Chasing Freedom - Chapter 6
Title: Chasing Freedom, Chapter 6, Siwon/Eunhyuk
Length: 2000 words (what a lovely round number!)
Author: shieldkitten
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Hyukjae avoids Siwon, and Siwon finds this mildly off-putting.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7
Work was underway to disguise the Sapphire Pearl as ‘the Seafarer’, an exploratory vessel chartered by a sponsor with an overabundance of wealth and a sad lack of common sense. The story, Siwon hoped, would explain why there were women aboard the ship, why they were sailing into uncharted waters, and why the Seafarer was a schooner rather than a sturdier carrack.
The blue flags above the masts had been replaced with flags of deep yellow ochre, the colour Siwon imagined China to be. Seungjun and Chaegum had been assigned the task of repainting the hull, covering white and silver with rosewood varnish. When the paint of the ship’s new name dried, it would be time for Siwon to turn the wheel left and steer the Seafarer within sight of land.
Shindong had agreed to watering on Halifax and asking for news of the terrain in the Arctic Circle. The natives might have more information than what Siwon had managed to scrounge up in Boston under the guise of casual curiosity, or they might have nothing new to contribute. Yet, there was little else he could do, short of turning around and sailing around Africa as Shindong had suggested. Then, there was the issue of securing enough warm clothes for all the crew and their Chinese passengers. There was money in the ship’s purse, but not as much as Siwon would have liked. He was loath to spend it all in Halifax when they still had more than two months of sailing ahead of them. Henry and the younger crew had made a case for the ability of youth to overcome inclement weather, but Siwon was sure they would be singing a different tune with icicles hanging from the bow of the ship.
He sighed, looking out of the window of his stateroom, mind still whirring. Most of the Chinese men had offered to help crew on the ship. It was a relief, certainly, at least for the crew members - the Sapphire Pearl could sail with only a crew of eight, but it would have been a strain on such a long journey. Still, most of them had no prior training aboard a ship, and Siwon doubted they would be ready by the time they reached Halifax. Siwon wanted to give them a few hours freedom to wander about Halifax as free men, but there was no doubt that a sudden influx of Chinese men and women would raise suspicions and no doubt send a few tongues wagging.
And then there was the problem of finding passage for Eunhyuk.
Siwon closed his eyes and tilted his head back, praying for serenity. Of all the problems he had, all the valid, pressing concerns that weighed heavily on his mind, the problem of Lee Eunhyuk ought to barely register on the scale. And yet Siwon found his thoughts returning to the man time and again, wondering if he was well, if he had eaten any of the food Siwon had asked Shindong to bring to him, if he still suffered from seasickness, or if his spirits had lifted. His pride prevented him from asking Zhoumi for news, although the man was certainly free enough with his information.
“He’s depressed,” Zhoumi announced, sitting himself down at the seat meant for Eunhyuk after sending Eunhyuk’s regrets and disinclination to accept Siwon’s offer of dinner in the stateroom. The promise of steak and the last of the fresh salad greens had failed to entice Eunhyuk from his self-imposed sequestration for the second day running.
“Depressed,” Siwon echoed, watching large bites of delicately seared beef disappear past Zhoumi’s lips.
“Oh yes. Evidently, you’ve made him see the light. Poor boy’s been betrayed by his own kin. It’s enough to make a man want to pitch himself out of his cabin window.”
Siwon lowered his own cutlery, aghast. “He wouldn’t.”
Zhoumi chuckled and polished off the last morsel on his plate. “Of course not. Dinner was delicious. Please send my compliments to Shindong.”
Siwon nodded absently, his own meal largely untouched, and watched Zhoumi leave the room. Eunhyuk wouldn’t. Suicide was so unseemly, and so cowardly as well. Problems were better dealt with alive, and one was always the better for the experience. Surely Eunhyuk would know that, as a man of breeding like he so seemed. How could he not?
Still.
Siwon picked up his plate and moved down the corridor, counting doors in the back of his mind as he tried to form excuses as to why he would be carrying his dinner with him should he meet any of his crew. By the time he had managed to think of a logical explanation, he had also reached the door to Eunhyuk’s cabin. Squaring his shoulders, he knocked smartly on the door and received a soft ‘come in’.
