Chapter Text
Being enveloped in darkness wasn’t a bad thing for him. There was comfort in closing his eyes and letting his mind float away into oblivion. No dreams, however. Too exhausted for that. He hadn’t had a dream in what felt like an eternity… So he just… waited.
His eyelids wouldn’t open, as heavy as lead it would seem. The same sensation traversed his tired body, refusing to move since it required urgent healing…
Yoongi was late… he said he’d be watching… he’d surely get them both, now that they knew he had the lost magic, the Mother’s core. But more importantly… Taehyung’s light… at long last, a clue…
Sounds caught his attention, in the rare moments his consciousness decided to peek out of the comfortable nest of slumber. First it was the ruffle of feathers against the wind. Then, crickets singing to the moon… water falling into a bowl, and tears trickling to the ground, muffled sobs and whispered pleas…
Tense voices that struggled to not become screams came next…
“We can’t stay any longer. The path you’ve chosen will only lead to our demise.
Could you at least wait for Jungkook to wake up? How can you just bail on your f-...
Don’t you ever call us a family again!”
There were no more sounds of wings traversing the wind after that, replaced by the pitiful rumble of dragging fabric and tired steps over muddied terrain.
Jimin knew then, he couldn’t remain in the soft embrace of darkness anymore.
Something happened. Yoongi wasn’t coming. The stoic Lord of the underworld never did anything without a good reason… Alas, he wasn’t done yet… One last push.
Now, how to solve this riddle?
Waking up after passing out wasn’t the greatest of experiences. His mind wasn’t sleeping per se, still frozen on the exact moment before the blackout. So panic washed over Jungkook the second he opened his eyes, closing off his throat as if he was drowning, making his body convulse in desperation, his eyes dashing all around to identify the impending doom he was sure to be in.
Jungkook coughed as he fell off a makeshift mattress onto the cold hard ground. Once panic had dwindled and reason kicked in, he realized he wasn’t dying nor in imminent danger. He sat down, catching his breath while realizing he was in a cavern of natural formation, the light of a fire coming from outside. Then he stared at his hands, chest and all over his body with a puzzled frown.
His body felt… good. Strangely so. His breathing hitched.
No tattoos, no scars, not a single mark of everything he’d been through for over twenty five years was in his skin or bones or muscles anymore. His body… all if it looked and felt immaculate, as if carved by the damn gods. Inhuman… Monstrous.
He was…
-Kookie!!-
Jungkook’s head turned at light speed with wide eyes, feeling as if it’d been an eternity since he had heard that voice. He was soon captured in a strong embrace, cries and grateful pleas flooding the air. Jungkook hugged his big brother as strongly as he was being held, letting his tears fall and feeling protected like a small child as he could only be in his brother’s arms.
Seokjin let go first, worry clear in his reddened, tearful eyes, quickly checking every part of his little brother’s body.
-How are you? Where does it hurt?- Slowly Seokjin’s voice went lower and hesitant, realizing his brother’s body wasn’t the same as he knew. But he recomposed in a second, shaking his head -Lemme check your back-
Jungkook stops Seokjin’s anxious banter, holding his wrists in place. -I’m alright, Jinnie- he says in a reassuring tone, looking away immediately after. -Too good actually. Not a spec of pain anywhere… Nothing…-
There was no joy nor relief in his voice, and Seokjin could understand why. He’d tried to be ready for when this bridge inevitably had to be crossed, but there was no escaping the dread and anxiousness of it.
-The important thing is that you are ok, back with us…- he tried to soothe him, placing a hand over Jungkook’s head, but then something sparkled in the younger’s eyes, realizing something.
Jungkook looked around frantically. How could he forget?
-Jimin…! He came with me, he…!-
That’s when his eyes rested on a motionless body, laying on the bare floor, all the way on the other side of the cave where it was darkest. But despite not being able to see properly, there was a tug on Jungkook’s heart that told him that was exactly who he was looking for. Jungkook springs up to his feet, intending to go towards Jimin, but Seokjin, still sitting on the ground, quickly reaches for his hand, holding him in place.
