Land Ho!

"A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it's built for." Albert Einstein.

Heavy eyes, dry throat, muscles hurting, clothes sticking on the skin, a strong smell of salt and the regret of leaving home. That is how the crown Prince woke up in the morning.

He rubbed his eyes and regretted it immediately because the salt on his hands burned them.

He turned his head slowly and looked at the horrible state of the ship caused by the storm.

Broken wood, flipped barrels, holed sails...A natural disaster that lasted only a few moments succeeded in destroying a whole ship, a home.

Jimin's chest tightened when he remembered the fear he felt during the storm. At a moment, he thought his life was going to end in the middle of the sea and become one of the last corpses drowning in the deepest oceans.

A groan interrupted his thoughts.

He turned to his left and realized something was resting on his belly, Yoongi's head. He gulped, feeling bad because the young masked man risked his life for him the night before. He refused to leave him alone and promised to protect him until the end.

It was strange how a human being could do anything for the sake of gold and fortune.

"Yoongi." he spoke with a deep and weak voice. "Are you awake?"

The man simply hummed.

He tried to get up, but he couldn't. He let out a loud groan when he felt the pain in his back. The wooden plank that fell on him the night before caused him a serious injury.

"It must hurt a lot." Jimin pressed his lips. "I am sorry, it is my fault."

Yoongi furrowed and looked at him, "What are you saying? You are not the bloody plank that hit me in the back."

"I know." the prince sighed. "You could have hidden somewhere, but you protected me..."

"Because I have to."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "You had to? Because of gold?"

"Yes, because of gold." Yoongi simply nodded.

"You would risk your life just for gold?"

Yoongi frowned. "Just for gold?" he said with a quiet voice and scoffed, "It's not just gold."

"But it's your life!" Jimin shouted.

The Eagle stood up despite the pain and pulled the prince by the collar, "Do you know what life is when you are poor?! When you have nothing!"

Jimin gulped and said nothing.

"Of course you wouldn't know." Yoongi looked at him with fire in his eyes. "Someone like you would never understand." he mumbled with a cold tone. "You grew up in a castle, you sleep on feathers and eat until you satisfy your hunger. Life is so precious to you."

He let go of him and walked away.

Jimin clenched his fists and followed him to grab his arm and face him again. "Your mother loved you, right?" he asked.

The Eagle raised an eyebrow.

"You had a family who loved you. A mother and a sister, right?"

"Why are you bringing them u-"

"Answer! Yes or no!" Jimin screamed.

"Yes." Yoongi looked at him with a confused face.

"Right." the silver-haired nodded. "My family never loved me." he said.

"But Taeh-"

"My brother is an exception." the prince cut him off. "My parents never saw me as a son. They always considered me as the crown prince, the future king of Crystal." he paused for a moment to take a breath because the anger was consuming his body. "They never loved me as the person I am, they don't even know me. They don't know what I like, what I read and what I am scared of. My parents never cared about me." he ran his fingers through his hair and continued, "Do you think that good food and good sleep could make you entirely happy?" he asked, looking at the mask man. "Hell no." he shook his head. "Not when no one loves you."

Those were the last words he said before leaving Yoongi alone in the middle of the destroyed ship.

He stood there for a long moment, thinking about the prince told him. He felt bad because he spoke those rude words to him out of anger and pain.

He always hated royals and nobles, thinking they are living with people's money, but since he met Jimin he realized that it all depend on someone's personality.

He is a Prince and he saw no signs of arrogance or pride in him. He is humble and kind.

He sighed and rubbed his covered neck, blaming himself for making him remember his sad days in the castle.

Something brushed his feet, interrupting his thoughts. He lowered his head and smiled when he saw his dog trying to reach him.

He knelt before him and patted his head, "Sorry my boy, these days I am so distracted that I forget that I brought you with me."

Shadow barked and licked the black fabric that covered his nose and lips.

"You are so alike." he rolled his eyes. "You both want to get rid of my mask." he frowned, looking at Jimin's direction. "Well let me tell you my boy." he caressed the husky's hair gently. "You are never going to succeed."

?

