http://all-butone.livejournal.com/ (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
all-butone.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
tampered2006-12-25 11:28 pm
all-butone.livejournal.com) wrote in tampered2006-12-25 11:28 pm
Log: Complete
When; Just before this
Rating; PG-13
Characters; Hook![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ironhook, & Peter all_butone
Summary; Peter's wish on Christmas Eve brings him a new friend- with unexpected consequences and an armful of surprises.
Log;
He'd been curled up in his bed for quite some, hiding somewhere amongst the piles of luxurious pilliows and stacks of fine blankets and giving the wall beside him a particularly nasty glare. Peter had been in a truly bad mood- due mostly to the curses of the past few days. Even the day where he'd been able to order Hook around which had started out so perfectly.... The boy frowned, body curling to hug his knees to his chest. Even that, the man had ruined.
Being blind had been awful because he wasn't able to fly and now his whole body was sore from his near constant collision with....everything around him. And then that lady Jamie in his room who kept asking all sorts of awful things and he couldn't keep his mouth shut about anything which was only made worse when he finally realized that that lady wasn't a lady at all. Peter covered his head with his arms, blatantly pouting.
It was impossible to talk sense to that man and all he ever did was make things worse! Telling him that he'd grow up too and making everything so confusing. "I wish James Hook had never grown up at all!"
--
Captain Jas. Hook couldn't be in a finer mood. The last few days, although riddled with curses, hadn't been as bad as he had first expected them to be. Well, they had, but James had been able to work them into his favour. Terribly amusing, really, how these curses gave him new ways to torment the boy. Though the curse day where Peter had been unable to tell a lie had brought forth some... intriguing information. Even after turning the answers over in his head all day, James wasnt much closer to any drawing any conclusions.
But he had a feeling it wasn't entirely because Peter was slowly, but surely, growing up. James tapped his hook to his mouh. Of course, now that he wasn't in Pan's company, the ticking had returned, so that made it that much harder to think. With a shake of his head, James turned away from the fountain--
And suddenly didn't recognize where he was.
This, most definitely, was not Eton. Although classes had just ended, this wasn't the courtyard. In fact, he didn't see the school at all! And that wasn't the fountain, and--- whoa. Those buildings-- Oh man. Where was Jolly? He had to be seeing this.
"Neverland...? Oy! Jolly!" The boy-James whirled around, face a lit with a deleighted grin. "Jolly R! Where the buggery are you, chap?"
--
Having been reprimanded several times in the past for lingering around the room when upset, Peter threw the blankets and pillows aside with a huff. Sure, Hook had managed to rile him up rather effectively, but that didn't mean the boy had to let him ruin the rest of his day. Besides, fresh air always lifted his spirits and if nothing else, now that he was no longer blind- he'd be able to fly again.
The thought brought a smile to his face and the boy knelt on his bed, pushing open the wide window and climbing onto the ledge. He was more certain now than ever- there were bound to be new adventures to be had and Peter would find them if he spent the day sulking in his room. Bare toes curled around the window's edge and the boy cast one last glance to the ground below before he jumped, letting his body lift into the air.
As far as he was concerned, flying was far and away the greatest joy he'd ever known and the laugh fell easily from his lips. Rolling through the air with an offhand grace, Peter headed for the City's center. It was, after all where he'd always managed to find excitement before.
--
"Jolly! Oh, come on," He was worried now. He couldn't find Roger anywhere. And all these people just gave him funny looks when he asked. Not that he wasn't used to getting funny looks from people, but really, would it be so bad for an individual to show good form even once? And the more he looked around, the more he was convinced this wasn't even Britannia. But... It couldn't be Neverland. It was... it looked more like a city, albeit it an extremely fancy one. Nothing like back home. And Neverland was an island, brilliant and spectacular with wide oceans and lush forests and all kinds of animals...
He stopped, fists on his hips and did a full three hundred and sixty degree turn. "Jolly Roger Davies..." James sighed, shook his head and lifted one hand, pulling it through the thick black curls of his hair. It was like Jolly to get lost. He must be so worried, too, without his King. And James had vowed to look out for his best friend. Biting his lip, he glanced around again, then started off eastward. He had a feeling this city was very large, so it might take a while, but he had to find Jolly.
--
The shout caught him off guard and Peter blinked owlishly before rolling over. While there were all manner of strange things to get used to in the City, yelling lunatics were a rarity and the boy frowned, scanning the ground below for whoever had been making so much noise.
It wasn't much of a search thankfully- as green eyes focused on a dark haired boy who'd just finished whirling around to start heading ... east. Peter flew in closer, curious but not willing to risk personal injury if their new resident crazy decided to lash out. He arched an eyebrow, head cocked to the side in a gesture of open curiosity as he hovered not more than a foot above and behind the boy's shoulder.
For whatever it was worth, the youth had an air of familiarity about him, though it was nothing definitive. Still, he was strange and from the sounds of it, perhaps lost and looking for someone?
--
James, even as a child, had always been incredibly perceptive and aloof. It came with looking the way he did and never having a loving pair of parents. Of course, there was Aunt Emily, and he loved her dearly, but really, if it came down to it, James knew it would be he defending her, than the other way around. Nevertheless, when he felt the presence over his shoulder, his eyes glinted red. The only people who ever snuck up on him at Eton were the O.E.s, and really, but this time, they should know better. In fact, most of them did.
He didn't have a sword or any such thing to fight with, but he still whirled around in a flare of raven-dark hair, crimson eyes fixing suspiciously on the boy. He was on edge in this foreign place without Jolly and no way of defending himself. He had no sword, or even an umbrella, and while he knew he could still easily worm his way out of trouble, it made him anxious.
"Who are--" He started haughtily, ready to rip his attacker limb from limb with words alone, only to abruptly stop when he realized they were... floating? "...Ah?"
--
His body jerked at the boy's sudden reaction and instict alone urged him back a few more feet, putting distance between them before Peter was able to catch sight of an equally stunned expression. All things considered, that mutual surprise had been reassuring. It meant, after all, that the boy wasn't too much of a threat- at least not one he couldn't escape if necessary. That decided, he flew closer once more, circling the dark-haired newcomer. "So you aren't crazy." He concluded, green eyes glinting- clearly intrigued.
"You're new right? And looking for someone I suspect. What's your name?" The questions were innocent enough and though part of him remained wary, the boy had more than effectively sparked his interest. He sat, legs crossed, leaning forward expectantly and looking for all the world as though such their meeting was perfectly natural.
--
"What, cra-- That might depend on-- Who.. you..." It was terribly distracting the way this boy flew around in such a manner, and the red quickly faded from his eyes, leaving striking forget-me-nots in their wake. But... flew? James was finding it hard to form a coherent thought. Boys weren't supposed to be able to do that, according to physics and all such things. Not that James hadn't entertained the thought of flying, away from his wretched life. Though if he ever learned, he would have to teach Jolly, because there was no way he would leave his best friend behind.
As Peter stopped flying around, instead taking to floating mid-air directly before him, James blinked and mentally slapped himself. Really, where were his own manners? This chap wasn't being antagonistic at all, despite first impressions. The raven-haired boy lifted his chin arrogantly, striking something of a pose. Weight shifted slightly to one side, left hand on his hip, right hand held in a fist directly before him-- and despite the height difference and clothing, he was a spitting image of the pirate captain he would become.
"James Matthew B., O.S.B.," He declared, cracking a smile. It faded quickly though, and his fist dropped. "I'm looking for my friend, Roger Davies. Somewhat portly fellow, about yay-high. Haven't seen him, have you?" Distracted again, his brows furrowing as he looked at Peter. "And who are you? And why can you...." He flapped his hand at Peter and his floating, "That?"
--
If those frighteningly blue eyes hadn't already tipped him off, the pose did exactly that and his own eyes widened in shock once more- body sinking in the air though not enough to allow him to touch the ground. The rest of the boy's questions had been forgotten, and Peter's legs unfolded themselves, shoulders slumping. Peter wasn't entirely sure what had happened to the once pirate-king, but whatever it was, was alarming.
Could it have been another of the City's curses? He shook his head, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. Then there was the chance that this wasn't a curse, chances were just as likely that this was....something else. The Captain Hook -he- knew could still be in the City somewhere and this could just be...a smaller version. Or perhaps a future son?
"You-You mean you don't know who I am? You don't remember me or Wendy or Neverland- nothing?"
--
James blinked, lifting his head and looking at Peter oddly as he sank slowly in the air more to James' level. He didn't land, which James thought was alarming and absolutely enthralling at the same time (though if he had James would have to look down at least two inches to look at him). Who was this strange flying boy? And why was he so alarmed with James' introduction. A look of concern flickered across the Eton student's face, and he tilted his head to look more directly at Peter-- and that was when Peter mentioned Neverland.
His eyes widened almost comically, and unable to stop himself he stepped forward, his right hand snapping out to grab the boy's wrist (his grip was just as firm as a child as a man). "N-Never... Neverland? You-- You know-- Have you been there?" His voice grew progessively quieter as he spoke, expression anxious and hopeful at the same time, as if this new information were a magnificent secret that only the two of them shared.
--
A jolt of electricity shot thorough him at the contact and Peter froze, almost unable to move and he became painfully aware of the way his heart was beating so frantically against his ribcage. Even as a boy, Hook was able to get the better of him. It was then his eyes caught sight of the other's right hand and Peter had to struggle to breathe. It was all the confirmation he'd needed. This wasn't a child, but the man himself- somehow...young again.
It suddenly made sense. If Hook was a child, then he wasn't a pirate yet. He still had his hand, he didn't have a ship, he'd never been to Neverland and he had no idea-
James Hook had no idea who he was.
