A/N: Update 16

After leaving Nibs in the kitchen, I walked back down to where the bathroom had been. I really needed to shower. I wished I had some change of clothes, but if I couldn't have that, then the best I could do was get clean. On the way there, I ran into Winnie who seemed to have just woken up.

"Good morning, Peter. I didn't hear you leave, and I woke up and was so worried about you," Winnie smiled rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Morning. Sorry, I couldn't sleep, and decided to take a walk around. Do you think that I could shower before we head out? I know we just docked, but it's still pretty early in the morning," I replied.

"Yeah, there are extra towels under the sink. We probably won't be leaving until late morning, but I don't really know what my dad has in mind for plans. Do you know?"

I couldn't lie to her. But even I didn't entirely know why Hook had needed me to come back to Neverland. It must be some kind of experiment, to see if I really did have an effect on the island. "You know, I'm not entirely sure. I think your dad is looking for something," I replied, which wasn't a whole lie.

"Okay. Well, I'll let you get on with your morning. Knock on my door when you're done, so that I can have a turn."

I nodded and headed off to the bathroom. I found the extra towels, unraveled the gauze from my healing wound, stripped down, and stepped into the shower. It felt so nice to stand in the hot water. The heat felt incredible for the bump on my head which had gone down in size significantly. After washing off, I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my waist. I looked at my dirty clothes on the floor and scowled, wishing that I had something clean to wear. My shirt was sweaty and smelly, because I had worn it to school the day before, and my jeans had a bloody smear on them from yesterday. I sighed as I scooped up my clothes and headed to the room I had been using.

As I walked down the hall, I knocked lightly on Winnie's door. "Hey, the bathroom's all yours!" I shouted.

"Thanks, Peter. Oh, wait for a second. I have a question to ask you," Winnie replied.

I glanced down at the towel wrapped around my waist. "Uh, can it wait?"

"It's fine it will take two sec-," she trailed off as she opened the door. "Oh my god. Sorry. It can wait."

"You got me here now, so what's up?" I smiled.

"Um, uh," Winnie avoided looking at me. "I can't. Please go get dressed."

I chuckled, "Okay, I'll be right back." I wandered over to my bedroom and put back on my old clothes. As I was walking back over, Winnie gave me a weird look.

"Why are you wearing the same clothes?"

"Well, I didn't really get a chance to pack seeing as I was kidnapped," I replied in a smart-ass tone.

Winnie sighed, "Come with me." She grabbed my hand and pulled me back into the room I was using. Winnie opened the tiny nightstand to reveal an assortment of t-shirts and pants from my closet.

"What the?" I said.

"Nate told me he grabbed them. I guess he knew the plan all along, so he thought he'd help out and grab some stuff for you. You were like a brother to him before you disappeared from Neverland. At least that's what he tells me," Winnie clarified.

I nodded. "It's so weird seeing him again after all these years. He sure has changed a lot." Or maybe I'm finally seeing who he really is. I thought. I pulled my old shirt off over my head and grabbed for a new one.

"Ah," Winnie choked, her eyes widening. "I'll just get out of your hair."

"Wait, didn't you want to ask me something?" I said putting on the clean shirt.

"Uh, um, I don't, well, okay. I'll just say it. Did you mean what you said yesterday, about taking me to see the island? Because I really want to see it. My dad never let me go exploring," Winnie finally sputtered out.

"Of course I meant it," I replied with a smile. "Now unless you want to be really flustered, you should probably leave," I said smirking as I began unbuttoning my jeans.

"Right," Winnie said blushing as she backed out of the room. "Don't let me forget to rewrap your arm. It'll get infected if I don't." Winnie said. I nodded and she continued. "I'm really excited to see the island, Peter. I can't wait for you to show me around." She winked as she closed the door.

I dressed quickly, and headed out for some breakfast. If I was ever going to get permission to take Winnie out on the island, I needed to be on Hook's good side.

"Good morning, everyone," I smiled as I opened the door to the kitchen. Hook, Smee, and Nibs were sitting around the small table Nibs and I had sat at earlier that morning. "I hope you all slept well." I was getting weird looks. Maybe I needed to tone it down a bit.

