Title: To Have & To Hold
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Nineteen - Holding it all.
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A soft tap at the door roused Peter, the late afternoon light coloured with the rich glow of sunset flooding the cabin through the latticed windows. Easing his legs over the side of the bed, he snagged his breeches and pulled them on, padding quietly over to the door and opening it.
"Sorry to disturb you Peter, but there be a crowd of folk wanting to see you."
Aramis flicked a glance over the still form in the bed before returning to regard the youth standing before him. He couldn't put a finger on it, but something had changed. Around Peter's neck hung the gold thimble, glittering against the young mans skin in the half light of the cabin, the old Captain's eyes drawn upwards to find himself regarded with eyes that seemed to carry a world of grief and cares within their depths. Shocked, Aramis blinked and when he looked again Peter had veiled his eyes with his lashes and turned his head to the side.
"I'll be with you directly...give me a moment."
Keeping his voice as low as Peter's, Aramis leant forward.
"What is it lad?"
Looking up at his old mentor, Peter let a smile tilt his lips.
"Nothing my friend...nothing at all. I'll be with you shortly."
Taking his words as dismissal, Aramis bowed briefly and shut the door, a worried frown creasing his forehead.
Peter turned back to face the bed and padded over to it, pausing to stare down at the girl sleeping peacefully on her side. Kneeling down, Peter leant over her and pressed a kiss to a rounded shoulder, the flesh warm against his lips.
"Sleep Wendy...there's nothing to hurt you now...sleep."
Rising to his feet he approached the chest of drawers and found himself a fresh shirt, pulling it on slowly as he contemplated what he was about to do. Feeling something dig into his hip, he reached into the pocket of his breeches and pulled out the tarnished chain and its blackened burden. Twirling the ravaged acorn on its chain, he stared at the token for a moment before undoing the fastening and putting the pendant around his neck where it lay next to the brightly shining thimble. Turning back to the bed, he tucked his shirt into his waistband before bending down and pressing a kiss against Wendy's cheek.
"I'm sorry..." He murmured before backing away from the bed and reaching for the door handle. Striding along the corridor, he took the steps two at a time, bursting through the hatchway and onto the deck. Waiting for him were his three stalwarts, feet braced apart on the golden deck, their backs to the main mast. Looking up Peter saw that every spar was providing seating for a host of bright fairies, their wings fluttering slowly as they waited, their tinkling voices like faint wind chimes on the breeze. Overhead the sky was turning pink, the fluffy clouds like misshapen cotton balls in hues of apricot and yellow against the pink tinged blue sweep of the heavens. Breathing deeply, Peter filled his lungs with the sweet air, the faint smell of salt and seaweed tempered by the heady aroma of flowers and earth wafting from the jungle shoreline.
Neverland looked like a jewel, her green hills as bright as emeralds, the golden sunlight making it glow like a stain glass window, exotic flowers lending colour to the forest canopy while birds wheeled and dived among the branches, adding their tuneful songs and bright plumage to the scene.
Slowly Peter made his way over the deck and approached the three men waiting for him.
As he stopped before them, all three performed a bow before straightening. Peter inclined his head in acknowledgement then stood before them.
"Well gentlemen...it would seem that I am to be King of Neverland after all."
Stubbs grinned toothily and stepped forward to thump Peter on the shoulder. "As if there was any doubt that would be the outcome!"
Aramis eyed Peter shrewdly. "It was foretold Peter..."
"Yes Aramis, it was foretold...Hook is dead, as far as I know, my blade despatched him. The oracle is here," Peter tapped his chest. "I can feel it inside me. I have the power of life over death, if I so choose, there are none that can stand against me."
Harry glanced briefly at his companions before stepping forward. "Then there is much to celebrate. Why so serious...it's not...I mean...Wendy?"
"I left her sleeping...and she'll continue to sleep until I awaken her." Peter informed them, his head turning to stare at the ocean beyond the rail, thereby missing the glances exchanged between his comrades. Aramis cleared his throat.
