Chasing Tinkerbell

Summary: Follows Grown Up. Peter sees Tink for the first time since the magic failed.
Warning(s): Disciplinary Spanking of an adult; D/s; M/m; sexual situations; Very AU.

###

Peter and James had fallen into an easy comradery after James had claimed Peter. They worked together well and soon the tree house had become a tree 'home'. James' knowledge on how to improve the structure, garden, and other useful information, counter-balanced Peter's youthful energy, eagerness to please and optimism, enabling them to do several things to improve their situation.

The first thing they'd done was set up traps for food. Peter still wasn't terribly happy at needing to kill the animals to survive, but he was more able to handle it without falling apart. James was very generous with the cuddles and encouragement to help him deal with the situation, so it soon became a fact of life that he accepted, even if unhappily.

They'd also set aside a plot of land for a garden. They'd fenced it to prevent the plants being eaten before they could grow the vegetables. Somehow, they'd scavenged or found seeds for carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, and beans. Most of the seeds had been found in the bottom of the trunk Peter had stolen off the ship so long before. Luckily, the seeds had sprouted, and they would hopefully get enough bounty they'd be well fed. James had indicated they could preserve any excess for times when the harvest wasn't as good.

In between setting up their food sources, they'd also taken the time to remodel the treehouse. The ceiling had been raised so James and Peter no longer had to duck when entering or while inside. They'd also made the kitchen area bigger and more 'fire proof'. Finally, they had made the bed larger and more comfortable for two adult males. Even with his youthful outlook, Peter was finding things he used to easily do, uncomfortable and sometimes painful in his adult body.

It was now a few weeks after they had settled together, and James had decided digging a well might be a good idea. Walking to the river and bringing water back was working for them, but if something happened and they were prevented from going to the river, having a nearby source of water would be good. The captain had explored around the treehouse extensively by this point, so he had a good idea where the best spot to dig was. He'd shown Peter where to begin and Peter had spent the day digging down, sending buckets full of dirt up the pulley they'd fixed, until he hit water. He'd then followed James' instructions on how much further to dig, how to shore up the sides of the well so that it didn't collapse, and other things he would have never thought to do to keep the water clean. By the time he was hoisting himself back up on the pulley, he was filthy, dirty, more tired than he remembered ever being in his life and feeling very accomplished. They had a source of fresh water next to their home now!

Peter gave James a tired smile. "I need to go to the river to wash off..." he said, in a soft, weary voice. He was obviously looking for permission. Since James had claimed him, he hadn't balked at the older man being in control of him, and often seemed to take comfort in the expectation that James was in control, and he needed to obey. A few times, he had hesitantly 'pushed', but it was obviously an effort to get James's attention and have his own position in the ex-pirate's life reaffirmed. Usually, he was extremely submissive, and looked for permission even if it wasn't strictly necessary.

"I'll go with you." James hadn't worked to the extent that Peter had, though that had been, because the work was more difficult to do with only one hand. But he was still hot and sweaty and needed to bathe. Besides, he could see that Peter was tired and weary and was worried that if he let the other man go alone, he might fall asleep while trying to bathe.

Peter's smile brightened, filling his whole face and eyes. He could tell part of the reason James was accompanying him was to provide protection, even if it wasn't stated. He felt warm inside at the evidence of his mate's care for him. "I'll get our soaps..." he offered. "We can wash our clothes while we are there!"

"That's a good idea," James agreed, smiling warmly at his mate. "I think it might also be a good idea to look at making some new clothes. It'll be hard, without access to all of the necessary tools and equipment, but I don't think it'll be impossible."

Peter paused. "Do you know how to make clothes?" he asked curiously. He certainly didn't.

"To a certain extent," James answered. "I think one of my family members used to make clothes." He'd been remembering more bits and pieces about his past; about his life before Neverland. He might not have made clothes himself, but he'd remembered experience at stitching wounds. Combining that experience with his admittedly patchy knowledge of making clothes, he thought there was a good chance he'd be able to make something serviceable, if not good.

"Huh..." Peter grinned again before quickly going up to gather the soaps. It didn't take him long, and he was soon back on the ground with James. He immediately asked, even as they began to walk to the river, "What will we make clothes out of?"

"We could use plant fibers," James replied. "Or animal hides, if we used a bigger one for food." When they had to use animals for food, he tried to make sure there was no waste; that they used every part of the animal. "Both ways would take a while, but these clothes aren't going to last forever." And there'd been precious little left on the pirate ship, after the rest of the adults had left.

