They had been sailing for another day before they decided to take a small break for Hongjoong and Seonghwa to try to figure out what path they want to take. San decided to go down to the med bay and see how everything was going. He jogged downstairs and walked over to the room, slipping inside to see Yeosang sitting at the desk taking notes.

"How's he doing," he asked with a sigh as he walked up behind Yeosang. He wrapped his arms around the medics shoulder and hugged him softly, dropping his chin onto the top of his head.

"He's in rough shape but nothing too bad, just a lot of bruises. I don't think he's going to wake up at before tomorrow though," Yeosang said with a nod.

"But he's definitely going to be ok," San asked him.

"Yeah, he's going to recover," Yeosang said with a nod. San let out a breath of relief and leaned his body further against Yeosang.

"That's good, I'm glad," San said quietly. Yeosang could tell this person meant a lot to San.

"You doing ok," he asked softly, reaching a hand up to gently clasp San's.

"Yeah I'm ok. I haven't seen him in a few years so it was just a bit shocking to see him like that," San said.

"I'm here for you if you need to talk or vent about anything," Yeosang said. San grinned at that and rocked from side to side slightly.

"I know Sangie, and I appreciate that," San said, patting his shoulder softly.

"You should go get some rest or if you don't want to, go catch up with Wooyoung," Yeosang said. He knew San would get anxious if he didn't have anything to do. He's seen it with when they've gotten hurt before.

"I'm going to go see Wooyoung. I'm pretty sure he's cooking something up for lunch," San said.

"Good, go relax for a bit," Yeosang said. San nodded and hesitated for a second before turning around and leaving the room. He went up above deck and into the kitchen area where Wooyoung was stirring something in the pot. He walked over to him and wrapped his arms around his waist, placing his chin on his shoulder.

"Hey Sannie," Wooyoung said softly, leaning his cheek against the navigators cheek lightly.

"What're you making," San asked.

"I am making a lovely beef stew. Do you want to taste," Wooyoung asked. He scooped up some of the stew in a spoon and lifted it up, holding it out in front of San's mouth. San smiled before leaning forwards and taking the spoon into him mouth. The food was delicious and San let out a sigh of appreciation.

"Wooyoung, that tastes so good," he said. Wooyoung grinned happily continued stirring, allowing San to rest against him quietly.

"How're you doing though? It must be hard having someone close to you hurt and not being able to talk to them," Wooyoung said. San sighed and tightened his hold around Wooyoung's waist.

"I'm worried about him but Yeosang said he's going to be ok. I think I'm more worried about the others. He was captured on a different ship so I'm just praying that the others are ok," San said with a sigh. Wooyoung hummed lightly and paused what he was doing to place his hand on top of San's, squeezing lightly. They remained close like that as Wooyoung continued cooking until Wooyoung felts San's weight against him increase. He slowly turned his head around to figure out what was going on, only to see San's eyes closed and his head tilted.

"Sannie," Wooyoung said quietly, receiving no reply. His heart fluttered and he smiled fondly as he realised San had fallen asleep standing and cuddled against him. It was so sweet that he felt safe enough to fall asleep by merely just cuddling Wooyoung but Wooyoung was also concerned by how tired he was. He slipped his hand under San's chin to hold up his head and very slowly turned around in his hold, trying not to wake him up. He eventually managed to turn around completely and gently placed San's head back down on his shoulder. He nibbled on his lower lip as he tried to think about what to do. He would've just carried San to his room but he isn't the strongest and it would be very dangerous for him to walk downstairs. As he was debating what to do, Mingi walked inside.

"Hey guys, what's cooking," he asked with a grin as he walked inside. He was going to go have a look in the pot but he paused when he noticed something looked odd with the two boys. San was leaning heavily against Wooyoung and Wooyoung seemed a bit flustered.

"Everything all good," he asked as he walked over. Wooyoung smiled softly and nodded.

