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Chapter Text

Seonghwa nervously tapped his fingers, his eyes flitting around the the cell that he and WooYoung were in, grinding his teeth anxiously, continuing the subtle drilling of his nails against his leg, anxious for a reason that he did not know. He just...he felt that something not so good was about to happen and not knowing what it was truly was getting to him.He hated the unknown, he hated how it made him feel. Not knowing what was going to happen left him scrambling, and he had always found it frustrating, and upsetting. It left him nervous. He hated not knowing how to handle this huge sorts of stress, but he was also used to the restless anxiety that coursed through him every time he felt something bad was about to happen. He got the feeling at least once a week, and every time he ended up being right in his choice to worry. He felt someone tentatively touch his shoulder, causing him to jerk to stare at the concerned brown eyes of his cell mate. WooYoung. 

The boy had been brought in about...He would say maybe a month ago. He did not know why he had been brought, and he did not ask. It was clear that he was not really here of his own free will, along with everyone in the lower docks. Nobody wanted to be here, they got dragged here through fighting tooth and nail. Either because they pissed off the leader of the boat, or because they got...kidnapped and shoved onto said boat. There was really only one or the other. Seonghwa, he was the latter, the rest of the people, barring WooYoung, were, he thought the former but they could be the latter if he was being honest, he did not really want to talk too much to the other prisoners. He thought WooYoung was similar to him, because he was the only person that they had made share a cell with him. Probably to separate who they had kidnapped and who they had just been punishing. It was a...weird system, but he guessed it was not the worst thing that they could have done. As it were, WooYoung had seemed fairly calm the entire time that he had been on this forsaken boat. SeongHwa was really quite impressed. He had learned that the boy was younger than him, but not by much, and that he seemed fairly sure that everything would be fine for him. 

"What's wrong Hyung?" WooYoung asked, his voice soft and careful. He always did that. SeongHwa had been more on edge since WooYoung had entered the cells with him. WooYoung had been well and truly startled the first time that SeongHwa had gone head to head with the head Disciplinarian when he tried to drag WooYoung to the docks. It would seem that it had not been a normal reaction either since the Disciplinarian had been shocked as well, and needless to say, the lead of the boat had tried to same thing only to almost loose a finger. After that they did not bother trying to drag WooYoung away from SeongHwa, in fact they had made it quite clear that they wanted nothing to do with either one of them, which suited SeongHwa just fine. After that, WooYoung had taken a sort of shine to him, latching onto him like a playful pup. It had definitely caused SeongHwa joy in what was otherwise a joyless existence as he waited to be sold off or whatever it was that they were doing with him. 

"I just..." SeongHwa sighed shaking his head. "I just have a feeling." WooYoung glanced towards him with furrowed brows. The last time he had 'a feeling' they had almost been drugged by the food one of the vile beings had given them, SeongHwa had not known what had caused him to drag the food from WooYoung, but it had been a good thing they did. He did not even want to know what they had been planning. 

"What sort of feeling?" WooYoung questioned, beginning to get somewhat nervous. They had both learned the hard way that SeongHwa's feelings, as much as they may not understand what caused it, were often things that were unwisely disregarded. SeongHwa stared up at WooYoung with a smile, reaching up to grab his bicep and pull him down to the ground with him. 

"It is nothing to really worry about." SeongHwa tried to which WooYoung just clicked his tongue. He gave SeongHwa a look that told the older clearly how he thought about that. SeongHwa just sighed, knowing that he was not going to get out of this. Attempting to deflect more would only cause WooYoung more worry, which was the last thing that he wanted. 

"I just get this feeling something is going to happen. Not necessarily something bad, but...something." SeongHwa admitted. WooYoung brightened at that. SeongHwa inwardly let himself sigh heavily. Here they go again. 

"That means that maybe we will be rescued!" He said, fingers gripping SeongHwa tightly, causing the elder to wince, leaving WooYoung jerking backwards with a sheepish apology. 

"I would not get my hopes up Youngie," SeongHwa said gently a tense smile pulling at his lips. "I know you are really excited to be reunited with whoever it was that you left, but at the same time, we are unsure of anything, and I don't want you to get disappointed."

WooYoung remained certain that he was going to be rescued. While SeongHwa liked the optimism, and could not really bring himself to drag WooYoung down to reality, He knew that he should not entertain these thoughts, especially given their unlikelihood, but he also could not bring himself to dash them either. It was dangerous for WooYoung to cling to these things, especially when SeongHwa knew that they were not going to come true, likely they would be sold once they reached a place that allowed the sale of humans. 

"Don't worry too much Hyung," WooYoung said gently, his voice easily lulling SeongHwa into a deep sleep. "It is okay, when they come for me, I will bring you with me. No matter what." But SeongHwa did not hear the last part that WooYoung had stated, conviction clear in his voice, already sleeping.

Chapter Text

SeongHwa woke up to screaming and metal clashing against each other, and an distinct lack of warmth from WooYoung. His brows furrowed, horribly confused for multiple reasons. For one, the metal clanging and screams hurt his ears. It worsened the headache that he already had, and he despised that. For two, there was no reason for WooYoung to not be with him. He always stayed with him until SeongHwa woke up, so finding that he was not here had him rushing in worry, and his fingers digging into his palms to clear his head and vision so that he could really properly assess the situation that he was finding himself currently. 

WooYoung was not in the cell at all, which had him scrambling upwards in a total panic. He scanned the room to see the door was open. The...Wait, Seonghwa told himself, breathing heavily from the sudden adrenaline that was coursing through his entire body. Why is the door open? The door is never open. He cautiously moved forwards, after reassuring himself that WooYoung would have to be upstairs. He felt his worry increase tenfold. There is almost no good reason for WooYoung to be upstairs. At all. SeongHwa felt tears flood his eyes. He was...he was more than just scared, he was terrified of what could be happening. The screaming had yet to finish coming from upstairs, and it was not the good type of screaming. 

He steeled himself, not sure that he was going to find anything good, but if WooYoung was still alive, he would be upstairs. SeongHwa had canvased the downstairs several times, and he was not here. Which meant he was up there...assuming he was still alive. To which he severely hoped that he was, because he was not sure what he would do if he found out that he was not okay. SeongHwa took a deep breath, before steeling both his nerves and his heart. He had to do this. There was no other options. 

Actually that, that was a lie there was another option, but SeongHwa was not that cowardly. He wanted to know if WooYoung was alive or not, and at least that would give him some sort of clarity. He knew nothing good could be happening upstairs, fighting was expressly forbidden, he knew that because of the amount of times that the crew had been shoved down in one of the cellars because of that. He licked his lips nervously, hand on the handle that would lead him to the main dock. Taking just a moment to collect his breath, he shoved the door open and crawled up and pulled himself onto the main dock. 

He stared. 

This was not good. 

Not only where there no signs of movement from the men that he recalled were members of this boat, if the blue jackets were not a dead give-a-way enough that they had probably either been slaughters, or they had been injured deeply, or knocked out, then it was the fact that there they were, decked in red uniforms with gold tassels. SeongHwa shivered, but did not pay much attention to the fact that there was pirates on the ship. He did not particularly care if he died by Pirates. Many were terrified of Pirates, and some of that fear was definitely justified, SeongHwa could not deny, but he also just did not really care much for either those with the law or the Pirates. He disliked them both, and if he was going to be honest, he had been given more reasons to despise the Royal Guard and law keepers than the Pirates. 

What he did not see was WooYoung, which had him biting his lower lip harshly. He had looked through the bodies, quietly, the pirates clearly preoccupied. At least they had been, which had let him remain rather undetected as he checked body after body trying to find WooYoung. It was perhaps depressing thought processes to believe he would be among the dead, but if Pirates were on this boat it was unlikely that they just causally were letting prisoners live, whether they had a mutual enemy or not. 

He got more and more worried as he continued not to see WooYoung, until he heard him. Then he felt relief flood his body for but a moment. Until he realized what that meant. Jerking his head up he saw that the group of Pirates were half surrounding WooYoung, and some other man. There was a total of six, including WooYoung, and five unknowns. The last unknown was talking with WooYoung personally. He assumed it was the Captain of these people.He was somewhat short, but had on that fancy cape of fur and what looked to be silk. It was expensive, and he was the only one that was dressed with that sort of extravagance, which led him to believe that he was undoubtedly the leader of these boys. Or...Captain in other words. He felt his body tense, and his teeth grit. His vision went gold when he saw the man try to reach out and touch WooYoung. 

He had moved before even really seeing it, dragged WooYoung away from the Captain guy, glaring the man down as he kept a firm hold on WooYoung, who was squirming in his hold. He felt his teeth ache with the mix of anxiety, relief, and worry that filled his body. "Hyung!" WooYoung whined frustrated that SeongHwa would not let him go, Seonghwa shook his head. 

"No, Youngie, stop." He said gently, his voice still gentle, despite the dangers of the situation that they were presented with. WooYoung seemed to notice how hard he was working to hold himself back as his body was shaking as he glared the Captain down, and the boy finally stopped fighting him. WooYoung felt SeongHwa relax slightly at that, and marveled that despite the clear loss of control that he had suffered, WooYoung would likely not even bruise, despite how hard he had been fighting SeongHwa's grip. 

"What is this?" The person who was currently being glared down by SeongHwa questioned his voice somewhat curious and amused. The man moved closer and SeongHwa shoved WooYoung behind him, his body stiffening, but otherwise not letting WooYoung move in front of him despite the plaintive whines of 'hyung' coming from behind him. SeongHwa inhaled sharply as the man moved to stand right in front of him, tilting his head curiously. "Fascinating." He whispered softly, SeongHwa fought the desire to drag his nails across that face of his, knowing that the moment he let WooYoung go he was going to run in front of him and Seonghwa refused to do that. "Do you even know who we are?" The man asked, curious. "Who I am?" 

"That would imply that I care about you enough to have learned." SeongHwa's voice was still soft, still gentle, but it held a bit of a bite that it had not done before. The other man just laughed in surprise. 

"Oh?"

"It doesn't matter either way." SeongHwa said simply, his voice still steady despite the fear that flooded him standing next to the other man. 

"It doesn't?" The man asked laughing. He sighed, "Now, now, I would normally love to play these games with you, but we really need to get going, so if you will just hand over that boy you got hidden behind you we can be on our way." 

"Hyung!" WooYoung whispered, trying to calm SeongHwa down, but SeongHwa was not having it, his eyes flashing. 

"You have to go through me first." He spoke, his voice steel. The man reeled back, clearly not having expected that, raising a brow at WooYoung from behind SeongHwa. 

"That can be arranged, of course," 

"No!" WooYoung shouted, his voice louder than SeongHwa had ever heard it, leaving him to flinch slightly. "You can't hurt him," He said, his voice regulating itself. 

"Can't I?" HongJoong questioned. 

"He helped me, all this month, he's been...He..." WooYoung felt tears flood his eyes, and SeongHwa grit his teeth, glaring at the captain who was looking somewhat concerned. 

"Don't move an inch," He warned, the worry turning to amusement at SeongHwa's orders. He raised his hands in mock surrender, and SeongHwa spun around, dragging WooYoung down to the floor with him, thumbing the tears that were falling down his face gently. "Woo-ah, what is wrong?" He asked, coaxing the boy slowly, but surely, to calm himself down. 

"They came to save me, Hyung," WooYoung said with sad eyes. "I told you that I would be rescued, you didn't believe me," SeongHwa ignored the last part instead choosing to focus on the first part. 

"You know them?" He asked, continuing to stroke the boy's cheeks to keep him calm and pliant. WooYoung nodded a smile on his face.

"I've been with them for several years." SeongHwa instantly pushed down the feelings of resentment, hurt, and betrayal that threatened to choke him at the realization that WooYoung had not trusted him to tell him he was a Pirate, that he had probably not intended to tell him at all, but instead continued to focus on the matter at hand. WooYoung was a pirate, that was...that was news. 

"Oh, are you safe with them?" he asked. WooYoung looked confused. 

"Why wouldn't I be safe with them?" SeongHwa shook his head. 

"No reason, I just want to be sure that you are going to be safe with them Youngie," SeongHwa said gently. WooYoung nodded enthusiastically. 

"Hyung...Hyung you are going to come with us as well, right?" He asked, turning to look up at SeongHwa's eyes, bright and wide and pleading. SeongHwa froze, unsure what to say to those words. He glanced at who he guessed was the Captain, who was staring at the scene with surprise, one look behind them and it showed that the rest were rather surprised as well. 

"I don't think that is my decision, Youngie," SeongHwa said with a slightly strained smile. 

Chapter Text

WooYoung glanced at the Captain at that, a smile brightening his face. It would not take much for the others to agree to take SeongHwa in, especially if he begged them, he knew that he would manage to get them to agree. Then SeongHwa would not have to worry, he would be with them. Plus, he already knew that the Captain had some sort of amusement with SeongHwa, he would want to have him around, at the very least. He jumped up, causing SeongHwa to startle slightly, but moving upwards as he did so, keeping a close eye on the Captain, and keeping his body in between them and WooYoung, not trusting them quite enough yet, unable to stop himself from the natural feelings of protection that he felt when it came to WooYoung. WooYoung said that he knew the others, but for some reason, he just was not quite able to stop the instinctive need to keep him away from threats, and at the moment the Pirates were the threats. 

Then again, they sort of did murder the entire crew. Although, SeongHwa was not complaining. The Crew was cruel, and they had taken to depriving him and WooYoung of suitable meals in an attempt to keep them further under control, mostly because WooYoung had been getting horribly restless, and Seonghwa was not doing a good enough job at keeping them under the radar. He always felt like he failed WooYoung, in some ways. He knew that there was only so much that he could do in the end, but that did not really make the feelings of failure go away, it just mad them worse. 

It was not the first time they had attempted to control SeongHwa through WooYoung, and it had likely probably not been the last should they have survived longer on the boat. There was usually a pattern. SeongHwa had been rather...chastised, thoroughly, for allowing WooYoung to speak too loudly, but the only other alternative was letting WooYoung take the punishment for it. SeongHwa knew how cruel the others sailors were, and though he could not do much to protect WooYoung from their cruelty, taking on the other's punishments without his knowledge was definitely one price he was most willing to pay. 

WooYoung moved towards the Captain, SeongHwa letting out a startled sound, fingers grasping the other's sleeve quickly, staring at the younger with big eyes. WooYoung gave him a small, calming smile. "Youngie," He whispered, worry in his tone. WooYoung sighed knowing what he was feeling, and was quick to calm him down, pulling his wrist away from SeongHwa, who let him go, not wanting to hurt him inadvertently. 

"Hyung," He whispered, "Don't worry, let me talk to them." SeongHwa grit his teeth, not really wanting to but he held his body tense as WooYoung walked towards the Captain, who turned on his heel and they moved together towards the rest who spoke quietly, enough so that SeongHwa could not hear what they were saying. SeongHwa, feeling exhausted, just moved to the side, leaning himself against one of the pillars that held the look out. He leaned his head back, his eyes fluttering closed. He opened his yes enough to look at WooYoung speaking with the others that he apparently knew. 

A part of him felt betrayed, he knew. A part of him felt jealous, but in the end, at the current moment, he just felt tired. Exhausted, and he wanted to go to sleep. He did not know what he was going to do. Sure, he probably did not have to worry too much about being sold to some slave traders anymore, but he also did not exactly have anywhere to go to anymore either. He had been gone for so long, he knew that even if there were people waiting for him, it just was too late. They had probably moved on, and he really would just prefer to do so as well. He did not want to leave the place that he had previously called home, but it had been...so long. 

He felt his body slip under him, crashing to the floor, leaving him blinking blankly. WooYoung turned to glance at him, his eyes widening and a rather colourful curse falling from his lips. SeongHwa had the words to reprimand him on his tongue, but for some reason he did not think he could really say anything. WooYoung rushed over to him, his fingers trembling as they took his head in his hands. 

"Hyung?" 

"Youngie," SeongHwa slurred slightly, and WooYoung cursed. Of course, he should have figured that something like this would happen. He pat the other's cheek slowly. 

"No, no, Hyung, stay awake okay?" WooYoung said, nerves lit up suddenly. 

I thought I would have noticed if they had been hurting him again. WooYoung thought to himself, but he realized, SeongHwa often did things to keep WooYoung from trouble, even if he thought WooYoung did not know, it was somewhat obvious. He cursed himself. I should have known something was up when Hyung refused to eat this morning. I had just attributed it to the nervous feeling that he was getting. How stupid. 

"Yeosang Hyung!" Wooyoung called out, his eyes panicked and sorting through the others before catching the doctor's eyes. "Can you come here for a moment please?" The other hastily made way towards WooYoung who was still struggling to keep SeongHwa awake. "I think...I don't..." 

"It's okay," Hongjoong said gently, pulling WooYoung away from SeongHwa, the other fighting against the Captain to try and get back to the fragile elder. 

"Hyung, he is hurt." WooYoung said in a whisper, guilt flooding through him. "He said that they were just making him do basic chores." He felt stupid for believing SeongHwa. He had just not wanted to think that they were truly beating him. He should have figured though. HongJoong sighed. 

"Yeosang, we don't have the time. Bring him on board with us," HongJoong said, leaving WooYoung to curl into him thanks on his lips. HongJoong just curled his hands in the other's hair soothing him silently. "We need to leave,"  He said to the younger gently, trying to keep him from panicking. 

"He gets to come with us right?" WooYoung whispered, wanting to make one hundred percent sure. "I know that you don't like adding more people to our group but, Hyung...I would not have managed this long without him. He protected me, for so long." 

"I know, Woo-ah, but...I think you should be aware, he may dislike the fact that you are a Pirate." Wooyoung slumped. 

"I don't think that's the part I need to worry about," He muttered. HongJoong sighed, but did not press further, instead ordering Mingi to help YeoSang move SeongHwa onto their boat so they could finish sinking the one that they were on. They had already spent way too much time on this venture. 

Chapter Text

Back aboard their own ship, everyone felt a bit more at ease. They finished sinking the other ship, bombing it, and watching as it sunk slowly under the waves of the ocean. It was a thing they did. They needed to make sure that it was fully destroyed, and so they always waited until it sunk under the ocean before leaving. This was a rule that Hongjoong had first made up because it ensured that nobody was left to report them. It was double fold. It also made for less consistent variables should someone actually survive. The rare time that it happened, or that HongJoong decided to spare someone, such as this SeongHwa that WooYoung was infatuated with. HongJoong was not entirely sure what was going on, which was why he called WooYoung up to his office, which the boy agreed too, feet shuffling slowly, nervous. 

"Captain Hyung," WooYoung said lowly, his tone clearly indicating his nerves. HongJoong knew why he was nervous, knew that it was this...feeling of protectiveness that he apparently had managed to cultivate with this SeongHwa person. 

"WooYoung, I am not going to throw SeongHwa overboard." WooYoung's jerked upwards to meet his. "However, I also cannot justify forcing him to stay on the boat if he does not want to. You know that, right?" This did not seem to deter WooYoung's joy or relief at HongJoong's words. He just nodded, now bouncing on the balls of his feet, clearly over the top with joy. "What...Happened?" He asked, his voice somewhat tentative. Unsure if he wanted to know for the curiosity, or if he wanted to just make sure that nothing bad happened to WooYoung. 

