Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

In the swirl of passion	By : Lywhn Category: M through R > Peter Pan > Het Views: 35043 -:- 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
- 22
- 23
- 24
Chapter 23 – Confessions

He was warm and comfortable. He heard a soft drumming above, and fire crackling in the stove, and felt the gentle movements of his ship, accompanied of the low noises of the riggings and the normal sounds of a wooden ship on water. He felt something across his waist and the soft caress of someone’s breath on his left shoulder, while the sweet scent of fresh roses teased his nose. He had to smile; the scent was so familiar now: Wendy!
Reluctantly he opened his eyes, and looked about the dark-grey of his cabin and-- And then he felt it: the stinging pain all over his torso and right shoulder, while his lungs felt badly used. With a soft moan, he closed his eyes again and tried to remember what had happened. Slowly, his previous day came back to him.
He had fought his way through the enemy and had reached the Revenge’s rail. And in the moment he had wanted to jump down into the water, there had been a loud explosion behind him and all had turned black around him. He must have fallen into the sea, this one thing was certain. How he had come to be in his quarters was beyond him. Someone must have fished him out of the water, but who and how were questions he had no answers for.
He lifted his eyes again and carefully turned his head. Wendy lay beside him; her face only inches from his. Her left cheek was still bruised, and her face was pale. Dark shadows lay under her eyes – products of her exhaustion. She looked so small, so young, it squeezed his heart. The urge to take her in his arms and to shield her against anything that could hurt her further was overpowering.
Even though hit hurt like hell, he slowly shifted his position and pushed his left arm carefully under her neck to embrace her and to pull her closer. He saw a towel behind her hair, and knew she must have washed it, as well as herself, because all the dirt was gone from her creamy white shoulders, arms and hands.
She made a small sound and snuggled to him, which made him wince as she came in contact with his chest, but he didn’t mind as long as it meant that she was near him. The pain woke him further. He remembered more now; the duel with Blackbeard; the fire around him on the sloop and the danger that the sloop would explode any second; the moment where Teach held him down on the deck, threatened to cut his throat and-- and what Wendy had mouthed to him; the incredible joy that had filled his heart and the suddenly returning strength to fight one more time against Blackbeard. He didn’t know what had happened after he reached the rail, but it really didn’t matter just right now. He was still alive, and even if he felt like someone had minced him, he was only happy to be still among the living and to have his beloved girl with him.
She had been so brave during the battle; had stayed at his side and had saved his life. Not just once, but three times! He reviewed the day before. First as she came into the bilge to free him; second as she jumped onto Blackbeard’s back – what insanity! The bastard could have killed her! – And third as she had said the three little, magic words, only for him. For a moment he remembered distinctly hearing her sweet voice saying it aloud, but he couldn’t remember when this happened. The picture was there, before his inner eye, and he believed that between his waking now and his being blown into the sea, he had seen her bending over him, but all was in a haze and his head began to ache, so he simply stopped thinking.
Sighing, he put his face in her hair and kissed the top of her head, while his hand gently lay on her bare back. He didn’t dare to think of what would have happened to her if he had lost the duel. The memory of her in the arms of Richards and the hungry gaze of the first officer woke the rage in him again. The mere thought of her being touched by another man, of being raped, was more painful than any sword or whip wound he could receive.
But the danger was past now. She was safe – and he was, too. Once again he felt the stormy pirate in him quieting, simply because of her presence. It was almost too good to have her so near and to feel her smooth skin on his. It was like a balm for his soul. They belonged together and this was all he needed to know in the moment.
For the first time, he noticed the soft drumming of the rain against the glass and the roof above him, and looked through his lashes toward the windows. It was grey outside – too dark even for a beginning evening or morning, or what ever time it was now. Wind soughed and moaned through the riggings, and the ship rolled heavily on the waves. This only could mean one thing: Pan wasn’t well. Not that he cared, but he liked the sun more than grey, rainy weather. On the other hand: it was a very good excuse to stay in bed, and this not only because he needed to regain his strength...
Of course, he and Wendy needed to rest – especially the girl – but he could think of better things for which to use a great, comfortable bed. Ah, later!
Feeling exhaustion overwhelming him again, he closed his eyes, only to open those a moment later as an odd cackling reached his ears. He lifted his head and his gaze found the two parrots, snuggled close together in the open cage, each preening the other’s feathers. James had to grin. “Yes! A very good idea!” he murmured. “But not now.”
Sighing, he lay back again, but felt suddenly restless. He was tired, but his duties called to him. He needed to know the state of his ship and crew. Knowing himself too well – he wouldn’t find any peace until he had knew the damage – he decided to have a look. As silently and careful as possible, he disentangled himself from Wendy – immediately feeling the absence of her contact – and sat up. He swallowed a groan as pain woke up all over his body, and the cabin started to whirl around him.
No! He would not give in to it! Clenching his teeth – Captain James Hook of the Jolly Roger was NEVER weak! – he flung his legs over the bed edge and his right foot landed promptly in cold water as he stepped into the bowl. Muffling a startled yelp he wanted to lift the foot – How came water on the floor in his quarters??? – but in his haste, he tipped it over and the bowl emptied his contents over his other foot and leg, drawing a surprised cry from him.
Instantly Wendy awoke, and was up a second later. Looking around her, her gaze found the silhouette of James, sitting on the side of the bed. “You’re awake!” she cried.
“Obviously!” came the dry reply.
Beaming, she crept to him and stroked over the half of his back not covered with bandages. “How are you feeling?” she whispered, kissing his cheek, happy that he seemed to be better.
