[2PM] Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me): Arc 4
[Title] Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me): Arc 4
[Rating] PG-13
[Disclaimer] I don't own any of the One Day boys.
[Pairings] Junbros, Channuneo(?), Khunyoung
[Summary] Barely a year since Junho joined The Hottest and pirates now face extinction - or renounce their ways and start their lives afresh. The latter just sounds far too tempting.
[Notes] Inspired by the Lotte Duty Free CM & Pirates of the Caribbean, then further enabled by blinkbling24.
Arcs
#1: Beginnings
#2: Normalcy is overrated
#3: Someone Else's Problem
Some inner voice in Junho told him that this was sick, and wrong, and that they were doing this in a public area where everyone and anyone could get a front-seat view of the proceedings. But Junsu, after thoroughly ravaging his mouth, was now doing sinful things to his neck, and he just couldn't bring himself to care about trivialities because damn did it feel good.
"Junsu," he gasped, when sharp teeth found a sensitive spot under his ear.
The quartermaster took the chance to surge upward and capture his open mouth for the second time. Junho mewled keenly into the kiss; every touch Junsu made with his lips, his tongue, his fingers - every touch - sent jolts of electric shocks through his body. He was burning up, and the temperature only seemed to rise higher with each new sensation.
Suddenly, with one last nip on his jaw, Junsu pulled away.
Junho whimpered. The loss of contact left him cold and aching; he wanted more, so much more. Reaching out, he clutched the front of Junsu's black doublet. "Please," he panted, "I want-" His words dissolved into a moan; Junsu had bit down violently on his collarbone.
"Don't," Junsu rasped. "Don't say it."
Junho stared, uncomprehending.
Roughly, Junsu traced the navigator's jawline with his knuckles. "It's hard enough to stop as it is. If I hear you beg in that- that voice, I..." He trailed off, exhaling a shaky breath.
"I don't understand," said Junho, eyes hazy with need. "Are you saying you don't want me?"
Sighing, Junsu brushed a feathery kiss across his forehead. "I want nothing more than to tear your clothes off and fuck you deep into this wall," he murmured. "But not when you're like this."
As Junho struggled to form a cogent argument that, really, he was perfectly fine with that plan, their burly captain sauntered up to them, his hair disheveled and lipstick marks all over his face. "Not drinking, boys?" he said cheerfully.
"Excellent idea, captain," said Junsu brightly, sounding as though their little tryst had never happened. Junho couldn't get a word in; he was suddenly hoisted off the wall and thrust into a pair of muscular arms - arms that were most definitely not Junsu's. "Take this drunk boy back to the ship while I get myself a pint, will you?"
"What?" said Taecyeon, but Junsu had already strode off. Resigned, he glanced at the man in his arms, before concern took over his craggy features. "What's with all the bruises on your neck?"
"Ask the bastard who played me like a cheap whore," Junho said sullenly.
Taecyeon grimaced. "Forget I asked."
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
"On your feet, pirate!"
Groaning, Junho clutched at his pounding head and rolled over.
"Up, I said!"
He let out a yelp as a hard object slammed roughly into his back, shoving him off his hammock. Before he could grasp the situation, someone jerked him up by the arm and dragged him to his feet. Instantly, anger flared at the manhandling - he never was one with patience.
With a growl, the navigator threw a blind punch at his captor, rewarded by a satisfying crunch as fist hit bone. As the injured man toppled over with a scream of pain, he whirled round to find a circle of uniformed men surrounding him, guns at the ready. Their red uniforms easily identified them as land forces of the King's army; some part of him still cringed at the mortification of being caught as a no-good buccaneer, but his head was hurting far too much for dramatics right now.
"D-Do as we say, and we won't shoot," said a young redcoat, gun trembling as he stepped forward to replace his fallen leader. "D-Do you hear me, pirate? Don't even think of fighting back!"
Junho sighed, kneading at his temple. He had no memory of last night and he was sure a certain carpenter had something to do with it. Mentally, he made a note to kill Wooyoung. "Where's the rest of the crew?"
The soldier shook his head. "We're not telling you anything, pirate!"
"Do you have to shout?"
"We don't take orders from you, either, pirate!"
"I have a name, you realize..."
"Sir," yelled a second soldier suddenly. "There's-"
Before he could finish his sentence, a large barrel crashed into the circle from above, knocking two unfortunate men unconscious and scattering the others.
"Up here, Junho!" Nichkhun yelled as he flung a small iron ball down the steps -
- and the thing was fizzing.