"What do you want to do first, Your Majesty?"
"Dispense with the absurd title for starters. I always was Peter, and am still Peter...to my friends."
"As you wish...if it pleases you...er...Peter, there is a gathering of the Neverland folk inland, to welcome you back, so to speak, and pay tribute."
"That is not necessary..." Peter started but Stubbs cut him off.
"It is necessary Peter...you are King now. The creatures and subjects of Neverland want to pay homage, it is your right and their honor to do so."
Peter stared at his three friends with an exasperated look before shrugging his shoulders and grinning. "I don't imagine I can stop it, so why not." He waved his arms expansively. "Carry on Mister Stubbs!"
Stepping away from the mast, Stubbs tilted his head and put a hand around his mouth, shouting up to the fairies gathered in the rigging.
"Hoist away me hearties!"
As one the fairy host showered the ship in gold dust, the Nymph lifting easily away from the surface of the sea, water cascading off her hull as she gracefully flew as light as a feather into the sky, the setting sun glinting off her gilded sides. As they cleared the bay, Peter looked back and saw dark heads and bodies cleaving the water behind them, a large body of merfolk following the path of the Nymph as she rounded the rocky headland before turning her prow to head inland. As they crossed the shoreline and sailed above the trees, flocks of birds rose up from the trees, flapping and gliding up and around the masts, warbling and crying as they swooped under and over the ship. Further inland they encountered a swarm of brightly coloured butterflies that fluttered aboard and settled on the decking, alighting on anything and everything like winged jewels. Peter found himself with two settling on his shoulders, their delicate wings fanning his cheeks before they lifted off again and fluttered away. As the ship flew in at a stately pace, Peter walked to the rail and leant over the side, staring down at his domain passing below. Despite having spent most of his life flying over the dips and hollows of his island, it always appeared fresh and new, the greens of every hue dazzling the eye. Behind the ship the setting sun was rapidly sinking towards the horizon, the violet sea turned to purple below a pink streaked sky, the first star barely visible behind the clouds scudding past.
"A bonny sight lad." Aramis said, resting his hand on Peter's shoulder before leaning his elbows on the rail.
"It is indeed...one I never grow tired of."
"But you think she will?"
Peter shot his former mentor a look. "How is it you are able to read my mind?"
"It's no trick Peter...you wear your feelings on your face, always have. Anyone who cares to look can fathom the thoughts that trouble you now. What I don't understand is why they trouble you? Wendy has proved herself constant, so why do you still doubt her?"
"I don't know...I just feel she's been forced into this."
"Then you're a fool boy...as much as this was your destiny, you are hers...why fight what was always inevitable?"
Unable to answer, Peter just shook his head and stared ahead.
Sighing, Aramis turned his back on the rail and crossed his arms.
"You've no right to take that choice away from her, you know that?"
"I know."
"So go wake her...give her a chance to make that choice."
Peering up into the lined face beside him, Peter nodded and turned away from the rail. Making his way back to the cabin he could feel the ship start to tilt as it descended towards the gathering below, opening the door to his cabin, he eased inside, shutting the door behind him.
Wendy lay as he'd left her, her hand curled loosely on the pillow beside her head, her face unlined in sleep. Lowering himself to the covers, he stretched out beside her and propped himself on his hand while he reached with the other to stroke her cheek.
"Wendy...it's time to wake up."
Slowly, her head turning towards him, Wendy opened her eyes and blinked up at him, a smile curving her lips.
"Are we home yet?"
Peter felt a pang shoot through his chest and he swallowed hard, wincing inwardly. "Where is home, Wendy? Here? Or back with your family, your friends...London?"
Wendy frowned a little at the question, her gaze troubled as she fought to throw off the muddle of sleep still clinging to her mind.
"It's with you Peter."
"Not with your family?"
"I don't understand...why are you asking me this?"
