Servant's Pride

27. Two Paths

Originally, Seonghwa had planned to stick around for long enough to help the pirates send off Yunho's body. When he emerged with Hongjoong from the captain's quarters in the morning, however, he was met with irritation by his crew. Hongjoong halted near the helm while Seonghwa leaned his elbows on the railing to heed the calls of his name.

"Commander Park! I must insist that you refrain from spending any more time aboard the pirate ship. There is only so much we can excuse, and we can safely assume trouble is already brewing. Some men are getting impatient and I bet rumours will spread."

It was his right-hand man and navigator complaining. His uniform differed from those of the others, softer and lighter since he was likely a man of studies and not a sailor. The gazes he spared Hongjoong were wary and distrustful, but less hostile than of some other jack tar. With a smug grin, Hongjoong crossed his arms under his chest. His fur coat wrapped around his form warmly.

Seonghwa nodded at the man. They had left the ships anchored next to each other, but both groups strictly stayed in their place apart from Seonghwa. Guards watched the other ship at any minute. Hongjoong was glad neither party had made trouble.

When the commander returned to the pirate, Hongjoong greeted him with a crooked grin.

"So, ye'll go aft? What punishment will be bestowed on ye fer this?"

"Depends on how much my crew tattles. I will figure it out somehow and accept whatever sanctions they think of." Seonghwa rose his hand to play with Hongjoong's collar. He pulled the pirate closer until they stood crowded against each other.

Tilting his head, Hongjoong studied his features.

"Will ye forget me again?"

Seonghwa shook his head before Hongjoong had even finished wording his question. His upset frown pulled a triumphant smile from Hongjoong.

"I will refuse that. I would rather be demoted fairly and get locked out from reaching higher positions than going against my moral code again. Who am I to instruct a pirate when said pirate has always been kinder, and more just than me? I won't forget."

The bracelet at Seonghwa's hand reflected in the sporadic rays of sunlight from above. Entranced by the shining gem, Hongjoong's eyes followed it.

"Jolly. Then I will nay 'ave any qualms to kill ye next time we spot each other," Hongjoong grinned. The sinister glint in his eyes got reflected by Seonghwa.

"Only if I don't kill you first, pirate. Don't overestimate your abilities. You may have gained an advantage over me while you had me trapped on your ship, but if we meet on equal grounds, you would surely lose."

With his eyes fixated on Seonghwa's lips that spewed ever so many pretentious and snotty words, Hongjoong just nodded along sarcastically. The taste of the man still lingered on Hongjoong's tongue, and his heat had found a memorable place under his skin.

"That be what ye blabber now, but ye will spy 'ow cruel I can be when needed."

Seonghwa's lips twitched into a dry smile. Ready for a crude remark, he just opened his mouth to retort. When Hongjoong grabbed for his collar first, he faltered, surprised.

"Just stop blabberin' an' kiss me, Cabezon."

He understood that.

With no care for the nearby crews, both criminal and judicial, the pirate and the navy commander shared a passionate kiss. For a moment, all pain and anxiety drifted off with the waves and only Seonghwa and the way that the wind whipped his hair into their foreheads mattered to Hongjoong.