Two weeks had passed since the kraken incident. They managed to sail three days and make it to Dawn as Hongjoong predicted. The ship wasn't as badly damaged as they were expecting and they were lucky it wasn't any worse. Yunho got work on the repairs right away, everyone helping out where they could with Yunho's directions, except for Yeosang and Seonghwa who were on strict no working orders. Hongjoong barely left Seonghwa's side for the first three days after Seonghwa woke up and it got to the point that Seonghwa banned him from going into the spare room that they were using and Hongjoong was forced to sleep in Wooyoung's bed, the other having been sleeping with Yeosang. Once they arrived at Dawn, Hongjoong booked three rooms at a motel, each having two double beds. Yeosang, San and Wooyoung roomed together and Mingi, Yunho and Jongho were together, while Hongjoong and Seonghwa were together.

"Joong, we should really get up," Seonghwa said softly, nuzzling his nose into the youngers neck. Hongjoong was splayed out on the bed, his arms stretched above his head while Seonghwa was laying by his side, cuddled up to him.

"But why, it's so comfortable," Hongjoong whined. Seonghwa chuckled and started pressing brief soft kisses to Hongjoong's neck. Hongjoong giggled slightly at the ticklish sensation before relaxing into it and humming happily.

"Come here," he said softly, grabbing Seonghwa's arm and pulling him across so he was hovering over him. Seonghwa smiled down at him and gently brushed away the hair from Hongjoong's face.

"You're beautiful you know that," Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong chuckled and shook his head.

"That's what I'm supposed to be saying to you my love, not the other way around," Hongjoong said softly.

"I can call you beautiful as well, because you are," Seonghwa said with a frown.

"Seonghwa I'd hardly use the word beautiful to describe me. Beautiful is basically calling me pretty which I most definitely am not. I have scars, tough and hardened skin, nothing about me screams beautiful Hwa," Hongjoong pointed out.

"Hongjoong, you're the most beautiful person in the world to me. I love you so much and despite you still not knowing how to take compliments, I will continue to give them to you sweetheart," Seonghwa said firmly. Hongjoong blushed at that, squirming slightly but remaining silent, unsure what to say.

"Beautiful," Seonghwa whispered as he leaned down and placed a kiss to Hongjoong's forehead. Hongjoong smiled softly, feeling bashful after such a firm compliment. Growing up he was never shown much affection so it still catches him off guard when Seonghwa is so gentle and loving towards him.

"How's your head," he asked, wanting to change the subject.

"My head is completely fine. Just like it has been the past 20 times you've asked me about it," Seonghwa said with a sigh, flopping down beside Hongjoong on his back.

"Sorry, I just worry about you sometimes," Hongjoong said quietly.

"I know, but I really am ok Hongjoong. I know not knowing if I was alive really scared you but I'm fine, I promise," Seonghwa said softly, shuffling over to cuddle back into Hongjoong's side. Hongjoong let out a breath and rolled over, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend gently.

"We really do need to get up now Hongjoong though. We told them we were going for a quick nap and it's been at least a few hours. The kids want to go to a tavern," Seonghwa said. Hongjoong groaned and stretched out before sitting up.

"I'm not in the mood to have them bugging us," he said with a sigh. Seonghwa chuckled and sat up as well, slipping off the bed quickly. They both fixed themselves up before leaving the room and walking over to the Woosansang room. Seonghwa knocked on the door and it was swung open immediately.

"Are we going to a tavern, please tell me we're going to a tavern," Wooyoung said, bouncing up and down excitedly. San quickly came up behind him and wrapped an arm around his waist, tugging him down so he wouldn't be so hyper.

"Wooyoung, you are not getting drunk tonight," Hongjoong said sternly.

"But why, we don't have anything we need to do," Wooyoung whined, pouting and stamping his feet.

"Because I said so," Hongjoong said with a shrug.

"Seonghwa, tell your boyfriend to let us get drunk if we want to," Wooyoung said, turning his attention to the oldest. Hongjoong scoffed at that and raised an eyebrow.

