, Sara, bustling about the tidy room, her skirts swishing as she arranged cups and saucers on a tray, getting ready to take a tray up to Miss Millicent's room. Spotting Peter in the doorway, she froze, one hand half way to putting a milk jug on the tray.
"I'm hungry," Peter announced without preamble as he advanced further into the kitchen.
"I'm not surprised, great tall thing that you are. There's bread on the bench and butter in the pantry. Sit yourself down and I'll fetch them. The misses is waiting for this tray, so I'll have to leave you to manage."
"Thank you....?"
"My names Sara.....now don't hold me up, I have to get this ready."
Pulling out a chair, Peter sat down at the scrubbed wooden table, his arms folded on its surface as he watched the trim maid whisk around the kitchen as she prepared a steaming pot of tea before disappearing to fetch the promised butter. Leaving him with a fresh loaf to partake of, Sara picked up the tray and left him alone.
Peter eyed the broad bread knife with amusement, drawing his own wickedly sharp dagger with which he proceeded to rip apart the loaf before using his fingers to scoop a glob of creamy butter onto the chunk of bread before stuffing it in his mouth. He was still munching his way through the loaf when Sara returned, her gaze sweeping over the young man at her table before bustling over to the stove to make herself a cup of tea.
"You certainly set the cat amongst the pigeons this morning...who would have thought.....well, what's done it done.....I suppose this means that it will be you marrying Miss Wendy, not that nice Mister Steven."
Peter paused in his chewing to stare blankly at her before finishing his mouthful and swallowing. Ignoring her question, Peter went to wipe his hands on his clothes but Sara exclaimed loudly before he could do so, throwing a tea towel at him to use instead. Shrugging, Peter used the cloth and threw it on the table before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Sara threw her hands up in horror.
"Good grief, you really are a barbarian....and handsome devil to be sure, but still a barbarian....you'll have to buck your ideas up if your going to marry her."
"I'm not......"Peter started to say only to have Sara give a cry of outrage, her eyes flashing.
"You're not going to marry her?.....but you have to. You can't leave the young miss now you've had your wicked way with her.....you simply can't...oh that would be the wickedest thing I've ever heard of!"
Peter rose to his feet, his temper rising. As he uncoiled to his full height, Sara spluttered to a halt, her outrage forgotten in admiration of Peter's height and breadth, her eyes rounding as he turned the full force of his magnetic blue-green eyes on her.
"What I was going to say was.....I'm not planning on leaving her here, she's coming back to Neverland with me.....today if I can get her to go...as for marrying her.....I'm the only husband she'll ever have while I'm alive.......I'll kill anyone who says otherwise."
Sara goggled at him, her expression softening at his obvious sincerity, her romantic heart racing in her chest as she clasped her hands together and grinned at his ferocious expression.
"Oh I just knew it.......you're in love with her.....silly me, of course you are.....oh how romantic."
"Yes, I love her....and she loves me......she's just forgotten."
Combing his fingers through his already disordered hair, Peter paced away from the table and stared out the back door at the garden beyond.
At that moment a bell jangled loudly and Sara jumped, recognising it as the front door bell.
"Oh lordy, who could that be at this time......now look, you stay here, don't go wandering around.....oh what a morning..."
Patting her hair to make sure it was still tidy, Sara raced out of the kitchen to see who was so importunate as to call at the house before midday.
Trotting to the front door, Sara could see a silhouette through the patterned glass. Fixing a polite smile on her face, Sara opened the door to come face to face with the right honourable Steven Bishop, a posy of rose buds clutched in his gloved hand, his handsome face creased in a smile as Sara stepped back to allow him in.
"Good morning Sara, I know I'm early but I couldn't bear to wait any longer, is my darling girl awake?"
"Er.....yes sir, she is.....but not dressed yet.....if you'd like to wait in the morning room...I'll inform her you're here..."
"Oh no need.....I'll just go up....."
"NO!!....er...I mean no sir...I'm sure that wouldn't be proper, even though you're to be married......er engaged as you are......please sir, I'm sure she won't be long..." She ushered him into the morning room, her face tinged pink with embarrassment as she shut the door hurriedly before he could make any protest.
Mopping imagined sweat from her brow, Sara hitched up her skirts and raced up the stairs, praying that the Golden Skinned God in the kitchen didn't stray and meet the Dark Haired Adonis in the morning room. Catching her breath at the head of the stairs, she paced slowly to the door of Millicent's bedroom and tapped on the wood. The door opened soon after and Sara bustled in, shutting the door behind her with a snap. Millicent looked at her in some surprise, Sara casting a glance at Wendy who was sitting on the window seat staring out blindly at the view outside.
