Chapter Twelve – More Than It Seems

"I wanna go home!" Mikey pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.

Jon sighed, smacking his forehead for the dozenth time that afternoon. "Look, so do I, but the girls picked us up today and they're the ones who can buy you an ice cream once we leave this stupid store, so just bear with me, ok?"

"I still don't wanna be here," the child grumbled.

Violet bit back a laugh as she listened to Wendy's brothers moan and groan. She'd wanted to go with Wendy to the mall for some time now, but the one day they could go after school was the one day Mr. Darling couldn't get the kids himself. Unfortunately for all of them, this meant that they had to stick together until they got home. It made no sense to Wendy in picking up the boys, walking all the way home, and then all the way back to town. So here they were, stuck in a store with all sorts of clothing that neither boy cared for.

"If you want, we can leave," Violet said as she grabbed another lacy purple top to try on.

"I'm sure they'll manage another five or ten minutes," Wendy smirked, stepping into the fitting room with her items. As she began to shut the door, an obnoxious laugh caught her attention. Both raven-haired females looked up to see Mandy wandering around the store with two other friends from the cheer squad. "Hide!" they whispered to one another, slamming their doors and hoping the boys were out of sight.

One of the girls raised her head, noticing how the girls had quickly gone to their fitting rooms. "Hey, Mandy, weren't those girls people you hang out with?"

"Hm? I didn't notice," she shrugged. Grabbing a tube-top dress with a loud pattern, she placed it in front of herself and modeled in front of a mirror.

"But, isn't that creepy goth chick and that newbie from England in your 'group'?" snickered the other.

"I keep them with me 'cause I like feel sorry for their totally lame-ass personalities and lives," laughed Mandy, completely absorbed in staring at her reflection. "There's seriously like nobody that can compare to me."

"Damn straight."

A shriek from Mandy pierced the air, causing most of the customers to turn around and glare at her. Spinning around, she was ready to bite of the idiot's head who'd startled her when she came face to face with a familiar looking boy with a black Mohawk and piercing eyes. He glared at her, rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"Wh-What…? What the HELL?!" she yelped. "Where'd you come from?"

"Chillax, Blondie," he chuckled darkly. "I didn't come to see you. I was passing through and heard you bad-mouthing Wendy and Vi. Had to see what was so great about you that made you think you're so much better than them." Looking her up and down, he gave a disgusted sound or disapproval and looked away. "Ain't seeing much."

The other two gawked at him, their jaws hitting the floor. Mandy fumed, her face red, a vein popping out of her forehead. "You…jerk!"

"Look, ya got a problem with the girls, you can talk to me n' Pete," he snapped, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Who's Pete?" whispered one of Mandy's friends.

"That'd be me," said a new voice, causing the three to turn around once more. Peter stood a few inches away, Mikey sitting on his shoulders, Jon at his side, all of them looking irked with the girls. Immediately, Mandy's lackies began to swoon.

Mandy felt her cheeks go red hot, scowling at him. "You! I should've known. What's like so special about Wendy, anyway?!"

Stepping forth, with a rather devilish smile, Peter leaned in, grabbing Mandy's chin, their noses almost touching. She felt her heart speed up at once, wanting to swoon just like her friends. "Wendy is smart, caring, and beautiful," he said softly, his breath smelling of mint. "She's…herself. And you, well…you're not." Drawing back, he allowed himself an amused smirk as he watched her glare at him, though the blush didn't quite leave her face.

"Peter?!"

Looking over his shoulder, he grinned at Wendy and Violet, gawking at him in disbelief. "Hey, girls. Me n' Ruff were in the neighborhood." He jerked his thumb back at Ruff, who winked at Violet, causing the girl to send a coy smile back his way. "Mind if we stick around?"

"Um…I…sure?" Wendy stammered, going up to them, her pulse racing. "Um, see you around, Mandy, girls," she said politely, dragging Peter away by his arm. Ruff, Violet, and Jon followed, feeling the girls' gazes upon them.

"That was cool, Peter!" Mikey giggled, giving a cry of surprise and delight when Peter hopped, causing the child to bounce on his shoulders.

