Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The boat was a mess, blood and sea salt mixing and sticking to the pirates’ skins, while the fight erupted into a sound of swords clanging and shouted curses. Luckily enough, it wasn’t Changbin’s boat.

A group of pirates tried to attack Changbin’s crew, but they were unstoppable: him, Jeongin and Chan, his captain, were the strongest; Jisung and Felix were the fastest; Minho and Seungmin were strategics, all of them incredibly skilled with swords and guns. 

Stray Kids were the most feared crew in all of the seven seas and everyone knew it.

Changbin panted, slashing the last pirate’s throat and putting back his bloody sword.

“Okay, we can go back!” he shouted but before heading back, something shiny from the dead pirate’s pocket got his attention.

Changbin crouched and pulled a beautiful necklace with a round pendant, shiny and mesmerizing. His fingers closed around the jewel. Mine, just mine, echoing in his brain.

“Big boy, c’mon! What are you looking at?” he heard Jisung yelling and shook his head, quickly hiding the jewelry in his pocket, running back on his boat.

Once they sailed again, Changbin took the necklace and looked at it carefully, caressing the heavy and cold pendant.

“Ooh, shiny!” a deep voice startled him, almost dropping the treasure in the water. 

Felix looked at him and grinned. “It’s so beautiful, hyung! Did you get it from the other crew?” Changbin nodded and smiled.

“Yeah, just a little souvenir, you know?” he replied. Felix giggled and reached for the necklace. 

“It’s really shiny, is it a gift for me?” the younger joked but Changbin jerked back, clutching the jewelry to his chest. 

The fuck ? 

Felix’s smile dropped, his hand still mid-air to touch the necklace. Changbin gulped and let out a shaky laugh. “Sorry, Lixie-ah, it’s just dirty. Hyung’s gonna wash it, yeah?” he said, heading back into his cabin with his head down.

The younger boy looked back at Chan, who witnessed the whole scene and nodded once.

That night Changbin slept with the jewelry around his neck, pendant hidden in his shirt.

🧜🏻🌊⛵️

Hyunjin was used to loneliness: he liked to swim around his island, go treasure hunting and play hide and seek with sea creatures. 

He enjoyed being by himself, sometimes, and it wasn’t too weird for sirens like him, but he was different in something.

Sirens are known for using their voice to seduce pirates and kill them but Hyunjin never did that, he wasn’t interested in seducing and killing. 

He found most humans stupid, honestly, walking on the earth like they owned everything but freaked out when he splashed them with his long blue tail.

But then, something changed in him.

After long weeks alone, Hyunjn got some news from a gossipy seahorse passing by, informing him that a pirate had found an important treasure.

“It’s a necklace,” the seahorse chirped, “a beautiful one, too! With a big, shiny ball attached to it. He wears it all the time, I’ve heard. Many tried to steal it, but nobody succeed” and then swam away.

A necklace with a big pendant. 

Hyunjin heard about it many times from the stories the elders of his family had told him. All his life, the siren was determined to find it, getting laughed at by his friends but he wanted it, so he left home to find it.

Angry bubbles came out of his mouth, his tail twitching at the thought of a dirty pirate having his dirty hands on his beautiful treasure. 

He had to get it, no matter what, and knew exactly how.

🧜🏻🌊⛵️

A few weeks after the attack, the Stray Kids crew decided to find land and rest for a while.

Seungmin and Minho, in charge of the map, told Chan to navigate towards a big island to the west.

“It has a big market and a beautiful city,” Minho said, snatching the map from Seungmin’s hands. “I can’t stand being on this boat any longer, I miss the solid ground”.

Chan giggled and nodded. “Yes, Min. We’re going there, don’t worry”

Seungmin didn’t notice the sudden empty space in his hands, too busy looking at Changbin caressing the thin chain on his neck.

“Chan hyung. He’s being weirder than usual” Seungmin said firmly, now looking at his captain. Chan clenched his jaw, knowing exactly who the younger was referring to.

“Yeah, I noticed. Maybe he just… he’s probably tired like the rest of us. Don’t worry, okay?”

Seungmin nodded but he knew that Changbin wasn’t just tired.

Just right before the captain could spin the rudder, the crew heard a sound: a soft song, like a lullaby, but they couldn’t hear the words clearly.

Felix and Jisung ran to the edge of the boat. “Did you hear that?” Jisung asked, round eyes searching the waters.

Changbin approached them and that’s when he saw it: a blue tail splashing the water, creating a tiny rainbow in the air and then the sound again, a beautiful singing voice coming from the sea.

The whole crew stilled, Chan gripped the rudder until his knuckles turned white. 

“It’s guiding us,” whispered Jeongin, bending over the edge almost like he wanted to jump into the sea. Seungmin grabbed him by the collar. 

“Maybe we can check it out” he said, eyes fixated on the spot where the tail disappeared.

Chan gulped, guiding the boat towards the song.

They hit land not much far, a little island with a lot of trees and a very big cave to chill in.

The crew spread: Minho and Jisung going “fruit hunting” when everybody knew they were gonna make out somewhere; Seungmin and Jeongin decided to play in the water and chill on the sand and Chan wanted to stay on the boat to settle maps and some letters, so Felix stayed with him to keep him company. They also were going to probably make out.

Changbin went around the island, finding a spot near the cave, quiet enough to look at his necklace. He sat on some rocks and right when he was going to take his jewelry out, a splashing sound made his hand still around the heavy pendant. He snapped his head up and there it was.

It was a boy, in the water not so far from the cliff, his hair were short and black, his eyes hypnotizing, scanning Changbin’s body from his face to his chest, then up to his face again.

The beautiful boy moved quickly and the pirate saw his long tail, heavy and majestic, disappearing into the waters.

A siren! Changbin just saw the most beautiful siren ever. He actually never saw one, thinking they were just a myth, but he was sure that this siren was prettier than every other sea creature ever existing.

With his heart pounding, the pirate went back to his crew. He had to let them know!

