I saw the fear enter Peasley's face. "…what?"

"Before he met you," Brian explained softly. "He was in a relationship with another man. It got to a point where he would hit him for fun and sick humor. I am afraid that he is going to fall in that relationship again."

"With me?"

Brian nodded. "The thing is that you hit him."

"I didn't mean to!" Peasley exploded.

"Shh…" I whispered. "Let it go; the deed is already done and already forgiven."

"If Brian would let it go…"

"Peasley." Brian whispered. "The only reason I bring it up is that he has experienced worse than a smack to the face. I am afraid that he would fall into that trap again; the man hurt him beyond repair."

"His name was Phillip." I continued. "He was a really sweet guy when I met him; a painter with a thing for fishing and poetry. His eyes were mysterious and gorgeous; one eye was an ocean blue and the other a forest green. The happiness that radiated from him could fill the room and make the world a better place. Needless to say, I feel for him for his smile and eyes."

"Anyone would have." Brian added softly.

Peasley nodded, silently telling me to go on. I sighed and held his hands. "It started after a few months of dating; Phillip was really angry about something, and I was trying to calm him down so that we could talk and I could help him out. He yelled at me that his business was his own and he didn't need to talk to anyone about it. Before I could say anything else…" I took a deep breath, "…he punched me in the gut. I remember doubling over and shouting in pain, trying to defend myself. I thought that it was only because he was having a bad time and that he would apologize later…but that never happened.

"As the time wore on, I grew scared of him. I couldn't pull away from him because he had threatened me that he would do worse to me if I tried to run away or tell the others what was going on. He had used my sensitive heart to rope me into the hell and damnation that was our relationship. No matter what I did, I couldn't get away from him. I couldn't tell Brian or Victor or Samuel what was going on; Phillip said that he would do worse to me if I did. If he had caused me this much pain, I didn't want to know what he was truly capable of."

"…what did he do to you?" Peasley asked softly.

"It was mainly getting punched in the torso area." Brian explained when I didn't answer. I felt my face burn in shame as he continued. "Phillip was smart; he didn't hit Fiamo in places where they could show us that he was being physically abused. Upper arms, abs, back, legs….anywhere that would be covered by his clothing."

"He only wanted me for my body." I whispered as tears finally fell. "He would beat me to try and get it. That's the only time I could fight him. Then one day came where he literally beat me to the point where I couldn't stand. He didn't care that he was kicking me in the face almost causing my nose to break or clawing at my arms and drawing blood. I had never been so scared in my life. By that time, Brian and the rest of the family knew what was going on, and they realized that I hadn't come back that night. I couldn't see straight and couldn't stand I was in so much pain. But before he could do anything else to me, Brian and the others burst through the door and saved me…I had never been so happy to see my family. I wasn't ashamed of the tears I shed that night; I was terrified that Phillip almost had his way. Syrup saw my condition, and they all made a story about how I defended them against an attack and I was the only one badly wounded. She bought it since I had physical wounds and told me to go to bed rest. I was so scared that I didn't want to be left alone; I bawled out of fear and pain. My small family was there for me the entire night…and they reassured me that I was safe and that Phillip would never hit me again."

In one swift movement, Peasley stood up and hugged me as tight as he could. Regardless of the fact that I was confused, I hugged him back. We stood there for a few seconds before he looked at me and kissed me gently and quickly. He rested his hand on my face, being careful of the bruise.

"I am so sorry." He whispered. "I had no idea that that had happened to you, Fi. I would have never hit you if I knew…" he fell silent and downcast his eyes as he started crying. "I'll never hit you…never ever ever. You don't deserve to be treated that way after everything you went through with your Mom and Dad." He looked at me again. "I'll take good care of you; I never want to see you cry or hear you scream in pain. You deserve so much more. Will you…forgive me?"

I kissed his forehead and held him tightly against me. He snuggled under my chin and we had a small moment of peace.

"Fiamo…" I looked at Brian, who had a look of concern on his face. "I thought the first hit was the arm."

I shook my head. "That was the first one you saw; I didn't tell anyone of the other bruises I got before and after the arm. I prefer not to tell anyone anymore; the pain is still in me after that year of hell and damnation."

"I'm glad you are through with him." Peasley spoke. I didn't answer. "…you are through with him, aren't you?" he sat up and looked at me.

