Namjoon is my waifu

Yoongi watched as Jungkook paced the length of the ship, his hands fiddling nervously with the hilt of his sword. Around him, the crew ran about the ship, preparing for departure. They’d been docked for too long. It wasn’t worth the risk to stay any longer. Just this morning, Jungkook had finally given the order after Jimin and Hoseok brought Aoi aboard.

The poor girl looked half dead when she arrived. Jin kicked Jungkook and Jimin out when they attempted to follow him below deck, insisting he needed his space to heal her properly. With his lip sticking out in a pout, Jimin backed away, scurrying off to help Seungmin with the riggings.

Jungkook hadn’t stopped moving, pacing the ship from bow to stern repeatedly. If the rest of the crew hadn’t been so occupied already, he would have picked a fight long ago. His face was screwed up as he fought with a piece of red string which dangled from the hilt of his sword. Twice he paced the length of the ship before finally detaching the string only to tie it back on and repeat the process again.

Yoongi’s leg hung off the side of the ship, swinging gently. The lapping of the water against the wood beneath him helped to keep his own nerves calm. It wouldn’t do to have them both so on edge. Jungkook had yet to brief him on anything. For three years the entire crew had gone through each day not knowing whether they would ever see their captain again. Yoongi wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting when Jungkook returned, but it wasn’t this infuriating silence. They had always relied on each other, telling the other everything. This cold shoulder Jungkook was giving him was something Yoongi didn’t know how to deal with. Now that Aoi was safely on board the ship again and they were leaving port, Yoongi hoped to get some information out of the captain. Particularly anything useful on Akira.

“Captain!”

Yoongi’s head shot up to spy Jeongin spring up over the side of the ship. Reaching out a hand, Yoongi stopped the boy before he could reach Jungkook. “What is it?”

“Akira,” Jeongin’s eyes were huge and he fought to catch his breath long enough to speak, “he wants to meet with the captain before we depart.”

“Akira is here?” Yoongi cursed as he leapt off the railing. “Where?”

Jeongin pointed to the dock where a small group of four soldiers stood. In the center, Akira leaned casually on his walking stick. Catching Yoongi’s eye, he nodded lightly.

Turning back to the cabin boy, Yoongi instructed, “Climb up to the mast and get Jimin. Tell him to go below deck with Jin. His number one priority will be protecting Aoi. Jungkook and I are stepping off the ship. No one is allowed in or out of that cabin until we get back. If we don’t return-”

“Sir?”

“Two hours. If we haven’t returned in two hours, you have orders to set sail.”

“To where?”

“Tell Jimin to ‘Take Refuge’. He’ll understand.”

Jeongin nodded and darted across the ship.

Closing his eyes tightly, as if willing the situation away, Yoongi took a deep breath. Without opening his eyes, he counted Jungkook’s steps. As the captain passed, Yoongi caught his wrist. Finally pealing his eyes open, he was disappointed by the lack of disappearing problems.

Jungkook glanced down at Yoongi’s hand wrapped firmly around his wrist before lifting his gaze and raising a brow in question.

Yoongi jutted his chin over his shoulder to where Akira was still standing.

Jungkook’s jaw clenched once he found him. “How long has he been there?”

“He stopped Jeongin as he was boarding.” Yoongi released his hold on the captain.

“What?”

“Jeongin is fine, but Akira wants to meet with you.”

Jungkook gave his head a sharp tilt, his lips pressed together in a firm line. Yoongi could see the battle raging in his mind. He wasn’t about to leave the ship. Not with Aoi on board. Jungkook never said it, but Yoongi knew he trusted no one to protect her but himself.

“I think we should go talk with him.”

The look on his face betrayed his thoughts. Jungkook knew they should go. Swallowing hard, he looked past his shoulder to the door which led below deck.

“She’ll be fine. I’ve sent Jimin below deck to watch over her. The entire crew will be put on guard. No one will be getting anywhere near Aoi. Jimin already has orders to set sail if we aren’t back within an allotted time.”