It was in that moment that confusion gave way to mischief. The past few days, the pirate had done nothing but make his life miserable- what kind of sport would he be if he simply let the man with now? Not that he had anything against the dark haired boy before him- no. He'd actually found himself already quite fond of him; which made his desire to befriend the boy a perfect plan.
Peter arched an eyebrow but made no attempt to escape the other's grasp. Instead he leaned in close, nodding before he replied in the same conspiratory whisper. "Of course I've been to Neverland. I live there."
--
A tingle ran the whole length of James' body when Peter leaned close and returned the whisper, and in response his grip tightened just fractionally on Peter's wrist. He licked his lips, and if possible, his eyes widened just a little bit more. "You live there?" He asked, hushed, awed. "What... h..." James found he couldn't look away from those bright green eyes. Someone else... had been to Neverland. His magical island, of mermaids and sunshine and--
"I knew it! I knew it was there!" His pale face split into a wide grin, and for his excitement his voice didn't get any louder. But a moment later it faded, giving way to worry. "But... This isn't Neverland. Is it?" Because it wasn't how he imagined it. Not at all. This wasn't the place that came to him in his dreams, that he and Jolly were going to travel away to.
--
The look on the boy's face was so unlike anything he'd ever seen from the pirate before, and Peter was almost dazzled by it. That play of emotions and thoughts that moved so easily across his face- enthusiasm and hope.
A smile had nearly formed when James first began to speak-but clearly faltered as he continued. It was then that the boy's bare feet did touch the ground, and he stood, looking down. More memories of the home he couldn't manage to find. Peter shook his head slowly, whisper softening to a point that was nearly inaudiable. "No, this isn't Neverland. This is the City. It captures people from all different worlds and...and never lets you go back home."
He knew however, that such a thing wouldn't do. He couldn't have the boy worring when he was supposed to be trying to befriend him after all. Peter looked up suddenly, meeting blue eyes with a hopeful smile. "But I'm sure it can't keep us here forever so we just have to bide our time!" It was one of his contagious laughs, and while one wrist remained clutched in the other's hand, the rest of his body lifted once more.
"If you're looking for your friend, he probably isn't here yet but I can show you around if you want. My name's Peter."
--
Where James' hold on Peter had loosened softly with their conversation, it tightened just fractionally once more, though this time it was less due to enthusiasm and more a want to lend sympathy to the boy. He tilted his head, hair swishing to the side with the movement, brushing Peter's arm due to how close they were and the sheer length of it. Even though he had just met the boy, he realized that when the kid was struck with an unhappy thought, his spectacular gift of flight seemed to lessen. Though the words that accompanied his descent were enough to darken James' face as well.
Trapped here? Forever? That could not be allowed. He had to find Neverland. And, with this boy's help, he was sure the both of them could do it. From the look of it, Peter needed to be there as much as James did. Therefore, he decided firmly, they would have to work together and get there. And if they arrived before he found Jolly, well, he would know the way, and he would come back for his friend.
Peter's sudden change of demeanor startled James, and at first he bit his lip. Jolly might not be here... James had mixed feelings about that. He wanted Jolly R around, the lad was his best-- his only-- friend, but at the same time James was glad he wasn't here. He almost hoped he wouldn't come. He didn't want the boy to be captured by the City-- Jas. would simply have to find a way back to him. Blue eyes lifted as James shook such deep thoughts off, and he couldn't help but smile, infected by Peter's enthusiasm.
"Peter," He repeated, then nodded as if approving of the name, "Topping swank, chap. I'm sure between the two of us we can find a way back to Neverland! And I suppose the best way to start doing that is to know the layout of this queer place." Finally he released his grip on Peter, both hands fixing onto his waist as he looked around again.
--
He annoyed the strange pang of loss that lingered after he'd been released, feeling oddly reassured by the boy's vote of confidence. If nothing else, as a boy Hook was certainly a sigt to behold. He seemed so entirely separate from the man he would become- curious and passionate and optimistic. Yet at the same time, the two overlapped in subtle ways; like a shadow neither could outrun and Peter had to wonder at what changed this boy so much that he would be shaped into the captain he would someday call an enemy. It was strange to hear that voice call him anything other than 'Pan'.
Still, it was difficult not to like the boy. He was clever that much Peter knew, and whoever his friend was, James was obviously very close to him. Peter tried to assure himself that he wasn't bothered that James was fretting over someone else instead of thinking of him. Brows furrowed slightly and he circled his new companion once more. He couldn't very well have James running around below him all day- that would just be inconveinent but... Peter paused for a moment before realization broke over his features.
"I'll teach you to fly, it'll be much faster than walking around."
His body straightened once more and one hand reached into his pocket, grabbing a hand full of glittering gold dust. He'd planned on teaching Namine to fly at some point that day- but it couldn't be helped. He did have more fairy dust after all. Peter tossed the dust over dark hair before he lowered once more- sitting at eye-level with the boy and leaning in close once more. "All you have to do, is think a happy thought."
--
While he had been scrutinizing his surroundings, as Peter flew a circle around him he found his gaze inexplicably drawn back to the fair-haired boy. Once again he glanced at the space beneath Peter, amazed by his ability of flight. But it made him smile wider-- somehow he had known flight was not such a fantastic dream. Why not, after all? Man walked land, sailed the seas-- why not fly the blue skies? To say he didn't want to know the trick would be a lie, but when Peter offered to teach him, he was still surprised by the act of kindness. James, even as a boy, was not used to such graciousness.
"Teach me to fly?" He asked, though the question faded off as shining sparkle rained down from above him, catching in the candle-twists of his onyx hair, leaving the gleaming locks a-glitter with an ethereal shine. He blinked and shook his head as some of the fairy-magic clung to his dark eyelashes, and when forget-me-nots opened again it was to those jade eyes close to his face. Instead of leaning away, though, he just blinked one more time, brow furrowing a bit.
"Think a happy thought?" He bit his lip contemplatively, eyes cutting away to fix on a nonexistant point just passed Peter's shoulder. A happy thought? What kind of happy thought? There were a surprising few for James, really.
--
Back then- before the feelings and the confusion and Wendy and the City; Peter and his Lost Boys had always said that Hook was the one man alive who would never be able to fly. And now, looking at the distant, almost melancholy look on the boy's features- he wanted to be wrong. Only moments earlier he'd seemed thrown off kilter at the suggestion, as though no one had ever taken the time to hold a real conversation with him before.
Peter shook his head. It wasn't like him to dwell so much on thoughts, especially ones that lead right back into that tangled knot that sat like lead in his stomach. For all his melancholy though, James couldn't be competely hopeless, especially not with such a bright flicker of life to him. Without thought, hands rough from climbing and fighting reached out to take hold of James' own, as if willing him into the air with him. "Yes, it's easy" He reassured with an easy smile. "Think about adventure and fun. Think about Neverland with mermaids and indians and fairies and pirates. Think about being so far away no one can reach you again"
--
He wrenched his gaze from the far away place, head bowing a little, eyes dropping to the hands that held his own. There was another thing he wasn't used to: a touch that was not harsh. He only ever received them from Aunt Emily, and ever since coming to Eton he had developed a sinking feeling he would never see her again. At Eton there was only the O.E.'s and their whips (a small shudder ran the length of his frame at the memory of the cat o' nine tails on his back), the sharp eyes of the profs. The boys hands were rough, rougher than James', though he had callouses from writing and fencing.
"Neverland," He whispered, and for a moment sounded lost. Neverland. Adventure. Running away from the world and its cruelty, not having to worry about any of those things. Not having to worry about growing old, living in eternal paradise with and Jolly Roger and Ananova (should they ever be destined to meet). And now, of course, Peter. Peter had to be there too. His smile was slow, and when he lifted his eyes to look at Peter through his eyelashes, mischief was all over his face. "That would be an awfully big adventure." James admitted and, though he didn't notice, lifted slowly into the air.
--
Warm hands tightened their grip to hold firm, unconsciously trying to offer a feeling of security. That mischievious smirk was the last thing he'd expected to see from his nemesis and it made his whole body feel light- as though finally pulling away a particularly heavy burden. He felt the sudden shift before he saw it, aware of the subtle change as James himself rose from the ground.
It was an overwhelming, dizzing happiness that Peter didn't try to explain, instead laughing excitedly and swooping down to press an excited kiss to the boy's lips. He didn't know what sort of past haunted him, what thoughts and memories kept him so tightly rooted to obvious unhappiness; but whatever it was, James had managed to find a way through it. Peter pulled away, face alight with unmasked joy as his hands tugged the boy higher into the air. "See? You've got it already!"
--
At first James wasn't sure what the laugh was about, and so an amused sort of curiousity flickered over his face, and before he figured out what could have possibly caused that contagious excitement-- Peter was kissing him. He blinked, forget-me-nots widening as Peter Pan stole his first kiss. He wasn't quite sure how to respond, though a surge of warmth flooded from his lips and lanced through his entire body, setting his limbs tingling and his heart beating faster. Before Peter had even broken away James was jerking higher into the air, and any reaction-- aside from an obvious blush staining his cheekbones-- was pushed aside as James realized he was flying.
He looked down to see the ground that he definitely was not standing on, and unadultered excitement and deleight lit up his face. "I'm... I'm flying!" He crowed, and with a shout of joy, he swept backwards, pulling Peter along with him to spin the both of them around, black curls fanning out with the movment as though he were some kind of dark angel.
--
Smiling and laughing had always come easily to him. And yet, in his time in the City his spirit had been more that effectively dampered. He'd been aimless and lost and a few dozen other unpleasant things; but somehow it had all slowly faded into the background, becoming a dull hum that was easily overlooked and more often than not- fogetten entirely. Especially in moments like these. James, in the few hours he'd known the boy, was enthralling and even more so when delighted by his own newfound ability to fly.
It was the same look he'd seen on Wendy's face when he'd first shown her. Awe and wonder and joy.
