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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
- 23
- 24
- 25
Chapter 24 – Hours of Peace

He would never admit it, but he really felt weak as the proverbial kitten as he stood in front of the table behind the Spanish wall and Wendy washed his back. If it hadn’t been for the small sensual pleasure of the soft washcloth on his skin, the feeling of becoming clean, and the small hand of his girl on his arm, he would have gone back to bed. But it really was a relief to get clean, and Wendy did a very good job. She even gave his back a special rubdown with the washcloth, and treated his legs and his uninjured arm the same. The smell of fresh soap on his body and the gentle strokes of the towel, as she dried him, were delicious and he closed his eyes, marveling.
Wendy watched him tenderly. He enjoyed her care, this she could clearly read on his relaxed expression and the faint smile around his mouth. She was careful not to touch his wounds, but cleaned his chest and shoulder nevertheless. It was a miracle what the fairy-queen had done. The deeper cuts and the knife-wound seemed to heal, even as she washed him, while the less serious injuries were almost closed, leaving only angry red marks. If the healing-process continued at this speed, he would be ‘good as new’ by tomorrow.
But she wasn’t fooled by the magic. Of course, he still had to regain his strength. His fatigue was still obvious.
Her gaze wandered over him again. Even in this state, his body was sheer temptation. In the soft golden shimmer of the candles she had lit all around the cabin, and the dim grey daylight that came through the windows, he reminded her again of a Greek statue -- well formed, long muscular legs and arms, broad shoulders, slim waist and a classically handsome face. The only things that didn’t fit the comparison were his long curls (that suited him, dangerous and exciting) and the beard that had grown in the last two days. But nevertheless, in his naked state he was tempting - seeing his muscles flexing beneath his smooth skin - and still forbidden.
But she didn’t care. Not anymore! He was her man, her mate, heart and soul, and no one and nothing in the world would tear them apart! She only wished that the magic of the fairy-queen would heal him as quickly as possible. Not only for his benefit, but for hers as well. She would keep the word she had given herself as she had set him free from the bilge. She would kiss every inch of his gorgeous body and would make love to him an entire night as soon as his injuries had vanished.
And as she saw him now, undressed, standing before her, her longing to cherish him was almost overwhelming. To distract herself from the yearning thoughts, Wendy gently finished and urged him to sit down on the chair she had placed in front of the bathtub. Hung over the back of the chair was a great towel, and as he carefully sat down and laid his head back, his long hair reached over the wall of the bathtub. Using a water jug with warm fresh water she washed his hair, elicited a hum of satisfaction from him as she caressed his scalp and washed his black curls.
Even if his body and shoulder still hurt (though considerably less), James savored her attentions toward him. Never before had he been treated with so much care and tenderness. Yes, Smee had often washed his hair, because attempting this with a missing hand was difficult, and the old boatswain had to style his hair when ever necessary, but this was completely different. He could tell that Wendy loved to take care of him, and as one of her small hands combed through his curls while she poured out the water over them to wash the soap away, he knew that she took the same pleasure from it as he.
Wendy watched him as she rinsed out his hair. His eyes were closed and his breathing was deep and steady. She didn’t know why, but standing beside his nude form - and she only clad in his silken shirt with rolled up sleeves - and to wash him thus was almost erotic. No, it really WAS erotic, the more she thought about it. And with this, her desire for him returned - this pulsing ache in her lap and the fire in her veins. She swallowed and bit her lips. To be near him and to feel the warmth of his body radiating from his skin, but without the relief of making love to him, was torture.
James heard the change in her breathing and opened his eyes as she began to towel-dry his hair. His gaze travelled over her, as she bent over him. The shirt wasn’t fully closed and he could see the top of her breasts, her slender throat and then, finally, her face. He knew that look; it mirrored his own desire, which grew by the second. God, he needed her. He wanted to feel her, to be deep inside of her again and to convince himself that nothing evil had come to her. He remembered Richards’ greedy expression as he had held Wendy as a pawn, and Blackbeard’s words that he could have her before she was executed. The mere thought that another man would ‘have’ his girl woke a wild fire in his heart and soul, mingled with the fire in his loins, to make love to her this very instant, and to find forgetfulness in her arms--!
He lifted his hand and wrapped his arm around her hip. She took a sharp breath and said hoarsely, “Almost all done. Than you can rest and…” She stopped, as his hand started to caress her hip and finally wandered down beneath her shirt and move maddeningly over the inner side of her left thigh. She met his gaze and saw the same desire on his face she felt for him in this moment. Her mouth went dry, as she whispered: “Your injuries. We have to be careful and should not risk…”
His fingers reached her most vulnerable part and cut off her words, as he gently fondled her, finding her already wet. “You’ve done so much for me, my love. Let me do this for you.”
Wendy managed, in the very last moment, to put the towel aside before his finger slipped into her. Muffling an outcry she closed her eyes, while fire roared in her. But it wasn’t enough. Even as he added a second finger, she needed more. With glassy eyes she looked down at him and recognized the desperate yearning in his eyes. Her gaze travelled further down, and with an odd but very female pride, she saw his present state.
His long member stood hard, a proud deep red. In this moment his searching fingers touched the special spot deep in her and her knees turned to slush. Pressing a hand on her mouth she swallowed her scream, which would penetrate the wooden walls of his cabin. It would have alarmed the boys and especially John. Fighting for breath she threw her head back, and as he continued to caress her in this intimate way, her legs began to tremble. She could bear no more, and helpless, she gripped his uninjured shoulder to steady her. She felt dizzy and her heart pounded in her chest; her blood thundered in her ears. “James,” she whispered. “I c--… I can’t … I need…”
He withdrew his hand, which made her groan in protest, and drew her softly to him. “Come here, beauty!” His voice was a dark, raspy purr, and sent a powerful shiver down her spine.
“But your wounds…” she murmured, while she sat on his lap. His smile changed to his well-known smirk, as he supported her.
