you're the song I sing again and again

by toathenswithlove

Summary:

Twenty-six years old and Seokjin had sailed the seas, fought with pirates, and fallen in love. Twenty-six years old and Seokjin had experienced incredible adventures. He’d spent three years living a life people could only imagine. It had been a dream at times, a nightmare at others. Twenty-six and it had all come crashing down around him in an instant.

Seokjin was happy. He was happy, unless he thought about what was missing. Twenty-six years old and it had been four years, nine months, and three days since Seokjin had seen his husband.

 

Or the namjin Pirates of the Caribbean AU no one knew they wanted :)

Notes:

Happy (belated) Summer Namjin! This is late, but in my defense, it ended up being much longer than originally intended.

This is a Pirates of the Caribbean AU! It should still make sense if you have no knowledge of the films, but will probably make more sense if you do! I steal things from POTC 1-3 and ignore the rest (2007 me really needed a POTC 3 fix-it fic, and 2019 me still hasn't gotten over it).

Thanks to @dancesongsoul for putting up with a constant stream of texts and whining for the past two weeks!!! (also editing lmao)

Chapter 1: I think of you all the time

Seokjin was happy. He was. Twenty-six years old years old and he’d already lived a whirlwind of a life. Twenty-six years old and he owned his own shop, he had two wonderful best friends, he was settled. Most importantly, twenty-six years old and Seokjin was an amazing father. Twenty-six years old and his daughter was turning four today. 

 

In some ways Seokjin loved his life. It was different than he had imagined it would be, different than he had planned, but he wouldn’t change a single decision. It looked on the outside like he’d lived an average life. Small seaside village, a couple close friends, young daughter. 

 

But twenty-six years old and Seokjin had sailed the seas, fought with pirates, and fallen in love. Twenty-six years old and Seokjin had experienced incredible adventures. He’d spent three years living a life most people could only imagine. It had been a dream at times, a nightmare at others. Twenty-six and it had all come crashing down around him in an instant.

 

Seokjin was happy. He was happy, unless he thought about what was missing. Twenty-six years old and it had been four years, nine months, and three days since Seokjin had seen his husband. 

 

Jin looked down at the little girl sleeping next to him. It was impossible not to picture her father when he did so. She looked just like him. Everything about her was just like him. From her deep dimples to her brilliant mind to the way her mouth fell open as she snored loudly. 

 

Seokjin smiled, taking a deep breath and thinking about the first time he’d heard that snore.

 

“That was unbearable. How does anyone bear it?” Eighteen-year-old Seokjin shouted as he made his way up the wooden stairs to the main deck of the ship. The sun was shining, the sea so blue. 

 

“I assure you it's not that bad.” A young tall dimpled man followed him up the stairs, fighting a smile.

 

“Oh, you assure me? How can you assure me? I’m the one that just spent all night in that cabin with you. It was atrocious. You sound like an injured whale. You should see a doctor, Namjoon!” Jin’s hands were on his hips.

 

“We’re in the middle of the ocean.” Namjoon gestured to the water all around them. He was blatantly smiling then, his dimples on full display. That bastard.

 

Seokjin groaned, arms crossing over his chest. “Well until you sort that out, I want a new bunkmate.”

 

Namjoon’s face fell. “But-”

 

“No. I didn’t sleep a wink.”

 

Namjoon rolled his eyes. “But I literally just woke you up, and you were clearly asleep.”

 

“Nope. I couldn’t even close my eyes.” Seokjin huffed.

 

“Okay Seokjin,” Namjoon sighed, putting his hands up in surrender. “If that’s what you want.” 

 

A young man standing at the helm of the ship laughed loudly at them. “This is the weirdest form of foreplay I’ve ever seen.”

 

“Fuck off, Hobi!” They yelled at the same time. 

 

Hoseok laughed even harder. “Aye, aye, Captain.”  

 

It was night on the ship and Seokjin was tossing and turning in the cabin bed. The night was dark and so, so quiet. Jin had been on ships at night before, but there was always some sort of noise. The waves breaking, night crew chatting, even just the wind. But tonight felt completely silent, eerily so. 

 

It wasn’t that Jin really didn’t want Namjoon to sleep in the bed with him. It was, okay, maybe the opposite of that. But honestly? Jin had been having one hell of a month. First, he’d been kidnapped by pirates, and then he’d been kidnapped by the Royal British Navy, then by pirates again. He’d been held against his will, he’d been hit, cut, harassed, and almost sacrificed. He’d had his life threatened in a shocking variety of ways over the past few weeks.

 

And then there was Namjoon. Namjoon had risked his life to come and find him. He’d fought pirates and the entire Royal Navy, he’d made himself a traitor in the eyes of the Crown, and he almost lost his life. All for Jin. And at the end of it, Namjoon didn’t even expect anything from him in return. And if that wasn’t the most utterly overwhelming information Jin had ever been faced with. Namjoon had been kind and wonderful, he’d been gentle and comforting. Even worse, he hadn’t treated Seokjin any differently than he had before all this happened. They joked and worked and teased, just like always. 

 

But things had changed. They couldn’t go back, not after the way they'd held each other when Namjoon helped him escape. Not after they’d stopped looking away when they caught the other looking. Not after everything Namjoon had done for him. Things were going to come to a head soon, and Jin was just trying to brace himself. 

 

God, he was thinking too much, but the silence was ten times worse. 

 

Finally Seokjin gave up. He stood up and made his way to the door. It was heavier than he remembered. Jin pushed harder against it and heard a loud groan. The moon shone bright and when his eyes adjusted his saw- “Joon?” 

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Are you- Were you sleeping against my door?”

 

“Yeah.” The man rubbed his head slightly.

 

“What are you doing out here?” 

 

“Wanted to make sure no one tried anything.”

 

“I- Are you-” Seokjin let out a surprised laugh. “Oh, Namjoonie. Come in here.” 

 

“Huh?” 

 

“Get your ass in this bed right now before I take it back.” 

 

Namjoon scampered up, tripping into the dark room. Jin felt along the wall until he found the bed. They each took a side and settled in. 

 

“Hey Jin,” Namjoon asked softly. “Why were you still awake?” 

 

“It’s too quiet tonight, Namjoonie.” Seokjin nearly whispered. 

 

Namjoon didn’t speak for a second, just shuffled a tiny bit closer. “Well, quiet isn’t something you have to worry about with me. I’ve been told my snores sound like an injured whale.” 

 

Jin’s mind hurried to another memory, his first night in the village.  

 

He was young and scared, utterly heartbroken. Newly married, newly mated, but so very alone. He’d stayed at the inn in the main part of the village. 

 

The owner had taken one look at him and asked “Husband lost to the sea?” The way Seokjin’s face crumbled was answer enough. She wrapped a blanket around his arms and handed him a key.

 

That night was quiet. Impossibly quiet. Jin couldn’t even hear the waves or the wind off the sea. Not even the birds or the bugs. Just nothingness. His shoulders shook in silent sobs.

 

“Papa?” A voice broke Seokjin out of his thoughts. 

 

He blinked a few times to see a wide-eyed, big-dimpled little girl hovering over him. 

 

“Morning, baby.” Jin smiled.

 

“I’m not a baby!” She jumped back putting her hands on her hips. “Especially not today! It’s my birthday, Papa!” 

 

“Is it? Your birthday? Wow! That sounds special! And how old are you today?” Seokjin sat up, pulling the girl into his lap.

 

“You know how old! I’m four , Papa!” She held up four fingers.

 

“Four! Wow, that is old.” He gave her a serious look before taking his hands and tilting her head one way, then the other. 

 

“Papa, what are you doing?”

 

“Looking for gray hairs of course! A whole four years old!” 

 

“Papa!” The girl squealed. “It’s not that old!” 

 

Seokjin sighed, pulling the girl back into his arms. “Oh, thank goodness, I was scared for a moment that I’d slept your life away and now you were an old woman.” 

 

“Papa, when I’m that old, you’ll be dead.” 

 

Seokjin laughed loudly at that. “Oh, happy birthday, Soonie.” He gave her a kiss.

 

“Thank you, Papa. Can we have my special supper now?” She asked as Seokjin got them both out of the bed. 

 

“That’s tonight, honey. We can’t do it now, we have to wait for everyone to get here.” 

 

“Okay! Can we go to the water?” 

 

“How about breakfast first? Then we’ll wake up Jungkook and go to the water, love.” 

 

“Kookie!” Namsoon shouted, running towards the mat where a young man was sleeping. “Wake up! Wake up! It’s my birthday ! Wake up!” 

 

Jin laughed at the scene before heading to the wardrobe to get them dressed. 

 

It was mid-morning by the time they were walking out to the sea. Their cottage wasn’t far. Seokjin got antsy if they got too far inland. Which was stupid, he was aware. 

 

Jin carried the basket full of food and a blanket, setting them out as the four-year-old barreled towards the water. 

 

“Thank you for spending the night, Kook.” Seokjin smiled at the young man once they’d settled on the blanket. “She was over the moon when she realized you were right there.” 

 

“Yeah, I heard that.” Jungkook smiled. 

 

Seokjin laughed. “You’re a good man, Jungkookie.” 

 

“It’s not a problem. I like staying over.” 

 

“Ah, Kook.” Seokjin huffed, pulling the younger in for a hug.

 

Jungkook had been the second person in the village that Seokjin met. After showing up that first night, exhausted and alone, Jungkook had tried to bring him breakfast. Jin refused. He refused every day for three days. Jungkook had been sixteen then, shy and awkward. His mother ran the inn and so he helped out. Finally, after days, the boy had sweetly leaned against the closed door and asked if there was anything he could do to help, even just a little.  

 

Something about his voice had Jin opening the door. Jungkook brought in breakfast and hovered awkwardly in the doorway. But he didn’t leave. And eventually Jungkook asked if it was okay to stay in the room, just to sit with him, if Jin wanted. And Jin did want. The silence of the nights had been so much. So Jungkook sat with him. And not just then, but every morning when he finished his breakfast rounds. At first he was quiet, but after a couple of days he started asking Seokjin questions. And to his surprise, and Jin’s, Jin answered. 

 

Turns out the kid was obsessed with pirates and ships and was utterly in awe of all of Seokjin’s tales. And Seokjin found himself excited to share. He told him all about their adventures across the seas. It helped for Jin to talk about Namjoon. Some days it had felt like a dream, the past three years, but talking to Jungkook, he knew he hadn’t imagined it. And then, not much later, when Jin found out he was pregnant, Jungkook had been there for him too. He’d helped Jin with everything that first year. And he’d been there every year since. Namsoon loved him like a big brother. 

 

“Kookie! Kookie, come here! Come play!” 

 

Jungkook gave Jin a smile before running out to scoop the girl up and toss her into the water. She screamed and tried to dunk him. They called for Jin and he came out with them too. They spent most of the day on the beach together, alternating between the sand and the water. If Jin closed his eyes and breathed in slowly, he could almost feel Namjoon there with them too. 

 

Seokjin didn’t have too many friends within the village if he was honest. He had acquaintances, people who came to his bakery. But mainly people left him alone. Word had spread pretty quickly that his husband was a pirate and that he’d been cursed. That Jin was alone and pregnant and the gods were probably punishing him for something. Not a great friendship-starter. 

 

Jungkook, as well as his mother, stuck around through it all. The sweet elderly woman from across the way had always been kind as well. 

 

Then there was Taehyung, the young village healer. People assumed he was a witch (and for once they were right) so they tended to walk on the other side of the path when he came. But that made a prime candidate for becoming friends with Seokjin, since they bonded over their pariah status. Taehyung was part of why Jin stayed in this area. Taehyung had heard stories of the Dead Man’s Chest as well as Davy Jones. He was horrified by what had happened to Seokjin and Namjoon, and was dedicated to finding a way to break the curse. Nothing had come of it yet, but honestly the fact that someone was helping him, that in this great big terrible world someone was acknowledging the injustice that had been done to them, was enough to keep Seokjin going. 

 

The four guests plus Jin and Namsoon were a far cry from the birthday parties that Seokjin’s parents used to throw for him, but Jin’s entire life was different from the life his parents had planned for him. And Jin wouldn’t change a moment of it. Well,

 

They had sweets and gave Namsoon gifts and made her feel the most loved a child could be. Seokjin thought his heart might burst watching how much they cared for her. Her dimples were a permanent fixture that night as Jungkook and Taehyung chased her though the field by the cottage. They picked her up and held her tightly and tickled her until she squealed. 

 

“Soonie,” Seokjin held her in his lap, later. Everyone had gone and the two of them were left on a blanket looking at the stars. Jin pointed up at a light streaking across the sky. “Make a wish, honey.” 

 

“You promise it’ll come true?” She looked up at him, then the sky.

 

“Well you can’t tell me, or else it won’t.” 

 

“Okay, Papa.” She looked at him closely. “I’ll tell you when it comes true.” 

 

Seokjin kissed the side of her head. 

 

“You want to make a wish, Papa?” The little girl curled her hand around Seokjin’s pointing up to the sky.

 

“Did you have a good birthday, Soo?” 

 

“Yes, Papa.” 

 

“Then my wish already came true.” 

 

They were getting into bed when Namsoon crawled into Jin’s arms and pressed her face to his neck gently. “Will you tell me a story?” 

 

“Of course, birthday girl. What do you want? One we’ve already heard or a new one altogether?”

 

“I want the one about how you and Daddy met.” 

Seokjin’s breath caught. Namsoon loved to hear new ones, she always wanted to know more and more about the world. She was like Namjoon that way. “Oh, okay. That’s a good one.”

 

“Papa,” Soonie looked up at him. “Does talking about Daddy make you sad?” 

 

“Soo, you know I love talking about your dad.” Jin held the girl a little tighter against his chest.

 

“I know, but does it make you sad? You were a little sad today.” 

 

Seokjin took a sharp breath. This is where he could truly see himself in this child. She could certainly read a room. “I’m sorry that I seemed a little sad today. I was also very happy!” He brushed her hair back. “But days like today make me miss your dad even more than usual. I get sad for him that he isn’t here to see you growing up. And I get sad for you that you don’t get to have him here for your special day.” 

 

“If you are already sad, are you sure you want to talk about him?” 

 

Seokjin cuddled the girl closer, kissing the top of her head. “I will always want to talk to you about your dad. It makes me feel closer to him when I do. And I love telling stories about him. I want that to help you feel closer to him too. So any time you want to hear about him you ask me, okay?”

 

“Yeah.” 

 

“Okay you want the story of how we met?” 

 

“Yes please!” 

 

“Not one about our adventures at sea, not one about pirates?”

 

“No, want the one when you met. That’s my favorite.” 

 

Seokjin fought the rush of emotion that rose in his chest. “Well if it’s your favorite then, I guess since it’s your birthday.” Jin smoothed back her hair and pulled her in close. “You know it was my birthday the day that I met your father. Well the day before really, but he used to always say his presence was my present that year. That I found him and he was my gift.” 

 

Namsoon giggled. “Daddy is silly.” 

 

“He really is.” 

 

It was mid morning and Seokjin was avoiding the house. The next day was his tenth birthday and everyone was preparing for a party. He’d just recently come to the age when he realized that everything his parents did was for show. He didn’t want a party. He didn’t like really any of the kids his age, and he certainly didn’t like their parents. But despite his protests, the party was happening. The entire town was attending because the Kims were Important Members of  the Community. Whatever that meant. All Seokjin really understood was that his parents had a lot of money. His father owned a handful of ships that ran goods, specifically rum, for the Queen and that was that. Jin didn’t really understand why he had to be apart of it, but he didn’t really see any other option but to play the part. 

 

It wasn’t entirely rare for Seokin to disappear for hours. He had a habit of sneaking away for just enough time to not get in trouble, but enough that he could have some time to himself in his favorite spot down by the water. Jin loved the sea. Loved the smell of it, the breeze, the thickness of the air. He loved that it looked different every time he saw it. 

 

Today however, it appeared even more different than usual. That was because when Seokjin looked out into the cove he saw a ship about three hundred yards out, crashing against the rocks. It was huge. A merchant ship had cut the edge of the cove too sharply. It was on fire as it turned onto its side. Bits of the ship were already washing up onshore.

 

That’s when Seokjin saw him. A boy, just about his age, fighting to climb on a piece of wood about thirty meters out. His movements were slow and weak; he’d clearly been trying to stay afloat while also paddling to land. And he’d made it quite a good ways from the wreckage.

 

Their gaze suddenly met and Seokjin felt like his body had been struck by lightning. The boy’s eyes were soft and scared and he looked so, so tired. Jin’s breath caught in his throat.

 

Seokjin’s head whipped between his house and the boy, trying to figure out what to do, when suddenly, the boy lost his grip and fell into the sea. Jin was running before he fully realized it. He dove off of the small cliff where he’d been standing and swam like he never had before. 

 

Jin swam with the tide and pushed through the waves before he finally reaching the boy. He grabbed onto him, pushing him above the water. Seokjin was a good swimmer, he’d grown up playing in the ocean, but even he struggled to fight the current and make it back to shore with the boy in tow. 

 

Once they were on the sand, Seokjin immediately pumped at the boy’s chest. “Don’t die! Please don’t die!” He yelled as he turned him over and hit his back hard. Suddenly the boy was gasping and choking, spitting out sea water and trying frantically to suck in air. Seokjin’s hand hurt from where he’d hit him. As he pulled it back, Jin realized there was a necklace around the boy’s neck. He pulled at it and it fell off. The medallion attached was gold, looked like real gold, with an engraving of a skull. Jin’s mind raced. Was this boy a pirate? They’d kill him if that was the case.

 

Before Jin even had a moment to decide what to do, someone was pulling him up roughly. 

 

“What were you thinking?!” His mother screamed, wrapping a blanket around his body. “You’ll freeze to death!” 

 

Jin looked down to see his father and a few others tending to the boy. He shoved the medallion into his pants pockets. “He was going to die.” 

 

“You could’ve died!” She yelled, pulling him back and up the beach. Seokjin wanted to fight her, wanted to make sure the boy was alright, wanted to ask him questions, wanted to look into those eyes again. But fighting the water had been exhausting, and his body already ached. His arms felt like jelly from dragging the boy to shore. So Jin let his mother pull him frantically up to the house.

 

He’d been bathed and clothed, fed soup, and put to bed. It had all been kind of a blur. The one thing that had been clear to him though, was that the boy he’d rescued was being nursed back to health in one of the guest bedrooms. 

 

So after the house got quiet, Seokjin climbed out of bed and headed into the hallway. He hid for a second when he saw one of their housekeepers leaving the guest room two rooms down. When she disappeared down the stairs, Seokjin had tiptoed carefully and slipped into the room. 

 

The boy looked small in the big bed. His head turned when Seokjin entered. Their eyes met and Jin smiled. 

 

“Hi. I hope I’m not bothering you. I can let you sleep if you need to.” 

 

“No, it’s okay.” The boy’s voice was raspy from coughing up sea water. 

 

Jin smiled and climbed up to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’m Seokjin.” 

 

“Namjoon.” The boy said, giving him a small smile. “Um, thank you, uh, for saving me.” 

 

Jin smiled back. “Of course! Are you okay now?” 

 

The boy, Namjoon, moved his arm a bit and Seokjin saw it was wrapped in white bandages. “My arm is broken. But otherwise, I’m okay.”

 

“You were holding onto that wood and paddling with a broken arm? That’s - You’re amazing!” 

 

Namjoon gave him a big smile, and suddenly he had dimples. “Thank you, but your swimming, that was really something. You’re really good at it.” 

 

“Thanks.” Seokjin smiled back just as big. “How old are you?” 

 

“Nine.” Namjoon answered.

 

“Me too! It’s my birthday tomorrow, well probably today now. So I guess I’m ten.” 

 

“Oh! Happy birthday! It was nice of you to save someone else on your birthday.” 

 

Jin laughed, loud. “Actually, I only save people on my birthday. It’s a once a year thing. You’re lucky you made the cut.” 

 

Namjoon gave him a shy, dimpled smile. 

 

They talked for hours, until Namjoon’s voice hurt and Seokjin’s body ached and they both fell asleep. Seokjin hadn’t enjoyed someone’s company this much probably ever. 

 

The next morning Namjoon was taken into town to try to find a place to stay. 

 

“And although they weren’t really supposed to, they’d spent the next few years sneaking off to spend time together. It took a long time for them to realize it was love. Or -  it took one of them a long time.” Jin chuckled to himself. 

 

When he looked down, his daughter was fast asleep against him. Jin smiled, blinking back tears for the umpteenth time that day. Oh, how he missed that mysterious boy from the beach. Jin could see bits of him in the little girl in his arms, and while it comforted him, it also made him ache with want. How that sweet little boy would love their sweet little girl. 

 

Seokjin eventually drifted off, eyes a bit wet and his throat thick, letting himself sink into the sounds of the mini injured whale beside him. 

 

 

“Jin! Jin! Wake up! Jiiin!”  Seokjin groaned, rolling over in his bed. He’d had an incredibly busy week at the shop and he and Namsoon both were looking forward to not being up before the sun today.

 

“Taetae, it’s early .” Soonie whined. 

 

“Jin, seriously, I think I found something.” 

 

Well that worked. Seokjin sat up immediately, almost smacking his head into Taehyung’s. “You- Really?” 

 

“My friend returned today from his journey abroad. He brought me the book.” 

 

“Oh, oh. ” Seokjin rubbed his face, already half out of bed. “Okay, okay! Jungkookie?” 

 

“Ugh.” The boy groaned. 

 

“I’m leaving Namsoon with you, okay? I’ll be at Tae’s.” 

 

The man didn’t answer. 

 

“Okay?” Jin said louder. 

 

“Okay.” Namsoon and Jungkook mumbled at the same time.

 

Seokjin rolled his eyes. He looked at Taehyung and let out a nervous chuckle. “Tae.” 

 

“Yeah, I know. Come on!” 

 

Almost a year ago, Taehyung had learned of a book that spoke in detail about the curse of the Dead Man’s Chest. It had taken time, money, and a hell of a lot of coordination between three different ships and six different men on them to get the book found and brought to the village. 

 

When they reached Tae’s shop, Taehyung brought him to the huge table in the middle of the room. A large, old book sat open on top. Tae pointed to the page. “Okay, so I want you to read this bit, and tell me how to make sense of it. Because I’m confused.”

 

“The Dead Man’s Chest carries the heart of Davy Jones. It is said that he who has the chest controls the sea.” Jin read out loud. “Okay, what don’t you get?” 

 

“His heart? His real heart?” 

 

“It was the curse that kept him alive, despite not having his heart. But once his heart was destroyed, so too was Davy Jones.” 

 

“But his actual heart?” Seokjin just stared at him and Taehyung was quiet for a moment. “I guess what I’m asking is, is Namjoon’s actual heart in that chest?” 

 

Seokjin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 

 

It was absolute madness on the ship. There were people everywhere and all of them were trying to kill them. The British, the Flying Dutchman's crew, pirates from other ships. It was chaos and it took everything in Jin to keep one eye on the enemy and the other on Namjoon. 

 

They just had to make it through this. They just had to win this and they could go home. It’d been years since they’d found themselves in this life, since Seokjin’s kidnapping and Namjoon’s lineage drew them to sea. This life of excitement and adventure was wonderful but it was also tearing them apart. How difficult it had been to keep them both together and alive these past few years. Jin was exhausted. And he knew Namjoon was even more over it than he was. 

 

“Namjoon!” Seokjin’s sword plunged into another soldier. “Behind you!” 

 

The man turned in time to run his sword through the pirate barreling towards him. “On your right!” Namjoon shouted. 

 

And Jin turned automatically, sword out to meet another’s. Seokjin got the upper hand and kicked the pirate to the ground. Jin looked up to see two pirates ambushing Namjoon. “Joonie!” Jin screamed, running towards him. He took out one of the men, finally getting his back to Namjoon’s. 

 

They stood there for a moment, amidst the chaos, back-to-back, just breathing. Seokjin felt Namjoon's against him, even through the layers. That was the thing about being at sea, everything was a lot colder than he’d imagined. But not Namjoon. Namjoon was warm and alive against him. 

 

“Joon.” 

 

“We’re going to get through this.” He spoke, lunging forward to knock a man back from them. Then his back was against Seokjin’s again. “We’re going to get through this and then we’re going to mate and be husbands and-” 

 

Seokjin turned then, turning Namjoon with him. Their lips met in an adrenaline-fueled kiss. “I love you.” Jin whispered, kissing him softer. 

 

“I love you too.” 

 

Their eyes locked as the stayed intertwined, both lunging forward to stab the pirates running behind the other. 

 

Seokjin felt invincible. He felt safe and energized by the love he gave and received from the beautiful, wonderful man holding his hand. This beautiful, wonderful man who had been holding his hand for what felt like forever, who wanted to keep holding him forever. 

 

But in an instant it was over. In what felt like a blink, suddenly Davy Jones himself was there, dangling Jin in the air by his throat. Seokjin’s hands grasped at the one around his neck, scratching, clawing as he fought for air. 

 

“Should I snap his neck?” The man yelled. “Or just slowly suffocate him in front of you?” He swung Jin as he spoke, like Seokjin’s weight was nothing to him. 

 

“No! No, please, I’ll do anything, please. Don’t hurt him.” Namjoon’s voice sounded unlike anything Jin had ever heard. His head was getting fuzzy as he fought to stay conscious. 

 

“Joo-” Seokjin squeaked. He didn’t even care that the hand got tighter. He just wanted to have those eyes on him one more time. Their plan had failed, but Jin wanted Namjoon to know it wasn’t his fault. He didn’t blame him. He loved him.

 

“Please! I’ll do anything.” Namjoon’s voice cracked and Jin wanted to comfort him, but his vision was blurring.

 

“Love is a weakness! A lie that we let hold us back! It ruined both of you. You could’ve been great, Seokjin Kim.” 

 

Jin realized Jones was speaking to him but with the blood rushing, it was foggy. 

 

The man sighed, presumably realizing Seokjin was staring at him blankly. “But now, you’ll die here, frail and weak at the feet of a man who couldn’t save you. Is that what love is? What a waste.” 

 

“NO!” Namjoon shouted. 

 

The next few seconds were still a bit hazy to Seokjin. Hoseok had snuck up from the left side, using the speech as a distraction. He stabbed Jones in the back, just as Namjoon jumped forward and stabbed him in abdomen. The man dropped Seokjin, who fell, gasping for air. Hoseok and Namjoon fought Jones then, and that’s when Jin saw the chest. He rolled to it, grabbing a knife and holding it over the heart of Davy Jones in his hand. 

 

“STOP.” Jin shouted hoarsely, drawing the attention of all three. Their eyes grew wide when they realized what he was holding. 

 

“Jin-” Namjoon started. His eyes were panicked. And yeah, okay, fair. Jin hadn't made a plan for what would happen after this. But he couldn’t let either of them die. 

 

“Stop!” He repeated. 

 

“What are you going to do, boy? Kill me? Take over as captain of the Dutchman? One day on land for every ten years at sea? What about your love?” 

 

“His life is more important than-” 

 

“Oh, is it?” 

 

Then Davy Jones did something Seokjin couldn’t have anticipated. He turned, swung his sword, and plunged it directly into Namjoon’s chest.

 

“NO!” Jin screamed, as Namjoon just blinked. Jones pulled the sword out from his body and Namjoon still looked surprised, even as he crumbled to the ground. “NO!”

 

Hoseok dove at Jones then, a loud shout as their swords met. 

 

Jin ran to Namjoon. The man had fallen back, blood pouring out of his chest. “No, no, no, Joonie.” Jin’s hands cupped his face. “Joonie, baby, look at me.” Namjoon’s eyes were slow and already losing light. “NO! Stay with me! Stay with me, please, please, Joonie. Don’t leave me.” 

 

Namjoon just exhaled, coughing a bit, looking pained. There was blood on his lips. 

 

“Joonie, No, no, Joonie, please.” How did he already feel so cold?

 

Namjoon’s eyes were unfocused but his hand weakly reached out. “Ji-”

 

Seokjin intertwined their fingers, holding the hand to his chest. “Please my love, not yet. We- You promised we’d be husbands. You cannot die without me, please!” 

 

“The heart!” Hoseok screamed. “Stab the heart.” 

 

Seokjin took a shaky breath. He hated to make this decision for Namjoon, but it was one he had been willing to make himself for Namjoon’s life. And selfishly in that moment, Seokjin had only one thought: he couldn’t lose Namjoon. He couldn’t. He took Namjoon’s hand in his, kissing it gently, before wrapping it around the knife and plunging it down, stabbing the heart of Davy Jones. 

 

Jones yelled, screaming as he fell. Jin hoped it hurt.

 

Seokjin turned back to Namjoon, whose eyes were closed now. His chest had fallen still. “Joon? Joon! No, no, Joonie, please. Don’t leave, please.” 

 

Hoseok fell to the ground beside them, clutching his side. “Jin, you have to go. I have to-” 

 

“No!” Jin clutched Namjoon’s body against his. “No! I’m staying! I go where he goes! I- please Hobi.” 

 

“I have to cut his heart out, Jin.” There was a pirate from the Dutchman's crew already holding the chest out.

 

Seokjin shook his head, crying as he held Namjoon tighter, burying his face into Namjoon’s neck.

 

“No, no, Joonie, please!”

 

“It’s the only way he lives.” Hoseok's voice was ragged, though he was making an effort to speak slowly and kindly. “The Dutchman has to have a captain. He’ll just die like this, Jin. You know that.” 

 

It took Jin a moment to process the words. He knew, of course he knew, but it was another thing to let Namjoon go. They were supposed to be husbands. This was the only chance he had. A hope, a prayer, this curse. Jin placed a kiss where he’d hoped to one day place a bite, pulled back, and carefully laid Namjoon’s body back onto the deck. He pressed a kiss to the man’s forehead. His skin had gone so cold so quickly. Jin kissed the scar above his left eyebrow, the corner of his mouth. He ran his lips across his hairline before pressing a last kiss to his temple. Namjoon had always been so warm.

 

“Jin,” Hoseok said softly. “The others are waiting for you. You have to go. Get off this ship. He wouldn’t want you to see this. I’ll stay with him.” 

 

“No!” Seokjin felt fire burning in his belly. “No, I’m not going anywhere! You do what you have to do. I’m not leaving him.” 

 

Hoseok nodded. He took a sharp breath himself, tears rolling down his cheeks as he held the knife. His hand shook.

 

Seokjin screamed the moment the blade broke skin. 

 

“Jin? Jin?” Taehyung’s voice was soft. He was closer than he had been a moment ago, shaking Jin’s arm lightly. “Are you okay?” 

 

“Sorry, sorry.” Jin realized he was shaking a bit.

 

“Here, sit down.”

 

Taehyung led him to the couch next to wall and Jin sank down into it. He tried his damnedest not to ever think about that memory. It haunted his darkest dreams, when he screamed out for his mate, when the ache of missing him was too much. Jin would wake himself up with silent screams, running to the chest to make sure it was real. It had happened. Namjoon had taken a breath shortly after his heart was placed in the chest. He’d been brought back. His heart rested in Seokjin’s care. And care for it he would. With every breath in him.

 

“You asked a question.” Jin turned to Taehyung.

 

“Uh, it’s okay. We can talk about-” Tae rushed to assure him.

 

“Yes.” Jin interrupted. “The answer is yes. Namjoon’s actual heart is in that chest. I watched them cut it out myself.” 

 

“Oh my god.” The younger looked horrified. 

 

“We have to not only break the curse, but also make sure doing so doesn’t kill him. It’s going to require strong magic. This isn’t small village business, Taehyung. This is death and legend and centuries of history. It may not even be possible.” 

 

“It was magic that cursed Davy Jones, it was magic that created the Dutchman, it is magic that is keeping Namjoon alive right now. We will find a way. I know I can.” Taehyung’s voice was more determined that Seokjin had heard it in years. And, hell, this was their first real lead in years. This book had pages upon pages, chapters about the history of Calypso cursing Davy Jones. If there was a way to do this, they would find a clue here. 

 

“Come on, then. Let’s get started.” Seokjin smiled at him. 

 

It was well past midday when Seokjin finally left Taehyung’s shop. They’d spent the morning compiling any useful information they found in the book. And although Jin hated to leave when there was still more to read, he had promised the kids that he'd start their training today. A bribe to entice them into helping him in the shop over the past week. They had held up their end of the bargain, and now it was Seokjin’s turn. 

 

Plus, as good as the information from the book was, it was not going to spell out an exact way to break the curse. The book might lead them to a next step, but it was doubtful that the book would contain a way to break it. If it did, someone probably would’ve figured it out and used it against Jones before now. He who has the chest controls the sea. Many would be looking for a way to have that much power. 

 

Jin hadn’t thought about the day that Namjoon died in so much detail in quite a while. The first year he’d had horrible nightmares, watched it happen over and over. But the more he’d talked about Namjoon as he is now, warm and alive, the more he’d been able to ignore that part of the story. The curse had been a blessing in a way, had brought Namjoon back the moment his heart was in that chest. Jin skipped that part when he told the story to Jungkook and later his daughter. So some days it just felt like a horrific nightmare, too painful to have possibly been real. 

 

Confronting that, confronting all of this, only a couple months before the five-year anniversary was hitting Seokjin in ways he wasn’t quite ready to deal with. He knew if he was going to get through this he was going to have to pace himself. Spending time with Soonie and Jungkook was a good way to bring him back to the present, to remind him all hadn’t been lost that day. 

 

Jin made a quick detour in town before heading back home. 