"Sannie fell asleep, so I kind of don't really know what to do but nothing is wrong," he said.

"Well that's a new one. Do you want me to carry him to the Captain's quarters," Mingi asked and Wooyoung let out a breath of relief.

"Yes please," he said quickly. Mingi held back a chuckle and walked over, very gently pulling San from Wooyoung's arms. San started to stir slightly so Mingi quickly rubbed the base of his neck to relax him.

"I still can't believe this is our scary bow wielding navigator. One minute he could kill someone without breaking a sweat, the next he's a cuddly little cat," Mingi said fondly.

"To be fair you're the exact same," Wooyoung said. Mingi glared at him but he just shrugged. He won't take it back considering the fact it's true.

"I'm going to go get him into bed," Mingi said as he gently scooped San up bridal style, making sure his head was resting on his shoulder. Wooyoung nodded and turned back to the pot, giving Mingi the go ahead to leave. Mingi walked from the kitchens and carried San all the way up to the Captain's quarters, knocking with his foot as his hands were occupied. The door was opened a few seconds later by Seonghwa wearing nothing but an oversized shirt.

"I mean at least put some pants on," Mingi said, rolling his eyes.

"He's wearing shorts and we aren't doing anything. I'm doing Captain things and trying to organise stuff so we don't die. Whatever you want, hurry up and say it and then get lost you little gremlin," Hongjoong called out from inside. Mingi bit his tongue to stop himself from pointing out how tiny Hongjoong was. No need for an angry miniature Captain.

"I just came to drop off the delivery of our sleepy navigator," he said as Seonghwa was brushing his fingers through the sleeping boys hair. Hongjoong stood up and walked over at that, glancing over Mingi and San to make sure everything was ok.

"Don't stress too much Cap, nothing happened. Wooyoung said he just fell asleep and it's too hard for me to try to carry him downstairs so I thought I'd take him here," Mingi said quickly, noticing the protectiveness in Hongjoong's eyes.

"Yeah, of course. Just put him down on the bed," Hongjoong said quickly. He and Seonghwa moved into the room and out of the way, allowing Mingi to carry San in and delicately place him down on the bed. Seonghwa quickly helped position him properly with his head resting on the pillow.

"I'm going to head out and hang with Yunho," Mingi said.

"Alright, don't be cause too much havoc please," Hongjoong said. Mingi could tell he was being serious so he nodded firmly before leaving. Hongjoong glanced over at San and went to step forwards but Seonghwa quickly placed a hand on his shoulder and stopped him.

"You keep doing what you were doing, I'll make sure he's comfortable," Seonghwa said softly. Hongjoong glanced over at San briefly before nodding and going back to his desk.

"Can you put one of my coats around him, he-."

"He loves how warm and comfortable they are, I know love. He's my kid as well," Seonghwa said with a soft chuckle. Hongjoong glanced over adoringly as he watched his boyfriend wrap the sleeping navigator up in a fur coat before hopping into bed beside him and cuddling the younger close.

"He's such a cuddler," Seonghwa whispered fondly as San instinctively curled up against his chest.

"He always has been. I think it comes from being alone for the early years of his life and not having any sort of comfort. Now he latches onto it whenever he can get it," Hongjoong said as he turned back to the maps on his desk.

"He's so cute when he sleeps though," Seonghwa said.

"He certainly isn't cute when he's shoots an arrow into your head," Hongjoong said absentmindedly.

"Well aren't I lucky that that won't ever happen to be because this is my child," Seonghwa said.

"We really need to stop calling them our kids together. One day we're going to slip up and call them that too much in front of the kids and we'll never hear the end of it," Hongjoong said.