“Not a problem. You have this magical powder or not?”
She nodded and let herself being pulled down on him. As she felt his hot member entering her, she almost sobbed with relief, while he let out a joyful moan.
Finally he was home again, buried deep in his girl! Nothing was better than this. But not only because of the physical pleasure, the sensual rapture, but also the knowledge that he was there, where he belonged, and where he was welcome and wanted. Her shirt quickly discarded, he wrapped his left arm around her waist, bent forward and closed his mouth around one of her nipples, while her hands held him close. His damp curls fell over his shoulders, reminding him of his wound, but he quickly forgot them again.
Wendy was in heaven. It was almost too good to be in his arms again, to feel his caresses, his skin at hers and himself deep inside her. She buried her fingers in his damp mane and wriggled carefully, but he held her firmly with his arm and fondled her breasts with his mouth until she thought she would go mad with the fulfillment so close … so close in her, but not to be allowed to move! “James, please!” she begged breathless and met his hot gaze, as he leaned back and his hand encircled her hip - a silent invitation.
Wendy knew that she had to take the initiative because of his injuries, and she happily complied, starting slowly, giving them both the pleasure they craved so much. Their gazes met and locked and as she saw the all consuming fire in his eyes, it seemed as if it would send sparks over her skin, set her on fire, enflaming her lust even more. Allowing her head to fall back, she relished in the sensations now overwhelming her.
James couldn’t take his eyes from his young lover. The intense pleasure on her angelic face was almost as delightful as the feeling of her around him. Her slim strong thighs were wound around his; her left hand steadied her, behind her on his right knee, while her right hand clung to his left arm. He could feel her shivers and as her head fell back, and her long hair touched his legs, he started to move as well, even if pain suddenly pierced his clouded mind. But, again, he didn’t give a damn, for he was too far-gone by now. The tension built, greater, greater in him, and with a groan, he closed his eyes. He felt her silken walls around him, teasing him, caressing him and acting in pure instinct he pulled her closer to him, her head coming up as she glared at him and wrapped her right arm around his neck. Kissing him, she moved faster, whispering sweet things to him, before the inferno in her grew too strong to think straight. Her words turned in moans, as the knot in her tightened to an unbearable level. But still she held back, knowing even in her heated state that she had to be careful with him. He sensed it and he knew what it cost her to do so. “Let go,” he murmured, letting his hand travel over her back. “Let go!”
She swallowed, wished nothing more than to surrender to the burning passion, but still her instinct to protect was too strong. Of course he saw through her, and he’d be damned if he’d deny his girl and himself the incredible pleasure because of a few scratches. And he knew a certain way to make her lose control. Pushing his hand between them he let his index finger slip between her folds and touched the hidden pearl.
Wendy yelped and, as he quickened his strokes, she gasped for air. She recognized the wicked gleam in his eyes, as he hoarsely said: “If you don’t dare to let go, then I’ll make sure you do!”
Again he touched her, causing her to cry out, and added with a devilish grin: “And it isn’t the first time!”
Wendy felt her control falling apart and gave finally in. Sensation after sensation washed over her, as his hard, hot member filled her over and over again, while his merciless finger fondled her. Clinging to him she kissed him again; their tongues fought a wild duel with each other, while their bodies moved as one. The last remaining dark thoughts had left the two. They only felt each other, were lost in the heat and pleasure they gave and received. The reality around them spun away, as they followed the spiral up to the heaven where only they existed - so familiar by now, and yet every time new and thrilling as the first.
Wendy tore her mouth from his and looked deep into the forget-me-not depths before her, felt as if she would drown in them. A last rational thought passed through her as she realized that she not only was with the man who gave her the most thrilling pleasure possible, but who also loved her and whom she loved in return. Love… Yes! She could feel it suddenly burning up. Not in this hot, demanding way, but warm and in a brilliant glow and it squeezed her heart with an all-consuming joy. Bending forward she whispered close to his ear: “I. Love. You!”
That did it. Forcing her lips to his, he climaxed violently, shooting his seed deep into her womb and muffling her scream with his kiss, as her body convulsed in the powerful pleasure that hit her as well. Trembling they held each other, while they rode on the waves of sheer delight, which ripped them away in a world full of bliss, warmth and security.
Moments later, resting her head on his left shoulder Wendy fought for breath. She could feel his strong, damp body beneath her; his smooth skin was hot, his breath heavy and his left arm again encircled her waist. He still filled her whole, even if his member was spent now. She was completely at peace in this moment with herself and the rest of the world. For this she lived. For this burning passion and the safety in his arms; for his nearness and the perfect unity they created.
His lips graced her temple and his passion-hoarse voice murmured softly: “I love you, my sweet wildcat.”
A small sob escape her, as the painful yearning of her body was replaced with satisfaction and her heart and soul found a strange sort of rest in his confession. “You’re my life, James,” she whispered and took a deep breath. Her heart still beat quickly, but she could hear that his raced in the same rhythm and had to smile at this. His arm tightened around her waist, while he laid his head on top of hers.
Bemused, they simply enjoyed the closeness of the other and the heavy peace that fell on them. Silently they listened to the soft pelt of the rain against the roof and the windows, the sounds of the rigging and planks and the brawl of the sea. Under hooded eyes Wendy blinked into the golden light of the cabin and let her gaze travel up to James. Suddenly something woke her attention and, startled, she sat up. “You’re bleeding!”
He looked down and saw that one of the cuts had reopened. “No fear, my sweet,” he calmed her with a soft smile. “You have the fairy-dust and—“
“But she warned us! She warned us that we have to hold us back and—“
“Her precise words were ‘no wild games’, and this really was a ‘soft game’!” He grinned and Wendy sighed deeply.
“You are impossible, James!”
He started to chuckle. “Hm, and which one of us lost control of her passion, eh?”
Wendy blushed, but didn’t retreat. “And who begged me to let go?” she teased back. “Who made me wild with his … caresses?”