The normally hyper boy flopped to sit cross legged on the floor, waiting patiently while HongJoong huffed in an amused air, but slowly sat himself on the floor alongside WooYoung. "You know how I got to the boat, but not what happened after. Well, they threw me below deck, in some sort of chained cage." WooYoung ignored the slight growling coming from the Alpha. "Well, SeongHwa was there too. We were both sort of on edge a bit, with each other, understandably. Yet, he still protected me. When those people came back down to try and take me, SeongHwa Hyung interfered and they took him instead." WooYoung bit his lip, unable to stop the guilt that assuaged him at this memory. "He came back, the first time of many times, but he was very badly injured. I don't know for sure what happened, and SeongHwa just refused to talk about it, not like I would force him to anyways. He did say that it was worse other times, and not to really worry about him too much." WooYoung fiddled with his fingers. "I know why they beat him though. He talked back to them, and defied them, rather severely. They did not really take well to that. It happened multiple times after that every time they tried to get me out of the cage. SeongHwa always interfered. I supposed they didn't want a feral Omega on their hands, without really knowing what creature SeongHwa is so they backed off and instead took things out on him instead of me." 

"Omega?" HongJoong cut into, startled. He had not recalled scenting Omega on the ship, at all. Much less that SeongHwa was one. Then again, he had spent quite a bit of time with WooYoung, and any scent that he did have was probably overwhelmed by WooYoung's own. Then again, WooYoung was a Beta, so that did not quite make sense. It would cover a majority of SeongHwa's scent, but not all of it, and definitely not so thoroughly. He waited, expectantly, WooYoung caught on and gave a slight smile. 

"They had him start taking scent blockers." WooYoung said with a shrug of his shoulders. "It was obvious once the rest of the crew began to get antsy at the amount of aggressiveness in his scent whenever they tried to take me. SeongHwa did not mind, all he did was shrug and say it was for the best either way." HongJoong nodded, he supposed that made some sense after all. "Anyways, after some time, they stopped, although every so often they would come down to take SeongHwa, I don't know what they did to him, I didn't ask, and he did not tell me. I didn't have the courage to ask." WooYoung admitted, glaring down at the floor. "Whatever it did left him shaken for the rest of the day or night. He had been on the ship for...so long. I don't think he even knows how long, he seemed to think that they wanted to sell him." WooYoung glanced up at HongJoong, before redirecting his eyes straight back to the floor. 

"Well, we certainly are not going to let him be...sold." HongJoong said with a slightly pained sigh. "I do need to talk to him though, what the hell happened earlier?" 

"Well, Hwa-Hyung had already felt a bit anxious this morning. He said he thought something was going to happen, and admitted that he thought it would be something bad but he was not sure. In his defense, almost every time he had that feeling it was something bad. However, he did tell me that he was not really sure and he just felt that something...was going to happen. Something was going to change, but he was not really sure what it was. I had a suspicion what it would mean, and luckily I was right!" WooYoung said with bright eyes. "Either way, he always gets weird after these sorts of spells. His energy kind of...goes on and off a lot. I'm not really sure what it is, but I just sort of assumed it was like...Omega intuition." HongJoong did not know. He had not really had any dealings with Omegas before, of any creature. He knew next to nothing about them. He did know someone who did, however, and he was fully intending to grasp any information he could get, it just meant that they would need to change course slightly. "Anyways, that, combined with the, you know, fact that he went head to head with..you...an Alpha...Refusing to cower. It takes a lot out of someone. Like, when you get all protective and shit it is hard for me to got head to head with you, even YeoSang has some issues at times, but SeongHwa? He isn't a beta, or an Alpha. It took so much out of him, and he refused to step back until he knew for sure that I was safe." WooYoung could not help but feel a bit guilty. All of that could have been avoided if he had just told SeongHwa what he was. 

"It is not your fault, Woo-ah." HongJoong said simply, as though stating a fact. It helped, WooYoung did feel a bit better, though no less guilty. 

"Well, anyways, combined with that, but he had also been hurt by those bastards earlier. Of course...he sort of passed out. I was kind of waiting for it to happen, I guess." He shrugged. "Either way the important part is that he is away from them." 

"I am going to need to talk to him when he wakes up." HongJoong stated. "If you could be just outside of the room..." HongJoong trailed off, as WooYoung already was agreeing. He scoffed a bit, although unable to help the amusement in his voice, and the fondness in his gaze. "Just be ready, for anything. Okay?" Wooyoung was visibly nervous at his words, but nodded resolutely. 

Chapter Text

YeoSang sent Mingi when the boy finally woke up, and called to some degree of urgency, which had HongJoong telling Mingi to get WooYoung to head to the medical bay, and stay out of the door unless called for, and he himself rushed to where the boy had been holed up. He did not really know what to expect, and was literally walking into an unknown, not the first time, probably not the last, but HongJoong hated not knowing more than anything else. It did not stop him, walking confidently through the door to see YeoSang trying to keep a lashing out Omega on the bed. 

"Hyung!" YeoSang looked half relieved. "Hey, hey, look, Captain is here." He said the words calmly, despite the flustered look upon his face and the redness in his cheeks, and the glow in his eyes. He was barely handling himself. SeongHwa, for his part, stopping struggling against YeoSang once he heard the words, eyes cutting towards HongJoong, his eyes pure gold, not a hint of his previous brown to be seen. 

Great, now I got a Feral on my hands. HongJoong thought to himself, not able to spare another thought as the Omega launched himself from YeoSang onto HongJoong, pushing him backwards, catching his body so that he did not slam into the floor, but otherwise, was staring him down as he waited, tense, and anxious. HongJoong could practically sense the anxiety that was flooding the boy. They should have prepared for something like this, he supposed. 

"Where...Is...Wooyoung?" The Omega could barely speak, his words coming out breathless. HongJoong lifted his hands, slowly, letting the other see him as he did so. He slowly curled his fingers around the back of his neck, squeezing slightly, pulling the boy down to him, pressing his head to his chest so that he could hear his heart without any question as he spoke and know that he was not lying. 

"WooYoung is safe with us, and he is headed to us as we speak, okay?" HongJoong felt as SeongHwa recognized the words, and registered the heartbeat having not once lifted in worry or anxiety, and the boy relaxed on top of him, going from about ready to claw him to shreds, to clinging to him. HongJoong stared at YeoSang, rather shocked at the sudden development as the Omega curled his head into his neck whispering thanks over and over again. "Hey, hey, it's okay." HongJoong plied the Omega from his body, pulled him into a more seated position, watching him carefully. 

"I-I'm sorry," The boy said, his eyes faced downwards, not wanting to look at HongJoong. "I j-just wanted to make sure Youngie is safe." The words were practically whispered. 

"I know," HongJoong said simply. "He is safe, and there is nothing for you to fret about. He is coming down soon. I sent Mingi to go and get him." SeongHwa was panting slightly, the exhertion of continually fighting against an Alpha getting to him. 

"You are...are the Pirates. The one that know Youngie." HongJoong nodded leaving SeongHwa contemplating, likely trying to test how honest that they were being. "I..." SeongHwa did not really get to continue whatever it was that he was going to say as the door opened and WooYoung rushed in, leaving SeongHwa scrambling up to his feet. He snatched WooYoung into a very tight hug, nails digging into the tee shirt, but not enough to hurt, it was the same with HongJoong and YeoSang interestingly enough. 

HongJoong had noticed that. Despite the fact that the boy had been near out of his mind, he had not aimed to hurt, any of them. In fact he had made sure that his nails did not dig into them, and he had barely even gripped hard enough to hurt. Was that...an Omega thing too? He doubted it, shaking off the mere suggestion, no, that would be a SeongHwa thing. He had heard stories of Omegas being more than capable of slicing a man to shreds. Seonghwa did not try. Had not wanted to, he just wanted to know where WooYoung was, and therefore had not been willing to hurt anyone until he knew where he was. Gods help them had they actually taken him against his will. 

"Hyung!" WooYoung giggled, HongJoong now glancing over to see that SeongHwa was studiously searching every inch of WooYoung to ensure that he was not hurt or hiding any sort of injuries. The sight made HongJoong smile a bit. He was glad to see that WooYoung had someone who was so protective of him. "Hyung, you need to let HongJoong speak to you now." The other cut his eyes towards the two alphas in the room. 

"W-Which one is that again?" SeongHwa whispered to WooYoung, who just laughed and gestured towards him. SeongHwa's eyes widened. "Uh, Youngie, He isn't gonna kill me right?" 

"What did you do?" WooYoung questioned, the two now acting as though nobody could hear their conversation. 

"Sort of, barreled into them and almost kind of, maybe, threatened them? Just a little though!" SeongHwa defended himself. 

"Hyung, don't worry, you were just worried about me, they won't do anything. Nor will they try anything. At best, they will be glad that you were willing to do something like that despite status, because you were worried about me." SeongHwa nodded hesitantly. WooYoung tried to pull away from SeongHwa, who tightened his grip slightly and a whine left his lips. 

"No," He pleaded. "Don't...I don't want..." The Omega tightly closed his eyes cursing his stupid emotions. 

"Hyung, it is alright. None of them will hurt me. I swear. We have been sailing together for years. There is nothing for you to worry about. Hell, they infiltrated a Navy Royale ship just on the off chance they would be able to get me back." SeongHwa blinked at that, nodding slowly. 

"Okay, but...." He cut his eyes to HongJoong, this time there was definitely a threat in them. "They can't make me leave." WooYoung just threw a smug look at the Captain at his words. "I won't leave you, and if they try they'll have to pry me from you. Even then, it won't...won't work." HongJoong lifted his hands in surrender. 

"We are't going to try and take you from WooYoung. For one, I can't bear to do that, and for two, Woo-ah would have my head." SeongHwa seemed to sense the truth in that, and nodded, relaxing enough to let WooYoung go. 

"Okay then." He said simply, dropping to a seated position on the floor. 

"WooYoung, if you could go outside, YeoSang, you as well." The medic rolled his eyes, but left. 

Chapter Text

SehongHwa seemed a bit on edge with just HongJoong and him in the room. Although, HongJoong supposed that was to be expected. The Omega probably did not have many good relations with Alphas, or Pirates, and here HongJoong was both. The only thing HongJoong knew he had going for him was the fact that he would never hurt a hair on Youngie's head, and the fact that the boy was found with WooYoung on a Navy Royale ship. It was obvious that he had not had the best interactions with the Navy either, but that did not mean that he favoured pirates, by any means. Nor did it mean that his decision to stay with them was anything more than a desperate play to stay with WooYoung and keep him safe. 

He knew that Omegaas were horribly protective, and very powerful in their own right. He many not know much about...them...or anything, really, but he could learn. He was going to learn, determined. He did not know many Omegas, but he knew a couple, and he would draw information from them if he had to. He wanted to know as much as possible to keep SeongHwa calm. It also helped that Feral Omegas were nearly impossible to calm down until you figured out what it was that was causing them to go insane, and barring that, horribly dangerous when they were feral as well. Although, HongJoong did not necessarily know why, he could definitely take a couple of guesses. It was lucky that SeongHwa had only shown extreme protectiveness and impulsiveness when it came to WooYoung and him being in potential danger. HongJoong was lucky enough to be able to take a wild guess and likely be correct. 

"I want you to know that for one, you are allowed to stay." HongJoong said beginning his conversation with that, wanting to be sure that they were definitely on the same level before he began anywhere else. "I will not make you leave, and I assume you probably have nowhere to go back to?" SeongHwa nodded slowly, agreeing to HongJoong's statement. "Then you are going to stay with WooYoung and us." HongJoong said this firmly, and SeongHwa gave him a tentative smile. "I want you to get to know the other crew mates, of course, but that would be given time, of course." He reassured. "You are...an Omega, or so WooYoung told me?" SeongHwa tensed, but nodded once. 

"Yes, I am," He said softly, glancing up at HongJoong nervously. "Is that...Is that a problem?" HongJoong shook his head hastily. 

"No, of course not. We will be stopping on one of the islands, and you can meet one of the other Omegas that I know, if you feel comfortable doing that, of course." HongJoong continued before letting him speak further. "I am not going to ask you to do anything yet, but once you are fully healed and settled into the crew, I am going to ask you to begin taking part in the things around the ship, but that is not until later. Do you agree with that?" SeongHwa nodded. 

"O-Of course but..." SeongHwa paused, shaking his head, as though he had changed his mind. 

"But...What?" 

"Nothing!" the Omega said quickly, his eyes wide. "Nothing, forget I mentioned anything." HongJoon looked at him worriedly, but nodded, trusting his word, for now at least, though it was obvious that SeongHwa was worried about something, they could not very well force him to speak when he barely knew them. 

"I am impressed with how you went against me to try and protect WooYoung. Granted, it was all for naught as I would not hurt WooYoung but, you definitely impressed me there. I hope that you can begin to see the other members of my crew the same way you see WooYoung. I see them all as my children, and I hope that you will get along with them, and eventually learn to fight for them just as much as you do WooYoung." SeongHwa just gave a nervous laugh and smile, not sure what to say to that. "For now, however, I assume you probably do not want to be parted too far from WooYoung. Yougnie typically shares a room with San, so I suppose you should probably meet him first. I will send the two of them to spend time with you whilst you are staying at the Medical bay, I also want to make sure that you are fully aware that we are not going to make you do anything you are unwilling to do." HongJoong reassured him. SeongHwa nodded, agreeing to that, and gave HongJoong a small smile, of thanks, and it was genuine, much to HongJoong's surprise, and he could not help but preen a bit at that. He ignored the reaction and gave the other a firm look. "Just let YeoSang actually take care of you. You are injured, and hurt, and it is important that YeoSang be able to heal you, otherwise he is going to be a huge pain for everyone." 

"Of course, thank you Captain, I greatly appreciate it. There is much effort that you are giving this. I am grateful." 

"There is nothing to thank me for." HongJoong stated clearly. He stood up, staring at SeongHwa, who remained where he was sitting on the floor, looking up at him. "If you truly wish to show your thankful, let YeoSang heal you." SeongHwa stared at him, surprise warring with shock, and HongJoong was aware that he would need to pry WooYoung for more information on what exactly had happened on that Navy ship, although he had a feeling that he did not really know much more than what he had already told HongJoong before. He opened the door, two guilty smiles on facing his. He rolled his eyes at their childish antics. "Yeosang, you may come back inside. WooYoung, come with me." 

Chapter Text

YeoSang had been relieved when they had found WooYoung. They had been searching navy ships for a good half a year, or so it felt, before they got any luck and finally managed to find the one that WooYoung was on. It was really just a gamble in which they went from ship to ship trying to find him. They had all been worried when they got separated and WooYoung had ended up arrested. They had been even more terrified, wondering if maybe he would have been executed before they could get to him. They had not seen the commander of the ship and therefore had no idea what was going to happen to him or even where to really start looking. Needless to say, it had been a very hard and stressful entire thirty one days for all of them, but especially HongJoong and San. 

"WooYoung!" San rushed towards WooYoung, a bright smile on his face, eyes twinkling and barreled him into a hug, which had the other needing to take a few steps backwards in order to adjust to the weight. "Youngie," The other breathed into the side of his neck, unable to stop as tears began to fall from his face, too relieved that they had finally found him, and horribly emotional because of that. "You are okay," San swallowed, pulling back from him, and staring at the Beta with tears in his eyes, unable to stop the somewhat choked sobs that left his mouth. He was happy, too happy to really register the mix of emotions that had suddenly flooded through him. 

"Sannie," The response was simple, but meant everything. 

"Let YeoSang check over you," San had stated sternly, pulling WooYoung over to the Medic in order to get him checked on. The rest of the crew had been huddling anxiously as YeoSang did a very basic check up. 

"He is fine, surprisingly." YeoSang had stated, to the relief of everyone. 

"YeoSang, you will need to give him a more thorough check when we get back to our ship." YeoSang nodded and the Captain turned to WooYoung, giving the younger a smile, "It is amazing to finally have you back. We have been searching for you for..."

"A while," WooYoung said with a helpless laugh. "I know, I knew you guys would keep looking, no matter what." 

"No matter what. We can't exactly enter paradise without you Youngie." HongJoong said with a small smile moving his hand out to tuck a lock of his hair behind his ear. "And really, it is..." Everyone startled when they saw WooYoung suddenly ripped away from them. Hongjoong just stared, YeoSang had to admit, it was quite laughable, had it been another situation. Not many caught the Captain off guard after all. 

"He isn't a member of the crew," YeoSang whispered, loud enough for HongJoong to hear, as though it was not obvious with the way he was shielding WooYoung not holding him in front and threatening the other, as well as downright staring down their Captain. Plus they had seen HongJoong slay the captain. They always watched as the Captain got killed, usually, that was if they were capable of doing so. Most Captains were rather cowardly in the end. They were usually the last to go just like this one had been. The entire situation was somewhat funny just because it was not something that they would have expected, and definitely not from a stranger, and they were rather distracted, curious as to what HongJoong would do, before a small voice caught their attention again. 

"No, Youngie, stop." The nickname. It was said, fondly, too, not mockingly. Whoever this was, they had gotten close to WooYoung over the last, however long it was that they had been together. HongJoong finally made his way closer to the stranger.

"What is this?" He moved to stand right in front of the stranger who had pulled WooYoung behind him now, still staring HongJoong down defiantly. YeoSang knew that somethign was wrong though. Despite the obvious challenge he was giving HongJoong, it was straining. Obviously, the boy was not used to glaring down someone of HongJoong's caliber, then again people of HongJoong's caliber were very...rare. YeoSang saw the shaking increase the longer he did so, but he did not back down. "Fascinating," YeoSang found himself having to agree with the Captain. It was fascinating. "Do you even know who we are? Who I am?" 

"That would imply that I care enough about you to have learned." HongJoong couldn't help the laugh that tumbled from him at the biting words. YeoSang just outright stared in shock, and he could tell that San was shocked as well as the rest of their small crew. Barring WooYoung, who seemed to have expected the words. 

"Oh?" 

"It doesn't matter either way." YeoSang could tell the other's fear was beginning to get stronger and stronger. He moved forwards a bit hesitantly, knowing something bad was probably about to happen. 

"It doesn't?" HongJoong whispered, curious, YeoSang could tell. "Now, now, I would normally love to play these games with you, but we really need to get going, so if you will just hand over that boy you got hidden behind you we can be on our way."

"Hyung!" WooYoung whispered. YeoSang could tell that he was attempting to calm the stranger down, but it was clearly not working. Anger had easily replaced the fear that had coursed through the young man moments before. He looked down on HongJoong, using his height to his advantage. 

"You have to go through me first." The words were probably the most daring that YeoSang had ever heard in his life, and he even saw San startle at them. The man was not getting jealous though, the tale-tell grown absent, which was also interesting, and also likely meant that the man was lower than an Alpha, but that was expected considering, despite the glare down he was having with HongJoong, the other was not used to challenging anyone. 

"That can be arranged," HongJoong stated matter of factly, causing WooYoung to shout a refusal. YeoSang couldn't help but gasp at the shock of hearing WooYoung talk to HongJoong like that, let alone the fact that he rarely shouted with intent. 

"You can't hurt him." 

"Can't I?" 

"He helped me, all this month, he's been...He..."

"Don't move an inch." The stranger threatened, his eyes flashing with something at HongJoong. Yeosang was not really able to catch what was said between the two that were now crouching on the floor, but he could tell from HongJoong that it was not what he expected. When WooYoung finally seemed to calm down from whatever it was that had happened, and rushed towards HongJoong, the stranger gently tugged at his sleeve. YeoSang got the feeling that this stranger was not really used to being around...people. Not much. 

HongJoong spun back towards them walking up to the group. 

"WooYoung wants that guy to join us." HongJoong said simply, looking, particularly, towards San. "What do you think, Sannie?" 

"Let him," 

"Huh?" Yunho asked, shocked that San was so enthusiastic. YeoSang knew that Yunho was shocked that the infamously jealous San wasn't jealous of some stranger that had tugged on WooYoung and wiped his tears was surprising. 

"He helped WooYoung, who knew what sort of person we would have come back to now, a month later, if he wasn't here. Besides, he protected WooYoung from HongJoong, despite the fact that he is clearly not an Alpha, and it is obvious that he isn't exactly feeling all that good in the first place, let alone on top of challenging someone against his biological code? He did not hesitate. That is the sort of person I have to admit, I am glad that WooYoung had." 

