Work Text:
“Watch out!”
“Get your wares! Get your wares here!”
“Can’t you lower the price?”
The hustle and bustle of the fishing village washed over Park Joonggil as he made his way leisurely, passing merchants and fishermen off to do an honest day’s work. His smile followed the trio of children running past, giggling and laughing. It’s been three months since he’s been held hostage aboard the Reaper. Three months since he’s been able to move freely on his own. He’s almost forgotten what it was like without guards and most of the crew watching him like hawks.
It wasn’t lost on him that to be able to take the trip down here with Lim Ryung-Gu and Choi Jun-Woong needed express approval from the Captain. But his supposed guards were nowhere to be found now.
Even he knows this is part of her instructions.
A test, if you will.
Leaving a hostage to his own devices?
The ghost of a smirk appeared on his lips as his eyes caught something of interest. His feet took him to the stand.
She’s been avoiding him. Sending him off to do errands with two of her most trusted crew members while she takes care of the Reaper’s damaged rigging. There’s only so much avoiding she can do on a ship, but she’s taken to it like an art form. And if she’s hoping he’d be here securing his own escape and freedom, then she couldn’t be more wrong.
His eyes flitted to the post office sign with disinterest. It would be no trouble to send a note exposing their exact location, the contents of the Reaper’s weapons store, and to which location they were headed next. Information easily gleaned from chatters aboard the ship. It would be no trouble at all.
But he’s not going anywhere.
It was the one thing she needed to realize. To believe.
He was hers.
He reached for the intricate pot containing an attractive red rogue. The color reminding him of the day his life changed. He had been hunting down the Reaper, intending to finally capture its elusive captain and bring her in to face her crimes. The skepticism of the grand admiral, Ok Hwang, only further fueled his drive to succeed where no man can’t.
Tracking her down and launching an attack on her ship was no easy feat. The ragtag crew holding their own against the onslaught. But the cut-throats had a few tricks up their sleeves and before he knew it, they’ve invaded their ship in one of the fiercest counter attacks he’s witnessed. His men were valiantly fighting but it seems they were on equal footing now. He was about to bring down one of the pirates with his sword when the arrow connected, divesting him of his weapon. He kicked the man away into the fray and looked up, searching for the culprit and found her.
Standing at the mast, clad in a red shirt and black breeches, short hair whipping in the wind, bow and arrow poised. Eyes blazing with fire, challenging him to make another move.
A Fury incarnate.
Unbeknownst to him, she had already brought him to his knees in that moment.
“It doesn’t seem to be your color.”
The click of a lid. “Where is the first mate?”
Lim Ryung-Gu hid his smirk and pointed towards the end of the street. “I left him to soften up the old ladies for us. Since he’s quite the charmer, we would be able to save a few.”
They both watched in amusement as Junwoong was subjected to pinches on the cheeks by the smitten old ladies. But his attempt at changing the topic was to be short-lived.
“That isn’t going to end well,” Ryunggu said, eyes dropping to the pot he had in hand.
Lim Ryung-Gu, Captain Koo Ryeon’s most trusted quartermaster and the one who has known her the longest and the best. He had been given a fighting chance when he encountered her. And that was most of her motley crew’s stories; given a new lease in life because everyone deserves a second chance.
The man would know, of course. It would be futile to think he doesn’t know what he is talking about when it comes to the Captain. Few ever gets close to her.
“I beg to differ.”
He looked straight at Ryunggu, letting him know how serious he is about this. He knows the attempt to dissuade him was a show of protectiveness towards his captain. Towards family. But he’s not going to deny it at this point. He hasn’t really done anything to hide what he is after.
Ryunggu kept silent. Almost assessing him. Does he see the urgency he is feeling?
“Tell me, do you still regard me as an enemy?”
“You are an admiral of the Jumadeung Navy.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“I believe it does.”
“In your opinion then, did I pass or fail her test?”
A serene smile. “What test?”
“She trusts you implicitly.”
“Yes.” Matter of fact with a hint of pride.
“I’m going to make sure I, too, earn that honor. Include that in your report to the Captain.”
He didn’t watch for a reaction and turned away.
“How much for this?”
As a barrage of complaints and whinging signaled the arrival of Junwoong, he pocketed the rogue. There was still much to accomplish in their errands list and they set off.
He observed the two in front of him as they started their constant bickering once more. The Reaper’s mast could be seen in the distance. He could appear confident all he wants, but the niggling uncertainty couldn’t be quelled. And try as he might, the envy for the two that holds one fiery captain’s trust wouldn’t leave him either.