"Thanks, buddy," Peter chuckled, gripping Mikey's legs as so he couldn't fall off.

"What on earth are you doing here?!" Wendy cut in, looking over her shoulder as they walked through the mall.

"I couldn't wait, so I came to see you," Peter grinned.

"But…you said it's dangerous, and-" she stammered, stopping when he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.

"I'd fight Death itself just to see you again," he murmured, his lips brushing against her knuckles, causing her body to become warm, her face flushed with color.

Behind them, Jon rolled his eyes, Ruff laughed. "Such a charmer," the teen snickered. Looking over at Violet, he grinned. "So this is what girls do for fun?"

"Generally speaking," she smirked. "But to be fair, not all girls have the same taste."

"Thank God for that," Ruff nodded, his eyes huge in disbelief as he thought back to Mandy. Looking to the gothic female, he smiled. "Pete hasn't been causing problems for you girls, has he?"

"Nah," she waved it off. "He just gives us a heart attack each time because he comes out of nowhere, and he's told us it's not safe for him off the island."

"He's right, it's not," the boy emphasized the word loudly, his eyes on his friend's back. Peter ignored him, his eyes wandering everywhere. Pursing his lips in irritation, Ruff heaved a sigh and straightened his shoulders. "But he can't stand being away too long, so he comes back a lot. Says he wants to make sure you're ok. I came to keep an eye on him today." He jerked his head at the brunette boy, making small talk with Wendy and Mikey.

"What about the other Lost Boys?" Jon budded in.

"They're fine. Either playing somewhere or with the Indians or fairies," Ruff responded with a grin.

"So, since you're here, what did you have in mind?" Violet asked, raising an eyebrow at the boy.

"Dunno," he shrugged. "Peter didn't use to come out so often, and now that he's constantly coming to check on you guys, I figured I'd show him what the modern Real World looks like." He looked to Jon and asked, "Any good movies lately?"

"There's one I want to see with these undercover agents, but they're kids and teenagers," Jon suggested.

"I wanna see 'Fairytales N' Fables'!" Mikey shouted, eavesdropping in on their conversation from his perch.

"What's that?" Ruff asked, casting Jon a dubious glance. "It's not something with rainbows, unicorns, and candy, is it?"

"Not quite," Jon chuckled. Violet bit back a laugh, seeing Ruff's face. "It's got to do with characters from a bunch of stories coming together to fight back an evil force. It's like one big crossover…"

"Shrek, anybody?" Violet suggested, earning a grin from Ruff.

"Hey, that sounds like fun," Peter grinned, looking over his shoulder at the group. "That fairy movie…could we see it?"

"The theater's just down the street," Violet offered.

"I don't have any money for that," Wendy interrupted, embarrassed. She gasped when Peter stuck his hand into his coat pocket and pulled out a wad of greed paper, winking at her. "How-?" she started. Placing the money back in his coat, Peter placed his forefinger upon his lips, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ruff takes some of the treasure we stole from the pirates and changes it for currency from time to time."

"I like checking out how things change here," the boy admitted, scratching the back of his neck with a shrug.

"Nice," Violet commented, earning another smile from the punk.

"Well, then it's settled," Peter laughed. "We're off to the mo-…" He stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes landing upon a figure off to the distance. Wendy gazed at him, puzzled, noting how his eyes became huge, then narrowed and darkened. Following his gaze, she trailed it to a solitary figure sitting in the food court, his meal untouched, a set of papers before him, a red pen at hand. Squinting, she blinked in bewilderment when she saw who it was. "…Mr. Fuller?"

"Pete?" Ruff asked from behind, finally noticing the man.

"We need to get out. Now." Peter spoke with such fierce finality that even Violet was stunned.

The teacher cocked his head at them, perplexed, until he studied Peter's face. His eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed. As he rose from the table, Peter snatched Wendy and took off running. Ruff followed his lead, grabbing Jon and Violet. They weaved through the crowds, Peter never looking back while Ruff constantly glancing over his shoulder. Escaping the mall, Peter made sure no one was looking as they exited the building. Picking Wendy up bridal style, with Mikey still cling onto him, he leapt into the air.