 

“Soonie? Kook?” Jin walked into the cottage and it was eerily quiet. “Did you guys go-”

 

“Shhhh!” Jungkook jumped from behind the pile of firewood in the corner. He grabbed Jin and forced him to squat next to him. “The evil sea hag is trying to find and capture me!” He whispered. “We must stay quiet so she doesn’t-” 

 

“Now I’ve got you!” The little girl yelled, climbing up the wood pile and looking over it. She had dirt all over her face and clothes, and her hair was up in three different ponytails. Jin fought not to laugh at how ridiculous she looked. 

 

“Ahhh!” Both Jungkook and Jin yelled. They took off in different directions. 

 

“You can’t catch us both!” Jungkook yelled as he ran towards the bedroom. 

 

Jin didn’t make it too far, let himself be cornered by the little girl in the kitchen. 

 

“Oh no! Please! Please have mercy sea hag! I have a daughter! She's waiting for me at home!” Jin fell to his knees and raised his hands to beg. “I’ll be your servant. Just please don’t eat me!!” 

 

“Ah,” Soonie rubbed her hands together. “Perfect. That’s just what I need, someone to make the bed for me.” 

 

Jin had to hold back a snort. “I promise!” He cried. “I’ll make the bed for you! Every single day!” 

 

“Okay!” She beamed. “I won’t eat you! Now help me capture the other one! I’m hungry for some lunch!” Soonie ran towards the back of the cottage and before Jin had even gotten up, Jungkook had grabbed the girl, fallen onto the bed and was tickling her mercilessly. 

 

“No! No! Not fair!” Soonie shrieked.

 

“Please don’t eat me, oh great ticklish sea hag!” Jungkook laughed, fingers poking at her sides.

 

“Koo, please! Please!” She laughed, yelling and squealing. “Save me Papa! Please!”

 

“Hmmm, but if I save you, then I have to make the bed everyday.” Jin rubbed at his chin. 

 

“I’ll do it! I’ll make the bed, just save me!” She shrieked. 

 

“Hmmm, every day?” 

 

“Every day!” 

 

Seokjin puffed his body up, stomping into the room. “Hey you!” He pointed at Jungkook. “You let that little girl go!” 

 

“She’s not a little girl! She’s an evil hag, trying to make me her servant!” 

 

“I heard she’s a very nice hag. She just offered to make my bed for me every single day!” Jin swooped in and scooped Namsoon out of Jungkook’s grip. 

 

“Thank you, Papa!” Soonie laughed, breathlessly. 

 

Seokjin collapsed on the bed, keeping his daughter in his arms. “Well I was going to come home and make good on my offer to teach you two how to hold a sword, but now you’ve absolutely worn me out!” 

 

“What? Really?” Jungkook sat up quick. Soonie eyes got wide as she turned to look at Jungkook. His eyes were just as big and excited. 

 

“I told you I would.” Jin shrugged.

 

“But, I thought that was just a bribe to get us to help you at work this week!” Jungkook was already up and out of the bed.

 

“Well the thing about bribes is that in order to make them work on a long-term basis, you have to actually follow through with the reward once in a while.” 

 

“Yes!” Jungkook shouted. 

 

“Papa, let me go!” Soonie struggled in Jin’s arms. “I want to go swordfight! Can we go right now? Please? Please!” 

 

Seokjin laughed, letting her go and watching the pair of them excitedly pull on their shoes. 

 

“Now, Papa! Now!” 

Twenty minutes later they had packed a snack, filled a water jug, and were standing in the shade of the treeline behind the house.

 

Jin couldn’t help but be reminded of when he himself learned to hold a sword. He sighed. “You know your father was the one who taught me how to fight.” Jin pulled his daughter’s hair up into a single ponytail. “My parents thought it was improper to even hold a sword. So I’d sneak off to the field behind the main road and meet your dad.” 

 

“I heard Namjoon Kim is the best sword fighter the seas have seen in a long time!” Jungkook added. “Maybe ever!”

 

Seokjin laughed. “I certainly think so.” 

 

“Okay!” Fifteen-year-old Namjoon stood up straight, already an inch or two above Jin. He walked a circle around Jin, eyeing him closely. “Welcome to your first training session! Now, I’m going to go over a lot, so stop me if you have questions.” 

 

“I have a question.” Jin raised his hand.

 

“I haven’t started yet?” 

 

“My question is, have I accidentally joined the Royal Navy? Why are you being so intense? Can’t you just hand me a sword and let me swing it?” 

 

Namjoon groaned, shoulders falling as he put his face in his hands. “No, Jin! That’s- That’s dangerous!” He huffed. “Plus, that was three questions.” 

 

“Okay!” Seokjin started, standing up straight and looking down at the two standing across from him. Jungkook was at full attention while Namsoon giggled. “Welcome to your first training session!” 

 

“Papa, you’re being too serious! You’re making me laugh!” The little girl giggled. 

 

“Well, sword fighting is very serious, young Soonie. Which is why I had these made.” Seokjin grabbed his bag and pulled three long wooden swords and one shorter one. 

 

“Wooden swords? Is this a joke, Joonie? Why didn’t you just get two sticks for Christ’s sake!” Young Jin snorted.

 

“Wood swords are the best way to start. Plus your father is the governor now, Jinnie. I couldn’t have you accidentally killing yourself. No one would ever believe me. I’m just a poor orphan; they’d hang me. All because we didn’t start with a wooden sword!"  

 

“Seems like you made a lot of leaps there. But I would feel bad if you hanged.” 

 

“You’d be dead.” Namjoon huffed, like Seokjin was being willfully difficult.

 

“And sad.” 

 

“A wooden sword?” Soonie whined. “That’s lame.” 

 

Seokjin laughed. 

 

Jungkook picked one up. “So, once we practice with these, you’ll let us have real ones?” 

 

“Probably not my four-year-old.” Seokjin eyed his daughter and she glared back. “But, Jungkookie, as a mature and wise twenty-one year old,” Soonie giggled. “-if you practice hard and meet my very high standards, then yes, I’ll take you to town and we’ll get a real one.” 

 

“Yes!” 

 

“Alright, we’ll start with stance.” Namjoon stood at attention and Seokjin dramatically copied him. Namjoon sighed. 

 

“Alright, we will start with stance.” Seokjin stood at attention and Jungkook and Soonie copied, not without some giggles from the youngest.

 

 “Left foot forward, right back.” Jin did what he was supposed to and got a nod from Namjoon.

 

 “Left foot forward, right back.” Both followed perfectly. 

 

“Okay now arms up like this.” Seokjin lifted his arms and Namjoon stood close, holding them in the right place.

 

“Now arms up like this.” Seokjin helped his daughter hold her arms up correctly. “There you go. That’s excellent.” 

 

“Is mine right?” Jungkook asked, his stance looking almost as perfect as Seokjin remembered Namjoon’s being. 

 

Seokjin groaned. “Kook, would you like to come teach the class? You’re already looking like a pro.” 

 

Jungkook beamed. 

 

“What about me? Me too?” Soonie pouted. 

 

“Yes, honey,” He patted her head, smiling at her scrunched up expression. “You look just like your father.” 

 

“Hey Joon! Hey Joonie, what do you call a wooden sword that only plays by the rules?” 

 

“Jin-” 

 

“A stickler!” Jin curled over in squeeky laughter. 

 

Namjoon groaned. “Seokjin, you’re not taking this seriously!” He pouted. 

 

Jin fought the laugh that bubbled up at his cute expression. “I’m so sorry, Namjoonie.” 

 

“Now, fighting stance!” 

 

Jin attempted, failed, then dramatically fell over. “Joon, what do you call-” 

 

“Hey Jin, I have an idea.” Namjoon smirked.

 

“Oh no.” 

 

“Every time that you do something right, you get to make a joke. But every time you do something wrong, I get to make a joke.”

 

“Wait, but-” 

 

“Come on, up! Fighting stance!” 

 

“But- ugh!” Seokjin stood up and made a poor attempt.  

 

“Hey Jinnie,” Namjoon smiled. “What do you call a donkey split in two?” 

 

“Joon-” 

 

“Half-assed!” 

 

“Oh my god, I know how to do it! Here! Here!” Jin moved into a fighting stance. 

 

“Hey!” Namjoon beamed. “Jin that’s really good! Okay now, a block- Arm like this and take a step forward.” 

 

Jin did just as Namjoon showed him. 

 

“Wow, Jin! That’s awesome! Okay, your turn. Let me have it.” Namjoon smiled. 

 

Seokjin rolled his eyes. “Why do crabs never share their food?” 

 

“Why?” 

 

“Because they’re shellfish!” 

 

Namjoon laughed, helping Seokjin in the next position. “Okay now when you’re attacking-” 

 

Seokjin smiled. “Okay, now back to fighting stance.” Both Jungkook and Namsoon jumped into position. “Well, aren’t you two just master fighters already. It took days for me to learn these. You guys are just too smart.” 

 

“I think it’s that you’re too silly.” Namsoon said sadly. 

 

Seokjin laughed. “Your father thought that too. But that’s not the point. The point is, you two are picking this up so well!” 

 

“Can you show us how to block from the side?” Jungkook asked, a light in his eyes. 

 

Jin, not for the first time, couldn’t help but think of how much Namjoon would love to meet Jungkook. They’d adore each other. “Sure, Kook.” 

 

They practiced for hours. Namsoon gave up in favor of snacks, and then a nap, while Seokjin and Jungkook continued. 

 

“Now Koo, when I step this way-” 

 

“I-” Jungkook lunged forward, wooden sword tapping against Jin’s ribs. 

 

“Excellent, Kook! Seriously, I should’ve known you’d pick this up quickly.” 

 

“I’ve been, uh, kind of practicing what I thought was right since I was young, so.” 

 

 “You’re going to surpass my knowledge soon.” Jin patted his shoulder. 

 

“No! That’s not true. You’re really good, Jin!” 

 

“Well one day you can spar with Namjoon and he’ll help you with the more fancy techniques.” Jin looked back when Jungkook didn’t make a sound. The younger had his mouth slightly open and his eyes wide. 

 

“One day?” Jungkook asked softly, looking to the blanket to see if the little girl was still asleep. 

 

Jin did the same before bringing his eyes back to Jungkook. But he didn’t stop the younger from continuing.

 

“When Tae came to get you this morning, he said he found something. Something about a book?” 

 

Jin knew his smile was pained. 

 

“You don’t have to tell me anything!” Jungkook rushed to say. “I- Just, let me know if you need anything, okay? I want to help.” 

 

“I know.” Jin’s smile was softer then. “I know, Kook. And you do already, help more than I could ever, ever repay you for.” 

 

“You don’t have to! You and Soonie are family. I just, if there is anyway I can help with this. I want to. I really want to.”

 

Seokjin couldn’t help put pull Jungkook into a hug. God, he loved this kid.  “I know. Thank you. I will probably take you up on that. When the time comes.” Jin swallowed hard. “We’re trying. Tae and I. And I know you know that we’ve always been trying but finally, finally we have something to work with. I promise I'll let you know when there's really something to tell.” 

 

Jungkook hugged him again. “Okay.” 

 

Weeks passed and for once in his life Seokjin was glad for how busy he was. Their small sea village was a popular stop between two of the main towns in the area, and therefore, when the weather got nice, they had countless visitors. The village inn was full and it had been almost a full week since Jin and Soonie had seen Jungkook, and almost a couple weeks since Jungkook had been able to stay the night. 

 

The bakery had been busy, even with Namsoon helping, and by the time the two of them made it home at night they were exhausted. Too busy to do much besides sleep, certainly too busy to think. 

 

There was one thing in particular that Seokjin had been avoiding thinking about. Thirteen days ago, he and Taehyung had a breakthrough. They were pouring over the book, restating everything they’d read, talking through the weird phrasings of some of the sentences. 

 

“Maybe we’re going about this the wrong way.” Taehyung said suddenly, when they’d been at it for hours.

 

“What do you mean?” Seokjin yawned, scrubbing a hand over his face. 

 

“I mean, what if instead of breaking the curse and then trying to bring him back to life, we focus on trying to bring him back to life first? Maybe the curse will break itself once he’s alive again?” Taehyung’s eyes were scanning one of the pages of the book over and over. 

 

“Bringing him back to life?” Jin’s curiosity peaked at that. 

 

“Well is he technically dead? Without the curse?” 

 

Seokjin thought. “He didn’t fully die. He was dying, but he was still alive when I helped him stab Jones’s heart.”

 

“So if we found a way to put his heart back in his chest..?” Taehyung asked, sitting up straighter. 

 

Jin didn’t exactly understand what he was getting so excited about, but he was willing to indulge him. “Well, I guess if he's reset to the moment before he stabbed the heart, he’d be dying. Jones ran him through, there was a lot of blood, Tae. We had minutes at most.” 

 

“But then he just needs healing. That’s a different story. I know incredible healers.” 

 

Seokjin sighed. “But his heart, Tae. That was magic.” 

 

The younger turned back to the book. “From what I’m reading, the magic of the Dutchman is the contract that people agree to in order to postpone death. The whole crew is made up of people who were dying at sea. Attacks, accidents, drownings, whatever the case. They were about to die. They agreed to serve a hundred years on the ship instead of facing that certain death.” 

 

Jin frowned. “Joon never signed any contract. I think cutting his heart out was the contract.” 

 

“But that’s not a contract!” Taehyung beamed. “Here’s what it looks like to me. Calypso, Goddess of the Sea, charged Davy Jones with ferrying the souls of those who die at sea to the underworld. He agreed, signing a contract that gave him immortality in exchange for ferrying the souls. But over the years, Jones fell in love with Calypso. She told him if he continued to serve through his next ten years, then she would meet him on land and they could be together. But that day, she didn’t show up. So Jones cut his own heart out to stop the pain of his heartache. He returned to sea but swore that he would exact vengeance by no longer ferrying the souls.” 

 

Jin fought back a sigh. Not only had he heard this story in the book, but he’d lived part of it. It was good to know, but he’d been over it a thousand times and gotten nowhere. “Okay, so?”

 

“So Jones cut his heart out of his own accord. He was already bound to Calypso and the Dutchman by then. But Namjoon never made that agreement. So if he’s no longer facing certain death, if he is alive, his heart in his chest, his body healed, I don’t see how he could be bound to the ship anymore.”

 

“But the Dutchman always has to have a captain.” Seokjin said. It was a mantra he had heard a million times that first day. From Hoseok, from the crew, from Joon himself. Jin found himself repeating it to himself on desperate nights. The Dutchman always had to have a captain. That’s why they were in this mess. 

 

“Well yes, but that captain doesn’t always have to be Namjoon.” 

 

“That’s true, but the only way to replace Joon is if someone stabs his heart and puts theirs in the chest to take his place.” 

 

“See, but I don’t think that's true! I think there can be a captain without the heart. Davy Jones was the captain for a long time before he put his heart in that chest. I think if we put Namjoon’s heart back in his chest and then prevent him from dying, the curse might be broken. Theoretically, the only thing that binds him to the Dutchman." 

 

“How would we do that, Tae? We’d need strong magic to replace his heart and heal his wounds. Who do we know with that much power? It still feels so impossible.” Jin sighed, scrubbing his hands over his face.

 

They sat there in silence for a few moments. 

 

“Can you-” Jin took a deep breath. “Are you staying for a little while?” 

 

Taehyung nodded. 

 

“I’m going to take a walk, okay? If Soo needs anything-”

 

“I’ll be here.” 

 

“Thanks.” Jin sighed and walked out the cottage door. 

 

It was only a couple minutes' walk to the shore from Jin’s door. He loved living this close to the ocean, but on days when the separation seemed like too much, it was especially wonderful. Seokjin stood on the edge of the water, letting the waves roll over his ankles. 

 

The closer they got to figuring something out, the closer Seokjin’s emotions rose to the surface. He’d spent so many years forcing himself to shove those feelings down. He had reason after reason to not break down. But it was getting harder and harder to stay strong. He wanted more than anything to bring Namjoon home, but Jin wasn’t sure he could handle losing him again. The closer they got, the more hope he felt, the more heartbroken Jin would be if nothing came of this. It was hard now, the past four and a half years had been hard, but he’d made it. He’d found a way to continue functioning in his daily life. And now, more and more these days, he found that slipping. 

 

On the other hand, while being able to make it through each day was important, he wanted more than that. He wanted his husband home. He wanted his daughter to have her father. He wanted them to be a family. He wanted so much more with Namjoon. There was so much of life he wanted to experience with him, and if he had to fight for that, then so be it. This was the closest they’d ever gotten and it was scary, but no matter what happened, trying was always going to be worth it.

 

Jin spent a little while standing in the water. He always felt calmer, clearer when the warm waves washed over him. Eventually he took a deep breath, feeling refreshed and determined.

 

Taehyung was there to greet him when he arrived home. “Jin, there was a man!” His eyes were a little wild, excited. “There was a man that saved a woman’s life. When I was young, she was dying. Our healer had called in one of her old friends, a woman named Joy. Joy was known throughout the Caribbean as one of the best healers that has ever lived. Joy came and couldn’t do anything. So she sent for someone. A man. I don’t remember much, I was pretty young. But the man came and he saved her! We had already begun burial preparations, but within the hour she was fine. That’s the healer we need! Someone that good had to be using magic. If I write to Joy, maybe she can tell us where to find him!” 

 

Seokjin took a breath. This is what he wanted, the ball rolling. It was scary and his hopes were getting up and yes, this might all come crashing down around him, but how could he not try? 

 

“No details, okay Taehyung? I don’t want to bring any unwanted attention to Soo or me, okay?” 

 

“I promise!” 

 

Taehyung had immediately begun writing the letter. That was thirteen days ago. It could take weeks for it to reach this person, and weeks more to get a response. So Seokjin was glad to be busy. Sitting around and waiting would eat him alive. 

 

“Papa! Koo is here! Koo is here!” Soonie yelled, running towards the door. The little girl threw herself into his arms and Jungkook easily lifted her up, spinning her. 

 

“Hi Soonie! Hey!” 

 

“Koo! Koo! I missed you so much! Are you staying the night? We can eat and look at the stars and tomorrow Papa can help us with our swords and then-” 

 

“Yes!” Jungkook laughed. “Definitely.” 

 

“Soo, let Kook breathe. He’s had a long couple of weeks, baby.” Seokjin smiled at them. 

 

“Fine! Can we watch the stars though, Papa? And you can tell us a story?” Soonie pulled on the hem of his shirt.

 

“Sure, love. If you set up the blanket.”

 

Once the three were all settled, Jin looked to his daughter. “Alright, Soo, what story do you want to hear, love?”

 

“Want Koo to pick.” Soonie tucked in between the men, placing her head on Jungkook’s chest. 

 

“Hmmm, I get to pick?” 

 

The little girl nodded. “Better make it a good one.”

 

Jungkook ran a hand through her hair. “I think, one we haven’t heard before. How about one that has fun and adventure and pirates and mayhem?” 

 

“Oooh!” Seokjin smiled. “Fun and adventure and pirates and mayhem?” 

 

“Yes, Papa! Yes!” 

 

“Okay, I’ll do my best.” 

 

It was another absolutely gorgeous day at sea. Seokjin woke up to the sun streaming in through the window. He rolled over, arm flopping out as he let out a loud yawn. It’d been months since they’d escaped from the pirates trying to kill them. Months since Namjoon had put a target on his back in order to shield Seokjin from the one on his. Most importantly, it had been months since they decided they weren’t going back. 

 

Seokjin had no interest in his old life, in his old world. At sea he felt free. For the first time in his life he had real freedom, and he wasn’t giving that up without a fight. 

 

Plus, he had Namjoon. They’d known each other for almost ten years now and never had they been able to just be around each other like this. There was no sneaking around, no looking over their shoulders, no worrying about appearances or consequences. They just got to be friends. And it was the best Seokjin ever remembered his life being. Just him and Namjoon and the open sea. 

 

The crew of the ship seemed happy to prolong the journey back and adored Namjoon as their captain. He had taken up the role so effortlessly, so naturally, that it was hard to remember exactly how it had happened. Hoseok had volunteered to be his second-in-command and they were off. 

 

On that sunny, beautiful day, Seokjin looked out across the water and saw something familiar. 

 

“Joon! Hey, Joon!” Seokjin turned, running up to the man at the front of the ship.

 

“Everything okay?” 

 

“Yes! Yes! That island!” He pointed across the way. 

 

“Yes?” 

 

“It’s my father’s!” Jin laughed breathlessly, like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. 

 

Namjoon swallowed hard. “Your father’s?” 

 

“Yes! He uses it as a storage facility for the rum that he transports between the island and the mainland!” Jin couldn’t help how excited he was. He was itching to do something. 

 

Judging by the look on Namjoon’s face, he realized that too. “Jin-” 

 

“We have to go steal some rum.” 

 

Namjoon scrubbed a hand over his face wearily. “We are absolutely not doing that.” 

 

Seokjin pouted.

 

“Your father is looking for you, Jin. The Royal Navy is looking for us.” 

 

“Not actively! I mean, they were like, ‘one day, we’ll get you.’” He said in a deep tone. “That’s, whatever. We have to go steal some rum.” 

 

“I could use more rum!” Hoseok raised his hand from where he was steering. 

 

“Hobi could use some rum!” Jin shouted, running over to hug the man. “Joooonie, everyone wants rum! Let’s go get some! Please!” 

 

Two hours later, Seokjin was hopping out of a small rowboat and into the sand. 

 

“This beach is gorgeous! Just think, Joon, if it were up to you, we would’ve missed this view.” 

 

“Seokjin, you already got me here, you don’t have to keep convincing me.” Namjoon breathed a world-weary sigh and jumped out after him, tossing the rope and securing it with rocks. He nodded to Hoseok, who was a few yards behind them in his own boat. 

 

“You seem less than enthusiastic!” Jin smiled. “I’m just trying to lighten the mood.” 

 

Namjoon rolled his eyes, fighting a smile as he shook his head at the other man. “I’m just happy that you’re happy, Jin.” 

 

Seokjin beamed. “Come on!” He started walking. “I came here once as a kid, I know where the building is.” 

 

When they arrived, Seokjin’s eyes grew wide and he pushed Namjoon hard against a tree. 

 

“What th-” 

 

Jin shoved his hand over Namjoon’s mouth, cutting him off. He looked past the man, around the tree, to see three men walking the other way. 

 

“Okay! It’s clear! Come on!” Seokjin ran up and into the building. 

 

“There are people here?” Namjoon’s eyes were wide. “You did not say there would be people here, Jin!” 

 

Jin sighed. “They’re probably just here to pick up a shipment! We’ll just have to be quick. Now come here!”

 

Inside the warehouse, there were rows of crates full of bottles. 

 

“Holy shit.” Namjoon’s eyes were wide as he scanned the room. 

 

“Come on, grab this side!” Seokjin was already pulling a crate.

 

Namjoon did as he was told. “You know, you’re the one making me a criminal here. I never fully broke the law before.” Namjoon mumbled as he heaved the crate towards the boat. 

 

“Well welcome to the world of crime, Namjoon Kim. About time you joined the rest of us.” Seokjin laughed breathlessly as they finally made it back to the row boat. 

 

Hoseok beamed. “This is incredible. You’re a genius, Jin.” 

 

“Thank you, I know! Now row that one back to the ship. We’re going back for one more!” 

 

“We’re what?” Namjoon huffed. 

 

“There are fifteen crew members, Namjoon. How quickly do you think a single case of rum will go? This is genuine British rum, we have to take at least two cases.” 

 

“Oh my god. You’re a menace. Don’t pretend like this isn’t about your father, Jin.” Namjoon rolled his eyes as they headed back towards the building. 

 

“Of course it is, fuck that guy! But what on earth makes you think I can’t multitask?” 

 

“Your dad isn’t that bad, Jin. I mean yeah, maybe he doesn’t need more money, but-” 

 

“He let them try to kill you, Namjoon! I was kidnapped! I could’ve been out there being tortured or killed and instead of helping you find me, he let them call you a traitor. They put a bounty on your head, Namjoon. So yeah, fuck that guy.” 

 

It was in that moment that Jin’s plan went slightly off the rails. 

 

“Hey!” A voice called out the second they got their hands on a crate.

 

Jin and Namjoon made eye contact. Joon tilted his head and Seokjin nodded. 

 

“Help! Sir! Help, please!” Seokjin yelled, arms flailing as Namjoon slipped behind the row of crates. “Help! Please! Please, sir! I’ve been kidnapped! Kidnapped! Do you hear me?! I’ve been taken from my home!” He cried.

 

“I- Who are you? What are you- How-” The man lowered his weapon and started slowly approaching Jin. 

 

“PIRATES! Help me, please, sir!” Jin wailed. The man came a bit closer and Namjoon jumped out from behind the crates and hit him with the wooden top of a case. 

 

“Wow, what an outstanding performance.” Namjoon laughed. 

 

“I could be an actor.” 

 

Namjoon snorted. “Yeah, you’ve certainly got the disposition for it. Now let’s get out of here, please!”

 

They had taken their places on either side of the crate when they heard another noise. 

 

“Bartlet?” 

 

They looked at each other. “Oh shit.” And then Seokjin grabbed Namjoon’s hand and took off. 

 

“There’s at least four!” Namjoon yelled, pulling Jin through the exit and around the corner of the building as bullets flew by them. 

 

“Come on, this way!” Seokjin lead them into the surrounding jungle. 

 

“Do you know where you’re going?” Namjoon was still gripping his hand tightly. 

 

“Towards the sound of running water! Sounds like a waterfall! Waterfalls, rocks. Rocks, hiding places!” Jin huffed, like explaining himself was too much of a burden. “Come on!” 

 

Namjoon’s eyes grew as Seokjin skid to a stop. In front of them was a long, wooden bridge. 

 

“Jin, I think this is a bad idea!” His eyes were wide when he looked at Jin. 

 

The sound of gunfire ended up making the decision for them. 

 

Seokjin grabbed his hand and ran for it. “Come on! There’s no choice!” 

 

It wasn’t exactly the best plan. Seokjin realized this when he looked back and saw one of the men raising his sword high above his head. Before Seokjin could even warn Namjoon what was happening, the man swung the sword down on one of the ropes supporting the bridge. 

 

“Joonie, run!” Seokjin shouted, pushing himself to move faster and pulling Namjoon with him. The bridge shook and when Jin looked back, he could see that the planks behind them had collapsed. 

 

“Jump, Jin! We have to jump across!” 

 

So they did. 

 

Seokjin felt his body connect with solid ground and thought he'd died. He thought- 

 

“Jinnie, c’mon, look at me.” 

 

Seokjin listened to the voice, his eyes blinking open. The sun was bright above him. He was flat on his back on the other side of the bridge. 

 

“Did we-” His eyes grew large before Namjoon leaned fully over him. 

 

“Yes, but gods, we were close.” 

 

Then suddenly, there was the whiz of another bullet.

 

Namjoon groaned. 

 

“Well, good to know there’s another way around!” Jin shouted. 

 

Namjoon grabbed his hand, hauling him up as they took off into the jungle again. 

 

“This way!” Jin yelled. “We’re almost there!” He dragged Namjoon until suddenly, he yanked them sharply to the right. 

Namjoon’s eyes widened as he found himself shoved against a cave wall. He leaned forward and saw how close they’d been to running off the edge. “Jin!” 

 

Jin had been following Namjoon’s eyes and smiled sheepishly. That was when Jin realized how close they were. He had pulled Namjoon into the cave and shoved him against the rocks. He’d pressed in close, trying to make it so the men chasing them wouldn’t see them. Jin looked up and Namjoon was still looking at him like he was insane. 

 

Jin couldn’t help it. He laughed. It bubbled up out of him. Namjoon blinked once, incredulously, and then started giggling himself, joining Jin until they were shaking against each other with laughter.

 

When Jin finally managed to stop to catch his breath, he felt the air between them shift. When he looked up Namjoon was eyeing him with an odd sort of look on his face. 

 

“What?” Jin whispered.

 

“I’m in love with you.” Namjoon’s voice was steady and soft. 

 

Seokjin’s breath caught for a moment. “Joonie,” He squeezed their still intertwined hands. “Did you just figure that out?” 

 

Namjoon rolled his eyes. “No, but I did just decide that I wanted to tell you.” 

 

Seokjin snorted but couldn’t help smiling, bringing his free hand up to cup Namjoon’s cheek. And then they were kissing, easy as that, a kiss full of adrenaline and fear and pure joy. 

 

“For the record,” Jin whispered into his lips, eyes flicking up to meet Namjoon’s. “I love you too, Namjoonie.”

 

“Thank you for saving our lives.” Namjoon kissed him again. 

 

“Thank you for also saving our lives.” Seokjin kissed him back. 

 

“Thanks for saving my life before too.” Another kiss. 

 

“Thanks for saving my life before too, too.” More kisses. They giggled into them, pressing even closer. 

 

“We should probably stop putting ourselves in positions where our lives need saving.” Namjoon hummed against his lips. 

 

“Nah, I think we’re doing alright.” Seokjin smiled.

 

This had been years in the making. Honestly, after Namjoon’s heroics saving him almost half a year ago, it shocked Jin that neither of them had acted on their feelings until now. In the ten years before that, at least five of them they had spent being ridiculously obvious. It seemed silly now, all the reasons Jin had held back. His family, his status, Joon’s status, none of that mattered in the face of what they had together. 

 

Seokjin shoved him harder against the wall and kissed him again. “I love you, you stupid pirate.” 

 

Namjoon beamed at him, pushing Jin forward until Jin slammed him back again. “I love you too, you beautiful pirate.” 

 

Hours later, Seokjin decided that the men they were hiding from had given up. His father probably wasn’t paying them that much and they’d be in more trouble if the shipment was late. 

 

The pair made their way back to the beach slowly. They could only make it so far down the path before one would grab the other and shove them against the closest upright surface. 

 

“We could’ve been doing this for years.” Seokjin groaned into Namjoon’s mouth. 

 

Namjoon nipped on his bottom lip. “We have all the time in the world to make up for it.” 

 

They traded kisses as they rowed back to the ship. Hoseok was waiting for them with a hand on his hip. 

 

“About damn time.” 

 

They exchanged glances and burst into another bout of laughter. 

 

Hoseok smiled. “Glad you’re in a good mood, because everyone has already divvied up the rum.” 

 

“Aw, come on!” Jin swore. 

 

“Papa! Papa! Did you really steal the rum?” Soonie giggled, sitting up and jumping on her father’s lap. 

 

“We did.” Seokjin bounced her. 

 

“And you were really on the bridge as it was collapsing? How did you get off?” Jungkook asked, also now sitting up. 

 

“I don’t really know. We jumped! I think I got my foot on the last sturdy wrung? That was thanks to the gods, honestly.” Jin laughed. 

 

“Daddy told you he loved you? For the first time? Was it so romantic? It sounded romantic!” 

 

Seokjin smiled, cuddling his daughter to his chest. “Yes, it was very romantic. There was a beautiful waterfall behind us and it was just the two of us and we were safe and it was very romantic. But you know what? Your father could’ve told me anytime, anywhere, and it would’ve been just as romantic, because I’d been waiting for that for a long time.” 

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Yeah. He’s always been the stupidest, dumbest, bravest pirate I’ve ever known.” 

 

“You were silly to go back for a second crate. Hobi was right to row back to the ship.” Soonie said, tucking her face into her father’s neck and rubbing lightly. 

 

“Maybe you’re right! Maybe you’re not. The world will never know.” Seokjin poked her until she giggled and tried to squirm away.

 

“That was really smart thinking with the cave.” Jungkook sighed. “They never found you?”

 

“Nope, it was hard to hear since we were so close to the waterfall, but I think they thought we fell. And honestly, I don’t think they cared that much.” Jin smiled. 

 

“I liked that story, Papa. That was a good one.” 

 

Jin smiled. “I like that one too, baby.”

 

tbc.

Chapter 2: bring me some hope, by wandering into my mind

Notes:

And it continues!

In this one we have more angst and sex and laughter and mayhem. Oh and pirates!!

Enjoy!

 

also, thanks for reading!!!! And commenting, I appreciate it very much :)

Seokjin could hear Taehyung calling him for a long time before he actually saw him. Jin stood outside the cottage, taking down the linens from the line.

 

“Jin!” Tae finally made it up the hill, huffing and dropping his hands to his knees to take a few breaths. “Jin!”

 

“Hey, Tae.” Jin looked slightly amused, handing the younger his water. 

 

Taehyung took a big gulp. “Where’s Soo?” 

 

“She’s with Kook tonight. They’re at the inn doing some fun sleepover they’ve been planning now that the summer rush has died down.” Jin pat Taehyung on the back. “You ran all the way here?” 

 

“Yes!” Taehyung beamed, reaching out for Jin’s shoulders. “I got Joy’s letter back!” 

 

Seokjin’s eyes grew wide. Joy’s letter back. “Tae, what does it say? Can I see it? Did you bring-” 

 

Taehyung reached into his bag. “Here! Read it yourself.” Tae handed it to Jin. “Joy knows everyone, I knew she’d know how to find him! His name is Yoongi!” 

 

Seokjin scanned the letter, his heart rate picking up with every line. This woman, Taehyung’s friend, knew the man, hadn’t just heard of him, but really knew him. Yoongi. She had seen the incredible things he’d done over the years. Jin’s eyes kept catching on phrases: Saved many lives. Brink of death. A miracle. Answered every call. Wouldn’t accept payment. 

 

Jin looked up, emotion thick in his voice. “She sounds so certain that he’ll help us.” He was trying so hard not to hope yet, but this truly felt like an actual lead. 

 

“Look at the next page.” Taehyung was already flipping the pages for him. 