Minho laughed first that evening, when everyone gathered around the fire.

“A siren! Yes, Changbinnie, you definitely saw that” he spat with sarcasm, clutching his stomach for how hard he was laughing, and making the whole crew giggle with him.

“Fuck you, hyung, I know what I saw” Changbin mumbled and Chan patted his shoulder.

“Binnie, don’t be mad c’mon. Minho is just teasing” he said sweetily, squeezing his thigh before getting up.

“I’m going to sleep and you all should, too. We deserve a good resting while we’re here”

A round of ‘ay, captain!’ raised and the whole crew began to follow the eldest.

Felix turned back to Changbin, who was still sitting around the fire. 

“You aren’t coming, hyungie?” asked.

“No, I’m staying here for a bit, Lixie. Don’t worry about me” Changbin replied, giving the youngest a tired smile. 

Felix nodded and, before heading to the boat, he whispered: “I believe you, by the way”.

Changbin sighed, looking at the flames in front of him, his mind going back to the beautiful boy from that morning, thinking about that face with soft lineaments and the innocent looking eyes. 

Then he heard it again, the sweet song that guided him there, now he could hear some of the words:

The moon is hiding in the clouds

a night without a light

Changbin stood up, kicking some sand on the fire to douse it, and ran towards the voice.

He arrived at the same spot he found a couple of hours before, but he couldn’t see the siren; meanwhile, the voice grew stronger:

A heart without a name

wandering through the sky.

“Pirate…” Changbin heard and looked better in the water. The siren arose from the soft waves, swimming towards the shore.

The pirate’s breath stuttered, watching closely the creature: he was wonderful.

“Y-you… you were singing… right?” he asked, kneeling on the rock.

Hyunjin nodded and stopped swimming when he was close enough. The pirate was huge .

His arms were big and his chest broad, his tummy soft but toned.

Hyunjin shook his head slightly. “Yes. I wanted you to find me…”

“Changbin! I- my name is Changbin.”

The siren giggled. “Changbin… Such a beautiful name. I’m Hyunjin”

The pirate blushed and smiled. “You’re very beautiful- I mean, your name is beautiful, yes”

‘Tsk, humans are so easy’ Hyunjin thought. 

He smiled, showing his fangs, then placed his arms on the edge of the cliff, one hand reaching for the boy’s chest.

“You’re so muscular, Changbin…” his webbed hand reached for the white shirt, playing with the button, “I’ve never seen such a strong human” the siren bit his lower plump lip, opening the shirt and revealing the necklace. 

His eyes sparkled with want, he had to get it now.

Changbin, too distracted by the wet hand brushing his pecs, didn’t notice the necklace dangling out in the siren’s face. He cleared his throat and smirked, his chest flexing with pride. 

“I bet you’re so good with your sword, huh?” Hyunjin smiled when the boy’s face flushed a deep shade of red.

“I bet you fight so bravely on land” the siren showed his fangs, “but what can you do in the water ?” he spat and grabbed the pirate by the shirt, pulling him in the sea.

Changbin swam fast to the surface and gasped for air, lungs burning. He tried to get on shore but Hyunjin grabbed him again by the leg, pulling harshly.

“Give me my necklace!” he yelled deliriously, yanking the chain around Changbin’s neck. 

The pirate pulled off, closing one hand around the siren’s wrists. “Your necklace?! I found it, it’s mine!” 

Their grabbing and pulling brought both of them on the shore, Hyunjin propped on top of Changbin, both webbed hands around the pirate’s throat, squeezing hard.

“You don’t deserve it. You don’t know anything about it.” Hyunjin spat, watching the boy below him gasping for air and squirming, his chest out and scratched by the siren’s fangs during the fight. 

Changbin tried to switch positions, but the tail was too heavy on his knees. That was his end, he thought, his eyelids starting to close and his body feeling weak.

“-ng, hyung! Changbin!”

The hands around his throat disappeared and the boy could breathe again, coughing and turning on his side.

When he looked beside him, Seungmin was there, blocking Hyunjin’s arms behind his back while Chan was trapping the twitching tail under his knees. 

“Seungmin, here!” another voice added, Felix’s, who was running towards them with a long rope.

He crouched beside Seungmin and together began to tie Hyunjin’s wrists behind his back.

“Get off me, humans!” the siren growled, snapping his sharp teeth at Chan, who was trying to tie his tail.

Changbin got up on wobbly knees and helped his captain, his throat still slightly burning from the attack, red marks already forming on his neck.

They all stopped blocking the siren when he began to sing the sweet melody again, Changbin could hear Hyunjin smirking through his words but it suddenly stopped, the song replaced by muffling curses.

“Enough with music today, creature.” Minho said, putting a cloth in Hyunjin’s mouth and tying it around his head.

Seungmin eyed Minho with a confused look, then clicked his tongue when the older grinned and pointed at some wax blocking his ears, avoiding the hypnotizing melody.

When they were done tying Hyunjin up, they scooted him on their arms and brought him on the boat.

Hyunjin was then locked in Felix’s room. “He can stay there” he offered, “I can sleep with Jisungie”

The crew quickly raised the anchor and left the island.

Chapter Text

Changbin hissed when Minho placed a cotton ball full of alcohol on the scratches, red on his left pec. “Stop moving, you big baby, it doesn’t even hurt” Minho chuckled, tapping lightly.

The shorter boy pouted, mumbling a ‘it burns, shut up’ under his breath. He was sitting on a chair in the captain’s cabin, some of the crew members beside him, their eyes curious but concerned.

“So…” Jisung started, “the siren was real” Changbin scoffed.

“And he wants your necklace, for some reason” Jeongin finished with a sigh, brushing his hair out of his forehead.  “I don’t know, guys, he…” Changbin gulped, guilt filling his guts. He could’ve died because of a stupid necklace. 

Because he looked into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen in his life. 

