[2PM] Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me): Arc 3
[Title] Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me): Arc 3
[Rating] PG-13
[Disclaimer] I don't own any of the One Day boys.
[Pairings] Junbros, Channuneo(?), Khunyoung, Doojoon->Junho
[Summary] Barely a year since he joined The Hottest, and pirates now face extinction. Junho, well. Junho has other concerns.
[Notes] Inspired by the Lotte Duty Free CM & Pirates of the Caribbean, and then further enabled by blinkbling24. Doojoon's still around, along with one more surprise cameo. :)
Arcs
#1: Beginnings
#2: Normalcy is overrated
Junho watched with amazement as Doojoon tore ravenously into the meat. He was ripping it apart with his bare hands and inhaling the pieces without stopping, even the uncooked ones. Only Wooyoung and Nichkhun seemed especially pleased by Doojoon's appetite; the rest of the crew looked equally awed.
"Told you Khunnie's a good cook," said the carpenter proudly, returning the fond smile Nichkhun flashed at him.
"Hunger's a strong motivational factor," Chansung said with a nod.
They fell silent when Taecyeon cleared his throat loudly. "Now that you've been fed-" he paused as Doojoon let out a wet belch "-maybe you'd care to explain what the captain of the Beast is doing on some remote island off the coasts."
"The Beast?" whispered Junho.
"One of our closest allies," Junsu whispered back.
Doojoon took a drink from the goblet, sloshing red wine over his scraggly beard. "Captain, you say?" he scoffed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'm not a captain anymore. Not without a ship." For a second, pain flickered across his face. "Or a crew."
Shocked whispers rippled through the men until Taecyeon held up a hand. "What happened?" he said grimly.
"They had the element of surprise," Doojoon sighed. "Came up to the Beast's port side and fired volleys of grape shot at point-blank range. I was the only survivor."
"A royal warship?"
"If only. Blaggards most definitely had the colours of a buccaneer."
The Hottest crew exchanged startled glances. In the silence that followed, Nichkhun voiced the question that was all on their minds. "Why on earth would a pirate hunt his own?"
Doojoon shrugged. "Money? Fame? Fear of death? All I know is, we've been hearing such stories of late, so it's not actually that uncommon." He leaned back sadly in his chair, hands resting on his full belly. "Just never thought it'd happen to us."
"Sounds like we need more information," Junsu said after a moment.
"You're right," said Taecyeon. "If pirates are killing pirates, there won't be any of us left for long."
"New Providence, then?"
"New Providence."
There was a beat, and then the pirates let out a rousing cheer. Junho looked around him, bewildered; the nervous anxiety from Doojoon's report appeared to have vanished completely. He knew of New Providence as a pirates' port - one that was bigger and more impregnable to invasion than Tortuga - but he couldn't fathom the reaction. Perhaps these men have been out to sea for too long.
"So cutie," Doojoon said over the din as he directed a leer at Junho. "Don't think we've been properly introduced."
And this one must've had his brains addled by the heat, thought Junho wryly. He opened his mouth to respond, but an arm wrapped round his shoulders and steered him away, towards the steps.
"I need you to chart our new heading," Junsu said loudly to the navigator. Then he shot Doojoon a dark look that spoke volumes. "You might want to shave that dead animal off your mug after clearing the plates."
Junho caught Doojoon's expression and burst out laughing as he left the hold - the pirate had the most injured look on his face.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
It quickly became clear that Doojoon had not relinquished his captain status. He would check their sailing progress with Chansung, confirm their coordinates with the helmsman; he would even ask Junsu of the crew's conditions. For a while, Taecyeon gave him free reign - his way of sympathizing the other man's loss as a captain himself. It wasn't until he caught Doojoon trying his hat that he finally put a stop to it.
Junho watched as Taecyeon shoved Doojoon out of the captain's cabin.
"But Taec-"
"Captain Taecyeon to you," the big pirate said curtly. "You're not on the Beast anymore, Doojoon. You'd do well to remember that."
Miserably, Doojoon sank down on the steps to the main deck as Taecyeon slammed the cabin door behind him. Something in his expression tugged at Junho's heartstrings; for all his carefree attitude, the former captain seemed to be hiding a great deal of pain under his mask.
He came up and sat down beside Doojoon. "The captain doesn't like people touching his big feather hat," he said kindly.
"Yeah, I noticed." Doojoon turned to face him. Now that the pirate was clean and well-shaven, he looked rather debonair, his natural jaunty air highlighting those handsome features. Junho had the fleeting thought that he would have looked very dashing in an Admiral uniform, but at the sight of Doojoon's wolfish grin, he swiftly squashed it. No Admiral would ever sport such a lecherous look. "Why hello there. You're even cuter up close."
Junho rolled his eyes to the sky, but chose to ignore the remark. At least he wasn't being trapped in a chair. "I'm Junho, Lee Junho."