Still, Jungkook hesitated. Yoongi did his best to be understanding, but Akira wouldn’t wait forever. Avoiding him now may come as an act of war.

“I know you want to protect her, but this may be the best way to do that. It’s not only Aoi you’re protecting anymore. You have the entire crew to think about.” Though Yoongi kept his expression carefully neutral, the sweat coating the palms of his hands betrayed his anxiety. If Jungkook didn’t agree to go, Yoongi could approach Akira on his own but he would never learn anything. Akira would speak only to the captain. This could be their last chance to try and get any useful information.

On the deck, Akira pulled his lips back into what Yoongi assumed was a smile. He would never understand what the females found so attractive about him. Akira could have any girl off the street with a smile and bow of his thick skull. It grated against Yoongi’s nerves.

“Hoseok!” Jungkook called for his master gunner as he passed by, “Where’s Chan?”

Hoseok pressed his lips together as he bent his body back at an odd angle. Grinning, he pointed toward the bowsprit, “He’s there,” standing up again, he straightened his shirt, “helping Felix with the rigging. Poor lad still hasn’t figured out how to tie a proper knot. He can do just about anything you set him to, but the ropes are his weakness.”

“He hasn’t even been here an entire month,” Yoongi said, “give him some time.”

“I’m stepping off the ship.” Jungkook said, wasting no time with small talk.

Hoseok’s mouth fell open.

“Jimin is acting captain. Chan will take over Yoongi’s duties until we return. Until I step foot on this ship again, you are to obey every order from them both. Presume I’m not returning and prepare to sail without me.”

Hoseok’s smile vanished. “Captain?”

“Your top priority will be Aoi’s safety. Do you understand your orders?”

Hoseok turned to Yoongi, desperate for an explanation.

Yoongi nodded toward the dock where Akira stood, that stupid smile still plastered to his face.

Hoseok laughed in disbelief. “You can’t be serious. After three years of avoiding him, now you want to talk? Captain, do you really think it’s wise?”

Yoongi gave a sharp shake of his head. He didn’t need Hoseok changing Jungkook’s mind now.

“I’m only going to speak with him. If all goes as planned, we’ll be back in a few hours. Have the boat completely ready to sail by than or I’ll have your heads.”

Hoseok dipped his head in understanding but it was clear he wasn’t pleased with the situation. “Yoongi? May I speak with you a moment before you go?”

Yoongi obliged, stepping to the side with Hoseok as Jungkook slipped below deck to check on Aoi once more.

“I know this is your doing,” he crossed his arms stubbornly over his chest, “Jungkook wouldn’t leave the ship of his own will. Not now. Not after everything.”

“What’s your point, Hoseok?”

“The crew just got their captain back. They aren’t going to be thrilled when they find he’s leaving again.”

“It’s only for an hour at most. He’s been gone longer.”

“You know I don’t question you often. I would trust you with my very life without an ounce of doubt,” Hoseok allowed a glimpse of fear to shine through his bright eyes, “but why? Why are you doing this?”

“It’s good to keep your friends close but better to keep your enemies closer.” With nothing more to say, Yoongi dipped his head in a farewell and turned to meet Jungkook as he stepped back onto the deck.

Yoongi cursed his pounding heart as he led Jungkook down to the dock. He knew he could show no sign of fear. For Jungkook’s sake more than anyone, he had to remain calm.

Akira greeted them with a pleasant smile. “Gentlemen, I thank you for sparing a moment of your time.”

“A moment is all it will be,” Jungkook said.

Akira didn’t appear fazed by the captain’s angry tone. “Shall we convene to a place with a few less prying eyes?”

Yoongi didn’t have to look to know the entire crew was watching from aboard the ship.

Jungkook gestured forward, “Lead the way.”

Akira kept to the alleyways, avoiding his own men scattered throughout the main streets. Explaining what he was doing with a well known pirate in his company promised to be far more trouble than any of them needed. At any given moment, Akira need only say the word to have Jungkook and Yoongi arrested. It was a show of his good intentions. Still, Yoongi remained on edge. Akira was not a man worthy of any kind of trust.