Ruff looked to the boy and girl, an impish grin of his face. "So, which one of you am I carrying?"

"I got dibs on the back!" Jon exclaimed, wrapping his arms around Ruff neck from behind.

"Whatever," Violet rolled her eyes, blushing as Ruff mimicked Peter and took her in his arms. Leaping into the air, he looked back down at the building before hurrying to follow his friend. "What's with Peter?" Violet asked, her brows furrowing together.

"I'm sure he'll explain once you're safe," Ruff said, keeping his lips sealed.

"For the love of Pete, no more secrets!" Jon growled. Ruff ignored his comment and flew on.

Arriving at the house, Peter landed at the front door, setting Wendy down so that she could unlock the door. "Peter, care to explain why you reacted like that?" she frowned, taking her brother from the flying teenager. Ruff landed just behind the boy, setting Violet on the ground as Jon released his hold on him.

"He's not safe," Peter said firmly, his lips pressed together tightly, his arms crossed over his chest. "Stay away from him, Wendy."

"I'm tired of people telling me what to do and who I should avoid!" she snapped suddenly, startling the group. "And I hate how you're keeping me in the dark! You want me to believe and trust in you, but how can I do that when you keep appearing and disappearing, behaving strangely and attracting the wrong attention from my classmates and teachers?!" Inhaling deeply, she frowned, looking away, needing to calm down.

"…you're right. I'm sorry."

Peter's voice was quiet, gentle and pleading. Raising her eyes, she saw him scratching the back of his neck, biting his lip as he looked at his boots. He looked adorably awkward as he struggled to apologize, though his determination was evident. "I haven't told you anything because it isn't the right time or place. But, on Friday, when you…if you still want to come…I'll explain." Standing erect, he crossed his heart, raising his hand in the air. "Promise."

Wendy blinked, stunned by his actions. "Why do I feel like I've seen that before…I've never met him before recently, so why does this seem so familiar…?"

"Wendy?" Mikey asked, tugging at her jeans.

"Huh? Oh! Sorry," she blushed, shaking off her trance. "Um, of course we'll still go."

"Good," Peter beamed gleefully. "Meantime, please try to keep away from that man." His voice was stern, and though he kept a formal smile on his lips, his eyes were dark and angry at the thought of the man.

"I'll try," Wendy said, touching his shoulder lightly with her fingertips. This seemed to calm him, so she offered a shy smile. "You'd better go before someone sees you."

Nodding, Peter bowed before them, Ruff rolling his eyes. Taking off after Peter once more, he sent Violet a final wink before following his friend. "Seriously, bro, you need to be more careful," he said once they were well off into the air, heading back towards Heather Avenue. "That guy we saw…is he…?"

"Yes," Peter frowned, glaring at the ground. "This is why I need to keep an eye on them."

"This is why you need to stay on the island," Ruff argued. "What if something happens to you? Then Shade'll take over like last time. Not to mention this weirdo at the mall, walking around the neighborhood. And you can't keep sneaking out on Tink like this – you know how she freaks out."

"I won't lose Wendy again," Peter growled as they passed over the docks and flew over the shining waters. He turned his head at the feel of Ruff's hand gripping his shoulder. The boy's black eyes were locked on his face, filled with concern and the same determination Peter himself had.

"But she's not that Wendy…not really," he said softly.

"I know," Peter responded in the same tone, a small smile on his lips. "…that's why I like her, maybe even more that the first."

"Listen, Pete, I get why you're doing this, but…be careful." Biting his bottom lip, Ruff hardened his face, his jaw firm. "…we can't lose you."

Wrapping an arm around his friend's shoulders, he gently punched the Native American's mouth, chuckling. "Did I ever tell you you're too serious?"

"Shuddup!" Ruff laughed, shoving him away. In his mind, he remained resolute: he would watch and protect Peter with his life. It was the least he could do after what Peter had done for him…

~NEVER-NEVERLAND~

Wendy jumped out of her chair when Fred slammed his hands upon the lunch table. His mouth was twisted in a frustrated frown as he demanded, "What the hell is up with that flying weirdo?!"