As the second-in-command reeled in astonishment, Junho took the chance to reach across and unsheathe the young man's sword in one smooth move. The navigator then spun once, smashing the hilt of the weapon into the soldier's face - he had to let his frustration out somewhere - before sprinting through the confusion and up the stairs to where Nichkhun stood waiting. He had just made it to the top and thrown himself to the deck when the hold exploded noisily behind him.
Judging by the force of the explosion and the size of the hold, survivors were nigh impossible.
"You killed them!" Junho gasped.
"This isn't the time for compassion," Nichkhun snapped, lighting the fuse of another grenade and tossing it at a soldier who was clambering over the rails. With a cry of dismay, the man let go and plunged. "They're out for blood. Pirate blood."
"Where's the others?" Junho said after a pause, trying desperately to ignore the shrieks of agony.
"Caught or trying not to get caught," the cook said grimly.
The air around them, Junho realized with growing dread, was filled with gunshots. "Why aren't you with Wooyoung?"
"He was taken before I could get to him," Nichkhun said, his gentle features momentarily contorting into a dark expression. "All the officers were."
Junho's heart clenched in sudden fear. "So Junsu and Chansung...?"
Mutely, Nichkhun nodded.
The world seemed to grind to a sudden halt. Junho could vaguely hear the cook talking about a rescue plan, about escaping, but none of the words were registering. A captured pirate was a dead pirate - no exceptions. The thought of his friends hanging to the jeers of a merciless crowd sent blood rushing through his head. And then, before he knew it, the navigator found himself grabbing a loose rope from the foresail and swinging off the ship, Nichkhun's shouts sounding hollow to his ears.
The harbour was crawling with uniformed men, hard at battle with pirates whose resistance was feeble at most; a number of them were clearly nursing terrible hangovers. Junho's arrival was thus greeted with startlement - he landed nimbly in the middle of a group of soldiers and sprang forward like a loaded spring, cutting down three men with the blunt edge of his sword before any of them could blink.
"What have you done with my friends?" Junho hissed.
"I don't care what the Governor says," shrieked a redcoat, brandishing his rifle. "A pirate's better dead than-"
He fell over, gurgling, silenced by a violent kick to the neck.
"Wrong answer," said Junho, baring his teeth.
With a roar, the soldiers drew out their swords and charged. Junho fought hard, slashing ruthlessly at any soldier who was foolish enough to come within range. Around him, the area was peppered with blasts of shrapnel and screams of confusion - Nichkhun's assistance to the little fight - but the noises began to fade as Junho's bloodlust grew so strong that his concentration focused solely on parrying, countering, slicing.
He didn't notice the abrupt lull in explosions until it was too late.
"Keep fighting, pirate," said a haughty voice from above. "That is, if you wish to be responsible for your crewmate's death."
Junho's gaze shot up to the ship's deck. A short man in a white wig stood imperiously next to a big redcoat -- who had a pistol pressed to the side of Nichkhun's head.
"Sorry, Junho," Nichkhun said quietly. "I can only carry so many grenades."
The man in the wig flashed a greasy smile at Junho's snarl. "It really isn't very difficult, my friend. All you have to do is surrender, and you and your crewmate can go free." He paused. "After my opening address."
"You're rounding us up for a stupid speech?" Junho said in disbelief.
"One which I believe you will find most interesting," said the man.
"Then all the pirates you've captured... they're alive?"
"On my oath as a gentleman, they are perfectly well."
Junho inhaled slowly. Every fiber in his being was screaming in protest, but the strange official clearly had the upper hand right now.
With one last defiant stare, Junho threw his sword to the ground.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Relief washed over Junho when he saw the Hottest crew lined up, very much alive, amongst the many prisoners in the main square. Although they looked battered and had their hands bound by thick rope, White Wig was, at least, true to his word.
Junsu was glaring off to the side at no one in particular, but the tension in his face faded the minute he spotted Junho. "Junho-" he started.
"JUNHO!"
Chansung flew towards Junho, shoving a startled Junsu to the side. "You're alive!" the boatswain said happily, looping his arms over Junho's head and drawing him into a suffocating hug. "I thought I'd never see you again!"
"Chansung... air..." Junho choked, but Chansung only squeezed him harder. "Gnh-!"
"Wasn't the plan for you to get reinforcements?" Wooyoung said, moving quickly to Nichkhun's side with concern. "What happened?"
