#Peter Pan; or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up

[empirearchives]

I’ll be honest. I completely forgot Napoleon was in Peter Pan. What is this

[batboyblog]

Copy Right and Public Domain in 2024

Happy 2024 all! its also Public Domain Day! a magical holiday here in America where things enter the public domain. Works published in the year 1928 (or 95 years ago!) have entered the public domain, which means they belong to us, all of us, the public!

Mickey's Back!

Yes! I'm sure you've heard, but Mickey Mouse (and Minnie Mouse too) is entering the Public Domain today. This has been news for a few years and indeed Disney's lobbying in the late 1990s is why our copy right term is SO long. So what exactly is now public domain?

Most people know about Mickey's first appearance Steamboat Willie, but a second short film, Plane Crazy was also released in 1928 so will also be public domain. So what's public? well these two films first of all, you're allowed to play them, upload them to YouTube or whatever without paying Disney. In theory you'll be allowed to cut and sample them, have them playing in the background of your movie etc. Likewise in theory the image of Mickey and Minnie as they appear (thats important) in these films will be free to use as well as Mickey's character as he appears in these works will be free to use. Now Mickey's later and more famous appearance

will still be protected. Famously the Conan Doyle Estate claimed that Sherlock Holmes couldn't be nice, smile, or not hate women in works because they still held the copyright on the short stories where he first did those things even though 90% of Sherlock Holmes stories were public domain. It's very likely Disney will assert similar claims over Mickey, claiming much of his personality first appeared in works still copyrighted.

Finally there's copyright vs trademark. Copyright is total ownership of a piece of media and all the ideas that appear in it, copyright has a limited set term and expires. Trademark is more limited and only applies to things used to market and sell a product. You can have a Coke branded vending machine in your movie if you want, but it couldn't appear anywhere in the trailer for your movie as thats you marketing your movie.

Where trademark ends and copyright begins and how trademarked something in the public domain is allowed to be are all unsettled areas of law and clearly Disney in the last few years as been aggressively pushing its trademark not just to Mickey in general but Steamboat Willie Mickey in particular

Ultimately the legal rights and wrongs of this might not matter so much since few people have the money and legal resources of the Walt Disney corporation so they might manage to maintain a de facto copyright on Mickey through legal intimidation, but maybe not?

And Tigger Too!

All the talk about Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willie has sadly overshadowed other MAJOR things entering the public domain today. Most people are aware Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain in 2022, but they might not realize his beloved friend Tigger didn't. Thats because Tigger didn't appear till A. A. Milne's second (and last) book of Pooh short stories, The House at Pooh Corner in 1928.

Much like Mickey Mouse only what appears in The House at Pooh Corner is public domain so the orange bouncy boy from the 1960s Disney cartoon is still on lock down. But the A. A. Milne original as illustrated by E. H. Shepard is free for you to use in fiction or art. His friend Winnie the Pooh has made a number of appearances since being freed, most notably in a horror movie, but also a Mint Mobile commercial so maybe Tigger too will have a lot of luck in the public domain.

Other works:

Peter Pan; or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up

Peter Pan is a strange case, even though the play was first mounted in 1904, and the novelization (Peter and Wendy) was published in 1911, The script for the play was not published till 1928 (confusing!) meaning while the novel as been public domain for years the play (which came first) hasn't been, but now it is and people are welcome to mount productions of it.

Millions of Cats

The oldest picture book still in print, did you own a copy growing up? (I did)

Lady Chatterley's Lover

The iconic porn novel that was at the center of a number of groundbreaking obscenity cases in the 1960s and helped establish your right to free speech.

All Quiet on the Western Front and The Threepenny Opera in their original German (but you can translate them if you want), The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie, and Orlando by Virginia Woolf will also be joining us in the public domain along with any and all plays, novels, and books published in 1928

for Films we have The Man Who Laughs who's iconic image inspired the Joker

Charlie Chaplin's The Circus, Buster Keaton's The Cameraman, Should Married Men Go Home? the first Laurel and Hardy movie, Lights of New York the first "all talking" movie, The Passion of Joan of Arc, The Wind, as well as The Last Command and Street Angel the first films to win Oscars for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively will all be entering public domain

For Musical Compositions (more on that in a moment) we've got

Mack the Knife by Bertolt Brecht, Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) by Cole Porter, Sonny Boy by George Gard DeSylva, Lew Brown & Ray Henderson, Empty Bed Blues by J. C. Johnson, and Makin’ Whoopee! by Gus Khan are some of the notables but any piece of music published in 1928 is covered

Any art work published in 1928, which might include works by Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe, Alexej von Jawlensky, Edward Hopper, and André Kertész will enter the public domain, we are sure those that M. C. Escher's Tower of Babel will be in the public domain

Swan Song, Public Domain and recorded music

While most things are covered by the Copyright Act of 1976 as amended by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, none of the copyright acts covered recordings you see when American copyright law was first written recordings did not exist and so through its many amendings no one fixed this problem, movies were treated like plays and artwork, but recorded sound wasn't covered by any federal law. So all sound recordings from before 1972 were governed by a confusing mess of state level laws making it basically impossible to say what was public and what was under copyright. In 2017 Congress managed to do something right and passed the Music Modernization Act. Under the act all recordings from 1922 and before would enter the public domain in 2022. After taking a break for 2023, all sound recordings made in 1923 have entered the public domain today on January 1st 2024, these include.

Charleston by James P. Johnson

Yes! We Have No Bananas (recorded by a lot artists that year)

Who’s Sorry Now by Lewis James

Down Hearted Blues by Bessie Smith

Lawdy, Lawdy Blues by Ida Cox

Southern Blues and Moonshine Blues by Ma Rainey

That American Boy of Mine and Parade of the Wooden Soldiers by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra

Dipper Mouth Blues and Froggie More by King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, featuring Louis Armstrong

Bambalina by Ray Miller Orchestra

Swingin’ Down the Lane by Isham Jones Orchestra

Enjoy your public domain works!

[devilishgaysayshey]

Peter Pan x Male!Demon!Reader

(Oneshot - REMAKE - NSFW WARNING)

≈6000 words

Peter Pan paylist for this fic:

-Here's to never growing up-

–Third pov

Y/N was an adventurous and rather young spirited demon. In search of self fulfillment, or happiness to keep it frank - he had traveled the fairytale forest, the realms of the giants, wonderland, modern world, and even storybrooke. Due to not being bound by the rules of human magic, he could simply portal himself anywhere he'd like.

Although he made many acquaintances and had many adventures he thought fond of, no place made him truly happy or satisfied. No matter what he did, deep down, he always felt a deep feeling of being lost. Having no true place to call home.

But after a year of adventuring, he had heard about a magical island called Neverland, that found itself in a whole new realm he hadn't seen before. Having heard words or rather, rants, from a certain chubby man with a red cap named mr. Smee..

The man spoke of a group named the Lost Boys, their fearsome leader Peter Pan, the magic there, a banished green fairy, and the some-wicked-some-kind mermaids.

It intrigued him so much he decided to travel there despite its nefarious reputation.

However once he got there he decided to use his magic while levitating around, just to see how this place’s energy worked for him.

That caught the leader Pan's attention. As Pan and his lost boys approached him with much disdain, Y/N tried to act as if he wasn't the powerful demon that he was.

Knowing what he knew about Pan is that he was quite full of himself and proud of his power. He figured that now revealing to Pan that he was equally if not outmatched by him would only cause Pan to feel threatened and scornful.

Pan’s lost lost boys tried to attack him, but it was no use, it was almost as if he was made out of invincible steel. That was however, Y/N using his powers, unbeknownst to them, not to Pan however who seemed to have already had an idea of what he was. Now knowing their attacks were of no use, Pan decided to simply capture and imprison the demon boy who did not seem to fight back at all.

Despite Y/N possessing the ability to wield incredible power, Y/N was most intrigued by Pan. So much so, that despite not liking current affairs, he'd bear with it for the time being. He'd figure that Pan would turn around with the means of his inevitable charm. He also found Pan quite good looking and as he was escorted into the woods of Neverland he was very amused and cracked various jokes and clever flirtations towards Pan. Which however, Pan did not seem to dislike. He'd even seemed more smug about it. But the lost boys were stunned by it, it was extremely unusual and odd for a prisoner of Pan act this way.

– Y/N’s pov

I was not exactly a happy demon when Peter Pan captured me on the island. I had trespassed the place according to him and had now found myself in one of his enchanted cages. At least, that was the reason he told me. However I was quite entertained by this debacle, not to mention that Peter wasn’t bad to look at, at all.

"Well this is a most unpleasant welcome." I scoffed jokingly.

Peter Pan leered at me through the bars of my cage. "Well, aren’t you the audacious one. I don't take kindly to invaders here on Neverland. However demon, I do hope you enjoy your stay in this cage for now."

I rolled my eyes. "Kind as you are, I don't think I'll be confined for long. Alas, there's always a way out of a trap." I replied with a mischievous and challenging glint in my eyes.

To which Pan chuckled darkly. "Oh, I wouldn't count on it so confidently if I were you. You'll find that things here in Neverland work quite differently than wherever you're from. No one here, leaves, without my permission.” Peter paused for a moment, staring me down menacingly. “But for now, goodbye demon.." Pan deviously purred as he vanished right after darkly telling his blonde accomplice to: 'hang me over there next to the other one.’