He seemed to get the hang of it rather quickly, which- though he said nothing of the sort- surprised Peter immensely. James looked perfectly comfortable in the air, which was just as well because the boy as far too excited to simply hover much longer. "Where would you like to go first?" He asked, turning back to flash his companion a dazzling smile. "The giant plants over running the garden of Xanadu, or the forest with all sorts of strange and dangerous beasts, or maybe the ocean shore where the ships are all anchored?"
--
Even though the twirl had stopped, James had yet to release Peter's hand. He hardly noticed he was still in contact with the boy, actually, so distracted by Peter's words and the possibilites that suddenly lay before him. Where this place had been intimidating and alien before, now he felt like the King Jolly had so properly dubbed him as. Up here, defying gravity, the cool wind stirring up his long hair-- he could do anything. The problem was deciding what first to do.
"I-I have no idea," He confessed, though his confidant grin seemed fixed to his face. "They're-- can't we do all of them?" And his attention snapped back to Peter, as if struck by a brilliant idea. "I bet we could. Tell you what, you choose a place, and we'll do a circle. How about that?" James was positively thrumming with the excitement of upcoming adventure, blue eyes glittering and sharp.
--
Their continual contact went as unknown by Peter as it did with James, and if nothing else, their clasped hands seemed a reassuring tether. "Of course we can see everything, it's a perfect plan! Let's start with the beach, the ships are my favorite." He began, leading the way and navigating with ease over the treetops but never once going so fast as to strain his companion. When he spoke, his voice was animated, filled with enthusiasm. "There are alot of ships here, they were the first things I saw when I got here too- other than the water anyway. I have one myself, but since the lost boys all went away its too big for me to captain by myself, so it's still in Neverland."
--
Suddenly having four directions to travel in for most should have been alarming, but James quickly got the hang of it. It was as if, after a short test of flying a short distance in each direction, he gained his equilibrium like a cabin boy gained his sea legs. Still, it wasn't until they were halfway over the forest that James finally released his firm grip on Peter, reaching out couragously to pull off some barrel-turns, dipping under Peter, then over him. Although he knew that Peter was more nimble, and likely faster than he-- he had been doing this for far longer, after all-- it was still a bit of an ego stroke.
It was when Peter started speaking that James finally floated up next to him again, though stretched out on his back, arms locked behind his head, so he might look into the fairy-child's face. "Did you really? Topping swank, Peter!" He let loose a laugh, turning his eyes skywards, though staying aware of where Peter was and where the treetops were below. "I'm going to have a ship some day, whether I have to steal it or not. Jolly and I are going to captain it together. It's going to be called The Jolly Roger, after him, and it will be the most fantastic ship to ever sail." He chuckled, tilting his chin up and closing his eyes, feeling the wind against his skin.
--
Green eyes widened in surprise at the name, recognition sinking in. The Jolly Roger, yes, that was it, the name of Hook's ship, the ship he'd recently claimed as his own-
Peter thought of all this, and wisely decided to say nothing of it. After all, he had no desire to upset his new friend. "That sounds like a brilliant name. I'm sure you'll be a wonderful captain someday!" He confirmed, letting his body roll through the air to rest on his back beside James. Peter paid no attention to their proximity- comfortable regardless, so long as he could feel the rush of the wind against his back and he rested easily on the current, content to be carried.
He loved hearing the boy talk, particularly because he was so passionate about everything- though, he admitted to himself; he was a bit unnerved at how often his friend Roger was discussed. It reminded him almost of Tinkerbell's jealousy- but as quickly as the thought arose, he dismissed it, distracted by the sudden smell of sea salt on the air. The change bright yet another smile to the boy's face and he knew it wouldn't be long until they saw the stretches of sandy shores...
The contented smile gave way to a mischievious smirk and without warning Peter reached out, grabbing the boy and somersaulting them through the air playfully.
--
"You better believe it," James agreed confidantly, beaming, although he didn't bother opening his eyes. "I will be the best captain ever! Of course, I'll have to let my crew know I'm boss-- or Jolly and I, rather-- but I shall be completely fair. They-- Ack!" The rambling was cut off abruptly as Peter suddenly grabbed him, sending the pair of them tumbling wildly through the air.
Once the initial shock wore off-- which took seconds, really-- James responded quickly. His own smile turned into something wickedly playful and he grabbed Peter about the waist, push-pulling so he was in control of the spin. With their momentum, though, and with Peter giving back in kind, it was impossible for James to stay in charge. They were almost identically matched, but even as he slipped away from Peter, James tackled back in, locking an arm around Peter's shoulders and pulling so their rough-house fell to the left instead of directly forward.
--
He could help the laughter that exploded as they rolled through the air, spiralling to the side. James was alarmingly strong; and Peter wasn't sure if he should be surprised by the realization or not. So while it was a surprise, he decided that it was a rather pleasant one and a wicked smirk tugged at his mouth. Maybe he couldn't win with force, but he could shift their weight if he suddenly gave in- which is exactly what he did, allowing James' weight to propel them to the other side.
It was enough of a shift to allow him to roll ontop of the other as if claiming a victory before pushing them both forward once more to tumble through the air. Flying had never been this fun with Wendy and her brothers, and Peter....didn't know what to make of the revelation- though he knew he enjoyed it.
--
A startled yelp jumped from the Oppidan's mouth when Peter suddenly went lax against him, and it threw him so much that Peter easily 'pinned' him. There was the briefest of pauses where their eyes locked before Peter shoved again, and they were rolling. James pushed back, trying to get the upper hand back, and at one point, in the middle of horseplay, they became entirely tangled, arms and legs in a knot. Seeing no way out of it, James-- laughing-- wriggled and squirmed his way out of the vice-grip Peter had on him, and bolted towards the ocean, leading his newfound friend into a game of chase towards the seashore.
He had never had such fun in his life! The Wall Game, fighting with Darling, even learning to fence-- none of it came anywhere close to how alive Peter was making him feel.
--
When he noticed that the boy had gotten ahead of him, Peter bit his bottom lip, letting the rush of competition pass through him. It was a long time since he'd had a challenge, at least, a challenge worth while from someone more than capable of keeping him on his toes.
Yes, James was relatively new to flying, but Peter certainly didn't want to have to walk him through it- so he was more than delighted that the boy was able to hold his own- more than that, to try to race Peter himself. He surged forward, speeding though the air and catching up with his dark-haired companion in a matter of seconds. They had already reached their destination- but Peter was not one to pass up one final victory. Sun-kissed arms wrapped around James' waist and with a half-laughed battle cry, Peter pulled him down, falling to the sand but having enough decency to ensure that his own back was the one to smash into the ground first.
If it hurt, he gave no indication, too wrapped up in their mock-battle to give in now, and Peter rolled once more, physically pinning the boy between his body and the white-gold sand. "I win."
--
Once again he shouted with surprise, but it was laced with a laugh, and on reflex his hands fisted into the sides of Peter's shirt, keeping them locked firmly together as they finally hit the sand. The breath rushed from James' lungs with the impact, and when Peter forcefully shoved him over, pressing him hard against the ground with his body weight, Hook was too out of breath from physical labour and sheer exhileration to argue.
He dropped the his head back against the sand, shining black hair fanning out under him, a stark contrast to the silk-white of the sand. He laughed, again, breathless, and wrapped his arms around Peter's ribs to give him a firm squeeze. A congratulations of sorts. "Don't think I won't get you back," He threatened, smirking up into those jade eyes, and though competition was in his voice, it was little more than that. With a huge sigh, he relaxed back against the soft sand, throwing his arms out to the side. He made no effort to push the other boy off of his chest.
--
Breathing still a bit labored from both the fight and the impact, Peter frowned slightly at the dull throb of pain in his back but said nothing. Besides, as far as he was concerned, it had been worth it. His weight rested on his arms, keeping him suspended above his companion's body and when the boy beneath him laid out comfortably- Peter felt a warm knot tangling in his stomach and swallowed the lump in his throat.
It wasn't the first time he'd had the feeling but it was certainly the most intense- and it frightened him.
Peter shook it off, pushing the thought away both mentally and physically: his body rising up enough to allow him to stand. He chewed his bottom lip thoughtfully, turning his attention away from the all too distracting boy beside him, to the crashing waves of the ocean not far off. Bare feet savored the feeling of the sand between his toes, and when he spoke, he did not turn to look back at the other. "James, lets always be friends, alright?"
It was softly spoken- perhaps startlingly so from as loud a boy as Peter, and he turned to toss a gentle smile over his shoulder as explination-
before taking off at high speed, sprinting across the ocean's sands and to the water's edge before jumping in with a laugh. Oh yes, it was bound to be freezing, but Peter never denied whims when they came along so freely. Besides, he could always dry off later. In the meantime, perhaps some physical distance between him and his newfound friend would help ease....whatever it was that was twisting him up.
--
James rolled his head against the sand, taking in the strong picture Peter made against the bright of the beach. His own brows furrowed when Peter didn't turn around, instead taking to staring off towards the ocean. And then that soft request, so unlike how loud and brash he had been these past hours, he lifted his head a little, white grains clinging to the curl of his hair. But Peter ran off before James could reply, and so instead, he sat up, looking after the other. What was that supposed to mean? James wasn't planning on losing Peter. He'd rather lose his right hand! And he was right handed!
But seeing the boy splash into the surf, the grin came back again. That did look like fun. And there was no use thinking such heavy thoughts, they would get in the way of exploration. So, he toed off his shoes and pulled off his socks, then peeled off coat, vest, tie and shirt. Unlike Peter, it would take a lot longer for all of his clothes to dry off. He all but sprang to his feet after that, and rushed for the ocean, sparing an idle thought to the fact that today was swimming day at Eton. It was quickly lost, though, as he launched into the water with a whoop-- the sound cut off with a gasp at how chilled the water was.
