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Why swallows build in the eaves of houses	By : redhandedjill Category: M through R > Peter Pan > Het Views: 8014 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Peter Pan, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Another chapter here, and thank you to all whom reviewed! I’ve tried to keep it faithful to Barrie’s style as well as adding my own spin to the mix. I hope it fares well, and here we go!

Thank you again, faithful readers!
-R.H.J.

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Fame, fame, that glittering bauble, it is mine

When Hook finally slammed and locked the door behind him, Wendy was able to wipe the remaining tears from her eyes, and look at the package Smee had brought her that morning.

Knowing Hook was to return soon, and not wanting to be caught undressed, Wendy hurried to grasp the package, and open it's seaweed wrapped confinements. She noted the green paper the dress was wrapped in, was not paper at all, but a large leaf.

Wendy pulled out the long, crimson colored dress from its package. It was a bold, screaming color, and not something a girl like Wendy would ever wear. She was more accustomed to light blue, a soft pink or pale yellow.

When she did put it on, this gown came to the edges of her shoulders, showing her neck and collar far too much to be considered modest, and did not contain sleeves (This sort of fashion was popular in London among women of aristocracy).

The design dancing around the bosom of the dress was of spun gold, in a design so intricate, surely only gnomes had created it (For as many know, Gnomes are frightfully talented at making delicate things you'd never suspect.)

It was a bit of a tight fit, but the bottom of the ornate dress (which bottom was teased with gold design as well) trailed behind her in a long fashion, much like when she'd played dress up in her mother's fine party dresses when she was young. There was a pair of red and gold slippers within the package as well, and Wendy pulled them onto her feet now with a great and heavy sigh.

She could only pull half of herself into the broken mirror, for the ropes upon her legs were still tight. And the half that she did see was most unsettling, for she felt half naked without a shawl of sorts. And she knew that she could not simply imagine a shawl to aid her.

Her shoulders were bared for the most part, and the dark crimson of the dress made her appear paler than usual. But contrary to what she may have believed, it did not look completely awful. She looked almost delicate. She looked at the long comb, and drawing the edges of her dark hair behind her she secured it tightly and sighed darkly.

She moved an inch backwards, her eyes back to the mirror until she felt something sharp dig into the bottom of her slippers. She cried out in surprise before looking down to see the fallen flowers Hook had brought her before. She hadn't even noticed them until now.

She crouched over, smoothing the petals absently with her fingers. They were most unusual flowers, colors and shapes of which she had never seen in London. Flowers from Hook? Although, he was a man of class and polish. Anyone could see that in his verbal talent, and manners that put many to shame. Hook was a strange man, and Wendy found it hard to imagine that there may be some good in him.

No. She mustn't think like that. It would do nothing to become weak. If she were to escape from Hook's unrelenting grasp, she would bid her time. She would be a polite prisoner, and perhaps fall under the radar of his confinement.

Perhaps then, she would find her freedom.

*

Hook meanwhile stood at the helm of the ship, looking gray and dismal. He'd been standing there at the ship's wheel, looking more than depressed than ever for more than an hour.

Smee came over a while after noticing his Captain's black mood, to inquire after the source. But alas, Smee did not see the red that still remained in the renowned Captain's eyes.

"Brimstone and gall man!" Hook had roared, furiously at his companion. "Give me a moment to myself!"

Smee had rushed off then, not waiting to have a run in with the gruesome claw. Hook had watched darkly after the man's departure, offering a lost sigh as he turned to face the sea more fully.

Hook was despairing though, for in the blackest heart of the darkest man, there is always something to be found that could be good. Hook may have been evil at times, but he was prone to good moods every now and then.

At this time, his ego had been crushed. He had brought the girl flowers; he had given her expensive things. And still she had rejected him fully. He knew that her capture was obviously straining, but what more could he do?

He'd kept Miss Darling for two main purposes. Firstly, to taunt Pan all he liked for as long as he liked. Secondly, because Miss Darling was a bright and polished young lady, and he wished for someone to talk to at night and of course, to warm his bed should he wish it.