Eunhyuk was seated on his bed, arms slung loosely around one bent knee, looking utterly demoralised. Upon seeing Siwon, he scrambled off the bed and tugged self-consciously at his hair, attempting to straighten it out. Siwon fought the urge to pet down his own hair as well. Instead, he set the plate down on the small writing desk by the wall.
“I thought you were Zhoumi,” Eunhyuk said, darting to the desk and clumsily sweeping scattered sheets of paper into a pile. Siwon managed to catch glimpses of words and phrases that looked as though Eunhyuk had been trying to compose a letter before Eunhyuk hugged the sheaf of papers to his chest.
“It is his turn to take the watch tonight,” Siwon explained. “I’ve brought your dinner.”
“Oh.” Eunhyuk stared down at the plate, and Siwon was uncomfortably aware of how obvious it was that the steak had already been cut.
“I suppose I ought to confess, it was my meal,” he said. “If you would prefer, I could send for Shindong to prepare something else.”
“No, no.” Eunhyuk shook his head. “There’s no need to trouble him, I only… Don’t you want to eat?”
“I’m afraid my present appetite would do Shindong’s cooking little justice.”
Siwon moved to look out the window and was pleased to hear the clink of silverware against china. He glanced around the room, noting with a bit of distaste that Eunhyuk had taken little effort to keep it tidy - too accustomed, perhaps, to having maids and servants to pick up after himself. Clasping his hands behind his back, Siwon cleared his throat.
“Death is not a proper solution to anything,” he said, eyes fixed on the first of the stars visible in the gathering dusk.
The scrape of Eunhyuk’s knife ceased abruptly.
“What?” Eunhyuk asked around a mouthful of steak.
“If you feel low in spirits, the last thing you should do is coop yourself up. You should apply yourself instead. There is plenty of work to be found on a ship.”
Siwon chanced a look at Eunhyuk, and found the man completely mystified, sauce lingering at the corner of his open mouth. He cleared his throat again.
“For instance, you could tidy your cabin. It is unhygienic to live in such disarray, and impolite, as well, to leave your room in such a state. The ship that takes you to Boston or Brazil may not have as understanding a captain.”
He regretted his choice of subject almost immediately. Eunhyuk’s face took on a distressed air, and he set down his fork and knife with a soft sigh.
“Boston is no longer my home,” he said quietly, tugging on the ends of his sleeve. “And I think… I think Brazil may not be safe either.”
“Then what do you intend to do?”
Eunhyuk turned in his chair, looking up at Siwon, a half hopeful look on his pale face. “I thought, perhaps, I could travel with you to China. Zhoumi has been telling me about it, and he’s taught me a few words, like ni hao and xie xie.”
“‘Hello’ and ‘thank you’ will hardly suffice in extended conversation.”
“I can learn more. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, I have something else that might.” Eunhyuk moved across the room, pushing open his travelling chest. Siwon watched his movements with interest, wondering what on earth the man might have that would be so persuasive. Eunhyuk tugged hard at something buried almost at the bottom of the chest, struggling to pull it free of tangled shirts and pants. Siwon was about to help him when the clothes gave, and Eunhyuk yelped, landing on his derrière with a loud thud. Siwon bit on the inside of his cheeks to keep from laughing as he helped Eunhyuk to his feet. This image of Eunhyuk, clumsy, flushed and boyish seemed so much more suited to him than the image of the confident, determined man Eunhyuk was obviously trying to project, but Siwon thought it might be rather impolite of him to say so. Instead he bent and picked up the pouch, his curiosity as to its contents sated when he heard it clink.
“Shindong says the ships purse is not as full as you would like.”
Siwon sighed. “Can a purse ever be full enough for contentment?”
“You need to buy winter clothes for everyone on this ship. I have more than enough money to finance it.” Eunhyuk took the purse from Siwon, untying it with fumbling fingers.
“I cannot accept this charity,” Siwon began, but Eunhyuk cut him off.
“It is payment for my passage to China. Five hundred dollars in gold, and more in paper money. I don’t want any of it.” Eunhyuk held out the purse, jaw set, and Siwon recognised the stubborn look of a rich man’s son used to getting his own way. He shook his head. There was no room for spoilt children on his ship.