“I only wanted to protect you from a heart attack. Your desire for me was on a dangerous level.” He smiled far too arrogantly in this moment.
The girl lifted a delicate brow. “While you were completely untouched by it,” she said with a soft sarcasm. “I remember a certain part of you playing gleaming stone and--”
“We men are helpless in such cases,” he interrupted and her eyes went wide, before triumph shone on her face.
“Ha, great Captain! Now I have you!” She bent forward and kissed his nose. “Don’t you ever say again that you’re ‘never helpless’ and ‘always in control’!” He rolled his eyes, muttering something in his beard, but the amused twinkle in his eyes told her his real mood. He felt whole, satisfied and enjoyed the little arguments with her. She giggled and pressed a gentle kiss on his forehead. “Come let me take care of the cut and—“ she stopped and looked closer at him, “and I really should wash you again.”
He smirked. “And all this because of the insatiability of a passionate, wild beauty!”
A deep red spread over her cheeks down to her throat. “Don’t tell me that you weren’t thinking the same thing. I KNOW the look you gave me.”
“Your fault, my dear. If you insist on walking about in front of a man only clad in a silk shirt, and display such legs and curves, you shouldn’t be surprised to find him hungry for you.”
She smiled. “But you are the one and only man who ever will see me walking about like this - and who will get me as lunch.”
He grinned. “Delicious! I cannot think of a better one!”
At that exact moment, his stomach rumbled and Wendy started to laugh. “Sorry, dear James, but I think your belly has another idea of lunch.” She stood up, picked her shirt up and slipped into it. “Let the cloths and towels lie, when you’re done with washing. I’ll put them away when I come back.”
Alarmed he demanded, “Where you’re going?”
“I’ll fetch a real lunch for us and then you’re going back to bed and --- don’t talk back to me! You still have fever, your injuries aren’t healed, and the fairy-queen didn’t give us orders to be careful for nothing. There’s your proof.” She pointed at the bleeding cut. “And as soon as you are finished washing up, I’ll take care of it.” She vanished in the cabin, leaving a surprised James behind her.
“Do you really think I need another bath?” he called, and answered his own question in the next moment with a ‘yes’, as he looked at the mess on his chest and lap.
“Yes!”
“And you?”
“First I am going to nurse this damn wound and then take care that you get something to eat and are safely tucked back in the warm bed. Then I will think of myself.” He heard her dressing.
“Safe back in the warm bed,” he grumbled. “I am not a boy!”
“Oh, sometimes you act like one.” Suddenly her head peeked around the Spanish wall, as she gave him a teasing grin. “Especially when you are pouting, like now!” He opened his mouth to retort, but she was quicker. “Hurry, ‘darling’, I’ll be right back with a nice lunch. And then: Sleepy, sleepy.” With this she sped away, closing the cabin door behind her.
James stared after her and shook his head. This girl really was a constant challenge!

After she treated the reopened cut with the golden dust of the fairy-queen – it was a miracle to see how well it went – they both enjoyed a small, delicious lunch. Even if Cookson was (in Wendy’s eyes) still a living scarecrow (the two of them still didn’t get along, even after the Blackbeard events), she had to admit that he really was a good cook. After lunch, the girl fought to convince James to go back to bed while she changed the bedclothes. And once again he proved that he could behave like a five-year-old boy. He didn’t want to stay alone in bed, and he protested that he ‘really felt wonderful and not a bit weak’. Then he crabbed that he would be bored to death without her and nothing to do, and if she would mind if he would have a quick look on the ship. Of course she minded! Then he demanded she should tell him a story or something from her life in London, or – if she liked – read something to him, or he would lose his mind by counting the nails in the ceiling.
Finally, Wendy managed to get him to bed, after she told him he’d broken Michael’s record in making excuses, and, of course, Hook didn’t want to be compared to her little brother. Muttering under his breath James lay down, throwing dark looks at her – which she simply ignored – and watched as she covered him with fresh blankets. He didn’t like to admit it -- even to himself -- but as he started to relax, a great wave of exhaustion washed over him and an odd kind of relief. It could not be! He was, after all, the mighty captain of the Jolly Roger, but he was happy to be back in bed, and it felt very good.
He didn’t have to say anything. Wendy could tell his real state very well, and hid a smile. Of course, he needed rest, and this time his body’s demands were stronger than his stubbornness. After she fed the birds, she slipped out of her clothes to lie down beside him, which instantly brought a smile to his face. Wendy shook her head. He acted atypically, and she expected that it resulted from his fever. She had somewhere read that hidden characteristics surfaced during illness, and James proved the truth of it. The normally fierce strong man smiled happily at her as she slipped beneath the blankets beside him, and relaxed peacefully and ceased crabbing instantly – just like a little boy.
Boy… With a newly awakened guilty conscience, Wendy remembered Peter, and that she had promised to look after him. And the Lost Boys and her brothers… Stop! Michael only! John could continue to play the idiot; she didn’t care! She would wait, until James was asleep and then she would creep down to her friends.
But this was easier said than done. Even in his present state, James didn’t fall asleep. In fact, he started to ask her about her life in London, and after some initial hesitation, Wendy found it very easy to talk with him about everything. About her schooling and the attempts of her aunt to turn her in a ‘real lady’, which she had successfully resisted. About her parents and her father’s new career. About her first ball and how boring it had been to sit between the older ladies, paste a smile on her face and to dance with pale, shy young men, who stepped on her toes.
Hook had to chuckle at this. He could imagine his freedom-craving Wendy in such a situation. “And so I decided to take Peter’s invitation on the night after my first ball and to return to Neverland one last time,” she finished and James grinned.
“I never thought I’d admit this, but this time I’m really glad the boy behaved so foolishly.” His gaze roamed tenderly over her, while he lay on his left side, facing her. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have met you again and would have never experienced such moments with you – even finding love.”