"Junho happened," said Nichkhun with a laugh.
"Figures," Wooyoung snorted.
"Hot-blooded and passionate," Taecyeon remarked. He stood at the edge of the group, proudly wearing his captain's hat over a swollen face covered with bruises. "Why do you think I wanted him in the crew?"
"Quiet!" a redcoat snapped. "The Governor's making his entrance!"
"Since when does New Providence have a Governor?" Chansung said, then blinked when Junho began hammering at his chest with his fists. "Oh sorry," he said, releasing the smaller boy with a grin.
"Big oaf," Junho said, shoving playfully at Chansung after he caught his breath.
Guffawing, the boatswain ruffled Junho's hair fondly.
Junsu cleared his throat. "Stop fooling around and pay attention," he said curtly, as the pompous man who had threatened Nichkhun several minutes ago strode into the square, surrounded by a platoon of armed soldiers.
Now that Junho could take a good look at the quartermaster, it was obvious that the other man had put up quite a fight during his capture. His lower lip was torn and a trickle of blood, now dried and crusted, decorated his forehead like a badge of honour. All traces of his soft expression from before appeared to have vanished; he was staring straight ahead, the line of his jaw clenched tight in irritation.
"Nice to see you too," Junho whispered.
There was a flicker of emotion in Junsu's steely gaze, but he didn't respond.
"Where's Doojoon?" Junho said aloud then, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the silence.
"Probably around somewhere," said Wooyoung with a shrug. "Bit like a cockroach, that one."
In front, a soldier scurried forward to set a stack of boxes on the ground, on which the proclaimed Governor stood. He surveyed the pirates with an absent glance, before clasping his hands behind his back and lifting his chin.
"I don't suppose niceties are necessary in this occasion," he said. His voice was quiet, but it held a tone so commanding that every man present paid full attention. "So let us get to the short of it. I have been appointed by His Majesty, the King of England, to be the new- or shall I say, first -Governor of New Providence."
Junho knew enough about the port to understand that this was a devastating blow to pirates; with a harbour too small for a Royal warship, New Providence had been purported to be an impregnable stronghold, one that far surpassed Tortuga.
It would seem that the King's navy had overcome that little problem.
"Bit short for a Governor, aren't ye?" a pirate jeered. His peers erupted into raucous laughter at the jibe - until a loud shot rang out, echoing through the square.
The pirate, after staring in bewilderment at the wound in his chest, collapsed.
In the silence that followed, the Governor calmly returned his pistol to its hoist. "You will address me as Governor Lee," he continued, as though nothing had happened. "Of course, a mere introduction is not all I had in mind. I have gathered you here so you may spread the word that by Royal decree, all pirates will be pardoned for their deeds-"
"Pardoned?" said Taecyeon incredulously, just as other pirates erupted in similar noises of surprise.
"Provided!"
A hush fell instantly over the crowd.
The Governor smiled. "Provided... that you renounce piracy and start an honest, new life."
"And if we refuse?" called out a pirate from the side.
For a tense moment, Lee's hand strayed to his pistol. Junho held his breath, but the hand stayed. "I detest confrontation, as you may have surmised-" fingers caressed the gun handle slowly, "-thus my proposal is a simple one."
"Isn't it always?" Wooyoung muttered.
"You have until dawn to make your decision. Those wise enough to choose the right path may submit their names to my men stationed in this square - you will, naturally, be handsomely rewarded for your efforts." He paused just enough for the implication to sink in. "Those who unfortunately insist on your unlawful ways may make sail and leave on the next tide, unharmed. However, I would suggest that you pray to whatever ungodly deity you believe in, for the next time we meet, you will get what you deserve."
Junho shuddered at the ghost of a smile that curved viciously on the official's face.
"A short stop and a sudden drop."
At first, no one moved.
Then, slowly, with heavy steps, pirates began filing towards a booth set up in the corner of the square, where two redcoats sat waiting with expectant faces. Junho recognized one of the pirates as the brown-haired boy Taecyeon had spoken to the night before; he had joined the queue with the rest of his young crew, looking somewhat sullen about the whole affair.
Satisfied by the growing line, Governor Lee stepped off his makeshift podium and strode out of the square with his guards, a definite spring in his step.
"Cowards," Junsu said with a roll of his eyes, as more pirates shuffled towards the booth.
"There's a fine line between bravery and stupidity," Nichkhun pointed out.
"Yeah, a fine line of gold coins," Wooyoung said.
