Title: Whither by Moonlight
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Three - Awakening to the Dream
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Peter sat at the kitchen table and brooded. The sun was sinking towards the horizon, the clock chiming the hour with monotonous regularity as he polished off the plate of stew Sara had placed in front of him not many minutes before. He'd expected Wendy to be back by now, she said afternoon when she left for Bloomsbury, but there was no sign of her. Sara had chided him and said it was hardly surprising given the nature of her visit, but Peter felt uneasy.
Mopping up the last of the gravy with a corner of bread, Peter pushed the plate away and flashed Sara one of his trademark grins, the young woman blushing before turning away to busy herself at the sink.
"I'd rather keep you a week than a fortnight, never known such a prodigious appetite, at least not since the master passed on."
"It was delicious....thank you."
"Oh get away with you....it was just my everyday stew."
They lapsed into silence, Peter staring at the table top, tracing the wood grain with a finger, while Sara prepared a tray to take up to Millicent, that formidable lady having eschewed any engagements for the evening having decided to have a light meal in her room. Peter hadn't set eyes on Wendy's Aunt since the confrontation in Wendy's bedroom, Millicent deciding to forego the pleasure of having to converse with the person who had single handedly put her house in an uproar and disrupted all her carefully laid plans.
"She should be back by now......what if something's happened to her?"
"Oh....she's be back....after all, she's not gone that far. Now, have you got a corner empty to try my apple pie....it's cold, but I've got some cream that will dress it up nicely."
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Wendy sat nervously clasping her gloved hands together, the string of her reticule biting into her wrist. Beside her Steven also sat in silence, his profile presented to her as he stared off across the small park, his legs crossed and his arm resting on the back of the bench. The small corner that served as a public park was almost empty of people, the afternoon already well advance despite the sunshine still pouring from the cloudless blue sky. They were waiting for a Nurse to pass by with her two charges, the small boys arguing fiercely over a ball as they walked. Wendy smiled at them, the boys staring back at her with wide eyes before being chivvied out of the park by their protector.
Once alone, Steven turned his face to her, his eyes alight with barely suppressed fury. Wendy kept her head downbent, apparently fascinated by the stitching on her cotton gloves.
"Is what he said true?"
Wendy jumped slightly, her head lifting as she turned to face him.
"I don't know......what did he tell you?"
"Don't play coy.....he intimated that he'd....that you had allowed him more liberty than would be expected of someone already betrothed."
"It you mean did I...." Wendy swallowed. "Did I sleep with him....then yes....it is true."
For a second Steven just stared at her, then he abruptly jumped to his feet and paced in front of her.
"Good God......I'm your husband to be and I only got a kiss from you, this....creature shows up out of the blue and somehow manages to inveigle his way into your bed.....were you drugged? Did he force you?"
Wendy could only shake her head, tears welling as she lowered her head.
Steven stared down at her, running his hand through his hair in frustration. Sitting down on the bench with a thump, he leant forward, his elbows resting on his knees.
"I don't understand.......I thought you loved me.....I know I loved you....who is this man? What hold does he have over you to make you behave so......unlike the Wendy I know."
"I don't understand it myself....I'm so.." Wendy paused, then drew in a breath and started again. "I haven't seen Peter in nearly eight years. I last saw him when I was still only a child. At the time I was swept away, fancied myself in love with him, he was so full of life and needing so desperately to be loved. And for a time I did.....but he never returned and I grew up. I never thought to see him...ever again. Then I met you...and it was wonderful, truly it was...is....but last night....after I left you...he was there, waiting for me.....and when he touched me.....when he kissed me....it was like a madness took over....I can't explain it...it was like I started to breath when he touched me.......oh God, I am going mad..."
"Do you love him?"
"I don't know....oh Steven, I don't know, I'm so confused....I so wanted to be everything you wanted in a wife....I was happy, truly I was...."
"But now he's back......" Steven stared at the ground, his heart a rock in his chest. "I would still have you for my wife Wendy.....despite what I know now....I still love you." Wendy gasped faintly, he laughed harshly, "that surprises you, I know it surprised me. When I left you, I was ready to wreak havoc, I couldn't believe that everything was gone in the blink of an eye. When I got home, I spent a long time pacing my room, wanting to hate you....but Wendy," He turned to fix his grey eyes on her wide blue. "I found I couldn't hate you, I was willing to fight for you, I bear the bruises as witness, and I still want to fight for you......I love you."
For a long moment, Wendy could only stare back at him, her eyes swimming with tears, her lips trembling as she drew breath after ragged breath into her lungs.
"Oh Steven....you deserve so much more than me.....I'm so sorry...please believe I never meant for this to happen....I did love you.....I wanted to be your wife...."
"But now you want to be his......." Steven pressed his lips together, reading the truth in her face. "Is there any point in me fighting for you Wendy? Or have you already made your choice.....I could go on and fool myself that there's a chance....but I would be doing just that, fooling myself, wouldn't I?"
The tears had finally spilled over, sliding down her face as she rummaged in her reticule, her hand appearing, clenched around something. White faced, Wendy held out her hand, opening her fingers like petals to reveal his ring sitting in the centre of her palm.
Slowly Steven picked up the ring using only two fingers as if the delicate piece of jewellery was a venomous spider. After a cursory glance, he tucked it away in a waistcoat pocket, his head turned away once more, his eyes distant.
"That is your final answer then." He signed heavily, brushing at imaginary dust on his clean trousers. "Come, I'll escort you home."
Getting to his feet, he held out his hand to her, Wendy slipping her shaking hand into his, feeling his fingers close around hers, pulling her to her feet. Slowly they turned and walked out of the park, Wendy, her head downbent, Steven with his head high, but his expression tightly grim, Wendy's hand tucked into his elbow at his side.
