*Throws Self Into Your Message Wall* Thread One

(A/N:  Ever curious about what Matthew and Robin's childhood was like? How did Christopher become such a horrible person? Well, your questions shall be answered!  Basically, these are the backstory threads, where we show what happened to our characters in the past, and what led them to be how they are now.)

**First Story: Robin and her family are on vacation in Maicold. They run into Matthew, but when they’re older, they don’t remember it.**

AGE 6:

Robin clung to her mother’s fingertips as they walked to the town square in Maicold.

Matthew was running around in circles, yelling random things. He was acting like a cat that was chasing its own tail.

Ryan kept chasing Matthew.

Matthew tripped over his own shoe and fell on his face with a sound like a squeaky toy.

Ryan sighed. “Mo-om! Matthew tripped again!”

Charlotte picked up Matthew, who was bouncing. “Caaaalm. Calm down.”

“BUT I’M NOT TIRRRRRED.”

“And I never said you were.” She poked his nose. “Calm.”

“I’m calm! I’m calm I’m calm I-”

“Matthew…”

Matthew stopped bouncing. “I’m calm.”

Robin pressed herself closer to her mom.

Charles whistled as he looked around.

Ryan pouted even though he's eleven.

Matthew stuck his thumb in his mouth.

"Matthew, no."

He hesitantly shoved his tiny hand in his pocket. "Sowwy."

"It's alright." How's your handsome little face?" She smiled and poked his nose again.

Matthew started giggling. "It's fine!"

"Good." She kissed his forehead and then set him down.

Matthew started running around again.

Ryan huffed. "What about *my* handsome little face?"

Charlotte laughed and kissed Ryan's cheek. "I love your handsome little face as well."

Ryan beamed.

Matthew ran off LIKE AN IDIOT.

Ryan huffed again. "MATTHEW!"

"Matthew!!"

Matthew unfortunately kept running, a small skip in his step.

Ryan futilely chased his brother.

Robin looked around with wonder.

Charlotte also ran after Matthew.

Matthew rammed straight into Charles.

Charles yelped. "What...?"

Robin held her mom's leg.

Matthew squeaked and scrambled backward.

"Who are you?" Charles asked, more curious than angry.

"M-M-My name is Ma-"

"Matthew!" Charlotte scooped him up and looked at Charles. "I-I'm so sorry..."

Charles smiled warmly and brushed his Sapphire Emperor uniform. "It's fine. It's hard to keep track of our little ones in this big world." He gestured for Robin to stand by him.

Robin didn't move until her mother gently pushed her to her father.

Matthew waved at Robin, but Charlotte gently pushed Matthew’s hand back down. “Again, I’m so sorry. But it’s nice to meet you.”

"Nice to meet you too. Really, no harm, no foul."

Robin shyly gave a small wave back.

"I should probably head back. Sorry again." Charlotte turned on her heel and started walking away.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Charles bent down and scolded Robin. "You come when you're called, young lady! I don't care what's happening or how shy you feel- you listen to me."

"B-B-But Daddy, I--"

"No 'buts.' You obey me like a good daughter."

Matthew was glaring at Charles the entire time. At least Charlotte couldn’t see any of it.

"Charles, maybe you are being too harsh on her."

"No, Amelia. And don't undermine my authority in front of her!"

"Oh, now you're scolding me as if I was the child?"

Charles grit his teeth. "We just got here for vacation. Don't ruin this for me. Or Robin."

Charlotte sighed and put Matthew down. “Don’t run off like that!”

Matthew started sniffling.

“Matthew, please...”

Matthew ran over to Ryan.

Ryan frowned. "Whaaaaat?"

Amelia dipped her head. "Fine."

Robin tried to scoot back next to Amelia.

Charles frowned. "Walk with me, Robin." He offered his hand. When she didn't take it, he grabbed hers, forcing her to walk with him.

Amelia opened her mouth to protest, but one glare from Charles quieted her.

Matthew started to cry.

Charlotte sighed.

"What's wrong, Matthew?"

Charles sighed. After a bit of walking, they stopped at a sweet cart and Charles bought Robin a pudding. "Now what do we say, Robin?"

"May I please have the pudding, Daddy?"

"Close. Oh so very close, but you're far too old to keep calling us Mummy and Daddy."

"Charles, she's six."

"I'm aware of that, Amelia."

“M-M-Momma is angry...”

“I’m not angry, Matthew.” Charlotte knelt down next to him and held out her arms.

Matthew kept wailing, but hugged her anyway.

Ryan, though uninvited, felt left out and joined the hug.

"May I have the pudding please, F-Father...?"

Charles ruffled her unruly hair. "Of course," he said, handing it to her.

She beamed. "Thank you!"

Charles half-smiled.

Charlotte smiled and hugged both of them. “You two are my favorite people in the world.”

Matthew sniffled and started bouncing.

"I love you, too."

Amelia frowned at Charles, but he pretended not to notice.