Surfacing, he shook water from his eyes, slicking back the dampened licorice twist of his hair and peering out into the water. With a laugh, he pointed: "Pirate ships!"
--
He hadn't expected the boy to follow him- but laughed nonetheless at the splash that followed. He dove underwater once more, legs kicking out to launch him forward before he surfaced once more, one arm reaching up to wipe the water from his eyes. James looked so full of life- free, the way he had when he'd first taught the boy to fly, and Peter felt that strange fluttering in his chest once more.
Still, as much as he enjoyed the sudden spontaneous dip in the ocean- even he had to admit that the idea was ill advised because he was already half frozen. Trying his best to hold back a sheepish smile as he looked to the boy, Peter laughed suddenly before announcing the obvious. "This water is really cold!"
--
James was taken with the sight of sails on the horizon, but once Peter mentioned it, he returned from the daydream of stealing one of those ships to the freezing cold that gripped him from the waist down. This water was colder than the lake back at Eton-- though that water source did get this cold in winter. Was it winter here? He hadn't bothered to look, actually. Though, come to think of it, there had been something suspiciously like frost along the edges of the buildings back in the City. James gave a shiver, then laughed again.
"You know, you'll just turn numb after a while," He said, turning to Peter, one hand still shielding his eyes. He shrugged, and letting the grin widen, he threw out his arms and dropped backwards into the water. The water engulfed him briefly, and he turned over underneath the water, swimming a circle around Peter before popping up again with a hiss of breath.
"I think I agree. 'Tis a touch too cold for swimming," He said, teeth chattering just a little, and with a violent shudder he jumped out of the water and flew back to shore.
--
Freezing cold he may have been, but Peter's pride would never let him admit such a thing- at least, not admit to it first. So when James flew back to the shore, the boy was quick to follow him. Once back on the sand however, Peter shivered once more, skin prickling and wet hair falling haphazardly across this face. He found it strange that he'd never felt better than when he was in James' company. Of course, he loved Wendy and the lost boys dearly- but in a way he couldn't possibly hope to explain- James was different.
He felt warm and content, as if his insides might suddenly take flight without a moments notice. Frightening and all the more desired.
Peter flopped down regardless, laying back in the sand in a feeble attempt to dry out- or at the very least warm himself; wet shirt sticking to his skin as he shook water droplets from his hands. It was then he noticed a rather peculiar mark on the other boy; in what looked like a word written across his arm. "James? What is that?"
--
At first James was distracted with shaking out his Eton coat, he had more of them back at the school, anyway, so he didn't care if he ruined this one for the sake of adventure. Slapping it against his wet thigh, he shook out what sand he could before using it as a makeshift towel to dry off his arms and chest. It helped a little, but he was still chilled, and so he copied Peter's idea and threw himself gracelessly down to sit next to the boy.
"What's what?" He asked once settled, dropping his coat onto his friend's chest so he might use it in a similar fashion. He tilted his head, pulling the majority of his thick black hair over one shoulder, both hands ringing out the soaking wet curls as bright eyes watched Peter curiously.
--
At that, his body curled in on itself, rolling forward to sit up before he shifted to face the other boy. Still wet limbs were dusted in a fine layer of sand as he crossed his legs once more, leaning forward. For his part, James seemed completely unaware of what had gotten the boy's attention so effectively- but Peter's gaze never wavered, focused entirely on the scar he'd only just glimpsed.
Without thought, he reached out, one hand wrapping around the boy's delicate wrist as he tugged James' arm forward to inspect it. Fingers warm despite the recent dip in the ocean, reached out to hesitantly brush over the scar. "This." He breathed, voice almost a reverant whisper.
--
James blinked as his hand was tugged from his hair, the other holding the locks in something of a pony tail. When he realized what Peter was looking at, though, he completely forgot everything else. The chill, the heaviness of his hair. Everything focused down to Peter's soft voice, the firm grip on his wrist, the electric touch of Peter's fingers against the raised flesh.
He looked down to the carefully inscribed word on his forearm, and in a rush thoughts of Neverland flooded through his body. Directly after, his eyes flicked to Peter. He didn't normally flash the scar around, after all-- especially back home-- he would receive a fair strange looks about it. That sort of thing was looked down upon, even if they did whip the boys there. But Peter... he looked enthralled by it. But Peter was from Neverland. He would understand. Subconciously, he leaned closer, hair forgotten and falling in went strands around his bare shoulders.
"Neverland," He whispered back, his eyes wide, his expression honest.
--
The scar stirred something in him- though he made no effort to understand what the feeling was. Facination, he supposed, and lost his thoughts warm breath ghosted across the boy's wrist. It was then he felt James' eyes on him, and though instinct screamed to look up and meet those brilliant blue eyes, Peter pushed it away. Instead, he closed the distance, brushing petal soft lips against the scar in a tender kiss.
Even when he pulled away, he couldn't bring himself to meet the other's gaze, head lowered as his grip on James' arm loosened. His voice, despite how soft it was, remained steady, seeking confirmation. "It is very special to you... isn't it James?"
--
The smile slid from James' face, replaced with something closer to awe. While he had expected Peter to comprehend his obsession, he hadn't quite expected... that. His expression softened, the piercing blue of his eyes gentling like the ocean on a moonlit night as he watched the top of Peter's head. They were connected, he and Peter. Unlike anyone else James had ever met in his entire life. Warmth curled in his chest, swirled down into his belly, making his heart beat faster, forcing him to swallow against the thickness in his throat.
"Yes," He whispered hoarsely. Like nothing else was. He needed Neverland like he needed to breath. James' hand curled into a bit of a fist, but he didn't pull away. If anything, he leaned just the slightest bit closer. "Is it... the same for you?" He asked, voice so low that it could easily be labelled as intimate.
--
"Of course," He murmered, palm coming to rest over James' scar as his head lifted. "It is my only home." Peter hadn't expected the other to be quite so close, but paid the detail no mind. After all, he'd become more than comfortable in the boy's presence, and their closeness was a great comfort. It made everything seem hazy, he thought, as though the outside world had blurred at the edges, fading in it's importance.
Once more, he closed the gap between them, as his eyes slid shut and his mouth brushed against James' bottom lip in the barest of kisses.
--
James knew the kiss was coming before Peter had even leaned forward, but when their lips touched his eyelashes fluttered and his heart shuddered like a caged bird. He paused just the fraction of a second before exhaling and returning the pressure, right hand lifting to curl lightly, barely touching, behind Peter's ear, in the pale of his hair.
He thought he might explode with joy. Here was this wild child, someone he had never met in his life, telling him of Neverland and teaching him to fly. He had thought Ananova was the world, thought she should be the most important thing in his life alongside his wonder land and Jolly Roger. But Peter... Peter who understood him, and his scars, and adventure, and kissing him so softly that way...
He knew, without a doubt, Peter was the most important thing in his life. Somehow he knew, if everything else should fail, there would be Peter. His. Like Neverland. And he smiled against the boy's lips, nuzzling his face before withdrawing and flashing a dazzling smile. "We'll return there, and it will be both our home." He whispered, possessively viciously, eyes shining with promise.
--
Somehow, the gentle touch in his hair made the entire thing seem real- and Peter didn't know what to make of it all. Every time he was close to the other, he felt that pull- a drawing together and desire to touch. Never quite near enough. But it was still so frighteningly new.
He'd thought he'd always been happy with his lost boys and their adventures, with tinkerbell to always be beside him, with Hook to always fight, with Wendy to sooth away his nightmares and tell him fantastic stories. But then this boy had appeared from no where- and Peter could feel electricity burning though his veins. Peter rested his forhead against James' own, content, for the first time, to let himself be still. "I promise." He whispered, hand reaching up to cup the boy's cheek tenderly before he felt that stirring in his chest once more.
It was then that Peter sat back slowly, brows furrowed in confusion as one hand unconsciously came to rest over his heart- puzzled green eyes meeting blue. "James...?"
--
James swallowed and licked his lips, petting his hand through Peter's hair before letting it fall to his shoulder. He smiled privately with the promise, warm all over, and he turned his face into Peter's hand to kiss his wrist when the other boy's hand went there. It was only as Peter pulled back that he was broken from the soft silence that had settled around them. His expression quickly matched Peter's, though an undercurrent of concern was obvious alongside the confusion.
"Are you alright?" He frowned, both hands coming up to rub briskly at Peter's arms, becoming aware of the chill that was prickling both their skin with goosebumps. Ah, that had to be it. "We shouldn't have jumped in the water, huh?" He sniggered, then grabbed his coat from Peter's lap and shifted up onto his knees, throwing the jacket around his shoulders. "Wear this, okay?"
With that, he turned to grab his own shirt, tugging it on in an effort to block out some of the chill. Then he grinned at Peter, "Look at us, sitting around. We've a whole city to explore, you know, and you said you would show me."
--
A moment earlier, Peter had been lost, looking for the answers to each new question James rose up in him- but the sudden shift of pace forced him to adapt. Shaking his head sightly to clear away the stray thoughts, Peter returned the grin genuinely- previous confusion all but forgotten as he stuffed his arms through the sleeves of the borrowed jacket.
"You're right, I did say that!" He confirmed, reaching out to lock hands with the boy once more. Physical contact was becoming easier and easier, passing between them without notice as he took to the air once more. "A whole City and most of the day is already gone! We're lagging behind. Lets go explore the forest, there are all sorts of dangerous animals in there. Think you're up for it?"
--
"I was born ready. The end," James said confidently, face bright with life. He tightened his hand around Peter's and, without even thinking of it, his joy of this meeting buoyed him up into the air. Shaking his hair, he laughed and pulled on Peter's hand, heading skywards. "Someone told me there could be fire breathing rabbits in that forest. What say you to catching one? We'll tame it and chase away all of our enemies!"
