What We've Become (The Forever Pirates) #2

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Seonghwa

I sat in front of Yeosang and Jongho. They hadn't left the other's side since they were reunited. I had never seen such strong people who have gone through the despicable things they did and survived it like they did. 

Yeosang willing followed through, knowing that it would keep Jongho alive as that was all he was being fed. And Jongho managed it, knowing that he'd rather it be him than others. He helped him everywhere he needed to go, knowing that the strength in his legs wasn't back just yet. 

"I have a question." I said, as serious as we could be. 

"We already know, Seonghwa. And the answer is yes. We'll go anywhere with you." Jongho said. 

I felt my throat close in on me. "I should've found you guys sooner." 

"We survived it." Yeosang smiled at me, like everything that happened was no big deal. And I suppose it wasn't after living that for seven years. I suppose that was their normal. It was what their life had become, and they never thought it'd end, so it stopped being torture and just became a daily event. "Did you?" 

I offered a smile back, "I'm working on it." 

***

I left them some time after, I first spotted Florence talking to Stephanie. Much... more comfortable than I thought they would've. I rolled my eyes, walking over to her. Her eyes landed on me, and she grinned. 

"You look... clean!" 

"Baths will do that. Are you planning on staying?" I asked. 

"Well, am I not invited? Rude, if you ask me, considering how much hospitality I had for you." She cocked an eyebrow, folding her arms. 

"Of course, you're forever welcome." I swept her blond hair back. 

Her smile wavered, and she cleared her throat, "I'm still not calling you stepdad. Or would it be stepmom after-"

"Florence." I said, warning enough in my voice, and she chuckled. 

I saw the humor in Stephanie's smile, as well as the surprise in her eyes. 

"Not a word out of you." I warned her too, "Come. I have something for you." 

"Aw, I didn't know we were the type to gift give. I'm sorry to say, but I haven't planned anything, Seonghwa." She followed after me quickly. I led her to the cabin, walking in and going to the bag, grabbing something before going back to her and ripping her hat off, tossing it on the desk. "Hey! You know how much that cost -" I shut her up by showing her the hat I had in my hands. Her eyes widened, swallowing harshly. "After letting Lass go, and this? It's starting to feel like you robbed us." 

Her fingers gently gripped the bill. 

It was Andrew's hat, the one thing he made me promise to get to her. I blinked past the memories, feeling uneasy from that day. "Did he say anything? When did you find him?"

"He told me to make sure you were safe." I replied. 

"Mm. Took you four years?" She slowly lifted it on her head.