"YEOSANG HYUNG!" YeoSang jumped, whirling around to fix his eyes to WooYoung, who had the stranger in his arms. "Can you come here for a moment please?" YeoSang was already walking. "I think, I don't..." The boy was panicking a lot. HongJoong tried to reassure him, pulling him away from the stranger. 

"Hyung....he said..." Yeosang did not really hear what WooYoung was saying but he did hear HongJoong's order quite clearly. YeoSang got Jungho to help him lift the stranger up so they could bring him over to their ship. 

They had put him in the medical bay immediately, YeoSang instantly doing a check on him, bandaging his wounds, of which while there was a lot, none were really that bad. Nothing too severe. It was something to be grateful for as he was certain that things could have been worse.

Like when he woke up and started attacking him without question. 

Now, reentering the room, YeoSang was eyeing SeongHwa, the now named individual, carefully, not wanting to startle him, but also having HongJoong say that the other was not going to really hurt him...he was not sure how much he trusted this new individual, not to actually lash out at him.

Chapter Text

YeoSang could tell that SeongHwa was clearly anxious, and horribly uncomfortable. He was tense all through the time that YeoSang was checking on his wounds, he did not say a single word, remaining silent and his head did not lift from the floor. He was horribly terrified, YeoSang could tell, but there was something else under that fear, and the constant looks at the door reminded YeoSang why the man was on the boat to begin with. WooYoung. He is horribly attached to WooYoung. It was obvious, had been obvious, and it was one of the reasons why YeoSang had thought that San would be more agitated and challenging of SeongHwa, but it had been the opposite. He had not even showed the tell-tale possessiveness common when others were too attached. YeoSang would have thought that the other would at least have that, considering he did not seem to be jealous of SeongHwa. Yet, even that was missing. He wondered why, but he would not push. 

"HongJoong is not going to hurt WooYoung, you know," YeoSang stated gently, causing SeongHwa to tense greatly. So he was worried for Youngie. "I know that maybe we did not leave the best impression, but I can tell you HongJoong would never hurt WooYoung." YeoSang could not really read SeongHwa, which was both concerning and somewhat unnerving, he did not know what class that SeongHwa was, but he was wondering if it was possible that he just...was a neutral person, one who did not have a class. It was the only thing that he could figure. Yet, that did not seem right, because...If he was truly a person without any classification, he would not have felt HongJoong's anger to being challenged, and neither would he have been so affected by continuing to try and challenge an Alpha of HongJoong's caliber. 

"I-I know," The words were so soft that YeoSang would have missed them if he had not been really paying attention. He blinked, not having expected that response, turning to look at the pretty man with medical tape in his hands he just stared at him questioningly. 

"What do you mean?" He wondered, curious. 

"I know, y-your captain won't hurt him. I-I could tell. Th-There wasn't any aggression in his body, or his scent, when he went to WooYoung, I did not really notice it at first, but I...Now that I am more clear headed, I managed to realize it." The man looked a bit ashamed of himself, he could not even bring himself to look at YeoSang as he spoke. It was, a bit heart breaking really. "I...I just get worried. So-So long now if one of us left we always returned in a p-poorer state then when we left the each other. I-I really can't help but worry. I-I did not m-mean any disrespect..." 

"Woah," YeoSang moved forwards, standing before the man, placing a gentle hand on his shoulders. Other than a slight flinch, he did nothing, which did somewhat concern Yeosang, particularly since how obvious it was that he was rather sensitive when it came to physical contact. "There is no reason to be sorry." He reassured gently. "Besides, Captain does not always make the best first impressions, it is alright that you are worried for WooYoungie, I suspect Captain prefers that either way." YeoSang slowly removed his hands from his shoulders, and gently turned him to the side so that he could properly inspect the wounds that were on the side of his torso. 

"Oh," SeongHwa silenced himself at that, feeling a bit daft. He had been so worried about everything, even after what Hongjoong had stated, but a part of him could not help but worry, yet...this person, this YeoSang, he did not seem to judge him for that, and that was something that he definitely would not disregard. He knew that it was clear YeoSang held some sway over the Captain, and though he was not entirely sure what it was that caused that sway to happen, he knew that it would be stupid to disrespect him. Particularly if he wished to stay on this boat. 

He was not really sure if he wanted to stay with this crew, though, if he were honest with himself. He was certain, however, that he wanted to make sure that WooYoung was alright. He felt sort of, dare he say it, protective. It was stupid, and something he was certain could not hope to last, but he cared deeply for WooYoung. The boy had been so naive when he had been first brought down to the under layer of the boat. He was grateful that WooYoung was a Beta, but even he knew that sometimes...sometimes that really did not matter to some people. He had been worrying over WooYoung's well being and mental stability for a long while, or what felt it at least, he felt as though it was normal, to be protective. 

Or maybe it was not, what did he know? It was not as though it mattered where he was from, at least not in the ways that it should, it made him useless, and he did not want to go back either way, so what did he have left? WooYoung had gotten him a chance to stay on this ship, and this...this Captain had agreed to allow it so what more could he do? It is not as though I have people clambering to have me back. He thought bitterly. May as well stay here, with this...crew of pirates. At least I can make sure that WooYoung is safe in the mean time. That will be helpful, that I will know he is okay. 

SeongHwa had developed a familial bond with WooYoung, an almost paternal one. It was scary, because he did not know of such things happening, and he was not sure what it meant. He could not trust anything that he would have been told, and he had not dared to even bring it up, knowing it would likely be used against him to ensure his obedience by threatening Wooyoung, not as though they had not done that before. It scared him, but he was grateful, in some way. Otherwise, WooYoung probably would never have made it. 

Despite having WooYoung on his side, and now apparently this YeoSang, he was scared. Scared of angering the Captain and being tossed overboard. He did not really know how things worked among captain ships. I think perhaps it would be best to avoid them as much as possible. This Captian, HongJoong, he is dangerous. I cannot allow myself to be swept up with him. 

Though Seonghwa felt that perhaps that part was a bit too late in this part of the game. A part of Hongjoong drew him in, and it was dangerous and scary, and he did not know why, did not know if he wanted to know. 

Chapter Text

“Hyung,” WooYoung spoke quietly, gently, as though worried something bad was going to happen. Little as he may care to admit, WooYoung knew there was only so much he could handle when it came to someone who was beneath his rank challenging him continually. While it was just out of fear for WooYoung, the youth could not help but worry about it. It was not unimaginable to fear that HongJoong would eventually grow to irate because of it. Not to mention SeongHwa had now physically tackled him. Granted again, it was merely to get information about him but, WooYoung couldn’t help but feel a tad bit guilty about it. SeongHwa was in this position because of him, and so was HongJoong. He did not want either of them to feel as though he was picking one of them over the other. 

“WooYoung, stop overthinking things,” HongJoong ordered, his voice stern, but as usual very calm and collected. It made WooYoung relax just slightly, hoping that things would not turn out to be as bad as he was fearing. He was still worried, though, and did not really know what to make of HongJoong’s seemingly serious face. I already told him everything I know. WooYoung stated, I know he knows that as well, so it can’t be about that. 

“SeongHwa, he seems rather, Protective of you, to say the least.” HongJoong began slowly, and WooYoung was just more confused then before, that much had been very obvious. Not to mention, WooYoung himself had easily attested to that, so he did not quite get what it was that the Captain was attempting to allude to. “Do you know…any other Omegas? Have you ever met one?” WooYoung furrowed his brows, still not comprehending what the Captain wanted to know. 

“I…I mean other than the ones that you’ve introduced to the Crew no. Hyung, you know that they are not exactly overly common. If you want to know more about them, I suggest we make board and ask one of the Omegas you can trust and know a bit. Or at least we could probably talk to Got7, they know of an Omega. I can’t really help you if you are asking questions about them, SeongHwa is the first Omega I have been in contact with regularly.” HongJoong sighed, he had figured that but it did not mean he could not hope that perhaps he would have been able to obtain a bit more information. 

“I know, I was just…I don’t know, hoping maybe we would be able to get some information before that.” 

“It is fine, Hyung,” WooYoung said with a small laugh. “I…I will say though, I am not too sure how easily SeongHwa will manage to find himself here. He doesn’t really like Alpha’s much, I am worried how he will interact with San.” A founded worry considering San was WooYoung’s mate. 

“San was the one who pushed to let him aboard in the first place,” HongJoong said steadily. “I do not think you need to worry much about San.” 

“I am not talking about San liking SeongHwa but…” HongJoong ah’ed having figured out what was stressing the young man out. SeongHwa did seem a bit…prone to action over words, but he understood that. Particularly given the Omega’s history he did not doubt that he had been rocked to speak later and act first. 

“I am sure things will go well, WooYoungie, if you want, after YeoSang is finished dressing Seonghwa’s wounds, you can take him to San, I am sure that San would love to meet him.” 

“Okay,” WooYoung agreed easily. “How…How bad were his wounds?” He questioned, somewhat nervous of the answer. He was still kicking himself for not figuring out that SeongHwa had been hurt by those bastard royal sailors. SeongHwa had just claimed that they were making him do some chores, which had made sense, considering they did that with some of the other prisoners that had happened across every now and then since WooYoung had come in, but it was obvious that there had been more than just some chores going on, and he hated that he was not aware of it. 

“They were not really all that bad, I think it was mostly just exhaustion from challenging an Alpha that really got to him,” HongJoong reassured him. WooYoung nodded, still nervous but at least he knew that there was nothing too severe going on. 

“When are we going to get to port?” 

“I think about a week, I have a lot of questions so I am hoping sooner rather than later.” 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa found himself overwhelmingly nervous. There was no real reason for it, he knew that, but...he was unbearably nervous. Yeosang had said that it may be likely that Hongjoong would give Wooyoung permission to allow him to meet San, WooYoung's...mate...after he had finished talking to WooYoung. SeongHwa...he was not sure what he should do. He cared for WooYoung, quite a bit, he understood how much San meant to the other man. He had spent a whole month going on and on about how wonderful of an Alpha that he was. Though SeongHwa was not going to merely take WooYoung's word for it. He would assess the man, very carefully at that. WooYoung may have been with these pirates for a long time, but he was also not going to allow them to hurt WooYoung, despite the fact that the other seems to be quite certain that it would not happen. 

"Seonghwa-ssi, there is no reason to worry too much. San is a wonderful Alpha, and a great person." SeongHwa cut Yeosang a glare. He would not have anyone trying to coax him into liking San. He would see for himself what the other is like, and whether he was acceptable or not. He was not about to let any sort of judgments made by other humans to suppress his own judgement. He would see San, talk to the other, and carefully watch him. One wrong move and Seonghwa would not hesitate to fight. WooYoung...well, SeongHwa had seen many people who thought their Alpha's were nice just to realize the fact that they were horrible human beings. SeongHwa was not about to let WooYoung fall into that sort of trap. He would be damned before he allowed the Beta boy to go through something like that. WooYoung was someone that SeongHwa cherished, should anyone hurt him? SeongHwa would not hesitate to do far worse than anything he had ever done before. Although, then again, he was not exactly the most fearsome person. "Hey, what is it?" 

Just great. SeongHwa thought to himself, wanting to roll his eyes, but managing to stop just in time. Now they've caught onto my bad mood. It isn't even really a bad mood, I guess I just...don't want to see WooYoungie hurt. SO many Alphas just like to toy around with Betas. The lesser match, or whatever. Just to settle for them, rather. As much as I would hate to see this San person just discard WooYoung, I would rather be able to help prevent things from going further if he is a bad mate. Not only that, what do these people know? Alphas can be horribly abusive to their mates. WooYoung doesn't deserve to settle for someone subpar. Someone that does not utterly cherish him for everything he is.
Given how adamant that he was that his crew would come get him...I suppose I have to hand it to WooYoungie, he does have the benefit in this situation. I did not really believe him when he said that his people would definitely come and find him. On that thread of a vein, I should have expected that WooYoung was talking about pirates when he said that. What sort of royal navy would suddenly crash another royal navy ship? 

"SeongHwa-ssi?" His name jolted him out of his stupor. He blinked languidly at YeoSang who was standing next to him, looking horribly concerned. SeongHwa was not sure what to do about that, and just found himself smiling out of habit. He had not expected YeoSang to have moved so close, and he had not even noticed when he had, which was perhaps even more concerning than the fact that YeoSang had bothered to do that in the first place. 

"S-Sorry," SeongHwa stated softly, his apology echoing around the small space. YeoSang looked confused, not understanding what he was apologizing for. The Doctor had only called his name, it was not as though SeongHwa had done some grave mistake. He had just wanted to ensure the other was alright. That was all. SeongHwa seemed to have developed a bad habit of mentally withdrawing into his thoughts. Though YeoSang supposed given who knows what happened on that stupid Navy ship...he did not want to even think about it. 

"It is nothing, I was just worried. You kind of spaced out there for a moment." YeoSang said reassuringly. He figured it was best not to get upset and let these instances roll off his shoulder. He doubted SeongHwa even really meant to escape into his mind in the first place. "I just wanted to tell you that WooYoung and San are waiting outside, assuming you are okay with them coming in?" 

"Wh...of course...naturally. WooYoung is allowed to come visit anytime," 

"He has San with him," YeoSang reminded SeongHwa who merely shrugged, dismissing the last part. WooYoung was WooYoung, it did not matter who he was with. Though SeongHwa may worry for WooYoung, and definitely would enjoy tormenting the Alpha should he ever hurt the Beta in any way whatsoever, but that did not mean that just because he may be unsure about San, he did not want to see WooYoung. It had already been so long and SeongHwa had been unnerved and endlessly anxious that something could have happened to him. 

Illogical, considering all these crew mates claimed to be practically family, but then again SeongHwa was not one to take the word of others when it came down to safety. 

Chapter Text

SeongHwa's nails were tapping against the wood of his bed anxiously as he waited for WooYoung to bound through the door. He could not help but be nervous, he was about to be in close proximity to an Alpha, one that was close to WooYoung. As though close even began to describe what a Mate was to a person. It was far more than that, and SeongHwa was worried maybe he would ruin WooYoung, and maybe...maybe...now that WooYoung no longer had to depend on him for safety, maybe the boy would begin to forget him. Would this Alpha of his demand that WooYoung stay away from him? Perhaps it was not even that SeongHwa was worried that WooYoung would be necessarily mistreated, but that he would be forgotten in the midst of things. 

It is not as though he could forget me, of course, SeongHwa tried to comfort himself. I protected him for a whole month from those...those creatures. It would take a lot for someone to forget that...right? SeongHwa was not entirely sure, but he definitely hoped. He did not want WooYoung to forget him. It would be a very painful experience. Then again, perhaps I am really just overthinking things again. After all, WooYoung got me onto this pirate ship of his, and even got the approval of the Captain on the Ship. Although SeongHwa was more than aware that could be considered just recompense considering he had saved WooYoung from a lot worse than death several times over the month. He was really allowing his nerves to get a hold of him. It was useless when WooYoung came bounding into the room and barreling into SeongHwa for a hug. Something which made the elder smile his eyes softening and allowing his fingers to curl into WooYoung's back as he held his nose into the youth's neck. 

"I was worried," SeongHwa breathed out. The words were spoken softly, but WooYoung could hear them clearly, and as far as WooYoung was concerned, so did San, whom he glanced back towards, but even still, San had not shown that he was jealous, and WooYoung did not know why but a part of him wondered...but he shoved the thoughts away before they could even form. San had cared for him for so long now, it was ridiculous to think that it had changed for whatever reason that it may be. WooYoung allowed Seonghwa to cling to him, knowing the Omega needed it. He was not certain how it was that he knew it so clearly, but he did, and he understood. 

As much as WooYoung knew that his crew was kind, and would not hurt him nor SeongHwa, the latter did not know, he did not know any of the people that he was brought on with except for him, whom had been away from his side for a majority of the time that he was on board. It would have been horribly unnerving for SeongHwa, that WooYoung did know, and yet he had remained remarkably calm despite it all. WooYoung was quite impressed, but that did not mean that the elder had not been under considerable strain. Particularly since HongJoong and YeoSang were both Alphas, and SeongHwa had been left with them multiple times by himself. WooYoung almost wanted to hit himself upside the head for letting it happen. 

"I know, I am sorry Hyung." SeongHwa mere hummed at his answer, not bothering with words as he continued to inhale WooYoung's scent, and Wooyoung did not have the heart to try and pull him away to introduce San. He felt bad for having left SeongHwa to basically fend for himself by himself. Although WooYoung knew that his crew wouldn't do anything to hurt SeongHwa, Seonghwa was not sure of that, and outside of WooYoung vying for them, SeongHwa would have nothing on them at all. He honestly should have done something more about that, and he had not, so he would allow the clingy nature. "I brought someone for you to meet..." WooYoung spoke gently pulling himself from his Hyung. "This is Sannie, my Alpha, San, this is SeongHwa-hyung, he helped me a lot the last month." SeongHwa clung to WooYoung, his eyes wide and a bit wild. He was not looking defensive or dangerous, just incredibly wary. 

"Hello, uh, my...my name is San." SeongHwa narrowed his eyes at the Alpha. Slowly, he stood, sliding his way over to the man, eyeing him carefully. He stood his way firmly, keeping eye contact with the man as best as he could. 

"You better be nice to him." He hissed, his eyes flashing gold as he did so. San swallowed and gave a gentle smile. 

"You don't have to worry. Should I do anything to hurt WooYoung I will deliver myself to you the second I learn of it." Seonghwa narrowed his eyes, but slowly, the intense gaze softened and he nodded satisfied before rushing back behind WooYoung, and once more draping himself over the Beta, his eyes slowly beginning to fall closed. 

"'M tired WooYoungie." WooYoung laughed lowly in his throat. 

"But Hyung, you have barely met San at all." 

"'S okay, he is nice," Seonghwa stated quietly, allowing his eyes to close fully as he dropped on WooYoung entirely. WooYoung sighed, figuring that the lack of a comforting presence, and the amount of things he had dealt with upon being awake, not to mention his injuries, had likely drained the Omega to the core, yet he had still found enough energy to challenge San for him. WooYoung felt a surge of fondness. If HongJoong wasn't so scary, I bet they would get along so well. They both have those parenting instincts ingrained in them. WooYoung thought to himself. 

"I'm sorry San, I should have figured he would probably be exhausted." WooYoung sighed out. San gave a small laugh. 

"It's alright, Youngie, I figured anyways." WooYoung gave his Mate a small smile. 

"Thank you, for not being against him coming with us." 

"Even if I had been I doubt it would have made much of a difference." San said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Besides, it was obvious from the beginning that there was no way that he was an Alpha, and if he had been a part of the crew, he would have been wearing better clothes. Not to mention he was protecting you from an Alpha, of all things, how could I refuse? Anyone who keeps you safe is a bonus in my book." WooYoung flushed but said nothing more. 

"Can you help me carry him to our room? Please?" 

"of course. He shouldn't stay here much longer anyways. I bet YeoSang is wanting his space back." 

Chapter Text

San was quite pleased with this new addition, in all actuality. He had known that the person could be an asset from the beginning. There was not many that would willingly challenge someone who was obviously higher than themselves just for someone that they had barely met a month ago. San had known something had happened from there, something...not good. He knew that the Royal Navy could be problematic, as almost everyone knew that. To get saddled with the Navy was...well...not a good thing. It was part of the reason why they had so desperately looked for WooYoung, they knew the horrors that could potentially befall him within their reach. Particularly considering that WooYoung was part of the infamous Captain HongJoong's crew. Whatever had happened, it was obvious to San that without SeongHwa, it could have easily been far worse. He was glad that SeongHwa had been there to help WooYoung, in whatever capacity that would have looked like. He had made bold proclamations of protection for WooYoung, and San held no illusions that it had not cost him greatly to help in any case. Particularly since he had been a prisoner himself. 

