Trigger Warning

Blood, Violence, Beating

"Hongjoong, we're coming up to the Port. We have about a few minute," San called out as he guided the ship closer to the ports.

"Alright. Jongho, get the anchor ready to drop," Hongjoong called out, adjusting his coat slightly and tying it up.

"Aye, aye, Captain," Jongho said, patiently waiting at the end of the ship, ready to drop the anchor at a moments notice. Hongjoong glanced to the side and saw Seonghwa standing on the side of the deck. When the anchor kicks in and stops the ship, there's a large jolt that can throw you off-balance. It's going to be very fun to watch him trip over, he might even fall overboard if he doesn't get stable footing.

"Captain," San said as they approached an opening in the deck.

"Jongho, drop anchor," Hongjoong called out, walking slowly towards the side of the deck. Jongho quickly grabbed the wheel connecting to the anchor and begun turning it quickly to lower it down. It took about 10 seconds for the anchor to drop and land with a thud in the ground, slowing the ship down instantly. Seonghwa wasn't ready for the sudden jolt, making him stumble back, his back hitting the railing as he begun further. He whimpered in fear and his hands shot out in a hail Mary to stop himself from falling back into the water. To his surprise though, his hand grasped another and he was pulled away from the edge, into someone's side. He gasped and clenched his eyes closed as he clung to them tightly, feeling them stiffen slightly. He doesn't know who it was, but he assumed it was Wooyoung, judging from the height. Hongjoong didn't know what drove him to stop Seonghwa from falling but before he knew what he was doing, he was grabbing him and pulling him back to safety. Sure, falling into the water wouldn't kill him but for some reason his protective instincts flared up. Why the hell they flared up for him, he doesn't know but what's done is done. He may have stopped him from falling, but that doesn't mean that he's going to let him be all cuddle.

"Park, if your hands aren't off me in three seconds, I will push you overboard anyway," he said tightly. Seonghwa froze at the voice and quickly pulled back, his eyes wide. Hongjoong glared at him before straightening his shirt and walking off. Seonghwa was confused at what had happened but a light smile graced his lips. The Captain just saved him from falling over the edge and most likely almost drowning once again. He may still hate him a lot, but part of him still looks out for him. It's a slightly more comforting thought than the Captain not caring and wanting him dead.

"Everyone on deck," Hongjoong yelled out. Everyone immediately walked over to where he was, Yeosang drifting over to stand beside Seonghwa.

"Alright, listen up because I don't want to repeat myself. I don't want us spending too much time here because we don't know who is around here," Hongjoong said.

"We're going to split up into pairs. We need one pair to go to the market and vegetables, one to get more ammunition, one to get more medical supplies and one more to gather some intel and what's been going on. I'm going to do the intel obviously, but what're the rest of you doing," Hongjoong said.

"Yeosang obviously need to go get medical supplies. I'll go with him to make sure he's safe," Yunho said, glancing at the blond who smiled.

"That's fair, keep him out of trouble," Hongjoong said with a nod.

"I'll go with Wooyoung to get the food supplies we need. We'll bring them up here and clean out the rotten fruit," San said.

"Try not to spend too much, just get enough supplies to last us until Port Arland. Work together with the information you both know," Hongjoong said with a nod.

"I guess I'll go with Jongho to get the ammunition. He knows all about that stuff," Mingi said.

"Good. That leaves me with-," Hongjoong paused and groaned as he realised who he was left with. Seonghwa frowned and shifted slightly, feeling awkward as it was clear Hongjoong wasn't very happy with who he ended up with. Hongjoong sighed and reached into his pocket, pulling out three money pouches.

"Yeosang, Jongho, San, I'm trusting you all with the money. Don't spend it on unnecessary things but go ahead if it's needed," Hongjoong said, handing the pouches out.

"You've got it, we're very responsible," San said with a nod.

"And Sannie, don't give in when Wooyoung finds a random little trinket he wants," Hongjoong said. San went bright red and smiled sheepishly, knowing there's been a few times the younger has managed to convince him to buy some of the most random things.

"I'll make sure to keep him in line," San said with a firm nod.

