Chapter Text
The air around the table felt tense and stagnant as the pirates realized the weight of Seonghwa’s words. Wooyoung had leaned back, away from the prince’s space and he felt the loss of warmth. Yeosang watched him with sharp eyes and for a moment, Seonghwa believed this was the end of their comfortable and friendly welcome.
“Your highness, we are aware of where your loyalties lie. We know of your duties and your wish to fulfill them, all I am saying is that it seems as though you are unhappy in your role as prince. Pardon my intrusion but I pride myself on being able to read people. I will let the matter go, though. I can see you may not be ready to face that part of yourself.”
Yeosang returned his watchful gaze to his meal and resumed eating, Mingi following suit. The atmosphere lightened so fast Seonghwa could not quite follow, but the dread slowly lifted from his shoulders as the crew began to cheerfully discuss once again. Wooyoung was leaning on San’s shoulder, but kept his beaming eyes on the prince, and his heart was filled with affection for the boy.
He picked up his utensils, glad about the understanding the entire group seemed to have, although he was still dedicated to his mission, there was nothing any of them could do while drifting along in serene waters. The prince ate silently, listening to the cheerful banter of the crew, a few of them cracking jokes followed by roars of laughter. The golden candlelight flickered against the wood of the ship, making this seem like a fond family picture, fading into the back of Seonghwa’s mind. The sound of Wooyoung's laughter engrained itself into his memory as he smiled down at his food, feeling as though he was accepted somewhere for the first time in his life.
-
The crew had finished eating in the absence of Jongho, Yunho and Hongjoong. Wooyoung made a promise to yell at them the next day followed by a bout of laughter and a pat on the head from San. They had cleaned their individual dishes and Mingi and Yeosang made their way back to the crew quarters for some well deserved rest. San helped Wooyoung clean out the iron pot above the now barely glowing coals of the hearth and put the remaining food in three bowls on the counter.
Seonghwa did not miss the disappointed sigh that Wooyoung released as his fingers lingered near the bowls. San took his hand and pulled him into an embrace. “We’ll get them all to come back, angel. They just need reminding that it’s important that we all spend time together where we aren’t working.”
Wooyoung nodded into Sans neck before pulling away with a sigh. The three of them finished cleaning up before making their way to San and Wooyoung’s room in a comfortable silence. San opened the door and seemed shocked at the makeshift bed right in the middle of the room, Wooyoung letting out a silent chuckle.
“I figured he would want his own space. He’s probably used to a big comfortable mattress and this was the best I could do.”
San patted his lover's head, the two beaming at each other and Seonghwa’s chest tightened. He had never experienced that kind of love and probably never would, with his arranged marriage to look forward to. Seonghwa frowned, displeased at the thought of the princess awaiting him back home, but brushed the discomfort aside when San spoke again.
“You know, Wooyoung and I almost always sleep in the same hammock anyways. It’s nicer since the rock of the ship otherwise causes you to roll around. If you want, we can move the blankets to his hammock and he can just sleep with me?”
The two looked at him expectantly and Seonghwa glanced between them and the three ‘beds’ before nodding with a smile. The pair mirrored a look of tired excitement and got to work moving the bedding around while Seonghwa hovered trying unsuccessfully to find a way to help. When everything was settled Wooyoung lent Seonghwa a pair of soft, deep blue pajamas lined with white and the prince gladly changed and climbed into Wooyoung’s hammock.
“Did you have your own room in the navy, Seongwa?
Seonghwa’s heavy lidded eyes met Wooyoungs, and he hummed.
“Yeah…like I mentioned before, the higher rank you have, the larger and more isolated quarters you receive. Since I’m pretty much as high as you can get, I was devastatingly secluded from everyone else. It could get pretty rowdy at night though, so I appreciate the quiet.”
Wooyoung let out a long sigh, his hand squeezing the one around his waist.
“Didn’t you get lonely? It sounds like there were no friends, no allies or anything. Who did you go to if something upset you?”
Seonghwa gently smiled at the younger, turning fully on his side and placing his head on his hands as he made himself more comfortable.
“That’s not really something we do. If I were to go to someone with an issue, they could use it against me in the future and vice versa. We are taught from young that no one is to be trusted. Most people are after money or power, which is why we have arranged marriages as well; so we both benefit from the power we receive through our unity.”
