AN – There is an encounter of another dead body in this chapter so anyone
who gets a little squeamish easily, turn away now. I'll admit, I've never
seen a dead body before and really don't know the first thing about them, I
think I'd just faint! I really don't how long it takes for a body to change
colour or start to smell ewwh or what!? (And by God I pray I never will.)
Instead I've used my imagination so it could be completely wrong but what
the hey, it's in the story.
On another note, has any one listened to the 'Brother Bear' soundtrack? It
so cool and inspired me to get on writing with this chapter. So for you
guys out there, this is for you!
Disclaimer – I own nothing expect Sarah, other minor character s and places. Everything else belongs to the genius of J. M Barrie
Chapter twenty three – First sightings of the old camp.
The morning in the old underground was strange to everyone. New smells were in the air and the light was dissimilar. Something even more different to the tribe was the sense of security in which they hadn't felt in a while.
Nibs had been up for a while and was now in the centre of the old underground passing the time away. He'd put water on to boil and was currently deciding whether or not he should wash now while there was no one about or take the chance and wash outside, hoping Peter wasn't out for a morning walk. In the end, Nibs dismissed the idea as the sounds of female voices echoed down one of the passages.
"Hi Nibs!" Spring smiled as she walked with Meg.
"Mornin'." Nibs said in which he hoped didn't sound too rude. As much as he liked the young girl, he also knew who she fancied and he didn't like the idea of her snuggling up to him, waiting for the others to have breakfast.
Thankfully Jake came into the open space rubbing his tired eyes.
It was instantly that Nibs' tone was happier.
"Mornin' Jake, sleep well?"
Jake looked over to Nibs noticing the older young man warily watching Spring and Meg as they got some water.
"Mm, not really. Had a dream."
"Wanna talk about it?" Nibs asked.
"No it's okay." Jake paused after he spoke and gratefully looked at Nibs.
Looking at Jake, Nibs noticed the younger boy looking far better than he had in days. His smile now passed on his face but hadn't developed to his eyes yet. Nibs knew people would feel the same sympathy to him about Curly but he didn't let them. His own grumpiness stood in the way of people trying to pry into his feelings and emotions. The very thought of Curly made Nibs miss the sentence that was spoken to him.
"Away with the faeries?" Slightly asked running a hand through his black hair.
"I wish." Nibs muttered in a low voice, rubbing his own cheek.
Giving a moment between themselves, Slightly turned to the taller young man.
"About today, you know what you're doing right?"
"Sure."
"Right." Slightly sighed.
Nibs looked to the new leader's face and noticed the darker circles creeping under his eyes. Nibs felt sorry for the dark haired young man whose accent was crisper and English than anyone apart from John. It was obvious the safety of the tribe and all his responsibilities of making sure everyone could survive were lying heavy on him at the present time and were showing. In the days when Peter was leader, it never seemed like he had a worry in the world, let alone a dark circle under his eye.
Nibs placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "It'll be alright." Nibs said quietly with the tiniest smile of reassurance before leaving the area.
Slightly nodded in agreement but never let Nibs see the anxiousness in his eyes.
"Hey sleepy head."
Sarah fluttered her eyes open at the warm voice. Stretching like a cat and moaning in her throat as she curled up into a ball.
Nibs smiled at her. "I have that effect on you?"
"No....I'm just tired." Sarah muttered before curling into a tighter ball.
Nibs lay down next to her, facing her.
"You still here?" Sarah jokingly asked in a tired voice, opening one eye.
"Well if you're gonna be like that." Nibs huffed carrying on the joke.
"Nooooo." Sarah yawned, stretching her arms out in his direction, beckoning him.
Nibs smirked and fell into her embrace.
"Why did you wake me?" Sarah asked, yawning again.
Nibs watched her and found himself yawning.
"I'm going to the old camp."
Sarah, who had closed both eyes, opened them quickly with a slight frown.
"What if Peter's back?"
"I don't think he will be."
"Are you gonna get stuff?"
"No."
"What if you bump into Winter?"
"I'll send her our regards." Nibs smirked maliciously.
Sarah gave raised her eye brows in a mock telling off before smirking as well.
"Can I go with you?" She asked cautiously.
Nibs looked at her for a moment.
"Slightly only wanted me to go..."
"You need someone to watch your back." Sarah stated.
"Maybe."
"What does that mean?" Sarah pouted.
"Maybe you need to cover my back and maybe I want you to come too."
"Good." Sarah smirked and snuggled into him a little closer. "When do we leave?"
"I said maybe, it wasn't definite."
Sarah's smile deflated as she noticed Nibs was being serious.
"You think I can't handle myself?" Sarah asked sadly and disbelieving.
"I didn't say that Sarah."
Sarah didn't answer but looked at him.
"If Peter is there I don't want him to find you."
"He'll find me anyway...he always somehow does. It just a matter of time before word spreads that we're in the jungle at the old underground."
Nibs had to mentally agree with her.
"So what?" He asked "Do we tell Slightly and both go?"
"Of course."
"Well you better get up then." Nibs grinned.
"Wait." Sarah said quickly in a panic sort of voice.
"What?" Nibs asked with concern.
"Just five more minutes." Sarah purred placing a light kiss on his lips before she curled back into a ball facing away from him.
Nibs smirked after the kiss but reluctantly got up. "I'll let you get ready."
As Sarah stepped out of the underground, she was surprised to see how beautiful the area looked. Memories flooding back to her when the lost tribe weren't prisoners to their own home. Nibs caught her eye as he stood tall. He knew she was there but was busying himself.
Sarah turned to the new entrance and saw Slightly watching them leave. She smiled lightly and put up her hand in a sort of wave. He nodded in return.
"What you doing?" Sarah asked coming closer to Nibs.
Nibs turned to her and showed her the holder that had his arrows in. "Just gettin' prepared."
Sarah frowned to herself and Nibs caught the frown.
"Something wrong?" He asked.
"No."
Nibs frowned then raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a weapon?"
"Mmm?" Sarah said before raising her eye brows and pulling her bag off her shoulder.
Nibs watched curiously.
"Nibs, look."
Sarah opened her bag and showed Nibs the contents.
"Where did you get that?" Nibs asked.
Sarah pulled the small gun from her bag, her hands fiddly over it.
"Whoa, be careful Sarah." Nibs quickly said as he took the gun from her clumsy hands. "Do you know how to work one?"
"Well it can't be that hard can it?"
"Just remind me how to show you to use one later okay?"
"Okay." Sarah frowned, puzzled.
"Now, you ready?" Nibs asked taking a sigh.
"Let's go." Sarah nodded.
It wasn't far and much of a trek but Sarah found herself pulling faces every time she stumbled in a ditch or caught her foot on a root. She huffed and growled as each time she caught Nibs smirking at her.
