Chapter Text
The linen cloak hides him from the cold air that surrounds the morning mist around the marketplace. It was still quiet since demons were still arranging and organizing their stalls. Thankfully there weren’t a lot of people out yet, only a few. This gives him joy for his own well being. But despite that, he still hides his face by bringing the hood further down to cover his eyes. It was better to be safe than sorry, he reminds himself thoroughly.
He kept a low profile until he found something he was looking for.
Apples and nothing else.
It was the season for apples to be at their best. Growing and harvested in their season, when fall touches the summer month, apples were kissed in the most alluring shade of red and orange. And in order to have the best batch, he sacrificed his sleep just to grab some himself.
"Ah! Taehyung ah!"
A smile rose up to his lips as he hustled his steps. He gives the fruit seller a bow as a greeting, his hood covering more of his face than it should, causing his friend to roll her eyes at him at the given etiquette, "Are you even allowed to be out this early?”
Taehyung glances around the market place before slowly removing his hood slowly, revealing his soft and delicate features, raven hair moving from the morning breeze. "Morning Solar noona."
Solar gives the man a look before crossing her arms together, noting his simple appearance. "What are you doing here so early in the morning? The sun isn’t fully up yet.." She questioned.
Taehyung brings up a finger to his chin, looking around the baskets that Solar had taken out, fruits already organized and its prices already hanging up, "Apples!"
Solar lets out a sigh to find his expression and words genuine. Releasing her crossed arms, she brushed her hands on the ragged apron she had on, humming as she recalled the wanted fruit in her head. "I think they just arrived, how many would you like?"
Taehyung's eyes brightened, "I would love to have a basket of it please, I'll pay!"
"Pay?" Solar blinks in disbelief, cocking a brow up, "What makes you think I'll let you...."
Taehyung looked at her, hazel eyes losing their light as he registers the words in his mind. He fumbles a hand around his waist to grab the pouch of gold he brought, showing it to her with a pout on his lips. "I'll pay... I can."
"But Tae-"
"Noona."
Perhaps it was the sincerity in his eyes that let Solar agree with his wishes. And he was relieved to hear her accept it, her hand softly taking the right amount then disappears in the back of the small shop. The sun was starting to fully appear, and the marketplace was starting to fill. Taehyung took hold of his hood and lifted it up to his head, hiding again his presence. He felt a little bit anxious at how the time stretches, But the longer he waits he overhears a lot of news going on which catches his immediate attention.
"Did you hear? The celestial realm is holding a celebration tonight."
Taehyung slightly turns his head so his ear could listen more. He spots a couple of ladies, maybe around their mid-30s, looking through a pile of bread.
" Really? Must be important," Her friend comments, causing the one who told her to shrug. "I heard the son returned from the great war... hence the celebration."
"Ah, you mean —"
"Got 'em!" Solar's voice made Taehyung snap his head back, his eyes landing directly at the older who was carrying a basket full of red-orange bright apples. "Fresh from the trees!"
As he waits for Solar, Taehyung glances behind again and the two ladies are not there anymore. Tho he'd heard enough to make his day. Solar notices the smile but could only question it in her head as she places the basket down by the table. She begins to wipe the fruit and transfer the good ones to another basket. Taehyung insisted that he'll take them as they are but Solar would not risk his stomach getting upset. He didn't mind waiting a little bit longer.
"Are you out just for the apples?" Solar asks him, handing him the basket when she was done.
Taehyung shakes her head in her way, accepting the basket, "I'm heading to Yoongi hyung to share these..."
"Well.. okay, but be careful."
The younger shifts his eyes to her and notes the worried tone her voice was wrapped on. He was grateful to have friends to worry about him, and liked what he'll always do to reassure them, he sends her a warm smile. And with another bow, he turned his body to walk away and head to his next destination. He held the basket with both arms, hugging it close to his chest. This time the marketplace was fully packed and voices filled the air. All dressed in simple clothing, Taehyung was glad that he had the right garments to blend in. It was a great day, and he felt that it was when he looked up to the sky. By filling his lungs with morning air, he continues his path, exiting the busy market.