"What-?" she started, stunned at his demand.

"Don't play with me, Wendy," he shook his head. "Mandy told me you and Violet left with Peter Piper and Rufio yesterday!"

"Their names are Peter Pan and Ruff," Wendy said curtly, returning the frown as she looked back to her book, calmly eating her chips. "Yes, we saw them yesterday. What's wrong with that?"

"Why do you let that creep keep stalking you?!" he argued, earning an angry glare from Violet, which he ignored entirely.

"Why does it matter?" Wendy said sternly as she looked up at him. "And would you please stop making a scene?"

His jaw nearly hit the floor, his neck becoming tomato red. "How can you be so calm?!" he choked, the color moving to his face. "He's not good for you-!"

"I've said it once, I'll say it again," Wendy growled, standing up and facing him. Jabbing her finger into his chest, she hissed, "I am getting tired of being told what to do and who I can and can't talk to! You certainly aren't my father or brother, so stop acting like you're the boss of me! What I do in my spare time and whether or not I speak to Peter is my own business! Why should it matter to you?"

"Because I worry about you, and I like you, dammit!" he snapped back suddenly.

Wendy froze, staring at him in disbelief. Fred, meanwhile, took a moment to breathe, equally stunned at how fierce Wendy had become. "…don't you get it, Wendy? I really like you," he whispered, taking her hand in his, gazing into her bewildered blue eyes. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you…"

Violet watched silently as she sipped her juice, looking from one face to the other. She knew Fred liked her, she just didn't expect this blow out to become the moment of confession. A part of her felt truly sorry for him, while the other prayed Wendy would (gently) let him down. "He's just not for her…she must know that, too."

Wendy's eyes fell to his hand grasping hers, his large hands warm and strong. All she could think of, however, was how wrong it felt – she longed for another's hands, one's whose were calloused and scarred, long fingers gently gripping her own…

"I'm sorry," she said, slowly tugging her hand out of his. "I suppose you were worried…and thank you for your concern. But don't worry about me," she said quietly. "I can handle myself…and…I'm sorry, but…I just…I think you're wonderful, Fred…but I'm not for you." She shook her head sadly at him, seeing his face fall, his eyes dim. "I know that Mandy feels about you the same way you feel about me…maybe…?"

He shook his head at her, his jaw set once more as he took it all in. "Just you, Wendy." Looking away for a moment, he pressed his lips together in thought. Lifting his head again, he looked her in the eye. "Just answer me this…do you like that Peter guy?"

Her eyes drifted off to a corner, her hand rising to grip the acorn button around her neck. Visions of Pan's smile, his eyes, his laugh filled her mind… "Yes, I suppose I do," she admitted, not seeing Violet smile at her before quickly biting into a wrap.

Nodding, Fred heaved a sigh. "Fine. I figured that'd be the cause…but the minute he tried anything or hurts you…" He pointed to himself, his eyes burning with intensity and promise. "I'm going after him." Turning, he stalked off. Wendy felt herself exhale deeply, surprised at how stiff she was. Sitting down she heard Violet clap three times, a smirk on the goth girl's face.

"Way to go, Wendy. Y'know, I never thought you'd be the type to get all defensive and angry when people got like that with you. Don't get me wrong, it's just…you were always so quiet and polite."

"I don't like being told what I should do and who I shouldn't see," Wendy repeated with a tired smile. "I get defensive and rude sometimes when that happens…"

"A dark side…I like it," Violet laughed, pretending to cackle like a mad scientist.

Wendy laughed at this, earning a "high-five" from her friend. Returning her attention to her meal and novel, she couldn't help feeling someone staring her down from behind. Taking a chance, she looked over her shoulder, freezing when she saw who it was.

Mr. Fuller stood against the wall, several yards away, but his gaze from behind his wide-brimmed glasses were definitely on her. She didn't like it in the least. It was as though he were studying her…

"He's not safe…Stay away from him, Wendy," Peter's voice echoed in her mind. A shiver passed through her frame as she looked away, struggling to focus again on her book and food. "I think I will, Peter. Just in case…"