The sun was bright and wasn't too hot yet. Sarah lifted her face to the sun when they came to a large ray shining into the trees, warming up a large part of land.
"Life would be great if all we had to do was worry about whether the sun was going to be out or not." Sarah said her eyes closed as she stood on the spot, her face turned up to the sun.
Nibs looked over to her and found himself smiling. Sarah almost had a glowing persona around her, her tanned face gleamed and her blonde hair shined golden. The top she wore had bare arms and her small shoulders were smooth and unblemished. She wore her usual three quarter skirt that showed part of her tanned legs. They weren't as tanned as Nibs' body in comparison, but the colour was beautiful. There were moments like this when Sarah's natural beauty shone dramatically, that Nibs lost his breath. He was confused that a man like James Hook could find such beauty in a girl like Sarah when he lived in a world of fancy dress and masking. When Nibs first saw some women in Ravens town, their faces caked in what looked like a mask of white, their looks turned into that of a rich girl's china doll, he was repulsed and couldn't find anything attractive. Nibs now knew there was more to Hook than met the eye. He had fine taste in everything and everything he had, needed or wanted was for a purpose or had subsequent desire. There had obviously been something eye-catching about Sarah the minute he'd laid eyes on her.
At that moment Sarah opened her eyes and turned her face to Nibs, smiling at him. Her bright green eyes shone like the most expensive emerald gemstones. Nibs smiled at her sincerely, his heart skipping a beat as he did so.
"Not want to enjoy the sun?" Sarah asked.
Nibs half smiled with his lips together and shook his head slowly.
Sarah smiled but frowned playfully, inclining her head slightly at his dismissal.
Nibs walked to her, stood to the side of her, his body facing her.
"What?" Sarah asked intrigued.
"I just want to look at you and remember this moment."
Sarah frowned.
"You look so beautiful, it hurts." Nibs said as he indicated unknowingly to his heart.
Sarah didn't say anything, as her heart beat quickened and her cheeks blushed, her smiling creeping on the corners of her lips.
Nibs place a light kiss on her bare shoulder and the impact of his lips on her warm skin made her shiver.
"Nibs, I haven't had a wash, I'll smell." Sarah said sheepishly.
"I wouldn't care." He replied genuinely.
A cluster of birds flew above the canopy and through the ray of light, making it dance across Sarah's face and making her eyes sparkle.
Nibs leant in slowly and brushed his lips over hers. Sarah moved her body to face his slowly and was able to feel everything about the kiss. The pressure of his soft lips, the way he titled his chin and side of his face, making his skin brush against hers. Sarah felt the bristles of facial hair Nibs had that morning and suddenly felt in the presence of an older Nibs. Sarah found her hands intertwined into his own, or maybe his hands had found hers. Their bodies leant into each others and Sarah could feel the firmness of his chest and the strength that his whole body seemed to possess as the kiss became more.
Sarah looked up to Nibs and her heart melted as he wore the same look on his face as she did. His grey eyes warm and relaxed, the frown line he always wore, disappeared. Sarah brushed a lock of brown hair from his face and ran a finger along his strong jaw line, the short bristles of facial hair scratching her fingertips.
"Facial hair." Sarah said half in a question, half in a statement.
"Just a little. Couldn't be bothered to shave."
"Which reminds me, when we have time, can we go down to Pearl sands? I want to pick up some shells."
"Sure, I need to too."
"Isn't it weird trying to start over again. It'll be nice if Peter hasn't destroyed everything in sight so we can salvage stuff." Sarah spoke thoughtfully.
"But not yet."
"Yeah I know."
Nibs looked at Sarah and brought her into a hug, settling a kiss on the top of her now warm hair. "We better get going."
Sarah's eyes widened as the camp approached. It wasn't as if she was extremely in touch with things or as spiritual as the Indians but a great sense of despair and hurt flooded through her as the sight of the demolished camp that lay metres before her.
Both she and Nibs walked slowly and carefully through the bushes and trees into a section of the open area that was used as a meeting place. The broken dinner table was shattered completely and mess lay everywhere. Nibs stopped and frowned catching a glimpse of something that looked awfully familiar.
"Sarah wait here, keep hidden." Nibs whispered.
Sarah thought Nibs was going to walk into the middle of the meeting place but instead backed out of the trees and set off. Sarah assumed he was doing some kind of perimeter check. Truthfully, Sarah believed Peter wasn't around. She thought her nervousness would overcome her and make her unable to enter the old camp but she was wrong. The only reason she wanted to go in the first place was to hopefully find Peter and end things. Morally it's wrong to kill someone, of course it is but Sarah's hate for Peter was matched be many who thought the same and although in the end, it was most likely be Nibs who would be the one to kill Peter for everyone. She wanted to be the one to help and it was only because every time she heard his name, her blood boiled with such heat that she thought the very nightmares that had become inflicted within her of him would drive her insane.
After thinking these thoughts, Sarah noticed Nibs return, his eyes focused and his body completely on alert. It was the Nibs that everyone but Sarah was used to.
"I don't think he's here, but be ready to run."
Sarah swallowed and tried to make light of what he said as he finished with a little smile. Nibs could run well but Sarah knew it she tried, a fall was almost certain.
Nibs walked into the clearing in a direction that Sarah thought he'd planned. He walked to a large tub that looked like it had something half in it. Sarah wasn't too sure because Nibs' body was blocking the scene. Sarah started to walk over looking around the whole area. She caught Nibs turn his back on the object he was looking at. It seemed as though he was taking a couple of breaths. Sarah frowned and headed over to Nibs. It became apparent that the scene wasn't pleasant by the way Nibs face was full of appal.
"Nibs?" Sarah asked coming closer.
"Sarah." Nibs said as he held out a hand to stop her coming closer.
"What is it?" She asked poking her head around him.
She gasped as she saw a body slumped half in the water. She was female and her dark hair floated in the murky water. The extremely pale grey feet and shins of the body had had some visitors tasting her, open wounds that were now diseased and lingered in a sickly green or brownish red. Obviously some smallish animal, nothing like a bear or a wolf, had tried but failed to take the body or eat her.
Sarah retreated back stumbling over a piece of broken chair. She landed on her ass but couldn't care less about the numbing pain. She put a hand to her mouth as it was open in shock, a nauseating smell was beginning to linger.
Nibs took off his backpack and carefully put down his bow. He looked up and around the area hopping to find something he could cover Winter in.
"Help me find a blanket or something." Nibs finally said after getting his breath back.
"Erm?" Sarah mumbled as she was still caught up in shock. "Why?"
Nibs knew Sarah's tone meant she was still shocked and it hadn't come out to mean spite.
"We need to cover her, put her at rest."
"Nibs, Slightly didn't want any sign of us being here. You said yourself I couldn't take things."
"This is different Sarah. We can't leave her like this, it's inhumane. Would you want to be left like this after your spirit was gone?"