Peter nodded. "We'll make what we can," he agreed. "I was lucky my clothes got bigger when I did..." he added, before biting his lip bashfully. "If we needed to save these clothes for if or when we left Neverland, we could just go naked. No one else is around to see...." They'd reached their bathing spot by this point, so Peter was undressing as he made his suggestion.

"That might be a good idea in certain situations," James agreed. "But there will be others where we do need to be clothed, especially to physically protect ourselves from potential injury." He began undressing as well.

Peter thought about that before nodding again. "Like when we are walking through areas with sticker bushes?". He began to wash his clothing.

"Exactly." James did the same, washing his own clothing in the water and then placing them on a large rock to dry. He then got into the water.

It didn't take Peter much longer to wash his clothing and he placed it on the rock as well, before following James into the water. He dunked his head under before beginning to wash his hair.

The lake was cold, so James washed his hair and body fairly quickly, not wanting to stay in the water any longer than strictly necessary. He did keep an eye on Peter, making sure the other man didn't need any help.

Peter had to take a little longer to wash, as he had been so filthy. By the time he had finished he was slightly blue from the cold and his teeth were chattering.  Clambering out of the water, he quickly gathered his still damp clothing so that he could set it by the fire in their home, then shifted closer to James. He was hoping for a little bit of body heat to warm him.

James had got out of the water before Peter, so he was mostly dried off by the time Peter got out. When the other man shifted closer to him, he automatically wrapped his arms around Peter, rubbing his arms and back in an attempt to warm him up further.

Peter nuzzled against James, sighing happily at the shared warmth. "I don't remember the water ever being this cold," he mumbled softly, obviously confused. If he'd thought about it, he would have realized the air outside was chillier too.

The change in the magic was slowly affecting the climate of Neverland.

"A lot of things have been changing since most of the magic disappeared." James had already been thinking about it. It was one of the main reasons he was making sure they could take care of themselves. Who knew what else might change with the absence of magic?

"Do you think we might end up with winter?" Peter asked nervously. Cold made him uneasy... Scared... Though he didn't know why.

"It's possible," James said. "If we do, we'll handle it together," he promised.

"I don't like cold..." Peter admitted in a soft whisper, voice audibly nervous. They had almost reached the tree house and Peter had remained plastered to his mate nearly the whole way back.

"If winter does come, you won't have to leave the treehouse unless you really want to," James promised. "I'll make sure you don't get cold." He kept in close physical contact with Peter as they reached the treehouse.

"Cold brings dark.... Darker than night... Dark like the deepest caves but with monsters...." Peter shivered, only relaxing a little once they'd reached the treehouse. He dutifully pulled the rope that would lift them up.

"Are you remembering before?" James' voice was very gentle, giving Peter an opening to talk about it if he needed to.

"I... I'm not sure. I just remember night so dark, there were no stars or moon. And freezing cold where ice surrounded me and lashed into me with the bitter wind..." Peter's voice was tiny and, despite his efforts, scared.

James wrapped his arms a bit tighter around Peter. "You don't ever have to go through that again," he promised. "I'll protect you. I'll keep you safe from the cold and the night."

"You keep me safe from everything bad ..." Peter mumbled into James' chest. "Love you...."

"I love you too." James kissed the top of Peter's head and led the younger man into the treehouse, where he began to stoke up the fire to warm his mate up.

While James worked on the fire, Peter pulled over the rack they had made for drying items and began to drape their clothing over it. He then went around and lowered the window covers they had made for the house. James had felt it prudent to prevent the easy access when they slept. It quickly became evident the covers also had the benefit of trapping heat inside. Peter let out a happy sigh as warmth filled the room, moving over to James and pressing against him tightly again, a bit more wantonly.

James wrapped his arms around Peter once more, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. He rubbed his hand over his mate's bare skin; partly to help warm Peter up even more, but also because he just wanted to touch his mate. Doing so helped calm and settle something inside him.

Peter's smile was a mix of innocent happiness from being loved and cared about by his mate and less innocent suggestiveness, because being touched and 'handled' by his mate felt really good. And he wanted more. He nuzzled wherever he was able to reach on James' body. "Tell me what to do?" he begged, in a tone that was less submissive and more curious. He was still very innocent in things of a carnal nature. James directing him, teaching him, was to both their benefit. Plus... He really liked James being in charge and taking control over him. It helped him feel safe and when it happened during mating? It made his tummy go all warm and fluttery.

