(Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia or anything else. Can we get to the story now?) Yeah, disclaimers get annoying sometimes, but they're necessary. Guess who I'm dedicating this to! That's right! Yukinataangel! For the fourth time, cuz she puts up with my unedited versoin! Make sure to say thanks by reading her stories! And warning: This is the last chapter. But it's longer than the others, so that might make up for that fact…
"How am I going to tell him? Because he definitely deserves for me to tell him in person. And what will I say? You have to help me!" Daphne grabbed Sharon's shoulders, and Sharon sighed.
"I actually, believe it or not, have no way to help you this time. I haven't had any guy like me, much less two…" Daphne sighed; glad she could change the subject for a moment.
"They're just freaked out because you can throw knives and hunt and protect yourself. Someone had to take care of your family!" Sharon nodded.
"But that doesn't change the fact I'll probably be your only unmarried friend. But whatever. I think you shouldn't beat around the bush. Telling news like that is like trying to get cloth that's been used too long and is mixed in with skin off. You don't pull it out slowly, drawing out the pain. You rip it right off. That's all I have to say."
"But I can't break his heart! I'll feel guilty for the rest of my life…"
"If you've chosen correctly, you won't. He'll move on soon enough. If I know one thing, it's that men don't linger. He'll find another woman before you know it. And if you've chosen right, then you'll be happy. Think about seeing him with another- that's how you'll know." Daphne nodded.
"I've made the right decision. I just need to carry it out…" She bit her lip. Carefully, Sharon got out of bed.
"I'll walk you there, but it has to be just you and him during the news, alright?" Daphne nodded. Then she smiled, trying to get the subject off her.
"Maybe you can beat up Kiku!" Sharon rolled her eyes and took Daphne's hand.
"Come on then. You might as well get this over with." Daphne sighed, but they went into the main room to explain to Mrs. Jones.
"Oh my. Well, good luck my dear. You've made the right choice." Daphne nodded; and she and Sharon walked out the door. Daphne sighed, grabbing Sharon's hand and pulling it over her shoulder. Sharon sighed, gratefully leaning on her.
After a lot of breaks, they finally made it to the ship. Before anyone else, Kiku jogged over to them.
"You shouldn't be walking this far! You're still not completely healed! Have you rested?" Sharon and Daphne nodded.
"A lot of times actually. But I'm sorry I didn't do what you asked me to. But I'm not the kind of person that can lie in bed all day." Kiku sighed, not expecting an apology. Carefully, Daphne let go of Sharon. She walked over to Kiku, and put her arm around his shoulder. Slowly, he led her to a place she could sit down. Daphne took a deep breath saw Ludwig coming towards her. She gave him a sad smile.
"Hi Ludwig." She remembered what Sharon had said. "I was wondering if you were doing anything tonight." His eyes brightened, and he smiled at her.
"I'm not. Is there anything you'd like to do in particular?" She nodded, smiling back.
"There's a place on the beach that has a bunch of small tide pools, and I was thinking that maybe you'd like to see it." Ludwig nodded.
"How about you show me it at around six. Is that a good time?" Daphne nodded, grinning.
"I'll see you then!" She walked to the ship, a feeling of dread setting in. She walked into the captain's quarters, wishing Sharon could be there with her. Arthur looked up at her and smiled. She gulped.
"Hello Daphne. How are you today?" Don't beat around the bush. "Arthur, I think you're a really amazing man, and I'm sure that you'll find a woman who's perfect for you. She's just not me." Arthur looked down, crushed.
"Is it really me? Or is it Ludwig?" Daphne sighed.
"You're not right for me Arthur. I'm sorry I toyed with you for so long." She walked out of the ship, looking for Sharon. She sighed, spotting her sitting down on the tree trunk. Sharon got up, Kiku seemed to sigh, but he followed her. Sharon gave Daphne a hug.
"How'd it go?" Daphne shook her head.
"As bad as I thought it would. Ugh! I don't know if I'll ever be able to talk to him again!" Sharon sighed, stroking her hair. "But… I'm sure I made the right choice though. Which reminds me. Guess who's going to show Ludwig the tide pools at six?" Sharon gasped, squeezing Daphne.
"I'm so happy for you!" Daphne laughed. Sharon took a step back. Kiku's hands twitched towards Sharon, making sure she wouldn't fall over. Sharon rolled her eyes.
"If I haven't tripped by now Kiku, I'm probably not going to." He sighed.
"You shouldn't be walking so much. Or standing so long. Please, you're still not fully healed." Daphne giggled; and Sharon sighed.