“You’ll sing a different tune when you know what poverty means, Mr. Lee,” he said. “This ship is not taking passengers. - I have barely enough crew to man the ship, much less serve you. If, instead, you were looking for work as a member of my crew…”
“Yes,” Eunhyuk said.
“Pardon?”
“I’ll work on your ship. I had intended to work for my living before I left Boston, and I see no reason why I cannot work on your ship. It cannot be so very hard.”
Siwon pursed his lips. This was a rather unexpected turn of events, and he could hardly reject Eunhyuk’s offer to crew on his ship after his little spiel about needing more men. At any rate, he would simply have to put Eunhyuk through his paces until the young man understood what hard work meant. More likely than not, he would tire of it after a day and beg to be set down on shore again.
“Very well,” Siwon said, holding out his hand. “Welcome aboard the Seafarer, Mr. Lee, as a member of its crew. The first order of business will be for you to move into the crew quarters. I will tell Shindong to sling up a hammock for you.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Eunhyuk said softly, and it was only when Eunhyuk slipped his slim hand into Siwon’s that Siwon realised how much the other man was trembling. Relenting a little, Siwon squeezed his hand before releasing it.
“But for tonight, you may remain in your cabin. Try to get a good night’s rest before tomorrow. We will be making port at Halifax.”
“Captain.” Eunhyuk pressed his purse into Siwon’s hand again.
“As I’ve said, Mr. Lee, I will not take your charity.”
“It’s not charity,” Eunhyuk insisted. “As a member of your crew, have I not a right to be concerned for the welfare of my fellow crew mates?”
Siwon laughed, closing his hand around the purse. “You certainly are tenacious, Mr. Lee. I’ll see to it that your fellow crew mates are warmly clothed for the remainder of our journey.”
When Siwon turned to shut the door behind him, he saw that Eunhyuk was already attempting to straighten up his room.
And in the next chapter! How will Hyukjae adjust to working aboard a ship? Is it really as easy as he thinks? Will there be rites of initiation that are as kinky as they are deeply traumatic? One wonders!
Length: 2000 words (what a lovely round number!)
Author: shieldkitten
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Hyukjae avoids Siwon, and Siwon finds this mildly off-putting.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7
Work was underway to disguise the Sapphire Pearl as ‘the Seafarer’, an exploratory vessel chartered by a sponsor with an overabundance of wealth and a sad lack of common sense. The story, Siwon hoped, would explain why there were women aboard the ship, why they were sailing into uncharted waters, and why the Seafarer was a schooner rather than a sturdier carrack.
The blue flags above the masts had been replaced with flags of deep yellow ochre, the colour Siwon imagined China to be. Seungjun and Chaegum had been assigned the task of repainting the hull, covering white and silver with rosewood varnish. When the paint of the ship’s new name dried, it would be time for Siwon to turn the wheel left and steer the Seafarer within sight of land.
Shindong had agreed to watering on Halifax and asking for news of the terrain in the Arctic Circle. The natives might have more information than what Siwon had managed to scrounge up in Boston under the guise of casual curiosity, or they might have nothing new to contribute. Yet, there was little else he could do, short of turning around and sailing around Africa as Shindong had suggested. Then, there was the issue of securing enough warm clothes for all the crew and their Chinese passengers. There was money in the ship’s purse, but not as much as Siwon would have liked. He was loath to spend it all in Halifax when they still had more than two months of sailing ahead of them. Henry and the younger crew had made a case for the ability of youth to overcome inclement weather, but Siwon was sure they would be singing a different tune with icicles hanging from the bow of the ship.
He sighed, looking out of the window of his stateroom, mind still whirring. Most of the Chinese men had offered to help crew on the ship. It was a relief, certainly, at least for the crew members - the Sapphire Pearl could sail with only a crew of eight, but it would have been a strain on such a long journey. Still, most of them had no prior training aboard a ship, and Siwon doubted they would be ready by the time they reached Halifax. Siwon wanted to give them a few hours freedom to wander about Halifax as free men, but there was no doubt that a sudden influx of Chinese men and women would raise suspicions and no doubt send a few tongues wagging.