"I haven't seen him since Brian and the others saved me." I whispered. "So technically we are still a thing, as much as I hate to think about it. I am done with him…but I don't think he is done with me."

Chills went through me as Peasley relaxed in my arms again.

"I still love you." He whispered to me. "No man is going to change that. Not Phillip, not Yorik…no one."

I smiled and held him closer to me. He sneezed, and I mentioned that he needed to get some sleep. He nodded but didn't move. I set him down on the bed and tucked him in, putting the extra blanket on his feet. I kissed the side of his head, and he thanked me. I kept a hold of his hand as I stretched out on the floor next to him. Brian tossed me a blanket and a pillow, and I thanked him as I stretched out. Peasley let his arm hang off the edge of the bed, and his fingertips landed on my chest. I placed my hand in his and kissed it before finally relaxing.

I could never fell asleep because of the rolling waves from the tides, so I lied there awake, trying to fall asleep. I sat up after a few hours, drowsy and kind of irritable. Peasley sighed as he held my hand tighter. I let go, kissed his temple and tucked him in again as a smile formed on his face. Brian walked in quietly and waved 'hello' at me. I nodded, accepting his greeting. He told me that we were near the Mushroom Docks and that we could either stop there or he could take us to Beanbean. I asked him if Rose and Wendy could take care of Peasley; I didn't want his cold to get any worse that it was already. He nodded, and said to wake him. I turned and knelt down to him, gently shaking him awake. He blinked a few times, dazed and confusion filling his eyes before they settled on mine. I saw the relief in them and he coughed in his arm as he sat up. He groaned in pain as I helped him stand. After making sure he was alright to travel (and after he got changed), Brian gathered our equipment since we were both about to drop from exhaustion. He released his crew and assigned two men to watch over the boat during his absence. I glanced at him, and he smiled, saying that the two men got along like we did on the Teacup and that he values those kinds of relationships with his men and encourages them. Peasley mentioned that he was a very good man to his workers and that that was probably why they respected him so much.

We stepped off the boat and the sensation of uneasiness filled me. Peasley held my hand tighter as we approached the white building. Rose was standing on the porch, talking to a man that looked to be in his mid-twenties. I froze, almost sending Peasley into the pavement. Brian sensed my sharp change in mood, and it went through him as well as the man walked off the porch. There was a smirk on his face as he recognized me and I pulled Peasley behind me, letting go of his hand. His denim sleeveless jacket whipped in the air as his long stride soon brought him face to face with me. He was a little taller than me, but not by much. His eyes pierced through my defenses through his rectangular frames and the smell of a fresh smoked cigar was on his breath and body.

"Hello, my little flame." He whispered to me.

Chills shot through me and fear possessed my senses.

"Hi, Phillip." I acknowledged. I felt Peasley's reaction of horror from behind me.

"You don't seem very talkative."

"I'm on a mission."

"…I see. It's been a few years since we saw each other last; I've missed you." I didn't answer and he tilted his head in concern. "You're not burning as bright as you used to, my flame. Is something the matter?"

Peasley sneezed. It threw Phillip off and he glanced behind me, making eye contact with him. I saw the burning hatred in his blue and green eyes as he glared at me.

"The Prince hired him." Brian jumped in. "Fiamo is the Prince's guard for the Trial of Kings. They are here so that they can rest and get healthy before they go to their next Kingdom."

"The Prince is in need of a doctor." I picked up. "If you will excuse me…"

I started to walk forward, but he cut me off.

"We will talk later." he hissed in my ear before he walked away.

Another chill went through me and Brian wrapped his arm around me, saying that I did an excellent job handling him. I looked at him in confusion, and he winked at me, giving me a cocked smile, I laughed, and the three of us continued into the Hospital. Rose was in the waiting room, and she smiled at Brian, but it faded to confusion when she saw Peasley and I. Before we could say anything, Peasley let out a hearty sneeze, and that triggered a round of coughs. Sympathy flickered through me as I handed him his handkerchief, and he thanked me silently, coughing into it softly. Rose stood up and gestured for us to follow her. She kissed Brian quickly and made a comment about how he was flirting with me. He laughed, saying that I couldn't resist him. I shook my head and smiled before Rose led us into the examination rooms. Peasley started coughing again as we walked into one of the recovery rooms. I noticed that the walls were blue and the floor black, and I smiled. Rose saw my smile and laughed.