 

“There are rumors,” The letter read. “Stories of tragedy in Yoongi’s life. He has gods’ blood, it is the source of his abilities. His lineage can be traced back to Poseidon himself. But Yoongi had lived a very human life, overall. He’s rumored to have loved the sea more than anything else. After all, it’s in his blood. He spent all of his time on ships or in the water. Then, many years ago, when he was younger, Yoongi fell in love with a sailor. He loved the sailor and the sailor loved him, and together they spent years together on the sea. Until one day, there was an accident at sea. The sailor was killed instantly. It happened so quickly, Yoongi couldn’t save him. He tried everything, but it was too late. I do not believe Yoongi has ever stepped foot in the ocean again.” 

 

Jin read it over and over. It was horrible. Yoongi, too, knew what it was like to hold the person you love most in the world as they died and be helpless to save them. 

 

“We have to send Yoongi a message!” Taehyung was practically vibrating with excitement. “I cannot believe Joy’s answer!” 

 

“This sounds-” Jin felt overwhelmed, and hesitant. “Tae, I understand that this man understands my loss -- he’s’ suffered a far worse loss himself. But I don’t know if he’ll help us. Or if he even can.” 

 

“Gods’ blood, Jin! And I think what Joy is saying is that he’s out there helping people all the time. Joy said he’s revered by her people for the lives he’s saved. I witnessed it myself, Jin. His love was taken from him too, and that might work in your favor. You would do anything to prevent what happened to you from happening to others. I know it’s not the same thing, but I’ve seen you sit with partners as they waited for someone they love to return from sea. Even that nasty old Martha who’s been cruel to you since you came here. He’ll have compassion for your situation!”

 

Jin took a breath. It was true, he would truly do anything in his power to prevent what happened to him from happening to others. But who’s to say that Yoongi would feel the same way? 

 

“Jin, I trust Joy. She has no reason to lie. She’s the best healer that I know, she taught me everything. I think if she has such wonderful things to say about Yoongi, he could really help.” 

 

It was just a letter, Jin tried to remind himself. 

 

“You’re right. I do think it’s worth reaching out. But first and foremost, I have to protect Namjoon. I don’t want to put myself in a situation where he could be in danger. So I think we need to phrase our letter very carefully. And no mentioning his heart, alright?” 

 

“Of course. Let’s get writing!” 

 

Time had begun to move very oddly for Jin after sending the letter to Yoongi two weeks ago. Seconds felt like days, days felt like seconds. He felt a little bit out of it all of the time, lost in his own head. He failed in his effort to not get his hopes up. These days all he thought about was how Yoongi might respond. Some days he felt excited, encouraged, just bursting with readiness. Others he felt lost and scared and devastated. It felt a bit like when he’d first settled in the village.

 

“Jin?” 

 

Seokjin glanced over at the man washing the pots. “Yeah, Kook?” 

 

Jungkook turned to look at him for a moment, making sure he had Jin’s full attention before turning back to cleaning up from dinner. “Are you okay?” 

 

“I-” Jin hesitated, fiddling with the cloth he was using to dry the dishes. “Yes. I’m sorry if I’ve been a little off recently.” 

 

“It’s okay.” Jungkook sat next to Jin at the table. “I just. I’m here if you want to talk. It’s about the stuff with TaeTae, right?” 

 

“Yeah, Kook, I hope you know-” 

 

Before Seokjin could continue, Taehyung burst through the door. “Jin!” He practically yelled. 

 

“Shh!” Both Jin and Jungkook shushed him with wide eyes. 

 

“Soonie’s asleep.” Jin added. 

 

“Sorry!” Tae whisper shouted. “I’m sorry! I just-” 

 

That was the moment that Seokjin noticed the paper in Taehung’s hand. His breath caught. Jin felt his heart actually stop. “Is that-” 

 

Taehyung nodded. “From Yoongi.” 

 

Seokjin swallowed hard. “Did you read it?” 

 

Tae shook his head. “I thought we should read it together.” He handed the letter to Jin.

 

“Oh, god.” Seokjin felt sick. He felt horribly sick. And for a split second he felt so angry at himself for hanging so much hope on this one person. What if-

 

“Please open it.” Taehyung looked nervous as hell. 

 

Jin nodded. His hands were shaking as he opened the seal and pulled out the letter. 

 

“I can’t promise anything. Curses aren’t my specialty, but I owe Namjoon Kim a great debt. If you are truly his mate, I will help if I can. Come to this location as soon as possible. Again, I make no promises. But while this letter travels to you and then you to me, I will look into it.”  

 

Seokjin’s hand flew over his mouth to muffle the sob that was ripped out of him. 

 

Jungkook was the first up. “Jin?” 

 

“I’m-” He was shaking so hard, he had to put the letter down before he accidentally tore it. 

 

“Holy shit.” Taehyung’s eyes were wide. He turned to Jin. “He’s going to help.” 

 

Jin breathed a shaky breath. “I’m not- it’s not-” 

 

“Does Namjoon know him? He said he owes Namjoon a great debt?” 

 

“I don’t know. I’ve never heard of him. It must’ve been recent.” Jin’s face was in his hands. This was so much .

 

Taehyung looked at the coordinates at the bottom of the page. “If we catch a ship tomorrow we could get there by next Tuesday, next Friday at the latest.” Taehyung spoke. 

 

“I-” Jin couldn’t help the sob that came out instead. All of this was incredibly overwhelming. Even in his wildest dreams, he hadn’t expected this. This man knew Namjoon, owed Namjoon a great debt . They had some leverage. Even if Yoongi couldn’t do anything, he owed Namjoon. For the first time in years, Jin began to feel hope. 

 

Then a particularly loud snore broke through his thoughts, causing Seokjin to look towards the room where his daughter was sleeping. Soonie . Nothing ever made him feel so conflicted as the little girl in that room. The thought of leaving her, of putting himself in danger. If he left and something happened to him, she could lose both her parents.

 

Taehyung left to find them passage on ship for the following day. Jungkook had watched silently as Seokjin and Tahyung went back and forth about the trip. Or more accurately, as Taehyung had gone on about the trip. Jin had mostly just stared into space, tears falling silently down his cheeks. When Tae left with promises to get this done, Jin had just nodded. 

 

He felt utterly overwhelmed by the situation. He was going to have to leave his daughter. They were leaving and as low-risk as the journey felt, Seokjin still had his doubts. This could be a trap, or their ship could wreck, or he could get sick, or pirates could attack. Anything could happen, and his daughter would essentially be left an orphan. He’d known this when they began searching for a way to break the curse, of course, but now it felt so real. 

 

“Jin.” Jungkook spoke softly, breaking his thoughts. “Hey,” The younger knelt down in front of him and took Jin’s hands in his. 

 

Jin gave him a small smile. “Hey, Kook. I’m sorry I didn’t fill you in earlier. This has all moved very quickly.” 

 

“Please don’t worry about that. I’m guessing you figured out how to break the curse?” 

 

“Maybe? Yoongi, the man who wrote the letter, said he’s going to try to help us. But we have to go to him.” 

 

Jungkook nodded. “So you’re worried about leaving Soo.” 

 

Jin couldn’t help but give him a genuine smile. Jungkook had been such a constant in this life these past five years. They’d become so close, the three of them. “Yes. My gut is telling me leaving is the right thing to do. That I need to do everything in my power to save Namjoon. For him, for Soonie, and for me. But what if I’m being selfish? What if I just want him back, and I’m using her as an excuse? And what if something happens and I don’t come back to her?” Jin shook his head, his eyes filling with tears.

 

“Jin,” Jungkook gave him a small smile. “I think every decision you’ve made since the day you found out you were pregnant was made with Soo’s best interests at heart. You’ve given up so much to be with her, to raise her. You could’ve left any day to go find and save Namjoon. But you haven’t. You’ve waited and planned and thought this through. This is as good as it’s going to get.”

 

“But I could wait until she’s older. I feel like I’m only going now because I just miss him so much.” 

 

“Like I said, every choice you’ve made over the past five years has been for her. And I think this choice is one you’re making for her too. You’re right to want to bring him home for her. But it’s okay for you to do this for yourself, too. You deserve to have him with you, Jin. Not just as a parent, but as your husband and partner. You’ve been telling me stories of your adventures together for years. The connection you have with him is obviously special, and it’s fair to do what you have to do to get it back. No one could ever fault you for that, least of all that little girl in there. She loves you so much, Jin. And she wants you to be happy. She will understand. Maybe not right now, but one day.” 

 

Jin let out a half sob, pulling Jungkook into a hug. “When did you grow up so much? So wise.” Jin muttered. 

 

“When I met you.” 

 

Jin rolled his eyes and pulled Jungkook against him harder. “God Kook, you’re really trying me here.” 

 

“I know.” Jungkook chuckled. 

 

Jin pulled away, looking at the younger. “Koo, I don’t want to burden you. But while I’m gone, will you watch out for her? Obviously I’ll speak with your mother about letting her stay at the inn. But, when I’m out there, I’ll feel much better knowing she has you here with her.” 

 

“Of course! Soo has never been a burden, and she never will be. Don’t worry about her, Jin. She’ll be taken care of.” 

 

“Thank you, Kookie,” Jin pulled the man into his arms again. “All these years, I couldn’t have done it without you. I hope you know how important you are to us. We’ll always be family, okay? And I’ll come back to you two.” 

 

Jungkook hugged him tightly. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Jin. You’re strong and smart and capable. You can do anything you put your mind to.” 

 

Jin half gasped, half sobbed at the words, holding Jungkook tightly. 

 

The younger left eventually with promises to be back in the morning. He wanted to give the father and daughter their time alone together. As Jin finished cleaning up and tucking himself into bed, he couldn’t help but think of the first time Jungkook had said those same words to him.

 

“It’s been weeks, Jin.” They were in the inn, Jungkook sitting on Jin’s bed as Jin once again emptied the contents of his stomach into the bin Jungkook had placed by his bed. Jungkook had finally started to get Jin out of his room at the inn and into the fresh air, until about two weeks ago, when Jin started getting sick pretty consistently. Some days Jin still let Jungkook drag him outside, but other days he just laid in bed for hours. 

 

“I think- We have a wonderful healer in the village. Or, the temporary healer. Our main healer is in the city right now, but TaeTae is great.” Jungkook said, not for the first time that week.

 

“I’m fine.” Seokjin did not feel fine. He felt horrible. The past two months had easily been the worst of his life and Jin was sure his body was just reacting to that. His insides were trying to claw their way out of him. Which checked out, considering how deeply his soul ached. 

 

“I- I know you’ve been through a lot, but maybe he can give you something that’ll make it better. He’s a good man. Please, Jin, I’m worried about you.” The sixteen-year-old gave him the biggest, saddest-looking pout. Which for some reason was really getting to Jin today. 

 

He groaned. “Fine, fine. If I go, will you please drop this?” 

 

“Yes!” Jungkook beamed and hugged Jin tightly. 

 

As much as Jin grumbled, the younger’s scent had become comforting to him over the past few weeks, and as he breathed it in slowly, he began to feel better. 

 

Which is how Jin found himself in front of a cottage not far from the inn a few hours later. “Good afternoon!” A young man swung the door open. He was tall with a beaming smile, dressed in many layers, with multiple sets of jewelry all over his neck, wrists, and hands. 

 

“Uh, hi.”

 

“You’re Jin, right? Come in, come in! Jungkook told me about you!” The kid looked young, like maybe he was just a little bit older than Jungkook, maybe around Jin’s age.

 

“Um, yes.” Jin said awkwardly, walking into the house and following the man into the main room. 

 

“I’m Taehyung, you can call me Tae.” The kid smiled brightly. “Jungkook didn’t say much, I promise. Just that he was worried about you and was hoping you’d come see me. We’ve been friends for a couple of years. I stayed at the inn when I first came to town.”

 

“He’s a good kid. I appreciate the concern. I’m probably fine, I’ve just been a bit sick to my stomach lately. Been getting dizzy spells and headaches.”

 

Taehyung gestured to a chair and Jin sat. “Your mating mark looks recent. Congratulations!” Taehyung smiled at him. 

 

Jin’s breath caught. He had spent almost every minute of the past eight weeks with Jungkook and he’d forgotten just how terrible people asking questions could be. “Um, yes, my husband and I mated two months ago.” 

 

“That’s so nice!” When Jin didn’t respond the man looked up. “Oh, um, or, not nice?” 

 

“My husband, he’s-” Jin swallowed hard. “He was lost at sea.” 

 

“Oh.” Jin saw how hard Taehyung swallowed. “Oh, I’m so sorry.” 

 

“Me too.” Jin gave a pained smile. 

 

“When did you start feeling sick?” Taehyung asked, trying to steer the conversation back.

 

“About two weeks ago. It, um” Jin sighed. “It doesn’t seem to be getting better as time goes on.” 

 

Taehyung nodded. “Any changes that happened around that time?” 

 

“No. The past two months I’ve been living at the inn. Everything seems the same. I’ve felt pretty terrible since I lost my husband, so it’s hard to say when this started. But the vomiting has been new the past couple of weeks. And I can’t think of anything new that would’ve caused it.” 

 

“Okay. And when was the last time, I’m sorry, but when was the last time you were intimate with anyone?” 

 

Jin looked shocked. “I- uh, I mean- I- my husband has been gone eight weeks, so then.” 

 

“Mr. Kim, are you- could you be-” Taehyung took a deep breath. “Mr. Kim, your symptoms sound similar to that of pregnancy. We can try a few things to confirm but do you think that’s possible?” 

 

Jin’s mind went blank. His heart stopped and his breath caught.

 

“Mr. Kim?” 

 

In that moment, every single symptom ran through his head. Every moment, everything he’d ever been told about being an omega. His mother had sat him down, just like her father before that. And suddenly it clicked. Seokjin knew without a doubt that Taehyung was right. He was pregnant. He was pregnant with Namjoon’s child. 

 

Jin stood up suddenly. 

 

“Mr. Kim? I know this might be-” 

 

Seokjin ran. He ran out of the cottage, back through the village. He ran and ran until he couldn’t run anymore. He took a few gasping breaths before he realized he was shin-deep in the sea on the beach where he’d last seen his husband. 

 

He was heaving and gasping and then, suddenly, screaming. He felt a rage rise up in him, almost overwhelming him. He was so fucking angry at the injustice of it all. They’d been having sex for years and now that Namjoon had been ripped from him, now he’s fucking knocked up? It was so unfair, so fucking unfair. 

 

He had to do this without him. 

 

Jin screamed and screamed until his voice was hoarse, until it hurt. He’d cried so much since Namjoon had been gone. He’d cried and cried, and now he just wanted to scream. His husband had been taken from him. His mate. They’d had so little time together. Seokjin screamed until he collapsed from the force it. 

 

He was shaking, half sitting, half on his hands and knees, as the waves rolled over him. Jin didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know what to do. A child. Distantly he realized this was wonderful, a joy, a piece of Namjoon. But in this moment, it felt like a horrific twist of fate. Like someone was cursing him and laughing. 

 

Jin didn’t know how long he stayed there, but eventually, when it was almost dark, a pair of hands wrapped around his. Jin’s eyes shifted and he saw Jungkook kneeling in front of him in the water. 

 

“Come on, it’s getting dark.” 

 

Seokjin let himself be lifted up. Jungkook wrapped an arm around his shoulders and helped him out of the water. Jungkook sat him further up the beach and tucked blankets around him. 

 

“I’m pregnant.” Jin whispered. He couldn’t even focus on the younger man. Couldn’t really see anything. His mind was still racing. 

 

“Mom thought as much.” Jungkook said softly. 

 

“I don’t know what to do.” Seokjin’s voice was already hoarse but it cracked at he got the words out. 

 

Jungkook wrapped himself around Jin. “You’ll figure it out. I’ll help you however I can. I promise, Jin. I’ll be here.” 

 

Jin swallowed hard. He wanted to tell Namjoon. He wanted his husband, his mate, the father of his baby. “Fuck.” Jin scrubbed at his face. “Fuck.” 

 

“I’m so sorry he isn’t here.” Jungkook frowned. 

 

“Me too.” Jin sat for a long time, gradually leaning more and more into the young man beside him. “But thank you.” He whispered. “Thank you for being here.” 

 

Jungkook hugged him tightly. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Jin. You’re strong, and smart, and capable. You can do anything you put your mind to.” 

 

Jin let out a sob, tucking into Jungkook’s arms. “It doesn’t feel like it right now.” 

 

“I know. I know it doesn’t. But it’s true. And I will be here. And Mom will be here. And,” Jungkook took a deep breath. “And it’s your kid, and his. They’ll be amazing, right? Like, you’re awesome. And everything you’ve told me about Namjoon is super badass, and so you’ll probably have a great kid.” 

 

Jin let out a wet laugh. “Yeah.” A child, part him and part Namjoon. He’d personally been a terror as a child, but he was sure Joon had been an angel. Or at least outwardly; he was probably a heathen when no one was watching. He’d always had a sneakiness about him. A petty, bratty side that Jin absolutely adored. 

 

The longer they sat there, the easier each breath became. Not just a child, but their child. “Thank you.” 

 

“You’ll be a great dad, Jin. Even now, even these past eight weeks, things have been horrible for you, but you always check on me. You ask about my day and if you can help with anything and how I’m doing. You tell me stories when I ask. You’re a really good friend, at a time when I think most people would find it very hard to be. I know you can do this.” 

 

“Thank you, Kookie.” Seokjin let out a harsh breath. “God, thanks kid.” 

 

“Can I take you back to the inn?” Jungkook asked, standing up and extending a hand. 

 

“Can I have a few more minutes?” Jin gave him a small smile. “I promise I’ll go back soon, I just-” 

 

“Of course. I’ll see you later.” 

 

As Jin watched Jungkook walk away, he took a deep breath. He took another, then another, and his eyes drifted back towards the water. Then his hand slid down to his lower belly. 

 

“Fuck.” Jin whispered out loud. Then his eyes grew big. “Oh god, my first word to you should not have been fuck. Shit, sorry.” He took another deep breath. “It’s crazy to me, that I’m talking to my fucking stomach. Because obviously you can’t hear me. And you’re not even a you yet, really. But also, it’s kind of nice.” 

 

Jin sighed. “I can’t believe we’re here. Like this. I didn’t think things would go like this.” Jin fought back tears. “But, you know? That’s okay. You and I are going to figure things out. Me and you. You’re going to have some good people in your life, I know it. But at the end of the day, it’s you and me, kid. You and me, okay? No matter what comes next, it’s you and me.” 

 

When Jin woke up it was to an actual slap to the face. He groaned, blinking his eyes open to see his daughter’s shoulder. She had apparently flopped over directly onto his head. Soonie muttered, shifting and tucking into Jin’s neck. Her cold nose rubbed softly at his skin. 

 

“Hey, Soo.” Jin ran his hand up and down her back. 

 

She sighed, like she was debating on waking up and responding or falling back asleep. “Morning, Pa.” She yawned, scenting him a little more. 

 

“Good morning, honey. Let’s get up and have breakfast, there’s something I want to talk to you about.” 

 

“Mmkay.” Soonie was slow, rubbing her eyes and stumbling a bit as she started her day. She was fifty-fifty him and Namjoon when it came to mornings. Some days she was up and moving, and others she was in zombie mode. It was too precious to not sit and watch as she wandered aimlessly around the room . 

 

“Papa, help me please?” She yawned as she tried to reach behind her to tie part of her dress. 

 

“Of course.” 

 

Jin wondered, not for the first time, if his daughter could read minds. As the morning went on, Soonie clung to him. She wanted his help dressing and washing. She wanted to stay by his side when he was dressing and washing. She wanted to hold onto his waist while he made food, and sit on his lap while they ate, curled into his chest. 

 

Eventually Jin couldn’t wait any longer. He had a few hours to pack and say goodbye and get her settled at the inn. “Hey, Soon? I have to talk to you about something.” Jin shifted her so they were face to face. 

 

“Yeah?” Her face read a little anxious and Jin already felt like he might be sick.

 

“I- um- I have to go away on a trip for a little while, Soo.” 

 

“A trip?” She frowned. 

 

“A trip. So you are going to get to stay with Kookie and Miss Saemi for a little while.” Jin gave her a small smile, brushing back her hair. 

 

“What’s the trip for?” She asked. “You’ve never gone on a trip before.” 

 

“I know I haven’t. But I need to now.” 

 

“Why? Can I come? I want to come!” 

 

Jin’s heart broke. “I’m sorry, Soo. I have to go alone.” 

 

“Alone?” 

 

“Well, TaeTae is going with me. So not totally alone.” 

 

“Why are you going?” 

 

Jin swallowed. He had debated this, if telling her or not telling her was the right thing to do. But in the end, it felt wrong to hide the truth from her. “I- TaeTae and I might have found a way to help Daddy, Soo.” 

 

The little girl’s eyes grew wide. “Daddy? He needs help?” 

 

“Well, remember how he can’t be here with us because he’s trapped at sea? That’s because of a curse. So as much as your dad wants to be here with us, he can’t be. I’m trying to find a way to break the curse so he can come home.” 

 

Soonie sat up straighter. “You’re going to bring Daddy here? Forever?” 

 

“I’m going to try. I can’t promise I can bring him back, Soo. I wish I could, but I don’t know.” 

 

“Is it dangerous? Is that why I can’t go?” She frowned. God, she looked so much like Namjoon.

 

Jin sighed, taking her hand in his. “I’ve tried to make sure it will be safe, but it will be a little dangerous, yes. But Soo, I have to go. I have to try to bring your dad home. It’s very important for me to at least try. And you know I would never leave you unless it was important, right?” 

 

“Yeah, Papa.” She sighed. “I know. How long will you and TaeTae be gone?” 

 

“I don’t know. At least a month, love.” 

 

Soonie’s face fell. “That’s a long time, Papa.” 

 

Jin cradled her to his chest. “I know, baby. I’m sorry. It will take a bit of time to get to where we’re going. I promise I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can. I don’t want to be away any longer than I have to, okay? I’m going to miss you and Koo so, so much.” 

 

Soonie’s arms wrapped around his neck. Jin felt tears on his skin and held his daughter tighter.

“I don’t want you to go.” She cried. “I don’t want you to leave me here.” The girl rubbed against his neck a little frantically, and Jin stroked her back soothingly. “But I want to meet Daddy too. I want Daddy to come home.” 

 

“I know, love. I’m sorry there isn’t another way.” Seokjin kissed the top of her head. “But, you’re going to get to stay at the inn! And Jungkook will be there, and you guys will have a great time. And hopefully I’ll be back soon, okay?” 

 

“Okay.” Soonie said, a little miserably. 

 

Jin sniffled a bit himself, pulling his daughter in for another hug. “You’re amazing, Soonie. I’m in awe of how big and grown you are, my love. Thank you.” 

 

“You’re welcome.” They sat there for a little while, just wrapped up in each other. 

 

“What kind of trouble do you think you and Koo will get up to while I’m gone?” Jin asked eventually, when he knew they really had to start moving. 

 

“Last sleepover we snuck all the snacks out of the back room! Oh, and I’m going to make Koo tell all the stories while you’re gone. He’s good at remembering them. And he has to help me make a fort like last time! And-” 

 

Jin chuckled, listening to her list all the things she and Jungkook had ever done as he helped her pack a bag. Jungkook showed up an hour later and the three of them walked to the inn together. 

 

“Seokjin.” Jungkook’s mother greeted them. “Namsoonie, why don’t you go put your bag down?” 

 

“Thank you, Saemi, so much.” Jin smiled at her. 

 

“Of course. If I could bring Jungkook’s mother back, I would do it in a heartbeat, whatever the cost.” 

 

Jin nodded. “I don’t know if this plan will work, but I’m sure as hell going to try.” 

 

“Good. It’s important for Soonie to see how hard her father fights for the people he loves. In the future she’ll appreciate that you didn’t give up. She’ll recognize how important it is.” The woman smiled, patting Jin’s arm. “Things will work out the way they are supposed to. You just do what you can.” Saemi wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. “I will take care of her as well as you take care of my boy, as you have always taken care of my boy.” 

 

“Thank you.” Jin fought back tears for the hundredth time that day. 

 

“Papa?” 

 

Jin pulled away and wiped his eyes. His daughter stood there smiling at him. 

 

“Yes, Soo?” 

 

“Give me one more hug?” 

 

Jin did cry then, shaking silently as he lifted Namsoon into his arms and held her close. “I love you so, so much, Namsoonie.” He rubbed his nose into her neck a few times, cradling her. His baby.

 

“I know, Papa. I love you too.” She placed a kiss to his neck, then to his cheek. 

 

“Have a nice time with Kookie and Miss Saemi, okay?” Jin kissed her cheek back. 

 

“Of course we will!” Saemi plucked the girl from Jin’s arms, hugging her herself. 

 

“We will!” Soonie smiled at him. 

 

Jin took a deep breath, leaning forward to kiss his daughter’s forehead. “Okay, okay. I’ll see you soon, okay? I love you.” 

 

The little girl grabbed him then, pulling herself into his arms. She rubbed her face into his neck, scenting him a little desperately. “Love you, too, Papa.” 

 

Jin placed a kiss to her neck, then her forehead, and handed her back to the older woman. “You girls be good.” 

 

Seokjin looked back one last time before practically running out the door. He was doing this for their family. And he was right to. Jin took a deep breath and headed home. 

 

There was a large trunk that sat in the corner of Seokjin’s bedroom. Now he sat staring at it, unsure if he could bring himself to open it. 

 

When Namjoon and Hoseok had left and joined the Dutchman , the crew of their old ship had struggled. They made port in the town near the village and tried to figure out their next step. 

 

Jin felt similarly. He wanted to be back on the sea, but he’d planned to take a little while to figure out what happened next. Of course, eight weeks later and his world was turned upside down yet again, and all those plans went out the window. However, Joonie’s crew had found a new captain, and a new plan, so a couple weeks later they had bid their goodbyes. They’d lugged Seokjin and Namjoon’s trunk ashore and disappeared into the horizon. 

 

That trunk now sat in his bedroom. Seokjin had taken his own things out, but left Namjoon’s. When Soonie was younger, Jin used to find her sleeping inside the trunk, pillowed by the sets of clothes Namjoon had once traveled with. Everything still vaguely smelled of him, and when Soonie had rough nights as an infant, Jin used to use one of Joonie’s shirts to swaddle her. To this day, Jin would occasionally catch his daughter just sitting by the trunk, catching wifs of her father’s scent. 

 

Seokjin came home from dropping his daughter off and headed straight for that trunk. While it contained his husband’s old clothes and journals and knicknacks, it also contained a smaller chest inside of it. 

 

Jin opened the trunk and pulled the chest out. It was small and beautifully made, with ornate decorations carved into it. There was a lock for a key that Seokjin didn’t have, but that was alright. He didn’t need the key to know the contents of the chest were safe. When he lifted it to his ear he could hear the faintest ‘thump, thump.’ 

 

The chest contained his husband’s heart. 

 

“Here.” Namjoon turned, holding the chest out to Seokjin. “It’s always been yours anyway.” 

 

“I-” Jin swallowed hard as he looked at the chest. Seokjin had watched Hoseok place Namjoon’s heart in this exact chest not twenty-four hours ago. Jin reached out and took the chest, holding it carefully to him. “I’ll guard it with my life.” 

 

Namjoon chuckled, leaning forward to kiss him gently. “Please don’t. If anyone ever comes for it, let them have it. They need the key, anyway.” Namjoon tugged on the chain around his neck that held the key.

 

“No.” Jin pouted, clutching the chest harder. “It’s mine and no one else can have it.” 

 

Namjoon took a shaky breath. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

 

Jin pulled Namjoon to him, kissing him hard. 

 

Jin carefully placed the chest in his travel bag, covering it with the rest of his necessities. This was it. This was finally it. Jin took a deep breath and smiled. God, he was so fucking ready. 

 

When Taehyung said he’d handle everything, he’d seriously meant it. It was funny to Jin how many friends Taehyung had. Apparently, before settling here, Tae had traveled all over, learning from different kinds of healers and magic-users. They kept in touch, wrote letters and sent gifts. And apparently, made travel arrangements. 

 

“How exactly did this happen? Do I want to know? I probably don’t, just tell me it’s safe.” Jin and Taehyung stood in front of the medium-sized ship that was currently being loaded. 

 

“One of my friends owes me! I helped him with a potion a few months back, and the captain owed him from a card game.” Taehyung shrugged. “I told him I needed passage and he said it’d be taken care of. We do have to work, though.” 

 

“Of course. Where will this take us?” Jin asked. 

 

Taehyung pulled out the map and pointed to a hand-drawn star and circle that annotated the parchment. “This is where we need to meet Yoongi. This ship makes port here in eight days. So we’ll have to find a way from there. But I have a letter to Joy that went out yesterday, so hopefully she’ll have something worked out by the time we get there.” 

 

Seokjin took a deep breath. “Okay.”

 

Taehyung patted him on the back. “Let’s do this.”

 

A few hours later and they were finally on their way to find a demigod who might be able to help Jin’s undead husband break the curse of the sea goddess who’d made him cut his heart out and put it in a chest. 

 

So yeah, Jin’s life had not turned out at all like he’d imagined. Jin watched the shore as it fell away, his mind flashing to the last time he’d stood on a ship looking out onto the very same beach. 

 

“You and Jin have one day, Namjoon. One day on shore, ten years at sea. That is the curse of the Dutchman’s captain. Twenty-four hours on land.” Hoseok repeated. “It starts now.” 

 

“I understand, Hoseok. Thank you.” Namjoon said softly. 

 

“And what if he comes back in twenty-four hours and one minute, Hobi?” Seokjin glared from where he had been staring angrily at the shore in front of them.

 

“Jin-” Namjoon sighed from where he was helping load a small row boat.

 

“Don’t shoot the messenger!” Hoseok’s eyes were so serious, which was rare enough that it made Seokjin swallow hard. “I don’t know what will happen if he doesn’t come back on time. But I don’t think any of us want to find out.”

 

Jin looked at the scar on Hoseok’s side. Facing down a decade without Namjoon was bad enough, but he’d thought he would at least be facing it with his best friend. But moments after Hoseok had married them, he’d collapsed, too much blood lost after sustaining an injury early in the fight. At Hoseok’s insistence, Namjoon’s first act as the captain of the Flying Dutchman was to offer him one hundred years of service to avoid a certain death at sea.

 

Jin’s face softened a bit as the fight drained out of him. “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry, Seokie. I don’t mean-” 

 

Hoseok smiled, pulling Seokjin in for a hug. “I know.” 

 

“Seok.” Jin huffed, shoving his face into the other’s neck. “I-” 

 

The men hugged for a long time. They’d been traveling together for years now, and the thought of being without Hoseok was hard for Jin to comprehend. Hoseok had become such a fixture in his life. The pair fueled each other, fed off each other -- their jokes, their pranks, the energy they shared. The crew jokingly called Hoseok ‘Captain Sunshine,’ and god, Seokjin’s life was going to look bleak without him. Jin was honestly struggling to think about tomorrow. 

 

“Seokie.” He whimpered. 

 

“Seokjinnie, I-” Hoseok’s voice was tearful and choked.

 

“I know.” Jin’s throat felt like it was closing up. “I know.” Jin let out a sob, holding him closer. “Please, please take care of him.” He knew his voice sounded desperate and pleading, but couldn’t bring himself to care. “Please, Seok.” 

 

“Only if you take care of yourself. Not a hair on that beautiful, perfect head better be amiss the next time I see you.” Hoseok laughed, hugging Jin closer. 

 

“I’ll try my best.” Seokjin sunk into the hug for just a moment before finally pulling back. 

 

Hoseok wiped the tears off Jin’s cheeks and gave Jin a big smile. “I will too.” Hobi promised. 

 

Namjoon reached out for Seokjin then, taking his hand. Namjoon tilted his head and Jin nodded toward the small row boat. 

 

As the crew lowered them, Hoseok stood on deck. 

 

“Be safe, Hobi.” Jin gave him a pained smile. 

 

“You too, Seokjin.” 

 

Jin had to turn away from the tears on Hoseok’s face. 

 

Seokjin and Namjoon rowed in silence, air tense and heavy as they neared the shore. 

 

Jin couldn’t stop counting down. ‘Twenty-four hours starting now,’ Hoseok had said fifty-three minutes and thirty-two seconds ago. They had one day on shore. 

 

They’d agreed that Namjoon would spend his twenty-four hours with Jin on this beach and then he’d return to the Dutchman . Jin, however, would stay on land. He wasn’t sure what was next, but it couldn’t be the Dutchman . He’d have to figure something out. Jin shuddered thinking about it.

 

They reached the shore and dragged the boat up onto the sand. There was an alcove on the beach that offered privacy and shelter from the wind. They pulled out the blankets and tarps and set up a makeshift camp. 

 

It wasn’t until they’d finished collecting firewood that either of them spoke. 

 

Jin watched Namjoon drop the last piece of driftwood into a pile. The man stood there for a moment, staring at it, eyes not really focused on anything. He looked so terribly lost. If Jin’s heart hadn’t already been shattered so many times today, it would’ve broken all over again. “Hey,” Seokjin said, walking behind Namjoon and pulling him into a back hug. Jin kissed his shoulder and the back of his neck. 

 

Namjoon sighed and sank into him. “Hi.” Namjoon intertwined their fingers as he pulled the other man’s arms tighter around him. 

 

Jin couldn’t help but smile at the feeling of their wedding bands brushing together. “Hey, we got married.” He laughed. Jin took a half shuddering breath and then fully burst out laughing. “Married.” 

 

Namjoon turned to look at him, eyebrow raised. But he had a small smile on his face, so Jin would take it. “The idea of us being married is that funny to you?” Namjoon sounded amused. 

 

“Hysterical!” Jin cackled. 

 

Namjoon’s smile grew. “Oh yeah, why is that?” 