Jimin's eyes grew wider when he saw the sailing master lying on the floor, his head rested on Suho's thigh, a bluish color painted on his lips and a small bruise appearing on his left cheek.

He was asleep and he looked like he was not breathing properly.

Jimin's heart broke when he saw the devastation on the captain's face. He was looking at something far and his mind seemed to be lost in the sadness and sorrow. His hand was caressing Hoseok's dark hair too gently like it was the most fragile thing.

"Captain." Jimin knelt in front of the man. "What happened to him?" he asked, looking at the sailing master with a worried face.

Suho let out a heavy sigh and spoke with a deep voice, "He doesn't listen to me. He always does what his brain tell'm. He didn't want to let go of the wheel during the storm. I told'm to lie down!" he shouted suddenly. "The waves got'm."

Jimin sighed and touched Hoseok's cheek. "Oh god." he whispered. "He is freezing!" he stood up immediately and searched around him, "Isn't there anything to warm him up?!"

"Everything's soaked." Suho mumbled

"There's rum!" a pirate said.

"Really?" the prince rolled his eyes.

He thought for a while and remembered a book he read with his brother a few weeks ago. The adventurer used his body's warmth to save the woman he loved when they were trapped inside a cave.

"Captain." he knelt in front of Suho again. "Warm him up."

"What?" the pirate raised an eyebrow.

"Use your body."

"Are ye crazy?!" Suho shouted. "Do ye want me to rape him?"

"What?" Jimin widened his eyes. "No!" he waved his hands. "This is not what I meant!" he burst out laughed. "You need to hold him tight, the heat coming from your body will help him warm up and feel better."

Suho looked at the young pirate with soft eyes and sighed. Then, he looked back at Jimin and furrowed, "Does it work?"

"I am sure it does."

The captain cleared his throat and looked around him. He gave a killer look to all the crewmen staring at him and they immediately looked away.

He pulled Hoseok's body gently toward him with the help of Jimin and unbuttoned both their shirts.

The prince frowned because of the many scars on their skins.

The way the captain held him tightly against his body made Jimin's heart warm up. He truly cared about him, he was ready to do anything for him. He wished he could have someone who will do the same for him.

The captain's heavy sigh interrupted his thoughts.

His usual proud and confident eyes were replaced by sad and hopeless ones. He could not see the fire in him anymore, the flame was unfortunately fading.

"Do not feel discouraged." he told him. "I am sure everything will go back to normal in a few days."

Suho chuckled, "Normal." he mumbled. "What if I don't want the things to go back to their usual state?"

"Why?"

The man sighed and looked at Hoseok's sleepy face. "I'm tired of this life."

"You mean the pirate's life?"

"Aye." Suho nodded. "I wasn't a pirate before, I was living with me mother. We had nothing, we were miserable. She was too weak to work and I was a coward. I couldn't man up and bring some silver that'd help us live." he stopped and lowered his head. "Now, I'm a pirate, I still have nothing and I'm still miserable." he chuckled lightly.

Jimin rubbed his shoulder and gave him a small smile, "Do not discourage yourself." he said.

"Aye." Suho nodded.

"Tell me, what is your goal? Something you really want to achieve?" the prince asked.

"I want to earn gold in a better way...not by stealing. I want to buy a house, raised dogs and be with the person I love." he said, smiling to the sleepy pirate.

Jimin smiled, "You can do it. If you really want it, you can do it." he said. "Of course there will be more obstacles and challenges, but as long as you believe in your goals, you can do it."

The pirate stared at him with a small smile.

"And about the man you love." Jimin looked at Hoseok. "Maybe you just need to be patient with him."

Suho laughed, "This lad." he shook his head.

"One day he will finally open his eyes and see you." the prince said. "You know, two days ago I had no idea that two men could share feelings for each other."

"I could see that." the pirate chuckled.

"But someone my eyes and I could finally understand that the way you stare at Hoseok is not friendly but romantically." Jimin stared at the captain, "He is very lucky to have you by his side."

"If only he knew." Suho sighed again.

"He will know." Jimin squeezed his hand. "Just believe."

"Cap'n!" the quartermaster interrupted their conversation. "Where to sail now? The ship isn't in a good state."