Sarah had flash backs of seeing Jack and Curly and the sombre aftermath of their burial. Bright orange touches lighting the way for their spirits to be free, along with the blazing fire after their bodies had been buried. The haunting songs the Indians sang with the drum beat that sounded like distant thunder. Finally, the blue black night filled with stars that signalled their peace.
A shiver must have passed over Sarah's face because Nibs crouched down and held her. He parted from her and gave her a sympathetic look before urging her to help him.
"We have to do this."
Sarah looked up to him, her face saying 'there'll be consequences'.
He seemed to read her face and looked guilty down for half a second knowing Peter would find out someone had been. He dismissed the look and Sarah found herself looking into the eyes of the silent warrior, determined. His bravery was hailed to be stupid sometimes, but his stupidity was bold and often had a good outcome as well.
Sarah laid out the blanket that she'd found, ironically Winter's own as she recognised the patterns on it to be a gift Wendy had made with help from the Indians.
Nibs took Winter under the arm pits and hauled her out, her body limp, cold and dripping in dirty water. As much as he wanted to not look at her face, her weight went onto his chest and he had to step backwards and lay her on her back as so not to drop her.
Sarah gasped as she saw Winter's face, frozen in horror, her eyes open.
Nibs coughed and shook his arms from the water once he's put her down. His shirt was dripping in the foul water and his body was ridged from holding her. Sarah admired the fact Nibs did not only to think of pulling her out of the water, but also to physically. They didn't really know how long she'd been dead for, and although it wasn't a really long time, it was still psychologically disturbing to have to deal with a dead body and Sarah praised the fact that Nibs was able to do that although his face said different.
"Do we have time to burry her?" Sarah asked as Nibs used the palm of his hand to close her eyes.
"We have to make time." He replied wrapping the body with the blanket, then another one he found, bounding some vines around her.
"We should take her away from this place. Peter may want to know why the earth was disturbed. As much as she deserves to be left, I couldn't face it if Peter brought her out and left her like he already has."
"I don't think the Indians will accept her buried in their lands, but there is unmarked territory near the plains. We'll take her there and burry her. No one deserves to be left, even if there loyalty faltered and they dishonoured the tribe."
"She was under the influence of Peter." Sarah stated sadly.
After a quick look around, Sarah picked up Nibs' things and Nibs hoisted Winter's deceased body over his shoulder, telling himself to breath through his mouth.
There were still things that Sarah thought could be easily fixed and taken to be used in the old underground, but now was not the time or the moment.
"What the fuck!?" Slightly stated louder than he expected when he saw Nibs and Sarah approach. Apparently he couldn't tear himself away from 'look out post'.
It was lucky that it was only Slightly on guard and that everyone else was busy, otherwise they would have been in for a shock.
"Shhh." Sarah mentioned with her index finger across her lips.
Slightly frowned at first and walked over to the pair.
"I told you not to take anything, didn't I?"
"This was important." Nibs stated.
"How important?" Slightly asked obviously having worked out the consequences of taking anything from the old camp would eventually lead Peter.
"It's Winter." Sarah stated sadly.
"We couldn't leave her there Slightly. It was my decision." Nibs spoke.
Slightly rubbed a hand over his face. It was a motion of anxiousness and consideration.
"Should the others know about this?" Sarah asked as Nibs put Winter on the ground carefully.
"No." Slightly stated coming over to Nibs. Then pulled a face as he obviously noticed a different smell around the area.
"I thought we could take her to the plains near the Indian lands, bury her there."
Slightly looked exasperated. "Nibs how much time do you think we have on our hands!!!??? Peter is probably seconds away from stepping foot on Neverland and you want to go off on a little adventure and bury someone who betrayed the trip, who obviously told Peter where we'd been hiding. If she hadn't had done that, your best friend may still be alive...."
Nibs' anger flared through his body. He only thought he was doing the right thing, the humane thing. He couldn't have left Winter that way, it was sick. Nibs balled his fists and Sarah noticed preparing to take his hand and hopefully stop the oncoming argument.
"Fuck Slightly." Nibs sighed. "You know you would have done the same fucking thing!" If, just if you'd seen her, her fucking grey body and frozen eyes, you would've done the same thing!" Nibs growled.
"Yes, yes I probably would have but not now." Slightly replied, hands on his hips.
"Yes now!" Nibs barked back. "Do you think we should take this inside?" Sarah asked timidly, as both young men glared at each other with fierce looks.
"No." Nibs declared, hoping as an after thought that it wasn't too harsh of a tone at Sarah.
"I make the orders here Nibs." Slightly spoke dangerously.
Nibs bit back what he was about to say when he saw the look on Sarah's face, a pleading kind.
"Fine, at least let us bury her near. That way if we all help it should be done quickly." Nibs mentioned.
"I'll get some of the boys." Slightly finished and headed inside, his brows low to his dark eyes.
Nibs and Sarah watched him go and turned to each other. Nibs opened his mouth to speak but Sarah shook her head.
"Later." She said, holding her head back to the sun, desperately wishing things to be ok.
In all honesty it could have been a day or two to get Winter buried in the plains and although it wasn't really a pleasant thought to know a dead body was near your house, at least they knew no more harm would come to her body and that her spirit hopefully was free.
Slightly did mention it to the tribe but no one seemed really bothered. They were angry at first and denied that she should be buried on their land. When Nibs butt in to tell how he and Sarah had seen her, many stated to be quiet. Others were fuming like Slightly, that the pair hadn't salvaged things for the tribe. What was the point if they'd move the thing Peter was most likely to notice and hadn't gotten anything while they could?
The afternoon went by dismally and many didn't look at Nibs or Sarah in the eye. They said a couple pf things like it was good to bring her body back and such, but they left the comments there and went about their own routines. Another reason why the tribe were bitter was because many had to sacrifice their own blankets to cover Winter more, so her whole body was wrapped up before she was buried.
The afternoon soon was still warm and left a beautiful pink and orange sky. Nibs had stayed quiet for quite a while now and it suddenly dawned on him that he should definitely wash before the tribe ate. Washing you hands, which he had done a couple of times wasn't enough.
Sarah was helping cook the meal with some of the tribe, but yet again it was a broth of some kind and really not that mouth watering.
Nibs picked up his rucksack and added a pair of spare trousers that he carried with him.
He walked into the main area and was thankful Slightly wasn't there. He caught sight of Sarah a beckoned her over with his head.
She wiped her hands and headed over.
"What?"
"If anyone asks, tell them I've gone out and shouldn't be too long."
Sarah frowned "Where you going?"
"I'm finally going to get round and wash, plus I need to wash my clothes, especially after today."
Sarah looked at Nibs bare arms and face and saw the dirt streaks that had occurred from burring Winter.
"Wait, I'll come with you, I want to wash some things." Sarah spoke quietly and softly before scurrying along a tunnel to her room.