"I thought you would smile at that." She spoke softly. She directed her attention to Peasley. "You poor thing; you sound miserable."

"I feel miserable." His voice had the nasal sound to it again. "Damn congestion."

"You just probably need a hot shower or bath and a good night's sleep." Rose answered. "I heard about the Waffle Kingdom; I bet that wasn't fun."

"It was terrifying." He answered as Rose fetched cough syrup. He took a spoonful of it and returned it to her, thanking her silently. "I can't sleep soundly."

"You could go back on the boat; the motions could be soothing."

"Or keep you awake." I added under my breath.

Peasley laughed lightly. "I think I will stay in here, if you don't mind."

"Not at all." Rose responded. "You can stay in Wendy's room; it's empty since she moved in with Waluigi."

"How is she adjusting to the move anyways?" I asked as Peasley thanked her and went to get a change of clothes before heading upstairs.

"Fine fine; it's rather quiet here and I sometimes get lonely, but I know that she is happy with him and that's all that matters to me. Once in a great while Brian stays the night here and sleeps in Wendy's room."

"So apparently I can't resist you?" I asked as Brian entered.

He laughed. "Who can?"

Rose shook her head, smiling. "Back to your sassy self, aren't you?"

"You love it when I get sassy." He kissed her. "Although you're more my type."

"How many times have you been called gay?"

"Enough."

One of the best things about Brian is his personality; when he doesn't know people he is serious and straight forward. Once they get to know him he is one of the sassiest straight men you will ever meet. He always has some kind of witty remark to say and usually has a hand on his hip as he says it. I'm not going to lie; I thought he was gay and had quite a fancy for him. He shut me down and said that he was straight but was charmed that I liked him for him. The rest of the crew found it amazing that Brian and I were still friends after that incident; they still thought Brian was gay. It got to a point where the entire thing became a joke with us, and he would flirt with me to confuse others. It was always worth a laugh since Brian can't flirt to save his life.

Brian calmed down and explained to Rose who Phillip was and the situation I was in. Her face drained to fear as she expressed that he had been looking for me for quite some time; he would ask her and Wendy about where I was, and the response he always got was 'out sailing'. The old fear came back to me, and I fought not to cry. I felt Brian rest his hand on my shoulder as he spoke reassuring words to me.

"Brian." I cut him off. He faced me with concern filling his face. "…I'm scared."

"So am I." he answered honestly. "We all are; none of us want to see you go through this again. I know you are tired; I can see that in your face. Why don't you get some sleep? Peasley will be with you once he is done and he can reassure you that everything will be alright."

I nodded and I bit my lip, trying not to cry. I gently clenched my hands into fists. I would have squeezed them tighter but my nails were long enough to pierce skin. Rose guided me to the room and she made sure I didn't need anything else before she left. I stretched out on the bed, trying to relax as much as I could. The fear of going through the physical and emotional pain again tortured me, and I sighed in defeat. I closed my eyes for a few minutes as I tried to sort everything out in my mind. My train of thought disappeared when I felt Peasley's hand on my face. I took it and gently kissed his fingers as we made eye contact. The concern in his eyes turned into happiness as he walked around the bed and stretched out beside me. He kissed my cheek and told me that he loved me before relaxing. I relaxed again, but my nerves wouldn't allow me to sleep. I was soon listening to his deep breathing as he fell into a deep slumber; one that he really needed. Just knowing that he was peacefully sleeping for the first time in a long time reassured me that I was doing the right thing. Surprisingly he wasn't kept awake with his cold. I placed my hand on his face before sitting up and getting out of bed. I changed back into my normal clothes and there was a note stuck to the door when I opened it. I gently took it off and opened the folded piece of paper with care.

Come to the fountain, my flame.

Nothing more had to be written. Fear shot through me; I knew that there was no way I could hide from him anymore. I gently folded the note and placed it in my pocket before gathering the rest of my things and quietly walked down the stairs. I knew that I shouldn't be going alone…but what other choice did I have? Noting that all the lights were off and Rose was in her own bed, I walked out of the Hospital, making sure to lock the door before I left. The night was peaceful and still as I traveled from the building to the heart of the city. My footfalls echoed off the pavement and filled the otherwise silent night. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again and spotting the fountain. Phillip saw me, and he stood up as I approached him.