James smiled, leaning forward, and brushing a gentle kiss against Peter's lips before saying, softly, "It always feels good when you touch me." He was more than willing to give his mate more direction, but he also wanted to let Peter explore and touch as much as he wanted to. If something didn't feel good, he could easily direct Peter away from that area.

Peter got the extremely focused look of concentration on his face that he always got when his attention was on James. In those moments, had James not been who he was and been aware of their surroundings, they could have been attacked by an army of pixies and Peter would not have noticed, he was so hyper-focused on James and what his mate was allowing him to do. Licking his lower lip, he began to gently rub his fingers over James's shoulders and chest, watching to see what reaction he would get.

James moaned softly, pressing into the touch as his body began to flush with arousal. His member quickly began stirring, taking an interest in what Peter was doing. He stroked his own hand down Peter's shoulder, gently squeezing every so often.

Peter bit his lip, his eyes lighting up when he noticed James' member getting hard. That meant what he was doing felt good to his mate. At least, he thought so. He continued to gently rub his hands over James' shoulders, arms, and chest, but the exploratory touch was gradually but noticeably moving further down James' body. Soon, he began rubbing his hands gently over James' stomach and hips... his thighs... carefully avoiding touching the erection. He instinctively knew once he touched there, chances were he wouldn't be continuing to explore elsewhere.

James didn't try to direct Peter's touch and exploration. His member was quickly swelling to full hardness, even though his mate wasn't touching it, but James kept enough control over himself to keep his own touches gentle and undemanding.

Peter continued the gentle rubbing, working down James's body. When it got difficult to reach, he knelt in front of James, continuing the gentle rubbing past his mate's thighs, knees, to his calves. He leaned forward, kissing James's thigh, and took a deep breath.

"It feels good," James murmured, voice rough with arousal. "You feel so good." He stroked his fingers through Peter's hair and then gently gripped it; careful not to pull but needing to hold onto his mate.

Peter looked up at James, nuzzling his thigh and breathing in deep again. "You smell good..." he murmured, continuing to nuzzle up James's thigh until he was nuzzling his mate's groin, nosing at his member, letting the hardened shaft brush against his face while he rubbed his nose against James's balls, scenting his mate.

James' groan was louder...almost obscene...as Peter nuzzled at his groin and nosed at his member. His member was fully hard and swollen by this point, nearly purple and weeping precum.

Hearing the groan and feeling James' erection gently nudging at his face gave Peter more confidence to test. Pressing his face even tighter against James' groin, he placed gentle kisses along the skin surrounding his mate's sac before tentatively poking his tongue out to taste.

James moaned loudly, just about managing to avoid crying out loudly. His fingers tightened their grip in Peter's hair, though he was careful not to pull or harm. He didn't try to direct his mate, instead content to let Peter do whatever his instincts pushed him to.

Feeling James' fingers tightening in his hair, even if his mate wasn't directing him or pulling, made Peter's stomach flip and gave him more confidence as well. He gave a stronger, less tentative lick against his mate's left sac, then licked his way to the right one and gave it the same treatment. He hummed happily, realizing that he liked the taste; a mixture of 'clean', James and river water.

"So good." That was what James tried to say, anyway. His voice was rough with arousal. It wasn't going to take long to send him over the edge. He was only holding on by a thread, wanting this to last for as long as possible.

Peter pulled back just far enough to look up at James, giving him an eager grin, wrapping his hand around his mate's shaft, he began to gently but firmly rub and tug on it, pumping slowly at first, but slowly increasing the speed as he became more confident. He positioned himself so that he could see what he was doing to his mate's member and see James' face at the same time. He had promised himself he'd be able to watch his mate release, and he didn't want to miss any of it.

James couldn't hold himself back from the edge anymore. He couldn't even get the words out to warn Peter he was about to release. One moment, he was hovering on the edge. The next, he was toppling over it...releasing hard.

Peter let out a happy little huffing noise as he watched James release... all over him. When it was over, he looked up at his mate with an impish grin, James' release dripping down his face, clinging to part of his hair, and on his hand.  Wrinkling his nose, he looked around for a cloth to clean up with but, not finding one close, began to lick his fingers clean.