"Oh, Amelia? Why is her hair like this again? It's a mess!"

"It's the air, Charles."

"The air? Pah! Surely you could braid it or something?"

"It's not that simple."

Charlotte pulled back. “We should probably head home.”

“NO!” Matthew hid behind Ryan.

Charlotte sighed. “Please, Matthew. We have to.”

“NO!” he screamed.

Ryan's eyes welled up with tears. "Please don't take us home. Not yet."

Charlotte swallowed hard. “I... Alright.”

Matthew was sniffling again. Even when Charlotte held out her arms again, Matthew didn’t move.

Ryan hugged Matthew.

Charles sighed as Robin gave a spoonful of pudding to Amelia.

Matthew held onto Ryan.

Charlotte bit her lip and stood up, brushing off her dress.

Ryan sighed and tried to pull away.

"Charles, do you mind if I show Robin some of the parks here?"

Charles frowned. "Fine. I'll be at the inn then. Don't take too long."

"No." Matthew kept holding onto Ryan.

Ryan looked pleadingly at Charlotte.

Charles strode off in the direction of the inn. Amelia took Robin's hand and led her in the direction of the park. She kept pointing out the different birds and mimicking their calls.

Charlotte reached out for Matthew, but he just moved away.

Ryan kept trying to pull away.

Charlotte sighed and pried Matthew off.

Matthew started screaming.

Robin looked over her shoulder at Matthew. Amelia kept walking.

"Why does... Father... want me to stop calling you Mummy?"

Amelia sighed. He's in too much of a hurry for you to grow up, sweetie. "

"D-Do I have to call you Mother?"

Amelia was quiet for a moment. "Only in public. Or around your father."

Ryan sighed. "Okay-okay-okay," he said, hugging Matthew again.

Matthew stopped screaming. He held onto Ryan.

Ryan rested his chin on Matthew's head.

“I don’t wanna go home...”

Charlotte was torn. She hated when Ryan and Matthew were like this. “I-It’ll be easy. Just a couple minutes, and then you can go up to your room, alright?”

“NO!”

Ryan shook his head vigorously.

“Boys, PLEASE. I’m begging you. Just three minutes.”

Matthew threw a pebble at her.

“Matthew!”

“NO!”

Ryan's lip quivered. "Just three minutes? You promise?"

Matthew looked up at Ryan, sniffling. “No...”

Charlotte swallowed hard. “Yes, I promise. Three minutes at the most.”

"He can't hurt us in three minutes," Ryan whispered in Matthew's ear. To his mom, he extended a pinky. "Pinky promise?"

“Yes he can,” Matthew whispered back.

Charlotte wrapped her pinky around Ryan’s. “Pinky promise.”

"I'm not going to let him hurt you."

Ryan forced a smile at his mother.

Robin tried to copy Amelia's bird calls.

“Come on.” Charlotte held out her hands to both of them.

Matthew refused to hold his mother’s hand.

Ryan hesitantly took it, holding Matthew's in the other.

Matthew stayed close to Ryan while Charlotte started walking back home, trying to stay calm.

Amelia sat on a bench and Robin hopped onto her lap.

Ryan squeezed his brother's hand.

Matthew whimpered.

Charlotte blinked rapidly. “It’s going to be alright. I promise.”

“It’s never alright.”

“It will be.”

“It’s not.”

“Matthew-”

“IT’S NOT!”

Ryan looked solemn and didn't speak.

Charlotte looked away, her eyes filling with tears. But she just walked faster.

Matthew pulled his hand away from Ryan’s.

Ryan's hand flopped to his side.

Robin and her mother watched the birds.

Matthew ran off again.

Charlotte cursed for the second time in her life. “MATTHEW!”

Ryan chased after him.

Charlotte also ran after them.

Matthew was tiny, but he was FAST.

"Hey, Robin?"

"Yes, Mummy?"

"How would you feel about having a little brother or sister?"

Robin shook her head. "No thanks."

Amelia chuckled. "Well, you're father wants a son to join the Navy like he did."

"Good for him."

Amelia sighed.

"Matthew!" Ryan whined.

Amelia finger combed her daughter's hair. Robin leaned her head against Amelia and nearly fell asleep.

Matthew was still running. He ran past Robin and Amelia.

Amelia looked up. "Hey! Matthew, right?"

Matthew froze. "W-What?"

Amelia smiled warmly. "Come back here."

Matthew whimpered and took a step backward. His father said the same thing right before he hit Matthew, in the same tone.

"Hey, Matthew. I'm Amelia. This is my daughter Robin. Are you alright?"

Matthew backed up another step, shaking his head.

"No? What's wrong?" Amelia asked with concern.

Robin clutched her mother's skirt with her small fists.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” Matthew tripped over a rock and fell on his butt.'

Robin hopped off her mother's lap and hesitantly offered her hand.

Matthew whimpered and hesitantly took Robin’s hand.

Robin helped him up.

