Once A Lost Girl | Once Upon A Time Story | Peter Pan

03x06 - Stranger - Past

        The air was dense and muggy. Neverland was so hot I was ready to strip down in an effort to cool down. Leaves slapped at my legs as I ducked under trees. I was covered in sweat. How fun.

        "I like the new colour--purple suits you." I turned to find Peter. He didn't even look fazed by the heat. "How was your visit with Baelfire?" His voice sounded light, but he wasn't smiling.

        "It was," I hesitated, "what happened?"

         Peter shrugged. "He didn't agree with us. He might've even blamed me for you leaving." the dirty blonde approached, looking more like a beast stalking its prey. He took a piece of my hair and observed it as though he were assessing me.

        "I chose to, I told him that." My heart started to race, but there weren't butterflies in my stomach to accompany it. I was cold with fear and nervousness. I felt like I'd been running and finally got caught. Something told me I wouldn't get away.

        "Children believe whatever makes them feel better. Even if they have to lie to do it." His tone darkened. I'd heard that tone before, but never directed at me. I pushed his hand away from my hair.

        "What's that supposed to mean?"

        He smirked. "Doesn't matter. Come. I'm sure Felix is dying to know how you got back here." his smirk fell. "And so am I."

        Peter moved first, walking presumably in the direction of camp. I took a moment to steady myself. He's just hurt, I thought, It's not like this is anything to worry about. It was strange, but that's who he was. I followed him.

        Camp looked the same as ever: the tents were in a mostly coherent circle. The fire pit sat in the middle, logs surrounding it with lost boys chanting and hooting in celebration. What were they celebrating? I couldn't tell you. I didn't quite understand it myself. Felix stood on the outskirts, just watching. He'd clearly been told to wait. 

        "Well, well. The princess returns." He still had that shit-eating grin on his face.

        "I'm not a princess," I snapped.

        He raised an eyebrow, no doubt surprised I wasn't conceding. "You live in a castle, your mother is the Queen."

        "She is not my mother," I stressed. He put his arms up in surrender.

        "Whatever you say, princess." Felix relaxed, revelling in the fact that he'd gotten under my skin. "How's Baelfire? He hasn't starved to death, I hope?"

        I glared. "What do you care?" I asked, "genuinely--I'm asking."

        "He was one of us, until he made the wrong choice. Pan almost admires his stupidity." Felix chuckled.

        "Bae isn't stupid." I knew deep down Felix was doing this on purpose, but I couldn't help myself. Heat built in my chest. My face flushed. I was pissed.

        "You seem attached, Elyssa. Don't forget. I could always tell Pan about how you two like to lie."

        I paused. He was right. If he hadn't already told Peter, he always could. Baelfire would be in even more trouble. I needed to be more careful. He absolutely can't find out why I'm back. Somehow, I have to convince him that nothing's changed. Easier said than done.

        The stars above the island twinkled bright as night fell. They stoked the fire. As it intensified it seemed to reflect exactly how I was feeling, and at the same time contradict it with its welcoming warmth. I spotted Connor in the crowd. He had a new scar on his face. I'm not sure I want to ask how he got it.

        I ducked into my newly put up tent. The little cot was neatly tucked in the corner. There was a bare table next to it and a candle sitting atop it. I snapped my fingers and lit the candle, sitting and rummaging through my bag. Canteen? Check. Extra drape in case it rains? Check. Squid ink. Check. I have a feeling I'll end up needing it.

        "Making yourself at home?" I jumped, nearly dropping my bag. Peter chuckled. "Sorry, Love, didn't mean to scare you." I scoffed. He narrowed his eyes. "'Ave I done something wrong?"

        "No, nothing."

        "You've been acting strangely."

        "I could say the same to you," I shot back, "What was that?"

        "I think you know. I'm sure you noticed--you record them in your journal everyday." He sat next to me. I set my bag onto the floor. "We've been apart for too long."

        "It's been a month," I remarked, "I'm sure you were fine."

        He rolled his eyes. "You know time works differently here. It felt like an eternity."

        This didn't feel right. I don't know if it was the calculative look in his eye, or the dark air that surrounded him, but this was a very different meeting from the warm one I was met with last time. My body seemed to grow cold. I tried as hard as I could to maintain eye contact. His stare only grew more intense. I broke away.

        "You've gotten snarky." He brushed a piece of hair behind my ear. I clenched my jaw. "Don't worry. You haven't done anything wrong--yet."

        "'Yet'?" I pushed his hand away. He merely kissed my cheek. I pushed him away. "What, you think I'm planning something?"

        "No, of course not. I think Baelfire is and I think he'll drag you alongside him." Peter took my chin into his hand. I started to pull back. He wouldn't let me. I swallowed hard. "Listen carefully. Choose your friends wisely. Understand?" He growled at me. That pit in my chest came back. I wanted to pull away, but I knew he wouldn't let me go until I gave an answer.

        "I--I understand," I choked out. He smiled and kissed me once more, disappearing as if nothing happened.

        I let out a shaky breath. My heart was pounding, even worse now since he'd left. This wasn't good pounding, however. He used to make my heart flutter, but now he was just cold. It felt like I was running all over again. I couldn't panic. I have to stick it out. I have to do this for Baelfire.