Peter's Lily (Sequel to Pan's Tiger)

Chapter 11: Freedom comes at a price

Hey,
Thanks for reading. Sorry about the wait.
For those of you who dislike Oliver/ are rooting for Pan and not Oliver may find this a little dull, but hang on because there's a tense bit with Pan at the end 😀
Please vote and comment.
Enjoy,
Annabelle_the_reader
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Many of the native royals in Neverland had wanted me to be more of a Princess. And Peter Pan had wanted me to be intelligent and brave, but a little less intelligent and brave than him. But Oliver was sure enough to want me to be exactly who I was.

That was what was going on in my brain as I sat beside him, a small smile wavering on my lips. 'I miss this, you know,' I sighed in an attempt to change the subject, whispering the words softly so only Oliver could hear me and gently swaying on the old hammock swing that Oliver tied up by the river where I used to read.

I couldn't deal with not knowing what the next day would bring- the uncertainty was slicing me in two with each moment we spend together. I took a deep breath, or at least as deep a breath as I could take.

'You miss me? But I'm right here.' Oliver chuckled, wrapping his arms around me. I snuggled further into his body, allowing his warmth to comfort me.

'That's the worst way to miss somebody. When they're right beside you and you miss them anyway.' I mumbled, kissing his fingers because I couldn't reach his cheek. He sighed with me and I felt his body vibrate against me as he did so. Finally, I admitted, 'I'm going to miss this- all of this.'

'Miss what? I ain't going anywhere, Lily! I'm going to stay right here with you, at least, if you want me to.' He teased, humming it gently as we swayed together, his eyes closed and his bare arms absorbing as much of the summer heat as he could, seeming to forget that the autumn would not come with its cold winds and frosty mornings. Neverland was the same forever. Wherever I was, whatever I was doing, I loved to know that Neverland was constant

'Of course I want you here! But it's not just you, it's the freedom,' I replied simply and when he didn't reply, I continued softly, keeping my gaze fixed on the calm waters of the pool below the waterfall, 'The sunshine, the fresh air, the birds chirping around me. Just everything...'

Oliver chuckled, opening his eyes and turning himself slightly so he was directly opposite me. He gave me a look that was a mixture of wonder and disbelief, was I being naive or ignorant?

'Pan will always let you roam freely around Neverland, just like he always has. He loves you, Lily, although you want to believe it to be untrue. The way you are in his presence, with fake adoration, is quite contrary to how he gazes at you with nothing less than unconditional love.'

'Don't speak like that.' I grumbled, hearing the pain in his words. 'I doubt that I can ever see you like this again, Oliver. I'm becoming scared and I think you shouldn't come too close to the Lost Boy's camp. If Pan was to find out...' I couldn't bear to finish that sentence.

'Lil'-' Oliver said patiently, but I wouldn't let him finish.

'I think you should leave.' I tripped over the words, fear and dread crippling every word. But Oliver wasn't fooled. He knew me better than anyone and simply chuckled slightly. I pulled away from him, standing up carefully.

'You don't get it, do you? I didn't come here because I needed you, even though I missed you with all of my heart. I came here because you needed me, Lily. I will always be here for you, risking my life to protect you. Don't you get it? You will still see me every evening.' Oliver objected, his voice shaking at the notion of never seeing me again.

'What if Pan-'

'Lily, I'm the only person that cares for you!' Oliver exclaimed, interrupting me harshly. He ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. 'Pan may love you. But it's selfish love. He only used you to find the Owner of the Heart of the Truest Believer. If he actually did give a damn about you, then I wouldn't have been imprisoned.'