𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 ♡ ᴏᴜᴀᴛ ᴘᴇᴛᴇʀ ᴘᴀɴ

ɴɪɴᴇ | ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ᴜɴʙɪʀᴛʜᴅᴀʏ

"Well, I can't put it any more clearly, sir, for it isn't clear to me."

—♢♡♧♤—

"You've told me nothing, Peter Pan," Mirana said, surprised by the frustration rising in her voice. She was never frustrated.

"I've told you plenty," he countered, his arms folding across his chest. "I've told you where I'm from, I've told you why I'm here, and I've told you why I won't leave."

"Yes, but . . ." Mirana exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "This isn't right."

Peter's gaze bore into hers, unwavering. "I'm from Neverland—you've been there—and I'm here because I came for you. I won't leave Storybrooke because Neverland isn't the same anymore. There is nowhere else I can take you where we can be together; where no one," he leaned forward, voice steady, "no one can keep us apart. Not anymore. Not again."

"Anymore? Again?" Mirana repeated, bristling. "Sir, I have never met you before. How can you—"

"You may not remember," Peter interrupted, his voice darkening, "but I know you very well."

The shift in his tone sent a shiver down Mirana's spine. He stood, closing the distance between them in a single, fluid movement. She barely had time to react before his hands grasped the arms of her chair, caging her in. His face hovered inches from hers, their breaths mixing in the charged silence.

"Don't ever say I don't know you," he whispered, one brow quirking up as he spoke. His eyes softened then, flickering to her lips. For one terrifying moment, Mirana thought he might kiss her. Even more terrifying? She wasn't sure she'd stop him.

Peter held her gaze a second longer before straightening. "That's enough for today. I'll send Felix to fetch you later. Goodbye, Mirana."

Mirana nodded, but her body refused to move. Her heart pounded, erratic and loud. Peter studied her, tilting his head in amusement.

"That means you should leave," he prompted.

"I know," Mirana whispered, finally regaining control of her limbs. She rose, careful to steady herself, and inclined her head in a polite farewell before retreating to the door. Even as she exited, she could feel his gaze burning into her back.

Felix waited outside, arms crossed. His sharp eyes flickered over her as if assessing something unspoken.

They had barely taken a few steps when Peter called out, "Felix!"

Felix turned back, but before stepping inside, he paused and glanced at Mirana. "She doesn't know where the Savior's house is."

Peter rolled his eyes. "Slightly!"

The rapid sound of footsteps echoed as another Lost Boy appeared. Slightly was shorter than Felix, though just as scrappy, with bright blue eyes full of mischief. He glanced at Mirana, curiosity flashing across his features. And something else—recognition.

"Take her to Emma's house," Peter instructed. "She doesn't know the way."

"Alright," Slightly agreed easily before turning to Mirana. He grinned. "Let's go, Queenie."

The moment he said it, something stirred within Mirana. A crack, a shift. A whisper at the edges of her mind, something clawing to break free. She gasped softly, trying to grasp it, but each time she reached for the memory, it slipped through her fingers like mist.

"Queenie?" Slightly repeated, puzzled by her silence.

And suddenly, a memory shattered through.

—♢♡♧♤—

"Boys!" Peter Pan's voice rang out in a singsong call. "I have someone to introduce you to!"

A chorus of cheers erupted as the Lost Boys gathered, eager for whatever surprise their leader had in store. They expected a new plaything, a new brother. The arrival of a new Lost Boy was always a cause for celebration.

Hidden from sight, Mirana smoothed the wrinkles from her frilled dress, plucking stray leaves from her silver hair. She hadn't worn Underlandian clothing since arriving in Neverland—but Peter had insisted on a wardrobe change. But for this introduction, he wanted her presented as she once was.

It made it official.

She knew he also thought she looked pretty. He told her so often enough.

"Are you ready?" Peter called, prompting her.

Taking a steadying breath, Mirana stepped from the shadows. The group fell silent, wide-eyed as they took her in. The only women they had ever seen in Neverland were mermaids and Wendy Darling—and Mirana was neither.

Peter beamed with mischief. "Boys, this is Mirana of Marmoreal. She is to be your queen."

For a moment, the words hung in the air. Then an explosion of excitement. The Lost Boys cheered, whooping and hollering. Some rushed forward, eager to greet her, but Peter stepped between them, pushing them back with a scowl.

"Bathe before you try touching her," he snapped.

Mirana laughed, covering her mouth to stifle the wide grin. A gentle tap on her shoulder made her turn.

"Hello," a boy greeted with an easy smile, somehow able to slip past Peter Pan's protection of her. His brown curls flopped into his eyes, making him look younger than he probably was. He was tall, though not as tall as Felix, and exuded an energy far more carefree than the gruff right-hand man Peter often spoke of. She hadn't actually met Felix yet—but he was supposed to return soon. She couldn't wait.

"Happy unbirthday, unless, of course, it is your birthday," Mirana said, offering a small curtsey.

"Unbirthday?" The boy's smile widened at the strange word. He stuck out a hand. "I'm Slightly. And you must be our famous Queen Mirana."

"Nice to meet you, Slightly." She took his hand, shaking it politely.

Slightly's eyes twinkled. "Can I give you a nickname? Everyone has one." He tapped his chin, thinking. Then he brightened. "Queenie! I'll call you Queenie."

—♢♡♧♤—

Mirana staggered back, eyes widening. The memory hit her like a tidal wave, overwhelming and impossibly real.

No. This couldn't be right. She would have remembered.

Wouldn't she?

Slightly watched her, expectant. She clutched her head, heart pounding as the truth settled in her bones, undeniable.

She looked up, breathless.

"I remember."

—♢♡♧♤—

I hope you've enjoyed this week's chapter!

This was a fun chapter to write. I love writing memories.

Au revoir!