"I told you, I get fidgety if I stay still for too long. But since you're freaking out about it, I'll sit down, okay?" Kiku nodded, helping her over to the tree trunk. Daphne giggled again. Once Sharon sat down, she sighed. And they began walking back to Mrs. Jones' house.
"Kiku, I'm never going to get home if we keep going this pace." Daphne smirked.
"He could always carry you!" Sharon glared at Daphne, barely able to hold back a blush. On seeing that, Kiku looked away, hiding a blush of his own.
"I'll walk slowly, but he is not carrying me again." Daphne laughed.
"Can you manage on your own? Or should I help you two home?" Daphne giggled again, a devious look in her eye.
"It was pretty hard on the way, I'm pretty sure my arm lost circulation about half way here. Can you help out with Sharon again?" Kiku nodded, and Sharon stared at Daphne, mouth open. Daphne seemed to be more ambitious lately. Kiku gently pulled Sharon's arm over his shoulder, and he put his around her waist again. They began walking back to Sharon's house, Daphne stifling giggles the entire time. At one point, Sharon got tired of the rate they were going.
"Can't we go any faster? It's not like I'll suddenly start bleeding again." Kiku shook his head.
"It's a very high possibility that will happen if we go faster than this." Daphne couldn't help it, she laughed. She knew what was going to happen next.
"If you're so tired of being slow Sharon, how about you let Kiku carry you?" Resigned, she nodded. They stopped again, and Kiku picked Sharon up. He and Daphne walked faster. Soon, they were in view of the house. Kiku gently set Sharon down, and she nodded to him, cheeks slightly pink. Daphne, barely holding back a wave of laughter, thanked Kiku and walked inside the house with Sharon. As soon as the door was closed, she burst.
"You should've seen your face! Oh my gosh, I will never forget it! And Kiku too! You guys are so good together if you'd stop resisting him!" Sharon blushed fully now as Lily and her mom joined in.
"He likes you? That's wonderful honey! Do you like him?" Sharon gasped.
"Mom!" Lily laughed, chanting something she had learned when she had gone to school instead of being taught by her mother.
"Sharon and Kiku, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Sharon blushed furiously, and eventually, Mrs. Jones calmed everyone down enough for Daphne to share her news.
At which point, Sharon and Lily began the chat all over again. Soon, they were all laughing and dancing. Well, Sharon was exempt from the dancing.
After they ate lunch, Sharon surprisingly went into the bedroom and closed the door, insisting that she be left alone for a while.
Daphne frowned, wondering what she was up to.
"I wonder what she's doing…" Mrs. Jones laughed, winking at Daphne.
"It probably has something to do with you and Ludwig!" Daphne blushed, playfully slapping Mrs. Jones' arm. Daphne sighed, giggling.
Before dinner, Sharon came out, holding a beautiful blue dress in her hands. Daphne gasped.
"I can't believe you fixed it! I'm not going to take your favorite dress!" Daphne got up, rubbing her hands over the silk. Sharon rolled her eye, pushing it into Daphne's hands.
"The only time I wore it, it ripped. And, honestly, you look better in it than I do. Besides, when do I wear dresses out here? To the forest ball? Just take it Daphne." Daphne smiled, throwing her arms around Sharon. Sharon laughed, hugging her back.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I promise to take good care of it!" Sharon rolled her eyes.
"Like I said, I don't wear dresses. But if you end up tearing it again, let me stitch it up. Silk is hard to fix." Daphne nodded, going to show Mrs. Jones what Sharon had done for her.
"Well, that was very nice of her. And I bet Ludwig will like it too!" Daphne blushed, but nodded.
"I wish I could pay her back…" Mrs. Jones got a twinkle in her eye.
"She's too stubborn to know that she likes Kiku. And I'm betting he's too shy to say anything. But maybe you can help with that." Daphne grinned.
"That idea, Mrs. Jones, is one of the better ones I've heard in my life!" They giggled, Mrs. Jones feeling like a young woman again.
After they ate dinner, everyone wished Daphne good luck at the door, giggling and chanting. Sharon walked to the bedroom, and came back with a gold locket and Daphne's bracelet. Her eyes widened.
"When did you get this?" Sharon rolled her eyes.
"Just make sure to bring it back, okay? I don't want to lose it." Daphne nodded, and Sharon helped her put on the necklace and bracelet. Daphne grinned, hugging them before walking a few steps into the trees. She saw Ludwig coming, and smiled at him. He smiled back.