“Whatever is the thing you’re thinking, stop.” Minho said, throwing the cotton ball away and glancing at him. “I’m sorry for not believing you sooner, don’t tell anyone I apologized or I’ll feed you to the pretty siren” he deadpanned, then smirked before heading out of the cabin. Jisung followed and Jeongin smiled at his hyung.

“The sun is almost up, hyung. You should get some sleep”. Changbin cooed, laughing when the youngest flipped him off and went out.

The pirate sighed and glanced at the pendant, still heavy on his chest, carefully removing the chain from his neck. It was hard, fighting the voice in his head telling him to keep it safe . He had to talk with Hyunjin about this necklace in the morning, and ask him why he wanted it so badly.

Without looking at it any further, Changbin hid the jewelry in his pocket, then went to lay down on Chan’s bed.

As soon as his head touched the soft pillow, the boy fell asleep, surrounded by his captain’s scent.

🧜🏻🌊⛵️

Hyunjin woke up with the sun already up, rays of sunshine lighting the room he was in.

He jolted up, looking around him, then the memories from the night before hit him. When did he fall asleep? Those fucking pirates drugged him! 

His wrists were still tied behind his back, his tail was replaced by a pair of legs, probably shifted while he was passed out. His mouth was free, though, dry because of the filthy cloth he had before.

His breathing became fast and ragged, his eyes stinging. Hyunjin heard so many stories about pirates, who kidnapped sirens and used their bodies, killing them after they were satisfied.

His panicking eyes stopped on a figure, a boy, sitting at the desk: another pirate, black hair outlining his angelic face, and a warm smile. 

“You’re up, hi!” the deep voice coming from that boy made Hyunjin flinch a little.  “Sorry for… all of this. We uh- we had to calm you down a little bit, I apologize, the drug will be out of your body soon”

Hyunjin gritted his teeth, jaw clenching. The pirate's smile didn't falter. “I also saw that you shifted, so Jeonginnie was kind enough to lend you some pants, I hope it's okay…” 

Hyunjin sat up but didn’t reply. The boy approached him slowly.

“I’m Felix, by the way” the boy- Felix- said, sitting on the bed. The siren distanced, bending his knees up to his chest.

Felix sighed, lowering his head, Hyunjin noticed that he had wax in his ears. Smart move. “I know what you're feeling, believe me. I swear that nothing will happen to you”

“Give me what I want and free me.” Hyunjin growled.

"We can't… but I could untie you. Can I?” he asked, reaching for his arms. Hyunjin let him, his wrists beginning to throb with sharp pain.

As soon as he was free, the siren grabbed Felix by the collar of his shirt, making him lay down on the bed, sat on his lap and placed a hand on his mouth. “I need the necklace,” he hissed. “So now you’ll bring me to Changbin. Understood?”

Felix was breathing through his nose, his eyes big and pleading, and shook his head. Hyunjin growled, showing his sharp teeth. “Just fucking take me to him, you useless pirate!” yelled.

Heavy and fast steps approached the cabin, the door swinging open. Hyunjin looked behind him and saw another pirate, brown hair and plump lips, his eyes dark.

He ran on the bed, circling Hyunjin’s torso with his strong arms and picking him up. “Chris, don't hurt him!” Felix shouted.

“Let me go! Don’t fucking touch me, let me go!” Hyunjin screamed, trying to kick the man behind him. Chan laid the siren back on the bed, blocked the long legs with his own and tied Hyunjin’s hands to the headboard.

The siren watched the two pirates whispering reassuring words to each other, Chan stroking Felix’s hair, then exited the cabin without looking.

Hyunjin’s eyes welled up with tears, streaming down his cheeks, his shoulders shaking with soft sobs. “I want to go home…"

🧜🏻🌊⛵️

When Changbin woke up, the sun was setting, the sky glowing with pink and orange shades. 

He yawned, getting up from the bed, put on his shoes and padded outside of the cabin.

“Big boy!” Jisung chirped by the rudder, his gummy smile lighting his face. Changbin waved at him, smiling tiredly and went up to him. Seungmin was there too, map in his hands like usual, looking first at him and then at his bare chest.

“C’mon hyung, cover your tits.” he groaned, but Changbin swore he saw a faint blush on the younger’s cheeks. “Where's the captain?” Changbin asked, looking around.

“Minho’s cabin with Felix. Jeonginnie is on the main mast” Jisung replied, eyes on the sea. Changbin nodded, brushing his hair out of his forehead. 

“He’s in Felix’s cabin. Put something on and bring your sword, he has legs now” Seungmin said, without looking up from the map. Jisung snorted and the older pirate shot him a glance. 

Changbin took the necklace out of his pocket and tossed it at Seungmin. “Minnie, I need you to find something about this pendant. Don’t give it to anyone and don’t wear it. Got it?” he asked seriously, his jaw clenched.

Seungmin looked at his hyung and nodded, his hair bouncing with him. 

The older pirate went back to his room, put on a red shirt and changed his pants and glanced at his dagger. He didn’t want to hurt or scare Hyunjin, but he took it anyway, equipping it on his belt, then he walked to Felix’s room.

The pirate took a deep breath and knocked once. “Hyunjin, I’m coming in”

He opened the door slowly and entered, looking around. The bed was empty and the rope on the headboard ripped. Fuck.

“Hi, little pirate” a whisper in his ear made his skin crawl. The door slammed close and Hyunjin pinned him up against the wall.

The siren was taller than Changbin, looking down at him with a smirk on his breath-taking face.

Hyunjin began to hum softly, the sweet melody making Changbin’s brain fuzzy and closed his eyes, sighing.

“I chewed the rope, your captain underestimated my teeth” Hyunjin sing-songed, one hand keeping him by the shoulder, while the other was roaming on Changin’s chest. Again.

He heard the siren grunt, his hand lowering. “Where’s my necklace, huh?” he asked, whispering in the shell of his ear.

Changbin opened his eyes again, the siren’s power getting weaker making the fuzzy feeling disappear. With one move, he flipped their positions, pinning Hyunjin’s against the closed door. “Be still, siren.” the pirate spat.  Hyunjin pushed him away and tried to open the door, but Changbin closed it again and locked it.

