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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
- 26
- 27
- 28
Chapter 27 – Back To – Almost – Normal

The rest of the day went by with cold, snowy weather, a visit to the wounded men who were still laid up, then to the prisoner, and finally another inspection to assess whatever damage the hail had done to the ship. Still weaker than he liked, Hook returned to his cabin in the late afternoon to find a Wendy in a thicker, dark green dress and with her hair bound together at the neck, sewing.
The dark velvet contrasted against her pearlescent skin and gave her eyes a mysterious shimmer, turning them in the color of a lake deep in the forest. A tiny golden figure sat beside her and watched her work, and James recognized the fairy-queen again, who looked amused at his startled face, as he realized the condition of his quarters. Wendy looked up and gave him one of her sweet smiles. “They removed the furniture you don’t want, and I thought I could make myself useful by put everything in order.”
She understated. His quarters looked like new – especially because of the “spring-cleaning” of every piece of furniture. Every candlestick was had been polished, and bathed the cabin in a warm golden light. A fire crackled in the oven, and it was comfortably warm in their little home. Removing his overcoat and hat, James sat down in his favorite chair, took his double-cigar-holder, refilled it with two of his best, and leaned back, enjoying the good tobacco while he watched his girl reworking a dark red dress into her size. “How are ship and crew?” she asked.
James lifted a brow. “Both are in excellent shape – except the four injured men who are confined to their beds.” His gaze turned to the fairy-queen. “But they’ll survive, thanks to your help, Your Majesty.”
The magical creature gave him a brief smile and snuggled into one of the pillows on the ottoman. It was obvious that she intended to stay aboard as long as the bad weather raged over Neverland. “She talked to Peter after Tinker Bell gave up,” Wendy said, and lay her sewing aside. “I think he understood better afterwards. Well, a little.”
Hook made a face. “It is still icy cold outside, and it’s snowing again. He’s anything but back to normal. Stubborn brat.” He shook his head, laid the cigars aside, stroked his damp hair out of his face, stood up and poured two glasses of red wine, giving one to Wendy. “Nevertheless, tomorrow we will give the dead men a proper burial,” he continued. “Do you want to join us?” The girl considered a second, took a deep breath, and nodded before she tasted the dark fluid. “It isn’t the most pleasant event,” James conceded.
Wendy smiled softly. “All the more reason to be at your side. I don’t want to share just the good moments with you, but the bad ones as well.”
Warmth rose in him again, and, bending down, he kissed her tenderly. “Have I ever told you that you are a miracle, Wendy Darling?”
A merry sparkle danced in her eyes. “Yes. But I don’t mind if you keep telling me!”
He grinned and kissed her again before he returned to his chair and nestled in comfortably, stretching his legs out and sipping his wine, relishing in the warmth that surrounded him, both physical and emotional.
Wendy watched him a moment, assessing his condition. He looked relaxed, and he didn’t seem to be so fatigued anymore -- which could be the result of a shave and his pink cheeks, having just come in from the cold. As he noticed her look, he cocked his head in amusement and lifted both brows. The girl blushed. “Oh no, James, not today! I still have difficulty sitting properly!”
He gave her a completely innocent look. “Kitten, I just wanted to know if I had a smudge on my face, because of your stare. Where could you have gotten the notion that I wanted to disobey Her Majesty again?”
The fairy-queen shook her head and smiled, while Wendy turned even more pink. “Because you always seem to have only one thing on your mind.”
“True, but not this time.” He gave her a grin full of mischief, and winked at the magical creature, who was now stretched out on the pillow. Then he realized what he had just done. Heavens, he was joking with one of those nervy pests with wings!
Wendy changed the theme. “What will happen to the prisoner?”
Hook frowned. “Our talk wasn’t pleasant. He still is of the opinion that Blackbeard is the Alpha and Omega of the sea, and thinks that Teach will return to – how did he put it? – ‘plow me under the waves in pieces too small for the sharks.’ ” He shrugged his shoulders. “I didn’t bother to offer him a place on my crew.” He saw Wendy lowering her gaze. Of course she would take pity on the man, after all, he was a human soul, and as much of Red-handed Jill might live in her heart, even more that good heart prevented her from desiring to shed blood and take lives.
“We could maroon him. It wouldn’t kill him, and would give him a chance. After all, he wasn’t involved in the battle,” James thought aloud and met Wendy’s gaze again.
“And where would you want to…”
Hook smiled. “Darling, there are really not many choices.”
“Neverland?” she squeaked. “You want to maroon him on Neverland?”
A chuckle escaped him. “It isn’t deserted, I admit, but he will have his hands full just staying alive. Grown-ups aren’t welcome there – except beautiful young women, of course.”
Wendy huffed at him, then stood up, walked to him and let herself down on his lap. “Do you realize that you’re showing kindness, generosity and pity now?!”