Wooyoung’s eyes widened and he perked up slightly. “What if you fall in love with someone who doesn’t grant you any power though? And what if they love you back for who you are and not your position?”
Seonghwa let out a weak laugh.
“Unfortunately I do not have that privilege. If I were to fall in love with someone other than who my father has chosen, they would be banished or executed under the pretense they had either hypnotised me, or they were just after my rank and had ill intentions.”
“Has chosen…” Wooyoung sat up straighter, causing San to grunt in protest. “Does that mean you’re married already?”
Seonghwa waved his hand, amused at the pirates' stricken face. “No, of course not. My father has arranged my marriage with a princess of another kingdom, but sent me off on this mission sort of as a way to prove my worth to her mother and father. To show them I’m capable and quick witted, I suppose.”
“Oh! Oh…so what does it mean that you’re here–now?”
Seonghwa sighed, having thought about this notion as little as he could. “I’m not sure. The king seems to want me back as soon as possible from our interaction with those bounty hunters. Adding a cash reward to my head but…” dread welled up in Seonghwa’s chest as he spoke. “With the incident of a prince defending pirates, he may not take well to that. Like your captain said: I may as well have announced I’m joining your crew.”
“But that’s not fair! Those bounty hunters would have hurt you! Wouldn’t your father have you arrive unscathed and safe, only slightly later than sooner and beaten to a pulp?”
“He rarely cares about the how. It's when that's important to him. I’m afraid he will see this as a betrayal, given that the bounty hunters tell him.”
“That’s idiocy! You're his son, Seonghwa. Surely that counts for something.”
“You would think so, wouldn’t you.” Seonghwa’s expression fell as he twiddled his fingers and Wooyoung sighed once again. Their previous conversation casually brought itself to the forefront of Seonghwa’s thoughts and he took a breath.
“Wooyoung, you said my father brought in prostitutes, and that he killed your mother for having an affair”
The pirate nodded as he laid back down, San’s arms returning to their place around his torso.
“If it was two years after you were born, then I was already in the picture. I’ve never heard of him doing such a thing, and I have never heard of Yu-Jun having a son…Why is that?”
Wooyoung gave him a sympathetic look, his eyes glistening in the light of the moon streaming through their singular window.
“Seonghwa, I think there is a lot your father has kept from you. When Hongjoong says you don’t know what it’s like for the rest of us, I can’t help but agree. But I don’t think that's on you, to be fair. I think maybe your father has painted a perfect picture of the world in your head. Possibly to protect you from harsh realities? I honestly couldn’t say, but I do think it’s important that when you return to the palace, you take time to explore outside of the life you know.”
Seonghwa took in his words in shock. His father never seemed like one to commit the atrocities that Wooyoung had experienced, but he also had come to believe the pirate would not lie to him to this extent. He felt anxiety rise up in his chest at the thought that he had no idea what his kingdom held. The concept that he had potentially been lied to his entire life.
Wooyoung, as always, seemed to sense his discomfort and began humming a soft tune. It was fascinating how quickly Seonghwa’s nervous system reacted as he felt a rush of calm wash over him. Combined with the gentle rocking of the waves, he was able to drift into a soft, comforting sleep.
-
The prince woke slowly. Blinking the sleep from his eyes as rays of sun danced over his face. The hammock across from him was empty, but the smell of spiced tea and oatmeal told him exactly where the pair had gone. He got out of his hammock and stretched his stiff muscles, noticing a neatly folded pile of clothing on the chest under San’s hammock with a small note.
Good morning!
I have left clothes out for you, but I figured you may also want to bathe. The tub is full of warm water, courtesy of San, and we took lengths to make sure Hongjoong would stay out of your goddamn business this time. Meet us in the kitchen when you’re done!
Seonghwa chuckled and folded the note carefully, setting it aside before assessing the pile of clothing. The outfit consisted of a white, v neck shirt with dramatic ruffles down the middle. The sleeves were long, ending in a lanterned sinch before flaring one once again. The pants were a brown, thick material with a wrap around the top resembling a skirt with a belt like waist. Wooyoung definitely seemed to prefer fashion over function.
