Forever, You Are My Star

Chapter 4: The New Friendships

It had been two days since they set sail to Tortuga, and thankfully, the trick was working. During the night the boys released her, Hongjoong and Yunho were able to tie her clothes and blankets together and tossed one end out one of the windows. While the plan worked, the captain suspected Yunho for helping her since the necklace was also gone and commanded he be given ten lashes. Since Mey had to hide in the sickbay, she began to learn about medicine and decided to help Seoghwa when she could. Yunho had to go to sickbay almost every day so Seonghwa and Mey could tend to his wounds. Today, it was just Mey who cleaned his wounds and changed what bandages she could.

    "Thank you for helping me." Yunho mumbled. Mey smiled at him and placed the old bandages on a nearby table before grabbing a few pins to keep them secure.

    "It's no trouble at all. If anything I should be thanking you for saving my life or apologizing." Yunho looked ahead confused since he could turn his head.

    "Apologize for what?"

    "For assuming things about you I did not know. You and the rest are not like other pirates, that is very clear."

    "That is not your fault."

    "Well, now I know better." The door began to open causing Yunho to quickly stand, grab his cutlass, and put Mey behind him. He relaxed when he saw it was Seonghwa with his arm holding up an injured Jongho. Yunho dropped his cutlass back on one of the beds and helped Seonghwa bring Jongho to a bed.

    "Mey, could you fetch some rum and bandages from the shelf?" Seonghwa kindly asked. Mey nodded and quickly walked to the nearby shelf. She returned shortly to see Seonghwa beginning to clean Jongho's arm that was now covered in blood.

    "What happened to him?" Mey asked setting the things on a nearby table.

    "The captain didn't like the music he played." Seonghwa replied. Mey knelt down to now see whip marks wrapped around his bicep.

    "And that's a reason to whip him?"

    "You don't know Yang like we do."Yunho's tone was angry and serious. Mey could tell by the way he and Seonghwa both looked that this one the first or even third time that this has happened to Jongho. Mey sat on the other side of the bed and aided Seonghwa where she could. It was not much since she was still learning, but it was something. After they finished Jongho looked up at Mey who was now cleaning up the dirty rags.

    "Thank you for your help, Mey."

    "Of course." Mey finished up cleaning while the three sat and talked quietly. These boys continued to surprise her. Always so kind to each other and to her, not like the rest of the crew that she could hear above her. After setting things back in their rightful places, Yunho came up to her.

    "Before I forget, Yeosang wanted me to ask you if you could help him with the dinner tonight." Mey wanted to leave sickbay just so she could get some fresh air, but the crew possibly seeing her worried her.

    "But won't the others see me?"

    "The galley is just a floor above us with the way to it being somewhat hidden. I'll take you there." Mey gave a quick nod then left with Yunho who took her to the galley. Once they went up a small wooden staircase with rope as railing, the scent of chicken, rice and steamed vegetables hit Mey's nostrils. Yunho led Mey into the galley to see a frantic Yeosang scurrying around the galley kitchen trying to piece the dinner together. Strands of his dark, ashy-brown hair began to get into his brown eyes. His usual brown, long-sleeve blouse was replaced by an off white sleeveless tied up top which showed off his toned muscles. It should be a crime to look that good, Mey thought to herself. Just as Yunho closed the door behind them, Yeosang looked up from his cooking.