Wendy remained lying on the floor...listening to the commotion outside. Her first thought, when she became capable of thinking again, was that Peter had decided to attack the ship, thinking she was dead. She had never told him not to.

Outside she heard the Captain's voice, and the voice of another. . .not Peter. That was some relief anyhow.

Then a pistol shot was fired, followed by some ghastly sound that very much resembled the sound of a metal blade. . .or hook. . .slicing through flesh. It was accompanied by a gurgle of pain and then total silence.

The silence grew quite heavy, before there was a barking of orders and the stampeding of feet.

Silence again.

Then a splash as something heavy was thrown unceremoniously overboard.

Wendy held her breath as she heard the unmistakable and arrogant step of the Captains boots, approaching the door.

He flung it open, and leant against the frame. He had out a large handkerchief and was polishing the hook. Once satisfied of it's gleam, he looked over at Wendy.

" You may stand." he stated, as if granting a favor.

" What was happening?" she asked, rising to her feet, and smoothing the blue velvet.

" A small problem with the food. "

" The food?" she asked, a little worried. She had consumed a fair amount, after all, and she didn't know for sure if poison had any distinct flavor.

" Yes. It seems we won't be having anymore. That was about the cook." he said, blowing on the hook and rubbing it again.

"The cook! What is wrong with him ?" she asked.

" He's dead." he answered, coolly.

" You killed the cook!"

" Of course not. Pikes killed him. Don't be a silly girl. . .why would I kill the only decent cook in Neverland?" he scoffed.

" Is there no one else who can substitute?" she asked.

He looked at her a moment.

" Yes, someone does leap to mind. . .but they already have a means of employ here. It would mean a rearrangement, until a new cook could be recruited. You see, I can't have just anyone prepare food. It has to be someone I trust."

" I see. Well, who do you have in mind?" she asked.

" Smee." he said calmly.

" Smee? But. . .I thought he was your-"

" Yes. . .I will need someone to take his place." Hook fixed her with a meaningful look.

" Not me!" she exclaimed.

" Why not?"

" I wouldn't know what to. . .what I. . .what the duties were." she stammered.

" You merely attend to my every wish and command. Is that so difficult.?"

" It might not be agreeable."

" Oh I think it could be downright enjoyable. . ."

" Perhaps it would be better if I replaced the cook."

" But not as fun. Tell me, are you skilled in the art of food preparation?"

" Well, I do wonderful pretend food. . .and some sensible foods, except for brussel sprouts."

The Captain pulled a face.

" That is for the best. No. I can't have you as the cook."

" Why not?"

" I don't trust you."

" Don't trust me? After I have proven myself honorable?" she cried.

" Oh, I can trust you to keep your word but I can't trust that you won't try to poison us all with your bloody brussel sprouts."

Wendy gave an exasperated huff and crossed her arms over her chest. For a few moments they glared at each other.

Then Hook's face went thoughtful, as though he had just remembered something important.

" Wasn't I kissing you?" he asked, frowning.

Wendy glowered at him.

" No!" she said, hoping she wasn't blushing too awfully bright. She wasn't sure she was upset that he had kissed her, or that he had forgotten it so easily.

" Oh I think I was. . ." he began pacing back and forth in front of the door. " And as much as I would enjoy continuing that lesson I think you should retire. . .for now. You have new duties tomorrow. You can begin-"

" But I -"

" Will begin tomorrow. When you hear the parrot call at your door in the morning, come to me. "

" I really don't think I should. . ." she tried again.

" Of course, you could always stay here, and I could wake you in the morning." he said.

She gave a little laugh, and stepped back, but he had planted his boot on the hem of her skirt. She pulled gently, but feared that the delicate fabric would tear.

" Careful, the dress will tear.'' she chided.

" Delightful. Perhaps I should pull it?"

" You wouldn't dare! " she clasped her hand over her bosom.

His eyes practically glittered with mischief.

" Never dare me.." he laughed, and caught hold of her skirt with his hand.

She gave a little shriek, and tried to pull the dress away from him.

" You had better not!" she cried.

He tugged it slightly, not enough to tear it, but enough to tumble her closer to him.

" Maybe I won't." he said.

" Then let me go!"

" I will. . .if. . ."

" If what? " she continued to tug the skirt, to no effect.

" If you kiss me." he purred silkily.

Wendy tried her best to look offended, even if her mouth was twitching, with the urge to smile.

" I will not! You have already stolen a kiss..." she said, accusingly.

" Stolen!" he laughed. " Well I am a pirate! But I must say. . .it was the easiest thing I have ever stolen. . ." he tugged the skirt again.

She made a noise of protest.

" Come on girl. . .I'm losing my patience."

" I can't! " Wendy was very crimson now. . .and her knees trembled.

" Why ever not?"

" Because. . .it isn't proper."

" Neither is having your dress torn off." he smirked.

Wendy bit her lip, considering. She could not scream, and expect anyone to save her, nor would the Captain change his mind and relent. He was thoroughly enjoying her new discomfort.

" Very well, " he sighed, and gave a strong pull on the velvet. Wendy could hear the distinct sound of seams being ripped.

" Stop!" she yelled, holding the cloth. " I will. . .give a kiss. . ." she muttered.

He did not release the dress, but he did lean forward enough that she could reach him.

Wendy felt a strange giddiness. Strange, but sweet, and along with it came the urge to really lean forward and give her kiss.

Wendy had never actually given a kiss; not a real kiss. And she had most certainly never kissed a man. . .yet her whole body seemed to move towards him, desiring suddenly to do just that.

She was very close to him, and opened her eyes to look at him once before she actually touched him. Perhaps she did this, because she understood, that if after such kiss, nothing would be the same. He would be different to her, and she to him.

But when she opened her eyes. . .she noticed that he did not have his eyes closed. He was watching her with a cool blue, and predatory gaze.

She really could not give anyone a kiss, if they had their eyes open.

" You. . .you'll have to close your eyes." she whispered. She was very close to him. She could feel the heat from him.

" Why?" he asked, frowning.

" Because, it isn't a real kiss if you can see it .. .'' she said. A woman awoke inside of Wendy at that moment, and the desire to experiment. . .

If the Captain had been in control a few moments before, Wendy was in control suddenly, when she put her hand, ( a hand too soft to swab decks, ) around his neck and pulled him down to her.

His eyes did close. And his breath caught as he felt the softest whisper of her lips against his.

Suddenly she changed courses and planted the kiss high on his cheek, before pulling back with a satisfied smile.

" Well, goodnight, Captain Hook! " she said.

And Wendy exited the room, leaving a speechless James Hook standing in her wake.