"Finally we are away from that freezing hell hole!" Alfred exclaimed as the Mary Celeste made its way out of the Icy Sea and into the warmer climate of the South.

"Honestly Alfred the cold temperatures aren't that bad," Matthew said as he looked at his brother.

"Yes they are! Who in the world wants to live all the way up here?"

"Stop complaining Alfred. It's your turn to be in the crow's nest or have you forgotten already?" Both Matthew and Alfred turned around to see Arthur standing behind them. He had his arms crossed and was glaring at both of them. "And isn't Matthew supposed to be helping Lydia with the cooking?"

"We were, but we wanted to come and enjoy the warm weather," Matthew said as he grabbed Alfred by the arm. "Let's go, Alfred." Arthur shook his head as the twins quickly took off. His eyes once more wandered to the railing, and they quickly found the person he was looking for. Kiku was just standing there gazing at the ocean once more. Arthur quietly walked over and wrapped his arms around Kiku's waist.

"Why are you so deep in thought love?" Arthur asked as he felt Kiku give a small jump of surprise.

"Uh…" Kiku blinked and looked back at the ocean. "It's nothing."

How am I to tell you that I wish to go home?

"So… are you glad that we are out of the cold?" Arthur asked trying to make conversation as Kiku stayed silent.

"I don't mind the cold…" Kiku murmured. "Where are we going now?"

"For now to the south. The merchant ships will be more plentiful and that means we don't need to head to the mainland in a while."

"I already told you I am not participating in your childish game."

"And I already told you, you are going to be participating whether you like it or not."

Why do I have to help you?

"Can you answer some of my questions?"

"It depends what they are." And if I am willing to answer them…

"Who was with you on that day five years ago?" Kiku stiffened and stayed silent as he felt everything come to a standstill. There is no way in hell…

"That's… it's none of your business of who was with me on that day."

"Yes it is. You know very well why it's also my business. So will you tell me?"

"No, never." I rather die as your prisoner than allow you to hurt the others.

"Why not?"

"It's classified. Everything's classified."

"Don't tell me that you want to receive their punishments as well?" Arthur asked as he twisted Kiku around so they were staring at each other. "Well answer me."

"I… why your sudden interest in the others? Why are you barely asking me now?" Kiku demanded as he glared up at Arthur.

"Because I figured it was the right time for me to ask you. I waited in order to make sure that when I asked you-"

"I'll hand over the information without hesitation. That's it isn't it?"

"Don't be difficult love. Just answer my question, and I promise I won't hurt the others." As he spoke Arthur grabbed Kiku's head and kissed him. Kiku reached up, grabbed Arthur by the arms and after a while successfully shoved him off.

"No! I refuse to give you what you want!" Kiku's eyes widened as he suddenly realized something. "That's the reason why your attitude has been changing so much! You have been trying to butter me up so that I would hand my comrades to you on a golden platter!"

"That's not it love," Arthur began as he reached out and touched Kiku's face with one hand. But before he could continue Kiku slapped his hand away.

"Don't call me that! I am not your love!"

"What else can I call you? You haven't given me your real name."

"And with good reason! Why should I give my name to a scoundrel like you? And don't touch me!" Kiku snapped as he swatted Arthur's hand away.

"There's no need to be feisty," Arthur said as he tried to get hold of Kiku again, who in turn simply shifted out of the way.

"Why shouldn't I be? You are trying to use me for your revenge over events that will never change! Why don't you simply leave the past in the past?"

"Because," Arthur said as he finally got hold of Kiku. "You people took everything away from me that day. And I won't stop until I have taken out my wrath on all of them."

"Why do you keep acting as though you are the only person that's suffering in this world? The world doesn't revolve around you Arthur Kirkland! So stop acting like it is and grow up! You act like a spoiled child."

"And you are no different. Both of us are the same."

"No we are not!" Kiku said as he struggled to break free from Arthur's grasp. "At least I am not going around toying with other people's emotions! That's all you being doing until now. You have been toying with me. I can't believe I let myself think that you cared about me!" Arthur stopped struggling with Kiku and stared at him. Kiku looked startled when Arthur stopped fighting him back. Kiku suddenly blushed and looked away as he realized what he had said.

"Augh! I can't believe you made me say that!" Kiku exclaimed as he broke out of Arthur's grasp. Then before Arthur could do anything Kiku stormed off and quickly fled below deck. He went into Arthur's room, locked the door, and hid under the bed covers.

I can't believe I said that! Why did I have to say that out loud? Wait… why did I say that out loud? Damn, stupid pirate! I am getting confused again… why am I crying? It's not like I cared about him at all… but why does it hurt so much? Why does it feel like he betrayed me…? What are all of these emotions I am feeling? Why can't I stop crying at his betrayal?

After a while Kiku just laid there on the bed clutching the pillow. He hiccupped as he shifted a little and snuggled deeper into the pillow, hugging it as if it was a stuffed animal. Then he heard the sound of the door unlocking. He stayed still as he heard someone approach and sit on the edge of the bed. He flinched away as he felt Arthur reach out to touch him.

Arthur eventually reached out again and pried him away from the pillow. Kiku weakly struggled as Arthur pulled him onto his lap and hugged him.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you that question. Will you forgive me?" Kiku shook his head as he hiccupped again before he began crying again. Arthur kept a firm grip on Kiku as he struggled to get out of his grasp.

Why can't he see I want to be left alone? Why won't he leave me alone? And what in the world made him think I am going to forgive him just because he asks me to?

Arthur felt Kiku stop struggling at some point, and he began to run his fingers through Kiku's silky black hair as Kiku continued to cry onto Arthur. Kiku fell asleep after a while, having worn himself out. Arthur continued to hold him as he grabbed a small cloth and used it to wipe the tears that still decorated Kiku's face.

How long is it going to take me to gain your trust again, love? I don't like seeing you mad or sad. I shouldn't have tried to use you in order to get to the rest of them. I'm sorry. I promise not to bring the subject up again. I hope you can find room in your heart to forgive me. Rest now my love, there is a lot of stuff we need to discuss tomorrow…

Author's Note:

Stupid Arthur...

Anyway *cough cough* this chapter was a gambled chapter. I have absolutely no idea how (or why) I decided to make this chapter like this. The next chapter isn't a gambled one. I actually know what's going to happen! But then the gambling begins again. *gloom*

Questions, comments, or criticism? Review!