Eraqus frowned down at him. "Ventus, there are better ways to get our attention. You must realize, we are quite busy with the current Xehanort situation. We have spared as much time as we can, and there is no excuse to resort to dangerous stunts to garner attention." He yanked down Ven's boxers as well and began laying in to the child, not bothering to hold back.

It took everything in himself not to scream. Ventus had bit his lower lip so hard it began to bleed as tears came falling off his cheeks like missiles.

Eraqus was mercilessly tanning the child's hide, watching the rear beneath his hand turn steadily more red.

"Mnnn... Mmmmn..." He was on the verge of wailing. Ventus hiccuped and released hiw lower lip which let out a steady trail of blood as the boy lost the battle and started crying for all he was worth.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! *Hic* I'm so-so-sorry!" he was bawling into the man's pantleg, the sobs racked his whole body.

Hearing this, Eraqus began lecturing the child. "I don't want you to EVER *SMACK* DO SOMETHING *SMACK* THAT STUPID *SMACK* AGAIN, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?" he roared. Normally, he would be lecturing just loud enough to be heard, but the man was still badly scared at the thought of what might have happened to the boy.

"..." Ven breathed heavilly, scared out of his mind. He was still crying but he was too frightened to answer verbally. He nodded his head crying even harder.

Eraqus ceased his tirade of smacks before pulling Ventus into his arms. He cradled the boy to his chest. The older man was shaking with silent sobs. "Gods above, Ventus, do you know what it would do to me if I lost you?"

"..." that only made the boy feel worse as he cried against his shoulder.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry I didn't mean to... I didn't know... I'm so sorry"

"Oh, Ventus... Ven... I forgive you, my child. You won't let your curiosity get the best of you again, will you now?" asked the older man, finally smiling down at the child.

He looked up at him, looking like a mess of tears, drool, and... Blood from his lip. Ven wiped his eyes and nodded.