A/N- Thought I might try adding in line breaks for transitions that're a little more substantial, rather than just a natural progression of the previous scene. Not sure if it'll make things flow any better, but we'll see, can't learn if I don't give it a try.

Warnings for this chapter-

-Attempted suicide and discussion surrounding it

-Hypothermia and associated recovery

Covering a watch shift during the day wasn't quite so bad, even if it was far from the quiet nighttime peace that Wire had grown so fond of. At the very least it kept him away from the Captain's half baked tantrums, his friend seeking any and every excuse to pick childish battles now that Beau wasn't bathing him in endless attention. Hypocritical, really... He'd watched that man spend months in denial, pushing the object of his desires away in an attempt to quash unwanted feelings, but now that she herself pulled away, he acted as though she'd spat in his face. With a hefty sigh, he finished scanning the horizon once more and flicked tired eyes to the deck, spotting their smallest making her way towards the back of the ship once more- A common enough sight on it's own, though he squinted as she climbed the stern's railing. Pausing with his hand over the alarm snail's shell, he watched her sit atop the wooden surface for a moment, seemingly content with watching the waves behind them.

Alright, maybe she wouldn't fall in, she seemed stable enough. He resolved to keep an occasional eye on her as exhausting shift continued, but before he could move his eyes back to the horizon, Beau simply tilted forwards and slid off the railing, disappearing into the waves below. With an audible clap, Wire slammed open palm down atop the snail's shell, the ship-wide system of speakers crackling to life as he barked out-

"Beau's astern and overboard! Slipped off the back railing!"

Precious seconds later and Killer had leapt in after her, diving deep with the momentum of a full sprint charge. Others gathered around the offending rail, necks craned down as they searched for any sign of the pair's return, though an absent few busied themselves with tying sails shut to slow the ship's advance. Furious at his own inability to do anything, Kid thundered his way up to the railing, yanking Heat out of the way to clear a space for himself and glaring into dark depths, fists clenching innocent railing as if he held it personally responsible. With half a minute passing and no sign of anyone's return, anxiety bubbled to the surface and he freed the wood from his grip, only to slam enraged fists down on the surface with enough force to destroy it, inadvertently clearing a space around himself as everyone scrambled to avoid spraying splinters.

"Hey, uhh, what's his record again? Five minutes, right?" Sunnie asked, peering over what remained of railing's edge.

"Mm, five minutes and fifteen seconds. Can't last quite as long once he hits colder water, though..." Clarified Heat, eyeing their Captain cautiously as he too made his way near the broken guard-rail.

Finally, after nearly three full minutes underwater, the familiar sight of Killer's mask came crashing through to the ocean's surface, Beau limp in one gauntlet-clad arm as he raised the other towards Kid and called for the redhead to pull him up. Purple static crackled wildly as Kid's powers did just that, hauling his friend back to the deck with far more force than necessary and causing him to land rather awkwardly thanks to chilled limbs forgoing trained obedience. Forgetting about what was surely a strained knee, Killer quickly tipped the half Mink's head downwards to clear whatever water remained in her mouth and nose. Laying her flat on the deck, he tilted the front half of his mask up enough to free panting lips, quickly apologizing as he pinched soft nose shut.

"I'm sorry little one, but the ends justify the means" He offered hastily, taking a deep breath and locking his lips with her own.

Kid watched in stunned silence as Killer attempted to revive Beau, completely unfocused from the concerned mutterings of his crew surrounding him, hard eyes centered on the way his best friend held the underside of her jaw to gain proper access, the way her chest rose an inch as he pushed lungfuls of life giving air into her one at a time, tilting his head to listen for the exhale before repeating necessary process. Shouldn't she be coughing up water by now? Surely four times was enough... Five times... Six times... Finally on Killer's seventh breath of shared air, a cross between choke and gurgle sounded from Beau's chest, her tender quickly turning her sideways to allow expelled water's exit from raw lungs and throat. Clicking his mask back into place now that she could breathe by herself, he quickly scooped his charge up, noting with hidden frown that she wasn't shivering.