But she was proving to be more than he expected. But he did not want to give her up or kill her. He was like a spoiled child with a favored toy. Even though it wasn't all that it was once before he did not wish to give it up, or throw it away completely.

This entire ordeal was mighty confusing, but Hook hadn't time to mull over these facts any longer. He was already late for dinner with the dear Miss Darling.

*

Wendy sat inside the dining cabin (as Smee had referred to it as, but was really just Hook's previously charred cabin), uncomfortably silent as she did so. It had been several minutes since Smee had come to retrieve her, placing her alone in front of a cold, bare table.

Her feet had been bound to the table, which she sat before, and she had been utterly complacent. She'd barely moved a bit, allowing a relieved Smee to go about tying her. Smee would undoubtedly tell his superior of her good behavior and she would perhaps be granted more authority on the ship.

She felt slightly chilly, for the sun had set not long ago, and there was an uncommon chill going through the ship. It was then Wendy wished she'd brought some matter of covering for her shoulders. There were many candles around in the room, lighting it dimly, but none were within her grasp.

She was perturbed however, since Hook, who as a gentleman was usually early for everything, had still not arrived for a dinner that was undoubtedly growing cold.

Little did Wendy know that Hook currently stood outside the door of his dining cabin, smoothing his hair absently, making sure that no one saw him. To look nervous or excessively vain in front of one's inferiors was truly a sign of weakness.

And whilst Hook would admit to being fairly vain if needed, (most great leaders are from time to time) he would not admit to being nervous. He resigned that a mere girl like Wendy Darling would not cause him any more discomfort that if he were forced to walk his own plank.

For Hook was not afraid of anything.

He opened the door then, filled with a great sense of purpose. His eyes drew around the door to fall upon a most welcome sight. Dear Wendy Darling sat at the table, looking sullen, but most enticing in her garments.

"Good evening, Miss Darling."

Wendy's head jerked up at the sound of her name, as her troubled eyes fell upon that of the resplendent Captain. He had dressed for the occasion, looking what any rational woman would undoubtedly refer to as dashing.

It would seem he'd intended on their dressings to be similar, for he was dressed in a new red jacket with gold embroidery that matched that of her dress. He'd shaved, leaving only the barest of a moustache, his hair seemed neat and glossy and smelled absolutely divine.

His boots made a large sound in the quiet room, and Wendy simply watched his journey from the door to the empty space next to where she sat. She did not shudder when he took her hand in his own, pressing his lips to her fingers lightly.

"You look breathtaking, my beauty." Hook said genuinely, with a sweeping movement of his eyes along her body. It was unusual to see the girl in anything but drab, gray, clothing.

Wendy did not reply, for she found that she hadn't the voice to do so. His hand gently left her own, and she dragged her hand back to its usual position upon her lap.

"Oh my." Hook suddenly tsked, looking to the girl's bound feet under the table. "They've bound you, have they?"

No other was more surprised than Wendy when the Captain bent down, and with a derisive slice, cut through the bondage of the ropes around her ankles. She could only watch in awe as he righted himself,

"This is to be an enjoyable evening." He said to her questioning face. "It is doubtful that anyone could be expected to enjoy themselves when bound to a table, is it not?"

Wendy could only nod dumbly as the Captain smiled back, seating himself across the table from her. She noted he had a rather decorative wood chair, with plush deep purple cushion upholstery. It was a dark and seductive color, Wendy thought to herself.

Suddenly Hook rung a small bell nearby, a shrill chime. In an instant, Smee rushed into the cabin with a large silver platter. He brought it hastily to the table, along with plates and silverware. He arranged all of them upon the table in a neat formation and uncovered the meal with a dramatic flourish.

Wendy looked upon the food and could barely contain her delight. Inside the platter laid a delicious smelling chicken, cooked perfectly, surrounded in delicious looking potatoes. Her stomach growled, for she was perfectly ravenous, having not eaten for a long while.