A few eyes were watching her and a few eye brows were raised but apart from that, everything looked fine and free from questions until they'd get back.
"Slightly'll be mad you know."
"I'm sorry but I have to wash and besides, there's no rule about waiting for the leader to command you to bathe is there?" Nibs replied a couple of metres from where he intended to wash.
"I know, but? We should have told him."
"He doesn't need to know everything."
"He's only concerned for the welfare of the tribe Nibs."
"And with that what he doesn't know won't hurt him. This'll be one more problem to plague his mind; I don't want to do that to him."
"I suppose."
The pair had reached a small water fall, not nearly as impressive as the bigger waterfalls on the other side of the Island, but equally as enchanting. A flock of tropical birds called their soothing voices to one another as the sun started to glow a vibrant orange.
Exotic plants framed the water fall as the soothing sound of it falling became a little louder as they drew closer.
Sarah sat on the bank, took her shoes offs and plunged her feet in the water. Although he water was warm, it had an added sense that it was cooling, because it flowed through her toes calmly. A small sigh escaped from her lips and she leant back on her arms and closed her eyes.
"What if they were Piranhas in there?" Nibs asked.
Sarah opened her eyes and looked at him. "There's none." She replied.
"That's what you think." Nibs smirked, turning his back to her and opening his rucksack.
At his knowing tone, Sarah quickly brought her feet out of the water.
Nibs laughed.
"Really, are there?" Sarah asked apprehensively looking into the water.
Nibs turned around to her. "Probably, but I just take my chances."
"I'm not washing things, if they're in there."
"Sarah." Nibs asked lightly.
Sarah looked at him.
"Don't worry." He smiled.
An awkward silence came between them as Nibs started to pull his shirt over his body.
Sarah caught a glimpse of his toned stomach that had the scar James had given him. She looked quickly away but then caught her gaze with his.
"Err, I'll just be over here, washing my things." Sarah mumbled picking up her bag and turning her back on him. Praying to God she didn't look like an idiot while starring.
Nibs finally did remove his shirt but walked closer to the actual water fall. He climbed over some large rocks and headed down.
It was a very secluded part of the water fall as it was three quarters covered by rocks and just off the actual water fall. The sheltering rocks were perfect for privacy and let in its own mini water fall, as jets of water came off the main one to the side, into the secluded rocks.
Sarah looked up to see Nibs had gone. She frowned and looked around, in all honesty hoping to catch a glimpse of him in the water, she knew he was a terrific swimmer so she settled her gaze on the welcoming water surrounding the water fall. After a couple of minutes and no sign of Nibs, Sarah began to worry.
"Nibs where are you?"
"Give me a moment Sarah."
A hand came up from behind some rocks and Sarah apprehensively walked towards it, picking up her things as she did so.
Nibs' back was turned towards her and he was under the tiny version of the water fall. Sarah's breath caught in her throat as she studied the back of his body. His back rippled every time he raised an arm to reach out and wash part of his body. Sarah gaze rested on one part of his body she could see, his ass. It looked so smooth and firm and in the end, extremely touchable. Deciding a closer look would do no harm, Sarah stepped onto a rock a peered down. It was lucky for her the little cove of rocks held a deep water and a smooth bottom; otherwise she may have extremely hurt herself.
"Oh shit!" Sarah mumbled as she fell into the water.
Nibs turned around quickly wiping his eyes of excess water to see what was happening. He turned fully round and Sarah was gasped and ducked under the water. It may have been a wise move some other time but the fact Nibs was naked and the water came up to his waist where he was standing, she caught a full view of him and gasped under the water again, never feeling as embarrassed as she did then. She felt a hand grab her arm and help her steady herself in the water.
"Are you okay?" Nibs asked concerned.
Sarah tightened her lips and brought them into her mouth and nodded with wide eyes.
"I wasn't spying, I was looking for you, you were gone!"
Nibs looked at her a smirked. "Yeah, yeah."
Sarah tutted. "Well if I'd been bathing, I bet you would have spied on me!" She said stated crossing her arms. "You do know you're still naked?"
"Yeah, someone interrupted my shower." Nibs smiled.
"And you're not embarrassed?"
"I would be if it was anyone else but you." Nibs replied.
Sarah grinned at him and rolled her eyes playfully. "Now I'm all wet." She stated looking at her soaked top which was quickly moulding itself to her chest.
"I bet." Nibs replied. Although his comment was quiet, Sarah heard it and looked at him.
Nibs had a look that Sarah had only seen when he had stayed in Ravens town in her apartment. It was hungry and needing.
Another trill from some exotic bird filled the air and Sarah smiled as she heard it.
Nibs leant into kiss her and she willing let him, feeling that rising heat in her at the contact of his bare body against hers. She gasped in the kiss as she felt his erection pressed against her stomach.
Nibs released her from the kiss and smiled placing a kiss on her fore head.
He got out the water and grabbed their things quickly securing them in a hidden dry spot.
Sarah smiled when he made an elegant dive into the water, seeming extremely unconscious about his naked form. He swam further to the main water fall and beckoned her over.
Sarah smiled and wadded through the water with a frown. Her clothes were restricting her swimming. She peeled them off her body feeling no nerves to be naked in front of Nibs, Knowing that she wanted this as much as he did. She swam to the deeper part of the water and Nibs smiled at her grace in the water that she seemed to have.
Nibs grinned again as they wadded strongly. The current the crashing water was making wasn't to overpowering, but enough to make you work hard to stay on the spot.
"Take a deep breath and don't let go of my hand." Nibs shouted against the rumbling water.
Sarah nodded and Nibs led her under the crashing water.
When they emerged, they swam for another three seconds to the ledge behind the water fall. Sarah was surprised to see a little opening that led to a tiny dry alcove. He pulled himself out of the water and offered a hand to pull her out too.
When they both stood it was very dark. A little bit of light came though the cascading water but apart from that it was very dark.
In a way, it was exciting to know that you had to use all your senses apart from sight to find things.
Nibs pulled Sarah down and she was surprised to feel a fur of some kind on the floor further into the alcove.
"This is new." Sarah smirked but she doubted Nibs could see her face properly.
"I found it ages ago, when you were still in the lost tribe. I'm glad to say the fur is now finally dried, as you can see, not much sun light gets in here.
"Hmm." Sarah agreed trying to look around.
"But the best thing, I've yet to show you." Sarah waited and understood that Nibs was feeling around the walls. "I just hope no ones found this place." He added.
As if on cue, Sarah heard a scrapping noise which she identified as a stone across a stone. A bright white flared settling to an orange glow on a pile of what Sarah assumed was moss or twigs in a mini alcove. A tiny fire burned dimly and the small amount of light made a dramatic difference. Sarah watched Nibs as he went to two more shelve like alcoves and lit two candles.
"Da, da." He called, as the light settled in the small area.