"Good evening." I greeted softly.

He flashed a cocky smile. "Same to you."

"You called for me?"

"I did indeed, my flame. You've changed."

"…I have?"

He nodded as he approached me. "You don't have that light in your eyes anymore…well, you do, but it's not for me." He walked right up to my face. "What's his name?"

"What?"

"His name. What is it?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know what I am talking about."

"I honestly don't, Phillip."

He shook his head and took a step back, crossing his arms. "The light in your eyes is for another man. It isn't for me."

"It never was."

"You seem to have forgotten your place, my flame." He hissed at me before I realized my mistake. "Need I remind you; a reminder never hurt anyone."

"I know my place." I stood my ground and suppressed my fear. "It is not with you."

"You're right; it is out on the street where you began! You try to run away from your past, but it is always there, lurking and watching your every move."

"I didn't run from my past!"

"You think that joining the pirate life would save her? How is that coming along?" I froze and the smile that lit his face terrified me. "Is that small house in existence yet? You can't save her; no one can! She will die in the streets like the vermin she is."

"Stop that!" I screamed in rage. "No one talks about my Mom that way!"

"You're nothing but a big Mama's Boy, aren't you? When you get scared, you cry for her like a child."

"That is not true! I have been through hell and damnation and haven't cried. I have been through worse than what I experienced with you! I am done with you; I've moved on. And yes, I have found someone else to call my own. He is everything you aren't, Phillip; he cares for me and loves me for me and not for my body. We have been together for almost five years, and you aren't going to destroy that."

"Oh, so it is someone new? Tell me," he mocked. "Is he your Prince Charming? Does he simply sweep you off your feet?" he laughed.

"That's not funny."

"It is to me, my flame; why would anyone want to set eyes on you? You're not the most attractive man out in the world." I didn't answer. "Why do you think you can get away from me? You better be thankful that I treated you the way I did when we first met; no one wants to date a pirate. No one wants to hold a relationship with a man who has no home and no money to his name. A lover you may be, but no one would want to make love to you with the scars that decorate your arms and chest; they are an ugly sight to bear."

I felt tears burn the sides of my face.

"You are nothing to anyone; only a waste of space just like the homeless. They are only extra mouths to feed that rot in the corners of alleys. Once you go there, you can never escape it. You can try all you want, but that past still haunts you. Who would want to date and hold a relationship with a man who not only is homeless but sold his soul to pirates to try and escape?"

"I thought you loved me…when we were dating…in the beginning."

"Who said I did? I thought I made my expectations pretty damn clear last year. I would have made them very clear if Brian hadn't ruined the fun." He was working himself up, and he pulled a cigar out of his pocket and lit it casually. He took a few seconds before continuing, "It seems to me that you have lost sight of where you stand in this relationship. I am the dominant figure; the master if you will."

"I am not a slave." I hissed.

"You are; your masters are your past, present and future. Your past Master threw you into poverty, your present Master sold your soul to pirates, and I am your future Master. I thought I lit that up in neon lights last time, but I could be mistaken. This hand will control your every move from now on; it always has and always will." He raised his hand towards me, "Allow it to teach you something."

He cracked his hand against my face, sending it at a sharp angle. He had hit me where Peasley had earlier. Before I could gather my defenses, he smacked me again. The force caused me to lose my balance and I hit the pavement. Before I could stand, I felt the sharp pain of his boot force its way into my ribs, and I couldn't scream. I curled into a defensive position out of habit. I felt his fists hammer down on me and I clenched my jaw, trying to hide my cries. After a few minutes, he stopped. I could hear his ragged breathing and soon smelled the scent of the cigar. I coughed on the smoke and he laughed when he heard the pain in my voice. I felt his presence close to me and his lips next to my ear.

"Have you learned your lesson?" he hissed at me. I didn't answer, and he hit me until I begged for mercy. "Good; it takes you a while to learn things, but when you do, remember them. Let me tell you something: If you think for a second that you're Prince Charming will come to you then you're wrong; he wouldn't even look at you. You wear your past like a cloak and it is so hideous that no one looks at you. You are forever a slave to me, and no one can change that."