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Winds of Change

Chapter 14: chapter 14

Notes:

exams are officially done so more time for writing hahah

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It had only been a few weeks ago seonghwa’s bedrest had ended and now here he was again. Most of his injuries had begun to heal, though his body still ached in protest with every movement. But his leg... that was another story entirely.

The wound where the scales had been ripped away was far from okay. Despite Mingi’s diligent care and the temporary relief brought by the seawater, the healing process was painfully slow. The bruising lingered, deep and angry, and Seonghwa could feel the dull throb every time he shifted his weight even slightly.

Ever since Seonghwa and Hongjoong had been rescued, the crew had been sailing tirelessly, putting as much distance as possible between them and the other ship. The fear lingered heavily in the air, an unspoken tension that gnawed at everyone, especially Seonghwa. The thought that they might come after him again sent chills down his spine, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that danger was still lurking just beyond the horizon.

The crew did their best to cheer Seonghwa up and keep him company. Wooyoung, in particular, made it his personal mission to lift Seonghwa’s spirits. Every day, he would show up with food or snacks, chatting away endlessly about anything and everything, his lively energy filling the room. It usually wasn’t long before either Mingi or Hongjoong had to drag him away, reminding him that Seonghwa needed rest. Even so, Seonghwa couldn’t help but smile at Wooyoung’s antics, grateful for the effort everyone was making to help him feel less alone.

The captain had been staying in the crew quarters since they rescued Seonghwa, giving him space to rest and heal. But after a few nights, Seonghwa finally gathered the courage to ask him for something more.

“I feel so alone at night,” Seonghwa admitted quietly, his voice trembling slightly. “And I keep having nightmares... Could you please stay?”

Hongjoong’s expression softened immediately, the concern in his eyes deepening. He didn’t hesitate as he nodded. “Of course, Seonghwa” 

That night, the captain moved back into the room without hesitation. His presence seemed to bring Seonghwa a sense of calm he hadn’t felt in weeks. 

Seonghwa was growing restless. He hated feeling so helpless, stuck in bed while the world outside the small room carried on without him. The bruises had faded slightly, and the sharp pain in his leg dulled to an ache, but it was still far from healed. Despite Mingi’s constant reminders to rest, Seonghwa’s frustration was beginning to boil over.

“I can’t stay in here any longer,” he muttered one morning, his voice strained. “I need to get up. I need to do something.”

Hongjoong, sitting at the small desk in the corner of the room, glanced up from the maps he was studying. “You’re not ready yet, Seonghwa,” he said gently but firmly. “You’ll only slow your recovery if you push yourself too soon.”

Seonghwa let out an irritated sigh. “I’m tired of lying here all day. I’m tired of feeling useless!” His voice cracked with frustration, his fists clenching the blanket tightly.

Hongjoong put down the map and stood, walking over to Seonghwa’s bedside. He crouched down to meet Seonghwa’s eyes, his gaze steady and understanding. “You’re not useless,” he said softly. “You’ve been through more than anyone should ever have to endure. Let yourself heal. Let us take care of you for once.”

Seonghwa looked away, his jaw tightening. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You’re not,” Hongjoong replied without hesitation. “You’re part of this crew, Seonghwa. That means we take care of each other. And right now, that means giving you time to recover.”

More time passed, each day feeling longer than the last, until finally, Mingi gave Seonghwa the go-ahead to leave the room. "Just small walks and light exercises," Mingi warned, his voice firm as he crossed his arms. "No working, no lifting, no labor of any kind. If you overdo it, you’ll be back in bed before you know it."

"Yeah, yeah," Seonghwa mumbled, waving him off with a mix of excitement and impatience. He was eager to stretch his legs, to feel the salty breeze on his skin instead of being confined to the same four walls.

But as soon as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and tried to stand, his body betrayed him. Pain shot up his injured leg, and his knees buckled almost immediately. He would have hit the floor if Hongjoong hadn’t been there to catch him.

“Easy,” the captain said, his hands steadying Seonghwa. "You’ve been lying down for weeks. Take it slow."