James breathed deeply, almost panting, as he 'came down' from the high of releasing for his mate. He gently loosened his grip on Peter's hair and smiled at his mate. "That felt very good," he murmured appreciatively.

Peter's grin widened. "Good! I wanted you to feel good..." he declared, still happily licking James' release off his fingers, his face still messy.

"Let me help you clean up." James retrieved a cloth and began to carefully wash Peter's face.

Peter continued grinning and held still for James to clean his face.  He had finished cleaning off his hand by this point. "I like how... how you taste..." he said bashfully.

James smiled at those words. "If you ever felt comfortable doing so, you could actually use your mouth to help me release," he suggested quietly.

Peter gave an interested look at that. "How? Licking you there?" He blinked.

"No. By actually taking my member into your mouth and sucking," James said. "But not everyone likes it. If you want to try it, that's fine. If you don't want to try it, that's also fine."

Peter bit his lip and looked very interested, his eyes shifting to where he was looking at James' member. "Can I?" he asked hesitantly. It felt like something he needed permission for.

"Do you remember how we talked about it's not always good to release too many times?" James asked gently. "I think we can save that for next time."

Peter nodded energetically. "Yessir... I 'member..." He impulsively threw his arms around James' legs and hugged tight, still from his kneeling position at James' feet.

James knelt down, so that the two of them were on level with each other and wrapped his arm tightly around Peter in return. "Are you warm enough?" he asked softly.

Peter snuggled close. "I'm a little warmer... not so cold. Still wanna snuggle..." he admitted, in a small voice. He wasn't certain being so clingy was a good thing, now that he wasn't a child any longer. All the adults he remembered had never been so affectionate with each other, and maybe he was behaving badly. Maybe James would get tired of it, even if he said it was okay.

"There's no problem with that," James reassured him gently. "I'm just asking about the warmth because if you were still cold, I'd find some way to help you get warmer." He'd noticed Peter's reaction to the idea of cold; of winter.

"I'm not so cold it feels bad... But I'm a little colder than I like..." Peter admitted, giving a self-conscious smile. "It feels good being held, though..." he added on hopefully.

"Do you want me to put more wood on the fire?" James asked softly. "We don't have to stop cuddling, but if you need to be a bit warmer, I can do that."

"If you won't be too hot..." Peter bit his lip, then nuzzled against James. "If you are comfortable, I should be warm enough if you hold me...."

"I'll be more comfortable as long as you are comfortable as well," James said gently. "I can put more wood on the fire and then we can cuddle in front of it. Even if you need to go to sleep, I can stay awake to make sure the fire safely burns out."

Peter smiled up at James, imperiously standing on tip toe to give him a quick, chaste kiss. "I love you..."

"I love you too." James kissed him back, just as chastely, then moved to put some more wood on the fire...though he still kept in close contact with Peter.

Once the fire was higher, Peter moved their clothes a little closer to dry. He then gathered what they had planned for dinner and began to meticulously prepare it the way James had taught him. Every so often, he'd glance at his lover for approval.

James smiled encouragingly and voiced praise and approval to his mate, even as he moved over to help Peter with the food preparation.

Once the food had been prepared, Peter helped dish it up, then sat as close to James as possible while they ate. "Will you tell me stories after dinner?" he suddenly asked. "I know life was hard for you once I got you stuck, but... You had some good things happen? Didn't you?" His voice was hesitant, as he worried that maybe James had been completely miserable with no good.

"Yes." James smiled at Peter. "It might have been difficult at times, but there were some good things as well." He wrapped his arm around his mate as they ate. "I'll tell you some stories while we sit curled up by the fire," he promised.

Peter sighed happily, leaning against James. It didn't take long for them to eat dinner and soon, they were cleaning up. While renovating the tree house, James had made certain that the bed was close enough to the fire that its warmth could reach. Even so, they sat by the fire. Peter knew they could easily crawl into bed if needed. He wanted to hear stories.

James wrapped his arms around Peter, pulling the other man in close, and began to tell him the promised stories.

****

It was a few days later and the treehouse really was looking like a home. Peter had helped James in every way he knew how... And James had taught him when he didn't know how. They had a fence surrounding what they'd decided was their yard, to help defend against the creatures who were nastier; the more the magic changed, the more 'monsters' began to encroach. Peter had kept watch nervously, warning James of every new development.