"Kid, I'm going to need you to bite the bullet and listen to me right now," He began, quickly heading for the Captain's quarters as Kid tensely followed after them, "She's cold but isn't shivering, meaning she's passed the point of hypothermia where her body can heat up on it's own. She needs to get out of these clothes and lay with a source of warmth, but every minute counts and we can't waste time slowly peeling off wet clothes or running her a bath. I need you to get your vest off and lay down"

Mind racing too fast to argue, he simply obeyed, stripping off his coat, boots and vest before laying down in shared bed. He tensed as Killer began slicing off Beau's drenched outfit, but understood the necessity as time was of the essence. Once heat sapping cloth had been discarded, the equally drenched blonde carefully placed her on her side, instructing Kid to cradle her against his chest and pull the covers over both their faces, ensuring the warm air he breathed out would be taken in by Beau as she breathed in. The startling truth shared by the press of his skin against her own caused Kid to draw sharp breath through his teeth, barely noticing as Killer left the room in search of a warm shower and dry clothes. She felt like a corpse with cold clammy skin, and were it not for the slow breaths he heard her draw, he'd say she looked like one too, skin pale at the retreat of blood and lips lacking their usual pinkness, replaced instead with a tint of blue he seldom saw anywhere other than the light skinned dead.

He'd yearned for a return to usual closeness, sure, but not like this. Not clinging to her as if his own life depended on it, all for the sake of sparing hers and sharing bodily warmth. How could this even happen? She was always so careful, too afraid to even cross the boardwalk without clinging to someone's arm for stability, and he found it hard to believe she would just hop over the railing for a better view. Kid pulled the covers fully over both of their heads, not wanting to waste an ounce of the warmth he breathed out for her, curling his neck forward to touch his nose against her own and gritting his teeth at the almost lifeless chill. He wasn't dumb, the only way this could've happened was if someone pushed her or she herself took the plunge.

It made him feel... He didn't know. There was a whole mixture of feelings both new and old, the foreign combining with the familiar to become one giant internal swell of confusion and panic, he felt both betrayed and relieved, enraged and concerned, as well as myriad other things he couldn't quite separate from the mass let alone name individually. He felt her own chilled exhale fan across his lips, and thought back to the saving act Killer performed, tightening his hold on the little woman as he remembered the way his friend's lips met her own- Hold on, was he really jealous over that? It wasn't as if they had a choice, Killer even apologized to her beforehand, and he doubted cold wet lips felt very pleasant against his own. Perhaps it was the fact that he felt so useless while watching, unable to do anything while Killer worked to save her. Alright, perhaps it was both- He was bothered by the fact that he'd been utterly useless, but knowing someone else's lips claimed hers before he'd had that chance didn't sit well with him either. Temptation to right at least one of those wrongs crept up on him, and he found himself inching closer to her lips before stopping half way.

No. Not like this. He wasn't even sure how to kiss someone properly in the first place, current lack of consciousness aside. What would he do if she woke up? Actually- What was he going to do when she woke up, would he demand an answer out of her? Tie her up to make sure she couldn't try it again? No, if he was going to tie her up it'd be better to do while she was still unconscious... No, she'd hate him for it, it'd scare her right back into recently discarded shell. So what options did that leave him with? He was shit at talking, should he get Killer to sit down and dig some answers out of her? Yeah, fantastic idea, get someone else to handle it while he continued being useless. It dug at him, made him feel inadequate and preyed on every insecurity surrounding incompetence and undeservedness that swirled around inside, what the hell was he supposed to do? Small twitches took priority over mental burden the moment he felt them, Beau's form slowly doing it's best to shiver as warmed blood flooded chilled limbs once more- That was good, right? Meant she was recovering? All he could really do was hope, running thumbs over clammy skin where his grip anchored them together.

Stepping out of his attached bathroom, Killer gave himself a moment to simply sit at the edge of his bed, clad in nothing but personal towel as he leaned forwards to sigh. He'd hoped her smaller form would translate to slower sink, but it seemed the ocean swallowed Beau down with as much ferocity as it did for Kid, and now he thought that perhaps water's drag against the latter's bulk provided the slower descent, their smallest simply shooting straight down as small stature did nothing to fight the pull. A knock to his door bid unmasked eyes rise in query, and he paused with fingers atop freshly cleaned accessory.

