#we have a horrible lack of pirate aus

[profoundmakerdreamerss-blog]

I want a pirate tomarry au where Tom is the marine admiral and Harry is the leader of a ragtag pirate group that just doesn't die.

[holdupjack]

The Captains Princess

——————

Part 2

Pairing: Hermione Granger x Fem!Reader

AU: Pirate/Monarchy

WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE/SEXUAL INNUENDOS

——————

Third Person P.O.V:

September 18th, 1655

Hermione Granger was part of a well-known and very respected royal family that looked after the island country that fell under Danish rule.

(A/N: I'm talking about Iceland btw, or Islandia if you want to be technical. If I read my history books correctly, which I probably didn't, then Iceland should have been under Danish rule at this point? I'm not sure, just go with it lol)

The island held a Volcano in the southwest, the land around it was now uninhabited, after a horrible tragedy ten years ago.

The mountain had suddenly come to life, spewing ash and molten rock onto the people below. Everyone at the edge of the city was able to evacuate at the time, but most were lost under the hardened rock or simply melted away.

Hermione was eleven at the time, and she remembered watching the smoke pouring over the mountains from her window.

Her mother had ushered her away, closing the window and cooping her up in the library for the entire week.

Yet, she saw what was happening at night.

The sky had gone dark, the lack of the sun and stars caused by ash as it was carried by the wind and into the main city. It covered everything like black paint, forcing everyone to cough and heave as they shoveled everything into wagons, sending it back into the outskirts of the destroyed town.

It took months, but eventually, Hermione was free to roam the city once more. Later did she learn how many of the people had died from the ash and eruption.

The number was staggering.

Now she is twenty-one, well almost, and the population had doubled in size since that day.

Her coronation was to be held tomorrow, on the day of her birth, and where she would take over the kingdom for her father and mother. It wasn't something she was excited about, but she knew it needed to be done.

In all honesty, she wanted to see the world.

She wished to explore the structures of Egypt and the booming colonies of America. Everything she had read in books and newspapers fueled her intrigue to extreme measures, but she had a job to do. Whether she wanted to do it or not.

Hermione now sat in the city garden, the smell of the Lupine flower filled her nose as royal guards stood close by.

Seagulls called over her as she heard the yelling of men and women near the docks, the shade of the Aspen Tree above her made it easier to read the newspaper in her hand.

'Virginia Blockaded By England After Declaring Allegiance To The House Of Stuart'

Hermione knew little about what went on around the world, but it still shocked her with the decisions people made.

"Come on Cap! Why did we even stop at this god-forsaken place?"

The Princess's eyes flickered up to find a group of three walking down the sidewalk nearby.

A woman around her age stood in the middle of them with a wide grin. Two tall men walked on either side of her, they seemed to be twins. One had long hair that was up in a ponytail, while the other kept it almost like a guard's military cut.

"I told you two, we need a new navigator since the last one died in the battle outside the British seas!" She replies as they made their way into one of the pubs. Hermione raised an eyebrow as the group disappeared into the building, the door shutting loudly behind them.

Her curiosity peaked, she wondered how this girl became a captain so young, and had so many questions about the lands outside of her own.

"Excuse me Princess, but we must get you back to the castle. Your mother wanted you to help pick out the last bit of details before your celebration tomorrow" A guard states as he had somehow snuck up beside her.

"Oh yes, let us be going" Hermione mumbled as she stood up and folded the newspaper under her arm. Her eyes stayed on the pub door a few moments longer before she ripped them away.

Yet, she thought back on the Captain.

Only had watched her for less than a minute, but now she seemed to hold her curiosity by the neck.

Maybe she would see her tomorrow?

It was an 'everyone invited' event after all.

——————

September 19th

Hermione sat on her father's throne, wearing a beautiful pure white dress that had originally been her grandmother's coronation dress. The Royal Tailor had taken in it for Hermione to update it to the current times of fashion.

She felt like she was getting married.

Well, she supposed she was in a sense? She was vowing her time, love, and dedication to her country.

The main hall was filled shoulder to shoulder with everyone around the land. Children, adults, and elderly alike all talked amongst each other as servers passed out food and drink.

The coronation wasn't till later in the night when they would crown her at exactly twelve, so she may begin her reign as queen immediately.

Hermione looked down at her lap and sighed softly, she felt as though her life was slipping through her fingers.

A soft whistle cut through the crowd.

She looked back at the party, no one else noticed the call for her acknowledgment, but it wasn't hard to find the whistler.

The Captain from the day before stood at the edge of the crowd, looking up at her with the same grin she wore in the street.

Instead of the normal attire that the women wore, she sported a nice white shirt and some black pants. Hermione could see the passing judgment people gave her as they walked by.

The future Queen raised an eyebrow, to which the Captain nodded her head over to the open balcony near them.

Hermione gave a small smile in return as the Captain disappeared back into the crowd. The royal stood up to follow after, but her mother walked up to her with a puzzled look on her face.

"Who were you eyeing in the crowd? A future husband?" She asks with a slight tease in her voice as Hermione chuckled at the question.

"A new friend, maybe" Hermione replies as she started to make her way into the crowd, her mother raises a brow at her retreating form.

"Getting some air?" She calls after, but Hermione was already too far by the time she did.

The music from the small string band seemed louder on the main floor as people greeted and smiled at her.

As she got to the doorway of the balcony, a guard stopped her with his arm.

"Do you know the woman that is standing out there?" He asks, as she peered out into the night, she could see the back of the Captain's head.

"Yes, and I would like to talk to them in private if you don't mind?" She replies to which he drops his arm and nodded.

He quickly opened the door for her and closed it as soon as she stepped out into the cold air.

"It's nice to finally meet you Queen Granger" the woman speaks as she turned around and smiled again.

"I'm not Queen yet, and please, call me Hermione" she replies as she stepped to the edge of the balcony and looked over the almost vacant city.

"Greetings then Hermione, my name is Captain Y/n Y/l/n. At your service, of course." the woman greets as she held out her hand for her.

Why did that name sound familiar?

Hermione watched her with a playful intrigued stare as she let her hand be taken and kissed upon by the sailor.

"What may I do for you, Captain?" Hermione asks as she felt goosebumps raise from the skin the women had pecked.

The Captain smiled again as she watched the Princess stand at the parapet with her.

(A/N: a parapet is a wall-like structure around a balcony or terrace, saved you guys a Google search.)

"Well, a little birdie told me that you're a prodigy at navigating and that you have helped map out this entire country with your expeditions," Y/n says and Hermione chuckled.

It was true, when she wasn't forced to be cooped up in the castle, Hermione was out mapping and exploring the country. She had journals upon journals in her room filled with sketches of plants, animals, and landmarks.

As you could guess, she had learned from the guardsmen how to use the stars when a compass would fail them in their endeavors

(A/N: btw, didn't know that compasses were invented so early. The first one ever recorded was in 1190. Omg we're learning so many things in this imagine, I love it.)

Her parents were always so worried about killers and thieves when she would plan a trip, but it wasn't like she wasn't being sent out with a small army with her.

"Yes, may I ask why you wanted to know?" Hermione questioned as she stared up at the beautiful night sky. Millions of stars poked through an inky abyss.

"I'll reveal that later on, but before I do, it seems you have questions to ask me" Y/n replied as she smirked at the beautiful royal.

Hermione hummed and thought for a moment, she had many questions, so she had to play her cards right.

"Are you part of a fleet? Or are you a...freelance type of Captain?" the Princess asks discreetly as she heard one of the Guards talking behind the glass door.

"Let's just say I have more fun without a boss around" Y/n replies as Hermione chuckled.

Great, she was talking to a Pirate.

"I'm surprised you haven't recognized me, I've been in the paper recently" the Captain states, causing Hermione to turn to get a better look at her.

Y/n poses as it clicks in Hermione's mind, no wonder her name sounded familiar.

"Wait, are you that Captain that stole almost half of the treasury of Venice?" she replies as Y/n began to snicker quietly as the Princess stared at her in disbelief.

"Ah don't look at me like that! We gave almost all of it back to the people!" Y/n says as she continued to grin at her, to which Hermione just chuckled in astonishment.

"Have you come to steal our treasury then? Distract me while your friends pillage us dry?" she asks with honest questioning, which caused Y/n to laugh softly at her conclusion.

"That's a smart idea, I might have to try it sometime, but no. We didn't come to steal any money from you." she replied as she turned her body toward the Princess, who didn't even look concerned at the fact that she was standing shoulder to shoulder with an enemy of many cities

"Then why did you come here?" Hermione asks as she turned herself towards her mysterious company.

Y/n's eyes travel down her body slowly, the royal felt hot for some reason, it wasn't foreign to Hermione to feel men undressing her with their eyes.

Maybe because it was a woman this time around that she felt...different.

Yet, it wasn't an uncomfortable feeling.

"My crew and I came here looking for the best navigator in this country since we're on a hit list in the other ones," Y/n says as she gazed back up into Hermione sight. The Captain's intrigue in her past time now made a lot more sense.

"Before you even ask, the answer is 'no'." Hermione states as Y/n rolled her eyes.

"Aw come on Princess, I've been watching you at this party all night, and you have been miserable!" Y/n sighs, which sort of reminded Hermione of an annoyed child trying to prove their point.

"I've made a promise to my country-"

"Not yet"

"-and my parents! I'm not going to run off with some pirate Captain that thinks of herself as a modern-day Robin Hood!" Hermione whispers with her own annoyance laced in her words.

"Who said you have to take over anyways?" Y/n asks as she stepped closer, forcing Hermione to take in the sea salt aroma she carried on her skin, which wasn't a surprise.

"No one said! I'm just doing my due diligence to my family-" she was cut off again by the captain's eye roll.

"You know what? Why am I even arguing with you? The answer is 'no'." Hermione whisper yells as she turned on her heel and went to step back into the party.

"When was the last time you did something for yourself?"

This made the Princess pause and turn back around. Her mouth fell slightly at the question that was just asked to her. She has never been talked to like this, and it ticked her off to see that Captain's face was still grinning.

"Excuse me?" She laughs out in disbelief as Y/n jumped up onto the wall around the balcony, and sat down.

"It's a fair question, you seem like you've had all the fun sucked out of you since you were little" Y/n hums as Hermione slightly tripped up on her dress, but walked up to her nonetheless.

"All have you know, I am very fun" she protests with a pointed finger as Y/n just playful smiled at her, trying to keep the conversation going between them.

Why was Hermione even trying to defend her personality from some grinning criminal pirate?

"Also, stop smiling!" She whispers as Y/n looked her over again, letting her lips fall from her toothy grin to a subtle rise of the corners of her mouth.

"I'm sorry Princess, I just find you very pretty" she admits, which caused Hermione to be struck dumbfounded.

Who just admits that after asking a Princess to join their gang of murderous pirates?

"Well, uh, thank you," Hermione says as she cleared her throat, and smoothed down the front of the dress. Her embarrassment from her outburst started to set in, she never got this upset with anyone, and she has sat down with political parties.

"But flattery won't get you anywhere" she states as Y/n picked at a loose string on her pant leg.

"Listen, my ship is docked at the east bay. I'll have one of my men holding a lantern on deck during his patrols, in case you want to visit me before your crowning." Y/n says as she jumped back into the floor and dusted off her pants, pulling out a pocket watch.

"You have two hours before you get crowned and we head off to some new land that people are calling the 'West Indies'. A friend of mine was even able to send us a map of its location, we'll get there with or without you." Y/n states as Hermione's interest seemed to skyrocket again.

"You said that you needed a navigator? Won't you get lost?" She replies as Y/n stuffs the device back in her pocket.

"I'm not just a ruthless Robin Hood Captain with a small army of society rejects, but I'm also a decent enough Wayfinder!" Y/n hums as she went to step towards the door, back into the party. Hermione quickly stopped her with a hand to the Captain's chest, she burned her eyes into Y/n's.

"You'll be lost within a day" Hermione states as Y/n leaned closer, causing their noses to bump slightly.

"Maybe, or we'll be right as rain" she replies as they stared at one another with glares that held different meanings. It's quiet between them as the people in the hall began to sing a drinking song.

"Too bad you'll be marrying yourself off to some child-like man" Y/n mumbled as she let her harden gaze drop, Hermione furrowed her brows at the statement.

A questionable time to bring that up.

"Why do you say that? Do you think you could do better?" She asks with a scoff as the Captain took her arm and began to move them to a secluded corner.

"Much better" Y/n whispers as they hide from any prying eyes in the main hall. Hermione hummed as the woman stepped even closer, their heads tilted to the side as their lips ghosted one another's.

"You say that, but you probably have a different girl in your quarters every night," the Princess says as her hands grasped Y/n's hips in an attempt to steady herself.

Hermione started to question her own intentions at this moment, trying to figure out how their argument turned so scandalous in a matter of seconds.

"I haven't been to bed with another in many voyages, but when I saw you in that garden yesterday, I knew that needed to change," Y/n admits as her body pinned Hermione to the wall behind her.

"You saw me?" Hermione asks as the sailor hummed and pressed a kiss to the corner of the royal's lips.

"My crew thinks I'm just asking you to be our navigator, but I have had my own intentions from the start," Y/n says as she left a trail of kisses down to Hermione's neck.

She should push her away, Hermione knew better than to let a random criminal kiss and nip on her skin like this, but in all honesty...she was enjoying this Captain's touch more than she would like to admit.

"Come sail by my side, be my Princess" Y/n whispers into her ear, sending a shiver down Hermione's back as goosebumps rose onto her arms and her hands gripped the woman's hips.

"I don't know you, or your intentions" Hermione replies as Y/n kissed her jaw, but she ultimately hummed in agreement.

"That's true, you don't know anything about me" she states as she backed away to look at the flushed girl, who looks as if she had dipped her face in red paint.

"But, we have a little bit of time before your crowning, so what would you like to know?" Y/n asks as she stepped away and jumped back to sit on the balcony again.

They could now be seen again by any snooping partygoers and patrolling guards.

Hermione stood up straight as she pushed down the wrinkles on her dress, and brushed away any lint or dirt she saw.

"You!...you should know better than to push yourself onto a Princess!" She whispers as Y/n's grin made its reappearance, almost teasing her to come closer and make it disappear.

Whether from a slap or a kiss, Hermione wasn't certain.

"You could have pushed me away" Y/n replies, making the young Granger pause and try to come up with a valid excuse.

"You caught me off guard"

"Mhm"

Y/n began to quietly snicker as Hermione just huffed and crossed her arms against her chest. She was making herself out to be a stupid bratty princess, and she was not.

"You know that asking someone you find pretty to join your crew and leave her country behind, isn't a very good way to ask them on a date" Hermione chuckles as she started to relax slightly, now finding her smile less irritating as time went on.

"I've never asked a woman on a date before, I use to only pay for their company when I was younger," Y/n says as she shrugged her shoulders and looked down at her dangling feet.

Hermione noted the embarrassed behavior she exhibited, almost like she was insecure that she had to pay for a woman in her bed at night.

"I understand when it comes to society on land, with their prejudices about two women being together." Hermione starts as she thought back on the people who had been run out of their city because of silly ideals.

"Yet, I thought Pirates didn't care? As long as they got their drinks, money, and partners out of it." She asks as she heard a clank of beer mugs and cheers from men inside.

"Of course, they don't care, it's just hard to date another sailing woman, especially if they are part of another ship" Y/n answers with a sigh as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"You must have girls on your own crew then?" Hermione questioned as she took a step closer. Y/n look back at her with a laugh and shook her head in quick succession.

"They're like my sisters!" Y/n states, which made Hermione chuckle as well. She guessed that made sense since probably being on a ship for months on end would bring them all closer as a family more than anything,

"Also, all of my crew has lads or lasses back home waiting for them to return" Y/n continues as she laid down on the parapet, one leg swung over the edge while her other foot was planted on the stone, and her knee pointed to the sky,

"Be careful, we're high up" Hermione stated as she stepped closer, her fingers twitched as she stopped herself from grabbing ahold of the girl.

They were just one story up, but it was still high enough to break something.

"I've fallen from the crow's nest of my ship, multiple times! This is nothing." Y/n chuckles as she locked her fingers and puts them behind her head as a makeshift pillow.

"I'm guessing you drank one too many pints?" Hermione asks as her eyes scanned the Captain's body.

"See? You're getting to know me so well already!" Y/n replies as they chuckled together.

"Did you land in the water each time? Or have you somehow not died from that yet?" The Princess asks as her hand finally grasped the hem of her shirt.

"Almost all were in the water, but last time I hurt myself real bad" Y/n replies as one hand snuck out from under her head and hooked a finger around the fabric between Hermione's breasts, pulling her closer again.

They weren't hiding anymore, this was a dangerous position to be in, but maybe that was the point.

Was Y/n trying to get her shunned from the castle for engaging in scandalous behavior with another woman?

A fucked up way to force her to join her crew?

Hermione suddenly backed away and cleared her throat, pushing down her wrinkles again.

"As entertaining as this conversation has been, I must go back to my party" she sighs as her chin went back to being high and mighty, and her back as straight as a wooden beam.

"Do you have to?" Y/n asks as she sat back up, causing Hermione to smile. Her childlike questions were almost begging, like she truly didn't want Hermione to walk away.

"I must, it is my birthday party after all" she replies and Y/n hums as she thought of an excuse for her to stay just a little bit longer.

"Just answer one more question," Y/n asks to which Hermione raised her eyebrow in return as the Captain stood back in front of her.

"Will I see you tonight?"

They stared at one another for a few moments, the air around them was chilly, but a slight heat seem to burn between them.

Hermione then just walked away.

That told Y/n that it wasn't a 'no', but it wasn't a 'yes' either.

She wondered what went through that beauty's mind, and if she knew that she had easily gotten a stoic sailor on her toes.

——————

When Y/n had arrived back at the port with no one in tow, Ginny gave a loud sigh from the deck of 'The Morrigan'.

"Captain on deck!" Ron yells near the bow of the ship.

"Is she-" she starts but the Captain quickly raised her hand in a 'stop' gesture and grabbed the lantern that hung near the entrance of her quarters.

"She still has an hour until her crowning, which I told her we will leave at exactly then also," Y/n says as she handed Ginny the lantern, and smiled at her irritated expression.

"What does that even mean?" the ginger replies as the sounds of her twin brothers echo from the crow's nest.

"Look at that whale Freddie! Looks like your ex-girlfriend!"

It was funny to think that half her crew was just the entire Weasley family.

"Just keep this lantern lit as you do your patrols around the deck" Y/n states as she patted the girl's shoulder and disappeared into her quarters.

As the door shut behind her, a soft groan came from her lips as she grabbed her hat from the hook on the wall.

Placing it on her head, she took a seat at her desk and began looking at the new inventory report.

Molly has requested more fruit cabbage for her kitchen, while Draco has asked for a new pair of boots. Harry needs new glasses, and Blaise needs to go to the blacksmith and sharpen his swords.

Y/n felt a headache begin to form as she tried to figure out a way to get everyone these things. This kingdom had almost everything, but she would have to dig through the old navigator's journal entries to find out where they got Harry's glasses the last time he broke them.

She needed help, and she didn't know how to ask for it without looking vulnerable in front of her crew. Y/n was only one person, and she needed someone as sophisticated as Hermione.

Granted, Y/n still planned to make Hermione hers, but that would have to wait.

Minutes went by quicker than she had realized as she scanned through the reports of everything below deck. She eventually noticed that it was ten to twelve.

"Come on Hermione" Y/n whispers as she stood up and walked back onto the deck.

"Begin preparations for departure!" Y/n yells out as a chorus of 'Ayes' rung out around her.

Ginny still stood near the walkway with the lantern in hand as she stared out into the town, which seemed devoid of life if it wasn't for the castle that was lit up like a fireworks display.

"I don't think she's coming" Y/n whispers as Ginny just hummed.

"You've always been so quick to judge" she replied as her eyes flickered towards different corners of the streets that stood in front of her.

"Ready Captain!" Percy states from his post as he stood at the stern with his hand on his pistol.

Percy always seemed to know when trouble was headed their way, it was almost like a gut instinct for him to grab his weapon.

"There she is" Ginny chuckles as she tapped Y/n's chest with the back of her hand.

Y/n's head snapped to find Hermione bolting down the street towards them, she now wore pants and a shirt instead of the beautiful white dress she had been given earlier in the day.

The Captain quickly made her way to the walkway, but soon noticed that she wasn't just running to get to them in time. Y/n heard the yelling of guards and began to smile.

"Once she's on the ship, time to go!" Y/n called as Draco took ahold of the wheel, and barked orders at the boys on the deck.

Hermione caught the Captain's eyes as she dashed down the dock towards them, and smiled at her, to which Y/n broke out in a grin in response.

"Come on Princess! We don't have all night!" Y/n teased as she held out her hand for her to take across the board between land and ship.

As soon as their hands grasped one another's, Y/n yanked her on deck and let Ron and Harry quickly pull the wood onto the ship as well.

"Full sails! Get us out of here!" Y/n yelled as the woosh of the sails fell and took in the wind of the sea.

Tens of hundreds of footsteps pounded on the dock as they pulled away, one guard had managed to jump and grab the side of the ship, but Pansy was able to just lean over and wack away his hands with the butt of her sword.

He didn't fall into the water at first, but her threat was able to make him choose his fate.

"Let go, or I'm chopping them off"

He quickly dropped into the cold unforgiving ocean.

Y/n darted towards the stern as The Morrgian began to take speed and drift off into the night.

She watched as hundreds of guards stood at the docks watching as their future queen ran off with one of the most hated pirates in the seven seas.

"I'll kill you Y/l/n!" A man yells from his place in the troops, from the crown on his head, she hadn't had to guess that he was King Granger.

"Well, that's one way to make a first impression on the crew!" Ginny snickers as she greeted Hermione on the deck.

"It would have been a lot calmer if my father hadn't caught me sneaking away" she replies as she put her back into a ponytail with a few hairpins she had left in her pockets.

"We'll have an introduction party tomorrow, right now Hermione and I need to begin setting a course for the West Indies" Y/n joked as she made her way back to the deck, Hermione stumbled slightly as the ship swayed side to side.

"Don't worry Princess, you'll get your sea legs eventually" the Captain snickers as she gestured to her quarters, and held out her hand for Hermione to take for stability.

As she took it, Blaise began to sing a chantey proudly, to which the crew joined in as well as they began their Mundane chores around the ship.

Y/n shut her door behind them, muffling the ruffians, as Hermione took in the beautiful books and maps that were scattered around.

"These are beautiful" Hermione whispers as she walked around the space with so much intrigue.

"I would hope so, since you'll be living in here" Y/n states as points to another desk that face the window that looks out into the sea behind the ship. A small bed lay next to it, almost looking untouched since its last owner as many books and papers were scattered around the space.

She could see her home fading away as they drifted away further.

"Wait, the Captain and Navigator share the same room?" Hermione asks as she turned back to find Y/n suddenly standing almost face to face with her.

"Of course, you're my right hand now" she mumbles as her eyes flickered around Hermione's face.

"If there wasn't already evidence of this cot being lived in, I would think you had done this on purpose" Hermione chuckles as Y/n brushed past her and took a seat at her desk.

"We could always push our cots together? Make this space very lived-in" Y/n suggests as Hermione stood in front of her, the only thing separating them was the desk of the captain.

"You would like that, wouldn't you?" the former royal asks as she leaned down and restart her hands upon the wood.

"Certainly, I like to have my treasures close by me" Y/n whispers as she herself leaned closer, and like earlier in the night, they stared at one another intensely.

Hermione smirked and brushed her nose against hers in a teasing manner.

"You think of me as one of your treasures?" she replies in a hushed tone as she heard a soft shudder come from the sailor.

"Yes, I've caught myself a princess after all" Y/n mutters as Hermione pecked the corner of her mouth.

She was using her tricks.

"Did you? Or did I catch myself a Captain?"

Y/n's grin found a home on her lips once more for the night, before being wiped away with a kiss from Hermione.

The captain saw stars behind her eyes that were more beautiful than the ones in the sky.

The poor Captain tried to chase after another one as she backed away with a mischievous smile.

"As fun, as it is to fool around with you, we do have work to do" Hermione states as she walked towards her new desk, her hand squeezing Y/n's shoulder as she went by.

Hermione could feel eyes burning into the back of her head as she sat down and took a book from one of the piles.

"If you want more, you have to woo me, my Captain," she says as she whispers the last part in a sultry tone.

Even though her decision to betray her country was almost just for the fact to see the world, she also knew a part of her wanted to see how a flirty Captain would treat her during their months at sea.

She knew sooner or later she would allow herself to be taken into the Captain's arms and ravished behind closed doors.

Yet, she still wanted to be treated like a proper lady, and it was going to be fun to watch an urchin like Y/n try her best at it.

Hermione could only chuckle as she heard Y/n walk out to the deck and begin asking questions about dates to her crew, having left the door open slightly.

This is going to be fun.

[wesperbrekkered]

Hello Tumblr!!

I'm Rae, she/her. I've has this account for a while but I haven't really been active until Twitter fell through the roof.

I am a Six of Crows account, however I mainly hyperfixate on Wesper. I'm a fanartist and a fanfic writer! I do eant to start being active more here because this site is much fairer to artists then both Twitter and Instagram.

I accept fic and fanart requests, however I can’t guarantee that I will do them unless it's commissioned. (I am very busy hehe.)

This is me plugging links to my fanfics and showcasing some of my art ♡

Of Lies and Rash Decisions

“I need you to kill a man for me.”

Jesper shook his head, attempting to hand the paper back, “I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong man,” he said with a put upon smile, eyes darting for possible exit points, “I’m not a mercenary.”

OR

Jesper is running down on his luck when he's approached by a merchant with a dark job for him. He doesn't want to do it, but when his father is threatened Jesper is forced to take the hit.

Sounds easy enough, until Jesper meets the boy he's supposed to kill, and everything starts to fall apart.

______________________________________________

Basically an AU where Jesper WAS actually sent to kill Wylan during the Book!Wesper first meet, only Jesper never actually goes through with the deed

Of Merchlings and Letters Home

And now Jesper was standing in front of said Wylan, fiddling with a letter in his hands and having to tell the man he’d been in love with for 2 years -who most definatly didn’t feel the same- that he had told his wonderful father they were dating, and now said father wanted to meet him.

Saints this is just great.

OR

Jesper tells his father he has a boyfriend so he'd stop worrying about him. Now Colm wants to meet said boyfriend. Only problem? Jesper doesn't have a boyfriend.

What he does have is a best friend he's madly in love with that he just might have told his father he was dating.

Flair for the Dramatics

The merman rolled his eyes, “I’m not clueless.” He was now reclined against a large rock, his long tail stretched out on the bank beside the creek, fins waving lazily.

They were so big. They looked so soft. Wylan kind of wanted to touch them.

Yeah, it was official. Wylan was most definitely hallucinating.

"You're not hallucinating."

Had he said that out loud?

The merman grinned at him, and Wylan resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He failed.

“Fucking saints,” he muttered, turning away so the he was facing the line of trees instead.

OR

Wylan should have died when he fell (once again) from a ship. His saviour however, is *not* what he would have expected. He's now forced to put aside his superstitions and general disbelief if he wants any chance of getting free of the deserted island.

The Mermaid Jesper X Pirate Wylan AU that this fandom is LACKING in hehe.

Never Let Me Go

“Hey!” he called over at him, over the wind. Wylan turned to look at him, one eye squinted in that way he did to make sure Jesper knew he was raising an eyebrow. It was horribly endearing.

“My place isn’t too far away,” he said carefully, “if you want, we could get changed out of the suits and go get waffles or something. My treat.”

For the second time that day, Wylan’s eyes widened again, and Jesper felt uncharacteristically nervous.

Then he nodded, “alright,” he called, “sounds nice!”

And for the first time in a long time, Jesper felt a certain amount of happiness settle inside him.

OR

Jesper Fahey has been New York’s one and only Spiderman for three years.

That is- until he's invited among the ranks of the esteemed Spider Society, and introduced to many Spiders from many Universes.

One Spiderman in particular, from Earth 717, hits just a little too close to home, and Jesper is forced to confront his old demons.

One of the many Wesper Spiderman AU's, but the ONLY Wesper Spiderverse AU.

I have way more fics, these are just my favourites. To read my selection of oneshots;

And Now for some Art!!!

[djsherriff-responses]

Ok so you know what would be incredibly fun to add to this au?

Making one of Rayman’s friends work for Eden instead

These are merely suggestions, feel free to ignore or whatever. idk if it’d be better if they knew each other prior to leaving dimension x or if this is a “we could’ve been friends in another life but here we are strangers” angst scenario, pick your poison

Globox, I imagine being a father to a large family would be much easier to talk into the job position , he would need to provide for his family rather than just focus on his own survival after all. Since in the original games he’s the “cowardly” one of Rayman’s friends , he’s probably more willing to turn a blind eye to Eden’s blatant cruelty if it means he gets to keep his family safe, even if it makes him disgusted with himself. Imagine Globox and his kids being a parody mix of Goofy and the kardashians

Ly the fairy , as tempted as I am to make her some kind of pop idol and give her magical girl vibes, Eden would probably find her more useful in the military. She’s probably went through even worse experimentation by Eden scientists and is treated more as a tool than a person (I may or may not love the angst of Ly losing her magical powers and becoming a cyborg , horrible scenario considering her experience with robo pirates)

Murfy, probably just similar to Rayman in Laserhawk canon but way more crude and perverted? Having a hard time thinking of angst for this one tbh

Ales Mansay, a character I’m surprised fans haven’t explored in the context of the Laserhawk universe. I already have my own hc that he’s chilling in Eden doing illegal tech work and is a twitch streamer on the side, but I can imagine Ales would be over joyed to be in this world, finally someone who appreciates his talents! And since he was never skilled in the magic arts, he was likely one of the few Teensies/“aliens” from dimension x that didn’t mourn the loss of magic. Not sure what exactly Eden would have Ales do, but compared to the others he’d be much harder to convince of the corruption that Eden , and by extension himself, has caused everyone

(Some of these I’m going with the assumption that magic doesn’t work/exist in the Laserhawk universe the way it does in the glade of dreams, either due to the lack of the world’s heart or Eden corruption of nature effecting it, so it would have a weird effect on characters who are in tune with magic)

Welp I guess I’m going to have to go into some detail now XD

So here is a very basic timeline of the key events in this AU and how it fits into the Blood Dragon universe. There’s even a few pictures!

WARNING this is a LONG post and features discussion of scientific abuse and torture so read with care.

The setup starts before Eden takes over with the Rabbid invasion of the US and Rayman being dumped into this universe from Dimension X

The Rabbids are dealt with by the military but Rayman is captured and held as an alien by the government, who don’t really know what to do with him but he seems friendly and hey it’s a free alien they can keep as a science project.

Rayman is not ok with this but he has nowhere else to go and these military guys seem to not want to kill him so ok.

Then Eden takes over. They basically do this through corporate meddling and financial control and managed to do it without needing Rayman as a mascot.

BUT now they have control over the government and all the stuff they have they find Rayman and go ‘oh cool, free test subject’ and start to experiment on him to figure out a) how he works and b) tie this into their plans to create a dimension portal gun.

Rayman is VERY not ok with this but he doesn’t have much choice.

Cue poor Ray getting physically tortured for months as Eden tries to figure out how he works.

MEANWHILE we cut to Sam Fisher. He’s pretty much the same as he was in the show. Ex us military guy who doesn’t like how Eden is corrupting the youth and destroying the nation etc etc

He lives with his daughter Sarah who is at the age where Eden is trying to corrupt her young mind (but they don’t have the Rayman Kids concept so it’s not quite as effective). Plus Sam is a good dad who is trying to keep his little girl on the right track.

Sam connects with Marcus Holloway and his hacker network in the hopes of getting Sarah out of Eden to stay with a military buddy of his.

Holloway agrees to help him smuggle Sarah out but in return wants the ex military badass to do some recon for him to figure out what the hell Eden is doing with this whole dimensional portals thing.

Sam is like ‘sure if it helps my daughter and messes with Eden a little I’m game’

So Sam uses his super espionage skills to break into one of Eden’s science divisions to get info.

He doesn’t get far before he gets discovered and has to retreat, but not before he ends up finding Rayman locked in Eden’s basement,

Eden has pretty much taken everything they need from poor Ray and left him to rot until they can figure out what to do with him.

Sam being a cool dude takes pity on the limbless guy and invites him to escape with him. Rayman is 100% ok with this plan.

Cue daring escape.

Sam takes Ray home to meet Sarah who is instantly fascinated by the little limbless alien and the two form a sibling like bond. Rayman is just happy to be somewhere safe where he’s not being tortured for science and is reminded that humans are ok actually.

This bond also helps Sarah because the idea that Eden would hurt Rayman helps her not fall for their bullshit propaganda so easily.

The little family spend a few months together to form a bond until Marcus gives Sam the all clear for Sarah to escape Eden

Originally Rayman is supposed to go with Sarah but she asks him to stay with her dad to keep him safe in Eden. Rayman agrees and he and Sam send Sarah out of Eden safely with Marcus’ help.

Almost immediately after this Marcus and his hacker group are raided and captured.

Sam is obviously gung-ho to rescue him in return for what he did for Sarah, so he and Rayman bust into the VR jail to rescue Marcus.

Sam, Rayman and Marcus form their own rebel group to take down Eden and retreat to the desert VR facility as the foundation of their base.

Cue several years of recruiting and fucking with Eden’s propaganda as Eden grows in power.

Sam trains Rayman to help him take part in stealth missions with him and Marcus is the tech guy support. Basically Rayman becomes the Splinter Ray skin from Rayman Legends

Through this they also make contact with the Assassin organisation that Bullfrog is part of and the teams start working together to wreck Eden.

Sam and Rayman meet Bullfrog. Yay!

More cool training and sharing of skills between Sam, Rayman and Bullfrog.

This leads into Wasteland War as Eden strikes back against the rebels.

During this time Dolph is working for Eden but his story more of less plays out the same with him meeting Alex, ditching the military and going on the run. He’s not really involved with the rebellion at this point.

MEANWHILE Sarah returns to Eden and reunites with Sam.

Because she wasn’t brainwashed as a kid she believes in the strength of the rebellion. She came back to either take her dad somewhere safe or join the team. Obviously she does the latter.

Sam and Rayman are obviously overjoyed to see Sarah again.

BUT SHE IS NOT ALONE.

In order to locate her dad she had to make contact with someone on the inside of Eden who would be willing to send her updates and info

SURPRISE ITS JADE AND PEY’J :D

Jade and Sarah are penpal buddies yay

By this point we pretty much have the whole gang together on the rebel side.

THEN Alex betrays Dolph for his own goals and Dolph gets captured. THIS WOULD BE THE STARTING POINT FOR THE STORY FROM DOLPH’S PERSPECTIVE LIKE THE SHOW.

Marcus is like ‘hey guys we should have this badass on our side’

Sam and Rayman are like ‘lol ok’

They bust him out and ‘encourage’ him to join their rebellion.

Dolph is hesitant until Marcus tells him he can get him info on Alex.

Dolph joins the rebellion strike force because he’s just that easy to convince XD

Everyone is here and as stated above we follow Dolph’s story coming to terms with his new team, learning about their history and how they all work together.

IT WOULD BE A BIG OLD GROUP PROJECT AND IT WOULD BE AWESOME.

And there we go! Basically all the setup for an alternate take on the Blood Dragon universe. Let’s call it the ‘Splinter Cel Remix’ :D

Obviously there is a lot less death and double crossing in this version and some people might thinks that’s lame but this is only the background for a continuing plot line so anything could happen. Also I’m SURE my timelines are all messed up with character ages and when the Wasteland war was, and even more screwed up with removing Rayman as Eden’s mascot. BUT WHATEVER it’s just a fun little what if.

Thank you for reading this utterly self indulgent nonsense from my tiny brain. I hope the pictures helped!

[angellknives]

Love and Plundering

@ash-and-starlight created a STUNNING set of artwork of a pirate AU, which inspired me to write this little tidbit:

“I’m the world's best reconnoiter,” Sokka boasts.

Two hours later, he’s ensnared by the enemy.

To be fair, it’s deceivingly small. There’s not a flag in sight, only a dingy bit of fabric, scorched to tatters, that flaps from the mast. The crew is a scattered lineup of grubby men, like no soldier Sokka has ever seen. They lack the faceless, haunting masks, and the heavy armour. Instead, they look like they’ve all had a horrible mix up.

“Um,” Sokka says.

A man with severe sideburns and a permanent scowl looks down at him.

Sokka opens his mouth right as a bulky door flies open, revealing the stomping mass of a fuming teenager, his short, choppy hair bouncing with the force of his furious steps. He has a scar so prominent it’s the only thing Sokka can focus on as he marches over.

“Water Tribe,” he snaps, appearing ridiculously short next to the other man, “what’s your business?”

“What’s your business, Fire Nation?” Sokka retorts, wiggling in his shackles. They’re biting into his skin, but no one gathered around the deck looks friendly enough to oblige a request to have them loosened.

“We’re not affiliated with the Fire Nation,” he snaps.

His ears appear to be vaguely steaming.

“Wow,” Sokka says, “I forgot that earthbenders can firebend. Any other tricks up your sleeve? Airbending? Can you make monkeys talk?”

“NO,” the boy yells.

Behind him, a short, fat man floats over, angling a benign smile right at Sokka.

“Nephew, perhaps it would be more prudent to simply tell our lovely guest-“

“He is not a guest, he’s a prisoner!”

“I object to that,” Sokka butts in, and gets a swift glare from the boy.

“You can’t object to anything, peasant!”

Sokka opens his mouth, furious, but the old man gets there first.

“Would you like some tea?”

The boy rounds on him, golden eyes flashing.

“Uncle!”

“You’ve figured me out,” Sokka says dryly, “my special trick is drinking beverages with no hands.”

Surprisingly, the old man erupts into obnoxious guffaws.

He wipes an invisible tear from the corner of one eye, and places a hand on his seething nephew's shoulder.

“Zuko, I don’t think this boy is a threat-“

“Hey!”

“-and it may be in your best interests to release him.”

They descend into a one-sided argument that the old man simply stands and takes.

Sokka, immediately bored, casts an eye around the rest of the ship. Scruffy clothes, a mixture of browns and reds, even greens, that do little to compliment the irritable features that paint almost every crew member. Some are chewing on hardtack, thoughtfully watching the boy’s explosive tantrum, as if it’s an everyday occurance too common to accord any real attention to.

The realisation hits him belatedly.

“You guys are pirates!” Sokka blurts out, and the ship sinks into a sudden, cold silence.

Zuko twists on his rugged boots, and leans forward, bringing with him the smell of smoke and dirt. Up close, the scar is ridges of burnt skin, mottled beyond recognition.

“Yes,” Zuko says, his voice a raspy snarl, “so, do you have anything of value to offer, or should we throw you overboard?”

Sokka gulps.

He thinks vaguely of the fake gemstone he’d bought from a market vendor because of its sparkling prettiness, and nods very fast.

The ship is small, mangled and damaged. They’re eating hardtack, which his father once told him is prone to getting infested with weevils.

“Yep. I think it’ll, uh, really help your… situation.”

Zuko glares at him.

After a second, he nods to the man, possibly his second, and points a demanding finger towards the door he first appeared from.

“Take him to my quarters.”

~~~

There’s a girl in Zuko’s quarters.

She’s lounging on a mattress on the floor, throwing a knife that glints under the low light of the lanterns. When he’s pushed inside, she looks over immediately, and still catches the blade by its hilt.

Sokka turns around, because he'd rather be up on deck with the angriest boy in the world, than with an irate looking knife girl.

He’s shoved back again, and the door slams in his face.

“Is Zuko keeping pets now?” she asks boredly, when Sokka awkwardly spins to face her again. A regal looking hand pulls a much smaller knife from the depths of her robes. It slides between long fingers with delicate ease.

“I’m not a pet,” Sokka grumbles.

Momo is the pet, and they didn’t need anymore flying, food-stealing lemurs.

“Good, because he already has one, and it’s a pain in my ass.”

“What, a parrot?” Sokka snorts.

She sits up, and tosses her hair behind one shoulder, revealing an equally angry looking-

Sokka squints at it.

“Is that a lizard?”

It looks like a lizard. Red scales, beady little eyes that observe him hungrily, and a tail that flicks forward to curl around the girl's neck. On its back, two strange little nubs protrude like tree stumps.

“Something like that,” she says boredly.

Sokka inches quietly away from it.

“I’m Mai, and this is Druk.”

Druk watches his every movement from the curtain of black hair, pausing only to accept gentle strokes from one of Mai’s fingers. After a second, it’s scales fluff, and it purrs, a rough, grating sound similar to nails dragging on metal.

“Tui and La,” Sokka flinches, “Zuko and Druk sound perfect for each other.”

The corner of Mai’s mouth twinges, barely.

She stands abruptly, and stalks over to him.

“Turn around,” Mai instructs, apathetically.

“Um,” Sokka says, eyeing the glint of her blade nervously, “why?”

She sighs.

“Because I’m going to remove your bindings.”

“Why?”

Mai grabs his shoulder, and twists him around.

“Because I think it will annoy Zuko.”

“Oh,” Sokka says, relaxing marginally, “do you do that often?”

“It’s entertaining. He’s a crank.”

Sokka decides it was in his own best interest to keep his mouth shut, and not tell her that she also seems like a bit of a crank.

“There,” Mai says, after a second of fiddling.

The relief on his joints is immediate, and he stretches out his shoulders, relishing the loud crack that follows.

“Ugh, that’s better,” he mutters.

“Good,” Mai says, and plucks Druk from her neck.

She drops him on his head with one hand, and swings the door open with the other.

“Stay here and look after Druk. I need to talk to Zuko.”

The door shuts after her with a resounding bang.

Druk’s claws twist painfully into his scalp, like little thorns from a rose bush. A second of coaxing does nothing to move him, so Sokka, irritable and impatient, grabs the lizard by the tail and lifts.

They end up eye to eye, gazing at each other warily.

“Great,” Sokka sighs, “any chance you know the way off this thing? Or the closest landmass?”

Druk hunkers down onto his haunches, and burps out a spark of flame.

[shadequeen712]

Book of Shadows

Chapter Two - The Ghost of Sweet Revenge

Genre: witch au, demons, angst, poly relationship

Pairing: Seonghwa x Hongjoong x OC, San x Wooyoung

Warnings: Morally ambiguous characters, light torture (just bondage really) and a lot of dark magic

Notes: I know Wooyoung seems like a super possessive, jealous boyfriend right now, but I promise he’ll get better. And since this is a dark magic au, pretty much all of Ateez is gonna be morally ambiguous in this one. Hongjoong leans towards the darker side of morality for sure. It’s not quite a warning, but please keep it in mind. 

The smell of saltwater assaulted the senses, and the ship rocked like a warning. Hongjoong steered the Horizon peacefully despite the horrible weather conditions, humming an old pirate tune to himself as he navigated the murky depths. The sky was blackening faster than he would have liked, but he knew they still had time to reach land. If rain were in the air, he would be able to smell it. But all he could sense was the sea below, guiding him like an old friend.

He was so focused on the ocean that he failed to notice a warm presence creeping up behind him. He nearly startled when he felt arms suddenly wrapped around his waist. Hongjoong smiled down at the long fingers knitted together, decorated by a single silver ring, engraved with the star-like crest of their coven. Hongjoong bore an identical tattoo on the back of his neck. Each one of them had the same mark- the mark of a witch, the symbol of their power.

"You're up early," Hongjoong said, half-turning to face Seonghwa. "You didn't have to get up with me."

Seonghwa tucked his face into Hongjoong's neck, speaking into the warm skin there. "You didn't have to get up without me. It's too cold when you're gone."

Hongjoong hummed, "The ship was too rocky for me to sleep. Besides, someone has to steer this thing."

"I thought it was Mingi's turn to steer the ship."

Hongjoong shook his head. "He's still fast asleep. And we both know he won't be getting up until this afternoon."

Despite the lack of moisture in the air, thunder crackled in the clouds above. Flashes of lightning revealed ghastly faces peering down at them like angry gods of old. Hongjoong felt the hair on his arms stand to attention, and he knew that this was no ordinary storm.

"Seonghwa, wake the others," Hongjoong ordered quickly, unraveling himself from the man's arms. Seonghwa stared at him in alarm, still disoriented and sleepy. But Hongjoong couldn't begin to explain the danger they suddenly found themselves in. He feared even speaking the name of the fearsome creature would seal their fates.

Seonghwa rushed off, seeing the grim look on Hongjoong's face. Hongjoong lingered, staring up at the sky, listening.

And then he heard the distant wailing, like a banshee proclaiming their imminent deaths. Hongjoong shut his eyes, feeling his insides turning. He knew what was coming, and why the creature was sent to find them. To find him. The magic they had, the magic stolen from the heavens to protect them from hunger and despair, belonged to the stars. Hongjoong was born into magic, but the others weren't as lucky. They were the outcasts of the world, the forgotten and the uncared for.

When he found Seonghwa standing on the roof's edge of his mansion, ready to throw his life away from the sheer unfairness of it all- Hongjoong didn't hesitate to call on the stars. He wished and prayed with everything in him, hoping that the stars would fill Seonghwa with light and laughter, with joy and life, so he could live to see another day.

Hongjoong never expected the stars to answer him. At that young age, he didn't understand that those distant stars were actually old souls, the souls of witches passed over. So when the lights came like he asked, filling up the empty rooftop that would soon be Seonghwa's grave - Hongjoong didn't waste a second. He took the light in his hands, whisked Seonghwa away from the edge, and fed him the stars.

Humans can never possess magic. It is the most absolute of magical rules, one that Hongjoong knew very well. And still, he could not leave this boy alone to die. Hongjoong knew that one day, the stars would punish him for stealing their souls, for interrupting their peaceful existence in heaven.

But now, the stars were angry with them. The souls were gathering in the heavens, coming to reclaim the magic that was never meant to be theirs. But Hongjoong would be damned if he let them take away everything he had ever worked for.

He gripped the wheel of the ship, feeling the light from his inner star glow. He started to pray again, but not to the old witches looking down on them with hatred. He prayed to the only power strong enough to fight them off.

If the forces of light would not accept them, then he would turn to their enemies, the shadows.

...

Aurora woke up in a cold sweat. She could still feel the light brush of Seonghwa's lips on her neck, and the smell of saltwater lingered as if she had recently been out to sea. Aurora wasn't sure why she was dreaming of Hongjoong's time out at sea, or why she was dreaming about him at all.

It made absolutely no sense to her. Aurora had said all but two words to the man, promised him a solution that she didn't even have, and then left as quickly as she came. And now that she had a moment of clarity, in which she realized that she was not an all-powerful witch like the rest of the coven but just an ordinary human with impressive manifestation abilities, she also realized that she was not the person they needed.

Hongjoong's rejection might have had something to do with her sudden dip in confidence. Also Wooyoung's outright disdain for her presence wasn't helpful either.

After visiting Hongjoong, Seonghwa had explained everything he could about what they needed from her. Like he said, she was a human with the heart of a witch. There were a few human souls that possessed an affinity for magic because they believed with everything in them, and apparently she was one of those rare individuals. And after hearing the news of her ex's untimely death, Aurora was not one to argue.

According to an ancient spell, a human's love could reverse the curse of a demon. It wasn't as cliche as true love's kiss, and not nearly as simple. She would have to learn to love Hongjoong, and he would have to learn to love her. With their mutual feelings overriding the dark magic, the old woman's skin would slip off of Hongjoong like an uncomfortable dress. Or at least, Seonghwa hoped as much. It was his first time attempting such an old magic after all. It was the stuff of fairytales.

Once Aurora heard her true purpose in all of this, that instead of learning magic or manifesting a happy ending, she would have to work for the attention of a man that wanted nothing to do with her, she promptly asked for San to take her home.

She just couldn't believe that this was what it came down to. Love? It was ridiculous. How could love fix a demon's curse?

The sound of a meow at her window startled her. She sat up in bed, looking out at the windowsill where San sat perched, getting drenched in the early afternoon rain. She crawled over and peered right into his big yellow eyes. "What do you want?" She asked.

He meowed again in response, pawing the glass.

"I'm not letting a grown man in my room," Aurora asserted. "Especially not one with a surly boyfriend."

"You're a grown woman," San said as a cat, which scared the shit out of Aurora, "And Wooyoung doesn't mean to be rude. He's just a little possessive."

"A little?" Aurora challenged. "I hugged you, and he glared at me like I grabbed your ass or something."

San rolled his eyes, and instead of waiting for Aurora to welcome him in like the last time, he simply leapt onto her bed from outside like the glass was invisible. He settled into a ball by her legs. "I don't care what he thinks. He's not my fucking owner."

"Have you told him that?" She asked. The urge to run her hand down his furry head was almost overwhelming, but she resisted. Things were just too weird now, with him actually being a real person. And Wooyoung was literally going to kill her if she put so much as a fingertip on San.

"I shouldn't have to," San said. He rubbed a paw over his face. "But no, not yet."

Aurora hummed, having already known the answer before she asked. "Again San, I'll ask. What are you doing here? What do you want?"

"You know why I'm here," San accused. "I want you to come back with me and save Hongjoong."

Aurora shook her head, throwing the sheets over San's tiny form and standing up from the bed. She stretched in place, not caring about her bare thighs or her head scarf. It was San that invaded her room without permission. "No can do. I'm not romancing someone that's already in a relationship. It's unethical. And it's weird that Seonghwa wants me to do it in the first place."

San growled and fought his way out of the covers, looking up at her with a sour face. "So putting a hex on someone is fine, but flirting is unethical?"

Aurora was reminded of Emery, how she wished him dead out of pure anger. She knew that it was wrong, and that she was going to be punished for it somehow. But to her, at the time, he had deserved it. Destroying a love as deep as Hongjoong and Seonghwa's, there was no excuse for that. They had done absolutely nothing to her.

It also might have been the fact that she knew, and I mean she really knew, that she had no chance in hell of winning over Hongjoong's heart. The man was simply impossible.

"Do you know what I have to do?" Aurora asked, walking towards her closet and shuffling through its contents, trying to find something to wear. Clearly the coven wasn't going to let her off the hook. "It's a hell of a lot more than flirting."

"I know that if you don't help him, he's going to die," San said with a chilling certainty.

Aurora paused at that, not knowing what to say. It's not that she didn't want to help Hongjoong. She still longed to see the man smile, to meet the badass witch of her dreams. But she felt so unworthy of attempting something like this, so unworthy of trying. How could she even dream of loving him? Better yet, how could she dream that he would love her back?

"Is there a way I can call you? I just need some time to think," Aurora decided.

San stood up from the bed suddenly. Aurora hadn't even noticed that he shifted into human form. He was much taller than her, looking down at her with a solemn expression. Aurora bravely stared back, waiting for him to speak.

He surprised her when he turned his head to the side and said, "Kiss my ear."

Aurora raised both eyebrows. "Huh?"

"Just do it," San demanded. "You said you wanted to learn magic."

She hesitated, but something inside of her just screamed to try it, to take the leap. So she leaned over and brushed her lips against his ear. San leaned back, satisfied. "A simple whispering spell. Now, I'll be able to hear anything you want to say to me. If you call me, I'll hear you."

"Really? That's so cool!" She exclaimed.

"I can teach you much more than this. I could help you make potions, learn the essential herbs. We could contact any dead relative that you wish to speak to. Anything you want, really," San proposed. "Just promise me that you'll really consider it. Hongjoong needs you."

She wanted to escape his imploring gaze that was convincing her by the second. Aurora knew that the coven was desperate, that they would do anything. She wasn't going to make them wait long. She just had to gather herself, and find the courage to do the impossible.

"I will," Aurora promised. Another promise that she wasn't sure how to keep.

Apparently, this was enough for him. Before she could say anything else, San walked right into her open closet. She stared after him. "San?"

But he had disappeared, vanishing between the rack of hanging clothes. Aurora stared into the empty dark space, her mind wandering.

...

"Did you convince her?" Seonghwa asked as soon as San crossed the threshold of the bookstore. He attempted to read San's facial expression, to find an inkling of hope in the man's blank frown.

San grinned at the question, waving away his concerns. It was an odd reaction, considering everything. "She's gonna do it."

"How can you be sure?" Seonghwa asked, trailing the man as he walked past the dimly-lit bookshelves and dispelled the illusion that hid their home from passersby. Pausing to turn and lock the front door with a flick of his hand, Seonghwa's long stride easily matched San's quick pace. He peered into the younger man's soul, awaiting an answer.

"She loves magic too much to refuse," San assured him. "Give it a day, and she'll be calling."

Seonghwa sighed. He just couldn't find it in himself to relax, despite San's optimism. From what he had seen of Aurora, she was strong-willed and hopeful, but also fragile and reckless. Although she might be determined to help, if something frightened her, or challenged her in a way that she couldn't handle, she was going to run. It had already happened once, thanks to Wooyoung's unacceptable attitude. And Hongjoong, Seonghwa couldn't even begin to deal with him. If anything would drive her away, it would be the intimidating members of his coven.

That left the job to more friendly members, like himself and San. Maybe Yunho if he could get the man to return from his trip to Atlantis, where he was busy finding a sea spell old and powerful enough to break Hongjoong's curse.

The rest of the coven was out of the question. Mingi was off in some far corner of the world, trying to pretend like everything was fine. Bringing him back right now would only increase the tension that everyone could feel, the faint strain on their magic due to the curse. Yeosang was busy searching every corner of every library and apothecary, hoping to find a way to save Hongjoong. Seonghwa didn't really want to interrupt him, because it was his way of staying busy and coping all at once.

Wooyoung occupied himself with scouring the cosmos for answers, reading the constellations in the hopes that it may give them some insight. The stars were much older than the sea, and the source of their magic, so Seonghwa left him to it, hoping for the best.

San was responsible for befriending Aurora, a position that he volunteered for. It was a fine distraction, and he honestly just liked being around her, away from it all. Any other time he was asking the spirits if they knew a way to break the spell, or if they knew any weaknesses of Azazel's that they could use. So far, there was nothing.

Seonghwa himself was busy threatening every lower-level demon he could find for information. Most of them echoed the same thing, that Azazel was unstoppable, that he was an all-powerful king of Hell, and that the coven was doomed to fail since they crossed him the first time. Seonghwa liked to throw holy water on the ones that were particularly nasty about it, the ones that laughed at the prospect of them facing off Azazel like it was the funniest thing in the world. It pissed him off to no end.

"I hope you're right," Seonghwa said. "Thank you for trying. It's up to her now."

San shook his head. "You don't need to thank me." He paused in his stride, turning to face Seonghwa in the middle of the hallway. It was sudden and confrontational, something that Seonghwa was unprepared for. "Aurora is my friend," San asserted, looking up at the older man pointedly.

"Of course-"

"I won't be a part of your plan. I like her, and I won't lie to her," San continued. "I know that you want to save Hongjoong, but please don't break her heart in the process."

Seonghwa was at a loss, feeling his stomach sink at the implication. San started up the grand staircase without another word, towards the room where he knew Wooyoung was waiting for him. He stared after the younger man, letting the weight of his accusation settle onto his shoulders. The weight somehow made him feel sick.

Seonghwa walked up the staircase after lingering for too long, thinking. He walked down the dark hall, and opened the door to his lover's stagnant room. "Hongjoong?"

The rumpled sheets did not stir. Seonghwa peered into the darkness, trying to make out the shape of Hongjoong's gray head of hair. He crept forward, his heart thumping for no apparent reason.

The reason became apparent, when he pulled the sheets back and stared at the empty space where Hongjoong was supposed to be.

...

Hongjoong liked walking through memories. It was his way of coping with the current reality, of dealing with the day to day. The memory he chose was an old one, when the coven were not yet witches but still young boys, playing their hand at being pirates. Hongjoong was born a witch, but the others weren't so lucky. They were rotting away in orphanages, on the streets, abandoned by their families for each a different reason. Yunho and Mingi came as a package, but the rest he found by traveling from city to city. He was looking for lost boys, ones that needed him. He hoped to assemble a family, to forge an unbreakable bond so that he would never have to face the reality of being alone again.

Seonghwa was not abandoned like the others. He was the son of a nobleman, highborn and well-fed. His life was easy, so easy it was boring. Hongjoong could see that the boy was bored, that he longed for adventure much like he once did.

Seonghwa approached him first. After he saved his life and filled him with magic, Hongjoong intended to abandon him. He was good at staying unseen, but Seonghwa was much too observant. He found the shadow witch before he could slip away, and practically begged to come with him; to join the crew.

Hongjoong shouldn't have let him come. He was trouble from the moment he stepped aboard the ship. His rich family caused quite a fuss looking for him. And Hongjoong soon realized why Seonghwa was so desperate to escape his home life. He was arranged to be married to a palace official's daughter; a woman that he was not in love with.

Seonghwa was too much like him, in love with the idea of adventure. He couldn't be bogged down by the formalities of the palace. So Hongjoong rescued him, putting a price on his own head in the process. He became the feared Pirate King, the ruthless man that ransacked the houses of noblemen. If only they knew he was so much more than that.

Giving the crew magic took a lot out of him. Giving humans immortality was no easy feat. It took the help of many witches, and a few demons, to accomplish what he wanted. Well, not really their help. Just their blood, and their souls.

He knew it was wrong. But Hongjoong was never a good witch. He lived in darkness, in shadows, and preyed on the weaklings he came across. It was simply his way of life. And Hongjoong would do anything for his boys. Anything to see them live, to see them thrive. And he knew that Seonghwa was really going to love magic.

The blood of his victims was the base of the spell, and their souls were the potion. He never told his boys what it was they were drinking, just told them to drink it entirely. And one by one, the spark of magic touched them, filled them with life. They never aged, and they grew more powerful by the day. Never again would someone manipulate or hurt them. They were more than able to protect themselves.

The blood magic took a toll on Hongjoong. It was the type of thing that wore on a person's soul, and seven deaths on a person's conscience- that was the kind of thing that attracted demons like no other. Demons loved the smell of blood, the smell of death on a person's hands. Hongjoong had a lot of death on his, and Azazel was a slave to his cravings.

Hongjoong figured it was simply his karma. He never should have taken the lives of helpless witches or friendly demons. But he never expected Azazel to punish the entire coven along with him, to use the blood magic as a weakness, a way to torture his boys. It was something he should have seen coming.

He paid the ultimate price for crossing paths with a king of hell. And for his many sins, he was finally going to die. In some ways, it was a relief.

Hongjoong watched the girl from the shadows, curious about why Seonghwa had brought her to him in the first place. And then San had told him, waltzing in to her bedroom like he lived there, and persuading her to try her luck at winning his heart. Hongjoong nearly laughed at the prospect. Who would want a heart as black as his?

The girl was lost, much like his boys were so long ago. She wanted magic just like they had; he could feel it. But he was no longer in a position to give it to her; to help anyone but himself. Hongjoong still had some powers lingering inside of him, but none strong enough to shed the skin he was trapped in; the skin that was killing him.

There was a link to her. Hongjoong couldn't figure it out, but the link was there. For some reason, he could feel her. And she could see into his past, much more than any human should be able to. She truly was a human with the heart of a witch.

Hongjoong settled into the corner of her room, content to watch her decide. He was more curious than anything. It was impossible, and she knew it too. But since he was bored, and she had sparked his interest, he kept watching.

Aurora turned towards him, like she could sense him sitting there. It was like she was staring right at him, unknowingly. He struggled to stay silent.

She turned away at the call of her grandmother, bounding out of her room with a youthful energy he couldn't even fathom. It was at that point that Hongjoong noticed the spirit in the room, trying to manifest himself into a physical presence. He narrowed his eyes at the young ghost, wondering who had the audacity to haunt such an innocent girl. The spirit was still struggling to manifest, as it was fairly new and had no focus. Hongjoong stood slowly, approaching him.

"Leave this place," Hongjoong said. He hated the raspy tone of his voice, the lack of bass in it.

The spirit seemed to consider his order, but ultimately decided to ignore Hongjoong. The witch wanted to laugh, but really it wasn't funny at all.

Hongjoong took hold of the spirit with one hand, capturing its essence with his bare fingers. "I told you to leave."

The ghost struggled, wanting to linger in her room. His aura glowed red with anger, with vengeance, and then Hongjoong understood. He wasn't just any spirit, but a vengeful one. Getting rid of him was not going to be a simple task.

Still, with his lingering powers and his boredom, it was a task that Hongjoong was up for. The last thing Seonghwa needed was another thing on his plate, when all his attention was on the lost cause of saving Hongjoong. He could do this much for his lover at least. And for the girl caught in the middle of it all.

"Come with me, now," Hongjoong hissed. And he clenched the spirit's aura in his fist until it howled. He could hear the girl returning to the room, looking for something. He dragged the ghost into the shadows, and away from Aurora for the time being.

...

Aurora felt a chill go down her spine, and she didn't know why. Her room felt strange- like it wasn't hers, and she felt the desperate urge to leave. Luckily her grandmother called her and she had the excuse to fly out of the room like a bat out of hell.

"Yeah?" She asked her grandma, who was clearly unsatisfied with her empty kitchen. She analyzed the sparse shelves of her fridge, sighing.

"We need to go to the grocery store. We can't survive off of delivery for much longer," Grandma said. Aurora jumped at the chance to leave the house, where she suddenly felt unsafe for the first time in her life.

"Okay, let me get my shoes," Aurora said. She slowly walked through the hall, hovering outside of the doorway. The dark feeling that had been there, so full of anger and resentment, was gone. She had felt it suddenly, the feeling that someone hated her guts, and wanted her dead. She wasn't sure how or why or who, but she didn't care. As long as it was gone.

She calmly slipped on her sneakers, and grabbed her jacket and purse. She stared into the empty room, at the corner where she could have sworn she saw a pair of eyes in the dark. Aurora knew it was probably the result of watching one too many horror movies, or maybe it was a lingering spirit from her walk through the ghost world with San. Either way, it had frightened her. Magic was a lot more frightening than she could have imagined.

"Come on, Aurora," her grandmother called from the front door. Aurora rushed out of the room with a full body shiver, dreading having to sleep in her bedroom at night.

She followed her grandma out the door, trying to calm her worries and think through the offer that San made to her. Learning magic was her lifelong dream, but was she willing to through away her dignity and risk her life to get it? It was no ordinary curse that plagued Hongjoong. He had angered a powerful demon, and if she got involved, she was likely to do the same.

Still, she couldn't help but feel for the witch even though she barely knew him. Hongjoong risked everything to save his coven, only to mark himself for death as a result. He cared for the witches so much that he threw away his life, and now they were doing everything they could to save him. How could Aurora do nothing when she was the key to saving his life? She might've been a killer, but she wasn't heartless.

Aurora's mind wandered as she roamed the aisles of the grocery store, picking up ingredients to make pasta. Her grandmother was right- they couldn't live off of DoorDash any longer. Her grandmother was busy touring the garden section for new pots, so she parted ways with her to make her way around the store. Aurora was trying to decide between making spaghetti and alfredo when a chill went up her spine, like someone's ghostly fingers were running along her back, up and down, up and down. She rotated her head, trying to shake the horrible feeling of cold fingertips on the back of her neck.

"You bitch," a faint voice suddenly whispered into her ear. "I'll kill you."

Aurora dropped the jar of spaghetti sauce she was holding, and the glass shattered across the tiled floor. Store-goers stared at her, watching her hands shake mid-air as tears welled in her eyes. Aurora whimpered, realizing all at once who the ghostly presence was that was following her around. She never thought that he would haunt her, or that he would know to hold her responsible for his death. It wasn't as if Aurora took a knife to Emery, but somehow the boy knew that she was the cause of his pain, and that was all that mattered.

Aurora wasn't equipped to handle a vengeful ghost on her own. She had no choice but to ask the coven for help. And if she asked them for help, they would expect her help with Hongjoong in return.

A store worker came to assess the damages in the aisle. Aurora greeted them with a shaky smile, promising to pay for the broken spaghetti sauce. Then she went to find her grandmother, to tell her to finish shopping without her. She had somewhere to be.

...

San came quickly at Aurora's call, almost like he had been waiting for it. He grinned at her, going in for a hug before he took in her sullen expression. His smile dropped, worry overtaking him in a split-second. "What happened? What's wrong?"

Aurora couldn't help but to cry at his concerned tone, sobs raking her body. He was going to find out how evil she was, how horrible of a person. If he though placing a hex on someone was bad, what would he think when she told him the truth? San would be disgusted at the sight of her.

She couldn't find the words. All she could do was cry because Emery's ghost was going to haunt her indefinitely. She cried even more because she knew that she deserved it. Wishing harm on someone for any reason made her a bad person, and even though there was no direct evidence linking her to Emery's murder, Aurora knew in her soul that she was the one who killed him.She knew Emery's personality; how angry he could get. He was going to haunt her until she died herself. He practically said as much in the store.

"Aurora, I need you to tell me what happened," Seonghwa said. She didn't even know when he had gotten there. Aurora called San to pick her up outside of the store, and now she was making a scene in the parking lot. People gawked at her as they walked in with their kids in hand, avoiding her like the plague. San must have called Seonghwa when she wouldn't answer him, because he knew that the man could get through to her. His comforting presence momentarily distracted her from worrying, as he gripped her shoulders lightly and turned her towards him.

"Emery," was all she could get out, before more tears escaped her eyes. Aurora was never much of a crybaby, but the thought of getting haunted by a ghost that she murdered was enough to make her inconsolable.

"Who the hell is Emery?" San demanded, as if he was going to bring him back to life and kill him all over again for making Aurora cry. Aurora managed to smile at him, though the tears made it look more like a grimace.

"Aurora," Seonghwa called, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "If you don't tell me, then I'm gonna have to pull it out of you."

She wondered what exactly he meant by that. Seonghwa didn't give her long to ponder over it, as he reached over and cupped her cheek with his large, warm hand. Aurora closed her eyes at the sensation, her cheeks warming under his touch. He rubbed the skin with delicate fingers, smoothing away her tears. Seonghwa truly had a talent for comforting people, because Aurora was already feeling better.

She opened her eyes to look at Seonghwa, peering at him through wet lashes. His gaze was not nearly as soft as his touch. The look in his eyes was so intense that he almost looked angry, and if he hadn't been smoothing over her round cheeks, she would think that he was. She wondered why he was looking at her so intently, and then she felt a tugging sensation at the corner of her mind.

"I want you to show me this person named Emery. Can you do that for me?" Seonghwa asked. He sounded out of breath, as if the effort of prying into her mind was taking the wind out of him.

Aurora felt Seonghwa prodding at her memories, prompting her to reveal everything about Emery. She was reluctant to show him what happened, to show him the source of shame that made her burst into tears. But she knew that Seonghwa would find out about her crime one way or another. There was no way she could hide such a huge secret from him.

"I'll show you," Aurora agreed, her heart thundering. Even the thought of him seeing what she did filled her with dread. What choice did she have, really? She couldn't hide her true nature any longer.

Seonghwa smiled, pleased to have her permission. He closed his eyes, feeling for the person named Emery that haunted Aurora's thoughts. As Seonghwa focused on searching her mind, San whisked them into the spirit world and away from curious onlookers.

...

Hongjoong cursed, having lost his grip on that God forsaken Emery Watson. He was a slippery spirit, the kind of ghost that no one could pin down for long. It was just his luck to have a nasty poltergeist on his hands when he didn't have the strength to ring its neck. And Emery was the worst of all, because not only was he angry, but he was also entitled. He believed that his life was robbed from him, which it technically was, but he also believed that he did nothing wrong in the first place. And Hongjoong knew for a fact that he had wronged Aurora, because he had seen it in his dreams. While lying around in his bedroom, breathing in the darkness, Hongjoong dreamed of Aurora. He dreamed of her at school, kissing an undeserving boy named Emery Watson. He watched as he touched her, coaxed her into submission and made her vulnerable for him. Then he saw the stupid boy discard her like she was nothing, and slut-shame her in front of everyone. Hongjoong writhed in bed with clenched fists, wanting to dig his overgrown nails into Emery's eye sockets.

And then he saw the way Aurora roasted him alive with nothing more than a look, and suddenly he felt intrigued. Her dark gaze was deadly, but also strangely beautiful. Hongjoong was surprised that such a cheerful-looking human had fire within her, enough to sear her enemies without so much as a spell. She made the boy turn and run without uttering a word, something that only the most powerful of witches could accomplish. Aurora was more than a human with the heart of a witch. She was a human with the potential to be the most powerful witch that ever lived. More powerful than him, even.

But now, that stupid ghost was going after her. He had already slipped away from the prison Hongjoong made for him in the spirit world. He had slithered back to Aurora like a little snake, and whispered threats into her ears that made her cry. Hongjoong seethed with the audacity of this boy, who somehow believed that he could intimidate a witch. Lingering spirits like him were usually hunted down by reapers, but Hongjoong couldn't wait for one to show itself. He had to get rid of Emery before he hurt Aurora.

Hongjoong snatched the boy up when his lips brushed Aurora's ear, tugging him along by the hair at the crown of his head. Emery looked much like he had in life; he had pale skin and curly hair that extended past his ears. It was perfect for Hongjoong's fingers to latch onto, yanking at the strands so hard that the boy screeched. He dragged him all the way from the grocery store in town, back to the prison he crafted out of shadow and bone. He actually used Emery's own body to make the cage, stretching his ribs out to make the bars, and fashioning his phalanges into chains. The shadows held the bones together so they wouldn't rattle too much, and the essence of the boy's flesh kept his spirit bound.

So how Emery escaped from the cage the first time, Hongjoong wasn't sure. He stared at the boy, watching as he groaned in pain from the skeletal hands latched onto his ankles. The hands rose out from the ground, keeping him firmly tied to the spiritual plane. Shadowy tendrils clenched around his wrists like handcuffs, keeping him from banging against the bars of the cage. Emery's head lolled as he moaned, coming to and glaring at his captor.

"Let me go, you bitch!" Emery spat. His face was a frightening mask of white, with dark pits for eyes and bared teeth. The anger made him scarier, causing his form to glow bright like an overheated lamp. Hongjoong couldn't care less how much energy Emery used. If he used too much of it, his soul would simply evaporate like fog in the autumn air. With Hongjoong's current appearance, it was no wonder that Emery used such a foul term. The withering skin of this form was deceiving, because underneath, Hongjoong was alight with furious energy. He felt more alive than he had in weeks, wondering how he was going to torture this evil spirit. Should he send him straight to hell, or play with him a little?

"Hyung?"

Hongjoong turned to see San making his way toward him, followed by Seonghwa and Aurora. San was guiding the both of them, as Seonghwa held Aurora in his arms and focused on finding out the truth. Hongjoong recognized the stance, understanding at once that Seonghwa was looking into her mind.

"San," Hongjoong greeted. "I was just handling this vengeful spirit named Emery."

At the sound of the boy's name, Aurora opened her eyes and broke the psychic connection. Seonghwa came to a second later, releasing her in favor of holding his forehead. Hongjoong knew that forming a psychic bond took a lot out of a witch, especially when it was not their specialty. He wondered what must have happened for Seonghwa to use such a taxing method of getting information.

Aurora took an unbalanced step forward, teetering on her feet like a newborn baby. The psychic bond took a lot out of her too, but she seemed to be recovering quickly, at least enough to recognized the ghost imprisoned before her eyes. "Emery?"

Emery looked up at the sound of her voice, yanking at the chains on his hands and feet. "You!"

She flinched back with wide eyes, horrified of the skeletal cage that he was trapped in. "What the hell is this? Why are you stuck here?"

"You're the one that killed me," Emery accused, his voice a horrible garble. It was like he was still choking up blood and trying to speak despite all. His form glowed even brighter, so bright that Aurora had to avert her eyes.

Hongjoong stepped in between Aurora and Emery, blocking her gaze. He glared at the spirit and his chains tightened to the point of pain. Then Hongjoong turned to face Aurora, trying not to panic at the fact that she interrupted his torturing session. "I found him lingering around your house, and again at the store. I brought him back to the spirit world and chained him up here."

Aurora looked Hongjoong up and down, confused at how he captured a ghost in his condition. "You were in my house?" She asked.

That was a valid question. Hongjoong panicked even more, blood leaving his face as he scrambled to find a suitable excuse for watching Aurora from the shadows. "I wanted to ask for your help. Personally." It was about the farthest from the actual truth that Hongjoong could get, but telling the girl that he followed her home because she intrigued him would not go over well.

"You want my help?" Aurora echoed, tilting her head to the side. "But you told me that I couldn't break the curse."

"I was wrong," Hongjoong admitted, because he was. He underestimated Aurora. He had no idea how powerful she was when he said that. He didn't know her strength of spirit, or her ability to kill someone with a look. If Hongjoong really admitted it to himself, he was mildly attracted to her. In a way, she was almost as fucked up as he was.

"Hongjoong," Seonghwa said, stepping forward with a pointed gaze. "What are you planning on doing with him?"

Just like always, Seonghwa could see through his pretense, straight to the darkness of his heart. Without Hongjoong saying a word, Seonghwa already knew what he intended and why he was keeping it a secret. Hongjoong had always loved him for that, because Seonghwa knew him better than anyone. However, at times like this, where he was practicing dark magic that no righteous person should see, he wished Seonghwa did not have such insight.

Because he knew that Seonghwa knew, Hongjoong sighed and came clean. "I was gonna torture him a bit. It's been a while since I've seen such a sleazy soul."

San didn't look very surprised to hear of Hongjoong's dark intent, but Aurora was taken aback. When she pictured the badass witch that put his life on the line for his boys, she never imagined that he would do something like this. Instead of being disgusted by his sinister nature, Aurora felt intrigued. Where San had shied away from cursing others, Hongjoong seemed the type to relish in doing so. While Seonghwa fussed Hongjoong out for his immorality, San worked on freeing Emery from his dark chains. The hedge witch was practiced with unruly spirits and could hold Emery with his power alone; no bondage necessary.

However, Emery was more vengeful than San anticipated. As soon as the ghost was free of his bony chains, he tackled Aurora. He flew past San and flung himself at her with such vengeance that no one could have prevented it. He slammed her into the ground and hissed at her like a wild animal, baring his teeth at her with black pits for eyes. Because of his relentless anger, Emery had begun the transformation into a depraved spirit. He looked more inhuman than before, more like a typical ghost in a horror movie.

Aurora didn't have a moment to brace herself before Emery was choking the life out of her lungs. Like this, he looked a bit like a flickering candle, burning red hot with anger and bloodlust. She contemplated life with what little consciousness she had left. Perhaps dying like this was what she deserved for killing him so easily. If that was the case, then she would submit to the cruel whims of fate.

Emery was yanked off her suddenly with the force of a typhoon and slammed into the ground. Seonghwa raised his arm, lifting the boy into the air and choking him out single-handedly. He looked at Aurora with concern. "Are you alright?" He asked, to which she nodded.

San hovered above her, checking the condition of her neck. She could tell it would bruise, but she felt like a little choking was the least of what she deserved to be honest. San frowned, letting his fingers brush the tender skin. Suddenly his hands glowed blue like cold stars, and she felt a chilling sensation wash over her like a cool shower. She shivered at the feeling at first, but then the pain ebbed, and her neck felt as good as new again.

"You're gonna be okay," San assured her with a smile. He cradled her head in his lap, blocking her view of what Seonghwa and Hongjoong were currently doing with Emery. Whatever it was couldn't be good.

...

Seonghwa held the boy up in the air, suspended by an invisible force. Emery flung himself around, shaking his legs and clawing the invisible hands on his neck desperately. Hongjoong looked on proudly, letting a devilish smile overtake him. Watching his lover fly off the handle always got him going.

"How dare you touch her," Seonghwa said, his voice thinned with anger. "I was thinking about helping you move on, and you do this? You really think you're innocent?"

The hands around Emery's neck squeezed and squeezed, and his aura became blue with the closeness of second death. Ghosts could actually die multiple times, if a powerful enough witch or demon took it upon themselves to try. That was how souls lingered in Hell for so long, getting tortured by kings of Hell like Azazel. It was how Hongjoong spent decades serving the demon, bringing him souls to wash in day by day.

"Darling," Hongjoong called, when it looked like Emery was near the end. "Maybe we should leave him to San? I was going to torture him a bit, but killing him twice might be excessive."

Seonghwa took Hongjoong's opinion into consideration silently, still grasping the spirit's neck. After a few moments, he released the Emery and let him drop to the ground. "Maybe you're right."

So it was decided that San would appease Emery and walk him through his cherished memories, as he did with every ghost that lingered in the human world. That way, he could feel connected to his life, and not be caught up in the circumstances of his death. Ghosts had a tendency to focus on the negativity and pain, rather than the good parts of their human existence. It was San's specialty to ease that pain and help them find happiness again, so that they could cross over.

Emery seemed unwilling at first, but with a searing look from Hongjoong and a threatening raise of Seonghwa's hand, he became a lot more cooperative. San assured them that he could handle the bratty spirit, and that he would be back in time for dinner. Hongjoong opened a portal to the manor with what little strength he had left, and the three of them walked out of the darkness together.

As soon as they crossed the house's threshold, Seonghwa steered Hongjoong into the nearest bathroom to check him for injuries. Though Hongjoong felt like his old, all-powerful self, he was still in the body of an elderly woman. Surely torturing vengeful spirits was not good for his joints.

"We'll only be a second, Aurora," Seonghwa said. "There should be plenty of leftover food in the fridge, if you want to help yourself."

Aurora nodded, still kind of in shock from it all. She wandered off in the direction of the kitchen, faintly remembering the way from her first time in the mansion. She passed the stairwell to upstairs, where the portrait of Hongjoong in all his red-haired glory hung like a centerpiece in a museum. She lingered, staring at the powerful witch that exhausted himself to save her from a vengeful spirit. Even in his current state, he was putting his life on the line for others. How could she not help someone that generous?

When Aurora walked into the kitchen, an unfamiliar man stood chopping up vegetables and sliding them into a sizzling pan. He had round cheeks and intense, dark eyes that zeroed in on the vegetables with precision. He wore a tight-fitting black sweater and jeans, with silver chains hanging from the pockets that jingled when he moved. His black hair fell over his forehead and covered his eyes as he leaned over the cutting board. If not for his pouted lips and puffed cheeks, she would have been fully intimidated by the witch.

He honestly looked like the lead singer of a rock band to Aurora. She stood, bewitched by his presence for a few seconds until the sharp voice of Wooyoung broke her out of the enchantment. "You look like a wreck," he said unkindly, stalking past her and into the kitchen like he owned he place.He slid onto one of the counter bar stools and tapped the table in front of the mysterious chef. "Jongho, are you getting high again?" Wooyoung asked, trying to catch the witch's attention. Jongho finally looked up, blinking at the new presence in front of him. He did look kind of high, but not so much that he didn't notice Aurora standing in the kitchen doorway and shuffling her feet together awkwardly. He smiled brightly, beckoning her inside.

"Come on in, I was just making dinner," he invited. Aurora listened, walking closer to the kitchen island and standing next to Wooyoung. "And to answer your rude ass question Woo, no I wasn't getting high."  

"I'm older than you, brat," Wooyoung scolded. He slid a hand through his lavender locks, looking at Aurora again. She was struck again by his beauty, the sharpness of his jaw and the cool, directness of his gaze. "You really do look wrecked. Did something happen?"

Aurora figured that this was Wooyoung's round-about way of showing concern, and answered, "There was a vengeful ghost situation, but I'm okay. San is handling it."

Wooyoung frowned at the mention of San's name. "What happened?" He asked again, this time with intensity. "Where is he?"

She sat down on a bar stool and started recounting the day's events, starting from the encounter in the store with her grandmother to leaving San in the spirit world with Emery. Wooyoung didn't bite her head off when she told him, so it was safe to assume he didn't blame her for endangering his boyfriend. She knew that he was the possessive type, but for once he seemed chill about the situation.

"Should we give San some backup? I know Seonghwa's busy with Hongjoong, but maybe we could pop into the spirit world and check on him before dinner. Walking through memories is kind of taxing, especially with that kind of spirit," Jongho suggested.

"San can handle an angry ghost," Wooyoung assured, waving off his concern. "He'll be offended if we interrupt him now."

Aurora found his trust in San to be admirable, and couldn't keep herself from saying so. "You're such a supportive boyfriend," she complimented.

Wooyoung turned to her with furrowed brows, and for a second she worried that she'd offended him. But then he relaxed, not quite smiling but at least looking slightly less guarded. "Of course, we've been together for ages."

"They really have," Jongho agreed. "Almost as long as Hongjoong and Seonghwa."  

Aurora saw the opportunity and couldn't help herself. "How did those two meet, by the way?" She was infinitely curious about their relationship, and about Hongjoong's past in particular. She wanted to know everything about him, from his first encounter with magic to his darkest secrets.

"I can tell you," Hongjoong piped up behind her. She turned in her seat to see Hongjoong standing in the kitchen doorway with Seonghwa close behind. Seonghwa's eyes lingered on Hongjoong  as if he would suddenly collapse, and it reminded her of the way parents watched their newborn babies like hawks. If Wooyoung was a possessive kind of lover, than Seonghwa was the attentive type. She wondered what kind of lover Hongjoong might be.

"I'd like that," Aurora said, smiling at Hongjoong. She decided right then and there, if he wanted her help, she was more than willing to give it. She was far too invested in this coven to back out now anyway.

...

San led the surly ghost through his childhood, trying not to sigh. He had dealt with all kinds of nasty ghosts, from abusive spouses to murderers, but it was the first time in a while that he couldn't care less about the spirit he was escorting.

It was wrong of him, he knew. Letting personal feelings mix into his duties as a medium was almost criminal, because ghosts depended on him to pass on. Usually, he could set aside his feelings in favor of helping others, but his heart just wasn't in it this time. San knew that it had to do with Aurora. He was much more attached to her than he intended to be, and now it was affecting his work. He glared into the back of the boy's head as they walked through the memories of his many sexual conquests, all soon discarded after. San supposed he should feel sorrier for the boy, given his neglectful childhood that fed into his commitment issues.

Emery's mother never gave him the time of day, always staying late at work and going out on the weekends. His father died when he was young from unexpected heart failure, leaving a dysfunctional family in his wake. It was really Emery's uncles that raised him, taking him in when it was clear that his mother couldn't be bothered. Emery took that rejection to heart, and never trusted another woman again.

That led them to college, where Emery was fucking women left and right, and then throwing them away like used condoms. Aurora was one of the many he used, but it was slightly different. San could see that the boy actually did care for her at first, that he did enjoy laughing with her and making her laugh in turn. However, when Aurora slipped up one time after they finished fucking and said that she loved him, Emery short-circuited.

Emery didn't have any women in his life that loved him. He didn't know how to handle affection from anyone but his uncles, who raised him with as much care and joy as they could, and his friends who let him sleepover often when his mother was absent. So when Aurora said the L-word to him, it was like a huge red flag in his mind. He had to get as far away from her as possible, before she could abandon him the way his mother had.

So that brought San and Emery to that time in the cafeteria, when Emery told everyone about their sexual exploits. San watched as Aurora glared at Emery like she would kill him on the spot if only she could. And he knew that somehow, through some mysterious force in Aurora's body, she had done exactly that. She had killed Emery with a single glare like the witches of old that could raise hellfire. San knew it was wrong, that Aurora was wrong for letting her anger get the best of her. But he couldn't bring himself to hate her for it. If it was him, and his first-time lover had humiliated him and threw him away like it was nothing, he might have done something unholy as well. For as good of a witch San was, he always had that one part of him that wanted to indulge in dark magic.

His brothers were the same. All of them had a little taste for the dark arts, a little bit of the shadows within them. None of them told Hongjoong, but the methods that he used to obtain their magic stained them in ways he could not fully comprehend. Seonghwa leaned towards summoning demons rather than deities, while his own boyfriend dabbled in tangling up people's lives for fun, rather than helping them find clarity within the chaos.

San sometimes felt an urge to hurt the spirits that he helped, especially when they were douchebags like Emery. His fingers itched to call forth the reapers of purgatory, to have the boy suffer for all the hearts he had broken and discarded. But the hedge witch took a deep breath and stopped himself. Although he personally disliked Emery, the boy was not deserving of such a fate. He was a shameless fuckboy, but that was about it. Other spirits had done far worse and been redeemed.

When they reached the end of Emery's memories, where he collapsed onto his dorm room bed and boiled from the inside out, their surroundings became the darkness of the spirit world again, and Emery looked a lot calmer. With a promise from San to give his friends his sports equipment, and to hide the stash of panties beneath his bed from his uncles, Emery crossed into the spiritual plane of light and San's part was over.

He did deposit the sports equipment at the houses of his friends, but he left the panties alone. The ghost could suffer at least that much humiliation for what he did to Aurora.

By the time San came home, he was too exhausted for dinner. He slumped onto the bed fully-clothed, pressing his face into the cool sheets. San wished that Wooyoung would come and leap onto his back, that he would hold him until he fell asleep. But the chaos witch was mad at him, and they hadn't slept in the same room for days. He knew it was too much to ask.

He must have drifted off to sleep, because when he came to, there was a familiar weight on his back; the very one he had wished for. Wooyoung nuzzled into the nape of San's neck, inhaling his sweet scent. San looked over his shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of his suddenly clingy boyfriend.

"Woo," San greeted, boneless and warm all over. "I missed you."

Wooyoung hummed, pressing kisses into San's neck. "I know. I'm sorry."

"Will you stay this time?" He asked the chaos witch, wondering if he would wander off into the night like he often did to practice magic. Some of the most chaotic things in life happened at night after all.

Wooyoung unglued himself from San's back, trying to get more comfortable. He landed on the side of the bed closest to the wall, the side where it would be impossible to escape without waking up San. "I'm not going anywhere." He rubbed a comforting hand across San's back, lulling him back to sleep.

San settled onto his arms with a smile, falling asleep to the gentle rhythm of his boyfriend's humming.

[yanderepuck]

Pirate au

Mozart nearly dying at one point bc of Leoanrdo and Vlad and int he heat of the moment he goes "WHY DON'T YOU GO ON THE SHIP, COMTE"

And Comte just looks at Mozart for a moment and Mozart is like "oops, I'm sorry" and Comte is like "Great idea! I've always wanted to go out to sea"

Leonardo is like "Look. I love you. But that is a horrible idea."

By the end of the week when they leave the docks Comte is on the ship as well.

Theo: This was a horrible idea Leonardo: I KNOW Comte: So what first, Captain!

They did the best they could to keep Comte off the ship. Mozart is just happy he got to stay on land, which is why he wasn't completely against it.

Comte is handling the pirate life better than anyone anticipated, at least for the first week. But he can't sleep at night, and ship food is not good. He never thought he would be tired of eating fish.

Leonardo: Sir? We can turn around and take you back to shore. Comte: No. I'm fine

He's not. He's like "WHY DO YOU ENJOY LIVING ON A SHIP" it took him a while to be able to walk on the ship. He can barely sleep, its so loud.

Leonardo did offer Comte is cabin the first night. Comte said he would be fine, therefore Leonardo didn't ask again. Considering Comte is his boss, he'll be a little nicer. But after the first week, Leonardo was in his cabin late one night looking over some letters, and Comte comes in and is like "Is your offer still open?" Leonardo just sighed and let him, but by the time he was going to head to bed he was too tired to head to the other cabin, so he just crawled in his bed with Comte.

They woke up cuddling each other.

Comte never thought about bathing.. or lack of. No bath to soak in. Leonardo cleans himself up before seeing Comte when he gets to shore.

He gives them even more credit than he did before. He's also a little more scared of some of the crew once they do raid a ship.

When they raid a ship:

Arthur: I GOT THE RUM

Leonardo: THAT'S NOT WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR

Dazai: Still important cargo.

When they have been successful, Napo hops onto the other ship and grabs all the food and supplies that they have.

Comte: you have a sword??? Don't you fight??

Napoleon: I'd rather cook. If I don't, then Theo will, and you won't want that.

Wait. Sebastian probably follows Comte. Meaning him and Napoleon are probably constantly arguing in the kitchen.

Isaac sits on the deck looking at the stars

[initiala]

let's talk about the swan princess!!

God if there's one fic I wish I could have gotten my ass in gear for and finished it's this one.

I actually did write a scene that would have been nearer the end of that fic for a CS AU Week event. It was going to be a story of Liam and Killian being found by Princess Emma and then Prince David agrees to bring them back to the castle, so they grow up together. Emma develops a horribly tragic, unrequired crush on Liam (tragic in the sense of "I'm a teenager and everything is Very Dramatic and Tragic, Liam lives in this fic. I do listen to Lena's rules lol) and they go their separate ways when Liam is old enough to serve in the Navy and Emma is sent to Arendelle to be fostered with her godsmothers Anna and Elsa. (taking the fostering idea from ASOIAF, in a less violent way, so she learns other ways of ruling and also learning magic. She had beginner lessons from Grandmother Regina but it didn't go very well)

There were hostlers waiting at the front of the inn who would take their mounts to rest. Emma slipped from her saddle with ease, brushing dirt from her breeches -- her nursemaid had lectured her quite sternly on proper care of her clothes. David kept an eye on her as he dismounted and their guards went to stable their mounts; a few would be joining them inside, but if Granny’s wasn’t safe then nowhere in the port city was. Emma took a few cautious steps closer to the view of the harbor, a little ways down the road, her face shining with wonder. “Papa, when can we go sailing?” she asked.

“We’ll need to discuss it with your mother, my dear,” David said, though personally he wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. While the land may be clear of King George’s men, the seas were another ordeal entirely. Emma’s godsmothers in Arendelle had written to invite them to Anna’s birthday celebration later in the summer, but until the seas were cleared to the usual number of pirates, David wouldn’t chance his family.

Just as they were heading inside, there was a commotion across the alley. “THIEVES!” a large, pot-bellied man roared, moments before tossing two boys onto the streets. “STOWAWAYS! I’ll have your bleedin’ hands for crocodile food if I’ve discovered anything missing! As is, it’s the whipping post for you, rotten little street rats!”

The larger boy stood, trying to defend the smaller one, but the man backhanded him easily, sending him crashing to the cobblestones again. The man reached down and hauled the small boy up easily by his collar; both were red in the face, but the boy probably from a lack of breath. David reached down to grip Emma’s shoulder, to send her inside to save her from this sight, but his daughter had other plans. She wrenched herself away from his grasp and ran across the alley, shouting, “Leave him alone, you great bully!”

“Oh ho, the street rats have a little street wench already, have they?” the man sneered, as David’s blood ran cold. “Looka here, boy, your knight in shining armor, come to save the damsel in distress. Out of the way with you, little bit --”

David’s hand was around the man’s throat before he could think to finish that word. “You’ll be lucky if you aren’t hanged at the harbor mouth, sir,” David hissed through clenched teeth.

The man went pale, recognizing his captor. “Y-Your Highness, I --”

“That’s my daughter you insulted, you snivelling coward of a man. Pushing two defenseless boys around like an overgrown marketplace bully. Under the Queen’s law children are to be protected, not treated like common curs,” David said, his grip tightening as the man went more and more pale, dropping the small boy. “You declared for the gods’ and my own ears to hear that you knew nothing was missing, yet you threaten dismemberment and the whip.”

[vaindumbass]

((Happy birthday @dannikathewomanika! I got the impression you liked pirate aus, so have this:))

Sirius had never been more grateful that the Potters had taken him in. Of course, the time he ran away from Grimmauld and they welcomed him on their ship with open arms might be a strong contender, but it was definitely second-place.

Euphemia and Fleamont Potter’s son and his wife had long since gotten their own ship and crew, and Sirius had tagged along. James and Lily Potter were the best captains one could ask for, really, Sirius thought to himself as he looked around him.

The entire crew of the ‘Marauders’ was gathered, immediately after Sirius had simply told his captains that he had something to tell them.

“Well,” Marlene, their carpenter, said, “what is it?”. She was a tall, pale woman, with a scar across her left cheek. If one were to ask, she’d tell a different story every time, each one more heroic than the last, but the entire crew knew it was because she had managed to somehow fall face-first into a nail.

Sirius stalked into the middle of the room, and swooped all bottles and glasses off the table. He carefully laid his newly-purchased map down, and unfolded it. “This,” Sirius said, pointing at the left corner, “is where Tom Riddle is located.” 

Everyone in the room sat up straighter. They had been chasing Tom Riddle, a truly horrid pirate captain, for four years now, without ever even getting the slightest idea where he could be.

“Do you- Are you sure?” Mary asked. Even the hands of their surgeon, which had been steady while stitching them up countless times, fiddled now with her hijab.

Sirius’ voice was strong, and unwavering. “I am.”

James’ eyes met his. “What’s your source?”

“I got a letter while I was gathering our supplies. It’s from Reggie- Regulus.”

Lily extended a hand. Sirius wordlessly handed it over to her.

She whistled between her teeth. “Sirius, this is big.”

“Believe me, I know.”

Remus Lupin stood up. He was only a navigator, yet he had the most scars out of all of them. “How can we trust him? Hasn’t Regulus been with the Death Eaters all this time?”

“I trust Sirius.” Lily said, her voice cold. At that moment she wasn’t their friend, not the Lily who had had rum coming out of her nose when she laughed too hard at something Marlene had said, but she was their captain.

Lupin sat down, his jaw locked.

As everyone started to file out of the door, to their own quarters, Lily stopped next to Sirius. “James and I are trying to get pregnant.”

“Oh.” Sirius said, completely baffled.

“So you better make sure our trust isn’t misplaced. Our child needs his parents and his godparent.” 

“Right.” Sirius said, still busy processing the earlier information. “Wait- Godparent? I would be their godfather?”

But Lily was already gone, with a swish of her red hair and a twinkle of her laugh.

Sirius couldn’t help but laugh a little to himself, too. A godfather, him.

~~~

When he emerged on the deck, there was someone already standing there. “Lupin.” Sirius said.

“Sirius.”

Lupin had been a relatively new addition, but good navigators were hard to come by, and he was good. He’d been getting along well with everyone, until now. 

“I suppose I should apologize.” Lupin said, looking out wistfully over the ocean. “It’s just-- I quite dislike Tom Riddle, you see.”

Sirius huffed a laugh, walking forward until he was standing next to Lupin, mirroring his position. “Don’t we all?”

Lupin painted quite the pretty picture, his brown curls waving a little in the wind, his face illuminated by the setting sun. Sirius quickly turned his head back to the sea.

“Ah, my hate for him feels a little more... personal. Fenrir Greyback- I assume you’ve heard of him?”

“I have.”

“He attacked me when I was five.”

Sirius turned to look at Remus so fast it was a surprise he didn’t break anything. Sirius had known of Greyback’s underhanded tactics, who hadn’t? Still, that did not make this any less horrible.”

Remus still looked perfectly calm. At Sirius’ surprised stare, he said: “At Riddle’s command, I mean.”

“Yeah. Yeah I got that.”

A silence fell, for a while.

“I’m sorry.” Sirius said.

Remus shrugged. “Wasn’t your fault. It’s a long time ago, anyway.”

Once again, their conversation halted, no matter how much Sirius would love to keep talking to this intriguing man (he had forgiven Remus the moment he tucked a strand of his hair behind his ear. Or maybe when the last bit of sun had hit his face just so. Or maybe-- well, suffice to say, Sirius harboured no ill feelings towards him)

Suddenly, Remus stretched. “Well,” he said, and Sirius only looked because that’s the polite thing to do when someone talks to you, and not at all because of the small sliver of skin that showed, “I’ll make sure we get to Riddle’s ship in time, alright?”

This was accompanied by a hand on Sirius’ shoulder, so he could only nod mutely, and look on as Remus walked away.

~~~

“You know what, Black? You might regret it if you don’t make your move now.”

Sirius looked at Dorcas, their master gunner, who was lounging casually against the mast, her hair falling over her shoulders in tight twists. Then he followed her line of sight to where Remus and Marlene were talking. “Are you talking to me, or to yourself?”

With a quick movement of her shoulders, Dorcas pushed herself back on her feet. “Who says I can’t do both?” 

Remus smiled at Marlene’s animated face, his body language relaxed. 

“I’ll make you a deal, Meadowes. If we come out of this alive, we confess.” 

“Deal. If you die, though, I’ll kill you.” 

They shook hands.

The Marauders had a lot of allies, but there was an enormous chance they would be noticed if they went with more than one ship. According to Regulus, there was only one ship anyway, safely anchored for the night. 

Sirius would be the first to enter, together with Dorcas. They wanted to keep the element of surprise, Sirius could make his steps so silent they called him Padfoot, Dorcas was their best fighter, it only seemed the most logical decision. 

Regulus would be taking guard duty tonight so they should, hopefully, be able to stay hidden for a while. 

~~~

“You did get us here in time.” Sirius says, because he still hasn’t managed to silence that little voice in him that’s begging him to say something, anything, to the man in front of him.

“I said I would, didn’t I?” There are bags under Remus’ eyes, and Sirius doesn’t exactly know what a navigator’s job entails but he’s pretty sure you don’t need to run yourself ragged.

“You did, you did. But why not go to sleep now? We only attack during nightfall.” 

Sirius has spent a long time cataloguing Remus’ every smile. This one seems to be his typical half-grin, only the complete lack of sleep is making it seem... weirdly genuine. “You drive a hard bargain, Black.”

Sirius grins back unabashedly. “Wouldn’t be a good boatswain otherwise.” 

“Keep telling yourself that.” Remus puts up one hand to wave as he walks away. Sirius waves back, even though Remus’ back is turned to him. 

That might be why he doesn’t notice Dorcas until she swings an arm around him. “God, you’re so gone for that guy.” 

Sirius pushes her back with a smile. “Like you’re one to talk.” 

“True, true.” Dorcas sighs, “I’ve fought countless people, but she just- smiles or whatever and I’m defenseless.” 

Sirius snorts, “That reminds me, didn’t you tell her the chair she made was, and I quote, “very sittable”?” 

“In my defense, it was!” 

“At least you’re not constantly complaining about ‘bumpy’ chairs.”

Dorcas looks up at the sky dreamily. “Yeah... Wait, do you think she did it because of that? Because of me?” 

“What other reason is there? She must... like you.” 

“I can’t wait until today is over so I can know for sure.”

Silently, Sirius agrees.

~~~

Sirius likes being the boatswain, he does. It’s fun haggling with people and then stealing it from under their noses, he likes teasing Peter about the amount of potatoes they need, and he likes being able to, sometimes, get Remus chocolate (out of his own pocket, of course, although he doesn’t tell Remus that).

It still doesn’t compare to this. Feeling as invisible as a shadow in the night simply stills a hunger in Sirius he doesn’t always realize he has. For a moment all worries are forgotten, his mind as clear as the night sky, except for his goal.

His and Dorcas’ boots barely make a sound as they walk over the deck. Regulus greets them with a limp body in his hands.

“Watch duty is always done in pairs,” he explains.

Sirius cringes a little at the intrusion of the silence, but nods. 

“Dorcas,” Regulus says, “it would be better if you went first. I need to talk to Sirius.

“Make it quick.” 

“What is it?” Sirius hisses.

“Riddle keeps a part of his seven treasures here.” 

Sirius’ eyes widen. Riddle’s treasures were each extremely valuable and highly sought-after. “Which one?” 

“The medal. It contains the location of the other ones.”

Bringing Riddle to justice, or whatever, meant nothing if he could immediately bail himself out. Besides, having a bit of extra cash was always good. “Fuck. Okay. Lead the way.”

After they had walked for a bit, Sirius couldn’t help but ask: “Why couldn’t Dorcas come with us?”

Regulus shrugged, illuminated in strange shapes by the torch he was holding. “I don’t know her. And I didn’t- I didn’t want to see what they’d do to our parents.”

They walk the rest of the way in silence, until they arrive at the treasure room. Bellatrix is guarding it, because of course she is, his cousin has always been a bit too crazy to be anything but loyal to Riddle.

There are two other guards, but before Sirius knows it Regulus has already said: “I’ll distract them.” and then Regulus is suddenly gone, attacking one of the guards quickly and then running away, two of the guards hot on his heels.

Sirius doesn’t even have the time to stop him. In a reflex, he’d stepped forward, and this is when Bellatrix saw him. Now there’s a sword at his throat. “Long time no see, Siri.”

Sirius moves his knife to the hilt to the sword, and pushes it back in one big movement, immediately after aiming for her heart. “I had so hoped it would be an even longer time.” 

Bellatrix eyes glitter maniacally as she deflects his knife. “Tough luck.”

“You know,” Sirius says while trying to hook his foot behind her ankle, “You could just let me in. It would spare both of us a lot of time.”

Bellatrix sidesteps him, and then her sword is suddenly coming awfully close to his stomach. “But where’s the fun in that?”

The sword brushes his shirt as it moves past him, and Sirius fights on in silence.

Until he hears footsteps. He looks up at the same time as Bellatrix does, covered in sweat and with blood on his clothes, and he sees Remus.

Lovely, beautiful, amazing Remus.

“Duck!” Remus shouts, and Sirius does so without a second thought, and then there are two swords above his head.

Lucky for him, Remus’ is the one that strikes true. Bellatrix seems almost surprised at the sword in her arm, which gives Sirius the chance to knock her out. 

As soon as she’s fallen to the ground, Sirius clasps Remus’ arms. “You’re here? How did you find me?” 

“I-” Remus says, letting his eyes fall shut and his forehead settle against Sirius. “You weren’t where you said you would be.” 

“You missed me?” it was meant to be teasing, really, but it came out awfully sincere.

“Of course,” Remus whispers back hoarsely, opening his eyes again.

Sirius looks back at him, and then he kisses him.

It’s messy, and rushed, and absolutely perfect. Remus lips are soft but chapped, and while Riddle’s medal is right behind him, Sirius thinks he already has the greatest treasure the world has to offer in his arms.

[horacehorrible]

well i guess there’s only one way to start this blog ! first official Wax Light AU lore dump, specifically some Skintaker and Horace - centric ramblings, with a focus on their dynamic, their personal lives, how they came to be, etc, all under the cut :

Horace was a conman before taking to the seas, through and through. He was born to a wealthy mother, not highranking enough to be noblewoman, but definitely high ranking, having built a family fortune off of importing/exporting trade, with everything considered he was a well off young man. But Horace was very . . . detached from his mother and her immediate relatives, more often than not he was placed in the care of gaggles of nannies. He was taught the time’s curriculum by a in-house tutor and had little contact with other boys and girls his age because of it, and when he did ever meet another child, they often found him strange. Be it because of his lack of interaction with other children, his lack of genuine social interaction at all outside such a pampered bubble, his detachment from the common life, or maybe it was the affinity for magick Horace had shown since he could toddle. 

It was weak at such a young age, but Horace took after his absent father in many ways, one of them being such abilities. While his father’s craft was unknown to most, Horace had a knack for the summoning subset of the art, he could make a fine sorcerer one day . . . that is, if he used it right. Horace played tricks on his home’s staff weekly, and filled the void that was his social life with plenty “imaginary friends” he conjured up from who knows where. This, doubled with the family’s lack of education when it came to magick -- the missing dear ol’ dad having been the only practitioner in the family -- lead to mother and tutors alike encouraging him to smother it.

Of course, the young man continued to play with his gift in his moments of privacy, but this caused a rift between him and his mother. The spoon-fed lifestyle paired with his ability being held down sparked a rebellious streak in Horace, and he began to sneak out, quickly gaining a naïve fascination with the seedy underbelly of the Cove. This culminated in Horace running away from the estate at only 19 years old.

Here is where the conman career started, and was he a damn good one. He not only learned the art of practical effects and illusions, but better honed his magick, to add some true bite to his flair. Eventually, when word of his swindling began to get around, this earned him the title “Horace Horrible” which he would later take as his title as a captain. It’s also around this time, at only 24 years old, Horace meets Thade Soben.

By now, Thade has already lost the Tarantula Crew, his family, and his mind. I decided to take an approach to Thade based in the part of Skintaker’s wiki that mention him not seeing the dead as truly dead, specifically, my take on him is that due to his own affinity for death magick and how many people close to him he lost, he believes himself to be a death omen. It’s harold, if you will, wearing skin of his victims as a token of this. Horace found Thade dressed in one of his first skin tokens, a shoddily sewn cloak he was wrapped in while lying in an alley, still dazed and reeling from all he had been through within such a short span of time. Basically, Thade was rattled. He was exhausted. And Horace, despite a hardened persona he puts on, is partly human at the end of the day, he has a heart down there somewhere. That coupled with a fair helping of pity caused him to take Thade in -- until Poppy eventually found him, and as we all know by now, had him skinned as vengeance for his own crimes. But their time together left an imprint on Horace, he was fascinated by the man. He was a powerful magick user, his crimes had shaken the Cutlass Islands in a way nothing else had, and his own tales of sailing the seas indirectly inspired Horace to take up the pirate life. 

Founding the Rubberfishes crew, Horace Horrible set out to begin a new chapter in his life as a captain, and a quest to better hone his talents -- as to summon Thade back from the depths he’d been cast into by Poppy.

But the thing is, Horace was prepared for Thade. not Skintaker.

He was the same, but. Not. He was still so oddly polite, so soft-spoken, so eccentric in his own unique way, but something had shifted. Gone was the nervous, stuttering man, what was in his place was cold and sadistic. The way Skintaker saw it, him being skinned his rebirth, he was joined closer to the dead than ever before and he was here to fulfill his self-perceived vision of who he is and what he is to do. He took advantage of Horace’s dependent personality and still somewhat sheltered worldview upon being summoned.

I need to clarify right now, Horace is not some helpless victim who’s not in for the crimes and horror of it all, he’s a villain too. Just . . . Again, one who wasn’t ready. Up until now, he had never been exposed to death, nor had he killed someone, up until Skintaker took him to slaughter two town guards to create his first pair of skin garb upon returning : gloves, one’s he’d be wearing when meeting Janice for the first time. Again, Horace is a villain, he’d hurt and even kill people, but this was his first time seeing someone die. He was a sheltered child growing up. That’s bound to shake anyone. Basically, he respects Skintaker, and fully believes all his promises that they’ll be feared and acclaimed pirates, he’s dependent on him, but that creature frightens him. 

Skintaker . . . doesn’t think Horace is someone too special, though he is fascinated by his summoning abilities. He finds him endearing in a very detached, kind of condescending way. 

All this said though, before Thade’s skinning and their reunion, there is one thing they genuinely bonded over -- and even if they don’t discuss it too often now, it’s still a shared solidarity; they share a culture. 

As we know, Skintaker is an abyssian. Horace, in my headcanon, had an abyssian father who made tracks when he was born, back for the kingdom. Horace was in no way robbed of his heritage, he spent plenty of time reading about it, but Skintaker offers him things about their home books can’t tell, stories from his boyhood. What the kitchen smelled like when his mother cooked, how merchants advertised their wares on the docks, the games him and other school children concocted . . . the intimate side of the life.

[scariusaquarius]

pirates life for me.

Pirate! Raymond de Merville x Female! Reader

---

A/n: This one is gonna be a damn challenge lmao. Reader is the daughter of an English general who has met with Raymond...

This will not be following any including an religious aspects, as this will be taking place in the 1700′s, which was the height of the age of pirates. 

This is Week Three, Day 17. Week Three’s theme is AU, and Day 17 is Pirate AU

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Genre: Adventure, Action Rated: General Warning: Swearing, Canon-Typical Violence, Minor Character Death, Blood, Gore, Blood and Gore, Implied Noncon, Implied Smut

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Author: dabisburntnut

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“Father, why do we have to negotiate with the French within their ship? Shouldn’t we be on our own ship or at least on land?”

“Now, now, darling, let us not be so rude to our humble hosts! This will be a great opportunity to negotiate with the French army and create an alliance between powers. We will be alright.”

You sighed and rubbed your arms, wishing you would have brought a shawl to wrap around you. The sea was beautiful in the summertime, the sun creating a beautiful shimmer on the waters. The air was pungent with the smell of the salt and fish, making you wish that you were inside one of the businesses that lined the port. Lifting your hat a bit, your father smiled at you softly from beneath the rim. 

“Darling, do not look so sad. We will be out of here and you will be back in your gardens and books in no time.”

Sighing, you relented, smiling softly at your father, and he beamed at you before kissing your forehead. 

“That is my girl.”

As you approached the ship, you frowned from the lack of men that were on the ship. Surely, if the captain was still on the ship, the crew would be as well. Perhaps they were in the brothels and pubs, finding their fair share while their captain stayed at the ship to negotiate with your father. It made you feel strangely out of place. 

There was a man standing beside the railing of the ship beside the gangway, and your father walked up the board. You stayed on land for a moment, looking up at the captain of the ship. He was an older man with a beautiful pair of blue eyes. He looked unkind, the years of war etched onto his face, and he sported a beard that was trimmed short. Beneath his hat, you could see the beginning of raven hair. 

He was staring at you, observing you and there was a look in his eye that almost seemed to dare you to walk into his ship. Hiking your dress up a bit, you carefully made your way up the gangway, trying to keep your balance. When you got closer to the man, you could see just how handsome the French man was. His lips seemed slightly chapped from the constant wind and sun that would shine on them. 

His skin was a lovely tan color, accenting his eyes very nicely, and you could see that his hair that peeked out from his hat was not raven, but in fact a dark brown. Holding out his hand for you to take, you slowly slipped your hand into his callused one, and he helped you down onto the deck. Slowly, the man leaned down to kiss your knuckles, staring intensely at you. 

“You did not inform me that you would be bringing a pretty flower upon my ship, General (L/n).”

Your neck burst into flames from the compliment, almost feeling embarrassed. His accent was heavy, his voice a deep and sultry rumble that came from deep within his belly. You looked down, almost blushing from the feeling of his lips on your skin. 

“You are very bold, General.”

The Frenchman smirked at you a bit, and your father said to the man proudly. 

“Yes, I do apologize for not informing you sooner. This is my daughter, (Y/n).”

The man’s gaze seemed so intense on you, and you curtsied to the man slowly. 

“C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer, Général.”

The man’s eyes widened a bit, and he nodded to you, a light smirk coming across his face. 

“Le plaisir est tout mien, jolie fleur.”

He kissed your hand again, and you almost felt the need to snatch your hand back. He allowed your hand to drop from him, and you nodded to him. Your father was beaming proudly, and he introduced you. 

“(Y/n), this is General Raymond de Merville. He will be our host.”

You nodded, keeping your gaze on the ground, and Raymond smirked at your submissiveness. Your father looked around, keeping his hand on the small of your back. 

“A very beautiful vessel you have, General.”

“Thank you.. I take pride in what it is that I own.”

Your father didn’t notice Raymond was still staring at you, but you did. You could feel his gaze on your neck and shoulders, flowing over your chest, and you whispered to your father. 

“Father, I think I would like to go inside to get something to drink...I am feeling parched.”

Your father nodded to you softly before suggesting. 

“Perhaps we shall take this inside and begin our negotiations over some tea?”

Raymond nodded before turning, walking to the steps that led to the second deck of the ship. Opening the door, he held it open for your father and you. When you both walked in, you were startled to hear the clicking of a flintlock pistol. Feeling the barrel of the pistol between your shoulder blades, your father spun around and hissed. 

“What is the meaning of this?!”

Raymond chuckled deeply, tearing his hat off and running a hand through his hair before letting it tip back a bit. 

“You are incredibly gullible, General (L/n).”

That was when the rest of the crew began to come out of hiding. They filed out from the shadows one-by-one, all wearing sinister smirks and aiming their weapons at your father, and your heart was pounding from your fear. What had you walked into? Your father hissed out.

“Filthy pirates! You’ll hang!”

“Are you sure you want to make such remarks when I hold your pretty flower in my hands?”

Raymond’s free hand swiped the hair from the side of your neck, leaning down to run his nose up your skin, and you sniffled, the tears falling from your cheeks. 

“Father-!”

“Don’t you dare touch her! I’ll give you whatever you want, just leave her be!”

Raymond let his head come back up, pressing the gun into your skin more, and you felt bile begin to rise from your stomach. Looking around, you could see there were at least seven people in the hallway with you, most likely many more the deeper into the ship you went. 

“You will give me whatever I want...but you cannot give it to me when I want it, can you?”

“No, I can! I can give it to you right now. You want gold? I...I have it right here!”

Your father grabbed his pouch of coin, and Raymond laughed cruelly. 

“You don’t believe that little sack will suffice, do you? I have many mouths to feed...”

You cried softly, gripping the sides of your dress tightly, and Raymond looked down at you. 

“Perhaps, you give me your coin and this pretty flower, and you go free...and once you are free, you will give me all of your wealth. Once I am given all of your gold, you may have her back. That sounds like a pretty deal, does it not?”

Your father was conflicted. While he did not want to leave you in the company of these pirates, he knew that if he refused, the two of you would most likely be killed. 

“Alright, alright, I’ll do it! Just please...please don’t hurt her.”

“No, father!”

Raymond smirked as your father tossed the gold to him, and Raymond caught it with a hum. Tucking the coin into his pocket, he grabbed you and began to drag you towards the aft to his cabin, his grip firm and bruising. Passing by one of his men, Raymond simply said. 

“You know what to do.”

Your father was calling your name, and you were sobbing from your fear. What was going to happen to your father? What was going on, and where was the actual General of the ship? Who were these men? 

Raymond shoved you into his cabin, making you cry out as you tripped over your dress and onto your hands and knees. Scrambling up, you backed yourself into the wall. It was quiet for a moment before you heard the roaring sound of pistols being fired, and you jolted at each bang. 

“You...You said you would let him go!”

“I did...I never said I would let him live.”

You stayed against the wall behind the desk of the cabin, and you could feel the ship lurch as it was disembarked, making your blood turn to ice. Raymond grinned darkly at you before he slipped his coat off, keeping his pistol in his hand. 

“But what about the wealth...the wealth is what matters, isn’t it?”

“It was never my point of interest.”

He came closer to you, and you looked at the desk for anything that you could use to protect yourself. There was a bottle of rum on the desk, and when Raymond came close enough, you grabbed the bottle and smashed it against the side of his head. He cried out loudly, recoiling from you, and you gave a cry as you stabbed the bottle into his temple and near his eye, giving him a J shaped cut on his face. It bled profusely, and Raymond began to curse at you, yelling loudly, and you ran for the door. 

Swinging the door open, you slammed it closed on him before you ran for the stairs. When someone passed by, you thought better on it, and instead went deeper into the ship down into the bottom deck. It smelled horrible, and you had to cover your nose with your sleeve to keep from gagging. 

You needed to find a way to escape, but you knew that if you tried to swim in the ocean with your dress, you would surely drown. It was too many layers, so you began to untie your corset, loosening it as quickly as you could. You could hear the sound of distant yelling from the upper decks, and you took a couple deep breaths to calm yourself. 

You didn’t have a weapon, so fighting was out of the question. If you wanted to get out of this unscathed, you would need to be as smart and quiet as possible. Letting your corset fall to the ground, you kicked your shoes off before running up the steps again. Looking around, you could hear the sound of running feet above you and began to jog through the hallways of the ship. 

You could hear more yelling, all of it in French, and you only understood bits and pieces of it...but it was enough to know that Raymond was very angry and very adamant on finding you. Cursing, you ran into one of the many cabins and locked the door. You needed to find something, anything, for you to defend yourself with and you needed to find it fast. 

Running to the dressers in the cabin, you were thankful to find some more practical clothing: a pair of trousers, a shirt, socks and boots, and a hat. Slipping out of your clothing, you were quick to slip the clothes on, tying the trousers tightly around your waist and tucking your shirt into the pants. Making sure the shirt was poofed enough to hide your chest, you spotted a scabbard and grabbed it. 

God, how did you even use this thing? You’d never touched a single weapon in your life! Biting your lip, you inspected the sword for a minute before you jolted at the sound of doors being kicked open. Cursing, you grabbed your dress and hung it inside of the wardrobe, not noticing one of your stockings dropping onto the floor in your rush. 

Hiding within the coats that were hanging within the wardrobe, and you closed the doors to your hiding place. Each door that was kicked in made your stomach drop, and you could hear Raymond’s calling voice. 

“Jolie fleur, you will not stay hidden from me for long! Just how far do you think you can get?”

The door to the room you were hiding in was kicked open, and you covered your mouth as the tears began to fill your eyes once more. 

“Jolie fleur~”

Raymond’s voice was closer than before, and you swallowed thickly as his shadow crossed over the wardrobe. The door to the wardrobe swung open, and you held your breath. When the coats were ripped from the wardrobe, you swung your sword, giving a cry and you were shocked when Raymond caught the sword with his hand, gripping tightly. 

Blood began to drip down his arm and the sword, and Raymond gave you a cruel grin as he slammed you back into the wall of the wardrobe. You gasped, and his free hand grabbed your throat, squeezing tightly. Your eyes widened, and immediately, your lungs began to scream for air. The cut on his face was still bleeding, the blood having run down the side of his face and neck, staining his coat, but it did not seem to bother him. 

You wondered how many times he had been covered in blood for him to become uncaring of it being on his skin.

“Do you believe that you can win?”

You and Raymond both knew that this was a fight that he had already won. He had you right where he wanted you, but you would not go down so easily. Raising your knee, you slammed it into his privates, making him yell from the unexpected attack. He fell back a bit, letting you go, and you stumbled out of the wardrobe. He grabbed you foot, yanking you down onto the floor, and you screamed loudly, swinging your sword at him again. 

Keeping a hold of your ankle, he descended onto your body,  letting your ankle go when he was between your legs to instead grab your wrist. Slamming your wrist with the scabbard onto the floor, you cried out from the force of his grip, your grip on the sword loosening until it clambered out of your hand.  The sword dropped and crashed onto the ground, and Raymond laughed at you. 

“You are far more trouble than you are worth, Jolie fleur.”

He leaned down, hissing in your ear as he pinned you. 

“But that is what will make this much more fun.”

[END]

[neoatiny]

Ateez!pirate au (Horizon)

Chapter 3: Eunsung (3)

Plot summary: Obedience has been the very core of who she is. Cursed with not being able to identify faces and haunted by dreams of a monstrous woman, she spends her days serving under the feet of others with no hope of freedom. Later proving herself on a slave ship, she's recruited into the ranks of the Horizon and meets the infamous Pirate King, Kim Hongjoong. The pirate life is uncertain, but at least she's free.

Warnings: mentions of slavery, death, burning, scars

Word count: 2129

Synopsis: Fear of water.

Masterlist / Next chapter / Previous chapter

Leaving the healer's quarters, Eunsung trails behind San as he guides her through the halls of the lower deck. They stop in front of a double door, and he turns to face her. He jabs a thumb at the circle-shaped windows and she spots a young man wiping the kitchen counter.

"Watch this." He whispers mischievously and she sends him a confused look. San turns on his heel and kicks the kitchen door open.

"Seonghwa! Come out, you have a new mouth to feed!" He says in a chirpy tune. For a second, the kitchen is completely empty and she wonders if her dreams have finally affected her mental health.  A black-haired figure appears behind the counter, wielding a pan.

"Who?" The man's voice comes out deep in annoyance. San steps out of the way to introduce her, now dressed in some crew member's clothing. "This is Eunsung. She was one of the slaves on board of the ship we raided a few days ago."

"I know who she is, Choi. The captain's been telling us about her for days."

Eunsung faces the cook nervously and bows to their surprise. Seonghwa lays the pan on the counter, crossing his arms. "I'm not the king of the seas for you to bow to me."

Eunsung stammers. "I-I'm sorry, it's just that on the ship we needed to bow to everyone on board as a sign of respect." San places his hands behind his back and laughs. "We don't do that here. Especially not to Seonghwa." Seonghwa throws a kitchen towel in his direction in response.

She nods slowly, feeling out of place. The cook points to one of the empty wooden stools. "Sit there. I'll go make something."

As they wait patiently, Eunsung stares in amazement as Seonghwa begins to cook. The fire burns bright, but he remains unaffected to how close the flames are to his hands. She recalls the boy slave again. The way his skin had burned away etching deep into her mind. She swallows hard.

He must be dead.

San sits in front of her, clasping his hands together. "You don't have to watch him cook the entire time, you know?" She turns to face him, quietly apologizing.

He waves it off.

"So.." He starts. "You really don't know how I look like? Or Seonghwa?" She nods hesitantly. "Then how are you able to identify people?"

"I-uh, by their clothes and their hair. Sometimes it's by their voices." She answers, drumming her fingers lightly on the wooden surface.

"How were you even able to get in touch with a witch in the first place?" His voice comes out curious and her eyes turn downcast. "I mean, you must have known the risks when you went to negotiate with one."

She drums her fingers harder, now more focused on the sound than his voice. Risks? Had she known the risks? She didn't even know what she wished for or what she had given away. She shuts her eyes for a moment and she's greeted with bloodied green eyes.

"Most ask for something non-material, but sometimes they ask you to commit a ritual of some sort-"

A plate is loudly set down on the table, cutting off San and stopping Eunsung's nervous drumming. "I think that's enough." Seonghwa moves his head to face the healer as he talks. There's an unknown tension around the table. "Wouldn't want her to think of you as a big mouth."

San's voice lowers. "I appreciate the concern."

The cook makes an effort to slowly pull out the chair at the head of the table before sitting down. She notices three unusual white scars at the side of his neck. He faces her suddenly and she's quick to turn her eyes away to look down at the table.

Seonghwa props his elbow on the table, resting his head against his hand. San grumbles, moving his chair so his face isn't covered by his arm. "What are you waiting for?" He gestures to the sizzling meat sat on the plate and a glass of water. "Eat."

She reaches for it, dragging it slowly towards her, the delicious intoxicating smell beckoning her to eat. She stabs it with the fork, quickly bringing it to her mouth.

Gods. She couldn't believe how hungry she was at that moment. As she continues to hungrily scarf down, she listens in on their quiet conversation.

"You shouldn't fire at her with all your questions. She's a former slave, she'll get overwhelmed." Seonghwa scolds. Her heart tightens at the word slave.

San scoffs, crossing his arms. "What would you know? At least I'm actually talking. Don't think I forgot about you though. Glad to hear your voice box is still working." He taps at his adam's apple.

Seonghwa huffs. "I can't believe the captain assigned you to show the newbie around."

"Who else would do it? You?"  San suggests amusingly. "Do you think you'll do better than me?"

"At least I won't chew her ear off with my incessant questions for my useless research."

San lightly claps his hands onto the table, letting out an amused sound. "You have a complaint, you tell it to the captain. Don't waste my time with your pettiness."

The tense atmosphere grows thicker as she swallows the last slice of meat down her throat. She shifts awkwardly in her chair, taking a sip of water. "Hey, look. She's done." San announces emotionlessly. "I guess we'll get going now." He rises from his seat, looking down at Seonghwa before quickly making his way towards the exit.

"Let's go, Eunsung. Say bye to Spark."

"Spark?" She asks, confused at the strange name. Seonghwa sighs. "It's a childish name San gave me. The 'S' stands for my first name, Park is just my surname."

She gradually nods. Her eyes wander back to his neck again and she notices that he has the same three scars on the other side of his neck as well.

"You should get that checked." He points at her side. She thoughtlessly moves her hand to her faint bruise. "The shirt got raised a bit, I'm sorry for staring." He admits.

She's slightly taken aback from his apology. A horrible feeling washes over her for even staring at his scars. She clears her throat. "I did already. It's okay, I've endured worse."

"Well, you shouldn't have to." He responds neutrally.

San yells from the other side of the door. She catches herself bowing again. "Goodbye."

--

After leaving the kitchen, San brought her to every other room in the lower deck. They went by them in a flash, but the most memorable room to her was the living quarters for the Powder Monkeys. She had expected it to be similar to the nightmare that was the hole.

It was separate from the rest of the crew's living quarters, but when San opened the door and greeted them all by their names, her expectations disappeared in an instance. Some boys were sleeping on clean hammocks, and Eunsung wonders if there was another ship with this kind of nice treatment. She could only see their bright hair colors, but they greeted him back in the same friendly manner and waved at her before focusing back on the game they were playing.

She bows at them before he closes the door. "You're very old-fashioned," San mentions. "You seriously need to stop bowing to every person you meet."

"It's a habit." She murmurs.

They're both now at the upper deck. She steps on the wooden floor and her knees ache with a familiar dullness to get down and scrub. Close by, a man carries a bucket filled with water in her direction and she visibly stiffens, her eyes transfixed on the object. He stops a few feet in front of her and spills the water over the deck and it carries away the dirt and muddy shoeprints, disappearing over the ship. His nearby crewmates yell at him for getting their shoes wet, but he merely laughs at them until they join in on his merriment.  

"Eunsung? Are you okay?" San's worried voice snaps her out of her trance and he appears beside her in an instance. She's quick to look at him despite his lack of a face. She nods. His head moves in the direction of the laughing men, but if caught on to what she was looking at, he didn't say anything. "Come on. Don't want you going missing now, do I?"

She's not a slave anymore. Never again.

They move to the right side of the Horizon. Some of the men working stop and whisper amongst themselves as they pass them. "that's her..", "The captain's life.."

She stares over the railing and she sucks in a breath and almost expects a giant hand to rise from the water like in her dreams. Her throat tightens and she realizes she's afraid of the darkness of the sea.

She tears her eyes away and struggles to focus back on what San was talking about.

San slaps the sides of one of the cannons. "Here are the cannons, I won't go into too much detail since you aren't going to work here. The powder monkeys fire the cannons and are usually the new members of the ship like you, but you're a special case."

San cups his hands at the sides of his mouth and yells towards the mizzenmast. "Wooyoung! Come down here! Captain finally assigned your pathetic butt an apprentice!"

She strains her head to look above and sees a flash of purple before a young man skillfully climbs down the Riggs.

"An apprentice?" The man, supposedly named Wooyoung, asks exasperated. "I just helped raid a ship a few days ago and the captain is already giving me more responsibility?"

Wooyoung points at her, his tone annoyed. "You. What's your name?"

"Eunsung." She replies, straightening her back after being addressed. He scoffs. "I can't believe we're already replacing the old gunman."

"The..the old gunman?"

The head gunner points at his neck. "Poor man got shot right here and fell off the foremast. It wasn't pretty."

She gulps and San fake laughs, patting Wooyoung on the back. "Captain's orders, so please don't try scaring her off on the first day. She's a pretty decent shot from what I heard. Maybe even better than you."

Her eyes widen. Nobody said anything about that. San waves, giving words of encouragement before disappearing downstairs to the lower deck.

Wooyoung crosses his arms, giving attention to the gun in his holster. "You were one of the slaves on board the snake-something, right?" She nods, the action feeling more forced.

He stays silent and she awkwardly speaks up again. "I'm cursed." Her words feel heavy on the tongue. "I can't see what expression you're trying to show."

He groans, pointing towards the Riggs. "Start climbing. I'm not going to waste time on someone who won't even be able to qualify as a rigger."

She stares at the tall wooden beam and she swallows nervously. She's never been that high before. "Get going!" Wooyoung commands.

She slowly makes her way towards the tied ropes, getting used to the strange texture.

It's just like the ladder back in the hole. Just treat it like the ladder.

She begins to climb. She imagines the top to be the hatchet door -- her temporary ticket to the outside. Her foot slips momentarily and she exclaims in surprise. She hangs by both of her arms and she struggles to pull herself back up.

Her heart plummets down to her stomach in fear and she does the mistake of looking down. Everything looks tiny from her perspective. Her grip begins to slip and she holds on for dear life. She's going to die if she falls.

She stares down to see the small figure of Wooyoung watching her, and she admits that she's even more afraid of what he might do if she fails.

She's not going back to being a slave.

Her muscles strain and she hooks her foot back onto the rope and continues to climb until she finds herself pulling her body onto the top of the mizzenmast. She stands in victory and she finally smiles for the first time in a long time. She leans against the railing to look down at Wooyoung. "I did it!"

He walks towards the Riggs and in a couple of seconds, she finds herself face to face with Wooyoung. Her mouth opens slightly in disbelief. "You passed..for now." He concludes. "Did you think we were over? I'm not going to let you go until you're able to climb as fast as me."

He cracks his knuckles and even through the blurry facade, she can imagine him smirking. "Get back down and restart."

[feelzz-gud]

Thank you so much for all the interest! So I’ll do a small run through synopsis type deal but I’m really excited to introduce all of you to whatever the title is it’s a work in progress (something like Plastic Beach Ruins, or Return to Plastic Beach)

Also excuse how messy this summary is I’m not proofreading this at all and I’m a little woozy today so expect little to no grammatic coherency.

So this all takes place early to mid phase four, things have been going well for the past few months or so until Murdoc starts acting strange, or at least stranger than usual. He slowly becomes physically less able to do things, less king rockstar and more help me life alert help me. They drag his ass to the doctors and they have no clue what’s going on, can’t link it to substance abuse of which there is a lot, or anything that could be considered plausible. The closest thing to a conclusion they can come to is that he’s just getting older really fast. Which like yeah, he is old, but he’s not that old yet.

So the gang(tm) end up going through his shit and eventually find a chicken scratched note that essentially reads like “bastard pirates wanted my soul cant take it if I don’t have it on my hhawahwhaw” and at this point it’s very clear to them that he stuffed it somewhere and they were the ones that’d have to once again clean up Murdoc’s mess. At first they try to hold their breaths, search the old now burnt kong studios and turn up nothing, before moving onto Mexico to search. Again nothing, and finally they’re just like “fuck it guess we’re headin back to trash island.” Which both 2D and Noodle were especially anxious about. Before they leave 2D really does try to bargain like “is it worth going back there? Why do we have to be the ones to do this?” And Noodle of course still has her grudges but pushes on. Russels left at the studio to make sure our basically dying Murdoc doesn’t bite the dust too early.

When they finally land the place is something out of a ghost town. The original studio that was built on the island has been destroyed, with one of the upper wings of the building now resting in rubble at the islands food, while the rest of the wings have been either looted or wrecked for no other reason than it was there to destroy. And the paint had mostly washed away returning the island to its original greys, and greens and blacks. The only thing that still seemed to be in okay shape was the lighthouse. Noodle and 2D start searching and it isn’t long until they eventually see a figure in the distance which turns out to be cyborg! Though she’s vastly different than their last encounter with her. In this au she was completely left behind during the attack on plastic beach and had since then taken over as the islands caretaker of sorts.

For one she’s missing an entire arm, as well as most of her original clothing. Clumps of hair are now clean from her head, whilst strange sprouts have found homes within the cracks in her frames. Cyborg herself is still mostly mute and lacks any sense of free will, though has seemed to develop an odd passion of sorts for botany. Turning the lighthouse that was used for murdocs raido show, into a green house of sorts. With lines upon lines of electrical wires lining the flooring. It’s later revealed that she does actually know where Murdocs soul is, but refuses to cough up the actual location due to old bodyguard related trust issues. And they can’t just take her apart and get the info because she’s so fragile at this point any meddling would surely end with her breaking completely.

There’s more but this is getting really long so TDLR: Murdoc gets sick, because he took out his soul and hid it from the pirates in phase 3 and now Noodle and 2D have to clean up the mess by returning to plastic beach to search for his soul, and trying to coax cyborg into giving them the location. Slowly cyborg is developing her own sense of cognition and free will because obvious plot twist it’s inside her all long and that’s what’s giving her the slowly starting sense of self. So what’ll they do will they yeet cyborg to save Murdoc? Find out next time on dragon ball Z I’m so sorry this is a horrible summary

I have a lot of cyborg related content for this au if you guys want to ask questions!!

[teamhook]

A Chapter a Day... Savage Heart CS AU

A love story between a pirate and his savior. An innocent, beautiful, selfless woman meets a man with no manners, no formal education and not even a last name. Will Emma fall in love with Killian once she discovers that beneath his tough exterior lies a heart-wild, but a heart of gold? This is a Captain Swan AU

Beta-ed by the awesome @ilovemesomekillianjones​​​

Cover by @xhookswenchx​

|AO3| |FFN| previous chapter

|AO3| |FFN| current chapter

Chapter 20: Bad Blood

David and Archie finally arrive at the Booth Estate. It is as he remembers it. They approach the door and David hesitates in knocking, he knows he is stalling but he cannot prevent his nerves from wreaking havoc.

"Do you really believe that Snow and Emma are here? Do you think we should go to the family house instead? Would Milah be here as well?" David is about to see his family for the first time in years. He is so nervous.

"Last time I spoke to August; he was taking Milah on an overdue extended honeymoon. I don't believe they will be here. I strongly believe Snow will be here because at the time Emma was considering taking vows, Milah had insisted for Snow to stay here so she wouldn't be alone. I saw Emma here before I left to Arendelle. She was here with Killian." Archie notices a change in David's demeanor.

"How well do you know this man? He married my daughter, my princess; can I trust him to make her happy?"

"David he is a good man that has made some bad choices and although I cannot in good conscience guarantee that Killian will make Emma happy. I know he will do whatever is in his power to make her happy." God, Archie hoped he was right, that Killian had taken his advice and made the right choice. If he is wrong they both would be miserable.

This time Archie is the one who raises his hand and finally that pounding of the solid oak door is heard. "David, you cannot over think this. You are finally home and are about to be reunited with your family after a very long absence. If they are not here, all that means is that you will see them again after a small delay. What difference does it make if it is seconds or hours?"

The door flies open and they are greeted with a small gasp coming from the longtime maid of the Booth's Enith. She smiles and slowly moves out of the way to allow them to enter the house.

"Please follow me; I will go and announce you both." She guided them into the living room. The room was large enough to accommodate the group.

"I have never been so nervous in my entire life, well, perhaps the day I proposed to Snow and Emma's birth." He smiles and suddenly the realization hits him that he has missed so much of his daughter's life and he is filled with shame and remorse. He hopes that she understands that all he wanted was to give her a better chance.

Milah had been wandering around the large house after her altercation with Emma and Killian. The betrayal from Killian was still fresh. He had claimed to love her and somehow ended marrying her self-righteous cousin. He no longer looked at her with love and perhaps a part of her believed him as he uttered the declaration of love for Emma. She felt her eyes sting from the tears that she was struggling to keep in. No, she would not let him go. Her feet had dragged her aimlessly for what felt like hours. Now she stood in front of Emma's old room. She grabbed the locked doorknob and slowly turned it and then she heard the click and she pushed the door open.

There has to be something useful in the room. She quickly opens empty chests and looks around frantically. Then she sees the old suitcase, oh she remembers watching Emma leave to the convent without that one. She rushes to it and opens it holding her breath. Just her luck some old clothes, but she keeps looking until she reaches the bottom and her fingertips recognize the feeling of that of an old photo. She yanks at it since it seems like it's stuck and finally frees it. Oh, this might just work.

An old photo of August that Cora had given Emma years ago. She remembers Emma being so excited to have a memento of her betrothed. She smiles wickedly as she hides the photo and rushes out of the room before she is caught. She is walking towards her bedroom since she hasn't seen her husband in a while and she doesn't want to make anyone curious to her whereabouts.

Once she is safe in her room and confirms she is alone she pulls out the old photo from its hiding place. She studies the photo carefully. August wasn't unattractive but he lacked that ruggedness Killian carries so well.

She reads the inscription, "My Only One True Love". Oh dear lord, Emma is such a sap.

I wonder how Killian will feel if he finds this in Emma's belongings. Maybe with this, she can prove to him that Emma is still in love with August.

Other than the lone photo she didn't find anything else she could use. Now all she needs is to sneak the photo into Emma's possessions and for it to be discovered, preferably by Killian. It isn't necessarily a lie; the photo is in her old luggage. She keeps reassuring herself this will work. He will soon realize that Emma is not in love with him.

Milah needs to convince everyone that she's reconsidered her position and that she accepts their marriage. She knows that it will be easy to fool everyone else and that the difficult part will be to convince Emma and Killian of her change of heart.

She knows that her cousin wouldn't deny her a second chance would she? All she needs now is the right opportunity to plant the photo and hope for the best. She is so lost in her thoughts that she almost doesn't hear the knock on the door.

She goes to open the door.

"Mrs. Booth, your uncle and Mr. Hopper have arrived and are waiting in the living room."

"Thank you, Enith, is that all?"

"Yes, ma'am that is all."

"Enith, wait, who else have you, shared the news with so far?"

"You are the first one that I have shared the news with. I have yet to give the news to anyone else. I'm on my way to tell Mr. Booth, Mrs. Cora, and Mrs. Nolan and finally the Joneses. It would be a lot faster if I could find either of your incompetent helpers to assist."

Milah rolls her eyes. "I gave them the rest of the day off. You do realize that we were traveling for a long period and it can be quite exhausting."

Enith just stares at her and clenches her fists.

"Perhaps this bit of information might make the task easier for you. Last I saw my aunt she was on her way to talk to my lovely mother-in-law. I have no idea on the whereabouts of my husband or cousin. Now hurry and go."

Enith smiles tightly and leaves the room as she mumbles a thank you. Milah follows closely behind and is on her way to the living room while Enith continues with her news delivery.

In Cora's room, Snow is talking and pleading to her old friend. "Cora, please help me reach out to my daughter."

"If this is about you being against the wedding, that ship has sailed, and there's a pirate on it."

"No, I accept her decision. It is not like we can have the marriage annulled."

Cora stares at her longtime friend. "Snow, how do you want me to help?"

"Milah and I were talking about maybe visiting her, in her new home. I'm a horrible mother, I don't even know, where my daughter lives." She looks at Cora with remorse in her eyes. "It should have been me, the one that helped her."

"Snow, you raised an amazing daughter. I know she will forgive you."

"Do you truly think this man is good to her?"

Cora thinks about the question bestowed upon her. "I hope so." She answers as sincerely as she can because although she wants Jones out of the estate, she does care for Emma. Sure she had no problem encouraging the marriage seeing as it would help her agenda but deep down she knows Emma is special. After all, she had in fact groomed her to be the perfect wife for her son but that idea had been destroyed once August met Milah.

Cora goes to write down the address for Snow. She is curious about Milah's sudden turnaround but she will investigate later.

Snow looks around the room as she waits and notices an open chest with old papers flooding out so she decides to tidy them a bit. She gets closer as she notices Cora is still scribbling and at the top, she notices a legal document. She squints to make sense of the writing. She picks up the paper and she recognizes some words, son, Killian, and Brennan's signature.

Cora turns to hand Snow the paper and notices her friend looking over a paper and snaps.

"What the hell are you doing? Are you going through my property?" She yanks the paper away from her and crumples it in her fist in her rage.

"I was trying to organize the chest a little, the papers were coming out. I didn't mean to overstep..."

Cora throws the paper at Snow as she raises her voice. "Of course you didn't, now get out!"

"Cora is Jones Brennan's son?"

"How dare you say such a thing!"

"Cora I saw it with my own eyes."

"No, of course not, no, he wanted to adopt him." She knows it is a lie because Brennan did, in fact, adopt Killian and gave him his last name. The fact that Killian didn't keep the last name still baffles her, instead, he took his mother's maiden name.

"Cora I'm not blind, he looks so much like Brennan."

Enith can hear the end of the heated conversation between Cora and Snow. She knocks lightly, afraid of how the interruption might be received.

"Come in." Cora is still looking at Snow like she wishes she could rip out her heart and crush it.

"Sorry to interrupt but Mr. Nolan and Mr. Hopper are in the living room waiting for you all." Enith glances between the two.

They both look at each other and Snow is the first out, followed by Cora. The crumpled paper falls to the floor, forgotten. Enith stops as they leave the room, picks up the discarded paper and stuffs it in her apron. Finally, she starts to follow behind them having no idea the importance of the document she saved.

Emma and Killian disappear to his room in the Estate, the farthest from the rest of the bedrooms. They enter and find a seat to get ready to have the impending uncomfortable conversation.

"My love, I know I owe you an explanation."

"Do you still have feelings for Milah?"

He is surprised by the straight to the point inquiry. "I do, but not the kind that would inspire me to want to be with her. I could never want another, now that I know the meaning of true love. My sweet love, without her self-serving actions we would not be here together. For that, I will forever be grateful for her selfishness."

"That is all, nothing more?"

"I wish she would truly fall in love with her husband. I will never be the man I used to be. I love you and my future is with you. I regret my earlier infractions. I will never be proud of the man I once was. Love, I do have one question for you, how will you explain the change in your relationship with Milah?"

"I don't know. I cannot exactly tell my parents everything she has done. You are right about one thing, without her we wouldn't be here. I just hope that I can be as good at lying as she is." She reaches out for his hand and he eagerly gives it to her.

"Killian, I know you are not too sure about having Tink live with us. I saw first-hand how unhappy she is at the convent. We could give her the choice to live with us or stay at the convent with some restrictions."

He is so nervous he has to tell her about his former interaction with Tink. "Emma love, there is a story I need to tell you. Now, if after hearing this you have no problem with Tink coming to live with us, we will go rescue her."

She looks at him intently, he is nervous; she knows Tink is extremely fond of him, she may even have a crush on him. "Okay, what is it?"

"Well, when Tink and I first met we had a dalliance. I know that she still has feelings for me, I have tried to discourage her but I have failed. I know she has some unrealistic expectations. Emma, I love her, but not the way she wants me to."

"Oh, I suppose that is not a big surprise."

Killian looks at her and if he is honest he is a little hurt. "Emma?"

"I suppose I should clarify, on her first day at the convent she talked about you with a dreamy look on her face."

He looks uncomfortable as he scratches behind his ear. "Love, I just don't want to put you in an uncomfortable position. I know your heart is in the right place and you care for her but I would never dream of imposing her presence on you."

"Killian, if I recall correctly, it was my idea, not yours. I made the suggestion, not you."

"I have no problem with her staying with us for a while, I wouldn't have made the offer if it was."

"If you are sure, we will go get her. Just a bit of warning, she can be a handful at times."

"She is like a little sister to you, isn't she?"

"Yes, even with our history, I just don't want any tension between you and I. Emma, I swear that you are the only one who matters to me."

"I know. I admit, Milah's words did upset me but I believe that you love me."

"Good. I hate to say this at this time but Archie may have heard a not so flattering conversation between Smee and me."

Emma is becoming exasperated. "Killian, how many things are you keeping from me?"

"It was only a misunderstanding I did not correct but if he repeated any of it to your father, I fear I may not make the best first impression. I may have felt that way at first but just know that the more time we spent talking and getting to know each other, it helped me forget the dastardly plan."

"You do realize you haven't yet won my mother over, therefore it will be the same with him. You will see. They communicate just by looking at each other."

"Well, then that kind of connection is all I strive for in our future."

She cannot help but dread the news he is about to provide and she tries to be strong and offers him an encouraging smile. "What did Archie hear?"

"Emma."

"Look, I would rather be prepared. I know Archie loves you and if he felt that repeating what you said to my father would affect you negatively, he will not repeat anything... but it would be better not to be caught off guard."

"This was said only for Smee's benefit. I may have insinuated that the only reason I was marrying you was a ruse to cover up my true intentions-"

"The plan you and Milah had concocted."

"Archie overheard and warned me against marrying you if that was my true intention."

"Yet you still married me."

"Aye, I just couldn't walk away and the thought of you doing so frightened me. I was unable to admit the reason at the time, but now I know I cannot lose you."

"Killian, there can no longer be any secrets or any more surprises between us."

"I know love, and I truly cannot think of anything else."

Emma glances around the room. "Did you pack everything before the wedding? Or did you leave anything behind?"

"I will check to make sure."

"I want to go talk to my mother and check my room one last time just in case."

They are interrupted by a sudden knock and Emma gets up to open it.

"Mr. Hopper and Mr. Nolan have arrived and are waiting in the living room."

"Thank you, Enith."

"Love, your father has finally arrived. Now you can relax."

"I am happy, but I'm nervous. Do you think my mother already talked to him?"

"I don't know my love but he loves you. If anyone should be nervous, it should be me."

"Come on, I'll protect you. Let's get this over with." She holds out her hand for him to take and go on their way.

August stands in the center of his office, contemplating and thoroughly lost in his thoughts. He still cannot believe Emma has married Killian. Sure, he had believed them to be a good match, but the truth was he never thought it could become a reality.

He realizes that the more time he gets to spend in Emma's presence the more his thoughts get jumbled. She is smart and kind. She has so many amazing qualities, not that he regrets his marriage but it makes him wonder about what-ifs. He finds that it truly bothers him, the thought of them having a relationship prior to the wedding. Perhaps his mother is right. He will need to deal with his feelings.

"Come in," he says when a soft knock sounds at his door.

"Sir, Mr. Nolan, and Mr. Hopper are waiting in the living room. You are the last one I've made the announcement to."

"I better hurry then." He smiles and heads for the door.

"It's alright old friend. You are about to see your family." Archie smiles and pats his friend on the back as they wait for everyone to arrive.

"Uncle David?"

"Milah, is it truly you?" He quickly gets to his feet to greet her and is stopped by a gasp and turns to meet his wife's eye.

"David you are finally home."

He rushes over and hugs her so tight.

Cora watches the display of affection between the two. She herself had never loved her husband and he knew it. A marriage of convenience is so much better in her opinion. Love is a weakness.

Then another voice is heard. "Father, is it really you?"

David turns to the melodic sound of his daughter's voice. A voice he longed to hear and there she stands holding hands with a dark-haired man he assumes is the husband.

"Emma sweetheart, I have missed you so much."

Killian releases her hand and gently pushes her in the direction of her parents still holding each other as they make room for her to join them.

Milah is just staring at the picture perfect image in front of her. She truly never felt like a part of the family. August decides to approach his wife and hold her hand. He tries to imitate the movement Killian did with Emma to encourage his wife towards her family, only to feel her stiffen and let go of his hand.

Snow slowly disentangles herself from the warm embrace to call out to Milah to join them.

Emma stiffens for a second but realizes they have no idea of the dubious character of her cousin. Snow and David call out to her, "Milah sweetheart, come joins us."

The whole group in the room looks around to see the door close and Milah is gone.

Cora clears her throat. "It is lovely to see you again David. Mr. Hopper always a pleasure."

To that comment, Killian raises an eyebrow. He knows for a fact that to her it is not a pleasure to have Archie or him in her home for that matter. However, he cannot help but feel overjoyed to see his wife in the long hearty embrace of her family, more specifically, her father whom he knows she has missed and longed to be with. He scans the room and finds a comforting presence in Archie, he smiles at his friend.

"Is it true?"

Killian turns his eyes towards the culprit, August. "I apologize I have no idea of what you speak of?"

"There seems to be a rumor going around about you and Emma. Is it true that there was an illicit relationship between you two while she was betrothed to me?"

"I don't see how that is relevant considering she is my wife and you married her cousin."

"She was still betrothed to me and I know I married Milah, but I did not pursue her until after my engagement had been called off."

"Why does it matter now? You said it yourself, you married the woman you love."

He knows if he is to tell him the truth, Emma will never forgive him. Milah deserves to be revealed for the conniving wench she is, but he will respect his wife's wishes.

"I want to know if I was wrong about her."

"Excuse me? The only thing you did wrong was not seeing her worth. She is truly an amazing woman. There is no truth to the rumors. I befriended her and we fell in love. Our tale is nothing like the one painted by those who spew out vile lies. It would appear you have taken those words as truth. I imagine that I have no need to tender my resignation with the way you are speaking to me."

August stares at him. "I had not considered ending your employment but if you believe that it is for the best, I will not object. Yet, you have eluded my question. I would love an answer."

Killian is getting angry and he can feel his temper rising; his jaw clenches as he fights to maintain his self-control, he'd love nothing more than to punch the man in front of him. "I would suggest you choose your next words regarding my wife very carefully." He gets closer to August with a predatory stance.

"Am I interrupting?" Killian hears the soothing voice of his beloved and instantly calms down. He glances at her and smiles.

Emma stares between the two. She gives Killian a pointed look. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I was hoping to introduce my husband to my father."

August is the first to answer. "No, of course not; you are never a bother. I will go and find my wife and make sure she is alright."

"Thank you. It is nice to see you again." She smiles and turns to face her husband, only to find him brooding. She reaches for his hand and holds on to it.

August looks at the scene unfold in front of him and finally storms out.

"Killian, what was that about? You looked like you wanted to kill him," she tells him as she slowly guides him to where her parents are talking to Archie.

"He is a bloody git. I will never understand what you saw in him."

"We will talk about the little talk that you two had at home."

"My love, I would rather forget the whole thing but if you insist." He knows his wife is stubborn and if she wants to know what happened he will share the tale.

"Father, this is Killian Jones, my husband."

Without warning, a punch lands on Killian's face and he stumbles back at the power infused within the hit. Emma quickly stands between the two."Father, why would you do that?"

"He should have waited for my arrival to ask for your hand. You both should have waited. Emma, you ignored your mother's pleas. How am I supposed to ignore that?"

"It was my choice. Isn't that what you wanted for me?"

Archie is now standing next to Killian in solidarity.

She is angry and letting her father know exactly her feelings on the matter. "Father, perhaps you are right but I'm happier than I ever thought possible. I was a fool to think that mattered more than protocol. We love each other."

Her mother speaks. "David maybe we need to get to know him. Emma is right, her happiness is all that should matter."

"Snow, I know you well enough to conclude that you weren't too happy with the idea."

"That is in the past now. I hate being at odds with Emma and this should be a happy time for the whole family. We are finally together after a very long time apart."

"If we are to do this, I want to have a one on one chat with my new son-in-law."

Archie puts his hand on Killian's shoulder encouraging him forward.

"I have no problem with that," Killian responds as he gazes into his wife's eyes and finds reassurance.

Cora is seated in her chair enjoying the show the group has inadvertently played for her viewing pleasure. Enith stands next to Cora, always loyal. Sadly Cora has no idea that her faithful maid has the letter that has caused her so much grief. "Enith, come with me. Perhaps it is about time we allowed some privacy to our guests."

"Yes, ma'am, of course, it would be for the best." She follows Cora out of the room. Sadly, Cora has no idea that her faithful maid has the letter that has caused her so much grief.

Emma holds out her hand for her mother. "Mom, would it be all right if we go to your room while Killian and father speak?"

Snow smiles in agreement. "Yes, you could help me pack to be ready to go back home."

With those words, they both look over to their loves and walk out. "I just hope that father is not too hard on him. I'm too young to be widowed."

"Emma, your father would never…" Snow realizes her daughter is trying to lighten the mood in lieu of the darkness that has befallen them because of the disagreement due to Emma's choice in a spouse.

"David, Killian, I believe it is time for me to go home," Archie excuses himself as the room grows emptier and emptier. "Killian," he approaches the young man and holds him in a tight hug as he wishes, "congratulations," then whispers, "I believe you two will be extremely happy. Please, do not aggravate your father-in-law. Think of Emma."

Killian nods in agreement "Archie, I believe we have a conversation to finish, the last time we spoke there were some things said which, I need to clarify-"

"It is not necessary. I will see you soon," Archie assures his friend.

"David, I will leave you two to your conversation." With those final words, Archie leaves the two alone.

"I suppose it is too late to ask of your intentions towards my daughter. However, I will warn you that I do know of your reputation, both in business and with women."

"I'm sure that words will not be enough to convince you of my honorable feelings towards your daughter. I will endeavor to prove it."

David eyes him carefully. "I suppose only time will tell. I do feel it is my duty to say the following though, if you hurt my daughter, I will ensure your painful and untimely death."

"I understand your duty as her father is to protect her and I hope you are willing to share the task. I would gladly give my life protecting her and her heart."

"I'm not asking for your help, pirate."

"I never said you were, all I'm saying is that I agree and I hope you believe I'm sincere. To prove my honesty, I have a confession before we end this conversation. First, I need to apologize for taking the liberty of marrying your beautiful daughter without your permission and I regret that it is not the last of my transgressions against you and your beloved family. I aim to become the man your daughter believes me to be."

David waves him to continue and he clearly cannot hide his dislike for his son-in-law's words.

"As you know, my past actions are not to be proud of. I was a very successful scoundrel and thief."

David notices he is struggling with the words, so he finishes the story for him.

"You were responsible for the attack on my business in Arendelle. Liam denies your involvement adamantly."

"I never asked my brother for my freedom. I think he let me go because he wanted to aid me at least once. We have been kept apart for too long and he feels guilty. To answer your question, yes, I admit I was the one that was planning the heist. As you know, we didn't even make it to your building. We were stopped before we set foot inside your business."

"Does my daughter know of your past?"

"Aye, I have not kept any sordid detail of my past from her. She believes I truly want to become a better man and I do. I would do anything for her."

"I'm willing to try to embrace you as my son-in-law because it is clear you make my daughter happy. I also choose to forget about your previous transgressions and that includes the one you had planned against me. Just a word of advice, don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a second."

Killian nods in agreement.

"Now let's go find them."

Emma helps her mother pack her belonging to finally leave the estate and go home with her father. She cannot help but feel overjoyed by the outcome. The only concern she has is the conversation between her father and husband. She is trying to distract herself as she maintains her focus on her mother. Her mother is extremely happy and keeps talking about getting together every Sunday for lunch. Of course, those family gatherings include her cousin and her husband.

Dealing with Milah is going to be harder than she thought. Then there is the tension-filled conversation Killian and August were involved in earlier that leads her to believe Milah may not be the only one that could cause trouble.

"Is everything okay Emma?"

"Yes, I'm just wondering about the little talk father is having with Killian."

"I'm sure they will come to retrieve us in no time."

A few minutes later a light knock on the door is heard by both women. Each couple retires to their homes once they leave a message for the remainder estate occupants instead of interrupting anyone at the late hour.

Milah watches as the couples depart, each in their assigned carriage. She hates that she is confined to a marriage to a man she doesn't love. She's certain Emma has stolen her lover using trickery. She decides it is time to try to get some rest.

"Milah, where have you been?"

"I was walking around trying to wrap my mind around all that has happened."

"I have been looking for you. I wanted to make sure you were alright." He looks at her with love and sometimes she wishes she could give him her heart.

"Why would you be concerned with my well-being?"

"You walked out of the living room during your family's warm moment."

"I left because I have never felt like a part of the family."

"Sweetheart, they love you."

"Do they really love me? I guarantee you that if they had to make a choice between Emma and myself they would pick her every time."

"That would be an impossible situation for anyone to endure."

"You are just lucky you are an only child. You never had to compete for your parents' attention."

"I have been fortunate but I would have loved to have a brother. My father was very fond of Killian and I suppose in some ways I see him as the brother I never had."

"Is that the reason you are not happy Emma married him?"

"I'm happy if they are. I was just surprised by the rapidness of their courtship."

"It did happen rather fast. I guess the rumors are true. My cousin is not pure or innocent like she has convinced everyone she is."

"I asked Killian about that and he leads me to believe they could have been an exaggeration on some people's minds."

"Of course you two would defend fair Emma's honor."

"Milah, please don't get upset."

"August, I just want to rest and perhaps tomorrow will be a better day."

She just looks away and keeps her gaze out the window. He gives up on helping her find comfort.

"Goodnight my love." He quickly changes and lies down.

She turns to face the bed once his snores fill the room. Joining him she tries to find rest, but she is restless and cannot sleep.

She decides to take a walk around the house. No one should be awake at this time. The house feels cold and empty.

Not far from her son's bedroom Cora is lost in thought. The letter was there and now has disappeared. She has to find it and finally destroy it. She cannot ask about it without making the contents of the letter an interesting read. That is a risk she will not take.

Snow is her immediate problem. She seemed to accept her explanation, but for how long? She needs to find a way to keep her quiet about her findings. The recent events seem to be bringing out bad blood between the families.

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​

[softjeon]

Drown in me | Pt. 3

• Pairing: Pirate!Yoongi x Siren!Jungkook • Genre: Angst, Fluff | Pirate!AU / Siren!AU ( → Gifset Trailer) • Words: 9,5k • Disclaimer: mentioning of blood, alcohol, abuse, nsfw content

written with @cassiavioletblue

↳  “When I sing…people do weird things. Strange things happen.” Yoongi laughed awkwardly but stopped right away when he realized that Jungkook was serious about what he had said. This wasn’t a scared little boy trying to make use of some fairytale to scare the captain of the ship he’s been brought on into submission. He believed what he said.

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Since Yoongi had found the map on Jungkook’s back a lot of things had changed. He looked at it first thing every morning, right after waking up. Jungkook had made a little habit of his own as he tended to sleep in his bed now. Of course Yoongi would never say it out loud but he actually loved this, getting to bed and finding that Jungkook had already warmed it for him with his body or spending the sleepless hours he sometimes had and usually spent staring holes into the planks of his ship and questioning his existence with different distractions like tracing the star spots on Jungkook’s back or just watching him sleep. He just seemed to become more and more beautiful the longer he looked at him.

Namjoon had joked that apparently Jungkook had bewitched him after all because he looked at him the same way he had looked at treasures before. Needless to say, that Yoongi had just completely ignored him. No one bewitched the black captain. He just was a man with needs and having someone like Jungkook close to him all the time brought up certain thoughts of course.

That was all.

While the crew was getting the ship ready, some men were loading sufficient provision, some saying goodbye to their families as they were ready to take on a new adventure and Hoseok leaned over the map that had been transferred from Jungkook.

“And you are sure that this is the only way to get there?“ Hoseok hummed, eyeing the map and studying it carefully. As the main navigator he had to make sure they all got to their destination safely and the route that the captain chose this time wouldn't make it easier. “We're sailing close to Nightmare's territory and this isn't calm water. And this right here, there's a reef, we could run aground if we’re not working together. We have to be careful and slow. You sure you want to do this?“

“Ah, no, now that you told me this I think we should all just retire, give up the ship and live calm, riskless lives till we die.” Yoongi laughed at Hoseok’s face, “Come on, we are pirates. Since when are we afraid of reefs or riffs or other pirates?“ He had to admit that those kind of pirates were pretty scary, and the ‘Nightmare’ was a ship that lived up to its name but he definitely wouldn‘t say that out loud in front of his crew. To them he was their fearless captain!

“Just wanted to make sure. You have been acting awfully soft lately,” Hoseok nodded nonetheless with a proud smirk. “Let’s get some magical treasure then.”

...

Jungkook leaned over the edge of the ship, enjoying the salty breeze. It was still weird sometimes to be able to roam around freely - well, as freely as he could. Yoongi was always close, his eyes on him as if he still didn't believe Jungkook would stay. But the siren wanted to see the mirror, too. He had an aim now. And staying with the pirates hadn’t turned out to be so bad.

“Oh, this one is pretty!” Jungkook had wanted to go back into the cabin, when he saw the shell collection that a pirate was sorting out, taking in new ones, carefully cleaning them and making sure they would glisten perfectly under the sun. He got onto his knees, reaching for one of the closed oysters that were still alive “Can I?“

Jungkook motioned for the young pirate to be quiet, to not make a big fuss about it and held his palm on top of the oyster careful not to hurt it. “I can't promise that there will be a pearl,“ Jungkook whispered, when the oyster began to tremble and open up, “This way you don't have to hurt them.“

The young siren smiled, seeing Yoongi out of the corner of his eyes, observing them carefully as if someone could jump and try to attack him again. He came up to them, watching how delicately Jungkook handled the oyster. They would die on land and for a horrible second he wondered if keeping Jungkook on his ship would kill him too. Not for the lack of water but because of the risks Hoseok had just reminded him of. His crew was used to this kind of life - but Jungkook was gentle and caring and if they got in a fight Jungkook would be the first to fall if he couldn’t defend himself. He couldn’t just start to sing or else all of them would feel the effects. “Hey fishboy. Are you trying to get yourself a pet here?” He smiled as if he wasn’t just thinking about how he wouldn’t be able to take it if Jungkook died. Just because of the treasure of course.

Jungkook shook his head, “I don't know what you call it, but I wanted to make a friend. Not a pet.“ He looked at Taehyung who was just as cluelessly looking back at his captain, thinking Yoongi had talked about Tae and not the oyster. His expression only changed when he saw that there was really a pearl inside of the oyster. Jungkook smiled at him, “If you take him back into the ocean, I'll promise every oyster will open for you in the future.“ He winked at the pirate and got up.

“So, you are friends with oysters?” Yoongi smirked. “What else are you friends with? Just so I know what not to serve you.” He wasn’t entirely joking because since Jungkook had taken him swimming and that oyster had given him a pearl he hadn’t asked for oysters in the kitchen again. Seeing Jungkook so happy about their interaction had ruined his appetite for them. Hopefully Jungkook wasn’t friends with every fish in the ocean or else they’d run out of food.

Jungkook sighed, thinking about answering Yoongi for a second before he just walked ahead and back under deck. He had enough of his teasing, and he couldn't count the times that he told Yoongi that he wasn't a fish and couldn’t communicate with them.

With the Siren gone Yoongi could talk freely to Tae who was tossing the oysters and other clams that were still alive back into the water. “Hey.” The pirate looked up at the careful tone of his captains voice. “You know that we’re going to sail some dangerous waters right? I’ll be a lot on deck and Namjoon and Hobi will be as well. I figured you’re not scared of Jungkook like most of the others? So, it would be really nice if you could have an eye on him in case anything... happens.” He didn’t have to elaborate, something ‘happening’ on a pirate ship usually meant the same things: shallow banks, navy ships or other pirates. He would feel better knowing that Taehyung was looking out for Jungkook because even though Taehyung seemed just as soft as Jungkook at first glance he could become a ruthless, merciless pirate in case someone threatened to hurt crewmembers - and hopefully he would think of Jungkook as a crewmember as well.

Taehyung simply nodded at the order, returning his attention to his collection. Maybe the siren could help him find more rare shells in return.

Down in the captain's cabin, Jungkook watched Jin set the table for two. But when Yoongi still wasn't showing up Jungkook just ate by himself, shuffling over to the bed right after. The salty air had made him tired. Even though it had become almost a routine to eat dinner together, Jungkook knew that Yoongi still had to lead his crew and his ship. He yawned tiredly, getting rid of his clothes, before he slipped under the blanket.

…

Yoongi returned to his cabin late with the sky already dark and the stars glistening. Every time he looked up at them it made him think of Jungkook now. He sighed deeply as he stretched out his muscles from a long day of ‘pirating’ as Jungkook had called it once. Speaking of which the younger had stolen his bed again, lying so outstretched that he would have to gently nudge him aside to find room. He got out of his clothes and then tried to make Jungkook roll over without waking him - which he failed because the siren sniffled a little and then opened his eyes. “Don’t mind me, I’m just trying to find some room in my bed, pretty.” Finally, he could get into bed with Jungkook and the warmed up covers felt perfect against his cold skin.

Jungkook only mumbled something that he couldn't understand as an answer, before he noticed how cold Yoongi's body was. He shivered, turning around to pull the captain closer and the blanket tighter around their bodies. “You're ice cold,“ Jungkook whispered sleepily, placing his warm hand onto Yoongi's cold and naked chest. The pirate captain chuckled at that, liking the feel of Jungkook’s hands against his body way too much. “Well why don’t you warm me up then?” He leaned in to brush a lost strand back behind Jungkook’s face and let his hand linger there a little before he let it trail a tingling path all the way over his shoulder to the small of Jungkook’s back. “Have you decided on a proper location yet?” The amusement was sparkling in his eyes.

“Whenever you aren't afraid of me anymore.” Jungkook answered boldly but the younger’s heart skipped a few beats nonetheless as heat was rushing up into his cheeks. “You're still afraid to be bewitched by my kiss? To drown?” He smirked, nuzzling his face back into the cushion and closed his eyes again. “I always thought pirates aren't afraid of anything.“

The surprise rendered him speechless but just for a second. He had thought that Jungkook would blush again and get flustered, maybe shyly admit that he wasn’t sure yet. That the siren practically gave him a pass right now came as a pleasant revelation.

He lowered his voice, whispering dark and promising into Jungkook’s ear, “Oh pretty, I’m not scared of you. I just tried to be polite and give you time to wrap your head around what it’s going to be like for you to be my companion in bed. Though if thinking I’m scared of you was the only thing holding you back then now that it’s out of the way…” He finished his sentence by shifting his weight and leaning over Jungkook. The younger looked up at him, so beautiful, so tempting and Yoongi just surrender to his desire. He closed the sirens mouth with his, hungry and demanding while his hand was finding a way to Jungkook’s chest, touching, feeling, teasing his naked skin. He was kissing the surprised gasp right from Jungkook’s lips. The kiss was effectively shutting down every worry or doubt in the siren’s mind. It had been a long time since someone had kissed him like that and Yoongi’s hands on his skin just felt too good to push away again. He had wanted this, he wanted Yoongi. He would have lied if he told otherwise. Wherever he went, Jungkook felt the longing stare on his back and when he turned around he saw Yoongi and his heart ached blissfully, a feeling he was chasing without even noticing. He had gotten used to sleeping next to him way too quickly and whenever Jungkook woke up without Yoongi by his side it felt like something was missing. He barely knew him and still, here he was, lying underneath the handsome pirate, kissing him back just as eagerly. Before he had wanted nothing but his freedom and when Yoongi gave the choice back to him, Jungkook fought the urge to just stay in the other’s arms. And although he was scared that Yoongi would not care anymore as soon as he got the treasure and that he only wanted him because of the part that was seductively siren in Jungkook, he couldn’t stop.

Jungkook moaned quietly, pulling Yoongi in closer by his waist. Yoongi felt relief wash over him as Jungkook kissed him back just as heatedly, obviously on the same page as him. He hadn't been entirely sure if it was just the siren’s nature to react to flirting and tease right back, but this reaction felt real. He quickly pushed down Jungkook's underpants that the younger wore for sleeping because everything between him and Jungkook's body felt like a personal affront. He couldn't wait to touch all of him, explore every part of his body, every inch of his skin…

The need started burning in his gut, his body reacting to the mental stimulation it got. Jungkook could feel the need rush through his body, making him impatient and feeling way too hot. Nonetheless he couldn’t help but blush, when Yoongi pulled down his underwear so eagerly. Jungkook just kept on kissing Yoongi, nibbling at his lips, his jawline and only let go off him when the pirate got rid of his own pants.

He had seen Yoongi naked before, it was nothing new, but still it felt like he saw him for the first time like this. He gulped, a rosy blush on his cheeks when Yoongi hovered back over him, kissing his neck. Jungkook instinctively spread his thighs a little further so he could feel Yoongi even closer on him, while his hands were exploring Yoongi’s body, tracing softly over a few scars from what he assumed must be from fights, before he pushed his lips back onto his. Yoongi comfortably lied back down in between Jungkook’s thighs. Feeling how willingly the younger spread them for him had him stifling a moan. He couldn’t wait to be inside him.

He inwardly groaned - not the nice kind of groan this time - when he remembered that he needed to use something on the siren to make it easier for them and that he didn’t keep stuff like that next to his bed. Though when he needed to get up from the bed anyways he could also lock the door to prevent a drunken visit from Namjoon again. If it was going well then his crew members would hear what was happening anyways as he doubted that Jungkook wouldn’t be vocal.

Jungkook propped himself up on his elbows, watching Yoongi with a fast beating heart. The sound of the door locking made him jerk a little, as he felt so on edge and sensitive already, while his eyes stayed glued on Yoongi’s back. He tried to see what the other was doing, for a second thinking that Yoongi might have changed his mind. The doubts came just as fast as they were gone again, when the pirate turned around. Jungkook relaxed visibly when he saw that it wasn’t a cloth or anything alike to stuff his mouth with.

At the wide eyed look Jungkook gave him Yoongi startled a little. Getting up from the bed without a word after making out probably hadn’t been his best idea. “Don’t worry I just got some coconut oil from the shelf. It should work. I’ve used that kind of stuff before.” He got back on the bed, sitting back on his heels and then ordering, “Turn around for me, please.”

Jungkook couldn’t decipher the feeling inside of him, anything of it really: The aching to let Yoongi have him, the fear in him, the anxiety that he would let go off him as soon as he got his treasure and that he was just someone to spend the nights with. And still he wanted him. Jungkook tried to wave it off that he was just having his ‘needs’ too. He just couldn’t keep his hands to himself. Jungkook did as Yoongi ordered and turned around to look at him over his shoulder, biting his lip in excitement. Yoongi gave the younger a once over, from his long neck down over his shoulder blades that still stuck out a little too much even though Jungkook ate more regularly now since they had established their new rules of him being not-quite a prisoner. His small waist gave his body a slight curve that Yoongi found incredibly attractive. His eyes were glued on the siren as he opened the jar with the oil. He generously coated his erection with it, jerking himself a few times until it became too slippery to be enjoyable. However, it would be different with Jungkook‘s body so he added a bit more just to be sure and then wiped his hands clean on the sheets. He needed a good grip on Jungkook‘s hips.

Jungkook’s heart was only beating faster when he watched Yoongi jerking himself, soft, low groans leaving his lips and the need to lean in and kiss him again overwhelmed him completely. He felt a little left out, that was until Yoongi gripped him tight around his hips, pulling him closer and tearing a squeal from him. Jungkook instinctively spread his thighs a little more to give Yoongi better access. Yoongi positioned himself at Jungkook’s entrance and started to push in, only going slower when he felt how much Jungkook’s body resisted. He’s had a lot of sex so far, seeking distraction on every island they landed on, but he had always chosen the easy, no-strings-attached way; which meant male prostitutes, rent boys, the men he found on the side of the street or in certain bars. He’s never had to prepare them before. Jungkook was different though and Yoongi was a little out of his depth when he realized he might be going too fast for him.

“You... you’re not a virgin, are you? You’ve done this before…with humans?” He stuttered, trying to keep himself from pushing further in because the tightness felt heavenly - even though he knew it must be a little too much for Kook.

Jungkook nodded his head, his hands gripping the bed sheets tightly. “Y-yes, but you know…the kidnapping and…all,” He was panting, chuckling low, “The last one sold me to those sailors.” Reaching behind him, Jungkook held onto Yoongi’s waist keeping him steady, “Just go slow, okay? I can take some pain.” He looked over his shoulder for a moment, his gaze turning sultry, “I really want you, Yoongi.” Slowly, Jungkook moved his hips, gasping when the feel of being stretched out hit him hard – but he didn’t stop.

“You mean..?” Jungkook didn’t seem the type to look for one night stands so if Yoongi wasn’t wrong then the Siren had just told him that the last person he had trusted or been in love with had sold him into being a prisoner on a ship. Which only very few managed to survive. Ships had their own laws. Even for a human being sold like this promised a nightmare to come - and all the more if you were a creature of the sea supposed to show the crew a way to magical treasures you didn’t know much about. It must have broken Jungkook’s heart.

Yoongi leaned over him, suddenly feeling protective and started kissing his neck,  soothing over his shoulder to relax him. The only thing he was grateful for was that if Jungkook’s last time had been with that dishonorable prick it meant that the sailors at least hadn’t touched him. Going slow together with his caresses seemed to make it a little easier for the younger as he slowly opened up to him, inch by inch. Yoongi’s thighs trembled from the tension of holding himself back. It felt so good, better than he had ever felt before. “Fuck, you’re... incredible!” His suppressed moans sounded desperate already even though they hadn’t really started yet.

Jungkook couldn’t keep from smiling, feeling proud that he was the one making Yoongi so desperate, his fingertips digging deeper into his waist. The younger felt totally breathless when Yoongi completely bottomed out and he was sweating already. Jungkook moved his hips slowly, circling them to get used to the feeling of being filled, pushing back onto Yoongi with a little pressure, then a little more. Soft moans were spilling from Jungkook’s lips, “Please, Yoongi!”

Yoongi cursed filthily in best pirate manner when his hips met Jungkook’s ass. The younger felt better than he could have ever imagined or dreamed of; he was pure tightness and velvety heat, perfect muscles and peachy skin under his touch. “You good?” His breath didn’t last for more and he was actually quite proud that he waited for Jungkook’s affirmation before moving although everything in him ached to thrust forward and indulge himself in the younger’s sweet body. He wanted to take as much as he could before he would lose Jungkook to the water or another ship again. “Mh’ yeah, would be better if you started fucking me, or is this it?” Jungkook answered cheekily, although he knew better by now not to tease the pirate. He smirked, pushing his ass back onto him sensually.

”Did you just..?” Yoongi’s mouth hung open before his expression turned dangerous. “Whatever you want, baby. Just don’t come crying to me if you can’t walk tomorrow. I’ll make you remember who had that sweet ass of yours.” He rubbed his palm over the firm flesh before roughly pulling the boy back against him. He could feel himself slide in deeper and from the way Jungkook shuddered helplessly he wasn’t the only one who felt like he was losing his mind from pleasure. With his hands on Jungkook’s ass and his weight on top of the younger he controlled him completely, setting a deep and dirty pace that had the bed shaking. Jungkook was trying to hold onto the headboard to keep himself steady, the thrusts making him jerk forward with each push. “Ah, it feels so good,” He moaned and laid his head back down onto the cushion, his ass up as he reached for Yoongi’s hand. He placed his own on top, just to feel him even closer. Jungkook couldn’t withstand Yoongi, not physically nor emotionally. The thrusts were hitting deep, making him shake and tremble so quickly like he never had before. Jungkook closed his eyes, dwelling in the pleasure, sweet, melodic moans the only thing that mixed with his heavy pants.

The moment Jungkook started to moan for real was when Yoongi felt it; it was like being hit with something hot, like a wave that pulled him under. He didn’t stand a chance from the onslaught of pleasure that filled him, so suddenly that he almost lost balance.

“Oh.. oh fuck!” He held onto the younger for dear life as his harsh, deep trusts only teased more sounds from Jungkook’s throat. The more he used his voice the more unbearable the desire became, ebbing and flowing through his body like the ocean, filling his senses, his mind until he couldn’t think about anything else but Jungkook and that he was inside of him. He wanted to become one with Jungkook so desperately, to come inside of him and make the siren fall apart because of him that it became a need more important than oxygen. He needed to feel Jungkook closer, to fill him out, make him his, etch himself into Jungkook’s heart and body as deeply as he could.

Jungkook could feel his thighs shaking with the way Yoongi was going for it. He sat up a little more, leaning back and letting the pirate wrap his arms around him to keep him seated on his cock while he turned to kiss him sloppily. Jungkook loved the feel of Yoongi’s sweaty chest against his back, his warmth and secure hold and the force with which he fucked him. He stole one more kiss, before the siren let himself fall onto his hands again, spreading his thighs a little more and starting to jerk himself off. Jungkook moaned Yoongi’s name loudly, his hole tightening deliciously around the pirate’s cock with each stroke.

Yoongi held onto the siren as if he was everything that kept him from losing his mind and right now it felt like exactly that. He whispered praises into Jungkook’s ear, telling him how beautiful he was, how kind, how much he loved to see his smile first thing in the morning when it was still a little sleepy and only meant for him. He told him breathlessly how much he loved to watch Jungkook by the sea and how he had wanted to drag him into his cabin and just take him whenever Jungkook had gone skinny dipping, presenting that well rounded ass to the pirate as if he was teasing him with a delicacy he wasn’t allowed to taste. The words just kept coming as if something had loosened his tongue and made his heart spill over, so that he was confessing all his feelings in a rush, a fresh haze of heat burning him from the inside out whenever Jungkook so much as gasped or moaned or melodically whimpered his name while he touched himself.

Jungkook’s jerks were getting more desperate, his pants and moans louder so that he was sure his magic was reaching further than the captain’s cabin by now – but he didn’t care. Nothing of it was harmful anyways. A smile played on his lips, when he trembled and Jungkook pushed his ass back a little more, “M’ so close, please.”

Yoongi was close as well - but he couldn’t speak or tell him otherwise, his voice had been lost in what he was feeling. He was too far gone to realize that it was the siren’s magic that had infected him, heightening his pleasure because that’s what Jungkook was feeling. He was at the mercy of his own desires, his own lust and the closer Jungkook got to finishing off the more intense it got and the more overwhelmed he felt.

His grip around Jungkook’s waist tightened as if he never wanted to let go of the boy, his thrusts becoming more sharp and reckless as he chased his own pleasure. He fucked Jungkook so hard that the boy gasped for breath each time the pirate snapped his hips forward, right into his sweet spot that made him see stars flashing in front of his eyes. It didn’t take long for Jungkook to fall apart right on his cock. His thighs were trembling, his whole body shaking from the pleasure as he cried out. Jungkook fell forward, a quivering mess, his muscles clenching tightly from the waves of his orgasm, feeling blissfully gone in pure ecstasy. Each stroke inside of him, made him shiver even more, intensifying the feeling and when Yoongi began to tremble, his thrusts faltering, Jungkook was still clenching around him in aftershocks, trying to catch his breath. Yoongi came hard and with a hoarse cry, harder than he could ever remember coming before. He kept Jungkook close to him, riding out his orgasm buried deeply inside the younger’s sensitive body until the siren started twitching and jerking every time Yoongi’s shallow thrusts send him further into overstimulation. Yoongi tried to find his voice or get his breath back but failed miserably, still lost in the waves of pleasure when Jungkook's body stopped shaking and his own muscles stopped trembling as well.

When Yoongi finally pulled out, Jungkook just let go and let himself fall into the bed. The wet, hot cum inside of him had him feeling so utterly dirty but Jungkook couldn’t get himself to get up right now. He sighed softly, feeling Yoongi’s body slump down next to him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the…the moans,” Jungkook whispered and turned to look at him, “But you looked so beautiful when you were gone, and it doesn’t harm you. I didn’t want you to be scared.” A faint smile appeared on his lips and Jungkook shifted a little closer to Yoongi, holding onto him tightly. “Oh,” It made a lot more sense now, how incredible Jungkook had felt and how he had lost himself so quickly. He couldn’t find it in him to care though. He felt amazing. Sated and boneless, limbs heavy and mind blissed out. “Were you trying to bewitch me, or does it come naturally to you?” He lowered his voice to whisper into Kook’s ear, “Do you get everyone hot and bothered every time you jerk off too? Maybe that’s why I wanted you so much. How often did you make yourself come next to me at night, moaning your siren song into my ear?” He didn’t mind the sweat or cum on Jungkook, so he pulled him back in, nipping at the juncture of his neck. When it didn’t have enough of an effect he rubbed over Jungkook’s nipples, knowing that the other must be hyper aware of his oversensitivity right now.