And then there was the problem of finding passage for Eunhyuk.
Siwon closed his eyes and tilted his head back, praying for serenity. Of all the problems he had, all the valid, pressing concerns that weighed heavily on his mind, the problem of Lee Eunhyuk ought to barely register on the scale. And yet Siwon found his thoughts returning to the man time and again, wondering if he was well, if he had eaten any of the food Siwon had asked Shindong to bring to him, if he still suffered from seasickness, or if his spirits had lifted. His pride prevented him from asking Zhoumi for news, although the man was certainly free enough with his information.
“He’s depressed,” Zhoumi announced, sitting himself down at the seat meant for Eunhyuk after sending Eunhyuk’s regrets and disinclination to accept Siwon’s offer of dinner in the stateroom. The promise of steak and the last of the fresh salad greens had failed to entice Eunhyuk from his self-imposed sequestration for the second day running.
“Depressed,” Siwon echoed, watching large bites of delicately seared beef disappear past Zhoumi’s lips.
“Oh yes. Evidently, you’ve made him see the light. Poor boy’s been betrayed by his own kin. It’s enough to make a man want to pitch himself out of his cabin window.”
Siwon lowered his own cutlery, aghast. “He wouldn’t.”
Zhoumi chuckled and polished off the last morsel on his plate. “Of course not. Dinner was delicious. Please send my compliments to Shindong.”
Siwon nodded absently, his own meal largely untouched, and watched Zhoumi leave the room. Eunhyuk wouldn’t. Suicide was so unseemly, and so cowardly as well. Problems were better dealt with alive, and one was always the better for the experience. Surely Eunhyuk would know that, as a man of breeding like he so seemed. How could he not?
Still.
Siwon picked up his plate and moved down the corridor, counting doors in the back of his mind as he tried to form excuses as to why he would be carrying his dinner with him should he meet any of his crew. By the time he had managed to think of a logical explanation, he had also reached the door to Eunhyuk’s cabin. Squaring his shoulders, he knocked smartly on the door and received a soft ‘come in’.
Eunhyuk was seated on his bed, arms slung loosely around one bent knee, looking utterly demoralised. Upon seeing Siwon, he scrambled off the bed and tugged self-consciously at his hair, attempting to straighten it out. Siwon fought the urge to pet down his own hair as well. Instead, he set the plate down on the small writing desk by the wall.
“I thought you were Zhoumi,” Eunhyuk said, darting to the desk and clumsily sweeping scattered sheets of paper into a pile. Siwon managed to catch glimpses of words and phrases that looked as though Eunhyuk had been trying to compose a letter before Eunhyuk hugged the sheaf of papers to his chest.
“It is his turn to take the watch tonight,” Siwon explained. “I’ve brought your dinner.”
“Oh.” Eunhyuk stared down at the plate, and Siwon was uncomfortably aware of how obvious it was that the steak had already been cut.
“I suppose I ought to confess, it was my meal,” he said. “If you would prefer, I could send for Shindong to prepare something else.”
“No, no.” Eunhyuk shook his head. “There’s no need to trouble him, I only… Don’t you want to eat?”
“I’m afraid my present appetite would do Shindong’s cooking little justice.”
Siwon moved to look out the window and was pleased to hear the clink of silverware against china. He glanced around the room, noting with a bit of distaste that Eunhyuk had taken little effort to keep it tidy - too accustomed, perhaps, to having maids and servants to pick up after himself. Clasping his hands behind his back, Siwon cleared his throat.
“Death is not a proper solution to anything,” he said, eyes fixed on the first of the stars visible in the gathering dusk.
The scrape of Eunhyuk’s knife ceased abruptly.
“What?” Eunhyuk asked around a mouthful of steak.
“If you feel low in spirits, the last thing you should do is coop yourself up. You should apply yourself instead. There is plenty of work to be found on a ship.”
Siwon chanced a look at Eunhyuk, and found the man completely mystified, sauce lingering at the corner of his open mouth. He cleared his throat again.
“For instance, you could tidy your cabin. It is unhygienic to live in such disarray, and impolite, as well, to leave your room in such a state. The ship that takes you to Boston or Brazil may not have as understanding a captain.”