Amelia pursed her lips. "Where did your mother go? And your brother?"

"I'm right here!" Ryan called, slightly out of breath.

Matthew paled and started to run off again.

"Don't go," Robin said quietly.

Amelia's eyes widened. Robin never spoke unless she had to to strangers.

Matthew wiped his eyes and hesitantly trudged back over.

"You seem really nice."

Ryan and Amelia were silent.

“Y-Y-You do too,” Matthew mumbled.

"Maybe we can play sometime?" She turned to her mother. "Would that be okay?"

Amelia nodded.

"We're only staying for a week, but maybe we'll see each other," Robin continued.

“Th-That would be fun.”

Robin beamed.

"C'mon, Matthew. We need to go back," Ryan said.

Matthew shook his head.

Robin bit her lip. "Maybe you should go...?"

Ryan tried taking his little brother's hand.

“No!” Matthew scrambled away from Ryan.

"Pleeease?" Ryan begged.

“You can’t make me go back!”

Ryan frowned. "We have to go," he said.

"NO!"

Ryan sighed and picked up Matthew.

Matthew started yelling and kicking.

Ryan yelped but slowly carried him away. "SORRY!"

“LET ME GO!!”

Ryan sighed with relief when he saw his mom.

Robin sat back down on Amelia's lap.

Charlotte took Matthew from Ryan. “Matthew! I told you not to run off!”

Matthew was still yelling and squirming.

Amelia hugged Robin. "Look at you, being so social!"

Robin ignored her but hugged back.

“MATTHEW, STOP.”

Matthew was still screaming.

“MATTHEW!”

“LEAVE ME ALONE!!!”

Ryan was on the verge of tears.

Matthew scrambled out of Charlotte’s arms and ran inside as fast as possible. Unfortunately, not fast enough. There was a loud *SMACK* before Matthew started wailing.

Charlotte also ran inside. “Leave him alone!”

“HE NEEDS TO LEARN TO LISTEN!”

“YOU NEED TO STOP HITTING HIM!”

“I’LL HIT YOU INSTEAD!”

“GO AHEAD!”

Matthew was still sobbing.

Ryan's eyes were wide with fear and he embraced his brother.

Matthew had a red mark the size of a hand on his cheek. He kept crying.

And, of course, Charlotte got hit as well, which made Matthew cry harder.

Ryan hugged Matthew tighter and gently rubbed the red mark.

Matthew whimpered.

Ryan's lip quivered. He looked up at the looming figure of his father.

“Ryan, go upstairs. NOW,” His father seethed.

Matthew was shaking uncontrollably.

"N-N-Not without Matthew."

Their father grabbed Ryan by his ear and started dragging him upstairs.

Ryan cried out with pain and scrambled upstairs.

There was more yelling coming from Charlotte and more screaming and wailing from Matthew.

Ryan kept repeating for his father to hurt him and not Matthew.

Their father smacked Ryan. “NOT A D\*\*N WORD, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”

Ryan whimpered.

"ANSWER ME."

Ryan nodded vigorously, tears streaming down his cheeks.

He brushed a strand of hair out of Ryan’s face. “Good.”

Ryan cringed at his touch.

He frowned and went back downstairs. He grabbed Matthew by his ear and dragged him upstairs. Matthew started screaming again.

Ryan curled up and cried.

After their father retired to his room, Matthew curled up with Ryan, sobbing.

Charlotte slowly walked up to their room and knocked. “Ryan? Matthew?”

Ryan clung to his brother and didn't respond to their mother.

Charlotte hesitantly peeked inside.

Matthew buried his face in Ryan’s shoulder.

Ryan ignored her again and focused on Matthew.

“I-I’m so sorry... I didn’t... I didn’t think....” Charlotte swallowed hard and sat next to them.

Matthew hesitantly reached for her hand.

Charlotte quickly took his hand.

Ryan glanced at her but quickly looked away.

Charlotte slowly tilted Matthew’s head up. She cringed when she saw the bruise.

“Is it bad?” he mumbled.

“N-No, honey, it’s not that bad. It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay...”

Ryan completely ignored their mother.

“Ryan, I’m so sorry...”

Ryan kept ignoring her.

Matthew looked up at Ryan and tugged on his shirt sleeve.

Ryan pulled away a smidge so he could look at Matthew. "What?"

Matthew nodded toward Charlotte, who was silently crying.

Ryan frowned and swapped to hugging his knees.

Charlotte let go of Matthew and buried her face in her hands.

Matthew looked like he was going to cry, just because his mother was.

Ryan couldn't see any of this because his face was facing downwards in the crook between his legs and his chest.

Matthew tried to hug Ryan and Charlotte at the same time.

Ryan kept weeping.

Matthew dragged Ryan over to Charlotte, who wrapped both of them in a hug.

Ryan yelped, but as soon as his mother's arms wrapped around him, he melted into the hug.

“I’m so sorry,” she said quietly, tears running down her cheeks. “I-I said I’d protect you....”