He emptied his glass and put it back on the table before he encircled her with both arms. “As I told you before: you’re ruining me!” Giggling she wrapped her own around his neck and kissed him – lightly at first, then deepening. She tasted the wine and the good tobacco, mingled with the masculine taste of him, and again she felt the urge to be close to him as possible, despite her very real weariness.
She could feel him responding to her, stroking his curly mane and ignoring the warning sounds of the fairy-queen, until they both heard her voice in their heads again: “I only remind you two one last time: No wild games for the next days!”
Wendy lifted her head and looked over to the queen who still lay on the pillow, now glaring at them. “That was NOT wild!” the girl protested.
The fairy lifted one delicate brow. “But it’s a beginning!”
“You can’t forbid us to kiss.”
The tiny creature made a face. “If it would remain only a kiss, no, but you two never stop there!”
“It was only a kiss—“ Wendy started.
Another voice said quietly, “Thimbles are important to her. Even more than friendship.”
Startled, the girl’s head came around and saw the small figure clad in one of Smee’s shirts, standing at the door of the secret passage. “Peter!” she whispered and glared into his still red eyes. He had quieted, that was certain, but his face was pale, and he looked exhausted and uncharacteristically quiet. His cockiness was gone as he took in the entirety of the scene in front of him. Wendy realized what he saw and felt, in an odd way, embarrassed and – like her pirate-name said – caught red-handed and guilty. She didn’t want to cause the boy more pain, and stood up.
James followed her immediately, pointing at the open door of the secret passage. “How do you know about this, Pan?” he growled, frowning.
Peter only looked at Wendy, as he answered: “It doesn’t matter. A former friend told me about it, and that I can’t use it for games. I know now that this friend had already forgotten what ‘games’ mean, but I gave my word not to use it for fun. And I always keep my word!”
Wendy had started as Peter mentioned a ‘former friend’ and felt the tears building in her throat. It hurt to hear him talking this way. Of course, she knew that he wouldn’t take it well, but now that the time had come, the consequences would be severe.
A deep crease appeared at Hook’s forehead, and he glared at Wendy. Had she really given this secret away to Pan? The girl could feel James’ look. “We had to use this passage to fetch the sedative to trick the guard, so we wouldn’t be seen,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry, James, but I saw no other way.”
“It’s alright, kitten, as long as Master Pan will forget it!”
Wendy opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Peter interrupted in a hauntingly low voice: “We will leave tomorrow, as soon as we can.”
Wendy’s eyes widened. “But you’re still injured and—“
“I have friends who’ll look after me, so don’t pretend you’ll worry!”
Hook’s eyes narrowed while he wrapped an arm around the sagging shoulders of the girl. “Don’t you dare—“
For the first time since Peter had come in, he turned his attention from Wendy and toward his adversary, and tonelessly interrupted, “Thank you for your hospitality, Captain. You understand that I want to return to Neverland as soon as we can.”
James appraised the boy. “She’s right. You’re in no condition to leave your bed – or to fly.”
“I can rest better at home, and I can find a way to reach the island, even without flying.” He glanced at the fairy-queen, who now flew beside Wendy’s head. “Could you be so kind and send some of your fairies, who could help ferry me to Neverland?” The little lady watched him closely for a long moment, and then sadly nodded. Peter cocked his head and seemed to listen, then he answered politely, “We already had that talk, Majesty, and I know that you’re worried, and want to turn everything to good, but I can’t talk or even think about it now. I just want to go home and … forget.” The hesitation told Wendy much more, as if the boy had spoken it aloud. He wanted to bury himself in misery and – well aware of his thick headedness – she knew that she couldn’t change his decision.
Hook took a deep breath. “If you really want to take the risk of getting worse, then leave tomorrow. I won’t hinder you.” His glance wandered to the open door. “But I warn you, boy. Don’t be foolish enough to use this against me or her, or—“
“Don’t worry, Hook. You’ve my word. And it’s as good as yours.” The two opponents looked at each other, then Peter nodded again and turned to go. He didn’t even bother to look at Wendy.
The girl felt tears welling up in her eyes. “Peter—“
The boy stopped a moment and said, without looking back. “I know that I can’t banish you from the island. You have the queen’s support, and your brothers are there as well. But you know that you aren’t welcome there anymore. If you choose to come, I can’t stop you. But don’t look for open arms!” With this he stepped back into the secret-passage and went slowly down the staircase, letting the door open.
Hook pressed his lips together. “What an exit!” he murmured. Then he felt Wendy tremble, and anger awoke in him. This damned ungrateful little brat! The girl had saved his sorry arse – without her he’d have been dead the last four years now! – And pigheadedly refusing to admit that he made a mistake by choosing Neverland over her, he had the gall to scold and blame her for moving on?! He looked down at Wendy’s pale face and turned her towards him, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “As you told me several times before, my sweet, he is just a child!”
He felt her arms circling his waist while she buried her face on his chest, before he heard her mumbling: “I know. But it still hurts.”