"Is it to your liking?" Hook asked her in a most gentile fashion. Wendy, momentarily forgetting all her distaste for the Captain, nodded vigorously, her eyes upon the meal before her. He nodded back, offering a gentle: "Good."

He nodded for Smee to take his leave, and the man did quickly. Hook was able then to turn his full attention to the girl before him, with eyes so wide and eager he could not help a chuckle from escaping him.

When Wendy looked to him in surprise, he did not explain himself but instead placed a large serving upon her plate, and handed it to her momentarily. She took it happily, offering a polite thank you.

Hook brought two goblets of wine to the table, handing one to Wendy, whom took it cautiously. She would have informed him that she did not drink, even on social occasions, but was rather preoccupied with something lacking in her meal.

"I've no utensils." Wendy observed rather desperately, noticing the Captains knife and fork as he began to eat his own dinner. His eyes drew to her own, his eyebrow raising in question.

"Why of course not." Hook drawled lazily, as if it were common for women to simply eat meals with their hands.” Do you think me simple? I know of what you are capable of."

Wendy scowled at his words, "But I am so frightfully hungry."

"Who is prohibiting you from eating?" Hook asked in faux wonder. Wendy's voice took on a slight tinge of a haughty quality that Hook found immensely amusing, for at times she seemed a young girl trying far to desperately to appear a woman.

"A lady does not eat with her hands."

"She does if she is truly hungry." Hook replied with ease. He raised a large forkful of chicken to his lips and noting the hungry look in the girl's eyes, he slipped it into his mouth almost lovingly, attaining a look upon his features of pure bliss for her sole irritation.

"Delicious."

Wendy's eyes drew back to her own meal, surely growing cold. She sat in stony silence, and stubborn anger. She did not want to give the Captain any satisfaction, and so when she was sure his attention was somewhere else, she grasped the smallest piece of potato between her thumb and forefinger and slipped it discreetly into her mouth.

But of course, Hook had seen it all.

"I am not blind, Miss Darling." He said bemused at the girl's subtle actions. "And I assure you, I will not think it disgraceful of you to eat with your hands, given the current situation."

Wendy blushed slightly, but thought this to be some sort of excuse for such barbarian actions. During the course of their meal, Wendy did eat with her hands, but in the most ladylike fashion you or I have ever seen. After each bite, she would clean her fingertips with her napkin, dabbing the corners of her mouth for good measure.

"I know that we have not started on the best of terms." Hook suddenly said, downing the remains of his drink. "But I think it high time we got to know one another."

Wendy, feeling slightly more amiable now that she had eaten, was willing to disclose a bit, at the knowledge it would perhaps give Hook more trust in her. "What do you wish to know?"

"I wish to know of you." Hook said carefully. "All I know of you now is that you come from London, you have two brothers whose names elude me at the present time, and no longer fancy becoming a pirate. So please do indulge my curiosity and tell me what exactly makes up a young woman like Wendy Darling, at present?"

Wendy could not lie that she was flattered at the attention Hook was bestowing upon her. Why, Jack had never even looked twice at her, and here a grown man like Hook seemed almost mesmerized by her as she spoke.

"Well." She said, rather shyly. "I am a rather ordinary girl-"

"Lies." Hook said simply with a wave of his hand. "Do start again Miss Darling, I most certainly do not wish to hear this rubbish. You are anything but ordinary my dear, even you must know that."

Wendy blushed at this comment, feeling rather embarrassed and pleased all at once. It was a new feeling, but one that Wendy did not mind as much as she would have thought.

"Tell me of life after Neverland." Hook suddenly pressed, looking suddenly intrigued.

"Well," Wendy said, beginning again, "After my first return from Neverland, mother was nearly beside herself with relief. And while I was pleased to arrive home safely with my brothers, I still wished to slip back with Peter. My mother would have none of that of course, but Peter and she made a bargain for he is a rather charming boy. I was allowed to return for Peter's spring cleaning, once a year, that was their bargain."

Hook nodded patiently at this, not finding the topic of choice very agreeable. But Wendy had stopped telling the story for Hook's benefit, and instead seemed to be speaking to herself.