At the bottom of the stairs leading up to her front door, Steven paused, disengaging her hand from his arm but keeping her hand in his.
In silence he turned her to face him, his finger tilting her chin up so that she was forced to look up at him, her cheeks still wet, her eyes filled with pain but as lovely as ever.
"I love you Wendy Darling.....and if ever......" He bit his lip, "I wish you both happy...actually I wish him to the devil," he smiled briefly, "but I wish you happy......goodbye Wendy."
"Goodbye Steven.....I.." Before she could say another word, his mouth had covered hers, his warm lips devouring hers in a desperate kiss that left her clinging for balance to his lapels, her head swimming as she submitted to his embrace. At last he released her, his breath coming in short gasps, his eyes filled with pain and disappointment.
"Be happy Wendy....." Putting his hands on her shoulder to steady her, he stepped back. Giving her one last lingering look, he turned on his heel and walked away. With stricken eyes, Wendy watched him go, the tears running unheeded down her face. She watched him until he disappeared around the corner of the next street, never once looking back at her.
For a long moment she stared at the spot where his tall figure had been, her eyes unfocussed. Above her the door opened and Sara appeared, her face screwed up with worry. When Wendy didn't move, the maid hurried down the stairs and drew the girl towards the house, an arm around her back to urge her up the stairs. In silence they entered the terraced house, Sara taking Wendy's coat, alarmed that her young mistress seemed to be shivering and close to collapse.
"Peter.....get yourself out here...." She called, but he was already there, catching Wendy in his arms as she fainted dead away, her head lolling on his shoulder as Sara fussed around them, thoroughly frightened to see Wendy's white face. Millicent appeared at the head of the stairs, crying out at the sight of Wendy in Peter's arms, her hand white knuckled on the newel post as Peter started up the stairs, his limp burden in his arms.
Millicent threw open the door to Wendy's room and Peter carried her through to lay her gently down on her newly made bed, her room once more restored to it's usual tidy state.
Sara appeared with a damp cloth while Peter sat on the edge of the bed, smoothing Wendy's hair from her face and calling to her.
"Now you leave Wendy to me, she's just overcome with everything that's been happening today....get yourself away," Pulling on Peter's arm, Sara managed to prise him away from the bed, only to have him stand just behind her as she wiped Wendy's face clean of her tears before starting to loosen her clothes. Millicent was sat down on the dressing table chair, her hand pressed to her mouth, her eyes huge in her face as she stared at her niece. Peter ignored her, his focus all on Wendy, his brow furrowed as he took in her wan face and closed eyes. Sara had removed Wendy's shoes and stockings, gloves and the pins from her hair in an effort to make her as comfortable as possible. When she bustled away with all that frippery, Peter returned to sit on the side of the bed, his hand reaching out to stroke her face, Wendy's lips parting on a sigh as she turned into his hand. A moment later her eyelashes fluttered.
"She's coming round," Peter informed the occupants of the room without turning his head. Millicent closed her eyes and muttered a prayer while Sara looked on, a small smile curving her lips as Peter bent down and kissed her young mistress, Wendy's eyes opening slowly, blinking up at Peter bending over her.
"How...h-ow did I get here?"
"You passed out downstairs, I carried you up here..."
Millicent had risen to her feet and approached the bed, her face appearing over Peter's shoulder, her brow wrinkled with worry.
"Are you alright Wendy dear? You gave us all a fright...how do you feel?"
Wendy managed a faint smile for her Aunt, her eyes flicking from her back to Peter's. "Just a little tired....just tired."
"And is it any wonder you fainted.....I bet you haven't eaten a thing all day." Sara appeared beside Millicent, her eyebrow arched as Wendy swivelled her eyes to look at her.
"I don't remember....I don't think I have had anything.....how silly....I forgot...."
"I'll fetch you something right now...." Sara nodded to herself then turned and left the bedroom. Millicent pursed her lips when Wendy's eyes returned to stare up at Peter, the older woman feeling decidedly de trop. "I'll go and give Sara a hand.....if you don't need me ?"
Wendy returned to gaze at her Aunt, smiling a little. "Thank you, dearest Aunt...I'm sorry to be so much trouble."
"Tosh m'dear.....not your fault....." Casting a fulminating glance at the oblivious young man still perched on her nieces bed, Millicent turned and left the room. Peter chuckled.
"I thought she'd never leave.....now you can tell me why to were crying and why you forgot to eat all day."
Lowering her eyes, Wendy turned her head on the pillow and looked away. "I-I...saw Steven....."
Feeling the blood start to rise, Peter bit back a rude oath, and forced himself to relax. "What did he have to say?"
"I owed him an explanation Peter.....you can't just break off an engagement, I had to explain....he deserved that at least."
"He loves you......do you love him?"
"I do....atleast I did...." She felt Peter stiffen, her head turning back so that she could look up at him again. His face looked carved from marble, a pulse leaping along his jawline, his eyes bleak. "Peter, I was going to marry him, he was going to be my husband, do you think I would marry someone I didn't care for, didn't love?"
Peter remained silent, his eyes turning a deep green as he waited for her to continue. Sighing Wendy closed her eyes and turned her head away again.
"But now.....after last night," A light flared in Peter's eyes. "Now that you've returned to me, I find that maybe I was....mistaken. What I thought was love....was only a-a...deep affection. That I really didn't know what love was at all...." Nervously, Wendy turned back to face Peter, her bottom lips pulled into her mouth.