The prince hastily made his way to the bathroom, the tub full as promised. He sank into the warm water, allowing himself to enjoy the gentle steam floating just above the surface before remembering the couple was waiting for him in the kitchen. He scrubbed himself down and washed his tangled black hair, reluctantly leaving the tub and drying himself off with the towel folded neatly on the counter.
He eyed the clothing, relatively excited to see how the garments would look on him. The skirt-like wrap on the pants piqued his interest, as he had always taken a liking to more genderless clothes. The king had always told him it was inappropriate however, and the matter was dropped. Seonghwa slipped on the shirt that must have been San’s, as it was slightly too big on the shoulders, and tugged up the pants.
He fastened them closed and diligently wrapped the skirt, buttoning it at his side with the shirt tucked in. The prince turned, albeit hesitantly, to look at himself in the mirror and his eyes widened. He turned this way and that, admiring how the clothing fit his figure to near perfection. When he met his own gaze in the reflection he was surprised to see the grin plastered on his face.
An almost shy joy spread through him and he ran his hands through his hair a few times to appear presentable. He folded his previous clothes carefully and tucked them under his arm before exiting the bathroom with a newfound confidence.
Seonghwa found the kitchen with slight difficulty and entered to the scene of Wooyoung and Yeosang sitting on the stools with bowls of oatmeal and cups of steaming tea in front of them, happily chattering. The sound of the door closing made them both look towards him, Wooyoung grinning as he looked the prince up and down.
“See, Yeosang? That outfit looks way better on his majesty than it does on you. It is just such a shame you have to go back and wear those bulky uniforms again. You look alot better with lighter clothing.”
Yeosang smacked the younger, who burst out laughing and Seonghwa looked amused, stepping further into the kitchen. Wooyoung hopped down from his seat, gesturing at it while he walked around the counter. The prince sat and a bowl and mug were placed in front of him. The mug held tea, releasing the lovely aroma of flower and spice and the bowl of oatmeal, seemingly sweetened with molasses.
Wooyoung leaned his elbows on the counter, resting his head in his hands and Seonghwa thanked him, taking a sip of the surprisingly flavorful tea.
“So I have some good news and some bad news.” The pirate began, and Seonghwa looked up from his breakfast. “The good news is Hongjoong agreed not to bother you anymore, due to mine and San’s pestering as you surely read on the note.” The prince nodded, following along. “The bad news is that we sort of, kind of a little bit, maybe told him you would be working in order to repay the food and materials, as he put it, that are wasted on you. Not anything too strenuous, just like helping Jongho clean weapons or help me with cooking or Yeosang with deck equipment.”
Seonghwa nodded, slowly setting his spoon down. “Of course. I understand. I will help in any way that I can, although I may need some direction from whoever I am helping. I’m not all too familiar with how pirate ships maintain their equipment, or how to cook, as you know. But I do think that is a fair price.”
Wooyoung clapped his hands enthusiastically. “Wonderful! You can start as soon as you finish your breakfast. I have a rather simple task for you actually…” The boy trailed off as he eyed the counter they had left the portions of food for the tree absent pirates.
“Hongjoong didn’t eat last night. He always comes and gets his servings after we have all gone to bed, as you know, but when I came to clean up the usual three bowls, only two were empty. I asked Yunho and Jongho about theirs and they said they came in last night to eat together and neither of them had even seen Joong.”
Wooyoung looked increasingly concerned and Yeosang began to clean up his own bowl as the pirate spoke.
“Yeosang has to start checking our equipment for any damage, since it’s been awhile since he’s inspected anything, Sannie is navigating, Yunho is up in the crows nest again, Jongho went…well, I’m actually not sure where he is. My point is that we’re all busy but I need Hongjoong to eat and I promised I’d help San. Could you…” Wooyoung took in a deep breath before letting out a burst of slurred together words. “Could you find Hongjoong and bring him this?”
He held out another bowl of food. Seonghwa was slightly alarmed at the notion that the pair had gotten the captain to stay away from the prince, yet the younger was now requesting that Seonghwa seek him out, but Wooyoung’s pleading gaze was increasingly difficult to say no too, and the elder sighed, conceding to the pirate. He gently took the bowl from Wooyoung’s grasp and joy lit up on his face.