“Wet!” He looked down at his feet. Wendy followed his gaze, blinking at the floor – and started to giggle. She met his irritated look and broke out into full laughter. He made a face and gave her his best grim pirate-look, which only made her laugh harder, and, now rolling on her back beside him; gave him a very good look at her exposed body.
He lifted a brow, as he tried to keep his features threatening. Even Smee had the urge to back away when he received such a look – and this girl only laughed at him, and looked at him with shining eyes! Heavens, was it really was a wonder that he loved her so much? “Might you tell me what a pan of water is doing by my bed, my dear? And what all these towels and cloths are for?” he asked, pointing on the damp heap beside the dish, trying very hard to look angry. She was so cute when she laughed and held her belly!
Wendy struggled for air. It was good to finally laugh again, to hear his voice and see how badly he tried to be the fierce buccaneer, trying to hide his sulking. “I needed them to bring your fever down,” she managed to get out between gasps.
“Fever?” he repeated. “I don’t have fever! I never get a fever!”
The girl tried to control her laughing fit. “And where have I heard THAT before?” She sat up and stroked several of his curly strands out of his face, still giggling. And then his expression turned into a pout.
“I thought you were worried about me. And what are you doing? Letting me trip over a bowl full of icy water and laugh!”
“Icy water?” she repeated, fighting against another outbreak of laughing.
“Yes! Icy water!” he stated, looking down at his dripping feet.
“Oh, poor one! It seems that you still must have a fever to find lukewarm water ‘icy’.” She lifted her hand and laid it on his forehead.
“As I told you before, a man like me has never--”
“Yes, yes, oh great Captain!” she interrupted and kissed him, too happy to argue.
To feel her soft lips on his was far too good to stay angry. And – by the way – he was too tired to scold with her and too relieved to still be alive and to be near her. Wrapping his left arm around her, he answered her kiss by plundering her lips, teasing her warm mouth merciless with his tongue, until she broke free for breath.
Her shining gaze roaming over his face, she stroked his upper arm. “I was so afraid I’d lose you,” she whispered, turning serious. “Please, be never that careless again and walk straight into danger!”
“Now there’s the pot calling the kettle black!” he answered. “Storming blindly into the middle of a battle and jumping on Captain Blackbeard!”
She smiled softly, sat herself with her back to the mess beside him and cupped his neck with one hand; their hips touching. “Never challenge my man, or I show my claws!”
“Your man?” he asked quietly and she nodded, caressing his arm with her other hand.
She saw his suddenly hopeful and almost pleading look and felt her heart going out to him. Tenderly she let go of his neck and her fingertips traced over his cheek and nose, up to his forehead and down to the other cheek. “Yes, MY man!” she murmured, stretching herself to close the distance between their faces. “And don’t risk your life again, you crazy pirate!” Her lips grazed his once more.
“I did it for you,” he admitted. “That duel with Teach? It was my only chance to save you.”
She kissed him again, long and tenderly, enjoying his hand on her bare back. “I don’t know what I would have done if he’d killed you,” she said finally, nestling her face at his unharmed shoulder.
“But he didn’t – because of you.” He let himself fall back into the pillows and mattress. Ignoring the dull pain on his chest, he pulled her down as well and held her close, while she was trying to avoid touching him where it would hurt, snuggling into him at the same time. James looked at the ceiling which lay in a dim light because of the stormy weather outside. He couldn’t believe that it was over; that they were safe, and that he had found the strength to fight again – even in the hopeless situation with a blade at his throat – because of three little words she had mouthed to him.
This was the most incredible thing. How could this sweet, pure girl love him? He was a criminal, a killer! He didn’t deserve anything like this. A man like him wasn’t supposed to feel the touch of heaven. But still he yearned for it, hoped above all hope that what he had read from her lips hadn’t been an imagination. “Is it true?” he whispered, afraid of the coming moments.
Wendy lifted her head and looked at him. “What do you mean?”
“What you mouthed to me on board the Revenge.” He said it almost inaudibly and then she saw the hidden fear in his gaze and knew what he meant.
She took his face with one hand and looked deep into his forget-me-not-blue eyes, smiling the most beautiful smile he had ever seen on her dear face. “Yes, it is true!” she answered slowly and very serious. “I love you!”
He closed his eyes as he finally heard her sweet voice saying what he longed the most to hear; feeling the burning pressure behind his lids and a sudden lump in his throat. “Please, say it again,” he whispered hoarsely, not daring to trust his own ears.
Her smile widened, while she bent down and kissed him, caressing his temple. “I love you!” she repeated gently and kissed his nose. “I love you!” Her lips grazed his cheeks, before they caught a single tear that slipped from his black, long eyelashes. “I love you, James Hook!” she breathed and kissed his closed eyes. She could feel the small shiver that ran through his body while he swallowed.
He tried hard to stay controlled and calm, but failed miserably. New tears crept out, and finally a short sob escaped him as the full truth hit him. He really was loved! Someone had seen through his mask, through the hardness, the bitterness, through the hate, and LOVED him now. And not only someone, but his sweet storyteller Wendy, his brave Red-handed Jill! She didn’t just love to be with him; she loved HIM! He could hear it in her voice, feel it in the touch of her soft full lips and as he lifted his eyes and saw with his tear-blurred eyes the expression of her beautiful face, he could read her love in her dove-blue eyes as well. She loved HIM! There was no doubt anymore. A new sob rose in his throat and almost desperately, he pulled her closer to him, ignoring the pain in his chest and shoulder, and buried his face at her throat, as his emotions overwhelmed him.
He felt free and redeemed in one, and as he realized at last the full meaning of her words, he wanted to shout from bliss, while he suddenly couldn’t stop crying. Wendy felt his tears on her throat, while he pressed with trembling lips his kisses on her skin, whispering “I love you!” over and over again.
