Ashore (4/5)
pairing: chanbaek
rating: pg-13
summary: Chanyeol is saved by a man from the sea.
warnings: romance, fluff, slight!angst, siren!au, pirate!au
A week later, The Phoenix stops in a nearby port village, one with a bountiful market and plenty of pirate heritage. They have visited here once or twice this summer, but this time is only for a day before they’re off to sail again. For Baekhyun, this is exciting. He only got a single glimpse of land when he was chasing down Chanyeol’s ship, but this time he has longer to explore. But he’s in no way going to explore on his own.
“Chanyeol!” Baekhyun throws open the door to the captain’s quarters once they’ve docked.
Chanyeol looks up in confusion, another drafted letter to his mother sitting on the desk in front of him and quill in hand. He isn’t expecting any interruptions, considering most of the crew are out getting supplies or just exploring the town doing who knows what. But he can’t lie and say he isn’t a bit happy to see Baekhyun. “...Yes?”
“Come out to the market with me! I want to see it!” Baekhyun exclaims with the brightest and most excited expression on his face. He moves over to grab Chanyeol’s wrist and attempt to drag him up from his chair. He’s so delighted that he can hardly contain himself. Baekhyun knows the human-dominated land is full of many treasures that he cannot view from sea, ship, or shore.
“What? You can’t go by yourself?” Chanyeol gives a bit resistance, baffled by Baekhyun’s enthusiasm.
“No, you’re coming with me,” he replies sternly. “You can’t stay on the ship all day anyways!”
Chanyeol sighs but smiles and stands up. His letter to his mother can wait, especially if it means putting on his land legs and going out with Baekhyun. It’s definitely worth it when Baekhyun shows him the largest grin and starts dragging him out of his quarters and off of the deck of the ship. He’s just like a thrilled child as he hurries down the plank and causes Chanyeol to stumble a bit at his speed.
They come to a stop when Minseok stands in their way, a tall, unknown man dressed in black robes at his side. The sailing master cocks a brow at Chanyeol’s hand connected to Baekhyun, but he doesn’t say anything related to it. “Chanyeol, this is the friend I was talking about, Zitao,” he introduces, motioning to the stern-looking male beside him with sharp eyes and multiple piercings.
“It’s nice to meet you, Captain,” Zitao greets with a polite bow. He sure does look the part of someone who dabbles in magic and witchcraft. “I hope you don’t mind me coming aboard your majestic ship.”
“Of course not, glad to have you aboard,” Chanyeol nods, feeling Baekhyun’s questioning eyes burning holes into the side of his head. He wasn’t part of the crew when Zitao was discussed.
Zitao’s kohl-lined eyes slide over to the siren standing just slightly behind Chanyeol as the captain and Minseok discuss boarding arrangements briefly. His gaze holds Baekhyun’s for a moment before his eyes viciously narrow, and his lips curl into a slight sneer. It makes Baekhyun’s bones go cold. Does he know? He isn't sure what to think and just glares back, tightening his hold on Chanyeol’s palm as if to say, I dare you.
Their mini-glare battle is broken off as both Chanyeol and Minseok give their mutual goodbyes for the afternoon, and Zitao follows the latter aboard with a trunk of his things. Baekhyun feels a bit uneasy with that exchange a moment ago, but he tries to not let it affect him as he follows Chanyeol along to the market.
Once they meet the market, Baekhyun stops and gapes at the size of it. The numerous stalls seem to go on forever, filled to the brim with food, clothing, and all sort of trinkets that Baekhyun can’t name. He’s so amazed that his hand grips the hem of Chanyeol’s jacket reflexively in excitement. “Whoa,” he breathes.
“Never seen a market before?” the young captain jokes with a laugh.
“Never,” Baekhyun replies sincerely, still taking in the sight.
“Wait - you’re serious?” Chanyeol looks at him in surprise. He knows Baekhyun came from a small town by the shore but to have never seen a market is unheard of.
“I’ve lived at home my whole life,” he says sheepishly. “I’ve never seen something like this. Mother never let me leave.”
“Then how are you here now?”
Baekhyun just smiles at him and avoids the question by dashing forward with Chanyeol in tow towards the first booth.
It's a little trinket shop with dried-out sea stars and jarred baby sharks among other souvenirs of sorts that make Baekhyun frown. Why kill the poor things if you won't put them to good use? With a grumble, he continues along with the rest of the crowd, passing a few more stalls that are similar before his nose smells a delectable scent.
“Oooh, Chanyeol, what is that?” Baekhyun asks gleefully to the taller man. It smells sweet and makes his mouth water.