He was gathering some berries just outside their fence line and watching when he saw her. "Tink!" he called excitedly. He hadn't seen his Fae friend since everything had gone wrong. He frowned when she appeared not to hear him and continued flitting away. "Tink! Wait!" He began to follow her quickly, not thinking to tell James.

***

While Peter had been gathering berries, James had left the treehouse to go and check the traps. He tried to avoid taking Peter with him, as his mate tended to get upset, even if he understood the necessity of killing to eat.

Fortunately, none of the nastier creatures were lurking around the traps and James had collected the animals without any trouble. He carried them back to the treehouse, planning to make sure Peter had another job to do so that he didn't have to see James prepare the meat.

***

Tinkerbell was frustrated that the adult version of Peter Pan was still as immature and irresponsible as a little boy. There was a reason she had avoided him when the magical backlash had hit and he'd 'grown up'. When Peter no longer had control over the magical creatures, it meant those who had ruled them before Peter regained control. And those ancient rulers hated humans, and specifically hated Peter.  It had been decreed that if one of the magicals had a chance to capture Peter, they should.

Tink didn't want to capture Peter. He would be killed, most likely after being tortured, if he were captured. So, she was attempting to run. But the fool human was chasing her, calling her name, and gaining all the wrong attention.

Peter was becoming more distressed the longer he chased Tink and she ignored him. He was getting further and further away from home also. He didn't notice that, though. He didn't notice anything he should have been paying attention to. That's why he missed seeing the trap and ended up falling into a deep pit with smooth sides. "Ow!" he yelped, as his ankle turned. Wincing, he hobbled to the sides of the pit and realized, he couldn't climb up. He was well and truly stuck... And since James didn't know where he was, there would be no rescue.

"I messed up bad...." he whispered, in a worried, bordering on frightened voice.

***

James hadn't exactly been worried when he returned to the treehouse and Peter wasn't there. He thought Peter probably wouldn't be gone long, especially as his mate knew that James needed help to actually get into the treehouse.

Maybe it was about time he started considering a way of creating a pulley he could operate with just one hand.

***

Tink didn't see Peter fall into the pit, but she heard his yell and subsequent distressed vocalization of pain. She immediately spun around and flitted back to where she'd last heard Peter and peered down into the pit.

"Tink?" Peter looked up at her, half hopefully and half fearful. Had his Fae friend turned to hating him? If so, he was out of luck, but if there was even a small bit of caring.... "Please, Tink... Get James? I need help..." he whispered pathetically.

Sending a trilling little tinkle sound, Tink flitted rapidly away. Peter had no clue if she would help or not.

****

Tink moved as fast as she was able, but it still took her longer to reach the tree house than she wanted. She'd had to dodge several other pixies, lest they ask questions and figure out Peter had been trapped. Eventually, though, she'd reached the fenced in clearing. It was easy to spot James and she flitted to him, buzzing around his face in an annoying fashion to try and get his attention... tried to convince him to follow her.

By the time Tink had flown up to him, James was beginning to rapidly grow worried. Peter normally wasn't gone for so long, especially after they'd formed their relationship. He'd been about to try and find the younger man when the pixie had flown up to him and started buzzing around his face.

"Tinkerbell?" James had only seen one pixie since being trapped in Neverland, but he'd always assumed there were more. So, he didn't immediately assume that it was her, although she seemed to be trying to get him to go with her, rather than outright attacking.

Hearing James say her name, Tink stopped flitting long enough to hover in front of his face, looking him in the eye. She then pointed at him, then herself, then in the direction they needed to go to help Peter. After doing that, she quickly flew that way before returning to James and tugging on his shirt, then flying that way again. She only went to the fence, waiting for him to follow.

It could still be a trap, James knew, but since Peter was gone and he had no other leads to follow...Tinkerbell was his only hope of finding his wayward mate. He paused only long enough to grab his pack that he'd stashed close to the bottom of the tree, in case they needed to leave home in a hurry, and then quickly moved to follow the tiny pixie.

Tink moved quickly while making certain not to lose James in her rush. She also made certain to lead him away from the nastier creatures, although most tended to avoid 'Captain Hook' due to his reputation alone. Still, it was nearing dusk when she finally reached the pit and peered down fearfully, uncertain if Peter was still there, or if one of the monsters had come for him.

Peter heard the tinkling sound of his friend and looked up hopefully. "Tink?" His voice was raspy from dehydration, and pain filled because of his ankle.