Junho was silent as the rest of the Hottests broke out into derisive laughter. It was obvious what they've chosen, and to Junho's practical mind, it was a fool's choice. With the fall of New Providence, a pirate's meeting with the gallows had turned from a fleeting possibility to an inescapable reality.
The choice to restart his life on a clean slate was far too tempting.
It was then that Taecyeon clapped his hands, cutting into Junho's thoughts. "Well men," he said solemnly, "You have until dawn."
The Hottests turned to their captain in surprise.
"Captain!"
"You know none of us will ever leave you, Captain!"
"What're you saying, Captain!?"
Taecyeon held up a hand. "I never thought it would come to this, but they caught us with our pants down: New Providence is no longer ours. You know what that signifies - the age of piracy is over. And with so many of our allies falling to the Governor's proposal, our deaths aren't eventual; it's inevitable. It wouldn't be fair to bind you to our ways when you have a chance to live a much longer life."
He flashed a sad smile in Junho's direction. The navigator squirmed uncomfortably as the crew turned to fix their stares on him; Chansung's eyes wide and doleful in contrast to Junsu's piercing gaze.
"The choice is yours."
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
After Taecyeon's little speech, the crew split up to spend their last day at New Providence; some returned to the taverns to do what they did best, while others began making preparations for departure.
When Junsu approached Junho with an unreadable expression on his face, the smaller man's instinct was to grab Chansung's arm and lead him away in the opposite direction. To his relief, Chansung didn't question the abrupt move; rather, the boatswain appeared to welcome it, sliding his arm round Junho's shoulder in response. Chansung, it turned out, had taken on the self-appointed task of shopping for food supplies, so Junho joined in, glad for a distraction.
"You like apples, right?" Chansung said, picking up a red apple and tossing one to Junho. "We should get a barrel of these stuff."
Junho caught the apple, before flinging it right back. So much for a distraction. "I don't know if that's necessary."
"We'll get a barrel," Chansung said firmly.
Recognizing the stubborn look - Chansung always sported that whenever the captain tried to cut his ration size - Junho gave in, watching mutely as the younger man engaged in an enthusiastic bout of haggling with the fruit vendor. After Chansung finally slapped down a few coins with the pride of a victory well won, he hefted the barrel onto his shoulder (filled with apples and, of course, bananas) and beckoned at Junho.
They moved on, flitting through the marketplace in search for meat. The boatswain remained cheerful, but Junho could feel an unspoken tension hanging above them, threatening to cloud the supposedly happy atmosphere.
When the boatswain remarked about Junho's 'fabulous navigating skills', Junho couldn't endure it any longer. "Just say it, Chansung," he sighed.
Chansung halted in his steps. "Say what?"
"Whatever you've been trying not to say."
"What am I trying not to say?"
It was almost amazing how vacant an expression his best friend could have. "I don't know if I'm leaving with you," Junho said quietly.
"Oh I know," said Chansung with a smile.
"I realize it's--" Junho blinked. "You know?"
"Yeah. I know you'll make the right choice."
Junho breathed, a lump rising up his throat; Chansung had a way of touching the just right nerves. He decided to take on a different tactic. "Don't you have family waiting for you at home, Chansung?"
"Nope," Chansung said lightly. "I don't think so, anyway. I was taken away to a slave ship when I was a kid, so I don't remember much of my family."
Junho's eyes widened. "You were a slave?"
"For about ten years until the Hottest attacked our ship."
"Oh," said Junho, unsure of what to say.
Chansung grinned. "Why the long face? I have a family now," he said, snaking his free arm round Junho's waist and drawing him close enough to bump hips. "You and the rest of the Hottest."
Junho swallowed. He realized, heart clenching, that he didn't know anything about his crewmates. For a beat, he wondered if Junsu might also be shouldering some tragic past, before he hurriedly shoved the thought out of his head.
He was with Chansung right now, not Junsu.
"Chansung," he started. "I--ow, what the hell!?"
Snorting, Chansung broke away from Junho to dance out of reach. "You were getting so serious!"
"And that's why you bit me!?" Junho yelped, rubbing at his shoulder.
The boatswain gave another high-pitched giggle. Then, without warning, he leaned in until they were mere inches apart. Flushing, Junho tried to back away - up close, Chansung was a handsome beast - but his friend only moved with him.
"Whatever you choose," Chansung murmured, "You'll always be my best mate."
Ignoring the hot burn of his ears, Junho looked straight into Chansung's eyes -
- and made his choice.