"You look really nice." Daphne blushed, but thanked him. Taking his hand, she began leading him to the tide pools.
Even though they didn't speak much, Daphne and Ludwig were happy. It was a companionable silence that gave them enough time to clear their heads. They stepped out of the trees, and were greeted with the sight of the ocean, and numerous small tide pools that were filled with trapped aquatic creatures.
"Wow." Ludwig whispered, gazing at the horizon. Soon, the sun would set. They walked over to the rocks, Ludwig holding Daphne's hand so she wouldn't fall into them. At least that's what he told himself.
"How did you find this place?" Daphne smiled, watching a small silver fish swim in a circle, waiting for the ocean to return.
"Sharon and I were exploring one day, and we stumbled across here. It happened a few years ago, but we still come here on special occasions. We came here for my last birthday." Ludwig nodded, watching the same fish Daphne was.
After they had talked and laughed for a while, the sun began to set. Ludwig and Daphne sat down. Holding hands. Daphne leaned against Ludwig, smiling.
The sky was alight with different shade of pink, orange, and purple. The water reflected that, making the sight truly incomparable. Daphne knew the stars would look just as beautiful. Ludwig put his arm around Daphne, noting it was getting colder. Daphne blushed. They sat there in awed silence until the sun began to sink further down, dying the sky a light purple and dark blue. Ludwig and Daphne got up, still holding hands.
"Thank you for showing me this place. We should do this again soon." Daphne nodded, blushing again.
"You're welcome." She shivered, it had gotten colder. Seeing this, Ludwig took off his jacket and draped around Daphne's shoulders. Her blush deepened, and she looked down, smiling. Ludwig walked her home.
By the time they got there, all of the stars were out.
"Thanks for the jacket. And for coming." Daphne smiled, and started taking off the jacket to give it back to Ludwig. He shook his head.
"Keep it for now. And you're welcome." Quickly, he leaned down and kissed her, then walked into the trees, yelling a goodbye. Daphne blushed like there was no tomorrow, and she stumbled inside. While Lily was already asleep, Mrs. Jones and Sharon were ready to ambush Daphne at the door.
"How did it go? Did he kiss you again? What did he think of the place?"
"Did he complement you?" Daphne laughed, still blushing.
"When he saw me, he said I looked very nice. He thought the view was amazing, and he kissed me just now before he left!" The three of them squealed quietly, grabbing each other's hands.
Finally, they all calmed down and got ready for the night. After Mrs. Jones had gone to bed, Daphne noticed Sharon looking worried.
"What's wrong?" Sharon laughed sadly.
"You know me so well Daphne. I'm just worried about how everything will turn out. Mom will expect to me to marry around the same time you do, and that won't happen. I know I shouldn't worry about it, but I do." Daphne sighed, walking over to sit next to Sharon.
"Just tell her what you think. I'm sure she'll understand." Sharon nodded, looking slightly better. They walked into the bedroom, silently sliding under the covers and falling asleep.
In the morning, Daphne was surprised that she hadn't dreamed. But she felt at peace, and she found herself whistling through her chores. Mrs. Jones smiled.
"I'm glad you're so happy today this morning Daphne! I'm assuming it's a result of last night's events?" Daphne blushed, laughing.
"Probably. Um… I was wondering if I might be able to stay here a while longer? I'm sure my father won't mind. You know how he is. He said I was a mistake…" Mrs. Jones' eyes flared with anger.
"Don't listen to a word your father says. And you can live here if you'd like. My house is closer to Ludwig's anyway." Daphne's eyes brightened.
"Really? Thank you so much Mrs. Jones!" She threw her arms around her, and Mrs. Jones laughed, patting her back.
"You're welcome. It's good for Sharon to have another girl her age to talk to anyway. And you helping out with the chores is amazing too. But I love your company my dear, and you'll always have a place to go." Daphne nodded, thanking her again and going back to her chores. Sharon came in from the bedroom, where she had made all the beds.
"I'm going to get some fruit, okay?" Mrs. Jones nodded and sighed.
"Try to rest often, okay?" Sharon rolled her eyes.
"I'll be fine mom. But I'll rest, okay?" Sharon walked out the door, closing it behind her. She walked out into the forest, picking berries and pulling fruit that she could reach from trees. She huffed, sitting down on the ground and leaning against a tree, thinking about the dream she had the night before.
She grabbed her wound, it had gotten much better, but walking always made it hurt. She groaned, forcing herself to get up. After a few more minutes of continuous walking, she was sweating from the pain. She sat down again, wondering when she would be able to walk without any effort again. She heard the bushes rustle, and she grabbed her knife, ready to throw. She got up again, knowing it was better to face someone that way.