-Stop! Look…-
Jungkook’s eyes follow where his brother was indicating, and his expression sours. All around Jimin shadows lurked, moving like snakes, oily and dense, just like the black tar that had tried to take them in the mountain. Jungkook’s nostrils flare, his chest heaving, muscles tensing. What the fuck…
-It won’t let us approach him, that darkness…- Seokjin explains with a grave tone, not letting go of his brother’s hand. -But it also won’t let us leave him behind. The shadows move… they take him wherever you go…-
Jungkook felt indignant to realize that Jimin’s deplorable state couldn’t be rectified due to the damn shadow’s fault. He was gonna fight them again for sure. But how? He had let the god’s heart be sucked up. Maybe fire would help? Could he conjure light and disperse them? That’s when the cogs in his brain finally turned all the way and he looked at his brother with a baffled expression.
-You tried to leave him behind?!-
Seokjin was aghast at Jungkook’s reaction, tensing his shoulders. He responded in a hurried whisper, pulling at Jungkook’s hand until his little brother kneeled beside him.
-After what he did?? He deceived us, stole my pendant and tricked you into going to the mountain alone, it surely was his intention all along…! Even Kai’s incident was surely his doing…-
Jungkook couldn’t even begin to unravel how wrong his brother was, motioning wildly with his arms.
-Mother of…! Fucking…! No! Just no. He sent Kai’s soul back home, did you know that?!-
Seokjin was taken aback by that information, disturbing and confusing him, the turmoil clear in the way his eyes moved around, trying to make sense of what he was hearing. Jungkook took that chance to keep going.
-I told him y’all were going back and I was gonna go up the mountain alone and he chose to help me and tagged along, just like Koko did! I took your stupid pendant!-
And as if to prove a point, Jungkook pulls the chain around his neck, revealing the now dimmed ivory pendant, its dual lights dancing calm and content, their purpose fulfilled.
-You…!- Seokjin couldn’t believe the stupidity of the words coming out of Jungkook’s mouth, but he tried to rail his emotions in, demanding the pendant back with a gesture of his hand, which Jungkook obliged, taking it off his neck and carefully placing it in his brother’s palm. Seokjin let out a sigh, looking at the two little specks of light floating inside with tender eyes and something more Jungkook couldn’t decipher. But a moment later Seokjin seemed to remember he was in the middle of a discussion, cause he lifted his head, staring at Jungkook with renewed anger as he hung the pendant around his neck, hiding it between his robes.
-That’s besides the point! He put your life in danger!-
-He saved my life!-
-Your life wouldn’t’ve had to be saved if you hadn’t taken off on your own!-
-Well, shit! There would’ve been no need for me to take off and bust my ass trying to save yours if you hadn’t fucking lied to me about everything!!-
Seokjin’s reply gets stuck in his throat in a gasp, only deep hurt coming through his eyes. Jungkook shuts up, taken aback by that sight, but he doesn’t back down, ready to keep arguing and defend his posture. Defend Jimin, who showed him the truth.
Seokjin closes his hands tightly and takes a deep breath, averting his eyes so as to remind himself he was supposed to be the mature adult here. He places his hands over Jungkook’s shoulders, brushing them in a soothing manner.
-I don’t want to fight about this… There are more important things we have to discuss…-
-The understatement of the fucking century-
-Don’t be a dick-
-...Fine, sorry-
With a content smirk, Seokjin retrieves the makeshift walking sticks he had thrown to the side in his hurry to hug his little brother, and struggles to get back up, huffing and puffing, but too proud to ask for help.
-Come… I have stew ready outside-
Jungkook buffs through his nose, deep frown and pursed lips, but he just nods, miffed but compliant. With one last worried look back at Jimin, he offers his arm to Seokjin.
Seokjin snickers a bit and accepts Jungkook’s aid. At a careful pace they get out of the cave towards the campfire.
It is exceedingly precarious. A small casserole heating up over the fire, a couple rugged blankets scattered around the fire and that was it.
Jungkook wasn’t unaccustomed to the material precariousness of their trade, but it wasn’t the lack of camping elements that made his frown burrow.
He looked around. Nothing.
No one.
It shouldn’t feel this frightening to ask…
He takes a deep breath.