"Junho," drawled Doojoon, rolling the name on his tongue like a fine glass of port. "I like it. How'd you end up working for this bunch, Junho?"
"I was forced to sign."
"Ahh, the ol' recruitment method." Doojoon leaned on his chin, smirking. "I only wish we got to you first."
Junho chose not to point out that he may not be here if he had been on that ill-fated ship. "What was the Beast like?" he asked instead.
"Ahh, the Beast," said Doojoon, his expression turning wistful. "Man, that was the life! Robbing, drinking, partying...."
Junho listened as Doojoon told him of his glory days - days when merchants cowered at the mere sight of their colours, when he and his pirates sat on deck and celebrated, drinking their fill of stolen rum. Junho listened, because this was probably the first time Doojoon had a chance to talk about his crew. The man shed no tears - he had most likely shed them all when he was alone, stranded on that island - but at times, during his reminiscing, there was a small catch in his voice.
And the more Junho listened, the clearer it became that Doojoon loved his men very much.
"You must have been a great captain," the navigator said before he could stop himself.
Doojoon blinked. Then, slowly, his features relaxed into a smile. "Thanks."
"Um." Sheepishly, Junho averted his gaze. He hadn't expected such softness from the other man. "Anytime."
Doojoon arched an eyebrow, still smiling. "Very cute. I'd be all over you right now if you weren't taken."
"Yeah I-" Junho turned back to Doojoon so fast, his neck made a sharp cracking noise. "What."
"You and Junsu, right?"
"What no. Why would you even. That's just. That's. No."
Doojoon laughed as Junho spluttered incoherently at him. "So that look he gave me in the hold, and the way he smiles at you and everything... it's actually one-sided on Junsu's end?"
"Completely!"
Instantly, Junho regretted his answer, for no sooner had he said it, Doojoon shifted closer and laid a hand on his knee. "Looks like my luck's pickin' up," the former captain murmured, leaning in with hooded eyes.
Junho shuddered, rising his feet quickly. "Look, what I meant was-"
"Junho! Just the man I wanted to see."
"Wooyoung!" Junho exclaimed a little louder than he intended to. Latching onto his saviour's arm, he began leading the other man away from the steps without a moment's hesitation. Doojoon, fortunately, chose not to follow.
It was only after they were far from his new threat that Junho released his grip on Wooyoung with a sigh of relief. "What can I do for you?"
The carpenter glanced back at the steps. "You can start by buying me a drink when we make port," he said with a knowing grin.
"You..." Junho smiled at him gratefully. "You did that for me?"
"Don't get me wrong. It's more entertaining to watch you squirm." Junho's smile faded into a scowl, but Wooyoung went on, unfazed. "Junsu was just starting to have that twitch in his eye."
"What does Junsu have to do with this?"
"Uh hello? Mate fancies you, and has a terrible possessive streak? At this rate, Doojoon might reunite with his crew a lot sooner than he thinks."
"You're exaggerating."
"I'd say Junsu's letting him off easy." Wooyoung folded his arms across his chest. "If it were Nichkhun, Doojoon would be sinking into the depths right about now."
"Oh," said Junho, biting his lower lip. He looked across the deck to where Nichkhun stood, the sea breeze ruffling through his light brown hair. With a jolt, he realized that he didn't know very much about the couple. Nichkhun was usually below deck, checking on their supplies and preparing for their next meal, while Wooyoung often stayed by his side. Junho, on the other hand, spent most of his time on deck, so the only thing he knew about the couple was that- well, that they were a couple.
"Rare to see you two on deck," he said, deciding not to waste this chance.
"Rare to see you apart from Chansung," said Wooyoung.
Junho frowned at the jibe. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what you think it means."
"We're just friends."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," snapped Junho, narrowing his eyes. He was starting to remember the real reason why he seldom bothered to talk to Wooyoung - the man was infuriating. "What are you trying to do here, Wooyoung?"
Wooyoung shrugged his shoulders. "Make conversation."
"There are other topics."
"Like the fact that you hide your feelings behind your giant man-phobia?"
"Can't two men just be friends on this ship?"
"Sure, if there's no feelings involved."
"There are no feelings involved."
"You know, all this denial doesn't make you very attractive."
Junho gritted his teeth. "For the last time, I don't feel anything for Junsu!"
"Weren't we talking about Chansung?" Wooyoung said shrewdly.
Junho opened his mouth then closed it again, struck dumb by his own Freudian outburst.
"I thought as much," said the carpenter, smirking. "Okay, matey. Normally I'd leave you to put your foot in your mouth, but I kinda like you. So here's something for you to chew on." He paused for some kind of dramatic effect. "Khunnie was a bit of a ladies' man before we got together."
Before Junho could ask if Wooyoung was referring to actual ladies, the sailor in the masthead announced his sighting of land, spurring on a flurry of activity as Chansung immediately began bellowing instructions.
They had arrived at New Providence.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
"Small eyes are so... sexy."