The russet-haired man sniffs the air and purses his lips before straining to get a look at the next stall ahead. “It smells like fruit? Pineapple, maybe?”
“Pineapple? What's that?” Baekhyun has never heard of such a thing and mumbles it a few times. It's a funny word to say.
“It's a fruit that grows around here,” Chanyeol explains, maneuvering through the crowd with Baekhyun and towards the stall with smoke billowing out and the sounds of a grill. “The locals grill it. Jongdae and I tried it once. You want some?”
Baekhyun nods, still not quite sure what this pineapple stuff is. Does it taste as sweet as it smells? They don't have many sweet things in the sea, so he's already a bit eager.
Chanyeol weaves through the crowd and up the stall, leaving Baekhyun behind before reappearing a moment later with something triangular and yellow with char marks on a stick. The younger male steals a bite, juices from the fruit staining his lips as he chews and hands it to Baekhyun.
“Try it,” he says with his mouth full. “You'll like it.”
Hesitantly, he lifts the food towards his mouth and takes a bite. It's warm and a little mushy from being cooked but deliciously sweet. His eyes widen in amazement as he takes another bite of the treat. “This is good, Chanyeol!”
“Told you,” Chanyeol snickers, drawn to the innocent way he reacts to the new food. Feeling joyous enough, he starts to lead them along and stops at a few more food stands, letting Baekhyun taste all sorts of new things, though he rejects the grilled baby octopus Chanyeol purchases.
He likes watching the wonder and enjoyment spread into Baekhyun's features as he tastes new things and gazes at interesting people, such as an elderly woman who makes beautiful blankets from a large loom. It makes Chanyeol remember his first times exploring other places along the coast and makes him wish the afternoon would never end.
As the sky becomes a pretty hue of mixed shades of orange, pink, and red, Baekhyun and Chanyeol are tired out from their previous elation and the market has quieted down from its commotion. They're wandering around an open stall filled with jewelry, clothing, and other items. Most are more expensive than other things sold at the market, but Baekhyun is interested in just feeling the soft beaded scarves in the corner, the gentle texture unknown to him. The young captain watches from the other side of the tented area, standing by the jewelry display. He looks back to the gold and silver necklaces, earrings, rings, and hairpins, all feminine-looking objects. He can't help but admire one specific set of hairpins, silver with a starfish-shaped brooch decorated with a single black pearl. Chanyeol tries not to get carried away, but his thoughts overcome him, and he finds himself ushering over the old man and quietly asking to purchase the hairpins, handing over several gold coins. Taking the hairpins, he places them gingerly in his pocket before Baekhyun waltzes over.
“Can we go look at the gardens? That lady in the stall next door said there are pretty flowers just past the market,” he gives a little pout of his lips, and Chanyeol gives in for the millionth time that day.
She was right; there are gardens, and they are spectacular, blooming with tons of roses and flowers he cannot name. Baekhyun is absolutely thrilled as if he's never seen flowers before and sits himself down on a bench as he gazes around at the floral view.
A tiny illumination catches his eye before it quickly disappears, and then it appears at another spot and another. “Chanyeol, what are all of those little lights appearing? Am I imagining things? Are they fairies?” he tugs on the captain’s sleeves and points.
“Huh?” he looks away from a bush of some flower he can't name to see Baekhyun pointing at a flickering firefly.
“They're fireflies, bugs. You've never seen them before?” Chanyeol blinks.
“Never,” Baekhyun confesses in awe. They're insects! Insects that light up! “We don't have them where I come from.”
It's odd, but Chanyeol ignores that to admire Baekhyun’s side profile and the way his eyes light up each time one of the fireflies illuminate. His hand delves into his pocket where the hairpins lie. He’s not sure why he bought them, but Baekhyun’s inky hair always falls into his eyes, and even now the smaller man tucks his bangs behind his ear.
“Baekhyun,” Chanyeol murmurs.
“Hmm?” the other man turns with a smile, only to become wide-eyed when a warm hand moves to cup his cheek momentarily. He watches wordlessly as the young captain produces two pieces of jewelry, and then brushes his bangs to the side with a gentle touch. Baekhyun’s eyes close as he slides the hairpins parallel to each other in his hair.
His eyes flutter open when Chanyeol’s touch withdraws, and the siren smiles cheekily. “Do you fancy me to be a woman, Captain?” They’re only centimeters apart, thighs touching and noses nearly brushing.
“No,” Chanyeol whispers, inching closer, “I think you are more beautiful than any woman or man I’ve met.”