Beside Yoongi, Jungkook walked with an easy stride, his hands swinging loosely at his sides. To anyone on the streets, he appeared the epitome of calm. Yoongi however, saw right through the charade. On any other day, Yoongi found it difficult to keep up with his captain’s long strides, but today he kept an easy pace beside him. Jungkook’s head, though held high and confident, sported the smallest tilt as his mind undoubtedly raced faster than he could keep up with. He was a ticking bomb: fragile and ready to explode at any moment.

Fifteen minutes passed before they reached the old mill at the edge of town. Akira ushered them inside, carefully avoiding any prying eyes. They were then led through to the small room at the very back. A find layer of dust told of the room’s abandonment. Large maps of town and the surrounding ports with scattered points noted by red pins, covered two of the four walls.

Akira strode up to the desk. His nose scrunched as he wiped a finger across the dusty surface. “I do apologize for the state of this room,” flicking away the dirt, he rubbed his hand across his pant leg, “I haven’t been here in years. Business grew and with it came better accommodations.” He motioned toward the seats in front of him. “Please, have a seat.”

Jungkook ignored the offer. A silent warning which was well received. “What is it you wished to discuss? I have quite a bit of work to finish before we leave port.”

With a small huff, Akira fell down into his chair. “I suppose three years absence would leave you with a fair bit of unfinished business. Especially with the type of crew you’ve bridled yourself with.”

Yoongi clenched his teeth. He couldn’t imagine the things Jungkook had gone through, but he had seen first hand how the crew fell apart. Jimin, having nearly lost his mind worrying for their captain, stepped into the role required of him. Yoongi was forced to watch as the new captain slowly lost all of the light that was once so present in his bright eyes. Jimin was a good man and a better pirate, but without Jungkook’s guidance, he was a lost soul. Yoongi himself struggled to keep himself together. If it hadn’t been for Chan and Seokjin, Yoongi dreaded to know what would have happened to the crew.

Akira took advantage of their weakened state. Week after week, the Commodore sent ships to attack the Bangtan. It was all they could do just to keep her afloat. It was only the hope of their captain’s promise to return that kept them fighting, but his absence had taken a massive blow.

Akira’s eyes flitted to where Yoongi stood, the corner of his lips pulling up into an arrogant smirk.

“Get on with it, Akira,” Jungkook said, sounding bored as his arm shot out to keep Yoongi from stepping forward. “What is it you want?”

“To discuss negotiations, of course.”

Yoongi wanted to drag Jungkook out of there at the first sign of trouble. Perhaps this had been a bad idea after all. Hoseok may have been right. Yoongi never should have talked Jungkook into coming. But the young captain’s interest was peaked. Pressing his lips into a fine line, Yoongi remained quiet. He would trust Jungkook for now.

Stepping forward, Jungkook took the seat across from Akira. Leaning back, he crossed one leg over the other. “What sort of negotiations? Surely you don’t believe I would grant you anything of mine.”

“My inquiry is only of peace. I request a truce.”

Jungkook laughed, “Come now, Akira. Do you take me for a fool? I am not inclined to believe such a ridiculous notion. Not when you are the one proposing it. Not after everything that has happened over the past three years.”

“You know me well,” Akira matched Jungkook’s laughter, “I am not one to suggest a peace treaty with a pirate. My entire life has been built around eliminating your dangerous lot from society. But these are special circumstances.” Both men sobered instantly. “Perhaps you should hear my terms before dismissing the offer so quickly.”

“You have my undivided attention.”

“I only wish to prevent my family’s name from becoming tarnished. My travels to different times has allowed me insight into a rather unsettling future. One which I hope to change with this meeting here today.”

Yoongi didn’t like the look in Akira’s eyes, but Jungkook sat forward as if interested in the proposition. “And the conditions?”

“Nothing but a simple agreement. You remain away from my family in exchange for a cease in all attacks on sea.”

“Only the sea?”

“My generosity only extends so far.”