“Get off me!” Hyunjin screamed and slapped the pirate hard, a red mark appearing quickly on his left cheek.

Changbin clenched his jaw, trapping both of Hyunjin’s wrists in one hand and pinning them upon his head, slamming the siren against the wall. With his free hand, Changbin grabbed the dagger and pointed it at Hyunjin’s throat.

His eyes widened, filling with tears that threatened to spill out, switching his look from the dagger to Changbin.

“I don’t want to hurt you, okay? But you need to calm down. I’ve hidden the necklace in a safe place because it’s driving me and you insane” Changbin said calmly, his dagger still up to the other’s throat. Hyunjin didn’t reply.

“I’m putting the dagger away now. Let’s stop hurting each other for a while, huh?” the pirate joked, lowering his weapon. “Have you eaten?”

Hyunjin shook his head, his stomach grumbling at the thought of food. Changbin chuckled and stepped back. “I’ll be right back” the pirate ran outside.

The fuck just happened?

Hyunjin was so confused: pirates were supposed to be ruthless, dirty and loud, but Changbin was different. Hyunjin almost killed him and hurt his crew, and he was out grabbing food for him. The siren’s heart was pounding in his chest, his cheeks feeling warm- no! He shook his head and sat on the bed. Changbin was very attractive, he had to admit, but he couldn't fall for a pirate ! 

Changbin barged in the room again, with two plates in his hands, one full of bread and fish, the other filled with colorful fruits. He took a seat next to Hyunjin and passed him the food. “I asked Felix and he said that you can eat fish, I thought it was offensive”.

The siren almost laughed at that, starting to eat slowly. Oh, it was delicious.

“I’m sorry that we basically kidnapped you,” Changbin started “my captain wants to know why you uhm… almost killed me and enchanted all of us to follow you on that island. If you could just answer to a couple of questions, we will release you without a scratch, I swear on my mom”

Hyunjin glared at him. “You have something that you don’t deserve. No pirates should touch that treasure, you’re dirty and careless” he hissed.

“Yah! I wash up everyday! You can say that about Jisung but not me!” 

Hyunjin looked at him shocked, then he laughed. He laughed so hard, tears spilled out of his eyes, his head tipped back. Changbin started to laugh too, high pitched and loud, clutching his stomach.

When they both calmed down, Hyunjin dried his eyes and set the empty plates aside. “You’re a weird pirate, Changbin. I almost killed you and now you’re here, cracking jokes and bringing me food. Why?” the siren asked.

Changbin sighed, still smiling. “Because my parents raised me well, unfortunately. I hated you, when we brought you on the boat, and I really wanted you out of here but…” he groaned, “the necklace kinda… spoke to me? It said weird things, and the voices in my head were telling me to protect it and just… get rid of you and I couldn’t.”

Oh.

Oh.

“I-” Hyunjin tried, words dying in his throat. He also heard a faint voice in his head, telling him to drown Changbin, back on the cliff. “I- I think I heard them too…” the siren bit his bottom lip. Changbin’s gaze fell on the siren’s mouth, watching the plush lip trapped in those white and sharp teeth. He cleared his throat.

“Sorry for the slap”

“It’s okay, I’m sorry for your back. And wrists, I’m gonna smack Chan personally for the rope” the pirate promised, making Hyunjin giggle softly.

The siren scooted closer to the boy and brushed his reddened cheek, healing the pirate. Changbin gulped, feeling the burn on his face disappear. 

“There” Hyunjin whispered, his hand going for Changbin’s chest to heal the scratches he caused but the pirate took his hand tenderly.

“Leave them, they’re battle scars” he joked breathlessly, caressing Hyunjin’s knuckles, making the siren chuckle shyly.

They both jumped when someone knocked persistently on the locked door. “Hyung! Crew meeting, now!” Jeongin yelled.

“Alright!” Changbin replied and looked at Hyunjin. “Come with me?”

The siren nodded. Maybe he could trust him.

Chapter Text

The crew reunited on the main deck, taking seats on stools and barrels. 

Six pairs of eyes stared at Changbin and Hyunjin, who was walking behind the broad shoulders of the pirate. “You can sit here, come” Changbin drew a stool closer to the taller boy while he stayed standing beside him.

Hyunjin sat, scanning the pirates one by one: he recognized Chan, the captain, and Felix, noticing the freckles on his nose and cheeks. Changbin lowered to the siren’s ear. “You already know Chan, the captain, and Felix,” he began to whisper, his deep voice going straight to Hyunjin’s guts. “The guy with the hat is Minho hyung, beside him it’s Jisung. The puppy looking one is Seungmin and the cutie over there is Jeongin”

Hyunjin looked at everyone, noticing Minho and Seungmin’s flaming gazes on him, Jisung fidgeting with the hem of his green coat, his eyes round and Jeongin smiling slightly at him, ginger locks framing his sharp features. He was so cute, Hyunjin wanted to eat him whole.

The captain rolled up his sleeves and removed the black bandana from his head, freeing his dark, messy curls. “Okay, now that we’re all here-”     

“Why the fuck did you hurt Changbin hyung?” Seungmin interrupted, staring at Hyunjin. The siren squirmed in his seat, opening his mouth to reply, but the puppy-like pirate was faster. “Why did you attack Felix? And Chan hyung? And made all of us follow you to that shit of an island?”. Hyunjin scoffed. “That’s my island, idiot. Don’t talk about where I live when you’re on a decaying, smelly boat.”

Now it was Jisung’s turn to glare at Hyunjin. “Yah! Watch your fishy mouth, Chan hyung and I designed this boat-”

“Okay, that's enough!” the captain was standing, his gaze pierced through their souls. 

Seungmin and Jisung mumbled some apologies, while Hyunjin stayed silent with his head low. Chan huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Like I was saying. Now that we're all here, Hyunjin” he looked at the siren, “we want to ask a few questions. I swear on my crew and my honor that nobody here will touch you, but you have to swear too.”