Their lips meet, stealing Baekhyun’s breath, and he grips the shoulders of Chanyeol’s coat, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. The younger man’s lips are a bit dry but warm, and the siren’s cheeks grow hot as he realizes that he’s actually kissing Chanyeol, the captain he spared only a month and a half ago. But he doesn't mind it. No, not at all. In fact, he adores it and wishes it lasted longer when Chanyeol finally withdraws.
“Fuck,” the captain all but groans.
Baekhyun finds himself getting used to the gruff curses later that evening when he's spread out on the sheets of the captain’s bed.
If the crew didn't notice Chanyeol and Baekhyun’s mutual attraction before, they definitely notice it now. Neither of them are subtle in their glances, lover’s spats, or touches. Sometimes Minseok and Junmyeon turn away with twisted expressions of disgust or block crew members from going near the captain’s private room when the two are busy. But all in all, no one minds it and if they do, they don't speak out about it. Anyone who crosses the captain’s path is a dead man.
The only one visibly turned off is Zitao. The temporary crew member only glares at Baekhyun whenever he appears. Minseok asks him constantly why he doesn’t like Baekhyun, but Zitao never replies. He never says anything rude to Baekhyun either, only stares at him with those dark eyes in narrowed slits. Yet, Zitao always seems to be around when Baekhyun is speaking to Chanyeol. The siren will turn away to find those cat-like eyes watching him closely, only to disappear when Chanyeol turns as well.
Baekhyun isn’t stupid. He’s not sure how, but he knows that Zitao knows he’s not human. Whether he knows that Baekhyun is a siren or not is debatable. Baekhyun can’t do much about it, though, and he can only hope they will reach Zitao’s destination soon, so he won’t have to live in fear of the truth slipping from that man’s tongue.
“Captain, do you have a moment?” Chanyeol nearly startles as he opens the door out of his quarters to see Zitao, shrouded in black as usual, standing there, his heeled boots making him just a tad taller than the older man.
“Um, yes, I suppose so,” he backs back into his room, opening the door wider to allow Zitao inside. “What is it?”
Zitao doesn’t say anything at first, shutting the door behind him before motioning for Chanyeol to sit down in his chair. Confused, the captain does as asked and the other man sits in a chair across from him. Crossing his legs, Zitao smiles.
“What do you really know about your lover, Baekhyun, Captain?”
rating: pg-13
summary: Chanyeol is saved by a man from the sea.
warnings: romance, fluff, slight!angst, siren!au, pirate!au
A week later, The Phoenix stops in a nearby port village, one with a bountiful market and plenty of pirate heritage. They have visited here once or twice this summer, but this time is only for a day before they’re off to sail again. For Baekhyun, this is exciting. He only got a single glimpse of land when he was chasing down Chanyeol’s ship, but this time he has longer to explore. But he’s in no way going to explore on his own.
“Chanyeol!” Baekhyun throws open the door to the captain’s quarters once they’ve docked.
Chanyeol looks up in confusion, another drafted letter to his mother sitting on the desk in front of him and quill in hand. He isn’t expecting any interruptions, considering most of the crew are out getting supplies or just exploring the town doing who knows what. But he can’t lie and say he isn’t a bit happy to see Baekhyun. “...Yes?”
“Come out to the market with me! I want to see it!” Baekhyun exclaims with the brightest and most excited expression on his face. He moves over to grab Chanyeol’s wrist and attempt to drag him up from his chair. He’s so delighted that he can hardly contain himself. Baekhyun knows the human-dominated land is full of many treasures that he cannot view from sea, ship, or shore.
“What? You can’t go by yourself?” Chanyeol gives a bit resistance, baffled by Baekhyun’s enthusiasm.
“No, you’re coming with me,” he replies sternly. “You can’t stay on the ship all day anyways!”
Chanyeol sighs but smiles and stands up. His letter to his mother can wait, especially if it means putting on his land legs and going out with Baekhyun. It’s definitely worth it when Baekhyun shows him the largest grin and starts dragging him out of his quarters and off of the deck of the ship. He’s just like a thrilled child as he hurries down the plank and causes Chanyeol to stumble a bit at his speed.
They come to a stop when Minseok stands in their way, a tall, unknown man dressed in black robes at his side. The sailing master cocks a brow at Chanyeol’s hand connected to Baekhyun, but he doesn’t say anything related to it. “Chanyeol, this is the friend I was talking about, Zitao,” he introduces, motioning to the stern-looking male beside him with sharp eyes and multiple piercings.