"Youngie," San began hesitantly, not sure if he really wanted to ask, if he could truly bear the answer to his questions. He paused, slowly lowering the Omega down on Wooyoung's side of the bed. He gently pulled the covers over him so that he would not be cold before turning to look at his Mate. "I...you do not have to answer if you do not want to but...what...exactly...happened, while you were there?" WooYoung bit his lips, swallowing nervously. 

"I...am not entirely sure everything that happened with him, actually. Which, I admitted to HongJoong." WooYoung began, deciding it would be best to say something rather than nothing. San deserved to know, after all, considering he was going to be the one who was also helping WooYoung house SeongHwa. "I just know...they seemed a little scared of him sometimes." 

"Oh?" San asked, curiosity getting to him, perhaps he should stop it at that, but he was invested now. "Why was that?"

"Not too sure. I just know that he took to me rather quickly considering our circumstances. They wanted to grab me at one point to do...who knows what, but didn't want to risk dealing with a feral Omega on board. I am sure you have heard the rumors of how they can be like, if Omegas turn feral that is, they did not want to risk it so they eventually stopped bothering to try. They would take SeongHwa Hyung a few times, but he always came back, if a bit tired and exhausted. I didn't ask what they did to him, I don't know that he would be able to tell me, and whatever it was clearly had consequences towards him." WooYoung sighed, staring at his Hyung. "I...I guess I was not really willing to hear what it was. I was too scared. What if something happened to him? It was not as though I could protect him. Even though I wished it. They did not particularly care for him, but I doubt that they had done anything good to him either." WooYoung felt awful for having his Hyung deal with that alone, but there was not much that could be done about it. It was far too late to do anything either way. Even if he were to desire it. 

"I am glad you had someone to help you, whatever the case may have been." San said gently. "I was really worried something awful was going to happen to you." WooYoung gave San a small smile. 

"Nothing bad happened to me, though I cannot say the same for SeongHwa Hyung." He sighed, shoulders drug down. " I don't even know what they did to him, but I do know that it always left him on edge. I just wish I had been able to protect him more." 

"Wooyoungie, you did what you could, that is more than can be said for most in the same situation. I am proud of what you did manage. It was a good thing that he had you, and you had him." San said genuinely, pulling WooYoung into a hug and kissing the top of his head. "What has HongJoong said about the situation?" 

"He agrees it is best to keep SeongHwa with us for the moment. I don't think SeongHwa would agree to be anywhere else either way, but...just for safety sake. Who knows what the Royal Navy was doing with him, or why he was with them." 

"The Royal Navy does not take just anyone prisoner." San agreed softly, looking with a curious gaze towards SeongHwa. 

"I know, as far as I was aware, he was the only person in the ship as prisoner as well. Other than some wayward soldiers, nobody went down to the base of the ship. Not to mention, other than myself, nobody was kept in the cages." 

"Cages?" San hissed, his eyes narrowing suddenly. "They kept you in cages?" WooYoung's eyes widened in shock. 

"I forgot you never went to the base of the ship." Wooyoung whispered to himself. It, needless to say, did not make San feel any bit better at all. "SeongHwa had come up and I managed to get out when everyone was freaking out over being boarded." Wooyoung sighed heavily. "They kept SeongHwa and I in a metal cage down in the base of the ship. I have no idea how long SeongHwa was there, but he was there far longer than myself." San furrowed his brows, questioning something in his mind. 

"I...Perhaps we should stop talking about this." Wooyoung nodded in agreement. 

"Please, I don't even know anything more. I told HongJoong pretty much everything I told you. Unfortunately, the only one really able to answer what happened and went on is...Seonghwa Hyung himself." 

Chapter Text

SeongHwa woke up slowly, and it was rather sluggish. He could not quite force himself into the present, something which unnerved him. He blinked his eyes open slowly, not wanting to over do anything. He felt...unnerved already. There was a lack of warmth that he was used to. He felt something pulled over his shoulders, something which made him want to rip it off of him. Which was what he did when something more pressing began to flood his senses. Where is WooYoung? The thought had him ripped the fabric away from him and jolting in the matress that he had evidently been placed on. He glanced about the room nervously, but there was no sign of the boy. SeongHwa quickly spiraled into panic. 

He was here when I fell asleep...well...not here...where...where even am I? The realization that he was not in the Medical Bay with that one doctor, YeoSang, had him throwing himself even further into a panic. He was with me when I fell asleep. That...That Alpha was with him, San or whatever he called himself. WooYoung would never have just let me be taken again...right? The fact of that thought...though, was that he was not sure. He knew how stressful the time with the Navy Royal was. He doubted it was much easier being a pirate but...but he had more support with his pirate friends. He would be safer, that is for sure. 

SeongHwa swiftly felt a sense of despondency come upon him at the thought. I can barely even handle myself. It was more lucky than anything else that kept WooYoung safe. I...I did not really even do anything. He thought sadly. I just...was there. Probably more trouble than I was worth. SeongHwa grit his teeth. This can't possibly be the Royal navy though...He realized, with a start, furrowing his brows in confusion. They would have for certain put me back in the cells. Always refusing to take a risk of me jumping off the side of the boat. That meant that he had to still be on that Pirate ship. At least...WooYoung hasn't...hasn't left yet. SeongHwa allowed himself to be comforted by the thought somewhat. 

"WooYoung?" SeongHwa asked to the air, his voice quiet, tentative. He did not know if the other was nearby but...he did not like not knowing. There was no answer, which clearly meant that WooYoung was either not in the area, which was quite likely the more SeongHwa thought about it, though he could not say that he cared for it. He disliked not knowing where the other was. He would never admit it, much less aloud, but it sort of hurt that WooYoung was not having the same difficulty. He knew that it was because WooYoung had other people to care for, and...Seonghwa only had WooYoung. The thoughts of his being annoying and worthless had never felt more...clear ringing in his ears. 

He sighed, realizing quite quickly that he really...had no reason to be on this stupid boat. Why did I even bother? He thought to himself as he curled his body into the back of the bed, allowing the cool of the ships wall to seep through the thin shirt he had been wearing. Challenging a captain, going against an Alpha, and for what? These are WooYoung's people. I do not belong with them...He sighed, the depressed and helpless feeling flooding him with a sense of chill. He wrapped the blanket tighter around him, allowing the scratchy fabric to dig into his skin, letting his tears fall as he realized how utterly stupid he had been. WooYoung really doesn't need me around anymore. For some reason, that hurt more than anything that the Royal Navy had done to him...and they had done quite a bit, in their experiments. He bit his lower lip, not sure what else to do now. It was not as though he could just leave...they were at sea. Unless...

Seonghwa looked out the window, allowing the blanket to fall. Rushing, not really sure what he was doing at this moment, he bolted out of the room, and to the main post of the ship. His eyes, stared at the waves...a sense of longing washed over him. It would be so much more peaceful. Before he could even expand on that thought, though, he felt an arm wrap around his waist and haul him off of the side edge. 

"What are you doing?" It was a voice that...to now...he had not heard yet. the illusive Mingi, he supposed. He had overheard Yeosang muttering under his breath about him, but had never really given it much thought as he had been looking forwards to WooYoung. There was not much more to look out for now though, was there? Since WooYoung...Wooyoung did not need him anymore. The tears began all over again as that stupid chilly feeling wrapped around his heart and pierced it painfully. He felt as though he could not breath, for some reason, despite no imedaments. Distantly, he heard someone screaming, but he was not sure if it was someone else, or him, or anything, all he knew was that in a few more moments, he was wrapped in a different scent. 

He did not instantly recognize it, and he could not place it...even though he knew that he had smelled it before. His brain was too out of it to even really register anything, he barely even noticed that they were moving until he felt himself being placed on a different bed. His eyes kept going in and out of focus, his breathing was more panted gasps than anything, and that chilled piercing feeling was still wrapping its knives about his heart. 

He heard something...other than the whispy breathing that was his own, a small...humming sound. His eyes searched frantically for the person humming at him, and when they finally met them, he could not make out the figure. His eyes still going hazy. He felt his eyelids want to shut, but fought it. A whine tore itself from his throat against his will as he reached towards the mystery figure. He did not know who it was, but...he...he knew that this person calmed him down...sort of. He liked their scent either way. Wanted to bathe in it. The person, SeongHwa's vision still refused to focus despite his being able to get some more air in his lungs as compared to before. 

They chuckled, but gracefully sat down on the bed, allowing Seonghwa to curl around their torso, fingers clentching the back of their shirt at the base of their hips desperately. Fingers carded their way through his hair, and SeongHwa felt himself slowly coming down from...whatever the hell sort of overreaction that was. He felt exhausted. More exhausted than that time that he had spent an entire day and night fretfully watching over WooYoung when he had stupidly tried to escape on of the first days and had not realized how dangerous that it was to try and force the cage doors open and ended up getting injured...severely. The stupid navy sailors had refused to help SeongHwa so he had done what best he could, and had merely watched unable to do more the next day and night. WooYoung had been okay, by some miracle, but this...this was a different sort of exhaustion. His limbs felt heavy, and he found it hard to keep his eyes open. 

"What's wrong?" That he did register, a soft tone coming from his mystery human. "What happened?" 

"W-WooYoung...d-doesnt...w-want me anymore." SeongHwa huffed out, not entirely sure why he was answering this person in the first place. They did not deserve it, but for some reason...he felt compelled. "I-I am u-useless now." The words were a barely there whisper, but it was heard, if the slight pause in his hair carding was any indication. SeongHwa did not manage to get what they had said in response, as he merely curled up further into the person. "You feel safe." The words were a scarcely there whisper befpre he passed out for what felt like the millionth time the last two days. 

Chapter Text

Hongjoong had no idea what had rushed this sort of feeling in the Omega. He had no idea that WooYoung had even left the Omega alone, but it would seem that he would have to keep a closer eye on him then what he had previously thought. The only thing he had known was Mingi screaming for him and the next thing that he knew he had a armful of distraught Omega. He had not really known what to do, just allowing his instincts to take control as he brought him to the Captain hold and sat down on the bed with him, letting him curl around him desperately. HongJoong may not be the most bright person in the universe, but it was obvious that SeongHwa had no idea what to do with himself here. 

As much as HongJoong hated the idea of making SeongHwa do anything, he was beginning to wonder if it would be better for the other's mental health to do something...anything...considering the fact of the matter, he was terrified. He was scared and obviously he had some rather deep-set trauma. He did not really know much about Omegas, but he did know that this one was incredibly attached to WooYoung. He also knew that attachment went both ways. SeongHwa was not the only one attached to WooYoung, Wooyoung cared for the Omega deeply as well, hence why HongJoong had known that he would need to bring the boy with them if they were going to get anywhere. That and there had not really been much time to contemplate what to do. WooYoung was obviously going to continue fighting to keep SeongHwa, and though Hongjoong was not entirely all that happy about being challenged for WooYoung, even he knew that there was a special commitment there for someone to challenge a higher rank than themselves just for the safety of someone they cared about. It was hard, and it took guts and a level of care that HongJoong had been shocked to see someone develop in the month that WooYoung had been gone. Still, he could not bear to leave him. 

Now...He had originally wanted to wait until SeongHwa was a bit more settled to give him chores, but he knew there was no way around it, SeongHwa would have to be given something to do to keep his mind of wanting to throw himself into the water. A suicidal Omega was definitely not on a list of things that HongJoong had suspected he would have to worry about, but he should have guessed. Sighing, Hongjoong merely carded his hands through the silky strands and contemplated what he should do. He did not know anything that needed help with, and he definitely did not want to leave him alone with YeoSang. The other would fight him tooth and nail, goodness knows why, but HongJoong was not inclined to argue with him. He also did not want to leave him with WooYoung and San, if anything the separation was necessary to continue forwards. HongJoong supposed he could stay with him, but he was not really sure if SeongHwa would feel comfortable with that. 

He really hoped that they would make it to the encampment soon. He needed to ask so many questions, and he had no answers. He should have asked them the last time, or any other time that he had been to visit Taemin, but had not really thought he would be in the position that he was in now. Curse his lack of forethought. It was not as though Omegas were common, though, and even less considering he was a Pirate. Taemin was the only one that HongJoong knew was actively involved with the pirate game. That had mostly to do with the revenge he had craved, and gotten. Taemin was a unique omega in that sense. 

"Captain!" WooYoung burst through the doors, eyes wild as he paused, taking in a sharp breath as he saw SeongHwa curled around HongJoong's torso. HongJoong saw WooYoung's fingers twitch anxiously. It was almost as though he wanted to rend the Omega from his lap, but also held enough respect for his Captain and friend not to do so. HongJoong was grateful for his restraint. "What...What happened?" He asked softly. 

"Mingi stopped him from jumping into the ocean." WooYoung let out a wounded sound at that, body stiff still as he forced himself not to rush to the Omega. It was dangerous, they all knew that, and even HongJoong could not be certain that his Alpha would not attack WooYoung should he try and take SeongHwa from him at the moment. "He called for me immediately after and I brought SeongHwa here. He fell asleep not too long after." 

"Fell...asleep?" WooYoung blinked, unable to really compute what was going on. 

"Is that not normal? He was exhausted." Wooyoung rolled his eyes at that. 

"Hyung, SeongHwa Hyung is always exhausted, it is not really all that shocking. I am more worried about his trying to jump into the ocean. What...Why do you think he did that?" 

"From what SeongHwa told me before drifting off he felt useless because you did not need him anymore." 

"That's ridiculous!" WooYoung instantly rebuked. HongJoong laughed a bit dryly. 

"Well, when he wakes up tell him that. For now, tell Mingi that we need to speed our course up as best we can. I need to talk to Taemin as soon as possible." 

"You...You think maybe...maybe he felt like that because San and I left the room?" HongJoong shrugged, he had no idea. What he did know was that SeongHwa's mental state was very fragile at the moment, maybe more than what any of them would like to admit. It left him vulnerable, and fragile. It was probably a lot of things that drove SeongHwa to try and die by jumping over the edge of the boat, but he did not wan to tell WooYoung that, the boy already felt horribly guilty as it were. 

"I think right now he definitely is going to need something to do to feel useful. If he feels useless not having to watch you all the time, I figure it may help to have him do something. Don't worry, WooYoung-ah, I will make sure that he is okay." 

Chapter Text

When SeongHwa woke up it was to shocked eyes and a guilty gaze. SeongHwa felt bad, for taking comfort in him, and HongJoong was not sure what he was supposed to think of that, he knew that he definitely did not like the guilty look in his eyes. There was not much to be done for that at the moment because before he could say anything Seonghwa had jumped off of him and littered the air with apologies. HongJoong just stared, waiting for the Omega to stop saying he was sorry. It took a minute or two before the apologies stopped, and HongJoong sighed and took SeongHwa hands into his own, allowing his thumb to trace the back of his fingers. 

"It is fine," He said softly. "You were distressed, I would not have let you wrap about me if I was uncomfortable with it. Besides, you seemed rather distressed, and really like you needed some comfort. I am glad that I was able to offer it, if nothing more." SeongHwa stared at him with enlarged eyes that looked horribly shocked. HongJoong supposed that it was not often that an Alpha was helpful in his past time. HongJoong would definitely change that, and it would be far easier to understand how to go further once they talked to Taemin, or at least, once he talked to Taemin. "You, uh, you also called me...safe?" HongJoong hesitated, not sure if he should really tell SeongHwa that. Seonghwa looked vaguely embaressed, but did not recant the statement, which HongJoong was quite happy about. He was not sure what it meant entirely, but he definitely liked to know that SeongHwa felt him safe to be around in such a vulnerable state.

Sure, SeongHwa had not really been thinking on his level mindset and have been overrun with instinct, but it was fine, and HongJoong was overly happy to hear that sort of statement come from the elder. He was glad that an Omega felt safe to be around him, alone, and comforted by him. It was something that definitely caused him to be happy with what he was doing. Sure, he was an Alpha, but that did not mean that HongJoong was always super confident about what he was doing. Sometimes, he worried that he was a bit too distant from his crew, and sometimes he worried that he scared them too much, but to hear an Omega who barely knew him, and only knew of him from WooYoung, which they had limited experience with one another call him safe? HongJoong definitely was happy about that, there was not really a word to describe just how happy that made him, and how relieved. 

"I am sorry if I have made you uncomfortable," 

"No, I was not uncomfortable, I am actually, I am quite honored that you felt safe enough with me to rest. You seemed like you really needed it." SeongHwa stared at HongJoong for a little but, confusion on his features. 

"C-Can I ask you something?" SeongHwa whispered, his eyes jotting down to the floor. 

"What is it?" HongJoong questioned, narrowing his eyes a little bit. His nerves were getting the best of him. Worried about what Seonghwa might ask, it was something that was pitiful, but HongJoong felt himself worrying nonetheless. He agreed either way, knowing that the other had to have built up quite a bit of courage to even consider asking. He did not want to deter the OMega from asking him things in the future, and this was a good way to begin that process. 

"The navy soldiers, they mentioned things about pirates, and...I am not saying that I believe them!" SeongHwa added hastily having seen HongJoong's face twist slightly. "I have no reason to do so, after everything they have done to me and tried to do to WooYoung. Maybe, before I knew WooYoung I may have had the frame of thought to believe them, but...WooYoung is...nothing like the Sailors said Pirates should be. Barring that, that is not what I was going to ask. I wanted to know...why you took such a big risk to help WooYoung." HongJoong did not know how to answer that, and his surprise to the question must have shown on his face. Seonghwa seemed a bit more nervous the longer that HongJoong went without answering his question. 

"I am afraid I do not understand your question." HongJoong admitted. "Wooyoung is part of my crew, of course I would come and get him." 

"You maybe, but not all pirate captains or crew would be willing to risk boarding a royal navy ship full of trained and armed soldiers just for one crew member. As a matter of fact, there are very few who would." 

"Wooyoung is a part of my crew, and I don't much like it when people take my things." HongJoong said clearly. His eyes bore into Seonghwa's own. 

"I just...was curious, please forgive me if I have overstepped my boundaries." HongJoong sighed closing his eyes to try and reign in his emotions. 

"SeongHwa, I do not expect you to comprehend it, Wooyoung...was an emotional save. It was risky, but we care about him. Barring that San is an Alpha, and Alphas that loose their mates sort of go...batshit crazy." Seonghwa bit his lower lip and stared towards the floor. "I am sure you know that?"

"I...was not entirely aware, actually, no. I am sorry for my ignorance." HongJoong could not understand. Seonghwa was not educated in the basic...a part of him wanted to growl at whoever dared to purposefully withhold such information from the Omega, but he did not, as he knew that SeongHwa would think he was displeased at him, which was the last thing that HongJoong needed. 

"It is nothing, but...you definitely should be made aware. I will have YeoSang talk to you about these things, that way you can understand them...and SeongHwa, we are not like other Pirate groups." 

"That I was able to gather rather quickly." Seonghwa muttered. Typically, it angered HongJoong, but he would let it slide this time. 

"You mentioned...before falling asleep, that you felt...useless?" Seonghwa nearly flinched at the word. It was a close thing. "I do not want you to feel as though you are useless. I am sure there are many things that you could do to help me and the crew. What...what are a few things that you are good at?" 

"I..." Seonghwa paused, shoulders lowering quickly. 

"Well, I shall let you think about it, but for now, perhaps you could keep my quarters tidy? I do not tend to allow many people in here barring special circumstances," HongJoong saw as a pink flush invaded the Omega's cheeks and smiled, a bit happy with himself. "However, I am also rather busy a lot or distracted and just don't have time or forget to clean up, so perhaps you would be able to help clean this room up, and maybe some of the other rooms once you are here for a bit longer." Seonghwa's eyes twinkled and a small smile played at his lips as he finally looked back towards the Captain.