"So when it's convenient to you I'm your Captain but if it isn't then I'm downgraded to Seonghwa's boyfriend," Hongjoong said.

"Oh, so being my boyfriend is such a downgrade," Seonghwa scoffed, crossing his arms and stepping away from Hongjoong. He caught Wooyoung's eye and winked at him discretely. Wooyoung and San both held back laughs as Hongjoong's face dropped and he spun around to face Seonghwa.

"Seongie, that is NOT what I meant, I swear. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me and the thing I treasure the most in life," Hongjoong said, grabbing Seonghwa's hands gently in his. Seonghwa huffed and refused to turn around and face him, looking away indignantly.

"Seongie. My love. I really didn't mean it like that," Hongjoong said desperately, not liking to see Seonghwa so upset.

"Seonghwa please," he whispered, cupping the olders chin gently with his hand and turning him to face him. Seonghwa couldn't hold it in anymore and he burst out laughing, Wooyoung and San following immediately.

"Seonghwa," Hongjoong groaned, shoving him away gently.

"That was so disgustingly adorable. Didn't know you were such a simp," Wooyoung giggled.

"What's a simp," Hongjoong asked in confusion.

"Slang for someone who is desperate for attention and affection from their significant other I think. Someone told Wooyoung about it at one of the ports we stopped at a few months ago," San explained. Hongjoong gasped and blushed before frowning angrily.

"I am not a simp. I am your Captain and I am to be respected," he said sternly.

"So you don't want my attention or affection," Seonghwa said faux innocently.

"Of course I do baby," Hongjoong whispered quietly, squeezing his hand gently.

"Who wants to go to a tavern," he added quickly, not wanting to give the others time to tease him more. He is the renowned Pirate King, he can't have people thinking he is soft. Don't get him wrong, he is well and truly in love with and soft for his boyfriend and he would do pretty much everything he asks, he just doesn't want everyone knowing. It's bad enough that his crew use it against him.

"OMG. YEOSANGIE WE'RE GOING DRINKING," Wooyoung yelled, rushing back into the room. A few seconds later the door to the next room over opened and Mingi poked his head out.

"Did Wooyoung just say we're going drinking," he asked quickly.

"You guys are severe alcoholics," Hongjoong said with a frown.

"Nope, we're just pirates," Mingi said with a giggle before disappearing back into his room to tell the other two. Hongjoong sighed and turned back to San who was still standing in front of them.

"Make sure you look after Wooyoung please, I don't want another repeat of when he ended up-."

"Half naked in a barrel. Yes I know," San finished with a chuckle.

"Good, I know I can trust you," Hongjoong said with a nod.

"Now go get ready, Hwa and I will wait out here," he added. San nodded and went back into the room to quickly get ready with the others, leaving Hongjoong and Seonghwa waiting outside.

"You can be such a pain, you know that right," Hongjoong said with a sigh.

"Mhm, but you know you love me," Seonghwa whispered, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around Hongjoong's waist.

