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His words did not ease her concerns. Rather, when Cubby could not make an accurate assessment on how many of the pot brownies Tootles had ate, the brunette found herself frowning. This was not good at all. It was one thing for Tootles to have consumed a pot brownie or two, but what if he had accidentally consumed even more? Had he even drank any water since consuming any? Maybe Wendy should go and get him a glass just in case, she wondered even more worryingly. But before she could go and do exactly that, Cubby reassured her that Tootles was fine, going as far as to gesture towards his direction for the brunette to see. Turning her gaze towards where he was pointing, the older’s eyes landed on the eldest of the Lost Boys lounging comfortably against the couch, seeming to be as calm as ever. That sight did seem to calm her nerves a little in return. “I should get him some water.” Wendy insisted, tearing her gaze away to glance back at Cubby. He was ever so smily and giggling at her, it now dawned to the eldest Darling that Cubby himself may be quiet high as well. “And how many pot brownies have you eaten, Cubby?” 

Cubby couldn’t help but giggle playfully, expecting Wendy to repeat what he said but she stopped herself. Though he didn’t normally partake in things such as weed edibles often, it was fun to have the occasional special treat for things like holidays, understanding why Peter always requested them for fun nights like this. However, it was even more rare for someone like Tootles to partake in the activity, which was what made it even more amusing. Of course, Wendy went into mother mode as soon as she heard this news, to which Cubby was here to reassure her. “Only one! I think…” he trailed off. At least he only witnessed Tootles eat one, but there was a chance he may have had more. He shrugged, not too worried. Cubby always made sure to be as safe as possible when it came to his special treats. “It’s fine, look at him!” He continued, turning to gesture toward the living room couch where Tootles was currently lounging comfortably. “He’s having a blast!”

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Wendy knew from the start that Tink wasn’t being serious with her words, so once the other girl admitted to it being a joke, the brunette just smiled. It had to be more than just a joke because if that had been the case, than the fairy would’ve been making it towards one of the Lost Boys or even Michael himself— not her. No, if she had to think of the main reason to why Tink was talking to her at this very moment, it most likely had to do with Peter as well. Actually, it most certainly had to do with Peter, for it did not escape Wendy’s notice that the curly haired girl had came up to her the minute the Darling wasn’t with him after she already spent the majority of her night with him already. 

Tink had tried to dismiss her, and in any other situation, Wendy would’ve left her be. She did not want to cause any fights or arguments with her tonight, not when they all were supposed to be celebrating the upcoming New Year. But it was Tink who had came up to her first, so it if anything, all the brunette was doing was continuing the conversation the other girl had started. So instead of leaving like she considered, the Darling tilted her head at the fairy. “Have you been enjoying yourself so far, Tink?” Wendy asked, already guessing what her response would be. She would genuinely like to hear her say that she was and mean it, however, it’s more likely that while she will say that she’s enjoying herself that Tink would also try to attempt another snide remark at her. Hence, Wendy’s expression already turning a tad apologetic before she could do so. “I know Peter hadn’t spent much time with you tonight, so if you want to go over and talk to him instead— by all means.” 

Of course Tink knew that Michael was capable of staying up late. What she had meant was to get under Wendy’s skin by referencing how overprotective she always seemed to be over her younger brothers, especially the youngest. Poking fun at the “team mother” role the other girl had within the group and how silly and unnecessary she found it. But one thing about Wendy was that she never made it easy for Tink to insult her, any and all insinuations seeming to roll off her shoulders as if she hadn’t even noticed the slight. It was either because she was so naive that she truly didn’t understand, or because she had enough grace to refuse to stoop to Tink’s level of pettiness; Tink didn’t like either option. Perfect, innocent, sweet Wendy, never saying or doing the wrong thing…How could she ever compare?