Peter's thickly lashed eyes were gazing down at her with such a light in them that she gasped, his mouth stretched in a wide, cheeky grin that melted her insides and made her heart thump.
"Do you love me Wendy?"
Blushing, Wendy tried to turn her head away, but Peter wouldn't let her his hand cupping her cheek and keeping her facing him.
"Do you love me Wendy......because I love you......there is no doubt in my mind, and I need to know there is no doubt in yours.....do you love me?"
Drowning in his sea-green gaze, Wendy parted her lips and said the words that sealed her fate.
"I love you Peter......I always have."
Saying the words was like having a thousand butterflies let loose in her chest, her heart setting up an unsteady rhythm as she lay there, Peter's hand warm on her cheek, his handsome face alight with love and a glow that grew to encompass them both. With infinite care, Peter lowered his head until his lips brushed against her, instantly igniting a fire within them both. As he pulled away, Wendy reached up and snaked her hand around the back of his neck, pulling him back down, her lips parting as they kissed again, this time neither pulled back, the kiss deepening until the world around them melted away, only their bodies remaining tethered to the mortal plane, their hearts and senses already soaring towards heaven.
So caught up in their embrace, Sara had to cough three times before they acknowledged her presence, Wendy blushing hotly, Peter turning his head to send Sara a crooked smile that set the poor girls heart racing and the tray rattling.
"If you can bear to be parted for two second," she remarked with asperity, "yon miss needs to get this inside her....it's some of my soup and fresh bread...and a pot of tea. Now stand aside Peter,"
Submitting tamely to Sara's bullying, Peter rose from the bed while Wendy sat up, still blushing hotly. Sara arranged the bed tray over Wendy's legs, staying to pour a cup of fragrant tea while Wendy sniffed the soup appreciatively, her stomach growling. Peter stood to the side, his arms folded across his chest, watching with a gleam in his eye. Turning, Sara made shooing motions with her hands, ushering Peter out of the room. Wendy watched, trying hard not to laugh as her diminutive maid harried her lover out of her room, shutting the door firmly behind her.
Licking her lips, Wendy spooned the soup to her mouth, more than happy to enjoy the simple repast, along with some peace and quiet. She loved Peter to distraction, but being with him was like standing in the eye of a storm, everything in chaos around her.
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Peter had been persuaded by Sara to take a bath. She had used the ploy to distract him from pacing outside Wendy's room.
Aunt Millicent, having been informed by her niece that Mary and George were due to arrive sometime that evening, was preparing herself to face the recriminations of her brother and sister in law, given that she was responsible for Wendy in her care. That Millicent was blameless made no matter in her own eyes, Wendy had been in her care and come to harm, although it could hardly be classed as harm, it certainly qualified as a disaster in anybodies book.
When Peter had objected to the idea of a bath, Sara had crossed her arms and pointedly looked down at his feet, Peter following her gaze, his bare, grubby toes flexing against the carpet. Giving in with a marked lack of grace, Peter followed the maid to the bath room, situated off the scullery, next to the wash house. It was a white tiled room with a copper boiler in one corner connected to one of the bath taps by a long metal pipe. The bath itself was deep and rested on four clawed feet, very ornate and entirely decadent. Free standing wooden clothes racks held an assortments of fluffy towels and a shelf above held an array of very feminine jars and bottles containing a rainbow of crystals and liquids. Next to the bath was a large square mat to take the chill from the flagstone floor, a loop pile square of carpet to soak up water and keep ones feet toasty. A small window high up in the wall was filled with obscured glass, providing light but keeping ones privacy. As Peter stared with some misgivings at the room and its contents, Sara lit the flame beneath the boiler after igniting the wall mounted gas-lamp, then bustled out to fetch some clean clothes for Peter to change into, this time making sure to include some shoes for him to try and fit. As he waited, Peter explored, his fingers testing the thickness of the towels, sniffing at the faintly lavender smell that arose from them. He next turned his attention to the shelf, picking up the curiously shaped glass jars with their ornate stoppers, pulling the corks out to sniff at the contents, sometimes rearing back if the smell proved too strong, or inhaling deeply is the scent reminded him of Wendy. Sara suddenly bustled through the door making him jump, the jar in his hand almost dropped as he juggled it before returning it to its place.
"I've found you one of the old master's suits....it'll be a bit big, but we can't help that....plus there's some shoes here....try these on."
Laying the black patent leather shoes on the floor, Sara watched as Peter gingerly pointed his toes and pushed it into the shoe. To their mutual surprise the shoes were a good fit, only needing some slight padding with socks to make them perfect. Hanging the other items from a series of hooks on the wall, Sara checked the boiler, satisfied that it was hot enough before she turned on the tap and steaming water poured into the bath. While the water turned the air to a fog, Sara approached Peter where he stood in the corner.
"Did you like any of those?" She pointed to the jars on the shelf.
"Ur....yes....this one.." He indicated a large jar with a crystal stopper that had reminded him of the smell of Wendy's hair.
Smiling to herself, Sara lifted if off the shelf, well aware of its association. Leaning over the bath she tipped some in, the water dissolving it instantly and filling the bathroom with the heady sent.
"I don't suppose it really matters if you end up smelling like a rose garden....it would be an improvement, of sorts."
"What's wrong with the way I smell?" Peter retorted, taking offence, his chin lifting, arms folded across his chest.
Sara laughed, recognising the affront to his male pride having several older brothers of her own.
"Nothing wrong..." She soothed, twinkling at his scowling face. "But after this......you'll smell even better....I'm sure that Wendy will agree with me." Turning away, she tested the water, turning off the hot tap and letting the cold run for awhile longer. Bubbles were cresting the lip of the bath and steam filled the small room. Satisfied that the bath was drawn to perfection, she turned off the cold tap and straightened up, clapping her hands together.
