A/N: It feels like it's been a century since I first posted this story as a one shot, and when I wrote it, that's all I meant it to be. But it's been so sweet and encouraging to see new reviews and follows come in for it over the years. So as a thank you for your interest, and as a little treat to the HookxWendy lovers out there, I decided to extend it a bit and add a little more.
I hope you like it! Let me know if you want more ^ ^
Wendy had been a guest in the Captain's cabin for a month, long enough that the large room now felt familiar, comfortable, and she found herself comfortable in it. Her little chaise had become her space, a small sanctuary she could return to at the end of each day, where she could curl up with a book from the Captain's collection and call it her own. As silly as that was, routine had a way of clinging to the little things, well-known and reliable, attributing to them feelings of great importance.
However, as she approached the Captain's bed with the intention of climbing into it, all sense of belonging quickly left her. Suddenly she was a stranger again, about to enter a very personal, intimate space with someone who -though not a stranger- was certainly strange. Strange and intriguing. Frightening even… but in a way she found thrilling that she hadn't before. And now there was this gentleness she'd hadn't expected, a soft invitation that soothed her weary soul and drew her near him.
Wordlessly, Hook released her hand and set about dousing the lanterns, slowly dipping the cabin into shadow until the only light that remained came from a candle by the bed and the moonlight from the windows. As the room grew dark, Wendy approached the large mattress, running her fingers over the soft fur blankets and the delicate beadwork of the embroidered comforter. The ache in her lower back made her want to abandon caution, throw back the covers and fall into the bed's plush embrace. But despite temptation's eager call, Wendy was still a lady, and this was unchartered territory.
It didn't feel right to get in first, so she looked to the Captain, awaiting his lead. Here her heart fluttered, her breath caught in her throat as she met his gaze from across the bed. Hook had discarded his coat, which he'd been wearing across his shoulders like a cape, and was now removing his shirt, revealing the complex harness underneath. The leather contraption that held his hook in place would be next, as he never slept with it on. All said, this was a standard routine that Wendy had witnessed every night since her arrival. But every time before she had mostly averted her gaze, turning away to respect his privacy and hide her maidenly blush. Locking eyes with him now as he pulled the linen shirt over his head, cascades of onyx curls falling around his face and shoulders…this was something different. This was an invitation. Permission to look, to see all the horrifying details and decipher the beauty therein.
Instinctually, Wendy turned her gaze away, but only for a moment, and as quickly as she looked away, she looked back at him, curious eyes passing over every white scar, every yellow bruise. If Hook felt any shame, he didn't show it. He read the open curiosity on the young woman's face before turning his attention to the harness, unfastening the buckles with practiced ease as he slid the heavy limb from his body. Releasing the hook from its mount, he placed it in a velvet-lined box near the bed and hung the straps on a peg beside it.
Hook turned back to her, running his only hand through his hair as he pushed the unruly mess away from his face.
"I can sleep in my shirt if it'll make you more comfortable." He said, already reaching for the garment where it lay on the bed.
"No." Wendy said quietly, studying the black hair that spread across the strength of his chest and down his stomach. Her eyes jumped back to his, her cheeks reddening. "That is, unless you'd be more comfortable, of course."
He gave her a smile that sent her heart into a backflip. "It's a warm night. I'll be fine without." And he pulled back the covers.
Wendy was certain her entire face must be crimson. Even her ears felt hot as she tucked her hair back and nervously ran her hands over her sleeping clothes. Compared to the Captain, she now felt strangely over-dressed, practically swimming in one of his long dress shirts that she used as a night gown. It was a warm night, and she was grateful for the opened portholes and the cool ocean breeze blowing in off the water. Pulling back the comforter on her side, Wendy sat on the bed and did her best to bring her legs up gracefully without exposing anything she shouldn't.
Before another worry could form in her mind, sudden comfort overcame her. The mattress must have been entirely stuffed with goose down, it cradled her so softly. A more extreme opposite to the rock-hard chaise couldn't have existed, and as the bed cushioned around her, Wendy couldn't help but close her eyes, relishing in pure relief as her head met the pillow. For a moment she allowed herself complete abandon, a few fleeting seconds of not needing to calculate every move or interpret every intention. With a deep breath, she stretched out her legs and her arms, feeling the silken sheets slide gently over her skin as she released a quiet sigh.
The bed dipped beside her and her eyes opened, pulled back to reality to meet the piercingly blue, beautifully hooded gaze of the Captain. A gentle, tired smile graced his lips as he said. "I knew you'd enjoy it."
Wendy felt the urge to sit up, to correct her indecent behavior, but the warmth of his look was so welcoming, she allowed herself to bask in it. It was a brief respite, barely lasting more than a couple of heartbeats. But even short as it was, the interaction put them both at ease.
