Hongjoong awoke to insistent knocking on his door. He groaned and sat up, brushing his hair from his face.

"I'm awake. What is it," he called out. The door opened and San walked in.

"Mystery boy is awake," San told him quietly. He looked exhausted and Hongjoong could tell he needed some sleep soon and to be relieved from his navigation duties. First of all though, Hongjoong needs to go make sure this person isn't going to be hurting his crew. Hongjoong threw his blankets off and stood up quickly, hurrying over to his cupboard. He changed into a pair of pants and slipped on his tops before grabbing his most intimidating long fur coat and put it on.

"Don't forget your scary pointy boots that click against the floor whenever you walk," San said, grabbing said boots and slipping them on to Hongjoong's feet while he put on his earrings.

"You ready to intimidate him and have your whole, I'm a scary leader fiasco," San asked. Hongjoong glared at him through the mirror on his desk.

"Yeah, like that," San said with a nod.

"Why're you so cheerful? An enemy just woke up on our ship. Shouldn't you be down protecting Yeosang," Hongjoong asked with a frown.

"I was originally worried, but I've talked to him and he seems nice and ok. Traumatised and scared, but ok. Even Youngie was fine with him and wasn't bothered when Sangie was close to him," San replied. Hongjoong's eyes went wide and anger filled his veins.

"Why the fuck have you been talking to him? Why wouldn't you call me straight away," he asked angrily. San went pale as he saw the pure anger in the Captain's eyes and he knew he messed up.

"Um, H-Hon-." He didn't get to finish as Hongjoong moved forwards and shoved him to the side as he rushed out. San winced slightly as his back smashed into the doorway, but he stayed quiet. Hongjoong went straight over to the bell beside his door and rang it loudly. The bell is used to gain the attention of the entire crew and for them to all come out onto the deck. San walked outside quickly and bit his lip nervously, standing off to the side and waiting for the others to get above deck. Jongho was the first one, seeming confused but he walked over to San, noticing the navigator seemed nervous. He glanced over at Hongjoong and winced internally, noticing the angry look in his eyes, something they don't see too often. Yunho walked up next, Mingi trailing up behind them and they both stayed silent when they noticed how angry Hongjoong looked. Mingi went to San and Jongho while Yunho as the quartermaster, went and stood beside Hongjoong.

"Where are the other two," Hongjoong asked. San shivered at the tone of his voice and shifted closer to Jongho.

"I believe they're coming soon Captain," Yunho said. Sure enough, a few seconds later Wooyoung appeared from the stairs, glancing back and holding out his hand. Hongjoong's eyes narrowed and his hand shifted down, ghosting over the hilt of his sword attatched to his belt. Yeosang arrived next and he had his arm wrapped around the enemies waist, helping him up the stairs. Hongjoong saw red.

"YEOSANG GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HIM," he yelled angrily. Yeosang looked over at the Captain, his lips parting in confusion of why he was so angry. Seonghwa isn't going to hurt any of them, he's actually pretty nice.

"It's fine Hon-." Yeosang didn't even get to finish his sentence before his arm was grabbed and he was yanked away. Hongjoong knows how trusting Yeosang is so he pulled him out of harms way, shoving him into Wooyoung's arms as he knew that he would catch him. He then grabbed the arm of the enemy and dragged him towards the edge of the ship. He isn't a cruel person, he swears he isn't but he needs to protect his crew. He threw him against the railing, deciding to it more gently than he usually would, for the boys. Then he grabbed the boys shirt and lifted him up, pushing him back so he was half hanging over the edge.

Seonghwa could immediately tell who the Captain was. What with the long fur coat, the earrings covering his ears and the look of anger on his face, his eyes intense. When he walked, his heels clicked on the floor, making him even scarier. Seonghwa yelped as he was suddenly dragged and thrown into the railing, his back protesting in pain. That all seemed like nothing the second he was lifted and held back over the railing though. The wide open sea was below him, endless and freezing and ready to yank him into its depths. Wooyoung promised, he promised he wouldn't get hurt. Tears pooled in his eyes and he whimpered, grabbing the arm holding him with both hands, clinging tightly to try and stop him from letting go and pushing him into the water. His eyes desperately met the others, hoping to convince him to let him live but he regretted it immediately. The eyes were sharp, cold and heartless. He could see the anger flashing through them, how much this person hated him and he tensed up in fear.

