Despite the fact that Terence had healed his burns, Peter still felt extremely weak from his ordeal. Though he would never admit it, he had thought his life would end this day. He glanced at Tink, who soared above his head, clasping hands with Terence. They still wore their wedding clothes and Peter saw that Tink's dress was darkened by the soot and she looked exahausted and dirty. Sighing, he ran his fingers through his red locks and looked around at the boys.

"Boys, let's spend the night in Pixie Hollow tonight. In the morning we can come up with a plan to stop Hook." The boys and both fairies looked extremely relieved and nodded.

"Aye aye, Peter," Slightly said with a salute. Tink's wings fluttered.

"I'm glad you've changed your mind, Peter. You need your rest."

"I'm fine. Never better, in fact." Tink rolled her eyes at his stubbornness but remained silent. She led the way back to Pixie Hollow and the fairies all let out cries of thanks to see Tink and Terence again. Queen Clarion and Lord Milori floated near the tree and Terence excused himself to speak to the queen. Tink landed on Peter's shoulder and touched his cheek.

"Why don't you eat something? I'm sure after some food and rest, you'll feel much better."

"I'm fine, Tink. Really. No lasting damage." He held up his hands to demonstrate this and Tink frowned.

"You nearly died in that bull, Peter. You could have told Hook our location and he would have released you."

"No he wouldn't have. Hook is ruthless. He would never have let me go. And I would never have told, Tinkerbell. I know what he would do to all of you and there is no way I'll ever let that happen. As I said before, I'll die before I tell." Tink's heart swelled for the boy before her. She leaned in and gently kissed his cheek. Peter went red and looked around to see where Terence had gone. But Tink smiled and shook her head.

"He's finally alright with it. He knows that I love him and that my love for you is very different. He's accepted and understood it."

"He's a good match for you, Tink. You two belong together." Tink nodded, smiling.

"I know. I'm the luckiest fairy in Neverland. I found my Fairy Mate to spent eternity with and found a human best friend to go on adventures with all the time. I'm quite blessed." Peter grinned up at her and she gently brushed his hair out of his dark eyes. He closed his eyes for a moment, relishing the loving caress the fairy was giving him. He found himself wishing for more just like it…he had never experienced anything like it, or at least not that he could remember. He had never given his past a second thought until now. Now he found himself wanting more attention and gentle caresses from a woman figure…what was she called again? Tink softly kissed his forehead and his eyes shot open. Terence, Queen Clarion, and Lord Milori were floating down from the tree toward them and Peter bowed his head.

"Peter, Terence has just told me what has happened this day. I do not think we can express our gratitude enough. You are truly a miracle to the fairy folk." Peter waved his hand aside but was pink and looked pleased.

"I don't expect you to understand, my dear. Or fully comprehend how unique it is to find such a magical characteristic as loyalty in a human being. Humans are not known for their loyalty or their kindness. We have been hunted for hundreds of years for the treasure that Tinkerbell and Terence have both bestowed upon you. And yet your greed does not consume you and make you wish for more."

"It's because you are a boy and not a man," Lord Milori said wisely. "You have an uncorrupted innocence inside you and as long as you remain a boy, that innocence will stay with you. The moment you decide to become a man, your innocence will leave you. Your thoughts will turn dark and greed and lust will overtake your mind. You will become just like Hook." Peter's nose wrinkled in disgust.

"I'll never be like him. And I'll never become a man! I want to be a boy forever."

"As long as you remain in Neverland, it will be so," Queen Clarion said gently. Peter glanced sideways at Tink and grinned.

"Then I'll never leave Neverland. I'm sure there are plenty of adventures waiting for me and the Lost Boys." The Queen bowed her majestic head.

"We have transformed the meadow into beds for you and your friends. In the morning, we will venture out and ask some of our Neverland friends to help us defeat the pirates." She turned to go but stopped, her eyes raking over Peter. Terence had told her of the horrible contraption he had been trapped inside and how burned he had been when he had come out of it. The only evidence of his nightmare was his green hat, which had been nearly destroyed by the heat. She watched him walk to the meadow and lay his head down, his eyes drooping with exhaustion and worry. He was only a boy, after all. No child should carry such worries.

"Tinkerbell," she said softly. Tink flew to her queen's side and bowed her head. "After you wash and change, keep an eye on Peter and his friends. I think Peter's fatigue will keep him from leaving but just in case…"

"Yes Your Majesty." Queen Clarion and Lord Milori joined hands and flew back toward the Queen's home. Tink watched them go, her eyes locked on Lord Milori, Periwinkle, and the other Frost Fairies flying back to the Winter Woods. She felt fingers in her hair and she closed her eyes.

"Alone at last?" Terence whispered against her skin. She gave him a sad smile.

"Not tonight, I'm afraid. Queen Clarion asked me to keep an eye on Peter and the boys tonight. But I would be happy if you were to sleep with me in the meadow." Terence looked anxious for a moment before his face broke into a smile.