The truth was, she knew she couldn’t—and the proof was how much time Peter had spent with the Darling girl already tonight, entirely ignoring Tink all the while. She could see how this night was going to end and was acting out in advance, the moment she found Wendy alone. As if knowing she would never measure up gave her the right to go low. She knew she was being immature. She had made a lot of progress over the years to fix those instincts and act more civilly when she was annoyed, but sometimes…Well, her attitude got ahead of her. She needed to take a breath and behave. Instead of digging her heels in and making a more blatant snub, Tink just rolled her eyes away and huffed a little sigh. “I was joking,” she said. Maybe still being a bit salty, but that was the best she could do—take it or leave. “Never mind.”

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"Sorry. I didn't realize you could hear me." -Tootles ( @toddtootles )

With hurt apparent on her face, the most Wendy did in response to her brother was slowly nod. She had in fact overheard what he had said. She heard every single word Tootles had spoken to Peter, including the way he had said it. All the disappointment he felt towards the other male, and as well as all the hurt that could be traced within his tone. But none of it was for himself. Not even for Wendy. No— Tootles was hurt for Tink. But that wasn’t why the Darling girl was feeling rather upset herself. The reason why she was upset over what she overheard Tootles saying to Peter was because he apparently didn’t agree with the fact Peter had chosen to kiss Wendy when the New Years had arrived. Not only that, but Tootles deliberately brought up the two of them kissing in front of Tink, and how ignored the other girl had felt by Peter through the night. Like he was scolding him for choosing Wendy instead— that’s what hurt her the most.

“Is it that shameful Peter chose to spend the entire night with me instead of Tink?” The brunette found herself asking as she glanced at Tootles. Don’t get her wrong, Wendy’s could understand why Tootles had said that to Peter. After all, it wasn’t a hidden secret that Tink had feelings for Peter, in fact she’s had them for such a long time now. However, the Darling girl also had feelings for him herself, and though they may not have been there longer than Tink’s has, was she not allowed to explore these feelings herself? Especially when it seemed like Peter was reciprocate them in return. After all, they had shared a kiss merely an hour ago and it was him who initiated it in the first place. Simply recalling the moment caused Wendy to lift a hand and touch her lip, wanting nothing more than to relive the high she felt when her lips connected with Peter’s, only for her expression to once again drop when realizing that one of her own brothers didn’t seem to approve of being with him. “Is it that bad that he chose to kiss me instead of her?” 

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“Are you sure Michael is good to stay awake until midnight? I mean, he’s only 21…” -Tink ( @tinkabells )

“Precisely, he’s twenty-one. That’s a reasonable age for someone to stay up until midnight.” Wendy replied, staring at Tink with a raised brow. It was surprising that the other girl was talking to her in the first place, the two of them normally not one to get along with each other. Or to be more exact— Tink didn’t get along well with Wendy. The Darling girl on the other hand had no qualms when it came to the curly haired girl. In fact, if it were her choice, she would love to befriend the other if she let her, but it seemed like whenever the two of them interacted, the brunette seemed to say or do something that aggravates the other. It was very unfortunate. That being said, Wendy could always tell whenever Tink was trying to take a dig at her. Such as now.

“I know Michael still has that childish nature to him that may make him come off as younger than he already is, but he is more than capable in staying up.” The brunette added. On the contrary, among her, John, and Michael, it was the younger who has the frequent habit of staying up much later than usual. Be it due to the fact he lose himself playing video games, in the random mood to cook an entire dish within the late hours of two in the morning, or simply because he couldn’t sleep and just happened to be up— Michael would be able to stay away until midnight and then some. Everyone knew this fact about him, including Tink, which is also why Wendy was positive Tink wasn’t saying any of this due to any ‘concerns’ over her younger brothers ability to stay up or not. “What’s with this sudden concern for Michael, Tink?”