Junho's ears burned as the prostitute pushed her voluptous chest against his, the stench of sex and alcohol invading his senses. She was a great deal smaller than him, but he felt somewhat cowed by her aggressive advances.
They were in a tavern, supposedly one of the very best according to Taecyeon. Junho was afraid to see what the others looked like, if the best was this loud, this filthy, this immoral. The whole place was filled with all manners of debauchery - from pirates alternating between rowdy carousing and riotous behaviour, to lush wenches flitting about the room, offering their services to the next buyer.
Junho had barely walked five steps into the place before this woman swept into view.
"Thank you, but I'm really not interested," he said, keeping his hands firmly by his sides.
"Why, we have here a bonafied gentleman," purred the wench. "Don't be shy, lad. I don't bite." She cackled wickedly. "Much."
"T-That's nice. I guess. But um..." Junho racked his mind for a suitable excuse. "... I have nothing to offer."
The woman licked her lips slowly. "I beg to dif-"
"Nothing tangible to offer," he corrected.
The woman paused for a moment, before her sultry expression turned into an ugly grimace. She stalked off, muttering darkly about bad luck and useless paupers.
Mentally congratulating himself for the quick thinking, Junho hurried to join the rest of the main crew, where they had gathered round a table, watching Doojoon and Taecyeon speak to a young boy. The boy had features so delicate, Junho might have mistaken him for a girl if it weren't for his tenor voice and very flat chest. He was talking with animated gestures and a smile that could light up entire cities - a sharp contrast to the frowns on the older men as they listened attentively to his every word.
"Where were you?" Chansung asked softly when the navigator siddled up next to him.
"Distracted," Junho said. He ignored Chansung's questioning look and waved to Junsu, who looked relieved to see him.
"So you're telling me that the King is actually issuing pardons?" said Taecyeon angrily.
"To anyone willing to renounce piracy," the young boy told Taecyeon, running a hand through his sandy-coloured hair. "Let's face it, with the signing of the treaty, even privateers won't have much leeway."
Doojoon sniffed. "Never liked those navy dogs anyway."
"What's going on?" Junho said, turning his gaze to the three men.
"Shh," said Nichkhun. "Listen."
"Did you renounce then?" said Taecyeon, his expression black.
"Me?" snorted the boy. "No. But the captain's real troubled by it. Keeps saying it might be better for us if we did."
"Wasn't he elected three months ago?"
"That's why he feels the need to do the right thing. Just doesn't know what the 'right thing' is yet."
"Your crew is a little young for the gallows," said Doojoon. "But, you know, this still doesn't answer our question about pirate-hunting pirates."
The boy shook his head sadly. "It's simple. After issuing the pardons, the King then offers handsome amounts of money. Bounty, see, for the heads of the pirates-"
"-who won't renounce," Taecyeon finished. Slamming a fist on the table, he bared his teeth fiercely. "Greedy, lily-livered bastards."
"Pirates, eh." said Doojoon. "Can't live with 'em."
"Can't live without 'em?" supplied the boy.
"No, that's all I got."
"The brethren needs to unite and fight," said Taecyeon, cutting into the boy's sniggers. "How soon can you contact your allies, Kevin?"
"Most of them are here," the boy said with a roguish grin. "But I'd say they're in no state for any kind of civil talk tonight."
"Then we meet in the Scurvy Dog for a war council at nightfall tomorrow. Get the word out, you and Doojoon, both."
As the two nodded, Junsu stepped forward. "And what are our orders, captain?"
Junho could feel the crew's tension as they waited for Taecyeon's answer with bated breath.
"The night is yours, boys," said Taecyeon, seconds before the crew let out hearty whoops of delight and promptly dispersed to join the inebriated throngs around them.
Junho had just made it to the exit, when Wooyoung grabbed a hold of his wrist. "I do believe you owe me a drink," said the carpenter brightly.
"Here?" said Junho, blanching.
"I know another place."
"What about Nichkhun?"
"Khunnie's not one for drinking," said Wooyoung. "Come on!"
Absently, Junho wished the prostitute would come back - she was infinitely easier to handle.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
He had lost count of how many pints or tankards or jugs he had downed. Wooyoung gave him one drink after another, barely waiting for him to finish before asking the barkeeper immediately for another round. There was rum, of course, then gin, then something called a bumboo (or a bumbo; it was hard to remember), and then back to rum. The skinny pirate drank like a fish, and it was as though he was trying to make up for all the drinking time he lost at sea.
Junho was beginning to understand why Nichkhun didn't join them.
Oddly enough, as his vision started swimming out of focus, certain details grew much sharper. One of the serving wenches, for instance, had lost one of her top buttons because of her exploding cleavage. The man sitting next to Wooyoung had a tiny hole in his vest, just under the armpit. There was also Chansung, who had a very toned chest and clothes that smelled like overcooked meat.
"Uh Junho? Why are you rubbing your face into my shirt?"
Junho looked up to find Chansung gazing down at him worriedly. Wrinkling his nose, he gave the question some thought.