Not meeting her eyes, Peter picked up a curl of hair and wound it around his finger. "I want to give you a choice...all this, everything we've gone through has been under someone else command. The prophecy, the Oracle, the Keeper, the Guardian...me...you. I can't escape what fate has in store for me...I am part of it already. But you have a choice...to stay...or walk away. You could return and rejoin your family, find a husband, start your own family..." He found himself choking on his own words, a knot forming in his throat that refused to budge.
"Don't you want me any more?" Wendy's broken whisper cut through his own misery like a lightning strike. He stared down into her face, seeing the tears gathering in her eyes, her lips trembling.
"Not want you? I can't imagine my life without you now...I can't breath without knowing you're beside me...I want you so badly I can taste it!"
"I feel the same way Peter...I have for a very long time."
"But your family..." He started but found himself silenced again by Wendy's finger against his lips.
"You are all I want Peter, all I need...and I'd die a thousand times if that's what you need for me to prove it to you."
"No..." Burying his face against her breast, Peter gathered her to him, wrapping his arms around her and crushing her against him. For her part Wendy welcomed the feel of his arms, her own holding his head against her heart as he shook with the force of his relief against her. They stayed that way for several long moments until Wendy relaxed her hold and pushed him away, his face held in her hands.
"I belong here...where you are Peter, for as long as you want me."
"Then be prepared to stay forever, Wendy...because I will always want you."
Stroking his face, Wendy gazed up at him with love in her eyes.
"Forever is a very long time..."
Drawing his head down, she kissed him. Not a kiss of uncontrolled passion, but a kiss of commitment and trust. When they drew apart, Peter captured one of her hands and pressed his lips to the palm in humble salute. A slight movement of the ship alerted Peter to the fact that they had stopped flying and had arrived at their destination.
Pulling away, he slipped off the bed and peered out of the porthole.
"I think it's time you got dressed...there's quite a crowd waiting to greet their King and Queen."
For a moment Wendy didn't react, her mind still on the emotions just expressed, then his words sunk in. "What?"
Scrabbling the sheet around her middle, Wendy scooted to the edge of the bed and shuffled across the floor to stand beside Peter and stare out of the window. The ship appeared to be sitting on its hull in the middle of a large clearing, their restricted view only showing them a waving field of shadowy grass backed by a wall of upright trees with dark shadows beyond.
"Where are we?" Wendy asked, startled to see people starting to emerge from the trees, almost all carrying some form of light either a torch or lantern. Above their heads swarmed a myriad lights as fairy folk flew over them, darting through the branches and about the bobbing lights, all headed towards the sides of the ship.
"They are our subjects sweetness...come to pay homage to their King."
Wendy turned her head and stared in shock at Peter, the sheet clutched tightly in her suddenly nerveless fingers. "But I don't have anything to wear!"
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The sun finally gave up its hold on the day and slipped out of sight, the stars quickly replacing its golden rays with the cool brightness of diamonds, twinkling down on the island sitting surrounded by a sapphire ocean. Majestically, the moon started its ascent, rising into the sky and shining a cold white light over the dips and hollows of Neverland, bathing everything in black and white.
Only in a wide clearing was the moon banished, the leaping flames of a hundred torches reflecting off the gilded planking of the ship sitting in the center. Fires had also been lit and figures leapt around them, whooping and yelling as they danced, the smell of food wafting up to the ship and making the mouths of the three men leaning on the rail water.
The fairies had left the rigging for the time being until they were needed to lift the ship again, their fairy dust still coating all the surfaces so that the ship glittered and twinkled in the light of the fires.
A sound drew their attention away from the cavorting Indian's below to watch as the door leading to the cabins opened and Peter led Wendy on to the main deck.
Peter was dressed in a coat made of white velvet trimmed heavily with gold embroidery, the wide cuffs exposing a quantity of lace at his wrist, the front was open over a white shirt, itself still unlaced and exposing a quantity of bare chest, deeply tanned from the sun. The black trousers, into which he'd loosely tucked the shirt, hugged his thighs and legs tightly, tucked themselves into black boots that gleamed with polish.
