The whole mood of the ship seemed to drop after that day.

Well, mine and Khun’s.

Minjun was his usual self, sipping on his coffee and watching us, gathering new impressions while sitting on the couch with a book in the other hand. Wooyoung was repairing an old radio while humming a tune, back to his usual happy self since he had managed to mend the broken motor. And Chansung and Junho were sitting opposite of Minjun, enjoying each other’s company while the Escorial was flying on auto pilot.

I on the other hand stood in the kitchen, grumpily checking our stock of food, writing a list of what we needed to buy if we reached our new destination.

And Nichkhun silently cleaned our weapons, a hobby he had always loved and usually did when he had to think a few things through.

We haven’t talked to each other the past two days. There was a weird energy between us. Like two lions stalking each other, waiting for the opportunity to attack.

At least I would describe it like that. And the weird thing was: I would love to get bitten by him, by that dangerous and y lion.

Glancing backwards, I caught him staring at me, furrowed brows. He didn’t seem angry, just a little hurt and displeased. And for a second I thought about the things I’ve said.

Had I assumed the wrong thing? Was it something else that had angered him?

But on the other hand I couldn’t figure out what it could’ve been other than me destroying his opportunity to get rid of the man that had been hired to kill him.

He swiftly turned his head as he noticed that I had caught him. Now it was me who furrowed his brows. And out of instinct I turned towards the direction Minjun was sitting. I couldn’t help myself but snort when I saw him grinning back at me.

I was sure he knew something. Something I wasn’t grasping at all. And it kind of made me jealous.

Why was he able to notice the slightest changes? How was he able to read us so easily?

He sure was a very talented man and once again I was glad he joined our ship.

I slightly nodded my head, indicating that he should come to me.

He on the other hand calmly placed his book on the table and stood up, slowly walking towards me.

"Let’s check the stock outside?” I asked and he simply nodded, his smile never fading.
 

As soon as we were outside the living area, I couldn’t help but ask why he was wearing that evil grin.

“Oh, it’s just so amusing to watch the two of you. I can’t help myself.” He shrugged.

“What’s there that I’m not seeing? I already figured that he hadn’t been angry because I’ve jumped between him and the assassin, but why else could he be angry?” I asked irritated, grabbing the doctor’s shoulders and slightly shaking him.

“Please, Minjun. If you love me, give me a hint, okay?” I begged and felt cold hands on my cheeks a second later.

“Fine, I’ll give you a hint, okay?” I couldn’t help to sigh in relief. I knew he wouldn’t give me the solution, but a hint would be great.

“Let me ask you, how would you react if one of us jumped in between you and a bullet?” His eyes curiously widened and he calmly watched the emotions flickering past my face.

"I would be angry! I mean, it’s dangerous…” I was just about to say more, but he interrupted me.

“Let me ask more specific. What would you do if Nichkhun jumped in order to catch a bullet for you?” Horror crossed my face and a shiver ran down my body.

“I would be more than angry… He is way too important to do that.” I stated and jus when I finished, something doomed on me.

“You are a genius, Minjun.” I sighed, happy that I now realised that Khun had probably been worried about me. “But are you sure he was worried about me?” I asked hesitantly, not believing he was feeling something for me, even if it was just worry.

“I’m sure of that. I think you should ask him, apologize for making him worry and show him that you are indeed sorry, okay?” Minjun asked while walking past me and just when I wanted to ask how I should approach the handsome man, he was gone.

 

I was just about to grab the doorhandle, after walking past it a few times, as a loud beeping that sounded through the whole ship rang.

It was ear-piercing and I knew it was the autopilot informing Junho that we would reach our destination in a few minutes and that it was time for his navigation.

Stepping to the side, I sighed in relief as the door swung open just a few seconds later. Swiftly touching my nose I was glad I had stepped aside just in time. Getting that damn door into your face was something I never wanted to experience again.

Junho left the room with hurried steps, followed by much heavier ones and I knew it was Chansung following him.
Minjun walked past me, closely followed by Wooyoung who was humming a tune, like always.

“We are reaching Heavean, captain. I’ll get the list with the things we’ll need in order to repair the motor.” The happy mechanic informed me.

“And I’ll get mine for the herbs we need to collect. Oh, and I’ll check the rest of the stock before we head out. The rest we weren’t able to check.” Minjun said before he stoped and walked back in order to grab the piece of paper I was still holding.

“Where is Nichkhun?” I asked him before he could follow Wooyoung down the stairs.

“He is collecting the weapons. Like always, cap.”
 

Gulping down the lump that was forming in my throat, I finally entered the lions cave.

The man was still sitting at the table, carefully checking the last weapon that lay in front of him.