Hyunjin gulped through the lump in his throat and nodded. ‘I swear on my gills” 

Chan smiled and clapped his hands once, taking a seat. “Good! Seungmin? You had something to tell us?”

Seungmin picked up a book from a satchel behind him and the necklace from his pocket. Hyunjin felt Changbin stiffen beside him. “Changbin hyung asked me to find something about this and I did, but it's not very clear.” he turned to face Hyunjin. “What do you know about it?” the pirate asked.

“I- my mom used to tell me a story about this treasure. So powerful that brought luck and success to whoever wore it. I really wanted it for so long. I left my family to search for it and almost gave up but-” he took a deep breath, “but then I heard about Changbin and… greed just possessed me. So I sang to you and you know the rest.” 

“Damn” Jisung muttered, flinching when Minho slapped his shoulder. Changbin sighed. “I felt the same greed and, by the way, I’m sorry I snapped at you that one time, Lixie-ah”

Felix shrugged and eyed Chan, before clearing his throat. “I have something to say to y’all, actually. Uhm- I knew what was happening when hyung found the necklace but I… I wasn't sure about it but-” he took a deep breath, “my father was- is a siren.”

The boat grew silent, Hyunjin could see the shock on the pirate’s faces, except for Chan, who probably already knew.

“This explains a lot of things…” Minho muttered. “Yeah, like the weird pearls collection you have in your room and the random shells you keep bringing on the boat.” Jisung added, stretching his arms.

Felix chuckled softly. “I thought you would be mad, that’s why I never told anyone. I had to tell Channie today.” he said, looking at his boyfriend, who smiled fondly.

“But anyway, the necklace. I remember my father telling me this story over and over but he also said that the pendant itself is… cursed. It talks to people, tells them to do things in order to gain success. I thought it was a different necklace, when hyung found it, so I didn’t really think about it but then you began to act so weird and remembered.” Felix looked at Changbin. “I’m sorry, hyungie, when I wanted to do something, Hyunjin had already found you and-”

“Lixie, it's okay. I probably wouldn’t have even listened to you, anyway. I was too focused on that thing.” Changbin bit his lip.

“We will destroy this thing but not now. It’s late and we have to sleep. We will dock at an island tomorrow to refuel our stocks.” the captain stood, “Hyunjin” the siren stiffened, straightening his back. Chan smiled, his dimples showing, “If you want to stay, welcome on the Stray Kids.”

Hyunjin’s eyes widened, mouth hung half opened incredulously. “Thank you, captain…” “Call me Chan, please. Now go to sleep, everyone, c’mon!”

The crew began to spread, Minho patted Hyunjin on the shoulder. “You better behave, siren, or I’ll cook you like the fish you ate before.” he said, smiling mischievously, then took place beside Chan on the poop deck, behind the rudder.

Jisung and Felix were next, excited to have another person on board. “Lixie and I have sleepovers every week, you can join if you want!” the pirate with the round cheeks chirped. Felix laughed. “Yeah, you’ll have fun.”

Hyunjin smiled and nodded. “I want to talk with you, too. Eventually.” he said, looking at Felix who agreed and walked to his cabin with his crewmate.

“I will keep an eye on you.” Hyunjin flinched and spun only to find a glaring Seungmin behind him. “Minho taught me how to use knives.” he deadpanned. “Oh, quit being this grumpy. The captain trusts him” Jeongin pulled him by the arm, smiling widely at Hyunjin. Oh, he’s so cute!

“He’s incredibly sweet, I swear. He will treat you like you’re made of gold, once he opens fully.” the youngest said, dragging Seungmin in their cabin, the puppy-like pirate shooting glares at Hyunjin.

“You’ll get used to them, if you want to stay,” Changbin said, his big hand stroking his back softly, then began to walk to the forecastle deck. Hyunjin followed him, leaning on the edge of the boat, breathing in the sea breeze.

Changbin stood beside him. “I’m sorry I enchanted you. I hate doing it. Other sirens find it easy, so they can have everything and everyone .” Hyunjin said, his gaze never leaving the sea.

“Everyone? I thought the sirens’ chant was used to kill pirates.” Changbin admitted. Hyunjin chuckled dryly. “Yes but… we decide what to do with our chant. Some sirens can kill with it, others make people fall in love with them. I always thought that was so lame, honestly. I want someone to love me truly, for who I am, and not for a… a spell.” 

The pirate turned to him, his eyes sparkling and his heart pounding hard in his chest. “For what is worth… I thought you were beautiful, even without the spell.”

Hyunjin blushed and looked at Changbin, his lips parted in awe. The pirate smiled and patted the siren’s spiky hair. 

“Good night, Hyunjinnie” he said and went back to his room. Hyunjin smiled, head buried in his hands. 

Maybe pirates weren’t that bad.

🧜🏻🌊⛵️

Hyunjin ended up sleeping in Chan’s room again, since the captain was sleeping with Felix anyway. When he woke up, he walked outside, stretching his arms up.

“Hey little siren! Good morning!” he heard Minho shout from the rudder.  Hyunjin reached him and smiled. 

“Good morn-” “Eat this, you’re pale” Minho shoved a plate of fruits under his nose. “I cut them myself.”

Hyunjin was shocked but began to eat anyway, he loved fruits. The siren made a humming noise and smiled at Minho. “Thank you so much!”

The pirate waved a hand in dismissal, hiding the red tips on his ears under his hat. “I feed everyone, I can’t let you starve or Changbin would rip my head off” he said with a wink. Hyunjin giggled and went to the front of the boat, sitting on the edge and finished eating. He missed swimming, flapping his tail around and blowing bubbles with the fishes. He set the plate on the ground and watched the waves crashing on the wood of the boat, reflecting the sun and creating sparkles on the surface. He sighed.

Those few days felt unbelievable, almost like an old sailor tale that people sang to children: a siren and a pirate, opposites but yet so similar. 