The captain rubbed his chin, "Diamond should be the nearest land." he said. "Call the First Mate, he's replacing Hoseok today."

"Aye." Wonho nodded.

Jimin pressed his lips, not liking the idea of going to Diamond. The castle was not too far from the harbor, so it should be surrounded by royal guards. It was surely a treat to his plans.

He clenched his fists and stood up. He looked at the sea around him and promised himself not to let anything ruin his adventure.

He closed his eyes for a moment and took a long breath.

A smile appeared on his face and he looked at the captain, "Let's go to the Diamond Harbor!" he walked away and stopped. He turned around and looked at Suho again, "Mate."

The captain's tired eyes and pale skin were suddenly replaced by a glowing face. "Aye me lad! Let the real adventure begin!"

?

Taehyung left the inn where he and the rest of the pirates spent the night. They were in a village he didn't know anything about.

He stretched up and faced a world he has never seen before; the real one.

The villagers woke up very early to start their day. Some were preparing for their shop's opening, some were walking lazily, heading to god knows where and the sad part; the majority of people were lying on the ground dying from hunger and thirst, their bodies scratched, their lips dry and their soul gone.

The young prince's heart broke by watching them beg for the villagers and the merchants to bring them some food in order to survive.

"Good morning." Jungkook stood next to him. "Your bed was empty, I thought you ran away."

"I don't even know where I am." Taehyung said, his eyes not leaving the tragic painting drawn in front of his eyes. "And I don't have a ship."

The pirate chuckled, "Here." he gave him a jar of water.

Taehyung brought it to his lips and stopped, remembering that there were poor creatures who need it more than he does.

"Where are you going?" Jungkook called when he saw him walking away. "This lad." he rolled his eyes and followed him.

The prince pressed his lips and stood in front of a family shyly. Two children were lying next to their pregnant mother. Their faces were pale and they were so skinny that the flesh was glued to the bones.

"Hello." he knelt before them. "Here is some water for you. You must be thirsty."

The woman hurried to take the jar and give her little boys the fresh water before she drank from it too.

The pirate gulped and looked at Taehyung with astonishment.

"Thank you sir." the woman said with a weak voice. "Can you give my children some food please?"

"Of course my lady." Taehyung stood up and looked around him to search for a shop.

He headed to a small bakery and bought some bread and pastries with some silver coins he brought with him. Jungkook was eyeing him while he talked to the merchant, wondering why would a traveler waste his silver for random villagers instead of saving it.

"Keep dreaming, this silver is not for you." Taehyung mumbled.

"What?" Jungkook scoffed. "I was not even thinking about it."

The children were so excited to finally eat after long hours or maybe long days. Other villagers saw them and approached the prince, begging him for food.

Taehyung could not help but smile at them. He was so happy to finally be able to achieve something good with the fortune he got from his father.

He made sure that no one was hungry or thirsty anymore.

"You." the pirate stood behind him. He was so close that he could feel his body against his back and his warm breath against his ear. "You cannot be just a traveler."

Taehyung froze.

?

"Land Ho !"

The captain left his Chambers and walked to the bow to see the famous land in front of his eyes.

Diamond was known to be the biggest city in Crystal, where all dreams come true as some travelers said.

It was also known for its festivals and its delicious food.

"It has been such a long time since I last came here." Jimin joined him. "I am glad we arrived safely."

"Release the anchor!" Suho ordered the crew members when the ship finally reached the harbor.

The pirates raised the anchor and released it, catching the handles before it drops all the way then walked backwards to lower it to the last tip.

"Are you sure you are going to be safe here?" Yoongi asked Jimin after they walked out of the Three Lions. "You told me before that there was one of your castles here."

"I know." Jimin answered with a cold tone. He was still mad at him for being inconsiderate the day before. He hadn't talked to him since their hectic conversation.

"If you want, we can find somewhere to hide until we g-"

"Why are you telling me this? Why does it matter if they find me or not?!" Jimin shouted, making the masked man surprised.

"I am just worrying about you." he simply answered.

Jimin raised an eyebrow, "Why would you worry about me?"

