Chapter Twenty-Seven – Budding Romances
Her hands seemed to keep slipping and fumbling as she struggled to get her clothes back on and get dried off as quickly as possible. Wendy certainly didn't want to keep Peter waiting, but she didn't want to appear too eager either. Slipping her shoes back onto her feet, she could hear footsteps behind her. Spinning around, she gave a sigh of relief when she saw Nana coming, still wet. Her tongue lolled out of the side of her mouth, her eyes bright with cheer.
"I'm glad to see you're having fun, too," she smiled, falling to her knees and hugging the mongrel.
Suddenly, Nana's ears perked, her head swiveling around. She gave a throaty growl, her teeth baring when she spotted the intruder.
"What is it…?" Wendy asked, following Nana's gaze.
A great gray wolf with a pristine white muzzle and chest stepped out of the trees, his dark eyes set upon them. Wendy held her breath, her eyes widening in fear. Nana continued to growl, staying protective of her mistress. The wolf made no move to attack, he merely sniffed the air and weakly wagged his tail, his pointed ears resting against his head. He seemed to be saying he meant them no harm, but Nana remained suspicious.
"Peter…" Wendy whispered, wishing he were here to help.
A gentle rustling from behind put her at ease, and when she felt his hand on her shoulder, she was not startled at all. It was as though he'd heard her from wherever he was and flown faster than an eagle to be with her.
"It's all right," Peter said calmly from behind. "He's a friend." He patted Nana's hindquarters, whistling to earn her attention. "It's ok, Nana," said, staring into the Newfoundland's eyes. "His name is Neko. He won't hurt us."
"Why not?" Wendy asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Because Neko belonged to your great-grandmother," Peter grinned. "He must've recognized your scent and realizes you're his new owner."
"Me?" Wendy blinked.
Looking to the wolf, Peter whistled for him. "C'mere, boy! It's ok." He waved for the beast to join them, urging him to come closer. Neko stepped cautiously, as so not to frighten Nana or Wendy, and went straight to Peter, licking his face.
"Here, Nana. See if you approve," Peter said politely, jerking his head at the wolf.
Nana gave a "harump!" before sniffing the other. Neko remained still, waiting for her to finish before he sniffed her in return. They began to chase one another, yipping and barking like puppies would, eventually tumbling in the dirt.
Wendy and Peter laughed, watching as Neko licked the dirt off Nana's nose. "They seem to like one another," Peter noted, whistling for the dogs to return. Bounding back, Peter took Wendy's hand and called Neko over. "Let's get you two acquainted," he chuckled, holding her hand as Neko sniffed them. He panted, his intimidating fangs overlooked as a huge smile, as if he were seeing an old friend. He gingerly licked Wendy's hand before moving to sniff her face. She remained still, giggling when he slobbered over her face.
"Down, Neko!" she laughed, and he obeyed. Nana looked on, sitting still beside the wolf with an amused gleam in her eyes. "He's my pet?" Wendy asked, scratching both dogs' heads.
"Yup," Peter nodded. Getting up, he offered her his hand, which she gratefully accepted.
"I don't suppose you could keep him here? I think Dad would have a heart attack if he saw him…if he bothered to noticed," she added a little bitterly.
Peter observed her, giving her a sad look. "He's been here this long, I think he won't mind." Patting the canine's head, he motioned for them to go. "Neko, go watch the others for us with Nana, ok?"
The wolf gave a little yip of agreement before running off, Nana hot on his heels. Chuckling, he took Wendy's hand and began to fly. "C'mon – I'm starving."
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
"Hey!" Ben laughed, splashing back at Len.
Tiger Lily tackled Lump from behind, and Mikey rode on Skipper's shoulders. It was the epitome of fun there in the lagoon, and Ben couldn't get enough of it.
"Surprise!" Conch called, leaping out from the water and glomping the boy from behind. He fell face first in the pool, his eyes huge as he gazed at the wonders deep underneath the water's surface. The sand shimmered gold and silver, seaweed tangled and twisted from the motion of the water, and bubbles with the colors of the rainbow floated and drifted everywhere. Tiny silver minnows dared to and fro, frightened of the giant creatures that thrashed in their home. A grin worked its way onto the boy's face. If this was just the theme park, he wondered what the real Neverland would look like…
Conch suddenly stiffened, her eyes glued to a skittering creature. Seeing her fear, he followed her gaze and noted a crab. He was a grumpy looking fellow, angrily stomping towards them.
