(Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia or anything else!)

Okay, I'm starting to get obsessed with this. Two chapters in two days? That's crazy for me. I'm dedicating this part to Yukinataangel (again) because of her patients with reading this stuff before I edit it and put it up on here! And thanks for commenting Yuki!

The sun was shining, and everyone seemed happy about going home. There was still no way Kiku was going to let Sharon walk so, despite her best arguments, he carried her up to the top of the ship while Daphne tried not to laugh ridiculously loud, Arthur chuckling behind her. Even Ludwig, who had started talking with Daphne more that day, would crack a smile at Sharon, fuming and embarrassed.

"I don't think she'll ever forgive him for this." Ludwig whispered, chuckling. Arthur nodded in agreement, though he looked slightly upset by Ludwig's presence.

"She'll forgive him, but she's probably going to give him the silent treatment for the next few days." She giggled.

And it did look that way as she crossed her arms, head down, and dark blonde hair covering her face. Daphne laughed again.

Arthur, Ludwig, and Daphne followed Kiku and Sharon off the boat onto dry land. Everyone sighed in relief; it had been too long.

"Can you set me down now?" Sharon tried to ignore the laughs she heard from behind her. Kiku frowned, looking for a place that would be safe to set Sharon down. Finally, he spotted a tree trunk away from the beach, but still in sight. Wordlessly he walked over to it and gently set her down. Daphne walked up to her and took her hand.

"You look so adorable when you're blushing and angry at the same time!" Sharon sighed, glad that Ludwig and Arthur had started helping unpack the ship instead of follow Daphne.

"Stop it! What if someone overheard you? Besides, I can walk if you help me! I don't need to be carried." Daphne smiled at her.

"You insisted that Arthur carried me on our way to his ship." Daphne laughed as Sharon rolled her eyes.

"That was completely different. People were shooting guns and waving swards around! It's not like I need to by quick and agile now." Daphne sighed.

"I know you're mad about this now, but cut him some slack. He didn't want to see you in pain. I don't think I would have made it to see you wincing the whole time you're walking and then collapsing on the ground. Face it, whether you like it or not, you really shouldn't be walking right now." Daphne laughed again when she saw Sharon knew she was right. Her face looked totally helpless.

"Fine. At least mom won't freak out if she sees a random guy carry me home. She and Lily will just be happy to see me." Daphne smiled, taking both of Sharon's hands.

"To think you might not be coming home right now. I'm so glad we're both safe." Sharon nodded, closing her eyes.

"So close…but we're going home now. You think I can make it there before I collapse? It's only about a mile from here…"

"No way Sharon! Kiku's carrying you and that's final. But I'll come with you okay? I'm technically still supposed to be staying with your family, right? It's been about two months…yep. You still have a couple weeks as my roommate!" Sharon laughed as Ludwig walked over to make sure everything was okay.

"This could take a while, I thought you two would like some lunch." He handed them food leftover from dinner.

"Thanks Ludwig! I really was starting to get hungry. Aren't you eating?" Daphne looked at him, eyes full of concern.

"I'll eat later. But make sure to get your fill, okay?" Daphne and Sharon nodded, watching Ludwig turn around and walk away.

"He likes you! He really does! Did you see his face? He was still stern, but I think he blushed a little! How adorable!" Sharon snickered as Daphne blushed too, looking down.

"Yes, I saw his face! Now be quiet! And please, don't use the same word like that! It's not fair!"

"Well, you started it. But I'll stop for now, okay?" Daphne nodded and they began to eat their food.

After hours of talking, eating, and just sitting in companionable silence, watching the crew unpacking the ship; Ludwig, Arthur, and Kiku walked over to Daphne and Sharon. Daphne laughed as Sharon looked down and crossed her arms again, seething. Ludwig and Arthur bit back laughs.

"Good luck Kiku." Arthur whispered, not able to hold back a chuckle. Kiku didn't say anything.

"Do you mind if we take you home?" Ludwig waited for Daphne to reply. She nodded, taking two steps away from Sharon; Kiku picked her up. She bent her head down again, still upset. And pretended not to hear Daphne giggle.

Daphne led them to Sharon's house, picking up the pace as they got closer. When they were in sight of the house Sharon looked up, tears in her eyes.

"We're back Daphne. We're really back. Kiku, please set me down now. I can walk into the house." He did, and Daphne wrapped her arm around Sharon's waist, pulling her other arm onto her shoulder.

They quickly walked to the door, the three guys not sure if they should stay or leave. Rolling their eyes, Daphne and Sharon gestured for them to follow.

They knocked on the door, and Sharon's mother answered.

