Author's Note: I've decided this fanfiction should start to come to a close! One particularly amazing reader, clawmachines, has made some wonderful fan art! Here's the link, but take out the spaces if you use it: neverbackfanart . tumblr . com. This chapter and this story I took in a completely different direction than I intended, so let me know if it seems to work or not! Reviews are welcome, and thanks reviewers, followers, and ...favoriters?-you're all the best! Enjoy this chapter!
James had decided that it was time for him to formally take Arabella out. Even though she left her family for him, he still felt nervous at the thought of asking her out.
Not to mention, he couldn't get Mr. Smee out of his mind. He was deeply worried about his friend. James had become much quieter lately, often found to be deep in thought.
Every time James thought about asking Arabella if she wanted to go to dinner, James guiltily thought about the time that he wouldn't be spending with Smee. Mr. Smee didn't have long left, why should James be selfish and not spend that time with his friend?
It had only been a day since Arabella had left, yet James felt nervous constantly, as if the day were being dragged out. It was about noon when Hook formally spoke with Arabella.
She had knocked on the door and sheepishly walked in. She also felt extremely nervous, having left her family for a man that she should get to know much better. It was a shame they didn't realize how similar they were feeling.
"How are you, Arabella?" asked Hook immediately.
"I'm doing well, I suppose," she replied, "What about you?"
"I'm holding up," he responded, "come sit at the table with me, we must talk."
The couple sat down and Hook carefully explained his situation, including Smee's cancer. Arabella was silent throughout the entire account, and she stared down at the table.
"Are you okay?" she asked immediately, looking up and revealing tears in her eyes.
"Okay, yes. I'll be fine. I'm just worried," James admitted.
Arabella laid her hands on top of his and looked him in the eyes.
"I'll leave, then," she stated.
"What!? Why!?" James asked immediately.
"You clearly need to spend more time with Mr. Smee; I can't take you away from that."
"No, Arabella, he wants you here. I want you here. I-I need you," James whispered, blinking back tears.
"IF only there was a way to cure him," suggested Arabella.
"He won't be treated; he refuses. The only way he could be cured would be if the cure came right up to the front door of this house," Hook told her.
There was a knock at the door. Hook opened it with a completely shocked and perplexed look shot to Arabella.
Standing outside, Hook recognized Peter Pan and three other teenagers.
"Peter!" exclaimed Arabella.
"Hey, sis," said Peter.
"What is it?" asked James, unconsciously holding his new hand protectively.
"Why'd you take Arabella from us?" demanded Peter.
"Peter, I came on my own," said Arabella.
"But how do you know each other? Ara, I need to make sure you're safe," said Peter.
Arabella hugged her little brother, touched.
"I met him at the grocery store. We ran into each other, literally, again. Now, I've just decided that no matter what happens I want to get to know him better."
"Are you okay?" asked Peter immediately, glancing at his sister.
"Enough," she replied, "I only found out one of James' good friends is dying."
"Who?" asked Trish curiously.
Greg put his arm on Trish protectively. He wasn't sure what exactly was going on, but he wasn't going to leave Trish alone with them.
"Mr Smee," James said.
Arabella glanced at him sadly before nodding.
"Mr. Smee? He can't be," said Peter, shocked.
"HE has cancer," replied Hook.
Peter beckoned to Gabe to come with him.
"Where is Smee?" the boy asked.
"Upstairs, asleep," said Hook.
Peter, followed by Gabe, started upstairs and found Smee in a large bedroom. Hook and Arabella quickly followed, having no idea what the two boys were up to.
Gabe handed a small parcel to Peter, who immediately sprinkled it all over Smee. Hook's jaw dropped. Pixie dust just might be powerful enough to save Smee.
Smee woke up, but was breathing heavily and looked wildly around the room.
"Cap'n? What's going on?" the sailor exclaimed.
"He's still dying, the pixie dust wasn't strong enough," whispered Peter.