The sun's rays kept his back warm and made his shadow in front of him longer. With each step the noises from the market diminish, turning into a soft buzz in his ears. It wasn't a long walk but Taehyung already felt short of breath and flustered. He stops for a moment to fan himself, wiping the sweat away with the back of his hand. With a couple more minutes of rest, Taehyung begins to move his feet again, scanning around if someone was on his trail. Getting out of the path, Taehyung enters the forest surrounding him.
Yoongi's house wasn't located near the kingdom nor where the civilization was, he was more isolated, more private. And Taehyung didn't mind the extra effort and trouble to get to his house, to him, it was very fun. The trees shade him from the growing sunlight and to his relief, there was a small breeze lingering in the air. Every step he takes the path to Yoongi's house grows harder but that doesn't stop him from giving up, and the effort was worth it when he sees Yoongi's house appearing in his view. A large tree trunk sticks out like a sore thumb and what fascinates Taehyung was the fact that Yoongi's house was the tree truck. It was smart and creative if he points out. Walnut doors greeted him and glassed windows peeked at him. Taehyung smiled as he passed the small fish pond, eyeing the colorful fishes that danced in the water. He didn't have to knock since nobody knows this place but him. And as he expected, the doors were not locked. And no matter how breathtaking the exterior was, the inside of Yoongi's house says otherwise. And to describe it as messy would be an understatement.
Taehyung places down the basket on the nearby table, scanning the dimmed area for his friend, he tried calling but there was no response. Huffing a breath, Taehyung first settled with cleaning up a bit. Yoongi was the type to leave things as it is but Taehyung's was a clean freak. He begins by gathering the books scattered around the floor. One by one he picks them up, dusting the covers, and takes them to the bookshelf across the room by the curtained window. It was heavy but he didn't mind. He stacks them neatly by title. When he is done, he moves to the fireplace area where he sees various herb bottles lying around the polished floor. Taehyung bends down to collect as much as he can carry. Despite moving around the place, he still couldn't find a trance where Yoongi hyung could be. Maybe he was inside his chambers again.
Having an option inside his head, Taehyung doubles his actions. Throwing out the unnecessary things and fixing his furniture, he even prepared tea by boiling some dried rose inside Yoongi's pot. Wiping his palms onto his cloak, his fingers clip the garment off and hang it on one of Yoongi's chairs before turning his way to the direction of Yoongi's chambers. Just near the fireplace was a narrow staircase that led him up. And thankfully, he was right. When his foot manages to step inside the messier space, he sees the older sleeping peacefully on the floor and not his bed.
More books were scattered around and if the situation wasn't serious then Taehyung would have laughed to see how the books were piled up, looking like walls around Yoongi's sleeping form.
Taehyung slowly tiptoed to where Yoongi was specifically, a grin plastered on his face and a hand placed over his lips to stop him from laughing. Yoongi was snoring lightly, arms crossed and a huge book covering his face, making his snores more clear and louder. No wonder Yoongi slept on the floor, the bed was full of various things.
There were garments of different colors, bottles of different kinds, and more books of different sizes. Taehyung guesses that Yoongi was too lazy to move them, hence the position he was in. His room was decorated in the most simple way, only in the palette of earth colors. Brown brocade curtains hang from the single window located by the bed. The soft morning sunlight peeks from it, lighting up the room, making it less dull, unlike the space downstairs. Taehyung kneels down, lifting a pointer and sinking it into his friend's chest.
He repeats it several times, but no response.
"Hyung," Taehyung softly says, shifting into shaking him instead "Wake up."
He manages to stir Yoongi awake, the book sliding down his face to reveal his tired face, a groan slipping past his lips. Taehyung scoots away to let the latter sit up in his own efforts, mumbling a few words of profanity before grasping the reality that Taehyung was there. Yoongi's black locks were sticking out in different places, Taehyung giggled and reached forward to fix it.