"Right Peter...time to shed those grubby clothes and hop in."
As she turned around to tell him she'd be in the kitchen if he needed anything, she found herself facing a very naked Golden God, Peter having already taken off the shirt and trousers, untroubled by his nudity as a babe in arms. Sara stood and gaped, having never in all her twenty five years seen such a perfect specimen of male beauty, except maybe in the marble gallery at the museum. As she stood there, Peter reached down and snagged the clothes from the floor, holding them out to her as he approached her, Sara's eyes travelling from the top of his head to his toes, a blush suffusing her face as she opened and closed her mouth in shock. Peter grinned and quirked an eyebrow when she didn't take the clothes immediately, his free hand coming up, two fingers lifting her chin to shut her mouth before she snapped out of her trance and took the bundle, now finding him even more overpowering up close.
"I-I-I-I-.....er....I-I..." Sara stammered, unable to tear her gaze from his chest.
"You'll be in the kitchen ?"
Leaning over the bath, Peter dipped his hand in, smiling at the hot, but not scalding water that coated his fingers. Shooting Sara a grin, he stepped into the bath and sank down, his hands bracing him on the sides. The bubbles rose around him until only his shoulders and head were visible, his eyes closing as the water washed over his long limbs.
Finally coming to her senses, Sara muttered something incomprehensible before marching out of the room, her eyes still dazed, her breathing rapid. Closing the door behind her she leant against it, feeling dizzy.
"Good Lord Almighty........well I never....."
Drawing in a shuddering breath, her cheeks still pink, Sara hurried away, the sound of splashing chasing her down the corridor to the kitchen.
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In the bath Peter grinned lazily, his eyes sliding shut as he luxuriated among the bubbles. Until this day he'd only ever bathed in the sea or in the waterfall pool, in both cases the water was cold, pleasant on a really hot day, but purgatory on a cold one. Soap and scented bubbles were a new and very pleasant novelty, his body tingling as he lay his head back on the rim of the bath, his hand travelling slowly over his chest and down his stomach, enjoying the lap of warm water against his arms and legs. The bath wasn't quite long enough for him to stretch out so his knees were slightly bent, resting against the enamelled sides, his legs splayed under the warm water. The scent of Wendy surrounded him, rising with the steam to tease his lungs, combining with the sensuous feel of the water to bring his body to a state of hard arousal. Sliding his hand down he gripped himself, stroking slowly, his mind supplying the images while the smell and feel of the bath evoked a sensory overload, his breath leaving his lungs in harsh gasps as he pleasured himself, his back arching away from the back of the tub as his neck twisted, his lips pulled back from his teeth in a grimace of remembered bliss. Under the water his hand moved faster, water slopping over the rim of the bath as he brought himself to release. With his love's name on his lips his body shuddered, pouring its essence into the warm water, his neck cording as he strained back, mouth open, his body trembling with after shocks as he slowly came down from heaven, his hand releasing its grip as his heart slowed from its hectic race.
Bonelessly Peter slipped beneath the water for a few seconds before emerging, water streaming from his hair and face, his hands washing his face, combing his hair back off his brow as he blinked the soap from his eyes. As he lay there for a few moment, he contemplated how he could get Wendy to take one of these baths with him. Either that or how he could make one to use in Neverland when they finally got back there. With this pleasant thought, he ducked himself one last time before pushing himself up to stand in the bath, water streaming off his gleaming skin, all pink from the chest down and steaming slightly as it met the cooler air of the bathroom. Stepping onto the bathmat, he paused a moment, shaking himself like a dog, water flying around the room before he reached for the enticingly fluffy towels, dragging them over his body to dry off the remaining moisture, leaving him glowing. Dropping the towel to the floor he padded over to the wall and the clothes hanging there.
Slipping on the trousers, he was just fastening the buttons when a knock sounded at the door. Reaching across, he turned the handle and pulled it open, allowing Sara to enter, her eyes fixed on the bath, her back to where Peter stood, pulling the shirt on.
"Well....do I smell better?" Peter voice, close to her ear, made Sara jump and spin around. Peter was doing up the buttons on the shirt, his eyes lowered to concentrate on his fingers, hiding the expanse of tanned flesh, button by button. Swallowing, Sara ignored his obvious attractions and smiled brightly.
"I'm sure you're as sweet as a flower....now hurry yourself, Mister Darling has arrived, together with Wendy's mother, so get those shoes on."
Turning away, she pushed her sleeve up above her elbow, reaching into the bath to pull the plug before gathering up the discarded towel and throwing it over her arm. By the time she'd straightened the room, Peter had got the shoes on, nearly all the buttons on the shirt done up and the jacket slung over his arm. His hair lay flat against his head, the ends curling against his shirt collar. Sara thought he looked adorable, firmly restraining her urge to brush the few curls that persistently hung over his brow.
"Well don't just stand there.......get yourself into the kitchen...get that jacket on and I'll find you a brush."
"What do I need a brush for?"
"I'm going to give you a quick hair-cut. You want to make a good impression on the Darlings, don't you?"
"Do I?"
"For heavens sake....of course you do.....but you need a shave and a haircut, otherwise they'll think you're no better than a savage."
"Wendy like's me the way I am," Peter groused, finding himself pushed and jostled to sit at the kitchen table.
"That's as may be.....but you're not trying to present yourself as a future son-in-law to Wendy....you have to convince the parents..so hold still...this won't hurt a bit."
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(hehe...wicked chuckle...just had to write that bath scene, much to good to pass up......onwards, dear reader, onwards!!!)