“I will do this because I said I would help you, Woo, but if he decides to dig my eyes out of their sockets with his spoon, that’s on you.”
Wooyoung let out a laugh, growing higher in pitch as he covered his face with his palm. “He wouldn’t do that, he’s never done something like that before.” He went immediately still and whipped his head to Yeosang, who was attempting to leave the room. “Has he? Done something like that before, that is. You’ve been here longer than me?”
Yeosang walked back across the room and smacked the younger again. “You aren’t helping the situation Woo. And no, to my knowledge, Hongjoong has never dug someone’s eyes out with a spoon. Now if you’ll excuse me.” The boatswain quickly walked out of the room before Wooyoung could get back at him, and the boy pouted.
He turned back to Seonghwa with a faux frown and crossed his arms. “To be fair, you were not helping the situation. Are you sure this is a good idea? Could you at least come with me?”
The prince was panicking slightly at having to face Hongjoong alone, but Wooyoung patted his shoulder.
“I can’t. I have no idea where Hongjoong is and I don’t have time to search. Try his office first though. It’s the second to last door down the first right hallway when you’re at the bottom of the stairs below deck. If he’s not there just honestly try all the doors until you find him. Best of luck!”
Wooyoung spun on his heel, resolutely marching out the door, leaving Seonghwa to stare at the bowl in his hands and shove down the slow rising panic crawling up his spine. He took in a sharp breath and began his search.
It didn’t take long, not really. Wooyoung had given him relatively clear instructions, and when he descended the stairs, he had peeked into a few closed doors only to find them shrouded in darkness. There was no light below deck, the only available source being the flickering candles. Without being able to see much, Seonghwa accidentally kicked a hard wooden chest inconveniently located in the middle of the hallway.
The prince cursed, limping to lean against the wooden door frame nearest to him to inspect the damage. However, the flickering light coming from inside the room distracted him almost instantaneously from the pain and he felt a rush of victory at having found the captain. He prepared to enter the room, and to leave as soon as possible after delivering the meal, but as his eyes swept over the room to locate the man, he paused.
Hongjoong was sitting silently at his desk, leaning over something with an air of intense focus. He was tapping a finger against the wooden surface while his other hand held his face, fingers curled around his jaw. The warm candle light illuminated his features in a way that made them seem almost soft, while his red hair reflected the flickering light, casting him in a blurred halo. The room was quiet, save for the faint tap of his finder and the occasional sputter of a candle's flame.
“You know, your highness, in many cultures it’s actually considered rude to stare, and although I am flattered at the prospect of being admired, I would rather you stop lurking in my doorway so I can focus.”
The prince nearly dropped the bowl, unaware the captain had seen him and he cleared his throat, stepping further into Hongjoong’s office; heat creeping up his neck. The other man had not yet lifted his head, still vigorously focused on his scrap of paper.
“I wasn’t admiring you, captain. I just wasn’t sure how to…” He waved his hand vaguely. “Announce my presence. You seemed focused and I didn’t want to startle you into running me through.”
Hongjoong chuckled, finally turning his head to greet his guest. His eyes met Seonghwa for a brief moment, causing the elder to tense before they quickly dropped down to scan over him, as if inspecting his appearance. His gaze lingered for a moment, curiosity written subtly on his features before returning to the prince’s face inquisitively.
“Well, I’m almost disappointed.” The captain said with a feigned pout, tilting his head to the side in mock chagrin. The prince stood, unmoving and unimpressed, his annoyance flaring up at the continuous contempt this man seemed to have for him. At the lack of response, Hongjoongs features dropped back into his usual icy expression and he turned back to his desk.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of this little visit, anyways?”
He picked up his quill and began sketching again. Seonghwa visibly relaxing now that the man had turned his attention away.
“Wooyoung was worried you didn’t eat last night. He wanted me to bring you breakfast this morning and had to meet San, but believe me, I am as displeased with this arrangement as you are, if not more, so kindly take the bowl from me and I’ll be on my way.”
Seonghwa refused to walk further into the room and serve Hongjoong. At the very least, he would be met in the middle as some sort of equal, but the captain just smirked, eyes still glued to the paper. “If you don’t mind, prince, I am heavily invested in my work, I would prefer you bring me the food so that I do not lose my place. We wouldn’t want to slow all the progress I have made, would we?”