 

“Because you’re a poor orphan boy who thought they were going to hang you when we first started sneaking off to meet each other. And now, we’re fucking married.” Jin laughed. 

 

Namjoon snorted then. “Thank god I was spared the noose all those years. Really thought they were going to get me that time I touched your bare leg by accident.” 

 

Jin laughed harder then, turning Namjoon in his arms, bringing his face to his, kissing him gently. “Yeah, that was pretty scandalous.” He smiled into Namjoon’s lips. “You know what was even more scandalous?” Jin giggled. 

 

“What?” Namjoon kissed him again. 

 

“The first time you ate me out.” Jin whispered, kissing from his husband’s lips to his ear, voice suddenly devoid of laughter.

 

Namjoon let out a shocked noise. “Jesus, Jin.” 

 

“Yeah.” Jin sucked gently. “Want to do it again?” 

 

“Yes, fuck.” Namjoon’s hand was already trailing down to Jin’s hips.

 

“Come on, then.” Seokjin tugged his hand towards their makeshift camp. 

 

Jin would almost find it funny how ridiculous the two of them were being, if he wasn’t so caught up in it. They had twenty-one hours, and at the moment it felt like a long time and no time at all. They swung between going quickly because of the sheer terror of running out of time and wanting to make every single moment last. They took each other apart slowly, gently, thoughtfully, and then suddenly they were desperate, quick, and urgent. It was like constant whiplash, but Jin didn’t know how to stop. His heart had been racing for what felt like days and he could barely stand it. His hands gripped Namjoon’s tightly, just trying anything to ground him. Namjoon squeezed back just as hard. 

 

After Namjoon had opened Jin up with his tongue, and Jin had swallowed Namjoon down, they’d both collapsed, tangled together on the blankets. They laughed, breathing heavily, kissing and teasing each other about being so eager that they still had most of their clothes on. 

 

The tension of the situation crept back in steadily, despite how hard they’d tried to take each others’ mind off of it. 

 

“Jin.” Namjoon eventually said softly, after he finally caught his breath. 

 

“Yeah?” Jin turned, kissing the man’s temple, and tucking Namjoon into his side. 

 

“I want to talk about mating.” 

 

Jin pulled away enough to meet Namjoon’s eyes. “What about it?” 

 

Namjoon swallowed. “I know we had a plan.” He said quietly. “But circumstances have changed.” 

 

Jin pulled away even further, sitting up a bit. “I- Are you saying you don’t want to?” 

 

“I’m saying we should talk about it.” 

 

“We’ve talked about it a thousand times, Namjoon. We get married, then we mate on our wedding night. We’ve had that plan for years.” 

 

Namjoon took a breath. “I know. I know, but things have changed, Jinnie.” 

 

“I-” Seokjin took a sharp breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly. 

 

“I want to, Jin. Of course, I want to.” Namjoon put a hand on the other man’s arm. “I just,” Namjoon’s voice cracked. “I’m gone, Jinnie. I can be with you one day every ten years. How can I ask that of you? Heats, Seokjin. You’d always have to be alone. How can I do that to you? We’re so young and you have decades ahead of you and I’m trapped, forever. You could have a life! Someone who could be there with you everyday, who could be a proper mate. I know we’re married and that means everything to me, Jin. But mating, that’s unbreakable. You’re committing to being alone for almost all of your life. I love you, I love you so much. How can I do that to you?” 

 

Jin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Namjoonie.” He smiled, tears already collecting in his eyes. “I will never love anyone the way that I love you. I just won’t. It’s not possible. I may have had occasion to love others, but not like this. The way I love you is wholly and all-consuming. It isn’t just about you, it’s about us together. The way we fit together, like everything in me is complete. I-” 

 

Jin took a breath. “Even if I did go find someone else, someone to be here every day and during heats, a piece of me would always be missing. And part of me would always know that it wasn’t enough. Because I’ve had enough. I know what that feels like. And while I’m sure being without you is going to hurt like hell, I’m choosing to commit to this because I would rather have you and our love one day every ten years, than not have it at all.” 

 

Seokjin gently cupped Namjoon’s face. “You are the love of my life, Namjoon Kim. And I will find a way to be okay without you there with me every day. You might not physically be there, but a piece of you will always be in my heart, and I wouldn’t trade that for any other love in the world.” 

 

Namjoon was on him then, fully. Surrounding him as he practically tackled Seokjin into the blankets. “Fuck.” He sobbed, kissing Jin hard. Jin’s hands cradled Namjoon’s face, his thumbs wiping at the tears on Namjoon’s cheeks. “Fuck, I love you so much. I- I feel that way too. I-” Namjoon hiccuped. 

 

“I know.” Jin kissed him again. “And I love you all the more for trying to give me an out, but I don’t want it, okay? I’m here now, choosing you. This you. All our baggage and issues, all the ways the world has tried to keep us apart. Fuck it. We were meant to be together, Joonie. And we’re going to be.” 

 

Namjoon let out a sob, clinging to Seokjin, tucking into his neck and nosing at the skin there. 

 

Jin’s hand ran up and down his back soothingly. He closed his eyes, embracing some of the emotion he was feeling. He’d spent every second since that sword had plunged into Namjoon just trying to hold on. To push down all of the horrible feelings so he could keep breathing. But now they were here. The two of them. Namjoon was alive, he was here, and they were doing this. 

 

Seokjin shifted their positions, laying Namjoon down beneath him. They kissed slow and deep, over and over, until both were shivering and panting. 

 

“Joon,” Seokjin shoved Namjoon’s pants off of his body, reaching for his shirt. “Can I?”

 

Namjoon nodded, lifting his arms and upper half so Seokjin could pull it over his head. 

 

Jin couldn’t help the noise he made at the long, jagged cuts on Namjoon’s chest. They didn’t hurt anymore, Jin had to remind himself. Namjoon’s body didn’t feel pain like that anymore. But still, they were there. Which had Seokjin’s fingers trembling as they hovered over the marks. 

 

When Seokjin’s eyes filled with tears, Namjoon tried to pull him down for a kiss. Jin shook his head and placed a hand over where Namjoon’s heart used to be. He leaned down and placed his lips against the skin. Again and again. 

 

“Jin.” Namjoon whimpered.

 

Seokjin looked up to see Namjoon shaking too, tears on his cheeks. Jin smiled then, shifting up and bringing Namjoon in for a proper kiss. 

 

Namjoon’s hands slipped under his shirt, trying to pull it off. 

 

And they both went to work. The pair of them had bruises, cuts, and scars all over their bodies. Jin had a handprint on his neck from where Davy Jones had nearly killed him. Namjoon kissed and caressed every inch of him. Trying to heal, trying to memorize. Jin returned the favor. 

 

Eventually it was too much. They were both whimpering and whining, clinging to each other. 

 

Namjoon slid a hand behind Seokjin, sliding two fingers into the slick. He was still loose and ready from Namjoon’s mouth, but Namjoon went slow regardless. 

 

“Joonie,” Seokjin breathed, half pushing back into his fingers, half bucking into his thigh. 

 

Namjoon shushed him with a kiss, adding a finger and stretching him gently. 

 

“I’m ready, Joonie, c’mon, please!” 

 

Namjoon kissed Jin again before removing his fingers and rolling Seokjin until they were back to chest. And then Namjoon was sliding in. 

 

Jin half sighed, half gasped, trying to push himself down. 

 

Namjoon chuckled, holding Seokjin’s hips. “Patience.” He whispered, nipping at Jin’s ear. 

 

Jin huffed, rolling his head to the side and pulling Namjoon’s face in for a kiss. He sucked at Namjoon’s tongue before sinking his teeth into the man’s lower lip. 

 

Namjoon’s hips snapped forward as he gasped, bottoming out. 

 

Jin let out a loud moan, smiling against Namjoon’s mouth. 

 

“Brat.” Namjoon whispered. 

 

Jin smiled and kissed him. He didn’t have much leverage but he rolled his hips anyway, getting a bit of a motion going. 

 

Then, suddenly, Namjoon’s hands grasped his hips as he pulled out and immediately thrust back in. 

 

Jin moaned loudly, rolling forward, face going into the blanket. Namjoon threw a leg over Jin’s hips and started fucking him in earnest. 

 

Jin gripped the blanket as Namjoon hit that perfect spot. “God -- fuck -- Joon,” 

 

Namjoon’s hand slid up, running along Seokjin’s chest. He teased him, scraping nails lightly, before rubbing roughly at his nipples. Namjoon twisted and pinched, before thumbing soothingly.

 

Jin felt like his body was in overdrive already. “Joonie, Joonie, fuck!” Jin yelled into the blanket, shoving his hips down to meet the thrusts.

 

Namjoon was relentless, pressing harder and faster until Jin’s knuckles were almost white from his grip on the blanket. Namjoon’s hand went to Jin’s dick, and suddenly the other was batting him away. 

 

“Wanna-” Namjoon slowed as Jin half turned up into him. “Wanna see you.” Jin whined pushing Namjoon back and out of him. “Up, up.” 

 

Namjoon did as he was told, sliding and sitting up. 

 

Then Jin straddled his hips, lined himself up, and sank down. 

 

Namjoon nearly shouted in surprise. “Jesus, fuck, warn a guy.” 

 

Jin smirked, wrapping his legs around Namjoon’s hips. The action slotted Namjoon deeper, and Jin’s head fell onto his shoulder. “Fuck.” He whimpered. 

 

“God, Jinnie.” 

 

Seokjin ran his nose along Namjoon’s neck for a moment before pulling back. Their eyes locked and Jin’s breath caught. 

“I love you” Namjoon mumbled, leaning forward and kissing Seokjin hard. 

 

Jin started rocking then, and Namjoon’s moan broke the kiss, face tucking into Jin’s neck. Seokjin took the opening to start bouncing in earnest, fucking himself hard. 

 

Namjoon was cursing and using what little leverage he had to fuck up into the other man. 

 

Jin felt completely surrounded. Namjoon’s arms were around his shoulders, faces tucked into each other’s neck. Namjoon’s scent was thick in the air, every breath that Jin took it filled his lungs. He suddenly felt so utterly full. “Joon, Joon, I’m close.” Seokjin cried, pulling away from his neck and tugging on Namjoon’s hair. He felt hot and flushed, aching. Jin slowed, snapping his hips to get Namjoon a little deeper. He wanted more, as much as he could possibly get.

 

“Jinnie,” Namjoon whined, pressing kisses to his skin. Then his teeth were lightly scraping against his husband’s neck. 

 

“Fuck.” Seokjin shuddered. “Do it, fuck, bite me, fuck, wanna be yours, want to be your mate, come on Joo-”

 

Namjoon wrapped a hand around Seokjin’s cock and tugged until he could feel how close Jin was. Then, Namjoon sank his teeth into the skin of Jin’s neck.   

 

Seokjin wailed. He had never felt anything like this. Waves and waves of endorphins ran through his body even as Namjoon replaced his teeth with his tongue, trying to soothe the sting. Jin absently knew he had come, but it didn’t come close to what he was feeling now. It was overwhelming, like every inch of skin that touched Namjoon’s was on fire. It felt like his soul had leapt out of his chest and wrapped around Namjoon’s. It felt fucking incredble. 

 

“Shhh, Jinnie, love. It’s okay. It’s-” 

 

“Namjoon,” He cried, nails biting as he clutched hard at the man’s skin. 

 

“I know, I’m here.” 

 

“Fuck.” It took Jin a few moments to come back to his body. He felt everything stronger than before. It was then that he realized Namjoon was still hard inside of him. He shifted his hips and Namjoon whined, still rock hard inside of him. 

 

“Shh, I’ll take care of you.” Seokjin kissed him, looking into Namjoon’s eyes. “My husband. My alpha. My mate.” 

 

Namjoon whimpered, hips jerking erratically. He looked at Jin for a long while, eyes full of awe.

 

Seokjin almost cried. 

 

And then Namjoon bared his neck. 

 

Then Jin did cry, grinding his hips down harder and faster before he leaned forward. He surrounded himself in Namjoon’s scent, placing licks and nips at the skin until Namjoon was practically crying. Then Jin sank his teeth into Namjoon’s neck. 

 

The feeling of his soul being wrapped around Namjoon’s intensified. His whole body felt shaken. He felt like all his nerve endings were screaming. The bond was complete.

 

“Jinnie, Jinnie, Jinnie.” Namjoon pulled Jin closer, whining and crying, as they wrapped themselves around each other, touching everywhere they could.

 

“Fuck.” Seokjin sobbed, his face pressed against the mark he’d made. Namjoon shivered at the breath over the sensitive skin. 

 

They stayed like that for a long time, until Namjoon softened and it became too uncomfortable to stay together. Jin lifted up and Namjoon slid out and then Jin was back in his lap. They held each other close, faces tucked into necks, scenting gently against the new marks. 

 

“You smell different.” Namjoon practically giggled into his skin. Their tear tracks drying as they let the absolute joy wash over them. They were mated . 

 

“ You smell different.” Seokjin smiled. He felt nearly drunk on endorphins and emotions. God, the past twenty-four hours had truly been a roller coaster. “I think - I think we smell a bit like each other.” He pulled his head out of Namjoon’s neck, resting it on his shoulder and smiling up at him.

 

Namjoon’s breath caught. “Yeah,” He leaned to kiss Seokjin lightly. “I think you’re right.” He kissed Jin harder. “Fuck, I love you.” 

 

And the rest of their time together went like that. They ate bits of the food they’d brought, made a fire, cuddled by it. They fucked again, and again. Namjoon sucked Jin off, Jin opened Namjoon up slow with his slick, Namjoon rode him. Seokjin cried when Namjoon ate him out. They fucked and fucked until they couldn’t anymore. 

 

“I don’t want to sleep.” Seokjin whined. His eyes welled up as he tried to keep them open. He was exhausted, beyond exhausted. But the thought of missing a moment with Namjoon made his heart ache. 

 

“Shh.” Namjoon pulled Jin onto his chest, rubbing his back gently. “I’ll wake you in a few hours.” 

 

“A couple!” Jin slurred. “Two, Namjoon!” He let out a cry, like he was trying so hard to fight it. 

 

Namjoon pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Okay, love. Two.” 

 

Jin knew it was stupid. He knew. They had very little time left, especially since he had taken a fucking nap. But even after, his emotions, his hormones, were still going haywire. He felt more unsteady than he ever had, and with the end of the day looming, he couldn’t help but try again.

 

“I want to join the crew.” He said. Not for the first time either. The third since It had happened. Jin watched Namjoon tense from where he was grabbing more food for Jin from the bag.

 

“You’re neither dead nor dying, Seokjin. And I can’t have this conversation with you again.” Namjoon turned away from him. 

 

“I’ll just stab myself, or almost drown, it’s simple.” 

 

“You have your whole life ahead of you!” Namjoon practically yelled, turning to look at him. 

 

Jin swallowed hard. “My life is with you.” 

 

“Not like this. This is a curse, Seokjin. Ten years at sea. One day on land. No rest, no reward. We’re roaming the seas endlessly to ferry souls.” 

 

“At least we’d be together!” Jin shouted. 

 

“We’d  be cursed for eternity, and there’s no getting out of it. You make that decision and you can never get out of it.” 

 

“Why did we mate then?” Jin said softly. 

 

“What?” Namjoon’s voice broke.

 

“Why did we mate? Because I thought there was no getting out of that either.” 

 

“That’s-” Namjoon huffed. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it! Stop trying to twist my words. There is no ‘after this,’ Jin!” Namjoon practically yelled. He took a shaky breath. “Those who serve on the Dutchman don’t get to move on. Their souls are trapped, forever. A hundred years is a long time, but eternity is longer. Yes, we would get to be together for those years and of course I want that, but after- Don’t ask me to damn your soul for eternity, Seokjin. Especially knowing I’d have to keep going even after you’re gone. I’m captain now, and I don’t ever get to leave. Hoseok was dying and that was the only way to save him and I am going to spend every damn day of the next hundred years trying to figure out how to fix it, but don’t make me- I can’t if it’s you, Jin. I can’t even think about it. Everything that has happened here today I’ve been able to bear, but that will be the thing that breaks me, please.” Namjoon’s voice cracked. His hands were shaking. He sounded absolutely miserable. 

 

Jin reached for Namjoon’s hand and placed a kiss over the wedding band on the man’s finger. “I’m sorry.” Jin whispered. “I’m sorry, I’m just -- I’m desperate.” Seokjin’s voice cracked as he placed Namjoon’s hand on his own cheek, cradling it there with his other hand. “I don’t know how to live without you. I don’t know how to want to live without you. I’m scared, I’m sorry. I won’t make you, I won’t ask again, I won’t do anything stupid. I promise.” He kissed Namjoon’s palm. 

 

Namjoon let out a shaky sigh. He still couldn’t meet Seokjin’s eyes. Jin knew he was trying to hold himself together, trying not to absolutely lose it. He was just as unsteady, Jin knew that. And they didn’t want to spend their few precious hours left like this.

 

“Come here.” Seokjin whispered, before pulling Namjoon close enough for him to kiss. 

 

Namjoon was surprised and tense, but Jin gently opened his lips until Namjoon sank into it. 

 

“There you go.” Jin pulled back enough to smile at him. “How much time is left?”

 

“Not much.” Namjoon kissed him a little harder. “But enough for some things.” 

 

Jin kissed back, arching up into him. “It’ll never be enough.” Jin breathed. “But we’ll make it work.”  

 

Eventually the time did come. 

 

Seokjin dressed Namjoon slowly, pulling each layer on carefully. They moved together as Namjoon packed up, some part of them always touching.

 

“Can I just pointlessly say one last time that ten years is a long time?” They were looking out at the water together.

 

“Seriously?” Jin huffed.

 

“No, I just mean, I love you, I love you. But if you find someone or if you decide not to be here, Seokjin, I understand. I would never fault you.” 

 

Jin frowned. “Well I would!” He huffed. “Your ass better be on this beach in exactly ten years from this moment. You better not find some easy, immortal boy to suck that dick of yours. Because you know they won’t be as good as me.” 

 

Namjoon laughed loudly. “Yeah, okay. I think I can manage not doing that.” 

 

Jin pouted. “And if you let anything happen to yourself out there, Namjoon Kim, I swear to god, I will resurrect you and kill you again myself.” 

 

“I am, in fact, technically, already dead.” Namjoon smiled, cupping Jin’s cheek.

 

Seokjin’s eyes narrowed. 

 

“But immortal, though!” Namjoon laughed. “So you don’t have to worry!” 

 

Jin stepped fully into his space, placing the hat onto his head. “Well I’m going to worry. You can’t stop me.” 

 

“Yeah,” Namjoon sighed. “I understand.” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Seokjin’s lips. “Please, please take care of yourself, Jinnie.” He whispered. 

 

“I’ll be okay.”

 

Seokjin followed Namjoon to the boat, standing next to him. Before he could step in, Jin grabbed him again, kissing him with as much passion as he could manage. 

 

“You have my heart, too” Jin whispered. He ran his fingers over the fresh scar on Namjoon’s neck. The man’s eyes fluttered closed. “And a piece of me is always with you. Don’t forget it.” He kissed him again then stepped back, wrapping his arms around himself. “I love you, you stupid pirate.” 

 

Namjoon shook a little, unsteady as he climbed into the boat. “I love you too, you beautiful pirate.” His voice cracked as he tried to stop from crying. 

 

“This same beach. Ten years, Namjoon.” Seokjin yelled as the other pushed the boat into the sea.

 

“I’ll be here.” Namjoon promised.

 

“Me too.” Seokjin promised. 

 

“I love you!” Namjoon’s voice was desperate. He was shouting now, over the noise of the water.

 

“I love you too!” Jin ran into the water, knee deep as he watched the boat get farther away. “I love you too.” 

 

A loud commotion on the ship shook Seokjin out of his memories. They were far from the shore now, couldn’t even see the land if they squinted. Jin turned around to see the captain’s Second-in-Command was dragging a man forward onto the main deck. 

 

“You think you can just hitch a ride? Steal food and supplies from our men? Weigh this ship down but do nothing to help it float?” The man roared. He raised his fist like he was about to land a blow. The young man flinched and turned his face, and suddenly Jin was running. 

 

“Stop, stop! Don’t!” He caught the man’s fist before it connected against Jungkook’s face. 

 

“How dare-” The man yanked his hand out of Jin’s grip.

 

“He’s with me!” Seokjin yelled. 

 

“I don’t care who he’s with. He was hiding in with the storage! Eating a piece of bread, not intending on working at all!” 

 

The man tried to shove Jin, but he didn’t budge. “I understand. Please, let me speak with your captain, we can work this out.” 

 

“I will work it out right here!” He raised his fist and Jin shoved him back, hard. The man stumbled. 

 

“You will not lay a hand on this kid, do you understand me? I will not let you touch a single hair on his head.” Jin’s voice left no room for argument. 

 

The man charged forward and Jin dodged him, then landed a blow on his lower back. The man yelled in pain, but turned and rounded back on Jin. 

 

“Enough!” The captain’s voice rang out from down the deck. “Mr. Kim! You, the witch, and the boy! In here, now!” He turned and walked back into the cabin. 

 

“Jin-” Jungkook started. 

 

“Not a word.” Jin moved past him. 

 

“I’m so sorry, sir.” Taehyung said as soon as they entered the cabin. “It was never our intention to lie or sneak behind your back.” 

 

“Yet, you know this boy.” 

 

“We do. We obviously didn’t know he was coming.” Taehyung started. 

 

“He’ll work.” Jin interrupted. “He’s young and fit. He’s incredibly strong, and a fast learner. He’ll easily make up for what he eats. Put him to work right now, to make up for not helping before.” 

 

The captain looked between the two, eyes narrowing on Jungkook. “Is he right?” 

 

“Yes, sir.” Jungkook nodded. “I’ll work. I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to hide from the work. I just knew that my friends would send me home if they found me. I honestly planned on revealing myself as soon as I thought we were far enough away from land.” 

 

The captain snorted. “Well, get better at executing your plans.” He looked at Jin. “If he’s good enough I won’t charge you when we get to port.” 

 

“That’s very fair, thank you.” 

 

They were back on deck when Jungkook reached for him. “Jin, I’m sorry.” 

 

“I’m so angry with you Kook, don’t even make me look at you.” Jin leaned over the deck. 

 

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to help.” 

 

“What about my daughter?” Jin nearly yelled. “That was how you were helping! Soonie cannot lose both of us, Jungkook.” 

 

“She can’t lose you , Jin! Which is why I’m here! Tae can’t fight and I’ve been practicing every day for months!” 

 

“Your mother is going to kill me.” Jin buried his face in his hands. 

 

“She won’t, she knew I was coming. She thought it was a good idea.” 

 

“I will take care of her as well as you take care of my boy, as you have always taken care of my boy.” Saemi had said. Jin had thought her way of expressing comfort. But looking back, there was a mischievous glint in her eye, the same expression he often saw on Jungkook. He should’ve seen this coming. 

 

“I’m not a kid anymore, Jin! I know you think I am, but I’m not! I can be the most helpful by making sure you make it home to Soonie.” 

 

Jin sighed. “We’ll talk about this tomorrow. I’m going to bed.” 

 

It was almost a day and a half later before Jin talked to Jungkook again. He was being stupid, he realized. But he was still clinging to his anger, rather than facing his fear. He’d dragged so many people into this. What if they came all this way and nothing came of it? Or worse, what if they got hurt? 

 

Jin and Taehyung were studying the map, discussing how they were going to get from the next port to Yoongi, when Jungkook walked in. The man looked small and hesitant. 

 

“I’m sorry.” Jin finally sighed. “I know it isn’t fair to put this on you, Kook, but I thought I was leaving Soo with you. I thought she would at least have you if I didn’t make it back. It freaks me out that we’re both here, and something could happen to both of us. I didn’t mean to treat you like a kid, Kook.” 

 

“I want us both to make it back. With Namjoon.” He stepped forward. “I can help with that.” 

 

“I know, I’m trying really hard to be hopeful. I’m sorry, Kook.” 

 

“It’s okay. I’m sorry that I left Soonie, and that I snuck on without talking to you. Thanks for saving my ass the other night.” 

 

“Yeah, of course. Now get over here and help us figure this out. I’ve been staring at it too long.” 

 

Eight days at sea. Eight days, and finally, they made it to port. 

 

Jin had missed being at sea. Really and truly missed it. All the years he’d spent in the village, he’d tried to forget how much he loved it. They’d been put to work, and of course, some things were terrible. But mainly, he was happy. He revelled in the feeling of the sun on his skin, the wind in his hair, the taste of seasalt. He loved the work, and teaching it to Jungkook, who of course picked everything up on the first try. Jin was almost sad to see it end. 

 

The captain offered them passage back when they needed it. Jin had been right, Jungkook more than made up for what he ate. They both did. So when they left, it was with the promise of meeting the ship in three weeks time, when it would return to port. 

 

After de-boarding the ship, an elderly woman standing by a small boat smiled and waved to Tae. This was Joy, and they stayed the night with her. She was a gracious host. She explained that she had arranged travel by horse, then by boat, to where Yoongi lived. 

 

It was nearly three days later when they finally rowed through the trees, up to the hidden part of the shore, until they reached a house. Yoongi’s.  

 

They pulled their boat up on shore, tying it to a tree further inland. When they finished, a man appeared at the edge of the house. He was short, with white, white hair. He looked young, despite all the stories Jin had been told about him that allegedly took place decades ago. 

 

“Hi.” He gave them a look. “You’re Jin, and you’re Taehyung.” 

 

“Yes. Are you Yoongi?” Taehyung asked. 

 

“I am.” 

 

“This is Jungkook.” Jin spoke. “Sorry, we didn’t have time to send a letter or anything to let you know we were coming. Joy told us where to find you and we just got on the next available ship.” 

 

Yoongi smiled a little. “Why don’t you all come inside? You’re probably exhausted.” 

 

They sat around a small table while Yoongi poured tea. Jungkook and Taehyung devoured the snacks the man placed out for them. 

 

“Can I ask how you heard about me?” Yoongi asked as he sat down.

 

“I saw you heal a woman, when I was younger. A woman in our village. She was so close to death, it felt like it was in the air.” Taehyung spoke through a piece of toast. “But then you came, and she was helping us cancel the funeral preparations by the end of the day. We’ve been trying to solve this problem, you see.” Taehyung looked to Jin, careful not to overstep. “I just, I remembered what you did and wrote to Joy. She vouched for you.” 

 

“Joy vouched for you all as well.” Yoongi said softly. 

 

“We need your help.” Jin said softly. “My husband, he’s trapped-” 

 

“Let’s talk about this tomorrow!” Yoongi stood, the chair scraping. His eyes flicked to Jin’s for just a second. They didn’t look angry; it was more like he was in pain. “You all must be exhausted from traveling. I don’t get many visitors, so I don’t really have beds for all of you. There’s one room with a bed in the back. But otherwise, there are some mats for the floor in the other room. We can discuss your problem in the morning.” 

 

“That is more than enough, thank you.” Taehyung smiled. 

 

After Jin had cleaned up and helped set up the mats, he wandered back outside. The moon was high in the sky and Seokjin was walking towards the water when he saw the outline of a person. He froze. 

 

“It’s okay.” Yoongi said softly, “You can join me.” 

 

Jin swallowed hard, walking forward and sitting down near the man. “I’m sorry, I was just-” He flailed his hands a little. 

 

“I understand.” Yoongi continued looking out at the water. 

 

“I’m sorry if I upset you earlier.” Jin looked out at the water as well. 

 

“It’s not you. The situation is a little...complicated.” 

 

Jin nodded. He stayed silent for a few moments, before he couldn’t stand it anymore. “I’m sorry, I hope it’s okay to ask but, do you know my husband?” 

 

The question had been driving Seokjin absolutely mad since he’d read Yoongi’s letter. Jin hadn’t seen Namjoon in five years, hadn’t known anyone who had seen him. Sometimes he felt like not knowing how Namjoon was doing was eating him up more than anything else. 

 

“No.” Yoongi shook his head. “But you’re asking why I owe him a debt?” 

 

“A ‘great debt,’ you said.” Jin gave him a pained smile. “I’d hoped you might have seen him recently.” 

 

“I’m sorry, no.” 

 

Jin swallowed. “Okay.” 

 

“You’re hard to be around.” Yoongi spoke. 

 

When Jin turned to him, he was struck by the look in Yoongi’s eyes. 

 

“You radiate heartache.” The older man sighed, his own face reading the same. “It’s hard to not be dragged down by it.” 

 

Neither of them spoke for a long while. 

 

“I had a husband once, too. A long time ago.” Yoongi whispered. “He was a beautiful, wonderful man. I loved him with everything in me. I still do.” 

 

Jin watched the shadows on Yoongi’s face. 

 

“I lost him. Which, was hard enough, as I’m sure you know. But even worse, it was when Davy Jones was captain of the Dutchman . The soul of the man I loved was trapped, endlessly floating at sea. He knew no peace. I- At first I went out there. I saw him, I- I thought it would be better to at least- but he just begged to move on. Begged for something to help him. Over and over. He was in anguish.” 

 

Yoongi swallowed hard. “I tried. I begged gods, I begged men, I tried everything. But the souls of the sea are the responsibility of the captain of the Dutchman . And with Calypso trapped, even she couldn’t do anything. So I left. I left the sea. I left him. I couldn’t face him, or the helplessness I felt.” 

 

Yoongi took a deep breath, looking over at Jin. “Until the day your husband killed Davy Jones. The day he took up the mantle, the first thing he did was ferry those who had been trapped. Every soul that Davy Jones had ignored, had left to rot - they found peace. I felt my love find peace.” Yoongi rubbed the tears from his face. “So yes, I owe your husband a great debt. Many of us do.” 

 

“I’m sorry.” Jin let out a shaky breath. “I truly am. I spend a lot of time thinking about what will happen to my husband’s soul one day. I- I’m sorry you both had to go through that.” 

 

Yoongi nodded. “Your husband seems like a good man.” 

 

“He is.” Jin smiled at the waves that lapped the shore. “He truly is.”

 

The following morning, Seokjin woke up with the sun, momentarily disoriented by his surroundings before he remembered they’d made it to Yoongi’s. They’d made it. Jin let out a heavy breath.

 

Taehyung had spent almost an hour filling Yoongi in on everything he’d learned and his idea for how to break the curse. Yoongi took a few minutes to take everything in before speaking. “The way I see it, we have two issues to work out here. First, we need to figure out how to get the heart from the chest back into Namjoon’s body. I feel confident that once that we find a way to do that, I will be able to heal him.”

 

Taehyung whooped. Yoongi silenced him with a look before turning to his extensive shelf of books. “However, I need to find a spell that will allow the heart to return to his body safely. He was cut with a knife, so we should be able to use healing magic, but I will still need a spell to make sure his heart will actually work once it’s been put back in. I’ll look into that.” 

 

Yoongi placed a pile of books on the table. “Secondly, we need to find a way to summon the Flying Dutchman here, because we obviously need Namjoon here in order to heal him.” 

 

Jin felt his heart pound at the thought. They were getting so close, but. “We have to figure out the spell first. We have to be confident that this will work before we bring him here. I cannot give him false hope.” 

 

Yoongi nodded. “Of course. Taehyung and I will work on the healing magic. You and Jungkook can look through these books and see if you can find a way to summon the Dutchman . It can be through summoning Namjoon or the actual ship. Look for mentioning things lost. You might even be able to use the fact that you’re mates.” 

 

Jin nodded. He handed Jungkook a book and they dove in. 

 

It was almost evening when Jin found it. He’d spent hours searching for how to summon the dead, how to contact lost souls. So far he’d found spells to track Joonie to his exact location through their mating bond, or spells that could maybe make his wedding ring appear. But summoning a live person, let alone an entire ship, was a lot harder than Seokjin had anticipated. 

 

“I got it!” Jin stood up. “It isn’t like, instantaneous. It’s more like a call, a beacon to draw him here.” 

 

“Sounds close enough.” Taehyung smiled.

 

Yoongi nodded. “Okay, what do we need?” 

 

The ingredients for the summoning weren’t too difficult to acquire. And when Yoongi read over it, he realized that they could make it even stronger using Jin’s mating bond. 

 

“Okay.” Yoongi gave them a grin. “Taehyung and I can combine our magic to boost the healing spell. Because the heart is still beating, I think if we place it back in his chest and heal the wounds where it was cut, it should continue to beat. Then we can move on from that to healing the wounds from Jones’s sword.” 

 

“How sure are we that this is going to work?” Jin asked as the excitement in the room rose. He didn’t want to be a downer, but. “It sounds too easy.” 

 

“I assure you it isn’t.” Yoongi sighed. “I don’t want to frighten you, but this is not simple. We have to remove the heart from the chest, preserving it with a spell as we do. Then we’ll cut your husband’s chest open again, replace his heart, and heal the wounds so it will continue to beat and he won’t bleed out. If he survives all of that, we can move on to the wounds in his stomach. I have immense power, Seokjin, it’s true. And your friend Taehyung is a talented healer. But even for us, this will be a huge feat.” 

 

Jin nodded. 

 

“There is a possibility it all goes wrong.” Yoongi said softly. “And you should know that before we do it. Namjoon should, too.” The man sighed. “Honestly, I think removing his heart from the chest will inherently break the curse. His immortality will be gone. We will have very little time to heal him. And if he dies, Jin, I won’t be able to bring him back. Even if we put his heart back in the chest.” 

 

Jin took a deep breath. Of course he had known that this would be a risk. You can’t have things both ways. He knew that. But it wasn’t his choice to make alone. It was Namjoon’s too. He needed to know the risks. He needed to know what was at stake. He needed to know everything. They needed to talk it through. “Well, let’s get to summoning then.” 

 

tbc.