She entwined her fingers in his dark curls and held him close, while her own tears spilled over. It was so good to finally admit her feelings to him, and his reaction shook her deeply. This strong and powerful man wept like a little lost boy, because she loved him and had told him so.
In this moment, she knew that she was utterly lost. He had been right that first night, when he’d awoken the wonderful new passion in her: she truly was his – and had always been. From the first moment she heard of him, she had felt an odd connection towards him, and as she had first laid eyes on him on one of the Black Castle’s towers – she had been drawn to him; helpless as a moth to the flame. She only really lived when she was with him and felt complete in his presence. And knowing all this she knew that she could never leave him, what ever might happen! Even if she had to stand against her brother, and against the whole world-- she would never back off, but stay at James’ side!
“I love you, James!” she whispered, lifting her head and forcing him to look at her. His face was covered with his tears, but his eyes shone as never before. “I love every inch of you!” she continued with the most warm, soft voice. “Your smiles and smirks, the way you move and the way you arrogantly hide your vulnerability.” He lifted one brow, but remained silent, which made her smile again. “I love your black humor and the way you stand for your world and your views. I love your temper and your pretending to be a fearsome pirate, while you are able to give so much tenderness and caring. I love when you take me into your arms and then straight to heaven. I love your eyes, which can glare like fire or ice. I love to feel your skin on mine, or to simply lie close to you. I love so many things about you that I don’t know where to begin or where to end.” She thumbed his tears away, but new ones came almost instantly. “I love you with all my heart and soul – but I was too blind to realize this until it was almost too late.” She pressed her lips softly to his. “I will never, ever leave you, James!” She tilted her head with shy smile. “That is, if you want me here.”
A mixture of a sob and laughter erupted from his throat. “If I want you here? Sweetheart, I would die without you. Never doubt it!” His hand stroked her back and lower, fondling her soft curves. “I need you like the air to breath. Without you I am an empty shell!” He smiled beneath his tears, looking at her as if she were a miracle, before he suddenly said with a hint of his usual smirk. “And now you have me talking like a softie.”
Wendy laughed quietly, recognizing his attempt to regain control over his feelings. “Yes – even if you aren’t a softie, my fierce, strong Captain!”
He smiled back and took a deep breath. He wanted to say so many things to her, but couldn’t find the words anymore. He simply couldn’t talk just right now. Could happiness really making someone this foolish? Yes! And he marveled at it.
For a long moment – or hours? – They simply looked at each other, savoring the nearness of the other, and the sudden stillness and peace that overwhelmed them. At least now there were no more doubts and hidden feelings. They’d found rest in their confessions to themselves as well as to each other. They both had been afraid of the possible rejection of the other; had feared that the other had only searched for their own satisfaction in the burning passion between them. And to learn now that the other had the same deep feelings filled them both with a warm, glorious joy, making further words unnecessary.
Sensing James’ certain discomfort by lying upon him in his state, Wendy slid beside him, pulled up the blankets and covered them both. His skin was hotter than before and she didn’t want to risk that the fever would return.
He lifted a brow again, but his eyes gave him away, betraying his emotional chaos. The genuine smile that had even managed to surprise the eternal boy played around Wendy’s lips and made his heart beat quicker. “We don’t want your fever to come back,” she whispered and laid her index-finger on his lips to stifle his protest. “Hush! You had and still have too high of a temperature! And it is cold outside. So--”
A grin came over his pale features. “Aye! Especially at my feet.” Uncomprehending she looked at him. The smirk returned. “Bowl, water, splashing, feet still out of bed – you get the idea?” he teased her softly.
With a low cry she hurled the blankets away and was out of the bed in an instant, startling the birds by doing so. “I’ll get a towel!” she called, and hissed a “Oh, shut up you two!” to the parrots, and vanished behind the Spanish wall.
James looked after her, amused by her temperament again, and enchanted by the view she gave as she came back. She crossed in front of him, completely bare and without any shyness – proof of how familiar they now were. Her long hair played around her slender figure while she walked like a dancer. She bent down and gently dried his feet and legs. “Put them under the blanket!” she ordered softly.
“Aye, Aye, Madame Captain!” he answered and had to grin as he saw her shaking her head. Carefully, not to move too hastily, he shifted his position until he finally lay correctly in the bed, relieved as the pain started to subside.
“Do you want something to drink?” she asked, knowing the answer.
He nodded. “Something—“
“—light. As you wish!” she smiled, stifled her laughter as she heard his irritated snort. She brought him a glass water, which he drank eagerly – of course not without a remark that wine would be better.
But in this case Wendy was immovable. “You are injured and have fever. Your body needs its strength now for recovery and not for processing alcohol, my dear.”
Grumbling he obeyed – women! – and as Wendy set the glass aside, he lifted an edge of the blankets in an additional invitation. “Coming?”
Smiling, she kicked the towel that she had let fall and slipped beneath the blanket, accepting his left arm as a pillow. He lifted again a brow. “Sweetie? Not that I really mind, but do you have to let anything on the floor? My quarters will look like…” He stopped as he took his first good look at his surroundings. “What the hell--?” he began.
Wendy smiled and snuggled carefully closer to him. “You should have seen it, before I tried to put a few things in order.”
“In order?” He had lifted both brows now and glared unbelieving at her, before his gaze roamed once more through his cabin. “You call THIS order?”
The girl had to chuckle. “As I told you: You should have seen it before.” She followed his gaze and sighed. “Well, it really isn’t a style I like, but see the advantage in it: You’ve gotten new furniture, carpets and a lot of jewels without the trouble of raiding.”