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“Tootles is baked like a fucking cake” -Cubby ( @colincubs )

“Baked like a—?” Cutting herself off before she could repeat the entire statement, Wendy instead exhaled deeply. She didn’t need to think over much on what Cubby had just informed her, the conclusion as to how Tootles became as baked as a “fucking cake” like he had said so bluntly can be due to one main conclusion— Cubby had once again baked pastries with weed inside of them. Now, the eldest Darling doesn’t often partake in these pastries her brother often makes, but she wasn’t none the wiser to them. In fact, Wendy often liked knowing beforehand whenever Cubby baked any, not only so she can keep away from those batches but also so she can keep note on who consumed them and how much. And in this case, it sounded like Tootles had consumed quite too many than he should’ve if what Cubby was saying was true. “Cubby, exactly how many of your pot brownies have Tootles consumed?” Wendy questioned, now looking at the younger with an gaze mixed with curiosity yet also of concern. “Because it’s not often whenever he eats many of them.” Rather, Tootles rarely eats them himself, so for him to have consumed so many then? 

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While she normally would prefer to discover whether she liked a certain book on her own, Wendy could not deny that she also valued Dylan’s opinions. He was one of the only few people she knew who enjoyed the art of reading the same way she did, in fact, the brunette could argue that he enjoyed reading even more than she did. So to hear him say that the story she had chosen would only drawn on and didn’t have a satisfying ending, Wendy didn’t hesitate to shut the book without marking the page she had been in. Perhaps sometime later she might regret doing so, but the Darling knew she could always return back to this book if she felt like it. After all, it never hurts to start from the beginning once again. 

That being said, she couldn’t help but now stare at Dylan curiously, wondering what other story he had in mind that he thought would catch her fancy better than the one she had chosen. And as soon as her question had escaped her lips, he immediately produced a new book from his cart and placed it against the table before her. The entire action resulted in the brunette staring at him with mirth, the corner of her lips curving upwards once more before shifting her gaze towards the book he given her. Wendy read the title, brows raising with instant curiosity before she glanced back at him once more. “I do have to say the title alone does sound more appealing than the other one did.” She commented, now flipping the book over. “And I think I might bring them both home with me.” The brunette added with a slight nod. Only she will be reading this new one first. “But thank you, I’ll try to give a raving review— if I enjoy it as much as you believe I will. But if I don’t, you may need to have another choice ready for me to read because I will be asking for more recommendations then.” There was a teasing smile on her face. 

Dylan was probably the biggest bookworm around, with his favorite thing about having magic being that he could speed read through any and all books he could find. It made him feel bad for others that didn't have that same advantage though — time was limited for them, limited on what they could read throughout their lifetime and how much they could realistically get through. That was why he had a habit of being upfront when a book wasn't good; if he didn't have the ability to get through a book so fast, he'd also want the brutal honestly if the book sucks. No point in wasting the time! Still, he could come off a bit of a know-it-all because of this.

Of course, his current intention was to help and impress Wendy by the comment, but it was no secret that he wasn't all that good at this. He was always persistent though, trying even if he was failing. He smiled at her question, shrugging. "True. Realistically, I can't stop you. You could keep going with it, see for yourself. I'd just hate for you to waste your time." Despite the brunette's question, she closed the book without saving her page. Luckily, he had planned for her next question, already having the perfect book resting in the cart he had beside him. Knowing exactly where he placed it, he grabbed his book suggestion for her almost too quickly. "I think this is more your style." Dylan placed the book on the table beside the one Wendy just sat down. He wondered if she was going to give up on that one completely or still give it a try. "You could always take both," Dylan mused. "I can imagine your book review will be very entertaining by the end."

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As soon as his expression had brightened, she found that she couldn’t be regretful for agreeing. Sure, she was still terrified to go on that motorcycle of his, but seeing Peter smile at her compliance was worth the try if it meant he would continue to smile at her like this. Besides, Wendy might actually enjoy the ride after all. She wouldn’t know unless she actually gave it a try.

As he promised to go slow, going as far as to give her a scouts honor to reassure the severity of his promise, Wendy chuckled. “You’ve never even been a scout before.” She commented, yet it was evident on her face how charmed and endeared she was by him. How can she say no to his scouts honor? He positioned himself against his bike, only to then pat against the seat behind them, gesturing her to sit down herself. “You might regret saying that. I may not look like it, but I do have quite the grip when it comes down to it.” The brunette lightly smiled before she took a seat behind him. Wendy then slipped on the helmet he had given her perviously over her head, only to them wrap her arms around Peter’s torso. “Okay, I’m ready.” She said, leaning against his back with a slight nod.