"Alright, everything's locked up so let's go. I want us all back on the ship by sundown which means we have roughly about 4 hours. Don't be late, any of you. If you come back late then you come and visit me in my quarters," Hongjoong said sternly. Seonghwa watched as the boys all shifted slightly at his words, looking mildly worried for some reason. What's so scary about going to his quarters? The boys go in there quite a lot surprisingly. They all walked to the edge of the ship where Mingi lowered down the ladder for them to climb down to the dock.

"Yeo," Seonghwa said quietly. Yeosang paused and turned around, raising an eyebrow in question.

"What's so bad about going to the Captains quarters? You guys go there all the time," he asked. Yeosang grinned, glancing to where Hongjoong was helping Wooyoung down the ladder before looking back to Seonghwa.

"If Hongjoong calls you to his room after you've done something wrong, then that means you're in trouble. No one speaks of the horrors that happen in there but it's kind of a known thing that it's not fun," Yeosang whispered.

"Have you been called into there," Seonghwa asked.

"Nope. I'm like the golden child of the ship. If Yunho and I got back late, he'd probably get annoyed at Yunho and not me," Yeosang said with a shrug. Seonghwa chuckled and ruffled the youngers hair before they walked to the ladder. Seonghwa froze as he got to the ladder, not moving onto it. It's been three years since he's been on dry land, since he hasn't been trapped on a ship.

"Hwa, you gonna come down," San asked, noticing the oldest not moving. Hongjoong glanced up at San's words, immediately noticing the way the boy was tense and unmoving.

"Hongjoong, can you help him," Mingi asked.

"Why me," Hongjoong asked with a frown.

"Because you're the Captain," Jongho replied.

"So? He's an adult and he can't climb down a ladder," Hongjoong scoffed.

"Joong, he hasn't been off a ship in three years. He hasn't been on dry land for three years," San said softly. Hongjoong faltered slightly and glanced up Seonghwa who know had Yeosang talking softly to him. That did make him feel a little bad for the other boy. He can annoy him as much as he wants but he can't deny that he's been through some trauma. If he does this, it doesn't mean he likes him, he just wants to get going to get some intel. Hongjoong sighed before climbing up the ladder and stopping at the top.

"Park," he said, gaining Seonghwa's attention. He picked up on the fear in his eyes and frowned.

"You need to come down. I have work to do and I can do it when you're hiding up here," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa's eyes hardened and he frowned.

"You don't even like me. Just leave me here on the ship," Seonghwa said, crossing his arms. Hongjoong climbed the rest of the way up, swinging his legs over and dropping onto the deck. He placed his hand on Seonghwa's waist and pulled him away from the ladder before letting go.

"Yeosang, go down and tell the others to get going. Remember to be back before sundown," Hongjoong said.

"Are you sure," Yeosang asked, glancing nervously between the two of them.

"Go Sang," Hongjoong said firmly. Yeosang nodded before he went over and climbed down the ladder. Hongjoong took a breath and turned back to Seonghwa.

"Listen, it doesn't matter if I like you or not, I still have to look after you. If you stay on this ship, you might get hurt. The reason we lock all the doors is that people sometimes try to loot the ships. You being alone means you won't be able to protect yourself, so you're stuck with me," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa glanced out at the town before stepping closer to the edge of the ship, glancing down at the dock. Hongjoong could see him contemplating and he groaned internally. He just wants to gather intel and find out what other crews are up to. He can't afford to wait around and babysit Seonghwa. He clenched his hands before walking closer to Seonghwa before he could hesitate and placing his hand on his shoulder. He spun the older around and pulled him into his arms, hugging him tightly like he would to Wooyoung or San. Seonghwa tensed initially, his brain short-circuiting at the fact that Hongjoong was touching him in a comforting way but the second he felt the hand rubbing his back, he relaxed involuntarily. Hongjoong scrunched up his nose but continued to rub the olders back to try and calm him down. The only way he'll be able to get going is if he manages to get Seonghwa down the ladder. Seonghwa's arms wrapped around Hongjoong's waist and he frowned but didn't pull away. He went to speak up but paused, realising using his normal tone will get him nowhere. Just picture he's talking to Yeosang.