"CAPTAIN STOP IT," Wooyoung yelled, going to rush forwards but Yunho grabbed his arm and stopped him. Wooyoung promised, he promised the poor boy that he would be safe as long as he did nothing wrong. He did nothing wrong.

"STOP IT," San yelled as well. Hongjoong ignored them and went to tilt the boy further but their eyes met and he paused. He looked terrified, scared for what was going to happen but Hongjoong could also see resignation in his eyes.

"HONGJOONG," Yeosang yelled. He shoved Wooyoung's arms off him and rushed forwards. At Yeosang's yell, Hongjoong finally relented and he pulled the boy back over the railing to the safety of the ships deck. Seonghwa's legs gave out the minute they connected with the floor, his body shaking, the fear of falling into the water not yet gone. Yeosang went to rush to Seonghwa's side but Hongjoong noticed and wrapped an arm around his waist, holding him back.

"Hon-."

"Captain, Yeosang, it's Captain," Hongjoong said sternly. Yeosang turned his head, his wide eyes meeting Hongjoong's and he shrunk slightly. Hongjoong realised he probably accidentally scared the young medic and his eyes soften quickly.

"He's not a bad person Captain, please believe me," Yeosang said quickly.

"You're too trusting Yeosang, go back to Wooyoung," Hongjoong said sternly.

"Captain-."

"Now," he interrupted. Hongjoong let go of Yeosang and he regretfully shrunk back over to Wooyoung. There's only so far you can push Hongjoong before he snaps, especially when he's worried for the crews wellbeing. Hongjoong turned back to the boy, his eyes narrowed and the other shrunk in on himself.

"Stand," he said sternly. Seonghwa shivered and glanced behind the Captain, his eyes landing on Wooyoung. Wooyoung nodded quickly to him, so he let out a breath. He lifted his hand and grabbed the side of the ship, pulling himself slowly to his feet. He was still weak and scared, so he was a little unstable but he managed to remain standing by holding onto the railing.

"What's your name," Hongjoong asked. Seonghwa watched him warily before glancing back at Wooyoung again. Hongjoong noticed him looking behind him and quickly stepped into his line of sight.

"Don't look at them, look at me," Hongjoong said sternly.

"Captain, he's scared," Wooyoung said. Hongjoong glanced behind him and glared at Wooyoung, effectively shutting him up.

"Name, now," Hongjoong said, turning back to the boy.

"Park Seonghwa," Seonghwa said quietly.

"Well Park Seonghwa, I am the Captain of this ship and I'm not the kind of person that will let just anyone on to my ship and near my crew. We killed everyone on your previous crew and the only reason you're alive right now is because some of my crew are too soft at times," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa remained silent, already having realised what he said.

"I'm going to ask you questions now and you're going to answer them honestly. If I having any indication that you're lying, I will throw you overboard and leave you to die, mark my words," Hongjoong said sternly. Seonghwa's grip on the railing tightened and he kept his himself from turning his head and looking behind him. This Captain is trying to intimidate him and scare him and he'll be damned if he lets him. He was a pushover for the others to do whatever they wanted with him, he's not going to let that happen again.

"My first question is what your job was with your old crew," Hongjoong asked.

"They made me be their medic and fix up all their injuries," Seonghwa replied, steeling himself to look directly in the Captain's eyes. Hongjoong's kept his face passive but he noticed the change in Seonghwa's demeanour.

"Why weren't you fighting with the others," Hongjoong asked.

"Because I was locked in my room, as I always am," Seonghwa replied.