"You say that while once again calling them our kids," Seonghwa said with a chuckle. San started shifting slightly so Seonghwa quickly quietened down and rubbed his back to make sure he stayed asleep. He tightened his hold around San and dropped his head down into his hair, letting his own eyes slip closed as he relaxed. They all know how stressed San has been since they found his friend and this is the first proper sleep he seems to have gotten.

~~~~~

Yeosang continued to monitor the boy in the bed, making sure his health didn't decline at all. Whoever this person is, is someone very important to San which means it's someone important to him. He walked over beside the bed and placed his palm on the others forehead, checking to make sure there wasn't a temperature. Thankfully it was fine so he moved on to checking his heart rate. He placed his fingers against his neck and looked down at his other wrist, checking his watch to time for a minute.

He was so focused on his watch and counting the heartbeat that he didn't notice when the boy in the bed started to wake up, his eyes slipping open and landing on the person next to him. The last thing he remembered was getting beaten before he woke up. He immediately begun to panic, looking to find a way out. There was only one person in the room with him, someone he didn't recognise. He seemed to be in the medical room as he noticed some equipment around. He didn't have any weapons on him from what he could tell but that didn't matter, he knew he could catch this person off-guard and overcome them. He waited a few more seconds to compose himself before lunging, grabbing the boys wrist and ripping it back, his other hand coming up to grab his neck.

Yeosang yelped as his arm was ripped back and a hand enclosed around his neck, shoving him back. The boy on the bed jumped up and they crashed back into the stand holding some medication before tumbling to the ground. Yeosang desperately tried to shove him back, terrified despite knowing this was someone San knew. San isn't there so as far as this man knows, Yeosang could just be someone trying to hurt him. Yeosang ended up with his back on the floor, the other person on top of him with his hands around his throat, cutting off his air. Yeosang struggled, desperately trying to get some leverage. All he needed was to get the boy off him for a few seconds to have time to scream. His eyes welled up with tears and he let out a pathetic whimper as he struggled to breathe. The other boy frowned as he saw the silver haired boy struggle. He expected a fight but the boy was only helplessly struggling and looked terrified. It may have been stupid but he hesitated for a second, wondering if perhaps this person wasn't a pirate. He loosened his grip around the others neck, watching as he desperately brought in a breath of air. He opened his mouth to ask who he was but was cut off as the door suddenly slammed open.

Wooyoung had heard a loud noise from down below him and instantly hurried from the kitchen, wanting to check in on Yeosang. When he slammed the door open, his eyes landed on his beloved pinned to the ground with hands tight around his neck and his heart stopped. It took less than a second for the dagger to come out of his waistband and be flung straight towards attackers head. The other was quick enough to dodge it which subsequently cause him to have to fling back off of Yeosang as the dagger lodged in the wall. Wooyoung bolted forwards, tugging Yeosang up and shoving him behind him. He backed up so Yeosang was pinned between him and the wall, using himself as a shield just in case as he slipped his other dagger from his boot. The other boy jumped up and Wooyoung went to lunge forwards but Yeosang grabbed his shirt and held him up.

"Youngie stop, it's ok. H-He's just confused," Yeosang rushed out quickly, making Wooyoung hesitate. The other boy hadn't moved, he was just standing on the other side of the room and watching them warily.

"SAN. SOMEONE GET SAN DOWN HERE NOW," Wooyoung screamed out quickly, reaching his free hand back to grab Yeosang's waist and hold on tightly. The other boy perked up slightly at those words.

"San? As in Choi San," he asked quickly. He hasn't heard that name in years but everyone knows about the Captain's little cousin as they used to look after him whenever they went back to the home town.