"And as with Peter, things were never done in the usual way. It was two years of waiting for Peter to come and retrieve me. I had bought a new dress for the occasion, and had grown too tall for it when he finally did come for me. But the silly boy acted as if no time at all had passed and I was so overjoyed to see him that I did not mind."

"And so the spring cleaning went well?" Hook said almost boredly, sure that the boy had brought her much delight and joy. Joy a man like Hook did not know of himself.

"Yes." Wendy said with a gentle nod.

"And the spring after that?"

"It was another year missed, but he did come for me the following year."

"And the spring after that?" Hook said uneasily, for Wendy had started to grow somber in tone and stature. She shook her head at the Captain's query, and tried to compose herself as she spoke.

"No. He simply stopped coming."

Wendy did not enjoy crying in front of a man such as Hook, but now could not stop the singular tear of regret from slipping down her cheek quickly, as if ashamed.

"And what then?" Hook encouraged, not wishing for the girl to remain in such dull spirits. "Surely there were adventures of your own to be had?"

Wendy's head was raised again, and so it would seem, had her heart. "I'm afraid they are most dull adventures in comparison to those we have seen here. They are dreadfully commonplace, and contain nothing of magic within them."

"Do tell me of them nonetheless." Hook suggested, hiding his obvious interest poorly. "Boring stories of a truly common life and no magic may still entertain me yet."

And so Wendy did tell him of her life. Of her loving parents George and Mary, of her dog Nana, of her school and friends, of her nursery and story telling, of her mother's hidden kiss and her father's ability to price everything, of her brother John's ability to do numbers in his head quite quickly and Michaels ability to jump higher than any boy his age.

And through these simple stories, Hook began to change. It wasn't something as noticeable as a smile or a grin that you could see. It was in the softening of his eyes, and the way his lip settled quite comfortable together, and the way his back seemed to lean against his chair in a mildly lazy manner. But there was magic within Wendy's stories, but not a magic that could be seen as easily as fairy dust or mermaids.

"And of course there is my fiancée, Jack." Wendy said quickly, not wishing to speak of him more than needed. But he fit into her reasoning for leaving London so well, that it seemed a shame to skip him over.

"Fiancée?" Hook said grandly at this point, looking more interested than ever as he surveyed her hands. "I see no ring upon your finger."

"I did not accept his offer." Wendy said simply, pinking slightly under Hook's gaze. "I do not wish to marry."

"Ever?" asked Hook in a way that reminded Wendy remarkably of her father.

"Ever."

Wendy sighed then, for some reason expecting the same shock from Hook as she had received from her family. But instead there was a gleam in the Captain's eyes, a gleam of a man that has accepted a rather large challenge that he is sure to win.

"Grand choice, Miss Darling!" He exclaimed, looking rather pleased. "Marriage is for truly weak individuals."

"I wouldn't say that." Wendy replied hastily, thinking of her own parents. "I just don't suppose I was meant to be married."

"Not meant to be?"

"What I mean to say is," Wendy said, struggling slightly for the words. "There are certain friends of mine, who have known all along they are to meet their Prince Charming."

"I see."

"And well," Wendy was starting to feel rather vulnerable as she spoke. "I've never thought that. I did not wish for my Prince Charming, because it would mean-"

Wendy stopped mid sentence, for she was suddenly certain she could hear the faint strings of a violin being played just outside the door. Her attention was drawn to the said door, as the sweet and soulful song played into the room, slightly dimmed.

"Who is that playing?" Wendy inquired after the Captain, looking suddenly soothed.

"Smee." said Hook simply, pleased at her now calm demeanor. Wendy nodded slightly, her eyes gently dropping as if being weighted down heavily. She felt suddenly drowsy.

"Do you enjoy the medley?" Hook said after a bit, his eyes on the downcast face of Wendy, her eyes still gently shut. She opened them then, looking to Hook's expectant face.

"I do."

"Then it is yours."