We always carried arms with us when we excited the Escorial. Hidden weapons, of course.

It was not safe outside, not on planets like Heavean. On the other hand, it was nowhere safe anymore. Since Sanctum started taking over the lead of the new world, it was nowhere safe for people like us.

“Are you finished?” I asked, not knowing where that question had come from.

The man looked up, not surprised. I wasn’t shocked about the realisation that he had noticed me stepping through the door. No matter how silent I’ve been. He was a hunter after all.

“I am, captain. Junho and Chan already took their guns, so did Wooyoung and Minjun. I haven’t checked yours, but you always do that yourself. Therefore, yes, I’m finished.” He informed me with a smile. It was a cold one, a trained one and I couldn’t help but sigh.

I stepped closer and took out the gun, which was safely placed away, from its pocket and handed it over.

For a second he blinked, not knowing what I was doing. But then he seemed to realise what my gesture meant and grabbed the Beretta, looking it over. He then nodded in agreement.

“Listen, Khun. I’ve thought about the whole that had happened in the past weeks and days.” I started and I could see him stiffening. I pulled the chair and sat down in front of him, leaning over.

“I think, I finally figured out why you’ve been so angry with me. And I have to say, that I can fully understand your anger now that I’ve realised the cause of it.” I continued and he also leaned closer, curiosity and something that seemed like fear sparkled in his eyes.

For a second I watched him, my eyes traveling over his handsome features. His big eyes seemed so innocent up close, his straight and pretty nose and those very inviting lips. His hair has grown a little longer since the day I let him into the ship. His features had softened over the time he had spent here with us, with the crew.

He had looked cold and lifeless when he joined us, now I could even see fear and curiosity in his bright eyes, eyes that had been dull before.

He was so beautiful. Breathtaking even. And a second later I found myself kissing those lips, starring into his very wide and very surprised eyes.

I was surprised about my actions as well, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t. It felt so damn right kissing him. And just when I was about to give up, he kissed back. His eyes closed and he gave in, allowed me to take the lead, and I did. I nearly crawled over the table to pull him closer, to ravish his mouth.

And just when I was about to lose control, an echo sounded through the ship.

“We are reaching Heavean in a few seconds. Please beware of the ruckus that will occur during the landing process.” Junho’s voice said through the speaker and for a second we were still. Then, however, be started laughing.

“He sounds like a stewardess…” Nichkhun pressed forward, tears running down his cheeks and all I could do was nod.

"Come. We need to get down and out to finish the current mission and collect our money.” I hummed and Khun only nodded, grabbed his riffle and followed me outside.

We reached the hatchway a few seconds later; the rest of the crew was already waiting. I smiled as I noticed Chan. He looked like a whole weapon arsenal, wearing his black uniform while grimly looking around.

I immediately knew that something was up.

“What’s wrong Chan?” I asked and walked closer towards him, the tall man standing close to a softly smiling Junho who was simply wearing jeans with a white shirt. He looked calm, but Chan wasn’t.

“I located a few ships of Sanctum coming towards this harbor. So we should hurry up, get our money, the needed ingredients and get away from here.” Junho answered instead, poking Chansung’s chest.

“He is just worried about the amount and why they are coming here out of all places.” Junho added while turning towards Minjun as the older spoke up.

“Well three fight ships is nothing to joke about. But on the other hand Heavean is a very busy harbor, so maybe they are just coming here because they are running out of gasoline?” He questioned and all we could do was shrug.

I had no idea what to think about that information, but one thing was for sure. Even if those Sanctum ships were only coming here for ingredients and fuel, we should end this stay as soon as possible.

"I don’t care why they are coming here. I just want to deliver the goods and get our money and the things we need for our next journey. Maybe we are lucky enough to get a new mission when handing over the goods.” I hummed, pointing towards the three bags of black gold next to Wooyoung.

“That would be great! I mean if we get a really good offer, we can buy a new motor, right cap?!” Wooyoung exclaimed happily and all I could do was laugh.

“Yeah, Woo. I’ll get you a great motor if we get a great job offer, promise.” I said and the sparkle in the man’s eyes nearly blinded me.
“Good. Then let’s go and deliver those bags.” Khun commented next to me, face straight. He was thinking about something.

I figured that he was thinking about the approaching ships Junho had mentioned.

Heaving a sigh I walked towards the bags full with beans and lifted one of them, so did Khun and Chan. And just like that we casually walked past the other ships that were fighting for passengers.

Our ship was probably the only one who wasn’t trying to get some passengers on board. Those ships were bringing them from place to place. But we were different. We were only doing missions, no passengers on board, only us; the crew.