"I-I would be more thank willing to Alpha!" He said happily. "Thank you." 

Chapter Text

HongJoong had not expected the Omega to take to his duty almost immediately. He left, as he typically did on these days, because he had much to do regarding meetings around the ship. Having an extra crew member on board was a difficult thing to juggle, it always had been, and HongJoong did not think that it would be getting better anytime soon. Then again, he did not really think that they would be getting more crew mates anytime soon either. It was not many who were willing to join his crew, and even less managed to survive the first week that he put them threw. This...SeongHwa...They were a rather unique excemption. 

He did not normally make excemptions, but there was nothing normal about this situation. HongJoong had no illusions that WooYoung would have likely cleaved his face and left a scar if he had not been willing to take SeongHwa on board. Then again, it was also uncommon to come across someone who did not know of him, nor his crew. Despite that, despite being finally of the realization that WooYoung had to have been a pirate, something most people were taught to fear, SeongHwa did not waver. It was not until he felt that WooYoung found him useless, and that he held no value that he tried to throw himself to the sea. 

That had been...a rather startling situation. He felt that he had handled it quite well, nonetheless, but more so than anything...he did not want SeongHwa to throw himself overboard. The Omega did not deserve that, not after everything that he had to have dealt with on that navy boat. Add to it that he had spent the last month protecting WooYoung at the cost of himself as much as he was able? HongJoong definitely owed the Omega.

He was surprised, among all else, to hear that Seonghwa felt him safe enough to fall asleep to. Not just to or have him in the room, but physically on top of him. Though the Omega had seemed quite flushed earlier in the morning when he woke, he had not recanted anything, which made HongJoong's Alpha happy and a tad bit possessive. He did not really know what that meant, but again, he would get more answers once he got a hold of Taemin, and maybe Taemin's mate too. Either way, he would figure something out, and he was determined that SeongHwa no longer be lax on this ship. 

He had thought at first it would be best for the Omega, but he was beginning to realize just how wrong he was to make such an assumption. The Omega did not need rest, he did not even want it, he wanted to be useful, and really, HongJoong thought that was just...hoplessily sad, in many ways. That SeongHwa felt he was only good alive if he had any sort of use or worth to someone? It was...painful to think of, and HongJoong was glad that he had taken down the whole navy fleet, otherwise he would have hunted each and every single one of them down for instilling such a belief in such a beautiful person. 

There was much he had to do during the rest of the day, so he had not come back to the cabin until rather late, well into the night. He had sighed and walked to his cabin door dwelling on everything that he had to do. He had sent up a meeting time with Yeosang and SeongHwa so the other could get some sort of training over what it meant to be an Omega, or at least the bonds between Omegas and other levels as well. He just did not feel as though it would be right to have an Omega on board and not let him know something so easily taught. He had then talked to San and WooYoung about not allowing SeongHwa to be alone when he was outside his own cabin. The two had become rather flustered and a bit confused, but HongJoong had not bothered to answer any of their questions, before asking Mingi how much longer until they reached Taemin. He could really do with that information. 

Before any of that, though, they would need to go through another supply run. While it was not that dire, as of yet, it was certainly going to be some trouble now that they had WooYoung back, and another mouth to feed as well. He sighed running a hand through his hair before pushing the door and abruptly stopped to stare at the state of things. 

The entire room was...spotless. It was not something that he had expected, because he had thought he was pretty clear in the Omega resting while he was gone. Yet, he had cleaned his entire cabin. He stared. All of his scrolls were organized and neatly placed, and everything was perfectly clean. He shook his head, unable to believe it. Glancing more to the left he saw the Omega curled in the corner of the room, alseep. HongJoong sighed heavily. He would have to talk to the Omega, but not right now. He could not believe that the boy was so swift to go immediately and do something so drastic. He sighed. He would have to be more careful with his wording. 

Chapter Text

HongJoong would have to talk to the Omega about more than just his cabin...although, he had to admit it was the tidiest that he had ever seen it...well ever. He would say confidently the Omega knew how to clean. Even just glancing towards his scrolls, he could tell that he was also clearly trained in reading, considering he had organized them by type and the written scrolls by form. He shook his head before something that San had talked to him in whispered worry came through his head once more. 

SeongHwa was in the medical bay as HongJoong had come out, WooYoung quickly being fetched and it was not long before he had gotten waylaid by their scout. He seemed to be somewhat worried, but not overly so, and not anxious, so HongJoong knew that there was nothing immediate that needed his attention. Instead, the scout asked a question. "How is he?"

"He...is getting there, but it is going to take some calming down before he really feels comfortable at all." HongJoong admitted with a sigh and his fingers running through his hair. the dark strands slid through his fingers easily. "I do not think it is a good idea to separate him and WooYoung yet, though, considering he seems quite attached him." San nodded, he had noticed that, but HongJoong also realized that it was sort of stupid a thing to say. The entire crew had a first hand account of just how much that their navy captive had cared for WooYoung.

"Hyung, you know that the Navy don't just take anyone Captive." San began, his voice carrying tentatively. HongJoong had turned his eyes on the boy, narrowing them slightly. 

"What are you suggesting?" 

"I am not saying that he is bad or anything!" San immediately backtracked, his eyes wide hands up in surrender. "Besides, it is not as though we have much to go off of in terms of the moral high ground." He shrugged, slowly lowering his hands when he saw his Captain was not going to question him further regarding his careless statement. "I just meant, he has to be someone of some kind of import for them to justify it. It takes resources to keep a captive alive, food and water, and that sort of thing adds up, even on a navy fleet. They may have more resources, but even then...to actively take a prisoner?" San bit his lip glancing towards where WooYoung was still with the guest of their ship. 

"You think there is more to him then meets the eye?" San sighed heavily shaking his head slightly. 

"Not necessarily, I just think that he has some sort of importance that we are not seeing yet. I do not know what it would be, or why it is that the Navy would want to keep him, but he has to. They do not pick prisoners lightly. Especially on the sort of boat that we captured. The only reason WooYoung was on the boat still I will bet was just by chance. Those fleet boats don't normally hold prisoners for more than a couple of weeks at a time. They are not equipped for it. They can hold a couple of prisoners if they perchance come into one of them, all Navy fleets can, but...that boat was not a boat for prisoners." 

"I know, you are right, we shall have to be careful how we handle WooYoung's new friend." 

"I am not saying I think him dangerous, or anything!" San stated quickly. "Just that it is something to bear in mind." HongJoong sighed and nodded.

"of course, thank you Sannie," San had bowed his head and rushed off to wait for WooYoung and HongJoong had put the thought from his mind. 

Such thoughts came back to him now. San had been correct, of course. Navy Fleets, boats, merchants, none of them idly took prisoners. Sure, they could hold a couple of prisoners, all boats of the navy could barring the prisoner boats which were built for transporting prisoners. For them to keep Seonghwa there for any extended length of time...HongJoong knew that he had to have been a somewhat closely guarded Prisoner. Furthermore, it was made evident in that WooYoung had admitted that SeongHwa had already been settled in despite having plenty of time and ability to off load SeongHwa to a proper battlement. It meant that SeongHwa required a smaller guard, and closer watch on him. He shook his head. 

Realizing that Seonghwa had the ability to read...whilst it may not necessarily be all that shocking, it was not commonly found outside of families that had money. There was a possibility that SeongHwa had taught himself, but that was even rarer. 

HongJoong himself was not the best at reading the common script, however he could pass by well enough and that was really all that mattered. It was not common to find someone, and HongJoong's own past was of a higher breeding than the rest of the crew. He had cut his ties quite quickly, hence his struggles at times to read through some of the scrolls, but he knew the art well enough to use it suitably. SeongHwa managing to read as well meant that he was probably of a higher family. The thought left HongJoong wanting to sigh and feeling this weird mix of worry and pity. 

SeongHwa was a male omega, he doubted that he would have been treated all that greatly, despite his clear high breeding status. The nobility were not kind to males that presented as Omegas. It was not as badly as how Beta's were treated, but it was also harder to really get any use from male omegas in a noble family, and everything was a political strategy with those bastards so, HongJoong shook his head. 

That was a depressing thought process. Something he definitely did not need to be going into when he was not even entirely certain that SeongHwa was from the higher form of society. It would not surprise him, but the only way to really be sure was to ask him, and HongJoong was not going to ask him that yet. It was not right, he was not that close to him yet. 

As though to contrast his stern thoughts he gently pulled the Omega from the floor and deposited him into his bed, pulling the blanket over him and staring down at his face, allowing a finger to trail a stray strand of hair behind his ear, a small smile playing at his lips as he stared contentedly. 

Chapter Text

SeongHwa woke up before the Captain did, something which was not a common occurence he was sure, only to realize that he was no longer on the floor as he had fallen asleep but in the Captain's own bed. He gasped softly, filled with a sense of fear and horror as he bounded out of the bed and stood, rushing towards the back end of the cabin, slowly sinking himself onto the floor as worry settled over him. I did not even remember getting up to move. The Captain will likely not take well to my moving into his own bed. He lamented the realization and had no idea what to do. Normally, he would try and distract himself, but with the captain laying right there, it was hard for Seonghwa to switch his thoughts to something else, and left him wondering what he should do. Despite his sudden and still continuing freakout, a part of his mind, the far part that he had often cursed, reminded him that he had never really had this much freedom on the navy boat before, and he was not sure if he liked it or not. It was definitely unsettling to him, he had not been given anything to do, but he knew that WooYoung was now incredibly busy, and everyone had things that they were needed for. Seonghwa did not know how to feel about that. He missed WooYoung, he was worried that something was going to happen him and that he was not going to be able to help him...like the others. 

Seonghwa shook his head. I can't be dwelling on these thoughts. He scolded himself. There are some things that I can do, even if they are not a lot. He contemplated, but it was obvious that there really was not. He had done everything already, last night whilst the Captain was out. He sighed, falling back heavily against the wall of the cabin. His eyes stared at the captain in confusion. I do not understand this. He is just...I do not understand this. He wanted to curse himself, curse his existence, and he just really longed to jump off the side of the boat, but he could not, and now he was confined to the Captain's quarters because of his lack of ability to ensure that nobody was around to see his attempt to throw himself into the ocean. 

He hoped that Mingi was alright. Seonghwa did not know the elusive member very well, but then again he only really knew WooYoung, everyone else was confusing to him, and he did not know any of them. He supposed he did not really know WooYoung now then did he? He kept being a Pirate from me, I would not have judged him, surely...Surely WooYoung knew that...Right? The Omega just curled together, now questioning what he had thought before to not be a question. I do care about WooYoung, a lot, I mean...I know that he knew that, but...Is that...Is that just a necessity? After all, I know WooYoung cares about me. He brought me along with his friends on this boat, but...Maybe...Maybe it was just a feeling of obligation, after all I had protected him for over month. Not to mention I am sure that they have already figured out now that I was not some unlucky commoner. Seonghwa shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they would not leave, because he was beginning to wonder...after all, WooYoung had been with him for a whole month and had not told him he was a Pirate. Then again, perhaps he had thought it obvious enough? After all, Seonghwa knew that he was a little bit stupid at the best of times, and there were not many who would willingly cross hands with the Navy. WooYoung had told him repeatedly that he would not be stuck on that ship. 

The Captain woke up a few moments after that thought, and SeongHwa jerked his head up to stare at the man. The Pirate was handsome, of course he was, Seonghwa was not blind, and he smelled amazing. Another thing that Seonghwa would not allow to be spoken aloud, and more than that...he was nice. It was something that Seonghwa was not really able to understand. He was a Pirate, of course, and Seonghwa knew the stigma, but even then he was being overly curteous, no matter what the standards. Seonghwa was a sort of outcast on this stupid boat, WooYoung did not need him anymore...The thought still caused his heart to seize up a bit...and Seonghwa had no actual use. He did not understand why it was that they were bothering with him. 

Seonghwa had not really expected anything outside of a cell when he came across the understanding that he was useless, and there was no need for him. Yet, instead he got to fall asleep in the Captain's arms, surrounding by his scent, and told that he could stay in this cabin. He supposed that was a form of imprisonment, since he could not leave without permission, but even then...

"I think I know what you are thinking," The Captain said softly, his voice jolting Seonghwa a bit, who had not expected him to speak. The other came closer to him, and crouched down next to him. Fingers gently pulled the fair from his face, brushing his bangs to the side. "And stop it." He said this sternly, it was an order. "You are useful, to me, to WooYoung, and to this crew. If nothing more than just your presence, which I enjoy. Would you really deprive me of that?" Seonghwa's cheeks flushed for whatever reason but even still he shook his head. 

"Of course not," Seonghwa muttered under his breath, his eyes flickering down to his fingers which lay on his knees. "I am sorry," 

"No need to be sorry," The Captain said swiftly, standing and pulling Seonghwa up, ignoring the little yelp of shock that left the Omega. "I just want to make sure that you know, you are more useful than you think, even if you do not know why or how." The Captain shrugged a bit. "But it does not really matter if you know why or how you are useful, just that you are useful to me and the crew. Right?" Seonghwa nodded, a small smile making its way on his lips, happy that the Alpha had bothered to speak with him on this, not really sure why he was being so kind as to reassure him. "Right now I am taking you to see YeoSang. He demanded that you get a check up, and I want him to explain some things regarding secondary genders, consideirng you do not seem to know much." 

Chapter Text

"You said WHAT?" WooYoung was seething, his eyes narrowed, his breath coming out in reluctant pants, and his body was still trembling from the barely withheld anger that he felt. He could not stop the words from shuddering in his anger, or his teeth from chattering given just how much anger that it felt. His fingers were twitching and he stared with a dark gaze at HongJoong, angry and upset, and irate all in one and all those emotions having nowhere to go just piling up in his body unable to do anything more than just let it fester among his trembling limbs. 

"I just wanted to keep him from falling into yet another panic attack." Hongjoong admitted softly. "I don't understand what was so wrong with what I said, it certainly seemed to calm him, don't you think?" Hongjoong stated, his own voice calm but determined. He admitted perhaps he should not have manipulated Seonghwa-ah like that, particularly considering the fragile mindset that the Omega seemed to have, but he could not think of anything else that would work, at least not at the time. It was a split second decision, yes, but it was the only one that he had managed to think of at the time. He sighed out loud, heavy and gentle. "Look, Youngie, I understand you are angry with me right now, and you have every right to be, I will not lie about that, and I do understand what I did was wrong, using Seonghwa-ah's emotions against him to calm him down, but at the same time what else should I have done?" WooYoung just shook his head, sadness overtaking the anger for a few moments. 

"I get you wanted to help," WooYoung whispered his voice becoming rather soft, trying not to get himself any angrier, it would only take a moment though, both San and HongJoong knew that. It was hard to keep WooYoung from getting protective over people he cared about, and it still was no less terrifying when they witnessed it. "But...but...Seonghwa Hyung is fragile right now. He...You basically told him that it did not matter what he wanted, or thought, or wished, because you wanted him and so he would...he would have to stay...Why..." WooYoung closed his eyes, breathing heavily trying to calm himself down. It was not exactly, easy to handle this revelation after all. 

"I did no such thing!" HongJoong rejected, indignation getting the best of him, despite the fact that they had finally managed to somewhat calm the atmosphere, he could not help it. He had never claimed such a thing. he would never make Seonghwa stay with the crew against his will, that was despicable! he had been quite clear in that he would allow Seonghwa to choose whether or not he wanted to stay with them, that had been quite obvious from the beginning, as long as the Omega did not do something impulsive and stupid like throw himself overboard. They were lucky that Mingi was around to snatch the moron. "I merely told him that since I needed him, and wanted him, it did not matter what anyone else thought!" HongJoong stated angrily, agitated and upset. 

"You...you did!" WooYoung hissed, his eyes narrowed angrily, and San put a gentle hand on his shoulder, his arm still wrapped around his waist to keep him in place. San had the distinct feeling that if he let go...the other would launch himself at their Captain, which was definitely a no go. They already had an irate captain, and an angry cook, San really did not want to add potential mutiny and murder of the Pirate King on the list of WooYoung's misdemeanors today. That would really put a damper on the celebrations. Or on anything, honestly. Plus they kind of needed HongJoong. He was the one who dealt with the people. What were they going to do if they suddenly had to do without him? 

"No!" HongJoong declared, turning his wide gaze to San who shifted from side to side somewhat uncomfortably. 

"Well, Hyung, actually, depending on the mindset of Seonghwa-ssi at the moment, he could have easily thought that was what you meant." San admitted rather reluctantly. HongJoong stared at him, regret beginning to churn in his stomach. He was beginning to understand the true problems that he was facing now. "We know that Seonghwa-ssi has been worried that he is worthless. Furthermore, we know that he is extremely close to Youngie..." 

"And me to him!" WooYoung interjected, his eyes still carrying that protective glint to them. San nodded, smoothing his fingers down WooYoung's arm and pressing them gently at the back of his neck to calm him a little more. 

"And Youngie to Seonghwa-ssi. Furthermore, we don't really know what the Navy did to him prior to WooYoungie getting there, and we can all suspect that he is someone of decent import, which meant that they had him for a purpose, though I cannot say what exactly that would have been. He clearly has abandonment issues, and some major trauma of some sort, though what exactly caused it is still a mystery. Not to mention, Hyung, you got to remember, you are an Alpha, and a Captain, and a Pirate, but more than that, you are close to Youngie. Seonghwa-ssi is already on tense ground before you and Mingi helped him. He probably expected to be thrown in the barracks, not saddled up in the Captain's cabin. Now, I would bet he was worried you would get angry and mad, and he probably saw your words as meaning that he had to stay with you no matter what, including what he himself wanted." 

"I doubt he will want to be away from me either way," WooYoung muttered softly, baleful eyes turning up towards HongJoong, "But despite that you took the choice away from him nonetheless." 

"Youngie, be nice, none of us have known Seonghwa-ssi as long as you have, and for all of us, we are barely understanding how to handle a traumatized Omega. One that was clearly brought up in extremely traditional values of things if what HongJoong stated was correct about him tidying up the cabin and being willing to sleep on the floor." San said gently, letting his free hand that was not gripping WooYoung's neck to stroke down the side of his cheeks. WooYoung just huffed, turning a dark look towards HongJoong. 

"I want him back in our room." He muttered, barely audible. HongJoong sighed, having heard it nonetheless. He clearly had messed something up, but in his defense, he had not meant for Seonghwa to take his words as an irevicable order. He was still getting used to how sensitive Omegas seemed to be to Alpha commands, but he understood that WooYoung would not quite get that, so he was greateful that San did. As timid as San was at the best of times, and as dominant as WooYoung seemed to be, strange for both second genders, he would admit the two definitely balanced each other out quite well. San was calm and collected when it came to caring for WooYoung, and extremely protective. It was something that was borne out of an Alpha gene, but not many regarding such things as the case, and San would often be seen as a weak Alpha when HongJoong knew the opposite was the case. 

"It's okay WooYoungie," San said gently. "How about we go visit Seonghwa-ssi, and see how he is doing with Yeosang Hyung?" WooYoung seemed to settle a lot more at that, and nodded hastily. 

Chapter Text

Wooyoung and San moved away from HongJoong whom they left to do some thinking about how they would fix this situation now, because suffice it to say, even if Seonghwa was unlikely to agree to leave without WooYoung from the beginning but they wanted Seonghwa to make that decision on his own. Not because HongJoong forced the decision onto him. HongJoong is now influencing the choice that Seonghwa was going to have to make. WooYoung really was lucky San had been there because he had longed to lay hands on HongJoong for his idiocy. He had not, because San had kept him from doing so, but that was besides the point either way. 