"Debatable," Hongjoong whispered but he cuddled up in Seonghwa's arms, resting his head on the taller's chest. Seonghwa dropped his down, resting it against Hongjoong's.

~~~~~

Less than an hour later they were all seated in a tavern eating and drinking. Despite Hongjoong's constant protest, Wooyoung was already drinking but hadn't managed to get too intoxicated just yet.

"Can I get another rum, thanks," Wooyoung said, waving down a server. Seonghwa shifted uncomfortably, having had bad memories with rum. It's been over two years but he still remembers his first crew, how they were with alcohol. ATEEZ is nothing like that though, even when drunk and he knows they aren't but he still feels uncomfortable around so much drinking.

"Cap, you want some," Yunho asked as they all topped up their drinks.

"I'm good," Hongjoong said with a small smile, wrapping an arm around Seonghwa waist gently. Seonghwa smiled softly and leant closer to Hongjoong, appreciate what he was doing. Hongjoong no longer drinks very much, only ever when they're on the ship. They continued enjoying their dinner and talking when something suddenly caught Hongjoong's attention. There was a crew in the booth beside them, conversing together.

"Apparently the ghost ship struck again and it was bad." Seonghwa had noticed Hongjoong zone out and he listened in to the conversation, glancing back at Hongjoong after what he heard. Whispers have been circulating for the past few months about this new crew that people call ghosts. Hongjoong hasn't heard much about him, only brief things in passing. He would like to hear more about this crew, figure out how big of a threat they might be. Seonghwa glanced at Hongjoong and saw that he was deep in thought, continuing to listen.

"What even is this ghost ship, it sounds stupid and fake to me."

"Niki they aren't fake. They're literally going around hunting down any ship they come across."

"But why are they calling it the ghost ship, sounds a bit dramatic to me." Hongjoong nodded to himself at that, it does sound a bit odd.

"It's called the ghost ship because it's like a ghost, no one knows what it looks like. They always strike quickly and silently and they leave no survivors." Ok, that does not sound good at all.

"Boys, listen up right now," Hongjoong said quietly, but stern enough to gain their immediate attention.

"Everything ok," San asked worriedly, slowly wrapping his hand around Yeosang's wrist, prepared to tug him down if there was a threat.

"Everything's fine, I just need to try and gather some information from the crew next to us but we don't know them so I want you boys gone so you aren't put in any unnecessary danger," Hongjoong said. The others all immediately knew he meant business and got up.

"We'll meet back up at the ship after, you guys just keep having fun, open the rum if you need to drink more," Hongjoong said.

"Can we go to another tavern if we want," Wooyoung asked.

"I don't get, just don't overdo it," Hongjoong said. Yunho nodded and ushered the younger boys out towards the entrance of the tavern, leaving Hongjoong and Seonghwa who of course stayed with him.

"Are you ready for some fun sweetheart," Hongjoong said, a grin slipping easily onto his face. Seonghwa chuckled before grinning as well. Hongjoong quickly shrugged off his coat, allowing the sword strapped to his hip to be visible, as well as his tattoo on his wrist that signifies his crew. Over the years ATEEZ has grown to be a feared crew, not in a bad way, but in a way that manages to keep other crews in line so as to not get on their radar. Hongjoong and Seonghwa both stood from the table and moved around to the booth beside them where there were five younger guys seated. Hongjoong sat on one side while Seonghwa sat on the other, both smirking and leaning their hands on the table, their tattoos visible. The five boys clearly noticed the tattoos as they tensed up and seemed to back away slightly. Hongjoong's grin widened. Seeing people scared of him, people who respect who he is, it always empowers him. He may have better morals but he's still a pirate at his core.

"Hello boys, who might you be," Hongjoong asked, reaching over and grabbing one of the drinks on the table and swirling it around. The all glanced around before one of them cleared their throat.

"We're Enhypen, S-Sir, Pirate King," he said.

"You look young," Hongjoong noted.

"We um, we're a new crew," the other replied nervously. Hongjoong inside was cooing, these guys were so nervous and adorable, little cuties. It's clear that they are no threat but it's still best to remain with their guard up to get the information they need.

"We couldn't help but overhear you guys talking about another crew, the Ghost crew I think it was," Hongjoong said. The boys glanced around nervously again before nodding slowly.

"Can you tell us more," Seonghwa asked. Hongjoong quickly held back a smile, endeared by how polite Seonghwa still is when he's supposed to have a scary, tough persona. He's learning, but still way too polite. If it was Hongjoong, he would've just demanded to know, not asked.

"Well, I've been following along with all the updates I've heard about the crew, mapping out where they've been and where they're going," one of the others said, the one Hongjoong recognised to being the one talking the most earlier.