Why? Well, because we only earned our money by doing missions. And we were fully capable to do very dangerous and very expensive jobs.

 

After walking for a few minutes, we entered a rather dirty and dangerous district of Heavean. Taecyeon was leading us, walking towards a big and old looking house.

I had no idea who gave Taecyeon this mission, but I was guessing it had to be a rather mighty person who had tested us and our capability through this rather simple task.

I was eager to find out who that person was.

The tall man walked through the gate, nodding towards his right and then the left. I knew he had greeted two men that were hiding in the dark before I could even see them. Their breathing was way too loud not to notice them.

I was closely followed by Chan. Smiling to myself I had to admit that I was already feeling calmer. That always happened when Chansung was close to me. He had that special aura around him.

I was sure we seemed like a bunch of weird guys walking into the wrong building. Wooyoung’s happy whistling added to that impression.

Gosh how could he whistle right now?

Turning around I couldn’t help myself but grin like a weirdo. The scene behind my back was just too priceless not to. Junho was walking next to Chan; pointing things out like a tourist that wanted to show his husband all the new things he thought were amazing. Chansung on the other hand walked with the bag over his shoulders, facing forward but I knew he was examing our surroundings just like me and Taec.

From time to time he nodded and hummed, making Junho giggle at his reaction.

Wooyoung on the other hand was walking behind Minjun, humming a happy tune while looking around curiously, his brown hair styled up, a few dirty stains adorning his handsome features.

And Minjun, well Minjun was his usual self. He seemed like a disinterested person, walking with his hands in his jean pockets. From time to time he stopped in his tracks, waiting for Wooyoung to catch up to the group.

Wooyoung was a person that got distracted easily, and I couldn’t help but snort at Minjun for being so patient at a time like this.

"We are here, guys.” Taec finally announced and we stopped, waiting for Wooyoung who was trailing behind.

“Let me talk, okay?” He asked and eyed us all, one by one.

When we all nodded, he smile, turned and entered a big and almost empty hall.
In the middle of it stood a desk, a very big one, next to it a few tall and armoured men. On a chair behind the desk sat a very feminine and short woman. Her hair was reaching till her petite shoulders. They were caramel coloured and she had almost poison green eyes. She was pretty. And dangerous, I could tell thanks to the way she was holding herself.
 

“Maeve?” A very surprised and friendly voice called out. Turning around I watched Taecyeon stepping closer towards the desk, an equally surprised Maeve staring back.

"Are you kidding me?” She suddenly asked in disbelief, looking towards Taec.

“I should be asking that!” Taec suddenly exclaimed, his arms folding in front of his chest.

"No I should!” Came the reply and everything the rest of us could do, was watch the scene unfolding in front of us.

“Okay. What the hell is going on?” Junho’s voice called out and all I could do was nod. I had no idea what was happening right now.

So Taec seemed to know that woman…

“It’s-“ Taec started but stopped, still looking towards the woman who was probably our client. He then gently smiled and looked towards us.

“I had no idea Maeve was our client, since a young man handed over the mission with the coffee beans. And it turns out that the true client is actually an old friend of mine, a very dear friend I thought was dead.” He commented, turning towards Maeve again.

“Okay, that explains the reason for the short bickering the two of you shared.” A very amused Wooyoung muttered.

The caramel haired woman turned towards Wooyoung, eying him as if she was trying to find out how dangerous he was.

My brows rose as suddenly her eyes widened, a second later she was looking towards Junho, her eyes getting even bigger.

She then closed them and started smiling like a child that had just opened the last Christmas parcel that contained the most wanted present.

"Taec, you are wonderful!” She happily shouted, jumped up from her seat and ran around her desk in order to hug the very surprised giant.

For a split second he stood there, not knowing what to do until he gently patted her back.

“I know. But would you explain to me why you think that I’m wonderful?” He asked curious. I was taken aback as well, stumped by the things that were going on in front of me.

“Of course!” She happily said and stepped back in order to give Taec some free space.

“You are recruiting, aren’t you?” Taec suddenly blurted and I already felt a headache approaching. The things they were talking about were so confusing.

"I am. You see, I’m actually looking for a crew that can finish dangerous jobs in a short period of time. A group that would not fall for Sanctum and their tricks.” She started to explain and so far we could all follow her.

“So I sent Changmin to go and find a capable crew that would finish a job where they would need to steal expensive coffee beans out of an old wrack, in a district that was especially watched by Sanctum.” She continued, letting her eyes wander over each one of us.

“He found you, Taec. And you agreed to finish that job. At first I was surprised that someone would actually take on the job offer. I knew that the person who took it was either really talented or really, really dumb. But now that I know it was you…” She trailed of, a big smile on her lips as she heard Taec mumbling something incoherent.