"Because I'm drunk," he said after a while.
"Nice one!" Wooyoung guffawed.
Junho beamed in satisfaction.
"When'd you get here, Channie?" Wooyoung said, chugging down a tankard.
"Only just. How many have you had?"
"Who's counting?"
"I think we've had a gazillion bajillion," Junho said helpfully.
"Junho matey, you're on fire tonight!" Wooyoung snickered. "We'll get that pole out of you yet!"
Feeling he should be offended, Junho was just about to point that out when, to his surprise, he found himself lifted up into the air, strong arms circled round his back and knees.
"I think it's time for you to stop drinking," Chansung said firmly.
"Aw, already?" said Wooyoung. "Night's still young, you know."
"I was talking to Junho."
"Oh. Okay then." Turning back to the counter, Wooyoung waved. "Barkeep! Need a refill here!"
Junho laid his head on Chansung's chest, as his best friend carried him out of the noisy tavern, shutting the door behind a bout of high-pitched laughter. On the street, a group of sailors were engaged in a drunken fist-fight, slurring incoherent insults at one another. He had idly considered telling Chansung that he was not a girl - and thus ought not to be carried like one - but he held back as his eyelids began to droop, lulled by the calming rhythm of Chansung's heartbeat beneath his ears. He could always trust his best friend to do what's best for him.
"I see you found him first," said a clipped voice, piercing through his drowsiness like a knife.
Junho shifted slightly, but kept his eyes closed.
"Relax, mate, I'm just taking him back to the ship. Poor guy had too much to drink."
"Junho?" the voice said, startled. "Drinking?"
"Surprised me, too. Wooyoung got to him."
"Ah. Wooyoung." The pirate's name was said with so much venom that Junho suspected a punishment was in store for him. "I wondered why Nichkhun was alone tonight."
Chansung laughed. "Everyone's got their vices, right? Anyway, I'll see you on the ship."
"I'll take him."
"You sure? He's light for me, but-"
"I'll take him," the voice said in a tone that brook no further argument.
"Well... if you're sure..."
When Junho felt a new pair of hands on him, he finally opened his eyes with a scowl. Chansung holding him was one thing, but he wasn't about to be transferred like some porcelain doll into the arms of another man.
"I am not a girl," he said fiercely. Then, realizing who it was, he flushed a dark crimson.
Above him, Junsu smirked, dimples deepening at the corners of his mouth.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
After Junsu obliged his request to put him down, he had promptly stumbled into a lamp post. The older man then decided it prudent to have an arm round Junho's waist to keep him from straying, but that proved to have a downside: the navigator was the one controlling their movements.
Tripping over nothing in particular, again, Junho grabbed a fistful of Junsu's doublet as he fell. They tumbled against a wall, Junsu's body landing heavily onto his. Junho giggled when Junsu made a noise of frustration. He found it so amusing that, for once, he was the one testing Junsu's patience instead of the other way around.
After the Siren incident and the subsequent discussion that followed, Junho was much more comfortable around Junsu. Although he still spent most of his time with Chansung, he could now accept Junsu's light flirting without going ballistic on the other man. In fact, these days, he would come away from a conversation with a twinge of disappointment whenever Junsu withheld a bad pick-up line of some form.
If Junho wasn't filled to the brim with alcohol, he might have found that very bizarre indeed. Instead, just as Junsu tried to draw away, he impulsively grabbed the man's face in his hands.
"Junho," the quartermaster said patiently. "What are you doing?"
"Sometimes," Junho said as he studied the chiseled features, "I do wish I was a woman."
"Of course you do."
"No, I mean it."
Junsu sighed. "Fine, you mean it."
"Don't you want to know why?"
"Not particularly."
"Why not?"
"Just-" Junsu looked as though he was about to lose his temper, but regained control at the last minute. "All right. Tell me. After which, I'm carrying you back to the ship, because I can't take anymore of-"
"I'd be less confused about my feelings for you," Junho said gravely.
Junsu halted mid-sentence. "What did you say?"
"I'd be less confused about my feelings for you."
For a moment, Junsu didn't move. And then, there was a glint of emotion in his eyes that Junho couldn't identify - before he was crushed further into the wall. Coarse hands slid over his and Junsu leaned closer, so close that Junho had to cross his eyes to look at him proper.
"How, exactly, do you feel about me?" breathed Junsu.
"I thought we were going back to the ship."
"Answer the question, Junho."
Junho's brows furrowed. "Well, I think you're positively the most good-looking man I've met. You're charming, charismatic, kind... and really sweet at times. But I also think you're annoying, full of yourself, and sometimes the things you say make me so angry I just want to fuck you." He paused, blinking owlishly. "Wait that came out wrong."
Junsu chuckled low in his throat. In a sudden motion, he pinned Junho's hands to either side of his head on the wall. "No," he whispered, closing the distance between them. "That came out very much right."