Wendy's attention was piqued, but in confusion as she looked back to the Captain's face.

"Mine?"

"I composed it myself." Hook said nonchalantly, seemingly indifferent. "Since you find it pleasing, I shall call it Wendy's song."

Wendy was flattered at that, and so she allowed herself a small smile at the grand gesture. It was not every day a man of Hook's position dedicated one of his own compositions for a girl like her.

"Thank you."

Hook nodded graciously, and they lapsed back into a most comfortable silence as the song ended, but it left a mark upon them both. It was Wendy however who broke the silence, for she realized that her feelings of hatred for the Captain did not burn as they had before.

"I did not know Smee played the violin." Wendy said after a moment, wishing the Captain to say something rude or vulgar to make her hate him all over again.

"I taught him." Hook said, and seeing her puzzled yet polite expression he continued rather hastily. "Before my accident."

"Oh." Wendy said, and a bit of her real self came out. "I always longed to learn the violin, but my father insisted on piano lessons."

Suddenly Hook was intrigued, "Why, do you play?"

"Yes." Wendy said with a nod, her face brightening. "I did so enjoy my lessons."

"Then you must play now." Hook demanded lightly, pulling back his chair and going over to where Wendy sat. He pulled back her chair like a true gentleman and drew her over to where his harpsichord sat idly.

Wendy was suddenly very nervous as she sat before it, looking to its keys nervously. What if she was to play horridly? What if he scoffed at her feeble attempts?

But Hook would eventually demand she play something, Wendy felt. And she had made several compositions of her own. It would not hurt to play them would it? To have a bit of fun before she made her escape?

Hook stood behind her as she sat before the piano, so close she could feel the warmth of his body on her back. She swallowed thickly, not used to a grown man to be near her at such a close proximity.

Tentatively her hands were raised, and with a sudden twinkle of passion, her fingertips were playing. The sound that drifted out was the sweetest music one could hear. Wendy's eyes shut at the sound of her playing, for it seemed to be even sweeter in Neverland.

This sweet medley went on a while, with Hook watching her hands dance upon the keys so delicately, emitting such a sweet and pure sound he could not help but swallow thickly.

And all too soon, it was finished and Wendy turned to look up to him expectantly. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes suddenly brightening.

"Did you enjoy it?"

"Very much." Hook said when he found his voice. This pleased the girl greatly he could see, and something within him swelled delightfully. And Wendy so caught up in the moment of sudden elation and immense pleasure suddenly said the words she would come to regret soon.

"It shall be Hook's song then." Wendy declared kindly, looking to Hook's face,” as a means of repayment."

Hook's face grew cloudy then, and he shook his head briefly much to Wendy's embarrassment and regret. "I do not wish for it to be named after myself."

The bright moment then stilled, turning from a happy, light feel to a suddenly graying one.

"Fine." Wendy said coldly, the bright and happy mood of the evening soon leaving her. Hook noticed this and stood roughly, angry with himself and angry with her. Wendy stood as well, wishing she hadn't tried to be kind to a brute like him. She could not fathom James Hook.

"We shall retire to our rooms for the night." Hook said, offering his arm politely to her. Wendy felt a gurgle of excitement, for she was unbound and nearing the door. Her intentions must have shone clearly in her face, for Hook merely raised a curious eyebrow, accompanied with a small, knowing smirk.

"If you are entertaining thoughts of escape my dear," Hook purred a few steps from her "Think of it no further, for I have spies all along the decks, as we speak, on the watch out for a certain young girl, such as yourself."

Wendy knew that he spoke the truth, and so her face dropped drastically. She tried to hide it, but knew that Hook had clearly seen her intentions. He gave her a stern look before he drew over to her, and Wendy took his proffered arm, knowing she had little choice in the matter.

"I do not intend for you to leave so soon."

Hook unlocked the door, and they walked along the creaking planks to the cabin a few steps away. Wendy had not even had a breath of truly fresh air all day. They walked into the familiar cabin, and as Hook locked it behind him Wendy felt a twinge of disappointment. Should she wish to escape, she would have to act at a time she knew to be sparse of pirate spies. She would bid her time.