"All he needs is a rakish hat and he'd pass for a buccaneer." Stubbs hissed in an aside to Harry, receiving an elbow in reply.
Wendy glided at his side, her hand held in Peter's, her other hand holding up her shirts as she approached across the deck.
Like Peter she was dressed in white, her gown trailing behind, the hem edged with a deep tracery of gold stitching, the skirt dropping from below her bust to sweep down her body in graceful folds before brushing her feet encased in dainty gold slippers. Her hair was simply dressed and left to hang down her back, the front tied away from her face and knotted with a profusion of gold ribbons on her crown. The bodice hugged her youthful curves to perfection, the edge decorated with more embroidery, the gauze puffed sleeves almost invisible at the top of her arms. They reached the three men waiting at the rail and halted, Peter not letting go of Wendy's hand.
Aramis went down on one knee and lifted Wendy's free hand, pressing his lips to its back. "You look beautiful my dear."
Blushing, Wendy thanked him, Stubbs and Harry copying Aramis and adding their compliments while saluting her fingers with their lips. Peter watched it all with a smug smile on his lips, happy to let his friends adore his Wendy, secure in her affections and untroubled by jealousy. He only needed to meet her eyes to know that there was no other to usurp him in her heart.
With the greetings over, Peter led Wendy to the rail, lifting them both until they stood poised, looking down the side of the ship to the ground quite some distance away, the fires and torches gleaming off the gold side and reflecting shards of light over the throng gathered below.
"Ready?" Peter asked, tightening his grip on her fingers.
"Always.." Wendy answered, her lips parting in a smile.
Without appearing to use any effort, Peter lifted off from the side of the ship and floated for a moment in front of Wendy, his other hand holding out to grasp hers before pulling her off the rail to float with him in mid air. With her secure, he pulled her in close as if they were dancing and started to slowly twirl away from the ship and above the heads of the people gathered below. As if hearing music inaudible to anyone else, Peter and Wendy dipped and swayed their way down to the ground, alighting as easily as thistledown within the circle of fires created for that purpose. Once on the ground a great cheer arose from those gathered and Peter found himself grinning widely as the various tribes of Indians that inhabited the Island circled them, the women setting up a chant while the men clapped their hands and beat on drums, filling the air with sound. Pushing his way to the front, Tomas and his tribe of Lost Boys appeared, Berry by his side, their faces painted and sporting toothy grins as they waved and capered alongside the Indians. Above all their heads the fairies danced as well, circling above the fires, weaving through and around the spirals of smoke and embers that floated ever skyward.
After several minutes of this cacophony, the sound started to die away until silence fell over the gathering, only the snap and crackle of the fires disturbing the night air. The Chief's of the tribes stepped forward, each clothed in their full regalia, accompanied by their wives. In turn, each dropped to one knee and held out a tribute, laying them at Peter and Wendy's feet. As each rose Peter spoke a few words in their language, the wives doing the same for Wendy, who blushed and thanked the woman as she accepted their gifts. After the Indians came Tomas and Berry, offering gifts made by the Lost Boys, then came the fairies who had appointed several of their number to present their gifts. To each Peter spoke to them in their language, passing each glittering present to Wendy to marvel over before placing them beside those already given.
Stubbs, Aramis and Harry approached and held out three items, one a golden chalice, another a golden plate and the third a golden casket. Aramis held out the chalice and Peter took it, turning to face Wendy.
"It's fairy nectar," Peter explained in a whisper, taking a sip and passing it to Wendy. "Very potent..." He cautioned before Wendy put her lips to the gold cup and took a sip.
"It tastes wonderful." Wendy whispered back. Having been primed aboard the ship as to this ritual, Wendy handed the goblet back to Aramis with a shy smile.
"This is a loving cup," Peter continued in a normal voice, "...when two hearts drink from it, then they become one. By accepting this cup from my hands, you accept me for your mate, and I accept you as my wife, my partner, my love for life..."
"I willingly do so." Wendy responded huskily.