"Stay back or I will hurt you. I don't care if Sannie knows you," Wooyoung spat venomously as the other seemed to moved slightly closer. There was the sound of hurried footsteps before three more people came to the door, Hongjoong, Seonghwa and then San. The three of them had run as soon as they heard the yell, San waking up in an instantly. His eyes instantly landed on the boy and he froze as they locked eyes.

"San," the boy whispered.

"Hoshi," San choked out before rushing forwards, colliding with the boy who wrapped his arms around his waist

"Oh my god, I haven't seen you in years. How is this possible? Where the hell are we," Hoshi asked quickly, hugging the younger boy tightly.

"We found you in the water and I recognised you so we brought you on board," San said quickly, tucking his head into Hoshi's neck.

"Wait, this is your crew? They're all helping me," Hoshi said.

"Yeah," San said nodding quickly. Hoshi immediately felt guilty, realising the person he attacked was most likely the person trying to help him get better. He opened his mouth to tell San but was cut off again.

"What the hell happened," the small blue haired man asked, his voice low. San glanced up in confusion at Hongjoong before actually taking the time to take everything in. There were pills and small equipment all over the floor and he finally took note of how Wooyoung was in the corner of the room with Yeosang cowering behind him. He let go of Hoshi as if he had been shocked and jolted back. He quickly rushed over to the two in the corner and grabbed their hands, scanning over them quickly. It was really hard to miss the bright red hand prints wrapped around Yeosang's neck and his stomach dropped. His eyes narrowed and he turned his head around, glaring angrily at Hoshi. Hoshi was caught off guard and stepped back but he understood completely. From what San has said, this is his crew and most likely someone he really cares about. If one of his crewmembers got hurt, he would be just as protective.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know who he was. I woke up and saw an opening so I took it. I didn't realise you had gotten me off that ship," Hoshi rushed out quickly.

"You hurt one of my crew," Hongjoong said angrily.

"Wait, guys calm down. Yes he hurt me but he didn't know what was going on. You can't fault him for protecting himself. I'm pretty certain he realised something was off and was going to let me go if it wasn't for Woo coming in anyway," Yeosang said quickly.

"I was. I promise I wouldn't have hurt him if I knew he was someone good," Hoshi said quickly.

"I mean come on Sannie, you know me," Hoshi said.

"I believe him. But Hoshi I'm also really pissed because the person you tried to strangle is my best friend," San said with a sigh.

"I am so sorry. I apologise from the bottom of my heart um-."

"Yeosang," Yeosang supplied quickly.

"I'm sorry Yeosang," Hoshi said. He glanced over at the two in the doorway, the blue haired one looking familiar.

"Do I know you from somewhere," he asked. Hongjoong frowned and squeezed Seonghwa's hand from where he was clutching it tightly behind his back. His instincts to protect his crew were coming in hard but he knew he needed to remain calm as this was a friend of San who was just reacting on instant.

"Kim Hongjoong, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said. Hoshi's eyes widened in realisation and he stumbled back slightly. Kim Hongjoong is the Pirate King. He just hurt a crewmember of the Pirate King.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you. Hurt one of my boys again and I will though. In fact you're to stay away from Yeosang. If I find you anywhere alone with him I will throw you overboard," Hongjoong said, managing to keep his voice even. Hoshi gulped at that, hoping he was joking but it seemed he wasn't as the others all looked really serious.

"I understand," Hoshi said with a nod.

"Good. San, Wooyoung, get Sangie out of here. I'm going to have a little talk with our new friend," Hongjoong said.

"His name is Hoshi. He's apart of the Seventeen crew," San said. He quickly stepped forwards and gave Hoshi one last hug before ushering Yeosang and Wooyoung out of the room.

"Seonghwa, close the door," Hongjoong said, letting go of his hand and stepping forwards. Seonghwa did as asked, remaining quiet. Hoshi sat down on the edge of one of the beds, understanding there were some discussions to have.

"First of all, I will explain how you got here. We've been following this ship called the Ghost ship that's been going around wiping out ships, both guilty and innocent. We came across the ship that you were locked up on. You were the only survivor and it was lucky San recognised you," Hongjoong explained.