The siren shivered, “No, it comes naturally.“ Gasping lightly, Jungkook felt too weak to hold Yoongi back, letting him nibble and kiss him everywhere he could reach. “What?“ He placed a hand on Yoongi's chest, “I would never, not when you're sleeping next to me. Did you?“ Jungkook's eyes grew wider at the sudden imagery in his head.

Yoongi smirked, kissing Jungkook's cheek half smug, half apologetically. "Yeah, I did. After we went into the sea together and I saw you naked and wet, and so so fucking beautiful and then you let me touch you - and practically told me that I could fuck you some time...you didn't think that would leave me cold, did you?" At Jungkook's shy reaction he added, "Don't worry, I didn't touch you, I just waited till you were asleep and then imagined how it would feel to sink into your tight heat and take you right on that beach. Nothing I imagined came even close to what it actually feels like to fuck you though. I hope you enjoyed it because I definitely want to do this again. And next time I know I need to go slow first. You're not hurting, are you?”

The younger’s cheeks were blushing, and he mindlessly drew pattern into Yoongi’s chest in his embarrassment, “N-no. I’m okay. I’ll just go and wash up really quick.” Jungkook leaned in and placed a kiss on the pirates cheek, one that let his own heart jump, because he’d never been the one to initiate things like that. Jungkook carefully got up and around the bed, giving Yoongi the perfect view of the bruises forming around his waist where he had gripped him tightly. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled, before he vanished into the small bathroom to wash himself. The bowl filled with water was ice cold, but Jungkook didn’t mind right now. He could hear Yoongi shift around in the room and when he came back, he noticed the changed sheets. “Thank you.” Jungkook whispered and laid back down next to him, not even bothering to put clothes back on. He put his arm around Yoongi’s waist, pulling himself in. Tiredly, he nuzzled his face closer, blending out every doubt and thought about how Yoongi was just using him and would drop him soon after he got what he wanted: the treasure. Jungkook was just a beautiful siren that passed his way and the more he thought about it, the more he realized his own fears had changed. Jungkook shuddered.

"Are you cold?" Yoongi had misinterpreted Jungkook's shudder and held him a little tighter to his chest, rubbing over his arms to warm him up. "I can get you another blanket if you want?" Suggesting that Jungkook put his clothes back on wasn't an option as he liked it too much to have the younger naked in his arms. Seeing the bruises on Kook made him feel satisfied as it would mean Kook would remember him - it was something he thought about sometimes. As a pirate he went in and out of people's life whenever they visited an Island and except for his crew no one really knew him. He couldn't change that - and also shouldn't for safety reasons. But at least he could imprint his presence in someone’s body, hoping he would live in their thoughts a little longer.

“I’m fine,” Jungkook closed his eyes and leaned his head on Yoongi’s chest, seeking the warmth of his body heat, which made it so easy to fall asleep, feeling safe in the pirates embrace.

He only woke, when the sun was shining through the bullseye again and there was no way he could sleep any longer.

Jungkook groaned, turning when he felt Yoongi leave the bed. Pursing his lips into a pout, the younger blinked his eyes open. With a sigh, he pushed the blanket away from his body and got up as well. He walked past the pirate and towards the drawer where Yoongi stored his clothes to try and find something that fit him. Unfortunately for the pirate, he could see now that the bruises were all gone and where his handprints had been the night before, there was only soft, milky skin now.

Yoongi, stopped short. He had to make a double take before he could believe it: All of the marks he had so proudly and possessively left on Jungkook‘s skin were gone. Of course, when the siren‘s ability to heal himself was able to handle cuts then a few superficial bruises were gone in no time. He hadn‘t thought about this yesterday so today came as a surprise. Yoongi huffed, feeling personally offended by Jungkook‘s healing abilities even though he knew that it was childish, that Jungkook couldn‘t control that - and that it would just give him a reason to bruise Jungkook up anew. In bed. Maybe even tonight.

“You okay?” Jungkook turned to look at the pirate when he huffed, walking over to him to brush his hand through his hair. He let his hand wander down to Yoongi’s cheek, lingering there for a little while as his gaze locked with his. Jungkook leaned in, wanting to kiss Yoongi again, but a knock on the cabin’s door made him jerk away and leave his embrace. He quickly put a shirt on, before Namjoon peeked through the door once more interrupting them. Yoongi wished he hadn’t unlocked the door already.

“You slept pretty long. How about you skip breakfast and come on deck? Hoseok needs you to help and guide through the shallow sea.” Jungkook sighed softly, folding his hands together. If Yoongi would skip breakfast, then he would need to, too. No matter where Yoongi went, and although he didn’t call him a prisoner anymore, the captain never let him out of sight.

“Great.” Yoongi’s voice was saturated with sarcasm. “You really know how to ruin my mood, Namjoon,” He took Jungkook’s chin and turned the boy’s head around to kiss him deeply and possessively, completely ignoring Namjoon’s presence. Then he leaned in, whispering a few words into Jungkook’s ear, “Why don’t you have breakfast without me and then we met back at lunch. You shouldn’t skip a meal because you’ll need your strength. Apparently your body is adamant on making it seem like I never touched you which means I’ll have to make you remember me every night.” He smirked, half promising half annoyed from how they needed to part and then quickly followed Namjoon back on deck.

Jungkook stood frozen on the spot and when Yoongi was gone and the door closed, he was completely and utterly confused. Turning around, he didn’t quite know what to do with himself now, when usually he’d follow the captain around. And only after a couple of minutes of calming his fast beating heart, did Jungkook get out of the cabin, carefully tip toeing into the kitchen to search for breakfast. Whenever a crew member passed him, Jungkook almost pressed himself to the wall, averting his gaze, not wanting to get any attention on why he was walking around alone – but luckily, no one seemed to mind.

…

“Yoongi god fucking damn it,” Hoseok yelled, “Tell your dumb ass crew to look out larboard as well. If we run aground because they thought they only need to observe one side then I’ll fucking jump off this ship and let you all sail with ten knots against a cliff.”

The captain’s answer was an angry growl. Not only was Hoseok  talking to him in a way that he shouldn’t but he was also right with what he was saying which made it even worse.

“You are part of that dumbass crew!” He reminded him roughly, “And if you don't stop running your mouth like that then you’ll go overboard either way.” He normally just overlooked Hoseok’s way of talking to him as the other did an amazing job, but he was agitated already so angering him further wouldn’t be a healthy choice for anyone today.

Jungkook was munching on an apple that Jin had given him, saying that he looked as if he was lacking vitamins, and got back on deck. He regretted it the minute he stepped out into the sun. There were crew members running around, he could hear the navigator and Yoongi screaming orders, yelling over of each other.

“If you fucking get just one scratch into my beautiful ship…”

Jungkook turned to look over his shoulder at the angry growl and up to the steering wheel, chuckling quietly. He walked ahead, his eyes only on Yoongi, when someone bumped into him roughly making him stumble. The crew member just disregarded him quickly, running off to the other side of the ship. Jungkook huffed in annoyance. “Here, Jin made you some tea and this bread is for you.” He held the metal can and the food out for the captain with a smile. “He says you shouldn’t drink whisky this early and you’ll only get it at lunch.” Jungkook quickly stepped aside again when another pirate was almost running him over.

“I can’t eat right now!” Yoongi disregarded his nice gesture with an annoyed glance. It was cute that Jungkook had thought of him but right now he didn’t have any capacities left for pleasantries, he was busy trying to stay afloat and keep them on the water instead of under it. “You eat it - you need it anyway.” He ran over to another pirate, yelling at him for taking the wrong rope and messing up the knots.

For the second time today, Jungkook stood completely confused, looking down at the bread and tea. He bit his lip. The younger could clearly see that Yoongi had his hands full, but still the way Yoongi had talked to him left a bitter taste in his mouth. Jungkook smiled faintly at Hoseok, who looked at him pitiful and he quickly began to place the food and can down where Yoongi could still take it if he wanted to. It was too chaotic on deck for him, a perfect mirror for the turmoil of feelings inside of himself. Jungkook barely had managed to get up when a wave hit the ship. The tea sloshed out of the can first and then the rest of what was left hit the planks together with the high sound of porcelain shattering. Yoongi cursed before he even saw where it had come from or what had happened. “Which of you fuckwads was stupid enough to leave dishes on deck? If anyone gets cut and bleeds out I’ll make the idiot who’s responsible for that share that fate! Clean it…” He broke off, when it hit a little too late that Jungkook’s had dishes with him when he had come on deck to bring him tea and bread. He turned and there he was, standing close to the white, sharp shards that were scattered all across the planks and tumbled even further every time the ship moved a little too roughly.

Jungkook’s eyes were wide and he looked back at Yoongi for a second, eyes fearful and then he quickly got onto his knees and began collecting the shards. He pulled his shirt out of his pants to form a little hollow to put the shards in, mumbling a few apologies. He didn’t really notice when he cut himself on a shard, trying to catch it before it flew further away from him as they sailed through the tides. The younger tried not to show how embarrassed he felt, but the laughing and pointing of the crew members around him made him feel awful. “It was your little siren, captain.” One of them said, holding their stomach as if they couldn’t contain their laughter. “Not as graceful as we thought.”

Jungkook quickly grabbed the can, mumbling something about how he would get something to clean it up further, as he balanced the shards and everything else, trying not to stumble. He was so concentrated on not letting any of the pieces fall from his grip that he didn’t notice when one of the Pirates tripped him up. Yoongi didn’t see that from his point of view, however he saw Jungkook lose his balance and fall forward, effectively throwing everything he had collected all over the place. More laughing from the pirates and curses from Yoongi washed over the siren who looked as if he had fallen into a few of the sharp, broken pieces himself.

Jungkook cried out in sudden pain, carefully bringing his palms back up to see the damage. He was shaking with the anger, blood dripping down his hands. Jungkook hated this day already and the crew was adamant on making it worse. In his vibrating anger, the siren didn’t notice how the waves were starting to tremble too, as if the ocean was mimicking his emotions. He snapped around, his eyes narrowed as his gaze bored through the laughing crew members when a wave hit overboard and drowned the pirates with it. Jungkook’s eyes widened in shock when all three of them tumbled over, now soaking wet, coughing for air. Jungkook gasped, when the tension fell off him, just like the wave ebbed back into the ocean. He had never done such a thing before and for a second he was completely stunned.

Yoongi had tried to get to Jungkook to check up on him but he wasn’t in time to stop him from working his water magic or spell or whatever it was that he was doing. It definitely helped with the laughing because there was dead silence the second they all realized that the sudden wave came from Jungkook, then there was murmuring, like an angry swarm of hornets. Out of the corner of his eyes Yoongi could see one of the pirates draw his blade and instead of carefully helping Jungkook up like he had wanted he gripped him painfully on his arm to pull him up right away. “Get up!” He hissed, dragging the younger along with him under deck.

“I didn’t mean to! I swear!” Jungkook was trying to explain right away, his heart beating into overdrive out of sheer panic that Yoongi would imprison him again, “I’ve never done such a thing before. I was angry…they hurt me, they made me fall into the shards on purpose.” Jungkook whined quietly, stumbling after Yoongi whose grip only turned more painful. “I swear, please…please don’t hurt me,” Jungkook shivered, feeling light-headed and when Yoongi stopped, he tried to turn his head, closing his eyes, waiting for the blow to hit. Yoongi held him tightly on both his arms now, turning him around so that the younger’s back hit the wall behind him, “Do you have any idea what you just did?” His voice was icy and his eyes just as cold as he stared him down.

“I’m trying to protect you! And the first time I let you be on your own, thinking that you might handle this you fucking ruin it! You’re risking not just your life but mine as well! What do you think they’ll do when they come for you and I’m trying to protect you, hm? That their captain is a reasonable human being and so they should listen to him even though he’s keeping an “evil sea creature” from them? Or that said creature bewitched him and so both of them have to die? Do you really want to drag me down with you so badly Jungkook? Is that it? Do you want to die?”

“I’m not evil! You know I’m not,” Tears stung in Jungkook’s eyes as he shook his head, “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t know I could do that…and I didn’t hurt them…they hurt me! You’re hurting me, Yoongi!” Jungkook tried to pull his arms away, his palms still bleeding. “I don’t want to die.” He shook his head, tears running down his cheeks as he sobbed, “Please…Yoongi, please don’t.”

Watching Jungkook cry in front of him made his anger vanish so that only the worry and fear were left, and his own words left a bitter taste in his mouth. He didn’t let go of him, but he loosened his grip a little. He was no longer yelling at him, but he still couldn’t look at him without the emotions washing over him, so he simply didn’t. Instead he just took him back to the cabin and sat him down. “Show me your hands.” There was still blood all over and Yoongi wasn’t sure if he might make it worse trying to clean it because that would definitely hurt. “You’ll heal, right?”

Jungkook’s eyes widened at that, pulling his hands back in fear, scared that Yoongi would punish him now. It wasn’t the first time someone would, because he hadn’t been able to control his abilities. People always feared the unknown and as soon as they found out that he healed quickly it had turned into a wicked game. Jungkook felt defeated, his heart aching painfully. “Just get it over with, please.” He looked up at the cabin with tear-filled eyes, his hands shaking, whole body shivering in fear.

The pirate nodded; his expression grim as he misread Jungkook’s reaction as a request to care for the wound despite the possible pain. “It’s going to hurt,” He warned him before getting a clean piece of cloth and the bottle of alcohol that he had used to disinfect the cut on his leg as well. Carefully he took Jungkook’s hand in his before wetting the cloth with booze and then dabbing the blood and dirt away from the younger’s wounds. A gasp fell from his lips when Yoongi didn’t hit him, but instead went for his hands. His gaze was unsure as he watched the pirate care for him. “Y-you’re not beating me up?” Jungkook asked carefully, regretting that he had asked right away. Maybe the captain would still do it.

Yoongi furrowed his brows. “I will next time you risk your life like that!” He dropped his gaze again, voice becoming softer. His crew members knew when to take his threats seriously and when to dismiss them. Jungkook however, didn’t. And considering what he had just expected him to do he would probably believe him now as well so he should better make it right before Jungkook would go back to being frightened and scared of him. “No. I won’t. The reason I’m that harsh to you is that I don’t want you to get hurt. I need you. For… for the treasure I mean. I can’t let anything happen to you. You just got me really, really scared up there. Because each time you remind them that you’re not human I feel like I need to prepare against a mutiny and…honestly I’m not sure if I’d stand a chance to protect any of us.” He gently caressed the back of the siren’s hand, the only part of it that wasn’t injured. “So please, do me a favor and lay low with your powers, okay? I’m sorry I yelled at you up there. It’s... complicated. We’re in dangerous waters and there’s a million ways thing could go wrong so I have to think about a million and one things, if you know what I mean.”

“O-okay,” Jungkook blinked a few tears away, wiping over his cheek. “I really didn’t mean to. Believe me, I didn’t know I could do this. I don’t know what happened…I was just so angry.” He took a deep shuddery breath, “I…I…won’t do anything anymore. I promise. I’ll be human!” Jungkook smiled at Yoongi faintly and obviously exhausted from the breakdown, “Just human. I am sorry I made such a fuss.”

Jungkook would have promised Yoongi anything right now, visibly relieved that he hadn’t hurt him. When Yoongi still locked the door behind him, Jungkook didn’t even jerk. He knew that in a way it was just to protect him, from keeping anyone from barging in. Tiredly the young siren let himself fall back into the mattress. He stayed like this for the rest of the day, too exhausted, not even touching the food Yoongi brought him throughout the day.

Jungkook had never been good at deciphering his feelings. As a siren, his empathic nature had always caused him trouble and finding out what he truly wanted was a struggle. When he laid on the bed alone, staring off into the distance, memories kept haunting him. It took a while until the exhaustion pulled him under and into a light sleep, only jerking awake again when Yoongi came back. The thoughts had been keeping him conscious that night, listening to the soft snores right next to him, while his eyes were wide open. He felt alone, awfully alone, holding onto himself a little tighter. Jungkook was shivering, feeling cold and exhausted and still he couldn’t sleep. Not like this. He needed to clear his head, maybe get back to bed then or wait to see the sun set outside. The crew had anchored the ship after they made it through the dangerous tides, everyone visibly exhausted and needing the night to fuel their energy levels back up. Jungkook made it out of bed quietly, closing the cabin door behind him without a creak. He grabbed one of the lanterns and a small blanket on his way up. When he was up on deck though, the young siren came to a halt, standing in complete awe. Jungkook couldn’t see a thing - because there was fog everywhere. He could barely make out his own hand. The vapor devoured it all and it seemed as though the ship was the only thing left in the world. He couldn’t even make out the ocean. All was quiet apart from the soft sound of the waves, the silence magnifying the noise of the sea lapping against the sides. But there was something different about the fog. Something that made his stomach churn. It was like the ocean was telling him to be careful.

Jungkook held on tightly to his lamp, walking ahead, narrowing his eyes to see through the fog. Something had caught his eye. He shook his head, rubbing his eyes again, thinking that they were playing tricks on him. Putting his lantern down, Jungkook leaned over the rail of the ship so he could see better.

There was another ship.

A bit further away from theirs. He could see it now. A chill ran through his body and a weird feeling inside his stomach made him want to run but the curiosity kept him still. A sudden loud crashing noise next to him had Jungkook jerking around, his heart beating fast. His lantern had fallen, the glass splintering into a million pieces, the candle extinct – he hadn’t touched it. Jungkook’s eyes were searching in the dark, trying to keep his breathing under control. Something felt awfully wrong.

“Y-Yoongi?” Jungkook stumbled ahead and through the fog, the urge to be back under deck and slip under the blanket was overwhelming now while he was internally pleading for the morning sun to rise quickly. When he neared the door, Jungkook stopped abruptly. His eyes flickered back and forth. There was a women blocking his way. Her dirty smirk only enhancing her haunting aura.

“Well, well.. aren’t you quite the catch..” She sounded excited but completely relaxed as if her being on the ship was completely normal. Before Jungkook could react she gripped him at the shoulder and turned him around until his back was pressed against her chest and she could wrap her arms around him completely, one hand closing over his mouth to keep him from making a sound, the other one reaching for her weapon to threaten the siren with. “Be smart, little boy. No sound or else you’ll have a few more holes than you need.” She whispered, still sounding more amused than threatening as she casually spoke about killing him.

Jungkook was panting against the hand over his mouth, his eyes searching through the fog as more and more women stepped out until he was circled by six of them. “He isn’t one of them,” One of them said, brushing through her short dark hair.

“But then why is he here, Dami? Black never takes strangers on his ship - especially not ones that can roam around freely like this?” A woman with long blonde hair answered and came closer, eyeing Jungkook dangerously, before she pulled off a piece of cloth from her belt and they quickly exchanged it for the hand, so Jungkook kept quiet, stuffing it into his mouth, “Black hasn’t visited us in a long time… how nice of him to bring us a gift….well, then we’re allowed to do whatever with you, right?” She leaned in so close that Jungkook shivered.  

“Absolutely!” The one who held him chuckled, brushing back Jungkook’s hair as if she was caring for him or assessing his worth. “I could think of a thing or two to do with him. Look at him, he’s so pretty! Either Black developed taste all of a sudden or there’s more behind those big brown eyes than we see. He’d look amazing in the captain's cabin on her silk sheets, don’t you think?”

“Oh yes, he would,” The leader walked up to Jungkook and his eyes widened in panic, trying to get away from her but the women were strong, keeping him in place firmly. Her bright red hair flowing in the wind. “Bring him onto my ship and then…rob this awful place. Take everything you can get and try not to wake the sleepy boys. But make sure he knows we’ve been there,” Jiu laughed. She walked a few steps, pushing her heel onto a seemingly lifeless body, that Jungkook only registered now, and lifting the poor pirates chin, who apparently has had the night shift and had to take a hit on the head, blood oozing down over his brows. Jungkook tried to scream, panicking, writhing to get out of their grip.

He wouldn’t survive another kidnapping.

They carried him easily, tying his hands up with one of the ship’s ropes until he was practically a package, one carrying his feet and another one his upper body. They hoisted him over the railing and then let him fall and for a second Jungkook was falling downwards, thinking that he was about to be dropped in the ocean to drown - before his body hit the ship’s tender boat with a dull thump. There was another woman waiting there, flinching when he landed hard on the place next to her and keeping him from falling off the side out of reflex. “Oh, hello you. I see our pilferage was worth it already. You’ll come with us?” She looked at the way he was gagged, chuckling to herself, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to answer anytime soon. “I guess so. Welcome on board then little one.”

Jungkook couldn’t help but cry out of frustration and fear. He couldn’t believe this what happening. Not now, not like this. He was begging and pleading inwardly, praying to whatever god there was to get him out of his misery. Jungkook had wanted to apologize to Yoongi again, promise him to be good and not use any of his powers anymore. He just wanted to stay with him. Everything in him just screamed to be back on the ship. Jungkook’s eyes widened in sudden realization, his heart skipping a few beats as the ship went further out of his reach.

He wanted to stay with Yoongi, be by his side, be liked by the crew members. He wanted to be seen as someone who could be at the captain’s side and not just the clumsy, frightened siren. Gulping against the lump in his throat, Jungkook began to struggle against his restraints.

He liked Yoongi.

And no matter how mean the pirate could be and although it didn’t make much sense to his own heart, the young siren wanted to be with him. Tears filled his eyes and the sounds of the women robbing the ship carelessly and the crashing of the ocean waves against the boat was the only thing he could hear.

A/N: I posted this a day earlier than usual as I am going on a small vacation the next three days. So instead of a break you’ll get the new chapter now! Thank you so much for the lovely support we have gotten for this story so far!!! It really means a lot to Cat and I! And yes, surprise ;) It’s Dreamcatcher coming to kidnap Jungkook <3 (I mean who wouldnt want to get kidnapped by those beautiful women). If you don’t know who Dreamcatcher is...what have you been doing?

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[legobiwan]

Whumptober #10 (unconscious)

TW: alcohol abuse mentions; suggested self-destructive behavior

Fandom: Star Wars (Obi-wan Kenobi, Qui-gon Jinn)

Notes: Welp, let’s go from the ridiculous to the...sad. Sure, in one day I will post a crack!AU of the horrible goose as a reincarnated Qui-gon Jinn and then I’ll post...this, which is sheer angst. 

—–

(From the diary of Obi-wan Kenobi. To be destroyed at sundown.)

Hello, Qui-gon.

How are you today?

Still dead, I imagine.

It’s probably for the best. No, I don’t mean it that way. You just -  I wouldn’t want you to see into what state the galaxy has fallen. Knowing you, you’d go rushing off on some damned fool idealistic crusade - joining a rebellion, perhaps even forsaking your Jedi vows to become a pirate or a smuggler who worked in tandem with a rebellion.

Of course, if you were still alive, this all probably wouldn’t have happened.

I’m getting ahead of myself.

A thought game, then. One of those hypotheticals of which Master Yoda was so fond. If you were here, right now, if somehow the Force saw fit to bring you back - I imagine…

Well, I imagine you would chastise me roundly for the deplorable habits into which I have fallen.

Although, Qui-gon, I have to admit, in life, you drove me to more than one maladaptive coping mechanism.

Prophecies, indeed.

But no, I cannot blame you (nor anyone else) for my own failings. You did the best you could. I was the one who was unable to shoulder the burden, to rise to the challenge you presented me.

I should have let someone else train him.

The galaxy - well, what is left of it. A series of jagged pieces shoved together, made whole by the yoke of a single man. I should have seen, should have known…

I can’t walk into a single cantina, not without seeing the Holonet, now completely owned by the Empire. I cannot get one measly drink without hearing reports of him, the dark lord, the Cursed Breath in the local language, and it’s my fault, Qui-gon. I did this to him, not just on Mustafar, but a million times over, allowing him to cavort with politicians when I was too overwhelemd, not pushing the issue of the Senator from Naboo further, by agreeing to the Rako Hardeen scheme, a thousand little cuts and now…

And now the galaxy is burning, Qui-gon, and the Jedi - oh Force, the Jedi are dead and if I had only - if I had only…

Right, then.

I’ll be back in a moment.

There we are. As I was telling you - confessing - to my terrible habits. How amusing. A Jedi gone to seed. Not in the same way Rael Aveross did, you needn’t worry. I have yet to bed uncounted beings, nor have I taken to gambling my meagre savings nor instigating some form of black market trade. Not that this planet needs any encouragement on that front.

I may have picked up Rael’s taste for alcohol, but we both know my predilection for a decent whiskey has nothing to do with my scant dealings with the man.  

But the thing about alcohol, Qui-gon, is its delightful side-effects.

If I drink enough of it, I will render myself unconscious.

Mind you I say unconscious, not asleep - a deliberate choice of words.

In being unconscious, I can find respite, even for a few brief hours. (The other side effect of alcohol is that it disturbs sleeping patterns, which in my case is a desirable outcome. Too much sleep leads to too much chance to dream.) I know I should be meditating, and Force knows try every day Qui-gon, I do. I am still a Jedi, supposedly, even if I have locked away my lightsaber in a rusty box under my bed.

(I cannot stomach to look upon it, knowing just what its last actions were.)

But in meditation lies the same danger as sleep - that danger of thought unconstrained, of visions vivid and terrible - of clear, cutting memory.

I can still see him, Qui-gon, I can smell the charred flesh, hear the ragged screams pulling blood from my ears. I cannot make myself eat cooked meat, and yet there is little else on this Force-forsaken planet from which to gain nutrition. Yes, I have the last of my ration bars from the war, but even those will eventually run out.

But where was I? Right, my confession, my chance at absolution undeserved.

I do not sleep, I barely eat, and I am - while not the sole cause (even I cannot be so self-absorbed as to believe that) - one of the main culprits in the fall of the Jedi Order and the dissolution of the Republic.

It’s quite a title to get accustomed to. I believe I have outdone any of your grandiose accomplishments (and I am including New Monarch and Savior of B’thleskor, despite your protests) by a fair margin.

So far, I have found it a bit easier to - for lack of a better term - knock myself out by means of chemical reaction. (I tried other ways. But I refuse become a spice addict on top of everything else and it is far more difficult to render myself unconscious by physical means than you might imagine. Although, you were the one to inform me of my hard, thick skull on many an occasion, so perhaps this was to be expected.)

(I don’t use the Force, not if I don’t have to. It still bleeds with loss, screams at what was ripped from it, an artificial, vulgar, pulsing black heart in its place, and I have to wonder if that’s what he carries in his chest now - )

I think I’ll have another drink.

A toast. To you, Qui-gon. For being a far better man, a far better Jedi than I was ever able to be. And a toast to unconsciousness, may it claim me with swift arms and deliver my weary soul to impenetrable oblivion, at least for a few sweet hours.

Good night, Qui-gon.

…

…

…

(I am sorry, Qui-gon. I am so sorry. I don’t know what to do, alone on a desert planet, exiled with the singular mission of keeping a young boy safe, as if that could be my redemption, as if that would make up for a single one of my missteps.)

…

…

…

(I wish you were here.)

legobiwan does whumptober