Stubbs approached and held out the golden plate, two small fruits sitting waiting to be consumed. Peter took one while Wendy took the other.
"With this Neverberry, I promise to share all I have. Know that you will never go short of food or shelter for as long as I am alive." Reaching out, Peter popped the sweet fruit into Wendy's mouth. Quickly swallowing the berry, Wendy picked up the other and fed Peter, smiling as he curled his tongue around the fruit before popping it in his mouth.
"And know this, Peter Pan, that you will never go without my love for as long as I am alive." Leaning forward, Wendy placed a small kiss against his mouth, darting back before he could prolong it.
Finally Harry held out the casket and Peter opened it. Inside he lifted out a length of glittering chain with a fresh green acorn dangling from it. Wendy lowered her head for him to lift it over and around her neck, the acorn settling just above the edge of her bodice. Delving back into the casket Peter produced a ring, a simple band of gold that he slipped on Wendy's hand where it gleamed in the light of the torches.
Wendy also reached into the box and found the rings partner, several sizes bigger than hers but just as plain. Slipping it on Peter's finger she held his hand up to her lips and kissed it, Peter's fingers closing over hers when she lifted her head.
"To have and to hold, from this day forward, forever and always, my love and my life." said Peter, his eyes never leaving hers as he raised her hand and kissed it.
"To have and to hold...forever." Wendy repeated, not resisting the tug of his fingers as he drew her close and covered her mouth with his, Wendy sinking against him and giving up her all as she wound her arms about Peter's neck and kissed him back. As the crowd gave vent to their satisfaction and jubilation, a flock of fairies approached the couple and performed an intricate manoeuver above their heads, two crowns fashioned of gilded leaves appearing in the air and slowly descending to the two heads so close together, the coronets settling on each despite their owners being quite oblivious to the honor. The crowd around them whooped and hollered even louder, the flames of the fires and torches leaping and flaring as bodies capered and danced in celebration. Overhead the fairies joined in by fluttering in the night sky and spiraling upwards then floating down again to weave their patterns in the air.
Still entwined, Peter and Wendy started to slowly ascend, spiraling up with the cloud of fairies fluttering around them, the people on the ground cheering and clapping as the couple finally ended their kiss, staring down at the crowd below before dancing in a wide circle, their entourage of fairies following them. When they had completed a circuit above the heads of the people below, Peter brought them back to the circle where Aramis, Stubbs and Harry waited, grinning up at the young people with unabashed pleasure.
As they touched down, Harry stepped forward and caught Peter's eye.
"Do I get to kiss the bride Peter?" Not waiting for an answer, Harry swept Wendy into his arms and planted a smacking kiss on her lips, Wendy laughing as she found herself passed over to Stubbs who hugged her tightly then kissed both cheeks before planting a kiss on her lips. Still laughing she found herself in Aramis' arms, staring up into the still handsome face, his eyes twinkling down at her.
"There was never a more bonny lass to walk through the doors of my bookshop. He's a lucky lad." Dipping his head, he brushed his lips against Wendy's cheek then set her on her feet.
"Thank you...thank you all for everything you've done for us," Wendy breathed, Peter's arm coming around her waist to draw her close.
"It was a pleasure to serve you both," Aramis assured her, bowing to Peter before taking his leave. Stubbs stepped forward and held out his hand to Peter.
"I suppose you'll not be wanting the Nymph now...but if you ever have need of a first mate..."
"I'll always have need of you, Mister Stubbs...and the Nymph will still need a fine Captain. Do you know anyone who might be interested?"
"Captain?" Stubbs beamed at Peter, pumping his hand up and down enthusiastically. "I'd be right glad to take up the position."
"I was sure you would." Peter grinned, extracting his hand from Stubbs punishing grip and shaking it to restore its circulation.
Harry slapped Stubbs on the back in congratulations and the two friends walked away into the throng of people dancing about the fires.
Finding themselves alone for a brief moment, Peter turned to face Wendy, who clasped her hands about his waist and tilted her head up to look at him.