Softly he stroked her back, kissing her temple. “I know, beauty, I understand!”

They woke up very early the next morning. Neither had slept well. James had jarred awake several times during the night because of nightmares, and Wendy had trouble sleeping because of everything else – particularly the fight with her brother and Peter’s last words to her. They whirled around in her head creating an uncomfortable mental fuzz. So they both were groggy as the first grey light of morning came and, searching for comfort, they snuggled close together, taking strength in the nearness of the other. Neither had to tell what bothered them so, because they knew each other well enough by now.
Wendy had almost dozed off again when she was startled by strange noises outside. James sat up and frowned, as a knock came to the door. Smee’s head peeked in and looked apologetically toward his commander. “Sorry for the early disturbance, Cap’n, but the boys are leaving and Master Slightly and young Michael wish to speak to Miss Wendy.”
James frowned, but Wendy sat up beside him as well. “Thank you, Mr. Smee, I’m coming.”
The old boatswain vanished and Hook asked, “Shall I come with you?”
Wendy gave him a soft smile and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, James, but I really have to do this alone.”
Several minutes later, Wendy stepped out on the deck, clad in the dress from the evening before and a cape, also a “gift” of Blackbeard. It was still grey and a cold, the unpleasant wind tore at her clothes. The boys stood near the rail, and many fairies soared above them, blessing their warm glow over that part of the ship. Wendy knew that the weather didn’t bother them, and the tiny creatures would carry Peter and his friends back to the island. None of the boys would be able to find enough happy thoughts to fly without the fairies’ help, because of the confusion and unhappiness which held them all more or less in their grip.
Michael ran towards Wendy and she embraced her little brother, who looked with tears in his eyes up to her. “Will you really stay here?”
The girl nodded. “Yes, Michael.”
“But why?” he asked with an unsteady voice, and Wendy combed through his wild, red hair.
“Because I love James.”
“More than us?”
The girl pressed him to her. “It’s a completely different kind of love, Michael. It isn’t stronger or weaker, it’s simply altogether different. You don’t love me the same way you love Mother and Father, nor them the same way you love Nana. They’re all different kinds of love. You’ve always known that the time would come when I would not only have to leave the nursery, but leave you all as well, and live a life with my chosen husband. Look, Mother did the same thing when she chose Father and left her own family.”
Wiping his eyes the youngest of the Darling-sons nodded. “But will you visit us?”
Wendy looked at Peter, who stood between Nibs and Jump-Jump, clad in his usual trousers made of leaves and draped in a cape which was far too big. Knowing that it must be one of Smee’s garments, the girl felt a warm gratitude to the older man. As their eyes met, Peter’s eyes grew hard, then turned away. “I don’t know, Michael. I’m not exactly welcome there anymore.” She saw the tears rising anew and added: “But you can visit me when ever you like. James won’t mind.”
“Really?” he sniffled and the girl nodded.
“Yes. Whenever you have a problem or just want to see me, then come and we can talk.”
Michael tried to smile and embraced his sister one last time. Then he looked around and went to his brother, while Slightly approached Wendy. “I wish you luck, little cousin.”
“Little cousin? Hey, I am older than you!”
They both grinned, then the boy turned serious. “Look after yourself, Wendy. I know that Hook loves you; otherwise he wouldn’t have treated Peter as he did yesterday. But you’re alone among men – pirates! – And no female to talk to. You have no games or amusements here and—“
A loud yelp sounded behind him, followed by a thump, and one of the pirates shouted: “I told ye t’at t’e deck is icy!”
Wendy and Slightly turned and saw Cookson sitting on his butt, looking very bewildered around him, and the apples he’d been carrying rolling across the deck. The two young people had to giggle, as well as the most of the other boys and the pirates.
“Well,” the second in command of the Lost Boys corrected himself. “Forget the thing about amusements.”
Wendy laughed. “I think I’ll have enough of those!”
“Yeah, no doubt about it!” He glanced back at her. “Be careful, Wendy, and don’t bother about Peter’s outbursts. He’s hurt, and we both know that he’s not the best with strong feelings.”
The girl nodded. “I know, but … I wish he wasn’t so angry. On the other hand, I can understand him. Hook was his biggest foe and now the only girl he ever liked -- or loved in his own childish way -- turned towards that enemy.”
“Hook WAS his biggest foe?” Slightly repeated and Wendy smiled gently.
“Yes, I think so. Okay, James will never like him – or forgive him what has happened over and over again. But there are no more thoughts of revenge and hate.”
“No, he thinks more about YOU now,” Slightly grinned and Wendy smiled warmly.
“You may be right.” She lowered her head. “But I think that he won’t hunt Peter anymore.”
“I hope you’re right,” the boy sighed. “Stay well, Wendy. And if you want to visit us, then come.”
The girl tried a brave smile. “Thanks.” Her attention was drawn to John as he came towards her and she stiffened.