"Wait, wait, hold up. The Ghost ship," Hoshi questioned in confusion.

"No one knows what it looks like because they never leave witnesses. Except you it seems," Hongjoong said.

"I'm not a witness though. I was already unconscious when they must've hit," Hoshi explained. Hongjoong was disappointed to hear that but it was something to be expected.

"I have a few questions for you, given that we're giving you refuge on our ship," Hongjoong said.

"As to be expected. What is it you wish to know," Hoshi asked.

"Who are you first of all," Hongjoong asked.

"My name is Kwon Soonyoung but everyone just calls me Hoshi," Hoshi said.

"Your crew and your Captain," Hongjoong asked.

"Seventeen in my crew and my Captain is Choi Sungcheol, Sannie's cousin. And before you ask, I've known San since he was about four years old. I grew up with Sungcheol before joining his crew at a young age and throughout that we would visit San on the odd occasion to try and help him out," Hoshi explained.

"Why did you guys never try to get him on your crew. You must've known he was homeless," Seonghwa spoke up. Hongjoong glanced over at him breifly but stayed quiet, waiting for Hoshi's answer.

"We wanted to once he was a bit older but San always refused. He said he had other ties that he couldn't leave," Hoshi said.

"Ah, yes. Those would be Yeosang and Wooyoung," Hongjoong said with a nod.

"God, I feel awful for attacking Sannie's friends. I promise I had no idea," Hoshi said quickly.

"I know, and that's the only reason why you're still alive right now. You're actually lucky because the me of two years ago would've killed you instantly for touching one of my crew," Hongjoong said truthfully. Hoshi nodded at that, understanding completely. He's already counting himself lucky that San is apart of ATEEZ otherwise he would have been done for. Lord knows Cheol would kill anyone who hurt the other boys, as would Hoshi.

"On to the next question, what exactly did you do to my crew member," Hongjoong asked. Hoshi shifted nervously, noticing the hardness in the Pirate Kings eyes. Seonghwa made sure he stayed close to Hongjoong, prepared to step in just in case something set him off. He's become a lot more patient and trusting with the right people over the past few years but he's still fiercely protective. Don't get him wrong, Seonghwa is just as protective but he's got more control than Hongjoong does.

"Um, well when I woke up he was there but he wasn't facing me. I thought I was still captured so I grabbed him and tackled him to the floor and I pinned him down," Hoshi said. Hongjoong noticed the way he trailed off, realising there was more to it.

"What else," he asked.

"I uh, I pinned him down by the neck," Hoshi whispered. Hongjoong sucked in a breath and spun around quickly to face Seonghwa. Seonghwa knew immediately as soon as the words left Hoshi's lips and he stepped forwards, grabbing Hongjoong's hand.

"I think you should stay in here for a bit, let us check up on our crew," Seonghwa said quickly before grabbing tugging Hongjoong out of the room. As soon as they were out and the door closed, Seonghwa pushed Hongjoong into the wall, caging him in with his arms on either side of his body. He leant his head down and nuzzled it against the smallers.

"Deep breath Joongie, deep breath," he whispered.

"He choked Sangie. He choked him Hwa," Hongjoong said angrily.

"I know. But Yeosang is fine, Wooyoung was there to protect him and Hoshi didn't have malicious intent," Seonghwa said softly. Hongjoong shook his head, trying to turn back to the door but Seonghwa held firm, keeping him pinned.

"Relax Hongjoong," he said, placing a gentle kiss to Hongjoong's cheek. Hongjoong sighed but gave in, relaxing back slightly. Seonghwa gave Hongjoong a small smile before leaning down and giving him a soft peck on the lips.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Hongjoong replied.

"Now let's go check on the boys," Hongjoong added.

"Let's just leave them be for now Hongjoong. Yeosang seemed ok but all they need right now is to be close to each other for reassurance," Seonghwa said. Hongjoong sighed but nodded, knowing Seonghwa was right.

"Come on, let's go up and find the other three. They've no doubt noticed that something happened and are waiting for us to inform them," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa nodded before pulling back finally and the two of them went up to the deck.

