"Do you think the others are going to be ok? Like what if they're dead? We've been searching for a week but there's still been no sign of them," Hoshi said with a sigh.

"We'll find them Hoshi and they'll be ok. You guys are strong and are fighters. It's likely that they're actually out looking for you as we speak. We may be going different directions so it will take some time to be able to find them," San said softly, moving around the crows nest so he was sitting beside Hoshi. Hoshi smiled softly and wrapped his arm around the navigator, allowing him to curl up into his side.

"You know, we always wondered what had happened to you. We went back again and searched for you but you were gone. Cap would have worried a lot but people said you had left on a ship. Can't believe you ended up with one of the most well-known and feared pirates in history," Hoshi said with a chuckle, ruffling San's hair.

"Hongjoong really isn't that bad, unless you're a horrible person," San said.

"I've heard a lot about what you guys do and I want you to know that I'm proud of you. Many fear the Pirate King but we also admire him and you guys. You've done good with your life kid," Hoshi said. San smiled softly, dropping his head down onto Hoshi's shoulder.

"I missed you guys and I'm sorry that I didn't say goodbye or let you guys know what was happening but it was a really spur of the moment thing," San said.

"That's ok. I'm just glad to know that you've been safe all this time," Hoshi said.

"So what's your specialty," Hoshi asked.

"Just navigation like you've seen," San said with a shrug.

"No, I mean like your weapon," Hoshi asked.

"Oh. Well I'm great with a bow and I'm also good with a sword. They're my main two weapons," San replied.

"A bow, that's great. You've gotta have some serious skill to be able to aim those accurately," Hoshi said impressed.

"It's my specialty," San said proudly.

"You'll have to show me some time, do some target practice," Hoshi said.

"Sure. Come on, I'll show you now," San said, standing up. Hoshi nodded and the two of them climbed down, San swinging easily and jumping to the ground lightly.

"Come on, the weapons room is below deck," San said. Hoshi nodded and the two of them went down to the weapons room, finding Jongho inside, wiping down a few of the swords.

"Oh, hey guys," he said.

"Hey Jjongie. You wanna come bring out some weapons to test out together," San asked.

"Sure, why not," Jongho said with a shrug. They grabbed two bows and some arrows and a couple swords before heading above deck. Seonghwa and Hongjoong were both just leaving the Captain's quarters and noticed the three of them.

"What're you guys doing," Hongjoong asked, his eyes falling to the weapons in their arms.

"We're showing Hoshi our skills and having some fun," San replied with a grin.

"Ok, just make sure no one gets hurt. We've had some mishaps before and you aren't in tune with Hoshi's fighting. It might be best to get out the sticks instead," Hongjoong said. He did have a point, San grimacing as he remembered the incident with Yeosang and Wooyoung so he nodded quickly.

"Alright, we'll leave you to it," Hongjoong said, turning back to Seonghwa who grabbed his hand and guided him to the kitchens. Hoshi watched the two of them with rapt attention and something clicked in his mind.

"Holy shit, the Pirate King and his first mate are together," he said, making Jongho and San's head snap towards him quickly.

"It took you that long to realise," San questioned, making Hoshi scoff.

"What do you mean it took me that long," he asked.

"They don't exactly hide it, especially not on the ship. It's kind of disgusting actually," Jongho said, scrunching his nose up.

"Yeah. Have you not seen how Seonghwa practically sits in Hongjoong's lap at mealtime and Hongjoong can't keep his hands off him when we sit around the fire on deck," San asked. Looking back, Hoshi realises that it was true but he never really paid much attention to the two of them.

"I'm surprised," Hoshi said.

"What, didn't think the infamous Pirate King could be a softie? Trust me, around Seonghwa he's like a puddle of mush. You should pay more attention to it, it's kind of cute sometimes," San said with a grin.

"I will make note of that, I guess. Do you wanna get to some sparring," Hoshi asked.

"Ooo, we should get Seonghwa and Hongjoong to spar for you to see. It's truly a sight," San said.

"He's right, it's really cool to see. It's like they're on the same wavelength so they go really hard and really quick but neither get hurt," Jongho said. Hoshi nodded at that, glancing over towards the kitchens. That does sound like something he would love to see.

"I'm going to go back down to the weapons room to get the sticks for us so we don't get hurt," San said. The other two nodded so he quickly went downstairs, going into the weapons room and grabbing out their sparring sticks. As he jogged back out, he ran straight into Wooyoung almost knocking him over but he quickly dropped the sticks and caught him.

"Shit, sorry," he said with a chuckle.