Wendy looked to the large bed and noticed another package upon her pillow, again wrapped in seaweed bindings.

Is that for me?" she inquired after a tired looking Hook.

"Yes." he answered with a short nod, "I thought you may wish for some comfortable nightclothes and so I sent Smee out to purchase some I thought would be fitting."

Wendy was momentarily shocked at his generosity and she drew to the package, gently lifting the seaweed from around it, and holding the nightclothes up for full view. They were long nightgowns in varying colors of light cream. They were beaded at the collar with the smallest of pearls, which shone lightly. She looked to the Captain in minor shock.

"As long as you live upon my ship," Hook said in a voice that was almost kind, "you shall live in luxury. A lady such as yourself deserves the very best, after all, Miss Darling."

"Thank you."

There was a silence between them, in which both of them grew slightly uneasy.

"I am tired." Hook suddenly announced brashly, "I believe this would be a most opportune time to retire."

Wendy felt her bottom churning as he spoke, knowing very well that he meant for the same sleeping arrangements as the night before. And while Wendy had been unable to sway him into sleeping somewhere else, she had high hopes for this evening.

"Do you honestly wish for me to enjoy myself here?" Wendy inquired after the Captain, praying his answer would be the one she was searching for. So far he had been in a fairly good mood.

"Of course." Hook replied, giving Wendy the most tremendous relief. "I wish for your comfort, for when you are not acting the sulking child I do enjoy your company immensely."

"If you truly wished for my enjoyment upon your ship," Wendy said suddenly braver after Hook's last vague compliment. "You would give me my own rooms."

Hook surveyed the girl's face, and found that she was just unreadable as he. But, he decided in the end, if he were to take everything conceived as a weapon, he would be quite happy with that arrangement.

"As you wish." Hook said graciously, tipping his hat to her. He disappeared out the door a moment too short for Wendy to escape, and returned with several of his men.

"Move that to my main cabin!" Hook ordered his men about like idiotic dogs that nodded and did so after every thing he said. "Every piece of furniture but the bed!"

Wendy watched as the several men loudly banged around, taking the dresser, bookcase, and everything from the room in a matter of minutes, leaving she alone with a content Hook.

"Does this suit you, my dear?"

"I suppose." Wendy said, not wanting to appear ungrateful after all that work. But there was nothing left for her to defend herself with, no glass, and no heavy books-

Suddenly her mind whirled to the sharp comb within her hair! How could she have forgotten? That comb could pierce through the thickest of skin! Suddenly she was much happier, and offered the Captain a small: "Thank you."

She was suddenly very tired herself after the events of the day and offered a small yawn. Hook noted this, and before Wendy could say anything more he had drawn over to her, his good hand upon her cheek.

Whenever Hook stood this close to her, Wendy forever felt the small wiggle in the pit of her stomach. It was the same feeling that occurred when going down the stairs too fast, and thinking there is a step to be felt underfoot when there isn't. That same tumbling sickly feeling in her abdomen that was almost pleasant if it weren't so strange.

"I almost forgot." Hook said huskily, drawing close to her. Wendy felt her body shaking, for she knew that look well. She felt his hand traveling up the back of her neck, his touch so feathery light she felt her eyes closing. It was then that her rapidly quick beating heart stilled, for his lips came softly upon her own.

Wendy's eyes remained closed, and while she did not move her own mouth against the Captain's, she found that she was quite breathless. His mouth was much gentler, his lips more pliant and soft. His shiver inducing lips danced upon her own a moment before he pulled away, smiling softly at her, his eyes once more an entrancing pale blue.

"Goodnight my beauty."

Wendy could only nod and watch after his tall form as he left out the door, his hand placed behind his back in a most gentlemanly fashion. Wendy was almost pleased with the turn of events until she viewed her sharp comb in the hands of the Captain, glinting so merrily in the moonlight it appeared to be winking.
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Why swallows build in the eaves of houses