“Mind if I join you?” a deep voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Felix sat beside him, his freckles more visible with the sun and his black hair shining. “Good morning,” Hyunjin greeted, smiling. The siren found himself staring at the other boy, scanning his face and neck.

“You won’t find anything, unfortunately” Felix laughed, “I’m not a siren, just my dad and my sisters. My mother and I are humans, don’t ask me why though. It was the same question my father asked himself everyday.” he explained.

“You may not be a siren, but you’re pretty like one. Your features remind me of home, Felix” Hyunjin said, taking his hand and caressing his knuckles, making the pirate smile.

“Land!” Jeongin shouted from the top of the main mast. “Captain, let’s be ready!” 

Quickly, Hyunjin saw the crew setting the sails and the anchor, ready to dock. They all worked in perfect harmony: Jisung helped Seungmin with the ropes, Changbin and Chan pulled the sails, Minho spun the rudder with precision, while Felix and Jeongin, who got down off the main mast, began to tie some complicated knots on the thick ropes. 

When they reached the island, they dropped the anchor and some of them got off the ship. “Seungmin and I will guard the ship, hyung, don’t worry.” Jeongin promised Chan solemnly.

Hyunjin went down with Changbin, looking around.  “Okay let’s split! We’ll see here again in three hours, alright? Be careful.” the captain said.

“Ay, captain” the crew replied and they all parted in couples. Changbin grinned at Hyunjin and took his hand. “Follow me.”

They ran through the huge market, the sellers loudly announcing their products, children playing games in the city square. 

The two boys reached a quiet part of the island, made of white hot sand and big palm trees. The pirate rolled up his pants and unbuttoned his shirt, leaving it on the sand, then stepped into the water, shivering slightly, and turned back to Hyunjin. Changbin pointed at a cave in the waters, half hidden by the trees.

“I used to come here with my family, so I know about this cave. I thought you might’ve liked it” Changbin admitted shyly, his cheek flushing. Hyunjin felt his heart almost exploding in his chest, quickly removing his clothes and diving into the sea. 

His legs shifted back, a beautiful blue tail took their place; Hyunjin felt so alive. He swam to the cave and emerged from the water, little droplets dropping from his hair. Changbin was right behind him, walking until the water reached his shoulders. 

Hyunjin was amazed by the cave: it was big and chilly, the water shone a deep blue, almost black, but some rays of sunshine still peeked through. 

The siren swam around, blowing bubbles around the pirates and splashing water, making Changbin giggle. After a while, Hyunjin approached the pirate, placing his webbed hands on his shoulders. “Thank you, Changbin… I needed this, really” he said, smiling and gave him a shy kiss on his cheek.

Changbin blushed, placing his hands on the other’s hips, where the skin met the scales. “Uh- it’s nothing. Yeah, nothing” he stuttered, his fingers twitching against the siren’s wet skin. 

Hyunjin giggled, lowering his hands on Changbin’s fuzzy chest, fingers brushing the scars above his heart. “I never imagined to be this close to a pirate. I always thought so little of your kind” “We didn’t even know you were real, Hyunjinnie,” Changbin laughed. “I’m glad you are,” he added, tightening his grip on Hyunjin’s waist. The siren chewed on his lip and saw the pirate dropping his gaze on his mouth, then looking up again.

Hyunjin leaned in, their noses brushing, his hands never leaving Changbin’s chest.

“Ask me,” he whispered.

“Can I kiss you?”

Their lips crashed before the sentence was out of the pirate’s mouth.

The kiss was slow, almost careful, their tongues brushing shyly. Hyunjin squeezed Changbin’s pecs, making the boy sigh on his lips, but never parting. The siren backed off until he was leaning against the wall, bringing Changbin with him.

They parted for a bit, gasping for air, but they were on each other quickly, the kiss growing more heated with the pirate’s hands roaming on Hyunjin’s body. The siren whined. “Changbin,” he called in between kisses, his tail twitching. The pirate began to kiss Hyunjin's jaw and neck, making a questioning noise.

"Changbin- fuck. Take me to the boat. Now ” 

Changbin nodded furiously and scrambled back, tripping on a rock and going underwater. Hyunjin laughed and picked him up, swimming quickly out of the cave. Once they were dried enough and Hyunjin had shifted his tail to legs again, they dressed up and walked to the boat, holding hands.

When they finally arrived, Hyunjin kissed Changbin hungrily, trying to walk backwards to the pirate’s room. 

Changbin parted and unbuttoned the boy’s shirt, then kissed him again, one hand opening the door behind his back. They heard a moan, then a full scream and parted, looking inside the room: it wasn’t Changbin’s. Seungmin was on Jeongin’s lap, his shirt off his shoulders, half covering his back. 

Changbin slammed the door closed with wide eyes and flinched when the door swung open again after a few seconds, revealing a half dressed and very angry Seungmin, purple hickeys on his collarbone.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” he yelled, slapping Changbin on the arm, making him bark a laugh. “Your mom never taught how to fucking knock ?!” Seungmin kept arguing, Jeongin appearing behind him with his face flushed red.

“Seungminnie, there’s nothing to be ashamed of! I’m just surprised you’re not a pillow princess, if I have to be honest” Changbin said. “Oh no, he is,” Jeongin intruded sincerely. 

Seungmin's face blushed more and shoved the younger in the room, slamming the door closed. The siren and the pirate started giggling and walked into Changbin’s room.

They both laid on the bed, facing each other, Hyunjin brushing the pirate’s hair out of his eyes. The two boys exchanged some pecks on the lips, then kissed slowly again, melting into each other’s touch. 

Hyunjin smiled into the kiss, caressing the other’s cheekbone with the tip of his finger. Changbin sighed happily and parted slightly. “You’re the best thing that happened to me so far, Hyune…”. The siren felt his heart pound fast in his ribcage.

Could he say he was already in love with the pirate? He probably had always been, fate knew and brought Changbin to him.