Wendy blushed slightly and stroked his cheek. “And I have never thought that I would grow-up in the land of everlasting childhood, taken over the threshold by the pirate-captain of my fairy-tales.”
He lowered his gaze and took a deep breath. “I know that I should be ashamed to have seduced such a young girl as you, but as I told you before the whole mess with Blackbeard began: I don’t regret it.” His gaze found hers again. “You’ve fascinated me from the very first,” he admitted slowly. “But you were a child and so you were taboo for me.” He hesitated and it was obvious that his thoughts drifted away. “When I saw you the first time, you were dancing with Pan, up there in the air, surrounded by fairies and bathed in silver moonlight. You looked so happy, so ethereal, so beautiful and vivid, it stopped my breath. And in the same moment I realized that Pan had gotten something I never had: a mate – and that the idiot boy didn’t even know what he had.” He sighed. “I felt alone, left out.”
“And so you decided to take me to the ship,” Wendy stated softly.
Hook nodded. “Of course, I wanted to use you to get to Pan, but I wanted to know you as well. And as you sat over there at the table and confessed that you had told stories about me, smiling this shy but glowing smile at me, I knew that you was a great danger for me – even as a child.” He grew silent and Wendy touched his left arm.
“Would you really have taken me with you?”
Again he nodded. “Yes. I would have taken care that you grow up properly and that you would not want for anything.”
Wendy bit her lips. “And then we both would have landed exactly where we are now: in bed.”
He grinned. “Aye!” He bent forwards and kissed her on the forehead. “And woe and disaster to anyone who would have dared to come near you.”
She giggled. “Would you really have allowed me to live like a nun?”
“Until you would have been old enough for me? Yes!”
She shook her head. “Very egoistical – but understandable.” She took a deep breath and decided to tell him about her first sight of him. “The first time I saw you, up there on the tower of the Black Castle, it was--”
“WHERE did you see me first?” he interrupted surprised and the girl nodded.
“On the tower of the Black Castle, when you held my two brothers and Tiger Lily hostage. Peter ordered me to wait for his signal and I called to him, because I didn’t want to stay back. It dawned on me that someone probably heard me, so I sought shelter. Then you appeared, musket in hand and hook raised. I could only see you when the lightning flashed, and even knowing that you might be able to see me, I peeked from my hideout to see you.”
“Then I wasn’t mistaken! There was someone at my back. I felt it in my bones. It was you!?” he murmured, amazed.
She smiled. “Yes. I was only a few feet away, and my sword clanged at the stones as I tried to creep away in my hideout. In the first moment, I thought you would find me, but as you looked in my direction, the skies were dark.” She damped her lips with her tongue – a sight that made him inwardly groan. “What would you have done, if you had seen me that moment?”
This question took him by surprise and he had to think a moment, before he honestly answered: “I don’t know. I think I might have spoken to you. After all, you are a female and normally I don’t threaten women – no matter what their age.”
“Would you have taken me prisoner?”
He nodded slowly. “I think so, but I would not have mistreated you, even if you were one of these little rats.”
“Hey!” she protested and had him smiling again.
“You know what I mean, Wendy.” He took a deep breath. “Things might have ended differently, but I don’t think it would have been better than now.” Without recognizing it he pulled her closer to him. “Were you afraid when you saw me?” he asked quietly and lifted a brow, as she snuggled carefully at him.
“No. In truth I was enchanted to finally see the man from all my stories.” Her gaze found his. “You stood there, so proud, dark and dangerous, with ready weapons, and poised to strike out. But I wasn’t afraid. Because I saw your eyes, your face, and felt drawn to you, despite the danger you represented. I don’t think I would have been able to fight you at that moment, if you had discovered me and decided to play ‘wild pirate without manners’. I was too stunned by your appearance.” She sighed and decided to bring his inflating pride down a peg or two. “And then you had me carried away like a sack of flour, bound me at the main-mast, threatened me and made me walk the plank. You really could have been more the gentleman!” It was a gentle scolding, and she could have sworn that the slightest bit of red crept over his cheeks.
“Would you accept my apology?” He was serious now, this was certain.
She lifted one brow. “If you were polite to women, then why not to me? If you really had feelings for me even then, why were you ready to kill me? Only to bring Peter down?”
He took a deep breath. “That was the reason I gave myself,” he murmured after a while. “I already admitted that you fascinated me from the first moment, and that I really wanted to take you with me. But as you told me that you would rather die than to stay aboard, I …” his voice faded.
He stopped and Wendy nodded. “You were hurt,” she finished the sentence for him. “And I was hurt, because I thought you had lied to me. And you threatened my brothers and friends, so I was more than angry and finally tricked you.” She made a face. “What a wonderful start for a relationship.”
He chuckled. “Are you still angry with me because of what happened then? After all, you almost chanted me to death.”
She pretended to think about it, but as his lips caught hers in a searing kiss, she gave him one of her brightest smiles. “You impossible pirate!” she whispered and felt her heart skipping a beat, as he started to smirk his famous smirk. “If I hadn’t forgiven you, I wouldn’t love you so much now,” she admitted at last, bent forwards and kissed him long and tenderly.
“You do know that it was a wink of fate that we nearly met the first time at the Black Castle, eh? After all you saw there, for the first time, this man who later carried you over the threshold from a child to adorable woman,” he said teasingly as they parted, his eyes shining and a healthy color on his face. “This could mean only one thing: We are meant to be!”
Wendy rolled her eyes. “I’ll give you three guesses as to what I thought of your choice of location for making me into a woman!”
“Oh, you thought ‘what a genius, perfectly apt idea of this gorgeous man’.”
Gasping she stared at him. “And again: VAIN MALE!”
He laughed and pulled her close to him, whispering something sweet at her lips before he kissed her, as there would be no tomorrow.