Before Junho could ask what he meant, Junsu kissed him.
[Rating] PG-13
[Disclaimer] I don't own any of the One Day boys.
[Pairings] Junbros, Channuneo(?), Khunyoung, Doojoon->Junho
[Summary] Barely a year since he joined The Hottest, and pirates now face extinction. Junho, well. Junho has other concerns.
[Notes] Inspired by the Lotte Duty Free CM & Pirates of the Caribbean, and then further enabled by blinkbling24. Doojoon's still around, along with one more surprise cameo. :)
Arcs
#1: Beginnings
#2: Normalcy is overrated
Junho watched with amazement as Doojoon tore ravenously into the meat. He was ripping it apart with his bare hands and inhaling the pieces without stopping, even the uncooked ones. Only Wooyoung and Nichkhun seemed especially pleased by Doojoon's appetite; the rest of the crew looked equally awed.
"Told you Khunnie's a good cook," said the carpenter proudly, returning the fond smile Nichkhun flashed at him.
"Hunger's a strong motivational factor," Chansung said with a nod.
They fell silent when Taecyeon cleared his throat loudly. "Now that you've been fed-" he paused as Doojoon let out a wet belch "-maybe you'd care to explain what the captain of the Beast is doing on some remote island off the coasts."
"The Beast?" whispered Junho.
"One of our closest allies," Junsu whispered back.
Doojoon took a drink from the goblet, sloshing red wine over his scraggly beard. "Captain, you say?" he scoffed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'm not a captain anymore. Not without a ship." For a second, pain flickered across his face. "Or a crew."
Shocked whispers rippled through the men until Taecyeon held up a hand. "What happened?" he said grimly.
"They had the element of surprise," Doojoon sighed. "Came up to the Beast's port side and fired volleys of grape shot at point-blank range. I was the only survivor."
"A royal warship?"
"If only. Blaggards most definitely had the colours of a buccaneer."
The Hottest crew exchanged startled glances. In the silence that followed, Nichkhun voiced the question that was all on their minds. "Why on earth would a pirate hunt his own?"
Doojoon shrugged. "Money? Fame? Fear of death? All I know is, we've been hearing such stories of late, so it's not actually that uncommon." He leaned back sadly in his chair, hands resting on his full belly. "Just never thought it'd happen to us."
"Sounds like we need more information," Junsu said after a moment.
"You're right," said Taecyeon. "If pirates are killing pirates, there won't be any of us left for long."
"New Providence, then?"
"New Providence."
There was a beat, and then the pirates let out a rousing cheer. Junho looked around him, bewildered; the nervous anxiety from Doojoon's report appeared to have vanished completely. He knew of New Providence as a pirates' port - one that was bigger and more impregnable to invasion than Tortuga - but he couldn't fathom the reaction. Perhaps these men have been out to sea for too long.
"So cutie," Doojoon said over the din as he directed a leer at Junho. "Don't think we've been properly introduced."
And this one must've had his brains addled by the heat, thought Junho wryly. He opened his mouth to respond, but an arm wrapped round his shoulders and steered him away, towards the steps.
"I need you to chart our new heading," Junsu said loudly to the navigator. Then he shot Doojoon a dark look that spoke volumes. "You might want to shave that dead animal off your mug after clearing the plates."
Junho caught Doojoon's expression and burst out laughing as he left the hold - the pirate had the most injured look on his face.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
It quickly became clear that Doojoon had not relinquished his captain status. He would check their sailing progress with Chansung, confirm their coordinates with the helmsman; he would even ask Junsu of the crew's conditions. For a while, Taecyeon gave him free reign - his way of sympathizing the other man's loss as a captain himself. It wasn't until he caught Doojoon trying his hat that he finally put a stop to it.
Junho watched as Taecyeon shoved Doojoon out of the captain's cabin.
"But Taec-"
"Captain Taecyeon to you," the big pirate said curtly. "You're not on the Beast anymore, Doojoon. You'd do well to remember that."
Miserably, Doojoon sank down on the steps to the main deck as Taecyeon slammed the cabin door behind him. Something in his expression tugged at Junho's heartstrings; for all his carefree attitude, the former captain seemed to be hiding a great deal of pain under his mask.
He came up and sat down beside Doojoon. "The captain doesn't like people touching his big feather hat," he said kindly.
"Yeah, I noticed." Doojoon turned to face him. Now that the pirate was clean and well-shaven, he looked rather debonair, his natural jaunty air highlighting those handsome features. Junho had the fleeting thought that he would have looked very dashing in an Admiral uniform, but at the sight of Doojoon's wolfish grin, he swiftly squashed it. No Admiral would ever sport such a lecherous look. "Why hello there. You're even cuter up close."
Junho rolled his eyes to the sky, but chose to ignore the remark. At least he wasn't being trapped in a chair. "I'm Junho, Lee Junho."
"Junho," drawled Doojoon, rolling the name on his tongue like a fine glass of port. "I like it. How'd you end up working for this bunch, Junho?"