Her brother seemed to be unsure and finally he said: “Maybe I’ve been too harsh, Wendy. I’m sorry.” Surprised, the girl stared at her brother. “That doesn’t mean that I’m happy with your choice, but … I suppose I have to accept it.” It was obvious how difficult it was for him to say this.
Wendy ignored his stiff appearance and threw her arms around him, embracing him affectionately. “Thank you, John. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Her brother’s arms encircled her hesitantly, then he stepped back. “Keep an eye on yourself.” A smile and a nod were the answer, and Wendy watched the boys circling their leader. Then the fairies came down and the whole gang was enveloped with golden dust and winged golden creatures, who picked them up and t flew towards Neverland.
Wendy looked after them until they vanished behind the high cliffs, then she nodded to the still gaping pirates and returned to James’ and her quarters. Not until the heavy door had closed behind her did she realize that she no longer thought of the cabin as James’, but as hers as well.

The burial was held late that morning. Hook had decreed that not only his own deceased would get a proper interment, but the sailors of the hostile crew as well, which had been left by their comrades during the battle. After all, they were seamen, and there was an unspoken agreement among all civilized men that the living should take care of the dead.
James wore black breeches, shirt, waistcoat and overcoat, as well as his favorite boots and a black hat, which he held as he started his speech. Wendy stood several feet behind him, wearing a dark dress and cape. She hadn’t known the men who died, but she could feel the sorrow of their rough comrades. Even for their dead enemies, they showed respect, as Cookson read from an old, torn Bible he owned. Afterwards, the corpses, all encased in their own bit of sail, were delivered to the sea, while the cannons roared with three salutes. Wendy had tears in her eyes and felt James’ arm around her shoulders and squeezing her gently, before he divided the possessions of the fallen crewmembers between their closer friends.
Several of them approached Wendy and thanked her for her presence, then Cookson brought grog for all in an odd kind of funeral celebration. The odd weather put a chill on the normal merriment of a ship’s wake. The girl was glad for the hot drink, not only because the air was so cold, but the alcohol calmed her stomach. This wasn’t the first burial she had experienced, but it was another thing to carry a close friend to grave, or to watch the normally coarse men on the verge of tears.
But one good thing came from it -- the crew was glad to see her there as well, and as Hook spoke with his officers, she found herself in conversation with several of the men who smiled at her, and treated her as if she were one of their own. She wasn’t only accepted as the captain’s lady and their rescuer, but as one of them now, and was politely drawn into their earthy humor.
James watched her out of the corner of his eye. He was proud of her, and grateful as well. She wasn’t only the most beautiful and kind-hearted girl he’d ever met, but she was wonderful in so many other ways that he wouldn’t know where to begin to list them.
The day progressed uneventfully. Several of the crew went ashore to fetch fresh water and to take the prisoner to his ‘new home’. He cursed violently as he was forced into one of the longboats, but after Hook pulled out his pistol and asked him which he preferred (a bullet or a chance to live), the man only spat into the water and climbed down.
Wendy used the day to continue altering the dresses, nightgowns, capes and even a negligee, and enjoyed a very good dinner with James. Of course, she was still shaken by her encounter with a bitter Peter, but she was happy that John had shown acceptance, and that he had apologized. James sensed her upset, but didn’t remark about it. Rather, he started to distract her by talking with her, telling her stories of his adventures, and finally playing his harpsichord – which Wendy loved to hear. Even if the day hadn’t been very stressful, both went early to bed.
It was still quite chill outside, and nothing is better, you must agree, than snuggling in a warm comfortable bed with the one you love while you listen to the pelting of rain (outside) and the cracking of a fire in an oven (inside). Normally, both would have taken the opportunity to forget themselves in another episode of bliss, but James knew that he had to behave, if he wanted his wounds to heal quickly – he really was curious about what Wendy had in mind for him – and the girl was simply exhausted. The whole jumble of the last few days had tired her out, and she felt completely relaxed and happy the first time in a long time as she felt James’ strong arms about her.
Watching the dancing, flickering light of the fire in the oven, listening to the wind and feeling the rocking of the ship, they both soon fell into a sound slumber – this time without nightmares and guilty feelings.

The next morning, the weather was still cold, but the sun showed his face and beamed through the mulled windows of the captain’s quarters. It was late in the morning when Wendy finally awoke. She saw the golden rays and the dust motes dancing in the rays of sunlight and sat up, very pleased that the rain had stopped. The windows looked strange and it took a moment before she realized, why. They were overlaid with a film of ice-crystals which formed ice-flowers in the sun. Joyfully she stood up and walked to the windows, opened one, and looked outside. A dry cold breeze hit her bare skin, but she didn’t mind.
The air was fresh and clear, and a thin white layer of ice and snow covered the cliffs and the trees, now visible in the southern direction. Wendy grinned. She loved a cool, sunny winter day and seeing the sun so clearly up in the blue skies set her heart soaring. A grumble was heard from the bed, and she glanced over her shoulder to find James awakening and looking groggily towards her.