Before Hyunjin could reply, they heard someone boarding the ship, heavy steps all over the main deck and then-

“Don’t touch my crew!”

Fuck.

Chapter Text

Changbin and Hyunjin jolted out of the bed, fixing their clothes. The pirate picked up his gun and loaded it, then equipped his sword on the belt. 

Hyunjin watched him with his eyes wide and anxious. “Changbin…”. The boy pressed their lips together. “Stay here, baby. Don't come out, I’ll get you when I’m done. Promise me you’ll be here” he said and the siren nodded furiously. “I promise. Be careful”

The pirate exited the room, noticing that Seungmin's room was already empty. He took a deep breath and went out to the main deck, but no one was there. Huh?  He walked to the center and turned when he heard a muffled sound. His blood ran cold when he saw his captain tied, his back against the rudder and his mouth covered.

“Chan-!”. Changbin felt someone making pressure on his back, so hard that he fell forward on the ground, his arms being tied back. “Leave me alone! Don't fucking touch me!” Changbin shouted.  He was dragged and tied against the main mast and soon his crewmates joined him, all of them tied and sitting facing each other. The pirates who assaulted the Stray Kids lifted the anchor and guided the boat out of the island’s harbor. 

A big pirate was tying a cloth around Seungmin’s mouth, his hand had an ugly, red bite mark. Smart move, puppy.

Changbin was the only one with his mouth free. “Who are you?! What do you want from my crew?!” 

Someone behind him laughed dryly. Heavy steps approached him and then Changbin saw him: a skinny old pirate, with an extravagant coat and a pink eyepatch on his left eye. It was One-eyed J.P, one of the most hated pirates in all the Seven Seas, who forced Chan to join his crew when he was young, only to throw him out of his boat years later. That's how he found the others.

“We meet again, Changbin.” J.P said, his smirk making the boy’s stomach churn. The last time he saw him was four years before, when MInho joined the crew.

“What the fuck do you want, huh? Didn't you torture us enough?” Changbin spat, tugging at the rope. “Calm your muscles, Seo. I’m here only to collect something that belongs to me. Some little bird told me you have it” 

Changbin grinned. “You talk with animals? You're getting too old, Park, you should retire.”

J.P’s face darkened and grabbed a fistful of Changbin’s hair, yanking his head back. “Give me the necklace and nobody will die today.” the pirate gritted out. “I don't know what you're talking about,” Changbin replied, receiving a slap from the older pirate. 

J.P grinned, the grip in the other's hair tightening. Changbin heard one of his members making a noise, feet stomping. “The pirate you killed… I sent him, Seo. I sent the whole crew after that jewel. The necklace was for me ,” he said. “Give it to me. Now.”

Changbin looked at him, his gaze neutral. “No.”

Another slap landed on his cheek. “Quit playing games. Tell me where the necklace is!” J.P shouted, leaving Changbin's hair, then turned to his crew. “Search in their cabins, now,” he ordered.

Changbin went pale, watching the pirates entering their rooms. “No! No, I have it! I’ll give it to you!” he panicked and J.P smiled, amused.

A scream made everyone’s blood freeze. One of the pirates had found Hyunjin and dragged him outside by the arm.

“Don’t touch him!” Changbin shouted angrily and tried to free from the rope, squirming. 

“Aw, Changbin. You found a boyfriend, I see.” J.P smirked. Hyunjin bit the arm of the pirate and pushed him away, blood dripping from his sharp teeth. 

“Who do we have here, huh? You’re too pretty to be a pirate.” J.P asked, approaching the siren. 

Hyunjin growled, two other pirates blocking him.  “Captain, we didn't find anything,” one of them reported firmly, making his captain scoff. He grabbed Hyunjin by his chin. “Maybe you know it. Where’s my necklace? You better tell me or your little boyfriend will sleep with the fishes tonight.”

Hyunjin spat in his face, grinning when J.P backed off and wiped his cheeks. “You little son of a-”

A knife twirling right next to his ear interrupted him, sticking to the wall next to one of the pirates. The old pirate turned around, his face pale. Minho was standing, two pirates passed out at his feet, while his crewmates were slowly standing beside him. He smirked. “You know how I love knives, old man.”

Everything erupted quickly: J.P’s crew charged at the Stray Kids, but they were faster.

Felix and Jisung climbed on two pirates and took care of them; Seungmin freed Changbin and then ran to help Jeongin, biting the same man from before on the shoulder; Minho and Chan were back to back, the captain with his guns loaded, the cook with his sword and a knife between his teeth. 

Changbin looked at Hyunjin, who was fighting like he was dancing, elegant and precise, every punch and slap sharp. He smiled, shooting at one of the pirates caging the siren.

Hyunjin knocked another out and smiled back, running to Changbin. When they were close, they shared a kiss. “Baby… you’re amazing” the pirate said breathlessly, making Hyunjin giggle and flinch a little when he shot at another pirate behind him.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” he replied, then whispered “I have it. Right pocket. It was in Seungmin’s room”

Changbin nodded. “We have to destroy it before-” his eyes widened when he felt a sharp blade going through his side. Hyunjin screamed in horror.

J.P withdrew his sword, grinning behind him. “That’s what happens if you don’t give me what’s mine.”

Changbin fell to his knees, then on his back clutching his side, his breathing coming fast and ragged. Hyunjin knelt beside him, hot tears streaming down his face. “Binnie… please, you can’t die…”

He heard Chan screaming, but it was muffled. Hyunjin felt like he was underwater.

Everything froze for a moment. The Stray Kids couldn’t move, watching his crewmate whine in pain, while J.P smirked above him. With shaking hands, the siren picked the necklace out of his pocket, the pendant shining more than usual. Hyunjin looked at Chan and signed to his ears. The captain nodded, through his tears, and covered his ears, his members copying him.

The siren began to sing, standing up on wobbly knees, the necklace heavy in his hand.

The moon is hiding in the clouds

a night without a light

J.P’s crew began to walk towards Hyunjin, hypnotized by the chant.