"Why were you locked in your room? What did you do that was so bad that a barbaric crew like that had to keep you locked up," Hongjoong asked, failing to keep the slight anger from his voice. Seonghwa deflated slightly, thinking bad to that day when everything changed.

"They took me, and I refused to fight like they wanted. They would've killed me, but I was their only medic," Seonghwa replied, keeping his voice level. Hongjoong frowned slightly, not sure whether to believe what he was saying.

"Where'd the bruises come from," he asked quickly.

"Ho-Captain," Yeosang exclaimed. He understands that Hongjoong is trying to figure out the kind of person Seonghwa is but asking something like that is insensitive.

"It's fine Yeosang," Seonghwa said quietly.

"You do not say his name, you haven't been given the right," Hongjoong said angrily. Seonghwa once again tightened his hand on the rails but didn't shy away.

"Now answer the question," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa took a deep breath before nodding.

"The bruises came from the crew. I was kept alive because I could fix their injuries but that doesn't mean I was kept in luxury," Seonghwa said.

"They beat you," Hongjoong said.

"Amongst other things, yeah," he nodded in reply. Hongjoong went silent and thought over his words for a few seconds.

"How long were you with them for," Hongjoong asked him.

"I was locked up pretty much the entire time, so I couldn't really tell but I did my best to track it on the wall. I'd say I was locked there for close to three years," Seonghwa said. Jongho frowned slightly at his words, feeling bad for the other boy. He glanced beside him to see Mingi looked close to tears and had moved to cling to Yunho's hand.

"How many people have you killed," Hongjoong asked.

"None," Seonghwa replied.

"How can you be a pirate and never have killed anyone," Jongho asked in confusion. Seonghwa glanced back to him and frowned slightly. He wasn't planning to divulge his entire life-story and trauma to everyone.

"I'm not technically a pirate. The day I was taken was the day I went to join a crew for the first time. They took me before I could join anyone. I never took the code or whatever it is you guys do," Seonghwa replied quietly. Hongjoong kept up his indignant mask, not showing any change of emotion but on the inside his heart was aching slightly. He doesn't know whether he can trust this person, he doesn't know if they're telling the truth. What he does know though, is that this person, Seonghwa, looks like he's struggling to stay standing and look fine, he's got bruises and his wrist is braced. What he knows is that he needs rest and he doesn't look like he'd be able to overpower any of his crew right now.

"You will address me as Captain, you will not be in a room alone with Yeosang at any times. You will get the rest you need and then you will get to work and pull your weight on this ship. Am I clear," Hongjoong asked. Seonghwa let out a breath and nodded quickly.

"Words Park," Hongjoong said firmly.

"Y-Yes Captain," Seonghwa replied.

"Good. And if you hurt one of my boys, I won't kill you. I will torture you to within an inch of your life and keep you like that for so long you forget what it's like to be happy," Hongjoong said venomously. Yunho rolled his eyes at Hongjoong's words, knowing full well he would never be able to bring himself to do that. If Seonghwa hurts one of them, Hongjoong will kill him without a second thought.

"I understand," Seonghwa nodded. He was beginning to get slightly dizzy and tired, having trouble keeping himself standing. He didn't want to look anymore weak in front of the Captain, not missing the way he was scrutinizing him. Hongjoong analysed Seonghwa, not missing the way his face was pale and he had sweat bleeding on his forehead. He clenched his jaw tight, turning around slowly.

"Yeosang, help him," he said quietly. Yeosang immediately ran forwards, Wooyoung following him quickly. Yeosang held out his arm and Seonghwa gladly fell into it, resting most of his weight against him. Wooyoung stepped forwards and grabbed him gently, making sure not to jostle his wrist or push too hard on his bruises.

"Take him back to the med bay, Mingi go as well. Wooyoung make breakfast once you're done because Mingi will keep an eye out. Jongho, I want you to go and clean the weapons we used yesterday, make them shiny and new. Yunho, I want you navigating for a bit please, San's been up all night. Sannie, come to my quarters," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa was surprised by how calm and gentle he sounded when directing his crew, not at all what he was expecting, especially the last sentence about San. Wooyoung and Yeosang gently helped him down the stairs below deck and over to the bed, placing him down softly.

"You ok? Is that comfortable," Yeosang asked softly. Seonghwa swallowed nervously, blinking a few times to keep tears from falling from his eyes.

"I-I'm ok," he said. He can't remember the last time somewhere cared whether he was comfortable or not.

"I slept on a wooden box basically for years. This is, this is like sleeping on a cloud," Seonghwa added quietly. Yeosang deflated slightly but he gave a soft smile to Yeosang, grabbing the covers and pulling them up.

"You need to get more sleep Seonghwa. I can tell you haven't been sleeping much, so you're gonna need a lot. You got a fever last night so I want to keep an eye on you. If you start feeling even worse, then I need you to tell me. I'll wake you up later once Youngie has finished cooking so you can have some food," Yeosang said, shuffling over. He lifted his hand to run it through Seonghwa's hair, like he did in his sleep. Seonghwa saw the hand raised and he flinched, clenching his eyes closed and waiting for the contact to be made. Yeosang froze when he saw Seonghwa flinch away and close his eyes and he realised Seonghwa thought he was going to hit him. He hesitated slightly before continuing on, his hand getting shaky. He gently placed it in Seonghwa's hair and the other tensed but when he started to gently run his fingers through it, Seonghwa deflated. Seonghwa was shocked when he felt the hand in his hair, running through it and massaging his scalp. Holding his hand is one thing, but playing with his hair is different. When he was younger, his mother would always play with his hair if he wasn't feeling well or if he was upset. The feeling of having his hair played with again after so long, the comfort that came with it made the tears he'd been trying to hard to hold back burst out. He started sobbing harshly, his chest heaving. Yeosang was shocked and went to pull away but Seonghwa's eyes shot opened and he grabbed Yeosang's hand with a whimper. Yeosang looked over at Mingi who seemed just as shocked as he was. Yeosang quickly moved forwards and ran his fingers through Seonghwa's hair again, making him sob harder.

"S-Seonghwa. What's wrong," Yeosang asked him. He doesn't understand why he's crying so much and he didn't want to accidentally hurt him. Seonghwa just sniffled and held out his arms from where he was laying on the bed. Yeosang's eyes went wide in confusion and he glanced over to Mingi.

"He wants a hug," Mingi said softly.

"I-I'm allowed right," Yeosang asked quickly, wanting nothing more than to hug the poor frail boy on the bed. Mingi quickly closed the door and nodded to Yeosang. Yeosang quickly leaned over the bed and into Seonghwa's arms, hugging him softly. Seonghwa clung to him tightly with one arm, trying to move closer but he couldn't. Yeosang realised what he was trying to do, and he nibbled his lip nervously before giving in and climbing onto the bed. He laid down and shuffled close to Seonghwa's side, slipping an arm under his neck, the other wrapping around his waist tightly. Seonghwa gasped and curled up in his arms, moving his head to tuck into his neck and using his uninjured hand to clutch the young medics shirt tightly. His skin was warm, his body was warm and it was gentle. It was gentle, soothing and comforting. He wasn't scared that this person would suddenly do a 180 and start beating him. He felt safe. For the first time in close to three years, he actually felt safe.

~~~~~

Hongjoong held the door to his quarters open for San to walk through. San walked inside and over to Hongjoong's desk, leaning back against it as he waited for Hongjoong to scold him. Hongjoong sighed and closed the door before turning to look at San. He could immediately tell that San was closing himself off, bracing himself for some sort of punishment and he was confused. What exactly did he think he was punishing him for? In fact, it's actually the complete opposite of what he wants to be doing. He sighed before walking over to San, pausing in front of him. San stood up straight as Hongjoong stopped in front of him, bracing himself for what's to come. Hongjoong wasn't going to hit him or hurt him or anything, he isn't like that, but sometimes his words can be worse.

"Can you turn around for me please, so I can see your back," Hongjoong asked softly. San blinked in confusion and tilted his head to the side slightly before turning around like Hongjoong asked.

"Place your hands on the desk," Hongjoong said. San bit his lips nervously, realising what was about to happen and feeling slightly humiliated. He just clenched his eyes closed and waiting. Once San did as he asked Hongjoong moved forwards and grabbed the belt on his pants, tugging it back slightly before pulling his shirt out from where it was tucked into his pants. He took a deep breath before lifting the shirt up. His breath caught in his throat and tears sprung to his eyes as he saw the large purple bruise blooming on his lower back. He didn't even register what he was doing earlier when he went to call everyone but it registered later and he distinctly remembered shoving San into the doorway and hearing him whimper in pain. He promised himself he wouldn't hurt his crewmates, he wouldn't be that Captain who let his anger get the better of him and take it out on his crew when they wouldn't do anything to retaliate. He said he wouldn't do that!

"Um, Captain-."

"Hongjoong. It's Hongjoong Sannie, I'm not the Captain right now," Hongjoong said quickly. San was surprised and even more confused. He thought Hongjoong was going to punish him, not grab his shirt and do whatever he's doing, and certainly not calling him by his nickname.

"I'm so sorry Sannie," Hongjoong whispered. Ok, now he is even more confused. San turned around quickly and he was shocked to see the tears and guilt in his Captain's eyes.

"H-Hongjoong. What's wrong? Why're you sorry? Why're you upset? I didn't come and get you as soon as he woke up like I should have, I should be sorry," San said incredulously.

"Sannie, I-I hurt you. Your back is bruised," Hongjoong whispered, a tear slipping out. San frowned in confusion and reached back, pressing against his back. He winced and let go quickly as pain flared up in his back.

"No, no, don't do that. I am so sorry," Hongjoong said quickly as the tears fell harder. He grabbed San's hand and pulled him into his arms, wrapping one arm around his waist softly, avoiding the bruise and placing his other hand on the back of San's head, directing it softly onto his shoulder. San went to protest, to tell Hongjoong it was fine and it was an accident but his mind went blank when his head hit Hongjoong's shoulder. As the main navigator, it is his job to steer the ship and he often does throughout a couple nights in a row. Hongjoong and Yunho can both also navigate so they take over to give him proper breaks to sleep but at the moment San has been awake for over 36 hours and had a fight in amongst that so he's exhausted. All the strength seeped out of his bones and he wrapped his arms around Hongjoong, practically falling into him. Hongjoong stumbled slightly when he suddenly had San's entire weight leaning against him but he quickly caught him and stood strong. San's eyes slipped closed and he nuzzled his nose into his neck. Hongjoong would normally push him away but the last time he did that San smashed into a doorway and now has a bruise blooming across his back. He pat the top of San's head softly, knowing how much the navigator loves head pats. He sniffled slightly, tilting his head up to try and slow down the tears. He felt awful for doing that to San, especially because it wasn't even a punishment, he just got angry and took it out on the younger boy. San heard Hongjoong sniffle and realised he hadn't said anything and he was still feeling really guilty. Hongjoong doesn't cry for nothing, only when he's feeling a really intense emotion or one of his boys get hurt.

"Hongjoong," he whispered.

"Yeah Sannie. What is it? Are you ok," Hongjoong asked quickly.

"I'm fine Hongjoong. A little bruise is nothing," San said quickly.

"I'm just, I'm so sorry I hurt you," Hongjoong whispered. San went to reply but Hongjoong held him tighter and he clutched the Captain's coat tighter. The large warm, long, furry coat that looks so comfortable. It gave him an idea, an amazing, comfortable, warm idea.

"I know how you can make it up to me," he said slyly, pulling back slightly.

"Of course, anything," Hongjoong said quickly. The least he can do for hurting someone who has been in his crew for 5 years, some he is supposed to protect.

"You don't have many jobs to do today do you," San asked.

"No, not really. Why," Hongjoong asked in confusion.

"Let me cuddle you to sleep. Your coat is big and furry and so much better to cuddle in than a blanket," San asked quickly.

"Um, don't you just want my coat, so it will be warm? Hugging it isn't exactly going to make you warmer," Hongjoong said slowly.

"I won't be cuddling it. I'll be cuddled in it with you. You just open your arm and I slip right in and then you close it again and that means I get to cuddle the Captain and be cozy and warm in his favourite long fur coat that he doesn't let anyone wear," San said with a grin. Hongjoong slowly raised an eyebrow as he realised what San was doing.

"Are you using my guilt to get the ultimate cuddle buddy Choi San," Hongjoong asked.

"Maybe, but ow. My back really hurts," San said, fake wincing. It worked like a charm and Hongjoong was immediately concerned.

"Ok, yeah ok. Let's get you some sleep," Hongjoong said softly. San smiled happily and moved over to the bed in excitement. He's only ever slept next to Hongjoong once before and that was after he got injured in a fight and almost bled out. Hongjoong had stayed with him in the med bay to keep an eye on him and San got scared during the night so he climbed into the bed and hugged him to help him sleep. Hongjoong rolled his eyes fondly at the younger boy and glanced at the doorway before sighing and giving in. He wiped his eyes quickly and took a deep breath to calm down.

"Feet please Sannie. I need to take off your shoes," Hongjoong said. San nodded and spun around, holding out his feet. Hongjoong quickly undid them before sliding them off his feet and placing them down on the floor. He then sat down on the bed and removed his own shoes, placing them down next to San's. He then shuffled back and propped up his two pillows before turning around and leaning back against them. San sat up and crawled closer to Hongjoong. Hongjoong rolled his eyes and unbuttoned his coat, grabbing one side and opening it out. San smiled happily and crawled over, slipping into the opening. He curled up against Hongjoong's side, slipping his arm around his waist, and moving up more to tuck his head into Hongjoong's neck. Hongjoong grabbed him and tugged him closer so the youngers leg was wrapped over him and he was half laying on his chest. Hongjoong smiled softly and pulled the long coat back over San's body. It was actually kind of adorable how his small body was engulfed by the coat. San hummed in content and cuddled closer in Hongjoong's arms. He felt so warm and comfortable. Anyone who says Hongjoong isn't a good cuddler is absolutely mental.

"You comfortable there little one," Hongjoong asked softly.

"Mhm, you're very comfortable," San said, yawning gently.

"Are you warm," Hongjoong asked. San's eyes slipped closed and he nodded, nuzzling into Hongjoong's neck. Hongjoong bit his lip to stop himself from tensing and instead rested his head against the younger. He had grown up as a pirate as both his parents were pirates so he didn't grow up with any physical comfort like hugs, so he isn't used to the cuddles and stuff. He only gives in occasionally if one of the boys have a good reason which is pretty rare. Don't get him wrong, he doesn't mind doing this ever once in a while, in fact it actually makes him happy to be able to comfort his boys, he just doesn't know how to show it.

"Just get some sleep Sannie, I'll be right here," he whispered softly. San nodded again and Hongjoong felt him relax against him. He moved his hand up and ran his fingers through San's hair and he swear if he could purr, the younger would be doing that right now. He hummed in content and Hongjoong smiled, continuing his ministrations. It took less than 2 minutes for San's breathing to even out and his body to go completely lax which is a testament to how tired he really was. Hongjoong felt even worse for how many hours the navigator has to stay awake without getting proper sleep. He thinks that should probably be something he changes so he isn't this exhausted. That and he should probably keep a close eye on Seonghwa, make sure he isn't trying to do anything bad. For now though, he's just going to hold his little one while he sleeps and he's not going to worry about anything else.

A/N

Here is Chapter 3, I hope you enjoyed it

Let me know what you thought of this chapter, what you enjoyed or didn't enjoy, if there was something you didn't expect