"Peter?" James quickly peered over the pit, spotting his mate at the bottom. He'd heard the rasp and note of pain in Peter's voice and quickly opened his pack, taking out a waterskin. If Peter was weak, he wouldn't be able to climb out even with James able to pull with one hand. "Where are you hurt?" he asked quickly.

"James!" The relief and happiness in Peter's voice was palpable. "I twisted my ankle... But I'm okay otherwise. I just can't find a foothold in the sides.... They are too smooth...."

Tink flitted around uncertainly.

"Can you put any weight on your ankle?" James carefully dropped the waterskin into the pit, aiming so that Peter would easily be able to catch it.

Peter caught the skin and took several gulps of water, thirstily. He then carefully tossed the skin back up to James before tentatively standing and putting weight on his ankle. "It really hurts, and I can't do more than a few seconds at a time before it feels like I will fall down.... But I can stand on it a little..." Peter said uncertainly.

James looked at Tinkerbell. "Can you help him to fly like you did before? Even if it's only for a short period, it would help."

Tinkerbell slanted her head and scrunched up her nose, thinking, before nodding emphatically and flying down to Peter. Blowing pixie dust into his face, she then grabbed him by the ear so she could direct him, since he immediately started floating upward. She tried to navigate him to within James' reach, so that the older man could take hold of Peter and pull him along without Peter continuing to rise into the sky. She wasn't certain the wonky magic wouldn't prevent Peter from navigating himself.

"Thanks, Tink..." Peter whispered. Once he was close enough, he reached out a hand to James.

As soon as Peter was close enough, James reached out and clasped his mate's hand, pulling Peter in close to him. "Thank you," he said to the pixie.

Tinkerbell buzzed around before heading into the wooded area, disappearing from sight.

"Tink! Wait!" Peter called out. He was too late, though. His miniature friend was gone. He sighed in dejection. "She helped me, so she isn't like the other monsters. But she doesn't want to be around me, either..." he whispered to James. "Until I fell in the pit, she kept running away from me. I had to run to keep her in sight..." he admitted, without realizing just what he was admitting.

James frowned, hearing what Peter had just admitted. "You were following her? That's why you weren't at the treehouse?" Even as he was speaking, he wrapped his arms around Peter and carefully lifted his mate. Considering that it had been a difficult journey getting to the pit, he thought it would be easier if he were to carry Peter, rather than expecting his mate to walk back.

"Yessir... I wanted to try and talk to her. See if she was still friendly or not. If she could help us figure out what had happened..." Peter said quietly, wrapping his arms around James to hold on so it would be easier to carry him. He could tell the pixie dust was wearing off. Soon, he'd be heavier.

James grabbed the pack and gave it to Peter to hold, since he needed his hand free in case anything happened. He quickly began heading back the way he'd come with Tink, having made sure he memorized the route they'd followed.

Peter tried to make it as easy for James to carry him as possible. He didn't complain about his ankle hurting, not wanting to be a baby about it. He didn't talk much, either. He wasn't certain if James was upset with him or not and didn't know how to ask. "Thank you for coming for me..." he finally whispered when they were back in their yard and almost to the lift.

"I would always come for you," James replied. "I love you. But you shouldn't have left, even to follow Tinkerbell, on your own. What just happened could have been so much worse, and what if she hadn't come to find me and lead me to you?"

Peter blinked at the question and, as his thoughts automatically went to where the question led, he shivered and gave James a nervous look. "I... I would have been stuck there till the monsters found me or I died..." he realized, with a catch in his voice.

James nodded. "Neverland is no longer the safe place it used to be." He tried to keep his voice gentle, but it was really important that Peter understand the danger he'd been in. "It's important, really important, that you talk to me before leaving like that."

Peter bit his lip. "I... I know. I just didn't think on it.... I'm sorry...." By this point, they were in the lift and James had set him down so he could go gather any items that needed to be taken up into the house. As soon as James had everything needed, Peter carefully pulled them up and tied the rope so James could unload everything, including Peter, off the lift.

James carefully carried Peter into the treehouse, setting him down on their bed. He then returned to the lift to collect everything, including the animals he'd retrieved from the trap. After putting the items away, he picked up his slightly meagre medical supplies and brought them over to Peter.