Matthew started wailing, and Charlotte had to quiet him.

Ryan stopped crying, but his lip quivered.

Charlotte took several deep breaths and held both of them close. She slowly dragged her thumbs down from between their eyebrows to their noses over and over. After a bit, she started softly singing.

Matthew cuddled up with Ryan.

Amelia taught Robin some of the birdcalls before picking her daughter off her lap. "We have to go to the inn now."

Robin frowned.

Ryan took shuddering breaths.

Charlotte kept singing.

Matthew looked up at Ryan again and tried to grab his hand.

Ryan absently gave it to him.

Robin clung to her mother's fingertips as before as they walked to the inn where Charles was.

Matthew smiled. After a few minutes, he fell asleep, clinging to both his mother and Ryan.

Amelia and Robin climbed the stairs of the musty old inn. When they got to their room, Charles was asleep spreadeagle on the bed.

Ryan was wide awake, listening to his mother. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

Charlotte half-smiled. “It’s alright, Ryan. C’mere.” She picked up the eleven year old and held him close. “I love you. And I always will, alright? You and Matthew are my two most favorite people in the world, and that will never change.”

Ryan somehow wrapped both his arms and his legs around his mom. "I love you too..."

Amelia sighed when she saw Charles. She kissed Robin's forehead.

“Now, get some sleep. I’m sure tomorrow’ll be a busy day, but I’ll let you two sleep as long as you’d like.”

Ryan nodded and reluctantly pulled away. He laid down on the bed, closed his eyes, and waited for sleep to take him away to somewhere... else.

Charlotte unintentionally fell asleep with Matthew and Ryan.

Amelia helped Robin change into a nightdress and changed into one herself before softly saying, "Charles?"

No response.

A bit louder: "Charles?"

Charles grunted and slowly sat up, moving to one side of the bed.

Amelia picked up Robin and set her in the middle of the bed. She got in the opposite side of bed as Charles.

The Sapphire Emperor rolled out of bed. Robin quickly fell asleep and Charles changed out of his uniform. He bent over and kissed his daughter's forehead before giving his wife a quick kiss and getting back in bed.

Ryan's breathing turned deep and even.

**Second Story: Matthew and Robin are new on *The Sapphire Emperor*.**

Robin Hawthorne looked out at the open water. Not for the first time, she was almost overwhelmed by the revelation that she was *here*. On the *Sapphire Emperor*. As a *crew member*.

“YESSSS I’M OUT OF THAT H\*\*\*HOLE!” Matthew yelled.

Robin looked over her shoulder at Matthew and raised a brow.

Matthew awkwardly waved. “Sorry. Family issues.”

Robin nodded and glanced to make sure Jeremy wasn't around. "I completely understand."

Matthew half-smiled. “You look familiar.”

Robin shrugged. "I highly doubt that. Unless you're from Seversford?"

Matthew bit his lip. “Never mind.”

"So where are you from, then?" She extended her hand. "Robin Hawthorne, by the way."

“Maicold. And I’m Matthew Tolusi.” He hesitantly shook her hand.

"Tolusi," Robin repeated thoughtfully, "Nice to meet you. And it's nice finally meeting someone who isn't shocked a woman is onboard," she said with a small laugh.

Matthew shrugged. “Women are strong, too. I’m not a chauvinistic idiot, by the way. And nice to meet you as well.”

Robin smiled. "Glad to hear that. So I assume you're new too?"

"Mhm!"

"Nice..."

"So how are you?"

"I'm alright. Just a bit anxious to get out on the water. You?"

"It's better than where I was before." Matthew shrugged and winced. "So thank God."

Robin looked at him with concern. "Are you okay? You look like you're in pain."

"I-I'm fine."

Robin pursed her lips. "Fine is a word we all say far too often."

Matthew half-smiled. "I feel like you're the type to say that a lot."

Robin shrugged. "Maybe so. I suppose if we see each other much, we'll find out soon enough."

"You seem nice, so hopefully we will be seeing a lot of each other."

Robin smiled. "Same here." She felt something drip on her shoulder and looked. Pitch. She heard a yelp from above and looked up...Just for a bucket to fall and coat her with the sticky black pitch used for waterproofing sails.

Matthew covered his mouth, his eyes wide. He grabbed a bucket of water and poured it on her, as if that would help.

Robin yelped and tried to wipe the pitch off her uniform. She immediately started shivering when the cold water hit her. She stripped off her cloak and jacket, leaving her in her petticoat and stays. Not very lady-like. At all.

Matthew started coughing and stared up at the sky. "Why don't you just head to a cabin?"

Robin nodded and scooped up her clothes, her face burning. "You're right. I-I'm sorry. It was impulsive," she said before heading to the cabin Captain Jeremy had assigned her to share with the cook. She ducked her head, but she could still hear the whistles of the crew members.

Matthew, without looking away from the sky, punched one person square in the face.

The man grunted. "What the \*insert H-E-double-hockey-sticks\*, man?"