James cackled then, triumphant and excited, already heading for the forest, trusting Peter to stay at his side.
Rating; PG-13
Characters; Hook
ironhook, & Peter all_butoneSummary; Peter's wish on Christmas Eve brings him a new friend- with unexpected consequences and an armful of surprises.
Log;
He'd been curled up in his bed for quite some, hiding somewhere amongst the piles of luxurious pilliows and stacks of fine blankets and giving the wall beside him a particularly nasty glare. Peter had been in a truly bad mood- due mostly to the curses of the past few days. Even the day where he'd been able to order Hook around which had started out so perfectly.... The boy frowned, body curling to hug his knees to his chest. Even that, the man had ruined.
Being blind had been awful because he wasn't able to fly and now his whole body was sore from his near constant collision with....everything around him. And then that lady Jamie in his room who kept asking all sorts of awful things and he couldn't keep his mouth shut about anything which was only made worse when he finally realized that that lady wasn't a lady at all. Peter covered his head with his arms, blatantly pouting.
It was impossible to talk sense to that man and all he ever did was make things worse! Telling him that he'd grow up too and making everything so confusing. "I wish James Hook had never grown up at all!"
--
Captain Jas. Hook couldn't be in a finer mood. The last few days, although riddled with curses, hadn't been as bad as he had first expected them to be. Well, they had, but James had been able to work them into his favour. Terribly amusing, really, how these curses gave him new ways to torment the boy. Though the curse day where Peter had been unable to tell a lie had brought forth some... intriguing information. Even after turning the answers over in his head all day, James wasnt much closer to any drawing any conclusions.
But he had a feeling it wasn't entirely because Peter was slowly, but surely, growing up. James tapped his hook to his mouh. Of course, now that he wasn't in Pan's company, the ticking had returned, so that made it that much harder to think. With a shake of his head, James turned away from the fountain--
And suddenly didn't recognize where he was.
This, most definitely, was not Eton. Although classes had just ended, this wasn't the courtyard. In fact, he didn't see the school at all! And that wasn't the fountain, and--- whoa. Those buildings-- Oh man. Where was Jolly? He had to be seeing this.
"Neverland...? Oy! Jolly!" The boy-James whirled around, face a lit with a deleighted grin. "Jolly R! Where the buggery are you, chap?"
--
Having been reprimanded several times in the past for lingering around the room when upset, Peter threw the blankets and pillows aside with a huff. Sure, Hook had managed to rile him up rather effectively, but that didn't mean the boy had to let him ruin the rest of his day. Besides, fresh air always lifted his spirits and if nothing else, now that he was no longer blind- he'd be able to fly again.
The thought brought a smile to his face and the boy knelt on his bed, pushing open the wide window and climbing onto the ledge. He was more certain now than ever- there were bound to be new adventures to be had and Peter would find them if he spent the day sulking in his room. Bare toes curled around the window's edge and the boy cast one last glance to the ground below before he jumped, letting his body lift into the air.
As far as he was concerned, flying was far and away the greatest joy he'd ever known and the laugh fell easily from his lips. Rolling through the air with an offhand grace, Peter headed for the City's center. It was, after all where he'd always managed to find excitement before.
--
"Jolly! Oh, come on," He was worried now. He couldn't find Roger anywhere. And all these people just gave him funny looks when he asked. Not that he wasn't used to getting funny looks from people, but really, would it be so bad for an individual to show good form even once? And the more he looked around, the more he was convinced this wasn't even Britannia. But... It couldn't be Neverland. It was... it looked more like a city, albeit it an extremely fancy one. Nothing like back home. And Neverland was an island, brilliant and spectacular with wide oceans and lush forests and all kinds of animals...
He stopped, fists on his hips and did a full three hundred and sixty degree turn. "Jolly Roger Davies..." James sighed, shook his head and lifted one hand, pulling it through the thick black curls of his hair. It was like Jolly to get lost. He must be so worried, too, without his King. And James had vowed to look out for his best friend. Biting his lip, he glanced around again, then started off eastward. He had a feeling this city was very large, so it might take a while, but he had to find Jolly.
--
The shout caught him off guard and Peter blinked owlishly before rolling over. While there were all manner of strange things to get used to in the City, yelling lunatics were a rarity and the boy frowned, scanning the ground below for whoever had been making so much noise.
It wasn't much of a search thankfully- as green eyes focused on a dark haired boy who'd just finished whirling around to start heading ... east. Peter flew in closer, curious but not willing to risk personal injury if their new resident crazy decided to lash out. He arched an eyebrow, head cocked to the side in a gesture of open curiosity as he hovered not more than a foot above and behind the boy's shoulder.
For whatever it was worth, the youth had an air of familiarity about him, though it was nothing definitive. Still, he was strange and from the sounds of it, perhaps lost and looking for someone?
--
James, even as a child, had always been incredibly perceptive and aloof. It came with looking the way he did and never having a loving pair of parents. Of course, there was Aunt Emily, and he loved her dearly, but really, if it came down to it, James knew it would be he defending her, than the other way around. Nevertheless, when he felt the presence over his shoulder, his eyes glinted red. The only people who ever snuck up on him at Eton were the O.E.s, and really, but this time, they should know better. In fact, most of them did.
He didn't have a sword or any such thing to fight with, but he still whirled around in a flare of raven-dark hair, crimson eyes fixing suspiciously on the boy. He was on edge in this foreign place without Jolly and no way of defending himself. He had no sword, or even an umbrella, and while he knew he could still easily worm his way out of trouble, it made him anxious.
"Who are--" He started haughtily, ready to rip his attacker limb from limb with words alone, only to abruptly stop when he realized they were... floating? "...Ah?"
--
His body jerked at the boy's sudden reaction and instict alone urged him back a few more feet, putting distance between them before Peter was able to catch sight of an equally stunned expression. All things considered, that mutual surprise had been reassuring. It meant, after all, that the boy wasn't too much of a threat- at least not one he couldn't escape if necessary. That decided, he flew closer once more, circling the dark-haired newcomer. "So you aren't crazy." He concluded, green eyes glinting- clearly intrigued.
"You're new right? And looking for someone I suspect. What's your name?" The questions were innocent enough and though part of him remained wary, the boy had more than effectively sparked his interest. He sat, legs crossed, leaning forward expectantly and looking for all the world as though such their meeting was perfectly natural.
--
"What, cra-- That might depend on-- Who.. you..." It was terribly distracting the way this boy flew around in such a manner, and the red quickly faded from his eyes, leaving striking forget-me-nots in their wake. But... flew? James was finding it hard to form a coherent thought. Boys weren't supposed to be able to do that, according to physics and all such things. Not that James hadn't entertained the thought of flying, away from his wretched life. Though if he ever learned, he would have to teach Jolly, because there was no way he would leave his best friend behind.
As Peter stopped flying around, instead taking to floating mid-air directly before him, James blinked and mentally slapped himself. Really, where were his own manners? This chap wasn't being antagonistic at all, despite first impressions. The raven-haired boy lifted his chin arrogantly, striking something of a pose. Weight shifted slightly to one side, left hand on his hip, right hand held in a fist directly before him-- and despite the height difference and clothing, he was a spitting image of the pirate captain he would become.
"James Matthew B., O.S.B.," He declared, cracking a smile. It faded quickly though, and his fist dropped. "I'm looking for my friend, Roger Davies. Somewhat portly fellow, about yay-high. Haven't seen him, have you?" Distracted again, his brows furrowing as he looked at Peter. "And who are you? And why can you...." He flapped his hand at Peter and his floating, "That?"
--
If those frighteningly blue eyes hadn't already tipped him off, the pose did exactly that and his own eyes widened in shock once more- body sinking in the air though not enough to allow him to touch the ground. The rest of the boy's questions had been forgotten, and Peter's legs unfolded themselves, shoulders slumping. Peter wasn't entirely sure what had happened to the once pirate-king, but whatever it was, was alarming.
Could it have been another of the City's curses? He shook his head, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. Then there was the chance that this wasn't a curse, chances were just as likely that this was....something else. The Captain Hook -he- knew could still be in the City somewhere and this could just be...a smaller version. Or perhaps a future son?
"You-You mean you don't know who I am? You don't remember me or Wendy or Neverland- nothing?"
--
James blinked, lifting his head and looking at Peter oddly as he sank slowly in the air more to James' level. He didn't land, which James thought was alarming and absolutely enthralling at the same time (though if he had James would have to look down at least two inches to look at him). Who was this strange flying boy? And why was he so alarmed with James' introduction. A look of concern flickered across the Eton student's face, and he tilted his head to look more directly at Peter-- and that was when Peter mentioned Neverland.
His eyes widened almost comically, and unable to stop himself he stepped forward, his right hand snapping out to grab the boy's wrist (his grip was just as firm as a child as a man). "N-Never... Neverland? You-- You know-- Have you been there?" His voice grew progessively quieter as he spoke, expression anxious and hopeful at the same time, as if this new information were a magnificent secret that only the two of them shared.
--
A jolt of electricity shot thorough him at the contact and Peter froze, almost unable to move and he became painfully aware of the way his heart was beating so frantically against his ribcage. Even as a boy, Hook was able to get the better of him. It was then his eyes caught sight of the other's right hand and Peter had to struggle to breathe. It was all the confirmation he'd needed. This wasn't a child, but the man himself- somehow...young again.
It suddenly made sense. If Hook was a child, then he wasn't a pirate yet. He still had his hand, he didn't have a ship, he'd never been to Neverland and he had no idea-
James Hook had no idea who he was.
It was in that moment that confusion gave way to mischief. The past few days, the pirate had done nothing but make his life miserable- what kind of sport would he be if he simply let the man with now? Not that he had anything against the dark haired boy before him- no. He'd actually found himself already quite fond of him; which made his desire to befriend the boy a perfect plan.