Yoongi rubs his eyes, yawning "What are you doing here?"
"Season of apples, I came to give you some." Taehyung straightly lays out to him, withdrawing his hand back.
Yoongi, who still wasn't fully awake, groaned "By your own?"
"Of course?" Taehyung smiles, placing his chin on his open palms, swaying from side to side in a childlike manner.
"Don't tell me..." Yoongi glances at him, eyes blinking but frown unfading "You snuck out?"
"Maybe," Taehyung giggles, pushing himself up to stand and offering him a hand. Yoongi only gave him a blank look before taking it gently. "They won't know, I promise."
"Yeah, heard that once."
Taehyung lets out a hearty laugh before pointing out the obvious, "Did a hurricane do this?
"Changing the topic, classic.." Yoongi dusts his figure, then stretches his spine by leaning back, hearing a satisfying bone crack before straightening his form, fully awake.
"But no." Yoongi yawns into his palm, "I was working on something that kept me all night.."
Just hearing that made Taehyung's eye sparkle in excitement and Yoongi would be lying if he didn't catch that "Don’t even think about it."
The sparkle died fast as if it was candlelight, “I refuse to show it to you.”
The smile on his face died down, curling into a pout instead “You're being awful mean.”
Yoongi sighs, dusting his figure as he speaks "You can get yourself hurt, I refuse to take the punishment and responsibility for potential injuries my creations can do..."
The pout on Taehyung's delicate face deepens, crossing his arms together to stare at the older who was completely unfazed by his attempt to intimidate him. Yoongi could only burst into a small fit of laughter, walking past Taehyung to head downstairs.
"Yah!" Taehyung blurts out, and the smile on Yoongi's face stretches. "C'mon! pretty please! I won't touch it I swear!"
Yoongi kept shaking his head as he doubted the latter's words. But Taehyung was persistent, following the older down to pester him about showing it to him.
"Breakfast... then I'll show you"
♚
Taehyung wasn't a skilled cook, he liked his meal simple so for breakfast he made apple hash browns with sweet potatoes. The whole house was engulfed with the sweet and tangy aroma of cooked apples. Yoongi was seen tending to his plants when Taehyung set the food. And just like Yoongi promised, he comes to the table carrying an unfamiliar flower pot. Taehyung looked at him weirdly but Yoongi only shrugged.
“Taehyung, bring me my tea.”
And so he did. The glass cup was neatly placed right in front of Yoongi. The flower pot contained a strange blooming plant. Its petals were pale white, almost ash, with its leaves thin and crisp. There was no fragrance from it at all, but at the center of its flower were tiny seeds that Yoongi carefully plucked out. Taehyung watched in fascination as the seed sank down and before it could reach the bottom, it jolted and its shell cracked open. And a small plant emerges from it, not too big to resurface from the tea.
“Chamomile,” Yoongi picks up his tea to take a sip, “You boiled dried roses a minute ago right? These seeds change the flavor according to what the consumer needs, so you personally need to pick the seeds out to analyze what you lack in your body.”
Taehyung was left speechless, he wanted to try but Yoongi’s look stopped him.
“To be honest Taehyung, I fear that you might ingest the seeds directly... And that scares me.”
“Will they grow inside me then?” Taehyung innocently blinks at him resulting in Yoongi quickly hiding the plant behind his back.
The younger’s laughter filled the room, and the hard gaze on Yoongi’s face softened. Relieved to see the younger laughing.
“I was just kidding.” Taehyung leans back, “But please can I try?”
Yoongi didn’t have the heart to say no the second time. That’s why he nods and places the plant back on top of the table. Taehyung puts his weight on the wooden platform, chest firmly planted on it and hand stretched out to the flower’s direction. He was too excited, too fascinated to notice Yoongi’s chuckles in the background. And despite his fingers shaking, he was able to pluck a few and quickly drop them into his own tea. Watching the seeds shake and crack, revealing its ingredient for Taehyung’s health. Yoongi urges him to take a sip. When the liquid enters his lips and touches his taste buds, a mild flavor of sweetness invades his senses. “Chrysanthemum.."