Matthew smiled, still staring up at the clouds. "Don't be a jacka\*\*."

The man rolled his eyes.

Another man, barely older than Matthew and Robin, scurried down a net, still holding the bucket which had held the pitch. "I'm *so* sorry!"

Matthew snickered and sat on the railing. Very risky.

The first man glowered.

The pitch-man kept apologizing. "...I feel so bad!"

"Go apologize to Miss Hawthorne! Actually, leave a note. It's smarter. I'm sure she'll forgive you!"

He nodded vigorously. "Good idea, but...I can't write."

"I can help." Matthew half-smiled. "It's easy once you get the hang of it."

He bit his lip and nodded. "Alright. I'll go find someone with ink and paper. I'll be right back," he said before scurrying off.

Matthew got bored and stood on top of the railing. Just to make a scene, he fell off and grabbed onto the railing. "Somebody help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

One guy shrieked and tried to help him.

"I'm kidding." Matthew pulled himself back up, wincing. "I have amazing upper body strength."

The man came back with a sheet of paper, a junky quill, and cheap ink. "Will you write it? Please?"

Robin hugged her knees, her cheeks still bright pink from embarrassment.

The guy glared at Matthew before walking away. Matthew looked back at the man asking for help. "What do you want it to say?"

"I... umm...I'm not sure," he admitted. "I guess, 'Miss...Hawthorne? I'm Gerald Martin. I'm sorry for spilling pitch on you. It was an accident and I hope you forgive me.' Does that work?"

Matthew nodded quickly and wrote it down in fancy loopy letters.

The man looked at him gratefully. "Thank you!" he said before picking up the supplies again and making his way to Robin's cabin.

"Just slide the note under the door! Don't be creepy!"

The man looked over his shoulder and nodded. He knelt down in front of the door and slid the note under it. "I...um...Miss Hawthorne? I'm really sorry... Here's a note."

Matthew yawned and stretched, mostly bored.

Robin hesitantly got up and looked at the note. She still felt embarrassed, but it seemed like it really was an accident. She changed into her spare jacket, washed her hair out in a bucket of cold water, washed her cape, leaving it to dry, brushed out her hair, and went back on deck.

Matthew was ready to hit anyone else.

Her cheeks were still insanely pink.

Nobody commented after seeing what Matthew did to the man.

"You alright, Miss Hawthorne?"

Robin gave a small nod. "I'm sorry..."

"It's alright. Really, I couldn't care less. You aren't my type, no offense."

Robin chuckled. "None taken."

Matthew smiled. "How are you? That must've felt weird."

Robin reddened more. "I'm fine, thank you."

"Just makin' sure. Rough start, huh?"

Robin hesitantly nodded.

"Great, now I feel bad. Can I help with anything?"

Robin shook her head. "I'm fine, thank you," she repeated.

"Are you surrrrrrrrrre?"

Robin nodded. A strand of her long hair blew into her face.

Matthew snickered. "You still have a bit of pitch in your hair."

Robin pushed it out of the way, reddened even more, looking at the ground, and swore softly. "Maybe I shouldn't have done this," she said to herself.

Matthew frowned. "I heard that. I think you'll be great. Sure, rough start and all, but it's alright! It'll be fine later. Everyone'll forget it."

Robin refused to let herself redden more. "Well, thank you, Mister Tolusi."

"Just call me Matthew."

Robin smiled. "Then just call me Robin."

Matthew shrugged. "Works for me!"

Robin heard her uncle calling and turned. "Attention! We're pushing off in one hour! Get your things off the mainland, and let's go!"

"D\*\*n it."

Robin looked at Matthew curiously. "What?"

"I... never mind. It's nothing. I just need to get my stuff..."

Robin nodded. "It was nice meeting you. I'm going to see if I can get the pitch out of my clothes..."

Matthew laughed. "Good luck with that! Nice meeting you as well." And with that, he ran back down the ramp. Well, kind of. Hard to do that with wounds from an hour or two before.

Robin went back to her cabin. After some minutes of washing her hair to no avail, she grabbed her dagger, sat in front of the mirror, and did what she'd wanted to do for years-- she cut her hair.

It didn't look terrible, though it was a bit uneven. Jeremy, of course, was shocked and furious with her when he saw it that evening, but it was too late.

Matthew was out on deck, sitting on the railing again. He smiled when he saw Robin's hair.

Robin grinned as she sat her feathered hat on her head. She waltzed over to Matthew and leaned against the rail next to him. "Hello, again."

"I love your hair. Did *you* cut it?"

Robin nodded. "I grew too impatient. Besides, I've wanted to do it for years."

"NICE." Matthew grinned. "Did your parents see it before we all left?"

Robin's smile wavered for a fraction of a second, and she shook her head. "Sadly, no."

"You alright?"

"Hmm? Yeah. I'm fine." She smiled at him.

"Are you sure?"

Robin nodded. "And you? Did you get to see your parents again?"

