Disclaimer: I do not and never have owned Peter Pan and anything related top it, although I do claim this plot line.

AN: This is my first serious Peter Pan Fanfiction. It is a dark fic, containing subject matter not everyone may be comfortable with. This chapter contains mild sexual content.

Gossamer Threads
By Daggerpoint

Time seemed to race forward, but somehow stood at a halt, as Peter gently cradled the broken girl in his arms. After an eternity yet still seemingly only a moment, Wendy's body was no longer wracked by tears and she gently drew back from his body. Entranced Peter wiped away the tears that clung to Wendy's lashes.

"Beautiful." Besides her name, it was the only other word spoken.

Wendy turned her gaze back to the window. "No Peter." Crystal drops silently made their way down her face. "I am broken, empty."

Hesitantly he reached out and cupped her chin. Ever so slowly Peter turned her face to his, though she refused to meet his gaze. "Never," he whispered. "Never. You will always be beautiful to me. How could any one as perfect as you be broken?" Although it was more of a statement then a question, Wendy hesitated to answer. Still refusing to meet Peter's eyes she pulled up the sleeve of her nightgown, to reveal five bruises, that formed a handprint. It was as if someone had gripped her far to tightly for her gentle body to handle.

Shock coursed threw Peter's system. As if she might bruise even more, he set Wendy on her feet. She merely stared at the boy who had stolen her heart oh so many years ago. With the grace of a panther, Peter pulled her dressing gown over her head, leaving her standing nude. His gaze how ever was anything but appreciative. As every bruise was revealed Peter's scowl only deepened. Wendy remained motionless, rigid with fear. She was awoken from her stupor, as Peter Pan collapsed on his knees before her. "My Wendy," he whispered brokenly. "Oh my beautiful Wendy." He remained fixated on the floor unable to move, words unable to express his grief.

Ever so slightly his shoulders began to shake, from his suppressed rage. He looked up into Wendy's gaze for the first time, his eyes burning with righteous flames. "I'll kill him." Peter's voice held a steel edge.

Wendy dropped to her knees beside him. "Y..you can't," her voice shaking.

"Why not? You can't love him."

She shook her head sadly.

"Why Wendy?" Peter's eyes attempting to read her soul.

Her body was once again quivering with suppressed tears. "He'll kill them." Her whisper was so low that it almost went unheard.

"Who Wendy? who will he kill?" Peter urged.

"My family. Oh God Peter. He can." With that she threw herself into his arms.

For a time they remained on the floor. Eventually Peter attempted to remove himself from Wendy's grasp. Her response was to whimper and hold him ever tighter.

"Wendy," he pleaded gently. "I'll rid you of him. Just let me go."

"You can't Peter. No one can." Her sad gaze met his. "He... He has too many connections." Her hand came to rest on his shoulder.

"Than let me take you back to Neverland."

"No Peter."

"Then I am useless to you Wendy. I can not rescue you. I can not save you. I have nothing I can do for you."

Startled by her own boldness, Wendy lifted Peter's hand to her breast. "Heal me Peter. Heal me. Show me the beauty of love. Remove him from my body and soul." Ever so gently she pressed her lips to his as she had when she was just a girl aboard the Jolly Roger. As they kissed, the two found themselves hovering above the floor. Smiling into the Hidden Kiss, Peter directed them towards the bed.

As the clock struck 4, Wendy lay comfortably spooned against Peter, who drew lazy shapes upon her back. Silence reigned. The two faced the window, which remained open, showing the sky lightening with a false dawn.

Despairing at breaking the silence, Peter finally spoke. "I have to go back to n Neverland."

"I know."

"Come with me."

"I can't Peter."

"Please." "Oh how I wish I could."

As a shiver passed threw her body, Peter pulled her closer to him. "How I wish I could free you from that monster."

"But you have Peter." She turned over in his arms to face him. "For the rest of my life I will be able to hold this night in my heart. It will protect me when everything else is gone." She kissed him gently.

Reluctantly they both pulled back. Coming to a silent agreement, they drew apart and left the bed. Leisurely they dressed and remade the bed, stealing gentle kisses. And when all this was done, they stood before the open window, words failing. As the true dawn began to rise Peter spoke words that Wendy had always longed to hear, for perhaps the only time...

"I love you Wendy Darling."

"And I love you Peter Pan."

With that Peter vanished into the rising sun, and out of Wendy's life.

AN2: No, this is not the end. So please read and review, and let me know how you think this story is going thus far. Thanks.