Notes:

come say hello on twitter!

Chapter 3: 'cause you cut through all the noise

Notes:

this was by far the best chapter to write tbh. I laughed, I cried, etc. Hopefully you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it :)

“Did it work?” Jungkook asked.

 

It was hours later, and finally, finally everything had been put into place. Yoongi and Taehyung had acquired all the materials needed for their spells. They had choreographed how the spells needed to be performed. They had practiced pronunciation and timing. They had laid everything out, they’d prepared as much as they could. 

 

Then Yoongi and Seokjin had stood across from each other, holding hands, and chanted the words to the summoning spell. They had done it.

 

“It’s a calling, Kook. It isn’t instantaneous.” Jin placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Please, stop pacing. Even if he feels it and decides to follow it, he has to actually get here.”

 

“Can’t the Flying Dutchman teleport?” 

 

Jin shot Tae a look. 

 

“That wasn’t helpful, I see that now.” He smiled sheepishly. 

 

“Kookie, come sit here with me.” Taehyung pulled Jungkook into his lap. 

 

The youngest was no longer pacing, but now they were all just sitting around nervously. Seokjin couldn’t believe this was happening. It was like everything was moving too quickly while simultaneously being stuck in slow motion. 

 

Jin might get to see Namjoon again. 

 

He closed his eyes tightly. He wasn’t sure he could go down that train of thought yet. If this didn’t happen, if he didn’t couldn’t get to him- Seokjin took a slow breath. He thought about all the lengths he’d gone to get here. For a moment, it almost felt like before. Being in this shack on an island in the middle of the ocean, using magic, searching for a ship, summoning an immortal pirate. Soonie was going to love hearing about this one. Another crazy adventure. 

 

“How will we know if it worked?” Jungkook asked again a few minutes later. “I know the ship won’t instantly appear here, but how do we know if he’s even coming?” 

 

“Kook-” 

 

“Hey,” Yoongi interrupted, turning from where he was looking out the window and smiling. “Come see for yourself.” 

 

Jungkook’s eyes grew wide. They all stayed planted in their spots, turning to look at Jin. 

 

Seokjin stood and took a few shaky steps to the window. The sight made his breath catch in his throat. He didn’t know what he was expecting, but it didn’t matter anymore, because the Dutchman was there. It was here . Before Jin even realized what he was doing, he was running for the beach. He’d thrown open the door and just run. 

 

As he ran towards the waves his eyes caught on a smaller boat rowing to shore, and that’s when Seokjin saw him. Namjoon. His husband looked good . He looked as beautiful as the day Jin had lost him. “Joon!” He screamed. Half desperation, half laughter. “Joonie!”

 

“Jin?” Namjoon jumped out of the boat, seemingly uncaring about abandoning the thing. He was knee-deep in the water when he came to a stop, eyes wide with utter shock.

 

Seokjin ran to him, splashing everywhere as he jumped and flung himself into his husband’s arms. 

 

Namjoon caught him, stumbling back but ultimately preventing them both from hitting the water. “Jinnie?” He breathed. 

 

Jin was crying. His face was tucked into Namjoon’s neck, he was holding him, hugging him, touching him. His hands ran over his shoulders, over his neck, into his hair. This man, so solid in front of him after years apart. After years of emptiness and longing, here he was. “Joonie, Joonie, Joonie.” Jin’s nose pressed relentlessly against Namjoon’s neck, trying to surround himself with his mate’s scent. 

 

Namjoon was doing the same. Jin could feel his face tucked into him, holding tight, struggling to comprehend.

 

Jin didn’t blame him for being overwhelmed. Jin had called to him, intentionally summoned him,  and still hadn’t been prepared for this moment. He couldn’t imagine how Namjoon must be feeling. 

 

 “Jin, my- Jinnie- I-” 

 

Seokjin’s teeth grazed over Namjoon’s mating bite and they nearly toppled over. 

 

“ Seokjin .”

 

It was a gasp. God, how Jin had missed that voice, missed the way Namjoon melted into him. Jin pulled back to cradle his face in his hands. Their eyes met again and this time both of them let out shaky breaths. 

 

Namjoon leaned forward, tentatively placing his lips on Jin’s for a sweet kiss. Jin immediately answered with fervor. He tilted his head, slotting their lips together and kissing back with such passion it made his own throat close up for a second. Namjoon seemed too overwhelmed to respond until Jin parted his lips and slipped into his mouth, and then it was like he’d been shocked. Namjoon finally pushed back and Jin knew he was already crying but it was stronger now because finally, finally after years, everything was right. He was here with Namjoon, his husband, his mate, and everything was going to be okay. They were together .

 

Namjoon eventually pulled back, fighting hiccuped sobs. Their foreheads touched as they looked into each other’s eyes. 

 

“Hi.” Jin cried, smiling like an idiot. His thumb wiped at Namjoon’s tears. 

 

“I- Are you- Are you really here?” Namjoon looked so confused, so worried. “Are you okay?”

 

“Yes, I’m here. I’m fine, better than fine.” Jin laughed. “I haven’t been this good in five years.” 

 

“I love you.” Namjoon blurted out. “I love you.” 

 

“I love you too.” Jin stroked his face. “And I’ve missed you. Which seems stupidly inadequate to say, because ‘I missed you’ sounds so hollow compared to what I’ve felt, am still feeling.” 

 

Namjoon leaned forward and kissed him again. It was soft and sweet, and pained. 

 

Right. He didn’t need to explain to Namjoon what it had felt like. For the first time in five years, Jin felt completely and totally understood. His body sagged into Namjoon’s for a moment, face tucked into his neck. Jin wanted to stay there forever, surrounded by his scent, pressing kisses to the mark that connected their souls, feeling Namjoon shaking beneath him. He had been so tired.

 

“Jin, I love you and, I- I cannot describe how much I’ve missed you, but what- what are we doing here?” Namjoon asked softly. 

 

“I summoned you.” Jin whispered. He tapped Namjoon’s hand on his thigh and Namjoon placed him back into the water. Jin tucked in immediately, circling his arms around Namjoon’s torso, and Namjoon gripped his shoulders tightly. They stood there a moment just hugging. Reacquainting, resyncing.

 

“Are you going to explain that any further?” Namjoon eventually asked. 

 

Jin smiled. “Yes. You- You’re-” He took a deep breath, pulling his head back to look into Namjoon's eyes. “I’ve been trying to break the curse.” 

 

Namjoon blinked. “Jin-” 

 

“My friend, Taehyung,” He turned back to the beach, where Taehyung, Yoongi, and Jungkook had followed him out. “He’s been helping me. We’ve been researching, looking for anything that could help.” 

 

“Jin-” Namjoon sighed.

 

“Don’t ‘Jin’ me, you had to know I’d be looking for a way to break it. One day every ten years , Namjoon? Your soul is fucking damned!” 

 

“These are dangerous forces you’re messing with.” Namjoon squeezed Jin’s hand.

 

“You think I don’t know that?” Jin took a deep breath, trying to calm down. “Taehyung is a witch, he’s powerful, but even he’s not a match for what we’re up against. So we’ve been looking for someone to help. And that’s how we found out about Yoongi. He- He’s a distant kid of Poseidon or something? There are legends about him, Namjoon. He’s- He offered to help.” 

 

“A son of Poseidon? Why would he help me?”

 

“Because you’ve been doing a good job, Joon. Because there were souls that had been wandering for decades. You helped so many people’s loved ones find peace.” 

 

“Then why would they want me to stop?”

 

Jin knew that Namjoon was confused and overwhelmed. He was too, which is why he wasn’t explaining this well enough, but god. “Because I can be persuasive when I need to be.” Seokjin bit. 

 

“Jin-” 

 

“I’m desperate, Namjoon!” Jin practically yelled, his arms flailing around him. “I’ve been desperate ! You’re my mate, my husband, and I’ve been begging anyone who will listen. Yoongi lost his love, too, he knows what this pain is like.” 

 

“Yoongi?”

 

“He’s Posiedon’s seventh grandkid, half removed. I don’t know exactly how he has his power, Joon! But we have contacts, people that I trust that say he can help break the curse. And he's willing.”

 

“It’s Calypso’s curse, Jin. Even with god’s blood, that’s-” 

 

“Well, not all of it, not technically. Davy Jones cut his heart out of his own accord. Calypso had nothing to do with that. She just wants someone to ferry the souls.” 

 

“So what?” 

 

“So we can un-do it. If you’re not immortal anymore, you won’t be able to captain the ship.” 

 

“I- Jin, Hoseok said I died. He said-” Namjoon paused. “If I- if we break the curse, I’ll die.” 

 

“You didn’t die that day. You were close, god, so horribly close. But before you stopped breathing, I helped you stab Jones’s heart. Your heart was still beating, Joon. Tae watched Yoongi heal a woman who was nearly blue! He can fix your heart, he can heal you.” 

 

“Jin-” 

 

Seokjin took a deep breath. “I know this sounds crazy, and sudden, and you’re probably absolutely overwhelmed by the entire situation. But I’ve been looking for five years, and I think this is the best chance we have. I need you to trust me.” 

 

Namjoon breathed slowly. “What will happen to the Dutchman ?” 

 

“We’re still working that out.” 

 

“Jin-”

 

Seokjin saw the fear and doubt in Namjoon’s eyes. He felt obligated to the duty he had taken on as the Dutchman’s captain. He was growing less and less hopeful by the second. 

 

“Joon.” Jin couldn’t help the tears that collected in his eyes. He understood why Namjoon was worried. The wrath of Calypso wasn’t something they could survive. And Namjoon had been working with this crew, ferrying souls with them, for almost five years. The importance of that wasn’t lost of Jin either, but also, he needed his husband. 

 

Namjoon seemed to hear how close to losing it Jin was. “Hey, okay,” he said soothingly, taking both Jin’s hands in his own. He gave him a small smile. “Tell me more about the plan.” 

 

Jin took a deep breath. “Only Taehyung and Jungkook know that I have the chest. Yoongi still thinks you have it. I didn’t- I swear I’m being careful.” 

 

Namjoon smiled at him. “Glad to hear it.” 

 

“Yoongi knows a spell, one that will reunite your heart and body. But like I said, the catch is, once your heart is in place, you’re human again, Joon. And while you didn’t die that day, it was,” Jin swallowed hard, closing his eyes against the memory. “It was very close.”

 

Namjoon bowed his head, pressing a kiss to Jin’s cheek. 

 

He opened his eyes. “Yoongi feels pretty confident that he can save you. Apparently this is kind of what he does. He can bring people back from the brink of death. He says it’s getting your heart safely back inside your chest and figuring out what to do with Calypso that he’s worried about.” 

 

“He’s not alone in that,” Namjoon murmured. 

 

“Even the first part is a risk. If Yoongi and Taehhung can’t heal your wounds quickly enough, Joon, they don’t think they’ll be able to reverse it by putting your heart back in the chest. If you die, you’ll stay dead.” 

 

Namjoon sighed. “But you think they can do it?” 

 

Jin nodded. “I do. Yoongi’s husband died at sea, and his soul haunted Yoongi, begging and pleading for a way to move on. When you started ferrying the souls, you took his. I mentioned your name and Yoongi told me he’d do whatever he could to help because he owed you a great debt. He wants to help you. If he says we have a chance, I have no reason to doubt him.” 

 

Jin brought his palm to rest on Namjoon’s cheek. “But you’re alive now, even if we’re apart. And I cannot force you to risk your life. I don’t know how the past five years have been for you. This all has to be your choice.” 

 

“I’m alive, yeah. But,” Namjoon took a shaky breath, leaning into Seokjin’s palm. “I don’t know if I can do this forever, Jin.” His voice cracked. 

 

Seokjin took a deep breath. He had to tell him. Before Namjoon did or didn’t agree to this, he had to know everything, had to make this decision with all the facts. And as terrifying as telling him was going to be, it was time. Jin pulled Namjoon’s face to his, pressing a kiss to his lips before resting their foreheads together. “There’s one more thing.” 

 

Namjoon’s eyes opened, his eyebrow raising.

 

“I-uh-” Jin took a deep breath. “I have to- I have to tell you something. And it’s going to be hard to hear,” Jin put a finger over Namjoon’s lips as he began to question. “Please let me get this out.” 

 

Namjoon nodded. 

 

Jin swallowed hard. “I- That day, on the beach.” He smiled small and a little pained. “It was the best day of my life, Joon.” He ran his fingers over the scar on Namjoon’s neck. “Not just because of this.”

 

Namjoon shuddered.

 

“Joon, I- I went to the small village on the coast after you left. I spent, well, I’ve spent the past five years there. But after that day, after you were gone, I went to the village and I stayed in this little inn. I imagine you have an idea of how rough those first few weeks were. I imagine they were not easy on you either.” 

 

Namjoon stroked his cheek. “They were not.” 

 

Jin nodded. “I felt horrible. Weeks passed and I still felt so awful. I felt weak and sick and I thought it was just because of losing you. We’d just mated and then we were separated. I thought- I was wrong.” Jin swallowed hard. This was it. “Namjoon, I was pregnant.” 

 

Namjoon’s eyes widened, his breath picking up. “What?” 

 

“We have a daughter, Joonie.” Seokjin nearly whispered.

 

Namjoon did lose his legs then, falling to his knees. He flailed a bit and Jin grabbed his hands, keeping Namjoon upright. Jin knelt down with him, waves at their waists. He cupped Namjoon’s face, trying to get the man’s eyes on him. 

 

“Joon.” 

 

“A daughter?” He looked wild, eyes unfocused as his hands clung to Seokjin’s shoulders. 

 

“Her name is Namsoon.” 

 

Namjoon’s eyes met his then, and they read absolute anguish. 

 

“I’m sorry .” Seokjin felt the tears on his cheeks again. “I’m so, so sorry, Joonie.” 

 

“Five years.” 

 

“She’s four years and three months old. I didn’t- I couldn’t, Joon. I couldn’t tell you. I didn’t know how to find you. And even if I could’ve- it- the thought of you out there, alone, obsessing, worrying, and unable to get to us- I couldn’t-” Jin sobbed. “I couldn’t do that to you. It broke my heart. But I couldn’t break yours that way, I-” Jin heaved and Namjoon pulled him into his arms. 

 

“Shhh, shhh, it’s okay, breathe, Jin.” 

 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’ve just, I’ve thought about telling you every day for five years and now you’re here, and it’s-” 

 

“I know, I know.” The pair clung to each other, arms wrapped around waists and shoulders, hands touching, fingers digging. 

 

“Whatever we do, we have to think about her.” Jin whispered.

 

“Namsoon.” Namjoon said aloud.

 

“We mostly call her Soonie, or Soo.” Jin pulled back a little, to run a hand through Namjoon’s hair.

 

“We?” 

 

Jin tilted his head back towards the shore. “Jungkook helps me, a lot. He’s been with me since that day on the beach. His mom owns the inn in the village. Soo is with her right now.” 

 

“Jesus, Jin.” Namjoon shook, his head resting on Jin’s shoulder. 

 

Jin gently pushed Namjoon’s face more fully into his neck, so his scent could comfort the man. His other hand rubbed at Namjoon’s back slowly. “I know this is a lot of information to take in. I’m sorry.”

 

“There are souls that need ferrying right now, Jinnie. The number is growing as we speak.” Namjoon whispered. 

 

Jin pulled Namjoon’s face up to look in his eyes. “Then, I'm sorry, but we need to make this decision now.” Jin swallowed hard. “In five more years,” His voice broke. “You can meet her. That’s a guarantee. You’ll get one day with her.” 

 

Namjoon nodded. 

 

“Then, when she’s nineteen. You’ll get to see her again. Guaranteed.”

 

“But every day in between,” Namjoon whispered. “I already feel I’ve missed too much. That’s her whole life, Seokjin.” 

 

Jin fought back tears. “I know. But, but if something happens and you die, Namjoon. If we do this today and you die, you’ll never-” Jin cut himself off with a shaky breath. 

 

“Yeah.” Namjoon closed his eyes and took a series of slow, deep breaths. When he opened them, his face was full of determination. “But I don’t want to miss another day of our daughter’s life. I don’t want to miss another day of yours. I want to be your husband, your mate. I want to be her father. I- Being away from you is killing me Jin. It’s-” Namjoon squeezed Jin’s hand. “I want to do this. Is that what you want, too?” 

 

Jin took a breath before pulling Namjoon into a tight hug. “I love you. And I want you here, god, more than anything. It’s been so hard without you. But I’ve survived. I’ve done it, knowing you were out there and that one day I’d get to see you again. Without that, it’ll be harder, but I want our daughter to know you. I want her to have time with you. She deserves that. She deserves you.” 

 

They pulled out of the hug and Namjoon pulled Seokjin in for a long kiss. 

 

“So you’re okay with this?” Namjoon asked, looking into Jin’s eyes. 

 

“Yes.” Jin nodded. “Are you sure?” 

 

Namjoon nodded. “Yes.”

 

Jin felt tears welling up in his eyes. “God, I've missed you so much, you stupid pirate.” A sob ripped out of him. 

 

Namjoon pulled him in close. “Let’s make it so we never have to be apart again, okay?” 

 

Jin sniffled, rubbing his face into Namjoon’s neck. “Please.” He pulled back, bringing Namjoon’s lips to his, kissing him soundly. “ Please. ” Their eyes met as Jin whispered.

 

“I hate to interrupt.” A familiar voice called from behind them. “But what the fuck is going on here?” 

 

Jin’s head whipped away from Namjoon’s to look around him. 

 

“Wha- Jin?” The voice was of complete shock. 

 

Seokjin was already standing up and running towards one of the men standing there. “Hoseokie!”

 

“Jin, what are you-” 

 

Jin and Hoseok crashed together in a hug, gripping each other tightly. 

 

“What the fuck, Jin?” The younger stuttered out. Jin hugged him tighter, so unbelievably happy to feel one of his closest friends beside him again.

 

“He summoned us.” Namjoon chuckled, suddenly right next to them, his hand on the small of Jin’s back.

 

“Oh, um, that’s chill. How the fuck did you do that, Jinnie?” Hoseok pulled back, looking his friend up and down. 

 

“Uh, hi?”

 

Jin jumped back a little as he realized there was a second person with Hoseok. He was young and beautiful, had the biggest smile on his face Seokjin had ever seen. His eyes were darting back and forth between Namjoon and Jin. 

 

“Jimin!” Namjoon smiled. “Minnie, this is my husband, Seokjin.” 

 

The man's, Jimin's, eyes grew wide before he nearly launched himself forward. Jin had to open his arms to catch him. Jimin hugged him tightly. “Oh my god, oh my god. He found you. He- Joonie!” 

 

Namjoon smiled, shy and dimpling. “Yeah, I know.” 

 

“I-” Jin stuttered feeling a bit overwhelmed. 

 

“Jimin is a part of our crew.” Namjoon said, pulling Jin closer to him when Jimin let go. “He’s the fiercest and sweetest pirate you’ll ever meet.” Namjoon smiled, and Jimin gave him an eye roll before focusing his attention on Jin. 

 

“It’s so good to meet you.” Jimin gushed. “These two talk about you all the time.” The man got a little choked up. “I didn’t think I’d ever get to meet you. I’m so happy you found them.” 

 

“How did you find us?” Hoseok asked. 

 

Seokjin looked back to the beach where the three others were standing and watching the scene. “With a lot of help from these guys. It’s probably time that I introduce everyone too. Are you guys okay here? Do we need to like get a boat?”

 

“We’re alright.” Namjoon nodded. 

 

Jin turned back to the beach. “Kookie! Kook, get out here. I want you to meet someone!” 

 

Jungkook looked like he had been waiting for Jin’s call since they’d been standing there. He immediately took off running towards them. 

 

“Tae, Yoongi, you too!” Jin added. 

 

Jungkook reached them in seconds, out of breath and wide-eyed. Jin pulled away from the others to put his hands on Jungkook’s shoulders, ushering him towards the group. 

 

“Jungkookie, I want you to meet my husband, Namjoon.” 

 

Namjoon smiled at him, extending a hand. Jungkook’s eyes were huge as he took it, shaking. 

 

“You’re- real. Wow.” 

 

“Real? You thought I made him up?” Jin huffed. 

 

“I thought you were exaggerating about-” He waved a hand in front of Namjoon, top to bottom. “This!” 

 

Namjoon snorted. “Uh, thank you?” 

 

“Kookie thinks you’re the coolest person to ever walk the face of the planet.” Jin stated.

 

Jungkook hid his face in his hands. “Why are you like this?” He mumbled. 

 

Namjoon put a hand on the younger’s shoulder. “Hey, I heard you’ve been a big help to Jin with our daughter. To me, that makes you-” 

 

“Your what ?” Hoseok yelled interrupting. “Wait, what now?” 

 

“Daughter.” Jin supplied. “I was pregnant when you guys left.” 

 

“You were- oh my god . Oh my god, oh my god!” Hoseok practically shrieked. He pulled Jin into another tight hug. “Jin, holy shit!” 

 

“I know. It’s been a hell of a five years.” 

 

Hoseok punched Namjoon’s shoulder. “Holy shit! You have a kid!” He pulled Namjoon in for a hug. 

 

Namjoon laughed. “I know. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.” 

 

“I didn’t know you had a child.” Yoongi said softly, looking at Jin.

 

In the excitement of Jungkook and Namjoon meeting, Jin hadn’t even seen Taehyung and Yoongi approach. 

 

“I- we do.” Jin smiled reaching for Namjoon’s hand. “She’s four now.” 

 

“Wow, that’s- congratulations.” 

 

“Thank you.” Jin smiled at him. “Yoongi, this is my husband, Namjoon Kim.” 

 

Everyone sort of parted, as if knowing this was an important moment. Yoongi walked forward, taking Namjoon’s outstretched hand. 

 

“Thank you.” He whispered. “I really- I-” He swallowed. “Thank you for the generosity and kindness you’ve shown as the Dutchman’s captain. I know it wasn’t exactly by choice, but I appreciate how seriously you’ve taken your duties.” 

 

Namjoon nodded. “We all have a responsibility to take care of those we’ve lost.” He looked at Hoseok. “We’ve tried to bring the same level of respect that we’d hope for if roles were reversed. Though we’ve met some truly terrible people these past five years, the majority have been wonderfully kind. So I'd like to think that most people would do the same in our position. I’m sure you would, any of us here would.” 

 

“Davy Jones didn’t.” Yoongi huffed. 

 

Three of the pirates tensed at the name. “Well he was a fucking dick.” Hoseok spoke after a beat. 

 

Jin buried his face into Namjoon’s shoulder, chuckling. Namjoon ran a hand over his back. “Yeah, that guy was the worst.”

 

After all of the introductions were done, the group settled into an awkward silence. “I guess,” Jin swallowed. “I guess we should talk about the plan.” 

 

“I-” Namjoon looked at Jin. “Can we talk to Hobi first?” 

 

Jin saw the desperation in Namjoon’s eyes. Hoseok had joined this crew for him. And he’d only made the decision in order to stay with Namjoon. Hoseok had to sign off before Namjoon would agree to this. 

 

The rest of the group gave them some space. 

 

“Jin thinks he might have found a way to break my curse, Seokie.” Namjoon started.

 

Hoseok’s eyes grew wide. “What? Oh my god! Oh my god!” Hoseok bounced. “That’s incredible! Is that why you summoned us?” 

 

“Yes.” Jin swallowed hard. “But Hobi, I- I couldn’t find a way to break your contract. I think we can get Namjoon out on a loophole because he never directly agreed to anything. But I don’t know how to break a binding contract with Calypso. I’ve searched everywhere, I haven’t been able to find anything.”

 

Hoseok nodded. “Of course. I knew what I was signing up for. I knew I couldn’t get out of it.” 

 

“But you agreed because of me, Seok. Because you thought I’d always be there with you.” 

 

Hoseok sighed. “I did. Part of me did. But also, I wasn’t ready to die, Joon. I chose it because I wanted to keep living. And I love the sea, I love what we do now. I could do it forever, happily.” Hoseok stepped forward grabbing both of their hands. “Joon, if I could’ve, I would’ve stopped you from ever having to leave Jin in the first place. I would never in a million years try to keep you away from your child, god. Please, do whatever you have to do to get to her, to be a family.” 

 

“Seok.” Namjoon’s voice cracked. 

 

Hoseok turned to Jin. “Tell me what I can do to help.” 

 

Jin was shaking as Yoongi, Taehyung, and Jungkook set everything up. Since Namjoon couldn’t go up onto land yet, they decided to have him lay not quite onto the shore. He’d still be in a few inches of the sea, which would hopefully satisfy the curse until they could get his heart back in. Then they would carry him into the cottage, where Yoongi and Tae had set up a bed and the necessary magical supplies to help him heal better and faster. 

 

Jin felt helpless; the others had shushed his offers to help and insisted he spend time with Namjoon. Which he obviously appreciated. But he was getting increasingly nervous about whether this plan was going to work. He was fighting not getting sucked into memories of his last few hours together with Namjoon from when they’d first separated. When time was just barrelling towards something life-altering and he couldn’t do anything . 

 

“Jinnie.” Namjoon whispered. He had dragged them farther from the group, in shallow water where they could sit together. Namjoon wrapped his arms around Jin, who was curled up with his knees to his chest. “Hey, look at me.” 

 

Jin took a deep breath, but tilted his head back.

 

Namjoon smiled at him before kissing him lightly. 

 

Jin turned in his arms, sinking into his chest. “I hate this feeling.” 

 

“I know.” Namjoon kissed him again. 

 

“I don’t want to lose you again.” 

 

“You won’t.” 

 

“I might.” He sighed. “And I hate that my mind is already trying to figure out how I’m going to make it through this if I do” 

 

“That’s normal, Jinnie. Especially after everything that’s happened. You have a child to think about.” 

 

Jin huffed. “I’m so tired, Joon.” 

 

“I know, love.” Namjoon took a deep breath. “Look, Jin, this ends today, no matter what. And then you get to move on, either with me or without me. But at least you’ll get to move on.” 

 

“That’s comforting and also absolutely horrifying.” Jin laughed, tucking into Namjoon’s neck, scenting him gently. 

 

“I know.” Namjoon chuckled, his arms tightening around his husband.

 

“God, I’ve missed talking to you.” Jin whispered. “Sometimes I just sit and think about what you’d say in a situation. Like when Soo was a baby, I’d be so exhausted, practically hallucinating, and I’d just have conversations with you about how we could get her to sleep.” 

 

“I’m sorry I haven’t been there, Jin.” Namjoon whispered, tears thick in his voice, as he pressed a kiss to Seokjin’s forehead. He held a finger against Jin’s lips as he started to protest. “And I know it’s not my fault, but I’m still sorry that you’ve been having to do this on your own.” 

 

“You know, sometimes I think about that day, and if you had died then.” Jin paused for a moment. “This curse, it’s kept you away from us, but it also gave me her. It gave us our marriage and the chance to be mates. That’s how I get through the worst days apart.” 

 

“Me too.” Namjoon kissed the top of his head. 

 

“Hey,” Jin used his position to press a kiss to Namjoon’s mating bite. “You think we have time for a tearful quickie behind that rock? Because as much as I missed talking to you, I missed other things too.” Jin nipped his way up to Namjoon’s ear. “Your dick. I missed your dick.” 

 

Namjoon let out a loud laugh, shaking a bit. “Our friends are ten meters away, Jin.” 

 

“Well did any of them just get reunited with their husband after five years? No? Then they can shut their fucking eyes!” 

 

Namjoon laughed, pulling Jin closer. “Do you remember that time we fucked in the water after escaping those soldiers on that island? It was so scratchy! The salt water and the sand? A bad combo.” 

 

“I didn’t say it was going to be ideal, now did I?” Jin huffed. 

 

Namjoon chuckled, pressing his lips to Jin’s softly. The other tried to put some heat into it, but Namjoon was persistent. He kissed Jin gently, slowly, thoroughly, until the other relaxed into him. They kissed until Yoongi called their names and it was time. 

 

The pair clung to each other as they headed towards the area Taehyung and Yoongi had prepared. Namjoon wordlessly handed the key to the chest Jin had kept safe for the past five years. 

 

“Okay.” Yoongi spoke. “Here is how we are doing this. Namjoon, you are going to lay here.” 

 

Namjoon nodded, kissing Jin, then moving to where Yoongi instructed. 

 

Seokjin clung to him, sitting down next to him. Their hands stayed locked, as did their eyes. Seokjin leaned down to kiss Namjoon’s forehead. 

 

“Okay so first, Hoseok is going to reopen the old wound.” 

 

Everyone visibly flinched. They’d talked about this, they knew it was going to happen, but Yoongi handing Hoseok a knife made the whole thing frighteningly real.  

 

“I’m sorry,” Yoongi spoke. “I enchanted it as much as I could. It’ll be as quick and painless as I could make it.” 

 

Hoseok sat on Namjoon’s other side, squeezing his hand. 

 

“Thank you, Yoongi. It’s okay,” Namjoon looked at all their horrified expressions. “I don’t feel pain anymore, not physical pain not like this. I swear.” 

 

Jimin sat next to Hoseok, his hands resting on Namjoon’s leg. “It’s true.” He nodded. “I’ve seen him get shot and not even bat an eye!” 

 

“You got shot ?!” Seokjin shrieked. “What? What the fuck Namjoon?”

 

“I see my mistake now,” Jimin grimaced. “That was absolutely my bad.” 

 

Namjoon sighed and turned to his husband. “As you can see, I’m fine .” 

 

“We’re talking about that later.” Jin glared at him.

 

Namjoon nodded. “Of course, honey.”

 

“Okay,” Yoongi continued. “Once the wound is open, we will take your heart from the chest and put it in your chest. When that happens, you won’t be immortal anymore. I- uh, I imagine it will hurt then, once we start using the healing spell.” 

 

Namjoon nodded. 

 

“Once we get your heart started and the bleeding stopped, we’ll focus on reducing your pain, okay?” Taehyung stated.

 

“Hopefully I’ll be passed out by then. Staying alive is the priority. Knock me out if you have to.” He brought his and Seokjin’s intertwined hands to his lips. 

 

“Once we handle the essentials, Tae and Jungkook will move you inside, okay? And we’ll heal you to the best of our abilities.” Yoongi finished. “Everyone set?” 

 

There were nods across the group. 

 

“Okay, let’s do it.” 

 

Seokjin leaned down. This was a stupid, terrible, awful plan. Jin hated this plan. But it was the only plan they had. “Don’t die on me, okay?” He kissed Namjoon’s lips urgently. “Please don’t die on me.”

 

“I won’t.” Namjoon smiled at him.

 

Seokjin’s eyes moved to where Hoseok started to make the first cut. His breath shook. This was the worst plan.

 

“Jin, Jin. Look at me.” Namjoon whispered. 

“Joon-” Seokjin met his eyes, feeling utterly stricken by the sound. 

 

“It doesn’t hurt, I promise you. I can’t feel pain like that anymore, you know that.” 

 

“I know, but-” Jin’s eyes started to drift. 

 

“Tell me about her.” Namjoon spoke. “Our daughter.” 

 

Jin swallowed hard. “She’s smart.” He looked up. 

 

“Hey, eyes on me.” Namjoon said gently until Jin’s eyes stayed locked on his. “She’s smart, what else?” 

 

“She’s funny.” Jin smiled. 

 

“I’d expect nothing less.” 

 

“Hilarious, actually. It’s because she’s clever. Makes great jokes.” Jin gave him a pained smile, trying so hard to keep his damn eyes on Namjoon’s.

 

“Yeah?” 

 

“She looks just like you.” Jin whispered, eyes welling up, hand running through Namjoon’s hair. “It’s amazing how much she looks like you. Like now you, but like young you too. She’s got your eyes and your nose and your dimples.” Jin choked out. 

 

“Yeah?” 

 

“And she snores like a fucking injured whale, so thanks for that.” 

 

Namjoon let out a surprised laugh, and the hands holding him down pushed harder. He groaned, body fighting not to move. 

 

Seokjin imagined that while it wasn’t painful, it must be weird and uncomfortable. “She wants to be a pirate.” Jin rushed out, trying to distract him. “I’ve been teaching her and Kook how to swordfight.” 

 

“Oh yeah?” His voice tight. 

 

“Yeah. She’s good. I mean, she’s horrible, but she’s four. And she can hold up the wooden stick and do a couple stances, so I think she’s going to be the best pirate in the history of pirates.” 

 

Namjoon smiled. “Did you have to bribe her with jokes?” 

 

Jin huffed. His comeback was lost in Yoongi hovering over him.

 

“Jin, we gotta-” 

 

Jin leaned down and kissed Namjoon hard. “I love you.” 

 

“Love you too, you beautiful pirate.” 

 

Seokjin squeezed his hand and moved back as Yoongi opened the chest. The rest was a blur. There was screaming and panic and so much goddamn blood. Jin held his husband down until he went limp in his arms. For a few terrifying moments Seokjin thought they’d lost him. But then Jin blinked and they were in the cottage and they’d made it through the first part of the plan. Namjoon had survived the first part of the plan. Thank fuck.

 

“He’s stable for now, Jin.” Yoongi said, out of breath, half sitting, half lying on the couch across the room. “I need a couple of hours and then I can go again.” 

 

“Sleep, Yoongi.” Seokjin nodded to the man, then stepped into Taehyung’s space. “Tae, I’ll finish the stitches. You go rest.” Jin said. 

 

Taehyung looked between Namjoon laying on the bed and Yoongi practically collapsed on the couch. 

 

“I’ll wake Yoongi up in a little while and he can take the first shift. You both were absolutely incredible today, Tae. Thank you.” 

 

“If you’re sure-” Jin nodded at the question, and Taehhung gave him a quick hug. “Wake me if you need anything.” 