Pushing up onto her elbows, Wendy carefully straightened, bringing her knees near her chest as she tucked a wild strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you, Captain. You were right. This is far more agreeable."
He bowed his head in silent acknowledgement. "Is there anything else you require before I put out the light?"
She tried to think if there was something she was supposed to say, or something she wanted to say, but unable to come up with anything meaningful or clever, Wendy just shook her head. "No, thank you. This is more than enough."
"Then I shall wish you goodnight, Miss Darling."
And Hook blew out the candle, settling into bed beside her.
Darkness flooded her vision as the bed dipped and creaked beneath him. Gripping the sheets, Wendy pulled them toward her chest, listening as the Captain took a moment to arrange his pillows, shifting a few times before seeming to find a comfortable position on the opposite side of the mattress. She held her breath through the shuffling, listening to every sound, feeling for every movement. Gradually, after he stilled, so did the atmosphere around them. The ship swayed, the wind blew softly, and Wendy's vision adjusted to the familiar moonlit darkness. She sat there for a while staring up at the canopy, marveling at the simplicity of a view she never thought she'd see. The uncertain tension that briefly returned with the dark was fleeting and soon slipped away, and as she relaxed, settling lower into bed, she dared to turn her head, seeking out the man who lay beside her.
He was almost a full arm's length away -the bed was that wide- with plenty of space between them. But through the shade of night and across the satin divide, when Wendy looked for him, Captain Hook looked back. His eyes were like two brilliant stars, twinkling in the darkness, his long, raven hair the cascading waves of a black sea.
"Are you comfortable?" He asked, his voice lowered, respectful of the quiet mood that floated between them.
Wendy nodded, echoing his soft tone. "Very. I'm certain I'll be asleep the second I close my eyes."
"No more tossing and turning then."
"Hopefully. If I kick you in my sleep, I pray you won't take your revenge." Laughter painted her voice, a silliness fueled by the spark of excitement at lying so close to him.
He grinned, his brow furrowing. "Am I in danger of that?"
Wendy bit her lip and smiled bashfully. "One time at boarding school I had to share a bed with Agatha Beasley. She claims I kicked her so hard she fell on the floor, but I have no memory of it." Hook laughed, making her smile more. "I was asleep at the time!" Wendy exclaimed in hushed defense. "Anyway, she was a horrid girl, and we were both glad to be rid of the other and back to our own beds as soon as possible."
As she spoke, Wendy rolled on her side to face him and scooched a hair closer, naturally drawn to his warmth and his laughter.
Hook mimicked the gesture. "I should have known a Wendy would kick."
"You'll be fine." She teased back, embarrassed at having told him.
"I'm certain I will." He said, his voice almost melodic with how sure he sounded. Wendy stared at the man who shared her gaze, mesmerized by him and his confidence and his masculine beauty. His strength made her feel safe, his elegance was so alluring and suddenly all she wanted was to be nearer to him.
With another scoot, Wendy's eyes lowered to his chest. Tentatively, as if by its own intention, her hand reached for him, hovering over the fine hair with cautious anticipation. "Is it alright if I…?"
Hook watched her under the shadow of his dark eyelashes, nodding silently. With the softest touch, Wendy let her palm lie flat on the gentle curve of his pectoral muscle, moving her thumb ever so slightly against the hair. She could feel his heartbeat and noticed how calm and sure it was compared to her own. Raising her hand so only her fingertips were in contact with his skin, she slowly moved across his chest, grazing several scars along the way.
Excitement fizzled inside her, but it was a foreign feeling, one that intimidated her and made her nervous. Deep down, Wendy knew she wanted to pursue it, but she wasn't sure if she was ready. Not certain what to do, Wendy sought a familiar gesture, and wrapping her arms around his torso, pressed her face into his chest as she hugged him tightly. In perfect sync with her movements, Hook's arm curled protectively around her, his left hand cradling her shoulder as he held her body securely against his own. Wendy felt his lips press softly into her hair, a pantomime kiss as he breathed softly, filling his nose with her scent.
She squeezed her eyes shut. "Tell me it's okay…that this is as far as we go tonight." Her words were barely a whisper, mumbled into the warmth of his chest.
"It is more than enough." He replied, his voice a gentle rumble, grateful and serene. Hugging him tighter, she snuggled closer, moving with his body until they fit together like two halves of a whole. Safely wrapped in the Captain's arms, Wendy's earlier prediction soon came to fruition as the heavy blanket of sleep was pulled up around them.
"Sleep well, Darling." He whispered, and together they slipped away to the realm of dreaming.