Kiku stepped into view, and Sharon put her knife back. His eyes widened.
"Why do you push yourself like this? There's no need to! You need to rest right now."
"I don't like feeling useless. And really, I'd rather be in pain than in bed." Kiku sighed, still angry.
"I'm going to carry you home. You shouldn't be walking in this condition. I'm guessing you've been skipping breaks?" She nodded, and allowed Kiku to pick her up. She was so tired; she rested her head on his shoulder, telling herself she'd go back into her normal position when they were insight of the house. He sighed; glad she wasn't resisting him for once. Sharon closed her eyes.
"I wish that James had never paid Daphne and me any attention. Because if he never bothered-or tried to, at least-Daphne, then he would have never made me pay for defending her. At least it's all over now. Thanks for helping me Kiku…I really shouldn't have made myself do that." Kiku nodded.
"You're welcome. And I hope you'll rest more next time." It was silent for a while, and Kiku looked down at Sharon, noticing she had dark circles under her eyes. She looked peaceful, and he realized that she had trusted him so much that she had fallen asleep in his arms. He looked up sharply, quickening his pace. Soon, he was at the house. The door opened before he could knock it.
Mrs. Jones gasped, swinging the door wide enough for Kiku to step in with Sharon. Daphne gasped, running over to Mrs. Jones and Kiku. Hearing the commotion, Lily came out.
"Don't worry; she just pushed herself too long. And she was tired, so she fell asleep. It's nothing serious, and I was coming to check on her anyway. They stepped aside, Mrs. Jones and Daphne whispering comforts to Lily.
Kiku walked into the bedroom, gently setting Sharon down so she wouldn't wake up. Since she was already asleep, he rubbed the gel on her wound, noticing that it was still red, but healing. He knew that was only the outside though, and that Sharon would need to rest for a day to recover from walking so much in one period of time. Sharon sighed in her sleep, a small frown on her face.
Kiku felt Sharon's forehead, making sure she didn't have a fever. He sighed, telling himself that he only checked on her so often because she was his patient. Right. In any case, him coming to check on her had helped her tremendously that day. Daphne peeked her head through the door, and walked in quietly.
"How is she?" Kiku shook his head.
"She's fine, but she needs to rest tomorrow. She can get up a few times, but it would be best if she stayed in one place for the day." Daphne nodded, taking Sharon's hand.
"She's having a nightmare. Whenever she looks like that, she is. But we can't do anything about it now, can we?" Kiku shook his head.
"In a few minutes we can wake her up." Kiku looked back at Sharon, noticing she was still frowning. He sighed, knowing he should probably leave. Daphne looked at him.
"Why don't you stay until she wakes up? She'd kill me if she knew I told you this, but I think she'd be relieved that you stayed. You know, until she found out you let her fall asleep in your arms." Daphne giggled, and Kiku looked down quickly, realizing that he was blushing. Daphne held back a real laugh.
"Anyway, if you haven't already eaten breakfast, we're eating in the dining room. If you have though, you can do whatever." Kiku nodded, thanking her. Muffling giggles, Daphne walked back into the main room and started eating with Mrs. Jones and Lily.
After a few minutes, Kiku gently shook Sharon's shoulder. She woke up, gasping. When she saw Kiku, she relaxed.
"I guess I fell asleep. Thanks for bringing me back home. The dreams are getting better at least." Kiku frowned.
"Better? You woke up gasping. Do you mind telling me what your dream was about?" Sharon shook her head.
"It was just the captain of the other ship again. I know he's dead, but I can't help feeling that his crew is going to try and get revenge. In the dream, I saw them coming to the house. But that's better than watching them kill everyone I care about." Kiku looked away, not wanting Sharon to see how angry he was. Sharon sighed.
"Yeah, I thought you might think that. But don't do anything stupid, okay? If you get killed, who's going to tell me when I'm allowed to actually do things?" Sharon laughed quietly, and Kiku realized that below the anger she directed towards him, she cared. He was glad Sharon couldn't see his face. He decided to change the subject.
"Your family's eating breakfast; do you want me to bring you some?" She groaned.
"Come on doc! I've rested now, can't I move?" Kiku chuckled. Sharon blinked, realizing that he hadn't before.
"No, you almost fainted. Do you want some food?" Sharon sighed, but nodded. Kiku got up, getting a plate for Sharon. While he was there, only Mrs. Jones' look stopped Lily from chanting the song. Daphne managed to keep a straight face, but couldn't wait for a chance to talk to Sharon alone.