 

Seokjin nodded. “Of course.” 

 

Jin looked down at his husband lying motionless on the bed in front of him. He was alive. Alive, alive. He was on land, his heart was beating, he was breathing. Jin sighed, his hands reaching for the needle and thread. 

 

“It worked.” Hoseok spoke. “I’m sure it did.” 

 

Seokjin ignored him, half intentionally, and half because his mind just couldn’t focus on a single thing. He’d just watched their best friend cut the love of his life’s chest open and pull his heart out. After Namjoon had been stabbed and basically died in his arms. He focused instead on stitching Namjoon’s chest closed, his fingers making quick work of them. It seemed ridiculous, but it made Jin feel better. As if stitching him up would somehow solve everything. 

 

Namjoon was dead. 

 

They’d stabbed Davy Jones’s heart. He’d died. They’d put Namjoon’s heart in the box. It should’ve worked. Namjoon didn’t seem fully dead, but he didn’t seem very alive either. Seokjin finished the stitches and sat back. 

 

And then finally, Namjoon gasped, flying forward with the force of it. 

 

“Joon? Joonie?” Jin rushed out, reaching for him.

 

Namjoon’s eyes were wild as they took in the ship. 

 

“Namjoon!” 

 

Suddenly the ship began changing around them. The banacles fell away from the sides, the crew became more human, and Namjoon was breathing. 

 

“Baby?” Seokjin held his face in his hands. 

 

“What happened? Seokjin?” Namjoon looked up at him with a terrified expression.

 

“I’m right here. Everything is okay.” Jin said as soothingly as he could manage when everything inside of him was still screaming. 

 

Namjoon whimpered and Seokjin pulled him into his arms. “Shh, everything is okay.” 

 

“I- Jones, he- The sword.” 

 

Jin leaned back. “I helped you stab his heart, Joon.” 

 

Namjoon’s eyes grew wide. “I-” 

 

Seokjin swallowed. “You’re the captain of the Dutchman now.” 

 

“Jin,”

 

“I’m sorry, I just, I made the decision. I didn’t want you to die. And Jones had Hoseok, I just-” 

 

“It’s okay. You saved me.” Namjoon pulled Seokjin into a tight hug. “Jin, you saved all of us.”

 

“You’re the captain of the Dutchman now.” Jin repeated, letting out a choked sob. 

 

“I’m alive because of you.” 

 

“You’re not angry?”

 

“Not at you.” Namjoon squeezed him tighter. 

 

“I love you.” Seokjin cried. “Fuck, I love you, I love you.” 

 

Namjoon pulled away from the hug to capture his lips in a kiss. “I love you too.” 

 

“Hoseok!” Seokjin shouted, sniffling dramatically from where his forehead was resting against Namjoon’s. “Hobi!” 

 

“Yes?” The man hobbled into their line of vision.

 

“You’ve been a captain before, correct?” 

 

“Uh, yes?” 

 

“Marry us.” 

 

Namjoon’s eyes grew wide “What- Jin can we talk about this? I -” 

 

Jin grabbed his face, kissing him hard. “Yes, we can. I want to marry you. Do you want to marry me?” 

 

“Of course I do, but -” 

 

“Perfect. Hoseok, let’s do this!”

 

“Oh my god, Jin.” 

 

“You died!” Seokjin shouted. 

Namjoon flinched. 

 

“You almost died.” Jin said more softly. “You promised me and then you almost died, Namjoon! And I had to spend thirty-seven minutes and fifty-three seconds thinking we would never get to be husbands. I won’t spend another millisecond not being your spouse. So stand your ass up and marry me before one of us fucking dies again!” 

 

“Jin, I’m the captain of the Dutchman now. That means ten years at sea for just one day on land.” 

 

“I don’t give a shit, Joon!” 

 

Namjoon groaned. 

 

Seokjin took a deep breath, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Okay, of course I give a shit. I didn’t mean that. I just. I’ve been dreaming about being your husband since before we were even teenagers, Joon. And I never thought I’d get to have you. And it took a whole fucking lot to get us here. And jesus fucking christ, if I think about even just the minute after this one, I’ll stop breathing because I’m absolutely fucking terrified about what’s next. I don’t know. I don’t know how we get through this, I don’t know what we’re going to do. I don’t know! But I do know that everything seems so much less scary if we do it together. So I want to hold your fucking hand here in front of god himself and commit that we’ll figure out what we’re going do next, together.” 

 

Namjoon looked a bit speechless, which yeah.  Jin could be really persuasive when he wanted to be. 

 

“Plus,” Jin whined. “I just want to be married to you! I want it more than I want anything! And in this moment, it kind of feels like we’ve earned doing whatever the fuck we want! Is that what you want too?” 

 

“Yeah, Yes, jesus, Seokjin. Yes.” 

 

“Good. Then Hoseok, get your ass over here and officiate our marriage!” 

 

“Aye, aye captain.” 

 

“ I’m the captain.” Namjoon huffed.

 

Both Seokjin and Hoseok laughed as they heaved Namjoon up to his legs. He wobbled for a moment before finding his footing and standing tall. 

 

“Wait, where’s my jacket?” Namjoon asked. He spotted it close to where he’d fallen and went to retrieve it. His fingers went immediately to a pocket stitched into the jacket lining. He pulled tightly, and suddenly there were two rings in his hand. 

 

“What the fuck?” Seokjin shrieked. 

 

Namjoon laughed. “I had these made a long time ago. Back when I also didn’t think I’d ever get to have you.” 

 

“I-” Jin swallowed hard. “I didn’t know that.” 

 

“Yeah.” Namjoon smiled. “It was stupid. Well -  it felt stupid at the time. But I don’t know, I wasn’t ready to discount us. Something in me knew that our lives were always going to be connected. From the moment you saved me all those years ago. And who knew you’d still be saving me, over a decade later?” 

 

“Me.” Jin laughed, a little tearfully. “I knew.” 

 

“Yeah, that makes sense.” Namjoon smiled at him. “This was not how I wanted to do this. But, honestly, it could be anytime, anywhere, because none of that matters.” 

 

Their eyes were locked, even as Jin yelled. “Hoseok, say the words now please!” 

 

And Hoseok did. 

 

Their eyes never left each other’s as they agreed to take each other as husbands, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, as they slid the rings on. Their fingers intertwined as Hoseok tearfully announced “I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss!” 

 

“I love you so much.” Namjoon whispered. “Whatever comes next, the rest of our lives, we figure it out together, okay?” 

 

“I do.” Jin smirked. 

 

Namjoon rolled his eyes. 

 

Jin pulled him in for a kiss. “Whatever comes next.” 

 

It was a groan from the bed that shook Jin from his thoughts. He’d finished stitching and settled in the chair at Joonie’s bedside. 

 

“Joon?” Jin leaned forward, squeezing lightly at Namjoon’s hand.

 

Namjoon groaned again, this time louder and clearer.

 

“Hey, hey baby, it’s okay.” Jin whispered soothingly, cupping Namjoon’s cheeks.

 

“Ow.” Namjoon moaned, eyes barely blinking open.

 

 “How are you feeling?” Jin frowned.

 

“Hurts.” Namjoon mumbled, pouting. Then he blinked, stronger, more aware. “It hurts!” He looked at Jin with wide eyes, reaching up. “It hurts, Jin!” 

 

Seokjin laughed, pushing gently at his shoulders to try to keep him still. “Yeah.” 

 

“It worked! Jinnie, it worked!” Namjoon tried to sit up, reaching for him.

 

Tears dripped down Jin’s cheeks as he kept pressure on his husband’s body. “It did. Now lay the fuck back down before you rip your stitches and your very mortal ass bleeds out.” 

 

Namjoon smiled like an idiot as he relaxed into the bed. “It really does hurt though.” 

 

“I’ll bet it does.” Jin gave him a soft smile, brushing the hair back from his forehead. “I’ll go wake Yoongi and see if he can help.”

 

“Wait no, hold on.” Namjoon tugged at Jin’s hand. 

 

Jin glanced down at their hands before looking back up. The sight made his breath catch. His husband. His beautiful husband, so alive, sweetly blinking up at him. Whatever comes next . He had certainly been glad those had essentially been their wedding vows, because fuck if Seokjin didn’t have to remind himself of that over and over the past five years. He’d clung to it on the hardest days. They’d promised each other, whatever comes next . They’d be okay. 

 

“Yeah, Namjoonie?” 

 

“Will you kiss me?” 

 

A smile stretched across Jin’s face. “Of course, you stupid pirate.” 

 

Namjoon beamed until Jin kissed the smile off of his face. 

 

“Thank you.” Jin whispered, resting their foreheads together. “Thank you for not dying.” 

 

“Got a lot to live for.” Namjoon kissed him again. 

 

The next twenty-four hours were kind of a blur for Seokjin. He didn’t sleep much. He didn’t want to leave Namjoon, and part of him was terrified this was going to be some sort of twisted dream. Yoongi and Taehyung switched off healing Namjoon’s body. Namjoon slept, a lot. Which was great, because the rest helped him heal better. But sometimes he’d get so still that a shot of panic ran through Jin. Overall though, after about twenty-four hours of healing, Namjoon was almost back to as good as new. And had somehow already managed to charm the whole group. Even Yoongi had begun smiling when he walked into the room, because Namjoon was just so damn happy about being alive. 

 

“Hey,”  A voice broke Seokjin from his thoughts. Jungkook came from behind where Jin was sitting and watching Namjoon’s chest rise and fall rhythmically. Jungkook wrapped his arms around Jin’s shoulder. 

 

“Hey.” Seokjin smiled, wrapping his arms around Jungkook’s and squeezing.

 

“How are you doing?” Jungkook asked, hugging Jin tightly. The younger buried his head in Seokjin’s neck and rubbed. 

 

“I’m good. I’m great, actually.” Jin reached back to pat his head affectionately. 

 

“You did really good, Jin.” Jungkook smiled. “This has been a lot. But you’ve been amazing.” 

 

Jin nodded. “Thank you for being here, Kookie. I’m so glad you’re here.” 

 

“Always.” Jungkook gave him a sloppy kiss on the cheek before letting go and taking a seat in the chair next to him. “Hey,” Jungkook smiled at him, eyes crinkling. “I really like your husband.” 

 

Jin laughed. “Yeah? I knew you would. He’s pretty great.” 

 

“I just keep thinking about how much Soo is going to love him.”

 

Jin let out a surprised noise. 

 

“He’s so funny, and clever. I can already imagine them going back and forth for hours.” Jungkook laughed. “It’s silly, because this seems like not a thing you pass down, but he’s got this earnestness about him, and it reminds me so much of her.” 

 

Jin nodded. “Yeah, she got his heart, too.” 

 

“Well, she got her fierceness and determination from you. She’ll fight for you till she wins. Watching you the past couple weeks has been-” Jungkook shook his head. “She’s so much like you, too Jin.”

 

“God, I miss her.” Jin sighed, leaning back in the chair. 

 

“You’ll be back with her soon. And you know she’s fine. Mom’s probably put her to work.” Jungkook shook his head.

 

Jin laughed. “Definitely has. It’s good though, for her to get to have girl time. And with an alpha. I’m so grateful for your mother.” 

 

“Me too. But my point is, you don’t have to worry.” 

 

That turned out to be the worst thing Jungkook could’ve said because a second later, there was a thunderclap so loud and so close it shook the entire house. Out of nowhere, a huge storm was directly on top of them. 

 

Namjoon’s eyes shot open. “Calypso.” 

 

Jin blinked. “Um, what?” 

 

“She’s here.” Namjoon was up and out of the bed in seconds. 

 

“Joon, don’t push too hard-” 

 

“I’m okay. I really do feel okay, Jin.” Namjoon pulled his boots on. “We need to get out there though, before she destroys Yoongi’s house.” 

 

“Kook, get everyone.” Jin turned to Namjoon as Jungkook ran off. “What’s going to happen?” 

 

“I don’t know.” Namjoon spoke softly, reaching for Jin. “I’m sorry, I don’t know.” 

 

“Okay,” Jin muttered. “Okay, we’ll figure this out.” He held his hand out and Namjoon took it.

 

“Namjoon Kim!” A voice boomed as they all made their way outside towards the water. 

 

Hoseok and Jimin were suddenly there too, having returned from the ship at the sound from the thunderclap. “Joonie? Joonie!” Jimin yelled.

 

“You’re alive.” Hoseok smiled. 

 

Jin had asked Jungkook to keep them updated on Namjoon’s condition, but it was certainly a different thing to actually see him in person. 

 

“Yeah, let’s keep it that way.” He gestured to the sky. 

 

Namjoon stepped towards the water. Jin gripped tightly to his hand, trying to hold him back. He knew his face looked absolutely stricken, but he couldn’t do this again. 

 

“We have to face this to be free, Jinnie.” Namjoon grimaced. “I don’t see another way.” 

 

Jin nodded, but stayed with him as he stepped into the water and knelt down. 

 

“Goddess Calypso.” 

 

“You are failing to perform your duties!” A voice shouted from the eye of the storm raging around them.

 

“Goddess, I never agreed to the duty. I have happily served you to the best of my abilities for five years, but I never made a commitment to you.” Namjoon spoke.

 

“You were dying, facing certain death. My power saved you.”

 

“For that, I am very, very grateful, Goddess. But I am no longer dead, nor dying. My wounds have been healed, I would humbly ask that I be spared your wrath. I served time, but now, I would like to return to land.” 

 

The storm grew fiercer and Jin gripped Namjoon’s hand so hard it had to be painful. 

 

“The Dutchman must have a captain!” The voice screamed. 

 

“There are many, many qualified men, Goddess. Those who are dying and want to serve. It is an admirable position, one many would feel honored to hold.” 

 

“You talk about honor and yet you’ve abandoned your duties!” Calypso yelled. 

 

“I took my responsibilities very seriously. But, Goddess, I have a mate, a child on land.” 

 

“Of course I know of them.” 

 

“How am I to serve fully when my heart is with them? My mind, my strength, my everything. I have served as best I can for five years, but there are others who could serve better. Others who could dedicate everything to you and this important task. I am already spoken for.” 

 

“The Dutchman must have a captain!” Calypso repeated. 

 

“I volunteer!” A voice behind them called. 

 

Jin and Namjoon whipped around to see Yoongi kneeling there, hand raised up high. 

 

“Yoon-” 

 

“You?” Suddenly a woman appeared, walking out of the water onto the shore to where Yoongi knelt. She was beautiful. Water continued to drip down her glowing skin, even after she was no longer in the waves. Her eyes were cold and hard as she sized him up. 

 

Seokjin tightened his grip on Namjoon’s hand, as the man shook slightly next to him.

 

“Yes.” Yoongi spoke. “I understand the importance of this job. And I have nothing left for me on land.” 

 

“You are powerful. You have Posideon’s blood in you, boy.” 

 

“It’s true.” 

 

“Are you agreeing to eternity?” She took his hand and lifted him to stand.

 

“Yes. But I have two conditions.” 

 

Calypso looked almost amused. “Oh, do you?” 

 

“These men,” He looked at Hoseok and Jimin, then gestured towards the Dutchman . “My crew. I want them set free. I want them to choose this. I don’t want contracts and threats of eternal damnation. I want those who work under me to want to serve. There are many, many honorable men on the seas. Those taken too soon, and those who have lived long lives, who desire to help their fellow man. I want to recruit these men, not those trying to escape their sins.” 

 

Calypso laughed. “Men who willingly help their fallen man? You think there will be enough such men to sail the Dutchman ?”

 

“I intend to find out. My duty is to ferry the souls. If I cannot find a crew willing to join me, I will agree to do it your way.” 

 

“What is your second condition?” 

 

“I will bind myself to you. But I do not feel the need to carve my heart out. It has never been a requirement of yours, and Jones began neglecting his duty after he cut out his. I am an honorable man, you are an honorable Goddess. We do not need pointless gestures or threats or even the restriction of my time on land. I have agreed to ferry the souls. Our word to each other is enough. Or any other contract you wish for me to sign.” 

 

“Yoongi,” Jin spoke. “You don’t have to do this. We can-” 

 

“I want to do this.” Yoongi looked at the men. “I don’t want anyone to go through what I did. I’ve lived a very long life, and I haven’t always made the most of the days I had. This is how I want to spend the rest of them.” 

 

Jin nodded. “Thank you.” He whispered. 

 

“Do you agree?” Yoongi asked, looking up at Calypso. 

 

“I like you, Yoongi Min.” She gave him a knowing smile. “I agree to your terms.” 

 

And then she was gone. 

 

Namjoon blinked. “Is it over?” 

 

The sky cleared above them and Namjoon turned towards Jin. 

 

“I think it is.” Jin smiled. 

 

And Namjoon let out a sob, practically falling into Jin’s arms. Seokjin blinked, suddenly hit with the realization that even though Namjoon had gone along with the plan, and even though he’d been healed, he hadn’t truly thought it would work. He thought Calypso would show up here and rip him back. But she didn’t. The curse was broken, and she no longer had a hold on him. Namjoon was free. Free to come home .

 

“Shhh, I know.” Seokjin presented his neck and Namjoon tucked himself in, rubbing his teary face against Jin’s skin.

 

“I’ll get to meet her. Jin, I get to meet our daughter.” Namjoon sobbed.

 

“More than that. You’re stuck with us for decades to come, Joon. Every day for the rest of our lives.” Jin kissed the top of his head. 

 

“Promise?” 

 

“Hey, do the ring on my finger and scar on my neck not earn me any credit here?” Jin teased, but he pulled Namjoon’s face up, leaning to kiss him hard. “I’ll wake up every morning and go to bed every night with this promise on my lips, Namjoon Kim. Every day for the rest of our lives.” 

 

Namjoon nodded, shaking as he pulled Jin in for a tight hug. 

 

“Yoongi.” Namjoon whispered, suddenly, now that he’d had a moment to process. He turned towards the man. “Yoongi, what-” 

 

“It’s okay.” Yoongi smiled at all of them. “This is what I wanted.” 

 

“Are we really-” Hoseok asked, inching closer to the land. “Are we really free?” 

 

“Yes.” Yoongi smiled. “You are. I would be happy to have you if you choose to stay with the crew, but you are not bound. Your soul is yours.” 

 

Before anyone could blink, Hoseok was on the shore, running and throwing himself into Namjoon’s arms. 

 

“We’re free! We fucking-” He turned and grabbed Jin. “You fucking did it! Jin! We’re free!” Hoseok positively beamed. “Oh my god, I want to meet your kid!”

 

Namjoon laughed, hugging the man tight. “Thank you Hobi, for staying with me. And, I know Jin asked you to take care of me, so thank you for that too.”

 

“Joon, thank you. You saved my life.” 

 

“So are you going to come back with us?” 

 

“I- I am so excited to get to visit, but, honestly? I’m going to stay on the Dutchman .” Hoseok said softly. “I want to stay a part of the crew. I love this life. But now I can leave the ship! And I’m sure my new captain will let me visit you, and Namsoon!” 

 

“I haven’t come up with my vacation days plan yet, but of course. After we get everything settled, of course.” Yoongi smiled. 

 

Namjoon broke away from the hug to look over to the other crewmate. “Minnie? What are you thinking?” 

 

Jimin had stayed in his spot, still looking a little shocked. “I- I can just go?” 

 

“You can.” Yoongi stated. 

 

Jimin’s eyes grew huge. “I-” He turned to Namjoon. “I appreciate everything you’ve taught me. It was so, so kind of you to offer me a place on the ship.” He sounded a little choked up. 

 

Namjoon walked closer to him. “Minnie, you don’t owe me anything. It’s your soul, your life. Please choose whatever you want.” 

 

“I think- I think I want to go with you, if that’s okay? I- I lost everyone when my ship-, I don’t- But I don’t think I want to stay on the crew. I think I want to experience more things?” 

 

Namjoon wrapped him up in a hug. He looked over Jimin’s head at Seokjin, who nodded. “Minnie, you’re absolutely welcome to come figure things out with us if that’s what you’d like.” 

 

“I really would.”

 

When it was all said and done, they said their goodbyes and Yoongi and Hoseok headed for the Dutchman. Since he and Calypso had made their agreement, Yoongi could feel the souls calling out to him and wanted to get started immediately. Hoseok offered to be his Second-in-Command and show him the ropes. With a promise to visit soon, they were gone. 

 

Taehyung, Jungkook, and Jimin hit it off immediately. Taehyung and Jungkook had about a million questions for Jimin. What was being a pirate like? Did the Dutchman use magic to fly? Did it actually fly? What was the most exciting part? What was the scariest part? They brought Jimin into the house with a promise of a hot shower and some clean clothes. 

 

Namjoon and Jin lingered at the shoreline, arms around each other as they watched the Dutchman sail away. 

 

“You okay?” Seokjin whispered, pulling Namjoon’s arms more tightly around him.

 

“Yeah. Just trying to process the past couple days.” He sighed, kissing Seokjin’s temple. “It feels like a dream.” 

 

Jin cuddled him closer. “I definitely feel that.” 

 

“Thank you, Jin.” Namjoon said softly. “For not giving up, for risking everything, for being here.” 

 

“I’d do anything for you.” Jin smiled. “I love you, Joonie.” 

 

Namjoon tightened his grip. “God, I love you too.” 

 

They stood there for a long time, swaying gently, watching the waves lap against the shore. Jin couldn’t articulate his relief. He felt overwhelmed by everything that had happened, but right now, Namjoon’s arms were safely around him. Jin had him back and no one was going to take him again. He could just breathe. 

 

“Hey,” Taehyung spoke softly, trying not to startle them. 

 

Jin turned, breaking out of Namjoon’s grasp to look at the younger man, noticing Jungkook and Jimin not far behind him. “TaeTae.” Jin gave him a hug. “Thank you.” 

 

“Of course.” He hugged Jin back. “Look, Jungkook and Jimin and I are going to go into town to try and arrange travel for tomorrow. We won’t make it back tonight, so we’re just going to find a place to stay there. You can meet us in the morning at the tavern, okay?” 

 

Jin frowned. “Are you sure? We don’t have to rush. You guys can work out travel tomorrow. I’m sure Jimin is exhausted.” 

 

“I’m fine!” Jimin spoke. “We just thought, you know, we need to go and figure this out.” 

 

“And really, you two need some alone time!” Jungkook beamed. 

 

“Oh. Oh. ” Namjoon’s eyes grew wide. 

 

Jin laughed. “As if I didn’t owe you all enough.” 

 

“Have fun!” Jungkook smiled. 

 

“We’ll see you tomorrow!” Jimin laughed. 

 

“Love you guys!” Taehyung looped his arms around both Jungkook and Jimin. 

 

And then they were gone. 

 

Jin looked at Namjoon for a moment, before they both burst out laughing. “Oh my god .” 

 

“They seem like good kids.” Namjoon chuckled. 

 

“Jimin too.” 

 

“Those three together are going to give us a run for our money.” 

 

Jin smiled. “I look forward to it.” He tugged on Namjoon’s hand, dragging him back toward the house. “But we’ll have plenty of time for that. Right now, I have other plans for us.” 

 

The moment the door closed, Seokjin was shoving Namjoon against it. He pressed his lips against the other’s urgently. 

 

“Jin, Jin whoa-” Namjoon moaned as Jin kissed his way down the man’s throat. 

 

Seokjin didn’t answer, he just continued to make his way down, pressing the length of his body against Namjoon’s. He wanted this so bad. He’d been wanting this so bad.  

 

“Jin- Fuck. ” Namjoon gasped when Jin sucked at the mark on his neck. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, Jinnie.” Namjoon’s knees shook. 

 

“Yeah, yeah, come on.” Seokjin smirked before he bit . 

 

Namjoon’s legs gave out then, and Jin’s weight had to hold him up. “Fuck, fuck, Jin, Jin, slow down, wait, wait-”

 

“Are you okay?” Jin leaned back, breathing heavy. 

 

“Yes, yeah. It’s not-” Namjoon ducked, trying to meet Seokjin’s eyes. “It’s not that, it’s just- can we slow down?” 

 

Jin whined, head falling to Namjoon’s shoulder.

 

“I know, I just-” Namjoon swallowed hard. “It’s -- it’s a lot, and I want to-” 

 

“Want you to fuck me!” Seokjin whined again, voice thick. 

 

“Hey, I know.” Namjoon said softly. “I will, let’s just go slow, okay?” 

 

Namjoon took Jin’s hand in his, leading them back to the room where Namjoon had been recovering.

 

Jin quickly pulled his own shirt off, tossing it onto the ground. Before he could pull at his pants, Namjoon had grabbed and pressed Jin to the bed, kissing him thoroughly. 

 

The kiss was so good, deep and right . Seokjin felt tears well in his eyes, emotions rising in his chest. He couldn’t have that. He didn’t want that. Jin pulled back, pressing kisses to Namjoon’s cheeks and jaw. He pushed at Namjoon’s pants, kissing him hard and dirty. 

 

“Jin-” 

 

Seokjin managed to get the pants off and moved to grab his underwear. 

 

“Jin, this isn’t slow.” Namjoon whispered into his mouth, running hands gently, almost reverently, down Seokjin’s sides. He kissed his way to the mark on Seokjin’s neck, nuzzling the skin sweetly. 

 

Jin gasped, his body shivering as his mind screamed. He pulled Namjoon away, kissing him hard.

 

When Namjoon tried to deepen the kiss, Seokjin groaned. “Come on!” He huffed. 

 

“Jin-” Namjoon sat up fully then, looking down at Seokjin with question and concern in his eyes. 

 

Jin could feel his throat closing up, his heart pounding. “I’m fine!” He knew it sounded awful and choked. He suddenly felt the strongest desire to curl up in the tightest ball he could manage.

 

“Seokjin?” 

 

“Joon,” Jin put his hands over his face, curling onto his side. “I’m- this is so much. I-” He choked on a sob he had been trying very hard not to let out. But the moment it got through, it felt like the dam broke. The tears were uncontrollable then. “I’m sorry,” Jin heaved through his fingers.

 

“Shh,” Namjoon rubbed his hand over Jin’s back, over and over. “It’s okay. Let it out.” 

 

“I’m sorry. I want- I miss you so much, Namjoon. I miss every bit of you. I miss you being there, miss you talking to me, miss this . I miss not worrying about you constantly. I miss not being so fucking sad all of the time. I miss before, when I didn’t feel so completely fucked up. I had heats, Joon, where I screamed for you over and over until I couldn’t speak anymore. For days, even after my throat was raw and swollen. I-” Jin sobbed. “And now you’re here, you’re here, but I can’t stop thinking about it- and all of this is so much-” 

 

“I know.” Namjoon’s voice was soft.

 

“You’re right here, and I still feel so alone. And in pain. I thought it would stop.” 

 

“Jinnie,” Namjoon was crying as well. “I understand. I really, really do. I feel the same way. I know that doesn’t make it better, because then it’s both of us feeling fucked up and out of sync. But you’re not alone in feeling alone. We’ve spent the past five years apart. We both experienced a shit ton of trauma, separately. And I know you don’t even want to tell me half of it because it’ll just hurt me, and I feel the same. And it’s fucked, Jin. The whole thing is absolutely fucked.” 

 

Jin choked out a small laugh, scrubbing his hands at the tears on his face. “Wow, great pep talk.” 

 

Namjoon let his head fall onto Jin’s shoulder with a puff of laughter. “My point is,” Namjoon glared. “That-” He took a deep breath. “It is so horrifically fucked that you went through that, Jin. That you had to go through your heats alone, especially knowing I was out there but you couldn’t get to me. I’m so sorry.”

 

Jin swallowed hard, nodding. “Thank you.” He had never told anyone about that. He supposed Saemi knew, since she was the one who always brought him food and water during those times. So she definitely heard him. But it wasn’t something he could talk to anyone about, and it had really messed him up. In the weeks after heats he struggled even to say Namjoon’s name. The kids noticed; Jungkook eventually caught on and steered Soonie to a different story, or off to do something else, until she had picked up on the connection herself. Jin knew he was a bit stuck on this because they were finally able to be this close again, but there were more, many things he knew would make themselves known over time. The thought made him ache. 

 

Namjoon reached out and took Jin’s hand in his. “Hey, I think it’s going to take time.” He stated. “And not being hard on ourselves. We aren’t just instantly fixed, but that doesn’t mean we’re irreversibly broken. It’s been like forty-eight hours back together, Jinnie. I think it’s going to be messy and scary for a while. And then we’re going to have to figure out a new baseline. But I think I can be okay with that? As long as we’re acknowledging it, and working towards something together.” 

 

Jin took a deep breath. “Yeah, yeah, me too.” 

 

“And Jinnie, you don’t have to be okay all the time. Or any of the time. I think we can be not okay together too, and work our way back.” 

 

Seokjin looked into Namjoon’s eyes. This incredibly good man. His incredibly good man, his husband, his mate . He was offering a lifeline, a way through this, together. Whatever comes next. A commitment Jin had made when he didn’t know what it would entail, but now that he did, would he have made a different choice? No. Seokjin knew immediately. It all came back to this, to them. And every single time, in every single universe, they were always going to be worth it.

 

“I think I can be okay with that.” Jin said, sitting up. He took Namjoon’s hand, placing a light kiss over his wedding ring. “And the same goes for you, Joonie. I know I freaked out a little bit about the getting shot thing, but I want to know what you’ve been through. I want to work through everything together. I want to heal together, okay? I promise I’ll let you know if I can’t handle something. But I want you to talk to me too.” 

 

“Yeah.” Namjoon brought Seokjin’s left hand up to his lips and kissed the metal band. 

 

The metal bands that Namjoon had made for them, a decade ago, before he had even known there was the slightest chance of them ending up together. The bands he had sewn into his jacket and carried with him for years. The band that he had given Jin on that terrible and wonderful day five years ago. The band that Namjoon had slipped onto Seokjin’s finger while promising to have and hold, to love and cherish, for better or for worse, for the rest of their lives. The bands that they’d both kept securely in their place even when all hope felt lost.

 

“I love you.” Seokjin whispered, his eyes trailing up from Namjoon’s lips to meet his eyes.

 

“I love you too.” 

 

Seokjin sighed, pulling Namjoon close and kissing him gently. They were going to be okay. They were in this together,  Jin repeated to himself. Namjoon was feeling it too. 

 

He opened his eyes to find Namjoon already looking at him. Jin pressed a kiss to his jaw. “I want you to fuck me.” 

 

Namjoon looked like he was going to protest, to explain why they didn’t have to have sex right now, to assure him that it was okay if Jin needed more time. But then it seemed like Namjoon read Seokjin’s eyes and realized that he didn’t need to say any of that, because Seokjin was telling him what he needed. 

 

“Yeah, yeah, okay.” Namjoon nodded, leaning in and kissing Jin once again. It was a little hesitant, but deep and good . Namjoon’s tongue stroked gently, slowly opening him up.

 

Jin shivered. Fuck. He fucking loved Namjoon’s mouth. Jin’s whimper hung in the air between them. 

 

Jin’s hands ran under Namjoon’s shirt, lightly scraping his nails down the skin of his back. When he flattened his hands over Namjoon’s ribs, pushing the shirt up slowly, Namjoon smiled into his lips. 

 

“If I take off my shirt are you going to freak? I can just leave it on.” He pulled away to look into Jin’s eyes. “I don’t mean that in a bad way, just-” 

 

Seokjin laughed. He shook his head before resting their foreheads together. “No. I’ve seen the scars a lot over the past few days. They’ve probably healed more since last night.” Jin leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the spot where Namjoon’s had dimple popped up. “Thank you for asking.” 

 

Namjoon nodded, pulling the shirt over his head and throwing it aside. 

 

Jin took the opportunity to push Namjoon back and wrangle him down onto the bed. Thanks to Yoongi and Taehyung, the scars on Namjoon’s chest were just that, scars. The wounds were fully healed, leaving behind long, jagged, thin, pink scars. While Jin had been staring at Namjoon’s bare chest for almost two full days now, the sight would probably never cease to bring out a rush of emotion in him. He leaned back, hand hovering over where the lowest scar began.

 

Namjoon reached down and intertwined his fingers with Seokjin’s. He brought them both up his chest until they were resting over his heart, and Seokjin’s eyes shut at the feeling of it beating strong and steady under his palm. Namjoon took their hands and lead Jin’s fingers to trace along the pink scars. Jin swallowed hard, eyes on Namjoon’s as they ran their fingers along his chest together. 

 

Namjoon gave Jin a small smile before bringing their hands up to rest on his chest. 

 

Jin felt Namjoon’s nipple start to harden under his own palm as Namjoon brushed their hands against it. Seokjin smirked then, using their intertwined fingers to rub and tease at the sensitive skin. 

 

Namjoon’s breath hitched as he pressed up into Seokjin’s touch. He moaned as Jin moved their hands to the side and replaced them with his mouth. Jin started slow, swirling his tongue around Namjoon’s nipple before moving to the scars. He alternated, licking lightly, then pressing kisses to the still sensitive skin. They were mostly healed, so it was more for him than actually helping to heal his mate, but Namjoon seemed to enjoy it.

 

“ Fuck ” Namjoon swore, his back arching up as Jin’s teeth scrapped over his nipple. 

 

Seokjin smirked against him, kissing across his chest to suck the other into his mouth. 

 

“Jinnie.” Namjoon moaned, hips bucking against nothing. 

 

“Poor baby.” Jin smiled, sucking a few marks of his own into Namjoon’s chest. He kissed his way down, trailing kisses all over his skin. 

 

“Jin-” Namjoon warned. 

 

Jin smirked, pulling Namjoon’s underwear all the way off in one fell swoop. He immediately began mouthing at Namjoon’s cock. “God, I missed your dick.” Jin chuckled, nuzzling the base. 