Chrysanthemums cover a lot of health issues but it was popular for anxiety problems. Taehyung didn't have to question the plant's choice of variety. He gently places his cup down, sensing Yoongi's gaze glued to him.
"Why are you here Taehyung? Tell me the truth." Yoongi asked, sliding the pot to the side to reach for the wooden bowl full of apple hash. "Did something happen?"
Taehyung's words came out airy, tone low, sounding like a sweet whisper of the wind, "Headaches... it's getting violent, and it often keeps me awake at night… It's stressing me."
Yoongi wordlessly divided the hash browns, placing a decent amount on Taehyung's plate as he listened.
"I'm not sure if it's stress or something else." He smiles a little, cupping his tea with both hands.
"You've always been the sick one in the family right?" Yoongi looks at him, handing him his spoon. Taehyung nods at him before accepting it, his eyes looking directly at him. "What did your brother say?"
"He said it was nothing." Taehyung sighs, "Though, he blames my late night walks in the garden. Said it's the cold wind's punishment, for being up so late at night."
"That may be the reason. You should start listening to your brother." Yoongi agrees, tearing his food with his fingers, "So your reason for being here is for my medicational consultation?"
"That’s one of the reasons..." Taehyung pops a piece of his food into his mouth, savoring the fruity flavor that floods his mouth heavenly.
Yoongi stops, eyes squinting at his way "One of the reasons...?"
"I overheard something by the marketplace." Taehyung cheekily smiles at his way, "The celestial realm is having a celebration tonight. A ball maybe? I was thinki-"
"Hell, No" Yoongi already knew what Taehyung was thinking, he was too transparent.
"But I haven't even said any-"
"No, of all of the things to be curious about, this is the most dangerous and idiotic one yet," Yoongi exclaims, his appetite slowly diminishing. "Satan hell, You're 23 of age. Think logically..."
“But I'm curious..." Taehyung slightly pouts while taking a sip of his tea. "I've heard so many times before how their balls are always magnificent! You never let me go to peek… Even once...I just want to satisfy my curiosity."
"There is no need to, ours is as great as theirs..."
"I can't say the same until I see it for myself..."
Taehyung looked down on his lap to nervously fidget on his fingers, he couldn't explain it thoroughly and all the words he wanted to express died on his throat, causing him to retreat to a nervous manner.
Yoongi trailed his eyes at his features and just like he said, Taehyung was just too easy to read. Knowing him for 4 years or so, Yoongi could proudly say that he knows Taehyung as much as he knows himself. But the big disadvantage was gaining a very soft spot on him when times like this occur.
"It's dangerous..." Yoongi reconsiders Taehyung's bright smile almost bloomed on his face but he gotta reassure Yoongi that he'll be fine and that he'll be careful "I know, but I'll be careful..."
"What kind of celebration did you hear?"
"Its something like a celebration for the prince"
The way Yoongi's eyes grew wide got Taehyung's curious. "I take my thoughts back, No."
"That is not fair. Yoongi hyung come on now!" Taehyung pleads, voice cracking "I'll be extra careful then, just please let me!"
"Taehyung, if the prince is there, being extra careful is not enough..."
"And why is that?" he questions, watching the latter stand up to walk towards his bookcase.
"If the prince is there then this is no laughing matter, he may be a prince but he isn’t polished like a gem, no, with his own choice he turned himself into the most respectable and noble warrior, gaining himself the title of high general. Leader of the celestial army... If I let you go where he is present then, you'd be dead in seconds"
"But he wouldn’t know," Taehyung leans back to tilt his head, "Brother speaks highly about your abilities, especially in the field of concealing oneself's existence. Surely there is a way. And if the prince is noble as you speak, then baring blood within a celebration would just serve how primitive he'll be. And he's a knight no? He'll not strike unless he is threatened by dark intentions. Chivalry works that way"
Yoongi was slightly taken back by Taehyung's words. It's as if that Taehyung already saw every loophole in his desired plan, carefully knitting one logical way to another. And Yoongi would admit, Taehyung was indeed making good pointers. The hand that stopped midway to bring out a certain book, stops, He ponders on Taehyung's well-collected words and he changes his hand's course to the top shelf, his fingers trailing the leathered spine before taking it out.