Kiku walked back into the room, and set the plate down next to the bed. Sharon rolled her eyes, but didn't argue with him about helping her sit up. Kiku set the plate on Sharon's lap, and she began eating.
"I should probably be on my way. Make sure you rest, alright?" Sharon sighed.
"I guess I deserve to be bed bound for a day. I won't push myself for a while, okay?" Kiku chuckled again, deciding that was the best promise he was going to get out of her. "Goodbye Kiku. Try not to let Ludwig and Arthur bother you too much." He frowned, looking at Sharon. She rolled her eyes.
"You know they're going to tease you about this. Try not to let them get to you." He nodded, walking out the door before she could see him blush. Sharon rolled her eyes again, but laughed a little bit. She finished eating her food, and was prepared for the onslaught when Daphne walked through the doors.
"Oh my gosh! That was the cutest face I've ever seen on him! You made him blush! What did you say?" Sharon laughed.
"I just reminded him to ignore Arthur and Ludwig." Daphne laughed, leaning against the wall. Daphne smiled, deciding to get straight to the point.
"Just admit it already! My gosh Sharon, Kiku's right, you're the most stubborn person I know! You like him, he likes you. Do something about it! If you wait too long, you could lose him." Sharon stared at Daphne open mouthed.
"…Daphne…" For once, Sharon's face was the one that was bright red. "Well, I'm not even allowed to walk right now so…Besides, when are you going to see Ludwig again? I'm sure you want to visit him again." While Sharon's face turned back to its normal color, Daphne's turned pink.
"Yeah, I do want to see him again." Sharon rolled her eyes.
"Then go! Why are you just standing there? You have a guy to go see. Go!" Daphne laughed, giving Sharon a hug and taking away her empty plate. She walked into the kitchen, and told Mrs. Jones she was going to visit Ludwig.
"I'm so glad things are working out for you dear. Make sure to come home before it gets dark, alright? I have a feeling today isn't exactly safe. I think I saw someone besides Sharon and Kiku in the woods today." Daphne frowned, nodding and walking out of the door.
She sighed in relief when she got to where Ludwig was staying. She knocked the door. Ludwig answered, smiling when he saw her.
"Hello Daphne. I was just going to come and see you." Daphne smiled, blushing a little bit. Ludwig laughed, and stepped outside. They talked for a while, and Daphne showed him where all of the good fruit grew, and where the best place was to find game.
At one point, it started raining. Laughing, Ludwig used his jacket to cover both him and Daphne as they ran back into the house. Daphne was out of breath, and Ludwig helped her inside. They were both laughing.
After they had dried off, they sat and ate lunch at the table. Soon, Daphne got a mischievous smile.
"Have you seen Kiku lately?" Ludwig shook his head.
"Well, today Sharon went out to collect fruit, and she pushed herself too hard, as usual. He carried her home and she fell asleep in his arms! I'm sorry I'm so excited; it's just the first time Sharon's shown any interest in anything besides her family and me." Ludwig nodded, smiling.
"It's good to hear that. Not everyone has two men chasing after them." Ludwig winked at Daphne, who blushed and looked down. But didn't contradict it.
"No, not everyone does. I have a question. Have you seen anyone you haven't before? Mrs. Jones said she saw someone suspicious walking around in the woods." Ludwig frowned, shaking his head.
"But I'll go looking for him today. Don't worry, I'll bring Kiku." Daphne nodded, not sure if she could convince him not to go. Suddenly, it started raining. Laughing, Ludwig used his jacket to cover both of them, and they ran inside. Inside, Daphne sighed.
"Make sure you bring a gun, okay? I don't want you getting hurt." He nodded, taking Daphne's hand.
"I promise I'll be safe. How about I walk you home when the rain stops. He might be taking shelter now, and that would be the best time to find him." Daphne nodded. She looked out the window; the rain would stop soon. Daphne sighed, looking into Ludwig's eyes.
"If things get too dangerous, I want you to run. Please." Ludwig smiled, kissing Daphne on her cheek.
"I'll be fine. I've been in much more danger than this before. You could say this will be easy." Daphne smiled, not quite believing him. After about half an hour, the pounding of the rain stopped, and Ludwig led Daphne back home. Before he left again, he kissed her on her lips. She blushed fiercely, and went inside.
"That was so adorable! You're still blushing!" Sharon greeted Daphne at the door, giving her a hug.