He groaned and closed his eyes. This girl was impossible and… and so damn sweet! He threw her a glare, what meant as much as ‘I don’t believe that you are serious now!’
Wendy winked at him, before something entered her mind. She lifted the blanket again, hushing his protest with “Just wait and see!” and rushed to his desk. “As you were asleep yesterday I gave orders to inventory the whole booty. Here is listed what Blackbeard brought into our quarters – all done by myself the entire afternoon – and the rest should come during the morning and...” She hesitated, as she looked through the documents. “It is already here! Smee must have brought it while we slept.” She frowned. “I hope he didn’t see things…!”
She took the documents and returned to the bed, where a pirate-captain sat with open mouth. “I also have the ship’s report, as well as a list of the heaviest injuries and… our losses. Further we have a prisoner and several dead enemies and—“ Finally, realizing his expression, she cocked her head. “Something wrong?”
He stared at her and shut his mouth with a snap before he managed: “You’ve done what?”
She grinned proudly. “I thought you’d want this information as soon as you were awake, and because the crew had recovered by yesterday afternoon, I gave them the task of taking inventory and a ship’s report, after they convinced me that the damaged sails had been repaired.” She slipped back beside him, unfolded the first document and squinted her eyes as she began to read, finally shaking her head. “I respect their fighting-abilities, but their spelling is horrible! – And here… A drawing with stripes to count behind it. Who ever had ‘written’ this, he has fantasy!”
Hook finally fought off his astonished state. “Just a moment, my dear! YOU gave order to my men to make a ship’s report and inventory and repair the sails? And they obeyed your commands?”
Wendy smiled at him. “Yes. It went well.”
James let himself sink back at the head-board. He couldn’t believe it. This pack of brutes took orders from the girl! Of course, she saved them, but after all they were…
“This sounds like a great fortune. Do you know how many things Blackbeard brought on board? He even ordered them to bring herbs and butter to the Jolly Roger. Cookson must be delighted. And here: 10 barrels of Portuguese red wine!” She lifted her head and beamed. “That will make THE banquet!”
Hook took a very deep breath, ignoring his wounded chest. Wendy had done it again: she had surprised him completely. That she had thought of demanding these kinds of reports proved one time more how much she understood of ships and the duties of a commander. And how much she identified herself with the life on board. He lifted his hand stroked one of her arms softly, while he met her questioning gaze. “You’re incredible, my love,” he murmured. “You took care of the most important parts of routine after a fight while I have been indisposed.” His warm gaze roamed over her. “Thank you!”
She blushed and smiled back. “I thought you would want to know these things after you returned from dreamland.” He nodded and reached for the documents, carefully straightened his body to sit in a more comfortable position and winced, as new pain shot through him. Damn it to hell, but he wished he could make Blackbeard pay for this. Quickly he skimmed the lists, lifting here and there an eyebrow, grumbled something and nodded finally. “Four lost,” he murmured and sighed. “Not as bad as I thought. And the injuries…” He stopped. “I will pay the worst cases a visit, and about the prisoner…”
Wendy lifted one brow. “You mean, tomorrow you will pay them a visit, sweetheart.”
He frowned. “I thought rather in a short while during… What time is it, anyway?”
She shrugged her small shoulders. “No idea. I think morning, but I’m not sure, seeing the dark day outside.” James put the documents aside and slowly lay down again, feeling himself tired again – very much to his irritation. “Wendy? I have several questions – beside the reports. How many days have gone by while I was asleep? What happened after I reached the Revenge’s rail? What is wrong with Pan – because the weather speaks loudly enough about his condition, and how – the heck – did I get out of the water?”
Wendy lay beside him and glanced for a long moment at him, before she said: “As I told you: You were out since the night before yesterday.”
“A WHOLE day?” he asked shocked.
Wendy nodded. “Aye! You had a fever, which I cooled by using leg-compresses.” She sighed. “You worried me a lot, James. I cleaned and bandaged your wounds with the help of Skye and the Oriental during the final fight, but the long time in the bilge and then underwater was a bad thing. Even the iodine didn’t help much.”
Hook made face. “I think it was a good thing that I was out.”
A nod was her answer. “Yes. You woke one time but lost consciousness again within a minute.”
“And then you said me that you love me. I remember now.” He bent forward and captured her lips with his. “Do you know how much strength it gives me?” he whispered and looked into her eyes.
Wendy smiled. “I hope so. And do you know, how much it gives ME that you love me?”
He grinned. “I think so.”
She giggled. “Vain male!”
“I am NOT vain!”
She kissed him again. “Yes, you are!” Before he could protest she continued: “While I bandaged you, Peter and Mullins dived to the Revenge to sabotage the rudder-chain, so…”
“Hold a minute!” James cut in. “Pan and Mullins DIVED to the Revenge?”
Wendy nodded. “The mermaids were with them and gave them air under water.”
“The mermaids helped?” James’ eyes were big by now.
The girl took a deep breath. “They helped bring you aboard after Peter fished you out of the water and--”
“PAN fished me out of the sea?” His voice sounded suddenly very hollow.
“Yes. He leaped after you when you didn’t resurface, and dived down – together with Tink – to save you. He and you were a very long time under water, but when you both emerged, the mermaids were with you and gave you and him their breath.” Hook stared almost horrified at her, unable to speak in the moment. “They brought you both and Tink back to the Jolly Roger and while Cecco took care that you were brought aboard, Peter and Mullins swam to the Revenge and sabotaged the helm, to foil Blackbeard’s plan to ram the Jolly Roger.”
“He wanted to RAM my ship?”