He knew Yoongi would help him, a sigh was enough to say.
Taehyung remained seated as he watched Yoongi disappear from one place to another, and each time returns to the table, he would be carrying one item or more. And what intrigues him were the items themselves.
From clothes, tools, and even pieces of branches and leaves.
"What’s all this for?" Taehyung asked him when Yoongi was rearranging the stuff around.
"You're disguise..." Yoongi looks at him with a glint in his eyes. "If you wanna sneak inside, you gotta dress like an angel."
"What are the branches and leaves for?"
"Your wings, of course"
Taehyung looks between him and the items, "I don’t think I need wings? And how will you make wings out of... these?"
"Idiot. Every celebration in the celestial realm requires them to bring out their wings. It's their tradition to show off their rank and title" Yoongi pulls on a face.
"And it’s not just that." Yoongi opens up a book, turning it to face Taehyung, and slides it closer to his vision. Taehyung leans forward to peek at the pages, hearing Yoongi say "It’s not just the angels you have to be worried about, the entrance of the grand castle is guarded by colossal archangels. There are 7 in total and each of them is scattered within the celestial realm. But the ones who stay by the castle are the statues of Raphael and Gabriel. Unlike the other statues, they visually judge every guest by the door..."
Yoongi reaches forward to turn the page for him, revealing more texts for Taehyung to read. "You need to look like an angel on the outside."
"I-isn’t that impossible?" Taehyung said, overwhelmed.
"It is," Yoongi smugly smiles, setting the items "For low skilled crafters." Yoongi's left eye glowed for a second, the color of amber. Taehyung retraced his doubts and offered a smile, he can’t believe he just underestimated his friend.
"It will take time, so I suggest you come back. Allow me some time to prepare everything you need" Yoongi smiles.
"Can’t I just stay here and watch?" Taehyung pouts his way, which causes Yoongi to look back at him in the meantime.
"Hell no." Yoongi narrows his eyes at him, clicking his tongue "How many times do I have to tell you my craftsmanship is not a thing to take lightly, I use an amount of power that can reduce an individual into ashes if its touch...I know for a fact that you'll try to touch it."
"Pfft." Taehyung was indeed readable.
"If your brother sees a strand of hair missing on your head out of place, then that will be the end of me." Yoongi annoyingly sighs but the energy surrounding Taehyung shifts dramatically. Instead of being bright and cheery, his mood had dropped into a gloomy state. Taehyung wasn’t comfortably treated like this, and it was understandable. Yoongi turns to his way and places a hand at the latter's head. Taehyung jumps at the sudden attention, his eyes blown wide and confused.
"I’m telling you this because I care for your well being. You're my best friend's brother which makes you someone important to me..." Yoongi ruffles his hair adoringly before withdrawing his hand back "And it's not because you're a prince"
The young prince felt the corner of his lips twitching, urging to smile at the older's words of reassurance. Yoongi was more than a friend to him, he was also like a brother. "Return before the sun sets, confidently, the items will be ready by then."
♚
The petals on the flower bounce in his arms as he tries to tiptoe inside the palace, trying to be quiet as possible. Avoiding every servant he could sense and hear. Things would be rather complicated if they find out about his recklessness. Especially if his brother finds out about it. While hiding behind a pillar, his lips stretch into a small smile at the plant. Yoongi was kind enough to give it to him, and he shall treasure and take care of it with his life. When the area was safe and quiet, he continued his steps.