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Three - Awakening to the Dream
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Peter sat at the kitchen table and brooded. The sun was sinking towards the horizon, the clock chiming the hour with monotonous regularity as he polished off the plate of stew Sara had placed in front of him not many minutes before. He'd expected Wendy to be back by now, she said afternoon when she left for Bloomsbury, but there was no sign of her. Sara had chided him and said it was hardly surprising given the nature of her visit, but Peter felt uneasy.
Mopping up the last of the gravy with a corner of bread, Peter pushed the plate away and flashed Sara one of his trademark grins, the young woman blushing before turning away to busy herself at the sink.
"I'd rather keep you a week than a fortnight, never known such a prodigious appetite, at least not since the master passed on."
"It was delicious....thank you."
"Oh get away with you....it was just my everyday stew."
They lapsed into silence, Peter staring at the table top, tracing the wood grain with a finger, while Sara prepared a tray to take up to Millicent, that formidable lady having eschewed any engagements for the evening having decided to have a light meal in her room. Peter hadn't set eyes on Wendy's Aunt since the confrontation in Wendy's bedroom, Millicent deciding to forego the pleasure of having to converse with the person who had single handedly put her house in an uproar and disrupted all her carefully laid plans.
"She should be back by now......what if something's happened to her?"
"Oh....she's be back....after all, she's not gone that far. Now, have you got a corner empty to try my apple pie....it's cold, but I've got some cream that will dress it up nicely."
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Wendy sat nervously clasping her gloved hands together, the string of her reticule biting into her wrist. Beside her Steven also sat in silence, his profile presented to her as he stared off across the small park, his legs crossed and his arm resting on the back of the bench. The small corner that served as a public park was almost empty of people, the afternoon already well advance despite the sunshine still pouring from the cloudless blue sky. They were waiting for a Nurse to pass by with her two charges, the small boys arguing fiercely over a ball as they walked. Wendy smiled at them, the boys staring back at her with wide eyes before being chivvied out of the park by their protector.
Once alone, Steven turned his face to her, his eyes alight with barely suppressed fury. Wendy kept her head downbent, apparently fascinated by the stitching on her cotton gloves.
"Is what he said true?"
Wendy jumped slightly, her head lifting as she turned to face him.
"I don't know......what did he tell you?"
"Don't play coy.....he intimated that he'd....that you had allowed him more liberty than would be expected of someone already betrothed."
"It you mean did I...." Wendy swallowed. "Did I sleep with him....then yes....it is true."
For a second Steven just stared at her, then he abruptly jumped to his feet and paced in front of her.
"Good God......I'm your husband to be and I only got a kiss from you, this....creature shows up out of the blue and somehow manages to inveigle his way into your bed.....were you drugged? Did he force you?"
Wendy could only shake her head, tears welling as she lowered her head.
Steven stared down at her, running his hand through his hair in frustration. Sitting down on the bench with a thump, he leant forward, his elbows resting on his knees.
"I don't understand.......I thought you loved me.....I know I loved you....who is this man? What hold does he have over you to make you behave so......unlike the Wendy I know."
"I don't understand it myself....I'm so.." Wendy paused, then drew in a breath and started again. "I haven't seen Peter in nearly eight years. I last saw him when I was still only a child. At the time I was swept away, fancied myself in love with him, he was so full of life and needing so desperately to be loved. And for a time I did.....but he never returned and I grew up. I never thought to see him...ever again. Then I met you...and it was wonderful, truly it was...is....but last night....after I left you...he was there, waiting for me.....and when he touched me.....when he kissed me....it was like a madness took over....I can't explain it...it was like I started to breath when he touched me.......oh God, I am going mad..."
"Do you love him?"
"I don't know....oh Steven, I don't know, I'm so confused....I so wanted to be everything you wanted in a wife....I was happy, truly I was...."
"But now he's back......" Steven stared at the ground, his heart a rock in his chest. "I would still have you for my wife Wendy.....despite what I know now....I still love you." Wendy gasped faintly, he laughed harshly, "that surprises you, I know it surprised me. When I left you, I was ready to wreak havoc, I couldn't believe that everything was gone in the blink of an eye. When I got home, I spent a long time pacing my room, wanting to hate you....but Wendy," He turned to fix his grey eyes on her wide blue. "I found I couldn't hate you, I was willing to fight for you, I bear the bruises as witness, and I still want to fight for you......I love you."
For a long moment, Wendy could only stare back at him, her eyes swimming with tears, her lips trembling as she drew breath after ragged breath into her lungs.
"Oh Steven....you deserve so much more than me.....I'm so sorry...please believe I never meant for this to happen....I did love you.....I wanted to be your wife...."
"But now you want to be his......." Steven pressed his lips together, reading the truth in her face. "Is there any point in me fighting for you Wendy? Or have you already made your choice.....I could go on and fool myself that there's a chance....but I would be doing just that, fooling myself, wouldn't I?"
The tears had finally spilled over, sliding down her face as she rummaged in her reticule, her hand appearing, clenched around something. White faced, Wendy held out her hand, opening her fingers like petals to reveal his ring sitting in the centre of her palm.
Slowly Steven picked up the ring using only two fingers as if the delicate piece of jewellery was a venomous spider. After a cursory glance, he tucked it away in a waistcoat pocket, his head turned away once more, his eyes distant.
"That is your final answer then." He signed heavily, brushing at imaginary dust on his clean trousers. "Come, I'll escort you home."
Getting to his feet, he held out his hand to her, Wendy slipping her shaking hand into his, feeling his fingers close around hers, pulling her to her feet. Slowly they turned and walked out of the park, Wendy, her head downbent, Steven with his head high, but his expression tightly grim, Wendy's hand tucked into his elbow at his side.