Wendy looked at him and recognized how pale he had gone. Softly she cupped his cheek. “He intended to kill us all and himself in this way. But Peter and Mullins were successful, sabotaging the sloop, and during their return to our ship, Blackbeard… shot Peter.”
Hook bolted up and let out a groan as his beaten body protested immediately. “Pan was … SHOT?”
Wendy looked closer at him. He was even paler and he glared at her, shocked. Was he really worried about Peter, or was he simply irritated that someone other than himself had almost been successful where he had failed so many times? “The bullet grazed his temple and he lost some blood. Mullins brought him back on board, while Smee – who had taken command – gave orders to heave to and opened fire at the Revenge. And because of the sabotage, the Revenge was unable to maneuver, so it passed us by and got the whole barrage broadside.” She sighed. “And the victory was ours.”
For a long moment James looked speechless at her. That PAN had dived after him and saved him was almost as unthinkable as a commanding Smee with strategy! And the mermaids had helped him and then his crew to survive? Had the whole universe gone mad?
He felt Wendy’s small hand on his arm and blinked several times. “James? Are you all right?”
He swallowed hard. “Where is Pan now?”
“In Smee’s cabin, sleeping his fever off. The fairy-queen was here shortly yesterday, and Smee told me that she doctored him. Fairies have an incredible power. He should recover quickly because of her help.”
James let himself sink back again, still amazed. Peter Pan saved his life – again. He hadn’t forgotten that the boy killed the man who had wanted to stab him in the back during the fight. He also remembered very well that Pan had supported Wendy in her crazy plan to free himself and his crew. And now the boy lay injured down in Smee’s cabin and was therefore – again – In his power. And, again, he couldn’t fulfill his sworn revenge, which was – again – so near in grasp, because this time the little brat not only warned him but saved him!
Sighing he rubbed his eyes, as an inner voice told him firmly, that he couldn’t kill Peter, even if the boy hadn’t helped him that much – because otherwise he would lose Wendy. So he had no other choice but to spare the little pest’s life as well as his friends.
This brought his thoughts around to the next theme. “The boys are still on board?”
“Yes. They wanted to stay until Peter is better and… well… I said that you wouldn’t mind this time. Of course they had to promise to behave!” she added quickly, meeting his glare.
Another deep sigh escaped him. “We’ll see – if they behave, I mean.” He lifted his gaze again. “You know that with the boys here, your secret is in great danger?”
Alarmed he saw her silently nodding, while her eyes suddenly dampened. “Wendy?” he whispered. “We both know that the day has to come when you can no longer hide--”
“John knows about us!” she murmured.
James frowned. Of course, the boy had to discern the secret of his sister. He’d been skeptical for days now, and sure as the sun rose in the east Wendy had given herself away by her reactions during the conflict. “How did he take it?” he asked, even if he already knew the answer. It was so obvious by the look on her face and so easy to read in her eyes.
“He… he was outraged and… disappointed that I lied to him. We,” she swallowed and looked to the ceiling. “We had an awful fight.”
The wrinkle in his forehead deepened. He didn’t like it a bit if someone hurt his girl. Holding his tongue, he waited for Wendy to go on. “He… he can’t understand that I love you. And he doesn’t believe that you love me. He thinks it is all a great pretend and a plot by you to pacify me into trusting you and then to use me against Peter or…” she wiped over her eyes, “or that you only wanted me to fall in love with you, to reject me later as revenge.” She looked back at him and saw the disbelief, the fury and the worry in his eyes.
“And what do you think?” he asked hoarsely. He wouldn’t be able to stand it if she had doubt about his feelings for her.
She propped herself on one elbow, stroke his cheek and glanced down on him. Her eyes were wet, but her gaze was firm and full of warmth. “If I didn’t love you so much, James Hook, I would be hurt now because of your question. OF COURSE I know about your true feelings and that my little brother is an idiot!”
The last words came with such vehemence that James had to laugh. He pulled her closer to embrace her, while she buried her face in his neck. Ignoring the pain from whip and knife, he held her close; feeling exactly how she tried to stay calm, while he could sense her hurt like it was his own. “Do you think it would help if I speak with him?” he offered and Wendy shook her head.
“No, just the opposite. John is really thickheaded, and if he is convinced of something, you’d need a hammer to straighten his thoughts again. I think this is something he has inherited from Father, the way I remember Aunt Millicent sometimes. But thank you, James.” She took another deep breath and calmed down as she felt his mighty arms around her and his hand stroking her bare back. She so needed this man!
“Give it time,” he said gently. “Maybe he will someday see that he was wrong and you are right.”
She laughed without humor. “Time. A very fluid thing here in Neverland. And even then he will surely say something rude about you. He still is angry with you because of the incident at the Black Castle and later on board. And now he is furious with me as well, because I ‘allied with the enemy’ and have betrayed him and Peter by throwing myself in your arms.” She bit her lips. “And you know what? I don’t care anymore! He is my brother, right, but he’s still a boy who overheard something between Mother and me and is telling tales in school with his friends about it, but he hasn’t the vaguest idea about any of it!”
James chuckled quietly. And there she was again: the little wildcat! “Does he know, that--?”
“—that I have chosen to stay with you? Yes. He thinks I’ve gone completely insane.”
“How did he figure out your secret?”
Wendy lifted her head again and looked down at the man of her life, and confirmed his anticipation when she told him: “He saw us on deck, as you were brought aboard. I… I was so worried about you and… well… I held you and… and kissed you and… Yes, he was standing beside me.” She lowered her gaze. “I think we both were a sight – you bleeding and wet as a cat in the rain and me half out of my mind, clinging to you while a nervous Smee tried to squeeze the water out of you.”
He grinned. “A shame that I didn’t get to see it. I would love to see you that worried about me.”