It didn’t take long before the tall blonde bastard grinned satisfied next to his fellow lost boys as my cage elevated high up in a high tree.

Well this certainly wasn't how I planned the beginning of my great adventure to another realm..

I deeply inhaled as I floated around in my cage brainstorming on how to escape the contrapped nightmare I was in.

Although I wasn't able to escape initially, due to Pan’s using blood magic; when I used my knowledge of magic to my advantage I found a loophole - I switched consciousness with a tragically ugly cat that was walking around and managed to get out of the cage as an animal.

– 3rd POV

When Peter Pan caught wind of this, he was furious. However, his anger turned to intrigue when he realized what Y/N could do with his abilities. He knew he had underestimated the lad on that fateful day they met.

Deciding that Y/N would be more useful as part of his Lost Boys rather than kept in a cage. And so, Pan made the decision to make Y/N one of them, that is of course, if he made it through the initiation. But something in Y/N's eyes told him that he would.

After retrieving Y/N back in his own body, he approached him. A wicked grin spread across his face. "I could use someone like you in my band of merry misfits." His hand extended towards the demon boy, fingers curled into a fist. "What do you say?”

This intrigued Y/N. A brand new adventure? He couldn’t say no to that. And by the looks of it he didn't think he had a choice either way, so he agreed to it. "Alright." He said bluntly.

“Splendid!" Peter's grin widened as he took Y/N’s hand in his. Power seemed to radiate from his touch, electrifying you with excitement and domination in equal measure. "Welcome." His voice was low, almost whispering.

A wave of heat ran over from where their hands connected. "Thanks," Y/N said, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Peter Pan released the demon boy’s hand, stepping back and looking at him with sparkling eyes. His presence was electric, charged with a wild energy. He seemed to radiate an aura of danger, but there was something compelling about him, a magnetism that draws the lost and the lonely. He eyes the smaller boy down, he looked enchantingly pretty, and he had a strong aura, although the boy didn't quite seem aware of it.

"Now that that's been settled. I'm Peter Pan. What is your name, boy?" He asked curiously.

Y/N blinked twice. He was pretty nervous due to his apparent attraction to Pan. His features were so gorgeously combined, it had really struck him. "..My name's Y/N" He replied rather aloof.

Peter Pan's grin grew wider, his eyes twinkling with amusement and interest. He stepped closer, their bodies almost touching again, the air around them crackling with anticipation. "Well, Y/N," he began softly, his voice a seductive whisper, "I trust you'll find adventure here with us, that is, if you complete our initiation tonight." All lost boys were accepted based on if they heard Pan's flute. Only the lost or unloved could hear it.

"Initiation? What should I imagine by that?" The boy asked confused and slightly off guard.

Peter Pan's eyes glinted with amusement. He loved seeing the confusion on Y/N's face. It was like watching a puppy try to understand a magic trick. “Oh, nothing too frightening,” he assured him, his voice dripping with wicked charm.

"Alright.." Y/N replied with a hint of wariness.

As Y/N mingled with the rest of the lost boys he had quickly acquainted some. The way he fit in with the other boys made it apparent he would most likely get through the initiation.

Besides, he easily charmed the other boys. Apart from being nervous around Pan, he was a daring kind of boy. A kind the other lost boys could quickly get along with, and felt comfortable being around.

After a day of exciting games, nightfall had fallen, and the party of his initiation had begun. Festive drums and flutes could be heard and the other boys danced wild & free. Y/N however was talking to two lost boys named Devin and Felix who tried to convince him to dance

Peter Pan watched as Y/N mingled with the other Lost Boys. Y/N was indeed a charming one, capable of capturing the hearts of others effortlessly. As the drums and flutes grew louder, so did the excitement. Pan decided it was time to make his presence known and play the melodic tune on his magical flute.

Y/N suddenly heard the new instrument mingling in with the drums and flutes. It was so trancing that he lost all that grounded him, he joined Felix and Devin in the circle of dancing lost boys. Y/N's dance fit in well with some of the more acrobatic boys. It was clear, he was a lost boy through and through.

“Ah, the beauty of youth and freedom." Pan whispered under his breath, watching Y/N dance. "He truly belongs here." Peter Pan couldn't help but watch Y/N, his gaze lingering on the boy's lithe form. He was captivated by his energy and enthusiasm, admiring how effortlessly he seemed to blend in with the other lost boys.

After a while, Pan decided it was time. He stopped playing his melodic tune. And that's when all the boys regained their consciousness. "Bravo, Y/N!" Peter Pan called out, drawing the boy's attention to himself. The others fell back, making room for their fearless leader. "You dance like the wind, i am impressed." Pan appeared before him, offering a graceful bow. "Welcome to the Lost Boys, my newest recruit.”

Y/N was stunned about what had just occurred. It all felt so unreal, yet he felt enormous joy, unlike he's ever felt. "Thanks Pan." Y/N said calmly with an ever so slight smile.

Now that the new recruit was officially initiated the drums and flutes started playing again as the boys around them cheered and grabbed the new lost boy to join them all for a final round of dance around the bonfire.

Pan grinned, his eyes twinkling in the flickering light of the bonfire. "Now, let's show our new friend what we do best!" He called out, leading the charge into another round of their frenzied dance. Pan grinned widely, watching Y/N blend seamlessly into the chaotic dance. He moved gracefully through the crowd, his laughter contagious as he danced circles around the bonfire.

After a long time of joyous dancing and partying, Pan's accomplice and now Y/N's new friend led him to his sleeping hut. "So.. Most of us sleep in huts like these, but some of us build treehouses to stay in. I can help you make one starting tomorrow if you want. But for tonight, you can join mine. Most new recruits sleep on the ground but I like you, so I don't mind having you over man." Felix said upbeat.

The next few days Y/N trained with the other lost boys. Being a demon it gave him an advantage to excel at those activities.

But alas, the flying demon proved to be a little too headstrong and rebellious for Peter's liking. Only playing pranks on Peter. Little did Pan know all that was because Y/N liked him and just loved his reactions. At first Pan put up with it, and simply pranked him back.

But after Y/N joked about Peter to one of his fellow lost boys, Pan had had enough and decided to teach him a real lesson.

Even if what Y/N did was technically harmless, Peter Pan still had a reputation to uphold as the fearsome leader of all the lost boys.

Taking Y/N into the center of the island, Pan humiliated him by hanging him upside down from a tree for everyone to see for a whole week.

Despite Y/N having been able to escape if he wanted to, he still wanted Pan to like him. And a part of him was entertained by it all, hence he gracefully sat out his punishment.

But while this punishment may have proved effective on anyone else, it had little effect on Y/N. He remained the fearless free spirit that he was. Plus this was only a win for him, he got a reaction out of Pan.

And so, Peter Pan began to punish Y/N's recently-made lost boy friends instead of him. Making him isolated from all the other boys since they did not want to be punished by Pan like Y/N's friends. Y/N however, didn't mind this and only caused more trouble now having no one to hold him back.

It was beginning to really hit Pan that all Y/N’s troublemaking was aimed at him. It was already clear to him that Y/N was attracted to him, so he finally put two and two together and realized where Y/Ns relentless teasing and troublemaking was coming from. It was textbook ‘I have a crush on you’ behavior from a guy. The cute boy was desperate for his attention.

And so, feeling his other efforts were futile, Pan came up with a new plan of action - rewarding Y/N for good behavior instead of punishing him. He began to show Y/N personal attention in the form of kissing and flattery, painfully aware of the latter's attraction towards him. And if Pan was honest, he enjoyed these interactions as much, if not a little more, as Y/N did.

And before long, Peter Pan started to want a little more than just kisses and alone time with Y/N. In an effort to also bring the boy into further submission, he planned to make the ever so willing demon have sex with him. And so he proceeded to approach him in his treehouse at night.

Peter Pan smirked, his eyes glinting with a mix of anticipation and control. He knew Y/N was down bad for him, and he intended to use that to his advantage.

Y/N, being the light sleeper that he was, opened his eyes, sensing a presence entering his tree house. He swiftly got up and got in stance, preparing himself for whomever it would be that dared to interrupt his precious sleep. Not knowing of course, that it was Pan.

Peter Pan chuckled darkly as he saw Y/N's reaction. "Well, well, look what we have here," he purred. "A spunky little lost boy who knows how to put up a good fight.”

Y/N abruptly untensed his stance and relaxed. "Oh. Pan, it's you. What could possibly bring you here this late? Is there something going on?" Y/N inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, nothing at all," Peter replied, his tone dripping with seduction. "I just thought we could spend some time together, you and I." He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Y/N's. "Alone.”

Y/N's cheeks flushed. "Uh..What do you mean by that?" Already knowing the answer but wanting confirmation.

Peter Pan smirked wider, his intentions clear now. "I mean," Peter purred, his fingers trailing lightly down Y/N's chest, "I've been quite impressed with how well you've behaved lately. And I thought it was about time our relationship took more... intimate turn.”

"I..I see." His heart raced at Pan's lewd and sudden advances. Taking a step back from the taller guy out of nervousness.

Peter Pan's smirk turned predatory as he sensed Y/N's never seen before nervousness. "Oh, don't be shy now Y/N," he crooned, taking another step forward. His hands moved to Y/N's waist, pulling him closer. "I thought you liked me." Pan said, feigning a hurt and innocent expression. Just to get Y/N to say exactly what he wanted to hear.