Peter watched as James retrieved everything and put it away, feeling guilty he wasn't helping. When his mate finally returned to his side with the supplies, he apologized. "I'm sorry I've made things difficult...."

"Making things difficult doesn't concern me as much as you risking your own life and safety," James said. "I don't want you doing dangerous things because I don't want to lose you. I love you." He carefully began to remove the boot on Peter's injured foot.

Peter hissed softly as James removed his boot, but his mate was being as careful as possible, so he tried not to show how much it hurt. "I didn't mean to be dangerous..." he whimpered.

"I know you didn't mean to be. But running after her without waiting for me was very dangerous. I need to know this won't happen again." James began to carefully examine Peter's ankle.

Peter wrinkled his nose. "How would you do that?"

"I'm going to spank you for taking dangerous chances with your life," James answered.

Peter's eyes widened and his hands went back to cover his bottom as he remembered the spankings from before. "I was really naughty?" he asked, in a soft, subdued, and childlike voice.

"You were," James replied. "You were naughty to take dangerous chances and nearly cause me to lose you." He began to carefully strap up Peter's ankle, after making sure there were no broken bones.

"I didn't mean to be naughty..." Peter whimpered nervously. He wasn't nervous about the spanking, though. He was nervous that James was upset with him. He didn't like James being upset or disappointed with him. It hurt inside and made it hard to sleep or do anything, because all he could think of was how he'd upset and disappointed his mate. He was quickly reaching that point, now that he knew he'd been naughty.

"I know you didn't." James finished strapping up Peter's ankle and then reached out, placing a hand against his mate's cheek, and rubbing gently. "I'm going to spank you, but you'll be forgiven, and we'll move past it," he promised.

Peter leaned into James's hand, pressing his cheek into it. "Okay..." he whispered, willing to accept anything if James forgave him. "I'm sorry...."

"I know." James kissed his forehead gently. "Are you ready to get this over with?" he asked, fairly sure Peter wouldn't want to drag this out any longer than it needed to be.

"Yessir..." Peter responded quietly. It was very obvious he was close to tears already. It wouldn't take much to tip him over the edge. He didn't try to get out of being punished. Having had it explained to him so clearly, he knew and understood that he deserved the spanking. He fully intended to get as many cuddles as James would allow after, though.

"I love you. It'll be over soon," James promised. He sat down on the bed and gently guided Peter into position across his lap, securing him with an arm wrapped around his waist. He then proceeded to bare his mate.

"I... I don't think I can hold still," Peter whimpered, in a pathetically helpless voice. He remembered the previous spankings and how his legs kicked. If he accidently kicked something with his sore foot, or even got his clothes tangled around his sore ankle, it would hurt so much worse and then James would be more upset.

James gently rubbed Peter's back. "I'll help you," he promised. He carefully pulled Peter's trousers free, making sure they wouldn't get tangled around his mate's sore ankle. Then, he positioned one of the cushions under Peter's foot, making sure it was as supported as possible.

"Thank you..." Peter shifted until he felt secure, trusting James to protect him.

James wrapped his arm a bit more securely around Peter's waist, pulling his mate tighter against his stomach. Then, he lifted his hand and brought it down in the first firm smack that he then repeated.

Peter gasped softly as James began swatting, whimpering. He reached back, not to block, but to hold onto James' hand, grasping blindly. Tears already blinded him, and it was only seconds before they began to slide down his face.

James gripped Peter's hand, squeezing gently, even as he continued to swat firmly. He covered every inch of Peter's bottom, from the crest down to mid-thigh before he started over from the top.

By the time James began the second circuit, Peter's tears had turned into vocal crying. He wasn't sobbing exactly, but he was crying hard enough that he couldn't hide it. He felt like a horrible failure at having disappointed, scared, and hurt his mate. He hadn't meant to, but he hadn't thought his actions enough. It was so foolish and bad. "So sorry was bad..." he choked out. "So sorry...."

"You aren't bad, Peter," James said, his voice low and gentle. "You were naughty, but not bad. Once the spanking is over, it'll be finished. You'll be fully forgiven, and we can just cuddle for the rest of the evening," he promised.

"Didn't mean to..." Peter cried harder. "Didn't wanna scare you. Didn't wanna hurt or dis'poin you..." he tried to explain, before slumping hopelessly, giving all control to James. "Please.... Don't leave me... Need you...." he whispered brokenly. Despite James' assurances and the fact his mate had come after him, he was still afraid he'd be left behind. He was afraid he didn't deserve to be loved enough not to be left.