[Rating] PG-13
[Disclaimer] I don't own any of the One Day boys.
[Pairings] Junbros, Channuneo(?), Khunyoung
[Summary] Barely a year since Junho joined The Hottest and pirates now face extinction - or renounce their ways and start their lives afresh. The latter just sounds far too tempting.
[Notes] Inspired by the Lotte Duty Free CM & Pirates of the Caribbean, then further enabled by blinkbling24.
Arcs
#1: Beginnings
#2: Normalcy is overrated
#3: Someone Else's Problem
Some inner voice in Junho told him that this was sick, and wrong, and that they were doing this in a public area where everyone and anyone could get a front-seat view of the proceedings. But Junsu, after thoroughly ravaging his mouth, was now doing sinful things to his neck, and he just couldn't bring himself to care about trivialities because damn did it feel good.
"Junsu," he gasped, when sharp teeth found a sensitive spot under his ear.
The quartermaster took the chance to surge upward and capture his open mouth for the second time. Junho mewled keenly into the kiss; every touch Junsu made with his lips, his tongue, his fingers - every touch - sent jolts of electric shocks through his body. He was burning up, and the temperature only seemed to rise higher with each new sensation.
Suddenly, with one last nip on his jaw, Junsu pulled away.
Junho whimpered. The loss of contact left him cold and aching; he wanted more, so much more. Reaching out, he clutched the front of Junsu's black doublet. "Please," he panted, "I want-" His words dissolved into a moan; Junsu had bit down violently on his collarbone.
"Don't," Junsu rasped. "Don't say it."
Junho stared, uncomprehending.
Roughly, Junsu traced the navigator's jawline with his knuckles. "It's hard enough to stop as it is. If I hear you beg in that- that voice, I..." He trailed off, exhaling a shaky breath.
"I don't understand," said Junho, eyes hazy with need. "Are you saying you don't want me?"
Sighing, Junsu brushed a feathery kiss across his forehead. "I want nothing more than to tear your clothes off and fuck you deep into this wall," he murmured. "But not when you're like this."
As Junho struggled to form a cogent argument that, really, he was perfectly fine with that plan, their burly captain sauntered up to them, his hair disheveled and lipstick marks all over his face. "Not drinking, boys?" he said cheerfully.
"Excellent idea, captain," said Junsu brightly, sounding as though their little tryst had never happened. Junho couldn't get a word in; he was suddenly hoisted off the wall and thrust into a pair of muscular arms - arms that were most definitely not Junsu's. "Take this drunk boy back to the ship while I get myself a pint, will you?"
"What?" said Taecyeon, but Junsu had already strode off. Resigned, he glanced at the man in his arms, before concern took over his craggy features. "What's with all the bruises on your neck?"
"Ask the bastard who played me like a cheap whore," Junho said sullenly.
Taecyeon grimaced. "Forget I asked."
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
"On your feet, pirate!"
Groaning, Junho clutched at his pounding head and rolled over.
"Up, I said!"
He let out a yelp as a hard object slammed roughly into his back, shoving him off his hammock. Before he could grasp the situation, someone jerked him up by the arm and dragged him to his feet. Instantly, anger flared at the manhandling - he never was one with patience.
With a growl, the navigator threw a blind punch at his captor, rewarded by a satisfying crunch as fist hit bone. As the injured man toppled over with a scream of pain, he whirled round to find a circle of uniformed men surrounding him, guns at the ready. Their red uniforms easily identified them as land forces of the King's army; some part of him still cringed at the mortification of being caught as a no-good buccaneer, but his head was hurting far too much for dramatics right now.
"D-Do as we say, and we won't shoot," said a young redcoat, gun trembling as he stepped forward to replace his fallen leader. "D-Do you hear me, pirate? Don't even think of fighting back!"
Junho sighed, kneading at his temple. He had no memory of last night and he was sure a certain carpenter had something to do with it. Mentally, he made a note to kill Wooyoung. "Where's the rest of the crew?"
The soldier shook his head. "We're not telling you anything, pirate!"
"Do you have to shout?"
"We don't take orders from you, either, pirate!"
"I have a name, you realize..."
"Sir," yelled a second soldier suddenly. "There's-"
Before he could finish his sentence, a large barrel crashed into the circle from above, knocking two unfortunate men unconscious and scattering the others.
"Up here, Junho!" Nichkhun yelled as he flung a small iron ball down the steps -
- and the thing was fizzing.