It was late afternoon when Smee knocked softly at the door and entered after he was answered by silence. He found his captain and the girl entangled together under the blankets, peacefully asleep and shook his head grinning. It really seemed as if the two couldn’t keep their hands to themselves, even in Hook’s still bruised state. Smee had come to ask Wendy, if she would like to visit the boys down in the common room. They were nervous because of her absence and – what was most important – John’s slightly lifted mood had started to darken again.
He had talked to the boy a long time – almost the whole night – and had finally managed to calm him down. Of course, the eldest Darling-son still didn’t accept the choice of his sister, but he knew that he couldn’t change Wendy’s decision and that he was really very near to losing her. Smee told John about his own sister who had married a man from the neighboring village, and how the whole family was shocked at her choice, because they didn’t think the man was decent enough.
Then, in the following hours (and under the influence of a beer Smee had given him) John talked about everything that moved him, until they both had fallen asleep in the galley and had been waked by an irritated Cookson, who had growled that his galley wasn’t a dormitory, and chased them away. Smee had brought John to the common room, had taken care that the slightly tipsy boy found his correct hammock and had let him sleep.
But now he was awake, and his anger over his sister started to build up anew, because she hadn’t been there the whole day. Smee had told him that Wendy was exhausted and slept a lot, but now – in the late afternoon – this excuse really limped. And if it this wasn’t enough, Peter had awoken, too, and it was difficult to make the animated boy remain in bed, even if he was still weak. And so he had decided to ask Wendy’s help. By all goblins of Ireland, but he was a pirate and not a nanny!
But when he saw the two of them arm in arm in bed, sleeping deeply and with a small smile around their lips, he was quite reluctant to wake the girl. Suddenly he heard a yelp at his back, and turned around, only to find the pale face of a shocked Slightly framed at the door. Wide-eyed and horrified, the boy stared at the entwined couple on the bed, and Smee sighed inwardly, knowing exactly that the next heart-to-heart-talk was necessary.
Again a noise behind him attracted his attention and he didn’t need to turn around to know that the lovebirds had awakened. Wendy had startled, lifting her head, and glanced straight into the dark brown eyes of Slightly, who looked as though he had seen a ghost. He stood motionless for a moment, then he whirled around and flew off.
“Slightly!” she called, throwing the blankets back and jumping up, unaware of her state of undress. Hastily and with a thin blush, Smee turned his face away and closed his eyes, but he had seen enough. Heavens, the girl really was temptation incarnate.
Hook had sat up as well, holding back a groan as his shoulder and chest started to protest – it seemed as if the effect of the fairy-dust wore off – and threw a dark glance at his boatswain. “You better have a good excuse for this trouble, Smee!” Then his attention went to the girl, who slipped hastily into her shirt and grabbed for her breeches. “Wendy, calm down. The damage is already done.”
“You know what this is about, James,” she answered. “It’s enough that my own brother is angry with me. I don’t want to lose my step-cousin as well – or watch him tell lies about us.”
With this she sprinted to the door. Smee’s “Miss Wendy, your brother had calmed down and--” was cut off as she slammed the door shut behind her. The old Irishman sighed and looked at his captain, who glared at him with narrowed eyes.
“Mr. Smee? How is it possible that the same man who concocted a strategy that beat Captain Blackbeard messed up everything only two days later?”
Smee wasn’t fooled by the kindly tone of his commander. He knew him too well. “Sorry, Sir, I only wanted to ask Miss Wendy to come down to the boys and to Pan. They all are upset because she hadn’t shown herself the whole day and,” he took a deep breath, “and after I had her brother calmed down and almost ready to beg pardon because of his behaviour, I thought it better to get her.”
James let himself fall back. “And why did you bring this little brat with you?”
Smee frowned. “With all respect, Captain, Slightly took care of the wounded crew for the last two days and done this very well. He wants to become a doctor and I think he got what he needs for it. He wanted to offer his help by seeing to your wounds as well, I think, only I didn’t hear him soon enough.”
Hook glared at his boatswain. What should he say to this situation? Sooner or later the whole gang had to learn of Wendy and him, but certainly not like this. He knew that she wanted to avoid the trouble which had to come if the news about the two of them was brought to the boys like an exploding bomb. But now it had, more or less, just happened, and because of these difficult circumstances, his girl was now outside in the cold weather and trying to save her friendship with her step-cousin. Hook didn’t like this idea a bit.
“Make a bath ready for her and a warm tea. She will be cold when she comes back.” He sighed. “And I think she will need something else to wear. The breeches are done for and my shirt doesn’t fit very well.” A smile suddenly spread over his face. “And I think I have the perfect idea!”

Wendy found Slightly at the bow, where he glared at the island. It had stopped raining, but heavy clouds still hung in the skies and an chill wind soughed through the riggings. Silently she stepped beside him and waited for him to begin. He didn’t sound angry or disappointed when he finally asked, his gaze still fixed on the magical island: “Why him?” Wendy took a deep breath, but before she could answer, he continued: “I know. He’s always had a place for you, even as he threatened you.” He looked at her. “What happened?”
A little bit relieved that Slightly seemed to take it more in stride than her brother, she murmured: “We met again as his pirates kidnapped me the first time after our return. He… I…”
“You both realized that you aren’t exactly a child anymore,” Slightly nodded slowly and looked for a moment down into the water. “Did he seduce you?”
Wendy felt her cheeks going hot. “Yes.”
Her step-cousin rolled his eyes. “I know that Mother sometimes overdoes it with her constant admonitions about how to behave, but in this case, you should have listened to her.” His gaze fixed hers. “You know that you will have a problem now finding a decent husband?”
“I am already with the man I love,” she said softly, firmly.
Slightly’s eyes widened. “You’ve fallen in love with him?” The girl remained silent and the boy pushed his hair back. “Wendy, you know that you made a mistake by throwing your future away because of this crazy adventure, but to LOVE him… He is a criminal and--”
“—he’s robbed people, even killed – exactly like most seamen, with or without uniform. I know. I had this entire discussion with John. But I can’t change it. I love James. And he loves me.”