"It's all good. Ooo, are you sparring? Can I join," Wooyoung asked as he picked up the sticks.

"Not like I could stop you anyway," San said with a shrug as they made their way back up above deck.

"We're back," San said with a grin, making the other two turn around.

"So who is first up," Jongho asked.

"Woo and I can go first if you want? Show you guys how it's done," San said.

"I would love to see that," Hoshi said with a nod. Wooyoung grinned and handed San one of the training sticks before they set up in the open space on deck. Jongho grabbed Hoshi's arm and tugged him off to the side.

"First to three strikes win," Jongho said. Wooyoung and San immediately got right to it. They parred back and forth, neither landing a hit for about 30 seconds before Wooyoung managed to swipe a good hit to San's torso.

"Too slow," he said with a cackle.

"If I had my bow, you'd stand no chance," San said rolling his eyes.

"And if we were in hand to hand combat with my daggers, you wouldn't stand a chance," Wooyoung said.

"I can agree with that. His throwing skills with those daggers is scary accurate," Hoshi called out.

"See, he agrees with me," Wooyoung said as he and San set up once again.

"Just shut up and fight," San said rolling his eyes.

San ended up winning their sparring session with a stab to the stomach, making Wooyoung wince.

"Hey, you good," he asked quickly, worried about accidentally hurting him.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Nice hit," Wooyoung said, patting his shoulder.

"Why's he so worried about a little hit," Hoshi asked Jongho.

"Wooyoung got hurt by accident during a sparring match and it was pretty bad so San is extra attentive to him. Alright guys, me next," Jongho said as he got up and walked over. Wooyoung grinned and chucked Jongho the sword.

"Hey Hoshi, you want to go," San asked as he walked over. Hoshi nodded and grabbed the stick from him while Jongho grabbed Wooyoung's.

"Oh, I want to see Hoshi fight, see how good he is," Yeosang said as he came out of the kitchen and noticed what was happening.

"Come here," San said, waving him over as he leant back against the wall. Yeosang walked over and turned around before leaning back, slotting his back against San's chest as San's arm locked around his waist. Jongho and Hoshi got into place, Hoshi twirling the stick in his hand expertly as he got a feel for the weight and length.

"Good luck Jongho. If he's improved in the years since I last saw him and he was already great, you stand no chance," San called out.

"Thanks for your vote of confidence," Jongho yelled back.

"Don't worry Jongho, I have faith in you," Wooyoung said, sending him a thumbs up.

"Hey, what's happening," Mingi asked as he and Yunho walked up the stairs.

"Hoshi and Jongho are going to spar," Yeosang said.

"Ooo, let's watch this," Mingi said as he and Yunho joined the other three that were watching.

"First to three as usual, good luck," San said.

San was proud to see that Jongho actually held his own really well considering Hoshi specialises in sword fighting and Jongho's main weaponry are the big cannons on the side of the ship. Jongho only got one good hit but still lasted a few minutes with the other three rounds.

"Well done Jongho," San said happily, bounding over and wrapping him up in a tight hug. Jongho immediately groaned and squirmed out of his grip, grabbing his shoulders and pushing him back a few steps.

"I lost San," he said, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Yeah but I'm a very experienced and trained sword fighter who has been skilled with a sword before you even became a pirate probably," Hoshi said.

"That was a good fight," Hoshi added, giving him a soft pat on the back.

"Yunho and I are next," Mingi called out, quickly swiping the stick from Jongho. Hoshi chucked Yunho his stick and the two tall boys went out to the open deck.

"Ready to lose," Yunho said with a grin.

"I should be asking you that," Mingi said.