As the second-in-command reeled in astonishment, Junho took the chance to reach across and unsheathe the young man's sword in one smooth move. The navigator then spun once, smashing the hilt of the weapon into the soldier's face - he had to let his frustration out somewhere - before sprinting through the confusion and up the stairs to where Nichkhun stood waiting. He had just made it to the top and thrown himself to the deck when the hold exploded noisily behind him.
Judging by the force of the explosion and the size of the hold, survivors were nigh impossible.
"You killed them!" Junho gasped.
"This isn't the time for compassion," Nichkhun snapped, lighting the fuse of another grenade and tossing it at a soldier who was clambering over the rails. With a cry of dismay, the man let go and plunged. "They're out for blood. Pirate blood."
"Where's the others?" Junho said after a pause, trying desperately to ignore the shrieks of agony.
"Caught or trying not to get caught," the cook said grimly.
The air around them, Junho realized with growing dread, was filled with gunshots. "Why aren't you with Wooyoung?"
"He was taken before I could get to him," Nichkhun said, his gentle features momentarily contorting into a dark expression. "All the officers were."
Junho's heart clenched in sudden fear. "So Junsu and Chansung...?"
Mutely, Nichkhun nodded.
The world seemed to grind to a sudden halt. Junho could vaguely hear the cook talking about a rescue plan, about escaping, but none of the words were registering. A captured pirate was a dead pirate - no exceptions. The thought of his friends hanging to the jeers of a merciless crowd sent blood rushing through his head. And then, before he knew it, the navigator found himself grabbing a loose rope from the foresail and swinging off the ship, Nichkhun's shouts sounding hollow to his ears.
The harbour was crawling with uniformed men, hard at battle with pirates whose resistance was feeble at most; a number of them were clearly nursing terrible hangovers. Junho's arrival was thus greeted with startlement - he landed nimbly in the middle of a group of soldiers and sprang forward like a loaded spring, cutting down three men with the blunt edge of his sword before any of them could blink.
"What have you done with my friends?" Junho hissed.
"I don't care what the Governor says," shrieked a redcoat, brandishing his rifle. "A pirate's better dead than-"
He fell over, gurgling, silenced by a violent kick to the neck.
"Wrong answer," said Junho, baring his teeth.
With a roar, the soldiers drew out their swords and charged. Junho fought hard, slashing ruthlessly at any soldier who was foolish enough to come within range. Around him, the area was peppered with blasts of shrapnel and screams of confusion - Nichkhun's assistance to the little fight - but the noises began to fade as Junho's bloodlust grew so strong that his concentration focused solely on parrying, countering, slicing.
He didn't notice the abrupt lull in explosions until it was too late.
"Keep fighting, pirate," said a haughty voice from above. "That is, if you wish to be responsible for your crewmate's death."
Junho's gaze shot up to the ship's deck. A short man in a white wig stood imperiously next to a big redcoat -- who had a pistol pressed to the side of Nichkhun's head.
"Sorry, Junho," Nichkhun said quietly. "I can only carry so many grenades."
The man in the wig flashed a greasy smile at Junho's snarl. "It really isn't very difficult, my friend. All you have to do is surrender, and you and your crewmate can go free." He paused. "After my opening address."
"You're rounding us up for a stupid speech?" Junho said in disbelief.
"One which I believe you will find most interesting," said the man.
"Then all the pirates you've captured... they're alive?"
"On my oath as a gentleman, they are perfectly well."
Junho inhaled slowly. Every fiber in his being was screaming in protest, but the strange official clearly had the upper hand right now.
With one last defiant stare, Junho threw his sword to the ground.
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Relief washed over Junho when he saw the Hottest crew lined up, very much alive, amongst the many prisoners in the main square. Although they looked battered and had their hands bound by thick rope, White Wig was, at least, true to his word.
Junsu was glaring off to the side at no one in particular, but the tension in his face faded the minute he spotted Junho. "Junho-" he started.
"JUNHO!"
Chansung flew towards Junho, shoving a startled Junsu to the side. "You're alive!" the boatswain said happily, looping his arms over Junho's head and drawing him into a suffocating hug. "I thought I'd never see you again!"
"Chansung... air..." Junho choked, but Chansung only squeezed him harder. "Gnh-!"
"Wasn't the plan for you to get reinforcements?" Wooyoung said, moving quickly to Nichkhun's side with concern. "What happened?"
"Junho happened," said Nichkhun with a laugh.