"I do like you. It's just.. I'm not experienced at this. At all." Y/N admitted, unknowingly taking the bait.

Peter Pan chuckled softly, "Ah, sweet innocence," Peter cooed, his grin widening. "Well Y/N," Peter said, leaning in closer still. "I think it's time we fixed that, don't you?" His lips brushed against Y/N's in a soft, teasing kiss.

"Just relax," Peter whispered against Y/N's lips. "Let me show you how it's done." His hands slid up Y/N's sides, tracing patterns on his skin as he deepened the kiss. Peter Pan's hands moved up to cup Y/N's face, deepening the kiss. His tongue teased the outside of Y/N's lips, seeking entrance.

As Peter Pan's tongue delved into Y/N's mouth, his hands moved down to Y/N's chest, tracing patterns on his strong torso. He moved one hand to Y/N's stomach, drawing close so his fingers grazed Y/N's nether regions underneath the oversized shirt he would wear to bed. Granting both his hand, and later his business, easy access to him.

Y/N moaned into the kiss as Peter's tongue danced with his own, eagerly returning the other's affections. He felt a shiver run down his spine as Peter's hands teasingly brushed more against his crotch.

Feeling the response, Peter Pan deepened the kiss further, his hand gently massaging Y/N's arousal through the fabric. His other hand moved up to caress Y/N's neck, fingers entwining with the hair at the nape.

Y/N panted into the kiss, his body responding to Peter's touches eagerly. He could feel himself becoming more and more aroused under Peter's ministrations.

“Mmm," Peter hummed, kissing Y/N deeply as his fingers found the hem of Y/N's shirt. With a swift motion, Peter lifted the shirt over Y/N's head, revealing his naked torso.

"Aren't you cute" Peter purred satisfied as he eye-fucked Y/N's exposed body to which the smaller boy's body trembled in anticipation.

"That's it," Peter whispered against Y/N's lips before pulling back in, his hand sliding down to undo Y/N's underwear. "Let go, and let me take care of you." Peter whispered into the kiss. With that, he gently pushed Y/N back onto the bed, following him down and continuing to kiss him passionately.

Hmm, you feel so good," Peter murmured, his fingers working at the button of his own pants. As soon as it was undone, he pushed the pants down, exposing his hard cock. Gaining a small gasp from the smaller boy, smirking at the boy's impressed reaction. Only to then start grabbing Y/Ns crotch again and slowly rubbing and squeezing it.

Y/N moaned into the kiss, feeling Peter's cock against his leg. He arched into the touch, needing more as Peter's fingers teased his bare bits.

"You like that?" Peter whispered, smirking into the kiss. He groaned softly as he continued to tease Y/N's entrance with his fingers.

Y/N whimpered, nodding against Peter's lips. He wanted Peter to take him, to claim him fully. His legs spread slightly, offering himself up to the older boy.

Peter smirked into the kiss, feeling Y/N's legs spread. He could feel the younger boy's need for him. He growled softly before pushing his hips forward, feeling the head of his cock press against Y/N's entrance. He took a deep breath before pushing slowly into Y/N's heat. It was a tight fit but felt so good.

Y/N gasped at the stretching sensation as Peter pushed slowly into him. He arched his back, pushing back against Peter, wanting him deeper.

Peter Pan groaned, feeling Y/N's tightness gripping his cock. He continued to push slowly, inch by inch, claiming Y/N's virginity.

Y/N bit his lip, feeling every inch as Peter filled him. It hurt a little but the pleasure was overwhelming. He gripped Peter's shoulders, holding onto him as he took the older boy's cock fully.

Peter Pan growled, feeling Y/N's tight heat wrap around him. He held onto Y/N's hips, slowly beginning to thrust, feeling the head of his cock rub against Y/N's wall with each deep thrust.

"Fuck, Y/N," Peter panted, eyes almost completely closed. "You're so fucking tight." His movements became more frantic as he lost himself in the sensations of Y/N's body moving beneath him.

Y/N moaned, his body responding to Peter's thrusts. He arched his back, pushing against Peter's hips, wanting more of the older boy's cock. "Peter," he whimpered, feeling himself growing closer to his first orgasm.

"Cum for me, Y/N," Peter groaned, picking up the pace, his thrusts becoming rougher as he felt Y/N's tight heat squeezing him.

"Ahh!! Peter!" Y/N cried out, his body tensing as he came hard around Peter's cock. He arched his back, feeling every muscle in his body clench.

“Fuck," Peter groaned, feeling Y/N's tight heat clenching around him as he thrust into the demon boy. He could feel his own orgasm building, his thrusts becoming harder and faster as he lost himself in the feeling.

“Peter!" Y/N cried out, his voice breaking as he felt Peter's cum filling him up. He arched his back, pushing against the older boy's hips, wanting to feel every last drop.

With a final, deep thrust, Peter came inside Y/N, filling him with his seed. His body shuddered with the force of his orgasm as he held onto Y/N's hips, their skin slapping together in rhythm with their breathing.

Y/N gasped, his body trembling as he felt Peter's cum filling him up. to the brim. It was an intense sensation, both painful and exhilarating at the same time. He lay there panting, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.

As their breathing slowed, Peter gently pulled out of Y/N, his softening cock slipping out of the tight heat. He leaned down, placing a tender kiss on Y/N's flushed cheek. "That was quite the experience, wasn't it?”

"Mhm.." Y/N agreed breathlessly. "I didn't know doing stuff like this would feel so good" He admitted bashfully

"Does that mean that you'll let me come back and play with you some more?" Peter asked with a wicked grin, his cock still hard and twitching slightly.

Y/N averted his gaze shyly. "I guess so.. "I want more." He admitted.

A triumphant smile spread across Peter's face. "Wonderful," he purred, leaning down to capture Y/N's lips in a passionate kiss. "I have a feeling we're going to have a lot of fun together.”

This arrangement of theirs ended proving to be an even more effective reward and slowly but surely, Peter began to crave even more from Y/N than he had initially foreseen.

During their adventures in Neverland, Y/N and Peter stumbled upon a plan for mischief.

"What if we replace Tinkerbell's fairy dust with something else?" Peter finished, grinning wickedly. They both shared a sinister laugh, their hearts pounding with excitement and anticipation.

"You know what I've got in mind, don't you?" Y/N said, licking his lips in anticipation. Peter just nodded in agreement as they exchanged a knowing glance before going about their mischievous plan.

As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow over Neverland, Y/N and Peter made their move. They crept silently through the forest, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Finally, they reached Tinkerbell's treehouse, their target within reach.

Carefully, they climbed up to the treehouse, avoiding any noise that might alert the fairy. Once inside, they found Tinkerbell's precious jar of fairy dust, shining brightly.

Are you ready for this?" Peter whispered, his breath hot against Y/N's ear. Without waiting for an answer, he reached out and scooped up some of the fairy dust, holding it tightly in his hand.

Y/N watched nervously as Peter began to replace the fairy dust with a substance they'd found earlier, carefully concealed in their clothing. The impostor dust was “practically harmless”, but it looked exactly like the real thing.

After ensuring that all of Tinkerbell's supply had been replaced, they climbed down from the treehouse, their hearts racing with excitement and anticipation. Now they just had to sit back and watch the chaos unfold.

As night fell, the inhabitants of Neverland who came to Tinkerbell for fairy dust began to feel the effects of the replaced substance. Instead of granting them flight or other magical abilities, it caused them to stumble, fall, and even become momentarily invisible.

“I knew I could count on you to help me with this, Y/N," Peter said, softly grabbing his face with one hand. "Now let's see how long it takes for everyone to realize it was us." They shared a wicked laugh, feeling untouchable in their mischief.

The very day after, they found themselves in the heart of Neverland, near the enchanted river where they often swam and played. As they splashed around, their laughter echoing through the forest.

Feeling more brave by the second, Y/N tentatively tried out a new position, straddling Peter's lap and leaning down to brush their lips together before trailing kisses along his chin and neck.

However, their play slowly turned to passion and they found themselves kissing and groping each other on the shore of the river. Their skin shimmered with water droplets.

Peter moaned in approval, his hands trailing up Y/N's wet back, gently gripping his hips as he pulled Y/N closer to grind against him. He growled softly, wanting more of Y/N's sweet, loving touch.

“Mmm, yes... harder," he whispered, urging Y/N to move rougher against him. The sensations were overwhelming.

Peter arched his back, gasping in ecstasy as Y/N continued to give him everything he wanted. It felt so good, being touched and wanted like this. The two of them moved closer, lost in a world of sensation and desire.

And when the evening came, they cuddled on the rooftop of Pan’s treehouse. Which Peter held under the pretense of ‘being a reward for Y/N's good behavior that day’. But the truth was, that he just wanted to spend time with Y/N. Which made him wonder if Y/N felt the same.

As they gazed at the stars on the roof of Pan's treehouse, Peter looked deeply into Y/N's eyes. "Y/N?" Peter whispered, his voice barely audible in the darkness. "Can I ask you something?”

"Do you... like being with me?" Peter asked, biting his lower lip nervously. He couldn't believe he was actually asking this question - it felt so vulnerable. But he needed to know where he stood with Y/N.