"I thought you guys mentioned they left no survivors? How do you know that the places you're tracking were actually them," Hongjoong asked with a frown. The other raised an eyebrow in reaction.

"Well because of the skull flag. No one knows what the ship looks like because if you see them then you're pretty much dead. But every ship wreck people find with no survivors and no answers as to what happened, there's always at least a plank of wood with a flag attached and flying. It's white with a red skull," the boy said. Seonghwa frowned and glanced at Hongjoong, seeing he looked troubled. This crew does not sound very good, they sound dangerous, being left unchecked.

"The crews they kill, are they bad," Hongjoong asked.

"Not all of them. Here, I'll show you something," the other said.

"I'm Jake by the way, this is Niki our youngest, Sunoo, Heeseung our quartermaster and Sunghoon," Heeseung said. Hongjoong nodded in reply, debating whether to reply.

"I'm Hongjoong, Captain of ATEEZ and this is Seonghwa, my first mate," Hongjoong said, Seonghwa nodding slightly in return. Jake suddenly reached down below and Hongjoong's hand instinctively moved down to rest on his sword, his eyes flicking to Seonghwa in case of danger. However Jake just pulled out a piece of parchment, rolling out and placing it in the middle of the table. It was a map of the seven seas with close to 10 red and blue dots throughout, all labelled and numbered, lines connecting all of them. Hongjoong released the grip he had on the sword and leaned forward.

"This is every known wreckage from them over the last 6 months, even the ones from before they were more prominent and known. I've been tracking them as a hobby," Jake said.

"Why are the dots different colours," Seonghwa asked.

"Red dots are the ships that were pirates, blue are the ones that weren't. They were just supply ships, merchant ships," Jake said. Seonghwa's eyes widened in horror as he looked over the map, seeing at least four dots that were blue.

"Merchant ships? And they left no survivors," Seonghwa asked quickly. The others slowly shook their heads. Hongjoong's eyes darkened and he turned to Seonghwa, both of them sharing a look.

"Wait, holy shit. Are you guys going to go after them," Jake said with a sudden gasp. Hongjoong and Seonghwa both turned to look at him but didn't reply.

"Can I keep this map please," Hongjoong asked finally.

"What? O-Of course," Jake said quickly. He grabbed the paper and rolled it back up before holding it out to Hongjoong who grabbed it gently. He didn't expect them to be so willing to help and so genuinely. He seemed to have relax and not be as scared, it seemed like he just wanted to help. Hongjoong quickly reached back into his back pocket and pulled out a bit of fabric. It was small and brown but it is something many, many people would fight to get their hands on. On the fabric was ATEEZ's symbol sewn in. It's basically a free pass, a truce. If a crew is in possession of it, it shows that they are in alliance with ATEEZ and should they need help, ATEEZ will come.

"Here, take this," Hongjoong said, holding it out to Jake. Jake's eyes widened before he hurriedly grabbed it and looked at it, the others all leaning in to look as well.

"A-Are you serious," the youngest asked, Niki.

"You guys have been a great help and we appreciate it. You're new and need to get on your feet a bit more, keep that on you. If another crew gives you trouble, show them that," Hongjoong said.

"Th-Thank you, P-Pirate King," Jake stuttered out, all of them bowing their heads.

"Hongjoong is fine," Hongjoong said with a nod.

"Thank you Hongjoong Sir," Niki said. Seonghwa smiled softly at his cuteness.

"We appreciate what you've done to help us," Hongjoong said, standing and bowing his head down, leaving the others shocked. Seonghwa stood as well, bowing gently to them.

"Also if you could keep quiet about this conversation, that would be great," Hongjoong said. The others all nodded hastily, promising to keep quiet. The two of them turned around to leave, Hongjoong grabbing his coat before they headed towards the entrance to the tavern, having all that they need. As they were walking Hongjoong noticed a few dirty pirates eying Seonghwa up and down from off to the side. He frowned, feeling anger bubble up inside as he saw the disgusting looks they were giving his boyfriend, like he was a piece of meat. He lasted two more seconds before slipping his arm around Seonghwa's waste possessively and gripping his hip, tugging him closer to his side. Seonghwa glanced to the side in confusion before smiling softly, happy to be closer to the other. It wasn't until they were out of the tavern and onto the street that Hongjoong took a deep breath and let Seonghwa go.

"You alright," Seonghwa asked quietly as they stopped and turned to each other.

"These guys were eying you up and down, it's disgusting," Hongjoong said, a hint of anger lacing his voice. Seonghwa chuckled and stepped closer, placing a soft kiss to Hongjoong's forehead. Hongjoong relaxed at that and smiled softly, slipping his hand into Seonghwa. The sun was still high in the sky, not quite at sunset due to it being longer days so the two of them decided to just walk around and relax for a bit before heading back to the ship to meet the others.