Peter arched an eyebrow but made no attempt to escape the other's grasp. Instead he leaned in close, nodding before he replied in the same conspiratory whisper. "Of course I've been to Neverland. I live there."
--
A tingle ran the whole length of James' body when Peter leaned close and returned the whisper, and in response his grip tightened just fractionally on Peter's wrist. He licked his lips, and if possible, his eyes widened just a little bit more. "You live there?" He asked, hushed, awed. "What... h..." James found he couldn't look away from those bright green eyes. Someone else... had been to Neverland. His magical island, of mermaids and sunshine and--
"I knew it! I knew it was there!" His pale face split into a wide grin, and for his excitement his voice didn't get any louder. But a moment later it faded, giving way to worry. "But... This isn't Neverland. Is it?" Because it wasn't how he imagined it. Not at all. This wasn't the place that came to him in his dreams, that he and Jolly were going to travel away to.
--
The look on the boy's face was so unlike anything he'd ever seen from the pirate before, and Peter was almost dazzled by it. That play of emotions and thoughts that moved so easily across his face- enthusiasm and hope.
A smile had nearly formed when James first began to speak-but clearly faltered as he continued. It was then that the boy's bare feet did touch the ground, and he stood, looking down. More memories of the home he couldn't manage to find. Peter shook his head slowly, whisper softening to a point that was nearly inaudiable. "No, this isn't Neverland. This is the City. It captures people from all different worlds and...and never lets you go back home."
He knew however, that such a thing wouldn't do. He couldn't have the boy worring when he was supposed to be trying to befriend him after all. Peter looked up suddenly, meeting blue eyes with a hopeful smile. "But I'm sure it can't keep us here forever so we just have to bide our time!" It was one of his contagious laughs, and while one wrist remained clutched in the other's hand, the rest of his body lifted once more.
"If you're looking for your friend, he probably isn't here yet but I can show you around if you want. My name's Peter."
--
Where James' hold on Peter had loosened softly with their conversation, it tightened just fractionally once more, though this time it was less due to enthusiasm and more a want to lend sympathy to the boy. He tilted his head, hair swishing to the side with the movement, brushing Peter's arm due to how close they were and the sheer length of it. Even though he had just met the boy, he realized that when the kid was struck with an unhappy thought, his spectacular gift of flight seemed to lessen. Though the words that accompanied his descent were enough to darken James' face as well.
Trapped here? Forever? That could not be allowed. He had to find Neverland. And, with this boy's help, he was sure the both of them could do it. From the look of it, Peter needed to be there as much as James did. Therefore, he decided firmly, they would have to work together and get there. And if they arrived before he found Jolly, well, he would know the way, and he would come back for his friend.
Peter's sudden change of demeanor startled James, and at first he bit his lip. Jolly might not be here... James had mixed feelings about that. He wanted Jolly R around, the lad was his best-- his only-- friend, but at the same time James was glad he wasn't here. He almost hoped he wouldn't come. He didn't want the boy to be captured by the City-- Jas. would simply have to find a way back to him. Blue eyes lifted as James shook such deep thoughts off, and he couldn't help but smile, infected by Peter's enthusiasm.
"Peter," He repeated, then nodded as if approving of the name, "Topping swank, chap. I'm sure between the two of us we can find a way back to Neverland! And I suppose the best way to start doing that is to know the layout of this queer place." Finally he released his grip on Peter, both hands fixing onto his waist as he looked around again.
--
He annoyed the strange pang of loss that lingered after he'd been released, feeling oddly reassured by the boy's vote of confidence. If nothing else, as a boy Hook was certainly a sigt to behold. He seemed so entirely separate from the man he would become- curious and passionate and optimistic. Yet at the same time, the two overlapped in subtle ways; like a shadow neither could outrun and Peter had to wonder at what changed this boy so much that he would be shaped into the captain he would someday call an enemy. It was strange to hear that voice call him anything other than 'Pan'.
Still, it was difficult not to like the boy. He was clever that much Peter knew, and whoever his friend was, James was obviously very close to him. Peter tried to assure himself that he wasn't bothered that James was fretting over someone else instead of thinking of him. Brows furrowed slightly and he circled his new companion once more. He couldn't very well have James running around below him all day- that would just be inconveinent but... Peter paused for a moment before realization broke over his features.
"I'll teach you to fly, it'll be much faster than walking around."
His body straightened once more and one hand reached into his pocket, grabbing a hand full of glittering gold dust. He'd planned on teaching Namine to fly at some point that day- but it couldn't be helped. He did have more fairy dust after all. Peter tossed the dust over dark hair before he lowered once more- sitting at eye-level with the boy and leaning in close once more. "All you have to do, is think a happy thought."
--
While he had been scrutinizing his surroundings, as Peter flew a circle around him he found his gaze inexplicably drawn back to the fair-haired boy. Once again he glanced at the space beneath Peter, amazed by his ability of flight. But it made him smile wider-- somehow he had known flight was not such a fantastic dream. Why not, after all? Man walked land, sailed the seas-- why not fly the blue skies? To say he didn't want to know the trick would be a lie, but when Peter offered to teach him, he was still surprised by the act of kindness. James, even as a boy, was not used to such graciousness.
"Teach me to fly?" He asked, though the question faded off as shining sparkle rained down from above him, catching in the candle-twists of his onyx hair, leaving the gleaming locks a-glitter with an ethereal shine. He blinked and shook his head as some of the fairy-magic clung to his dark eyelashes, and when forget-me-nots opened again it was to those jade eyes close to his face. Instead of leaning away, though, he just blinked one more time, brow furrowing a bit.
"Think a happy thought?" He bit his lip contemplatively, eyes cutting away to fix on a nonexistant point just passed Peter's shoulder. A happy thought? What kind of happy thought? There were a surprising few for James, really.
--
Back then- before the feelings and the confusion and Wendy and the City; Peter and his Lost Boys had always said that Hook was the one man alive who would never be able to fly. And now, looking at the distant, almost melancholy look on the boy's features- he wanted to be wrong. Only moments earlier he'd seemed thrown off kilter at the suggestion, as though no one had ever taken the time to hold a real conversation with him before.
Peter shook his head. It wasn't like him to dwell so much on thoughts, especially ones that lead right back into that tangled knot that sat like lead in his stomach. For all his melancholy though, James couldn't be competely hopeless, especially not with such a bright flicker of life to him. Without thought, hands rough from climbing and fighting reached out to take hold of James' own, as if willing him into the air with him. "Yes, it's easy" He reassured with an easy smile. "Think about adventure and fun. Think about Neverland with mermaids and indians and fairies and pirates. Think about being so far away no one can reach you again"
--
He wrenched his gaze from the far away place, head bowing a little, eyes dropping to the hands that held his own. There was another thing he wasn't used to: a touch that was not harsh. He only ever received them from Aunt Emily, and ever since coming to Eton he had developed a sinking feeling he would never see her again. At Eton there was only the O.E.'s and their whips (a small shudder ran the length of his frame at the memory of the cat o' nine tails on his back), the sharp eyes of the profs. The boys hands were rough, rougher than James', though he had callouses from writing and fencing.
"Neverland," He whispered, and for a moment sounded lost. Neverland. Adventure. Running away from the world and its cruelty, not having to worry about any of those things. Not having to worry about growing old, living in eternal paradise with and Jolly Roger and Ananova (should they ever be destined to meet). And now, of course, Peter. Peter had to be there too. His smile was slow, and when he lifted his eyes to look at Peter through his eyelashes, mischief was all over his face. "That would be an awfully big adventure." James admitted and, though he didn't notice, lifted slowly into the air.
--
Warm hands tightened their grip to hold firm, unconsciously trying to offer a feeling of security. That mischievious smirk was the last thing he'd expected to see from his nemesis and it made his whole body feel light- as though finally pulling away a particularly heavy burden. He felt the sudden shift before he saw it, aware of the subtle change as James himself rose from the ground.
It was an overwhelming, dizzing happiness that Peter didn't try to explain, instead laughing excitedly and swooping down to press an excited kiss to the boy's lips. He didn't know what sort of past haunted him, what thoughts and memories kept him so tightly rooted to obvious unhappiness; but whatever it was, James had managed to find a way through it. Peter pulled away, face alight with unmasked joy as his hands tugged the boy higher into the air. "See? You've got it already!"
--
At first James wasn't sure what the laugh was about, and so an amused sort of curiousity flickered over his face, and before he figured out what could have possibly caused that contagious excitement-- Peter was kissing him. He blinked, forget-me-nots widening as Peter Pan stole his first kiss. He wasn't quite sure how to respond, though a surge of warmth flooded from his lips and lanced through his entire body, setting his limbs tingling and his heart beating faster. Before Peter had even broken away James was jerking higher into the air, and any reaction-- aside from an obvious blush staining his cheekbones-- was pushed aside as James realized he was flying.
He looked down to see the ground that he definitely was not standing on, and unadultered excitement and deleight lit up his face. "I'm... I'm flying!" He crowed, and with a shout of joy, he swept backwards, pulling Peter along with him to spin the both of them around, black curls fanning out with the movment as though he were some kind of dark angel.
--
Smiling and laughing had always come easily to him. And yet, in his time in the City his spirit had been more that effectively dampered. He'd been aimless and lost and a few dozen other unpleasant things; but somehow it had all slowly faded into the background, becoming a dull hum that was easily overlooked and more often than not- fogetten entirely. Especially in moments like these. James, in the few hours he'd known the boy, was enthralling and even more so when delighted by his own newfound ability to fly.
It was the same look he'd seen on Wendy's face when he'd first shown her. Awe and wonder and joy.