Peter was eagerly waiting for Wendy to change her mind, his pouty-lip only sticking out further the longer she took to contemplate the decision. It was funny, how Wendy questioned if he really wanted her to ride with him. What kind of silly question was that? "Of course I do," he laughed again, hoping to ease her anxiety with his infectious energy. Eventually, it worked. His pout turned to a grin the moment she gave in.

"You won't regret it!" He was already grabbing his own helmet and sticking it on his head, noticing she was still anxious despite that she agreed. He certainly didn't want to scare her — the last thing he wanted was her first ride to be her only ride — so Peter would make sure that this ride was a tame one. "I promise to take it slow at first. Scout's honor." With his helmet already on, Peter held his hand up with his palm toward her to emphasize his scout's honor, then he motioned for her to join him. He sat at the front of the bike and patted the empty spot behind him. He couldn't help but find her concerns amusing, as if Wendy were capable of hurting him just from holding on. He didn't think she was capable of even hurting a fly. "You can hold onto me as tight as you need — I can handle it."

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Wendy was most certainly not about to get on that motorcycle! She already felt herself feeling unsettled back when Peter first presented the motorcycle to everyone, though excited for him and his own excitement of now owning one, the brunette had no interest in riding it. Yes, it certainly would be nice to go for a ride with Peter, being able to grasp tightly onto him as the wind blew on their faces, and yes, being on the motorcycle with him would be a great excuse for the two of them to be alone. And it wasn’t as if she distrusted Peter or his ability to ride it, but— Wendy was terrified of actually being on a moving motorcycle in general.

He made a point, the best adventures were terrifying at first, but this was an adventure she was unsure she wanted to take part of. “That may be true, but do you really want me to go on this ride with you?” Wendy questioned, glancing back at Peter with a look of uncertainty on her face. What made this situation that more conflicting was how she didn’t want to disappoint. He had gone to her over anyone else once he gotten a second helmet, which meant Peter thought of her as the first person he wanted to go on a joy ride with. That though alone did ease some of Wendy’s nerves, aware that he could’ve gone to any of their friends— to Tink, yet he had chosen her. The puppy dog pout had been her downfall, Wendy unable to resist whenever Peter looked at her in that way, and thus she ended up letting out a sigh in defeat. “I supposed I could give it a shot….” She gave in. “Just, don’t go too fast at the start, please? Otherwise, I may end up holding a bit too tightly onto you.” 

Peter already knew that the chances of Wendy saying yes right off the bat were slim to none, but that was okay. The persuading part made it all the more fun; Peter really just saw it like a game. His smile didn't falter despite her discouraging initial reaction. In fact, a laugh even escaped his lips.

"Terrifying? Haven't you learned that all the best adventures are terrifying at first?" Peter smirked, taking a step closer and letting the helmet rest in her grasp. He put a hand on her shoulder again, letting his usual charm take the lead. "You can't always just be the storyteller Wendy —" Though everyone loved the way Wendy told stories, there was no denying that. "— Sometimes you gotta be part of the story, too. Which is why you're so lucky you have me." Hand dropping from her shoulder now, he immediately jumped into his next tactic in convincing Wendy — a puppy dog pout. "Come on, you know you can't say no to this face."

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The library was a frequent place for her, the brunette often visiting it whenever she desired to find a new book to read. To discover a new story to become enthralled with, and since she craved it so much, it eventually became a point in where she was now a familiar face within the establishment. Every other day, Wendy would arrive to the library at 10 o'clock in the morning. Why at 10 am? Because it was still early enough in the day for her to arrive where not so many people were around, giving her the time to search through the isle to isle for her next book. Now, don’t get her wrong, Wendy had no issues in being inside the library with many people there, rather it was always nice to see fellow book lovers reading all around her. But there was also a sort of peace Wendy throughly enjoyed when it was mainly just her within the library. Such as now, after plucking a book off the shelf from a section she doesn’t often venture to, the brunette sat among one of the many tables, gaze so fixated on the passage she had currently been reading. She hadn’t noticed the presences that was nearing towards her until he spoke.