What would it be like to be trusted by her? Hand in pocket, he traced the lid of the rogue.
A new fire seems to be lit within him.
He is going to find out.
Something has got to give.
**
“The Captain is asking for you in her office.”
He put down the sword he was polishing and gave a tight nod.
Five days.
It’s been five days since he left the rogue on her desk.
And five days since he’s gotten absolutely nothing from her.
The last time he had fully seen her was when they had returned to the Reaper after their errands. He had watched from afar as Ryunggu went up to the helm in order to give her his report. Her eyes had caught his as she listened. And he had no intention of breaking their gazes. Something in his must have affected her, as for once, she was the one to look away first. It felt like a win, then.
So her avoidance stung like hell now.
The duties assigned to him left no doubt that she didn’t want him anywhere near her. He couldn’t say he didn’t understand the confusion and struggle she must be feeling. Things he’s gone through and processed as well. But still, he could only take so much. Her absence only fueled his longing and desire for her.
And she’s asking for him now?
He knocked on the door and waited for the signal from within. He stepped in and quickly closed the door behind him.
There she was. Seated behind the large oak desk, papers and open logbooks strewn around. She hadn’t even bothered to look up, as she perused the documents in her hand. With clenched jaw, he walked towards her and stood in front of her desk, hands folded behind his back.
He wasn’t about to lose control in front of her, but god, she wasn’t making it easy. He’s never felt such conflicting emotions for anyone. Didn’t know whether to kill or kiss her right this instant.
And the fact he looks forward to this for the rest of his life...
His eyes fell on the rogue front and center on the desk.
“What is the meaning of this?”
This infuriating woman. This utterly infuriating, enchanting woman.
“It’s a rogue.”
“Do not try me, Park.”
Best not to provoke her this soon.
“It’s a thank you. For saving my life.”
She scoffed. “And you have saved mine before that. There is no need for this- whatever this is. It’s unpleasant. No more. Understood?”
She took his silence as agreement.
“You are dismi-“
Teeth gritted, it’s time to dive in headfirst, then.
“I was wondering how the red rogue would look on you.”
He was also wondering how she would look, wearing only that. But he doesn’t want to give her another reason to kill him.
He watched as her lips pressed into a thin line. Slowly, she lifted her unamused gaze. Unconsciously, he took a step forward. Her eyes flashed a warning and he stood still.
“You forget your place. You are still a hostage.”
“A hostage that you run like part of your crew. A hostage you’ve handed a weapon-“
“I don’t know how you ran your ship before, but here you have to earn your keep and that is exactly-“
“A hostage who had the Captain tend to his injury personally. For days.”
It was obvious she was caught off-guard that he was aware of this. In the skirmish that erupted with a merchant ship that refused to surrender, a miscalculated move had brought him down. Searing pain as the sword sliced his abdomen. His assailant prepared for another strike, but only his screams came when the arrow went through his arm. He saw her racing towards them, incapacitating the wounded man before turning to him. She was calm but the urgency in her eyes couldn’t be masked as she asked if he was okay and to get away from the chaos. He was bleeding profusely then but couldn’t stop from trying to assure her that it was nothing. He lost his footing and she was there at his side. That was when things started to get hazy.
If not for the doctor unintentionally letting slip the truth, he would have been left to believe it was all a result of his delirium. He could remember the comfortable presence beside him. The coolness of a damp cloth. The soft touches and whispers like a balm to his soul. The faint smell of hyacinths. He had thought it was all in his head. That she was the one who brought him back to life.
She gathered her composure once again.
“Do not mistake gratitude for anything else.”
“You’re lying.”
“I tire of your impertinence. But no matter, as soon as we receive the ransom, I will finally be rid of you.”
“No ransom is coming. I’ve told you that.”
“A delay, nothing more.” But she sounded unsure.
“The government will never bow down to such demands.”
A curl of her lip. “What a good little parrot.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “And what makes you think I’m going back?”
A stillness in her descended. The calm before the storm. It was a sign to back down. A more sensible person wouldn’t even provoke it. But he was never the same when it came to her. She was a sight to witness. And it was time they had this out. His blood thrummed through his veins, his senses heightened. He’s never felt so alive.
“What are you saying?”
“Piracy does have its charms.”
“I’d be careful of what I say next if I were you.” The silky note in her tone disguising her waning patience. “The great pirate hunter turning to piracy? Do you take me for a fool?”