"Excuse me Madam, Miss.....but I have a gentleman waiting to see Miss Wendy in the morning room."
"Who is it....it's much to early for calls....."
"Mister Bishop ma'am."
Wendy's head snapped around and she stared white faced at her Aunt and Sara. "No...he wasn't due until two......" She whispered faintly.
Millicent pressed a hand to her bosom and drew in a deep breath. "Well my dear, it would seem that fate has decreed you must make a decision now....this minute."
Sara interrupted. "I should mention that the other....er....gentleman, is currently in the kitchen......"
"Peter?"
"He was hungry....lord was he hungry, polished off an entire loaf!"
Millicent suddenly sprang into life, throwing off her wrap and marching over to Wendy, pulling the startled girl to her feet.
"Right young lady.....you need to get dressed, go with Sara and throw something on......I'll get dressed and go down and keep Steven entertained while you sort out the other young man."
"Sort out?"
"Find out if he'd prepared to marry you of course.....if not, we'll have to take our chances with Steven......he's infatuated with you, he may overlook your indiscretion......"
"What!!...Are you mad?" Wendy's stood rigid, her eyes flashing, her cheeks pink.
"Don't argue with me girl......get dressed and get down to the kitchen.....NOW!"
Shutting her mouth with a snap, Wendy flung herself past her Aunt and out of the room, her own door banging shut a second later. Millicent passed a hand over her eyes before turning to Sara.
"Go and see to her Sara.....be as quick as you can then get back here and help me......oh my goodness....what a parcel of worms this is..."
In record time Sara had Wendy into a simple dress that didn't require all the ramifications of corsets, brushed out her hair and tied it back simply, away from Wendy's pale face. Leaving the muddle to clear up later, the busy maid then rushed back to Millicent's room and help the doughty lady with her own rushed toilette. Wendy made her way down the stairs with a heavy tread. She was a bundle of nerves, knowing that Steven was standing only a few feet away as she quietly passed the morning room door and approached the kitchen. Pushing open the swing door she drew in a sharp breath when she found no evidence of Peter. The back door was open so she hurried across the flagstone floor, her heart returning to her chest when she spied his tall form amongst the herb beds. For a moment she watched him as he paced among the knee high shrubs, his hands resting on his hips, his head downbent as he scuffed at something on the ground. The white shirt hung loosely on his lean frame, her Uncle a more corpulent man than the present wearer. The top two or three buttons were undone and the morning breeze teased the fabric away from his skin, leaving a vee of tanned skin visible at the front. The riot of blond curls crowning his head glinted in the late morning sunlight, almost giving him a halo. As if sensing her regard, he lifted his head and met her gaze with his own, his lips instantly curling into a grin as he dropped his hands from his hips and started towards her. Wendy couldn't help herself, she grinned back at him, her slippered feet drawing her onwards until they met halfway, Peter's hands immediately cupping her face, tilting her mouth up to meet his in a kiss that left her breathless.
Long seconds later they pulled apart, Wendy pink and dizzy, her eyes like stars as she gazed up at him. Blinking she brought herself back to earth and backed away a step to give her time to gather her scattered wits.
"Peter...you have to stop doing that...I can't think...."
"But I like kissing you.......and you like me kissing you too."
"I know but....."
"Wendy......when can we go home....I want to take you back to Neverland.....today....right now....."
As he advanced again, Wendy put out her hand to stop him, her palm flattening against his chest, his skin warm against hers, distracting her again as she tried to form the words needed.
Flicking his eyes down to see what fascinated her so, Peter grinned anew and slowly drew her into his arms, her body complying before she could attempt a protest.
"You asked me once if I knew what love was........if I'd ever loved anything, or anyone......I foolishly replied that love offended me...that I wanted nothing to do with love and growing up...but I was wrong.......I love you.....and I know you love me." Wendy muttered something into his chest but he ignored her, kissing the top of her head before continuing. "I want you more than I wanted anything else in my life.....we were meant to be together.....forever. Come back with me to Neverland.....be my everything.... take me for your husband."
Overwhelmed, her emotions stretched to the limit, Wendy burst into noisy sobs, her hands clutching at his shirt as he wrapped her more tightly in his arms, her body shaking as she wailed against his chest.