"Come on, we need to climb down. I will make sure you won't fall and nothing is going to happen when you're off the ship," Hongjoong said gently.

"You s-sure," Seonghwa asked quietly.

"Positive," Hongjoong replied. Seonghwa nodded slowly before pulling away and stepping back. His eyes were slightly watery but he didn't let any tears fall.

"Come on, to the ladder," Hongjoong said, grabbing his hand and gently coaxing him over to it. Seonghwa froze and squeezed Hongjoong's hand tightly in his. Hongjoong eyes narrowed and he went to glare at the other but quickly stopped himself from turning his head.

"What," he asked, struggling to keep his voice level.

"Can you go down first please," Seonghwa asked quietly. Hongjoong immediately let go of his hand and climbed down the ladder, jumping down after he got to the last few steps.

"Come on now," he said, calling up to Seonghwa. Seonghwa was still nervous but he found him trusting the Captain. He shakily begun to climb down, trying not to slip. Hongjoong watched as Seonghwa climbed down, the ladder shaking slightly. There was one point when Seonghwa's foot slipped off slightly and Hongjoong found himself lunging forwards quickly, but Seonghwa found his footing quickly. Hongjoong slowly stepped back but remained watching the boy. When Seonghwa got to the seconds last step, his froze, holding a wrung in a white-knuckled grip. He wanted to do this, but it was scary to him. He hasn't been off a ship in a so long, he's almost forgotten what it's like to be on land. Hongjoong sighed before moving forwards, placing both hands on Seonghwa's hips and gently pulling him off the ladder and placing him down. Seonghwa whimpered and quickly spun around, grabbing onto Hongjoong's arm quickly. Hongjoong fought the urge to push him away instantly and just stayed still.

"Park, I have a job to do and I would appreciate it if we could get going please," Hongjoong said with a sigh.

"R-Right, sorry," Seonghwa said, letting go of his arm quickly. He cursed himself for showing so much weakness in front of the Captain, but to his surprise Hongjoong didn't say anything, didn't tease him about it.

"Are you good now," Hongjoong asked gently. Seonghwa took a deep breath and glanced around, finding that now he was down on the ground, he wasn't as scared.

"Yeah, I'm ok," he said with a nod. Hongjoong frowned and quickly straightened out his coat, fixing up his hair. Now that's done, there's another thing that's in order. Hongjoong spun around and grabbed Seonghwa's collar, spinning him around and glaring at him angrily. Seonghwa's eyes went wide at the glare sent his way. Yeah, that's more what he was expecting.

"If you tell anyone about what just happened, I will hurt you," Hongjoong growled. Seonghwa swallowed nervously before nodding quickly.

"Good. Now keep quiet and follow me, don't start trouble," Hongjoong said.

"Should I have a weapon," Seonghwa asked as they began walking.

"You have me," Hongjoong said with a shrug. Seonghwa raised an eyebrow at his cockiness.

"What, so if we get attacked, you think you can handle everything," Seonghwa asked.

"Yeah. You'll be the damsel in distress, and I'll be the knight in shining armour," Hongjoong said with a smirk. Seonghwa scoffed and rolled his eyes. He doesn't even know how he thought, even for a moment that the Captain was decent.

"You're an asshole you know that," he said in annoyance.

"Can say the same about you," Hongjoong said with a shrug.

"No. I have done noth-."

"Shut up and follow me," Hongjoong said, grabbing his wrist quickly and pulling him down an alley.

"What're you doing," Seonghwa asked in confusion.

"I just saw someone I knew and I really don't feel like getting in an altercation right now," Hongjoong said, letting go of Seonghwa and continuing to walk down the alley, turning at the end.

"Where are we going," Seonghwa asked.

"Stop asking me so many questions. We're going to a tavern because that's the best place to find drunk pirates who will talk your ear off," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa nodded in understanding and the two of them went into a tavern. Seonghwa's nose twitched at the intense smell of the alcohol that hit him the minute he stepped inside.

"Remember, keep your mouth shut and let me do the talking," Hongjoong said. They walked over to the bar and the bartender turned to them.

"What can I get for you," he asked.