Seonghwa just rolled his eyes, standing still where he was and jutting out his hip. “If you had just gotten out of your chair for one second this could have been over by now. I’m sure you understand why I wouldn’t want to go deeper into your little lair than I have too.”
Hongjoong snorted. “The same could be said about you. It would take you two seconds to walk over here and hand me the meal Wooyoung so caringly prepared for me. I didn’t expect you to be this petty, your highness.”
The prince did have to admit, he wasn’t usually this trivial, but something about the captain got under his skin in ways he hadn’t experienced before, and he wasn’t quite sure how to handle it. He was at a standstill. Wooyoung had asked him a favour that he desperately wanted to fulfill for him, however the idea of giving Hongjoong the satisfaction of conceding made him nauseous.
Silence wrapped its silken fingers around the both of them, the only sound now the scratch of Hongjoongs quill and the burning candles. Seonghwa felt his breath quicken and chest grow heavy at the prospect of both getting closer to Hongjoong, and letting Wooyoung down. He had made a promise, though, and he was going to fulfill it. He took a single step forward, the floorboards creaking under his weight, and the captain's lips twitched slightly.
This fucking bastard.
The prince strode forward confidently, adamant on proving this in no way affected him. Hongjoong would not get the satisfaction of taking his pride. He slammed the bowl down on the wooden surface, causing the stroke the other man had been in the middle of to waver, and he paused, taking his eyes off the paper and staring up at the prince.
Seonghwa stood next to Hongjoong’s desk, leering down at him as his conceited smirk plastered his face. The captain hummed, watching the prince’s reaction to his every move as if trying to pull a specific reaction from the prince. “That wasn’t so hard now was it?”
Seonghwa scoffed, rolling his neck to look up at the ceiling and crossing his arms before returning his gaze to Hongjoong and raising an eyebrow. “So what, you don’t have time to get up, but you can spare a precious moment from your work to scold me? Is this how you treat the rest of your crew?”
Hongjoongs smirk grew wider as he shook his head. “Of course not, your highness. I treat them with the respect they deserve.”
“I’m sure you do. So why me, then?”
“Because it’s fun.” Hongjoong deadpanned.
Seonghwa raised an eyebrow.
“And you have not been anything but a pain in the ass. I have no reason to like you, prince. Maybe try smiling sometime.”
He waved a hand dismissively and Seonghwa gaped before closing his eyes and taking a breath. In the next moment, the prince conjured up the sweetest faux smile he could muster. The one he pulled out when he was required to make a public appearance with his father, only to stand there and look pretty.
The captain's own smile faltered, clearly not expecting the prince to actually follow his request, but the victory was short lived as Seonghwa hooked a shoe under Hongjoong’s chair and pushed. The latter yelped and scrambled at his desk in vain as he and his chair fell violently to the floor. Seonghwa chuckled at the sight of the man splayed out on the floor looking absolutely dumbfounded.
“What the actual fuck?!”
Hongjoong pushed himself away from the chair, quickly standing and brushing himself off before picking up the chair. He turned his attention sharply to Seonghwa, who barely managed to smother his laugh at the sheer venom in the captain's glare.
“What?” Seonghwa feigned innocence.
“Why did you do that?” Hongjoong took a deliberate step closer, eyes narrowing
“Revenge.” Seonghwa said coolly, crossing his arms. “For my rib, you absolute asshole .”
“Oh my– listen closely, your highness.” He stepped forward again, closing in on Seonghwa’s personal space. “ We are letting you off at the next port. But until then? Stay the hell out of my way.”
“And deprive myself of our lovely back and forth? Where’s the fun in that?” Seonghwa tilted his head with a smirk, and Hongjoong sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose quietly composing himself
The captain turned away, sitting back at his desk in silence, seemingly finished with the conversation. Seonghwa rolled his eyes and turned to leave, noticing in passing that the tips of Hongjoongs ears were dusted in a soft pink.
-
As Seonghwa made his way back above deck, he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at the corners of his lips at the victory over the captain. It may have been small, but being able to get the upper hand to that degree for once filled him with a sense of accomplishment.