So caught up in their own world they didn't notice the figure standing in the doorway of the kitchen, his grey eyes blazing as he took in the affecting scene, his hands flexing before clenching into fists as he stepped purposefully into the sunlight and marched towards the couple standing in the herb garden.
"What the hell do you think you are doing with my future wife!!"
Peter's head shot up and Wendy jerked in his arms, his own holding her firmly against him as he stared at the angry man bearing down on them.
"Take your hands of Miss Darling......at once!!" Steven's order cut the air like a blade, icy and sharp. Halting a foot from them, Steven stood with his feet apart, his body vibrating with anger, his hands still balled into fists, ready to lash out as soon as Wendy was clear. Peter could read all this in a blink of an eye, his own narrowing as he tensed in readiness for a fight. He loosened his hold on Wendy and she hurriedly scrubbed at her face before preparing herself to face her former husband-to-be. Before she could do that, Peter gently but firmly pushed her behind him, one look from his eyes silencing her before his body blocked her view of her former betrothed.
"Wendy will never be your wife......she's mine, always was and always will be."
"What tosh.....she's never mentioned you...whoever you are...so get out of my way and leave this house!"
"You are the one leaving......"
"Get out of my way you.......gutter snipe!" Incensed, Steven swung his fist, aiming for Peter's jaw. Peter had already read his intentions in his eyes and dodged back, the fist missing him by inches.
"Oh NO!!.....please......stop...." Wendy's cry only served to spur the two men on, Steven swinging again, this time his fist being caught by Peter who twisted the mans arm behind his back, bringing his own arm up around the mans throat. They jostled and wrestled, Peter's lips pressed in a grim line, Steven's teeth bared as he managed to drop his shoulder and pull Peter off balance, loosening his grip around Steven's neck and breaking the hold. Separated, panting, the two circled each other like dogs, Steven pulling off his suit jacket and throwing it off to the right before advancing on Peter again. In height and breadth they were evenly matched, Steven having a slight weight advantage, Peter more battle hardened, his muscle like corded wire as the two men wrestled for supremacy, punches flying, eliciting muffled grunts and pain filled gasps as they found their targets.
Wendy could only watch in horrid fascination as the two men in her life fought for possession of her future, her heart torn between the two, both of them everything she could want in a man, both determined to have her at any cost. Glancing up she saw her Aunt and Sara standing in the doorway of the kitchen but she could only shrug helplessly and stand clear of the combat, the herb garden sadly trampled as the two men circled again.
Both men were sporting cuts and bruises, both were dishevelled and dirty from tussling on the ground. Of the two, Peter seemed to be almost enjoying himself, his eyes sparkling as he stepped to the side, his pink-tinged teeth bared in a grin after spitting a mouthful of blood onto the ground at his opponents dusty feet.
"Do you surrender?"
Steven blinked at him, his hand coming up to swipe at the blood trickling down from a cut above his eyebrow.
"Never.....I will be the only one walking away from this fray...you will be thrown into the street like the rubbish, you're not worthy to touch the hem of her dress, let alone hold her!"
Peter smirked, his eyebrow quirked as he smiled. "You be surprised to learn what I've touched...and she wasn't wearing a dress at the time!"
The words had been spoken quietly, only audible to the two antagonists, well out of Wendy's hearing. With a roar Steven threw himself at Peter, the two clashing like bulls, Steven's fist landing a lucky facer on Peter before he found himself flat on his back on the path, a sharp blade pressed to the underside of his chin and a pair of flashing green eyes glaring into his angry grey.
Steven blinked up at his adversary in surprise, the wind knocked out of him, his arms pinned by Peter's knees as he straddled Stevens chest, his dagger pricking the pale skin over the pulse point in his throat.
"Now......do you surrender?"
"Peter.....please...." Wendy's plea going unnoticed, the two men
too intent on their silent battle of wills to pay any attention to distractions beyond their struggle.
"Over my dead body you heathen!" Steven hissed, his teeth bared as the blade pressed harder, his chin lifting to relieve the pressure.
"That can be arranged....but for her sake, I'll leave your skin intact.....for now...."
Slowly Peter rose to his feet, the blade held loosely in his hand as he stared down at the man on the ground. Stepping away, he watched warily as the man climbed to his feet, his fingers coming up to touch the spot where a bead of blood welled, dark red against his pale skin.
