Far From Neverland

by River Hale

If he is the sun, then I think I’m the moon. Used to the darkness, but living for those moments where his light shines on me.

“I’m going to miss you, Peter Pan,” she whispers. “I’m going to miss you too, Wendy Darling.”

I could handle Peter running from his shadow. But, fuck…I couldn’t handle him running from me.

Think happy thoughts.” I return his smile. “You’re the only happy thought I need.”

“I’m sorry if this doesn’t work.” “It’ll work. I have faith in you.” “I don’t even have the star to guide the way.” “You don’t need it. You are the star. You know the way.”

“The last fourteen years,” he answers languidly, his eyes still on his ship. “I thought I was happy, but…I don’t think I was.” He says it like it’s a revelation he never expected. “I think I was…bored.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m bloody glad you left. I’m glad you grew up. This Peter Pan…well, turns out I don’t want to kill this Peter Pan.”

so bizarre knowing that the boy I used to hate has been replaced by this beautiful man who makes my heart ache when he flies away from me.

I place a kiss on Hook’s pale forehead. Against his icy skin, in a raspy whisper meant only for him, I say, “You are my happy thought, James Hook. Now and forever.”

Am I always doomed to lose the people I love in Neverland?

“Don’t you dare ever try to leave me again, James Hook.” He pulls my face to his, brushes his lips against mine. “Never, Little Star.” Then he kisses me. And I know I’ll stay in Neverland for as long as he’s mine.

Neverland might have made him, but sometimes I think it made him just for me.

“I love you, Peter Pan,” he says as he stares intensely back at me. “I love you too, James Hook.”

“Peter Pan is mine.” I raise my sword, the point inches from his chest. I smile back. “And you’re mine, Captain Hook.” Our blades clash. Then the game really begins.