Slightly’s chin dropped. “He said that?”
“Yes. And I know that he’s not lying. My love saved him on board of the Revenge, because when I mouthed those words to him, he found the strength to throw Blackbeard away. And that is proof enough to me as to how much this means to him. Otherwise my confession wouldn’t have had that effect on him.”
Slightly remained silent a moment, then he whispered: “So there WAS magic in the air. I felt it.” He shook his head. “So that’s why John is so grumpy. He already knows about you and Hook.”
“Yes. I couldn’t fool him, and he saw James and me after Cecco brought him aboard and I… showed my concern for him too much. John and I had a fight yesterday and--”
“— and in the morning, he came back to the common room with a hangover, accompanied by Smee.” He grinned quickly. “His own fault, if you ask me. I wouldn’t drink alcohol just because I was angry.” He sighed and turned serious again. “Does Peter know?”
Wendy bit her lips. “Not now. Only you and John know about my secret.”
“Are you going to tell him?” It was obvious that it was important for him. Even if he was ‘older’ now than Peter and had grown to his size, he still felt the deep friendship to his former leader and didn’t like the thought of him getting hurt.
“Yes. I know that he won’t understand, but I am a woman now and James--”
“— is a man of feeling. A man who can give you the independence, the adventure and … the affection you need.” He blushed and bit his lips. “Don’t tell Mother that I already know about the things that happen between men and women.”
Wendy giggled. “No word will come over my lips to Aunt Millicent!” She lowered her gaze. “By the way, I won’t get the chance to tell her.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, a little bit alarmed.
“I will stay here – with James,” she answered calmly and met his astonished gaze.
“You REALLY want to share your life with him?” He gasped for air and looked back at Neverland. “He tried to kill us all several times, and he even didn’t spare you in his search for revenge.”
“He was full of bitterness and hate because he thought of himself as a cripple. Do you know that he still has pain in his right arm?”
Her step-cousin hesitated a moment, then he answered: “I thought about it a lot. Especially after I decided to study medicine. The wound was created quickly, so I expect that several of the nerves are still intact. So he really has still pain?” Wendy nodded and the boy sighed deeply. “No one should suffer this way – even if he deserves it, in a way. He brought much pain and destruction over many people as a pirate, but still I would make the pain stop, if I could.”
She smiled. “You’re serious about becoming a doctor.”
“Yes. As a doctor, you can make no judgment between good patients or bad. You have to take an ancient vow to help anyone, no matter what his origin and history. And so I would help him, of course, too. Even if he is a villain!”
“He’s changed, Slightly. I tried to convince John of this fact, but he wouldn’t listen and--”
“Of course he wouldn’t. John has a thick head. And to tell the truth, I also have difficulty with the idea of a ‘changed’ Hook. Although,” he thought aloud, “he did act oddly in these last few days – especially where you’ve been involved. He tried everything to save you.” He leaned his hip against the rail and folded his arms in front of his chest, looking straight at Wendy. “You know that there will be no going back, if you decide to stay at Hook’s side and we return to London?”
She answered with a nod, and suddenly Slightly saw the fear in her eyes. She wasn’t afraid what would come of her, because it was so obvious that she had already made her decision, but she feared that all of her friends would turn their backs on her. He laid his hand gently on her shoulder. “Personally I think you’ve gone crazy, but I will not desert you. Nobody can change whom he or she loves, and thinking back at your first stay in Neverland, I have to admit that there was a special connection between you and Hook. Maybe he really has fallen for you, and now will let Peter alone because he doesn’t want to hurt you by killing him. Maybe it is all a… an insane game of feelings, but what ever will come, you should know one thing: you are still my cousin and if you need me, I will be there for you.”
Wendy’s eyes widened and an unspeakable relief washed over her. At least ONE of the boys accepted her feelings towards James and didn’t show her a cold shoulder. Wrapping both arms around her step-cousin she whispered “Thank you, Slightly, thank you so much!”
The boy grinned and returned the embrace. “And now, go back to your captain before he comes looking for you and gets all annoyed and barks at everyone. I’ll go back to the others and try to talk to John. Maybe he’ll calm down before we leave.”
Wendy looked at him. “What do you mean with ‘leave’?”
“Back to Neverland, of course, as soon as Peter is well again.” He stepped back. “He waits for you. Please don’t avoid him now.”
Shocked her eyes widened. “Of course I’ll go to him. Perhaps it’s the best that I go with you and—“ At that moment, the skies opened again and heavy rain drummed down on them. Within a few seconds both were soaked.
“I propose you should return to Hook’s quarters first and change into something dry, or I’ll have to test my abilities on you as well,” Slightly said over the noise of the storm, and sighed heavily as a thunder rolled over the waves. “I hope Peter will be well soon, because this weather is really getting on my nerves!”
Wendy giggled. “I don’t mind, because the bed is really cozy.”
Slightly stared at her and grinned: “Cousin, this isn’t for my ears!”
Laughing, the girl gave him a peck on the cheek and then they both raced back over the deck, the higher middle deck and then down to the afterdeck, where their ways would part. Several of the crew, who came on deck to secure the ship, looked amused at the small wet figures, and made their rough jokes with them. Of course they remained discreet in Wendy’s case. None of them wanted to insult the girl they owed their lives to and who was – by the way – the captain’s lady.
Wendy joked back and after an “I will come in the evening. I promise!” to Slightly, she hurried the stairs up to the higher quarterdeck and entered Hook’s cabin, relieved to shut the rain out. Warmth, golden lamplight, the familiar scent of him, the furniture, and an aromatic tea welcomed her. “I HATE this weather!” she said and earned a soft chuckle from the bed.
“Kitten, you really look awful,” James remarked, but recognized with a hidden joy in his heart that her eyes were shining and she was in a good mood. “So, our soon-to-be-a-doctor doesn’t curse your choice of lover?”
