"Everyone ages, even the fairies."

"We grow old. We die. We are as mortal as the next man. However, children, we have found a way around such despair through sacrifices of the heart."

An elderly, plump fairy sat upon a small throne made of leaves and embellished twigs. His face looked as ancient as the forest, deep wrinkles throughout his face, and his mouth was covered by the long beard that had not been shaved in many years. It lay upon his lap, trailing down to the ground below him, tied off with a ribbon to keep it from fraying out.

Young fairies sat at his feet, looking to him with full attention. Their wings fluttered in silent anticipation for the story to continue.

"Fairies were once the most fragile thing in this forest, believe it or not. Befriending young humans in order to fill the hole in our hearts that yearned for mischief; living until the child we befriended no longer believed that we could possibly exist in such a world." The elderly fairy looked angry for a moment, but kept his calm demeanor as he continued.

"Many a fairy perished this way, nearly taking our race to extinction." The children gasped, unable to believe such events took place. "But, as luck would have it, one fairy befriended a boy who was determined to never grow up. His determination inspired the fairy, who flew to Neverland in seek of aid from her clan."

"We must help the boy," she pleaded. The elders thought deeply about what she asked of them. To give magic to a human boy was very dangerous, especially when they knew that eventually the boy would turn on them, but they decided to lend their magic.

"Neverland kept fairies and the men of old alive for hundreds of years, almost without signs of age. The fairies would not have left Neverland had there been children running about, you see. Mischief is measured differently to grown men," the elder fairy explained.

"But what about the Indians?" A young fairy questioned.

"A good question lad," the elder fairy replied. "The Indians have thought their children to stay as far away from us as possible, killing us if we dare fly in their territory. This is why you must remember to stay near the hive." He pointed at the young fairy in reprimanding manner.

"With the fairy's magic, the boy was able to cross realms without fear of aging. He brought us more children, but with more children the more annoyed the pirates became. The children enjoyed teasing the adults, you see, and with more children the boy began to lead his group against the pirate and his crew. The more this went on, the more severe things became." The elder fairy looked mournful, and sighed.

"The fairies became concerned; the boy was becoming as corrupt as any child would, even with the process slowed. The sacrifice of magic was proving to be in vain," he paused for dramatization.

"However, the eldest fairies could see a solution. The magic that could bring a child into this realm could be transferred to another, one of the boys that had been brought to the island through the boy, should the boy loose all innocence. The only worry was that the innocence that boy held usually dissipated when one began to loose his belief in all things whimsical, us fairies included. The clan started to worry that somehow he would loose his belief in fairies while on the isle, and if he did then more than a fair few fairies would perish."

The children looked sorrowful, their eyes glued to the elder fairy.

"But thankfully, we did not have to worry for our lives. The battle between the boy and the captain escalated into a real duel. One way or another the boy would be dealt with. If he died, we would still live and the magic would go into another boy. If he succeeded, his innocence would be gone after taking the life of another human. Both means allowed us to survive."

"And as night approached that fateful day, we discovered that by insuring that the boy fight the man who threatened his mischievous ways we gained even more power than before. The magical transfer regenerated the clan, and made fairies stronger as a whole."

"Once the man was slain, the magic keeping the boy from aging and allowing him to fly dissipated. The boy was enraged. That rage fueled his purpose as he aged, and he became the man he once fought. Thus the cycle came and went, and we fairies remain alive and in control of Neverland." The elder fairy ended his tale with a smile.

The children all let out a sigh of relief, and began to spout questions at their elder, who chuckled before shushing them.

"Come children! The festivities are beginning!" He exclaimed. As if on cue, cheering could be heard nearby. The anticipation for what was to take place within the fortnight was exerted through a weeklong celebration wherein all the fairies return to the hive and watch for the confrontation to begin. It would not be long now...

On the other side of the island, Smee kept a watchful eye on his captain and the new addition to their crew. He was never a superstitious man, but ever since Wendy set foot on the Jolly Roger he felt as if a match lingered over the proverbial powder keg.

Hook's "birthday" was nearing, and Smee knew better than anyone what would come of that day. It was a strenuous day for the crew, not to mention the despair that clouded the island while a new man took Hook's place. And now with a former Wendybird aboard, all Smee could see in the future was utter despair.

No matter how hard he attempted to talk some sense into his captain, all it seemed to do was reinforce Hook's feelings for Wendy. Smee didn't know how the two became so close after having not seen each other in over a decade, and suspected that the fairies had something to do with it. He was aware of the fairies interference in many of the happenings on the island, including Hook's "arrival"… But if they were involved in Wendy's appearance, he feared what Hook would do at the end. What would happen to Wendy?

Smee shook his head of the thoughts. His role was only to mentor to the best of his abilities. Not to decipher the inner workings of the fairy mind.

He moved on past his post on the main deck, taking in the setting sun. He then walked over to the door of the captain's quarters and knocked. A conversation regarding Hook's plan was long overdue.

Hook opened the door, looking displeased at the interruption. From where Smee stood, he could see Wendy was sitting on the bed, holding a book. She smiled at Smee, and he gave a forced smile in return.