~~~~~

"I wanna go to another tavern," Wooyoung said as soon as they all left Hongjoong and Seonghwa to do what they were planning.

"We just came from one," San pointed out.

"I know, but I really wanna go to another. Please," Wooyoung begged.

"I'm good, I'm gonna just head to the ship," Yeosang said, Jongho agreeing with a nod.

"I'm going back as well," Yunho said.

"Mingi, Sannie, can you come with me," Wooyoung asked.

"Hell yeah, let's go drinking," Mingi said, high-fiving the younger.

"Sannie, will you come as well," Wooyoung asked, turning to the pink haired boy.

"Wooyoung, I don't really want to go out. I just want to go back to the ship and have some fun, drink a bit," San said.

"Please Sannie, we need someone here to look after us. What if we get too drunk and get lost," Wooyoung said with a pout. San really didn't feel like going out but Wooyoung has a point, they all need make sure everyone is ok.

"Fine, I'll come," San said with a sigh. Wooyoung grinned happily and clapped his hands in excitement.

"Good luck, look after each other. We'll meet you back at the ship before sundown," Yunho said.

"Don't worry about us, Sannie will be there to keep us in check," Wooyoung said happily. Yeosang glanced at San and frowned, noticing he looked a bit tired.

"Just make sure you guys look after him as well," he said quietly. Wooyoung waved his hand in dismissal and wrapped his arm around San's shoulder. The group split, the three heading back to the ship while the other three headed over to their second favourite tavern from the area. It wasn't long before they were seated with drinks in front of them. San took the first sip of his drink, a special concoction of rum mixed with something sweeter and his eyes lit up. It was amazing, it didn't even taste completely like alcohol. It wasn't long before he had drunk the entire glass and was ordering another one.

"Damn Sannie, slow down a bit," Wooyoung said with a giggle.

"Are you kidding me? Have you tasted this," San said with a grin. The sweetness and the alcohol in his system was making him relax more and brighten up a bit, let loose.

They continued just relaxing and drinking and before long, San was well and truly drunk. He was completely relaxed, his cheeks flushed and his eyes glazed over slightly. Mingi and Wooyoung weren't as drunk but they were definitely tipsy.

"I'm bored now, I wanna head back to the ship," Wooyoung said with a huff, Mingi humming in reply.

"I wanna stay longer," San whined with a pout.

"But I wanna head back and so does Mingi so let's go," Wooyoung said.

"No m'staying. Just stay here," San said.

"You can stay if you want but we're leaving," Wooyoung said. They've been there for over half an hour, they should go head back before sunset. Mingi and Wooyoung stood but San remained seated, not wanting to leave just yet as he was enjoying himself.

"We'll see you back at the ship later," Wooyoung said before he and Mingi turned around and left, leaving San alone in the booth. San pouted as they walked out the front door, feeling loneliness seep in as soon as they were out of sight. He was having fun but he was having fun because his friends were there with him. Now that they're gone, he isn't having much fun. He glanced back at his half full glass and grabbed it, downing it quickly. He tried to stay longer, to see if he would keep having fun but he only lasted 10 more minutes before boredom got the better off him. He pulled out the pouch of gold he had in his pocket and grabbed out enough to cover their drinks and leaving it on the table before standing. He stumbled immediately, his vision a bit fuzzy from the alcohol. He giggled slightly before continuing forwards, heading to the entrance and leaving. He started walking down the street towards the docks before he stumbled again but was steadied instantly with a hand grabbing his arm. He looked up in confusion to see a man holding him steady, two more coming up behind him.