Sarah smiled.
"This is a place I found out about, became a little sanctuary, not practical for most things and you have to get wet to come here, but it comes in handy if you want to escape from the world." Nibs said looking around at his own handy work.
The light flicked in the space and cast a warm little glow which Sarah would always remember.
Disclaimer – I own nothing expect Sarah, other minor character s and places. Everything else belongs to the genius of J. M Barrie
Chapter twenty three – First sightings of the old camp.
The morning in the old underground was strange to everyone. New smells were in the air and the light was dissimilar. Something even more different to the tribe was the sense of security in which they hadn't felt in a while.
Nibs had been up for a while and was now in the centre of the old underground passing the time away. He'd put water on to boil and was currently deciding whether or not he should wash now while there was no one about or take the chance and wash outside, hoping Peter wasn't out for a morning walk. In the end, Nibs dismissed the idea as the sounds of female voices echoed down one of the passages.
"Hi Nibs!" Spring smiled as she walked with Meg.
"Mornin'." Nibs said in which he hoped didn't sound too rude. As much as he liked the young girl, he also knew who she fancied and he didn't like the idea of her snuggling up to him, waiting for the others to have breakfast.
Thankfully Jake came into the open space rubbing his tired eyes.
It was instantly that Nibs' tone was happier.
"Mornin' Jake, sleep well?"
Jake looked over to Nibs noticing the older young man warily watching Spring and Meg as they got some water.
"Mm, not really. Had a dream."
"Wanna talk about it?" Nibs asked.
"No it's okay." Jake paused after he spoke and gratefully looked at Nibs.
Looking at Jake, Nibs noticed the younger boy looking far better than he had in days. His smile now passed on his face but hadn't developed to his eyes yet. Nibs knew people would feel the same sympathy to him about Curly but he didn't let them. His own grumpiness stood in the way of people trying to pry into his feelings and emotions. The very thought of Curly made Nibs miss the sentence that was spoken to him.
"Away with the faeries?" Slightly asked running a hand through his black hair.
"I wish." Nibs muttered in a low voice, rubbing his own cheek.
Giving a moment between themselves, Slightly turned to the taller young man.
"About today, you know what you're doing right?"
"Sure."
"Right." Slightly sighed.
Nibs looked to the new leader's face and noticed the darker circles creeping under his eyes. Nibs felt sorry for the dark haired young man whose accent was crisper and English than anyone apart from John. It was obvious the safety of the tribe and all his responsibilities of making sure everyone could survive were lying heavy on him at the present time and were showing. In the days when Peter was leader, it never seemed like he had a worry in the world, let alone a dark circle under his eye.
Nibs placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "It'll be alright." Nibs said quietly with the tiniest smile of reassurance before leaving the area.
Slightly nodded in agreement but never let Nibs see the anxiousness in his eyes.
"Hey sleepy head."
Sarah fluttered her eyes open at the warm voice. Stretching like a cat and moaning in her throat as she curled up into a ball.
Nibs smiled at her. "I have that effect on you?"
"No....I'm just tired." Sarah muttered before curling into a tighter ball.
Nibs lay down next to her, facing her.
"You still here?" Sarah jokingly asked in a tired voice, opening one eye.
"Well if you're gonna be like that." Nibs huffed carrying on the joke.
"Nooooo." Sarah yawned, stretching her arms out in his direction, beckoning him.
Nibs smirked and fell into her embrace.
"Why did you wake me?" Sarah asked, yawning again.
Nibs watched her and found himself yawning.
"I'm going to the old camp."
Sarah, who had closed both eyes, opened them quickly with a slight frown.
"What if Peter's back?"
"I don't think he will be."
"Are you gonna get stuff?"
"No."
"What if you bump into Winter?"
"I'll send her our regards." Nibs smirked maliciously.
Sarah gave raised her eye brows in a mock telling off before smirking as well.
"Can I go with you?" She asked cautiously.
Nibs looked at her for a moment.
"Slightly only wanted me to go..."
"You need someone to watch your back." Sarah stated.
"Maybe."
"What does that mean?" Sarah pouted.
"Maybe you need to cover my back and maybe I want you to come too."
"Good." Sarah smirked and snuggled into him a little closer. "When do we leave?"
"I said maybe, it wasn't definite."
Sarah's smile deflated as she noticed Nibs was being serious.
"You think I can't handle myself?" Sarah asked sadly and disbelieving.
"I didn't say that Sarah."
Sarah didn't answer but looked at him.
"If Peter is there I don't want him to find you."
"He'll find me anyway...he always somehow does. It just a matter of time before word spreads that we're in the jungle at the old underground."
Nibs had to mentally agree with her.
"So what?" He asked "Do we tell Slightly and both go?"
"Of course."
"Well you better get up then." Nibs grinned.
"Wait." Sarah said quickly in a panic sort of voice.
"What?" Nibs asked with concern.
"Just five more minutes." Sarah purred placing a light kiss on his lips before she curled back into a ball facing away from him.
Nibs smirked after the kiss but reluctantly got up. "I'll let you get ready."
As Sarah stepped out of the underground, she was surprised to see how beautiful the area looked. Memories flooding back to her when the lost tribe weren't prisoners to their own home. Nibs caught her eye as he stood tall. He knew she was there but was busying himself.
Sarah turned to the new entrance and saw Slightly watching them leave. She smiled lightly and put up her hand in a sort of wave. He nodded in return.
"What you doing?" Sarah asked coming closer to Nibs.
Nibs turned to her and showed her the holder that had his arrows in. "Just gettin' prepared."
Sarah frowned to herself and Nibs caught the frown.
"Something wrong?" He asked.
"No."
Nibs frowned then raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a weapon?"
"Mmm?" Sarah said before raising her eye brows and pulling her bag off her shoulder.
Nibs watched curiously.
"Nibs, look."
Sarah opened her bag and showed Nibs the contents.
"Where did you get that?" Nibs asked.
Sarah pulled the small gun from her bag, her hands fiddly over it.
"Whoa, be careful Sarah." Nibs quickly said as he took the gun from her clumsy hands. "Do you know how to work one?"
"Well it can't be that hard can it?"
"Just remind me how to show you to use one later okay?"
"Okay." Sarah frowned, puzzled.
"Now, you ready?" Nibs asked taking a sigh.
"Let's go." Sarah nodded.
It wasn't far and much of a trek but Sarah found herself pulling faces every time she stumbled in a ditch or caught her foot on a root. She huffed and growled as each time she caught Nibs smirking at her.
The sun was bright and wasn't too hot yet. Sarah lifted her face to the sun when they came to a large ray shining into the trees, warming up a large part of land.
"Life would be great if all we had to do was worry about whether the sun was going to be out or not." Sarah said her eyes closed as she stood on the spot, her face turned up to the sun.