"I was forced to sign."
"Ahh, the ol' recruitment method." Doojoon leaned on his chin, smirking. "I only wish we got to you first."
Junho chose not to point out that he may not be here if he had been on that ill-fated ship. "What was the Beast like?" he asked instead.
"Ahh, the Beast," said Doojoon, his expression turning wistful. "Man, that was the life! Robbing, drinking, partying...."
Junho listened as Doojoon told him of his glory days - days when merchants cowered at the mere sight of their colours, when he and his pirates sat on deck and celebrated, drinking their fill of stolen rum. Junho listened, because this was probably the first time Doojoon had a chance to talk about his crew. The man shed no tears - he had most likely shed them all when he was alone, stranded on that island - but at times, during his reminiscing, there was a small catch in his voice.
And the more Junho listened, the clearer it became that Doojoon loved his men very much.
"You must have been a great captain," the navigator said before he could stop himself.
Doojoon blinked. Then, slowly, his features relaxed into a smile. "Thanks."
"Um." Sheepishly, Junho averted his gaze. He hadn't expected such softness from the other man. "Anytime."
Doojoon arched an eyebrow, still smiling. "Very cute. I'd be all over you right now if you weren't taken."
"Yeah I-" Junho turned back to Doojoon so fast, his neck made a sharp cracking noise. "What."
"You and Junsu, right?"
"What no. Why would you even. That's just. That's. No."
Doojoon laughed as Junho spluttered incoherently at him. "So that look he gave me in the hold, and the way he smiles at you and everything... it's actually one-sided on Junsu's end?"
"Completely!"
Instantly, Junho regretted his answer, for no sooner had he said it, Doojoon shifted closer and laid a hand on his knee. "Looks like my luck's pickin' up," the former captain murmured, leaning in with hooded eyes.
Junho shuddered, rising his feet quickly. "Look, what I meant was-"
"Junho! Just the man I wanted to see."
"Wooyoung!" Junho exclaimed a little louder than he intended to. Latching onto his saviour's arm, he began leading the other man away from the steps without a moment's hesitation. Doojoon, fortunately, chose not to follow.
It was only after they were far from his new threat that Junho released his grip on Wooyoung with a sigh of relief. "What can I do for you?"
The carpenter glanced back at the steps. "You can start by buying me a drink when we make port," he said with a knowing grin.
"You..." Junho smiled at him gratefully. "You did that for me?"
"Don't get me wrong. It's more entertaining to watch you squirm." Junho's smile faded into a scowl, but Wooyoung went on, unfazed. "Junsu was just starting to have that twitch in his eye."
"What does Junsu have to do with this?"
"Uh hello? Mate fancies you, and has a terrible possessive streak? At this rate, Doojoon might reunite with his crew a lot sooner than he thinks."
"You're exaggerating."
"I'd say Junsu's letting him off easy." Wooyoung folded his arms across his chest. "If it were Nichkhun, Doojoon would be sinking into the depths right about now."
"Oh," said Junho, biting his lower lip. He looked across the deck to where Nichkhun stood, the sea breeze ruffling through his light brown hair. With a jolt, he realized that he didn't know very much about the couple. Nichkhun was usually below deck, checking on their supplies and preparing for their next meal, while Wooyoung often stayed by his side. Junho, on the other hand, spent most of his time on deck, so the only thing he knew about the couple was that- well, that they were a couple.
"Rare to see you two on deck," he said, deciding not to waste this chance.
"Rare to see you apart from Chansung," said Wooyoung.
Junho frowned at the jibe. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what you think it means."
"We're just friends."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," snapped Junho, narrowing his eyes. He was starting to remember the real reason why he seldom bothered to talk to Wooyoung - the man was infuriating. "What are you trying to do here, Wooyoung?"
Wooyoung shrugged his shoulders. "Make conversation."
"There are other topics."
"Like the fact that you hide your feelings behind your giant man-phobia?"
"Can't two men just be friends on this ship?"
"Sure, if there's no feelings involved."
"There are no feelings involved."
"You know, all this denial doesn't make you very attractive."
Junho gritted his teeth. "For the last time, I don't feel anything for Junsu!"
"Weren't we talking about Chansung?" Wooyoung said shrewdly.
Junho opened his mouth then closed it again, struck dumb by his own Freudian outburst.
"I thought as much," said the carpenter, smirking. "Okay, matey. Normally I'd leave you to put your foot in your mouth, but I kinda like you. So here's something for you to chew on." He paused for some kind of dramatic effect. "Khunnie was a bit of a ladies' man before we got together."
Before Junho could ask if Wooyoung was referring to actual ladies, the sailor in the masthead announced his sighting of land, spurring on a flurry of activity as Chansung immediately began bellowing instructions.
They had arrived at New Providence.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
"Small eyes are so... sexy."