He lifted his head, watching his girl – naked as the winter dawn and standing in front of a deep blue sky was quite a sight for the first one of the day, one he could get used to. He smirked a moment, and lay back.
“James, come here! The whole bay looks enchanted!”
His answer wasn’t unintelligible. “What did you say?” she asked amused. The next growl wasn’t any better; only the two words “cold” and “close” made a kind of sense. Wendy repressed a giggle, feeling completely free and full of fun for the first time in several days. “Darling, you really should work on your morning mood”
Again he didn’t answer in a proper way, but he pulled the blanket higher and wriggled into the bedding, until only his nose and upper head was visible. Sighing he closed his eyes, shuddering slightly as the cold air wafted over his forehead. Wendy watched him then turned then back toward the island. Her look fell to the sill, and she saw the thin layer of snow. One of her delicate fingers touched it – it was soft and starting to melt in the sunrays – and suddenly inspired, she scraped up a snowball, stepped near the bed, aimed and chucked it.
Her aim was perfect.
With a yelp, James sat up and wiped his yes and face clean, the cold water now dripping down onto his bandaged chest and blanket. Cursing, he tried to get rid of the cold mass, while Wendy guffawed, holding her belly. As she heard him swear and met his dark glare, she could only laugh harder until tears sprang to her eyes. “Wench!” Hook growled, throwing the blanket away from him. “This screams for revenge!”
Shaking with laughter Wendy backed away towards the windows and ottoman, while James came around the bed and looked threateningly at her. “I warn you, James. I have more snow!” she managed to say between giggles, reaching for the windowsill. Too late she realized that she had used all the snow from that sill and she would need to open another window to get more ammunition. Gripping a pillow from the ottoman, still covered with the dust of the fairy-queen from the day before yesterday, she slung it towards the pirate-captain, but the magical dust prevented it from arcing toward him and only soared slowly in the direction of Hook, who caught it with ease and let it fall to the floor.
“Oh no!” the girl tittered, as the man shot her another glare and chased her with long strides, his black curls tossing around his broad shoulders, while the muscles played under the smooth skin, clearly seen in the golden sunlight. To watch him moving, quick, supple, lissome like this, momentarily took her breath away. Only as he neared, Wendy remembered herself. Squeaking, she jumped to the next window, tore it open, gathered as much snow as possible and threw it at him, avoiding his reaching hand at the last possible second.
Her aim was perfect again, and James grumbled under his breath. It really wasn’t the most pleasant experience to get hit with icy snow when you are coming out of the warm bed. “Stop it, girl, or you will get one hell of punishment!”
Snickering, she jumped to the next window, almost tipped over one of the candelabras, tore at the handle and felt James at her back. Ducking, she escaped him once more and ran back into the cabin, giggling hysterically. Torn between the urge to throw her into the next snowbank – wherever he might find one on the ship – or to grab her and … Yeah, WHAT then? Because she looked so damn tempting, crouching there all bare and laughing, throwing snowballs and now the bolsters at him. Blocking the next pillow flying his direction, he jumped into action and chased her through the cabin. Laughing, she evaded him again and again, and he had to admit that she really was quick.
She ran around his desk, he followed; then around the table and finally put the Spanish wall between them. The two caged parrots croaked, squawking raucously, but were ignored by the other lovebirds in the room. James didn’t know why, but this entire escapade was sheer fun! He didn’t even think about his actions and reactions. He only felt himself smiling, and then laughing. “This will not save you, little girl!” he called chuckling, and shoved the Spanish wall aside, inspiring a scream, and setting her running again.
For a moment he stood motionless there, watching her small bottom wriggling as she pelted away, while her walnut-brown hair flew like a veil behind her. He felt heat chasing the chill of the air away – a heat that came from somewhere inside of him and woke the burning hunger for her anew. She had reached the dining table again, pushed a chair between him and her and looked back. Her eyes shimmered with merry tears, her face was flushed and her small, firm breasts heaved as she tried to catch her breath.
“Already tired, great Captain?” she teased him and provoked an evil grin from him.
“Crabbiness, you can’t even begin to know how AWAKE I am!”
She looked for a moment uncomprehendingly at him, then she saw a movement below and her eyes widened, as she saw the unmistakable proof of his ‘awakened’ state. “‘No wild games’, the fairy-queen ordered. So I have to be sure that you behave!” she said with feigned regret, and made a move toward the windows, as he barred her way and reached for her again.
This time she was too slow, because his right arm now wrapped about her waist from behind and she was picked up. Struggling, she tried to get free, but he held her too tightly as he carried her to one of the still closed windows, opened it, scratched some snow together and ‘washed’ her face with it. Sputtering, yelling and giggling, she tried everything to elude the ‘punishment’, but it was no use. Hook was too strong,, and continued to show her exactly how uncomfortable snow could be first thing in the morning, and what he thought of such a rude awakening. “This is for waking me too early. This is for the snow. This is for making me chase you all over the cabin. This is for the pillows. And this is for being so damn cute when I’m trying to be angry with you!”
