Giving Fantasia: The Taking Fantasia Sequel

Chapter 67: Out Of My League

Chapter 67: Out Of My League

Peter DID NOT like being told what to do. He DID NOT like orders. At all. And this 'Viking reconnaissance mission' what a big, fat, stinking order.

Peter's repugnance for orders was a quality shared closely with Ariel, to an extent with Jim, and hardly with Wendy. Ironically however, Wendy usually gave the orders (after becoming frustrated with their 'bickering'), which Peter found himself complying to more and more...

It was irritating but bearable. Wendy was practical, her decisions were typically sound, and it was such a thrill to see her mad. God, she was so cute riled-up. That was another distinct quality of Peter – he relished a good fight. He enjoyed getting under people's skin.

For instance, Jim.

Jim.

Positioning his head aerodynamically in line with his body, Peter skimmed the treetops. The leafy crowns whisked undertow as he smoldered. His glower almost set the canopy aflame.

Peter was not an idiot. He knew : this reconnaissance mission was Jim's idea. Sure Wendy and Ariel had finalized the plan, but Jim had been most adamant. And Peter knew why – Jim was keeping him away from Wendy.

"Rattail." Peter closed his fists. He clenched, pretending to suffocate Jim. Then, in an uncannily accurate voice-impersonation, he mocked Wendy's plea. "Peetah -- I think you and Jim should be friends. HA! Wendy – I think you and Jim should detach at the hip! Pick a man, pick the best, and the best is me! Rattail is so out of your...your league."

Peter sagged, suddenly weighted by an unhappy thought.

Out of her league huh? Well so are you Peter. So are you.

Peter frowned. "Shut up." he told himself. Ankles pumping, he tried to fly faster. But he couldn't – his thoughts were too heavy to fly.

Wendy was too good for him. She was too good for The One and Only Pan. Whether she believed it was uncertain, but her subconscious behavior was indicative. Wendy had ignored him as a younger girl; she had hesitantly accepted his proposal six years ago; she currently avoided public displays of affection; she wouldn't let him touch her; and she clung to Jim.

Broodingly, Peter drifted through the trees. Yes, he knew Wendy was demure (and he adored that), but it hurt that she didn't trust him to...well, misbehave. Wendy was buttoned-up (both sexually and emotionally). Apart from last night, she maintained her composure around Peter, while Jim got the tears, heartache, breakdowns, vulnerability, intimacy, and whatever the Hell else they were doing in that house –

Peter stopped. Hovering midair, he stopped dead.

Wendy and Jim LIVED together. What...what WERE they doing when he...or Ariel... weren't there? Why WAS Jim so protective? Why DID Wendy cling?

Again, the unhappy thought poked Peter's brain.

Out of your league.

And a new, horrifying, unhappy thought followed.

Best friends. With benefits.

"Nuh uh." Peter spoke loudly, but a hand gravitated to his dagger. "No way. She wouldn't. Not with him. Not.......oh my god." Peter almost dropped. "Wendy – !"