Seonghwa gritted his teeth, frustrated at his weakness, but he nodded. With Hongjoong’s help, one arm slung over the captain’s shoulders for support—he managed to get to his feet. It was shaky at first, his muscles protesting every movement, but he refused to give up.

One unsteady step turned into two, then three. By the time they reached the door, Seonghwa’s breath was labored, and his leg throbbed, but he felt triumphant. Hongjoong opened the door, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Seonghwa stepped out into the corridor.

The air felt different out here freer, lighter. The distant sounds of the crew working above deck, the faint creak of the ship’s hull, and the smell of the ocean all reminded him of the world he’d been missing.

“See?” Seonghwa said, trying to hide how much he was leaning on Hongjoong. “Told you I could do it.”

Hongjoong chuckled softly. “Barely. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Despite his teasing tone, the captain’s grip was firm and supportive as they slowly made their way toward the stairs.



Life seemed to gradually return to normal. Day by day, Seonghwa grew stronger. Though the damage to the area where his scales had been torn away would never fully heal, he learned to live with it. The pain became a dull ache rather than a sharp reminder, and he pushed forward, grateful for every step he could take on his own.

Before long, he was back to helping Wooyoung in the kitchen, the two of them bickering playfully over recipes. Wooyoung had a knack for teasing Seonghwa, but his chatter brought a sense of normalcy that Seonghwa desperately needed. It wasn’t long before San managed to convince him to join in light training sessions as well, focusing more on balance and mobility than actual combat. San was patient yet persistent, encouraging Seonghwa to push his limits just enough without overdoing it.

The crew welcomed Seonghwa back into their routines seamlessly, treating him no differently than before. They joked with him, worked alongside him, and, most importantly, accepted him completely for who he was. There were no whispers, no judgment, no hesitation.

For the first time in years, life felt almost perfect. Seonghwa felt like he belonged—not as someone hiding a secret, but as himself. The fear he once carried had begun to melt away, replaced by a cautious but growing sense of security.

As the days passed, Seonghwa found himself smiling more, laughing with the others, and even opening up about bits of his past. The crew, in turn, shared their own stories, deepening the bonds between them. It was a life he had never dared to dream of—a life where he wasn’t just surviving but living.

The biggest change in Seonghwa’s life was the relationship that had blossomed between him and Hongjoong. Seonghwa had spent years thinking he was unworthy of love, that his differences and scars made him undeserving of genuine care or connection. Yet here was the captain, proving him wrong every single day.

Hongjoong had a way of making Seonghwa feel seen—truly seen—and not just for the part of him that was human or mermaid, but for all that he was. His gentle yet unwavering presence became a constant in Seonghwa’s life, a source of comfort and strength he never thought he’d have. Even after Seonghwa had mostly healed, Hongjoong didn’t move back into the crew quarters.

At first, it was under the guise of "keeping an eye on Seonghwa" to ensure he didn’t push himself too hard. But as the days turned into weeks, it became clear to everyone, including themselves, that it wasn’t just about that anymore. They enjoyed each other’s company too much to part. Nights were filled with quiet conversations, laughter, and a growing intimacy that spoke of a bond neither of them had fully put into words yet.

For Seonghwa, it was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. He had spent so much of his life building walls around his heart, convinced that letting someone in would only lead to pain. But Hongjoong had slipped past those walls with a quiet persistence, showing him what it meant to be cared for—not out of pity or obligation, but simply because he mattered.

Hongjoong, in turn, found himself drawn to Seonghwa’s strength and vulnerability. Beneath the layers of fear and self-doubt, he saw someone who had endured so much and still had a heart capable of kindness and hope. And that was a kind of bravery Hongjoong couldn’t help but admire.

They resumed their late-night stargazing, a quiet ritual that had quickly become one of their favorite shared moments. Lying side by side on the ship’s deck, the gentle rocking of the waves beneath them.

The stars glittered above, an endless expanse that seemed to hold all the answers to questions neither of them dared to ask aloud. “It’s beautiful,” Seonghwa murmured, his voice soft, almost reverent.

Hongjoong turned his head slightly to look at him. “It is,” he agreed, though his gaze lingered on Seonghwa instead of the sky. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated nights like this until now.”