"I do. There isn't anywhere else I'd like to be than here at Neverland. And it's all because of you." Y/N replied earnestly. A bit nervous of Pan's impending reaction to this however.

"Really?" Peter asked, his heart swelling with joy at Y/N's words. He leaned in, pressing his lips softly against Y/N's. "I'm glad," he whispered, feeling a rush of happiness and contentment wash over him.

It became clear to Peter that the feelings he had for Y/N were far more than just him being a useful and powerful asset amongst the Lost Boys or just being nice to look at. No, it had developed to something more in depth.

So, late, on an ever so clear and warm night, Pan decided to seek Y/N out. Not being able to hold these feelings he had to himself for any longer.

Y/N was sitting at the beach with his two latest befriended fellow lost boys, Devin and Felix. They had a bottle of rum with them and laughed as they talked about the most nonsensical things. And while the two other boys were completely hammered, Y/N of course, was still sober due to his high tolerance. It didn't take long before the two guys fell asleep right next to the bonfire. Which left Y/N on his own. Which Pan deemed as the perfect opportunity to have a heart to heart with Y/N.

"Good evening Y/N, mind if I join you?" He asked rhetorically. Sliding up next to Y/N, Peter gazed out into the ocean for a moment before turning back to face him. "I wanted to talk to you about something... important," he said quietly, his heart racing as he stared into Y/N's eyes.

The demon looked at Pan curiously. "Oh, what would that be?" He asked hesitantly due to Pan's unusual serious and earnest tone.

"I... I think I might have feelings for you," Peter said softly, his face flushed with embarrassment. He couldn't believe he was admitting this, but the truth was too strong to ignore. "I've always found you attractive...But recently, I've fancied you as both a company and individual too.”

"Really? I'm highly flattered." Y/N paused for a moment. Trying to find the right words for his mutual fondness. "I must admit, I've been fancying you as well. Your presence both on this island as well as with me personally makes me very happy. And frankly, I definitely find myself with feelings for you too.”

Hearing Y/N's confession, Peter's heart soared. A mixture of happiness and surprise flooded his features. "Really?" He asked, then raising an eyebrow with a smug grin. "So it's mutual then." Peter Pan declared, a small smile maintaining on his face. Despite trying to put out his usual smug demeanor, he couldn't believe his luck. He reached out, gently tracing his fingers along Y/N's jawline. "I'm glad it is.”

After that heartfelt conversation. Pan gradually started to become even more possessive and tender towards Y/N, as his feelings slowly began to transform into something far more serious and romantical.

Another time, they found themselves in the lost boy lair, dancing around a bonfire with the company of Y/N's fellow Lost Boys as per usual. As they spun and laughed together to drums and Pan's hypnotizing melody on his flute. Peter couldn't help but be reminded again of how well Y/N fit into his world.

Amidst the playful chaos, Peter managed to steal a moment alone with Y/N. He grinned, his eyes sparkling mischievously in the flickering firelight. "You know," he began, his voice low and teasing,

"There's still one more thing I want to show you." With a wink, he reached over, snatching Y/N's hand.

“Come on, let's see if you can keep up." And with that, Peter led Y/N on a daring chase through the trees, laughing and screaming as they raced from branch to branch. Y/N followed willingly, trusting Peter completely.

Finally they came to a stop, standing on a high branch overlooking the sleeping Lost Boys in their hammocks. Peter turned to Y/N, placing both his hands on Y/N's cheeks tenderly, looking deeply into his eyes. "Do you trust me?”

Before Y/N could respond, Peter leaned in, pressing their lips together passionately. Their kiss was filled with desire and longing, a testament to the bond they'd formed in this magical world.

As the kiss deepened, Y/N found himself lost in the passionate embrace. It seemed as if the entire world had disappeared, leaving only the two of them in a cocoon of desire.

When they finally pulled apart, both boys were breathless. Y/N looked into Peter's eyes, feeling an intense connection he'd never experienced before. "I trust you," he whispered softly, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

"Good," Peter replied, his voice husky with both desire and affection. He leaned in close again, nuzzling Y/N's neck. It warmed his heart that the demon he so fondly liked, trusted him. And for as much as he was capable of it anyway, he trusted the demon boy too.

After that, they were seen walking back to their home base, hands entwined, still catching their breath from their passionate encounter. As they strolled, they couldn't help but smile at each other, their connection growing stronger by the minute.

Things started to progress a lot more from there. They spend a lot of time together and one thing became clear to Peter, he wanted Y/N here forever.

Months went by, and Pan's feelings had only grown deeper for Y/N by the day. He couldn't help but want to be near him and follow him around as much as his villainous duties allowed him too. He loved how Y/N flattered him, looked at him, touched him and didn't feel intimidated by him, and in a weird way, they complimented each other. Y/N was a very fearless and stoic guy who was much like him when it came to being mischievous, yet he also had a gentle, caring and reliable side. And those very traits slowly developed in Pan towards Y/N as well.

So, on a warm and lovely evening he had requested for Y/N in his treehouse through the means of his loyal accomplice Felix. Y/N, of course being the eager man that he was towards Pan, came straight away.

He was delighted at the quick presence of his beloved demon. "Y/N, you came straight away. I'm flattered." Pan replied flirty. He couldn't help it, Y/N just brought that out in him.

Y/N smiled with a glint in his eyes. "How could I not? Look what i have here waiting for me" He bashfully looked into Pan's eyes then down to his lips and repeated that.

Pan smirked at Y/N's eagerness to him. "Oh, you certainly do have me, Y/N," Pan purred, taking Y/N's face in his hands and pulling him closer for a deep, passionate kiss.

Their tongues danced together, exploring each other's mouths in a tender yet intense display of affection. Y/N's face burned brightly as he returned Pan's kisses. All the while affectionately holding his face.

As the kiss deepened, Peter Pan's hands roamed over Y/N's body, his touch possessive yet tender. He loved the feel of Y/N's skin against his own, the warmth that emanated from him. Pan then gently pulled back as his feelings for the latter overwhelmed him.

He knew it for sure. He loved Y/N. He looked intently into his eyes, those strikingly enchanting e/c eyes.

"Y/N, I love you." There, he finally did it, he declared his love to Y/N.

To Pan's displeasure Y/N wore a stunned expression. He was silent for a good 6 seconds.

Pan looked at him with pleading eyes. He hasn't been this vulnerable in a very long time, and he couldn't have been more terrified of Y/N's response.

"I... I just.. need to- think." Y/N staggered as he flew out the door.

Pan didn't even stop him. Y/N's response had stung him too much.

Effective immediately, severe precipitation befell Neverland. Pan's emotions heavily influenced the island - the weather being one of those things.

All soaked from the weather, Y/N had sought shelter in his hut.

He felt conflicted. Pan's sudden confession really caught him off guard. He knew he had feelings for Pan. But saying those 3 words of the heart scared him.

He had never dared to think Pan loved him, he always seemed so “above it” to him, but mostly he was just scared of rejection. Hence he had only tried to repress his love for him. Expressing it, never even occurred to him.

All kinds of thoughts stormed through his mind. Their relationship started off rocky, but Y/N couldn't deny things had developed a long way since then.

But even in this moment he couldn't help but worry for Pan right now. He didn't exactly give the 'response of the year' to his 'i love you'.

Y/N then realized that he was caring for Pan by feeling this way. Like he always did in the back of his mind. Not to mention Pan pretty much occupied his mind all together all of his days.

The way he craved his presence when he wasn't around. He told himself it was fine whenever it happened. But it wasn't. He needed him.

He always missed him when he was not around. He looked forward to seeing Pan after they would have to separate. And deeply treasuring every single moment they spent together.

Not to mention how he felt when Pan praised him, hugged him, kissed him or more.

He had been crazy for him all this time.

Y/N abruptly got up from his bed and took off to find the guy he loved.

When he arrived at Pan's hut the place was very much abandoned. Where could Pan be?

Y/N then remembered about Pan's beloved thinking tree. If he would be any place right now it would be there. Through the vicious rain he flew through the sky towards Pan's thinking tree.

– Pan's pov

There I sat, alone and drenched like a sodding dog in my thinking tree.

What was I thinking? Proclaiming my love so rashly? I've really let myself become weak. And for what? To make a fool out of myself? To have an aching heart? Maybe I was foolish to think Y/N and I could be more than what we were. Perhaps villains don't get to be loved after all..

I took a deep breath before planning to head back to my hut; when suddenly Y/N appeared before my eyes.

– Y/N's pov

After flying quick circles around the entire tree I found Pan sitting on a branch somewhere high near the very top of the tree.

I approached him and sat down on the branch before him. "Hey."

Pan leaned towards me on a branch just above my shoulder. "Let me guess, you've thought and you're here to tell me you don't love me. Spare me your pity Y/N. I was foolish, I know." Pan scoffed.

I shook my head. "No you weren't. I'm sorry for how I reacted. It's just.. It can be hard for me to translate my feelings to words or any sense. But.. that doesn't make them any less present."

Pan looks to where his hand is holding the tree branch above Y/N's shoulder then back to his eyes, "What are you saying Y/N?" He asked hesitantly. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was it possible? Was he saying what Pan thought he was saying?

“What I'm trying to say is, I love you Pan. More than anything." I confessed.

Pan's expression changed and his heart leaped into his throat before he spoke. This couldn't be happening. He looked up to Y/N with a mixture of shock and disbelief, "You... you truly love me?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper and his heavy feelings beginning to slightly wash away, causing the rain to also slightly clear up.