Junho's ears burned as the prostitute pushed her voluptous chest against his, the stench of sex and alcohol invading his senses. She was a great deal smaller than him, but he felt somewhat cowed by her aggressive advances.
They were in a tavern, supposedly one of the very best according to Taecyeon. Junho was afraid to see what the others looked like, if the best was this loud, this filthy, this immoral. The whole place was filled with all manners of debauchery - from pirates alternating between rowdy carousing and riotous behaviour, to lush wenches flitting about the room, offering their services to the next buyer.
Junho had barely walked five steps into the place before this woman swept into view.
"Thank you, but I'm really not interested," he said, keeping his hands firmly by his sides.
"Why, we have here a bonafied gentleman," purred the wench. "Don't be shy, lad. I don't bite." She cackled wickedly. "Much."
"T-That's nice. I guess. But um..." Junho racked his mind for a suitable excuse. "... I have nothing to offer."
The woman licked her lips slowly. "I beg to dif-"
"Nothing tangible to offer," he corrected.
The woman paused for a moment, before her sultry expression turned into an ugly grimace. She stalked off, muttering darkly about bad luck and useless paupers.
Mentally congratulating himself for the quick thinking, Junho hurried to join the rest of the main crew, where they had gathered round a table, watching Doojoon and Taecyeon speak to a young boy. The boy had features so delicate, Junho might have mistaken him for a girl if it weren't for his tenor voice and very flat chest. He was talking with animated gestures and a smile that could light up entire cities - a sharp contrast to the frowns on the older men as they listened attentively to his every word.
"Where were you?" Chansung asked softly when the navigator siddled up next to him.
"Distracted," Junho said. He ignored Chansung's questioning look and waved to Junsu, who looked relieved to see him.
"So you're telling me that the King is actually issuing pardons?" said Taecyeon angrily.
"To anyone willing to renounce piracy," the young boy told Taecyeon, running a hand through his sandy-coloured hair. "Let's face it, with the signing of the treaty, even privateers won't have much leeway."
Doojoon sniffed. "Never liked those navy dogs anyway."
"What's going on?" Junho said, turning his gaze to the three men.
"Shh," said Nichkhun. "Listen."
"Did you renounce then?" said Taecyeon, his expression black.
"Me?" snorted the boy. "No. But the captain's real troubled by it. Keeps saying it might be better for us if we did."
"Wasn't he elected three months ago?"
"That's why he feels the need to do the right thing. Just doesn't know what the 'right thing' is yet."
"Your crew is a little young for the gallows," said Doojoon. "But, you know, this still doesn't answer our question about pirate-hunting pirates."
The boy shook his head sadly. "It's simple. After issuing the pardons, the King then offers handsome amounts of money. Bounty, see, for the heads of the pirates-"
"-who won't renounce," Taecyeon finished. Slamming a fist on the table, he bared his teeth fiercely. "Greedy, lily-livered bastards."
"Pirates, eh." said Doojoon. "Can't live with 'em."
"Can't live without 'em?" supplied the boy.
"No, that's all I got."
"The brethren needs to unite and fight," said Taecyeon, cutting into the boy's sniggers. "How soon can you contact your allies, Kevin?"
"Most of them are here," the boy said with a roguish grin. "But I'd say they're in no state for any kind of civil talk tonight."
"Then we meet in the Scurvy Dog for a war council at nightfall tomorrow. Get the word out, you and Doojoon, both."
As the two nodded, Junsu stepped forward. "And what are our orders, captain?"
Junho could feel the crew's tension as they waited for Taecyeon's answer with bated breath.
"The night is yours, boys," said Taecyeon, seconds before the crew let out hearty whoops of delight and promptly dispersed to join the inebriated throngs around them.
Junho had just made it to the exit, when Wooyoung grabbed a hold of his wrist. "I do believe you owe me a drink," said the carpenter brightly.
"Here?" said Junho, blanching.
"I know another place."
"What about Nichkhun?"
"Khunnie's not one for drinking," said Wooyoung. "Come on!"
Absently, Junho wished the prostitute would come back - she was infinitely easier to handle.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
He had lost count of how many pints or tankards or jugs he had downed. Wooyoung gave him one drink after another, barely waiting for him to finish before asking the barkeeper immediately for another round. There was rum, of course, then gin, then something called a bumboo (or a bumbo; it was hard to remember), and then back to rum. The skinny pirate drank like a fish, and it was as though he was trying to make up for all the drinking time he lost at sea.
Junho was beginning to understand why Nichkhun didn't join them.
Oddly enough, as his vision started swimming out of focus, certain details grew much sharper. One of the serving wenches, for instance, had lost one of her top buttons because of her exploding cleavage. The man sitting next to Wooyoung had a tiny hole in his vest, just under the armpit. There was also Chansung, who had a very toned chest and clothes that smelled like overcooked meat.
"Uh Junho? Why are you rubbing your face into my shirt?"
Junho looked up to find Chansung gazing down at him worriedly. Wrinkling his nose, he gave the question some thought.