"Figures," Wooyoung snorted.
"Hot-blooded and passionate," Taecyeon remarked. He stood at the edge of the group, proudly wearing his captain's hat over a swollen face covered with bruises. "Why do you think I wanted him in the crew?"
"Quiet!" a redcoat snapped. "The Governor's making his entrance!"
"Since when does New Providence have a Governor?" Chansung said, then blinked when Junho began hammering at his chest with his fists. "Oh sorry," he said, releasing the smaller boy with a grin.
"Big oaf," Junho said, shoving playfully at Chansung after he caught his breath.
Guffawing, the boatswain ruffled Junho's hair fondly.
Junsu cleared his throat. "Stop fooling around and pay attention," he said curtly, as the pompous man who had threatened Nichkhun several minutes ago strode into the square, surrounded by a platoon of armed soldiers.
Now that Junho could take a good look at the quartermaster, it was obvious that the other man had put up quite a fight during his capture. His lower lip was torn and a trickle of blood, now dried and crusted, decorated his forehead like a badge of honour. All traces of his soft expression from before appeared to have vanished; he was staring straight ahead, the line of his jaw clenched tight in irritation.
"Nice to see you too," Junho whispered.
There was a flicker of emotion in Junsu's steely gaze, but he didn't respond.
"Where's Doojoon?" Junho said aloud then, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the silence.
"Probably around somewhere," said Wooyoung with a shrug. "Bit like a cockroach, that one."
In front, a soldier scurried forward to set a stack of boxes on the ground, on which the proclaimed Governor stood. He surveyed the pirates with an absent glance, before clasping his hands behind his back and lifting his chin.
"I don't suppose niceties are necessary in this occasion," he said. His voice was quiet, but it held a tone so commanding that every man present paid full attention. "So let us get to the short of it. I have been appointed by His Majesty, the King of England, to be the new- or shall I say, first -Governor of New Providence."
Junho knew enough about the port to understand that this was a devastating blow to pirates; with a harbour too small for a Royal warship, New Providence had been purported to be an impregnable stronghold, one that far surpassed Tortuga.
It would seem that the King's navy had overcome that little problem.
"Bit short for a Governor, aren't ye?" a pirate jeered. His peers erupted into raucous laughter at the jibe - until a loud shot rang out, echoing through the square.
The pirate, after staring in bewilderment at the wound in his chest, collapsed.
In the silence that followed, the Governor calmly returned his pistol to its hoist. "You will address me as Governor Lee," he continued, as though nothing had happened. "Of course, a mere introduction is not all I had in mind. I have gathered you here so you may spread the word that by Royal decree, all pirates will be pardoned for their deeds-"
"Pardoned?" said Taecyeon incredulously, just as other pirates erupted in similar noises of surprise.
"Provided!"
A hush fell instantly over the crowd.
The Governor smiled. "Provided... that you renounce piracy and start an honest, new life."
"And if we refuse?" called out a pirate from the side.
For a tense moment, Lee's hand strayed to his pistol. Junho held his breath, but the hand stayed. "I detest confrontation, as you may have surmised-" fingers caressed the gun handle slowly, "-thus my proposal is a simple one."
"Isn't it always?" Wooyoung muttered.
"You have until dawn to make your decision. Those wise enough to choose the right path may submit their names to my men stationed in this square - you will, naturally, be handsomely rewarded for your efforts." He paused just enough for the implication to sink in. "Those who unfortunately insist on your unlawful ways may make sail and leave on the next tide, unharmed. However, I would suggest that you pray to whatever ungodly deity you believe in, for the next time we meet, you will get what you deserve."
Junho shuddered at the ghost of a smile that curved viciously on the official's face.
"A short stop and a sudden drop."
At first, no one moved.
Then, slowly, with heavy steps, pirates began filing towards a booth set up in the corner of the square, where two redcoats sat waiting with expectant faces. Junho recognized one of the pirates as the brown-haired boy Taecyeon had spoken to the night before; he had joined the queue with the rest of his young crew, looking somewhat sullen about the whole affair.
Satisfied by the growing line, Governor Lee stepped off his makeshift podium and strode out of the square with his guards, a definite spring in his step.
"Cowards," Junsu said with a roll of his eyes, as more pirates shuffled towards the booth.
"There's a fine line between bravery and stupidity," Nichkhun pointed out.
"Yeah, a fine line of gold coins," Wooyoung said.