"It is okay, WooYoungie. Captain is right about one thing, we are all getting used to how sensitive Seonghwa-ssi is. That does not justify what he did, because he still should have been more careful, but we are trying. You know Seonghwa-ssi, because you have been around him, the rest of us are trying to go by what we think we should do given the circumstances. Besides, he almost threw himself overboard. We are lucky that Mingi noticed something was off when he saw him otherwise..." San trailed off, but he did not have to continue speaking. If Mingi had not caught on Seonghwa would be lost somewhere in the sea. The words had WooYoung's shoulders dropping and a sad tint to his scent. 

"You are right, but I just..." WooYoung sighed at the end, not able to continue it. He grit his teeth, even though he did understand, at least at a minimal level what San was talking about. It was just frustrating trying to explain his thoughts on the matter. It was difficult for him to deal with the idea that Seonghwa would be forced into a decision that he may not wish to do. After everything he had gone through on that stupid Navy ship it was enough for WooYoung to gather enough rage to want to run the Captain through. He did not, because the simple reality was Seonghwa had gone through so much lately. He did not even know the entire of it, but WooYoung's protective instincts were getting thrown under the bus when it came to his previous cell mate. How much worse would it have to be for Captain though? The thought filtered through his mind. He shook his head, trying to shove the thought away but for some reason, he lingered on it. The Captain is an Alpha, and if Seonghwa's status was already throwing him and Mingi haywire, it would not exactly be difficult to say that the others would be going through things similar to themselves. Not to mention, HongJoong had spent quite a bit of time with Seonghwa already. 

"I guess..." WooYoung cut off whatever more San was going to say by dragging him bodily into the room with Seonghwa and Yeosang, not wanting to hear anymore, and also not wanting to be met with his own sense of self consciousness. He knew that HongJoong must be going through it, and he supposed that made him less angry, but he also still wanted the Captain to talk to Seonghwa, and explain things a bit more. He did not want the other to think he literally was not allowed to go anywhere but wherever HongJoong and his crew were. 

"Youngie?" Seonghwa questioned immediately turning towards the Beta and opening his arms allowing the other to burrow into his arms. Seonghwa glanced over at Yeosang, his eyes wide and bright before shaking his head slightly when the other moved to say something. The Medic huffed, but drew back, knowing that when it came to WooYoung, Seonghwa would be the most sensitive to the emotional output WooYoung was giving. It was clear that he was distressed, but about what, Yeosang was not sure. WooYoung seemed to be in an almost constant mood of anxious, angry, or stressed. He did not like it, but there was little to be done about it. WooYoung needed to settle in order to calm down, and whilst having San around helped with that, there was just so much differences now, with Seonghwa. 

"Hey, I am okay, what is wrong Youngie?" WooYoung huffed and hooked his chin over Seonghwa's shoulder. Or rather, not so much...Yeosang noticed a glint of white from the swinging ceiling light. He is gnawing on Seonghwa's shoulder. It concerned Yeosang quite a bit. Gnawing stops at teen pup years. Wooyoung shouldn't have the habit anymore. He has far outgrown it. Yeosang eyed the two carefully, noticing how Seonghwa merely threaded his fingers through WooYoung's hair, and ignored what was likely to be some incredibly sharp teeth continually grating on his skin, if not actively puncturing it. 

San moved forwards a little bit trying to say something, but Seonghwa narrowed his eyes slightly towards the Alpha, he did not growl or anything, but Yeosang could tell it was a close thing, and had he not been introduced to San already, Yeosang had no doubt that Seonghwa would have been growling and likely baring his teeth as well. It was a good thing the Captain had already gotten the two acquainted. San himself stopped moving forwards, lifting his hands slightly, were Seonghwa could see them, laying still and not trying to intervene. Yeosang had to admit the Alpha had good instincts. Really good instincts. 

"What happened?" Seonghwa questioned San softly, his fingers pressing against the nape of WooYoung's neck, holding the Beta's face against his heart. The latter was practically sleeping against Seonghwa for as incoherent he was, wrapped almost entirely around the Omega. He glanced up to San, still waiting for him to explain what had happened to cause WooYoung to act like this. It was not every day that the Beta did, and Seonghwa had never seen it get so badly either. San was unable to stop himself from somewhat staring at the marking that Wooyoung left on Seonghwa's shoulder. It was red, and swollen, would probably bruise really heavily. He stared towards the floor, finally managing to rip his gaze away from the Omega's neck. 

"Captain did something that pissed him off, and he...well WooYoungie was stressed and anxious, and so we came to see you right afterwards. I...I apologize. I should have calmed him down before we came to see you but..." 

"Ah, enough," Seonghwa said sternly, Yeosang was surprised with just how firm his voice was. "Come here," Seonghwa coaxed, the young Alpha moving forwards, just close enough before Seonghwa dragged him in by the collar of his shirt. He pushed him down to be laying on the bed and curled a hand against the back of his neck as well, pushing San's face into the jugular of his neck. "It is fine," Seonghwa reassured, calming the Alpha down from the impending spiral of self-loathing. "I am glad that you brought him to me, there is no need to be sorry about anything, I am proud of you. You both did so well." 

Chapter Text

Yeosang could not help but stare as Seonghwa effortlessly managed San and WooYoung, calming them down easily. He had done what many had thought to be impossible, and in seconds both San and WooYoung were sighing contentedly against Seonghwa's body. Wooyoung along his torso, and San over his neck. His fingers were kneading the back of their necks, keeping calm and not once had Seonghwa panicked or felt cornered...he should. There were two alpha's in the room, and a beta. Yet, there he was calming two of the three. He could not help but worry a bit...though. 

WooYoung had been gnawing on Seonghwa, and the latter did nothing about it, just letting the Beta chomp on his skin as though it were nothing. It left him worried for a multitude of reasons. Did Wooyoung do this on the Navy ship? If so, how often...which begged an even more concerning thought...Seonghwa's utter lack of reaction. It was rare for Omega's to come so close, outside of pack members, to a Beta or Alpha, or even another Omega to allow them to chew on them. It was, actually, almost unheard of, which left him worried about what Seonghwa would have experienced prior, because not only had he allowed Wooyoung to bite him, but he was letting San rather close to said marking as well. 

"Wooyoungie," Seonghwa whispered softly, "Hey," Seonghwa gently tugged at Wooyoung to get the boy to move out of his chest, and to look at him. "What happened? Hm?" He questioned, his voice soft and light. Yeosang watched in...well he was not subtle, but he was curious as he watched Seonghwa easily work both Wooyoung and San to his machinations, which was this time trying to figure out what it was that had happened to get the two to be like this. He did it for a good purpose, but Yeosang could not help but wonder what would happen if he decided to do it for a purpose outside of that...and it was a scary thought that he did not want to entertain further. 

"C-Captain," WooYoung stuttered out, and Yeosang really wanted to throw something this time. Of course it had to do with HongJoong, he knew that San had said it before, but he was not sure that it was real. Now, hearing it again, it was confirmed that HongJoong had done something, or more likely said something careless, and WooYoung had caught it and proceeded to panic about it. Now he was trying to stay calm long enough to speak about what it was that HongJoong had done, but Yeosang already knew that this was going to be...complicated, and he doubted that WooYoung would want to, or be able, to say too much regarding the situation without wanting to panic further. Yeosang could only watch as Seonghwa continued to gently pry the information from the younger boy. "You know...you...you don't have to stay with us if you don't want to right?" WooYoung questioned. Seonghwa startled, staring down at WooYoung, confusion lighting upon his features. 

"Wooyoung, who says I want to go anywhere else anyways. You are here, and besides that were am I supposed to go? I don't have a home, land, country, or family. What use is me trying to settle somewhere else?" He questioned the younger one firmly. "I know you are worried about me, and I do appreciate it, but your Captain has graciously offered a place for me to be, and to stay with you, I am not about to go anywhere until he decided he wishes to be rid of me, do you understand?" Seonghwa questioned, lightly tapping WooYoung's nose before giving the other a smile. 

"A...I just wanted to make sure that you knew, for sure, that you did not have to do anything that you did not want to." Wooyoung whispered softly. Seonghwa gave the boy a smile and a light nod. "No matter what HongJoong says." He added hastily. Seonghwa gave a small laugh. "WooYoung, I know that. I was the one who challenged him in the first place...remember?" Yeosang turned to glance from Seonghwa to Wooyoung's reaction to Seonghwa's words and saw the moment that it was abruptly realized by the other. He perked up, his eyes blinking as he tilted his head, staring at Seonghwa sharply. 

"That's right." Wooyoung said, almost breathless. "You did," 

"Exactly, and if I did it once, who is to say that I would not do it again?" Seonghwa asked, curiously. "I know you are worried about me, Youngie, but I can handle myself at least a little bit so you know." 

"I know that," Wooyoung said reluctantly, "I just...I don't want your decision to be influenced by Captain." Seonghwa sighed, understanding but also a bit amused at the situation...unhealthily so, Yeosang would say. He almost wanted to intervene, but he knew that would do more harm than good in this situation. He had to let Seonghwa handle this, as he figured the Omega would know what to do far more than himself. He was not exactly the most apt when it came to comforting at the best of times. 

"I would not allow that to happen either way. You know that." Seonghwa chastised gently. "Besides, I don't want to leave, even if I could. I like being around you, your Captain merely saw me in a rather...bad moment, and he helped me. I know perhaps you may not understand that right now, and that is fine, but I do not want you to get angry at your Captain either." Wooyoung sort of shrunk in on himself at that with a nervous laugh. 

"Uh, Seonghwa-ssi," San interjected, hooking his chin on Seonghwa's shoulder. Upon closer inspection, Yeosang confirmed that San was indeed hooking just his chin over Seonghwa's shoulder, which left him breathing out a soft sigh of relief. It was still concerning that their Beta felt the desire or even need to gnaw on skin, but he was glad that whatever it was that caused that was just affecting the Beta, not San as well. That would be a whole new disaster should that be the case. "We...may have already sort of told Captain HongJoong off." Seonghwa inhaled sharply, but sighed, shaking his head and carding fingers through both heads of hair. 

"Of course you did, I figured, considering Wooyoung has a tendency to rush into things, but I do not want you to stay angry, that is what I mean." 

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Seonghwa hummed softly, easing San and Wooyoung into a further state of relaxation. Yeosang narrowed his eyes at the soft low humming, knowing that he was only doing this because he was going to say something, and that something was likely going to end up agitating or ensuring that the two got somewhat worked up. Whilst he may not have seen Omegas often enough, though he had seen one or two in his own life-time, he knew that Omegas' behavior were at best, able to really influence a room, but seeing it in action was entirely different to reading it in texts. It was...dizzying, really, to see it in real time. It was terrifying, as well, knowing how easily Seonghwa seemed to be able to influence San and Wooyoung into doing what he wished, or needed. If that power were wielded the wrong way...he did not want to even think about that. He shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts, which did the opposite as he seemed to capture Seonghwa's attention with the movement. 

"Wooyoungie," Seonghwa moved, pulling the boys off him. "I want you and San to find our Captain, and apologize to him." 

"What..." Seonghwa cut Wooyoung's attempt at protest off with just a finger, a closing of his eyes, and a deep breath. Yeosang just stared, openly now, not worrying about what it would look like, because he had to admit that this was....astounding to him and he was sure when he informed Hongjoong that the Alpha Captain would think so as well. He doubted that Hongjoon would entirely believe it unless he saw it for himself, but either way Yeosang knew that he would be telling the other what was going on, it was sort of...well kind of his job. Still, seeing Seonghwa calming and curbing behaviors of Wooyoung and San that they have been having so much trouble with so effortlessly was quite a trip. He had no idea what he should be making of this, or whether he should make anything of it all. It was probably something that Seonghwa did not even realize, but...he knew well enough that Seonghwa was doing things that they had worked on for years and managing it within mere seconds. He had...well he knew logically that Omegas were good for packs and groups, but he was surprised to see just how true it was working through right in front of him. 

"You will go and apologize. As much as you may not realize it, I am sure that he is berating himself over things that he had done, when in reality there is no need for that, and he was doing his best given the circumstances." Wooyoung shrunk in at the chastisement but nodded in agreement with Seonghwa. "Good, I rather like this Captain, and I would really prefer him not think badly of himself for things that he did right, or as best as he could in the moment." Wooyoung perked up at the admission, as did Yeosang, whom most seemed to have forgotten was standing near the edge of the room eyes carefully taking everything in. 

"You like...you like Hongjoong hyung?" Wooyoung asked his voice rife with mischief. Seonghwa smirked, fingers carding through Wooyoung's hair and Yeosang could not help but stare as Seonghwa effortlessly manipulated the room as though it were nothing. "I knew you would like him, he is really sweet, I suppose you are right, I was a bit too harsh on him, and that was not very nice of me." Seonghwa gave Wooyoung a wry smile. 

"I know, that was why I am asking for you to apologize to him. Barring that, I suppose in a way, I should thank him myself, he has been quite helpful the last couple of days. Though I need to apologize and thank your illusive crewmate as well, for hauling me out of the way." He hummed softly, ignoring the questioning sound of Wooyoung and San. "Either way, you two need to get going and apologize. I shall not speak more with either until it is finished, do you understand?" The two scrambled towards the door at that admission, rushing to get to Hongjoong and Seonghwa folded his arms over his chest, watching them with an amused expression. 

"I apologize for their interruption." Seonghwa whispered, and Yeosang watched as he seemed to immediately curl back into his soft and quiet self, almost quite literally, as Wooyoung and San left the room. It was...jarring to say the very least, and it left the realization that Seonghwa had not once dismissed his presence at all, quite keen on it as it were. That was also interesting, but Yeosang pushed such thoughts away from his mind for a different time. Now was not the time to dwell on them. "I...just wanted to ensure that they were okay, I could tell Wooyoungie was upset." Yeosang gave him a small smile. Sincere, surprisingly. 

"I am grateful you managed to handle him. I was a bit worried that you would have some trouble with all of us in the same room, but I am glad that you managed to do well." Better than expected, and clearly better with the two of them than with me alone. The knowledge was interesting, but understanding why would have to wait until they saw Taemin. 

"Ah, well, not to worry. I know Wooyoung, and his mate seems to be good for him, so of course I am good with him as well, I am more concerned with them being good with me, not the other way around." Seonghwa gave this slight self depreciating laugh, but honestly it just worried Yeosang. The other had just tried to commit suicide not too long ago because he thought himself useless. The thought was more worrying than Yeosang allowed himself to think. The question is not are we going to get to Taemin soon, but whether Seonghwa is going to make it to Taemin. The thought continued to play itself in his mind, and he was not ashamed to say that everytime it crossed his mind that he worried about. He was grateful that Hongjoong was giving him something to do, something to occupy his mind. In a way, he understood his retorts to Wooyoung and San, and he knew that he was correct in them as well. 

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"How is he?" Mingi asked gently, his eyes gazing into HongJoong's own, as HongJoong once more was charting their course. At this rate, it shouldn't take them much longer to reach Taemin. Maybe a day or two, tops at least hopefully, presuming there was no blasted wind going against them, or currents. It was good, HongJoong was getting worried. He handed the newly updated map to Mingi, pushing it towards him whilst sighing heavily. He picked the underside of his nails, contemplating on how he should explain what he was worrying over. The confusion over Seonghwa, and then consequently Wooyoung's anger and San's...well his own brand of anger, both directed towards him. His own misgivings. Was there even a way to truly explain everything that was going on in his head? How could he make everything make any sort of directed sense? Nothing made sense, and he found himself winding and confused. He knew that this was normal, that someone else entering their Pack was bound to cause these things, but it was just...it just was not the same, and he was not sure how to really explain how it was not the same, or how he even knew it was different than what would be considered normal. 

"He is alright. I have Yeosang going over some of the basics with him, considering he didn't know any of those. I am just...waiting until we get to Taemin and so hopefully some of this will make some sort of sense." Mingi gave HongJoong a compassionate smile. They all knew he, of all of them barring maybe Wooyoung and San, would be having quite a hard time. He was the Pack Alpha, after all. It was hard enough having two other Alphas around, now he had to also try and handle an Omega that none of them expected, and had no idea how to care for. 

"At least he seems to like you, you are doing something right, Captain, otherwise we would be able to feel his distress since I saved him." Mingi pointed out and, well, that did make him feel a bit better. At least to the point where he was able to give the other an only slightly strained smile rather than a fully strained one. Mingi did not really know what more he could do for HongJoong. As much as he may say otherwise, he knew that what Wooyoung had shouted at him earlier had really affected him negatively. He was not really sure what more he could do for the other, excpet maybe trying to send him Yunho's way. He doubted that would work well, though. 

A knock at the door jolted HongJoong upwards. He pushed Mingi, telling him to start the new course as soon as possible, he wanted to get to Taemin as quickly as they were able. Everyone on the ship wanted to get to Taemin as quickly as possible. They wanted to question the other, and try and make some sense of what was going on and how to help Seonghwa. They, as to now, had no clue what to do, or how to help. It was horribly frustrating. Mingi opened the door, rather surprised to see Wooyoung and San standing behind the door, they both gave him a smile, and Mingi reciprocated it. He moved to go past them, but San quickly tugged at his wrist. Mingi paused, turning towards them giving him a bit of a head cock. San smiled. 

"Seonghwa Hyung wants to talk to you. I just thought I would let you know, since I don't think he is going to tell you himself, and I don't know how long you will be disappearing to this time." Mingi furrowed his brows, a bit confused as to why the Omega would want to talk to him, but nodded a thanks to the messenger either way. It was nice for the message to have been passed along, even if it was a useless game. He would talk to Seonghwa before he went back up to the mast, but he had at least a little time before then. He would need to talk to Yunho, as a precaution, that is, either way. 

"Captain," Wooyoung said, shifting on his feet. HongJoong knew that it meant that he was nervous about something. Glancing, he made sure the door was closed and Mingi was out of the cabin before lifting an eyebrow to look at them. "I..that is We...we wished to say that we are sorry." The words definitely came as a surprise, more so then their presence alone did. Hongjoong had no words to say, just blinked at them. "We were rude, and overly harsh. Now, thinking back on it, we are all really just trying our best by Hyung, and I should not have assumed you were doing anything different. You gave him some sort of purpose, to help fill his day, and honestly, I should have realized that before just laying into you without realizing the full story." San nodded, obviously reciprocating the apology. 

"I see," HongJoong said, unsure what to do now that the two had issued a full confession of guilt, having not expected one in the first place. He was grateful, of course, but it was just...entirely unexpected. He had not been expecting something like that, and as such had no idea what to do about it. 

"We should have thought things through," San said, finally speaking. "However, emotions ran high, and tension filled the conversation we had. It was not okay, and we apologize for not making sure that we got the whole story beforehand." 

"I...I see." HongJoong said simply. "Very well, then. I forgive you. There is no reason not to, after all. We are all just trying to figure out how to handle a rather new situation, of course. Go back to your duties, however, as punishment you both will spend the next couple of nights on cleaning duty, by yourselves." Wooyoung and San groaned, but they both knew that they deserved that. Seonghwa had really put things in perspective for them. Barring the sheer shame of their behavior, they had been quite disrespectful, both to Seonghwa and to Hongjoong. They deserved the punishment, and would ensure they fulfilled it well.

"Yes Captain," 

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Mingi was definitely going to be grabbing Yunho, as he figured it was time that Seonghwa meet their crew-mate, the one that had helped him get onto the ship. Yunho and Jongho had both been instrumental in aiding Seonghwa, not that he was sure that the other knew it, but considering Jongho was holed up in the kitchens and that he would be unlikely to be able to drag the other out, it made sense to go to Yunho, particularly since he needed to speak to the other in the first place anyways. Not to mention, Yunho and Jongho rarely wandered about the boat, and he doubted that Seonghwa was going to be walking around the boat much if the last few days were any indication. 