"Well, Queen Wendy...are you happy?"
"Very much so King Peter...this has all been a wonderful dream, one I hope I never wake up from."
"And you never shall. Do you want to stay..?" He canted his head to the side to indicate the rowdy crowd enjoying themselves all around them.
"Is there somewhere we need to be?"
"I was thinking that we could go down to the Mermaid Lagoon for a brief visit then find ourselves a quiet corner and maybe..." He waggled his eyebrows, leering unashamedly.
Wendy giggled and buried her face against his coat. "Peter!"
"I'll take that to mean yes."
Lifting her head she gazed adoringly at him and smiled. "Yes."
Suddenly impatient, Peter grasped her hand and turned to find Aramis, dragging Wendy along behind him in his search for the Captain. When they finally found the trio partaking of some heady Indian beer, Peter succinctly informed them what the new King and Queen were going to do, eliciting a knowing look from their three friends.
"Enjoy your honeymoon, we'll send out a search party in a weeks time!"
With the good wishes and the hearty laughter of their friends ringing in their ears, Peter hustled Wendy to the outskirts of the happy throng, Wendy holding on to her leaf crown with one hand as Peter hauled her along. Once clear of the people, Peter gathered her close and lifted them both into the air, flying swiftly over the moonlit trees towards the coast of Neverland and Mermaid Lagoon.
The sea was calm, barely a ripple disturbing its surface as they touched down on the flat rocks bordering the bay. While Peter crouched down to call the Merfolk, Wendy shook out her skirts and adjusted her crown, waiting nervously for the appearance of the Mermaids.
"They're here." Peter announced, getting to his feet and taking Wendy's hand. Together they watched as a multitude of dark heads broke the surface of the sea, dark eyes piercing the night before diving below the surface and swimming powerfully for the rocks. Remembering the powerful effect of the Mermaids gaze, Wendy kept her eyes lowered, only peeping at the creatures as they clustered around the flat rock, staring with knowing eyes up at Peter. Before anyone could speak the sea erupted further out and a large, bristling form leapt out of the water like a whale breaching, diving back under the sea, a ripple showing it swimming towards them at speed. Wendy drew back but Peter's firm hand kept her by his side.
"It's the Emerald Guardian." Peter whispered, reassuring her.
The Mermaids parted to allow the Guardian to approach, water from the Merman's bow wave almost swamping the rock on which Peter and Wendy stood. Rearing up on his tale, the Guardian stood out of the sea, water streaming off his body and raised spines, leaving him gleaming blackly like obsidian against the moonlit surface.
"We meet again, King of the Three Realms, and welcome his Queen."
"You knew, didn't you?" Peter asked, "You knew I had the power to restore her to me, but you didn't tell me."
The giant Merman shrugged, his spines rattling. "You weren't in the mood to listen, so I left you to find out for yourself. There's isn't much now that you can't do...if you've a mind to it."
"Aren't you afraid I'll use that power for bad as well as good?"
"No. The day you use your power for something other than the good of Neverland and its people, it will be taken from you and you will lose everything you hold dear. I would think that sufficient incentive to keep a reign on the possibility of corruption."
"A strong incentive indeed," Peter agreed, not abashed one whit.
"I have no doubts you will make an excellent ruler, and with your mate by your side, will create a golden future for your heirs to inherit."
At his side, Wendy blushed furiously and looked down at her feet, Peter's fingers squeezing hers reassuringly.
"I think I'll get use to being a King before I worry about being a Father." Peter joked, glancing sideways at Wendy and missing the look that passed over the Guardians face.
A gust of laughter drew his eyes back to the Guardian, the Merfolk also smiling as if sharing a common joke.
"What's so funny?" Peter smiled. The Guardian grinned at them and bowed towards them.
"Fate has taken a hand in that as well...as you will find out in due course. I wish you well, Peter Pan, we Merfolk are always at your service."
"Thank you Guardian...I would ask you a question before we leave you."