"There's no place I'd rather be." Tink smiled, gave him a quick kiss, and flew back to her home in Tinker Nook. She quickly shed her dirty wedding gown and splashed some water onto her face, washing away the grime and sweat. She chose a clean dress to change into and brushed out her tangled hair. Packing a little leaf bag, she grabbed a blanket and flew back to the meadow to find Terence perched on a daisy, his eyes on the sleeping boys. Tink wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek.

"You want to go home and clean up? I'll wait here and keep an eye on them."

"Do we need to babysit them all night," he asked in a low voice.

"We're not babysitting. We're making sure Peter doesn't do something stupid and try to leave in the middle of the night." Terence gave her a look with a raised brow.

"Babysitting."

"I never said he wasn't foolish. But he's our friend, Terence, he's saved us several times now." Terence nodded and kissed her quickly.

"I'll be back soon." He zoomed off toward his home and leaned against the door, yawning. Pulling off his wedding clothes, his wings fluttered lightly as he walked naked across the room, flexing his muscles before he donned his usual Dust Keeper wear. He too splashed water on his face and on his neck, shaking his head and sending droplets everywhere. He glanced in the mirror and blew his blonde hair out of his bright eyes. He slung his dust satchel over his shoulder before he flew back to the meadow. Tink was on Peter's shoulder, talking to him in a low voice. His eyes were closed but his lips were moving. His red locks hung in his face as he lay on his stomach, his hands tucked under his chin.

"—and as we made our way back to Pixie Hollow, he helped me create the most beautiful scepter there had ever been! I wasn't sure that it would work but Terence had faith in me. When we arrived, fairies nearly fainted when they saw the moonstone."

"Bet Fairy Mary went ballistic," Peter said with a grin.

"She fainted too. But the moon rose high in the sky and hit the moonstone just right. Blue pixie dust fell from the sky, billions of smidgens! It was more than had ever fallen before! It turned out to be the most wonderful Autumn Revelry ever."

"I can't believe he followed you away from Pixie Hollow like that. And you still didn't know how he felt about you?"

"I'm a little unobservant," she said with a sheepish smile.

"I'd say that's an understatement," Terence said softly, landing behind her. She gasped and whirled around and his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. Peter opened his eyes slightly and smiled.

"Tink was just telling me of some of your adventures together."

"We haven't had too many, I'm afraid. Most of the time I have just followed her around like a lovesick puppy."

"That's not true! You work all the time. I barely saw you when we went to Fairy Camp."

"Which is a good thing because if I'd heard that you were kidnapped by a human, I would have traded myself in a heartbeat."

"The girls had it covered. And I wasn't kidnapped, Lizzy became a friend." Terence pulled her closer and pushed a strand of her hair out of her wide eyes.

"Doesn't matter. I'd give my life for you, no matter what the danger is. I love you so much."

"I love you too," she whispered back before leaning in and pressing her lips against his. Peter opened his eyes a crack and cleared his throat.

"You're going to have to take all that mushy stuff somewhere else. What's that you're doing anyway? You two do it an awful lot." Tink and Terence both blushed.

"Never mind, Peter, it's nothing. Just…mushy stuff." Peter yawned and shut his eyes again. Tink leaned in close and softly kissed the boy's forehead.

"Sleep well, Peter." She took Terence's hand and they flew to the flowers next to where Peter slept. Terence curled up in the petals and Tink settled into his arms. Terence caught Tink staring at Peter worredly and he squeezed her hand.

"He'll be fine. Even he's got to rest somtime."

"I guess you're right," she said, yawning and closing her eyes. He gently stroked her hair and kissed her on the top of the head.

"Does he really not know what a kiss is?"

"How could he? He's been in Neverland for as long as he can remember and the Lost Boys certainly don't know about love or kisses or things like that."

"He'd better remain ignorant then," Tink's eyes opened at his teasing tone and she stuck her tongue out at him, which made him laugh.

"Who's going to tell him about it? You? Don't the human fathers tell their sons about those things?"

"That god I'm not a human father then. As long as he doesn't ask for one from you, I'm fine." Tink giggled and shook her head.

"Good night, Terence."

Holding his wife close, his arms wrapped tightly around her and he kissed her cheek.

"Sleep well, my beautiful fairy wife."

"Mmm, fairy wife. I love those words," she said sleepily. Grinning, he watched her fall asleep in his arms. Casting one last glance at the sleeping boys, his eyes closed and he rested his head on top of Tink's, falling asleep within minutes.

The next morning came far too early. Curled up in her husband's arms, Tink wished she could go on sleeping forever. She squeezed her eyes shut againt the blinding sun as it cast its rays over Pixie Hollow. Terence looked down at her and grinned when he saw her trying to hide her face. Peter sat up and stretched, looking around him. The rest of the boys dozed peacefully and a wicked grin spread over Peter's face. He jumped to his feet and put his hands to his mouth, letting out an earsplitting crow. Tink and the Lost Boys shot straight up, their eyes popping open. Peter was doubled over in laughter. Terence bit his lip to keep from laughing as Tink's face went red.