They were both dishevelled and breathing heavily, sweat mingled with dirt on both their faces. Wendy remained where she was, her eyes bright with unshed tears, her heart breaking as Steven broke the connection with Peter and shot her a glare filled with disappointment and bewilderment. For a second he held her gaze, his hand held out towards her, asking her silently to go with him. Mutely Wendy shook her head, the light in his eyes dying as his hand fell to his side. Tipping his head down, he spat on the ground, a mixture of blood and spittle, wiping his bruised lips with the back of his hand before turning his back on them both and marching back along the path to the kitchen door. Millicent and Sara stood back as the angry young man brushed rudely past them, the silence in the garden broken only by the slamming of the front door. As if broken from a spell, Wendy slumped to the ground, her hands covering her face. Peter wiped the blade of his knife on the leg of his trousers before tucking it into his belt once more. Batting at the dust covering his legs and shirt, Peter slowly made his way over to the wall where Wendy sat disconsolately, her Aunt and the house-maid melting back into the shadows of the kitchen, leaving the lovers alone.
Crouching down on his heels, Peter waited for Wendy to lower her hands before speaking to her. The minutes ticked by before she lifted her head to stare at him, her eyes roving over his face, noting each new cut and bruise.
"Oh Peter......why did you never come back for me.....why did you forget me?"
"I never forgot Wendy.....truly I didn't......it just got so......confusing. I was growing and I didn't know why, I wanted so many times to come back and ask you what was happening, but each time I baulked at the last hurdle......but I never forgot you...." He smiled, his eyes looking off to the side. "Tink would never let me forget....she was always blaming everything happening to me on you...she tried to turn me away from you, but instead she kept your memory alive....."
"I'm not sure whether I should thank her or curse her...." Wendy murmured, remembering the small sprite that had made her life so uncomfortable during those early encounters. Peter swung his gaze back to her and gave her a small, sad smile.
"I doesn't matter now which you do....Tink won't know about it.....she died some time ago.....I still miss her."
"Oh Peter....I'm so sorry....she loved you so...."
"I know.....I love her too, she was my first friend in Neverland...for such a tiny creature she had a huge heart."
For a moment they shared the loss of the tiny creature, Wendy's hand reaching out for his briefly before releasing it and clambering to her feet. Peter also rose, watching as Wendy wiped the tears from her cheeks, her head turning towards the house.
"I'll have to send a message to my mother.....we've made all these plans....the dress....."
"Wendy....."
She turned her head back to face him, her eyes not meeting his, their focus on a spot just below his chin.
"Peter.....I have alot to do.....so many things to cancel...I'll be out for most of the afternoon.....after....a-fter I've visited my parents....they have to know what's happened."
Her hands had been unconsciously twisting together, her bottom lip trembling as she fought to maintain her composure. Letting go a curse under his breath, Peter pulled her towards him and wrapped her in his arms.
"Don't cry.......it's for the best....I promise you.....come away with me to Neverland.....I want you to......it wants you to.....you'll have a future there, with me......together..."
"It Peter? You speak of Neverland as if it were alive."
"It is Wendy.....in ways you cannot imagine...but I'll show you, I'll show you everything.....you'll see."
With her head resting against his chest, she could hear his heartbeat, steady and strong beneath her cheek. Sighing, she pushed away, Peter releasing her as she stepped back.
"I have alot to do......you need to get those cuts seen too, Sara has a medicine chest she uses for all our small needs. I'll be back sometime later today."
Still refusing to meet his eyes, Wendy quickly turned and picked up her skirts, running back to the house along the narrow brick path. Peter watched her go, his expression resigned.
"You can fight me all you want, but I'll win in the end."
Turning away from the house he lifted his face to the sun before walking slowly down the length of the garden to the apple orchard at the end where he lay down in the sweet grass, Sara finding him later fast asleep like a babe in the woods.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Wendy's interview with her parents was emotionally fraught and exhausting. Her father was still at the bank, her mother frankly disbelieving at first, thinking that Wendy was having wedding nerves, but as she poured out the drama of the previous night and morning, her mother's face gradually fell, paling as Wendy described the fight between Wendy's former betrothed and the person Mary Darling could only think of an interloper, to so destroy her daughters peace of mind and disrupt all their plans at this late stage.
"But who is this.....Peter Pan?" Mary asked in bewilderment, her hand pressed to her forehead.
"Remember Mother.....all those years ago when I went missing for a few days with John and Michael....."
"But dearest.....you described him as a boy, not much older than yourself....an eternal boy....how can he be this man who accosted you?"
"He didn't accost me Mother......well at first, but afterwards," Wendy blushed, her face lowered as she stared fixedly at her hands clasped loosely in her lap. "It is him......somehow all grown up....I don't know how...but it is him.....he came back for me......wants to take me back to Neverland."
