ATEEZ Imagines

Hongjoong ✦ Runaway | Pirate AU

Word count: 8,270

DO NOT read or interact if you're under 14

The moon hung high in the clear night sky, the bright beam reflecting onto the peaceful waters below. The view of the dark horizon was tranquil and the complete opposite of the pandemonium that was taking place just a few feet behind you.
Singing, hollers of celebration, and the clanking of stein glasses became mere background noise as you gazed at the midnight sky above. The myriad of stars dotting the heavens were almost like fireflies in the forest, giving some light to the otherwise dark sky.
Hongjoong's crew was celebrating another successful day of pillaging—it was exhausting. You'd become rather numb to these so-called celebrations. It's just a bunch of men acting like drunken fools to you.
The crew belted out sea shanties in their intoxicated states, the sour notes coming out slurred and garbled. You cringed. You didn't know how much more of this you could take.

The sound of heavy boots stumbling towards you caught your attention. An arm was slung haphazardly over your shoulder, the force making you jerk forward a bit.
"Y/n." Hongjoong slurred slightly, his breath smelling of rum. "What are you doing all the way over here?"
"Watching the moon." You answered.
"Come join us. You're missing out."
"No thank you."
He frowned. "What's wrong?"
"I just don't care for celebrations."
"But you've always enjoyed our celebrations."
"Yeah, but it's becoming a bit... how do I put this? Lackluster."
Hongjoong scoffed. "Lackluster?"
"Yeah. I just don't enjoy it much anymore."
"Let me change your mind."
You glanced over to see Hongjoong's hand extended towards you, his many gold rings glimmering under the lit torches.
You started to deny him, but stopped, pressing your lips together in thought.
"C'mon." That all too familiar charming smirk of his spread across his soft-looking lips. "You wouldn't refuse a dance with me, would you?"
"I might." You teased, a playful grin threatening to break out onto your features.
He made a face at you in return.
"Alright." You caved, clasping his extended hand. "I'll dance with you."
"I knew you couldn't resist." He simpered, leading you towards the middle of the main deck.

The drunken singing of the crew was much louder now that you were right in the middle of it. Hongjoong's cheeks were stained pink from the alcohol, no doubt, as he grinned brightly, taking your other hand. The two of you began spinning and skipping to the stomp of the crew's boots against the wooden boards of the ship. Neither of you ever really learned how to properly dance, but when you're a pirate, that doesn't matter much.
As you bounded in circles, you found yourself enjoying it more and more. The two of you danced in no particular rhythm, stomping your feet and bouncing around like fools. Your hands stayed clasped together as you swung them around, your joint laughter filling the air.
Once the chanting and off-key singing of the crew died down, you and Hongjoong ceased your dancing.
"See? That was fun, wasn't it?" He grinned.
"It was." You agreed, fixing the errant strands of his scruffy mullet.
"You always enjoy dancing with me."
"I do." You admitted.
"C'mon. Have something to drink." He pulled you towards one of the barrels set up and took it upon himself to fill up a stein.
He handed it to you with a smile. You reluctantly took it, taking a sip of the dark liquid.
"Next time we dock, I'll try and get some nice wine. How about that?" Hongjoong suggested.
"That would be wonderful. I'm starting to tire of rum."
"Hey, if you won't drink it, I will." Hongjoong reached out to grab the glass from you.
"Wait." You pulled it away. "Are you sure you should have any more?"
"Of course! You can never have enough alcohol."
"How many of these have you had?" You questioned, referring to the large stein in your hand.
"Three."
You pressed your lips together, hesitant to hand over the drink. Then again, Hongjoong is as stubborn as a mule. If you don't give it to him, he'll just make himself another glass.
"Very well, then." You gave in, handing over the glass.
"Thanks, lovely." He winked, taking the beverage from you.