"Sharon! Daphne! I'm so glad you're safe! What happened?" Before thinking about it, Sharon's mother threw her arms around them both, sobbing. Sharon put on a brave face, stroking her mother's hair and successfully trying not to stagger.

"Mrs. Jones! I'm glad to see you too, but Sharon's injured." Instantly, Mrs. Jones looked at Ludwig, Arthur, and Kiku accusingly.

"Mom, they saved us! I'll tell you what happened when we get inside. Where's Lily?" Mrs. Jones smiled, grabbing Daphne and Sharon's hands, then gesturing for the rest of them to come in.

"Lily! Daphne and Sharon have made it back home safely!" A small girl with long brown hair came running, tears rolling down her cheek.

"Lily!" Sharon let go of Daphne, getting down on her knees to hug Lily. Tears streamed down her face. After a few more hugs and thanks, they gathered into the main room to explain. Sharon looked at Daphne, looking nervous. She nodded in encouragement.

"We were on the beach when a group of pirates captured us. They kept us for a while, but Arthur and his crew rescued us. The only bad things that happened were Daphne broke her leg and I got accidentally got wounded on the way onto Arthur's ship." Lily's eyes widened.

"Don't worry! It doesn't hurt at all." The rest of the people in the room frowned at the lie, but Sharon pretended not to notice. "But it looks a lot worse than it feels, okay? I'll show you tonight. Okay Lily?" She nodded, pulling on Sharon's arm to show her the birthday present she got. Daphne frowned, helping her up and walking her over to the bedroom. Arthur, Ludwig, and Kiku turned and told Mrs. Jones the more realistic version of what happened.

"Mrs. Jones, Sharon really shouldn't be walking for at least another day. And in a few days, I'll need to come back and take her stitches out."

"She'll be fine though, right?" The three of them nodded. Her eyes turned grateful.

"Thank you for saving them. So much. My husband left me, and Daphne comes by so often it's like she's my daughter. They're all I have left. Thank you for bringing them back to safety. If there's anything any of you ever need, please come by and tell me. I owe you my daughter's life." They blinked, surprised by the speech.

"You're welcome… and thank you for the offer." Arthur murmured, not sure what else to say. "Mrs. Jones, please excuse my haste, but I must finish my works so I can get home to my little brother." She smiled, getting up.

"I'm sure you all have very important thing to do. But please visit as often as you can. It's been a while since anyone besides Lily and I have set foot in this house." She shook all of their hands.

"Daphne! Sharon! Your friends are leaving for now, why don't you say goodbye?" In a moment, Daphne, Sharon, and Lily came into sight. Lily bounded a head of them, hugging Arthur, Ludwig, and Kiku.

"Thank you for bringing Sha-Sha home." She whispered to them. Finally, she bounded back to Sharon's side. Daphne looked at Arthur and Ludwig.

"I assume I'll see you three some other time?" They nodded.

"I'll visit soon." Ludwig said, nodding at her. Arthur glanced at Ludwig, then looked at Daphne.

"As will I. Take care." Sharon sighed, looking up at the three of them.

"Thanks guys. I wouldn't be here without you. I'll see you soon." Kiku sighed.

"Try not to move around for another day or two, alright?" He looked like he knew she wasn't going to comply. Before Sharon could reply though, Mrs. Jones did.

"I promise you Kiku, she will. Goodbye now! Drop by any time!" They nodded, walking out the door. Then there was a knock. Kiku had turned around, and was holding the jar with the gel to put on Sharon.

"I'm sorry, I almost forgot, but rub this on her wound once in the morning and night. It's a painkiller and fights infection." He handed it to Mrs. Jones.

"Thank you. Does it work for any cut?" He shook his head.

"It's too powerful for children, and it's best only to use it for severe wounds. The only side effect is it makes the patient fall asleep for a short while." Mrs. Jones nodded, and Kiku left. Daphne looked at Mrs. Jones.

"Mrs. Jones, may I please do it every day? I've seen Kiku do it numerous times, so I know how much to use and how to store it…" She nodded, and Lily frowned.

"What does 'severe' mean?" She looked at Daphne.

"It means…"

"It means it was pretty bad, but it's getting better." Daphne looked at Mrs. Jones in relief.

"Sharon, I think he's right. You need to rest." Sharon's eyes widened.

"The entire time I was in that ship, I was in bed! Please don't make me do this." She shook her head.

"Honey, you need to heal. And you both need to change clothes. Didn't they have anything that you two could borrow?"

"Mom, the whole crew just happened to be guys. We wouldn't fit into anything they had. Better dress in something that fit than something that was falling off our shoulders." Daphne nodded in agreement. They walked to go get changed into a fresh pair of clothes. After Mrs. Jones had got Sharon in bed, Daphne decided to go see Ludwig and Arthur. She promised to tell Kiku that Sharon said hello, even though she begged her not to. She began walking towards the ship.