"2 beers please," Hongjoong replied. The bartender nodded and moved off to get it ready.

"I'm not really a drinker," Seonghwa said quietly.

"I don't care, you're having a glass. You don't need to drink it, just have it there with you. When mine is half empty, switch them," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa just nodded and grabbed the glass when it was held out. Hongjoong spun around and leaned against the bar, his eyes scanning the tavern as he took a few sips of his beer. His eyes finally landed on a few people from a crew he knew he could get some answers from.

"Follow me Park," Hongjoong said, moving towards the booth in the back corner. Seonghwa quickly followed behind him.

"Well if it isn't the famous Christopher Bang," Hongjoong said with a grin. The three people on the table looked up and they all grinned.

"Kim Hongjoong, long time no see," one of them said. Judging from what they were wearing, Seonghwa could tell they were most likely the Captain.

"And who is this. I didn't realise you were adding to your crew," they said, turning to Seonghwa.

"Oh I'm n-."

"This is Park Seonghwa, he joined us almost a month ago," Hongjoong said quickly, turning his head to glare slightly at the boy. Seonghwa was confused as Hongjoong always makes a big deal out of saying he isn't a part of the crew, what's wrong with telling these people? He listened however and stayed quiet. Hongjoong sat down and grabbed Seonghwa's belt, tugging him down beside him so they were sitting across from the others.

"It's nice to meet you Park Seonghwa. I'm Bang Chan, this is Lee Minho and Han Jisung. I am the Captain of Stray Kids and these two are from my crew," Chan said.

"It's nice to meet you too," Seonghwa said quietly, glancing at Hongjoong to make sure he was allowed to say what he said. He's all for fighting with him on the ship, but he'd rather not end up in danger in a place like this.

"So Hongjoong, rumours have been travelling about ATEEZ, word has it that you took out Vixon," Chan said. Hongjoong noticed Seonghwa stiffen slightly and he cursed himself internally. Seonghwa never should have come with him. Being in places like these is dangerous and showing weakness can be a death sentence sometimes. He clenched his hand before opening it and placing it on Seonghwa's leg, squeezing gently. Seonghwa jumped slightly when he felt the hand on his leg but he relaxed quickly after. He wasn't expecting to hear his old crews name, let alone be talking about them. Hongjoong smirked towards the others, swiping his tongue over his bottom lip.

"The rumours are right. We killed the whole lot of them and they deserved it. They were disgusting pigs," Hongjoong said, his blood seething just at the thought of Vixon and everything they did.

"Damn Joong, didn't think you guys had it in you," Chan said with a chuckle.

"Please, we've dealt with worse than Vixon before," Hongjoong said with a grin, bringing his glass to his lips.

"You guys have your eyes on anyone else yet," Minho asked.

"Not yet. Tell me what we've missed though, I'm interested to hear about what's been going on in the past few months," Hongjoong said. He hoped they would take the bait and starting spilling the details. He lifted his other hand to hold the glass as well.