"Peter Pan, you horrible wretch! Jingles, you scared me!"

"S-sorry, I c-couldn't help it," he gasped, wiping away a tear. Nibs rolled his eyes as he yawned.

"We should be used to that by now."

"No, it's still a horrible way to wake up," Cubby whined.

"Come on men, it's time to get going. I want to fly to Pirate Island and ask for Jake's help one more time before we find Hook."

"Why do you need Jake to help?" Tink asked, flying up and stretching her wings.

"He and his crew can provide distractions. Hook doesn't know I'm still alive, it'll be too easy to sneak up on him."

"Wait, Peter, you want to try to surprise him?" Peter's hands went to his hips as he stared up at Tink with a knowing look.

"He thinks I'm dead, Tink. It will be easy."

"Isn't that what you said last time you went to spy on him and you wound up in the stomach of a burning bull?" Peter winced and Tink instantly felt ashamed.

"I was caught off guard. His pirates snuck up on me and tied me up. I'll be ready this time."

"Peter—"

"Tinkerbell, if we don't stop him, he's going to find and burn down Pixie Hollow. I said I won't let that happen and I meant it. I'm not asking your permission but I would like your support."

"How can I support you when I know you are flying into danger AGAIN?" But Peter crossed his arms and winked at her.

"Come on Tink. You forget, I'm Peter Pan. Danger and I are close friends."

"Peter," she said seriously, "I can't imagine losing you. I was so terrified when I realized it was you in that bull and—"

"I promise you won't lose me. It's not like I'll be alone, the boys will be there, Jake and his crew will help, and you'll be there to watch over me." Tink sighed and glanced at Terence, who merely shrugged.

"You know he's going to do what he wants. What's the point in trying to stop him?"

"Hey, you forget that I can understand you," Peter said with a frown. Terence's brow raised and he smirked up at the boy.

"No I didn't. You're a stubborn pain in the ass but at least you realize that about yourself. Why should we waste time in trying to stop you when you have clearly made up your mind? We should get going and find Hook." Peter looked confused for a moment but nodded.

"Yeah, Terence is right! Wait…" he scratched his head and Terence bit his lip to keep from laughing. Queen Clarion appeared in the meadow and everyone bowed low.

"Have we a rooster in Neverland?" Peter chuckled.

"I'm sorry if I woke you, Your Majesty."

"You didn't, my dear. I was up early, traveling around Neverland to ask our friends for their help. You look like you are ready to leave."

"I'm going to fly to Pirate Island once more and get Jake to help. They can provide a diversion while I sneak up on Hook. He won't be expecting me this time."

"You'll have some help," she gestured to her right and Fawn floated nearby with a smile on her face.

"Fawn?" Tink asked and Fawn's smile widened.

"I know you said Hook doesn't like the crocodile. I figured I'd ask for some help from some more of our bigger animal friends to chase Hook away."

"Away to where though," Terence said, joining the circle of fairies. "He'll still be a threat to Pixie Hollow."

"Not if he can't step foot on shore again," Peter said, a grin coming over his face. "We'll banish him to the Never Sea! He won't be able to leave his ship! And we can talk to the crocodile to make sure he stays on that ship."

"Leave that to me," Fawn said and she zoomed off in a cloud of dust. Peter watched her fly away, a mischievous grin on his face.

"I can't wait to see Hook's face when he sees that crocodile."

"Peter, a moment before you leave. We have something for you." Queen Clarion spread her arms and two things appeared on the ground at Peter's feet. He bent to pick them up, his jaw dropping.

"My Sewing fairies were up all night, making a new hat for you. The Neverbird was kind enough to give Fawn one of her feathers, to complete it. A gift from the fairies, so you'll never forget us."

"I could never forget any of you, Majesty," he said as he eagerly jammed the new hat over his fiery locks. It matched his outft perfectly, the red feather standing proudly.

"And the other gift is what the Music Fairies have made for you. A set of pan pipes, carved from our precious Pixie Dust Tree. If you are ever in need of help, we will hear these pipes. A gift, for Peter Pan, Prince of Neverland." Peter blinked back tears, determined the Lost Boys would never see him cry. He bowed his head low.

"Your Majesty is too kind. I thank the Second Star for the day Tink decided to rescue me."

"As do we, Peter. Good luck to you and stay safe, all of you." Queen Clarion ascended back to the tree and Peter attached the pipes to his tunic, near his dagger. He snapped his fingers at the boys, who looked awestruck at Peter's gifts.

"Right, here's the plan." The boys all leaned in close, smiles crossing their faces as they listened to their fearless leader.