"Hello there," the man said, his mouth turning upwards, showing a row of yellow teeth.

"Hi," San said quietly, glancing between the three of them.

"You seem a bit unsteady," the man said.

"Um, I'm a bit dizzy," San explained, blinking slowly to try and clear his vision.

"Alright, we'll help you get somewhere you can sit down then," the man said. San smiled softly in appreciation, that was night.

"Thank you," San said quietly.

"Of course," the man said with a grin. The three men turned San around and started guiding him down the street, away from the docks. San stumbled with them, still heavily intoxicated and confused. He let the men continue to tug him along, not really sure where exactly they were going.

~~~~~

Seonghwa and Hongjoong continued to walk around until the sun begun to set, painting the sky an array of warm colours.

"We should head back to the ship to join the others," Seonghwa said. Hongjoong nodded before remembering what Wooyoung had said.

"You take the map back to the ship, I'm just going to head over to the other tavern to round up the kids who are still out," Hongjoong said, giving Seonghwa the parchment.

"Alright, I'll see you in a bit," Seonghwa said with a nod. He quickly headed off down the street towards the docks while Hongjoong went the opposite way towards the other tavern he knows the others go to. He was walking for a few minutes before he saw the tavern up ahead. He walked and went to go inside the tavern but paused when he noticed something further down the street. There were a few guys with dirty clothes, clearly pirates and they were glancing around before ducking into an alley. Hongjoong wouldn't care, wouldn't think much of it but the sun wasn't quite down so it was lit enough for him to catch a glimpse of bright pink hair before it was pulled down the alley. Very familiar bright pink hair that was in the middle of all of the pirates. His heart skipped a beat and he quickly let go of the door, sprinting down the street. It could be fine, it could be someone else, nothing could be wrong but Hongjoong would never EVER take that wrist. And it's a good thing as well as when he turned the corner into the alley, he froze. It was San, and he was pinned to the wall with the three guys surrounding him. His shirt was ripped and the men were hastily trying to tug off his clothes while he was desperately trying to shove their hands away to no avail. There were small whimpers escaping San's lips as his head was tipped forwards and hanging almost limply. His attempts to get them away were feeble and Hongjoong could see he was uncoordinated and weak. It was then that everything clicked together and Hongjoong realised. He was drunk and these dirty, disgusting pirates were trying to take advantage of him. This is San, his crew member, his oldest friend, the first crew member, the same 16 year old boy he had saved years ago and protected ever since. Hongjoong saw red. He ran forwards, drawing his sword and stabbing it through one of the guys back before anyone realised what happened the other two let go of San and turned around to Hongjoong. They were still slow to react and Hongjoong had enough time to remove the sword and slice open the next one's neck before the last one tackled him. They tried to swing at him but Hongjoong ducked down and his hand smashed into the wall, making him cry out. Hongjoong didn't care, he just stood and thrust his sword up, stabbing it into the mans stomach. The other gasped and Hongjoong stood, grinning manically as his eyes met the others.

"You don't ever touch my crewmates," he whispered before ripping out his sword and discarding him to the ground. He was panting heavily, the anger and adrenaline pumping through his body. He was startled back into the focus at the sound of retching. He spun around see San hunched over on the floor, throwing up. He gasped and dropped his sword hurrying over and dropping down beside the younger. San was whimpering as he threw up, the taste making him feel horrible. Hongjoong wrapped knelt down, sliding his knee under San's body so he could lean on it to hold himself up. He then started rubbing San's back softly to comfort him, using his other hand to brush his hair back.

"That's it, let it out. I'm here, you're ok," Hongjoong encouraged gently. San whimpered again before his stomach contracted and heaved again, puking onto the ground. Hongjoong held him gently and patiently, continuing to console him.