At the bottom of the stairs leading up to her front door, Steven paused, disengaging her hand from his arm but keeping her hand in his.
In silence he turned her to face him, his finger tilting her chin up so that she was forced to look up at him, her cheeks still wet, her eyes filled with pain but as lovely as ever.
"I love you Wendy Darling.....and if ever......" He bit his lip, "I wish you both happy...actually I wish him to the devil," he smiled briefly, "but I wish you happy......goodbye Wendy."
"Goodbye Steven.....I.." Before she could say another word, his mouth had covered hers, his warm lips devouring hers in a desperate kiss that left her clinging for balance to his lapels, her head swimming as she submitted to his embrace. At last he released her, his breath coming in short gasps, his eyes filled with pain and disappointment.
"Be happy Wendy....." Putting his hands on her shoulder to steady her, he stepped back. Giving her one last lingering look, he turned on his heel and walked away. With stricken eyes, Wendy watched him go, the tears running unheeded down her face. She watched him until he disappeared around the corner of the next street, never once looking back at her.
For a long moment she stared at the spot where his tall figure had been, her eyes unfocussed. Above her the door opened and Sara appeared, her face screwed up with worry. When Wendy didn't move, the maid hurried down the stairs and drew the girl towards the house, an arm around her back to urge her up the stairs. In silence they entered the terraced house, Sara taking Wendy's coat, alarmed that her young mistress seemed to be shivering and close to collapse.
"Peter.....get yourself out here...." She called, but he was already there, catching Wendy in his arms as she fainted dead away, her head lolling on his shoulder as Sara fussed around them, thoroughly frightened to see Wendy's white face. Millicent appeared at the head of the stairs, crying out at the sight of Wendy in Peter's arms, her hand white knuckled on the newel post as Peter started up the stairs, his limp burden in his arms.
Millicent threw open the door to Wendy's room and Peter carried her through to lay her gently down on her newly made bed, her room once more restored to it's usual tidy state.
Sara appeared with a damp cloth while Peter sat on the edge of the bed, smoothing Wendy's hair from her face and calling to her.
"Now you leave Wendy to me, she's just overcome with everything that's been happening today....get yourself away," Pulling on Peter's arm, Sara managed to prise him away from the bed, only to have him stand just behind her as she wiped Wendy's face clean of her tears before starting to loosen her clothes. Millicent was sat down on the dressing table chair, her hand pressed to her mouth, her eyes huge in her face as she stared at her niece. Peter ignored her, his focus all on Wendy, his brow furrowed as he took in her wan face and closed eyes. Sara had removed Wendy's shoes and stockings, gloves and the pins from her hair in an effort to make her as comfortable as possible. When she bustled away with all that frippery, Peter returned to sit on the side of the bed, his hand reaching out to stroke her face, Wendy's lips parting on a sigh as she turned into his hand. A moment later her eyelashes fluttered.
"She's coming round," Peter informed the occupants of the room without turning his head. Millicent closed her eyes and muttered a prayer while Sara looked on, a small smile curving her lips as Peter bent down and kissed her young mistress, Wendy's eyes opening slowly, blinking up at Peter bending over her.
"How...h-ow did I get here?"
"You passed out downstairs, I carried you up here..."
Millicent had risen to her feet and approached the bed, her face appearing over Peter's shoulder, her brow wrinkled with worry.
"Are you alright Wendy dear? You gave us all a fright...how do you feel?"
Wendy managed a faint smile for her Aunt, her eyes flicking from her back to Peter's. "Just a little tired....just tired."
"And is it any wonder you fainted.....I bet you haven't eaten a thing all day." Sara appeared beside Millicent, her eyebrow arched as Wendy swivelled her eyes to look at her.
"I don't remember....I don't think I have had anything.....how silly....I forgot...."
"I'll fetch you something right now...." Sara nodded to herself then turned and left the bedroom. Millicent pursed her lips when Wendy's eyes returned to stare up at Peter, the older woman feeling decidedly de trop. "I'll go and give Sara a hand.....if you don't need me ?"
Wendy returned to gaze at her Aunt, smiling a little. "Thank you, dearest Aunt...I'm sorry to be so much trouble."
"Tosh m'dear.....not your fault....." Casting a fulminating glance at the oblivious young man still perched on her nieces bed, Millicent turned and left the room. Peter chuckled.
"I thought she'd never leave.....now you can tell me why to were crying and why you forgot to eat all day."
Lowering her eyes, Wendy turned her head on the pillow and looked away. "I-I...saw Steven....."
Feeling the blood start to rise, Peter bit back a rude oath, and forced himself to relax. "What did he have to say?"
"I owed him an explanation Peter.....you can't just break off an engagement, I had to explain....he deserved that at least."
"He loves you......do you love him?"
"I do....atleast I did...." She felt Peter stiffen, her head turning back so that she could look up at him again. His face looked carved from marble, a pulse leaping along his jawline, his eyes bleak. "Peter, I was going to marry him, he was going to be my husband, do you think I would marry someone I didn't care for, didn't love?"
Peter remained silent, his eyes turning a deep green as he waited for her to continue. Sighing Wendy closed her eyes and turned her head away again.
"But now.....after last night," A light flared in Peter's eyes. "Now that you've returned to me, I find that maybe I was....mistaken. What I thought was love....was only a-a...deep affection. That I really didn't know what love was at all...." Nervously, Wendy turned back to face Peter, her bottom lips pulled into her mouth.