“Do you expect me to stay the same after watching you? In your element, fighting for something you’ve always believed in, earning the unending loyalty of all these men who you have saved. What makes you think I’d be an exception?”
To have him go back to an empty life, void of such passion and authenticity, a life without her, is unthinkable.
“Is that how you see me? A saint? I guess you are the fool here, then. We all gain something from one another. It’s a transaction, a deal, a job. To be a thorn in the government’s side is the common goal.”
“You know perfectly well how I see you.” His voice had gone husky. He could see her minute reaction to the change, no matter how she hides it.
Captain. Captor.
Admiral. Captive.
He wants them to strip these labels and just try. All he wants is a chance to get to know another part of her. The part she has to hide in order to be a leader. The vulnerable, soft parts of her which he had seen glimpses of. He wants all of it. All of her. If she could only start to see him. For him.
“I know you’re afraid of-“ No, he couldn’t say “us”. It would cause her to shut him out in an instant. “This. But talk to me and we’ll-“
The gentleness in his voice was a mistake, as she flung the documents in her hand onto the desk.
“For god’s sake, enough of the charade, what is it you really want?”
“You.” Every ounce of his vulnerability and longing and anguish that she continues to deny them is in that one word.
She looked away. Her eyes shuttered. He knew he was losing her again. He could handle her anger, her pushing back. But when she turns to indifference... He swallowed the desperation threatening to overwhelm him. What would it take?
“Take that with you. I want it out of my sight. We are done here.”
He straightened up stiffly, trying to get back his composure.
“Throw it away, if you want then. And Captain?”
He waited for her to reluctantly meet his gaze once more. She dragged her eyes to his, void of any emotion.
“We will never be done.”
He turned around and walked towards the door, feeling her gaze burning into his back.
A challenge or a plea?
No matter.
He will make sure of it.
**
His steps were heavy as he made his way out of the kitchen and into the passageway. He combed his fingers through his slightly damp hair. After a day of sweltering heat, he couldn’t wait to go back to his quarters to wash up and had done so in the kitchen. It has been a week since he’s been assigned to kitchen duty. Until further notice was what he was told. A gift from the Captain after their tense confrontation. He hasn’t seen her in just as long.
It would be a lie to say that he hadn’t thought about her. At this point, he has no idea what to do. It’s clear her decision was to keep him out of her sight. A sure sign he does have an effect on her, but still this constant rejection... He had arrived at the door of the first mate’s quarters. Or his now. It had served as his prison at the start; the Captain didn’t want to give him the opportunity to say he is being mistreated. He doesn’t expect to be placed with the crew any time soon. But if it did happen, it wouldn’t matter as he had found a place within. Even some of her crew were more willing to accept him compared to her. He did appreciate being this close to her quarters, but it can be a double-edged sword.
To want what he cannot have... His eyes slid to the door to the captain’s quarters. Just a few steps away. Was she done with her meeting?
A noise to his right caught his attention. His whole being gave a jolt. It was the Captain speaking with a crew member at the end of the passageway, giving instructions. He knew he should step into his quarters before she sees him (didn’t want to make her uncomfortable now. It will always be about her. Her. Her.) But after a week of not seeing her, he was rooted to the spot. Trying to take it all in. Who knew when he was going to get the chance again.
They were done with the conversation. As the crew member left, she started to walk towards him, still a bit distracted. He saw the moment she noticed him when she stiffened a bit. Their eyes caught. His sharp intake of breath. And before he knew it, he was in front of her, crowding her against the wall.
The feel of something sharp below.
“What do you think you’re doing? Take one more step. Just try it.”
He looked down. The dagger in her hand looked mighty sharp as she dug it into his groin. Deceptively gentle. But all he could see and focus on was the red rogue on her eyes.
“You wear red so well.”
Her brow knitted. Confused at first then realization dawned on her face. She muttered a curse under her breath. Oh, so he wasn’t supposed to see her then. Wasn’t supposed to find out about this. This explains the look he got from Ryunggu earlier in the kitchen.
The elation, the fondness, and the hope that sprung in his chest washed though him. God, the hope. Nothing can stop him now. He took in her face like he had all the time in the world, eyes lingering on the red. All her soft edges and delicate curves. A faint stirring has started in him. He’s never felt such want before.
“Stop that.”
“Stop what?”
“Whatever that thing your face is doing.”
A close-mouthed laugh. Her annoyance went up again. God, how can she be this adorable and at the same time make him want to pin her up against the wall.
“So. You like my gift.”
Silence from her end. She narrowed her eyes; a warning. Her hand with the dagger moved a bit.