Groaning he realized that he had again proven his weakness for her. He really couldn’t stay irritated with her. It was simply not possible. Still laughing and screeching, Wendy managed to turn around in his arms, stretched her arms around his neck and kissed him. Grinning he shook his head. “This time it won’t work, witch!”
A knowing smile spread over her angelic face, while giggles still bubbled in her. “It already has!”
“We’ll see!” He pulled her along with him toward the next closed window.
“Oh no! Stop it!” she screamed, as he tore the window open and gathered the snow from the sill.
“You want to fight a snowball-fight? No problem, my dear!” With that, the next cargo was unloaded in her face. In the meantime, it really was getting cold inside the cabin, and the melting snow from her face and throat was drenching her nude body.
“James, please stop it! It’s cold!”
“Aye, I figured this out while still abed!” he agreed smugly, and started to move to the next window, bypassing his harpsichord.
Wrapping both arms firmly around him and already shivering, she stopped laughing: “Please let it be. Please. I promise to be good now!”
“NOW?” he repeated. He wanted to continue, but found his arms full of a shivering but still laughing girl, who clung to him as the melting snow slid between their bodies. “Minx!” he growled. “You did that on purpose!”
“But you are so deliciously warm!” she protested and snuggled closer to him, even grinding against him – especially in the lower half – while she looked up to him with big eyes and pouting mouth.
Pure electricity flashed through his body, as her smooth skin encouraged his most sensitive and already hardened member. “Not this time!” he whispered and tried to maintain control, but the feeling of the soft, small body in his arms, her honest need for his warmth, mixed with the sensation of her silky hair on his own skin and her sweet fragrance, was too great an assault on his good intentions. Pressing her close to him, he lifted a brow. “You will have to pay a high price, my dear,” he said with a loud voice, because Short Tom and his lady were still kicking up a row.
Wendy giggled as she remembered what he had meant – and done! – during the last time he had impended her with that same threat. Growing excited and feeling an odd, pure female instinct awaken in her, she batted her long eyelashes. “I have hidden reserves, so I am able to pay any price.”
He lowered his lids, so that only his deep blue slits glared down at her. “You have?” he asked with a suddenly husky voice. God damn it all, but he couldn’t fight this longing when she was this close and – above all – undressed and pressed against him. He could feel her erect nipples even through the bandage, and the shivering which ran over and under her skin. Her body had cooled down too much, he realized. Nevertheless, she gave him a challenging smile and nodded.
“Yes. As an intelligent young woman, I have laid aside savings for later.”
He laid his forehead against hers. “I’ll take it all, here and now!”
She blinked. “All?”
“Of course! I am a pirate! So give me all you have and I will spare you!”
Wendy smiled gleefully as she heard his best pirate-voice and saw the grim look, before he rolled his eyes and glared at the two still-noisy parrots. “Shut up, you two, or I will find another use for your feathers. For my pillow, for example!”
Wendy laughed again, and pulled his attention back to her. “What does the great Captain mean with ‘all you have’?” she asked, innocently like a child.
She was playing with him. James growled as he lifted her on his arms. “All a beautiful young woman can give a hungry and lonely man!” He carried her back to the bed, laid her down, and reached for the blanket as soon as his left hand was free.
The girl glanced up at him. The way he stood bent over her, his predatory gaze never leaving her, while a dangerous smile played around his sensual and arrogant mouth, woke the yearning deep in her more and yet more. If it only wasn’t so cold! “Please, close the windows,” she said, but he only smirked. He glided over her, covered her body with his and braced himself on his forearms beside her head, after pulling the comforter over them both.
Wendy shuddered as she felt the heat from his body, wrapped her arms around his back and drew him closer. “Hold me,” she whispered. “I am so cold.” A tender smile swept his face, while the fire in his eyes burned. “You will be warm in no time, my dear. I will make certain of it!” He stole a kiss from her. “You will be sweaty and hoarse when I am done with you!”
It was a promise that sent a thrill all the way down to her toes. But still she didn’t give in. “Is that so?” she asked, while her right hand slid down his side, cupping his firm bottom and caressing it gently.
He took a sharp breath, but nodded. “Yes. Today I will teach you the lesson of what happens if you provoke and attack a pirate. And nothing--” he murmured and tilted her head back, “--absolutely nothing will save you now!” He nipped at the tender skin of her throat and elicited a low moan from her. “You are completely at my mercy, my beauty.”
Wendy looked up at him and smiled. “I can think of worse places I could find myself in.” He cut her off by pressing his lips on hers, plundering her mouth with all the hunger he felt for her, and only her. Her right hand stroked all of him she could reach, accompanied by her left hand. Moving one leg, she wrapped it around him and ground herself along his stone hard length. He gasped for air and smirked down on her. “You could find yourself in a worse place, eh? We will see, sweet wildcat!”
