Hey everybody,

Merry Christmas! Go enjoy the day, eat some awesome food, spend time with your loved ones...hope you like this chapter!

Disclaimer: Sadly,I do not own Once upon a Time, just the ideas in my head that I incorporated in this story!

Chapter 13

'Do you want to do something today? The Boys are playing their games today, we won't be disturbed.' I could feel Pan's hot breath on my exposed skin.

Twisting around, I replied tentatively. 'Could you show me around? Neverland seems so fascinating, I'd love to see more.'

'Anything for you.'

Peter closed his eyes while embracing me, and transported us to the peak of a mountain, without physically crossing the distance.

'Neverpeak Mountain.' I talked more to myself, recognizing the place from the map in the storybook. I eased out of Pan's embrace and stared out in wonder.

Raising his eyebrows, he shot me a quizzical look as to why I knew the location's name.

'Back in my world, there is a story about you. Peter Pan and his Lost Boys. It's very much like reality. You, the Lost Boys, pixies, Indians, and mermaids...' I explained, at the same time trailing off, thinking about meeting all these mythical beings.

I noticed how his eyes lit up at the mention of the different inhabitants of Neverland, and he quickly stood up, pointing to one direction.

'That's Pirate's cove, even though a pirate hasn't visited in a long time.'

'The Neverland Plains, where the Indians make camp,' he continued.

In the distance, I spotted tepees and smoke signals rising.

Always following where his finger pointed, I gasped at the breath-taking scenery.

'Skull Rock, Neverwood, Pixie Hollow, and Mermaid Lagoon. So where to?' He looked at me curiously.

'Oh, Peter, please, to the Mermaids.' I barely contained my excitement.

He closed the distance between us, his strong arms wrapping around my waist once again and the next second, we stood at the shore of Mermaid Lagoon.

This time, we stayed in the embrace a little longer, me feeling the toned muscles of his chest and him resting his chin on my head. Warmth emanated between us, his body flush against mine, and in that moment I almost forgot about Mermaid Lagoon. I wanted him to not let go of me.

Which is why I felt my heart ache as we separated. I was aching with longing to feel his touch again.

'Up for a swim? He suggested as he started to take his boots off.

Doing exactly as he did, I got rid of my shoes and let my leather jacket fall to the sand. I walked past him, enjoying the feeling of cold, wet sand underneath my feet and tested the water with my toes. Not too cold.

Then I felt Peter pick me up suddenly and jump into the clear blue water. The surprise caught me off guard and I swallowed a large amount of salty water.

Trying to reach the surface, for I couldn't hold my breath much longer, I started thrashing around, kicking my legs, in desperate need for air.

Inhaling the necessary oxygen and coughing out the water in my lungs, I started panicking, because Peter was nowhere in sight and I didn't know how to swim. How would I have learnt, being locked up in a cottage my whole life?

Staying above water level was crucial now, so I started kicking with my feet again, making rapid movements, anything not to drown.

'Need any help?' I heard Peter's voice behind me, I didn't need to see him to imagine the amused look he had on his face.

Before I could answer, I was being pulled down by something, deeper and deeper into the unknown.

This was not going well; not like I had expected. Wasn't I supposed to be safe in Neverland?

Involuntarily drawing in a breath, the water reached my airways. Soon, my eyelids closed with a lack of oxygen reaching me brain, I slid into unconsciousness.

'Oh, this is not happening. Not on the first day.' I identified the voice with Peter's, despair evident.

He was applying pressure to my chest, trying to get my heart to pump.

My eyes fluttered open, but everything was still blurry.

'Peter?' I managed to croak, whilst coughing, expelling remaining water in my body.

He collapsed next to me and breathed out heavily.

'You passed out for a couple minutes.'

'What happened? What pulled me down?' I demanded.

'Some mermaid. Those vain creatures try to kill every female on first sight. Well, they won't be messing with you anymore.' Peter turned to look at me, propped on his elbow, concern in his eyes.

'Thank you.' I figured he had saved me.

Before I knew it, he scooted closer to me and held me in a tight embrace.

'Wouldn't want you hurt; or that precious little heart.' He said innocently.

Confused and scared by his remark, but quickly dismissing it, I relaxed in his arms, smelling his scent. Like Neverland; jungle and wildness.

Peter pulled away, only to brush away damp strands of my hair from my face. Cold from the wet clothes, I started to shiver, but Peter held me firmly, the heat radiating from his chest.

His grey eyes searched for mine, and sometimes they would flicker to my lips. My heart was beating eccentrically and wherever our bare skins would touch, it burned.

Peter leaned in, and my eyes widened in realization of what was going to happen.

But instead of kissing me, he whispered softly. 'You're missing a beautiful sunset.'

Slightly disappointed, I shifted as fast as I could, trying to hide an embarrassed look.

True to Peter's word, it was beautiful. Not that I could compare many sunsets.

The sun was setting, the ocean glistening from the reflection of the glowing light and the clouds had turned magenta.

I felt Peter pull the sleeve of my blouse, exposing my shoulder, and kiss it lightly, while I closed my eyes, enjoying the pleasure.

So, yeah! (ElektraMackenzie...I hope this suffices...)

Reviews are my Christmas presents, so please, it means a lot when someone takes their time to write a review!

Love you all so very much,

aureaborealis