"What? No...Wendy..oh my dear, you can't possibly.....its outrageous of him to suggest such a thing...to leave your family, your friends....to live like a savage....oh my dear." Horrified, Mary swept her daughter into a tight embrace as if to ward off all thought of such a possibility.
"He says he loves me......and...I think he does...."
"But Steven loves you too dearest......you were to be married...."
"Oh Mother.....I know.....and it was the dearest wish of my heart to marry him.....but now......now I don't know....I just don't know..."
They sat, mother and daughter, in a tight hug for many minutes, the afternoon sun bathing them in a warm glow as each drew comfort from the other. The sound of the front door shutting drew them apart, Mary Darling wiping her cheeks before brushing down her dress and drawing in a deep breath.
"That will be your Father. Dry your eyes, we'll tell him together.."
"He'll be so cross....."
"He loves you Wendy.....he wants only the best for you......that's why we were so pleased when Steven...but that's neither here nor there....he's not an ogre dear.....just tell him the truth...I'm sure he'll understand."
Mary Darlings faith in her husbands equanimity was sorely tested, the walls reverberating with the sound of his shout of horrified outrage, the floor vibrating with the force of his pacing as his wife and daughter appraised him of Wendy's change in circumstances.
"I won't allow it......its preposterous.....he must go and Steven made to come up to scratch.......he must!"
"I can't let him do that Father......it wouldn't be fair to him..."
"Fair? What's fair about some bounder despoiling my daughter on the eve of her wedding.....its not to be borne...."
"Exactly Father.....we have to face...I have to face the fact....I could be with......c-hi-ld." Wendy stuttered to a halt, the awful possibility as much a shock to her as to her appalled parents. Overcome, George Darling slumped into his favourite chair, his wife reaching over to pat his hand as she worried her bottom lip, darting concerned glancing between her husband and her eldest child.
"Then there's nothing to be done.......this Peter must marry you...and quick, before the scandal breaks....we'll have to invent some plausible reason why you've changed prospective husbands at such a late date...." Her Father raised a hand to cover his eyes and groaned, loudly. "Oh the scandal....the bank.....how do I explain to Quidditch-Cooch, oh Mary, how has this happened?"
"George dear......there was no way any of us, least of all Wendy could have foreseen this.....incident occurring. We must accept that it has and make the best of it."
"Why don't we send her to your sisters, we could say she went down with some horrible malady......had to cancel the wedding.....anything..."
"I don't think that will answer George dear.....there's always the possibility that Steven, if he's as angry as Wendy says, will spread the truth regardless of the consequences."
"Oh no....he wouldn't....I mean......" Wendy halted and swallowed hard, not entirely sure that Steven wouldn't, after all, what man likes to be not only jilted at the alter but cuckolded as well.
"We have to assume he will, dear....his pride has been hurt, and you know how it is with men and their pride....." Mary Darling clamped her lips shut when her husband raised his hand to glare at her.
Wendy rose to her feet and started to pull on her gloves, her movements awkward and graceless. "I have to go.....I have to decide what I'm going to do....."
"Oh my dear..." Standing up, Mary enfolded her daughter once more against her warm bosom, Wendy grateful to rest her heavy head against her Mothers shoulder.
"I'm so sorry...." Wendy whispered, "I didn't mean for this to happen."
"Shhhhhh of course you didn't......these things just happen...for whatever reason and we just make the best of it. Now get back to your Aunts and later this evening, your Father and I will come round and meet this.......Peter. Things will work out.....they so often do."
Kissing her Mother on the cheek, Wendy cast her father a last glance, receiving a tired wave of his hand before she hurriedly left the small house in Bloomsbury and walked briskly down the street towards her Aunts, just a handful of streets away.
She had arrived in a handsome cab but now felt the need to walk, her lungs drawing in gallons of the sweet afternoon air, untainted as yet by the smoke of the fires to come that evening. As she rounded the corner a hand gripped her arm above the elbow and she turned her head to find herself staring up into stormy grey eyes as Steven pulled her tight into his side and set off with her in another direction.
"We need to talk..."
"Steven I'm so sorry.."
"Not here.....there's a little park just around the corner...don't mistake me Miss Darling....I intend to listen very closely to what you have to say.....but it will have to wait until we have a measure of privacy."
Pressing her lips together, Wendy meekly allowed him to steer her down the street, his fingers digging painfully into her arm.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
(still with me?? Oh good......tally ho!!)