Nibs looked over to her and found himself smiling. Sarah almost had a glowing persona around her, her tanned face gleamed and her blonde hair shined golden. The top she wore had bare arms and her small shoulders were smooth and unblemished. She wore her usual three quarter skirt that showed part of her tanned legs. They weren't as tanned as Nibs' body in comparison, but the colour was beautiful. There were moments like this when Sarah's natural beauty shone dramatically, that Nibs lost his breath. He was confused that a man like James Hook could find such beauty in a girl like Sarah when he lived in a world of fancy dress and masking. When Nibs first saw some women in Ravens town, their faces caked in what looked like a mask of white, their looks turned into that of a rich girl's china doll, he was repulsed and couldn't find anything attractive. Nibs now knew there was more to Hook than met the eye. He had fine taste in everything and everything he had, needed or wanted was for a purpose or had subsequent desire. There had obviously been something eye-catching about Sarah the minute he'd laid eyes on her.
At that moment Sarah opened her eyes and turned her face to Nibs, smiling at him. Her bright green eyes shone like the most expensive emerald gemstones. Nibs smiled at her sincerely, his heart skipping a beat as he did so.
"Not want to enjoy the sun?" Sarah asked.
Nibs half smiled with his lips together and shook his head slowly.
Sarah smiled but frowned playfully, inclining her head slightly at his dismissal.
Nibs walked to her, stood to the side of her, his body facing her.
"What?" Sarah asked intrigued.
"I just want to look at you and remember this moment."
Sarah frowned.
"You look so beautiful, it hurts." Nibs said as he indicated unknowingly to his heart.
Sarah didn't say anything, as her heart beat quickened and her cheeks blushed, her smiling creeping on the corners of her lips.
Nibs place a light kiss on her bare shoulder and the impact of his lips on her warm skin made her shiver.
"Nibs, I haven't had a wash, I'll smell." Sarah said sheepishly.
"I wouldn't care." He replied genuinely.
A cluster of birds flew above the canopy and through the ray of light, making it dance across Sarah's face and making her eyes sparkle.
Nibs leant in slowly and brushed his lips over hers. Sarah moved her body to face his slowly and was able to feel everything about the kiss. The pressure of his soft lips, the way he titled his chin and side of his face, making his skin brush against hers. Sarah felt the bristles of facial hair Nibs had that morning and suddenly felt in the presence of an older Nibs. Sarah found her hands intertwined into his own, or maybe his hands had found hers. Their bodies leant into each others and Sarah could feel the firmness of his chest and the strength that his whole body seemed to possess as the kiss became more.
Sarah looked up to Nibs and her heart melted as he wore the same look on his face as she did. His grey eyes warm and relaxed, the frown line he always wore, disappeared. Sarah brushed a lock of brown hair from his face and ran a finger along his strong jaw line, the short bristles of facial hair scratching her fingertips.
"Facial hair." Sarah said half in a question, half in a statement.
"Just a little. Couldn't be bothered to shave."
"Which reminds me, when we have time, can we go down to Pearl sands? I want to pick up some shells."
"Sure, I need to too."
"Isn't it weird trying to start over again. It'll be nice if Peter hasn't destroyed everything in sight so we can salvage stuff." Sarah spoke thoughtfully.
"But not yet."
"Yeah I know."
Nibs looked at Sarah and brought her into a hug, settling a kiss on the top of her now warm hair. "We better get going."
Sarah's eyes widened as the camp approached. It wasn't as if she was extremely in touch with things or as spiritual as the Indians but a great sense of despair and hurt flooded through her as the sight of the demolished camp that lay metres before her.
Both she and Nibs walked slowly and carefully through the bushes and trees into a section of the open area that was used as a meeting place. The broken dinner table was shattered completely and mess lay everywhere. Nibs stopped and frowned catching a glimpse of something that looked awfully familiar.
"Sarah wait here, keep hidden." Nibs whispered.
Sarah thought Nibs was going to walk into the middle of the meeting place but instead backed out of the trees and set off. Sarah assumed he was doing some kind of perimeter check. Truthfully, Sarah believed Peter wasn't around. She thought her nervousness would overcome her and make her unable to enter the old camp but she was wrong. The only reason she wanted to go in the first place was to hopefully find Peter and end things. Morally it's wrong to kill someone, of course it is but Sarah's hate for Peter was matched be many who thought the same and although in the end, it was most likely be Nibs who would be the one to kill Peter for everyone. She wanted to be the one to help and it was only because every time she heard his name, her blood boiled with such heat that she thought the very nightmares that had become inflicted within her of him would drive her insane.
After thinking these thoughts, Sarah noticed Nibs return, his eyes focused and his body completely on alert. It was the Nibs that everyone but Sarah was used to.
"I don't think he's here, but be ready to run."
Sarah swallowed and tried to make light of what he said as he finished with a little smile. Nibs could run well but Sarah knew it she tried, a fall was almost certain.
Nibs walked into the clearing in a direction that Sarah thought he'd planned. He walked to a large tub that looked like it had something half in it. Sarah wasn't too sure because Nibs' body was blocking the scene. Sarah started to walk over looking around the whole area. She caught Nibs turn his back on the object he was looking at. It seemed as though he was taking a couple of breaths. Sarah frowned and headed over to Nibs. It became apparent that the scene wasn't pleasant by the way Nibs face was full of appal.
"Nibs?" Sarah asked coming closer.
"Sarah." Nibs said as he held out a hand to stop her coming closer.
"What is it?" She asked poking her head around him.
She gasped as she saw a body slumped half in the water. She was female and her dark hair floated in the murky water. The extremely pale grey feet and shins of the body had had some visitors tasting her, open wounds that were now diseased and lingered in a sickly green or brownish red. Obviously some smallish animal, nothing like a bear or a wolf, had tried but failed to take the body or eat her.
Sarah retreated back stumbling over a piece of broken chair. She landed on her ass but couldn't care less about the numbing pain. She put a hand to her mouth as it was open in shock, a nauseating smell was beginning to linger.
Nibs took off his backpack and carefully put down his bow. He looked up and around the area hopping to find something he could cover Winter in.
"Help me find a blanket or something." Nibs finally said after getting his breath back.
"Erm?" Sarah mumbled as she was still caught up in shock. "Why?"
Nibs knew Sarah's tone meant she was still shocked and it hadn't come out to mean spite.
"We need to cover her, put her at rest."
"Nibs, Slightly didn't want any sign of us being here. You said yourself I couldn't take things."
"This is different Sarah. We can't leave her like this, it's inhumane. Would you want to be left like this after your spirit was gone?"
Sarah had flash backs of seeing Jack and Curly and the sombre aftermath of their burial. Bright orange touches lighting the way for their spirits to be free, along with the blazing fire after their bodies had been buried. The haunting songs the Indians sang with the drum beat that sounded like distant thunder. Finally, the blue black night filled with stars that signalled their peace.