"Aren't you supposed to be in bed?" Daphne grumbled, hugging her back. Daphne looked around, noticing that she and Sharon were the only ones there.
"Where are your mom and Lily?" Sharon sighed.
"They went back to town for the day to get some fabric. Lily's starting to outgrow her clothes. So what happened? You look kinda nervous." Daphne sighed.
"You know how you have a bad feeling about today? Your mom saw a man walking in the forest that she'd never seen before. Ludwig and Kiku are going to look and see if he was with the other ship." Sharon gaped at Daphne.
"Those dumb-asses! They're going to get themselves killed if it's James! He cheats, and he's good with guns and swords anyhow! We have to go get them!" Daphne shook her head.
"Calm down! It probably isn't-" There was a crash near the bed room, and Sharon grabbed her knives. They walked into the bedroom, Daphne behind Sharon.
Getting up was a dirty man with scrapes from the fall, a gun in hand. He smiled crookedly at Daphne and Sharon.
"It's good to see you two are still alive. I barely escaped from the ship, but I did. I thought I'd come and visit you two. Also, to get what I wanted in the first place, Daphne." Daphne paled, and Sharon stepped in front of her, glaring at him.
"James. If you try and do anything with Daphne, I will kill you." He laughed.
"But you see, a gun's faster than a knife. And I don't want to kill you right away. You see, if you don't come stand next to me and get on your knees Sharon, I'll blow Daphne's brain out."
"No. Please Sharon, I don't care!" Sharon ignored her, walking over to James and doing what he said. Daphne started to walk towards them.
"Same goes for you Daphne, I will gladly kill Sharon. But I have other plans for both of you first." Always safe, James put the gun to Sharon's head. He took out a knife.
"Don't!" Daphne screamed, dropping to her knees. "I'll give you what you want! Just don't hurt her!" James laughed.
"That's what I wanted to hear!" Sharon glared at him.
"You dickhead! You're so desperate that you have to use a gun to get a girl? That's-" He kicked her so hard that she flew across the room. She gasped, trying to breathe.
"Sharon!" Daphne starts to run to her, but James shot a bullet in front of her.
"Didn't I say not to move?" Sharon grabbed her stomach; glad he hadn't kicked her wound. Daphne started crying, knowing they wouldn't be able to get out of this.
"Now Daphne, you wouldn't want that to happen to you, do you? Be a good lady and come here." Before Daphne could take a step towards James, Ludwig came through the door, holding a gun. Kiku came in through the window, holding a katana.
Not wasting any time, Ludwig pulled Daphne behind him and shot the gun out of James' hand. He screamed.
"Sharon!" Kiku ran over to her. She kneeled over, vomiting. He turned to James, fire in his eyes. Daphne ran over to Sharon, Ludwig in front of her the entire time.
"What did you do to them?" Kiku and Ludwig yelled at the same time. James gulped, holding his injured hand.
"I didn't do anything." Kiku ran over to him, putting his katana to his throat.
"Don't lie to me you stupid bastard! Sharon is throwing up! So I ask again, what did you do?" James gulped, and Ludwig and Kiku pulled him out of the room, out of the house. Daphne grabbed Sharon's hand.
"How bad are you hurt? Did he hit any organs?" Sharon laughed huskily.
"If…he didn't kick…my stomach…would I be throwing up?" Daphne shook her head, going and bringing water and cleaning supplies. Sharon sipped on the water, listening to Ludwig and Kiku make James pay for what he did.
"I'm sorry I…couldn't…" A tear rolled down Sharon's cheek. "I should have killed him. You shouldn't have been in danger. I wish you didn't have to see me like this. I shouldn't have said anything!" Daphne hugged Sharon, shushing her.
"You couldn't have done anything different. Besides, everything's fine now." Daphne cleaned up the mess and put the supplies away. Sharon stood up as Daphne came back in. Silently, they hugged each other.
"This never happened; it would only scare Mom and Lily." Daphne nodded in agreement. Sharon and Daphne walked out of the room, and looked out of the front window to see if Ludwig and Kiku were done. They were.
Daphne and Sharon walked outside, and Daphne ran into Ludwig's arms. He gently stroked her hair, and murmured that it was over.
What was surprising though, was that Sharon walked over and threw her arms around Kiku, sobbing quietly. He wrapped his arms around her, silently holding her there.
"Thank you. Both of you. I probably would have been killed, and Daphne…" Daphne nodded in agreement.
"Thank you." She whispered; Ludwig sighed.