“You seem focused on my groin. Is there something you would like to tell me, Captain?”
“Oh, fuck you.”
He cocked his head to the side, eyes half-hooded. “Please.”
Desire. Hunger. Longing.
“I swear I’ll drive this thing into you,” she gritted out, eyes flashing.
“It will be worth it. You are worth it.”
Emotions flooded her eyes unexpectedly. She continued to gaze up at him and then as though defeated, closed them and turned her head to the side, saying something so softly.
“What is it?”
“I’m not. I’m not worth it. You’ve just deluded yourself into thinking that.”
“You are.” His hands itched to hold her, to show her how wrong she was.
That imperceptible shake of her head.
“You are,” he repeated in a quieter voice but no less impassioned.
That bastard Ha Dae-Soo. If only he could erase her memories of him. To remove all traces of his betrayal. How he wanted to take down all the people that had wronged her. That had made her think less of herself. A woman who deserves to have the world at her feet.
He will do anything to give that to her.
Regret was coming off her in waves. He knew she wanted to take her words back. Showing her heart to him like this was not what she wanted.
“Do you remember what you said to me in there on that very first day?” He asked, indicating his quarters.
She peeked up at him, relief evident, welcoming the distraction. “You mean the day I had you on your knees?”
And every day since.
He smiled and her eyes fell to his lips. The control he was exerting...
“If you wanted me on my knees, you need only ask.”
She cocked an eyebrow, not amused.
That day will forever be etched in his mind. Kneeling, his hands bound behind his back, with two guards carrying weapons at the ready should he decide to do anything. The door had swung open then and in she stepped, flanked by Ryunggu and Junwoong. She had commanded the room more like a queen holding court. A pirate queen. The quiet regalness mixed with something wild simmering beneath. He had tried to deny it but he had already found her fascinating then. His eyes never leaving her as she moved around the room. Effortlessly mocking him while maintaining the appearance of supposedly respecting his position as admiral. It was the start of something that has led them to this moment.
No, it had started earlier than that. When she released that arrow.
He smirked. “You said you were going to show me things I have never encountered in my narrow worldview. That I was going to realize the error in my judgment when it comes to this life. It would be a thrill to make me admit what a pitiful existence I’ve once led. And when I do wake up and decide to follow you, all that is waiting for me will be glorious. Incandescent.”
Afraid to find out? She had challenged him then with a feral grin.
“Junwoong always said why bother being a pirate captain if you can’t display a little dramatic flair.” She was rolling her eyes at herself, regretting ever listening to her first mate. “Wait, you don’t actually-“
“You issued the challenge, Captain.” He leaned in closer, eyes dropping to her lips, as if caressing them. “Afraid to find out?”
His eyes met hers again. She let out a soft breath. Like she was trying to build up courage. To reject him again? Or to finally let him in? But whatever happens, there was something he has always wanted to do.
“Ryeon,” he implored. Low. Husky. Like she was his salvation.
She bit her lip. He was aching to have a taste as well.
“Ryeon...”
Her eyelashes fluttered. Inhale. Exhale.
“Ryeon-ah-“
The dagger made a loud thud against the floor.
“Just shut up and kiss me,” she whispered fiercely, as she grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to her.
His right hand smacked against the wall. Stopping the momentum. She looked at him with incredulity, fury and, yes, hurt. His other hand shot up to cup her face gently, wanting to ease that hurt. To make it go away. He never wanted to see that again. There was just something he’d like to hear from her. His thumb caressed her cheek. Moving to swipe the corner of her eye delicately.
“Say my name.”
Her eyes widened. Her chin went up, as if to defy him.
“Say my name, Ryeon.”
Her chin quivered. But he could see it in her eyes. The walls coming down.
“Joonggil.” So soft.
And he was brought to his knees again.
“Again.”
A shudder of breath. “Joonggil...”
“Joonggil-“ So achingly.
He crashed his lips to hers, unable to wait any longer. His arms circling her waist and pulling her to him. She answered his passion with reckless abandon. Her hands slid up his chest, to his shoulders and up, caressing his ear, and found their way into his hair. He breathed her in as her tongue touched his lips. A groan in his throat. He gave chase and she let him in to taste her heat. So sweet, so fucking sweet. Lifting her up, he pinned her against the wall, her legs locking behind him. Could stay here forever. Drinking up every little sound and sigh she makes as she presses herself closer.
She was right.
It was glorious.
Incandescent.
Ryeon.
Ryeon...