There were no more words spoken, only their moans sounding loudly, softly through the cabin, heard by the parrots, who took the cue and started to preen each other’s feathers.

The pirates worked together out on deck, and talked to each other, or were down in their common room, which was finally theirs again, sans boys. Normally, none of them liked icy weather, but as long as the sun was up, they didn’t much mind. And there was only one returning theme in the conversation: the behavior of their captain towards a desperate and weeping Peter Pan.
Smee didn’t know how it had gotten out. Of course HE hadn’t said anything about it, but he thought that possibly some of the crew had overheard the boys talking, and this news had spread like wildfire through the crew. The men never thought that their commander, who hated the boy passionately, could show a gentle and almost comforting reaction towards the little churl. Their captain had changed, there was no doubt of it anymore. And it not for the worse. They all were safer now and felt easier, since their commander reacted as someone with a human soul again, and not like the hateful and bitter tyrant he had been after he lost his hand.
Yes, they all had the same opinion that Wendy Darling hadn’t only saved them all by helping them during their battle with Blackbeard, but that she had saved them – and their captain! – by showing and teaching him that mystery called love. There could simply be no other explanation for Hook’s actions the last days, especially towards Pan.
“Holdin’ and comfortin’ t’e li’l lad,” Cecco murmured and nipped at his hot tea with rum. “I still can’t pitcher it!”
Mason leaned back in his chair and stretched himself. “Yeah, our cap’n showin’ quiet t’e nice side of ‘im!”
“I didn’ ‘member ‘e ‘ad one,” Albino smirked and poured himself another grog.
“But, aye, he’s changed!” Mullins grinned.
“I never seen him stand up t’at late!” Billy Jukes smirked.
“No wonder, if ye see t’e lass,” the Oriental chuckled and earned a glare from Cecco.
“Al’ righ’,” Albino sighed. “We know t’at ye’re t’e second protector of t’e sweet gal, but—“ He paused as running noises and screeches, accompanied with dark laughter, sounded through the wooden ceiling and paused every conversation in the room.
The pirates changed confused glances, and finally started to laugh, as they recognized what must be happening above their heads. “T’at I’m callin’ a fun pastime!” Mason chuckled, and his comrades bellowed so loud the planks shivered.

*******************************************************

Deep beneath the Never-Tree, Peter stared up at the ceiling, which was no more than roots and earth. He had grown somewhat more levelheaded, after he had slept an entire night and almost the half morning through. He didn’t want to leave his bed, because then he had to face the empty area beside his little cubby hole, which would remind him again that his Wendy had gone.
Gone to Hook! That hurt the most. Why had she chosen the pirate-captain, of all people? If she really had grown up that much, so there was no other choice than to be a woman, why had she fallen for him?
“You can’t choose the one you love. It just happens.”
Peter heard the captain’s voice in his head, and he sighed, flopping over on his stomach. Of course he’d noticed Wendy’s fascination for Hook, and she was, after all, just a girl. Hell’s bells, he’d even heard Tinker Bell talking about Hook’s appearance in ways he didn’t like. He was a child and innocent, but he was no fool, nor was he too naïve to understand what the words “Adonis” and “tempting” meant in connection with the opposite sex. Yes, even the mermaids had remarked that the buccaneer was – for a human – “a scrumptious man,” and had confirmed their opinion by saving him and Peter down in the waters four days ago.
What was it? What did Hook have, but not he? He was Peter Pan! The eternal boy! The Prince of Neverland! He could fly, he could fight, he could crow! He stood by his friends and he knew that girls were terribly impressed with him. What was it? What made him less complete than Hook?
“You’re just a boy!” Wendy’s sad voice sounded from the past. Yes, he was a boy! And proud of it! What was wrong with that? He had fun, he had joy, he had freedom, he had youth, he had friends, and he had nothing to worry about. Nobody gave him orders, and he had never to vindicate himself. He was free! What more could be there? What was it, what made the life of a grown-up worth giving up all that?
“She secretly yearned for what comes after the ‘kiss’ in her wonderful stories.” What did Hook mean by that? “It makes all the difference between a child and an adult. It changes you forever: your mind, your point of view, your feelings--”
Feelings! They were worse than a sick stomach. They hurt so awfully much and made him heavy and—
And he remembered. Burying his face in his pillow, he remembered how he had soared high over the Jolly Roger, after Wendy had given him her thimble, only because he felt as if he would burst with joy, with the feeling of being loved. Love – that brought feelings, too. And Hook was a man of feeling. Peter had known this from the very first beginning. But the pirate-captain had always shown bad feelings, evil feelings, like hate and wrath, until—
He moaned into the pillow. Until Wendy had changed him. Until the same love changed that hateful man the same way it had changed him when it took him off the deck and into the stars. As much as Peter wished he could deny it, Hook really had softened. The boy never dreamed that he would one day fall into the hands of the Captain of the Jolly Roger, and that the man would let him go. Hook had even promised to do so BEFORE Peter saved him.