Peter's thickly lashed eyes were gazing down at her with such a light in them that she gasped, his mouth stretched in a wide, cheeky grin that melted her insides and made her heart thump.
"Do you love me Wendy?"
Blushing, Wendy tried to turn her head away, but Peter wouldn't let her his hand cupping her cheek and keeping her facing him.
"Do you love me Wendy......because I love you......there is no doubt in my mind, and I need to know there is no doubt in yours.....do you love me?"
Drowning in his sea-green gaze, Wendy parted her lips and said the words that sealed her fate.
"I love you Peter......I always have."
Saying the words was like having a thousand butterflies let loose in her chest, her heart setting up an unsteady rhythm as she lay there, Peter's hand warm on her cheek, his handsome face alight with love and a glow that grew to encompass them both. With infinite care, Peter lowered his head until his lips brushed against her, instantly igniting a fire within them both. As he pulled away, Wendy reached up and snaked her hand around the back of his neck, pulling him back down, her lips parting as they kissed again, this time neither pulled back, the kiss deepening until the world around them melted away, only their bodies remaining tethered to the mortal plane, their hearts and senses already soaring towards heaven.
So caught up in their embrace, Sara had to cough three times before they acknowledged her presence, Wendy blushing hotly, Peter turning his head to send Sara a crooked smile that set the poor girls heart racing and the tray rattling.
"If you can bear to be parted for two second," she remarked with asperity, "yon miss needs to get this inside her....it's some of my soup and fresh bread...and a pot of tea. Now stand aside Peter,"
Submitting tamely to Sara's bullying, Peter rose from the bed while Wendy sat up, still blushing hotly. Sara arranged the bed tray over Wendy's legs, staying to pour a cup of fragrant tea while Wendy sniffed the soup appreciatively, her stomach growling. Peter stood to the side, his arms folded across his chest, watching with a gleam in his eye. Turning, Sara made shooing motions with her hands, ushering Peter out of the room. Wendy watched, trying hard not to laugh as her diminutive maid harried her lover out of her room, shutting the door firmly behind her.
Licking her lips, Wendy spooned the soup to her mouth, more than happy to enjoy the simple repast, along with some peace and quiet. She loved Peter to distraction, but being with him was like standing in the eye of a storm, everything in chaos around her.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Peter had been persuaded by Sara to take a bath. She had used the ploy to distract him from pacing outside Wendy's room.
Aunt Millicent, having been informed by her niece that Mary and George were due to arrive sometime that evening, was preparing herself to face the recriminations of her brother and sister in law, given that she was responsible for Wendy in her care. That Millicent was blameless made no matter in her own eyes, Wendy had been in her care and come to harm, although it could hardly be classed as harm, it certainly qualified as a disaster in anybodies book.
When Peter had objected to the idea of a bath, Sara had crossed her arms and pointedly looked down at his feet, Peter following her gaze, his bare, grubby toes flexing against the carpet. Giving in with a marked lack of grace, Peter followed the maid to the bath room, situated off the scullery, next to the wash house. It was a white tiled room with a copper boiler in one corner connected to one of the bath taps by a long metal pipe. The bath itself was deep and rested on four clawed feet, very ornate and entirely decadent. Free standing wooden clothes racks held an assortments of fluffy towels and a shelf above held an array of very feminine jars and bottles containing a rainbow of crystals and liquids. Next to the bath was a large square mat to take the chill from the flagstone floor, a loop pile square of carpet to soak up water and keep ones feet toasty. A small window high up in the wall was filled with obscured glass, providing light but keeping ones privacy. As Peter stared with some misgivings at the room and its contents, Sara lit the flame beneath the boiler after igniting the wall mounted gas-lamp, then bustled out to fetch some clean clothes for Peter to change into, this time making sure to include some shoes for him to try and fit. As he waited, Peter explored, his fingers testing the thickness of the towels, sniffing at the faintly lavender smell that arose from them. He next turned his attention to the shelf, picking up the curiously shaped glass jars with their ornate stoppers, pulling the corks out to sniff at the contents, sometimes rearing back if the smell proved too strong, or inhaling deeply is the scent reminded him of Wendy. Sara suddenly bustled through the door making him jump, the jar in his hand almost dropped as he juggled it before returning it to its place.
"I've found you one of the old master's suits....it'll be a bit big, but we can't help that....plus there's some shoes here....try these on."
Laying the black patent leather shoes on the floor, Sara watched as Peter gingerly pointed his toes and pushed it into the shoe. To their mutual surprise the shoes were a good fit, only needing some slight padding with socks to make them perfect. Hanging the other items from a series of hooks on the wall, Sara checked the boiler, satisfied that it was hot enough before she turned on the tap and steaming water poured into the bath. While the water turned the air to a fog, Sara approached Peter where he stood in the corner.
"Did you like any of those?" She pointed to the jars on the shelf.
"Ur....yes....this one.." He indicated a large jar with a crystal stopper that had reminded him of the smell of Wendy's hair.
Smiling to herself, Sara lifted if off the shelf, well aware of its association. Leaning over the bath she tipped some in, the water dissolving it instantly and filling the bathroom with the heady sent.
"I don't suppose it really matters if you end up smelling like a rose garden....it would be an improvement, of sorts."
"What's wrong with the way I smell?" Peter retorted, taking offence, his chin lifting, arms folded across his chest.
Sara laughed, recognising the affront to his male pride having several older brothers of her own.
"Nothing wrong..." She soothed, twinkling at his scowling face. "But after this......you'll smell even better....I'm sure that Wendy will agree with me." Turning away, she tested the water, turning off the hot tap and letting the cold run for awhile longer. Bubbles were cresting the lip of the bath and steam filled the small room. Satisfied that the bath was drawn to perfection, she turned off the cold tap and straightened up, clapping her hands together.