She sat up. “What? And where do you think I’ve been the last two days? Did I look calm and cool to you? Didn’t you see--?” She stopped as he started to laugh, realizing that he was only teasing her. “Oh… YOU! If you weren’t all that ill I would throw all pillows of this cabin at you!”
He laughed harder, caught her one wrist and lifted her hand to his lips. “Sweetheart, don’t be angry with me. I simply wanted to lift your mood and--“ a wicked gleam suddenly lit his eyes, “I love to dare your temper.”
She stuck her tongue out at him and let herself fall beside him, burying her face in the pillow, showing him her back. She grumbled something that sounded like “Just you wait until you’re well again!” and carefully James sat up, bent down – ignoring the pain – and kissed her back. She still lay motionless, so he did it again – and again, elicited a giggle from his young lover, while a shiver ran over her smooth skin.
Wendy held her breath. His beard tickled her, while his soft lips fondled her back. His warm breath stroked over her and she pressed her lips together to stifle a low moan. His thick curls slid over her waist and shoulder, mingled with her own hair and the so-well-known knot returned in her belly, making her helpless. Goodness, had she waited for this to happen again. She longed for the security and passion she found in his arms and… And he was still injured! Drat! These soft caresses must hurt like mad for him.
Slowly she rolled over and looked up at him. She saw the fire in his forget-me-not-blue eyes, but also how pale he was. Tenderly she touched his mouth with two fingers. “I would love to be one with you right now, but you are still wounded, my love. So be wise, and wait until you’re healed,” she whispered.
He looked like a disappointed little puppy for a moment. “It’ll hurt far more to hold back!”
Wendy had to giggle. Heavens, he really could be a little boy! Softly she stretched herself and kissed him. “As you told me: give it time – and I promise I will regale you as never before.”
He cocked his head. “Do you have something in mind?”
She grinned broadly. “Aye! And don’t you ask! It’s a surprise!” She gently urged him to lie down again and added: “Good boy!” He growled at her, what made her laugh. “And a little later we will change your bandages. Until then, stay in bed.”
A grimace was his answer, completed with a: “If I really have to stay in bed and am not allowed to touch you properly, then tell me a story!”
Wendy stared at him. “You are worse than Michael!” His grin gave him away. Of course he was only teasing her again. “All right, a story. Let me think …”
“What about the rest of the story ‘How I saved the day’?” he cut in.
“You really want to know?” He only glared at her and she huddled carefully against him. “Well, as I told you Smee gave the order to open the fire at the Revenge as soon as she came alongside. Just then, the gunmen opened the cannon-hatches. Teach did not know about our firepower until it was too late for him.”
“How was it possible to fire at the Revenge? Our powder was flooded,” James thought aloud and Wendy shrugged her shoulders.
“I don’t know. Perhaps not all barrels were wet?”
He nodded slowly. “A possible explanation. What became of the Revenge?”
Wendy smiled sheepishly. “I don’t know that either. She disappeared, as Smee told me. But…”
James lifted one brow. “What DO you know, by the way?”
“Hey, I was otherwise occupied! There were shouts and sudden movements of the ship, loud booms and then the Oriental looked out of the door and told us we’d won.”
Hook slowly shook his head, while, amused, he watched a pouting Wendy. How much he loved this little bundle of energy! But there were still too many questions not answered. And as if his thoughts had been heard by the only person who had anything to tell him, there came a knock at the hidden door. Promptly, with a squeak, Wendy sought shelter under the blankets. Hook rolled his eyes. Would she never learn to behave normally when someone sought entrance to his cabin while they were abed or in the bathtub? The only one it could be was Smee – especially when the knock came from the hidden door.
“Enter!” he called and a moment later the stout figure of the boatswain pushed through the secret port.
“Good morning, Sir! Thank heavens that you seem better,” he greeted them with a wide grin.
James nodded politely. “Thank you, Mr. Smee.”
Good morning, Miss Wendy!” the Irishman called while he put a plate with breakfast at the table.
A muffled “Good morning, Mr. Smee” sounded from beneath the blankets and Hook looked at the ceiling.
“Darling? Don’t you think that you could show your pretty face? Because it really isn’t the first time Smee has seen us here.”
“But I am not decent,” sounded the protest through the thick covers.
“Sweet girl, you haven’t been decent for the last few days, because I really don’t remember a lady wearing men’s clothes.”
“It was an emergency!” came the angry reply and James chuckled, lifting an edge of the blanket.
“Cutie, come out here!”
“Only if Mr. Smee turns around until I have slipped into something like a nightgown!”
Hook sighed deeply and threw his boatswain a glare. “If you would be so kind!”
Grinning, the Irishman obeyed, giggling quietly as he heard the sounds of the light footsteps of the girl. Of course he was tempted to peek over his shoulder, but he didn’t dare incense his commander. After a moment, he heard Hook’s voice saying: “Sweetheart, don’t tell me that you took another shirt of mine?”
“Why not? After you ruined my nightgown and that oversized pig of first officer changed my shirt into a cleaning rag, I needed a new one.”
“All right, honey, I understand. But why the hell must it be one of my best silk shirts?”
“Because they are so nice to wear?”
“Yes, I know. But would you mind using a simple cotton shirt for—“
“Hey! Are you saying that this shirt is too good for me to wear?”
“Of course not! I would give you my last shirt--”
“—It isn’t your last one! You have dozens of them!”
“—and you look very nice in it!”
“I know!”
“But the next time, please don’t choose a shirt which is specially made for my dinner-suit!”
“Really? Especially for dinner? Well, now it is needed for breakfast!”
“Sweetie, please pull it out and hang it over there.”