"Less talking, more fighting," Hoshi called out.

~~~~~

They all spent about an hour, taking it in turns to spar together and getting all into it. The only person who didn't join in much was Yeosang but he did eventually spar with Jongho who convinced him into it. Yeosang still gets a bit skittish, even with just sticks but Jongho made it fun for him and the others made sure to encourage him. He lost of course but he had fun and Hoshi didn't fail to notice how the others all seemed to baby him a little bit. Given what he's found out from his time here, it seems that Yeosang is the medic and doesn't usually partake in all of the fighting.

"Alright, who's next," Hoshi said with a grin.

"Mind if I join in." Hoshi spun around and quickly stopped his mouth from dropping open as his eyes landed on Hongjoong. He's spent a week on this ship but the Pirate King still intimidates him a lot. They've all heard the stories about him and how skilled he is, one of the best sword fighters in the seas.

"Why don't you and Hwa show everyone how it's done," Yunho said with a grin.

"What do you think Seongie, want to have some fun," Hongjoong said with a grin.

"That's something I can't say no to," Seonghwa said with a nod.

"Here," Hoshi said, holding out the stick for Hongjoong. The other shook his head however.

"We don't need those," Hongjoong said, moving it to the side before unsheathing his sword. Seonghwa grinned and pulled out his sword as well, Hoshi noting that they were pretty much the exact same sword.

"Wait, are you guys doing like full sparring with swords? What happens if one of you slip up," Hoshi asked.

"They won't. And if they do, they'd completely freak out," San told him. The others all lined up against the wall, eager to watch. Hoshi was also quite eager, really wanting to see how in synch those two were. The others have been telling him that it's quite the sight to see so he wants to see if it's as magical as they say it is. Hongjoong swung his sword in a circle expertly, his eyes trained on Seonghwa as he smirked.

"Don't even try that, it won't work," Seonghwa said with a grin, stretching his neck out.

"Don't try what," Hongjoong said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"You're an idiot Joongie," Seonghwa said. He swung his sword towards Hongjoong's neck quickly but was swiftly blocked by Hongjoong's sword. Hoshi had gasped at the swing but was surprised when Hongjoong blocked it so easily.

"Sneaky," he said. Seonghwa chuckled and gently swung his sword out again, Hongjoong blocking it easily. They went a few slow swings back and forth, not going very quickly.

"Is this their way of sparring," Hoshi asked.

"No, this is their warmup. They want to get into proper synch with each other so they do this for a minute," San explained. "You ready," Hongjoong asked and Seonghwa nodded. Hongjoong went hard immediately, swinging his sword forward quickly but Seonghwa blocked it and countered. They went back and forth quickly, their swords getting close to each others skin but never touching as they were blocked. Hoshi glanced down at the two men's feet, watching in fascination as they were also in synch. Every time Hongjoong's foot went back, Seonghwa's stepped forward. When Seonghwa went to the right, Hongjoong went to the left. They were going quickly, skilled and expertly and Hoshi found himself studying them closely. He's seen many people spar, his seen his crew spar and there were a lot of them. He has never seen a duo as perfect as the one he was seeing in front of him.

"They're awesome," he whispered to San.

"They really are. They have a really good trust bond and are each others ride or die. Sometimes I feel like they're on the exact same wavelength," San said.

"Hey, Yunho, is that a ship," Yeosang said quietly, nudging Yunho's side. Yunho turned around to where the medic was looking and his eyes went wide, noticing a ship in the distance that seemed to be heading towards them.

"We've got an incoming ship port side," he yelled out, gaining everyone's attention. Hongjoong and Seonghwa instantly stopped fighting, Hongjoong glancing out to where Yunho said.

"ATEEZ, get in position," he called out. Wooyoung immediately grabbed Yeosang and tugged him over to the staircase.

"Stay safe," he said quickly and Yeosang nodded. San had immediately rushed to the bottom of the crows nest, jumping onto the ladder and climbing to the top quickly, unhooking his bow and arrows when he got there. Yunho ran to the helm and started to steer properly while Jongho ran downstairs to the weapons room. Hongjoong grabbed Seonghwa's wrist and dragged him behind the captain's quarters.

"You should probably come with me to the kitchens," Mingi said, grabbing Hoshi's arm to drag him towards the kitchens.

"Wait," Hoshi said, staying where he was as he looked out across the open sea.

"What," Mingi asked, looking towards where Hoshi was looking.

"SAN. SANNIE," Hoshi called out. San poked his head over the crows nest to look down at Hoshi. Hongjoong glanced over, seeing Hoshi and Mingi weren't moving but let it go for now.

"SAN IS IT THE CARAT? IT LOOKS LIKE THE CARAT," Hoshi yelled up to him. San frown and quickly bent down, quickly pulling out the spyglass kept there. He put it up against his eye and looked through to see the ship. He zoomed in as best as he could, looking closely and grinning.

"CAPTAIN IT'S HOSHI'S CREW," he called down. Hoshi's eyes welled up with tears as his suspicions were confirmed. He felt overwhelmed in anticipation. He hasn't seen his crew in months and that's all his been wanting, all he's been wishing for. He misses them all so much.

"ARE YOU SURE," Hongjoong asked him.

"POSITIVE," San said with a nod.

"Mingi, get the white flag up. Don't let your guard down but hopefully we can show we come in peace," Hongjoong said.

"Seonghwa get Hoshi downstairs for now. Once everything is under control and we know it's safe, we can bring him back up," Hongjoong said.

"Are you sure. Wouldn't it be best if we have him up here so they can see him," Seonghwa questioned with a frown.