"You're afraid of a crab?" he thought, incredulous.
"I can't help it!" he heard her voice echo in his mind, his mouth opening to emit a shout of surprise. In doing so, he ended up swallowing a generous amount of water, nearly drowning. As he began to panic, Conch pulled him close, closed her eyes and placed her lips on his. His eyes widened in disbelief until her felt her sucking the water out of his lungs. He continued to gawk at her, aghast, watching as she squirted the fluid out of her mouth and commenced to kiss him again, this time breathing sweet tasting air into his mouth. His eyelids shut. He could feel her arms wrapping around him, and he mimicked the gesture. When at last she pulled away, he struggled not to let his jaw drop from his awe and bewilderment.
"Sorry," she apologized, blushing at him. Her hair flowed and twirled around them, sliding past their cheeks. "I forgot to tell you that we can speak to one another like this if we're touching. Peter's the only one who can talk to us all like this underwater without touching anybody."
Ben nodded, still stupefied from the kiss. It wasn't until Conch yelped and hopped into his arms that he snapped out of his trance. She pointed at the crab, horrified as it tried to snap at her tail."Give me an eel, a shark, a squid – I don't care. But this-!"She shivered, clinging tightly to him.
Ben frowned at the crab, looking past it and catching sight of a fallen twig. "Conch…I have an idea. But you'll have to let go."
"Huh?" she looked at him, hurt shining in her green-blue eyes.
"No, I mean go off to a corner and I'll take care of Crabby Cakes here,"he explained, earning a giggle from the mermaid. She did as she was told, enabling him to snatch the stick and dangle it above the crab. As he expected, the irked crustacean began snapping at the wood with his claw, finally grabbing it. With a smirk, Ben lifted it off of the ground, causing it to flail and cling to the stick. Swimming as quickly as he could, he made it to the surface and tossed the crab over the rocky wall before nodding his satisfaction. "That ought to do it."
"Ben!" Conch's head broke the water's surface, a smile lighting up her face. "You're so brave! Oh, thank you!" She embraced him without a second thought, making his temperature rise dramatically.
"Uh, yeah. Sure," he stammered, smiling awkwardly.
She giggled, placing her lips on his again before diving off. He stared after her, seeing her wink and swim to the other side of the pool. Grinning, he swam after her in a chase. "Who knew I'd find my own mermaid…?"
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
Wendy delicately licked her fingers clean of cinnamon and sugar as Peter bit off another chunk of meat from the turkey leg he'd gotten. Thanks to him, they gotten free food (he was Peter Pan, after all – the fairies certainly weren't going to force him to pay!) and strolled through the amusement park. She laughed as Peter ate nosily, grease dripping down his chin and staining his nose and cheeks.
"Don't even think about it," she chastised him as he went to clean his face with his sleeve.
"What?" he asked with his mouth full, pouting.
Shaking her head with a smile, she pulled out a napkin from her pocket and grabbed his arm. "Hold it," she told him, getting him to face her. Reaching for his face, she gently wiped the meat and slime off of him as he watched her. She tried to ignore how his lips stretched into a smile as she cleaned him. "Really, Peter, what would Hook think if he saw that you'd stained his coat?"
"It was his second best, so I don't see what the big deal is," he shrugged his shoulders. "Besides, it's mine now." He had wanted to change out of the "normal clothes" so he had stopped at the hideout and gotten his usual vestments of Indian boots, leggings, leaf vest, and of course, Hook's gift, the scarlet coat.
"Still, you could at least not stain it," she sighed, tossing the paper into a nearby wastebasket. "I thought you wanted to go to the Ferris wheel."
"I do," Peter grinned, tossing the remainder of his meal in the trash. "C'mon!" Taking her hand, he led her through the streets, finally coming across the entrance of the gigantic, ticking wheel. Wendy could see the roman numerals painted onto each cart, the lights making it look like Big Ben back in England.