"I won't leave you," James promised. "I won't ever leave you. I love you. I love you, Peter. I need you. Whatever happens, whatever we do, it'll be together." He finished up with a final few smacks to Peter's sit spots and thighs, then stopped spanking and instead gathered Peter into his arms, hugging him close and tight.

As soon as James finished spanking and pulled him into his arms, Peter was clinging to the older man, burrowing against him, shivering, and shaking from the fear he couldn't shake and high emotion. He believed everything James said, but a small part of him couldn't get over the fear that he didn't deserve such care and loyalty... That James wouldn't be able to do what he said if the magic decided Peter had to be alone. His bottom stinging wasn't enough to help him feel like he wasn't going to be so bad, James wouldn't be disappeared from Neverland. Wouldn't be taken away from him, even if James didn't want it.

James could feel the way Peter was shaking and he tightened his embrace around the other man, not sure why Peter was scared, but knowing that he was. Rocking his mate gently, he whispered, "I've got you, Peter. I'm not going to let you go. So long as I have breath in my body and my mind is sound, I will never leave you."

"What... What if you aren't allowed?" Peter choked out, still desperately clinging. "What if you don't get to choose?" He let out a soft wail, sobbing harder. "I don't want you to die.... Better you go home and me be alone than... than you die!"

"Peter." James touched his face, raising it so that he could look into Peter's eyes. "You told me that the rest of the pirates got their wish back, and that's why they're gone. Because they used their wish to go home. But my wish isn't to go home. My wish is to stay with you. No matter what."

Peter feverishly searched James' face. When the truth of James' words finally sunk into his mind, he visibly deflated and calmed. James wouldn't choose to leave him. And maybe the wish magic would be strong enough that James wouldn't have to leave him. "Do... Do you think wish magic would keep you alive?" he asked hesitantly, in a tear roughened voice. He tightened his arms around his mate and whispered quickly, "I wish every day that you stay safe...."

James kissed his head tenderly. "I'm alive and healthy. I don't see any reason why that would change." At least for as long as they had access to food and clean water. Right now, he was in better shape than Peter, after all, as Peter had got dehydrated and sprained his ankle.

Peter snuggled close. "I love you..." he said, nuzzling and then kissing James' cheek.  "...Need you..." he added on.

"I love you too." James gently kissed Peter. "I need you too," he added.

Peter pressed into the kiss, needing to show James how much he was loved.

James continued kissing his mate, though he kept the kiss light and chaste. He didn't want to push Peter into sex, as his main focus was on taking care of the other man; making sure he was fed and had everything he needed for his ankle to heal quickly and well.

Peter finally calmed, the gentle affection helping to ease his fears to a manageable level. He didn't pull away at all, continuing to snuggle as close as possible.

James held Peter close, but eventually pulled back from the kiss enough to whisper, "When you're ready, I'll prepare some food for us both. Then, after cleanup, we can just cuddle for the rest of the evening and night."

"Is there something I can help with?" Peter asked quietly. He knew he wouldn't be able to help with a lot of the things he normally helped with until his ankle healed, but he wanted to help in some way.

"I just want you to rest," James answered softly. "Rest and heal. Those are your only jobs for now."

"Okay..." Peter said agreeably. He was obviously planning to listen to anything James told him to do and obey.

James carefully extricated himself from Peter, kissing his forehead, and stood up. "I'm going to be preparing the meat." He wanted to warn Peter, so that his mate could avert his eyes if it was easier.

"Okay..." Peter's voice was softer. It still made him sad that it was necessary for them to kill to survive, but he was slowly becoming used to it. He was able to watch without bursting into tears, at any rate. He watched carefully, so he could learn and help with food, in case James needed him to one day. Once the food was ready, he waited for instructions on where he should move.

Once the food was ready, James carried the plates over to the bed. He might have encouraged Peter to sit at the makeshift little table they had in the treehouse in other circumstances, but since his mate was injured, he decided not to put any strain on Peter's ankle, figuring they could eat sitting on the bed.

As soon as James was settled with the food, Peter cuddled as close as he could get without hindering his mate eating. He felt calm and more able to handle the pain when he was close to James, and he was content up stay next to him for the remainder of the evening. Despite the danger he'd faced, he felt like it had been a very good day.

The End