Seonghwa smiled faintly, still looking upward. “I used to do this with my father, before everything… before my life changed.” His voice trailed off, tinged with a bittersweet sadness.

Hongjoong’s hand inched closer, brushing lightly against Seonghwa’s. “Do you miss him?”

“Every day,” Seonghwa admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “But being here, doing this… it feels like I’m reclaiming a part of that. Like I’m finding pieces of myself again.”

Hongjoong’s fingers intertwined with his, a simple yet comforting gesture. “I’m glad,” he said sincerely. “You deserve to feel whole again, Seonghwa.”

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, the kind where words weren’t needed. The stars above seemed brighter, the air warmer, as if the universe itself was offering them a moment of stillness amid the chaos of their lives.

Eventually, Seonghwa broke the silence, his voice carrying a rare note of contentment. “I think… for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Hongjoong smiled softly, squeezing his hand. “You’re not alone anymore, Seonghwa. And you never will be.”

As their lips met once more, the world around them seemed to fade into nothingness. The stars, the gentle rock of the ship, even the sound of the waves, all became distant. The kiss was familiar, but this time it carried more than just the warmth they’d shared in the past weeks. There was a deeper intensity, a hunger, as if both of them had been waiting for this moment, not just physically, but emotionally.

Hongjoong’s hand slid to the back of Seonghwa’s neck, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Seonghwa responded in kind, his fingers trailing lightly over Hongjoong’s jaw, a soft breath escaping between them as the kiss grew more urgent.

This kiss was different, hungrier, more desperate, as if all the longing and emotions they had been holding back were finally spilling over. It wasn’t just affection anymore; it was need, raw and undeniable. The kiss deepened, their movements hurried but purposeful, as if they couldn’t get close enough to each other.

Before Seonghwa even realized it, they were stumbling back, their steps uneven as they made their way into Hongjoong’s cabin. The door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in their own little world.

Hongjoong’s hands found their way to Seonghwa’s waist, steadying him as they moved, his touch firm yet tender. Seonghwa’s fingers clung to Hongjoong’s shirt, pulling him closer, their breaths mingling as they momentarily broke the kiss, only to dive back in seconds later with even more intensity.

Seonghwa didn’t fully know what he was doing, his body seemed to move on its own, guided by instinct rather than thought. His hands tugged at Hongjoong’s shirt, hesitant but yearning. The captain, with no hesitation, gladly followed his silent request, pulling the fabric over his head and tossing it aside.

For a moment, Seonghwa froze, his breath catching as his gaze fell on Hongjoong. The soft moonlight filtering through the cabin window illuminated his toned frame, the faint scars scattered across his skin telling stories of past battles and hardships. To Seonghwa, they only added to the captain’s strength and depth.

Seonghwa let out a soft whine, his fingers tangling in Hongjoong’s hair as he instinctively pulled him closer. Their movements grew more heated, faster, and filled with a desperate energy neither could deny. It wasn’t gentle anymore; it was raw, frantic, and full of need.

“Can I?” Hongjoong asked, his voice slightly breathless as his hands hovered at the hem of Seonghwa’s shirt. He paused, waiting for permission, his gaze meeting Seonghwa’s with a mixture of patience and desire.

Seonghwa hesitated for a brief moment, his insecurities bubbling to the surface. He thought about the scars on his body, the faint patterns of scales that marked him as something not entirely human. But when he looked into Hongjoong’s eyes, all those fears seemed to melt away. There was no judgment in the captain’s gaze, only tenderness and understanding.

 

Slowly, Seonghwa nodded, his hands loosening from Hongjoong’s hair to lift his arms slightly. “Yes,” he whispered, his voice shaky but sure.

Hongjoong didn’t rush. He gently peeled the fabric away, his fingers brushing softly against Seonghwa’s skin as he removed the shirt. Once it was off, Hongjoong took a moment to look at him, his eyes tracing every line, every scar, every scale.

“You’re stunning,” Hongjoong murmured, his voice filled with awe.

As they stumbled onto the bed, the remaining layers of clothing were slowly stripped away, leaving them both in nothing but their underwear and painfully hard. The heat between them was palpable, their breaths uneven as their bodies pressed together. 