"Yes?"

"Just me" Came Wire's announcement, slowly letting himself in.

It wouldn't be the first time he'd seen their first mate without his signature mask, and it probably wouldn't be the last, cramped communal quarters of their initial stolen ship making privacy hard to come by, their pack of four growing comfortable enough through necessity that both Heat and himself had witnessed Killer's face behind closed doors on numerous occasions. Regardless, the way his friend's hand hesitated above that ever present item of comfort didn't surprise him- The mere sight of his face wasn't the only thing he sought to hide, and it left him vulnerable to converse without it. Moving pruned hands to his lap instead, the blonde finally looked up at the closing of his door, properly acknowledging the taller man's presence.

"What can I help you with?" He asked, sharp blue eyes dulled by unmissable fatigue.

'Polite as always...' Wire thought, helping himself to the seat accompanying Killer's desk.

"It's about the little Miss..." He began, letting out a sigh of his own through flared nostrils as he thought over what he witnessed, "Call me a pessimist, but I think she tried to kill herself"

"And you're coming to me about it first, because you don't know how Kid would handle it..." Surmised Killer, nodding in understanding as he spoke.

"Mm, something like that. She just sat herself atop the railing for a moment, then slid forwards. Anyone falling accidentally would at least try to grab onto something, not to mention she's always such a scaredy cat," He reasoned, scratching tiredly at the hair below his hood, "I know I used to say she'd die as soon as we ran into trouble, but, I'd rather she didn't take herself out"

"I had a feeling... Frankly, I'm expecting Kid to have figured it out on his own as well, he's got nothing to do right now but think, and he knows what she's like. But I'll talk to him about it when I get the chance, so leave it with me"

Another sigh, this one of relief as Wire slumped in borrowed seat. Kid was a hurricane at the best of times, but trying to deal with him when there was nothing he could do to immediately kill or fix the problem was nearly impossible, unless you were Killer and had the kind of insight into the wild man's mind that only someone who grew up with him could possibly hope to possess.

"Alright, just give us a yell if things get out of hand. His mood's been bad enough without Beau paying him the usual attention, if he puts you out of commission too we might as well just swim to the next island and brave the seakings..."

A humored huff left Killer's nose, shoulders shaking lightly at his friend's hyperbole- Though if things really did go south, he may be proven correct... Regardless, he waited for Wire to excuse himself before resuming prior task, leaving his hair for last and allowing it to dry before fitting favored mask snugly back in the appropriate position.

Through a strange, fog-like haze, Beau watched decorated hallways passed her by, immeasurably tall alongside the various strangers that filled them- And yet they weren't really strangers, stopping to pet the top of her head in passing, or flashing quick smiles as they carried on with given tasks. Tiny feet moved on their own, carrying her through familiar doorways as the decor grew less extravagant and more practical, eventually culminating in a kitchen of rustic and rundown appearance, well worn with age though still just as functional. The back of an unknown woman was there to greet her, busying herself over a stove as she managed a large cauldron of sweet yet meaty smelling stew.

"Is weady yet, Maman?" Beau felt herself ask, though she'd made no effort to speak. Was she just a passive observer to all of this? She felt 'her' body move once more, gripping at the woman's long cotton skirt.

Rather than answer the child's question, Beau watched the woman pause in her activity as if startled, turning to stare down at the little one with wide hazel eyes. Auburn waves were brushed back over her shoulder, and she abandoned the stove to face her guest and ask-

"When did you get so big?"

Suddenly Beau's line of sight was much higher, giving her the sensation that her surroundings had shrunk though their proportions seemed unaffected. Blinking in confusion, she noticed the return of bodily autonomy, quickly whipping her head in every direction in an attempt to properly orient herself.

"I don't- I'm so sorry, I- How did I get here?" She babbled, nervous eyes returning to the taller woman that watched her every move with great interest.

"You don't remember?" She asked, sad smile curling her lips as she cocked her head to the side.

Oh- That's right, she'd chosen to die hadn't she? Then, was this the afterlife? Did it really exist, or was it just her mind's way of comforting her as she went?

"I... Drowned, I think"

"Almost- But not quite. You're rather early, so I doubt you'll be here very long, but it's still nice to see you"

"I'm early? And- Here? Where's 'here'?"