"Because I'm drunk," he said after a while.
"Nice one!" Wooyoung guffawed.
Junho beamed in satisfaction.
"When'd you get here, Channie?" Wooyoung said, chugging down a tankard.
"Only just. How many have you had?"
"Who's counting?"
"I think we've had a gazillion bajillion," Junho said helpfully.
"Junho matey, you're on fire tonight!" Wooyoung snickered. "We'll get that pole out of you yet!"
Feeling he should be offended, Junho was just about to point that out when, to his surprise, he found himself lifted up into the air, strong arms circled round his back and knees.
"I think it's time for you to stop drinking," Chansung said firmly.
"Aw, already?" said Wooyoung. "Night's still young, you know."
"I was talking to Junho."
"Oh. Okay then." Turning back to the counter, Wooyoung waved. "Barkeep! Need a refill here!"
Junho laid his head on Chansung's chest, as his best friend carried him out of the noisy tavern, shutting the door behind a bout of high-pitched laughter. On the street, a group of sailors were engaged in a drunken fist-fight, slurring incoherent insults at one another. He had idly considered telling Chansung that he was not a girl - and thus ought not to be carried like one - but he held back as his eyelids began to droop, lulled by the calming rhythm of Chansung's heartbeat beneath his ears. He could always trust his best friend to do what's best for him.
"I see you found him first," said a clipped voice, piercing through his drowsiness like a knife.
Junho shifted slightly, but kept his eyes closed.
"Relax, mate, I'm just taking him back to the ship. Poor guy had too much to drink."
"Junho?" the voice said, startled. "Drinking?"
"Surprised me, too. Wooyoung got to him."
"Ah. Wooyoung." The pirate's name was said with so much venom that Junho suspected a punishment was in store for him. "I wondered why Nichkhun was alone tonight."
Chansung laughed. "Everyone's got their vices, right? Anyway, I'll see you on the ship."
"I'll take him."
"You sure? He's light for me, but-"
"I'll take him," the voice said in a tone that brook no further argument.
"Well... if you're sure..."
When Junho felt a new pair of hands on him, he finally opened his eyes with a scowl. Chansung holding him was one thing, but he wasn't about to be transferred like some porcelain doll into the arms of another man.
"I am not a girl," he said fiercely. Then, realizing who it was, he flushed a dark crimson.
Above him, Junsu smirked, dimples deepening at the corners of his mouth.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
After Junsu obliged his request to put him down, he had promptly stumbled into a lamp post. The older man then decided it prudent to have an arm round Junho's waist to keep him from straying, but that proved to have a downside: the navigator was the one controlling their movements.
Tripping over nothing in particular, again, Junho grabbed a fistful of Junsu's doublet as he fell. They tumbled against a wall, Junsu's body landing heavily onto his. Junho giggled when Junsu made a noise of frustration. He found it so amusing that, for once, he was the one testing Junsu's patience instead of the other way around.
After the Siren incident and the subsequent discussion that followed, Junho was much more comfortable around Junsu. Although he still spent most of his time with Chansung, he could now accept Junsu's light flirting without going ballistic on the other man. In fact, these days, he would come away from a conversation with a twinge of disappointment whenever Junsu withheld a bad pick-up line of some form.
If Junho wasn't filled to the brim with alcohol, he might have found that very bizarre indeed. Instead, just as Junsu tried to draw away, he impulsively grabbed the man's face in his hands.
"Junho," the quartermaster said patiently. "What are you doing?"
"Sometimes," Junho said as he studied the chiseled features, "I do wish I was a woman."
"Of course you do."
"No, I mean it."
Junsu sighed. "Fine, you mean it."
"Don't you want to know why?"
"Not particularly."
"Why not?"
"Just-" Junsu looked as though he was about to lose his temper, but regained control at the last minute. "All right. Tell me. After which, I'm carrying you back to the ship, because I can't take anymore of-"
"I'd be less confused about my feelings for you," Junho said gravely.
Junsu halted mid-sentence. "What did you say?"
"I'd be less confused about my feelings for you."
For a moment, Junsu didn't move. And then, there was a glint of emotion in his eyes that Junho couldn't identify - before he was crushed further into the wall. Coarse hands slid over his and Junsu leaned closer, so close that Junho had to cross his eyes to look at him proper.
"How, exactly, do you feel about me?" breathed Junsu.
"I thought we were going back to the ship."
"Answer the question, Junho."
Junho's brows furrowed. "Well, I think you're positively the most good-looking man I've met. You're charming, charismatic, kind... and really sweet at times. But I also think you're annoying, full of yourself, and sometimes the things you say make me so angry I just want to fuck you." He paused, blinking owlishly. "Wait that came out wrong."
Junsu chuckled low in his throat. In a sudden motion, he pinned Junho's hands to either side of his head on the wall. "No," he whispered, closing the distance between them. "That came out very much right."
Before Junho could ask what he meant, Junsu kissed him.