“James! I already wore it all day yesterday, so it doesn’t count if there are some more wrinkles.”
“But—“
The sounds told Smee that she slipped back into bed. “You ruined my silk nightgown, now I have to wear one of your silk shirts. Fair is fair!” A low grown was heard, and Smee had to hold in a hearty laugh. He couldn’t remember when the last time someone had spoken with the captain like the girl just had done. And he wasn’t infuriated, just confused. She really had him eating from her tiny hands, that was certain.
“May I turn around now, Miss?”
“Of course, Mr. Smee, and thank you for your patience!”
The old boatswain looked over his commander and the girl and bit his lips to stop himself from bursting out. Hook wore a sour expression – heavens, the man was pouting! – and Wendy grinned triumphantly, sitting proudly beside him. “Just you wait until I am well again, you stubborn crabbiness,” he threatened.
She gave him a sweet smile. “I know I made a promise to you. And I’ll keep it.”
“First: Whatever you have in mind had better be amazing, otherwise I think you’ll be—“
“Trust me, honey. It will be!”
“And second: I told you before that you don’t have to make promises. I take what I want.”
“Hmm! But this time we will turn the tables! You owe me from the last time!”
“Really? I think I remember a girlish voice moaning ‘I can’t anymore!’”
“And you believed me? I only wanted to spare you a headache because of the giant hangover you had.”
His eyes widened. “What?”
Smee cleared his throat and attracted the attention of the love-birds to the fact that there was a third person in the room. “Sorry, but I think—“
Wendy looked at him and turned crimson, earning a giggle from the old man and a chuckle from James. Men!
“Mr. Smee? Report please,” Hook changed sensible the theme. “Especially what happened after I was taken by surprise by the explosion on the Revenge.”
The boatswain nodded, filling the two cups he brought with him with a aromatic tea. He prepared the breakfast while he told the whole story. Even Wendy was surprised when she heard all she’d missed. James listened very carefully, only interrupting for further details. As he heard of the mysterious disappearance of the Revenge, he frowned. “That can’t be,” he murmured. “She simply cannot end in smoke! There must be another explanation for it.”
“Maybe there is none,” Wendy said quietly. “Some things should remain secret.” She had her own thoughts about the whole matter, but she didn’t want to bother James with it right now.
Hook rolled his eyes and accepted the cup Smee offered him. “I, for my part, like to finish riddles.”
“I do, too, but nevertheless neither you nor I will find any explanation for these mysteries.”
“Look, look, my sweet little storyteller speaks with the wisdom of a granny,” he teased her and Wendy smiled as she realized that James had almost said the same as the fairy-queen.
Smee finished serving them breakfast – it really was delicious to have breakfast in bed together with the one you love – and left them to look on the ship, crew, and guests, and to take care that the new bandages would be prepared as Wendy demanded: boiled and clean.
Ignoring James’ protests, she changed the bandages after breakfast and had a closer look at his injuries. They didn’t seem infected, but Wendy was taking no risk. Even if it was a torture for James – which almost hurt her more than him – she doctored the wounds with iodine again and began to wrap the new bandages as a soft knocking was heard at one of the windows.
Wendy looked up and saw the golden light shimmer through the glass. With a “Sorry, love,” she ran to the window and pulled it open. The fairy-queen smiled at her, soared into the room and flew straight to the pirate-captain. She looked him over, cocked her head and flew nearer to him. A little bit embarrassed he lifted his hand. “Sorry, little Madam, but I am truly unable--”
The pressure was felt in his and Wendy’s heads before they could hear the soft voice again. “A fine mess you’ve got there!” she pointed at his shoulder and chest. “By all the stars in the sky, I have more problems with you than with Peter – and the boy really is a pain sometimes!”
James lifted one brow. “May I ask, little lady, what you mean?”
An unreadable expression lay on her tiny face. “You’ve lived in Neverland for a very long time now, and still do not know of our healing powers? Really, James Hook, some times you are more than blind!”
He straightened his figure. “With all due respect, madam, don’t insult me in my own—“
“Does that mean you’re here to help him?” Wendy interrupted, her eyes brightening.
The lady nodded, glaring at the blustering captain. “That is, if he wants my help.”
“I have been healing by myself for a long time and--” James started, but again Wendy was quicker.
“Of course we want your help! Thank you so much, Your Majesty!”
“You’re most welcome. But he has to allow me to work in peace, because his wounds are deep, and I will need all my strength to cure them,” the fairy added, examined the shoulder of the mortal man.
“I don’t think that James will mind, do you, sweetheart?” Both females glanced at Hook, who grimaced.
“I am touched,” he growled sarcastically, “that someone acknowledged that I am still in the room and had the courtesy to ASK me!”
Wendy smiled. “Please, don’t be angry,” she whispered to the fairy-queen. “I think the pain makes him a little bit grumpy.”
“I am NEVER grumpy!” came the protest.
Wendy gave him her sweetest smile. “May I survey the crew?” The fairy-queen giggled behind her hand, and looked amused at the growling pirate.
“They wouldn’t dare say anything against me!”
“Of course. After all, you’re the bad-tempered pirate captain and they know they’d be playing fast and loose with their health, if they criticized you.” Wendy batted her eyes at him, once again taking the wind out of his sails. Then she moved to his side. “Come on, brave captain, let the fairy-queen help you. It’s for your own benefit that she offered.” She saw the distrust in his eyes and whispered in his ear: “Keep in mind that I have something special planned for you. The sooner you’re well again, the sooner you’ll get to enjoy it.”
He lifted his face and glanced slyly at her. “Why do I think I already know what it will be?”
She grinned back. “Possibly because you know me a little?”
“Only a little?”