"A memory, if I had to guess. Don't you remember our kitchen?" The unnamed woman asked, raising a brow at her confused guest. Softening her face again at the sight of Beau's growing anxiousness, she instead took a step forwards, placing one hand atop shaking shoulder and using the other to cup soft cheek, "It's alright if you don't, sweetheart, just please listen to me for a moment. Ok?"

Concerned yet soothed by this stranger's touch, Beau found herself nodding in agreement, ears perked forward in attention as her host smiled warmly.

"Please, whatever made you want to do that... I'd like you to reconsider. I don't know what the world is like now, and I'm sorry I can't be there to help you through it but I promise- Even in the most awful situation, you can find things to smile about. Even if it's something small. If that happiness is taken away, never stop looking for other ways to smile, alright? Once you're dead, there's nothing more you can do, so find as much happiness as you can while you're alive, and tell me all about it when it's time to be together again. Can you do that for me, Flambeau?"

Shivers assaulted Beau's form before the half Mink had a chance to answer, the scenery around her growing hazy once more as stove top warmth was replaced with a deathly chill. Cold, she was so cold, she must be dying, surely only the ocean's depths could so thoroughly sap heat from her limbs and turn heavy stomach to ice. Reflexively attempting to curl inwards, she felt struggling limbs bump against something warm, shivering hand brushing up solid chest and resting at the underside of a clenched jaw. With a rub of her thumb, she earned a tense sigh from warmth's owner, and cautiously sniffed with intent to identify as her mind continued to dip in and out of focus. Ah- Her favorite smell, the safest smell. Vaguely aware of her newfound position, she moved curious fingers to instead trail back the way they came, too cold to feel skin's texture though she could still trace each dip and curve of warm musculature.

If she really was dead, then surely it wasn't so bad, she got to rest in comforting darkness, surrounded by the warmth and smell of her favorite person despite deep ocean's frigid chill. Even if the solid mass before her were a mere apparition, she could still find comfort in his form and scent, a shaky sigh working it's way past cold lips as she attempted to scooch ever closer. The mockery of her Captain complied, applying further pressure with arms that all but crushed them against each other, warm huffs of breath fanning her face as his rhythm grew erratic.

"Shortcake?" Kid asked, almost pleading to know that she was still with him, that the lack of oxygen and warmth hadn't harmed her mental presence.

"That's such a n-nice name, s-so kind..." She muttered through continued shivers, smoothing her free palm over bared muscles once more.

Alright, so she was still a little delirious. That was alright, he could work with that, he was just glad she seemed to be able to move and speak properly. Feeling her palm upon his shoulder as she explored once more, he quietly asked-

"Oi, what're you doing?"

"Adm-miring you," Was immediate and honest reply, shivering palm slowly moving from shoulder to chest in gentle inspection, "You're so b-beautiful, l-like a sculpture w-with mu-uscles made of stone and s-steel bones, I could t-touch you fo-forever and still b-be amazed"

Alright, she was absolutely out of it, the hypothermia had left her completely off her face. And yet... The swell of pride Kid felt in his chest was undeniable, mixing with the relief he felt at proper signs of life and pulling forth silent, confused tears. They stopped the instant he took notice of them, but there was no denying their existence, and so he contented himself with the fact that no one would ever be aware of them besides himself. Beau's adoring ministrations continued despite violent shivers, and he found himself baffled once more by what she'd said. Was she being honest due to lack of filter? Or were her compliments noncommittal like those of a drunkard seeking company?

"Why'd you... Why did you jump?" He decided to ask, figuring his chance for an honest answer was worth taking. He steeled himself for whatever painful or nonsensical answer she might give, breath steady and jaw clenched.

"Just w-wanted it to sto-op hurting," She admitted quietly, fingers coming to rest at the dip between Kid's pectorals, "Knew it'd b-be ok, I'd t-take it wi-ith m-me since I'm n-not worth missing"

He blinked. Unsure of what kind of answer he wanted in the first place, Kid was left conflicted and confused- What the hell was she talking about? Taking what with her? Seemed she really was just spouting nonsense in her current deluded state.

"You're not makin' any sense, Shortcake" He sighed, feeling her shiver violently against him as her body slowly regained control of itself.

"Th-that's ok-kay, I d-don't think dead p-people ha-ave to make s-sense"

"You ain't dead, dumbass," Kid grumbled, finally realizing she lacked full understanding of her current situation, "Just really fuckin' cold"

"Oh" Was her only response, audibly disappointed.

"Wha- 'Oh'?!" He snapped, flipping the covers back from shaded faces to glare down at the shivering mess in his arms, "Are you fucking kidding me?! You nearly died! What, does that really sound so much better than living like this?!"

With ears flattened and eyes wide, the half Mink attempted to pull herself away from life giving source of warmth, curling into a ball as he berated her. She didn't understand, why was he so angry?

"But- I- Beau isn't n-needed, I don't u-unders-stand" She all but whined, watching with lower lip between her teeth as Kid's face attempted to mix rage with confusion.

"The fuck do you mean you ain't needed, you're our damn doctor." He growled out, attempting to forego more yelling at the reappearance of old self deprecating speech habits.

"A-all of the r-recip-p-pes for th-the medicines I u-use are written do-own, as we-ell as all my o-other n-notes," She began, lowering her gaze from scrutinizing face, "K-Killer can hand-dle the kitchen wi-without me, e-everyone else c-clea-ans more than I c-can, and I can't ev-even fight... I can't d-do a 'good j-job', so I kno-ow I'm not w-worth missing, and you w-won't lose sleep i-if I die"

The instant Kid realized where she'd gotten such ideas from, it felt as if the world paused around him, wide eyes staring down at the tiny shivering thing in his arms as his ever self castigating mind tore at him with perceived truth.

'This is all your fault. You made her want to die'

Regardless of the other factors that contributed to Beau's decision, some of which he still failed to understand, all he could focus on now was the fact that he'd caused this. Had he intended to? No, all he'd done was speak his mind on the subject of grief, but regardless of harmless intentions, his words had encouraged her to view herself as expendable, as unimportant- The very opposite of what he'd been trying to demonstrate prior to Brandon's loss causing her emotional withdrawal.

"I ain't trusting myself to say the right thing here, so just-" He began quietly, pulling her out from instinctive curl and resting his nose in damp, salted hair, "Just don't do it again, yeah? I don't- We'd rather not lose ya."

Exhausted enough to simply obey, Beau allowed the return of skin to skin press, continuing to shiver despite Kid's arms holding her in place. Part of her clung to worry that she was in trouble, that she'd done bad and would be hurt for it despite not understanding her mistake. Punishment continued to elude her as she waited, seconds turning to minutes with nothing but silent thoughts and chittering teeth to pass the time. Slowly but surely, a proper grip was regained on previously fleeting consciousness, fully alert and awake as she carefully flexed her fingers to test sensitivity.

"They feelin' ok?" Her larger companion asked, feeling the exploratory curl of small digits against his chest.

"I think so... Everything feels heavy, but only my chest hurts now"

"On the inside?"

"Mhm, it still won't stop... Does it ever stop?" She asked, almost begging for Kid to reassure her it would go away.

"Dunno, don't think I've ever felt it the same way," He admitted, thinking over the times he'd experienced his own inner ache at the loss of a friend, "Killer's probably a better person to ask"

"Are..." Beau paused, nibbling her lip as shivers returned for different reasons, "Are you angry with me?"

"Kinda," Kid admitted with a sigh, "I'm more pissed off at myself though, so don't worry about it"

"Why at yourself?"

"Because I said some shit without thinking, and gave you the wrong idea. Dunno if I can really explain it any other way, but I wasn't trying to make you feel like shit, or like we wouldn't miss the hell out of you if Killer hadn't fished you out."

"But I can't ev-"

"No. Listen. Forget all that shit I said, alright? I don't like gettin' attached to new people 'cause I know how likely they are to die out here. Still hurts when the folks I'm close to end up dead. People are gonna die and that ain't your fault, and you don't gotta meet some bullshit standard for us to care if somethin' happens to you, you're not a temporary hire. It ain't the nicest way to look at things, but it's what works for us, makes sure we don't let just anyone get close."

"I... I didn't want to hurt any of you, I just wanted it to stop, nothing ever hurts this long without healing," She admitted in response, upset by the notion that her actions could've harmed those left behind, "I'm scared"

So that was why. With proper understanding of her reasons for attempted departure, Kid knew he couldn't be angry at her anymore. She'd been caught in a burning building so to speak, torn between jumping to her death or letting the fire consume her instead, convinced no one else would be harmed if she took matters into her own hands. And now that option was gone, cancelled out by the idea of hurting others in the process, leaving her to sweat as everything burned down around her.

"I know." Was all the comfort he managed to verbally offer, pressing his lips to the top of damp crown.

'Slow and steady' was Killer's motto over the next few days, refusing Beau's offers to return to her share of the chores as soon as she could stand again, though he welcomed her company in the kitchen whenever she grew restless in shared quarters. Many a short discussion was had on the subjects of grief and inner pain, until finally the little woman had a better understanding of such things, still feeling an ache at the loss of her friend but less afraid at Killer's promise that she would grow stronger to counter it.

Despite knowing the truth of her actions, the remainder of the crew kept their noses out of it at Kid's abrupt request. He'd already made enough of a blunder by running his mouth and was unwilling to risk more of the same if the rest of them started spewing their usual brand of bullshit. Thus the task fell solely on Killer, though the blonde understood their Captain's reasoning and held no ill will towards the choice.

By the time a week had passed, Beau surprised herself by chuckling at found family's antics, placing open palm to her chest as she felt around for familiar pain. Still present, but less obstructive... Was this what Killer meant?

"Oi Shortcake, you gonna eat the rest of that?" Fletch called across the dinner table, nodding towards the two dumplings remaining on smaller crew-mate's plate.

"Hey- Get your own damn nickname" Came growled interruption from Kid, cross between a scowl and pout curling dark red lips.

Settled atop her usual perch, Beau placed one dumpling in her mouth, leaning forwards with outstretched arm to offer her plate to the ever hungry demon of a man, single dumpling quickly disappearing before the offer could be rescinded.

"Alright then- Thanks Sugarlumps" He complied, eyes glued to the easily agitated redhead Beau nestled against.

"The fuck kinda name is that?! Pick a better one!" Demanded the Captain, empty tankard slamming down against innocent tabletop as those paying attention choked and snorted.

"How about 'Sweetiepie'?" Poked Sunnie, earning himself both a glare from Kid and a confused stare from the woman they attempted to re-christen.

"What's wrong with 'Shortcake'?" She asked, failing to understand the flustered redhead's display of jealousy.

"Nothin' Honeybun, he just don't wanna share, is all" J.C. Answered with a sly grin, most present either preparing to bolt once Kid snapped, or too busy chortling away to care.

"Share what?"

"You" Fletch clarified with a shrug.

"He's about to share his fists if you're not careful" Killer warned, feeling truly justified in his decision to acquire a wooden dinner-set before departing Ginko island.

"Pff, you say that like it's a threat" Came nonchalant reply, sealing the deal.

With a snarl in his throat, Kid lifted Beau by the pits of both arms and deposited her safely on Killer's lap, standing to his full height in attempt to loom menacingly before launching himself full force at Fletch across the table, the larger man tossing him off of himself as soon as his back hit the ground. Cheers of 'FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!' Broke out among the rest of the crew as both men threw their weight around, Beau sighing in resignation as she wriggled off of Killer's lap.

"Going to get your supplies?" He asked, watching her head for the stairs.

"Mhm, Fletch always busts the Captain's lip, I wish he wouldn't punch his face so much..." She pouted, disappearing behind the door to the upper deck.

"Oi, you hear that?!" Sunnie yelled out over the uproar of chants and scuffling, "She likes your face, clown boy!"

The remainder of Fletch's chair was thrown his way in response, hitting the wall instead as the limber man easily dodged. Leaning back in his own seat, Killer allowed himself a quiet chuckle at the sight before him, musing that they really would need Beau's full kit of supplies if things continued to escalate. Ahh well, best to let them have some fun now that things were settling back into place, even if it meant turning the entire dining room inside out again- He could manhandle them into clearing this mess once they'd worn themselves out.