A soft gasp escaped Seonghwa’s lips when Hongjoong’s lips suddenly connected with his nipples. The sensation sent a wave of unexpected pleasure coursing through him, making him arch slightly into the touch. His hands instinctively clutched at the sheets, trying to muffle the sound that threatened to escape him.

“Don’t hold back,” Hongjoong murmured against his skin, his voice low and full of want. He glanced up at Seonghwa with a playful, yet serious glint in his eyes. “I like to hear you.”

Seonghwa's breath hitched as he hesitated, his cheeks flushed with both arousal and nervousness. "I... I’ve never done this before," he admitted softly, his voice barely audible. His eyes darted away from Hongjoong’s for a moment, unsure of how the captain would react. "I don’t really know what to do."

Hongjoong paused, his hands still resting gently on Seonghwa’s waist. He tilted his head, offering a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with nothing but warmth. "That’s okay," he said softly, his tone steady and comforting. "You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for."

He cupped Seonghwa’s cheek with one hand, his thumb brushing tenderly against the skin. "And if at any point you feel uncomfortable, you can tell me to stop. I mean it, Seonghwa. Just say the word, and I’ll stop."

Seonghwa felt a wave of relief wash over him, the knot of tension in his chest loosening at Hongjoong’s words. He nodded faintly, meeting the captain’s gaze again. "Okay," he whispered, his voice carrying both trust and a hint of vulnerability.

Hongjoong leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Seonghwa’s forehead before murmuring, "We’ll take this slow. It’s just us, no expectations, no rush. Just you and me."

Hongjoong's lips continued their journey, pressing heated kisses lower and lower down Seonghwa’s body. Every touch sent a shiver of anticipation through Seonghwa, his breath hitching as Hongjoong made sure no part of him went untouched. His hands instinctively reached for the sheets, gripping them tightly as his nerves and excitement intertwined.

When Hongjoong reached the waistband of Seonghwa’s underwear, he paused, looking up to meet Seonghwa’s gaze. His eyes were filled with both desire and a quiet patience that set Seonghwa at ease. “Can I?” Hongjoong asked softly, his voice low and almost reverent, as if he were asking for something sacred.

Seonghwa hesitated for only a moment before nodding, his chest rising and falling with quickened breaths. There was no hesitation in his nod, only a hint of desperation as he whispered, “Please…”

Hongjoong smiled faintly, his fingers curling gently around the waistband. He moved with care, watching Seonghwa’s face for any sign of discomfort as he began to slide the fabric down.

Hongjoong’s voice dropped to a teasing tone, his lips curling into a sly smile. “Look at you,” he chuckled softly, his hand trailing down Seonghwa’s trembling body. “You’re already such a mess, and we haven’t even gotten to the good part yet.”

Seonghwa’s breath hitched, his entire body heating at the captain’s words. He was about to respond when he felt Hongjoong’s hand wrap around his cock, the sudden touch sending a jolt of pleasure through his body. A gasp escaped his lips as Hongjoong began to stroke him slowly, his movements deliberate and teasing.

Seonghwa instinctively bucked into the touch, his hands clutching at the sheets beneath him. “H-Hongjoong,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, his cheeks flushed as heat spread through him.

Seonghwa was a moaning mess, his chest rising and falling rapidly as waves of pleasure coursed through his body. He had touched himself before, though only on rare occasions, but this, this was something entirely different. It was overwhelming, electrifying, and unlike anything he had ever experienced.

“It's okay,” Hongjoong murmured, his voice low and soothing as he continued to stroke him with skilled precision. “Let yourself go, Seonghwa. Just do what feels good.”

Hongjoong shifted down, his hands steady as he gently rubbed against Seonghwa’s entrance. He looked up, catching Seonghwa’s eyes, his expression soft but serious. “Remember,” he said in a low, reassuring voice, “you can tell me to stop at any time.”

Seonghwa nodded, his breath hitching as he braced himself. He trusted Hongjoong, and that trust gave him the courage to relax. Slowly, Hongjoong pressed his first finger in.