~~~~~

After being dismissed by Hongjoong, San and Wooyoung guided Yeosang out and into San's room.

"Guys don't stress too much, I'm fine," Yeosang said quickly, trying to reassure the other two as he knows they would be worrying. They didn't say anything, instead San just gently guided Yeosang back until the back of knees hit the bed and he was pushed to lay down. Wooyoung was quick to rush around to the other side of the bed, hopping onto it and tugging Yeosang further on, San shuffling on as well. Wooyoung moved so he was sitting and leaning back against the headboard before opening his arms where San deposited Yeosang. Yeosang just let them move him as they please, setting back against Wooyoung's chest as the younger locked his arms around his waist. San sat in front of them and placed his fingers under Yeosang's chin, gently tilting up to expose his neck more. He clenched his eyes closed and looked away quickly, not wanting to see the bruises across his skin.

"Sannie, it's fine," Yeosang said.

"I'm so sorry baby, I shouldn't have left you alone. I should have stayed with you to make sure nothing happened," San said sadly.

"You needed to rest San, it's not your fault. I promise you guys I'm fine," Yeosang said quickly, wanting to reassure them.

"Sangie, his hands were wr-wrapped around your neck," San whispered sadly. He looked back over at Yeosang and cupped his cheek softly.

"He's my friend Yeosang, I bought him on board. This is my fault," San said.

"This is something where I agree with Yeosang. This isn't your fault San, it was no ones. It was an unfortunate event that we should have done extra to prevent but it's not your fault," Wooyoung said quietly.

"That's right, it's no ones fault," Yeosang said. San frowned and shook his head before shuffling forwards and managing to cuddle up to the two of them. He gently tilted Yeosang's head back again before placing a delicate kiss to his neck, over the bruise. Yeosang didn't tense at all, if anything he relaxed, feeling completely safe between his two closest friends.

"I love you so much," San whispered.

"Mhmm, love you more than life itself Sangie," Wooyoung said softly, tightening his hold around Yeosang's waist. Yeosang had been desperately trying to keep up a strong front, to act as if it didn't bother him in the slightest to keep the peace but San and Wooyoung just know how to break down his barriers. He sighed and curled up against Wooyoung, tugging San closer as well.

"I was terrified," he whispered. San's breath hitched but he remained silent, knowing Yeosang needed to get this out.

"I was scared he was going to kill me. I-I tried to call for you guys but I c-couldn't. I thought he was gonna kill me," Yeosang whispered.

"You're ok, we're here," Wooyoung said softly.

"I'm ok, I really am. It just really scared me," Yeosang admitted.

"We're here Sangie. We'll stay with you constantly while he's on the ship. I know he's someone I know well but you're my brother so I will protect you," San said firmly.

"I know," Yeosang said with a nod.

"Can you guys sleep h-."

"You don't even have to ask. We were going to do that anyway," Wooyoung cut him off quickly. He leant forwards slightly and place a light kiss to Yeosang's neck.

"I love you guys too by the way," Yeosang said, making the other two chuckle lightly.

"We know that Sangie, but it is nice to hear," San said softly.

"Good, now hold me please. It's only midday but I'm exhausted," Yeosang said. The other two nodded and they laid down properly, keeping Yeosang secured between their arms.

"You're safe with us," San whispered.

"We'll always protect you," Wooyoung added softly. Yeosang nodded and let his eyes slip closed, feeling safe and protected despite the earlier events. 

A/N

Here is chapter 10 everyone, I hope you enjoyed it.

Let me know your favourite scene in this chapter and if you were surprised by the new addition to the story.

This chapter is dedicated to one of my favorite people in this world 3shinjirarenai3. It was officially 2 years of me becoming friends with this precious person a few days ago and these past two years have been some of the best for me. You bring me comfort and listen to my crazy thoughts and random inspirations and you are my biggest supporter in terms of my writing. I love you so much my precious xx