“Why are you looking for such a crew?” Wooyoung piped in, rather curious why the woman would need a crew that finished dangerous jobs for her.

“You see, Wooyoung, Maeve and I, we were partners years ago.” Taec started, looking at Maeve.

“Yes, we started a group called F.R.E.E. Maybe you’ve heard about it?” The woman asked.

“Well, yeah. Taec told us about it, and that he was a leader of this group, but he never mentioned you.” Junho answered instead of Woo. “That was because till now I thought Maeve was dead.” Taecyeon explained. Okay. Now I was finally realising what was going on.

“Why would you keep quiet because of a woman that died? I mean, you could’ve told us about her.” It was Woo again. Asking a question I had wanted to ask myself.

“It’s because she was and still is a person who shouldn’t be associated with a ‘criminal’ unit like F.R.E.E.” Minjun calmly answered and we all turned towards him.

“Sorry, the way she is holding herself. It’s obvious you were raised in a mighty household. I guess, you are a princess or something similar to it?” He asked, his calm eyes lingering on the woman who seemed like and ice statue.

“She is, yes.” Taec clarified. “That’s why Maeve always pulled the strings in the background while I was the one acting like the face of the group. The person Sanctum would know as the head of F.R.E.E.”

It made sense.

“We’ll find out what happened to Maeve later, Woo.” Minjun patted the youngers shoulder, before he could ask the next question. Wooyoung on the other hand pouted.

“But I want to know how they could lose contact and why Taec, until now, thought she was dead.” The brown haired man hummed, hopefully looking towards his captain.

“I think I’ll need to catch up with Maeve before I can answer that question myself, Woo. But I’ll tell you as soon as we sorted out our memories.”

“Yeah. I’m curious about your version of the story.” Maeve muttered grimly. “But for now, I’m happy to announce that I found the perfect crew for my missions!” She clapped into her hands and walked around her desk once more, sinking into her chair.

“You think we are capable for your missions? What are those missions about, anyway?” Junho asked curious.

“If you guys are capable? Hell, you guys are a bunch of the most searched criminals in this solar system!” Maeve exclaimed, her hand making a motion that was supposed to show the mighty solar system. My eyes narrowed. I had the bad feeling that she knew more about us than we liked.

“We are no criminals!” Junho shouted back, apparently not happy about the word she used to call him and his friends.

“Of course you aren’t. But, well, for Sanctum you are and that’s why they want to get rid of you guys.” She explained, lifting a few pages of paper.

“When I’m looking for loyal people, who know what game Sanctum is playing, the most helpful list to find them and sort them out, is the list Sanctum is working on. The list of the most wanted criminals.” She pointed at the first paper. “And if you believe me or not, you guys are on the first page of ‘The most wanted criminals’. Congratulation!” She added sarcastically.

“They have a list?” Chansung asked surprised. It was the first time he was speaking up since we entered the hall.

“They do.” I added dryly. I’ve worked on those lists years ago. Killing and capturing the ones named on it. Now I seemed to be one of those names as well. How ironic.

“Are there just names or do they have more information?” Taecyeon suddenly asked, apparently the list was new to him as well.

“They only have information about the criminals who are part of the top 30.” She said, pulling at a few sheets of paper. “I knew I’ve seen your faces somewhere before.” The woman then held up six pieces of paper.

Taec grabbed them and swiftly read over them. His face got pale as he did so, looking up from the pieces a few seconds later.

“Nichkhun, a serial killer and assassin who killed and tortured many Sanctum members over the past few years.” Taec read. “You are placed number three on the list. I guess that’s why they sent Death after you…” He muttered, pulling out the next sheet.

I silently nodded. Of course, now it made sense why they sent another Assassin to kill me. Death was the man who had tried to kill me a few weeks ago. Luckily Taecyeon had saved me from a deadly bullet. I’ve been able to wound my opponent, but he fled while I attended Taecyeon’s wound.

Those bastards were at fault for Taec’s wound. Couldn’t they just leave me alone?

I’ve left Sanctum years ago. And they were still searching for me in order to kill me for something they’ve ordered me to do.

“They’ve added some basic information about me, but it seems that my activities as the lead of F.R.E.E weren’t to their liking.” Taec hummed in amusement. “Taecyeon, a weapon dealer with military background. He was the leader of F.R.E.E before we could destroy the group a few years ago.”

“Chansung. They wrote some interesting stuff about you.” The captain whistled as he read through the tall man’s description list. Chan was a thief, a very good one. He was capable of stealing everything and everyone.

