"Madison?"

Maddie's head shot up at the sound of her name being spoken. She gasped when she saw who stood at the foot of her bed; it was none other than Arthur Kirkland. His green orbs staring tenderly into her own violet, gazing at her with concern and an emotion that the Canadian couldn't quite identify. Without a warning, Arthur plopped himself on the bed, and grabbed her, cradling her in his arms. Freeing one of his hands, he began running his fingers through her honey colored locks. His attempt at comfort seemed to work, her sobs grew steadily softer as she buried her face in his chest. In that moment he knew that he could never leave her. His love for her had grown and consumed every fiber of his being. It didn't matter whether or not she felt the same, he would be there for her no matter what. He would be her faithful servant, her knight in shining armor, her prince charming, whatever she wanted, just as long as it meant he could stay by her side. He vowed then and there that he would never be parted from her, not even when he was cold in his grave. He would stay with her forever and ever.

"I love you, Madison." He whispered, his tone gentle and sweet as he brushed a stand of hair from her face. "So very much..."

"But Arthur..." She protested quietly, being careful to avoid his gaze. "I-I don't deserve you... Why don't you go find someone who's actually worth your time?"

"No." He stated firmly, cupping one of her cheeks in the palm of his hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You're wrong. You are worth my time. And don't say that you don't deserve me because it's me who doesn't deserve you."

"Why me?" She asked bitterly, her eyes welling up. "Of all the people on this godforsaken planet, why did you have to go and fall in love with me? I'm nothing special."

"Yes, you are." Arthur spoke tenderly. "You're kind, beautiful, sweet, smart, caring, and can cook a hell of a lot better than I can!"

Maddie blushed with each compliment, chuckling softly when he came to the last one. He laughed with her, but quickly grew serious, taking her hand in his and gazing lovingly into her eyes.

"Madison, you're the most amazing woman I've ever met and there is no one else I would rather give my heart to. I'm yours for all eternity."

Before she knew what she was doing, Maddie leaned up and pressed her lips to Arthur's. For a brief moment he didn't move, taken aback by her sudden actions. But not two seconds later, his arms were wrapped around her waist as he returned the kiss. It started off soft and gentle, growing more fierce and passionate as the seconds ticked by. Eventually, the kiss was cut off by the couples need for air. Both panted heavily as they pulled away from one another, each blushing a dark shade of crimson.

"And I'm yours." Maddie whispered shyly, casting Arthur a brief glance and then quickly lowering her gaze.

He smiled. She had no idea how much it meant to him to hear her say that. He leaned in to kiss her again but stopped when the sound of a door slamming was heard from downstairs.

Maddie's face paled as she swore under her breath.

"What is it, love?" He asked, almost dreading her answer.

"F-Francis is back!" She squeaked, sounding more terrified than Arthur had ever heard her. "He can't find you here!"

Ignoring his questions and protests, she grabbed his wrist, drug him over to the nearest closet and stuffed him inside.

"Stay in here until he leaves." She instructed, her voice trembling with fear. "Don't come out, no matter what happens."

Arthur nodded, a sick feeling forming in the pit of his stomach as she slid the two doors shut. He wasn't sure why, but for some reason, he felt uneasy, as though he knew somewhere deep in his subconscious that something very, very terrible was about to occur. And he would be right here to watch it.

A/N - Yay! A quickish update. ^_^

If you can't tell, I'm like super awkward with fluffy stuff so this was kinda hard for me to write. But I think I did ok?

Next chappie will be up soon (well... maybe...). Just a heads up, it's a major cliffhanger! Mwahahaha! XD

Thanks for all the reviews, faves, and alerts! Your support means a lot!