“No, he isn’t really happy about it, but he accepts it,” she beamed and cocked her head. “Have you been out of bed?” she asked as she saw the hastily draped blankets and that his curls were spread all over the pillows.
“Sweetheart, for certain things even I have to leave the bed!”
The answer came too quickly, and Wendy knew that he fibbed, especially as she recognized the exaggerated innocence on face. Giggling she shook her head. Heavens, again he reminded her of a boy who ran back to bed so that mother wouldn’t catch him outside of it. And he had something in mind. She could tell by the way his deep blue eyes danced. Before she could ask, she heard Smee’s raspy voice from behind the Spanish wall. “Miss Wendy, the bath will soon be ready.”
“Bath?” she asked excited, and looked down on herself. It would be heaven to get out of the wet clothes and to get warm in a bubble bath. “Oh, Mr. Smee, God bless you!”
“It was my/his idea!” came the protest in two voices in the same moment and the girl laughed.
“Sorry, my lad, of course it was your idea. But Mr. Smee has done all the work!” She went to the Spanish wall and James winced when he saw her rain-drenched clothes dripping all over the carpets, but wisely he remained silent. Wendy fetched a towel and dried her hair and face a little bit, nodded kindly to the Irishman who went down the secret passage with two buckets to fetch more warm water. The bathtub was half full. Drinking the hot tea she waited until Smee had filled the bathtub and left, smiling and nodding.
“I resent this,” James called to her. “I would love to share this bath with you.”
“All in good time, sweetheart,” Wendy smiled and looked back around the Spanish wall. “Think of my promise.” She saw the smirk on his face. “Don’t you dare to repeat that silly sentence about ‘I take what I want’, because THIS is you could never take – only receive!”
“You really make me curious, my dear!”
“I know!” she mirrored the arrogant tone he employed in such cases, and vanished giggling behind the Spanish wall, while she heard him mumbling something she didn’t quite catch. A short while later she stepped into the tub and moaned, as the warm water closed around her chilled body. “This is heaven!” she sighed.
“I thought my arms were heaven!” came the protest from the bed and Wendy had to laugh.
“There are different kinds of heaven,” she called back. “And right now, this warm bath is exactly what I need.” She took a deep breath. “Thank you, James. It was very thoughtful of you to order a warm bath for me.”
“You are most welcome, my dear.”
She heard a noise and paused. “James? Is there someone in the cabin, or you are up?”
“It was the birds, dear girl. I think we gave them a good show this morning.”
Wendy giggled again. “No. Don’t tell me that they are--”
“— mirroring us? Yes. How could I have ever thought that I had taught this ungrateful featherless beast to have manners!”
“If you talk about him like that, you shouldn’t be surprised that he doesn’t behave!” Grinning, she wrung out a wash-cloth and rubbed it over her face.
“So you are on the birds’ side now?” he carped.
“They are lovebirds, like we are. So let them be!” she called back; the smile clear in her voice. They teased each the entire time until the water cooled down, and Wendy decided that it was time to leave the bathtub. Wrapping herself in a great, soft towel and drying her hair, she appeared from behind the Spanish wall, only to stop, mouth open. There, spread over the bed, lay a sky-blue and silver silk dress, decorated with lace, off-the-shoulder, and in the beautiful style of the baroque epoch. And it seemed to be her size. Matching shoes stood in front of the bed, as well as stockings and undergarments.
“What--?” she whispered and met James’ soft smile. He’d known she would like it. After he saw on the inventory-list that Blackbeard had provided several ladies’ wardrobe-trunks in his booty, he had gotten the idea to surprise Wendy with the dresses. And it was obvious that the surprise had been a complete success. With a whoop of joy she ran to the bed and touched the fine material, running her fingers over its surface, examining the details.
“I hope it will fit,” James said softly. “There are more dresses in Teach’s booty, but Smee told me they are costly robes or just skirts and blouses as well. I don’t think they’re your size, but I know that you are very good at sewing, so if you like, you can have them.”
Wendy looked up; her eyes shining with unshed tears. She rushed to him, wrapped one arm around his unhurt side and kissed him. “Thank you, James. It is beautiful, and I would love to finally wear normal dresses again.”
He grinned. “The breeches aren’t that bad, but to be honest, a beautiful girl like you should wear beautiful dresses.”
She blushed and kissed him again. “May I put it on this evening?”
She looked excited and eager, like a little child on Christmas morning, and James had to chuckle. She never asked for anything and she was so grateful for everything he gave! It was a real pleasure to give her presents. “I beg you, put it on,” he whispered at her mouth, before his lips found hers again.
She cocked her head. “So, the noise came from the birds?” she teased and looked over to the cage, where the two parrots sat sleepily on their perch.
James grinned. “A little white lie to give you this surprise. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, silly, even if I should scold you. Every hasty movement isn’t good for you at the moment.”
“Oh, and late this morning the ‘hasty moves’ were VERY healthy.”
She saw the wicked gleam in his eye and groaned. “Have I ever told you that you are impossible?”
“Yes. And I’ve lost count now how often you’ve said it,” he teased her.
Smiling she kissed him again, before she picked up the clothes and shoes, at last she discovered the hairpins as well, and vanished behind the Spanish wall again. “Hey!” he protested. “I thought you would—“
“—Dress in front of you? Dear James, where is the surprise in that?” She slipped into the bloomers, stockings, and shoes, and finally fought a little fight with the dress. She wasn’t used to this style of dress, but soon she figured how to put it on. Then she wound her hair up and fixed it with the golden hairpins. A glance in the mirror showed her a completely new Wendy Darling. The girl who looked back at her had nothing to do with Red-handed Jill she had been the last days. Instead, here was a young lady, and even her bruised cheek didn’t change this impression. The blue of the silk matched her eyes and the dress fit her as if it had been made for her. In the middle was a silver inset made of brocade and the neckline was decorated with brocade as well. Her shoulders were exposed and the sleeves of the overdress ended at her elbows in heavy long laces that fell down. The skirt was wide, and longer in the back than in the front. It was one of the dresses she had dreamed of as a little girl, when she had played ‘princess’ which – of course – had fought pirates. She slipped into the shoes – they fit too! -- whirled around herself – she didn’t recognize herself anymore – took a deep breath and stepped in front of the Spanish wall, a female proud but also full of apprehension, a small smile on her lips.