The captain’s eyes went glassy, while Hyunjin dropped the necklace on the ground and smashed it with his foot.

A heart without a name

wandering through the sky.

Hyunjin picked up the shattered pieces, singing and threw them in the water, watching how the enchanted pirates followed them, diving into the sea. No one went look at them drowning in the deep waters.

“Hyune…” 

The siren stopped singing and dropped to his knees, pressing down the cut on Changbin’s body and beginning to heal him. “Everything is gonna be okay, Binnie, okay? Y-you have to fight, hm? Ple-please, Changbin, you can’t die now” he stuttered.

The crew gathered around them, the siren heard some of them sniffle, Jisung was sobbing. Changbin looked at them and smiled tiredly. “Guys… I-I have a piece of paper in the skull we found, Chan hyung, remember?” he coughed, “I left something fo-for everyone-”

“Shut up!” Seungmin cried. “Hyung shut up. Hyunjin, please!”

Chan hugged him tightly, the younger pirate crying on his shoulder. Minho sniffled while stroking both Jisung and Felix’s backs. Jeongin knelt beside Hyunjin, wiping his eyes. “I believe in you, Hyunjin hyung…” he whispered.

Changbin raised his hand, brushing the siren’s cheek with his knuckles. “I am so lucky, baby… I-I think I fell in love with you t-the second I met your eyes… I love y-you, Hyune…” he sighed and closed his eyes.

Felix sobbed harder, falling to his knees, the whole crew following him.

“He can’t leave us…”  Minho whispered.

A few seconds went by, feeling like hours, then Hyunjin stumbled back, panting. “He’s alive. He’s breathing…”

The crew stopped crying, shocked by the siren’s powers. “You… saved him…” Chan muttered, approaching him.The captain hugged him tightly, caressing his spiky hair.  “Thank you, Hyunjin… Thank you so much. You can rest now” he continued. Hyunjin tried to hug him back, but spots danced around his eyes, before the world went black.

🧜🏻🌊⛵️

A few days later

Hyunjin woke up in a comfy bed, stretching his arms up.  He was in a room he hadn't seen before, smaller than the others, but warm and almost familiar . There were shells on the walls, pearls and little trinkets on the desk beside the window. The siren sat up and noticed a new pair of pants and a light shirt on the edge of the bed. He yawned and changed his clothes, the shirt being a bit too loose for him. Probably it belonged to Chan.

A faint music came from outside, Hyunjin heard some clapping and stomping through the walls of the boat. Curious, the siren headed on the main deck and found five crewmates singing an old sailors’ song: Jisung and Seungmin were leaning on each other, singing their hearts out while Minho, Felix and Jeongin were laughing, keeping the time with their hands.

When they saw Hyunjin, they stopped and stood up to greet him loudly.

“Hyunjin! You’re awake! It’s been days, man” Jisung yelled, hugging him. The siren giggled and squeezed him back. He slept for days?! 

“We’re so glad you’re okay. You scared the shit out of Chan when you passed out” Minho laughed, getting a loud ‘that’s not true!’ from the captain behind the rudder. Hyunjin parted from Jisung, greeting Felix and Jeongin, then looked at Seungmin.

“I’m sorry I snooped in your room but… I couldn’t let them harm you” Hyunjin admitted shyly and blushed a bit when Seungmin hugged him.

“Thank you. You saved all of us, I owe you my life” he said, parting.

The siren smiled softly and patted him on the head. “You owe me nothing, Minnie. I always help my friends.” Seungmin smiled back.

Hyunjin scanned the deck and chewed on his bottom lip.

“Jinnie, come here for a moment!” the captain called from the rudder. The siren nodded and waved at his crewmates, who went back to singing, while he reached for Chan. 

“Yes, captain?” 

Chan huffed, laughing. “I told you to call me Chan. I hope you like your new room. It was a spare closet Jisung designed back in the day…” Hyunjin smiled and kissed his cheek. “It’s perfect… thanks”

Chan smiled, flustered.  “Look where we’re heading, little siren” he said, pointing in front of him.

Hyunjin looked at the sea and he saw it, his island . His little island was right there, still a bit far, but there.

“My home…” he turned back to Chan, “Are you leaving me there?”

The captain shook his head immediately. “Absolutely not, you’re stuck with us. But someone woke up two days ago and made this wish for you”

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. 

“Really? You can’t guess who it was?” a voice behind him joked. Changbin . The siren faced the main deck and here he was, a bandage was wrapped around his waist, but he was safe and smiling. He was alive.

Hyunjin ran to him and hugged him, being careful of the wound. “You’re okay… my love, you’re safe…” he whispered, parting a little just to leave kisses on his face.

The pirate chuckled, his cheeks flushing. “I’m okay, baby. The scar wasn’t all closed, so Minho stitched me up a little, but I’m okay thanks to you” he said, kissing him on the lips.

Hyunjin smiled with watery eyes and brushed the pirate’s bangs out of his forehead. “I love you, too, pirate. I had to tell you back…”

Changbin kissed him again, slowly, like they had all the time in the world. 

Jeongin fake-gagged, making everyone laugh.

They arrived on the island hours later and Hyunjin immediately dived into the sea, introducing the crew to his sea creatures friends. They all swam and had fun in the water, Changbin and Hyunjin sharing some sweet kisses in between games.

When the night came, they gathered around the fire, drinking, telling horror stories and singing old songs.

“If years ago somebody told me that I was gonna befriend a siren… I would’ve laughed so hard, I would’ve pissed myself” Jisung slurred, a little tipsy. 

The crew laughed, Hyunjin pushed him softly. “These days I thought… that maybe it was fate that brought me to you all” the siren said, locking eyes with Changbin.

Chan took a sip from his flask. “I want to believe that, too. This feels right. Maybe eight is fate” he smiled.

From that day on, everyone around the world knew about the Stray Kids crew, who always had a little siren splashing around the boat, guiding them into new adventures.