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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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Hello readers!
I know it's been ages since I last updated, and I apologize. But finals have kept me unnaturally busy. This chapter however is quite a pivotal one, for Wendy and Hook are entering into feelings they weren't prepared for, and we are clued into a bit of Hook's past.
I was overwhelmed at how this story has gathered in more reviews, which I LOVE! They are truly the motivation that keeps this story going. Not only that I've been touched by the truly kind and encouraging words said. Thank you to all who review!
If you’re interested, I've also started on a story about George and Mary and the entire story of their meeting and falling in love.
That's about it, thank you again to all who read my stories, and now, onto the chapter!

-R.H.J. )-^

___________ )-^ _____________

The only man whom Barbecue feared

The following days went by for Wendy, seemingly slow and dismal, though the weather outside seemed cheery. Perhaps this is what worried her most, when the weather was like this, it surely meant that Peter was in good spirits. And if Peter was in good spirits despite her imprisonment...

Perhaps she had been forgotten.

Wendy did not want to face this fact, for it seemed a truly bleak and frightening prospect. Yes, she would do her best to escape this horrid ship, but without Peter's help to return, she may never see her home in London again.

The Captain had been most polite and generous to her, however. Every morning when she would awake (to a depressingly bare room) she would view a small package on the floor near the door.

And every day, the package was filled with the most delightful gifts. Usually it was items of clothing, but on one exciting day, Wendy opened the package to find a set of bright paints. There were no paintbrushes, not surprisingly, but a large amount of paper.

Wendy had enjoyed herself immensely in that afternoon, finger painting the day away as if she had been a small child, feeling immensely uplifted. Another day she'd received a book of poems, which she'd also enjoyed, only to find it missing the next morning. She missed her teachings, she decided, that much was evident.

She never heard the messenger who delivered her packages, but she assumed it was Smee, for he was the one who regularly delivered her delicious meals. She hadn't dined with the Captain since their last memorable encounter and Wendy was relieved at that. He often made her uneasy when they were alone.

It was on her eighth day of capture and imprisonment aboard the Jolly Roger, that there was a light rap upon the door, and a familiar figure entered the room at her welcome.

"Good morning, Miss Darling." said Hook with a polite bow, a large amount of papers in the crook of his arm. He often interchanged Wendy and Miss Darling, reserving the latter for more polite occasions, only using her first name when either angered or trying to be more than a gentleman.

Wendy watched him then call out to someone behind him, and viewed as a pirate (Bill Jukes surely, for he was covered all over with tattoos) brought in a small card table and chair. Hook jerked his head absently towards where the times were then placed, and slammed the door behind Bill Jukes left.

Again they were alone, and Hook placed several pieces of parchment upon the card table. He busied himself then, setting up quills and inkbottles, looking over to the curiously watching Wendy.

"I have decided that you are to be tutored." Hook suddenly announced grandly to her when he'd finished. "I can't have you sitting around here all day with your mind going to waste."

"But, who shall teach me?" Asked Wendy in true surprise, smoothing her hair and moving towards the Captain. He was pleased to note she was wearing one of the modest dresses he'd purchased for her.

"I shall." replied the Captain, in such an authoritative fashion, Wendy was convinced he'd had practice at playing the professor. She did not contain her surprise, and instead gave a quizzical look to the Captain.

"You, sir?"

'Yes, I." said Hook breezily, busying himself with setting up the rest of his supplies before, suddenly seeming anxious at her obvious staring in his direction. "Now sit in this chair, girl. We haven't all day."

Wendy was hesitant as he spoke, and only sat in the proffered chair when Hook was a few steps from her. She was still wary around him at times, although he’d made no move to kiss her again. She wasn’t clear how she felt about that yet.

Hook himself had moved over to the cabin window, looking ponderous a moment. He looked back over to see Wendy, back completely straight, hands folded in front of her, looking completely the part of the eager student.

At this Hook could only give the girl a most winning smile as he stood before the card table, looking to his dear Wendy.

"I believe this shall work out splendidly, my dear."

* * * * * * * *

Now, there are those of you, whom are undoubtedly frustrated to no end, at the rather brief mention of Peter Pan, our infamous hero, who still has not come to rescue his beloved childhood friend, Wendy.

You see, there is reason behind this.

In fact, it was Wendy's brother, John Darling himself, who along with Michael believed it to be a most impressive idea, to have some sort of plan of attack. They were the cause of Peter's disappearance.

All the Lost Boys, Peter and the two Darling boys were currently inside a hollow inside of an enormous tree. A new hideout, and one that Hook had no chance of ever finding.

"Peter," John had debated with the hot headed youth days before, "If we simply go there hollering and all the rest, they'll simply hide Wendy again where she cannot be found. Or worse, they shall kill her."

"Then what's your plan?" Peter had retorted, turning an ugly shade of frustrated red. He often did this when angry, turning shade so red, he almost seemed to glow.

"We shall call in a favor of Tiger Lily's tribe." John had reasoned, thinking it to be a most appropriate plan. "She will lend us some of her followers, and a large group of us shall attack Hook and his ship."

"We cannot win ourselves." Michael chimed in. "We need their aid."