I decided my words weren't enough. So I took matters into my own hand and pulled Pan in for a deep kiss.

– 3rd POV

Pan hesitated for a moment as Y/N pulled back, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. He gazed up at Y/N's eyes then down to his lips and harshly pulled him back in for a new kiss, returning it with an intensity that mirrored Y/N's feelings. Their lips locked passionately, their hands finding solace in each other's presence.

-- Y/N's perspective

There we were, both soaked and making out in Pan's thinking tree, now knowing we loved each other. And all that we knew that awaited, was certain adventure.

-The End-

(perhaps..)

[pinkeoni]

Peter Pan Parallels: Is The Upside Down Neverland?

Lately I've been thinking about Petergate and I came up with what possibly could be another angle to the already complicated Peter situation— what if the name Peter is a reference to Peter Pan?

I don't think this is the only reason that the name Peter becomes prominent, although the show itself does seem to contain other references to Peter Pan, and even creates a correlation between the Upside Down and Neverland.

Peter Pan as a character has origins in early works from author J.M. Barrie, and the Peter Pan story as known today originated in a play written by Barrie before being adapted into a book and subsequently several film adaptations. The story of course being about a young boy named Peter who brings some kids to a magical land where they can never grow old.

It's written very small, but Peter Pan is on the season 4 DNA board!

There are a few instances about never growing old in the show, and they usually come from Will or involve Will.

The first instance is from season 3 during the rain fight, where Mike exclaims that they "aren't kids anymore" and they can't "play games for the rest of their lives." This is then brought up again by Will in season 4, but in a much more hopeful lens.

And then we have the Upside Down, a magical land that appears to be somewhat stuck in time.

I say "somewhat" because I'm honestly unsure if the UD actually frozen in time, or if there is just an impression of Hawkins the night that Will was taken. However, the emphasis this season on clocks as well as Nancy's mention of being in the past does at least allude to the idea of being frozen in time.

Does the UD actually function like Neverland and keep someone from aging? Will was only trapped in there for a week, not enough time to see if there was any anti-aging going on. Henry was in there for a few years, however since he changed so much physically it's hard to tell if he aged at all (and given that he was in his 30s, any aging wouldn't have been very apparent)

ALTHOUGH there could be a point to be made about the fact that Will and Henry were both able to survive in the Upside Down for as long as they did in the first place, maybe it has to do with both of their powers, but perhaps the UD was preventing them from dying?

Starting with Will, we know that he was in the UD for a week without any food or water. The body can survive that long without food, but water is another thing. The show makes a point to have Erica say this in season 3:

—which leads me to believe that they want to draw attention to the fact that Will was miraculously able to survive for so long in a place without any water. Perhaps the UD was able to keep him alive?

Something similar happens with Henry, too. It seems like his body was adapting to the new environment overtime, but still the details of his survival are vague and his ability to stay alive after all that time is still rather anomalous to say the least.

There's an indirect reference to the UD as Neverland in season one, when Troy states that "Will is in fairyland now with all the other little fairies." and while YES he means this in a derogatory way, the dialogue is still a way to point at the fact that Will really is in a magical land, and possibly even a hint at his powers.

Notice as well how Will's light magic bares a resemblance to pixie dust from the Disney movie.

Between Henry and Will, we can see both of them as being Peter Pan-like. Henry as Peter as in the one who lures children into his magical fantasy land, or Will as Peter the boy who doesn't want to/has trouble growing up.

Another aspect of Peter Pan is his shadow, which is detachable and seems to have a mind of its own. Which reminds me a lot of this:

Barrie's intentions behind what the shadow represents is pretty vague, although it has been tied to the idea of wholeness, Peter's attachment to the human world as well as duality, wholeness, and lightness within dark and darkness within light. (more to come later)

[dkniade]

I found something interesting about Venti’s name when stylized in Chinese and ended up writing two short poems as him haha

Fun fact: Venti is written as 温迪 (Wēndí / Wen1di2) in Chinese, as a phonetic stylization, which is typically how you’d transcribe Wendy. 温迪 was the name he was referred as even back when he was a wind spirit (Character Story 3).

But then, Wendy is an English name that means friend, which first appeared in J.M. Barrie’s play Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.

Of course, the official stylization writes it as Venti, which comes from the word for the wind gods, Venti, in Roman mythology, that in itself originating from Greek mythology’s Anemoi (winds).

—

However, if you change the tones of 温迪, you can get Wéndí / Wen3di3, which can be written as 闻笛

…as in hearing a flute.

—

And the cherry on top: 闻笛 is the name of a real life poem written by the Tang-Dynasty poet 赵嘏 (Zhào Gǔ / Zhao4 Gu3), in the form of a 七言律诗 / 七律 (qīlü / qi1lü4) a traditional poetic form in Chinese poetry.

And okay, here’s where it gets interesting. A quick translation by me (take it with a grain of salt though since literary Chinese is very difficult to translate) reveals:

谁家吹笛画楼中？断续声随断续风。

响遏行云横碧落，清和冷月到帘栊。

is roughly (in prose)

Who’s playing a flute from an ornamental tower? Breaking off yet sounding again just like the breaking off and sounding of a breeze.

At times echoing to the azure skies, loud and clear; at times quiet, like cold moonlight shining into one’s room.

And you know who else played an instrument in a tower, with it reaching the winds? At times clear, at times quiet? That nameless bard, Venti’s friend. And when I say Wendy means friend…

On one hand, I want to say the reference to the Chinese poem is probably a coincidence, but on the other hand, this seems way too specific to be considered a coincidence… Either way, I like this interpretation or bit of trivia as well.

I love symbolic names <3

[ginskywalkermcduck]

On February 5, 1953, was released in theaters Peter Pan by Walt Disney, a wonderful Disney Classic based on J. M. Barrie's 1904 play Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. Happy 71st Anniversary 🧚🏼‍♀️!

[groverman6-2]

"trunchbull in matilda the musical is transphobic"

guys...cross dressing and being trans aren't the same thing. and a character being played by the opposite sex doesn't really anything about their canonical identity. Like for instance, peter pan, 9 times out of 10 he's played by a women, but still is the boy who wouldn't grow up.

[scotianostra]

On December 27th 1904 J M Barrie’s play Peter Pan premiered at the Duke of York Theatre, London.

Writer and playwright J.M. Barrie was born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Forfarshire, Scotland. After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1882, Barrie worked as a journalist. He published his first novel, Better Dead, in 1887. Barrie soon had a string of popular novels set in Scotland, including A Window in Thrums.

After having some success with fiction, Barrie began writing plays in 1890s. His play, Walker London, was warmly received. The comedy poked fun at the institution of marriage. He got married himself in 1894 to actress Mary Ansell, but it didn’t turn out to be a happy union and they later divorced.

Perhaps to escape his difficult home life, Barrie took to going out for long walks in London’s Kensington Gardens, where he met the five Llewelyn Davies brothers in the late 1890s. It was the brothers where he found inspiration for Peter Pan. Barrie would later become the boys’ guardian after the death of their parents.

The famous character of Peter Pan first appeared in the 1902 book The Little White Bird. Two years later audiences were drawn into the fantastical tale of the flying boy who never grew up and his adventures in Neverland with the Darling children. Barrie also wrote a book based on the play called Peter and Wendy, which was published in 1911. The book earned rave reviews from critics.

Barrie published about Peter Pan in five works in total, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, When Wendy Grew Up – An Afterthought, Peter and Wendy, and Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, the first publication of the script of the play.

Around 40 other stories have been published by various other people through the years along with four nonfiction works telling the stories behind the stories. Numerous comic books have also been published and there was a radio adaptation from the BBC in 1995.

According to wiki we have had 26 different stage plays about or eponymous boy who never grew up, the latest being only two years ago, Peter Pan: reimagined fro the Birmingham Rep.

Wiki says there have been 12 films, including the animated ones, and on the small screen in various guises, Peter has been explored 12 times.

The charm of J M Barrie’s character lives on in several video games and who knows how long we will continue to see Peter appear in years to come.

[dumping-ideas]

I'm not really familiar with Peter Pan because Peter Pan is such a brat, but I still remember the novel content lol

Fun fact: although Peter Pan appeared in a novel before, his first appearance as a protagonist is a play by the same author. Theater roots!!

So in this set, Emu is Peter Pan, Len is Tinker Bell, and Rui is John I guess? Because I don't think Michael wears glasses in the novel lol. But John does wear glasses in Disney animated version!

Now where the heck is Wendy???

Otori Emu, or the Girl Who Wouldn't Grow Up

.... Or would she?

Peter Pan is a character that symbolized childhood youth and naivety and also brings others along in his adventure, so Emu is definitely the perfect choice (just look at her kizuna titles and her previous two events). And plus, Peter Pan was played by female actors in the early days, so this is neat!

Emu is definitely crying in this card. Congratulations everyone, this hurts so much. Look at her, it looks like her eyes are swollen from crying. And the ship in the background... I know it's the pirate ship but it can also symbolize a journey. I can think of two reasons for her tears, one is that she's saying farewell to her friends with a smile and the other one is she's saying goodbye to her childhood and decides to grow up alongside her friends. The original Peter Pan refused to grow up, but I don't think Emu would choose the same. Letting go her friends or her childhood hurt her either way, so I wonder what path that she took.