"I'm sure. It's best to have him down there so they don't think we're the ones who have kidnapped him," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa nodded and beckoned Hoshi over. Hoshi was unsure why they were taking him away but he allowed Seonghwa to take him down the stairs, passing Yeosang on the way. When he got to the bottom of the stairs, the tears finally started to flow.

"Are you ok," Seonghwa asked.

"Y-Yeah, sorry. Just really m-missed them is all," Hoshi said with a sniffle.

"You're going to see them really soon. Hongjoong will call for us when it's safe ok," Seonghwa said softly. He wrapped his arms around Hoshi and gave him a gentle hug to try and soothe him. Mingi worked quickly with Yunho, hooking the white flag up and making sure to pull the strings, raising it up to the top.

"SAN, KEEP ME UPDATED," Hongjoong called out. San looked back into the spyglass, training it to the ship that they were getting closer to. He held his breath, watching and waiting. He could see people moving about on the deck and a few seconds later the flag changed and he cried out happily.

"They've agreed to the truce, their white flag is up," he yelled out as he jumped over the side of the crows nest and begun climbing down.

"San, I didn't say to come down," Hongjoong said, glancing over at the navigator who jumped down to the deck.

"I know that but they all know me. It might help for them to see that I'm on the ship," San said.

"That's true, come here," Hongjoong said with a nod, waving him over. San went over and stood beside him, Mingi coming over as well while Yunho went back to steering close to the other ship.

"Tell Jongho to anchor in about 2 minutes," Hongjoong told Mingi. Mingi nodded and rushed down the steps to go tell the other. A few minutes later, they were coming up beside the other ship and the anchor went in, pulling them to a stop. The two ships stopped mere meters from each other and Hongjoong looked out to see about 10 men standing on the deck in front of them, one in front who was clearly the Captain and looked unimpressed.

"Cheolie," San called out quickly, waving with a grin.

"That's my cousin, the Captain," he whispered to Hongjoong. The Captain seemed to relax slightly as his eyes landed on San, a small smile gracing his lips however he remained guarded.

"Sannie, it's very good to see you. I thought something bad had happened to you when you disappeared," the Captain said.

"I'm great, never been better. This is my crew and has been for years. Welcome to ATEEZ," San said.

"As much as I would love to catch up with you, I really would because I've missed you so much but we're currently looking for something so we do have to continue on," the Captain said.

"I thought you might say that. We just wanted to get you here relaxed so we could give you a little present. I believe we came across something of yours," Hongjoong said. Both he and San stepped to the side to show Seonghwa who walked onto the deck with a crying Hoshi. The crew on the other ship immediately cried out, calling out to Hoshi as they rushed to the side of their ship. Within 10 seconds a plank was laid across the ship and the other crew was rushing across to get to Hoshi. Hongjoong still doesn't trust people easily but he could tell that no harm would come to anyone and they were just thankful to find their missing crewmate. They all ran to him and started embracing him tightly, crying out tearfully.

"I'm glad we got him back to them," Hongjoong said quietly. San nodded and reached out, gripping Hongjoong's sleeve tightly as he watched the reunion. Hongjoong glanced over at San, confused when he saw that his eyes seemed wet. He glanced over at the boys that San was watching so attentively, remembering that San knows these people, was close to them and hasn't seen them in quite a few years. One of them suddenly peeled off, the Captain and strode over. San whimpered and let go of Hongjoong, stepping forwards and allowing the other Captain to embrace him tightly. San burst into tears and the other sniffled wetly.

"I've missed you Sannie, so much. I thought you had died when you never showed up again," the other said.

"I'm sorry Sungcheol. Those boys I was close to, they needed help and needed an escape and I followed them," San said.

"That's ok, I'm just glad you're alright and doing something that makes you happy, with people who make you happy," Sungcheol said. San nodded and turned around glancing back to see the others had come above deck, his eyes landing on Wooyoung and Yeosang.

"I wouldn't trade it for the world," he whispered, wiping his eyes quickly.

"Are they the two boys," Sungcheol asked softly and San nodded.

"Woo, Sangie, come here," he called out. Wooyoung seemed cautious but he grabbed Yeosang's hand and they walked over.

"Wooyoung, Yeosang, this is Sungcheol. I think you met him once or twice but he is my cousin," San explained.

"It's good to see you, and I guess meet you properly," Yeosang said with a smile.

"It's good to see you all. I'm so glad that San's safe with you guys and doing well," Sungcheol said, rubbing San's back gently.

"You've all grown so much," he said softly.

"Well we aren't kids anymore," San said with a chuckle.

"Thank you for finding Hoshi and protecting him. We've been searching for him for months since he got taken," Sungcheol said.

"It was just luck really. We've been following a ship that's been causing destruction and we found him in the water so we got him on board. We've been looking for you guys for a week," San explained.

"Well I'm still thankfully because no matter what happened, you still saved his life," Sungcheol said. San smiled and nodded, hugging Sungcheol once again.

"I never would have left him to die. I would never be able to live with myself if I did," San said softly.

"I know," Sungcheol said with a nod.

"San? It's good to see you." San pulled away from Sungcheol and went over to the other guys, hugging them tightly in turn as they all fawned over him.

"You've grown so much. What happened to the scrawny little kid."

"Look at those muscles."

"I'm loving the hair."

"Look at the cutie and his little dimples."

Seonghwa strolled over to Hongjoong, patting his shoulder softly.

"We did the right thing," Hongjoong said quietly.

"We did. San needed this," Seonghwa said with a nod.