"You're welcome. It was so close…" Kiku didn't say anything, he just comforted Sharon. They went inside, gradually talking about other things. By the time dinner had past, they were all relaxed.
"I didn't think you'd go from giving him the silent treatment to falling asleep in his arms." Ludwig teased; Sharon rolled her eyes, refusing to reply to the comment. Daphne had just finished telling him the entire story in front of Kiku and Sharon.
Kiku looked out the window, not in control of his facial expressions. Daphne and Ludwig bit back a laugh.
"Guys, don't even get me started on you two! I could talk about the first time you kissed, the second time, or all of the times you two have made each other blush…Yep, there they are again!" Sharon said cheerfully. Kiku turned around to see, and he forced back a chuckle as he saw Daphne and Ludwig blushing.
Sharon being Sharon though, laughed out loud.
"See, you two are so cute together! And seeing a tough guy blush is priceless." Kiku hid his laugh with a cough. Ludwig looked down, going from pink to red. Seeing this, Daphne laughed shakily, trying to think of a way to change the subject. She decided just to ask.
"Let's change the subject, okay? Enough having fun at our expense." Ludwig nodded in agreement.
"That's fine with me! Just know that I have way more on you two than you have on me, okay?" Ludwig sighed.
"How are you two friends?" He muttered. Daphne laughed.
"We're friends because, even though there are moments like these, we're like sisters." Ludwig nodded, not quite understanding.
After a while, they knew it was time for Ludwig and Kiku to leave, but none of them wanted to be left alone. Too much had happened that day. Daphne sighed.
"Sharon, do you think your mom would care if they stayed…?" Sharon nodded.
"Going out to see them and coming home late is one thing, having them overnight is an entire different thing. Not that we'd do anything." Sharon rolled her eyes. "Should I tell them to go?" Daphne nodded, and followed her into the main room.
"Alright guys, let's hope no other pirate comes to kill us and call it a night." Ludwig rolled his eyes, but hugged Daphne and said goodbye. Sharon walked over to Kiku and gave him a hug.
"This doesn't mean I still approve of that stupid gel." Kiku chuckled, and he and Ludwig walked out the door. Daphne sighed.
"We're having nightmares tonight." Sharon nodded.
"But hey, let's think positive. We're safe, we- I mean you- have a great guy, and in the morning, I'm making pancakes!" Daphne laughed, going to bed. Unlike their prediction, they both had sweet dreams.
In the morning, Daphne wasn't surprised to see Mrs. Jones and Lily walking in. She yawned, reaching her arm across to Sharon's bed to wake her up. She groaned, but opened her eyes.
"Oh. Thanks Daphne. If they ask, you know what to do." Daphne nodded, they had gone over their story before they had fallen asleep.
"Good morning you two! I brought cinnamon rolls! Come and eat them while they're hot." Gratefully Daphne and Sharon got up and ate their food, acting completely normal. Sharon and Daphne even played with Lily.
"So, I assume you girls are going to visit Ludwig and Kiku." Sharon rolled her eyes.
"Yes Mom, may we please go?" Mrs. Jones laughed, and nodded.
"Get home before it gets dark, alright?" They nodded, and Daphne followed her out the door.
"Well. Maybe I'm too good a lair if I can fool my own mother." Sharon sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"It's for the best; we don't need them to get upset about something that already happened." Sharon rolled her eyes.
"True, but I have a huge bruise from James. Who knew his last mark on the world would be on me." Daphne sighed, stopping Sharon and giving her a hug. They walked to where Ludwig was staying, resting as much as Sharon would allow on the way there. By the time they got to Ludwig's house, Sharon was tired, but not panting or sweating.
Daphne knocked, and Ludwig answered again, smiling at her.
"I'm glad to see you two are safe." He said two, but he only looked at Daphne. It took all of Sharon's self-control not to laugh. Ludwig let them in, telling them that Kiku would be here shortly.
"Thank you for letting us come here for a while. I'm not sure if we could've kept what happened from Mrs. Jones for an entire day." Ludwig nodded, hugging Daphne.
They sat down at the dining room table, talking. Everyone was relaxed, even though Sharon would tease them every once in a while. Soon, Kiku came.
He came in and sat next to Sharon, and fussed over her injuries.
"Kiku, I'm fine! Can you stop being a doctor for a day?" He shook his head. Daphne and Ludwig laughed.
"You need to do something for that bruise." His eyes darkened. "And I'm glad to see that your major injury is healing up nicely." Sharon rolled her eyes. Ludwig cleared his throat. He sighed.