"Hey Flameburst," he winked at the fairy manning the ride.
She turned to see who had spoken and squealed in delight upon seeing him. "PETER!" Attacking him with a hug, she laughed. "I was wondering if you would ever drop by. Oh!" She smiled and waved at Wendy. "Hi! You must be Wendy! Nice to meet you! Aren't you cute? Geez, Peter! It's about time you finally got yourself a-"
"Oooookay!" Peter grinned and glared, speaking through his teeth. "We're going on the wheel. See ya around."
"Bye!" she waved, still beaming cheerily. "No funny business, ok?!"
Peter gnashed his teeth in annoyance and embarrassment. "She's had too much cotton candy tonight," he noted.
Wendy remained silent as she let him lead her into one of the seats. He helped her in before sitting beside her, leaning back in his spot, his arms behind his head. The ride slowly cranked to life, moving them up into the air.
"…was she Blue Falls sister?" Wendy asked, hating the silence that hung over them.
"Yeah, real chatty," he chuckled. Looking out over the park, he bit his lip. "Wendy…when this is all over…we'll have to leave."
Her head whipped around, her eyes huge at his words. "What?"
"I mean…once Shade's been defeated," Peter explained. "We all have to go home…to Neverland…the real one."
She blinked, processing what he'd said. "…oh…of course." It hadn't really sunk in until he had said it. She couldn't imagine life without him or the others here on this island…she knew Mikey and Jon would be crushed, and Violet would miss Ruff…Mandy and Fred would be all right, but now Ben had gotten attached to the boys and the mermaid Conch…and then there was her science teacher, somewhere on the island with Captain Hook…she wasn't even sure what to think of that. But if Peter up and vanished from her world…
"Wendy," Peter said, his eyes huge with worry. "Why are you crying?!"
"Huh?" She touched her face, feeling the moisture drip from her eyes. "Oh! Oh dear…" Rubbing her face harshly, she sniffled. "I'm fine, really." When Peter went to wipe her face with his fingers, more tears sprang out.
"Is it something I said or did?" he asked, frightened now at her behavior.
She shook her head violently, not wanting to talk. If she tried to explain how she felt, she just might start bawling her eyes out, and that was the last thing she needed.
"Wendy," he started again, making her turn her face to him. "…what's wrong?" His eyes widened and his body stiffened as she threw herself onto him, crying into his chest. "Wendy…?"
"Don't go," she wept, her frame shaking. "I don't know why I want you to stay so badly…but I…Peter…"Squeezing her eyes shut, she clung to his vest and cried, "I love you!"
They didn't move for (it seemed like) eons. She felt her stomach drop, her heart aching as she realized that perhaps he didn't feel the same after all…
"You mean that?"
Gently, Peter raised her chin so that she was looking him in the eye again. She was shocked at how intensely he looked at her – his eyes seemed to burn. "You really mean that, Wendy?"
"I…" She faltered, too stunned to speak. "…yes." It came out in a whisper, her eyes stinging with tears. They soon became wide as saucers when he inclined his head and placed his lips on hers. Sparks shot through her veins, a shiver traveling down her spine. Closing her eyes, she gripped the lapels of his coat as he pulled her into his chest. One hand remained on her face, softly brushing away the tears that kept coming. This kiss was nothing extraordinary – nothing mature, nothing extreme, nothing that excited them…it was an innocent, blissful moment.
Pulling away from her, Peter gave a little smile and whispered, "I love you, Wendy."
She gasped, her dream returning to her. Blush filled her cheeks as she gripped her necklace. "…that's funny…I had a dream that you were in my room and told me that…you kissed my cheek I think…" When she saw his eyes dart away from her, his own cheeks burning, she covered her mouth in disbelief. "You…you were there?!"
"It was the night Mandy got possessed and I brought her home," he confessed, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "…I wanted to see you…" He smiled and glanced at her shyly. "…you left the window open…not many people do that anymore."
"I remember…I was going to lock it but I was worried if you came while I was asleep then you'd be shut out…I want you to always be able to find safety in our home."