"Please join us, Peter," Smee replied. "As soon as Winnie comes up, we can eat. We like to make meals a family event."

I walked over to the table and sat down by Nibs. "I see you found the change of clothes that Nate so kindly brought for you," Hook said glaring at his son.

I nodded. "Yeah, I really appreciate it, considering somebody had no intentions of doing so," I smiled at Hook. "So what's the plan for the day, Hook?"

He sneered at me, and replied, "You are going to show me how you keep the island young."

I kept my cool, but inside I was panicking. I had no idea how I controlled the island, or even if I did. It never even occurred to me that I might be the reason for the un-aging island. I needed to think of a plan and fast. Hook would probably kill me on the spot if I couldn't show him.

"What about the rest of us, Dad?" Nibs asked politely.

"You will stay here with Uncle Smee and Winnie. I can't have you gallivanting about the island. You could get lost," Hook replied.

"Awe, c'mon, Dad. That's not fair! I haven't been back in years, but I know the island. I wouldn't get lost."

"Too risky, sorry, son," Hook looked at Nibs apologetically. Maybe Nibs was right. Hook really did care for his children.

Nibs looked pleadingly up at Hook. Hook only sighed and shook his head no. Nibs lowered his head in defeat.

Just then, Winnie walked in. "Good morning, everyone!" she beamed. "Dad, I'm so excited to be back in Neverland. When do we get to go explore?"

"Winnie, darling, I'm just not sure-,"

"Dad's not letting us go," Nibs interrupted. "It's 'too dangerous,'" he mocked.

Winnie's face fell, but she seemed to accept the fact that she wouldn't be going anywhere. She sat down next to me.

"Hook, sir," I stammered out. I hated seeing Winnie this sad. "I was thinking, maybe I could take Winnie around to see the island? I know it just as well as you do, surely you know that."

"Nonsense, Peter!" Hook replied slamming his hand onto the table. "You are far too busy helping me today."

"But I just want to spend some time with her, sir," I was trying my hardest to be nice to Hook. "I know you know that," I eyed him.

"No," Hook gritted his teeth. I knew I was getting on his nerves just like I used to. "That's final. In fact, you two have been spending too much time together. You and I will be back late this evening. That will give you plenty of time to see my daughter here, on the ship. But I don't want you two alone together, is that understood?"

I nodded, and resumed my position at the table already plotting a scheme. "Thanks for trying, Peter," Winnie whispered.

I placed my hand on her leg just above the knee. I felt her tense up. "Don't worry, Winnie. We can go tonight when I get back," I smiled. "I've got a plan."

After breakfast, Hook began to prepare for the day's search for God knows what. Try as I might to explain to him that I had no idea who or what controlled the life on the island, he wouldn't believe me. So we were set to leave, and were expecting to be back around seven that evening.

"Have a delightful trip, Captain," Smee said. "I packed both of you a lunch for when you get hungry."

"Thank you, Mr. Smee," I replied with a smile. As dopey as he was, I always liked Mr. Smee, and wondered why he put up with nasty old Hook all the time. Hook simply nodded his appreciation.

"Bye, Daddy, be safe," Winnie said giving her father a hug. "I love you."

"I love you too, Winnie. I'll be back tonight, don't you worry." He kissed her lightly on the forehead. He patted Nibs on the head, but all Nibs did was pout at the ground.

Hook began to walk down onto the boardwalk to start the journey. I began to follow when Winnie grabbed my arm and yanked me backwards. "Ouch," I replied rubbing my arm and smiling.

"Sorry. Before you leave, let me wrap your arm back up." I pulled up the sleeve on my shirt and Winnie began to wrap the wound. "Are you sure you're going to be all right? I know how my dad can get," Winnie asked, concerned.

"Don't worry. It's nothing I can't handle, remember?" I replied making a hook with my left index finger and winking.

Winnie laughed finishing up the dressing. "I suppose you're right. So, what's your plan for tonight? And how are we going to sneak out?"

"I—,"

"Peter, the longer you take, the later we'll get back," Hook patronized.

"Coming, captain!" I called back. "Don't fret," I turned back to Winnie. "I have it worked out. I'll see you tonight," I replied. I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and sauntered down to the boardwalk and followed Hook into the deep, dark woods.