Thankfully, she's not alone as Len is with her (a call back to Smile of Dreamer I see)

We're not done with the time theme from Rui's event, as now he's sitting with his back on the clock. It's good that he's not fixated on the passing time anymore after the event of Curtain Call. Also is the bell in the background a callback to SekaHaji? Particularly the part about breaking the harmonious future to start a new life? Very interesting.

So... Rui is John Darling, the rigid but adventurous boy (iirc). I remember he's complaining a lot in the early part of the novel, but I wonder why they give Rui this role... Until I know the rest, I don't think I can analyze the rest lol. But more than that, I like how Rui is reading a book, probably a story book, because I remember Wendy is taken to Neverland because she knows lots of stories. So maybe it's a reference to that, and how Rui is now looking at the story of WxS.

And that fairy trail! Len is not visible, but he's also here!!

This costume will look so good with Ena's fairy set.

Making one of the VS as Tinker Bell is briliant--they're unchanging because they're not humans who can grow up. And I like how Len is lighting Emu's and Rui's cards, but here he is alone in a dark room--unlike Rui and Emu where you can see the full moon.

Anyway, another clock at the corner, they really don't want us to forget the ticking time lol. It's dark and there's a lot of books... Either it's in the ship or in the Darling house, not much details to pinpoint.

But I guess the highlight of this card is the miniature ship, where we can see the representations of WxS members... but Tsukasa is harder to find because not only is he in the corner Len's fairy light doesn't even touch him lol.

Judging by their position, is it a reference to the denouement of the novel, where the kids have a little fun as pirates? Emu/Peter Pan as the ship captain, Rui/John being adventurous by looking out at the sea, and... Huh, maybe Nene is Michael? Michael admired Peter Pan, and if so it's obvious Nene would be next to Emu, other than it as a reference of them being close friends.

So... Tsukasa is Wendy?? Lol, I mean Wendy isn't really impressed with the boys playing pirates, so it may the reason why he's hugging the pole in the corner. But is there any other reason for why he's not in the light...? A reference of him not really caring about his childhood (ie. the magic of them being together forever?)?

Or maybe I read Tsukasa wrong, that he's actually lonely but doesn't realize it?? I mean, this is not the first time of him being ignorant of his negative feelings (re: Hinamatsuri and Dazzling Stage) and because he's ignorant of it he can't face the light...?

Oh boy, I really need to see who's the 3*

[the-rockstar-lestat]

I had a dream last night. Day. (I still say night for sleep time. Never broke the habit. Most of us still do. )

You might consider it a nightmare. I'm sure to some it would be, but I confess I woke up not screaming, but laughing. And I think you all might be the sort of people who would find it as amusing as I do. Let's find out.

Anyway, I dreamed that it was the present day, the year of our lord 2023, and my dearest, darling Claudia was alive.

The dream logic not only made her alive, but a child again, no more than eight or nine, though still stuck in her five year old body. It hadn't started to bother her yet, then.

Anyway, she was alive, and Louis and I were taking her to the playground, an invention that Claudia, in her childhood, would have loved. She had a lot of energy sometimes. We had risen early and brought her just as the streetlamps were coming on on a warm summer night, and we weren't the only parents there, trying to tire out an active child before bed time.

So Claudia played happily on the swings and slides, as Louis and I sat happily on a bench, watching her out of one eye. But truly, how hurt can a vampire child get, so we stopped paying attention to her and started chatting, and, predictably, we got wrapped up in each other and lost track of our dear girl.

The night dragged on, and the other children began to leave, destined for bedtime and sweet dreams, not knowing Claudia's day was just beginning. So when it was past plausibility , we called out to her to tell her it was time to go.

"Did you have a nice time?" I asked, taking one of her tiny hands in mine.

"Yes, Papa, I made friends." Said Claudia, a touch too angelically.

"That's nice." Said Louis, taking her other hand, and we began to walk out of the playground together. However, we hadn't made it more than a few steps when Louis stopped short.

"Claudia," he said. "Define 'made.""

"I. Made. Friends." She repeated, showing a fanged smile.

"Yes, when you say made, do you mean..." I rejoined, catching on to the terrible implication. Claudia only smiled.

"You'll find out when the sun comes up!"

Anyway that is where the dream ended. I awoke laughing my head off, thinking of the implications of an epidemic of vampire preschoolers. Without Claudias help they wouldn't survive the sunrise, but let's suspend disbelief for a moment, and enjoy the thought of Claudia not being the only vampire child, of having others to play with and teach and lead, others to share the burden. A Peter Pan of the bloodiest of Lost Boys, who'll never, never grow up. A kindergarten coven!

She'd have done it, too, my girl. Just to see what would happen. Like father, like daughter.

[chronivore]

Captain Hook

[opencharacters]

Peter Pan

Since this has come up again, let me clear things up about the copyright of Peter Pan.

United States

The book "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens" first book of the Peter Pan series came out in 1906. Therefore in the U.S Peter Pan is public domain. The play that came out in 1904 "Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" was only published in 1928 therefore isnt public domain until 2024 in the United States. Things original to the play therefore aren't public domain, unless they were in the 1911 novel "Peter & Wendy" which expands upon the original story and play.

European Union

J.M Barrie died in 1937. Prior to 1996 copyright terms in the EU were Life + 50 years so it expired at the end of 1987. In 1996 it went back into copyright until the end of 2007. All of J.M Barrie's work are in the public domain there.

United Kingdom

J.M Barrie gave the copyright within the UK for Peter Pan to the Great Ormond Street Hospital. This was a generous gift that according to the hospital's website has given them quite a lot of money that they use for running the hospital.

When Peter Pan's copyright expired in the European Union the first time, the UK passed the Copyright Designs and Patents Act, CDPA which enabled the hospital to keep the rights into perpetuity. So all royalties from stage plays, publications and so on within the UK the money goes to the Hospital. Which is quite wholesome. But yeah, Peter Pan is forever copyrighted within the UK

So to recap!

In the US Peter Pan is mostly public domain except for the 1904 play which becomes public domain next year in 2024.

In the EU, Peter Pan has been public domain since 2008. In New Zealand, and places with similar copyright law the works of J.M Barrie have been public domain since 1988.

In the UK Peter Pan will never enter the public domain as the copyright is bound to the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Source: https://www.gosh.org/about-us/peter-pan/copyright/

[outplacedwriter]

There's a belief that classics are unquestionable when it comes to criticism of their content, but time pass, society and culture change -- sometimes they evolve -- and this is why it is always fair to criticize a book with new perspectives.

I haven't read Coraline, so I won't argue in its favor or against it. All I know is that Coraline is already treated as some kind of horror story, but Peter Pan is treated as a magical wholesome tale when it is not. My focus will be "Peter Pan and Wendy".

Perhaps, the main reason why J. M. Barrie's book is worthy of criticism it's because of narrative framing. Narrative framing is the perspective one gives to a fact, for example:

The underdog team wins the soccer tournament. It's a happy ending if you're looking from the underdogs' POV, but if we told the story from the other team's POV -- a team who has trained for longer, spent bigger money, and had way greater pressure to succeed, maybe this win wouldn't look as joyful or fair.

Children's books can and should contain some darker themes, but it is the way these themes are framed or portrayed that changes everything.

I have seen fantastic books touching upon subjects such as rape, abuse, violence, that are dealt extreme care. JM Barrie had no care whatsoever about anything he presented.

One could argue that's because the book is old -- but I've seen older books more sensible and way more intelligent in their development of dark themes, so the "time period" excuse doesn't hold that well. Then again, I've heard this wasn't supposed to be a kids' book, which is super confusing and a bit ridiculous, but if it wasn't for kids then it's still disturbing for the way it was written.

Now, why is it disturbing?

A problematic protagonist who is treated as a hero and a good person by the narrative, who never learns anything, who never gets his faults even questioned, and sold as a grand example. Not only that, but it is true, and clearly said that Peter kills the kids who 'dare' to grow up. Not a way of saying he expells them, he kills them. In the literal meaning of the word. He doesn't allow the other children to be smarter than him or talk about 'mothers' because he doesn't like it. So fuck everyone else, this is his dictatorship. Peter lets them starve sometimes when he feels like he doesn't want to eat real food, just make-believe food, and no child must dare to question his sound logic and wishes. At no point the narrator -- who seems to love this boy -- gives the reader a solid reason to like him. He just isn't likable, and it is fine to have an unlikeable protagonist, but the book treats him as if he should be loved and cherished. Which is very hard if you're paying attention to what's being presented.

Appalling racism and misogyny. We have natives bowing and treating a white ass jerk boy as their king and hero, and respecting him almost as a god. The narrative also simplifies their existence and cleverness, making them almost ridiculous at times. Wendy is there to be a "mom" and that's it. We have Wendy's lineage becoming Peter's eternal housewives after being ridiculed, ignored, and forgotten by the same little jerk. For no reason, they keep coming back at him and obeying his silliness.

Violence, murder, and children constantly murdering people. All of this treated by the narrator as "an adventure", something cool, something great, and beyond silly dumb things like "going to school". We have an actual MASSACRE SCENE. Where a minority group is wiped out and no one, not a character, barely the narrator, bats an eye at this, and it's all made to be like a fantastic event. Kids constantly talk about how they kill pirates and it doesn't affect them in the slightest. Because, again, this is shown as something awesome and adventurous to do. Every single of their adventures narrated by the book had someone being killed or almost dying. We have the narrator stopping the book to take the reader to see how Hook coldly kills his crew, for no reason, and treats it as "it is what it is".