 

“You’ve said that more than you’ve said you missed me .” Namjoon huffed. 

 

“Not that you’re counting.” 

 

Namjoon’s laugh was cut off by Seokjin taking the head of Namjoon’s cock in his mouth and sinking down. 

 

“ Fuck! Oh my god, Jin!” Namjoon shouted, fighting to keep his hips still. 

 

Seokjin moaned around him, working Namjoon’s cock deeper into his throat. 

 

“Jin, Jin, fuck .” Namjoon grasped at Jin’s shoulders, tugging him off.  

 

Jin whined, spit on his lips when Namjoon pulled him all the way back up. 

 

“But- wanna-” 

 

Namjoon kissed him, groaning at his own taste in Jin’s mouth. “Seokjin, I haven’t had sex in five years.” 

 

Jin couldn’t help the flare of satisfaction he got in hearing that. “Oh yeah?” 

 

Namjoon rolled his eyes. “Do you want me to fuck you, or?” 

 

Seokjin smirked as Namjoon pulled him in for a kiss, if only to shut him up. 

 

Namjoon kissed him hard, rolling Seokjin under him. He pulled Jin’s pants off, the air in the room getting thicker as Jin’s scent hit their noses. “Holy fuck,” Namjoon choked for a moment, “Holy fuck , Jin.” 

 

Whatever Seokjin was going to say came out as a whine when Namjoon gave a few quick strokes to his cock. 

 

“Jesus Jin.” Namjoon pressed a kiss to his cock, fingers trailing down as he settled between Jin’s legs. “You’re dripping .” 

 

“Guess who else hasn’t had sex in five years?” Jin grit out. “Namjoon, I will literally kill you.” 

 

Namjoon chuckled, still a little in awe as he kissed his way down Seokjin’s cock. He moaned, resting his forehead on Jin’s thigh. “Seokjin, you smell so good. God, I- fuck.” 

 

“Touch me, please, Joon, please.” The puffs of Namjoon’s breath were making him shiver. He just needed something .

 

At the first lick of Namjoon’s tongue, Seokjin’s entire body jolted. 

 

“Yes!” Jin hissed, looking down to see Namjoon spreading him wide, pulling Jin’s legs around his shoulders. “Fuck, Joonie.” 

 

“You taste so fucking good, Seokjin, fuck. I miss- I- fuck-” Namjoon sucked a bruise into Seokjin’s thigh, resting his head there and panting for a moment before diving back in. 

 

Jin shouted at the feeling of Namjoon’s tongue tracing his rim. He bucked when Namjoon finally slipped in, nearly cried when Namjoon added fingers. Namjoon spread him wide with his fingers while licking and sucking at his rim, then switched to fingering him in earnest, using slick and spit to stretch him gently and rhythmically. 

 

God, Namjoon was so good at this. He knew exactly how to get Jin to relax, to open him up, to make him feel good. Namjoon’s fingers curled and hit just the right spot, pressing relentlessly while scissoring, making Jin’s entire body shake. Namjoon knew Jin’s body better than Jin did, and the thought made Jin gasp as Namjoon’s fingers kept curling. 

 

This was his husband, his mate, his Joonie. He and Namjoon had sex hundreds of times in the years they’d been together. Namjoon knew him. They’d been apart for five years, but they never did this with anyone else, and now they were here and Namjoon still knew exactly how to make him feel so fucking good. Because he was Namjoon. Before Jin even realized it was happening, he had tears on his cheeks. “God, Joonie.” He cried. 

 

Everything stilled for a second and Jin shook his head wildly. “Don’t stop! Joonie don’t-” Jin knew his voice sounded strangled, his sight blurry with tears. But Namjoon started again, doubling his pace, pulling out all his tricks when Seokjin shouted again. “Fuck, never mind, stop!” 

 

“Jin?” Namjoon stilled instantly and Seokjin was already grabbing at his shoulders, pulling him up.

 

“Didn’t wanna come yet.” He huffed, sitting up and shoving Namjoon flat onto the bed. 

 

“But I wanted you to,” Namjoon pouted. “Was gonna make you come on my tongue.” His hands grabbed at Seokjin’s hips as the man straddled Namjoon’s lap. 

 

Jin rolled his eyes. “You can eat me out after, right now I want your dick in my ass.” He lined himself up.

 

“Is that the same as I missed your dick? Because this count is getting really high.” 

 

“Shut-” Jin’s words were cut off as Namjoon bucked up into him. “ Oh !” He gasped, sinking down as his legs shook. “Fuck.” Jin whimpered, eyes shutting tight. 

 

“What was that?” Namjoon’s voice was shaky, but so was Jin’s entire body so he couldn’t really judge. 

 

“Fuck you.” He bit out.

 

“Please.” Namjoon smirked, using his grip on Jin’s hips to slowly lower him all the way down. 

 

“ Joonie. ” Seokjin gasped, his hands scrambling for purchase on the man’s chest. “Joonie, Joonie, Joonie. Fuck,” Jin choked. “Fuck.” 

 

Namjoon gave him just a second before he started rolling his hips. 

 

“No, no, no, hold on-” Jin grabbed at Namjoon, stilling him as pleasure shot through Seokjin’s body. “It’s been,” He huffed. “a long time since I did this.”

 

 “Jin, did I hurt-” Namjoon’s eyes were huge as he froze in his spot.

 

“No, no god,” Seokjin rushed out, opening his eyes to look at his husband. “I’m just trying not to fucking come.” 

 

Namjoon’s face twisted in shock, before slowly turning into a smirk.  “I guess you really did miss my dick.” 

 

“Namjoon, I swear to-” Seokjin words were cut off as Namjoon lifted Jin and slammed into him. “Fuck! Don’t! I can’t-” Namjoon did it again and Jin curled over. “fuck - that’s, right there, ” He moaned, his body already shaking.

 

“I know.” Ninety percent of Seokjin’s brain was focused on not coming all over Namjoon’s chest right now, but he still registered the smugness in Namjoon’s voice. That certainly didn’t help anything. 

 

Namjoon was alternating between lifting Jin up and thrusting into him, and lifting him to drop him back down. Jin couldn’t catch his breath. “Fuck, fuck! Joon, I can’t! I’m-”

 

“Come on, baby. Want you to come for me. I know you can come without me even touching you. I know just the right spot, don’t I?” 

 

“ Joonie ,” Jin felt utterly overwhelmed by Namjoon’s words, by how true they were. He’d missed this so much, missed Namjoon knowing when and how to push. Missed Namjoon taking him apart and putting him back together. Missed that feeling of being completely and wholly safe . 

 

“C’mon, baby.” Namjoon whispered. “Let go.” 

 

And Seokjin did. He came with a shout, eyes rolling back, Namjoon’s name on his lips. Namjoon stroked him through it, whispering sweetly.

 

After a few moments, Seokjin slumped fully into Namjoon chest. He whined softly. “I’m going to kick your fucking ass.” 

 

“Yeah?” Namjoon chuckled. 

 

“Yeah, just give me a minute.” 

 

“Only one minute? I think I- oh. ” Namjoon gasped as Jin squeezed down around him.

 

“Listen to you.” Jin laughed propping himself up on Namjoon’s chest. “Love so much that you can make me come, love that you’re the only one who can make me feel so good.” 

 

“Yeah,” Namjoon breathed as Seokjin began rocking against him. 

 

“What about me? Do I get to make you feel good now?”

 

“Always make me feel good.” Namjoon moaned. 

 

Jin rolled his eyes at the earnestness of the statement. “Well good. Then can I ride you for real now? Because you kind of did my job for me just now.” 

 

Namjoon laughed, a choked noise as Seokjin began lifting himself up and dropping back down. Namjoon’s hands flew back to Jin’s hips. 

 

Jin slapped them away. “Nope. You stay still.”

 

“But-“

 

“Nope. My turn, my rules. Still.” 

 

Namjoon swallowed hard, nodding and dropping his hands back on the bed. 

 

“Good boy.” Seokjin smirked. “Now you’re going to lay there and let me take care of you.” 

 

Namjoon’s eyes closed as Jin leaned down and kissed him hard. “Haven’t had anyone to take care of you in a long time, have you?” Jin whispered. Namjoon whimpered in response as Jin took his hands, intertwining their fingers and holding them above Namjoon’s head. 

 

“Fuck” Namjoon moaned, whining into Seokjin’s mouth as he sank into the feeling of Seokjin surrounding him.  

 

“There you go, baby.” Jin smiled at the dazed look on Namjoon’s face. He kissed down Namjoon’s face to his neck, leaving a trail of kisses down his throat. Seokjin moved to the mark on his neck and the moment Jin’s lips touched it, Namjoon was shaking. 

 

“ Seokjin .” Namjoon moaned, gripping and squeezing Jin’s hands tightly. 

 

“Shh, I got you.” Jin kept the rhythm of his hips going as he pressed down harder and harder. Namjoon was moaning and shaking as Seokjin licked and kissed their mating mark over and over. 

 

“Fuck, Jin, Jinnie, I’m close, so close.” 

 

“Yeah? Yeah, baby? You gonna come for me?” Seokjin whispered, kissing next to Namjoon’s ear. “Bet it was so hard to be out there, be the captain all the time. Never letting your guard down. Always taking care of everyone else, never had anyone to take care of you. But I’m here baby, I got you, you’re safe. I got you.” 

 

“Jin-” Namjoon moaned, voice thick with emotion.

 

“Yeah, always going to be here. Always going to take care of you, my alpha.” Jin slammed his hips down over and over. He nuzzled his husband’s neck, running his teeth across Namjoon’s bite mark. Namjoon gasped, body shivering before Seokjin took a breath and bit. 

 

Namjoon shouted then, yelling as he came. Jin rode him through it, Namjoon’s body arching up as he cried out. 

 

“Yeah, there you go, there you go, I got you, sweetheart. Good job, good boy, I got you.” Jin whispered over and over as he scented his mate, Namjoon’s breathing finally slowing. 

 

“Fuck, Jin.” Namjoon huffed, bringing their intertwined hands to his lips. 

 

Jin hummed, taking his hands out of Namjoon’s and wrapping his arms fully around Namjoon’s chest. 

 

“Hey,” Namjoon took his hands and gently pulled Seokjin’s face up to his. Jin kissed him softly. “I love you.” 

 

Jin stretched up, carefully sliding off, then leaned up to kiss Namjoon more fully. “I love you too.” 

 

When they settled back down, Namjoon nuzzled his nose against Seokjin’s. “You’re hard again.” 

 

“Yeah, also really fucking tired.” Jin sighed, tucking himself into Namjoon’s side. “It’ll go away.” 

 

Namjoon laughed, turning into Seokjin and yawning. “Tomorrow I’ll eat you out for real.” 

 

Jin chuckled. “How’s returning to the world of actually needing sleep?” 

 

“It’s terrible.” Namjoon yawned, arms folding around Jin has he pulled him closer. “I feel like I’ve been doing nothing but sleeping and yet, I’m exhausted.” 

 

“I think you earned a bit of rest.” Jin pressed a kiss to Namjoon’s jaw. 

 

“Mhm, you too. That was fucking incredible, Jinnie.” 

 

“It was.” Jin agreed, fully settling into his husband’s body.

 

“We should clean up.” Namjoon said through another yawn. 

 

“We’ll do it in the morning.” Jin nuzzled against him. 

 

“Maybe we should do it now.” Namjoon urged. Seokjin heard something off in his husband's voice, something like worry. But he hadn't slept in days, and hadn't slept as well as he did with Joonie in five years, so Jin just sighed. 

 

“Sleep.” Jin hummed already starting to doze, the scent of his mate all around him. 

 

“How did you get over it?” Namjoon’s voice was soft, almost pained. That made Seokjin’s eyes blink open. 

 

“Hm?” 

 

“You weren’t sleeping. You haven’t slept in like two days. And now,”  

 

Jin pulled back a bit, meeting Namjoon’s tired eyes. “I guess,” He yawned. “I guess, I thought you were going to die. I thought, I don’t know, if I fell asleep you might die. I was afraid the healing wouldn’t be enough? Or that you’d take a turn for the worse? I don’t know. It didn’t exactly make sense, but I’d just watched Hobi cut your chest open again. There was a lot of blood, you were screaming, everyone was panicking. I was terrified you were going to die.” Jin sighed. “But now, you’re alive. I can feel it,” He tapped a finger on Namjoon’s chest right over his heart. “You’re warm and alive and here with me. You were up and walking around, you just did that .” Jin smiled. “I guess the whole thing doesn’t feel as fragile anymore.” 

 

“You aren’t afraid you’re going to wake up and this whole thing, the past two days, will have been a dream?” Namjoon’s voice was soft and unsure. 

 

Jin pulled up, taking Namjoon’s face in his hands and kissing him lightly. “At first I did, for sure. But now, I don’t know, it feels too real. I think if I was dreaming, I would feel perfect and you would feel perfect and things would be perfect. But they’re not.” Jin stroked Namjoon’s cheek. “They’re messy and painful and overwhelming. They’re indescribably good as well, but they’re not perfect. And that helps.” Jin sighed. “I dreamt of seeing you and talking to you and fucking you, countless times over the past five years.” Jin smiled. “None of them hurt like this. None of them felt half as amazing, either.” 

 

Namjoon nodded slowly, as if his mind was trying to process everything Jin had said. 

 

“Come here.” Seokjin smiled, pulling Namjoon into his arms and tucking his face into his neck. “Hold on to me, and I’ll hold on to you. I promise you I’m not going to let you go, okay? I promise I’ll never let you go again.” 

 

“Promise?” 

 

Seokjin heard the sigh in Namjoon’s voice, the release of a little bit of what he was holding on to. His husband sank deeper into his arms. “Yeah, you stupid pirate. I promise.” 

 

Jin laid there for a few more minutes, his hand stroking Namjoon’s back until he couldn’t lift it anymore. The last thing Jin registered was the sound of a loud snore. He smiled.

 

fin. 

Notes:

yay! ~reunited and it feels so good~

just the epilogue to go :)

Chapter 4: something to hold on to

Notes:

I cannot comprehend why writing this epilogue took so long! the first 3 chapters I wrote in two weeks straight, 40k nonstop. then for some reason, this just utterly stunned me.

it might have something to do with me planning a short, sweet reunion scene, and it becoming a whole 10k Thing.

regardless, here it is! the end!!!! I absolutely love, loved writing this. So thank you for indulging me. And thank you to everyone who has kudoed and especially commented!!! I appreciate you all v much!

Enjoy :)

 

Namjoon groaned when something smacked him on the face. His eyes opened to see a small hand splayed on the pillow next to him. He blinked a few times, taking a moment to register the sight, then Namjoon couldn’t help his smile. Eight months later and he was still in awe of waking up this way. 

 

Namjoon looked down at the little girl who had thrown herself into their bed and was currently burying herself into the blankets between them. Them, their bed. His and Seokjin’s. He could see his mate still fast asleep over the head of their girl. Namjoon smiled wider as she tucked up against him, her scent forever etched into his soul, stronger as she buried herself all around him.

 

Namsoon hummed as Namjoon pulled her closer, held her tighter, memories flashing in his mind as he soaked in the feeling of holding his daughter close. 

 

The journey from Yoongi’s house to Seokjin’s village felt like it took forever, but simultaneously like the blink of an eye. Jin, with Jungkook, Taehyung, and now Jimin and Namjoon in tow, had handled it beautifully. Namjoon had always loved watching his husband work. The ship that had previously offered them passage back was already full, but Seokjin had managed to sweet talk the captain into letting them all on. It probably helped that Namjoon and Jimin had been living and working on a ship for five straight years because the captain took one look at them and knew they’d be physically able to carry their own weight. 

 

Namjoon knew that traveling by ship was an absolute necessity to get to the village that Seokjin called home, but if those eight days weren’t some of the most stressful in his life. Jin tried to reassure him, but with every shake, bump, or rough wind, Namjoon felt his breath catch in his throat. Logically he knew that Yoongi had taken over The Dutchman , that Hoseok was with him, that Calypso had set him free. Logically Namjoon remembered it. Knew that there was no way his mind could’ve made that up. But logic only went so far when storms seemed to follow the ship all the way back. 

 

Needless to say, Namjoon cried with relief the moment he stepped foot back on land. 

 

“Joonie, you ready?” Seokjin gave him a near blinding smile. If there was anyone else happier or more relieved to be on land it was Jin. This land specifically. His home. 

 

Seokjin had spent almost all of their journey filling Namjoon in on his and Soonie’s lives for the past five years. Namjoon would willingly admit that hearing about his daughter was one of the only ways he managed to stay calm on the ship. There were nights, as a storm raged on outside, that Seokjin would scent him gently and whisper story after story of his life with their daughter. 

 

Namjoon took his husband’s outstretched hand and squeezed. “Yeah, I’m ready.” 

 

He was not ready. But in fairness, nothing could’ve possibly, ever gotten him even remotely ready for the next few minutes of his life. 

 

There was nothing that could’ve prepared him for the distant image of a child that had appeared in the field, an older woman beside her. There was nothing that could’ve prepared him for the way Seokjin’s hand slid out of his, as the man suddenly ran, running faster than Namjoon had ever seen. Nothing could’ve prepared him for the way that Jin fell to his knees, or the way the girl crashed into him. 

 

Nothing on the entire planet could’ve prepared Namjoon for the sight of his mate and their child holding each other, scenting each other, crying with each other. When Namjoon made it to them, the little girl had her face tucked into Seokjin’s neck. They were both whimpering and whispering and clinging to each other. Namjoon felt like his heart might burst. He could smell them both, now that he was so close. He could smell his daughter; a mix of Jin and him and something different all together. Namjoon’s heart pounded in his chest. 

 

And that’s when he heard a laugh. 

 

It sounded exactly like Seokjin’s, loud and obnoxious, but higher and the most beautiful sound Namjoon had ever heard. He fell to his knees then, feeling utterly overwhelmed. That’s when Seokjin turned, bringing his --their-- daughter with him. 

 

Namjoon was glad he was already on the ground, because the sight of her knocked the breath out of his lungs. Namsoon. She did indeed look very much like him. Namjoon recognized his face in hers. But she had Seokjin’s lips and was currently nailing his shocked and confused expression perfectly. 

 

“Namsoonie,” Seokjin’s voice was thick with emotion, but he beamed between the two of them, eyes bright and full of tears. “Soo, I want you to meet-” 

 

“Daddy!” She shrieked. “You smell like my Daddy!”

 

There was a blur of motion and suddenly Namjoon’s arms were full. His breath stuttered as his little girl was there, pressing her face into his neck and hugging him tightly. “Daddy, daddy, daddy,” She giggled, scenting him over and over.

 

“I-” Namjoon felt his arms wrap around her, holding her securely against him. His eyes were wide as he looked over her shoulder to his husband. 

 

Seokjin had a hand over his mouth, clearly trying to hold back a sob as he met Namjoon’s eyes. “Go on.” He whispered with a shaky voice. 

 

Namjoon didn’t even realize he’d been holding back until he felt himself let go. His face fell into her neck and everything in the world felt, right . His daughter. He was scenting his daughter.

 

“Daddy! Hi, daddy! I missed you Daddy!” Namsoon chattered against him. She rubbed her nose against him, pressing kisses to his neck as if it was the most natural thing in the world. 

 

Namjoon’s entire body shook as he realized she was rubbing against his mating mark, the one that had tied him and Seokjin together all those years ago. The one that they’d given each other the same day that they’d created a child. This child, this little girl scenting him and calling him Daddy and hugging him with all her strength. This little girl who looked like him and sounded like Seokjin. 

 

“Jin-” Namjoon choked out, lifting his head for only a second to reach his arm out. 

 

Seokjin nodded, moving instantly to wrap himself around the both of them. 

 

“Shh,” He hushed Namjoon’s cries, pressing kisses to the top of his head. “We got you. We both got you. Don’t we, Soo? We got Daddy, right?” 

 

“Never letting go! We got you forever, Daddy!” 

 

Namjoon sobbed harder.

 

It took Namjoon quite a while to be able to pull away from his family. They were both patient, happy to surround him with all the love and assurance that he needed. Seokjin thumbed away the tears on his cheeks. 

 

“Daddy! You’re here forever, right? Are you going to stay at our house? Daddy, will you tell me about being a pirate? Papa said you’re the best pirate in the whole world! Tell me a story with fun and adventure and pirates, please! Papa always tells me stories, but I want you to tell stories too!” 

 

Namjoon’s heart stopped all over again when he heard their daughter -- their daughter -- refer to Seokjin as ‘Papa’ because Seokjin, his Seokjin, was their daughter’s Papa. He wondered how long it would take for every single thing Namsoon did to stop being so magnificently overwhelming. 

 

The feeling still hadn’t fully gone away. Namjoon was still stopped in his tracks by things that his daughter did that just blew him away. He figured that to some extent that would always continue. Seokjin had confessed that he had the same feeling about watching Namjoon and Namsoon together, it still knocked the breath out of him some days. 

 

It hadn’t all been as easy as that first moment. Namjoon had struggled to an extent, figuring out his place in all of this. Seokjin and Namsoon had routines and schedules, they had rules and an established, well, life. And not only that, but Jin was a parent and Namjoon had to find a way to be a parent beside him. 

 

It had been a rollercoaster of a couple months, where things would be wonderful and joyous and so right, then fall into confusion and hurt and trauma, but they’d made it. Occasional issues popped up now and again, but after eight months, they’d ironed out most of those struggles. It had been an adjustment for all of them, but one they were all so unbelievably excited and happy to make. 

 

“Good morning, Soo.” Namjoon smiled at her, holding her tight against him. Still half asleep, the girl rubbed her face into his neck, sighing softly. 

 

“Morning Daddy.” Namsoon mumbled, pressing a kiss to his neck. 

 

Some days Namjoon still struggled to comprehend that he was here. That he was holding his daughter — he and Seokjin’s daughter — in his arms. His mind struggled to reconcile the past five years with the last six months. Sometimes they both felt like a dream. Their life had gotten so normal, so domestic, that some days the idea of having been the captain of The Flying Dutchman seemed like an absolutely absurd story he’d made up. But some days he felt the weight of that much stronger, of he and Seokjin’s life before all of this, the pain that they still experienced the consequences of. Sometimes it felt like Namjoon had known Namsoon forever, and others, it overwhelmed him just how much he’d missed. 

 

It didn’t seem that Namsoon had that problem, however. Namjoon was eternally grateful to Jin for having left a space for him in their lives all these years. Namsoon had clung to him from the moment he’d arrived. She already knew him, she already loved him. It had been far from perfect or effortless, especially matching the idea of him with actual him, but there had been a space for Namjoon with Namsoon that had been created intentionally by Seokjin over the course of five years. It had allowed him to slip in and start having a relationship with his daughter instantly.

 

And times like this, with Namsoon wrapped in his arms, scenting him sweetly, everything felt so right . Like no matter what had happened, they’d made it here. And slowly, he was letting that feeling settle. 

 

Namjoon was happy. 

 

“Hey Soonie,” Namjoon ran his fingers through the knots in her bedhead, gently working them out. 

 

 Namsoon yawned into his neck. “Yeah, Daddy?”

 

“Happy birthday, baby.” Namjoon smiled down at her.

 

“‘m not a baby.” Soonie huffed, before she quickly pulled out of his neck, eyes wide. “It’s my birthday!” She practically squealed.

 

On the other side of the bed, Seokjin shifted in his sleep, turning and mumbling nonsense at the noise. Then he sighed, face smooshing back into the pillow. 

 

Namsoon looked like she was fighting a laugh. 

 

“Okay, well why don’t we go get ready for your Big Birthday Day and we’ll let Papa keep sleeping.” Namjoon whispered, amused. 

 

“He’s being lazy again.” Namsoon sighed as Namjoon popped her off the bed and onto the floor. “But that’s okay, he can be sometimes.” 

 

“I’m sure he appreciates your understanding, Soo.” Namjoon chuckled. “Come on, let’s go get some breakfast.” 

 

Almost as soon as they got to the kitchen, there was a knock on the back door. Namsoon rushed to open it.

 

“Happy birthday Soo!” Jungkook grabbed her, swinging her up and into the biggest hug. 

 

“Koo!” She squealed as he tickled her, tipping her upside down when she fought to get away. “Koo! Koo stop!” She laughed. 

 

“Alright you two, take your loudness out to the garden please!” 

 

“Okay!” Jungkook’s eyes were practically sparkling as he gripped Namsoon tight and ran out the door. 

 

Namjoon could hear her shrieking and laughing as the door shut. He went to work on getting breakfast done.

 

“Daddy!” Namsoon popped her head into the kitchen. “Daddy, can we do a practice today? Since Koo is already here?” 

 

“It’s your day, love! We can do whatever you want!” 

 

“Yes! I’ll go tell Koo! Can we go after breakfast?” 

 

“Sure, love. Why don’t you guys come eat really quick and we’ll go before it gets too hot?” 

 

It was an hour later by the time they’d gotten ready, eaten, and headed outside. When Namjoon finished filling up the water jugs, he walked out to the garden to find Jungkook chasing Namsoon around the bushes. Namjoon chuckled. “Are you two going to be too tired to practice?” 

 

Jungkook immediately stopped, bouncing towards Namjoon. Soonie was on his heels. “No, we’re ready!” 

 

“I’m not sure how either of you have so much energy.” Namjoon laughed. “Alright, come on, let’s go.” 

 

“Is Jin not coming?” Jungkook asked, pouting in the direction of the house. 

 

Namjoon almost chuckled at the sweet expression. “He was still passed out when I went to ask. Didn’t even stir when I was getting ready, so we’ll let him sleep. If he’s still out when we get back I’ll wake him, but it’s early.” 

 

Jungkook frowned. “He’s been so tired recently.” 

 

Namjoon smiled at the worry on the younger’s face. He still couldn’t get over the gratitude that rose in his chest whenever he looked at Jungkook. This kid, who had dedicated so much of himself to help Jin. Namjoon loved the way that Jungkook cared so wholeheartedly about their family. And watching Jin with him, the brotherhood they had, warmed Namjoon’s heart. “He’s fine. Probably lingering effects of his heat. Plus it’s his day off! I’m sure he’ll come find us later.” 

 

“Last one to the tree is a rotten egg!” Namsoon shouted, taking off into the field towards the large oak tree down the way.

 

Namjoon watched Jungkook fight not to go, but the sound of Soonie’s laughter traveled back and the kid couldn’t help taking off after her. 

 

Namjoon laughed. “Oh no!” He said loudly as he walked towards the tree, watching them huff as they tried to catch their breath. “I’m rotten, again!” 

 

“Oh Daddy.” Namsoon giggled. “It’s okay. You’re old. You get points just for making it here, so really Koo is the loser!” 

 

Namjoon clutched his chest. “Ouch.” He pouted right as Jungkook yelled “Hey!” 

 

Jungkook had very sweetly, and shyly approached Namjoon a couple weeks after they’d returned and asked if the man could teach him more about sword fighting.

 

Namjoon debated it. Not because the kid wasn’t absolutely wonderful, but because over the past five years he’d spent a lot of time considering the choices in his life that had led to his heart being cut out and put in a box, trapping him to a ship for eternity while separating him from the love of his life. Had he stayed on that island they’d grown up on, none of this would’ve happened. The pain, the trauma, not only his, but his husband’s as well. But then Jin had gently reminded him that had they stayed they also wouldn’t have ever gotten to be with each other, both of them trapped in society’s dumb but seemingly unbreakable rules. They wouldn’t be married, they wouldn’t be mates, and Namjoon wouldn’t be holding his daughter in his arms. Jin would’ve died all those years ago at the hands of the pirates that kidnapped him if he hadn’t had Namjoon’s help escaping. 

 

Plus, Jungkook wasn’t asking Namjoon to teach him how to be a pirate. He was asking for fighting lessons, and a partner to spar with. Jungkook had spent enough time with Jin to see the cost of all of this for both of them. If the kid made the decision to go be a pirate, at least he knew the potential consequences. 

 

Namjoon had agreed, because of course he had. He felt overwhelmingly indebted to Jungkook, more and more as Seokjin had told him about their lives. Jungkook featured in almost every story. He had been incredible with Namsoon, playing with her, watching her, being a constant in her life. But Jungkook had also been Jin’s constant, his rock, his person while Namjoon hadn’t been there. And that meant so much. So of course, Namjoon could give him sparring lessons. He’d do anything for Jungkook.

 

Plus the time together had really given Namjoon a chance to get to know the man. Jungkook was such an easy person to be around, Namjoon loved spending time with him.

 

It ended up being something that Namjoon got to do with Jungkook, but Namsoon almost always wanted to tag along. Namjoon loved getting to see their relationship, as well as spend time with the both of them. They had such a sweet and unique bond, Namjoon felt overjoyed that they both had so eagerly wanted him to spend this time with them.

 

Practice started with Namsoon and Jungkook going over some of the moves they’d learned before. But Namsoon had gotten tired and bored, and ended up eating all of the snacks in the shade. They had just called it, and collapsed by the tree when Namsoon pouted. “Koo,” She frowned. “why didn’t you bring Minnie with you? I thought he’d be here to play with me. It is my birthday.” 

 

Jungkook laughed. “Sorry Soo. He and TaeTae are working at the bakery this morning. But they’re definitely going to be around later for your party!” 

 

“Daddy, can we go over there after this? I miss Minnie and TaeTae.” The girl pouted. 

 

Namjoon wanted to argue that two nights ago she had spent literally all night with the pair, plus Jungkook, while Seokjin and Namjoon had date night, but he resisted. “We’ll talk to Papa about it. But we should probably spend some time getting ready for your party later!” 

 

“There’s Papa!” Namsoon’s smile grew wide as she took off running towards the figure walking in the field. 

 

Namjoon smiled as he turned to see his husband. Seokjin was practically glowing in the morning sun.

 

“Good morning, baby.” Jin smiled as he popped Namsoon on his hip. “My baby, who isn’t my baby anymore.” He pretended to cry, tucking his head in Namsoon’s neck, making her giggle. “My five year old, oh my god ! How did this happen?!” 

 

“Morning Papa!” She koalaed around him, hugging him tightly. “I had one birthday every year for four years and then now which is five years, that’s how I’m five.” 

 

Seokjin sighed dramatically. “Sounds fake.” He huffed, readjusting Soonie on his hip. “Almost getting too big for this Soo.” Jin fake cried again, dramatically using both arms to keep her up as he walked towards the large oak tree. “Five!”

 

“Is it all the cakes from the bakery? Daddy told TaeTae that’s making him fat.” 

 

Seokjin laughed loudly as he set Namsoon down by the group. 

 

“I- Soo!” Namjoon sputtered. Learning that little ears somehow managed to hear every single thing he said, and repeat it whenever she felt like it, had certainly been an adjustment.

 

Jin walked over, patting Namjoon’s stomach. Namjoon knew that eight months of not doing constant physical labor had made him a little bit softer. But Jin chuckled, patting him again, fingers starting to tickle.

 

Namjoon rolled his eyes and snatched Jin’s hand away, pulling him close. He was still in awe of this as well. Namsoon had certainly been a major adjustment in his life, but his relationship with Jin had also been basically brand new. They’d been together for years, but husbands? As well as parents? That was an entirely different experience. And not an easy one. The patience and grace Jin managed to endlessly offer him made Namjoon fall in love all over again.

 

Namjoon had been in love with Seokjin Kim since he was nine years old, and the fact that he was still getting to experience new sides to him was the most joyous gift Namjoon could’ve ever received. Seokjin as a husband, Seokjin as a mate, Seokjin as a father. Somedays Namjoon felt like his heart might burst with the love he felt towards this incredible man. His incredible man.

 

“You didn’t wake me.” Jin pouted, kissing Namjoon’s cheek in greeting. 

 

“You seemed like you needed the rest. You didn’t miss much, I promise.” Namjoon smiled, kissing his husband gently. When they pulled back, Namjoon was a little caught off guard by how tired Seokjin looked. For someone who slept in, he looked just as wiped out as he had before bed. Namjoon was about to ask, when a loud noise sounded from the direction of the sea. It sounded like a ship. They couldn’t see the shore from their angle, but a jolt of panic shot through Namjoon. 

 

“A ship! A ship!” Soonie yelled. 

 

Before Namjoon could react, Jungkook and Namsoon were running through the field towards the cliff edge to look out across the sea. Namjoon immediately hurried after the pair. “Namsoon! Wait!” A ship? What would a ship be doing on this part of the shore? There wasn’t a docking point, and they were pretty isolated. Someone would have to know to come there. Namjoon’s heart rate rose quickly. 

 

“It’s the Flying Dutchman !” Jungkook yelled. 

 

Namjoon took a sharp breath, body stopping dead in its tracks. Seokjin was immediately there, hand slipping into Namjoon’s. 

 

“It’s just Hoseok. He said he wanted to come meet Soonie. Yoon gave us a way to send a message. Remember? I told you that I asked them to come for her birthday. Maybe they couldn’t reply, so they’re just showing up.” Jin spoke softly, slowly, squeezing Namjoon’s hand. 

 

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure.” Logically, Namjoon knew that. He had been vaguely waiting to hear from Hobi, because he knew that the man was going to want to come see them soon. He knew that. And yet, it was as if every cell in his body was frozen. His breath stuttered. 

 

“Joonie,” Seokjin whispered. “What do you need?” 

 

Namjoon barely heard him. “Jin, what if-” 

 

“Namjoon.” Jin’s voice was firm, and loud. It cut through the panic in Namjoon’s mind. “What do you need?”

 

Namjoon blinked. “Don’t want Soonie near-” He managed to get out. 

 

“Soo!” Jin was already calling. His voice was so calm and composed. Namjoon tried to latch onto that. “Namsoonie, come here, darling!” 

