Tink looked up when she heard music coming from Peter's room. She hadn't heard him play his pipes in ages. She flew to his room and peered in. He was flung across the bed, laying on his stomach with his dirty feet in the air. Tink watched him for a moment while he played. She remembered that song. He had once called it the "Wendy-song", for he always played it after she and the boys had left. Tink fluttered closer and heard him stop and sigh.

"You truly do love her," she said and Peter sat up.

"I do, Tink. I'm sorry if that upsets you but—"

"It doesn't upset me. I can see how happy she makes you. You're my best friend, Peter. We've been together for near a hundred years. I just want to see you happy." Peter smiled and jumped to his feet. He searched his drawers until he finally found a suit he had stored away years ago. Tink watched him move around the room.

"Want me to come with you?"

"You'd better not. I don't know how tonight is going to go and having my fairy with me might not help things. Thank you though," he added, seeing her wings droop. He finished dressing and checked his reflection in the mirror.

"How do I look?"

"Not like yourself," she said, a little sadly. Peter turned to her and sighed.

"The suit is just for disguise. In case her blockhead boyfriend is around. I'll be back before you know it." With a wink, he flew out of the hideout and straight into the stars.

Peter flew to Wendy's house and remained hidden among the rooftops. He listened to Mr. and Mrs. Darling bustling around inside, discussing a masquerade ball. Peter's heart lurched as he realized that was where Wendy must be tonight and he waited until he saw them emerge from the house. Following the carriage, he was determined to find Wendy and ask to speak with her. He had to tell her tonight. He was running out of time.

He landed on top of the carriage and ducked low in case anyone saw him. When the carriage stopped, Peter jumped off and hid behind the trees, waiting for his chance. A couple walked by and Peter grabbed something out of the man's hands. The old man gasped and looked around but saw nothing. His wife grasped his arm and pulled him in as he continued to look around for the thief. Sighing with relief, Peter studied the mask he had stolen and decided it would do. He hoped to only be here a few moments anyway. He tied the mask around his face and leaped out of the trees. Seeing another couple walking up, he stayed close to them and hoped no one would question anything. He was in luck and no one said a word as the "family" passed the guards and entered the ball. Peter immediately split from the group and looked around. He spotted the Darling boys against the wall, all looking rather bored. Slightly was watching the ladies pass by with a hungry look in his eyes. John seemed to be hiding from his betrothed and Peter really didn't blame him. Further along, talking to Tootles, was his Wendy. Peter's breath left him as he took in the sight of her; she wore a grand ball gown of periwinkle silk. Her blonde curls were swept up in an elegant bun and she held a delicate lace fan in one hand. She had a pretty white mask that covered the top portion of her face and Peter thought her eyes sparkled even more through the mask. She was truly a sight to behold. Peter made his way to her and bowed low. When she spotted him over Tootles's shoulder, she gasped and nearly dropped her fan.

"Peter," she hissed. "What are you doing here?"

"Asking you to dance," he said slyly, holding out his hand. Wendy looked around to see where Henry had gone.

"Peter, you shouldn't be here."

"Shouldn't be. But I am. So dance with me." Tootles glanced at Peter and back at Wendy.

"Dance with him, Wendy," he said softly. Peter wondered if Tootles remembered him yet but did not ask; instead, he took Wendy's hand and lead her out onto the dance floor. Several people stared for Peter looked much younger than Wendy. But they decided he was a friend of her brothers' and shrugged it off. Peter's hand went to her waist while his other clasped hers.

"Do you remember the last time we danced," he said softly in her ear.

"Of course. You flew me into the air and we danced among the stars."

"I could do that again but I think we might get a few more stares than we already have." Wendy smiled.

"Yes, let's not draw attention to ourselves. Where did you get your mask?"

"Tinkerbell found it for me," he said quickly and Wendy's eyes sparkled.

"You are such a liar."

"Alright then, I stole it. Better?"

"You can't lie to me, Peter Pan. You never could."

"You're right," he was finding it harder to breathe as her eyes bore into his, "Something about you makes me unable to lie. Makes it hard to breathe too."

"Flatterer," she said with a grin. Peter swept her around and his eyes narrowed when he saw a man storming across the room. Wendy turned to find her betrothed approaching, looking very red in the face.

"Oh dear," she said softly and Peter frowned. Henry reached them and grabbed Wendy's arm.

"You've been gone for nearly twenty minutes. Why did you leave me back there?"

"You were ordering another drink and I went to talk with my brother."

"This is not your brother," he cast the boy a look of dislike, which Peter returned.

"No but he is a friend. Peter, this is Henry VonBrewer. Henry, this is Peter…VanPanter." Peter looked quickly at Wendy but one look from her told him to keep quiet. Henry's brow raised.

"YOU are a VanPanter?"

"Umm, yes?" Peter said, shrugging.

"Very well, at least my betrothed is in appropriate company. Nevertheless, I require your assistance at the bar, dearest." Not giving her a chance to respond, his hand closed around her arm and he dragged her off. Wendy cast Peter a sad look before she was steered away and Peter watched her from across the room. He noticed Henry was slurring his words and he sloshed his next drink all over his suit. Wendy merely rolled her eyes and attempted to clean him up but he slapped her hand away. Peter's eyes flashed and he marched over to the couple and took Wendy's hand.

"Wendy, favor me with a dance before I have to leave."

"Oh. Yes, alright," she said with a quick glance at Henry. Henry's eyes narrowed.

"You're too close to my wife, boy."

"Henry, that's enough," she said sharply. "You're acting like a child."

"How dare you!" Henry rose but Peter swept Wendy away and several people gasped. Henry looked around and saw people staring and he furiously dropped the glass onto the bar and stomped away.

"You're being very risky tonight," she said as she spun in his arms.

"I'm always being risky. That's what makes me Peter Pan…uh, VanPanter or whatever it is."

"Yes, sorry about that. VanPanter is a well-bred family, I thought he might not be suspicious if you were one of them."

"He's suspicious because he sees the way I look at you."

"Then don't look at me like that."

"Like I can help it," Peter scoffed and Wendy couldn't help but smile. Henry watched them from across the room with narrowed eyes; he didn't like the way that boy held onto Wendy. There was too much familiarity in the way they touched and laughed. Wendy tossed her head flirtatiously and Henry saw his mother give her a disapproving glare.

"That's it," he growled. He marched over to Peter and Wendy and grabbed her hand.

"Say goodnight, Wendy, we're leaving."

"Henry, what—"

"I said we're leaving!" Wendy looked frightened and Peter felt anger rush through him.

"Goodnight Peter. Thank you for the dance."

"Goodnight Miss Darling," he said with a bow and Henry rushed her away to say farewell to her family. He kept a firm grip on her the entire time and Peter watched Wendy's frightened face. Henry started to lead her out of the ballroom and Peter followed.