"Oh my god, you will not believe what's been happening with a couple of the crews," Chan said quickly, his eyes lighting up slightly. Hongjoong's grinned widened slightly. This is going exactly as he had hoped.

~~~~~

They were talking for about an hour, Chan updating Hongjoong on everything that's been happening lately and Hongjoong soaked it all up. Everything was going perfectly until a drunk pirate stumbled over to their table.

"My, my what do we have here," the pirate asked, placing his hand behind Seonghwa against the booth. Seonghwa looked up quickly and shrunk back, scooting a little closer to Hongjoong. Hongjoong frowned and glared up at the pirate.

"Nothing that concerns you so get lost," he said.

"Nah, I think I'll stay. My, you are a gorgeous one," the pirate said, leaning in closer to Seonghwa. Seonghwa was caught off-guard and frightened, leaning back as far as he could which wasn't very far because Hongjoong was right beside him. Hongjoong quickly wrapped one arm around Seonghwa's waist and pulled him closer, using the other to shove the pirates face away. As annoying as Seonghwa is, Hongjoong isn't as wary of him as he was a week ago, don't get him wrong he still is but not as much. Seonghwa is out with him now and it is his responsibility keep him safe, even if he isn't too keen on it.

"I said back off," he growled. The pirate stumbled back from the shove and his eyes narrowed. He scoffed and lunged forwards, grabbing Seonghwa's wrist and yanking him forwards. Seonghwa yelped and fear shot through him as he was dragged from his seat. Hongjoong spung up immediately, pulling out his sword and swinging it down in an instant, completely severing the pirates hand off. The pirate cried out and stumbled away, giving Hongjoong time to grab Seonghwa and pull him up, knocking the hand to the ground. He tugged Seonghwa behind him and lifted his sword, placing it against the pirates face.

"Hey, hey, that's enough," someone yelled rushing over. Hongjoong turned to him, recognizing him as the owner of the tavern.

"We have a strict no fighting rule," the owner said.

"He grabbed my crewmate," Hongjoong said angrily as he lowered his sword.

"I don't care what he did, you are out now," he said. Hongjoong frowned but grabbed a few coins from his pouch and slammed them on the table.

"Let's go Park. It was good seeing you Christopher," Hongjoong said before walking towards the door. Seonghwa hurried after him quickly, having trouble comprehending what just happened. He's never seen the boys fight, never seen the Captain fight but he just cut off someone's hand within seconds. Seonghwa didn't even see him grab his sword. Hongjoong slammed the door open as they walked out and Seonghwa flinched slightly at the anger. They walked for a few seconds before Hongjoong stopped and spun around quickly. Seonghwa stopped, feeling nervous as Hongjoong looked furious.

"Thank you. Thank you very much for messing that up," Hongjoong said angrily.

"What? What did I do," Seonghwa asked in surprise. How was that his fault?

"God, it's like babysitting a child. I tell you to stay out of trouble and you stuff that up so we get kicked out," Hongjoong said shaking his head.

"How is that my fault? He just grabbed me out of nowhere," Seonghwa said. He felt hurt at the Captain's words. He thought when he was looking after him there, when he called him a part of the crew, we he didn't hesitate to protect him, he thought he was finally starting to like him.

"You're supposed to be a pirate Park and you can't even defend yourself from a drunk person grabbing you," Hongjoong yelled. Seonghwa went quiet, not knowing how to reply.

"Now I'm going to go and scope out a few more taverns, just take a walk and don't get yourself killed," Hongjoong grumbled before turning around and walking off. He has a job to do and he doesn't want Seonghwa coming with him. If what happened there was any indication, Seonghwa is better off out in the street with people then in one of the taverns he's going to. Seonghwa was shocked but he just frowned and walked in the other direction. He can fight just fine, he just wasn't expecting someone to grab him.

~~~~~

Seonghwa walked around for a little while, just looking around at the different shops, remembering what life was like before he taken on the ship. It was pretty nice and he enjoyed just walking around and relaxing. He surprisingly didn't run into any of the other boys but he didn't mind too much, just enjoying being alone for a little bit. It was as he was walking past an alleyway that he heard the name ATEEZ be mentioned and he paused, moving closer to hear what they were saying.

"Their Captain is an animal. He just cut Younghoon's hand clean off."

"How dare he. He thinks just because they've won a few fights that he can do whatever he wants." Seonghwa frowned at their words. Did they forget the part when that person just grabbed him out of nowhere?

"There was someone else with him as well. A new crewmember apparently."

"I thought ATEEZ didn't take anymore crewmembers. They're just a tightknit group he don't include anyone else." Huh, that's news for Seonghwa.

"Screw them. I tell you what, why don't we go say hello to their precious Captain, give him a gracious greeting."