Peter grinned at this, bowing his head to her. "Thank you, Wendy." His grin faded as he looked out over the land. They were now at the very top of the Ferris wheel, and it had paused, allowing them a moment in quiet stillness. "…Wendy, do you really want me stay?"
"Very much," she nodded, cleaning her face as best as she could.
He pursed his lips, biting his tongue as he mulled an idea over in his head. Inhaling deeply, he held his breath, closing his eyes. "…If you really want me to stay…I will."
She smiled at once, only to frown and shake her head. "Peter, you can't. You'll grow up-"
"If that's what it takes to be with you, then I will," Peter cut her off, gripping the railing of their seats so hard that his knuckles turned white.
Fear filled her as she listened to him. "But Peter-!"
"I lost the girl I loved because I wouldn't grow up!" Peter snapped, keeping his eyes tightly shut. "I don't want to lose you!"
"But Neverland…and the Lost Boys…Tinker Bell…" Wendy said, seeing their faces in her mind. Shaking her head, she placed her hand on his, gently pulling it off of the rail and entwining their fingers together. Turning to face her, he watched in astonishment as she leaned in and kissed his cheek, taking both of his hands. "Peter…I can't be greedy and make you stay…without you, Neverland can't survive, not for long. Shade will have accomplished what he wanted – you growing up."
"Growing up for him is wrong," Peter stated. "But growing up for you…" He took one of her hands and kissed it hesitantly, making Wendy's face go rose pink. "I could manage…I could try, anyways."
She shook her head, smiling sadly. "You don't know how that makes me feel, Peter…how I would love for that to be the case…but if you grow up, Peter will be here, but Pan will die. The world needs Peter Pan…Neverland needs him…even Captain Hook needs him…and so do I. All the children in the world need Peter Pan, now and always."
Peter gazed at her with melancholy eyes, his heart breaking. Then, his eyes lit up. "Wendy, come with me! Jon and Mikey could come, and Nana, too! I know Violet would come if we asked her! You know the boys and I would respect you!" He was a bundle of excitement and hope, and as she listened, she felt that she, too, was eager and able to see herself with him in that magical world. "Oh, the adventures we'd have, Wendy! You could be our mother and still have fun! And at night, you can tuck us in and make pockets for us! Wendy," he added with a puppy-dog pout. "None of us have any pockets."
She laughed at his expression, making him smile. "Peter, I'd-!" She stopped, one particular face coming to mind. "…I'd love to go with you…I know the others would, too…but…I can't." Looking into his eyes, her face distorted with sorrow and distress, she explained, "I can't just abandon Dad. He may not be the father we want him to be, but he's our father. And Violet has her aunt…we can't just leave…not like that."
Peter's eyes dimmed, and he nodded his understanding. "…I see. I get it, Wendy."
"I'm so sorry…" She bit her lip, but it did nothing to stop the tears. His hand went up once more and rubbed the salty drops away.
"Don't cry," he pleaded. "Not because of me…listen, we've still got a ways to go with stopping Shade," he said in his best cheery voice. Holding her shoulders, he smiled, hopeful, and said, "We can worry about that when the time comes, ok?"
She gave a weak smile, nodding her agreement. "Oh, Peter…" Wrapping her arms around him, she surprised him by planting her lips on his once more. "Thank you…I love you."
Holding her to his heart, Peter looked to the sky, his eyes burning as they threatened to show his own tears. "…God, if you can hear me…I don't know what You're up to or what you've got planned…but please…I want to be Wendy…even if it means growing up…but she's right. I can't just leave Neverland…God, if you can hear me, please help me…" Clearing his throat, sniffling a bit, he straightened and sat up, putting on a brave smile. "Don't cry anymore, Wendy. Let's talk about something else! Anything you want."
The raven-haired girl wiped her face clean, searching her mind for some topic they could discuss. "Um…ok, how did you find the other Lost Boys?" she asked, staying comfortable in his arms.