A shiver must have passed over Sarah's face because Nibs crouched down and held her. He parted from her and gave her a sympathetic look before urging her to help him.
"We have to do this."
Sarah looked up to him, her face saying 'there'll be consequences'.
He seemed to read her face and looked guilty down for half a second knowing Peter would find out someone had been. He dismissed the look and Sarah found herself looking into the eyes of the silent warrior, determined. His bravery was hailed to be stupid sometimes, but his stupidity was bold and often had a good outcome as well.
Sarah laid out the blanket that she'd found, ironically Winter's own as she recognised the patterns on it to be a gift Wendy had made with help from the Indians.
Nibs took Winter under the arm pits and hauled her out, her body limp, cold and dripping in dirty water. As much as he wanted to not look at her face, her weight went onto his chest and he had to step backwards and lay her on her back as so not to drop her.
Sarah gasped as she saw Winter's face, frozen in horror, her eyes open.
Nibs coughed and shook his arms from the water once he's put her down. His shirt was dripping in the foul water and his body was ridged from holding her. Sarah admired the fact Nibs did not only to think of pulling her out of the water, but also to physically. They didn't really know how long she'd been dead for, and although it wasn't a really long time, it was still psychologically disturbing to have to deal with a dead body and Sarah praised the fact that Nibs was able to do that although his face said different.
"Do we have time to burry her?" Sarah asked as Nibs used the palm of his hand to close her eyes.
"We have to make time." He replied wrapping the body with the blanket, then another one he found, bounding some vines around her.
"We should take her away from this place. Peter may want to know why the earth was disturbed. As much as she deserves to be left, I couldn't face it if Peter brought her out and left her like he already has."
"I don't think the Indians will accept her buried in their lands, but there is unmarked territory near the plains. We'll take her there and burry her. No one deserves to be left, even if there loyalty faltered and they dishonoured the tribe."
"She was under the influence of Peter." Sarah stated sadly.
After a quick look around, Sarah picked up Nibs' things and Nibs hoisted Winter's deceased body over his shoulder, telling himself to breath through his mouth.
There were still things that Sarah thought could be easily fixed and taken to be used in the old underground, but now was not the time or the moment.
"What the fuck!?" Slightly stated louder than he expected when he saw Nibs and Sarah approach. Apparently he couldn't tear himself away from 'look out post'.
It was lucky that it was only Slightly on guard and that everyone else was busy, otherwise they would have been in for a shock.
"Shhh." Sarah mentioned with her index finger across her lips.
Slightly frowned at first and walked over to the pair.
"I told you not to take anything, didn't I?"
"This was important." Nibs stated.
"How important?" Slightly asked obviously having worked out the consequences of taking anything from the old camp would eventually lead Peter.
"It's Winter." Sarah stated sadly.
"We couldn't leave her there Slightly. It was my decision." Nibs spoke.
Slightly rubbed a hand over his face. It was a motion of anxiousness and consideration.
"Should the others know about this?" Sarah asked as Nibs put Winter on the ground carefully.
"No." Slightly stated coming over to Nibs. Then pulled a face as he obviously noticed a different smell around the area.
"I thought we could take her to the plains near the Indian lands, bury her there."
Slightly looked exasperated. "Nibs how much time do you think we have on our hands!!!??? Peter is probably seconds away from stepping foot on Neverland and you want to go off on a little adventure and bury someone who betrayed the trip, who obviously told Peter where we'd been hiding. If she hadn't had done that, your best friend may still be alive...."
Nibs' anger flared through his body. He only thought he was doing the right thing, the humane thing. He couldn't have left Winter that way, it was sick. Nibs balled his fists and Sarah noticed preparing to take his hand and hopefully stop the oncoming argument.
"Fuck Slightly." Nibs sighed. "You know you would have done the same fucking thing!" If, just if you'd seen her, her fucking grey body and frozen eyes, you would've done the same thing!" Nibs growled.
"Yes, yes I probably would have but not now." Slightly replied, hands on his hips.
"Yes now!" Nibs barked back. "Do you think we should take this inside?" Sarah asked timidly, as both young men glared at each other with fierce looks.
"No." Nibs declared, hoping as an after thought that it wasn't too harsh of a tone at Sarah.
"I make the orders here Nibs." Slightly spoke dangerously.
Nibs bit back what he was about to say when he saw the look on Sarah's face, a pleading kind.
"Fine, at least let us bury her near. That way if we all help it should be done quickly." Nibs mentioned.
"I'll get some of the boys." Slightly finished and headed inside, his brows low to his dark eyes.
Nibs and Sarah watched him go and turned to each other. Nibs opened his mouth to speak but Sarah shook her head.
"Later." She said, holding her head back to the sun, desperately wishing things to be ok.
In all honesty it could have been a day or two to get Winter buried in the plains and although it wasn't really a pleasant thought to know a dead body was near your house, at least they knew no more harm would come to her body and that her spirit hopefully was free.
Slightly did mention it to the tribe but no one seemed really bothered. They were angry at first and denied that she should be buried on their land. When Nibs butt in to tell how he and Sarah had seen her, many stated to be quiet. Others were fuming like Slightly, that the pair hadn't salvaged things for the tribe. What was the point if they'd move the thing Peter was most likely to notice and hadn't gotten anything while they could?
The afternoon went by dismally and many didn't look at Nibs or Sarah in the eye. They said a couple pf things like it was good to bring her body back and such, but they left the comments there and went about their own routines. Another reason why the tribe were bitter was because many had to sacrifice their own blankets to cover Winter more, so her whole body was wrapped up before she was buried.
The afternoon soon was still warm and left a beautiful pink and orange sky. Nibs had stayed quiet for quite a while now and it suddenly dawned on him that he should definitely wash before the tribe ate. Washing you hands, which he had done a couple of times wasn't enough.
Sarah was helping cook the meal with some of the tribe, but yet again it was a broth of some kind and really not that mouth watering.
Nibs picked up his rucksack and added a pair of spare trousers that he carried with him.
He walked into the main area and was thankful Slightly wasn't there. He caught sight of Sarah a beckoned her over with his head.
She wiped her hands and headed over.
"What?"
"If anyone asks, tell them I've gone out and shouldn't be too long."
Sarah frowned "Where you going?"
"I'm finally going to get round and wash, plus I need to wash my clothes, especially after today."
Sarah looked at Nibs bare arms and face and saw the dirt streaks that had occurred from burring Winter.
"Wait, I'll come with you, I want to wash some things." Sarah spoke quietly and softly before scurrying along a tunnel to her room.
A few eyes were watching her and a few eye brows were raised but apart from that, everything looked fine and free from questions until they'd get back.
"Slightly'll be mad you know."
"I'm sorry but I have to wash and besides, there's no rule about waiting for the leader to command you to bathe is there?" Nibs replied a couple of metres from where he intended to wash.