"I say we take out his kneecaps, see how well he goes when he can't walk. He's away from half of his crew, it would be easy to take him out." Seonghwa's blood ran cold and he froze. These people want to hurt Hongjoong and they're right, he's alone and definitely won't be able to protect himself from what seems to be at least five people. Hongjoong's the Captain of ATEEZ, he can't get hurt. Seonghwa frowned and glanced around to see if there was anything he could use as a weapon, finding a small length of wood. It wasn't much, but it will have to do. He knows this might be stupid but if people are going to go after the Captain, he should do his best to make it so there were less people. He grabbed the wood and held it tightly in his hands, hiding just around the corner as he heard footsteps coming closer. He took a deep breath, thinking back to the training he had years ago. He hadn't been able to fight back for years, this is his chance to finally be able to take out some of that anger. It was stupid, he knows it's stupid but apparently he's stupid. When the first person emerged from the alley, he swung the plank of wood into their face, making them fall to the group. His body moved on autopilot, managing to cripple another two people before things turned out of his favour. A fist collided with the back of his head and he stumbled, another fist smashing into his stomach. He dropped the piece of wood as the next punch went into his face and he fell to the ground groaning in pain. The fists continued to beat down on his body and he curled up, protecting himself as best as he could.

"HEY. HEY. GET AWAY FROM HIM." Before Seonghwa could register what was happening, the punching stopped and he peeled his eyes open to see the 2 uninjured ones helping the other three up as they all stumbled away. A few seconds later he saw knees beside him and his head was pulled into his lap.

"Crap. Seonghwa, it's Minho. Do you remember me? We met at a tavern not too long ago," Minho said.

"I r-remember," Seonghwa choked out.

"What were you thinking? Do you know who they are? Why would you attack them when you were clearly outnumbered," Minho asked quickly.

"They wanted to h-hurt Hongjoong. I couldn't, let them do that. H-He would've be off-guard and outnumbered," Seonghwa said quietly.

"Where's Hongjoong now," Minho asked him.

"I don't know. Another t-tavern," Seonghwa said. He shifted slightly and cried out as pain shot through his test. His face is definitely bloodied and bruised and he thinks he may have even bruised his ribs as well but nothing would be permanent.

"Jisung, go find Hongjoong now. He's probably at the Blackwood Tavern," Minho said. Seonghwa heard someone run off, Jisung, and he let his eyes slip closed.

"No Seonghwa, stay awake ok," Minho said quickly.

"I'm fine Minho. It's just bruising, I'm not going to die," Seonghwa whispered.

"I hope not. Hongjoong will kill me if you die."

~~~~~

When Hongjoong heard the news from Jisung, his eyes went wide and he sprinted from the tavern. Seonghwa was with him, he was his responsibility and he was supposed to protect him. He thought he was safer just walking around, but of course he had to get into trouble. The boys will be so mad if Seonghwa dies. He knows the pathways throughout Port Osburn like the back of his hand and pretty soon he saw Minho off to the side of a relatively empty road with Seonghwa laying down, his head in Minho's lap. Fear shot through him and he ran harder, dropping to his knees quickly beside them.

"What the hell happened," he asked quickly. His eyes widened as he saw the blood covering Seonghwa's face.

"Jesus, you're a mess," he whispered. He quickly slipped his arms around Seonghwa and pulled him up, moving him to rest against him, his head dropping onto his shoulder.

"Minho, what happened," he asked sternly, turning his piercing gaze to the Stray Kids crewmate.

"There were five Titan members in the alley. They were talking about going after you, attacking you when you were most vulnerable without your crew. Seonghwa heard and he attacked them, tried to take out as many as he could to protect you, so you wouldn't be as outnumbered. He did pretty well, injured three of them before they got the jump on him," Minho explained. Hongjoong's eyes widened, his lips parting in shock as his head snapped down to look at the bloodied boy in his arms. He did that for him? For the person who berates him all the time, who can't stand him, who not even a few hours ago yelled at him and blamed him for being attacked by a drunk. Why would he protect him? Why would he do that? Hongjoong frowned and held the boy tighter, moving his hand up to run his fingers through Seonghwa's hair, something some of the other boys like and he's hoping Seonghwa does as well. Something inside him shifted, the coldness towards the other boy thawing out slightly. Maybe he's been a little wrong about Park Seonghwa.

A/N

Here is Chapter 6 everyone, I hope you enjoyed it

How do you feel about how Hongjoong has been acting? He seems like he's been getting softer, but then his attitude suddenly changes. Do you think he's beginning to accept Seonghwa?

Do you think Seonghwa will be ok after what happened, or will there be too much damage?

Let me know what you guys think and thank you for reading