When she got there, she was surprised to actually see everyone still there. Ludwig was bringing a large crate out of the ship, but when he saw Daphne, he set it down and walked over to her.

"Hi Ludwig. I just came to check up on things. Are you alright?" She frowned, putting a hand on his shoulder, which was bleeding. He looked at it; he seemed surprised, like he never remembered getting hurt.

"I'm fine. I guess a crate got me at some point. I'll get it taken care of later." Daphne quickly pulled out some spare cloth she had with her and wrapped it around Ludwig's arm, tying it just tight enough.

"Thank you." He muttered, looking out to sea. Just the slightest bit pink in the cheeks. Daphne looked down, trying not to blush herself.

"I suppose I should let you get back to work then. Do you happen to know where Arthur and Kiku are?" He nodded, looking…a little sad.

"Yes, Arthur and Kiku are talking in the captain's quarters. I'm not sure what they're talking about…"

"Thank you Ludwig. I'll see you around?" He nodded, giving her a tiny smile. She smiled back, walking into the ship and knocking on the captain's door.

"Come in!" Arthur sounded like he had been upset before Daphne had knocked on the door. She opened it, smiling at Arthur and Kiku.

"Hello Arthur, Kiku. I just wanted to come and see if everything's okay." She looked at them skeptically. Arthur smiled at her.

"Everything's fine. The ship's almost completely unloaded; Kiku and I are just debating an issue." Kiku shook his head.

"Actually I was just leaving. I'm going to talk to Ludwig." Arthur frowned.

"You two are going to get yourselves killed!" Arthur snapped, glaring at Kiku as he walked out of the door. Daphne sighed.

"What's going on Arthur?" He looked down.

"We noticed the captain of the other ship hadn't been killed when we left. They want to go and try to finish what they start. Well, technically Kiku hadn't step foot on the other ship, but you get the idea. But attacking again would be suicide. I say we need to give it a rest, but they're not listening." Daphne frowned; of course she didn't want them to get hurt, but it didn't make sense that Ludwig, who had met her only a day before, was more upset that Arthur. Her frown deepened.

"Well Arthur, I should probably be going back home now. I'll see you later." She turned around and walked until she was out of the ship.

Then she saw Ludwig and Kiku talking quietly at the tree trunk Daphne had sat next to all day. She paused, not sure if she should tell them not to go. She sighed, walking up to them.

"Ludwig, Arthur said something about you and Kiku attacking the ship that Sharon and I were in. Is it true?" He looked at Kiku for a second, then nodded.

"It was wrong, what they did to you. And they need to pay for it." Kiku nodded.

"You two would need a crew, and you could get hurt, or captured! Please don't do this. I don't want to lose my friends. Please stay. Kiku, I'm sure Sharon would agree with me. Didn't you two promise to put it in the past?" They sighed, looking down. Ludwig took a step towards Daphne.

"Do you really want me to stay?" She nodded, surprised by the intensity of his eyes. He sighed.

"Then I'll stay." Daphne's heart began pounding, and she tried to calm down.

"Thank you." She put a hand on his shoulder, and he put his on top of hers she smiled, blushing a little bit. Kiku walked away quietly, letting them have that moment alone. Ludwig smiled at Daphne.

"You're welcome." He whispered, eyes becoming the softest Daphne had ever seen them. She started blushing.

"I see Arthur gave you the bracelet. I'm glad you got it back." Daphne's mouth dropped open, and remembered that Arthur had said one of his men had found it…

"You picked it up?" He nodded, and she hugged him, laughing.

"It was a birthday present from my family! I'm so glad you found it for me! Thank you! So much!" He laughed, hugging her back.

"I'm glad it makes you so happy." Blushing, Daphne took a step back. Ludwig smiled.

"I should help finish unpacking. We'll see each other soon." He turned around and walked back to the ship while Daphne tried to calm down enough so the blush would leave her cheeks. Carefully, she walked back to Sharon's house.

"Why Daphne! You're cheeks are so red! What happened?" Sharon laughed from the bedroom.

"Nothing bad." Mrs. Jones smiled.

"I remember how it felt to be in love. Even though Robert's gone, he gave me two beautiful daughters. And then my eldest gave a wonderful girl who might as well be. Don't be afraid of love dear, embrace it. Do you mind if I ask who it is?" Daphne's face turned even redder.

"Mrs. Jones!...The man who made me blush so much today was Ludwig." Daphne looked down, biting her lip.

"Is there another?" Sharon hadn't gotten her perceptiveness from her father. Daphne nodded.