I have highlighted numerous horrid passages that I'll leave under the readmore so everyone can see I'm not lying about the awfulness of this story's portrayal.

Disney and the 2003's movie had done a FANTASTIC job adapting the horridness of this story. Still, they carry a lot of its faults, but the portrayal is so much more sensible and responsible that I can't help but congratulate them.

So, if you know all of this and still can't see why it isn't appropriate for children, you're just being biased by your attachment to the character/story, or you're being dishonest.

Awful passages ahead with "spoilers" (?)

"Peter never quite knew what twins were, and his band were not allowed to know anything he did not know, so these two were always vague about themselves, and did their best to give satisfaction by keeping close together in an apologetic sort of way."

"All wanted blood except the boys, who liked it as a rule, but to-night were out to greet their captain. The boys on the island vary, of course, in numbers, according as they get killed and so on; and when they seem to be growing up, which is against the rules, Peter thins them out;"

[marciabrady]

Hey, I saw your response regarding Walt Disney. I recently read how he dropped Bobby Driscoll a few months after Peter Pan came out. His contract was far from expiring. It didn’t make sense to me and I felt so bad about Bobby’s early death. I was just wondering if you’ve read about this and if so, how does it make you feel about Walt?

Hi there! This is an interesting question and I'm glad you learning about Bobby- his life is definitely a fascinating one. I've known about Bobby for some time and I've heard people speak about it who knew him, Walt, and his family. Ultimately, what Bobby went through wasn't okay and should never be treated as anything other than the atrocity it was. When it comes to child stars though, it's difficult to just blame one person- for instance, those who have endeared themselves to Judy Garland or Elizabeth Taylor tend to pit all of their problems on the back of Louis B. Mayer, and while Mayer was indeed controversial, there were also people like Katharine Hepburn who said that he was a very fine man that was extremely fair and, in the case of Judy specifically, most of her problems seemed to boil down to her mother.

Ultimately, there are too many moving parts to try to pin down one cause as-to what happened so I'm not entirely comfortable with scapegoating Walt. From what I understand, Bobby was developing acne and was growing out of the little boy parts that made him famous so he wasn't marketable anymore to continue playing the types of roles that he did and that was what lead to them terminating his contract. The film industry is a business, so as harsh as that is, it happens to a lot of child stars unfortunately and it's close to impossible to say whether that was Walt's actual decision, or he was just the one that had to deliver the news to Bobby, or if a creative team behind Walt made the decision and he's getting pinned with it because he was the face of Disney. Like I said, all of these things are really difficult to say because...for instance, with Adriana Caselotti- even though we'd heard Walt blacklisted her, she also brought him up favorably, calling upon his spirit when she needed help, guidance, or to perfect a recording when she continued to voice Snow White. When they backdoored her by bringing Snow White on the Oscars with another voice actress, when they brought her in to voice a deleted scene and then used that for reference for her replacement without telling her and edited her out, and even when she sued Disney for not giving her a proceed of the VHS sales, she almost always said: "Walt wouldn't have permitted this." Even Ilene Woods pretty much ghosted the company after the way that they mistreated her and there was a lot of shady business from other executives that Walt took the fall for at the time, when he never perpetuated it in the first place and she continued to speak about him extremely favorably for the rest of her life. So, like I said, it's really hard to retroactively pin the tragedy of someone's life on one person. If Walt was complicit, that wasn't okay and there was a lot of inappropriate things that happened in the film industry in general at that time period, and even now, that we're still trying to correct. That's also why no one should ever blindly idolize a human, as we're all capable of fault. Ultimately, like I said, I don't view Walt's entire life on the spectrum of one decision he did or didn't make and I think the contributions he gave to the world and the joy and imagination he filled it with in other aspects of his life are the things I'm grateful for.

[misslavenderlady]

The Boys Who Wouldn't Grow Up - Chapter 1 🦇

Summary: An Alternate Universe where the story is swapped. Now David is the human teen with a new life in Santa Carla and Michael is the mysterious, local rebel with a dark secret. Everyone's roles are switched out and now our Biker Gang has been replaced with the rowdy boys Sam, Edgar, and Alan, causing mischief and enjoying being kids. David is a frustrated teen not ready to grow up and meet the expectations of his father. His brother, Marko, may be more carefree, but David finds solace in the Lost Boys.

Things aren't what they seem though~ 🦇🦇🦇🦇

I was inspired to rewrite the movie story with the roles of our beloved characters switched. It's sort of a love letter to the original movie plot being more of a Peter Pan tale with younger kids. It'll deal with heavy topics like depression, anxiety, emotional manipulation, and other things, so I'll add warnings as needed.

This won't be exactly the same as the movie, but the basic plot will still be followed. Character personalities have either been swapped or changed entirely for this.

Role Swaps

David - Michael

Sam - Marko

Alan - Dwayne

Edgar - Paul

Max - Lucy

Widow Johnson - Grandpa

Maria - Star

Next Chapter

The famous boardwalk of Santa Carla was always buzzing with excitement this time of year. The warm weather and miles of exciting games, rides, and food shacks drew in locals and tourists alike, offering an entire day’s worth of activities to enjoy. It was already fun during the beautiful, sunny days, but when nighttime came, that’s when the magic truly happened. An entire rainbow of lights illuminated the different sections of the boardwalk, capturing the attention of visitors with flashy displays. The light drew people in as if they were moths to a flame.

One of the most iconic spots to see on the boardwalk was the carousel, a lavish, luminous ride that had stood upon the boardwalk for decades. Though the passage of time had weathered down and faded the bright, colorful ride, it was still a classic that so many people loved to enjoy. Guests of all ages smiled and laughed while they spun around on ceramic horses and decorated benches as music from a forgotten era poured from the modern speakers. It was a little slice of heaven on the boardwalk.

While most people kept to themselves on the carousel, a small group of kids decided they were going to disturb the peace for others.

Three boys, all no older than 14, were laughing and joking as they ran down the length of the curved path. They were dressed in scuffed denim jeans and jackets, and colorful shirts. Each had some form of special earring hanging from at least one ear.

One boy had a red bandana wrapped around his forehead, no doubt inspired by seeing Rambo a few times. Another had two black stripes painted across his cheeks like a wannabe football player. The third and youngest-looking boy had fluffy hair with blond highlights and a freckled face, the perfect image of a Brat Pack member in the making. They were free-spirited kids, and while they were caught up in their own world, they were disturbing the peace of others.

Their rowdy behavior caused parents of other children to scowl, no doubt judging the way these boys had been raised. The three boys pushed and roughhoused with each other, causing them to bump into other people and the animal-shaped seats they rode on. The tension was rising, but the kids clearly didn’t care about the feelings of others. They probably didn’t have a care in the world at all.

Finally, a local surf gang leader decided to put the kids in their place when the freckled boy bumped into his girlfriend and didn’t bother to apologize for it. With anger in his eyes, he grabbed the boy by the collar of his shirt and hoisted him upward.

“The hell are you doing, you little asshole?!” the dark-haired meathead screamed in the boy’s face. Normally, a kid would be on the verge of tears from an adult shouting at them, but this kid barely bat an eye. Instead of fear, a devious smirk stretched across his face. That only made the surfer even angrier. He pulled his free hand back, ready to give the brat a black eye that would last for the rest of the summer.

However, when he pulled his fist back, he felt it lock in place, held tight by an iron-grip force.

He hadn’t expected it to be held back by a guy who looked fresh out of high school. A handsome young man with soft, brown waves of hair and piercing blue eyes smiled back at him, not breaking a sweat as he held the muscular arm tight in his grasp.

“I don’t think so, pal,” the young man said with a smile. Even with a pleasant expression on his face, his eyes were practically burning into the surfer. There was nothing but a deep, dark cloud of hatred behind those baby blues. The surfer was feeling uneasy, and the pain that was starting to spread through his arm wasn’t making him feel any better. Was this jerk trying to break his arm or something??

Before any more words could be said, a shrill, powerful squeak rang through the air, canceling out any of the music playing or the complaining from riders on the carousel. A boardwalk cop had shown up, blowing a whistle around his neck to get the attention of the obnoxious punks he’d been called over his walkie to deal with. Judging by the tired eyes and dark circles, this was certainly not his first time dealing with a stressful crowd.

“I told you and your brothers to stay off the boardwalk, boy” the officer scolded the oldest, identifying him as the caretaker for the band of troublemaking kids. His smile now traded for an annoyed grimace, the eldest reluctantly let go of the gang member’s arm.

His piercing gaze was now focused on the officer as if he was making threats with just a look in his eyes. Even if the officer didn’t believe this kid had it in him, the gaze was very uncomfortable. It was crazy how someone so innocent and nice-looking could have such a devious expression in just the eyes.

“Relax,” the young man assured the officer, his friendly smile now back on display “we were just leaving”

With a quick motion, the boy and his three younger brothers hopped off the now unmoving carousel. As they walked from the ride, the brother that had been grabbed was reluctantly let go by the gang member. With a brush down his wrinkled shirt and a quick middle finger flung in the direction of the others, he ran off to join his family. All the officer did was roll his eyes and motion for the surf gang to leave as well. He had enough excitement for one night.