Jungkook fiddled with the bottle of ink on the desk, a knowing smile playing at his lips. “I find this all a bit hard to believe. Peace is desirable, yes, and if it were anyone else I would accept these terms,” lifting his eyes, he met Akira’s stare, “but I can not put my men at risk like this. You have attempted to kill me one too many times for me to believe a word you say.”

Akira dropped his feet and slammed his palm against the desk, his voice straining as he fought to keep it low. “All I’m requesting is for an agreement.”

“And?”

“What more would you like from me?”

“The truth. A man like you does not simply step away from something he has been so actively pursuing. You sit there and spew these sweet words from your dirty mouth but I am not naive enough to pick them up.”

“I have told you nothing but the truth. You have chosen ignorance.” Closing his eyes, Akira took a deep breath and settled back in his chair. “Very well then, this meeting here today was only one of many paths I can take to secure a proper future for my family. Unfortunately for you, you have chosen a far more difficult path to follow.” Akira lifted the silver watch from the desk, blew off a layer of dust and flipped it open. “You see, I fully intended for you to reject my offer so I’ve taken the liberty of securing a bit of leverage.”

Yoongi’s heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. No.

“Even if you refuse my offer, my prize has already been taken. Without that girl by your side, the future of my family remains safe. Without a memory, I fear she’ll be far too easy to manipulate.” Leaning forward, Akira rested his elbows on the desk and folded his hands, allowing the watch to swing hypnotically by its chain. “You are referred to as the ‘Terror of the Seas’. Even without magic, it was difficult to find a weakness. Imagine my delight when I found it lying in my lap. That girl holds far too much power over you and now I will show you how to properly yield a person’s weakness against them. Let this serve as a lesson to you. No man is untouchable, no matter how strong they believe they are.”

No sooner had the words left his lips when Jungkook leapt to his feet and drew his sword. Akira scrambled for his own, shouting for his men as he did. Jungkook was quicker. His blade pressed up against the soft flesh of Akira’s neck before the latter could so much as finish his cry for help.

Yoongi wasted no time pulling out his pistol. Turning to the door, he prepared to meet whoever had been summoned.

Mere seconds passed before the door burst open and the largest man Yoongi had ever seen stepped into the room, a pistol drawn and aimed straight for Jungkook. Cursing his own stupid decision to come, Yoongi stepped between the gun and his captain. The expression on the officer’s face showed no sign of surprise. He simply raised his arm to aim over Yoongi’s head, aligning perfectly with Jungkook’s again.

“Drop the weapon or lose your hand,” Yoongi threatened.

The officer responded by cocking the pistol.

Yoongi cursed, mirroring the action. “This was meant to be a peaceful talk, Akira. What is the meaning of this?”

Akira, seeing the officer’s weapon trained on Jungkook, lowered his guard with an easy smile. “I said nothing of a peaceful talk. I only presented my desire to negotiate.” He shifted back but Jungkook matched his step, keeping his blade pressed against Akira’s neck. “There are things we both are seeking. Answers if you will. Answers I wish to find sooner rather than later.”

“Answers for what?” Jungkook said.

“Why else does one search for answers, boy? I have questions. Questions I’m certain you are not able to answer.”

“Try me.”

Akira shook his head. “I believe I have already mentioned your lack of answers.”

Yoongi’s hands were slick with sweat and he fought to keep the pistol steady. He should have known that nothing good would come of this meeting. Why had he been so stupid? What had he hoped to gain from this encounter that was worth the looming risks? A hope of ridding Akira from their seas and their lives. To see the crew sailing without constantly watching over their shoulders.

“If you lay a single finger on any person aboard my ship-”

“You’ll what?” Akira interrupted, “You’ll blow my head off? Do that and everyone aboard the ship dies, except the girl. She will live only long enough to watch as you beg for death’s doors to open. Only after will she join you in the pits of hell.”

Yoongi itched to the pull the trigger. The air was dangerously still. Simply breathing wrong could cause an explosion. The calm would not last much longer. Tension was rising and Yoongi could only hope they would be the ones to make the first move.

“Of course, if you both back away now, no harm will come to anyone.”