Just a little more and he'd be in his chambers. He ascended up to the main staircase in light steps, his head turning once in a while to scan the area. But it was too safe to be reassured, hence speeding his steps up. Walking up to the top, he stops to pay his respects. It was the first king and as their tradition, each time you pass, you may offer small words of praise, thanking the future that the first king had built for them. When he is done, he quickly pads his way to the left where he'll soon reach his chambers.
And thankfully he did.
A small sound would creak as he pushes the jarrah door. He'll just mess up his bed or ma-
"Kim Taehyung."
The said man widens his eyes at the sudden sharp familiar voice coming from the side. He lets out a squeak as he slowly turns to where the voice was with a wavering smile. Just by the couch, on its velvet black texture was his brother, sitting with his legs crossed together and an amused look planted on his face. Surprisingly he was cladded in something more casual than his glorious attires. Even if the look was close to being a normal demon noble, the crown on his head says otherwise of his status.
"H-Hey Hyung." Taehyung tries to hide his nervousness, especially when the older one examines his look and also the odd flower pot in his possession.
"Where have you been?" Seokjin narrows his eyes at him.
"Playing...." Taehyung glances at the pot before settling his words "In the garden... But then I saw this flower and I thought I'd take it with me...I guess I lost track of time.."
"Before dawn?" Seokjin raises a brow, "Don't fool me, brother, I saw you heading into town.."
Guess there was no point in continuing this lie of his. Taehyung drops his shoulder along with a sigh, "Fine, I went to town to get some apples..."
"I see you got hungry on the way home for the apples to disappear," Seokjin leans back, irises flickering at him.
Taehyung was officially silenced. And Seokjin clearly sees how he has won this small argument, "I have no problem with you visiting Yoongi, but did not we agree that when you go out, you'll have at least one protector around you? When will you listen to me Taehyung?!"
The young prince bowed his head under the intense gaze of his older brother. The crowned heir of the infernal realm wasn’t pleased at all at him. And the more the silence hugs the room, the familiar uneasiness flutters inside Taehyung's stomach. He felt his lips starting to wobble and his eyes glossing with tears. In every argument when Seokjin starts to win, Taehyung would always feel defeated. And the hard thing about it was accepting it without putting up a decent fight.
"You are my precious younger brother Tae... I cherish your life more than mine." Seokjin stands up to walk towards him with a softening expression. Despite the disappointment, Seokjin clearly was worried about him and nothing else. the older gently tugs the younger to an embrace, patting his head as an apology for raising his voice. "I’m sorry okay?"
Taehyung nods meekly, forming a small smile on his face. But yet even more the pain he kept inside would brew, forcing himself to swallow the lump on his throat. So many unsaid words, so little was his sanity holds him like a blanket.
"I understand your worry," Taehyung speaks. "And I apologize for it..."
"Please, just don’t do it again. Or tell me beforehand, I could come with you next time," Seokjin withdraws his hand, "I’ve been dying to visit Yoongi but my duties kept me busy..."
Taehyung slowly shakes his head in understanding "Yoongi hyung doesn't say it but I know he understands your duties. Especially now when your time to be the king nears the day..."
"Still," Seokjin sighs, eyes flickering between him and the flower "I’m lacking the capabilities to even simply visit my best friend. I should thank you, in reality, I’m glad that you're looking after him in my place. How is he tho? Still creating fascinating things I assume?"
Taehyung realizes the plant he had brought. "Yes Hyung, he gave me this actually. Its seeds once dropped into tea, it would change its flavor into something your body needs."
"That’s pretty helpful then," Seokjin's eyes brighten, touching the flower's delicate and soft petal, "How about we have some morning tea then, I cou-“
"I’m afraid you don’t have the time."
Taehyung felt his face heat up at the sound of the voice, and if he wasn't that grounded properly, he would have released the pot by now. The younger cast down his eyes in instinct.
"Just one tea won’t hurt anybody Joonie." Seokjin whines, turning around to face the voice. Kim Namjoon, one of the infernal warriors, also the general and personal bodyguard of his brother.