He regretted his choice of subject almost immediately. Eunhyuk’s face took on a distressed air, and he set down his fork and knife with a soft sigh.
“Boston is no longer my home,” he said quietly, tugging on the ends of his sleeve. “And I think… I think Brazil may not be safe either.”
“Then what do you intend to do?”
Eunhyuk turned in his chair, looking up at Siwon, a half hopeful look on his pale face. “I thought, perhaps, I could travel with you to China. Zhoumi has been telling me about it, and he’s taught me a few words, like ni hao and xie xie.”
“‘Hello’ and ‘thank you’ will hardly suffice in extended conversation.”
“I can learn more. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, I have something else that might.” Eunhyuk moved across the room, pushing open his travelling chest. Siwon watched his movements with interest, wondering what on earth the man might have that would be so persuasive. Eunhyuk tugged hard at something buried almost at the bottom of the chest, struggling to pull it free of tangled shirts and pants. Siwon was about to help him when the clothes gave, and Eunhyuk yelped, landing on his derrière with a loud thud. Siwon bit on the inside of his cheeks to keep from laughing as he helped Eunhyuk to his feet. This image of Eunhyuk, clumsy, flushed and boyish seemed so much more suited to him than the image of the confident, determined man Eunhyuk was obviously trying to project, but Siwon thought it might be rather impolite of him to say so. Instead he bent and picked up the pouch, his curiosity as to its contents sated when he heard it clink.
“Shindong says the ships purse is not as full as you would like.”
Siwon sighed. “Can a purse ever be full enough for contentment?”
“You need to buy winter clothes for everyone on this ship. I have more than enough money to finance it.” Eunhyuk took the purse from Siwon, untying it with fumbling fingers.
“I cannot accept this charity,” Siwon began, but Eunhyuk cut him off.
“It is payment for my passage to China. Five hundred dollars in gold, and more in paper money. I don’t want any of it.” Eunhyuk held out the purse, jaw set, and Siwon recognised the stubborn look of a rich man’s son used to getting his own way. He shook his head. There was no room for spoilt children on his ship.
“You’ll sing a different tune when you know what poverty means, Mr. Lee,” he said. “This ship is not taking passengers. - I have barely enough crew to man the ship, much less serve you. If, instead, you were looking for work as a member of my crew…”
“Yes,” Eunhyuk said.
“Pardon?”
“I’ll work on your ship. I had intended to work for my living before I left Boston, and I see no reason why I cannot work on your ship. It cannot be so very hard.”
Siwon pursed his lips. This was a rather unexpected turn of events, and he could hardly reject Eunhyuk’s offer to crew on his ship after his little spiel about needing more men. At any rate, he would simply have to put Eunhyuk through his paces until the young man understood what hard work meant. More likely than not, he would tire of it after a day and beg to be set down on shore again.
“Very well,” Siwon said, holding out his hand. “Welcome aboard the Seafarer, Mr. Lee, as a member of its crew. The first order of business will be for you to move into the crew quarters. I will tell Shindong to sling up a hammock for you.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Eunhyuk said softly, and it was only when Eunhyuk slipped his slim hand into Siwon’s that Siwon realised how much the other man was trembling. Relenting a little, Siwon squeezed his hand before releasing it.
“But for tonight, you may remain in your cabin. Try to get a good night’s rest before tomorrow. We will be making port at Halifax.”
“Captain.” Eunhyuk pressed his purse into Siwon’s hand again.
“As I’ve said, Mr. Lee, I will not take your charity.”
“It’s not charity,” Eunhyuk insisted. “As a member of your crew, have I not a right to be concerned for the welfare of my fellow crew mates?”
Siwon laughed, closing his hand around the purse. “You certainly are tenacious, Mr. Lee. I’ll see to it that your fellow crew mates are warmly clothed for the remainder of our journey.”
When Siwon turned to shut the door behind him, he saw that Eunhyuk was already attempting to straighten up his room.
And in the next chapter! How will Hyukjae adjust to working aboard a ship? Is it really as easy as he thinks? Will there be rites of initiation that are as kinky as they are deeply traumatic? One wonders!