"You finished or do you think there's more to come up," Hongjoong asked as he sat down fully..

"Done," San whispered. Hongjoong delicately wrapped his arms around San's waist and tilted him up, pulling him to sit on his lap, his back to his chest. San was exhausted, his mind slightly cloudy as he tried to sort through what was going on. Hongjoong gently tilted San's head back, allowing it to rest on his shoulder, noticing the little bits of vomit around his mouth. He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, gently wiping the excess from around his mouth. Once that was done, he discarded it to the side and brushed San's hair back again. San's eyes slipped closed and he leant completely against Hongjoong, allowing the older to look after him. Hongjoong glanced down and saw how badly San's shirt was torn, barely remaining on his body and he took a deep breath to remain calm. He grabbed a dagger from his boot and gently used it to cut away the remaining bits still clinging together. San shivered and whimpered as his shirt was pulled away, clinging closer to Hongjoong. Hongjoong placed his palm on the youngers back and felt that it was beginning to get cold. He frowned and pulled back slightly to remove his coat before draping it over San. San shivered once again but was quick to slip his arms through the holes and snuggle down in the warmth.

"Better," Hongjoong asked softly, San giving him a small nod in reply.

"Let's get you back to the ship with the others alright," Hongjoong said gently. San nodded again so Hongjoong stood up and helped San up as well, keeping a firm arm wrapped around his waist. He picked his sword from the ground and sheathed it bed he started walking, guiding San with him. He could tell the navigator was beginning to become more alert after throwing up and feeling some wind in his face. They walked slowly, Hongjoong being on high alert and keeping rapt attention on their surroundings while making sure San was still ok. San was huddled up against his side, not saying anything. As they got onto the docks, Hongjoong noticed the sound of laughter and he glanced towards the Illusion, seeing the light on deck. He clenched his jaw tight and told himself to calm down, that it might not be them having so much fun. That it might not be the rest of his crew laughing and enjoying themselves while their brother was out getting hurt. They wouldn't be doing that. They wouldn't have let him go out drinking alone without a care in the world.

"You right to climb the ladder," Hongjoong asked as they got to it.

"Yeah, m'fine," San mumbled. Hongjoong grabbed the ladder and quickly climbed up to the top, swinging his legs over and landing on deck. He turned around and saw the boys all sitting together on stools, chatting and laughing and he felt anger bubbling up inside him. A few seconds later there was a light thud beside him as San landed beside him. Someone said something and Wooyoung suddenly started cackling, the sharp, loud sound catching San off guard. He instinctively flinched into his side and that was the last straw for Hongjoong. He covered San's ears and whistled sharply, the sound piercing through the night and immediately silencing the others as they looked over.

"Seonghwa, take San to our quarters and get him a change of clothes," Hongjoong said, staying calm so as to not startle San. The others all stood and Wooyoung hurried forwards in worry when he noticed how San was curled up to Hongjoong's side.

"What's wrong," he asked quickly.

"Get back over there now," Hongjoong snapped, making Wooyoung freeze. Wooyoung was shocked by the anger in Hongjoong's voice and quickly shuffled back with a whine. Seonghwa knew something was wrong and was quick to hurry over, slipping an arm around San's waist.

"Come on, let's get you a change of clothes," he said softly, guiding him over to the newly rebuilt Captain's quarters. Hongjoong watched until they were gone before turning back to the others and walking closer.

"Who was with San earlier? Who went to the tavern with him after you left Seonghwa and I," Hongjoong asked them.

"Uh, Mingi and I went with him to another tavern but we left a little while ago to come back. He didn't come with us because he wanted to stay longer," Wooyoung explained. Hongjoong pressed his lips into a thin line and huffed out a breath through his nose. The others noticed how odd he was acting and became more nervous.

"Everyone but Mingi and Wooyoung go, I need to speak with them," Hongjoong said.