"I was told that you are needed by the nearby village, I already have your horse fetched," Namjoon spoke with tenderness in his voice. The gentleness only inflamed the warmest in Taehyung's cheeks. The warrior moved his head, bowing to greet the young prince, revealing his dimpled smile. "Good morning Taehyung, I hope I was not interrupting something."
Taehyung's hold around the pot tightened, but to ease his nervousness, he lifted up his fingers to brush a loose strand of hair under his ear, "N-No, Of course not... if you need my brother, please."
"Taehyung ahh." Seokjin faces him with a wild expression. But before he could argue more, Namjoon reaches out to grab the prince by the arm.
"Nope Jinnie." Namjoon chuckles, ignoring the older's whines "And thank you Taehyung, We'll see you later."
"Yes..."
Before the warrior could drag the prince out, Seokjin shouts "Let’s have tea when I get back okay?"
Taehyung could only muster a smile as a reply and wave at them as they leave. He closed the door and felt the texture of the wood beneath his skin while feeling the ache grow more. He sets the potted plant near his bed and unclips the cloak around his shoulders. Taehyung turned his head towards his balcony, curtains hung from the iron arm on the ceiling above and it was pulled to the side to reveal the view. Slowly he forces his legs to get there, his eyes catching a familiar pair dash down the grand stairs. Namjoon held a soft expression as he helped the heir get up into his horse before going up to his own. They were talking animatedly like they were in their own world. The pain in Taehyung's heart grew and his face twisted in sadness.
He crosses his arms and places them on top of the stoned railings. He heaves a soft sigh as he watches them slowly depart outside of the palace walls. Their horses running by their commands, and loud touches of laughter still reaching to his ears. The light breeze snaps him out of his small trance, causing the prince to withdraw back inside his chambers. He plops down on his bed, back hitting the soft sheets made of wool and cotton. The scent of cinnamon bursting and engulfing his senses, relaxing his senses. Almost immediately, his eyes started to get heavy and in a matter of seconds, the sound of the breeze soothes him to slumber.
♚
"I said before sunset..." It was the first thing that Yoongi said when the door was opened.
"Sorry Hyung..." Taehyung yawns, pulling the cloak closer and tighter around his form, his eyes a bit swollen from sleep. The sky is already pitch black, with tiny freckles of light glittering. Even the moon was present, full and clear in perfection with no stray cloud blocking its moonlight.
"I fell asleep..." Taehyung apologizes.
"At least you rested," Yoongi moves aside to grant the latter some space to enter through, escaping how the cold air hugs Taehyung's form. "Drink some tea, I'll fetch the stuff."
Taehyung nods at his way, creating a beeline to where the fireplace was alive. Instantly he unfolds his fingers by the warmth of its flames, his shadow casting and stretching over the rug behind him. Yoongi returns with a pleasant smile on his face and Taehyung held more expressions than joy.
"Put these on, hopefully, it'll fit you." Yoongi passes him a bundle of silk garments. And it did, he felt so foreign to be dressed in white and gold. How the color compliments his sun-kissed complexion. Luxurious silk yet delicate and lacy, he looked like a different person.. he looked like an angel. A gold belt was wrapped around his waist, emphasizing his size. Gold details decorated the hems of his cuffs, portraying the rich quality in design. Even the coat he was given was excellent in quality and color. With long tails hanging from behind. Yoongi inspects him carefully, nodding to himself his own creation.
"You can wear the boots you have brought." Yoongi stops right in front of him to fix the few ruffles that strayed in his coat. "Also your hair...I know coloring it black was to keep you hidden from outside the palace but now..."
"I can revert it back?" Taehyung's eyes sparkled.
Yoongi chuckles at his enthusiasm. "You may... but just for tonight."
Taehyung bounces on his spot before concentrating a certain amount of energy into his left hand. His hand glowed with purple and lifted it up above his hair, waving it once to reveal his natural hair color. The black ink slips away like dust, revealing his majestic and beautiful ash silver-colored hair.