“I don’t want to hear it all, Taec. I’ve done way too many things…” Chansung said calmly, grabbing the sheet of paper before Taec was able to read more.

“Oh my. Our little Wooyoung also has a rather big crime file…” Taec nodded towards Wooyoung who only shrugged.

“Sorry, but not sorry. I loved hacking them and making as much trouble as I could.” He admitted while grinning.

Wooyoung was as mentioned very talented with machines. Therefore hacking into computers was more than easy for him. He really was a genius.

“Whoa. I need to frame that file and hang it up in our room.” Chansung suddenly called out and grabbed for the piece of paper Taec had pulled out.

“Yeah, I love that description about him as well!” Maeve said with a smile on her lips.

“Who would think that such a handsome and rather innocent looking man could pull a trick like that?” The woman said, making Junho blush in embarrassment. I smiled. Well, Junho’s way of becoming a criminal had been really a great big hit, an explosion.

The man had found out about Sanctum and its true colours, and had simply destroyed half of their war ships.
He had been a former pilot of Sanctum, a very talented one, and had used that privilege to demolish half of their ships, blowing them up.

“It’s rather surprising that Minjun hasn’t that many information. Maybe they couldn’t collect all of it?” Maeve called out as she read over the last paper of the files she had collected.

Minjun just shrugged.

"They probably only wrote about my past. That I’m a corrupt doctor who had already fought in the war between Sanctum and the Independent, right?” Maeve nodded but she suddenly smiled.

"They added some more information. Like that you were the lead of that troop who had fought till the end and that you were an excellent soldier who had killed many Sanctum soldiers.” She finished, and Minjun just shrugged once more.

“Okay, Maeve that explains why you want us to join you. But where the hell did you get that?” Taec asked and I looked towards the woman.

“Let’s just say that I have many sources and they are all very talented.” She hummed. “And yes, I really would like you and your crew to join me.”

“Listen, Mae. We are independent. We can’t destroy Sanctum, we would die to achieve that, but it’s impossible. Therefore we decided to live.” Chansung said, looking towards his captain who only nodded in return.

“Chansung is right. We are just a bunch of friends…”

“Yes, you guys are a bunch of friends. Of very talented and mighty ‘criminals’ like Sanctum calls you. You don’t have to join my crew. You can stay a separate one. All I was looking for is a capable crew who can finish some missions for me. I’ll pay you good money. And I can provide you with information about Sanctum, if you want.”

Taecyeon seemed to think about her words. And I couldn’t help but to think it was a really good offer. Maeve seemed to be an upright person. She was only offering a job.

I nodded when Taec looked towards me, and so did the others.

"Okay. We’ll take on those missions. And we would be happy if you could provide us with information about Sanctum.” He held out his hand, and with a big smile the woman grabbed and shook it.

“I knew you would agree, Taecyeon. You are a great man.” The woman said, thankfully nodding towards all of us.

“Before I’ll tell you about your next mission, what is it I can get for you? Ingredients for the travel? Anything else? Because the thing is: a few ships from Sanctum are coming here in order to look for you guys. Therefore I would use our left time to let a few of my men get the items you need so I can give you the mission details in the mean time?” All of us stared at her, shocked about the said words.

“S-Sanctum is coming for us?” Junho stuttered. “But why?”

"It seems like they detected your ship number a few days ago. It was probably during your mission. And by all means, Sanctum is no dumb organisation. They figured you weren’t just ordinary thieves invading their territory.” Maeve explained and looked confused as she noted Junho was angrily staring at Taec.

I couldn’t help but grin.

He surely had promised Junho that they hadn’t been able to identify their ship number.

“No worries. My men will attend your ship, change and upgrade you ship’s license number. Nothing like that will ever happen again. Not while you are working for me.” Maeve chirped as she motioned us to follow her.

“You have quite interesting friends, Taec.” I said while slightly walking in front of the captain.

"Right?” He cheekily asked, letting his hand swiftly stoke over my back. “I have some more interesting thing for you in stock.” He hummed into my ear and I knew that despite the trouble we were going to face in the future, we would have equally much fun, together.

A/N

Okay! The last chapter ^^

I hope you liked the fanfic. I know it wasn't all tooo special....^^
I also know that I've could done better, but as I said it was written for a challenge and I had a hand-in date...so...yeah :)
Really sorry for that >.<

Anyway! This was my first TaecKhun n I enjoyed writing this story :D

I'm currently trying my best to re-write as many lost stories as possible, but it will take 'some' time till I've got the most important ones back...

I really hope u guys can wait for me n my fanfics/updates ^-^

Would really mean the world tro me ^^

Have a lovely Valentines Day! ♥