Was that what love did? Change someone so completely? In his imagination, he saw the two of them together. A touch and a look from her had been enough to reassure the pirate and bring a smile.
She had looked at Hook like she used to look at Peter, and this was something that hurt even more. She gave the pirate-captain what had once belonged to him!
“She hasn’t turned her back on you, Peter!”
‘No, of course she hasn’t! She only turns toward you, you ugly old codfish!’ the boy thought bitterly.
“She couldn’t stay a child in London—“ Hook’s voice said in his mind. “She stands now on her own two feet in the middle of life, ready to face whatever it brings -- don’t damn her because she has turned to someone who will stay at her side and face it with her.”
“Why do you want to face this with HIM, Wendy?” Peter whispered at the image of their faces. “Why didn’t you ask me?”
“-- she is a woman and you are still a boy,” the dark voice of the man he had only known as his deadliest enemy told him almost gently. “To put it plainly, you let her down by choosing this oversized playground over her. Now she is a woman, and you are still a boy...!”
Peter growled and sat up, cross-legged. “Yes, I am a boy, and I am proud of it.” He lowered his gaze and lay back. “And I am happy to be in Neverland! Why couldn’t she be the same?”
“Even you cannot stop these changes, and you have no other choice than to face them.”
Sighing the boy closed his eyes. Normally, Hook’s words would have sound cruel, but the day before yesterday, during their talk, they hadn’t. They were simple truths, as much as Peter wanted to deny it.
“ -- I always thought you had courage enough to face whatever came. For this, I respected you -- “
The eternal boy opened his eyes and shook his head. Hook respected him? That was different, but it made – in an odd way – sense. Grown-ups! They weren’t easy to understand. And Wendy was now one of them. Was it confusing for her, too? Was that the reason she turned toward Hook – besides her fascination for him? Did she really need the pirate-captain to find her way to grow up? Had he – Peter – really let her down, when he didn’t choose to stay in London with her, and instead returned to Neverland? Was everything really a ‘big pretend’?
No! This couldn’t be. Even Hook had conceded this. “Maybe we’re all fools and you’re the only clever one… Time will show who has made the better decision.”
“Yes, we’ll see, Hook!” Peter murmured and took a deep breath. “I don’t care, if you grow old and grey, bones aching, all slouched over and pottering about! But you have changed my Wendy into a grown-up as well, and I don’t want her to suffer! Not even now, after she turned toward you.” And this was true.
“She was forced to move on by time, which is something that happens if you’re in London and not in Neverland.” Yes, he knew this – the reason why he didn’t stay away from Neverland for long. But Wendy had! Maybe he could have convinced her to return with him to Neverland and to stay with him years ago, when she was still a girl, at his last visit. She really was taller than he was now, and her body looked … strange, different. Maybe she really already was a lady when he brought her back those weeks ago. But she had acted just like his Wendy, even after Hook had changed her ‘as much as any other grown man would have done’. They had joked and she had told stories, cooked and had been eager for adventures. Maybe she hadn’t changed so much, even as a woman. Maybe she really didn’t want to hurt him, but it had simply happened?
“She didn’t know how to tell you the truth, because she cares for you --“ Yes, this sounded like his Wendy.
“I never wanted to hurt you, Peter, and I don’t want to lose your friendship. Maybe you’ll think better of me tomorrow. Whenever you want to talk, then let me know. I’ll come.” Yes. He wanted to talk to her. He missed her, even if he felt betrayed at the same time. He had seen the pain in her eyes as he told her she shouldn’t pretend as though she’d worry about him. And he had hurt her as he had shrugged off her hand and he had told her that he didn’t want to speak with her anymore. He had wanted to hurt her, as he was. But now he felt even more miserably.
He could never stand to see her in pain – and this was the only reason why he had decided to help Hook in the first place!!
Groaning, Peter flopped back down on his right side and blinked into the dim light. Why had everything become so complicated? Everything used to be so easy, so simple, but now he was confused and he didn’t know what to do. For the first time this morning, he heard his friends outside in the great hall, but they were quieter than usual. He was thankful for that.
But, on the other hand, here in this place, children should playing, frolicking and laughing. And that’s exactly what he would do today! He wouldn’t allow these heavy sad thoughts to consume him further! What had the old Medicine-Woman told him once: Time heals every wound? This he would see, too.
Swinging his legs out of the bed, he stood, straightened, and strode into the common room. “Hello, Lost Boys! Someone up for an adventure?”
Big eyes and curious faces turned toward him, only to break into wide grins, while the cheerful shouts roared in the old roots of the Never-Tree…

TBC…
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In the swirl of passion