He opened the door at the top of the stairs, greeted with the warmth of the late morning sun and the soft breeze that persisted throughout their journey. His eyes swept over the deck, looking for movement of any of the crew members, and his focus fell on the light brown hair of Yeosang, who seemed to be inspecting the rigging of the ship.
He smiled to himself and made his way to where the pirate was standing, with his paper and quill. He looked up at the sound of someone approaching and his focused expression turned kind as he lowered his materials to turn his attention to the prince.
“You look happy,” he observed, a smirk lifting the corners of his lips. “I take it that your interaction with Hongjoong went well this time.”
Seonghwa looked down and shook his head. “Not necessarily, but I did gain the upper hand for once and it felt like a little bit of a victory.”
Yeosang tilted his head. “Oh? How so? Hongjoong is not one to easily let tables turn.”
“I distracted him with my elegant beauty and kicked him over in his chair.”
Silence.
Seonghwa panicked, thinking maybe that had been too much after all, and as he was about to begin explaining himself, Yeosang burst into a fit of laughter.
“Sorry, sorry it’s just–” he paused to catch his breath and stood straight, reining his expression into neutrality. “That was the last thing I would expect to hear from you, Seonghwa. It humanizes you to an extent I wouldn’t have thought to see in my lifetime.”
The prince shut his mouth and looked away, feeling embarrassed now at his actions.
“It’s a good thing, your highness. It shows you are letting go and relaxing a little bit, which honestly, is something you desperately needed. I understand more than most. I was once in a similar position to you.”
Seonghwa met Yeosang’s gaze once again, curiosity behind his eyes, prompting the pirate to continue. He smiled and walked over to a set of barrels, taking a seat on one and patting the one next to him, prompting the prince to sit.
“I grew up in the same palace San did, as I’m sure Wooyoung has told you, San was a grand prince before he left. I was one of his personal attendants and we grew up together. I was originally a prince myself, but being 9th in line doesn’t really get you anywhere, so I was assigned to San in a different kingdom.”
Seonghwa blinked. “Does everyone on this ship have ties to royalty? Did…was your captain part of a royal family?”
Yeosang chuckled. “No, he and Yunho are probably the only ones with no ties to a kingdom, but if you are to find out their past, you should hear it from them. It isn’t bright, and may be difficult for you to hear, with how things are right now.”
Seonghwa let out a frustrated sigh. The more he learned, the more questions he had, but no one person was willing to give him the entire story, and Hongjoong and Yunho seemed to hold contempt for him. The pair would most likely not give information easily.
“Anyways,” The pirate continued. “When San met Wooyoung, I was one of the only people to know about it, and was overjoyed he had found a companion he could rely on besides me, and I helped them meet in secret. The night they fell in love, a palace attendant saw them and was privy to go to San’s father. I did everything I could to convince her otherwise, but she said the only way she would stay quiet was if I left so she could take my position. So I did.
“I found Hongjoong and Yunho, who were freshly wounded and needed an escape, and I helped them with my remaining funds to acquire this ship, and a few weeks later, San and Wooyoung showed up at the docks while we were working on repairs before setting sail.”
There was a pause, Yeosang evidently done speaking.
“You all seem to have some relation to royalty, and from what you all have told me, it seems a lot of you…” Seonghwa trailed off, not wanting to say the words that followed. “Have you all ended up here because of the mistreatment you experienced?” he was looking down at his fingers, twisting the ring that Wooyoung had given him, a prickling sensation crawling over the back of his neck.
“Yes, Seonghwa, we have. Part of the reason Hongjoong got so mad when you told Wooyoung he could just make a better life for himself, was because your family is the reason he can’t. No one’s life is that simple, and I think it would be significant for you to remember that moving forward.”
Seonghwa nodded as the sound of the ocean surrounded the pair in a calm serenity. “You really won’t tell me about your captain and Yunho?”
Yeosang shook his head, hopping off his barrel. “I think it’s best if they tell you themselves. I don’t like to pass along information about my crewmates. Especially, with all due respect, to someone of your background. I offer my information freely because I do not believe you will use it against me, however I cannot make that call for others.”
Seonghwa nodded, understanding but impatient, and watched as the pirate picked up his quill and paper to resume his duties.