Matthew went silent.

"Sorry... That was personal... Maybe I should go..."

"Please stay. You... You're one of the nicest people I've met. And I'd like to get to know you better."

"Well, then let's go together. It's about time for supper, and I'm famished."

"Works for me." Matthew took several deep breaths and got off the railing, grimacing.

Robin nodded and put her hands in her pockets. She walked to the dining room looking at her feet.

Matthew nudged her. "Put your head up. Face all the b\*\*\*\*\*ds. Trust me, that's how I got through the first fifteen years of my life."

Robin laughed and obediently lifted her chin. "I suppose you're right. My father isn't around to see that I'm being my own person."

Matthew frowned. "Your father sounds like an a\*\*."

Robin laughed again. "That's one way to put it. He used to be a Sapphire Emperor himself, and he always wanted a son to join the Navy. Well, he got what he got."

“My father was also in the Navy for a couple years. Only reason I’m doing this is so I can get away from him.”

Robin pursed her lips. "I can understand that," she said quietly.

"I'm sorry."

Robin shrugged and got in line for food.

Cook was hustling and bustling.

Matthew sighed and also got in line.

Cook smiled when she got to Robin. "Ah. You must be my new cabinmate. Robin, isn't it?"

"Yes, ma'am. It's nice to meet you, and thank you."

"Of course, darling."

Robin looked around for a place to sit.

Matthew was staring at the sky.

Robin nudged Matthew. "Where do you want to sit?"

"Doesn't matter to me."

"Please just pick. They're bound to listen more to you than me."

"I-I guess with him?" Matthew gestured to the old guy sitting by himself. "He seems decent."

Robin nodded. "Sounds good to me," she said, walking over.

Doc looked up at the two newcomers and smiled.

"I... uh... hi."

Robin smiled back. "Hi, I'm Robin Hawthorne. This is Matthew Tolusi. Do you mind if we sit with you?"

Doc looked pleasantly surprised. "Hawthorne and Tolusi. I haven't heard those names in years. I'm Doc. And yes, have a seat!"

"Nice to meet you, Doc," Robin said, pulling up a chair.

Matthew also dragged over a chair and sat down next to Robin.

Doc looked thoughtful for a moment. "Are you Charles and Amelia's daughter, Robin? I remember a shy little red haired girl. My, have you grown! Capable, strong, and obviously independent, in addition to beautiful.

Robin blushed. "Thank you, sir. My father always speaks highly of you."

Matthew pushed his food around with a fork.

Doc smiled, a bit sadly. "I was very sad to hear about-"

Robin gave him a look that changed what he was going to say.

"--about your father's retirement when he announced it."

Robin nodded. "He loved the Navy, but all good things must come to an end."

"Very true."

Matthew was curious, but he didn’t show it. Nor did he look up from his food.

"And Matthew, what of your family?" Doc asked.

“Huh? Oh. My father retired years ago and my mother passed when I was eleven.” Matthew kept pushing his food around.

Doc's eyes widened. "I'm sorry to hear that. I had no idea about your mother... Your father was always a good... Poker player."

Matthew snorted. “Tell him that after he gambled *my* money away.”

Doc bit his lip.

Robin shuffled uncomfortably.

Matthew sighed. “I’m not hungry anymore. Do either of you want it?”

Both Robin and Doc frowned.

"You haven't eaten any of it," Robin said.

"You'll love Cook's cooking. Trust me- one bite and you'll be in love."

“I’m really not hungry. But thanks anyway.”

Doc and Robin reluctantly let the matter go.

Matthew put down his fork and stared at the table.

"Are you alright?" Robin asked.

“I’m fine.”

"That's a word we all use far too often."

"Are you feeling seasick?" Doc asked Matthew with concern.

“Yeah, sure, seasick.”

Doc frowned. "If it's not seasickness, do you know why you're feeling poorly?"

“It is seasickness.”

"Excuse us, Robin," Doc said, getting up.

"Of course, sir."

"Come on, Matthew."

Matthew hesitantly got up.

Doc led him to his infirmary. "I hope you aren't in here as much as your father was, at least not for the same reasons."

“Why was he in here?”

Doc sighed. "It's better if you don't know."

“Please tell me.”

Doc paused for a moment. "Let's just say he fought more of his own crew mates than pirates."

Matthew froze when he remembered punching one of the crewmen. “O-Oh.”

Doc nodded. "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have told you."

"It's fine. Honestly I don't care."

Doc bit his lip and pulled a small vial out of a cabinet. "This should help your seasickness."

Matthew stood on his toes, grabbed it, and drank all of it. Definitely a move his father would've made.

Doc pursed his lips. "... You're supposed to mix it with a drink."

Matthew gagged. "What'll happen if I don't? Can I just drink something after?"

"The aftertaste," Doc said gravely.

Matthew kept gagging. "IT'S DISGUSTING."