“It’s nice to meet you, Captain,” Zitao greets with a polite bow. He sure does look the part of someone who dabbles in magic and witchcraft. “I hope you don’t mind me coming aboard your majestic ship.”
“Of course not, glad to have you aboard,” Chanyeol nods, feeling Baekhyun’s questioning eyes burning holes into the side of his head. He wasn’t part of the crew when Zitao was discussed.
Zitao’s kohl-lined eyes slide over to the siren standing just slightly behind Chanyeol as the captain and Minseok discuss boarding arrangements briefly. His gaze holds Baekhyun’s for a moment before his eyes viciously narrow, and his lips curl into a slight sneer. It makes Baekhyun’s bones go cold. Does he know? He isn't sure what to think and just glares back, tightening his hold on Chanyeol’s palm as if to say, I dare you.
Their mini-glare battle is broken off as both Chanyeol and Minseok give their mutual goodbyes for the afternoon, and Zitao follows the latter aboard with a trunk of his things. Baekhyun feels a bit uneasy with that exchange a moment ago, but he tries to not let it affect him as he follows Chanyeol along to the market.
Once they meet the market, Baekhyun stops and gapes at the size of it. The numerous stalls seem to go on forever, filled to the brim with food, clothing, and all sort of trinkets that Baekhyun can’t name. He’s so amazed that his hand grips the hem of Chanyeol’s jacket reflexively in excitement. “Whoa,” he breathes.
“Never seen a market before?” the young captain jokes with a laugh.
“Never,” Baekhyun replies sincerely, still taking in the sight.
“Wait - you’re serious?” Chanyeol looks at him in surprise. He knows Baekhyun came from a small town by the shore but to have never seen a market is unheard of.
“I’ve lived at home my whole life,” he says sheepishly. “I’ve never seen something like this. Mother never let me leave.”
“Then how are you here now?”
Baekhyun just smiles at him and avoids the question by dashing forward with Chanyeol in tow towards the first booth.
It's a little trinket shop with dried-out sea stars and jarred baby sharks among other souvenirs of sorts that make Baekhyun frown. Why kill the poor things if you won't put them to good use? With a grumble, he continues along with the rest of the crowd, passing a few more stalls that are similar before his nose smells a delectable scent.
“Oooh, Chanyeol, what is that?” Baekhyun asks gleefully to the taller man. It smells sweet and makes his mouth water.
The russet-haired man sniffs the air and purses his lips before straining to get a look at the next stall ahead. “It smells like fruit? Pineapple, maybe?”
“Pineapple? What's that?” Baekhyun has never heard of such a thing and mumbles it a few times. It's a funny word to say.
“It's a fruit that grows around here,” Chanyeol explains, maneuvering through the crowd with Baekhyun and towards the stall with smoke billowing out and the sounds of a grill. “The locals grill it. Jongdae and I tried it once. You want some?”
Baekhyun nods, still not quite sure what this pineapple stuff is. Does it taste as sweet as it smells? They don't have many sweet things in the sea, so he's already a bit eager.
Chanyeol weaves through the crowd and up the stall, leaving Baekhyun behind before reappearing a moment later with something triangular and yellow with char marks on a stick. The younger male steals a bite, juices from the fruit staining his lips as he chews and hands it to Baekhyun.
“Try it,” he says with his mouth full. “You'll like it.”
Hesitantly, he lifts the food towards his mouth and takes a bite. It's warm and a little mushy from being cooked but deliciously sweet. His eyes widen in amazement as he takes another bite of the treat. “This is good, Chanyeol!”
“Told you,” Chanyeol snickers, drawn to the innocent way he reacts to the new food. Feeling joyous enough, he starts to lead them along and stops at a few more food stands, letting Baekhyun taste all sorts of new things, though he rejects the grilled baby octopus Chanyeol purchases.
He likes watching the wonder and enjoyment spread into Baekhyun's features as he tastes new things and gazes at interesting people, such as an elderly woman who makes beautiful blankets from a large loom. It makes Chanyeol remember his first times exploring other places along the coast and makes him wish the afternoon would never end.
As the sky becomes a pretty hue of mixed shades of orange, pink, and red, Baekhyun and Chanyeol are tired out from their previous elation and the market has quieted down from its commotion. They're wandering around an open stall filled with jewelry, clothing, and other items. Most are more expensive than other things sold at the market, but Baekhyun is interested in just feeling the soft beaded scarves in the corner, the gentle texture unknown to him. The young captain watches from the other side of the tented area, standing by the jewelry display. He looks back to the gold and silver necklaces, earrings, rings, and hairpins, all feminine-looking objects. He can't help but admire one specific set of hairpins, silver with a starfish-shaped brooch decorated with a single black pearl. Chanyeol tries not to get carried away, but his thoughts overcome him, and he finds himself ushering over the old man and quietly asking to purchase the hairpins, handing over several gold coins. Taking the hairpins, he places them gingerly in his pocket before Baekhyun waltzes over.