"Right Peter...time to shed those grubby clothes and hop in."
As she turned around to tell him she'd be in the kitchen if he needed anything, she found herself facing a very naked Golden God, Peter having already taken off the shirt and trousers, untroubled by his nudity as a babe in arms. Sara stood and gaped, having never in all her twenty five years seen such a perfect specimen of male beauty, except maybe in the marble gallery at the museum. As she stood there, Peter reached down and snagged the clothes from the floor, holding them out to her as he approached her, Sara's eyes travelling from the top of his head to his toes, a blush suffusing her face as she opened and closed her mouth in shock. Peter grinned and quirked an eyebrow when she didn't take the clothes immediately, his free hand coming up, two fingers lifting her chin to shut her mouth before she snapped out of her trance and took the bundle, now finding him even more overpowering up close.
"I-I-I-I-.....er....I-I..." Sara stammered, unable to tear her gaze from his chest.
"You'll be in the kitchen ?"
Leaning over the bath, Peter dipped his hand in, smiling at the hot, but not scalding water that coated his fingers. Shooting Sara a grin, he stepped into the bath and sank down, his hands bracing him on the sides. The bubbles rose around him until only his shoulders and head were visible, his eyes closing as the water washed over his long limbs.
Finally coming to her senses, Sara muttered something incomprehensible before marching out of the room, her eyes still dazed, her breathing rapid. Closing the door behind her she leant against it, feeling dizzy.
"Good Lord Almighty........well I never....."
Drawing in a shuddering breath, her cheeks still pink, Sara hurried away, the sound of splashing chasing her down the corridor to the kitchen.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
In the bath Peter grinned lazily, his eyes sliding shut as he luxuriated among the bubbles. Until this day he'd only ever bathed in the sea or in the waterfall pool, in both cases the water was cold, pleasant on a really hot day, but purgatory on a cold one. Soap and scented bubbles were a new and very pleasant novelty, his body tingling as he lay his head back on the rim of the bath, his hand travelling slowly over his chest and down his stomach, enjoying the lap of warm water against his arms and legs. The bath wasn't quite long enough for him to stretch out so his knees were slightly bent, resting against the enamelled sides, his legs splayed under the warm water. The scent of Wendy surrounded him, rising with the steam to tease his lungs, combining with the sensuous feel of the water to bring his body to a state of hard arousal. Sliding his hand down he gripped himself, stroking slowly, his mind supplying the images while the smell and feel of the bath evoked a sensory overload, his breath leaving his lungs in harsh gasps as he pleasured himself, his back arching away from the back of the tub as his neck twisted, his lips pulled back from his teeth in a grimace of remembered bliss. Under the water his hand moved faster, water slopping over the rim of the bath as he brought himself to release. With his love's name on his lips his body shuddered, pouring its essence into the warm water, his neck cording as he strained back, mouth open, his body trembling with after shocks as he slowly came down from heaven, his hand releasing its grip as his heart slowed from its hectic race.
Bonelessly Peter slipped beneath the water for a few seconds before emerging, water streaming from his hair and face, his hands washing his face, combing his hair back off his brow as he blinked the soap from his eyes. As he lay there for a few moment, he contemplated how he could get Wendy to take one of these baths with him. Either that or how he could make one to use in Neverland when they finally got back there. With this pleasant thought, he ducked himself one last time before pushing himself up to stand in the bath, water streaming off his gleaming skin, all pink from the chest down and steaming slightly as it met the cooler air of the bathroom. Stepping onto the bathmat, he paused a moment, shaking himself like a dog, water flying around the room before he reached for the enticingly fluffy towels, dragging them over his body to dry off the remaining moisture, leaving him glowing. Dropping the towel to the floor he padded over to the wall and the clothes hanging there.
Slipping on the trousers, he was just fastening the buttons when a knock sounded at the door. Reaching across, he turned the handle and pulled it open, allowing Sara to enter, her eyes fixed on the bath, her back to where Peter stood, pulling the shirt on.
"Well....do I smell better?" Peter voice, close to her ear, made Sara jump and spin around. Peter was doing up the buttons on the shirt, his eyes lowered to concentrate on his fingers, hiding the expanse of tanned flesh, button by button. Swallowing, Sara ignored his obvious attractions and smiled brightly.
"I'm sure you're as sweet as a flower....now hurry yourself, Mister Darling has arrived, together with Wendy's mother, so get those shoes on."
Turning away, she pushed her sleeve up above her elbow, reaching into the bath to pull the plug before gathering up the discarded towel and throwing it over her arm. By the time she'd straightened the room, Peter had got the shoes on, nearly all the buttons on the shirt done up and the jacket slung over his arm. His hair lay flat against his head, the ends curling against his shirt collar. Sara thought he looked adorable, firmly restraining her urge to brush the few curls that persistently hung over his brow.
"Well don't just stand there.......get yourself into the kitchen...get that jacket on and I'll find you a brush."
"What do I need a brush for?"
"I'm going to give you a quick hair-cut. You want to make a good impression on the Darlings, don't you?"
"Do I?"
"For heavens sake....of course you do.....but you need a shave and a haircut, otherwise they'll think you're no better than a savage."
"Wendy like's me the way I am," Peter groused, finding himself pushed and jostled to sit at the kitchen table.
"That's as may be.....but you're not trying to present yourself as a future son-in-law to Wendy....you have to convince the parents..so hold still...this won't hurt a bit."
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(hehe...wicked chuckle...just had to write that bath scene, much to good to pass up......onwards, dear reader, onwards!!!)