"Hm, let's see…" His brows knitting together, he searched his memory for the answers. "…The Twins were found in London…Ruff was found on that reservation…Lump and Skipper were found here in the States, too. Lump was always being picked on at school, and his mother was always depressed after his father left them. She neglected him so much that there were days he wouldn't eat. But that didn't change his body much, and for that, there were always bullies at school that bothered him. One day they were going to pour some sticky gravy on him at lunch when me, Ruff, the Twins, and Tink and Falls came into the room. We stuck with him the rest of the day, even waited outside the classrooms just to make sure no one would bother him. He decided to come with us that night. Skipper, on the other hand, was in a family that had lots of kids, all girls. His mother didn't like seeing him because of his missing arm. His dad didn't mind it much, but they were poor. One day, it was raining and the mother took him out into the city and just left him there in the street. When we found him, he was running a fever. If it weren't for Tink and Falls, he might not have made it."
"My God," she whispered, imagining the fear and hurt on the boys' faces. She couldn't imagine how they could be ignored and abandoned in such a manner, but her mind recalled her own father, who neglected them in a different manner. "And the others?"
"We went to Africa next," Peter continued as the wheel began to move again. "Partly was separated from his family. Deep in some parts of Africa, tribes attack one another and steal or kill the enemies' children. Partly tried to run away and almost succeeded, except there was a guard. It was late in the night and he began shooting at Partly…what he didn't see was a cobra that bit him from behind. He died almost instantly and then, the cobra headed for Partly."
Wendy stared at him with huge eyes, enthralled and terrified all at once.
"Sorry," he smiled sheepishly. "Too much detail, huh?"
"No…you're a fine storyteller," she noted. He seemed to beam proudly at the comment. "Then what happened?"
"I sliced the snake's head off," Peter shrugged.
Wendy smirked at this, poking his side. "Somehow, I'm not surprised."
Peter grinned. "We found Len in Japan. He had two older brothers that were really smart and one of them was already grown up and working with his father. Len was smart, too, but not as smart as his brothers. His father was constantly forcing him to take hard classes, classes he didn't want. His mother didn't do anything to help. When Len failed a test, his father slapped him and sent him to his room. He was crying when we came to his window and offered him a place with us."
"Don't the boys worry for their families?" Wendy asked, curious.
"Sometimes they do. They forgot a lot about their past lives though, especially the little ones when they're in Neverland," the Eternal Youth explained. "I won't keep anyone against their will, but they always promise they won't ever leave." He gave a smile and rested his chin on Wendy's head. "I like to think that most of them might keep their promise. One day or another, they might want to go back, and I won't stop them."
Wendy clung to him, sensing his sadness and love for the boys. Though he claimed to be a child, he acted like a protective brother, even like a father to the boys at times. Snuggling against him, she asked, "And what about Mouse?"
"Ah, Mouse," Peter laughed. "No one really knows about Mouse's parents. Even he doesn't remember. He was placed in an orphanage, and snuck out one night because he wanted to catch some mice to play with. We found him that night and started calling him 'Mouse.' A lady came and took him away back inside. We decided to stay the night on a rooftop. Somewhere in the middle of the night, we woke up and the orphanage was on fire. We're not sure how it happened – Len says it may have been one of the littler kids playing with matches, or maybe it was a grown up. Anyway, Mouse was trapped in the third floor. Ruff n' me went in and rescued him. After that, we returned to England through the fairy rings, and returned to Neverland to confront Shade."
As their seat came closer to the ground, Wendy looked up at him and smiled. "You care very much for those boys, Peter…you're so sweet."
"I am, aren't I?" he asked cockily with a smug grin.
Shaking her head with a giggled, she pecked his cheek, earning a loud crow from the boy. "Peter!" she gasped, struggling to shush him and restrain her laughter all at once.
Laughing with her, Peter hopped out of the seat, offering his arm to her. As he led her out, his eyes fell upon a familiar red hat seated on a head of black curls. "Top of the evening to ya, Cap'n!" he called out, smirking when Hook turned to face him.
"Pan," Hook scowled, waving him off. "You couldn't be anymore obnoxious?"
"I don't see how you're any better," the boy sniffed. His grin grew at the sight of Christine Seaworth on Hook's arm. "How's the date?"
"How's yours?!" Hook snarled.
"Hi Wendy," Christine said, shaking her head with a smile.
"Hello again, Miss Seaworth," Wendy waved brightly.
Before Hook and Pan could start a banter, a ball of green light shot towards them, landing on Peter's head.