It was a shame he was going to have to deal with more trouble later on in an entirely different way.

The officer hadn’t noticed since he was escorting the surf gang off the ride, but in the shadows behind the carousel, the eldest kid and his three younger brothers were staring down the man who had interrupted their fun game. They were all restless and pent up with energy, even more so than an average kid.

“Don’t worry, guys” the eldest assured them, not once taking his eyes off the target. “The night isn’t over yet. We can get a bite to eat instead”

It was a new day in Santa Carla. The bustling nightlife was replaced with the warm glow of sunshine on miles of sand and city streets. Even with it being just the start of the day, there were plenty of joggers, surfers, and kids anxious to get to the boardwalk. Colorful cars of various makes and models sped down the roads, full of people with places to be as soon as possible. Even if New York City was technically the city that never slept, Santa Carla could easily take that title as well.

One of the cars driving down the road was a cherry red corvette, shining in the sun from a recent wash and wax job. Inside were four passengers (or rather three human passengers and a white-furred German Shepherd), making their way to their new home.

“Ooh! Boys! You’re gonna love this song, it was one of my favorites back in the day,” the man behind the steering wheel exclaimed. With a flick of the volume dial, the silky smooth music of “My Girl” by The Temptations poured out the car speakers. He moved his shoulders side to side, feeling a groove from the song of his youth.

This man, Max Johnson, was a slightly awkward but very well-mannered businessman. He was driving himself and his two boys to sunny California. Max had never married, unfortunately never truly finding the right lady to settle down with. Still wanting to create a loving family, he adopted two boys from the foster care system when they were just under a year old.

It was hard being a single parent, but Max wouldn’t have changed it for anything in the world. He adored his sons with all his heart and hoped they knew it.

The two sons, David and Marko, shared no biological relationship with each other, but still had a strong, brotherly bond that never broke. However, each of their own relationships with their father had gotten a little bumpy when they both became teenagers. Max knew this day would come when his boys would enter adulthood and want independence and their own choices. It was just hard getting close with them like he did when they were both little.

Looking at David in the passenger seat next to him, Max almost didn’t recognize his own son. His mousy brown hair and cheerful smile from his youth were now replaced with bleached spikes, heavy undereye makeup, and a permanent frown. David wasn’t even looking at him, instead just gazing out the window, no doubt thinking about how much he hated this trip. He hadn’t exactly been shy about saying that.

“C’mon Marko, sing with me! I guess you'd say…what can make me feel this way-” Max crooned with the radio. He had his attention on Marko now, looking at the younger Johnson son in the rearview mirror. Marko just chuckled and continued to scratch their dog, Thorn, behind the ears, ultimately passing on his father’s song request.

While it still hurt to be ignored by his children, Max was at least grateful Marko didn’t resent him as David did. He was a very go-with-the-flow kid and was a bit more optimistic about Santa Carla.

“Why the long faces, boys?” Max asked, trying to cheer them both up. “This is just for the summer and then we’ll be home again. I promise! Your grandma just needs us right now”

Grandma Johnson, a widow of nearly a decade, was recovering from a recent set of knee surgeries, and couldn’t get around her house like she once could. Max worried terribly about his mother, and despite her insistence that she could take care of herself, her son had packed some suitcases and was now headed to her home with his own children. Stubbornness certainly ran in the family, and David was currently proving that.

“Why the hell do we even bother having a summer break if we gotta spend it with the living fossil herself?” he grunted, not taking his eyes off the ocean that they passed.

Max sighed, not appreciating the attitude. It seemed like that’s all he ever got from his eldest lately. He really wished David would start acting a bit more mature, especially since he’d be graduating and heading off into the real world soon. That tone and look wouldn’t get him far.

“Watch your language,” Max said sternly. He turned the music back down, wanting to be heard properly. Then again, it would be hard to do that since he could hear Mötley Crüe at full blast coming from the headphones connected to his Walkman. While David didn’t understand the sappy, old stuff his dad listened to, Max in turn couldn’t stand the loud, overwhelming music the kids were listening to today. Like father, like son.

“Look, I know you wanted to enjoy your last summer break before senior year, but I think this would be a great thing for both you and Marko” Max explained. He glanced into the rearview mirror again, smiling at the younger son. He was relieved when Marko smiled back and gave a little cheeky wave.

“This place may not be your cup of tea, but it will show you some hardships people face. There are a lot of homeless kids here, some that even go missing. I think it’ll give a great lesson in gratitude and working hard for a good future!”

Max really did mean well with his advice, but all David heard was more nagging about growing up. Marko was a bit more carefree and was willing to take things one day at a time, but David felt like he was losing more and more of his youth by the second. He often fought with his father about the future. College, jobs, a career path, a family to support one day. Growing up was the last thing he wanted to do, especially if he risked turning into a total killjoy like his father.

In truth, David struggled a lot more than Max realized. He often had little motivation to get by each day. The times when he blasted music and shut out the world helped take his mind off his fears and insecurities. Nobody told him growing up was so fast and overwhelming, and he hated every minute he was reminded of it. In a way, he envied his brother for not worrying about it so much.

“Whatever. I just want my own room when we get there” he said, turning up the volume even louder. He’d rather listen to “Looks That Kill” than his father. Unsatisfied, but still hopeful, Max turned his attention back to the road. He’d help David see the positive in this one way or another.

As David got lost in the music, he felt Marko lean forward and nudge him. He turned to his younger brother who pointed towards the sign they had just passed by on the road. In bright, red spray paint was “Murder Capital of the World” spread across the worn-out wood.

What a joke this was all turning out to be.

[dkniade]

The Many Interpretations of Venti’s Name in Roman and Phonetic Chinese Styling

Venti backstory spoilers

.

温迪 (Wēndí / Wen1di2)

Roman origin: Venti (winds)

(This is the Roman equivalent of the Greek word, Anemoi)

phonetically stylized into Chinese hanzi

Chinese near-homophone: 闻笛 (wéndí / wen3di3, hearing a flute)

.

Venti, Wendy, Peter Pan

Venti’s themes include freedom, innocence, flight, childhood, indulgence, avoidance

温迪 is usually the phonetic stylization of the English name Wendy

…which means friend, and the name first appeared in J.M. Barrie’s play Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up

Both Peter Pan and Venti: are magical, wouldn’t let go of their past, wears green, can fly, is fond of children, and plays a wind instrument

HHHHHHHHHhhhhh

.

Name As Elemental Spirit

In Venti’s Character Story 3, he’s referred to as 元素精灵温迪, which is Elemental Spirit Venti, or Elemental Spirit Wendy if we’re taking the alternate name

This would imply he had the name Venti even back when he was a wind spirit

Also in his Character Story 3, the bard asks him 「朋友，不与我同去吗？」

Which is “Friend, won’t you come with me?”

But since Wendy means friend, it could also the bard referring to the wind spirit by name, symbolically

“[Wendy], won’t you come with me?”

.

Summary and In-Universe Significance

温迪 stylized as Wendy (English) means friend

温迪 stylized Venti (Roman) means winds

He retained his original name so he wishes for people to refer to him as… wind or friend, pertaining to either his wind spirit identity or his relationships with the bard AAAA

In other words, when you call on the name Venti, you’re calling on him, a wind wisp, as well as calling him a friend, just as his friend once did for him.

.

SOMETHING LIKE “Venti, or Wendy, if you will. I’m only one of the thousand winds… As for this name, see in me a friend, just as he saw in me his, for he led the rebellion that freed Mondstadt.”

.

(IM TEARING UP AH)

HEY SO 温迪 IS NEAR-HOMOPHONIC WITH 闻笛 WHICH MEANS HEARING A FLUTE RIGHT

THERE’S A REAL LIFE POEM CALLED 闻笛 BY THE TANG-DYNASTY POET 赵嘏, ZHAO GU. (IT’S A 七言律诗, OR 七律, A TRADITIONAL POETIC FORM IN CHINESE POETRY. FOUR LINES IN TOTAL, EACH LINE SPLIT INTO TWO BY A COMMA, FIVE CHARACTERS ON BOTH SIDES SO TEN CHARACTERS PER LINE. THE MIDDLE TWO LINES NEED TO HAVE PARALLEL IMAGERY)

AS IN

.

闻笛

谁家吹笛画楼中？断续声随断续风。

响遏行云横碧落，清和冷月到帘栊。

兴来三弄有桓子，赋就一篇怀马融。

曲罢不知人在否，余音嘹亮尚飘空。

.

AND. IT. SAYS (though this is translated into prose)

.

Who’s playing a flute from an ornamental tower? Breaking off yet sounding again just like the breaking off and sounding of a breeze.

At times echoing to the azure skies, loud and clear; at times quiet, like cold moonlight shining into one’s room.

It’s comparable to “Mei Hua San Nong” (which Huan Yi

played for Huizhui all those years go), its elegance like the words from the poem “Di Fu”, which Ma Rong had written.

The song ends and it’s unknown whether the person’s still in the tower, yet the note still lingers in the air.

.

THIS CANNOT BE INTENTIONAL. THIS HAS TO BE A COINCIDENCE— OR IS IT INTENTIONAL, A CROSS-CULTURAL PURE SYMBOLIC GENIUS???

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA