Note: Wow, to be honest, I didn't expect such a positive feedback! Thanks a lot ATG, Lilith, and last but certainly not least, NunchukuQueen! Don't worry about the length of reviews lol I want to know what you guys think! I'm glad that the descriptions weren't too… sappy –smiles- I hope that this next chapter doesn't dash your expectations!

Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Calibur or any of its characters and such otherwise there'd definitely be a lot more shounen-ai loving!

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The following morning, Maxi felt like a drained zombie, ambling on to the deck of the ship without his usual spunk. Last night, had been an incredibly bad night for the young pirate; one of the worst night he had ever had in his life in fact. Gods… he likes Xianghua… he still hadn't quite gotten over that fact; and right now, he wasn't even sure if he could face Kilik, knowing that his friend would only question him about his actions the previous night, and what could Maxi say? 'Oh sorry Kilik but gee, I'm kinda heart broken because you prefer that – that thing instead of me!' Somehow, Maxi didn't think that would quite work.

Abruptly, the all-too familiar sound of: "Ah, Kilik!" ripped through the air, and Maxi felt as if a thousand sprays of ice cold needles had been shot into his back as he slowly turned, eye twitching to face a bright and chirpy Xianghua. How can she be like that this early in the morning! He thought wryly, before watching her latch unto the object of his unrequited affections, as per usual; and although it irked him before – it tore him apart seeing them together like that now. Oh yea, because she had Kilik. Duh. However, even in Maxi's depression, he couldn't quite blind himself from Kilik's questioning gaze as his friend tried to make his way towards him, dragging Xianghua with him; for once uninterested in what she had to say, or vaguely so.

"Maxi?" he called, but the twenty-eight-year-old pirate just forced a smile upon his face, giving a small wave before walking away, feigning fineness; but he had no doubt that Kilik could see through him as easily as day pierces night. All Maxi knew was that he would have to avoid Kilik as if his life depended on it – and his pride; which was the only thing Maxi felt he had left. There weren't many places to hide from someone on a ship, you couldn't exactly storm outside and cool down; so Maxi decided to settle for the lookout, high up above deck, sitting alone in its cooped compartment, dully staring at the beach wood in front of him, as if trying to burn holes deep into the innocent piece of boat, cursing the day for being such a comparison to his depression; it was as if the bright sun was mocking him, and the clear skies jeering down at him like judgemental spectators telling him that he got what he deserved.

Like a kid, Maxi was sulking, but he couldn't help it; it was as if he had just lost a sense of purpose; or for a child, their favourite toy. He wished that it would rain; wanting foolishly to let the rain wash away his feelings, everything he felt towards Kilik so that maybe, just maybe he could have a meagre shard of normality and be able to find it in himself to be happy for Kilik and Xianghua. Yea, especially when they get married… heh, bet their kids are gonna look cute… he told himself, but unfortunately – his 'positive thinking strategy' only worked to dig him a bigger hole in his moping as he unconsciously raked a hand through his hair, wanting to punch the wood beneath him; to do something, anything to release his frustration.

I mean, geez, Kilik's a good friend…and – and I should really be happy, right? I mean… he… likes a girl that likes him back; and… oh god, this isn't helping me a single bit, he groaned as he leaned his head back against the wood pole supporting his back. I should support him, was the sudden thought that entered his head but despite knowing what he should do, nobody had ever warned him about how excruciatingly painful it could be. Nobody had ever prepared him for the complex emotions that he was feeling now.

Why couldn't someone write a manual about this stupid thing called 'love'? Then the whole world would be happy! He thought in aggravation, completely consumed about his own internal turmoil that he was unaware of the soft creaking of the ropes leading to the lookout, as someone clambered closer to the forlorn pirate.

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TT I think the second chapter blew chunks, sorry guys! And, forgive me for comparing Maxi to a child – it was the only thing I could think of!

Dragonfly

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