"Time for a walkabout," Smee told Hook. He knew that Hook would agree. Despite Hook being the captain, he treated Smee like a father. He generally respected Smee, but, as was shown with Wendy's presence, Hook liked to rebel against Smee's advice every once in while.

Hook gave a curt nod, and then turned back to Wendy to excuse himself from her company. She wasn't bothered with the intrusion and Smee suspected she'd been waiting for him to appear.

Once outside the cabin the two men took their usual route around the ships deck, walking in silence for a few moments before Smee spoke.

"Have you prepared her for what's to happen?"

Hook clenched his jaw. "No," he replied simply.

Smee sighed, clasping his hands behind his back. "There's no use in avoiding the inevitable."

"So you've said all these years." Hook's voice sounded tired, and rebellious.

They paused at the bow of the ship. "Her coming back to Neverland isn't something that usually happens within the Cycle, though I'm sure you knew that." Smee paused, looking to Hook."Nevertheless, it cannot stop what the fairies have planned. You need to speak to her, and we need to send her home."

"I know." Hook kept his eyes trained on the horizon.

"You know, yet you've done nothing."

"I know and despite knowing I find I want to change how this all ends," Hook nearly growled, apparently displeased with his own feelings.

"You can't. You know that." Smee sighed. "The amount of times the crew has tried to intervene…" He trailed off, remembering all the ways he and the crew attempted to bypass the cycle — first hiding Hook, which ended in the crocodile chasing the crew right back to the Jolly Roger. Another time, they thought to hurt Peter before the "final" battle, but Peter was warned by the fairies and another Hook perished.

How many years had Smee spent watching his ward, his captain, his friend grow up just to be slaughtered? Too many, he thought bitterly.

"You must resign yourself, but not leave without a fight. Just as I've taught you." Smee reiterated, sounding very much like a father sending his son into war.

Hook nodded, looking more and more displeased with his situation as the seconds ticked by.

"You grew up well, despite the circumstances," Smee said with a faint grin.

Hook turned his gaze to Smee, grinning at his words. "Never thought I'd enjoy it so much."

"Guess that's the blessing within the curse eh?" Smee unclasped his hands and brought one up to Hook's shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

"Prepare yourself and Wendy. Tomorrow will come whether you're ready or not."

Smee walked away, feeling he had done his best to assure Hook would do the right thing. He also felt that all too familiar sting of grief aching in his chest, but he knew there was nothing he could do now.

Hook retuned to Wendy with a soured mood.

"I see your talk went well," Wendy said with a raised brow, closing the book in her hands loudly and rising from the bed.

Hook threw her an unamused look, before plopping down in his chair. He dropped his hooked hand on the desk loudly and rubbed his temples with his left hand, trying to decide where to begin.

"I," he began slowly, trailing off as he turned the words over in his head. "I haven't told you of what is going to happen," he finally said, looking up at her. She returned his gaze with one of unimpressed confusion.

"Not everything has to be a riddle," replied she.

"It's not a riddle!" He exclaimed exasperatedly. "I…When I became Hook, it meant that I was going to be killed… by Pan." He bent his right elbow, bringing the hook up to examine it thoughtfully.

Wendy's brows narrowed. "Pan has shown he loves to irritate you, but killing you seems a bit extreme."

Hook laughed bitterly. "Does it? I did the same thing." He let his head hit the back of the chair with a thud, closing his eyes.

"Yes, and?" Came Wendy's snarky reply.

Hook brought his head back down, looking at her surprised. "And… And that's the bloody cycle! I cannot stop it!"

"Yes you can!" Wendy exclaimed, as she walked over to him.

She lowered herself to her knees and placed her hands on his thighs, looking up at him."Come away with me," she pleaded softly. "Come back to London with me."

Hook looked at her longingly and replied brokenly, "I… can't."

Her grip on his thighs tightened. "Yes, we can sail back and never return. You and Pan fight over living together in Neverland, so why not leave? The only reason you two fight is over this blasted place."

Hook sat quietly for a moment, thinking over her words. Wendy reached up and took his hand, bringing his hand to her lips for a kiss.

"If we do this, we'd have to do so secretly," Hook finally said, his voice a little desperate. She nodded in agreement.

"We will leave as though I intend to fight Pan, and while he makes a fuss we can leave."

"Back to London?" She inquired.

"Is that where you want to go?" He asked, rubbing her hand with his thumb.

Wendy hesitated, thinking it over. She missed her family, but she wasn't sure what to expect when they returned. The worst assumption was that she ran away with Peter and she would be labeled uncouth in society, and the best assumption would be a patchy cover up that involved her secret engagement and wedding to Peter.

Neither option sounded quite appealing to her.

"Anywhere but there," she finally replied.

Hook looked a little confused at her reply, but also relieved. He hunched in his chair brought his forehead to hers, and they sat in silence for a moment, before Hook breathed a laugh.

Wendy smiled and whispered, "I love you," so softly Hook almost didn't hear it.

"I love you," he said feverishly, and brought her mouth to his for a passionate kiss.

Wendy inhaled sharply, and gave herself into the kiss. Her heart was beating furiously at his confession, and she was pleased she told him of her affections. Her hands kept their tight grip on his thighs, and suddenly Wendy was aware at how intimate the touch was.

When they parted, Hook gazed at her with adoration and lust that she was sure was reflected in her own eyes. Her injuries that had so far prevented them from being intimate had healed more, although she was still tender. She decided she would deal with what little discomfort she had, as she wanted the man before her far more.

Hook took his left hand from her, and brought it to his shoulder. "Help me take the arm off," he requested softly, almost embarrassed.

Wendy nodded, stood up, and moved behind Hook as he lifted his shirt over his head. His actions revealed a harness that strapped across his chest and back that kept the arm and hooked hand securely to his forearm. Wendy slowly brought her hands to his back, and trailed them across his shoulders, earning a quick inhale from Hook. She smiled, and began to unbuckle the harness. Once it was undone, Hook cautiously pulled it from his arm, revealing the arm which was scared, but healed over at the end.

He placed the arm on the desk then stood, pushed the chair away, and turned towards Wendy. She gazed at his broad chest, then met his eyes. In a sudden flurry, they met. Hook brought his arms around her, letting no space lie between them, while he kissed her soundly. Wendy's arms were around his neck, while her hands tangled themselves in his red locks.

She let out a moan, both from the pleasure of the kiss and the uncomfortable pressure on her ending the kiss Hook loosened his grip slightly, but kept her close as his hand traveled along her back and to the slope of her bottom.

Wendy was the first to deepen the kiss, her tongue tracing his lips. Hook groaned, and the deep reverberation from his chest caused Wendy's nipples to harden through the thin fabric of the linen shirt. He groaned again, feeling his effect on her, and he began to lead them ungracefully to the bed.
When they finally broke for air Hook immediately turned his attention to her neck, peppering it in chaste kisses before placing an open mouthed one at the hollow of her neck. Wendy moaned wantonly, surprising herself, and threw her head back. Hook's hand now grasped her rear, as he fell back onto the bed.

Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of clothes she was wearing Wendy pulled away from him and sat up, pulling the shirt off in one quick flourish. Her ribs were still bandaged, and Hook lightly ran his hand along her left side as acknowledgement. However, his eyes were now locked upon her chest as it was a sight he had never been granted before. Propping himself up with his right arm, he brought his mouth to her small mounds and lavished them with his tongue. Wendy watched him enraptured, and flushed when his eyes opened and locked with hers as he continued kiss her chest.

Of their own accord, her hips shifted on his lap bringing her attention to the bulge that had arisen in his trousers. She gasped at the sensation, and Hook's attentions momentarily paused as he too let out small breath. Wendy moved her hips again, and Hook growled this time, his hand raising to her head to bring her mouth to his again.

He shifted Wendy above him, so that she could easily be flipped onto the bed. She let out a breathless laugh, and Hook grinned down at her. He silently swore to remember every detail of this moment; Wendy's halo of hair, sprawled out on his bed, the way her lips were a darker shade and slightly swollen from his attentions.

Wendy brought her hands in-between them to the hem of his trousers, running her fingers lightly along the skin there. Hook inhaled sharply, and brought his hand to his waist, pushing the trousers down with Wendy's help. Once off, Wendy's gaze traveled to where he lay atop her, and Hook couldn't help the sly smile that graced his features as he watched her lust filed eyes study him. He quickly diverted her attention, by placing an open mouthed kiss on one of her breasts before, bringing his hand down to cup her through her trousers.

They both moaned. He could feel her slickness through them. She pushed against his hand, and moaned again, reveling in the pressure his hand gave her. Her hands traced his manhood briefly, causing him to buck into her, before she brought them to her trousers and began to push them off. Hook helped, eager to rid her off her last article of clothing.

Once she was bare they melted into each other, moaning at the sensation of skin against skin. Wendy kissed his neck eagerly, while her hands grasped his rear, pushing him against her. He hadn't entered her yet, but was now pushed up against her entrance. The friction nearly undid him then. He gave another growl as he turned his head to capture her mouth again, before bring his hand between them to guide himself into her.

Her slickness, allowed him to push into her without any pain and Wendy couldn't help the satisfied moan that escaped her. Her hands pressed into him more urgently and he abided by speeding up his rhythm. Wendy's legs wrapped around his legs, while his hand found it's way back to her breast, cupping it softly as he continued to kiss her.

It wasn't long until Wendy began to pulse around him, and her final moan was swallowed up by his guttural growl as the two of them climaxed.

There was a chorus of "I love you's" that poured from their mouths as they caught their breaths.

Eventually Hook rolled over and off of Wendy, who sighed at the loss. She turned to her side and brought herself as close to him as possible. Hook smiled, closing his eyes and bringing his arm around her as they settled into a dreamless sleep.

a/n: Well, this has been a long time coming. I apologize for the wait, though I am pleased I finally wrote this chapter. I had lost my document that had everything mapped out and lost all inspiration to write this. However, after rereading it I fell in love with the characters again so hopefully I'll finish it this time.

Only one chapter left to go!