Junho was silent as the rest of the Hottests broke out into derisive laughter. It was obvious what they've chosen, and to Junho's practical mind, it was a fool's choice. With the fall of New Providence, a pirate's meeting with the gallows had turned from a fleeting possibility to an inescapable reality.
The choice to restart his life on a clean slate was far too tempting.
It was then that Taecyeon clapped his hands, cutting into Junho's thoughts. "Well men," he said solemnly, "You have until dawn."
The Hottests turned to their captain in surprise.
"Captain!"
"You know none of us will ever leave you, Captain!"
"What're you saying, Captain!?"
Taecyeon held up a hand. "I never thought it would come to this, but they caught us with our pants down: New Providence is no longer ours. You know what that signifies - the age of piracy is over. And with so many of our allies falling to the Governor's proposal, our deaths aren't eventual; it's inevitable. It wouldn't be fair to bind you to our ways when you have a chance to live a much longer life."
He flashed a sad smile in Junho's direction. The navigator squirmed uncomfortably as the crew turned to fix their stares on him; Chansung's eyes wide and doleful in contrast to Junsu's piercing gaze.
"The choice is yours."
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
After Taecyeon's little speech, the crew split up to spend their last day at New Providence; some returned to the taverns to do what they did best, while others began making preparations for departure.
When Junsu approached Junho with an unreadable expression on his face, the smaller man's instinct was to grab Chansung's arm and lead him away in the opposite direction. To his relief, Chansung didn't question the abrupt move; rather, the boatswain appeared to welcome it, sliding his arm round Junho's shoulder in response. Chansung, it turned out, had taken on the self-appointed task of shopping for food supplies, so Junho joined in, glad for a distraction.
"You like apples, right?" Chansung said, picking up a red apple and tossing one to Junho. "We should get a barrel of these stuff."
Junho caught the apple, before flinging it right back. So much for a distraction. "I don't know if that's necessary."
"We'll get a barrel," Chansung said firmly.
Recognizing the stubborn look - Chansung always sported that whenever the captain tried to cut his ration size - Junho gave in, watching mutely as the younger man engaged in an enthusiastic bout of haggling with the fruit vendor. After Chansung finally slapped down a few coins with the pride of a victory well won, he hefted the barrel onto his shoulder (filled with apples and, of course, bananas) and beckoned at Junho.
They moved on, flitting through the marketplace in search for meat. The boatswain remained cheerful, but Junho could feel an unspoken tension hanging above them, threatening to cloud the supposedly happy atmosphere.
When the boatswain remarked about Junho's 'fabulous navigating skills', Junho couldn't endure it any longer. "Just say it, Chansung," he sighed.
Chansung halted in his steps. "Say what?"
"Whatever you've been trying not to say."
"What am I trying not to say?"
It was almost amazing how vacant an expression his best friend could have. "I don't know if I'm leaving with you," Junho said quietly.
"Oh I know," said Chansung with a smile.
"I realize it's--" Junho blinked. "You know?"
"Yeah. I know you'll make the right choice."
Junho breathed, a lump rising up his throat; Chansung had a way of touching the just right nerves. He decided to take on a different tactic. "Don't you have family waiting for you at home, Chansung?"
"Nope," Chansung said lightly. "I don't think so, anyway. I was taken away to a slave ship when I was a kid, so I don't remember much of my family."
Junho's eyes widened. "You were a slave?"
"For about ten years until the Hottest attacked our ship."
"Oh," said Junho, unsure of what to say.
Chansung grinned. "Why the long face? I have a family now," he said, snaking his free arm round Junho's waist and drawing him close enough to bump hips. "You and the rest of the Hottest."
Junho swallowed. He realized, heart clenching, that he didn't know anything about his crewmates. For a beat, he wondered if Junsu might also be shouldering some tragic past, before he hurriedly shoved the thought out of his head.
He was with Chansung right now, not Junsu.
"Chansung," he started. "I--ow, what the hell!?"
Snorting, Chansung broke away from Junho to dance out of reach. "You were getting so serious!"
"And that's why you bit me!?" Junho yelped, rubbing at his shoulder.
The boatswain gave another high-pitched giggle. Then, without warning, he leaned in until they were mere inches apart. Flushing, Junho tried to back away - up close, Chansung was a handsome beast - but his friend only moved with him.
"Whatever you choose," Chansung murmured, "You'll always be my best mate."
Ignoring the hot burn of his ears, Junho looked straight into Chansung's eyes -
- and made his choice.