"Mingi?" Yunho huffed out, lugging one of the barrels from the base of the ship to be brought to the Kitchens, and more than likely it was at Jongho's orders. That may pose a problem. Mingi was not sure that Jongho would let him take Yunho if it came down to it. As much as Jongho had a weakness for Wooyoung, that was because he was small and cute, and Mingi was neither of those. Furthermore, he disliked when his helpers were moved around too much. Neither Yunho, nor Jongho, had tried to talk with Seonghwa lately either, and he knew that part of it was because Seonghwa had been holed up with Yeosang for a while, and then Wooyoung and San, before finally finding residence in Captain's cabin, but now that it came down to it, he had to admit that he was somewhat nervous to be trying to talk Yunho in to agreeing to see the Omega. "I almost never see you on the main deck, anything happen so far?" 

"I just came to talk to Hongjoong about charting a new course to get to Taemin faster. He is quite anxious to talk to another Omega to see what we can do for Seonghwa." He explained simply. "We talked about different routes, and there is not much, but we should be able to reach him at least a little faster." Yunho nodded, bending down to grab the top of the handle once more before pausing, glancing up towards him once more. 

"The Omega boy? The one Wooyoung insisted that we bring with him?" He asked curiously. "I was wondering how he was doing, I haven't seen him since he got here, neither has Jongho, actually." Mingi gave a slightly nervous smile as he nodded. He had known that, of course, and hence was a reason why he wanted to talk to Yunho in the first place, but now he was kind of nervous to actually ask if he wanted to see the Omega. He was clearly busy, and Mingi knew that Jongho would not take kindly to him taking his helpers. 

"Ah, yes, actually, I was coming to get you...because of that really." Yunho's expression turned from curious to worried in a split moment and Mingi's own eyes widened hands out to shake his head as he tried to reassure Yunho that it was nothing bad, or at least he was fairly sure that it was nothing bad. "I just wanted to introduce you guys a bit more...well, officially I suppose." He said with a slight shrug, his voice having gone quiet from nerves. He glanced towards the other curiously. "Of course, you don't have to. I just thought it would be nice, since it seems that Hongjoong intends to keep him around for a while." 

"Oh?" Yunho questioned, tilting his head to the side curiously. "What makes you say that?" 

"He has been having the Omega stay in his cabin and help him sorting out papers and clean up his room. Which is a good thing, we all know how messy Hongjoong can get so it is good that someone is able to really keep things organized now. It will cut down on a lot of time." Yunho laughed at his quip, leaving Mingi's tenseness slowly to dissolve, though it did not dissipate entirely. "Of course, I know that you are helping Jongho right now so maybe..." 

"Oh don't worry about that. I'll just drop this off at the kitchens and then we can go visit the Omega. Besides, if what you says is true...I have more reason to meet him properly now then later. HongJoong has never taken that sort of interest in a person before, so this is new!" Mingi laughed nervously, but he could not deny that he was glad that Yunho had agreed, even if it was mostly out of curiosity than anything else. "Just help me with this, and then we can head up to the bay. That is, assuming Yeosang will let us in anyways." Mingi huffed, but agreed, moving to help grab one side of the barrel before they slowly carted it the rest of the way to the kitchens. 

"I have to agree on that end, Hongjoong does seem to be quite invested in the Omega. He even told me how anxious he was to talk to Taemin so that he could better help him." Mingi stated simply. Yunho gave Mingi a sly smile. 

"I suppose it was bound to happen at some point. Seonghwa is not necessarily unattractive either, though most Omegas are somewhat attractive in many ways, barring that I think that it would be good for both of them. Seonghwa needs stability after what he went through, which I can only imagine would be worse than what Wooyoung dealt with, and from what Wooyoung told me..." Yunho shuddered visually. "I don't really think I want to know more." Mingi furrowed his brows slightly. 

"Wooyoung has talked to you about what went on in the Navy boat?" He asked softly, worry flooding his features. Yunho's eyes widened as he realized...

"No, Well, he talked to Hongjoong about it, I am fairly sure mostly to help the Omega a little bit so that we could try and avoid certain things, but I was near the cabin and overheard the conversations a little. You can't tell Hongjoong, or Wooyoung either, though. I will be in so much trouble if they found out I was wandering around when I wasn't supposed to and heard confidential information." Mingji just nodded easily in agreement. 

"No worries." He said softly. He was more worried about running into Jongho at the moment. 

Chapter Text

Mingi cleared his throat, glancing around nervously. "Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to see him with me?" He asked nervously. "I am going to visit him just now, any I figured perhaps you would like to come with me? Yeosang wanted to see me, and I wanted to speak to the Omega myself, and I know that he apparently wanted to visit you as well, from what Wooyoung had said to me earlier." Yunho stared at him with some surprise. 

"He wants to see me as well?" He asked curiously. "I mean, sure, I'd be willing, but also at the same time, well Jongho has me helping him in the kitchens." Yes, Mingi thought miserably. I can see that, unfortunately. He did not want to get inbetween Jongho and his helpers, because the last time that had happened, well things had not really gone over well, and needless to say, as much as he wanted to visit the Omega and give him an update on how things were going, bringing Mingi with him, he also did not want to incur Jongho's wrath. Yunho was wanted just as much as he was needed, so he figured that he should bring him, but he did not want to get others angry with him in the process.

"Right, well we could..." 

"We could just tell Jongho-ah, after all I am sure that he will understand." Mingi could not help but notice that he felt a brief but extremely real panic flood him at Mingi's suggestion. He had absolutely no intentions of informing Jungho that he wanted to steal his helper, no he would let Yunho do that himself. 

"Actually, I think it may be a good idea if I just..." Yunho grabbed his wrist, leaving Mingi briefly speechless, which was all that the helper needed because the next moment Mingi was being dragged forwards towards where Jungho would be. Mingi felt nerves flood his body. Jongho may be the youngest of all of them, but he could be hella terrifying if need be, and he was...he was terrifying. Particularly when someone tried to take someone who was helping him. Mingi had seen him ream into the Captain, of all people, because of things like that. Of course, their Captain had not taken the words to heart, knowing that Jongho had not quite meant them, but still, there had been some really heafty tension between everyone until the situation had been resolved. He did not want to be the cause of more tension. 

Wooyoung claimed that there was very little that he could do that would anger Jongho, however Mingi begged to differ. Jongho had a rather bad temper. Or, maybe not a bad temper, he was not nearly as scary as Hongjoong when Hongjoong got angry, but he did have a relatively short temper over a lot of things, whereas Hongjoong had a longstanding temper, usually. Or perhaps they both have short tempers and Jongho's is just more obvious to me. That was potentially true, because he had heard San and Yeosang talk about Hongjoong's bad temper, but rarely heard them speak of Jongho's temper at all. It was probably more the fact that San and Yeosang are more sensitive to Alphas and Omegas, but Betas missed a lot of the underlying scents and such that cued Omegas and Alphas in that there was discord in the pack. Betas, because of their status in the pack, did not need such things, and instead were favoring stronger prey to predator instincts, made for hunting. Betas were born hunters, over a vast majority of prey, whereas Alphas, by contrast, were born for protection, and Omegas to calm tensions and pretty much ease the pack into a more stable state. Betas, therefore, did not need the same sort of nuanced scenting and sensitivity to pheremones as Alphas and Omegas needed. Of course, the hunters were also good soldiers and warriors, but they were less sensitive to that sort of thing because it could cause issues with their hunt. 

Some argued, Mingi knew because he had heard some arguments in the past, that since Betas were bred for hunting and warrior trades, that should mean that Alphas should also not be as sensitive as well, since Betas were not, but he knew that was wrong. Alphas were responsible for the wellbeing of the whole pack, but especially omegas, considering the omegas were the ones who handled tension, soothed problems that could come up, and were generally the peace keepers of the pack, but by contrast that meant that they had to be as little of a threat to alphas as possible. There was also genetic varations. For instance, most Alphas were tall, Hongjoong, for instance, was not tall but had one of the most intimidating scents that Mingi had ever smelled on an Alpha. Adding San, most Alphas were more commanding, and while San was not commanding he was definitely protective. 

Mingi was not sure if any of that was real, or true, but that was what he had been told while he was on land still. He didn't particularly care much for anything. What he did know is that Alphas were more sensitive to anger than Betas, so he should probably take San and Yeosang's word that Hongjoong was more angry between Jungho and the Captain. 

"I...I don't think this is a good idea." Mingi admitted softly. 

"Don't worry," Yunho said, shrugging off Mingi's concern. 

"But really, perhaps I could bring you later, when you are not helping Jongho," Mingi suggested, leaving Yunho to stare at him. 

"You should really stop being so nervous around Jongho. Sure, he can sometimes have a bit of a temper, but it is always for a good reason. He isn't going to explode on you just because you want to take me to see the new omega. Besides, if anything, Jongho will probably want to come see him too." 

Mingi supposed that could be true, and allowed himself to be carted through the door, where Jongho was handed the supplies that he had sent Yunho to get, and turned dark eyes onto the straggler that his helper had picked up. Mingi felt himself tense slightly, butterflies fighting through his stomach. 

"What a wonderful surprise."

Chapter Text

Mingi just stared at Jongho with wide eyes, wondering what in the world he should do...which he should speak...yes, but what would he even say? It was so hard to talk to Jongho, and although that had not been an issue before, for some reason in the past recent months he found himself getting tongue tied and this weird fluttery feeling every time he came around Jongho. Naturally, he did not say anything to anyone, what could he even say? It was embarrassing, though he had a sneaking suspicion that Yunho was onto something, and he knew for sure that Wooyoung knew something if the sly smirks that he gave him anytime the Captain ordered the two of them to help with dinner together was any indication. Come to think of it, Captain had been doing that more often lately, so perhaps he has noticed something too, but I don't know...Mingi wouldn't put it past Hongjoong to notice, what he would put past him was to care. It did not negatively or positively affect the crew, and in such regards Hongjoong did not really have the best track record for intervening. Of course...Hongjoong did care about all of them, but with so much going on...especially now? He just found it hard to say that he would bother to intervene on something like this...did not know why he would bother. 

"San and Wooyoung told me to talk to the Omega, the new crewmate...person...whatever he is...and I was thinking maybe...Yunho and you would be willing to...maybe...come with...me?" Mingi winced at the absolute awful construction of his sentence. He could not believe that it was that bad, though his ability to speak around Jongho was steadily declining. It was the nerves that he seemed to be struck dumb with every time he was within the other's sights. It was something he definitely would need to get better at dealing with, because he could literally feel the amusement coming from Yunho which simply added to the embarrassed feeling that he had wash over him in a tidal wave. 

"The new Omega? The one that somehow San Hyung hasn't ripped to shreds yet?" Jongho asked curiously. Mingi slowly nodded, somewhat finding himself hoping that Jongho would agree to go. If he did, Mingi did not know what he would do, just be happy he supposed. These extra emotions are totally useless. Mingi thought to himself scathingly. Although I know it is not as though I can help it...Wooyoung told me that ages ago. Mingi felt himself somewhat guilty at the thought. It had been so long since they had managed to find Wooyoung, and now that he was here, Mingi had barely even bothered to take the time to see him. 

"Oh, why does Wooyoung want us to see the new Omega?" Yunho questioned, tilting his head slightly as he asked. Mingi shrugged. He had no idea. He assumed at least on his part the reason was mostly because he had saved the Omega from killing himself, but although he knew that Wooyoung wanted the Omega to meet Yunho and Jongho as well, he had no idea why. He knew that it was going to have to happen eventually. From what he could tell Hongjoong had no intentions on leaving the Omega anywhere, and likely wanted him to become a part of their crew. He was not entirely sure that was the best idea, but he also knew not to underestimate Omegas too. 

"Okay, but dinner is going to be delayed slightly because of it." Mingi shrugged carelessly. He did not particularly care about that, and really the only one who showed up on time to dinner anyways was Jongho, and that was mostly because he was in the kitchen a majority of the time anyways. Wooyoung and San could cook, and they often did when they wanted to make something specific, usually after their restock runs, but otherwise Jongho usually ended up hunting them down to find them and drag them to the main area to eat and drink. Then again, it was not as though there was a bullhorn to specify when food was finished and prepared. Plus, Jongho was pretty keen on eating whilst the food is hot and not cold, which meant that they had to eat it as he made it, they couldn't just wait a few hours. 

Yunho clapped loudly, severing the eye contact that Mingi had not quite been aware that he was making with Jongho. They both turned to stare at him, Yunho just smirking unapologetically and grabbing both of them, dragging them towards the medical wing. There was no time to waste, apparently. Mingi hastily ripped his wrist from Yunho's grasp as they came into view of the room that the Omega was in. He found himself anxiously fidgeting. As much as he was excited to see the Omega, and curious, he could not help but find himself a bit anxious too. What if they did not like him? He doubted that the Omega would hate him, but what if he had some resentment for the fact that Mingi had stopped him from jumping into the water?

"Come on," Yunho stated sharply, rolling his eyes and shoving the door open. Mingi and Jongho stared at him with equal emotions of disbelief that he just did that, whilst Seonghwa, the Omega, and Yeosang were staring at all three of them like they were unexpected, which Mingi supposed perhaps that they were not...really expected. It was too late to change anything about that, however, and it was better to simply go with things. 

"Mingi, Jongho, Yunho, what are you doing here?" Yeosang asked in way of an opening statement. Mingi licked his lips nervously. 

"Wooyoung told me to come visit." Yeosang raised a brow, but Seonghwa did not seem to be all that concerned. 

"It's alright," He said softly. Seonghwa looked towards them, studiously avoiding all of their eyes and primarily avoiding looking at Mingi. He knew that Seonghwa would feel a bit surprised and more than a little embarrassed when it came to him, because he figured Hongjoong would have said something about him helping Seonghwa, and if nothing else the scent would definitely give it away. 

Chapter Text

"How..." Mingi paused, feeling really awkward about the whole situation. He had saved Seonghwa from killing himself, after all, and he knew that Seonghwa probably felt anxious about having to talk to him now. He was glad that Seonghwa was okay, and obviously doing better. However, he felt that Wooyoung was probably overthinking things a bit. He did not think Seonghwa wanted to talk to him, it was obvious he was nervous. Unfortunately, it was far too late to back out now, and he had even dragged Yunho and Jungho into this too, so he had to get over himself, and talk to the other. "How are you feeling? I hope that the Captain has been treating you well, and Wooyoung and San." 

"San and Wooyoung have been wonderful, of course, and Captain Hongjoong has been most accepting." Seonghwa said, a slight pinkened blush taking over his cheeks as he spoke about the Captain. Mingi could not help but internally smirk at that. It was obvious to him that Seonghwa liked the Captain, and though it may not be as obvious to others, he also knew that the Captain cared deeply for Seonghwa as well. He was so worried about making sure they treated Seonghwa properly and with respect that he was going out of his way to meet up with Taemin and hope that the other could help them understand how to treat Omegas, and all of this because Taemin was the one they were most acquainted with. All of this was for an Omega that they had comandeered, of a sort, from a ship of Navy soldiers. Also, he had seen the rife panic on Hongjoong's face when Mingi had jumped to save Seonghwa and keep him from throwing himself into the ocean. Hongjoong had been horribly concerned, and desperate to ensure that Seonghwa knew that he had a place on their ship, and while perhaps it worked, perhaps it had not, it was obvious that the two cared for each other, and Mingi was sure that this would continue forth to become quite the relationship. He knew Seonghwa had it in him to live a Pirate's life, he just had to be more secure and confident in himself. Taemin had been very similar to Seonghwa when SHINee had first found him, and yet now he was probably the most feared member of the pirate crew. 

"I am glad," Yunho said, shifting from one foot to the other, uncertain in himself whilst facing the Omega. Seonghwa looked towards him, tilting his head a bit as though trying to figure something out. "I that is, Wooyoung, has mentioned, you a few times, and told us how...how grateful he is for you, and we...we just wanted to thank you as well. It, it may not seem like much, but we do truly care for each other. Pirates are...cruel, but we are also kind of like family, particularly us, and we all do our best for each other. We were so worried when Wooyoung got taken, and we were almost certain that we would never find him and so, thank you...for...for taking care of him, whilst he was on the Navy fleet." Stuttering words anxious filled looks aside, Yunho definitely said what they had all wanted to say to some extent. Mingi was thankful. Seonghwa seemed to flush even darker at the sincere thanks that he was being given. 

"It was nothing, besides, I was working mostly on instincts anyways, I could hardly take credit for that. I am glad that Wooyoung is safe, and that he has San with him. San seems like a good Alpha for Wooyoung," Coming from an Omega, that was definitely high praise, and Jungho nudged Mingi. He would definitely be telling San that Seonghwa had said that, and Mingi had a feeling that it would definitely boost the younger Alpha's ego a bit. Although they were not overly aware of the way Omegas' did things, he was certain that an Omega's praise for an Alpha's treatment of their mates was considered some of the highest praise you could get. Especially since they could all tell that Seonghwa was being serious and honest with them about it. He was thankful for San, and Mingi felt a tension release in the room after those words.

Unlike the others, who focused on that, Yeosang had a feeling that was the entire reason that Seonghwa had mentioned San in the first place. The loss of tension between the trio and Seonghwa hinted that Seonghwa had likely purposefully said that. Though Yeosang had no proof, which was annoying. The sooner they saw Taemin the better, in his mind. It would at least help Seonghwa, as the other could ask any questions he wanted, it would help them too, to meet with the Shinee crew. They needed to know so much more information. The revelations that Yeosang kept having at how effortless Seonghwa seemed to maneuver the group into an easy contentment was interesting, but he wanted to know how much was normal, or if they should be concerned or wary about certain things. 

Still, he was glad that Seonghwa was getting himself comfortable with the other members of the Crew. He had to admit that he had been worried how Seonghwa would handle seeing Mingi again, and even meeting Jungho and Yunho, since he had not bet the other two before. It would seem now that he got to know the reactions to all three, considering they were all together. He was almost certain that Wooyoung and San had something to do with that, and he would have to talk to the two later, but for now he was just glad that Seonghwa was settling into the group, tentative as that was. It filled something in his heart to see it, something warm, though he could not quite explain it. 

Really, Seonghwa was opening themselves up, although he himself remained somewhat guarded. It was still good to see. He hoped that their Captain was going to begin to really teach Seonghwa about the Pirate life. So far, he had been sheltered from how things worked, and that was mostly so he could begin to regain his strength. Yeosang had checked him over and whilst he was surprised to see Seonghwa in...decent shape, he was still underweight, and his energy levels still fluctuated heavily. Though Yeosang had no idea if that perhaps was an Omega reaction to so many new people. That was why they really needed to see Taemin sooner rather than later. Then Yeosang could continue in making sure that Seonghwa was as healthy as he could be, but for now he could only do the most basic things, it was really frustrating. 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa was grateful that they were finally letting him wander around the boat. It had taken quite a long time, or so it would seem, but Yeosang, the doctor, seemed to finally be happy with how his energy was doing, and with his injuries. Omegas healed rather quickly, after all, though perhaps not as swift as many aphas, it was still something quite impressive when compared to non presented and Betas. Not that Seonghwa felt that was a badd thing persay, it just meant that he did not have to deal with injuries as much as he would have otherwise. Seonghwa could be grateful for this now, considering he was not being tortured regularly. Still, he found himself somewhat wary. He was finally healing. Surely the Captain would have words with him now? Seonghwa was not entirely sure how it was that Pirates worked, considering he had been stuck on a Navy ship not a Pirate one, but he could not imagine things operated too differently. He was definitely going to have to do something...more than just...just...organizing the Captain's quarters, surely? 