His reaction came immediately. He stared at her with wide eyes and a thunderstruck expression on his face, which changed to admiration. James blinked several times, hardly believing his own eyes. Wendy had always been a beauty, even when wearing breeches or a nightgown. She had a special shine that came deep out of her soul and heart, and mirrored on her face, in her eyes and in her smiles. It wasn’t for nothing that she had captured him, even as a child. And now, as a young woman, she had turned him upside down.
But as she stood there, clad in a light blue silk dress that accentuated her soft curves, with styled hair and a thoroughly feminine expression on her sweet face, he knew in his heart of hearts that he could never live without her. His gaze traveled over her big dove-blue eyes, beaming with love, over her full crimson lips, over her slender throat and over her breasts – which were laced up and seemed to be fuller than normal – down to her slim waist. The dress had been made for a lady of rank, for a noblewoman, without question. But it surely complimented Wendy with a greater nobility than the girl for whom it was made, for there was no contrived simper on her face, but the soft, joyful smile of an openhearted and natural girl.
Ignoring all the warnings of the fairy-queen and Wendy’s orders to stay in bed, he stood and went with unsure steps toward his girl, who suddenly blushed. He knew that this wasn’t the result of his nudity – they both were far too familiar with each other by now – but of his expression. Ever so softly, he took her in his arms, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, and looked deep into the blue-grey pools of her eyes. “I will never find the words to describe what I am feeling for you – and how beautiful you are. Even the sun and the stars are bleak next to you, my love,” he whispered and wasn’t the slightest bit embarrassed about the poetic words this time. He was filled with bliss and warmth. His heart beat at a dangerous level, while he felt a lump in his throat. God, he really was turning into a softie, but he felt so damn good about it.
Wendy’s arms wrapped gently around him, her soft fingers gently stroking his back, as she stretched herself on the tips of her toes and kissed him tenderly. “I love you, James!” she whispered.
He pressed her to him. The feeling of her warm body through the smooth silk and the smell of her still-damp hair and clean skin was like a drug. Gently he cupped her throat with his left hand, tilted her head and looked again in her shining eyes. Lovingly she laid her hand over his and gave him a tender smile. He recognized a flicker of light out of the corner of his eye, and looked over to his desk, where the silver shimmering hook lay – a constant reminder of what had become of him, even in this moment.
In earlier times it had reminded him of his lost hand, even if the wound didn’t hurt at times. Than it had been a proof of his changing from a human in something he called a monster. And a part of him would ever be this.
Gently he withdrew from Wendy and stepped to his desk, his gaze fixed on the cold implement. Wendy followed his gaze, curious by the suddenly change of his mood. Then she saw what had attracted his attention. The damn hook, the scourge of his existence. She knew somehow that it wasn’t only the loss of his hand that troubled him, but also the cold deadly steel he wore instead of flesh and blood.
His next questions proved her suspicions. “How?” he whispered. “How is it possible that such an innocent and kind-hearted creature like you can love me? Me! A monst--”
She laid her index finger on his lips before he could finish the sentence and especially the word. “Don’t say it!” she firmly cut him off. “You are a man with a soul and heart as big as this ship. And you gave it me. I will not let anything come between us – least of all a silly piece of metal!”
He turned to her; his eyes showing his torment. “This ‘silly piece of metal’ has replaced my right hand. It is sharp and it kills. It is only made for destruction and murder and--”
Wendy had gone to the table, picked something up and returned to him. “What is that?” she asked and James lifted a brow.
“Are you pulling my leg? It’s a knife.”
“Yes, a knife!” The girl confirmed and touched the blade with one of her fingers. “It is sharp and shows marks of its use. But for what? You can use it as a part of the cutlery to eat a delicious dinner or to peel potatoes or apples. You can open letters with it or can use it to cut ropes to set someone free. It can create beautiful things, when, with its help, you change a rough piece of wood into a figure. And it can also be used to bring someone pain or death. But how ever you are going to use it: It is always one and the same knife. It’s up to you, if it is a simple tool or if it is turned into a weapon.”
She laid the knife beside the hook and took James’ hand and scarred arm softly into her hands, who looked at her with wonder and hope – and a silent plea. She knew that he yearned for peace for his soul and it was up to her now, to open the door to it for him completely. “Let it go, James. This hook has no power over you, but you have the power over it. You decide what it will do or not do. I think it was a mistake to choose its name for yourself, in so doing, you gave it mastery over you. But you are a man, and not made of cold unfeeling steel. It is not a part of you, only a servant, and nothing more. If you weren’t a real, feeling man, I would never have fallen in love with you.”
She let his left hand go and wiped the tears away that had escaped his eyes. Then she lifted his scars to her lips and softly kissed the dry skin over the brutally cut bone. She heard the sob in his throat, and smiled up to him. She knew that the inner wound of his soul would need time to heal and she would take care that this would happen. He had suffered enough.
Wordless, she pulled him with her to the bed, feeling exactly what he needed just right now. She let herself sink into the mattress and reached for him, her eyes full of love. Amazed and longing for her closeness, he slid over her and sighed as her arms wrapped around him. Tenderly Wendy pulled his head down to hers and pressed her lips on his, pouring everything she felt for him in her kiss. As his warm breath stroked over her skin and their tongues started to tease each other she relaxed and caressed his back and shoulders.
Peter, her brothers and friends were completely forgotten…

TBC…
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In the swirl of passion