“Can we go look at the gardens? That lady in the stall next door said there are pretty flowers just past the market,” he gives a little pout of his lips, and Chanyeol gives in for the millionth time that day.
She was right; there are gardens, and they are spectacular, blooming with tons of roses and flowers he cannot name. Baekhyun is absolutely thrilled as if he's never seen flowers before and sits himself down on a bench as he gazes around at the floral view.
A tiny illumination catches his eye before it quickly disappears, and then it appears at another spot and another. “Chanyeol, what are all of those little lights appearing? Am I imagining things? Are they fairies?” he tugs on the captain’s sleeves and points.
“Huh?” he looks away from a bush of some flower he can't name to see Baekhyun pointing at a flickering firefly.
“They're fireflies, bugs. You've never seen them before?” Chanyeol blinks.
“Never,” Baekhyun confesses in awe. They're insects! Insects that light up! “We don't have them where I come from.”
It's odd, but Chanyeol ignores that to admire Baekhyun’s side profile and the way his eyes light up each time one of the fireflies illuminate. His hand delves into his pocket where the hairpins lie. He’s not sure why he bought them, but Baekhyun’s inky hair always falls into his eyes, and even now the smaller man tucks his bangs behind his ear.
“Baekhyun,” Chanyeol murmurs.
“Hmm?” the other man turns with a smile, only to become wide-eyed when a warm hand moves to cup his cheek momentarily. He watches wordlessly as the young captain produces two pieces of jewelry, and then brushes his bangs to the side with a gentle touch. Baekhyun’s eyes close as he slides the hairpins parallel to each other in his hair.
His eyes flutter open when Chanyeol’s touch withdraws, and the siren smiles cheekily. “Do you fancy me to be a woman, Captain?” They’re only centimeters apart, thighs touching and noses nearly brushing.
“No,” Chanyeol whispers, inching closer, “I think you are more beautiful than any woman or man I’ve met.”
Their lips meet, stealing Baekhyun’s breath, and he grips the shoulders of Chanyeol’s coat, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. The younger man’s lips are a bit dry but warm, and the siren’s cheeks grow hot as he realizes that he’s actually kissing Chanyeol, the captain he spared only a month and a half ago. But he doesn't mind it. No, not at all. In fact, he adores it and wishes it lasted longer when Chanyeol finally withdraws.
“Fuck,” the captain all but groans.
Baekhyun finds himself getting used to the gruff curses later that evening when he's spread out on the sheets of the captain’s bed.
If the crew didn't notice Chanyeol and Baekhyun’s mutual attraction before, they definitely notice it now. Neither of them are subtle in their glances, lover’s spats, or touches. Sometimes Minseok and Junmyeon turn away with twisted expressions of disgust or block crew members from going near the captain’s private room when the two are busy. But all in all, no one minds it and if they do, they don't speak out about it. Anyone who crosses the captain’s path is a dead man.
The only one visibly turned off is Zitao. The temporary crew member only glares at Baekhyun whenever he appears. Minseok asks him constantly why he doesn’t like Baekhyun, but Zitao never replies. He never says anything rude to Baekhyun either, only stares at him with those dark eyes in narrowed slits. Yet, Zitao always seems to be around when Baekhyun is speaking to Chanyeol. The siren will turn away to find those cat-like eyes watching him closely, only to disappear when Chanyeol turns as well.
Baekhyun isn’t stupid. He’s not sure how, but he knows that Zitao knows he’s not human. Whether he knows that Baekhyun is a siren or not is debatable. Baekhyun can’t do much about it, though, and he can only hope they will reach Zitao’s destination soon, so he won’t have to live in fear of the truth slipping from that man’s tongue.
“Captain, do you have a moment?” Chanyeol nearly startles as he opens the door out of his quarters to see Zitao, shrouded in black as usual, standing there, his heeled boots making him just a tad taller than the older man.
“Um, yes, I suppose so,” he backs back into his room, opening the door wider to allow Zitao inside. “What is it?”
Zitao doesn’t say anything at first, shutting the door behind him before motioning for Chanyeol to sit down in his chair. Confused, the captain does as asked and the other man sits in a chair across from him. Crossing his legs, Zitao smiles.
“What do you really know about your lover, Baekhyun, Captain?”