"Arthur's boat is leaving this Friday; Kiku and I just found out before you two got here." For the first time since he's seen them, both Daphne and Sharon went completely pale. Kiku sighed. Sharon looked down, biting her lip. Daphne looked at Sharon, her hands balling into fists, not letting herself cry.
"I'm guessing that you're going with him?" Daphne looked down, knowing that if she looked at Ludwig, she's cry. Sharon stayed silent for once, not saying anything.
"He wants me to, and I promised my brother I would…" Daphne took a deep breath.
"When would you come back?" Ludwig sighed.
"I don't know. Voyages usually take a year, and we had just set off when we found you two…" Roughly, Sharon got up from the table, grabbing Daphne's hands and leading her out, her eyes unreadable. Ludwig and Kiku stared at the door, sighing. Ludwig's hand twitched, not sure if he should follow them.
"That's why I try not to get close to people Daphne! My dad left, and I loved him more than anyone else at the time. And now Ludwig and Kiku are leaving? This is why I live out here! Anyone who ever gets close to me ends up hurting me!" Daphne hugged her, letting her tears flow freely.
"I haven't. You mom and Lily haven't. But I understand." Sharon hugged Daphne back, her hands balling up into fists. Daphne was sobbing now, and Sharon helped her into the cover of the trees. In the darkness they provided, she started to let tears slip down her face.
"I'm not going to see Kiku anymore. I'll come if you want me to visit Ludwig with you, but that's all." Sharon had blocked out her father too, Daphne remembered. She had destroyed anything he had ever given her.
"I'm still going to see Ludwig, and I think you need to spend as much time as you can with Kiku. It doesn't help to just cut off a relationship. They'll come back." Even then, Daphne was still crying. Sharon and Daphne sat down on the ground.
"Daphne, Kiku and I don't have a relationship!" Sharon stood up, punching a tree.
"Then why are you so upset about him leaving Sharon?" They were yelling now, tears streaming down both of their faces. Sharon's hands shook, and she sat back down. There was silence for a while.
"You're right. But I can't do it. The closer I get to him, the more hurt I'll be when I leave." Daphne's eyes softened.
"That doesn't matter. You shouldn't be afraid of love because of what you saw it do to your mom." Sharon nodded, and they hugged again. Sharon sighed, and they wiped their tears away. Before they could consider going home or going back to Ludwig's, Ludwig and Kiku stepped outside.
(Author's Note: I know, first author's note, last chapter. Go ahead and bite me. Anyway, I'm going to do this in Daphne's AND Sharon's P.O.V. , because this is really important scene! Daphne first!)
Ludwig and Kiku walked over to them, and Ludwig pulled Daphne aside. He sighed, wanting to hit himself for making her cry.
"Daphne, I may not go. They need me, but I'm not irreplaceable." Daphne looked up at him, giving him a small smile.
"Do what you need to do, just as long as you come back." He smiled, nodding.
"Thank you Daphne, I really needed to hear that. And even if I do leave, I'll write you." Daphne laughed, and kissed him. Before Ludwig had time to react, she stepped away, grabbing his hand and pulling him back inside the house, trying to give Sharon and Kiku time to talk it out.
Sharon watched as Kiku approached her. She looked down, remembering what Daphne said, but unable to avoid being completely open. She wasn't a 'feeling' person. Kiku sighed, not sure what to say.
"I'm guessing that you need to go. You were the only doctor, and more people will get hurt." Kiku nodded, running a hand through his hair.
"But there is someone there who knows basic medical procedures. I don't have to go." Sharon didn't trust that.
"But you must have a home somewhere else. And family. Besides, I'm starting to heal up. And if you go, then I'll be able to walk as much as I want." She was still looking down, only saying those things to try and convince herself she didn't need him. He sighed again.
"Sharon, do you want me to stay?" She looked up, surprised that he said that. He looked worried. She nodded, not sure how her voice would sound if she answered. He gave her a small smile.
"Then I'll stay. I can't leave you to pass out in the forest again anyway." She rolled her eyes, but held back a smile.
Daphne saw Sharon smile from the window. She gasped.
"Ludwig, I think Kiku's staying. Look!" He came to stand next to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. He chuckled.
"I guess that means that I have to stay too." Daphne gasped again, turning around to face him. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her. Smiling, she kissed him back. Even though she had gone through unimaginable things on the first ship, she wouldn't trade it for anything. Because she had met Ludwig. And Sharon wouldn't be alone either. She smiled broader, wrapping her arms around Ludwig's neck and never wanting to move.