Jungkook scoffed, “You must take me for a fool.”

“It is no one’s choice but your own whether people die today.”

Jungkook didn’t have time to answer. A round of three shots sounded outside the door, too close for comfort. Each of their heads spun toward the sound. Seizing the opportunity, Yoongi took advantage of the officer’s distraction. Lowering his aim, he shot the man’s leg. Crude, but affective. The officer dropped his pistol as he fell to one knee, clutching his injured leg. Yoongi kicked the pistol out of reach, stepping closer to his target. Behind him, he heard the struggle as Akira fought back against Jungkook but he did not dare to turn away.

Tae burst through the door, immediately moving to assist his captain. Hoseok and Minho weren’t far behind. Yoongi blinked hard, not quite believing what he was seeing. What in the seven seas were they doing here? And why was Minho with them? The boy hadn’t been part of the crew for more than six days. What was Hoseok thinking?

Hoseok trained his pistol on the officer’s head, flashing a grin up at Yoongi. “Miss me?”

Minho picked up the discarded pistol as he ran to help Tae and Jungkook. Within seconds, Tae and Minho had Akira strapped to the same chair he’d been lounging in only moments ago.

Yoongi held his breath as Jungkook spun toward Hoseok, his eyes burning with a fire Yoongi was glad wasn’t directed at him.

“Why are you here?” His voice remained dangerously calm. “Who is guarding the ship?”

“It’s only the three of us here, Captain. Jimin hasn’t left Aoi’s side.” Hoseok’s voice shook slightly despite his relaxed appearance.

“I believe I gave you very specific orders. Aoi was to be your main priority.”

“You also told me to follow Jimin’s orders?”

“Jimin sent you? Why?” Jungkook paused, “And why is he with you?”

Minho grinned when Jungkook pointed at him.

“Well, they were going to send Felix, but . . .”

“After the incident, he was shaking so hard he couldn’t hold his gun.” Tae finished.

Yoongi cringed. “Do I want to know?”

“Not long after you left we found ourselves surrounded by several dozen of his,” Hoseok pointed accusingly at Akira, “men. We fought back but they’d taken us by surprise. It only took them a few minutes to have us all bound together on the deck. Everyone except Felix. I don’t know where he was hiding, but they missed him while searching the ship.”

“Don’t know how. It’s hard to miss that freckled face,” Minho added.

“He found what he believed to be the most affective weapon and-”

“Now the entire port side is blown off,” Tae finished.

“You both should have been there,” Minho couldn’t contain his grin, “he sent all of Akira’s men running back to shore with their tails tucked. Except for the few who were unlucky enough to be standing on the port side.”

Yoongi wasn’t sure he believed what he was hearing. “How did he not kill everyone?”

“Sheer luck?” Hoseok shrugged. “We’re all still here so I don’t know about you, but I’m counting my blessings.”

“We need to get back to the ship,” Jungkook’s face remained scrunched in a frown, “where’s Aoi?”

“Jimin is with her. She’s fine and those men never got anywhere near her.” Hoseok assured him.

“What do we do with this guy?” Tae jabbed his foot against Akira’s leg making him wince.

“Can I shoot him?” Minho’s hopeful expression faded with a firm shake of Jungkook’s head.

Turning back to Hoseok, Jungkook asked, “Is the ship still able to sail?”

Hoseok nodded. “And Binnie is working on repairing the deck.”

“Good. Leave him tied for now,” he shot a glare at Akira, “taking him would invite a battle with the armada that we don’t need. You can shoot him later.”

Minho’s lower lip jutted out in a pout.

“Hoseok, take the officer outside. We don’t need him helping the Commodore escape too quickly. But use your sword. We don’t need to draw any more unnecessary attention to ourselves.”

“You’re making a mistake,” Akira said, “You’ll regret not agreeing to my terms.”

“You’re terms sucked.”

“I will turn your life into a living hell.”

Jungkook raised his brow with a scoff. “You say that as if you haven’t already. Boys, I think it’s time for this man’s nap. He’s getting grumpy.”