It felt strange at first, an unfamiliar intrusion that made Seonghwa tense for a moment. But as Hongjoong moved gently, giving him time to adjust, that initial discomfort began to ebb away, replaced by a curious sensation of fullness. Seonghwa bit his lip, his face flushed, as a faint spark of pleasure began to build.

“Are you okay?” Hongjoong asked softly, pausing to check on him.

“Yes,” Seonghwa managed to whisper, his voice barely audible. “It’s... it’s different, but it’s good.”

Encouraged by Seonghwa’s response, Hongjoong started moving his finger, slow and deliberate. After a moment, he carefully added a second finger, his other hand rubbing soothing circles on Seonghwa’s hip. Every thrust was deliberate, Hongjoong searching for that one spot that would make Seonghwa fall apart.

Then he found it.

Seonghwa’s body jolted, a broken moan tearing from his lips as pleasure shot through him like lightning. His hands clutched at the sheets, his head tipping back as his entire body seemed to melt under Hongjoong’s touch. “Oh, my—Hongjoong!” he gasped, his voice trembling.

Hongjoong smirked slightly, his fingers continuing their slow, calculated movements. “There it is,” he murmured, his tone laced with both pride and affection. “You’re amazing, Seonghwa. Just relax and let me take care of you.”

With each thrust of Hongjoong’s fingers, brushing against that sensitive spot deep inside, Seonghwa’s moans grew louder, his body writhing in pleasure.

“You’re opening up so beautifully,” Hongjoong murmured, his voice low and filled with admiration as he continued to stretch Seonghwa carefully. His words sent a wave of warmth through Seonghwa, who was already trembling from the overwhelming sensations coursing through him.

As Hongjoong spoke, he leaned back slightly, his hands leaving Seonghwa’s hips only briefly to slide his own underwear down. Seonghwa watched through half-lidded eyes as Hongjoong stroked himself a few times, his movements slow and deliberate. The sight alone made Seonghwa’s breath hitch, his need growing even more unbearable.

“Please,” Seonghwa whispered, his voice barely audible but heavy with desperation. He wasn’t even sure what he was begging for, more of Hongjoong’s touch, for the closeness they were about to share, or simply for the overwhelming ache inside him to be soothed. “Hongjoong... need you inside.”

Hongjoong leaned forward again, his hands returning to Seonghwa’s thighs as he pressed a soft, reassuring kiss to his temple. “I’ve got you,” he promised, his voice steady but laced with affection. “Just tell me if it’s too much, okay?”

With that, he slowly stayed pushing in. “Fuck, Seongwa, you're so wet. Is this part of you being half mermaid?” seonghwa had no idea, but having Hongjoong inside felt amazing, so he did not care.

Hongjoong started moving. at fist a slow and steady pase hitting all the right spots.

“harder” Seonghwa moaned.

The captain had no problem complying picking up his pase “you feel so fucking good”

Seonghwa could feel the pleasure build up inside of him. “i’m close he said breathlessly.

the captain took this as a sing to go even faster sending waves of pleasure over Seonghwa with every trust 

both man where close and with a few finale trust they came Hongjoong inside of Seonghwa and Seonghwa all over his abdomen.

they staid in the same position for a while. “how was it” Hongjoong asked breaking the silence after a while 

Seonghwa took a deep breath, his body still tingling from the closeness. He had never imagined something so intimate could feel so right, but with Hongjoong, it was different. He felt safe, cared for, even in the vulnerability of the moment.

"It was... different," Seonghwa replied softly, his voice almost tentative as he searched for the right words. "But in a good way. With you, it feels... real."

Hongjoong smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from Seonghwa's face. "I'm glad," he murmured

"How about you?" Seonghwa asked quietly, his thumb brushing along the back of Hongjoong's hand.

Hongjoong's gaze softened, and he pressed a kiss to Seonghwa’s temple. "It feels perfect," he said simply. "Just... being with you."

Notes:

This chapter took me a while to complete. I've never written smut before, so this is my first time. Let me know if it was okay, haha. Now that exams are finally over, I should have more time for writing. As always, if there are any mistakes, please let me know!