He seemed to get the hang of it rather quickly, which- though he said nothing of the sort- surprised Peter immensely. James looked perfectly comfortable in the air, which was just as well because the boy as far too excited to simply hover much longer. "Where would you like to go first?" He asked, turning back to flash his companion a dazzling smile. "The giant plants over running the garden of Xanadu, or the forest with all sorts of strange and dangerous beasts, or maybe the ocean shore where the ships are all anchored?"
--
Even though the twirl had stopped, James had yet to release Peter's hand. He hardly noticed he was still in contact with the boy, actually, so distracted by Peter's words and the possibilites that suddenly lay before him. Where this place had been intimidating and alien before, now he felt like the King Jolly had so properly dubbed him as. Up here, defying gravity, the cool wind stirring up his long hair-- he could do anything. The problem was deciding what first to do.
"I-I have no idea," He confessed, though his confidant grin seemed fixed to his face. "They're-- can't we do all of them?" And his attention snapped back to Peter, as if struck by a brilliant idea. "I bet we could. Tell you what, you choose a place, and we'll do a circle. How about that?" James was positively thrumming with the excitement of upcoming adventure, blue eyes glittering and sharp.
--
Their continual contact went as unknown by Peter as it did with James, and if nothing else, their clasped hands seemed a reassuring tether. "Of course we can see everything, it's a perfect plan! Let's start with the beach, the ships are my favorite." He began, leading the way and navigating with ease over the treetops but never once going so fast as to strain his companion. When he spoke, his voice was animated, filled with enthusiasm. "There are alot of ships here, they were the first things I saw when I got here too- other than the water anyway. I have one myself, but since the lost boys all went away its too big for me to captain by myself, so it's still in Neverland."
--
Suddenly having four directions to travel in for most should have been alarming, but James quickly got the hang of it. It was as if, after a short test of flying a short distance in each direction, he gained his equilibrium like a cabin boy gained his sea legs. Still, it wasn't until they were halfway over the forest that James finally released his firm grip on Peter, reaching out couragously to pull off some barrel-turns, dipping under Peter, then over him. Although he knew that Peter was more nimble, and likely faster than he-- he had been doing this for far longer, after all-- it was still a bit of an ego stroke.
It was when Peter started speaking that James finally floated up next to him again, though stretched out on his back, arms locked behind his head, so he might look into the fairy-child's face. "Did you really? Topping swank, Peter!" He let loose a laugh, turning his eyes skywards, though staying aware of where Peter was and where the treetops were below. "I'm going to have a ship some day, whether I have to steal it or not. Jolly and I are going to captain it together. It's going to be called The Jolly Roger, after him, and it will be the most fantastic ship to ever sail." He chuckled, tilting his chin up and closing his eyes, feeling the wind against his skin.
--
Green eyes widened in surprise at the name, recognition sinking in. The Jolly Roger, yes, that was it, the name of Hook's ship, the ship he'd recently claimed as his own-
Peter thought of all this, and wisely decided to say nothing of it. After all, he had no desire to upset his new friend. "That sounds like a brilliant name. I'm sure you'll be a wonderful captain someday!" He confirmed, letting his body roll through the air to rest on his back beside James. Peter paid no attention to their proximity- comfortable regardless, so long as he could feel the rush of the wind against his back and he rested easily on the current, content to be carried.
He loved hearing the boy talk, particularly because he was so passionate about everything- though, he admitted to himself; he was a bit unnerved at how often his friend Roger was discussed. It reminded him almost of Tinkerbell's jealousy- but as quickly as the thought arose, he dismissed it, distracted by the sudden smell of sea salt on the air. The change bright yet another smile to the boy's face and he knew it wouldn't be long until they saw the stretches of sandy shores...
The contented smile gave way to a mischievious smirk and without warning Peter reached out, grabbing the boy and somersaulting them through the air playfully.
--
"You better believe it," James agreed confidantly, beaming, although he didn't bother opening his eyes. "I will be the best captain ever! Of course, I'll have to let my crew know I'm boss-- or Jolly and I, rather-- but I shall be completely fair. They-- Ack!" The rambling was cut off abruptly as Peter suddenly grabbed him, sending the pair of them tumbling wildly through the air.
Once the initial shock wore off-- which took seconds, really-- James responded quickly. His own smile turned into something wickedly playful and he grabbed Peter about the waist, push-pulling so he was in control of the spin. With their momentum, though, and with Peter giving back in kind, it was impossible for James to stay in charge. They were almost identically matched, but even as he slipped away from Peter, James tackled back in, locking an arm around Peter's shoulders and pulling so their rough-house fell to the left instead of directly forward.
--
He could help the laughter that exploded as they rolled through the air, spiralling to the side. James was alarmingly strong; and Peter wasn't sure if he should be surprised by the realization or not. So while it was a surprise, he decided that it was a rather pleasant one and a wicked smirk tugged at his mouth. Maybe he couldn't win with force, but he could shift their weight if he suddenly gave in- which is exactly what he did, allowing James' weight to propel them to the other side.
It was enough of a shift to allow him to roll ontop of the other as if claiming a victory before pushing them both forward once more to tumble through the air. Flying had never been this fun with Wendy and her brothers, and Peter....didn't know what to make of the revelation- though he knew he enjoyed it.
--
A startled yelp jumped from the Oppidan's mouth when Peter suddenly went lax against him, and it threw him so much that Peter easily 'pinned' him. There was the briefest of pauses where their eyes locked before Peter shoved again, and they were rolling. James pushed back, trying to get the upper hand back, and at one point, in the middle of horseplay, they became entirely tangled, arms and legs in a knot. Seeing no way out of it, James-- laughing-- wriggled and squirmed his way out of the vice-grip Peter had on him, and bolted towards the ocean, leading his newfound friend into a game of chase towards the seashore.
He had never had such fun in his life! The Wall Game, fighting with Darling, even learning to fence-- none of it came anywhere close to how alive Peter was making him feel.
--
When he noticed that the boy had gotten ahead of him, Peter bit his bottom lip, letting the rush of competition pass through him. It was a long time since he'd had a challenge, at least, a challenge worth while from someone more than capable of keeping him on his toes.
Yes, James was relatively new to flying, but Peter certainly didn't want to have to walk him through it- so he was more than delighted that the boy was able to hold his own- more than that, to try to race Peter himself. He surged forward, speeding though the air and catching up with his dark-haired companion in a matter of seconds. They had already reached their destination- but Peter was not one to pass up one final victory. Sun-kissed arms wrapped around James' waist and with a half-laughed battle cry, Peter pulled him down, falling to the sand but having enough decency to ensure that his own back was the one to smash into the ground first.
If it hurt, he gave no indication, too wrapped up in their mock-battle to give in now, and Peter rolled once more, physically pinning the boy between his body and the white-gold sand. "I win."
--
Once again he shouted with surprise, but it was laced with a laugh, and on reflex his hands fisted into the sides of Peter's shirt, keeping them locked firmly together as they finally hit the sand. The breath rushed from James' lungs with the impact, and when Peter forcefully shoved him over, pressing him hard against the ground with his body weight, Hook was too out of breath from physical labour and sheer exhileration to argue.
He dropped the his head back against the sand, shining black hair fanning out under him, a stark contrast to the silk-white of the sand. He laughed, again, breathless, and wrapped his arms around Peter's ribs to give him a firm squeeze. A congratulations of sorts. "Don't think I won't get you back," He threatened, smirking up into those jade eyes, and though competition was in his voice, it was little more than that. With a huge sigh, he relaxed back against the soft sand, throwing his arms out to the side. He made no effort to push the other boy off of his chest.
--
Breathing still a bit labored from both the fight and the impact, Peter frowned slightly at the dull throb of pain in his back but said nothing. Besides, as far as he was concerned, it had been worth it. His weight rested on his arms, keeping him suspended above his companion's body and when the boy beneath him laid out comfortably- Peter felt a warm knot tangling in his stomach and swallowed the lump in his throat.
It wasn't the first time he'd had the feeling but it was certainly the most intense- and it frightened him.
Peter shook it off, pushing the thought away both mentally and physically: his body rising up enough to allow him to stand. He chewed his bottom lip thoughtfully, turning his attention away from the all too distracting boy beside him, to the crashing waves of the ocean not far off. Bare feet savored the feeling of the sand between his toes, and when he spoke, he did not turn to look back at the other. "James, lets always be friends, alright?"
It was softly spoken- perhaps startlingly so from as loud a boy as Peter, and he turned to toss a gentle smile over his shoulder as explination-
before taking off at high speed, sprinting across the ocean's sands and to the water's edge before jumping in with a laugh. Oh yes, it was bound to be freezing, but Peter never denied whims when they came along so freely. Besides, he could always dry off later. In the meantime, perhaps some physical distance between him and his newfound friend would help ease....whatever it was that was twisting him up.
--
James rolled his head against the sand, taking in the strong picture Peter made against the bright of the beach. His own brows furrowed when Peter didn't turn around, instead taking to staring off towards the ocean. And then that soft request, so unlike how loud and brash he had been these past hours, he lifted his head a little, white grains clinging to the curl of his hair. But Peter ran off before James could reply, and so instead, he sat up, looking after the other. What was that supposed to mean? James wasn't planning on losing Peter. He'd rather lose his right hand! And he was right handed!
But seeing the boy splash into the surf, the grin came back again. That did look like fun. And there was no use thinking such heavy thoughts, they would get in the way of exploration. So, he toed off his shoes and pulled off his socks, then peeled off coat, vest, tie and shirt. Unlike Peter, it would take a lot longer for all of his clothes to dry off. He all but sprang to his feet after that, and rushed for the ocean, sparing an idle thought to the fact that today was swimming day at Eton. It was quickly lost, though, as he launched into the water with a whoop-- the sound cut off with a gasp at how chilled the water was.
Surfacing, he shook water from his eyes, slicking back the dampened licorice twist of his hair and peering out into the water. With a laugh, he pointed: "Pirate ships!"