"No, we want to know what's going on. What's happened with San," Jongho asked.

"You don't want to go? You want to stay," Hongjoong asked. Yeosang, Yunho and Jongho all nodded. If they want to stay, they can stay, he didn't have the time or patience for this. He turned his focus back to Wooyoung and San, feeling the anger finally boil over.

"ARE YOU TWO FUCKEN KIDDING ME," he yelled out. Both visibly flinched back but Hongjoong didn't care, they left San alone when anything could've happened to him.

"YOU WENT OUT DRINKING WITH HIM AND THEN YOU LEFT HIM ALONE WHEN YOU KNEW HE HAD BEEN DRINKING. ARE YOU STUPID OR JUST EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE," Hongjoong yelled in anger. Hongjoong was shocked and confused and still quite tipsy so having the Captain angry and yelling at him made him burst into tears. Yunho frowned angrily when he noticed the younger crying and rushed forwards, holding him tightly.

"Hongjoong calm down, are you serious right now? It's obvious you're angry but do not take it out on them. You promised you'd never take your anger out on the crew," Yunho said firmly. Hongjoong froze at that, hearing his biggest fear as a Captain just thrown out there. He's always promised himself to protect him crew, to keep them safe and never hurt them, never take any of his anger out on them. He started to feel bad instinctively but then he remembered how he found San, what was happening and instead he was just disgusted. He stepped back away from them and shook his head.

"Go to hell," he spat. There was the sound of a door opening and everyone looked over to see San and Seonghwa walking out. Seonghwa looked concerned while San was freshly dressed but had tears sliding down his face. The others tried to move forwards but Hongjoong completely snapped, his protectiveness for his precious little navigator overpowering anything else.

"ALL OF YOU BACK OFF," he yelled. Everyone was shocked at that, never before having had Hongjoong so angry with them. Hongjoong has barely ever yelled at them and certainly not this badly, with this much anger. Yeosang knew something bad had happened to San and he knew exactly what it was to have invoked this sort of reaction from Hongjoong. He watched as San rushed over to Hongjoong who immediately hugged him, his gaze hardening and a protective glint in his eyes. Yeosang knew no one would be able to get through to Hongjoong, not even Seonghwa. San sniffled and cuddled up further into Hongjoong's arms, the older tightening his hold around him.

"I'm booking another motel room for the night and I'm stay with Sannie. You guys will stay the hell away. We will discuss this more tomorrow," Hongjoong said, not looking away from San as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Of course, just look after him," Yeosang spoke up before anyone else could protest. Hongjoong helped San over to the ladder and the two of them climbed down, dropping back down onto the docks, leaving the others shocked and confused, even Seonghwa. Hongjoong and San went back to the motel and Hongjoong booked another room, bringing San to it. He guided San to the bed and let him sit down while he locked the door. San was a bit disorientated but he understood what had happened, new what could've happened and it had him slightly on edge. Hongjoong turned a lamp on before turning off the main light and moving over to the bed. He removed San's shoes before removing his own and climbing over to the bed before lying down. San quickly shuffled over and laid down beside him, instantly latching on to him and wrapping his arms around the older.

"Are you feeling ok," Hongjoong whispered. San stayed quiet but nodded gently. Hongjoong wrapped his arms around him and pulled him over so that he was laying on top of him, something he knows he loves and finds the most comfort in. Sure enough San relaxed and cuddled up further, snuggling into Hongjoong's chest.

"I've got you, everything's going to be ok. Get some sleep, I'll keep you safe," Hongjoong whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of his hair.

A/N

Hi guys, it's been a while since I posted for this fic so here is Chapter 4 and I hope you enjoyed it.

Let me know what you thought of this chapter and what your favourite parts were.

What do you think about this new crew and what they're like?

Do you think Hongjoong was right in his reaction or should he have been a bit more understanding?

What do you guys predict might happen next, I'm eager to hear your ideas

Thank you for reading!