"Ask what you will, but I think I know what you are going to say...Yes you killed Hook, but no he is not dead. His part in this, as a tool for the Keeper, was not his true fate. He is gone from Neverland and will not bother you or yours again, but he is not dead."
"Where is he?"
"I decided, after your visit to my grotto, that I needed to return to the world outside. There is a new guardian within the caves, to take care of the treasures hidden in their depths, as I once did, so he will do."
"Hook!" Peter exclaimed.
"Was it...won't he...is he being...punished, being sent there?" Wendy asked.
"His crimes were many and heinous, but I think he'll find his new...position, within the realm of Neverland, to be less onerous than one might think. He will live out his days among the caves and passages of the mountain and think on his former life. In time, who knows, he might even come to think well of his new home."
Peter felt a shudder go through Wendy and he felt it time to end their visit with the Merfolk. The Guardian sensed it and bowed again before diving into the sea, the Mermaids following in a froth of glittering ripples, the sea quickly returning to its smooth calm.
Gathering Wendy's shivering form against his side, Peter flew them away from the shore and back over the jungle, the night air silky against his face. Wendy remained silent at his side, her face unreadable in the shifting light of the moon. He took them towards the Northern end of the island, as far from the looming Volcano as possible. There he set them down softly within a clearing of flowering trees, their scent perfuming the air. In the center of the clearing was a raised dais covered over with a loosely woven canopy interlaced with flowers that added their perfume to the night. The platform was thickly covered in luxurious furs to form a bed and a filmy curtain lined the inside of the canopy and formed a curtain tied back at the front. Peter led Wendy towards it and she followed, still not speaking until they stood at the foot of the two steps leading up and there she stopped.
"I almost wish the Guardian had left him dead." Wendy whispered, her head down bent as she fiddled with her dress.
"Wendy...wherever Hook is, he's not here now...and we are. Don't you like your wedding bed?"
Blinking, Wendy stared up at him then at the bower, as if seeing it for the first time. "Oh..." then she looked again. "Oh my."
"It's a gift from the fairies and folk of the forest. No-one knows where it is except them, so we'll be entirely private and alone, just the two of us."
"Oh Peter..." Wendy breathed, suddenly shy. "It's very...beautiful, and very big."
"Forget them Wendy...forget them all." Peter whispered against her ear, wrapping his arms around her from behind and hugging her close to his chest. "Tonight is just for us...this is just for us."
Turning her slowly around he gazed down into her face, seeing the stars reflected in her eyes. Sliding his hands down her arms he laced his fingers with hers. "Come..."
Leading her to the platform, he climbed on top of the furs, drawing Wendy behind him until they were both laying face to face, moonlight filtering through the branches of the flowering vines, their sweet perfume scenting the night air. Sitting up, Peter shed his velvet coat and tossed it down beside the bed, kicking off his boots before pulling his shirt off over his head. Wendy watched him with luminous eyes, her hand reaching out to stroke over his torso as he lay down again beside her.
Reaching up he plucked the leaf crown from her head and tossed it to join his which had been pulled off with his shirt.
"Now...Queen of my heart...where were we.."
Leaning down he covered her mouth with his warm lips, teasing them until she opened to him, his tongue darting out to meet hers in unbearable sweetness. When he lifted his head minutes later, Wendy lay gazing mistily up at him, a sheen of tears forming in her eyes, taking him aback.
"What's the matter...why are you crying?"
"Oh Peter...I just realised what the Guardian meant...oh no, I know why he laughed!"
Peter gave her a puzzled look, Wendy meeting his look with one that was a mixture of fear and apprehension.
Swallowing hard, Wendy closed her eyes and passed a hand over her face before looking at him again.
"What is it?" Peter demanded, fear spiking at the unknown.
"I think...I think...no, it's can't be, it's too soon!"
"WHAT!" Peter shouted, Wendy cringing back as he roared at her.
"I think...I'm pregnant." She whispered back.
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TBC...