Silence.

"Oh, please." the silver-haired rolled his eyes. "Please, do not tell me it's for the gold."

"It's not for the gold." Yoongi said. He sighed and looked at the young man's eyes. "After our conversation yesterday, I am sure that you wouldn't want to go back to that prison. I know you want to continue your adventure and achieve your goals."

"So, what?" the prince bit the inside of his cheek.

"Jimin, I know that you are still mad." Yoongi rubbed his neck. "I wanted to apologize for my harsh words. I was hurt and tired, I was not aware of my actions."

The prince's frown turned into a sad smile. The sincerity in Yoongi's eyes stopped the tightness of his chest. "I should apologize too for my rudeness."

Yoongi smiled and offered him his hand, "Are we good now?"

Jimin looked at his feline eyes and pressed his lips, stopping them from smiling too much. He shook the man's hand and whispered, "We're good."

"So, is there anything you want to do here in Diamond?"

"I don't know..." Jimin ran his fingers through his hair.

"Look there!" a pirate shouted.

Everyone looked to where he pointed and Jimin widened his eyes when he realized the Burning Flame was parked not too far from their ship.

"Taehyung is here."

"Seems like it." Yoongi nodded. "Are you going to look for him?"

"Of course." Jimin sighed. "I am just worried the guards might see him. I hope he is hiding somewhere."

Yoongi chuckled. "You don't know who he is with. The Flamian pirates would never hesitate to finish all the guards' lives."

"Still." Jimin shrugged. "I need to worry."

"Where are ye going mates?" The captain walked out of the ship, placing his arm around Hoseok's shoulders to help him walk.

"Hoseok." Jimin approached them. "How are you doing?"

"Better." the sailing master mumbled. "Just need a good sleep."

"You should thank that captain." Jimin smiled. "He took care of you during the entire day."

Suho cleared his throat and looked away.

Hoseok turned his head to look at him and gulped when his dark eyes tested on his. "Thanks cap'n."

Suho could not help smiling widely. He ruffled Hoseok's black hair and pulled him closer to him. "I told ye I'd never let go of ye."

Jimin walked back to Yoongi with a big smile on his face, "They are so sweet together." he said.

"Look at you!" Yoongi exclaimed. "A few days ago, you treated me of crazy when I told you that two men can love each other."

"I know." Jimin rubbed the back of his head. "But now, my mind has changed."

"Thanks to who?" Yoongi smirked.

"Pfft." the prince rolled his eyes. "You." he mumbled quietly.

The masked man laughed and placed his arm around the prince. "Let's go look for your brother."

"I have an idea." jimin rubbed his chin.

"What is it?"

"We are going to the castle."

Yoongi froze.

He faced the young man and raised an eyebrow, "Have you lost your mind? We were just talking about hiding from the guards and now you want to go to them?"

"We will trespass inside." Jimin corrected.

"Whoa." Yoongi could not believe it. "Are you the same man I first met in our hometown?"

"No." Jimin shook his head with a smile. "The pirate life changed me." he laughed.

Yoongi laughed along with him.

A bark interrupted their conversation and both got excited when they saw Shadow running toward them.

"My boy!" Yoongi caressed his hair and played with him.

"Look at him being so happy!" Jimin knelt before Shadow and kissed his nose. "You are so cute."

The Eagle looked at him and smiled softly. He liked seeing the smiling version of Jimin more than the angry one. He surely looked more handsome.

"Shadow is luckier than a hundred men in this town." he said.

"Why?"

"Look at how you are kissing him." Yoongi rolled his eyes.

"Oh." Jimin blushed and hid his face in the husky's neck.

Yoongi laughed and rubbed his back, "Let's go."

?

On their way to the castle, they stopped by a food stall to eat their lunch.

"Here Shadow!"

The dog lied next to his master's chair and waited for his meat patiently.

"God, how much I missed real food." Jimin said after the old woman placed the plates on the table.

Yoongi chuckled, "Eat well."

Jimin ate the meat like a tiger would devour its prey. He gave up on the etiquette and ate with both his hands.