"Arthur-"

"So that's why they don't get along! They've both fallen for you. Would you like some advice Daphne?" She looked up at Mrs. Jones, nodding.

"There will always be others, but if you choose one of them, make sure you know both of them better than you know yourself. Choose the man who you want to be with the most. Because if you get pressured into someone you're not truly in love with, you don't get a second chance." Mrs. Jones' eyes shined with meaning. She spoke through experience. Daphne walked over and gave her a hug.

"I'll be careful Mrs. Jones. I'm going to check on Sharon, okay?" Mrs. Jones nodded, smiling.

"She's going to ask for every detail. But remember, you don't have to tell her if you don't want to." Daphne rolled her eyes.

"Yes I do, and you know it. Wish me luck!" Mrs. Jones laughed as Daphne walked into the bedroom. Lily was sitting on the foot of Sharon's bed, talking about everything she'd missed. When Sharon saw Daphne though, she nudged Lily's foot with her own.

"We have plenty of time to talk about this Lily; I promise you I'm not going anywhere. Can you let Daphne and I be alone for a moment?" Lily rolled her eyes, but bounded out of the room. Sharon grinned at Daphne.

"You know what coming. Sit down and get comfy, tell me everything that happened! You said Ludwig?..." Daphne blushed.

"I went to see them, but I ran into Ludwig before anyone else. His arm was cut, so I helped him out with that…Then I asked him where Arthur and Kiku were-"

"Did he look sad or upset? Troubled?" Sharon laughed as Daphne blushed again.

"Yes, he did. But he told me where they were anyway. When I got to Arthur's quarters, he was arguing with Kiku about him and Ludwig going to attack the other ship again. Then-"

"You convinced him not right? Because that's one of the most dangerous and stupid ideas I've ever heard anyone consider." Daphne paused, looking at Sharon.

"Will you let me finish now?" Sharon nodded, begging Daphne with her eyes to continue.

"When I got out, I saw Ludwig and Kiku talking about it. I asked them not to, and reminded them of the promise to leave it in the past. Ludwig said he would…"

"And?" Daphne blushed.

"I thanked him and put my hand on his shoulder and we stood like that for a second. I think that's when Kiku left too. Anyway, then he said that he saw I got the bracelet back and it turns out the man who found it was him, and we hugged…" Daphne looked down, biting her lip. "And then I came back here."

Sharon smiled, laughing and sitting up to hug Daphne despite the pain.

"I'm so happy you're finally finding someone who makes you blush like that. He seems like a good guy too. I was getting worried there for a second. It seems like you won't be alone now." Sharon's eyes softened, turned joyful. Daphne laughed.

"You sound like a big sister. But yeah, I'm glad too. And you probably won't be alone either. I see the way Kiku looks at you. And the way you look at him sometimes." Sharon blushed, rolling her eyes and laying back down.

"But we're not talking about me right now. I've always felt guilty about you having to come here all of the time, surrounded by the forest and no other people around. I felt like I was keeping you from life. And it's really good to know that I'm not." Sharon took Daphne's hand.

"You have to remember though, if I wasn't here, I'd have nowhere to go when my dad traveled. You aren't keeping me from anything. I think dinner's ready, I'll bring you some, okay?" Sharon sighed.

"I didn't think there could be two beds of immobilization. But thanks."

That night Daphne's dream wasn't the same as usual. Instead of watching Sharon get killed in numerous ways by the captain, she was back home. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Ludwig and Arthur coming towards her. She couldn't move, but when she tried they both walked quicker. She frowned, thinking about how awkward it would be if they were both talking to her at the same time.

Arthur stopped.

Her heart pounded, not sure what he'd think if he saw her talking to Ludwig.

Ludwig stopped.

She frowned, knowing that she'd have to choose eventually.

"I… I don't know! I barely know either of them. Give me some time!" The image shifted, and she was back on the ship with Sharon standing protectively in front of her. The captain gestured for her to walk forward. She shook her head, balling her hands into fists.

"Sharon!" Daphne wanted to move, but she realized two men were holding her back, not letting her help Sharon. The captain took a step towards them, drawing his sword.

There was a bang, and Ludwig and Arthur were working together for once. The rest of the crew filed in, and Ludwig shot the two men holding Daphne. Sharon turned around and grabbed her, and together they jumped onto Arthur's ship.

Daphne gasped, looking at the familiar room around her. She looked at the beds, making sure Lily, Mrs. Jones, and Sharon were still there. They were. Daphne sighed in relief, which made Sharon wake up. She looked around, a wild look in her eyes. She relaxed when she saw Daphne looking at her.

"Let's go back to sleep Daphne. I don't want to wake Mom or Lily up." Daphne nodded in agreement.