Giving Fantasia: The Taking Fantasia Sequel

Chapter 36: The Dreamcatcher Deal

Chapter 36: The Dreamcatcher Deal

Peter sliced himself an extra-large piece of everything-including-M&Ms-kiwi-and-bacon pizza. Leisurely, he popped an M&M.

"Got something to say, Rat Tail? Or you just going to pout?"

Jim sat. He looked like someone had injected him with arsenic.

"What the Hell was that?"

"What the Hell was what?"

"Wendy is not a toy." Jim glowered disgustedly as Peter ate. "You can't keep touching her like that."

Peter stretched cheese from his pizza. Criminally, he grinned. "How do you want me to touch her?"

Jim breathed fire. "I am warning you..."

Hmm. I dunno." Peter wiped pizza grease on his jeans. "Still a little vague. Maybe you could demo on Ariel. But if you're not man enough, I bet Eric would."

Peter had expected Jim's retaliation (in fact he'd prayed for it), but he hadn't expected Jim to react so fierce. Shoving the table, Jim seized Peter's collar and wrenched, punching his knuckles into Peter's throat. Had Peter not immediately whipped his dagger behind Jim's ear, one of them would have died: and it was not Jim.

Their outburst had been obscured by the noisy restaurant, but several people were noticing the boys' aggressive stance. Several more were noticing Peter's dagger.

"Easy Rat Tail." Peter angled his dagger against Jim's neck. He looked meaningfully to the side. "Public place, remember? Don't want to upset the girls."

Jim squeezed. He lifted, knuckles cutting into Peter's jaw. For a second he held, prepared to eat Peter alive.

Then peripherally Jim glimpsed Ariel. Across the room, he heard Wendy laugh.

Slowly, Jim released. He sat, but monsters were crawling under his skin.

"Someday..." Jim snarled. "Wen's going to realize what an asshole you are."

Peter flipped his dagger. Catching it by the point, he flipped it again. "She already knows. And it's too late for her to back out now. We promised - and when I make a promise it sticks. Like bubble gum."

Jim frowned. Promise? Excuse you WTF? Too angry to ask for clarification, but confident Wendy would explain later, Jim changed the subject. He wasn't eager, but he needed Peter's help.

"Wendy's having nightmares."

The bluntness had its desired effect.

"What?" Mid-bite, Peter paused. He lowered his pizza. "Wendy's having what?"

"Nightmares. Every night. She can't sleep. She can't eat. She vomits everything she does, wakes up with headaches. Her eyes are doing a weird black flutter thing - didn't you notice the way she looks?"

Peter raised a brow. "Yeah, she looks great."

"Look again." Jim glared. "Above the chest."

"Too time consuming." Peter pushed aside his plate, truly concerned. "How long has this been going on?"

"Don't know." Jim scanned the restaurant. He found Wendy politely engaged with Charlotte and Kuzco. It was hardly mid-afternoon, but she looked worn. "But long enough."

Peter followed Jim's gaze. He scratched his hair. "Why didn't Wendy tell me about this?"

Jim half smiled. "It's a best friend thing."