"I think it's stupid." Peter muttered. "Completely stupid. I’ve fought Hook a million times!"

"I as well!" agreed an eager to please Tootles.

"Peter, please." John reasoned, dismissing Tootles, who was rather hurt at being ignored. "I know you wish to go and save Wendy like you used to when we were children. But we aren't anymore. We're practically adults, and so is Wendy. The Neverland has changed now, at least for us."

"Not for me!" Peter said gaily, wishing to see Wendy. John must have noticed this, for he drew close to his old friend.

"You must not go to see her before the battle." John warned lightly, "She must not know that we are here. Wendy has never been that good at lying. If she knows that a rescue is soon to be at hand, Hook shall surely catch on."

"He is a most devious enemy." Peter had to agree reluctantly.

"Then we shall follow my plan?" John inquired almost disbelieving. Imagine, he in charge of some battle scheme! Why, it was a story worthy of Napoleon himself!

"Yes."

"It may take a while to devise."

"Fine."

"May I have your word on it then?" John asked, extending his hand in a most gentlemanly fashion. Peter ignored it, turning from the exciting looking boy before answering.

"Yes." Peter said almost brokenly, "You have my word."

* * * * * * *

" HOU fair-hair'd angel of the evening,
Now, whilst the sun rests on the mountains, light
Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown
Put on, and smile upon our evening bed!
Smile on our loves, and while thou drawest the
Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew
On every flower that shuts its sweet eyes
In timely sleep. Let thy west wind sleep on
The lake; speak silence with thy glimmering eyes,
And wash the dusk with silver. Soon, full soon,
Dost thou withdraw; then the wolf rages wide,
And then the lion glares through the dun forest:
The fleeces of our flocks are cover'd with
Thy sacred dew: protect them with thine influence!"

Hook's mouth stilled then, curving into a contented smile. It was a soft smile, and one that Wendy found made the Captain quite appealing. Perhaps it was the sound of his voice going through the words, of the way his eyes seemed to soften. Whatever the reason, Wendy found herself entranced by him even more.

It had been several weeks since the start of her tutelage, under the infamous sea Captain. Wendy was more than pleased to note that he was as brilliant as she'd believed. And in so many areas, but most notably in English, which thrilled Wendy to no end.

"That was exquisite." she finally said the words softly as Hook finished the poem, feeling that the word beautiful did not do it justice.

"It's by William Blake." Hook said with a small nod at her in agreement. "A very talented writer, indeed."

"Yes." Wendy agreed wholly, but she did not add that perhaps it would not have been half as effective had he not been the one reading it. Wendy studied the profile of Hook then, his eyes looking out into the sea as if he were...

At this sudden twist in her mind and stomach, Wendy stilled, and looked more closely to her Captain. The way his head was slightly raised and authoritative. The way his hand was placed upon the book flatly, as if reading from it. But not as a story teller...

Wendy felt her stomach flip at the realization when it came to her. At the thought that she had perhaps uncovered something of Hook that he did not mean to show. As if she truly saw him as a grown man playing pirates.

Wendy heard a small voice slowly drifting around her, not fully realizing it was she who was being addressed. It wasn't until two piercing pale eyes were boring into her own that she finally noticed.

"Pardon?"

"What is troubling you?" Hook repeated, giving the girl a most confused glance.

"I was thinking," Wendy said trying not to stammer at the impromptu change of subject. "Have you always lived here in the Neverland?"

At this, Hook's face paled slightly, and his countenance suddenly seemed to grow more anxious. But he did not show any fear. He instead drummed his fingers absently upon the book top, seeming torn.

"Of course." Hook finally replied to her, looking back to the rolling sea. "All my life."

"Well," Wendy approached gently. "Where is your mother?"

Hook's eyes darted back to Wendy's questioning face.

"My what?"

"Your mother." Wendy repeated, thinking that she had not been loud enough before. But she saw the look upon Hook's face, and for a sickly moment feared that Hook's mother may have passed on.

"I do not remember." Hook finally replied halting, as if afraid he would give too much away. "Enough questions for tonight."

Wendy knew better than to question him further, and instead found her attention drawn to a commotion upon the top deck.

"Oh my." Wendy exclaimed in a gasp as a heavy thump sounded just above her head.

Hook's eyes narrowed into angry slits, and with a swift kiss to Wendy's hand (which had become a custom for them both), and a hurried farewell, Hook had rushed from the cabin, locking it behind him.

Wendy watched him leave, wondering what this feeling was surrounding her. It was almost as if she did not wish to leave as ardently as she had before. As if she truly enjoyed the Captain's company, and was no longer playacting, to trick him into trusting her.

It was a feeling that worried Wendy very much.

Up on the deck of the ship, Hook had entered to see several men drunkenly pushing one another under the light of a glaringly bright moon, yelling and acting like animals.

"They've had too much to drink." Smee said, stating the obvious as he drew over to the Captain.

"That is most evident." Hook sneered, glancing at the men in a drunken stupor. It was quite embarrassing to have a group such as this under him. "But what is all this yelling?"