"Heya, Tink," Peter said, his eyes moving to try and look at his fairy. She chimed at him pointing back the way she came. "Uh-huh…" Looking to Wendy, he translated, "Tink says Vi wants you to know it's about time to leave."
"Oh my," Wendy said, stunned that time had passed so quickly.
"But the boys wanted to know if you would tuck them into bed before you left," he added. "I'll take you all home afterwards."
"Hardly," Hook scoffed. "Ishall escort them."
"Oh please," Peter rolled his eyes, smirking once again. "You just want to be with your new girlfriend."
"And you with your Wendy," Hook sneered.
"Then you'll both take us home," Wendy stated.
"And you'll behave yourselves," Christine added, sending both males scolding looks.
"Fine," they both huffed, pouting. Taking Wendy, Peter looked at Hook. "See you at the dock in fifteen minutes."
"Very well," Hook responded curtly. He watched as the children flew off, his eyes narrowed.
"There, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Christine asked.
"It's barely begun," Hook sighed.
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
After tucking the boys in and kissing them goodnight in their hideout, Peter placed Ruff in charge. Violet gave him a long kiss goodnight, nearly resulting in Wendy and Tiger Lily yanking her off of the boy. Nana whined and gave Neko his own farewell kiss, leaving the wolf to lie beside the dazed Lost Boy. After leaving the hideout, Tiger Lily said her farewells and split for the Indian Village. Wendy noted how Jon, Violet, and Ben all looked disappointed to leave, and she bit back a laugh as she imagined why. Even Nana looked glum!
"We should totally do this again!" Mandy gushed, clinging to Fred's arm.
"Sure," Violet rolled her eyes but smiled in spite of herself.
Together, the unlikely group met Hook and Christine on the pier, gathering into one of the smaller vessels and heading back to shore. Once they were on Heather Avenue, Fred and Mandy went their own way, waving goodnight to the others. Arriving at the Seaworth residence, Hook kissed Christine's hand, making her blush scarlet. Wishing her goodnight and warning Ben to listen to his aunt, he traveled with the others down to Violet's house.
"I'll bet she'd up watching some cheesy soap opera," Violet sighed with a smile. "Thanks again for the great time, guys." Unlocking the door, she stepped inside. The Darlings, Peter, Hook, and Tink began to walk away when Violet's scream pierced the air. Moving like lightning, Peter spun around and rushed back, the others close behind. "Violet!" he shouted, tugging at the door. "Violet! What is it?!"
"HELP ME!" she screamed.
"Hook-!" Peter started, moving away as the pirate pulled a pistol from his belt and shot at the doorknob. Nodding his thanks, the boy kicked the door down and led them inside. His eyes became huge at the sight before them.
Violet's aunt Kelly lay on the floor, pale and lifeless, her blank eyes staring at the ceiling. A few feet away was Violet, grasped by a smoky entity with a large, wicked, gaping mouth that seemed to suck the air out of her.
"VIOLET!" Wendy screamed, covering Mikey's eyes.
"NO!" Peter shouted, taking his knife from his boot and with an astonishing precision, threw it at Shade's head with all his might.
Shade managed to move just in time so that it didn't pierce his head, but it sliced through the base of his neck. With anguished cry, he released Violet, letting her fall to the floor. The girl gasped for breath, tears streaming onto her face.
"Tink!" Peter called, withdrawing his sword from its sheath.
Spinning in the air, Tinker Bell began to chime what sounded like a song, haunting and repetitive.
"Hook," Peter said, motioning for him to join his blade as well. As the pirate stepped forth with his sword, Shade snarled as he recovered, ready to pounce. "Get out of here now!" Peter warned the others.
Violet had already began crawling away the moment she regained control of her breathing. Nana bounded to her, allowing the girl to grab onto her collar and tug her along. Handing Mikey to Jon, Wendy helped Violet as they all ran out of the house, hurrying down the street back to the Darling residence.
Singing the last bit of the spell, Tinker Bell touched Pan's and Hook's blades, a glow emerging from the weapons. Filled with fury, Shade lunged for them. Poised, Peter and Hook gave great cries and thrust their swords forward, praying that this would work.