She blushed and both mortals looked back at a very amused fairy, who well understood the words of the girl, and chuckled. “A very good idea you have there,” she said to Wendy, whose eyes widened.
“You can read my mind?”
“In a manner of speaking.” She winked at her. “But what you are planning for him sounds very … hmm. I think I will test it myself with my prince consort.”
“Are you two talking about me?” James asked half pouting, half irritated. He met the both females’ gazes, who beamed at him. He threw up his hand. “All right. It looks like I have no other choice!” he grumbled, tossing his hair to the left and allowing the fairy to approach.
She hovered over him, seeming to sense what affected his body, her bright dust decorating his pale skin, and nodded slowly. “This will take some work!” she sighed and pointed at the pillow. “Lie down!”
Snorting he obeyed, murmuring something about “And this in my own quarters!” and Wendy bit her lips. “James, please be quiet. You don’t want to irritate Her Majesty and…”
“Fear not, child,” the queen interrupted softly. “I am not angry with him. This behavior is typical for men – and boys!” Hook opened his mouth, but this time the tiny creature scolded at him. “Quiet, you ignorant mortal! If it wasn’t for her concern for you and the necessary changes you must still make, I would let you stew in your own juices, mending in your own good time!”
Perplexed, James shut his mouth and swallowed his words. He glanced up at Wendy and as he saw her reassuring, loving expression, he gave in – again!
The queen soared over his shoulder and blew some oddly colored dust into the wound. James winced – it burned like hell – but then the pain suddenly subsided and an odd sensation remained on his skin and in his flesh. She repeated her actions to the deeper cuts over his chest and belly and it was every time the same. Carefully he lifted his head and looked down, but a firm “Lie down, I said!” forced his head back to the pillow.
After some time, an obviously exhausted fairy sat down beside him on the pillow. “All done,” she murmured. She looked over to Wendy. “Do you have still some of the dust I gave you?”
The girl nodded. ”Yes. I brought the little bag with me.” James looked surprised at her. She had fairy-dust from the fairy-queen with her?
“Very good,” the mystical creature continued. “This evening scatter some of it over his deepest wounds again, and by tomorrow they will be closed. But be careful over the next days. The flesh and skin will need time to recover fully. So NO WILD GAMES, you two!”
This time they both smiled, while the parrots croaked, which set the fairy-queen laughing. “What?” Wendy asked and her tiny patron responded: “They do understand a part of your language. And they said that they are in the better position now than you two.”
Both mortals looked over to the birds, who sat perched close together in the open cage. “I warn you, Short Tom!” James growled. “No jokes about your master!”
The parrot croaked again. “Bad form!” he said and turned his back to Hook.
Wendy burst laughing. “He is really your parrot, no doubt about that!”
James moaned. “I think I have to demand more respect here!”
“Don’t worry, my love, you will have my full respect if you manage to stay this day in bed – WITHOUT making so much trouble – and behave!”
He stared at her. “Why does your respect always come with a condition?” He asked, remembering very well the little scene in the Black Castle, before he made her his the first time.
She giggled. “Because I know you too well by now!” She looked again at the fairy-queen. “Thank you so much, Your Majesty. It was most kind of you to help him.”
The fairy nodded. “My pleasure. Leave the wounds uncovered during the day and only replace the dressing before sleep, after you doctored them again with my dust.”
“Thank you. Do you think it will help the other men as well? Four of the men are bad injured and…”
“I will look after them,” the fairy reassured her. Wendy beamed, then asked. “Will there be a problem, if James wants to wash?”
“No, but don’t allow the water to come in contact with the wounds.” She looked at the pirate, who wore an odd expression. “She’s right, you know. You need a bath.”
“I WHAT?” James asked, and Wendy gave a little snort.
“Honey, truthfully, you look like you just walked out of a week in the jungle!”
He touched his chin – yes, it was bristly! – and looked down on himself. “I have a hell of battle behind me, sweetie; this is normal!”
“Yes, and now it’s also normal to wash it off – and to change the bed-clothes!”
He first wanted to protest, but then he suddenly smiled. “Of course you are right, but you know that I’m a wounded man, so you have to help me.” Wendy propped her fists at her side. “Let me guess: you want me to wash you, your hair, to dry you, to shave you, to dress you, and so forth.?”
He wore his puppy eyes now, making himself smaller in the great bed. “I don’t like to say it, kitten, but I really could use a hand. After all I am weak from the fever and…”
“I thought a man like you never gets a fever!” she teased him. For a moment they simply looked at each other, then Wendy laughed: “Of course I will help you, silly! I would love to do it!”
He smiled broadly, and for a moment, it reminded her of Peter’s cocky smile whenever he got his way. “I knew that getting injured would have its advantages!”
Wendy threw her head back. “Oh… you PIRATE!”
Giggling again, the fairy-queen took the air. “I am finished here, I can see. I will look in on Peter now.”
“Is he awake?” Wendy asked, turning her attention to the fairy.
“I don’t know. I hope so.”
“If he is awake, would you please tell him that I will look in on him soon?” Wendy asked and the mystical creature nodded.
“Certainly.”
“Thank you.”
“But not too quickly!” Hook added. “First the captain, then the… ‘guests’.”
Wendy raised her eyebrows “Believe me, James, when I’m done with you, you’ll be lucky if I let you get any sleep.”
“I thought we aren’t allowed to play wild games?”
Wendy turned crimson and stormed behind the Spanish wall. “I will get you for this, James Hook! Be sure of it!”
As the fairy-queen soared out of the window she could still hear both mortals teasing, and chuckled quietly to herself. The two really were a couple!

TBC…
- 22
- 23
- 24
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

In the swirl of passion