"I know, but? We should have told him."
"He doesn't need to know everything."
"He's only concerned for the welfare of the tribe Nibs."
"And with that what he doesn't know won't hurt him. This'll be one more problem to plague his mind; I don't want to do that to him."
"I suppose."
The pair had reached a small water fall, not nearly as impressive as the bigger waterfalls on the other side of the Island, but equally as enchanting. A flock of tropical birds called their soothing voices to one another as the sun started to glow a vibrant orange.
Exotic plants framed the water fall as the soothing sound of it falling became a little louder as they drew closer.
Sarah sat on the bank, took her shoes offs and plunged her feet in the water. Although he water was warm, it had an added sense that it was cooling, because it flowed through her toes calmly. A small sigh escaped from her lips and she leant back on her arms and closed her eyes.
"What if they were Piranhas in there?" Nibs asked.
Sarah opened her eyes and looked at him. "There's none." She replied.
"That's what you think." Nibs smirked, turning his back to her and opening his rucksack.
At his knowing tone, Sarah quickly brought her feet out of the water.
Nibs laughed.
"Really, are there?" Sarah asked apprehensively looking into the water.
Nibs turned around to her. "Probably, but I just take my chances."
"I'm not washing things, if they're in there."
"Sarah." Nibs asked lightly.
Sarah looked at him.
"Don't worry." He smiled.
An awkward silence came between them as Nibs started to pull his shirt over his body.
Sarah caught a glimpse of his toned stomach that had the scar James had given him. She looked quickly away but then caught her gaze with his.
"Err, I'll just be over here, washing my things." Sarah mumbled picking up her bag and turning her back on him. Praying to God she didn't look like an idiot while starring.
Nibs finally did remove his shirt but walked closer to the actual water fall. He climbed over some large rocks and headed down.
It was a very secluded part of the water fall as it was three quarters covered by rocks and just off the actual water fall. The sheltering rocks were perfect for privacy and let in its own mini water fall, as jets of water came off the main one to the side, into the secluded rocks.
Sarah looked up to see Nibs had gone. She frowned and looked around, in all honesty hoping to catch a glimpse of him in the water, she knew he was a terrific swimmer so she settled her gaze on the welcoming water surrounding the water fall. After a couple of minutes and no sign of Nibs, Sarah began to worry.
"Nibs where are you?"
"Give me a moment Sarah."
A hand came up from behind some rocks and Sarah apprehensively walked towards it, picking up her things as she did so.
Nibs' back was turned towards her and he was under the tiny version of the water fall. Sarah's breath caught in her throat as she studied the back of his body. His back rippled every time he raised an arm to reach out and wash part of his body. Sarah gaze rested on one part of his body she could see, his ass. It looked so smooth and firm and in the end, extremely touchable. Deciding a closer look would do no harm, Sarah stepped onto a rock a peered down. It was lucky for her the little cove of rocks held a deep water and a smooth bottom; otherwise she may have extremely hurt herself.
"Oh shit!" Sarah mumbled as she fell into the water.
Nibs turned around quickly wiping his eyes of excess water to see what was happening. He turned fully round and Sarah was gasped and ducked under the water. It may have been a wise move some other time but the fact Nibs was naked and the water came up to his waist where he was standing, she caught a full view of him and gasped under the water again, never feeling as embarrassed as she did then. She felt a hand grab her arm and help her steady herself in the water.
"Are you okay?" Nibs asked concerned.
Sarah tightened her lips and brought them into her mouth and nodded with wide eyes.
"I wasn't spying, I was looking for you, you were gone!"
Nibs looked at her a smirked. "Yeah, yeah."
Sarah tutted. "Well if I'd been bathing, I bet you would have spied on me!" She said stated crossing her arms. "You do know you're still naked?"
"Yeah, someone interrupted my shower." Nibs smiled.
"And you're not embarrassed?"
"I would be if it was anyone else but you." Nibs replied.
Sarah grinned at him and rolled her eyes playfully. "Now I'm all wet." She stated looking at her soaked top which was quickly moulding itself to her chest.
"I bet." Nibs replied. Although his comment was quiet, Sarah heard it and looked at him.
Nibs had a look that Sarah had only seen when he had stayed in Ravens town in her apartment. It was hungry and needing.
Another trill from some exotic bird filled the air and Sarah smiled as she heard it.
Nibs leant into kiss her and she willing let him, feeling that rising heat in her at the contact of his bare body against hers. She gasped in the kiss as she felt his erection pressed against her stomach.
Nibs released her from the kiss and smiled placing a kiss on her fore head.
He got out the water and grabbed their things quickly securing them in a hidden dry spot.
Sarah smiled when he made an elegant dive into the water, seeming extremely unconscious about his naked form. He swam further to the main water fall and beckoned her over.
Sarah smiled and wadded through the water with a frown. Her clothes were restricting her swimming. She peeled them off her body feeling no nerves to be naked in front of Nibs, Knowing that she wanted this as much as he did. She swam to the deeper part of the water and Nibs smiled at her grace in the water that she seemed to have.
Nibs grinned again as they wadded strongly. The current the crashing water was making wasn't to overpowering, but enough to make you work hard to stay on the spot.
"Take a deep breath and don't let go of my hand." Nibs shouted against the rumbling water.
Sarah nodded and Nibs led her under the crashing water.
When they emerged, they swam for another three seconds to the ledge behind the water fall. Sarah was surprised to see a little opening that led to a tiny dry alcove. He pulled himself out of the water and offered a hand to pull her out too.
When they both stood it was very dark. A little bit of light came though the cascading water but apart from that it was very dark.
In a way, it was exciting to know that you had to use all your senses apart from sight to find things.
Nibs pulled Sarah down and she was surprised to feel a fur of some kind on the floor further into the alcove.
"This is new." Sarah smirked but she doubted Nibs could see her face properly.
"I found it ages ago, when you were still in the lost tribe. I'm glad to say the fur is now finally dried, as you can see, not much sun light gets in here.
"Hmm." Sarah agreed trying to look around.
"But the best thing, I've yet to show you." Sarah waited and understood that Nibs was feeling around the walls. "I just hope no ones found this place." He added.
As if on cue, Sarah heard a scrapping noise which she identified as a stone across a stone. A bright white flared settling to an orange glow on a pile of what Sarah assumed was moss or twigs in a mini alcove. A tiny fire burned dimly and the small amount of light made a dramatic difference. Sarah watched Nibs as he went to two more shelve like alcoves and lit two candles.
"Da, da." He called, as the light settled in the small area.
Sarah smiled.
"This is a place I found out about, became a little sanctuary, not practical for most things and you have to get wet to come here, but it comes in handy if you want to escape from the world." Nibs said looking around at his own handy work.
The light flicked in the space and cast a warm little glow which Sarah would always remember.