Doc nodded sympathetically. He started to grab a bottle of wine, then remembered how young Matthew was and swapped for a pitcher of water.

Matthew coughed. "Either works, I JUST NEED IT."

Doc quickly poured a glass of water and handed it to him.

Matthew downed it in seconds. He started coughing again.

Doc bit his lip and helped Matthew sit down on the cot.

Matthew groaned. "That... was disgusting."

Doc nodded. "Sorry..."

"My fault," he mumbled.

Doc shrugged. "Chin up, m'boy. Now you've learned your lesson."

"You're not going to hit me or something?"

Doc furrowed his brows. "Why would I go and do that? No harm was done. Besides, wasn't the aftertaste punishment enough?"

Matthew shrugged and stared at his hands.

Doc bit hip his lip and gently put a hand on his shoulder. "You're safe here," he said softly.

Matthew looked at Doc before the former burst into laughter. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA- don't lie to me."

Doc was taken aback. "Listen here, I don't say things I don't mean, son, and you're going to learn that quickly with that attitude."

Matthew immediately shut up. He dug his nails into his palms.

Doc's tone softened. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. It's my job to listen to you and heal you physically and mentally, not to judge you."

"It's fine. I'm used to it."

Doc bit his lip. "I don't want you to be 'used to it'. I want you to be able to trust me."

Matthew shrugged and winced. He pushed himself off the cot. "I do trust you," he mumbled.

Doc shook his head. "Trust has to be earned."

"Why?"

Doc looked surprised. "Because... That's just how trust works."

"So you don't trust me?"

Doc was thoughtful for a moment. "I trust you won't steal from me. I trust you're a good person. Would I trust you with my life? Well, we just met."

Matthew blinked. “Okie.”

"Now, do you think you're able to go back and eat?"

"I'm not sure."

"Let's try, okay?"

Matthew sighed. "I.... I don't really want to move."

Doc nodded. "I'll be right back with some food then," he said before leaving.

Matthew curled up on a cot.

Doc came back a few minutes later balancing his and Matthew's plates.

Matthew was shaking uncontrollably.

"Matthew! Hey, Matthew?"

Matthew didn’t say anything.

Doc quickly put down the plates and gently shook Matthew.

Matthew sniffled and hugged his knees.

"Hey, what's going on?"

“Nothing,” Matthew mumbled.

"This obviously isn't nothing, Matthew Tolusi."

Matthew whimpered.

"Doctor-Patient confidentiality. What is it?"

Matthew still didn’t say it.

Doc frowned. "I can't help you unless you give me something to work with."

“Then don’t try to help.” Matthew’s voice cracked.

Doc gave him a long look. "If you're hiding something from me, it's better to tell me now and give me more time to help rather than wait until I find out."

“Why do you care?”

"Because you seem like a good kid, and I know what your father is like."

Matthew cringed.

Doc gave him a long look.

“I’m not a good kid, I can tell you that much.”

Doc shook his head. "I pride myself on being a good judge of character."

“I’m a thief. I yell at people. I don’t listen. I’m a bad person. Simple.”

Doc rolled his eyes. "Believe it out not, I wasn't always a dinosaur. I was once a teenager too. Judging from what I've seen and heard about you today, I'd say you're charming, charismatic, and loyal to a fault."

Matthew hesitantly rolled over to face Doc. The former’s face contorted with pain. “Trust me, I am not even close to being a good person.”

"I heard what you did today after Miss Robin's incident. That was impulsive of you to punch that crewmember-- and you need to learn restraint-- but I think that's the beginning of a true friendship. You showed loyalty and true decency when you could've whistled along with the rest of the men."

Matthew snorted and dug his nails into his palms again.

Doc was deadly serious. "I see past your façade, Matthew. I see the broken boy behind that mask of snark you wear."

Matthew grit his teeth. “Stop.”

"See? You're afraid. Your initial instinct is to fight, but that's not nature. It's nurture."

“I’m not afraid,” Matthew seethed. But his face was pale.

Doc said nothing, knowing that he'd said enough.

“I-I’m not... afraid...” Matthew felt his eyes well up with tears. He buried his face in his hands.

Doc eased himself next to Matthew and wrapped an arm around him. "Fear is good. It is what keeps you from making rash decisions. A conscience is good too. It prevents you from making unethical decisions."

Matthew completely tensed when Doc touched him.

Doc didn't move his arm. "Do you have something you need to say?"

Matthew whimpered.

Doc waited patiently. A gentle knock came from the door.

Matthew swallowed hard and tried to scoot away.

Doc went to the door and hesitantly opened it. She shuffled uncomfortably. "Hey, I just wanted to make sure Matthew was alright..."

Doc smiled and nodded. "I think he'll be alright. Seasickness just hits some harder than others."

Robin nodded and started to leave.

Matthew quickly wiped his eyes. “Mi- Robin? Could you... could you maybe stay?”

Robin's brows raised with surprise. "Y-yeah. Of course." Doc stood in the corner and gestured for Robin to take his seat in his comfy chair which she hesitantly did.