Julting, her gaze broke away from the pages of the book and shifted over her shoulders in order to now look back at Dylan. “Really?” She questioned, a small frown now forming on her face. If there was one thing that can be aggravating to her, it’s a slow pacing book. But from the books summary and the cover, it all sounded interesting and fulfilling, should she give up on seeing where things goes or should she listen to him? “Shouldn’t you be letting me discover for myself if whether the plot drags on or if I find the protagonist likable?” Wendy questioned, though she closed the book as she said that. “If not this one, than what book do you have in mind?” 

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Dylan sat up from the computer as he realized who usually frequented the library at this time. He'd gotten distracted updating some files, but that was alright — he knew he wasn't too late. Leaving the files for later, he brought out the cart of books to put back on the shelves as his eyes scanned for the familiar brunette. She could typically be found at the same few sections, but he surprisingly found her in a different spot today. Pushing the cart behind her, as if he were actually just working and not coming over to talk to her, he peeked over Wendy's shoulder to see what book she was considering. "I don't think you'll like that one — the plot moves really slow, and the main character is extremely unlikable," he smiled as Wendy looked up from the book. "Trust me, you'll thank me later. I can help you find something better?" @wcndydrliing

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“I won’t!” Wendy replied with a soft chuckle as she continued to follow Peter’s lead. Without her sight, she was in a vulnerable state for he could be taking her anywhere, and she wouldn’t know until he finally gives her the okay to look. And normally, the thought of not being able to tell where she’s being taken to would have been a bit unnerving for Wendy, but if there was anyone she felt she could put her trust in while not being able to see where she’s going, it would be Peter. Surely, he wouldn’t be taking her anywhere he knew she wouldn’t like nor did she believe he would bring her anywhere that would cause her any kind of harm. 

So once he came to a stop, resulting in her stopping as well, he finally gave her the okay to take a peak by lightly nudging her, and so Wendy dropped her hands and looked at what the surprise had been. There, she spotted his motorcycle, a sight that was still new for her but one she was becoming familiar to. But that wasn’t the main thing he had wanted her to see, and as Peter mentions a second helmet, and goes to hold it out towards her, she froze. “You’re not?” Cutting herself off, Wendy turned back to look at him, eyes now wide at the insinuation he was making after reassuring her how it was safe. Instead, she took a step back, unsure. “Oh no, Peter! I’m sure it is safe, and I do appreciate the thoughtfulness of getting a second helmet for me but, I’m not. I don’t— The thought of riding a motorcycle is terrifying.” 

"Almost there.. no peeking!" Peter lead Wendy through the parking lot with her hands covering her eyes, his hands firmly on her shoulders to keep her going in the right direction. He was leading her straight to his motorcycle, two helmets resting on the bike as an invitation for Wendy to go for a ride with him. He knew she was going to freak out about it and likely say no at first, but he was a master of persuasion; he wasn't worried about it. "Ta-da!" He stopped her in their tracks, giving her a light nudge as a signal to open her eyes. He quickly floated past her to grab the second helmet and hold it out in her direction. "Finally got a second helmet. And before you say anything, it's completely safe! It's a lot like flying, you'll love it." @wcndydrliing

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A girl! What’s she doing here? And in her nightdress too!

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KRISTINE FROSETH Rodarte Spring/Summer 2024 Portrait Series

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NAME:   Wendy Darling AGE:   Twenty-Five  SEXUALITY:   Open-Minded HEIGHT:   5′3″ PRONOUNS:   She/Her OCCUPATION:   Freelance Writer & Journalist

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tag dump

( but mother; i don't want to grow up : musings ) ( my name is wendy. wendy moira angela darling : visage ) ( oh; we had such a wonderful time! well; except when we were kidnapped... : interactions ) ( but; peter; how do we get to neverland? : answered )