He had been taking to organizing the papers and things that the Captain seemed to almost always leave laying about in a case of hazard disorder over the past week so far, but he could not expect that this would be his only expectations. He just did not know what else he would be required to help with. he was willing, of course, he trusted the Captain...to an extent, which alone was a strange experience for him as he had not really had trust in anyone, let alone should he trust a Pirate, but it was as it was, and Seonghwa was not really in charge of such things. he trusted Wooyoung too, and Wooyoung had turned out to be a pirate as well. Seonghwa was not sure if his instincts were wrongly wired, or if perhaps the people he had grown up around were truly that untrustworthy. He would lean towards the latter, for now. The Pirate crew had not done anything to hint that they were untrusting of him, or that he should be wary of him. 

The Captain had even had their doctor explain things to Seonghwa when he had shown confusion over Omegas and such. While it was clear that Yeosang was not overly well knowledged in the subject, Seonghwa was not entirely surprised considering how rare they were, he had made quite a valiant effort to ensure Seonghwa knew and understood himself. It was something that Seonghwa had taken in stride, but he had been quite surprised by the Captain's insistence. From what he had managed to gather from Wooyoung and San, Hongjoong knew another Omega, male, like him, and wanted to take the entire crew to talk to this Omega's crew, to understand a bit more of what happens when having an Omega on board, and how to navigate things now that they had another person on board. 

That had made Seonghwa quite emotional, though he was certain that he had managed to hide it well enough. Wooyoung, he was certain, had accidently let it slip if the scandalous look that San had given him meant anything. Perhaps the Captain did not want Seonghwa knowing? Seonghwa could not understand why this would be the case, but then again, people had strange motivations at the best of time. Seonghwa still did not understand his own instincts and hwy they had demanded him to protect Wooyoung as he had, nor did Wooyoung understand why he had become so familially attached to Seonghwa enough to brave an Alpha's wrath. From what Seonghwa could tell, Omegas could and often would brave the wrath of a higher rank if they were protecting their pups. Wooyoung was not...not really, but even Seonghwa had to admit he had taken to thinking of Wooyoung as one of his own to protect. It was dangerous given the situation that they had been in, but it had happened nonetheless. 

"Captain?" Seonghwa whispered softly, gently tapping the man on his shoulder, flinching slightly at how quickly the other whirled around. He had noticed all the Pirates had amazing reflexes. it was something that Seonghwa admired more often than not, although it did leave him flinching more than not as well. 

"Ah, Seonghwa, what is wrong?" The Captain's brows furrowed down, likely taking in Seonghwa's own nerves and anxiety that seemed to abound through his body. "Are you alright? You aren't getting sick alreay right?" 

"No, no, I just...wanted to ask you...we are almost at the place that you wanted to go..to..to meet this Taemin character and his crewmates...I was just..." Seonghwa bit his lower lip needing to take a moment to compose himself. He had let slip that he knew about Taemin, which definitely meant that the Captain would be having some questions for his crew later, but for now he just took Seonghwa's nervous posture in, wanting to understand what was going on with the Omega. "You said I can stay here, and I want to, but...am I going to have to do anything besides...besides organizing your chambers?" Seonghwa questioned, fingers nervously twitching as he asked. Hongjoong's eyes widened slightly. 

"Perhaps, you will be willing to help Yunho and Jongho in the kitchens from time to time, and if you want to learn any of the other positions on the ship to help out I am sure none of the other crew would be against helping you learn, but Seonghwa..." Hongjoong moved forwards effortlessly, letting his fingers cup around the Omega's face forcing their eyes to meet. "Nobody is going to force you to do anything you do not want, or feel uncomfortable doing. If they do, tell me, and I will deal with them, and if I ever do anything to make you uncomfortable, tell Yeosang if you do not feel comfortable telling me yourself, the other would definitely let me hear it."

Hongjoong stepped back, a slight flush on his cheeks matching Seonghwa's own pinked ones. "As for Taemin, I do not know who let it slip, but rest assured, I trust their crew. SHINee is a great crew, and one of the few  that I know to have an Omega aboard. I think it would be good for you to learn from Taemin, especially if you have questions that Yeosang and the rest of us cannot answer. I just want you to feel comfortable with us." Seonghwa smiled, turning his face to the floor as he did so.

"I already am though," He muttered softly. Stuttering out slight thanks he rushed away from the Captain, trying to calm his racing heart, letting himself down to the kitchens, hoping to find someone, preferrably Wooyoung. 

"Looking for someone?" Jongho asked, and Seonghwa nodded, his eyes wide as he watched the youngest of the crew. "Wooyoung is in the storage room getting some stuff for dinner. Perhaps you'd like to help him?" The suggestion was just that, a suggestion, leaving Seonghwa free to refuse, but he would not. He needed to speak with Wooyoung about this...this thing that is going on with him. He did not know anyone else he trusted enough...and Wooyoung was the only one he knew for certain was mated. Surely he would be able to explain what Seonghwa was dealing with?

Chapter Text

It took a bit longer to figure out where exactly Wooyoung was in the storage room, because the area was rather large., but once he did he barely managed to contain himself from leaping onto the beta. Holding himself back at the last moment, he stood swaying slightly before Wooyoung, who had an arm full of rice. The beta stared at him, narrowing his eyes slightly as he seemed to look Seonghwa up and down head to toe, assessing everything about him. Seonghwa felt himself fidget, lacing his fingers inbetween each other nervously. Wooyoung gave a sly smirk, staring at him with a twinkle in his eyes. 

"Yes, Seonghwa-Hyung? What is going on?" Wooyoung asked, his voice rife with mischief. The beta was almost bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet as he watched him carefully. this merely made him more and more nervous. Seonghwa tried to bring up the courage to speak, but all of a sudden he felt this jittery feeling of wanting to flee from the scene. Wooyoung was staring at him in this...this look that made Seonghwa feel as though he already knew full well what was going on, and it just made him feel less desirous to actually talk about it. Still, he had nobody else to actually talk to about this, and he knew Wooyoung would be able to answer his confusing feelings and tell him what was happening to him. 

Drawing up the vestiges of his courage he took a deep breath. It would be difficult, but he had to find answers, and Wooyoung knew those answers. Still, he knew Wooyoung well enough to know the devious beta would not actually do anything until he asked. "I...I wanted to talk to you..."

"Yes?" Wooyoung questioned, a smile quick on his face. "And what would you like to talk about hyung?" Wooyoung asked, his voice lilting upwards as he smirked. Seonghwa sighed, but rushed forwards, before his courage ran out. 

"I am having these weird feelings, and I just...I knew that you would probably be able to help me figure it out, so I wanted to talk to you about them...is all." Seonghwa stated, his voice wavering slightly towards the end as his courage began to fly away into nothingness. He cursed himself. Wooyoung was his friend. Sure he was a beta, and of course he could be somewhat dangerous if the instincts called for it, but at the end of the day he knew Wooyoung quite well...or at least, as well as someone could whilst in captivity. 

"Of course, let me just give these to Jongho-ah real quick and we can go to my cabin! I am sure San wouldn't mind." Seonghwa nodded, his eyes wide, surprised, despite knowing, that Wooyoung had actually agreed.  In moments Seonghwa was following Wooyoung back out of the storage room, and rushing right behind him as Wooyoung dropped the rice on the counter near Jongho, and whispered with him for a few minutes. Seonghwa stood waiting for the two to finish talking about whatever it was that they were talking about. He did not really know, he was not quite close enough to hear, and it was obvious enough that Wooyoung did not want him to know. Who was he to try and eavesdrop? It was not in his nature, and Seonghwa would feel really bad if he did do something, particularly since he was supposed to trust Wooyoung. He did not want to anger him either, and despite knowing it was unlikely he could do such a thing, he could not help but worry about it. Especially since Wooyoung had just agreed to help him sort things out. 

In seconds Wooyoung had grabbed him by the wrist and was pulling him towards his and San's cabin. Seonghwa could not help but stare as the other had effectively shooed San away from the the room, and shut the door with a slam behind him, causing Seonghwa to flinch slightly. 

"So, is this about our lovely, if a bit challenged in the height area, Captain?" Wooyoung asked, templing his fingers together as he stared at him. Seonghwa fidgeded a bit, leaving the boy to lunge towards him and yank him to sit down on the bed besides him. Seonghwa nodded slowly, leaving Wooyoung to shout in victory. "I knew it! I told Yunho too, but the other did not believe me, and so now he has to swab the deck for the next three days!" Wooyoung giggled at the devious gamble. Seonghwa was not entirely sure he was understanding was was going on, but he did not bother trying to figure it out either. Anything could happen with Wooyoung involved. 

"I just...I do not understand Young-ah," Seonghwa admitted vulnerably. He kept his eyes on the blankets underneath him. "I get so...nervous when I am around him." 

"Many people do," Wooyoung agreed quickly. 

"I just...He is so nice..." Wooyoung winced at this, though Seonghwa did not see it. "And he helped me a lot. I can't help but like to be in his company. I want to...to help him, and make him feel better, and..."

"Okay, okay, I thnk I get it," Wooyoung said stopping Seonghwa from continuing further. Seonghwa silenced himself a bit bashfully. 

"Sorry," 

"No, no  I get it. Look, I am not sure if this means you like him romantically," Seonghwa jerked his gaze up at Wooyoung with wide eyes. 

"R-Romatically?" He stuttered out. 

"Well, yeah, I mean..." Wooyoung paused, unsure how to state it without freaking the omega out. "You know, we are going to visit Taemin, and I am sure that he could answer all of these questions and more." Seonghwa sighed, his body dropped sadly. 

"I...I suppose you are right." Wooyoung felt a bit guilty, trying to shove the complicated talks onto Taemin. Especially since it clearly made Seonghwa upset. 

"Look, I just am not too sure about Omega biology. To me, it sounds like you really like Hongjoong, but I just don';t know about the whole...wanting to clean up and stuff that you express enjoying, as you have mentioned it before, that is not something I would know, Taemin would know a lot more. And, we are going to be there soon, so you won't have to wait too long! I do think...I do really think that you like Hongjoong, but if you talk it out with Taemin, you will definitely have more to go off of, and a more resolute answer!" 

Chapter Text

"I will have you keep close to me Seonghwa," Hongjoong said as they began to dock their boat. The pretty Omega nodded softly. Hongjoong had pilfered some of the crews clothing and dressed him in the dark reds and blacks of their pirate clan. he wanted to make it known that Seonghwa was a part of them. Otherwise, many would try and take liberties. It was something he was unendingly anxious about, and he knew even with the extra protections there were those that would still try and infiltrate to snatch his beauty up...

Hongjoong jolted at the thought. His? Seonghwa was not his, for all that he may want it. Seonghwa was his own person, who could make his own decisions, and Hongjoong would not deny that he wished that Seonghwa would agree to be his and his alone, but he would not ask that. Wooyoung and San had left him anxious. Wondering if perhaps he had really steered Seonghwa's mind in the wrong way. What if Seonghwa did not really want to stay with them? But no, Seonghwa had been honest with him in his desire to stay, and Hongjoong had to take the offense that the Omega had shown at his thinking that he would want to leave, and even more so that one instance was able to screw his thinking over entirely. Though, in Hongjoong's mind he had more than enough reasons to believe that, part of that being the fact that he had literally tried to throw himself over the edge because he felt he was not needed. 

"Now, please try and keep us in sight, don't leave us, and before anything, if you feel as if you are in danger at all, scream for me. Or wooyoung, or any of us really. This island isn't the most safe, and I just want to make sure you are." Hongjoong paused, looking deep into Seonghwa's eyes. "Also," He hesitantly presented a dagger. "I have no idea if you know how to use it..."

"I do," Well THAT left a lot more questions than answers, but Hongjoong shoved those aside, figuring he would figure the answers later, because right now there was more important things to worry about, and continued.

"...I want you to take it. Just in case, and do not hesitate to use it if you need to. I am serious." Hongjoong grabbed Seonghwa's jaw and forced him to look into deep, sincere, browns. "I do not want anything to happen to you, and so if that means you need to take someone else out to come back safely...do it. Whatever it takes." Seonghwa tensed, for but an instant, before a sly smirk seemed to play at his features, and a happy look danced through his eyes. 

"Of course Captain," He said softly, and Hongjoong let go, feeling his heart absolutely racing through his chest. It was almost difficult to breathe, but he shoved the emotions away and nodded happily. He was satisfied, and even happier that Seonghwa would take his safety seriously. It was something that he had been most anxious over. 

He would prefer to not even take Seonghwa off this ship. He was not kidding when he said the Island was dangerous. It was. There were a lot of degenerates that lived on the Island, and even more that visited regularly. That was why SHINee did not often come to the Island, or at the very least they left Taemin with a heavy guard and secured when they did visit. Hongjoong knew that with himself, San, and Yeosang with Seonghwa there was next to no worries that anything untowards could happen, but he also knew that the unpredictable tended to happen in this place. It was around here that they lost Wooyoung, and he was not willing to lose Seonghwa. Not now that he had him.

Hongjoong inwardly groaned. He did not have Seonghwa. Seonghwa was not an item to be kept, nor a thing. He was not a possession. Seonghwa was his own person capable of making his own decisions, and Hongjoong really wished his Alpha would stop putting these thoughts into his head. He cared for Seonghwa, wanted Seonghwa to accept him as a potential partner, but he did not want to force his way through. The only reason Hongjoong had ordered the organization and cleaning of his chambers was because Seonghwa needed something to do to feel as if he was useful to the crew. Did he go about it in a good way? No, but what was done was done, and Seonghwa was much happier than he had been before. Plus, now they were going to see an actual Omega, someone who could help Hongjoong understand, and hopefully help, Seonghwa further. 

He just had to get his thoughts wrestled under control first, because he did not want to do anything he would regret later. 

"Okay, let's go, and everyone...as always...come back, whatever that takes." Each of his crew nodded solemnly, and they left together, stepping off the boat, Hongjoong giving a smile, glinting eyes, and a knife twirling between his fingers as he wrapped an arm around Seonghwa's waist, unable to help the jolt of lust that flew through him as he realized how...perfectly perfect it was. Shoving it down, he had other things to worry over after all, he continued forwards, keeping seonghwa literally attached to him by the hip. 

Chapter Text

The island was intimidating. Though Seonghwa supposed he could not expect anything less. He felt himself shiver as his nerves slowly took himself over, and he tried his best to force them down. He did not want any sort of distractions. He had to focus on Hongjoong, and soon he would be getting answers, answers that he needed desperately, perhaps even more so than the Captain himself and his crew. He needed to know why. WHy he was thrown out, why he was taken advantage of, why Wooyoung was so kind, why Hongjoong, why all of them really, despite being pirates, were nicer than his own family. He had to know, and maybe...just maybe...he could get some information. Perhaps this Taemin would have some understanding. Perhaps he could set things straight so that Seonghwa wouldn't feel like a failure every second of the day. 

"We are hear, sweet," Hongjoong's words caused Seonghwa to snap up, watching as possibly the most gorgeous man Seonghwa had ever had the pleasure of seeing clasped Hongjoong, argueably the second most beautiful man Seonghwa had ever seen (now, because...goddess...) 

"I suppose you are here for questions," The man said, eyes sliding to Seonghwa, who yelped, flushing red and hiding behind Hongjoong, fingers gripping into the jacket that he had on desperately. The man tilted his head curiously and then smiled. His smile amost lit the room, and Seonghwa took a small breather, trying to calm his racing heart. He had not expected the attention to turn to him, though perhaps he should have. "Come on, Hyungs are in the back. I am sure they'll be excited to see you." 

"We...Well, we have more questions for you, than...for them." The man furrowed his brows, confused, before looking back at Seonghwa who whined, pressing his face desperately into Hongjoong's back from where he was trying to hide, fingers trembling as he did so, desperate for the man to take his nerves away. Hongjoong hummed softly, a hand going to stroke his arm, not quite able to reach his head and neck considering their current positions. 

"Oh," His voice was sad...distant...but he seemed to shake himself of whatever melancoly had gripped him, and nodded decisevly. A quick wave of his arm and they were ushered hastily into the backrooms, where it was decidedly less loud and bright. Seonghwa had to wait a few seconds for his eyes to readjust. Taking deep breaths, he felt himself sat down gently in a chair as Hongjoong pulled him forwards and pressed him down. He stood behind him, a comfortable weight at his back, and Seonghwa couldn't help but lean back into him. Taemin shouted to-well Seonghwa assumed that they were his pack mates-some invisible people that he was taking a break and not to worry because Ateez was here and could they come down just in case tehy had any questions. There was some clattering before a shout of affirmative came down the stairs. "What are your questions..."

"Seonghwa..." Taemin frowned. 

"Seonghwa? Not...Not Park Seonghwa right?" 

"What of it?" Seonghwa hissed, his eyes narrowing, his body coming instantly defensive. Hongjoong settled him quietly, but immediately, a hand on his neck and pulling him back. 

"I thought you died." 

"I almost did," Hongjoong was lost, staring back and forth.

"What the fuck is going on here?" He asked, decided to get straight to the point. 

"Park Seonghwa, first born of the Royal family from Cromer." Eyes gentled once more as they landed on Seonghwa again. "They threw you out because of your status...didn't they?" Seonghwa shrugged.

"Not like it isn't all that shocking, I guess." He murrmured under his breath. Hongjoong hummed, but was not necessarily upset. He had already known Seonghwa was someone who had a high end background. It had been obvious from the get go, it was just kind of shocking how high up he was. "Everyone knew it was bound to happen, they were already prepared to toss me the moment it happened." 

"Well, you are in good hands now," 

"Actually we had some questions about that..." 

"Why?" Taemin asked, tilting his head curiously. "It is obvious you two are soulbound mates." Hongjoong stared, his fingers flexing slightly. 

"What?" 

"Have you not noticed yet?" Taemin shrugged as if not surprised. "I mean it shouldn't come as much a shock, you've literally been right next to each other and touching each other for the last ten plus minutes since I saw you. And Hongjoong? The deadpan glare you sent every single patron in the bar made that even more obvious."

"Oh, I...I see. I guess that does explain the pull...and...well a few more things." 

"I don't quite get it, what...what is that?" Seonghwa asked gently. His eyes wide. 

"It is someone bound to you, to protect you, to be with you. I met mine, I was wondering if Hongjoong would ever meet his. You two are obviously meant for each other, and clearly already half way to pack. The only thing is that Hongjoong for whatever unknown reason hasn't marked you yet."

"M-Marked me?" He stuttered. 

"Easily rectified." Hongjoong said, a glare going behind Taemin. Key, one of the packmates of Taemin, was staring at Seonghwa, head on Taemin's shoulder. A growl came from Hongjoong, and in seconds Seonghwa was on the floor with Hongjoong having bit the shit out of his neck. Seonghwa shouted, a scream piercing the air, before it died. Wooyoung and San rushed in at the sound...proceeding to almost jump Hongjoong, had it not been for Seonghwa's calming techinques. 

"As I said..." Taemin shrugged. 

"But what about...pack dynamics...rules..."

"Hongjoong," This time Key spoke up, having lifted his head from Taemin's shoulder. "You need to stop overthinking things. You and Seonghwa are bound, Seonghwa has been entered into your pack, do what feels natural. Not every pack dynamics are going to be the same. We know a pack where the Omega is basically ruling the roost, its a newer crew that showed up a few times in the last couple months. Needless to say, not every group is gonna be the same, just like no two crew runs the same. Stop freaking out and just accept it." 

Mingi just sighed, running a hand through his hair as their captain told him what Taemin and their pack had said. 

"So...it was all for no good reason?" he groused, but Yunho shook his head. 

"Definitely not, look at Seonghwa-Hyung's neck." Mingi rolled his eyes.

"Yeah...but we all knew Hongjoong was bound to mark him."