"Now what’s left is your wings..." Yoongi retreats back upstairs, leaving Taehyung in his joyous moment. The prince didn’t know how to move or feel about his appearance but a smile couldn’t help but twitch on his face. He feels the soft fabric with his fingers, loving everything about his outfit. Despite the change of color, Yoongi knew exactly what his style of clothing was, simple yet elegant.
And when the latter came back, a gasp left his lips at the sight.
"Hyung..." Taehyung judges, arching a brow, "Did you just glued those branches together?"
He was utterly confused when Yoongi came back. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or not but the look on Yoongi's face stopped him nonetheless. He brought something he didn’t expect. They looked like wings but it was made out of branches and the leaves were sewed on it to act like feathers.
"Mhm." Yoongi snickers, gesturing for him to turn around so his back would face him.
"But hyu-"
"No more questions and just do what I say," Yoongi tells him. "This will hurt..."
At first Taehyung was confused when Yoongi started placing the ends of the wings on his back. As soon as it touched his back, a light burst out from it.
Yoongi watched as the ends mend physically with Taehyung's back. Slightly tearing into his clothes to grab sticks into his skin. Taehyung's eyes flew open as he feels something sharp prickling into his skin. When the wings were firmly planted into his flesh, it started to change its appearance. Its branches were turned into muscles and joints. The leaves even changed, transforming into feathers. Soft, delicate, and suddenly real. Taehyung unexpectedly dropped to the ground, panting and clutching his back, feeling as if it was burning. Yoongi only watched as he stables himself, sweat rolling down the prince's face.
"Move the wings as if you're moving your own," Yoongi tells him. Taehyung wasn’t sure what he was hoping but when he did, he was shocked to see a pair of angel wings spreading itself.
"H-How is this possible?" Taehyung pants, reaching to touch a feather that was peeking out.
"It's attached to the bone so that way it'll move like it's real." Yoongi crouches down to his level, placing a chin on his palm. "Try plucking one,... The feathers I mean."
So he did. The feather rested on Taehyung's palm but within seconds, it transformed back to a leaf, surprising Taehyung even more. Yoongi takes the leaf between his index and thumb, twirling it around slowly. "I placed an amount of magic inside the branches that will serve as its core. It activates once it's attached itself onto you, But once detach from it, it'll lose its magic and turn back into its original form."
Taehyung nods and tries to stand, but the foreign feeling of having wings catches him to lose his balance again. But this time Yoongi catches him, steadying him on his feet with a soft expression on his face.
"For now, just tuck them behind you." Taehyung nods, wiping the sweat off his temple.
He carefully folds his wings into his back, letting it rest for a while as he tries to figure out how to balance without stumbling. It could be a risk once he's unable to figure it out. But Yoongi made sure to support him. Telling him advice while he assists him in controlling his wings properly for him to go to the celestial realm. Yoongi even provided him with a map out of the border once he's out in the air. Once there was success, it was time for him to head out. Yoongi guides him by the back where Taehyung spreads his wings wide and straight, the moonlight shining upon it and it glistens in the dark night. Yoongi even gave him jewels to display his level of wealth for the show and even gave him a beautiful earring that sparkled like stars.
"And one last thing," Yoongi looks through his pockets and hands the latter a small black stone, "Break it and you'll come back here in my house... But use it when something bad happens..."
Taehyung nods, placing the stone into his pocket. "Yes, Hyung."
"And be careful," the older tells him with a pointed look. "But have fun."
Taehyung nods enthusiastically. His wings lifted his body up, his feet barely touching the ground to test out its weight. After he bids his friend a wave, his wings brought him up to the clouds in swift movements. He hid inside the clouds to prevent him from being seen above. The wind blows past his face and his wings cut through the harsh gust. He takes out his map and lets the pattern guide him. He heard stories from his brother and as well as others about how the celestial realm contradicts everything from the infernal realm. From its culture to its law, even how they were living as individuals. But his heart continues to beat in a steady rhythm, excited to see it for himself. Tales wasn’t enough to satisfy his curiosity. And hopefully, this night will be unforgettable.