To say that it was shocking when Kidd had popped the question was--well--an understatement. Venus's usual hard to move grim lips, which were usually set in a thin line, actually popped open as soon as Kidd was finished speaking. Was this a dream? If so, it was a nightmare.

Stones. Kidd wanted stones. With him. His stomach twisted unpleasantly. He'd like to blame it on sea sickness since they were out at sea, like always. But he knew better.

It was the idea of having a few stones with a man who had captured him and kept him on a boat, isolated and away from everyone but his crew. No pay. The only form of payment he received was food and being able to survive. He had tried to escape on multiple occasions and yet---

He couldn't escape the man. Even now knowing how to use the small boat that was on the side of the ship and knowing how to lower it down he was still caught. Swimming was also an option but he didn't have a deathwish. He knew the stories, he saw what was in the waters. It was more than just fish. Dangerous creatures who lurked and awaited for prey.

Venus wasn't a fool. The naiad knew he didn't have the muscle to fight anything off more than what was half his size, if that. Any poison would have him dead in a second. He was no fool. At least, he was wiser than the men that were on Kidd's ship. And Kidd himself.

Venus could say no. Could claim that he was infertile. Kidd wouldn't know any different. The man was too daft enough to realize that he could test it, could call him a liar. It wouldn't have been the first time that he had lied to the chomp hybrid. Venus was known for some of the little tales he spun upon the ship. All the chaos that he's called by fooling some men that he didn't like over board. Or ruining their relationships with other nightmares and day dreams. To get a bit of revenge for having to be cooped up in the captains quarters most of the time.

But if he said no, would that really change anything? No. No it wouldn't. Things would stay the same, he'd stay captured. It would be the worst.

He had to agree. But how was he going to get away with stones? Venus pondered to himself, stretching against Kidd and running his webbed hand through his hair, mindful of the man's horn.

Imbuing stones created a depletion of magic, didn't it? He paused momentarily, pink eyes widening. They would be both zapped of energy. But...if Kidd was zapped.

There was a chance to escape. At least, when Kidd was deep asleep. A grin unfurled on Venus' lips, his mouth closing shut. It wasn't like he had to take the three stones. There were enough crew men to take care of kids. Even if it wasn't a great way to raise freshlings. Why would he care?

He would be gone by the time Kidd opened his eyes. Before the stones popped with kids.

This may just work.

His hand moved towards the man's chiseled chin, rubbing at the five o clock shadow that was present. "Sure, I'd love to." He leaned in to deliver a quick peck to the man's lips.

The sooner they got stones, the sooner he would be able to get out of there. And, the sooner Kidd's life got more complicated. How would a pirate captain be able to take care of one stone, let alone two while maintaining fluidity and function on the ship? Venus chuckled to himself, the idea of Kidd losing a few fights extremely amusing.

He wouldn't be able to.

WC: 632