--
He hadn't expected the boy to follow him- but laughed nonetheless at the splash that followed. He dove underwater once more, legs kicking out to launch him forward before he surfaced once more, one arm reaching up to wipe the water from his eyes. James looked so full of life- free, the way he had when he'd first taught the boy to fly, and Peter felt that strange fluttering in his chest once more.
Still, as much as he enjoyed the sudden spontaneous dip in the ocean- even he had to admit that the idea was ill advised because he was already half frozen. Trying his best to hold back a sheepish smile as he looked to the boy, Peter laughed suddenly before announcing the obvious. "This water is really cold!"
--
James was taken with the sight of sails on the horizon, but once Peter mentioned it, he returned from the daydream of stealing one of those ships to the freezing cold that gripped him from the waist down. This water was colder than the lake back at Eton-- though that water source did get this cold in winter. Was it winter here? He hadn't bothered to look, actually. Though, come to think of it, there had been something suspiciously like frost along the edges of the buildings back in the City. James gave a shiver, then laughed again.
"You know, you'll just turn numb after a while," He said, turning to Peter, one hand still shielding his eyes. He shrugged, and letting the grin widen, he threw out his arms and dropped backwards into the water. The water engulfed him briefly, and he turned over underneath the water, swimming a circle around Peter before popping up again with a hiss of breath.
"I think I agree. 'Tis a touch too cold for swimming," He said, teeth chattering just a little, and with a violent shudder he jumped out of the water and flew back to shore.
--
Freezing cold he may have been, but Peter's pride would never let him admit such a thing- at least, not admit to it first. So when James flew back to the shore, the boy was quick to follow him. Once back on the sand however, Peter shivered once more, skin prickling and wet hair falling haphazardly across this face. He found it strange that he'd never felt better than when he was in James' company. Of course, he loved Wendy and the lost boys dearly- but in a way he couldn't possibly hope to explain- James was different.
He felt warm and content, as if his insides might suddenly take flight without a moments notice. Frightening and all the more desired.
Peter flopped down regardless, laying back in the sand in a feeble attempt to dry out- or at the very least warm himself; wet shirt sticking to his skin as he shook water droplets from his hands. It was then he noticed a rather peculiar mark on the other boy; in what looked like a word written across his arm. "James? What is that?"
--
At first James was distracted with shaking out his Eton coat, he had more of them back at the school, anyway, so he didn't care if he ruined this one for the sake of adventure. Slapping it against his wet thigh, he shook out what sand he could before using it as a makeshift towel to dry off his arms and chest. It helped a little, but he was still chilled, and so he copied Peter's idea and threw himself gracelessly down to sit next to the boy.
"What's what?" He asked once settled, dropping his coat onto his friend's chest so he might use it in a similar fashion. He tilted his head, pulling the majority of his thick black hair over one shoulder, both hands ringing out the soaking wet curls as bright eyes watched Peter curiously.
--
At that, his body curled in on itself, rolling forward to sit up before he shifted to face the other boy. Still wet limbs were dusted in a fine layer of sand as he crossed his legs once more, leaning forward. For his part, James seemed completely unaware of what had gotten the boy's attention so effectively- but Peter's gaze never wavered, focused entirely on the scar he'd only just glimpsed.
Without thought, he reached out, one hand wrapping around the boy's delicate wrist as he tugged James' arm forward to inspect it. Fingers warm despite the recent dip in the ocean, reached out to hesitantly brush over the scar. "This." He breathed, voice almost a reverant whisper.
--
James blinked as his hand was tugged from his hair, the other holding the locks in something of a pony tail. When he realized what Peter was looking at, though, he completely forgot everything else. The chill, the heaviness of his hair. Everything focused down to Peter's soft voice, the firm grip on his wrist, the electric touch of Peter's fingers against the raised flesh.
He looked down to the carefully inscribed word on his forearm, and in a rush thoughts of Neverland flooded through his body. Directly after, his eyes flicked to Peter. He didn't normally flash the scar around, after all-- especially back home-- he would receive a fair strange looks about it. That sort of thing was looked down upon, even if they did whip the boys there. But Peter... he looked enthralled by it. But Peter was from Neverland. He would understand. Subconciously, he leaned closer, hair forgotten and falling in went strands around his bare shoulders.
"Neverland," He whispered back, his eyes wide, his expression honest.
--
The scar stirred something in him- though he made no effort to understand what the feeling was. Facination, he supposed, and lost his thoughts warm breath ghosted across the boy's wrist. It was then he felt James' eyes on him, and though instinct screamed to look up and meet those brilliant blue eyes, Peter pushed it away. Instead, he closed the distance, brushing petal soft lips against the scar in a tender kiss.
Even when he pulled away, he couldn't bring himself to meet the other's gaze, head lowered as his grip on James' arm loosened. His voice, despite how soft it was, remained steady, seeking confirmation. "It is very special to you... isn't it James?"
--
The smile slid from James' face, replaced with something closer to awe. While he had expected Peter to comprehend his obsession, he hadn't quite expected... that. His expression softened, the piercing blue of his eyes gentling like the ocean on a moonlit night as he watched the top of Peter's head. They were connected, he and Peter. Unlike anyone else James had ever met in his entire life. Warmth curled in his chest, swirled down into his belly, making his heart beat faster, forcing him to swallow against the thickness in his throat.
"Yes," He whispered hoarsely. Like nothing else was. He needed Neverland like he needed to breath. James' hand curled into a bit of a fist, but he didn't pull away. If anything, he leaned just the slightest bit closer. "Is it... the same for you?" He asked, voice so low that it could easily be labelled as intimate.
--
"Of course," He murmered, palm coming to rest over James' scar as his head lifted. "It is my only home." Peter hadn't expected the other to be quite so close, but paid the detail no mind. After all, he'd become more than comfortable in the boy's presence, and their closeness was a great comfort. It made everything seem hazy, he thought, as though the outside world had blurred at the edges, fading in it's importance.
Once more, he closed the gap between them, as his eyes slid shut and his mouth brushed against James' bottom lip in the barest of kisses.
--
James knew the kiss was coming before Peter had even leaned forward, but when their lips touched his eyelashes fluttered and his heart shuddered like a caged bird. He paused just the fraction of a second before exhaling and returning the pressure, right hand lifting to curl lightly, barely touching, behind Peter's ear, in the pale of his hair.
He thought he might explode with joy. Here was this wild child, someone he had never met in his life, telling him of Neverland and teaching him to fly. He had thought Ananova was the world, thought she should be the most important thing in his life alongside his wonder land and Jolly Roger. But Peter... Peter who understood him, and his scars, and adventure, and kissing him so softly that way...
He knew, without a doubt, Peter was the most important thing in his life. Somehow he knew, if everything else should fail, there would be Peter. His. Like Neverland. And he smiled against the boy's lips, nuzzling his face before withdrawing and flashing a dazzling smile. "We'll return there, and it will be both our home." He whispered, possessively viciously, eyes shining with promise.
--
Somehow, the gentle touch in his hair made the entire thing seem real- and Peter didn't know what to make of it all. Every time he was close to the other, he felt that pull- a drawing together and desire to touch. Never quite near enough. But it was still so frighteningly new.
He'd thought he'd always been happy with his lost boys and their adventures, with tinkerbell to always be beside him, with Hook to always fight, with Wendy to sooth away his nightmares and tell him fantastic stories. But then this boy had appeared from no where- and Peter could feel electricity burning though his veins. Peter rested his forhead against James' own, content, for the first time, to let himself be still. "I promise." He whispered, hand reaching up to cup the boy's cheek tenderly before he felt that stirring in his chest once more.
It was then that Peter sat back slowly, brows furrowed in confusion as one hand unconsciously came to rest over his heart- puzzled green eyes meeting blue. "James...?"
--
James swallowed and licked his lips, petting his hand through Peter's hair before letting it fall to his shoulder. He smiled privately with the promise, warm all over, and he turned his face into Peter's hand to kiss his wrist when the other boy's hand went there. It was only as Peter pulled back that he was broken from the soft silence that had settled around them. His expression quickly matched Peter's, though an undercurrent of concern was obvious alongside the confusion.
"Are you alright?" He frowned, both hands coming up to rub briskly at Peter's arms, becoming aware of the chill that was prickling both their skin with goosebumps. Ah, that had to be it. "We shouldn't have jumped in the water, huh?" He sniggered, then grabbed his coat from Peter's lap and shifted up onto his knees, throwing the jacket around his shoulders. "Wear this, okay?"
With that, he turned to grab his own shirt, tugging it on in an effort to block out some of the chill. Then he grinned at Peter, "Look at us, sitting around. We've a whole city to explore, you know, and you said you would show me."
--
A moment earlier, Peter had been lost, looking for the answers to each new question James rose up in him- but the sudden shift of pace forced him to adapt. Shaking his head sightly to clear away the stray thoughts, Peter returned the grin genuinely- previous confusion all but forgotten as he stuffed his arms through the sleeves of the borrowed jacket.
"You're right, I did say that!" He confirmed, reaching out to lock hands with the boy once more. Physical contact was becoming easier and easier, passing between them without notice as he took to the air once more. "A whole City and most of the day is already gone! We're lagging behind. Lets go explore the forest, there are all sorts of dangerous animals in there. Think you're up for it?"
--
"I was born ready. The end," James said confidently, face bright with life. He tightened his hand around Peter's and, without even thinking of it, his joy of this meeting buoyed him up into the air. Shaking his hair, he laughed and pulled on Peter's hand, heading skywards. "Someone told me there could be fire breathing rabbits in that forest. What say you to catching one? We'll tame it and chase away all of our enemies!"
James cackled then, triumphant and excited, already heading for the forest, trusting Peter to stay at his side.