~~~~~

The two crews ended up spending the night anchored together, having dinner and talking amongst each other. A new alliance was formed and a friendship emerged.

"Thank you for everything that you've done for us. We're very thankful that you saved our crewmate," Sungcheol said.

"No problem at all, really. San recognised him so we weren't just going to leave him to die," Hongjoong said.

"We can compensate you for bringing him back," Sungcheol said.

"There's no need for that. We didn't do it for anything in return, we just wanted to reunite family," Hongjoong said.

"Are you sure," Sungcheol asked.

"I'm positive," Hongjoong said with a nod.

"We should take our leave now but thank you for your hospitality," Sungcheol said, nodding his head in thanks.

"Seventeen, let's take our leave now," Sungcheol called out. The rest of the crew instantly got up, all saying goodbye and thanks to ATEEZ as they crossed the plank back to the ship.

"Stay safe ok," Sungcheol whispered to San as he gave him a hug goodbye. San nodded and pat his back before they pulled back and Sungcheol walked the plank back to his ship. The Carat unanchored and slowly drifted away, the crew waving goodbye as well.

"Are we setting sail," Yunho asked.

"Not tonight. Tonight we get the rest we need before we get back on the course we're supposed to be on," Hongjoong said.

"Are you sure," Mingi asked.

"Yeah. San and Yunho definitely need the rest before navigating again," Hongjoong said with a nod.

"I can work with that," Wooyoung said with a yawn.

"Go to bed guys, get as much rest as you can. Tomorrow we continue the chase," Hongjoong said. The others nodded and slowly dispersed, leaving only Hongjoong and Seonghwa on the deck.

"Come on, that means you getting rest as well," Seonghwa said softly, slipping his hand into Hongjoong's. He gently tugged him over to their quarters, slipping inside.

"What a long day," Hongjoong said with a sigh, slipping his jacket off and putting it on his chair.

"Tell me about it. Things are only gonna get more hectic though," Seonghwa said, slipping off his shirt.

"I know. But we can handle it," Hongjoong said, flinging a pyjama top to Seonghwa who slipped it on.

"We can. You need to remember that, so just relax and get some sleep," Seonghwa said softly, stepping up to Hongjoong and gently buttoning up his shirt, fixing the collar despite it being only for bed.

"I can't help it if I worry. This is my family Seongie," Hongjoong said with a sigh as he got into bed, Seonghwa following and slipping in beside him.

"I know, but you need to sleep Joong. You of all people need to be well rested and on you're A game," Seonghwa said, lifting his hand and brushing Hongjoong's hair back gently. Hongjoong sighed but nodded, scooting closer, slipping his arms around Seonghwa's body.

"I love you," he whispered, making Seonghwa smile softly.

"I love you too. Now sleep Hongjoong, the boys need their Captain at full strength," Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong gave in and moved his head, resting it on Seonghwa's chest and letting his eyes slip closed. Seonghwa held him back tightly, nuzzling his head into Hongjoong's hair and letting out a breath. They held each other close, being lulled to sleep by each other's synchronised breathing. Tomorrow they will continue their search for the Ghost ship, but right now they'll rest. 

A/N

Here is Chapter 11 everyone, I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for reading. It's been a while since I updated this fic but trust me, I haven't forgotten about it. The next few chapters are going to be quite fun.

Let me know what your favourite parts of this chapter were :)