Hook felt crushed. Smee looked around, slowly realizing what had happened. Arabella hugged Hook and he held her, not wanting to let go.
"There is another way," said Peter suddenly.
"What is that?" asked Hook immediately.
"Taking Smee back to Neverland. It's the only way," explained Peter.
Gabe looked up, excitedly. He wanted to visit Neverland.
"How?" asked Arabella.
"I could take him. Me, Gabe, Trish, and Greg. The Indians could take care of Smee," replied Peter, formulating a plan in his head.
"I'll never see Cap'n Hook again?" Smee bumbled weakly.
Hook turned his head toward his old friend, filling with emotion.
"I could come with you," suggested Hook.
"Out of the question," said Peter immediately, "I am not spending another hundred years in Neverland with Captain Hook."
James blinked, hurt, but realizing the boy had a point.
"Peter, you can't go back," begged Arabella, "Remember why you chose to leave in the first place."
"I miss Neverland more than any of you will ever know," asserted Peter.
"I'll come with you," said Gabe.
"We haven't decided anything yet," said Arabella.
"I would go back," said Smee.
"Ara, it'll be fine. I'll visit sometimes," said Peter.
"Remember what happened last time you left and came back?" warned Arabella.
"That's the price I pay for being the boy who never grows up," replied Peter cockily, "I'll always remember, but seeing people come and go is what I've done my entire life. Why stop now?"
"It'll be okay," said James, kissing Arabella on the forehead, "I think this is best for everyone."
"We have to go now," said Peter, "I'm not sure what the pixie dust will do to him if it's not healing him."
"I'm ready," said Gabe.
"All we need is pixie dust," said Peter, heading downstairs.
They all followed him, including Mr. Smee.
"Trish, may I have your pixie dust?" asked Peter.
"Yes, but what's happening?" she asked.
"Trish, do you want to go to Neverland with me?" asked Peter.
She squeezed his hand.
"I'd thought you'd never ask."
Peter grinned. Greg looked ill.
"What about me?" asked Greg.
"You're coming too, of course. Why else had I asked you to come?"
"Peter, it's like you knew this was going to happen," said Arabella.
The grin wiped off Peter's face and he looked at his sister in the eye, silent. For one moment, Arabella glimpsed the wisdom of a boy who had lived for hundreds of years. A moment later the smile was back and Peter couldn't resist looking back to Trish.
"I mean, I'll have to go if Trish does," stated Greg.
"We need to get going," said Peter cheerfully.
They all stepped outside. Peter sprinkled pixie dust on Gabe, Greg, Trish, and even Mr. Smee.
"Think of the most wonderful moment in your life. And remember to fly, it takes faith, trust, and pixie dust."
Gabe rose almost immediately, and he happily opened his eyes. Smee rose soon after, followed by Trish. Greg closed his eyes, concentrating hard. Trish took his hand from above and Greg immediately levitated, smiling at Trish. Peter easily followed them, but looked to Arabella and Hook.
"Arabella, tell mom and dad and Edmund, I love them. Mom will understand. And Arabella, please make up with them," ordered Peter quickly.
Captain Hook looked at the hovering Smee and the two awkwardly hugged. Hook would miss Smee more than he would ever let on, and not even Mr. Smee would know how much.
They all bid good-bye, as Arabella began to cry. Peter and company flew up high, with many glances back.
"Smee!" Hook called suddenly.
"Yes cap'n?" Smee called back from above.
"You're captain, now! Not just first-mate!" bellowed Hook.
"Thanks!" Smee faintly called back as the group disappeared in the sky.
Arabella was shaking, and Hook held her tightly.
"It'll be alright," said Hook, stroking her hair.
"James?" whispered Arabella softly.
"What is it?"
"I love you," she said, hugging him tighter.
"I love you, too, Arabella."
Author's Note: One more chapter left, and it'll be the epilogue. I hope you've enjoyed thus far!