The Eagle stared at him with surprised eyes. He misjudged the young Prince before, he thought their adventure would be tough because of his whines and complains, but it seemed like the man was adopting well to the wild life.

"You were starving." he laughed.

Jimin simply hummed. His mouth was so full that he could not formulate a word.

~~

After lunch, they walked in the village and Yoongi told Jimin to buy a hood in order not to be recognized by the palace guards.

He chose a dark blue hooded cape which went perfectly with his white shirt and his black trousers.

He faced Yoongi and chuckled, "Now, I just need a mask and I will be just like you."

Yoongi laughed, "No, no! You cannot be like me, I am more handsome."

"Liar." Jimin rolled his eyes. "I know you cover your face because you are ugly."

"Mm sure." The Eagle chuckled. "Let's continue walking Hooded Man."

They left the village and entered a large forest. Jimin remembered a shortcut he and his brother would use to run away to the village when their father wasn't in the castle.

"We should arrive in a few moments." he told his friend.

"Can we stop for a moment? Shadow is thirsty."

"Sure."

Yoongi and his dog ran to the river. Jimin followed them and sat on the grass to admire the breathtaking landscape around them.

"Diamond is a beautiful city." the masked man sat next to him while Shadow was playing around them.

"It is, indeed." Jimin smiled. "My brother and I loved coming here to spend the vacation, even though we could not do plenty of things because of our parents." he sighed. "We should always follow the rules...no talking to strangers, no eating food outside the castle, no having any intimate relationship with someone who is not a royalty or a noble's daughter."

Yoongi chuckled, "You broke almost all the rules."

"I know." Jimin laughed and stared at him. The way his eyes got smaller every time he smiled made him wonder how the rest of his face would look.

Yoongi turned and caught him staring at him, "I am sure stop staring at an ugly man is also on the rules list."

Jimin shook his head, "I think I am about to break a rule." he said.

"What r-" Yoongi's words could not be finished when the prince suddenly lifted his mask a little bit to show his lips. "What are you doing?" he was about to push him, but Jimin stopped his hand. "If I cannot see your face, at least show me a part of it."

Yoongi furrowed, "Why?"

"Just...just let me break it." Jimin whispered before placing his lips on his.

It was a gentle kiss, or just a simple peck, but it managed to make the prince very nervous and the masked man quite flustered.

They parted and looked at each other. Jimin felt a knot in his stomach when he saw how surprised Yoongi looked. His eyes were wide open and his hand was shaking from nervousness.

"I...I am so sorry!" Jimin covered his mouth and stood up. "I don't know what occurred to me! I am sorry I should not have done this." he ran far from him.

Yoongi hurried to follow him. He grabbed his arm and both stopped in the middle of the forest, surrounded by giant trees, illuminated by the brightest sun.

"Do not apologize." Yoongi said.

"I don't know why I did it." Jimin lowered his head.

The Eagle could not stand to see how his teeth would bit his lower lip. The prince looked incredibly handsome at that moment; his silver locks were moving gently with the breeze and were shining under the sunlight.

His face was flushed, his cheeks were as pink as his lips.

"I don't have any rules to break." Yoongi said. "No one ever told me what I should do." he added, with a voice lacking breath. He could not contain himself at that moment.

"This is why...now I am going to do something that mind is screaming for me to do."

"What is it?" Jimin asked shyly.

Yoongi pulled the prince by the collar and whispered to his ear, "To kiss you until you lose your breath." he pushed him against the tree and attacked his lips with such a fierceness and domination. Jimin put his arms around his back and shyly took out the tongue that the masked man did not hesitate to kidnap and jail it around his.

He placed his hands on the prince's waist and both parted to take a breath.

"Damn." Yoongi spoke with a hoarse voice. "I think I am luckier than Shadow now."

Jimin smiled. "How...was I?"

Yoongi shook his head, his eyes not leaving his lips. "Amazing." he whispered. "Exactly how I imagined it." he could not wait any longer to capture Jimin's lips again.

It was a passionate scene, very similar to the ones Taehyung read in his books.

Two young men kissing under the sunlight, surrounding by the nature, the chirping birds and the dog's barks as background sounds.

Such a dreamy moment.