Smee did not answer for a long while, mainly fearing for his life should he tell the truth. But his loyalties did lie with Hook, and so he did what believed was his duty. They walked to a side of the ship that was deserted, and there, Smee told the Captain the source of the pirate's dispute.

"Some of the men....well, they think you've gone weak, Captain." Smee whispered anxiously, giving Hook a worried glance. "Spending all that time with Miss Wendy, and not enough time on deck. Some of the men voiced that opinion, whilst others demanded defending your good name."

"I see." Hook said without hesitation, his face completely unreadable. "And who is the main culprit, soiling my good name?"

"Messer's Bobbins and Pear." Smee said almost hesitantly, knowing what would inevitably come next. Hook gave Smee a curt nod, and promising his right hand man he would return shortly, left for the rowdy side of the ship.

* * * * * * * *

Wendy sat upon the end of her bed, yawning tiredly, ignoring the quieted commotion going on surely above her head. She was too anxious to fall asleep however, she knew that Hook would eventually return.

She looked out the cabin window into deep blue darkness, feeling that sadness invade her once more. Why hadn't Peter and the rest of them come for her? Had they forgotten?

Although Wendy did not wish to be immediately taken from the Captain's company, she was immensely hurt at the fact that she had perhaps indeed been forgotten. How like Peter to go on with his games, whilst she may be murdered.

When a longer time had passed, and Hook had still not returned, Wendy lay upon her bed, her eyes closing shut, just as several pistols cracked above her head. Wendy screamed at this, jerking up in bed as two thuds sounded above her. Moments later, Wendy heard the familiar splash of bodies being dumped overboard.

At this, Wendy could not help herself from blanching, and letting a few tears slip down her cheeks in sadness. Two lives lost just above her, and she knew exactly who was to blame for this.

It was not long before Hook returned to Wendy's cabin, looking weary and irritated. He gathered up the books, quills and parchment from the day's lessons, ignoring Wendy for the most part, placing them into a large sack.

"Do stop staring at me girl." He eventually growled, feeling her sad eyes upon him as he worked.

It was then that Wendy's wish to return home was reawakened. This temperamental man that replaced her charming Captain, which frightened her to no end.

"What are you staring at?" Hook drawled irritatedly, glaring at the girl. Wendy tried to find confidence in her voice, and in her eyes. It was hard, but when she spoke next, she was in control.

"You are very clever Captain." Wendy said, her head high as she spoke. "You certainly fooled me."

"You're tired." Hook said flatly, motioning towards the side of the room. He did not wish for such games tonight. He was done talking with this incessantly curious and talkative girl. "Go to bed."

"To think that I believed you to be a true gentleman." Wendy continued on, ignoring him. "One that possessed true civility."

"You have seen me kill before." Hook answered angrily. For it was true, Wendy knew of Hook's reputation. So why should she be surprised that he lived up to it?

Well, she supposed that a small part, just the smallest, had thought that Hook felt tender feelings towards her. And perhaps these feelings would stop him from such brutality. She did not care for Hook when he was unnaturally cruel.

As usual, when dealing with the nature of James Hook, Wendy was incorrect.

"Why tonight?" she whispered.

"They think me soft." Hook said truthfully, glancing at the girl, shaking his head angrily at himself. "I had to stop the rumors from spreading further.... Perhaps they are correct in their assumptions. I have been absent in many of my duties because of the attention I lavish upon you."

"Am I to be blamed for your negligence?" Wendy asked defensively.

"You are a distraction, that is most certain." Hook said almost playfully, his good nature reemerging as he drew nearer to the girl, the memory of the two pirates he'd killed soon forgotten. "But a most welcome one, indeed."

"You treat me as mere entertainment." Wendy observed harshly, her eyes narrowing at him. "And I do not deserve it. Good night, Captain."

Hook watched as Wendy walked from him, burrowing herself into the covers of the bed, and closing her eyes in defiance. Hook sighed tiredly at this movement, drawing over to the edge of the bed, kneeling before her.

"Now now," Hook coaxed as he looked into the face of the seemingly sleeping girl. "As a Captain I am obligated in my duties, you must understand that."

"Why do you care what I think?" Wendy said softly, her eyes still shut tightly. "I am your mere prisoner, am I not? "

"Come now, Wendy." Hook said, in a voice that was so ardently soft that Wendy could not stop her eyes from opening. "You don't honestly believe that, do you?"

"What am I then?" Wendy inquired, her heart fluttering as she looked into the blue eyes of Hook. He seemed ready to answer, but made no move to, and instead stood, looking severely to the girl.

"Good night, Miss Darling."

Wendy did not answer, and instead turned her body from Hook completely. He watched her a moment longer before rising, carrying his bag out the door with him. He paused a moment before leaving, turning to see Wendy still faced away from him.

"Forgive me." Hook whispered at the door, his voice was pained as he spoke the words. It is not easy for a man with pride and status like Hook to say such a thing. Seconds later the door to her cabin was closed and locked.

Wendy was not sure to what exactly the temperamental Captain was apologizing to her for, but whatever it may be intended for, and because of something still unnamed to even herself, Wendy did forgive him.
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Why swallows build in the eaves of houses