"Thank you."

Robin nodded.

Matthew hugged his knees again and yelped.

Robin hopped to her feet. "Are you alright?"

Doc just watched.

“I-I’m fine.”

"That's a word we--" She cut herself off.

Matthew buried his face in his hands.

Doc frowned. "Matthew, does your back hurt? You seem to wince any time something touches it."

“It’s fine,” Matthew said quickly.

"Then you'll have no problem with me taking a look."

Robin smiled in what she hoped was an encouraging way and got up to leave so they'd have so privacy. Granted, plenty of the men on-deck were shirtless.

Matthew didn’t say anything.

Once Robin left, Doc gave Matthew a long look.

Matthew wiped his eyes.

"What should I expect to see when I look at your back?" Doc asked gently.

Matthew didn't say anything.

Doc waited patiently. "Take off your shirt please."

“Well that’s pervy, don’t you think?” Matthew mumbled before pulling his shirt over his head.

Doc rolled his eyes. He swallowed hard when he saw his back.

Matthew’s hands were shaking. He bit his lip so hard he drew blood.

"How many years and how often?" Doc asked in a tone so gentle that it was hard to believe the words came from him.

Matthew bit his lip. "I guess... It varied for about eight years."

Doc paused for a moment before pulling Matthew in a tight hug, keeping his arms where there were less injuries.

Matthew completely tensed again for a while before completely sinking into the hug.

Doc pulled away after a long time, blinking hard. "I'm so sorry. No parent should *ever* treat a child like that."

"If he was really angry, or drunk, he'd make me do it myself," Matthew said quietly.

"How? Actually-- you don't need to tell me. I'm sorry."

Matthew bit his lip. "Hold it out in front of you and swing it backward. That's where the weird-looking ones are from."

Doc gave Matthew another quick hug.

Matthew grimaced. "I'm used to it. It's fine."

"You're not going to deal with that while you're here."

"Unless I piss off everyone. Which is now on my bucket list because they seem very... piss-off-able."

Doc laughed. "Just try to stay out of trouble."

"You and I both know I can't do that."

"Emphasis on *try* then."

Matthew sighed. "Alright."

"I'm going to clean up these wounds so they don't become infected. Hopefully they'll scar less, too."

Matthew swallowed hard. "Alright."

Doc proceeded the clean every raw cut.

Matthew screeched.

Doc mumbled an apology.

Matthew's eyes welled up with tears. "It stings."

"I know..."

Matthew bit back another shriek.

After a while, Doc patted his shoulder. "You're good. All that's left to do is eat."

"I can't eat."

"You have to try."

Matthew shook his head. His stomach growled.

Doc put Matthew's plate on his lap before taking his own food. "Will you eat it cold, or do you need me to pull in a favor from Cook?"

"I"m not hungry."

"I don't care."

Matthew swallowed hard and hesitantly ate a little bit.

Doc started eating his own food.

Matthew mostly played with his food instead of eating it.

Doc waited patiently.

Matthew still didn't eat.

"I'm not letting you leave until you eat at least half of that plate.

"Then I guess I'll die in here."

Doc said nothing.

Matthew refused to eat, just out of stubbornness.

Cook was brushing out and trimming up Robin's hair.

Matthew put the plate on a nearby table and curled back up into a ball.

Doc sighed.

Matthew’s stomach kept growling, but he ignored it.

Doc finished his plate.

Matthew tried to sleep.

"Please eat, Matthew."

"No."

Doc sighed deeply. "Fine. Just go then."

Matthew left without another word. Realizing he forgot his shirt, he made a mad dash for his cabin.

Cook placed a hand on each of Robin's shoulders. "And there we go. The new you." Robin smiled gratefully at her.

Matthew got into the cabin, and then tripped over his own foot. He fell, sprawled on the floor.

Robin thanked her and proceeded to clean up her hair off the floor. She grabbed a small lock and tied a thread around it. She tore a sheet of paper out of her journal which she had purchased before boarding the ship and began to write in loopy, neat script, "Matthew, thank you for taking the time to talk to me when nobody else would. I hope our friendship will grow throughout our years of service together. Yours, Robin." She rolled up the paper, tucked the hair in, and left the cabin.

After asking a few crew members, she found his cabin and slid her note under the door.

Matthew groaned in pain. He just stayed on the floor.

"Matthew?" Robin asked, hearing his groan.

"Wha?"

"Are you alright? It's Robin. Err... You probably figured that out."

"I-I'm fine!"

"That's a-- Do you need me to get somebody?"

"No, but thank you."

"I...um...Goodnight?"

"'Night!"

Robin went back to her cabin and promptly collapsed on her bed. Was every day going to be this exhausting?

"Goodnight, Robin."

"Goodnight, Cook."

Matthew crawled into bed with the letter. He hesitantly opened it and smiled. After a couple minutes, he put it in a drawer and curled up under his thin blanket.