Till the world's end|| (pirate!au) -'๑'-Ateez

Begin again

Year 1812

Tortuga was just about the most chaotic and lawless place anyone could imagine. The very essence of disorder and revelry manifested in every corner. People were engaged in raucous brawls, the echoing sounds of gunfire reverberated through the narrow streets, and women adorned in provocative attire strolled confidently through the bustling thoroughfares. The air was thick with the scent of rum and the raunchy tunes of sea shanties played by street musicians. Honjoong descended from the tattered ship he stole to escape the crutches of the military. Running ahead to find his best friend on the other side of the island.

 As he walked ahead, the chaotic energy of Tortuga engulfed him. The vibrant colors, the boisterous laughter, and the unmistakable scent of adventure permeated the air. The flickering lanterns illuminated the lively scene as he approached the heart of this notorious pirate haven.

"I'm looking for a friend named Seonghwa," Hongjoong announced, his voice carrying over the clamor. "A skilled cook, if you know him. Any idea where i might find him?"

From a distant corner, Seonghwa emerged, his figure cutting through the chaotic scene. "Seonghwa, my dear!" Hongjoong exclaimed, a mixture of joy and familiarity in his tone, as he ran towards him, momentarily forgetting everything behind. However, instead of the warm reunion, one might expect, Seonghwa's reaction was swift and unexpected. Without a word, he delivered a resounding slap across Hongjoong's face, the sound echoing through the bustling streets

"Not sure I deserved that," Hongjoong murmured, his hand rubbing his cheek with a bemused expression.

"You abandoned me at the altar, Hongjoong!" Seonghwa's voice sliced through the lively sounds of Tortuga, the raw frustration evident in every syllable. The revelation lingered in the air like an unexpected storm.

"Okay, maybe I did deserve that," Hongjoong admitted with a sheepish grin, realizing the gravity of his actions.

Seonghwa's footsteps had faded into the lively sounds of Tortuga, leaving behind a momentary silence in the wake of his departure. Hongjoong, still rubbing his cheek, sighed as if the weight of the past had settled on his shoulders. 

Hongjoong chuckled, a wry smile playing on his lips.

He chased after Seonghwa, catching up to him with determined strides. As he reached him, he gently placed a back hug, a gesture that spoke of familiarity and an attempt to bridge the emotional gap between them.

"I know sweetheart," Hongjoong began, his voice carrying a sincerity that transcended the raucous ambiance around them.

"You never harbored any romantic attraction towards me, and your anger is merely a reflection of the embarrassment you felt alone at the altar. Let's set aside the past and all its shadows. I want to save you from this miserable place. Join my crew; I need you with us."

With a mixture of vulnerability, Hongjoong wrapped his arms around Seonghwa from behind, offering a gentle back hug as a gesture of reconciliation. The bustling chaos of Tortuga seemed to fade into the background as the two friends stood there, their hearts heavy with unspoken emotions and the weight of their shared past.

Seonghwa's shoulders tensed momentarily at the unexpected embrace, but gradually, he relaxed into Hongjoong's embrace, the tension in his body melting away. For a moment, there was only the sound of their quiet breathing, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of the sea, and the faint echoes of the bustling town around them.

"You know, you were always an idiot, but I never thought you would leave me alone here, Joong," Seonghwa confessed, the words carrying a mixture of pain and understanding.