 

Both Jungkook and the girl stopped, looking over their shoulders at the pair. Namjoon wanted to tell them it was fine, wanted to stop having such a strong reaction, wanted to move . Especially since it was Namsoon’s birthday. It was supposed to be happy, a celebration. He wanted so badly to stop having this reaction, but, god, it was here. The Flying Dutchman was here and what if- “Can we just- I- that ship.” Namjoon shook his head. “I just-”

 

Namsoon wrapped herself around Namjoon’s legs. “You just need a minute, Daddy?” She asked, looking up at him with big, wide eyes. 

 

Namjoon didn’t trust himself not to cry as he nodded. They’d come up with that as a family: ‘Just need a minute.’ With everything that had happened, the three of them had enough trauma for multiple lifetimes over. Sometimes it was hard in the moment to express why and how something triggered that. Sometimes they needed a minute to sort their emotions all out. Or a moment to remember how to breathe, in Namjoon’s current case.

 

The family stood together, Namjoon holding Namsoon in his arms, his daughter scenting him comfortingly. Jungkook stood on one side of him, Seokjin curled into the other. 

 

“Hoseokie!” Jin smiled, the moment he saw Hoseok’s figure appear at the other end of the field. “Look, baby.” Jin nosed by Namjoon’s ear gently. “It’s Hoseokie.” 

 

Namjoon let out the breath he’d been holding. Of course it was Hoseok. It was just his friend coming for a visit. Jin had told him it was Namsoon’s birthday. Everything was okay. Hoseok was just stopping by to see them like he promised he would. Everything was okay. Namjoon let the thoughts roll over in his mind while he focused on Jin’s hand rubbing circles on his back. 

 

When Yoongi popped up beside Hoseok, Jin and Jungkook let out an excited noise. That’s when Hoseok seemed to recognize the group, like he hadn’t realized they’d be right there . He took off running towards them, eyes bright, smile almost blinding, even in the distance. 

 

“Joon!” Hoseok shouted. “Jinnie!” 

 

“Daddy-” Namsoon was a little restless, seeming to be struggling between wanting to comfort her father and wanted to get down, as she watched the man come closer to them. “Is that the Hoseokie?”

 

Namjoon, sensing her excitement, put his daughter down, kneeling to meet her eye level. “This is your Uncle Hoseok. He came to meet you! He’s been Daddy and Papa’s friend for a very long time.” 

 

“I know Seokie from all the stories!” Namsoon practically beamed as she looked at the man coming towards them. “Can I, Daddy?” She asked. 

 

Namjoon nodded and the girl took off running towards Hoseok. Jungkook right beside her.

 

Seokjin wrapped his arms fully around Namjoon as they watched their daughter go. Namjoon couldn’t help but be reminded of his own meeting in this same place not that long ago. Especially when he watched his daughter crash into Hoseok’s legs for a hug. Their friend looked a little surprised at the greeting, but quickly leaned down and hugged the girl tight.

 

“Look at how awkward Yoongi is.” Seokjin whispered, giggling a little, and breaking the last bit of panic still gripping Namjoon. He chuckled a little himself as he watched Yoongi extend a hand to their daughter. 

 

“You’re the captain of The Flying Dutchman !” Namsoon gasped, throwing her arms around him, his hand trapped between them in the hug. 

 

“I- uh- yeah, yes.” 

 

“You’re amazing! You saved my Daddy! I love you!” Soonie squealed hugging Yoongi tightly.

 

Seokjin laughed loudly at that. “Joonie, our turn to save him.” 

 

“I suppose we should.” Namjoon took a deep breath, taking Jin’s hand and walking towards the group. Jin pulled Yoongi in for a hug as Namjoon approached the place where Hoseok had knelt down to speak excitedly to his daughter. “Hoseokie.” Namjoon smiled warmly. 

 

Hoseok jumped up immediately, pulling Namjoon in for a huge hug, holding on tightly to the man. “Fuck, Joon.” He whispered against his ear. “It’s so good to see you. It’s- god, I miss you!” 

 

Namjoon tightened the hold. “Yeah, I know. I miss you too.” 

 

Hoseok had been such a constant for Namjoon all these years, especially the ones after he’d lost Jin and suddenly become the captain of a ghost ship full of confused and damned pirates. Adjusting to not having him around had been like losing a limb. 

 

Hoseok squeezed him tighter. 

 

“I’m going to go get Minnie! He’s going to freak out!” Jungkook beamed, taking off towards town.

 

Namjoon pulled back, keeping an arm around Hoseok’s shoulders. “I’m assuming you both can stay for a little while? We’d love to spend some time with you.” 

 

“Yes!” Hoseok beamed. “We heard there was a super special kid who was having a birthday today!” 

 

“Me! Me! It’s my birthday! I wanted to meet you Seokie! I heard stories about you! Papa said you are so funny and nice and helped save Papa and Daddy’s butts!” 

 

Hoseok laughed. “Wow, that’s very nice of them to say! And actually, very true!” 

 

Namjoon rolled his eyes. 

 

“Will you tell me stories today? For my birthday?” 

 

“Of course! I would love to! We are so happy to be here for your birthday!” Hoseok turned to Namjoon and Jin. “We have to get back by the time the sun sets, but until then, we’re all yours.” 

 

Namjoon noticed a look between Hoseok and Yoongi, like maybe how long they were staying was a point of contention. Yoongi rolled his eyes but nodded, and Hoseok smiled brightly. Yoongi looked away quickly, fighting a smile. Oh. Namjoon almost chucked. So that was going to be a thing. Namjoon looked at Jin who was glancing between the two smugly. Their eyes met in a knowing look as Namjoon turned back to his daughter. “Soo, should we be polite and offer to take our guests to the house?”

 

The little girl’s eyes grew big. She reached for Hoseok’s hand, tugging him away. “Yoonie!” She yelled, shoving her hand in front of him. 

 

“Yeah, go on, Yoonie.” Jin laughed, holding his own hand out to Namjoon.

 

“Uh, okay.” 

 

Namsoon took Hoseok and Yoongi on either side of her and pulled them towards the house. 

 

Namjoon reached for Jin’s waist, the two of them walked behind the other three, watching as Namsoon tried to get the pair to swing her as they made their way to the house. 

 

“You okay?” Seokjin asked him quietly as they made their way towards their home. 

 

“Yeah, I think so.” Namjoon squeezed his hip gently. “I’m sorry I froze up like that. I knew it was Hoseok and Yoongi, I just-” 

 

“Hey,” Jin cut him off. “You know better than to apologize for that.” Jin nudged him lightly. 

 

Namjoon nodded. 

“It freaked me out too. I know we’re safe, but sometimes, especially now, it’s hard to force my brain to see logic through all of the extra emotions.” 

 

Namjoon nodded again. It had been hard at first, the nightmares and the nerves and the sense of dread. But the more stable they’d gotten, the more settled they felt, the easier it got to logic their way out of the fear. 

 

“Wait, especially-”

 

“Papa!” Namsoon yelled, cutting Namjoon off as she flung herself at Jin. “Papa! Can we make a cake for Seokie and Yoonie?” 

 

Seokjin chuckled, picking the girl up as they arrived at the door. “Well how about after lunch we make your cake and they can share with you? Does that sound alright?” 

 

“Yeah! I can share!” 

 

“Perfect. Wow, five year old Soonie is so mature already!” 

 

“Papa!” She laughed as Jin set her down in the house. 

 

Namjoon held the door and ushered Hoseok and Yoongi into their cottage. 

“This is your home?” Hoseok’s smile got watery as he walked into the door, eyes scanning the house. 

 

It wasn’t much. Seokjin had offered to move or build out when Namjoon arrived. They had space above the bakery they could stay in, Jin had just chosen this to be close to the sea. But honestly, Namjoon loved the home that Jin and Namsoon had created together. It was so Jin and it was all they needed. 

 

“Seokie?” Jin went to give him a hug. 

 

“It’s beautiful! I’m sorry to get so emotional, I just- I’m so happy for you guys! I didn’t know if you’d ever- but you - and you have a kid!” 

 

Namjoon felt a rush of emotion for the man in front of him. Hoseok had been pushing them together since they rescued Seokjin from the pirates all those years ago, he’d married them, and held Jin after Namjoon had died, and now here he was with them again, in their home with their daughter. Jin must’ve been thinking about it too, his eyes watering along with Hoseok. 

 

Namsoon frowned. “It’s okay Uncle Seokie! It’s okay! We cry a lot here! Daddy cried so much when he first saw the house too!” She hugged around Seokjin and Hoseok’s legs. 

 

“Thank you, Soonie, that’s very kind of you to say.” Hoseok hoisted her up into his arms. “God, you really do look just like your dad.” 

 

“I know, but even prettier! Because Papa is the most handsome person in the world, and I got his pretty too!” 

 

Namjoon and Jin laughed loudly, rolling their eyes at their daughter. 

 

Hoseok shook his head, looking between the three of them in awe. Before Hoseok could actually respond, there was a loud noise outside, before three more people rushed through the door. 

 

“Seokie!” Jimin shouted, bounding towards the man. “I didn’t know you were coming!” Hoseok set Namsoon down in time for Jimin to crash into him for a massive hug. 

 

“Minnie, it’s so good to see you! We have so missed you!” 

 

The group ended up in the large room in the center of the house. Hoseok and Namjoon were on the couch, Jimin had wedged himself between the two on the floor, Jungkook leaning against him. Hoseok was filling them in on the ship and all the things they had missed. The curse was much different now, the crew were free to come and go, their souls were their own. They were still tied to the ship, in that they had a calling, and purpose that kept them wanting to stay. 

 

Yoongi and Hoseok worked together to choose candidates, and were apparently great judges of character in that they’d had only one problem with one sailor so far. Much of their original crew had decided to stay, or had left but quickly come back. It had been decades, almost centuries for some, and the world outside of the ship was too different for them to rejoin. Hoseok caught Namjoon up on their old friends, and explained that he and Yoongi left the ship with them for the time they’d be here. Overall things had been going well and Calypso had actually told them she was pleased with their work, then disappeared. They were feeling confident they could continue to make things work. 

 

Namjoon felt the spectrum of emotions as he listened to Hoseok speak. He was happy that things seemed to be working out. Hoseok was animated, excited even, about the work they were doing. But listening to this, Namjoon felt a pang of guilt. He had been a good captain, his crew liked him, respected him. But he had always been torn about being on the ship. He’d always overwhelmingly missed his mate and the life he was supposed to be having. It was hard to enjoy that time when it was forced upon him. He understood that a lot of the crew felt that way as well. To hear the joy in Hoseok’s voice, Namjoon knew that in the five years they were on the ship together, Hoseok had felt terrible for him, felt like he couldn’t enjoy it because Namjoon was so utterly heartbroken. 

 

But Namjoon tried to push that thought back. It didn’t matter. Hoseok was happy now, he and Yoongi seemed excited for their future, and proud of where they were. That was the most important thing. Namjoon had nothing but appreciation and overwhelming gratitude for Yoongi for not only taking over his place, but helping it become the best it could be. Namjoon hadn’t seen Hoseok this happy in years. Namjoon wasn’t a huge believer in fate, but here now, despite all the pain they’d endured, he and Hoseok had both found the place that felt the most right for them. He squeezed the hand he had on Hoseok’s shoulder. Hoseok gave him a blinding smile. 

 

Seokjin, Taehyung, Yoongi, and Namsoon had all gathered in the kitchen, volunteering to get lunch ready. Namsoon sat in Yoongi’s lap, helping him wash the potatoes. The little girl kept the conversation going, asking question after question of Yoongi. 

 

“What’s being captain like?” “Did it hurt when you cutted your heart out?” “Is Calypso the biggest meanie?” “Have you met lots of pirates?” “Papa said Posiden is your great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, uncle. Is that true? Do you get to have Christmas with him? What’s he like? He seems scary. Is he scary?” “Will you tell me a story about pirates?” “Daddy said you’re really old. You don’t look really old. Do you have kids like me? Are they grown ups? Why don’t you look old?” 

 

After poor Yoongi had dutifully answered as many as possible, Seokjin had to tell her she’d run out of questions for the hour and that her tank would be refilled at noon and only then could she ask more. 

 

Yoongi, such a wonderful team player, took the time to ask Namsoon some questions. 

 

“What’s your favorite game to play?” “What are we going to do today for your birthday?” “What’s your favorite sweet from the bakery?” “Is it exciting to have your dad home?” “What do you love to do with him?” “What’s your favorite kind of cake?” 

 

Yoongi helped her to help him make lunch, showing her how to tear the leaves off of the plants they’d gathered, picking off the bad parts, teaching her how to measure. 

 

Seokjin smiled at them. “I didn’t know you liked to cook.” He nudged Yoongi.

 

“Yeah,” Yoongi smiled. “It’s very similar to magic. All about portions and balance and finding the perfect ingredients.” 

 

“Wow! You can come cook here anytime!” Soonie yelled after Yoongi let her try a bite of the stew they’d made. 

 

Namjoon’s eyes caught Seokjin’s across the room as they listened to their daughter compliment Yoongi’s food. It was kind of amazing how far they’d come. This ragtag group, all brought together by the love that Namjoon and Seokjin shared. It made Namjoon’s heart fill with affection as he realized that they’d brought them together, but the group had grown to love and care about each other in their own different and special ways. Not only that, but they’d all shown up here today to celebrate Namjoon and Seokjin’s daughter. Every one of these men had played a part in making this moment happen, getting this family together to share this life together. Seokjin smiled at Namjoon, as if knowing exactly what he was thinking. 

 

“So, Minnie,” Hoseok started, when they’d all sat down at the table for lunch. “Tell us everything! How’s life? Are things going well? You’ve obviously decided to stay here..” Hoseok’s eyes looked at the three men at the end of the table. They were all sitting close, making eyes at each other throughout the meal. 

 

It was not lost on anyone the way Jimin paused to look at Taehyung on one side, then Jungkook on the other. He giggled. “Um, yes! I have!” 

 

“Oh, oh .” Yoongi stated, then, when everyone looked at him, seemed to look embarrassed for actually saying it out loud. 

 

“Yeah, how did this happen?” Hoseok chuckled. 

 

Jimin smiled between Jungkook and Taehyung, taking their hands in his. “Well, I don’t know exactly. I guess, we just, hit it off.” 

 

“Kookie and I had already been sleeping together on and off for years.” Taehyung stated. 

 

“What?!” Jin yelled, standing up with the sheer force of how loud he said it. Everyone paled. Taehyung seemed to realize his mistake immediately. “Wait, what? How did I not know that?” He looked at Jungkook pointedly. “How the fuck did I not know that?” 

 

“Jin, language.” Namjoon said half-heartedly, really not wanting to draw Jin’s attention to himself right now. 

 

“Koo and I sleep together whenever we have sleepovers!” Namsoon added, looking around the table to see if her comment was helpful. 

 

Namjoon burst out laughing. Seokjin fumed. Namjoon shut up.

 

“That’s different, honey.” Seokjin said sweetly to her, before his eyes narrowed on the other boys. “I thought you all got together after the trip!” 

 

“It was just to help with heats! And maybe when we were bored or whatever. It was a casual, occasional thing! It-” Taehyung tried. 

 

“Oh my god, I cannot believe I did not know this!” Seokjin huffed, sitting down at the table with a frown, arms folded over his chest.  

 

“No, no, not the pout, I’m sorry!” Jungkook nearly fell out of his chair, grabbing at Jin’s hands and turning to fully face him. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you! It was just that it was really casual, and-” Jungkook grimaced. “You were really sad, and we didn’t want to make it into a big deal! It was nothing like what you and Namjoon had, we didn’t want to make you more sad. There just aren’t many people our age in town, and we were good friends, so it made sense whenever we needed, something. I swear, we didn’t know it was anything.” 

 

“It wasn’t anything.” Taehyung interrupted. “Until we met Minnie.” 

 

Jimin smiled at both of them before turning to Jin. “If it helps, I didn’t know for a little while either! I, me , didn’t pick up on it at all! They didn’t have that thing between them, you know? Like the moment that I saw you and Joonie in the same vicinity, it was like, there it is, between you. That connection, the love, the desire, that something more . Even now, the space between you two is always a little bit charged with that energy. But they didn’t have it!” 

 

“You sure do now.” Hoseok stated. 

 

“Yeah, yeah, that’s what we mean. It was like, not there, until we met Minnie, that first night when we all went to the tavern to make the travel arrangements, we just had a really nice time. And then with the trip back home, we all really wanted to give those two their space.” Taehyung stated. “So we just kind of stuck together and took Minnie under our wings. We spent a lot of time together that first week. Talking and goofing off and getting into trouble on the ship. It was exciting and special and I learned so much about both of them. Minnie brings out a different side of Kook and it was really cool to see and experience. It was beautiful.”

 

“You both are beautiful.” Jimin squeezed Taehyung’s hand, and the hand he had resting on Jungkook’s shoulder. 

 

Namjoon caught Jin’s eyes, raising an eyebrow. They were cute, those three. Ridiculous, but cute. And impossible to be upset with, really. Seokjin rolled his eyes at his husband’s expression, but Namjoon could tell he had already begrudgingly let go of his anger.

 

“When we got back here, Jiminie went to stay at TaeTae’s place, and I don’t know, I realized I was jealous. Even though they weren’t actually together, it just felt like they might get there. And I was upset, because I wanted that, but I wasn’t even at that point sure with which one.” Jungkook laughed. “And, I was worried. At first I thought- I guess I was afraid that I felt that way because everyone had someone, except me. I thought maybe I was just lonely, but-” 

 

“But I’ll always be your best friend, Koo!” Namsoon rushed out, interrupting him. 

 

Namjoon felt his heart melt at the sweetness of the statement. He knew his daughter wasn’t really following the story, but it was so kind of her to try to comfort him that way. God, she was so clearly Seokjin’s child. Namjoon felt a rush of emotion towards both his child and his mate. He was about to scoop her up into his own lap when Jungkook choked a bit and called out to her. 

 

“Come here, Soo.” She got up and he swooped her into a hug, settling her against him. “You’re so right and I’m the luckiest person in the whole world to have a best friend like you.” 

 

Jimin’s hand rested on Jungkook’s shoulder, rubbing gently as he watched the scene. 

 

“Minnie, you and TaeTae are tied for my second best friend! I hope that’s okay. I love you both!” She beamed, as Jungkook scented her sweetly. 

 

“Of course, my darling.” Jimin booped her nose. “It’s the biggest honor in my life.” 

 

“Yeah, SooSoo, we treasure your friendship more than all the gold in the seas.” 

 

Her eyes grew wide. “Wow! That’s so much!” 

 

Namjoon was so enraptured by the scene that he hadn’t even noticed Jin’s hand moving until it found his and gripped tightly. 

 

“Fine, I guess it’s fine if you didn’t tell me.” Jin huffed, but had the softest, fondest smile on his face as he watched all three coo over his daughter. 

 

The group spent the rest of lunch lavishing love and praise on Soonie. Namjoon and Seokjin cleared the plates and food, half listening as Hoseok told a dramatic story about the crew fighting off a ship of ghost pirates, Namsoon curled in his lap . 

 

“Hey, I’ll wash. You can go spend some time with Seok. He already caught me up on The Duchman drama.” Namjoon smiled. 

 

Jin kissed his cheek and accepted. He shooed Jimin, squeezing between him and Hoseok on the couch as Hoseok continued his story. 

 

“Okay, my love.” Seokjin kissed the top of his daughter’s head once Hoseok had finished. “Time to make the cake. Do you want to help?” 

 

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” She bounced. “Can Yoonie help too?” 

 

“I bet if you ask him very nicely, he would love to.” Jin smiled. 

 

Namjoon leaned against the doorframe, watching as Namsoon flung herself into Yoongi’s lap and cuddled up to him. He turned less pink than the last time she did that, and smiled as Soonie wrapped his arms around her for a hug. “So you’ll help?” Namjoon heard her get louder as she got more excited. He didn’t hear the response, but saw her hop up and pull at Yoongi’s arm. Namjoon smiled, moving to the side as Soonie dragged an embarrassed by softly smiling Yoongi to the kitchen. 

 

Within the hour, the cake was baking under the watchful eyes of Seokjin and Yoongi, so Namjoon found himself running out in the garden with five grown men and a five year old. 

 

“TaeTae! You’re my personal wizard!” Soonie shouted. “You have to protect me from the evil sea HA- ” She yelled, running at full speed at Jungkook almost grabbed her. “Koo! Koo!” She shrieked. “Not yet Koo! Not! Started! Yet!” 

 

Jungkook stopped for a second. 

 

“Let me assign everyone their roles first, Koo!” 

 

Jungkook, looking properly chastised, headed back over to Jimin. 

 

“Minnie! MinMin! You get to be on Koo’s side this time! Because I want Seokie!” 

 

“As long as you think you can escape the tickle monster!” 

 

Soonie rolled her eyes, Hoseok snorting at her. “Usually I pick Minnie to be on my team because he’s the sneakiest and tickling is the only way to stop the evil Koo.” She whispered loudly to Hoseok. 

 

Namjoon watched Jimin’s eyes crinkle at the comment, nudging Jungkook who rolled his eyes. 

 

“You ready for two versus one?” Jimin yelled to Taehyung across the garden. 

 

“Wouldn’t be my first time.” Taehyung shouted back. 

 

“Oh my god .” Namjoon choked on the air. “Tae!” Namjoon shouted at the three boys who were in absolute stitches. Hoseok cackled right along with them. Namjoon was too flustered to even appreciate how well all of them were getting along. 

 

“Actually, its three versus two and you all need to stop being so silly so we can play.” Soonie huffed. 

 

Seokjin’s child. Seokjin’s child. Namjoon’s mind yelled. He beamed at her.

 

“Daddy?” Soonie asked, syrupy sweet. “Can you please go get my cape from inside? We need TaeTae to look like my wizard.” 

 

“Sure, baby. Go ahead and start though, I’ll find it as quickly as possible.” Namjoon turned to the sounds of absolute chaos as they all took off in different directions.

 

When Namjoon came back into the kitchen, Seokjin was sitting at the table, eyes closed, sipping a cup of tea. “Hey,” Namjoon said softly.

 

Seokjin’s eyes snapped open. “Hey.” 

 

“Soo is looking for the cape Tae made for her Christmas last year, do you know where I can find that?” 

 

Jin waved his hand towards Soonie’s bedroom. “In the back of the summer trunk probably.” 

 

“Thanks.” Namjoon frowned, eyeing the cup of tea and exhausted look on his husband’s face. “You okay?” 

 

“Yeah, I’m fine, little tired.” 

 

Out of the corner of his eye, Namjoon saw Yoongi looking over at them with a huge, beaming smile on his face. Namjoon gave him an odd look back. It wasn’t that Yoongi didn’t smile, he did. But this one was bigger and he was holding it longer than Namjoon had seen before, and he wasn’t sure what could warrant that. 

 

“Uh, how’s the cake going?” He asked Yoongi. 

 

“Great!” Jin smiled. 

 

“Should be done in not too long!” Yoongi added, still smiling. 

 

“Okay,” Namjoon eyed them cautiously. “I’m going to go get the cape before my five year old adds this to her list of times I got distracted while in the middle of doing something for her and forgot to return with the requested item.” 

 

“You better. She’s giving you less and less time every day.” 

 

Namjoon squeezed Seokjin’s shoulder gently as he made his way passed him and out of the kitchen.

 

Hours passed and Namjoon was exhausted. Even the cake sugar rush had done little to help him keep up with the younger four, which wasn’t that rare of an occurrence, except now they had Hoseok with them. After cake they’d all moved down to the beach. 

 

“You still with us, Joonie?” Jin laughed, making Namjoon blink his eyes open. He was laying on a big blanket they’d put out on the sand, Jin and Yoongi next to him. 

 

“How are they still moving?” Namjoon’s eyes followed where Hoseok had Soonie in his arms, tossing her into the sea. Taehyung was immediately there, grabbing her and tossing her again. Jungkook held her a little longer, letting her catch her breath before throwing her again. They stood in a circle, their laughter as well as the squeals from Namsoon could be heard all down the beach. 

 

“Should we be concerned that the boys are playing catch with our daughter?” Namjoon yawned. 

 

“I started it, so-” Jin shrugged, smiling down at his husband. 

 

God, Jin was beautiful. Sometimes it just absolutely overwhelmed him. 

 

“Hey,” Seokjin’s fingers ran through Namjoon’s hair, brushing some back from his face. “You good?” 

 

“Yeah, yeah, more than.” Namjoon sat up, bringing Jin in for a kiss. 

 

Before the kiss went anywhere, Namjoon nearly shrieked as a soaking wet five year old ungracefully plopped herself into his lap. 

 

“Daddy! Daddy! Play with us!” 

 

“You have so many playmates today, Soo!” Jin ran a hand through her hair. 

 

“But I want Daddy! Daddy does the best throws! And he says the silly jokes when he does it! I always want to be playing with Daddy!” 

 

Namjoon felt his throat constrict, listening to his daughter as she threw her arms around his neck, scenting him and giggling against his neck. Namjoon looked at Seokjin over her shoulder, his husband’s eyes watery. 

 

“Well okay then.” He smiled. “Daddy is all yours.” 

 

Namjoon let himself be dragged into the water, but grabbed Jin’s hand before he went, pulling him in too. Hoseok yelled to Yoongi, and they all ended up in the water, Playing, laughing, and splashing, until the beginnings of the sunset started in the sky. 

 

“Happy Birthday Soonie.” Hoseok hugged her close. “Thank you for letting us share it with you.” He smiled, then he tossed her back into the water. Namsoon absolutely shrieked and begged him to do it again.

 

The time came for Hoseok and Yoongi to say goodbye. Namjoon and Jin stood to the side as their daughter hugged her new friends tightly. 

 

They each took a turn whispering softly to her, giving her a last hug. Jin stepped forward, visibly swallowing as he took a moment with each of them. 

 

Namjoon thanked Yoongi, hugged him, urging him to come back soon before reaching for Hoseok. 

 

“Thank you, Hoseokie.” Namjoon pulled him in for a hug. “For everything. I’m so happy you’re happy. And you being here today, it means the world to her and us.” 

 

“Of course. It was our pleasure. Joon, you know I love you guys. Plus your kid is fucking amazing. I didn’t expect anything less, with you guys as her parents, but still, she’s incredible.” 

 

“Yeah, I know. Jin did-” Namjoon swallowed hard. 

 

“You did too, Joonie. She absolutely adores you. The way both of you are with each other -- this was always where you were meant to be. I’m so glad you got here.” 

 

“Thanks to you.” 

 

They hugged tighter. 

 

Eventually they stepped back to Yoongi placing Namsoon back onto the ground. She tightened her arms around his neck. “Thank you. All of you,” Yoongi smiled, holding on to her. “Especially you.” He squeezed gently. “It’s been a long time since I felt anything like having a family.” 

 

“Come visit lots! You can always come visit!” Namsoon hugged him tight. “Right Papa? Daddy?” 

 

Seokjin leaned down to place a hand on both of their shoulders. “Of course. Yoongi, you are always welcome here with us.” 

 

“It’s tough out there. I know you both are doing a good job taking care of each other and the crew, but still, if you ever need anything. A break, a minute, a reminder, a connection, we’re here.” Namjoon nodded to both of them. 

 

“Thank you.” 

 

The three youngest said their goodbyes to Hoseok and Yoongi as well. Jimin hugging Hoseok tightly. Then they turned and said goodnight to Namsoon, promising to see her the next day, before heading home.

 

When it was just the three of them left on the beach, they stood calf deep in the water, watching Yoongi and Hoseok row back to The Dutchman . 

 

Seokjin pulled Namjoon’s arms around him as Namsoon ran to the rocks, a few feet down the beach.  

 

“I think,” Namjoon let a slow breath out as fully wrapped around Jin. “it was really good that they came today.” 

 

“You seem lighter.” Seokjin commented after Namjoon didn’t continue, turning slightly to look at his mate. They watched their daughter play on the rocks next to the water for a moment.

 

“I feel it. I think...I think I was afraid that if something happened, if they weren’t doing well, if Calypso wasn’t happy,” Namjoon whispered. “I was afraid she’d come for me. It’s always in the back of my mind that maybe their plan wouldn’t succeed, or that Yoongi would, I don’t know, decide he didn’t want it. And I’d have to go back.” 

 

Seokjin pressed a kiss to the skin next to his mating scar. “And now?” 

 

“Seeing them like that, it just feels like, ” Namjoon took a deep breath. “It’s over. It’s really, fully over.” 

 

“Yeah,” Jin whispered. “I think it is.”

 

“Daddy! Papa!” Namsoon shouted, pointing up at the sky. It wasn’t too dark yet, just pink and purple, a little hazy. “A shooting star!” 

 

“Make a wish, Soo!” Seokjin smiled. 

 

“Okay! Do you want to make a wish Papa? Daddy?” 

 

“Did you have a good birthday, Soo?” Jin asked. 

 

“Yeah, Papa.” 

 

“Then my wish already came true.” 

 

Suddenly Namsoon’s eyes got wide. “Papa! Papa! I did it! I did it!” She shrieked. “My wish! I made a wish and it came true!” 

 

“Oh yeah?”

 

“I wished for Daddy!” Namsoon yelled excitedly, pointing at the sky. “On my birthday! I wished for Daddy for my next birthday. It came true!” She laughed. “It works !” She started shouting all the things she wanted in the world at the sky. “And a real sword, and-”

 

Namjoon and Jin both took sharp inhales. Namjoon had to fight back a wave of emotion at what he’d heard from his daughter. Seokjin immediately tucked into Namjoon, clearly also fighting tears.  

 

“Joonie,” Jin whispered thickly into the skin of Namjoon’s neck. “I’m so fucking happy.” He choked out. 

 

Namjoon tightened his arms around his mate. “God, me too.” And it was true. It was finally over, and he finally felt it. He finally felt the last of his fear, his uncertainty, that little bit of it all that he had been holding on to, that had been weighing him down. It was gone. 

 

“So,” Jin pulled back a little, wiping at his cheeks and giving Namjoon a sly smile. “Does that mean you are done ignoring all of the signs?” 

 

“Ignoring-” Namjoon frowned.

 

Jin was smiling at him, but Namjoon didn’t understand. “I think even Jungkook has figured it out.” Seokjin smiled at him, voice soft, teasing. “Are you ready? For more fun and adventure and pirates and mayhem?”

 

Namjoon chuckled, giving him a questioning look. “Oh yeah? Even more than now?” 

 

They looked over at the sound of Namsoon doing her best pirate “arrrrg”, watching as she jumped from one of the rocks into the sea, swinging her wooden sword.

 

“Yeah,” Seokjin was smiling at him then, bright and beautiful. He took Namjoon’s hands in his, sliding them to sit on his lower belly. “How about twice the amount?” 

 

“Twice the- Holy shit. Wait, Jin-” Namjoon’s mind raced. Jin just smiled at him, as Namjoon blinked. Holy shit, holy shit! It all suddenly made sense. The signs. Oh! Jin being so tired, his scent being off, having a harder time controlling his emotions. These signs. How had he missed them? “God, Jin-” Namjoon felt tears spring to his eyes. 

 

Seokjin smiled up at him. “Yeah. You ready for another mini Namjoon Kim running around here?” 

 

“Fuck.” Namjoon breathed.

 

Jin burst out into laughter. “Yeah, okay. That was my reaction the first time too.”

 

“And this time?” 

 

“This time, less overwhelmed fuck and more excited fuck .” Jin chuckled. “I’m excited to do this with you. Plus, I’m already starting to crave stupid shit, and now you’ll have to wait on me hand and foot.” Jin looked at the big smile on Namjoon’s face. “And cuddle me and rub my feet and-” 

 

“Happily. Any of it. I’ll-” Namjoon let out a shuddering breath, hands still pressed against Seokjin’s belly. “God, Jin.” 

 

“Aw, baby.” Jin pulled Namjoon into a hug as the man let out a choked sob. He tilted his neck so the younger could scent him. “I know, it’s overwhelming. I know. It’s going to be so good though.” 

 

“Yeah, yeah. So good, the best. I’m so happy, Seokjin. So incredibly happy.” Namjoon pressed a kiss to Jin’s neck. “I love you. I love you so much.” 

 

Seokjin shivered as Namjoon kissed his way up his throat, under his jaw, pressing his lips to the corner of Jin’s. 

 

Their eyes locked and Namjoon beamed. “Thank you.” 

 

“Hey,” Jin laughed. “It takes two to tango.” 

 

“I didn’t think I could ever- If you hadn’t-” 

 

“Hey,” Jin cupped his jaw, cutting him off. “Please don’t go there.” He thumbed at Namjoon’s cheek. “Give yourself this moment first.” 

 

Namjoon nodded, taking a deep breath. “I love you. I love -” Namjoon pressed his hand into Seokjin’s stomach. “I love our kid. I love our kids, god- We have to tell Soo.” 

 

“Let’s let it settle with us first, then we’ll figure out a way. Plus this day should be all hers.” 

 

“Yeah, yeah, god.” 

 

They watched their daughter bring the sword down onto a rock. Namsoon paused for a second, as if knowing their eyes were on her. She turned, giving them a beaming smile before hopping onto the next rock.

 

Jin smiled, tucking into his husband. “You ready to be a dad again, you stupid pirate?” 

 

Namjoon turned, looking down at his husband, his mate, his Jin. Namjoon’s mind sped through so many memories that led them to this incredible moment. All of the best ones had Jin right there beside him. Namjoon smiled. “I’m ready for any adventure with you, you beautiful pirate.”

 

end.

Notes:

the end :)

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Notes:

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