-Where…?-
-Hobi went to a nearby village to procure some horses and a tumbril for us to ease our travel, if Mother’s mercy allows. He is obviously quicker on his own. He has one more leg than me!-
Seokjin’s cheeky answer tries to diffuse tension but had come a tad too quickly for Jungkook’s comfort. The hunter just stares at his brother as Seokjin takes a seat next to the fire, produces a wooden spoon from inside his robes to stir the pot, and blows a spoonful to taste the concoction.
Seokjin licks his lips -Mhm, perfect. Eat! Come on now- he offers the wooden spoon to Jungkook and motions with a hand for him to move and sit down.
With a blank expression, indecisive on how to feel yet, Jungkook takes a seat beside his brother, accepting the spoon and staring at the pot of bubbling stew.
He should be famished, perhaps he is, but his throat feels closed off, and he has the sensation that his stomach would reject anything he swallows right now, the familiar twisting at the base of his stomach a symptom of his troubled mind. He felt the soothing hand of his brother on his back and his worried eyes scanning him, but Jungkook kept his gaze down.
-Iyin and Koko can take us, though?- he murmurs.
Seokjin averts his eyes this time, although his hand remains protectively on his brother’s back.
-If we could ask them, sure. But we can’t depend on them on this one-
Jungkook’s chin trembles. He sniffles a bit.
-Hyung…- he finally looks at Seokjin, wary in his eyes -Where is our family?-
Seokjin doesn’t immediately answer, and Jungkook feels cold in his back when his brother retracts his hand, the two hard lines between his brows revealing his struggle to find a way to answer an impossibly hard question.
So Jungkook keeps asking.
-Soobin? Did he make it?-
Seokjin’s face crumbles in sorrow. He lets out a tremulous sob, unable to meet Jungkook’s eyes as he slowly shakes his head. -...We couldn’t move him…-
Jungkook loses breath, his heart constricting in his chest. In the depth of the sadness of Seokjin’s eyes he could see the struggle of such a decision. And in the way his brother’s eyes glared back at the cave where Jimin rested, he could only imagine the resentment of having to leave behind a loved one while being forced to take a perceived enemy with you. And if Seokjin’s feelings were such, he knew Sangria’s fury would know no bounds. She had found the orphaned halfling and brought him to the Alpacas all those years back…
-Tell me…- it’s all he could muster to say.
Seokjin shook his head in defeat, his knuckles white with how tightly he closed his fists -Sangria couldn’t accept it. Iyin had to force her to leave, it wasn’t pretty… they flew us down the mountain and…-
Jungkook’s ear started ringing, his head spinning the more he heard Seokjin’s story. The fights, the recriminations, the begging for them to wait until they collected from Indigo… and the definite break when Sangria tried to stab Jimin to death and the shadows almost killed her.
-They left that same night…- Seokjin finished, a somber tone and tight jaw. -Okode felt guilty for agreeing to take you up the mountain so she gave us a lift here, closer to civilization, and then took off- Seokjin sighs, caressing his temples, a headache for sure in the making.
Jungkook was shocked, to put it mildly, shaking his head in utter disbelief. His family fell apart, and he was fucking sleeping through it.
Nothing had changed since his childhood. He was just as helpless, clueless, a burden.
What good was power if it couldn’t even keep his family together? What had he actually gained up on that mountain but the certainty that he was to blame for everything they’d lost?
-I fucked up again, didn’t I?- the sorrowful whisper came out like a cry for help, as Jungkook let the spoon fall and covered his face with his trembling hands.
-First mom…and now…-
-Stop it!-
Not letting him utter another word Seokjin moved Jungkook’s hands away and held his face firmly to make him look at his eyes. They joined foreheads and Jungkook could see Seokjin’s eyes were teary, saddened, but there was not an ounce of resentment in them.
-Mom wasn’t your fault… We were just children caught in a war between heaven and earth… I had to hide so much from you, even if it was to protect you, so I know my words may sound empty. But I’ve never once blamed you for what happened, if anything else, I beg you to believe in that-
Easier said than done, or believed, in this case, so Jungkook just wept, helplessly, his shoulders shaking, his tears cascading down his cheeks, all the hurt from the shocking truth finally finding release. And Seokjin stood by his side, giving him a shoulder to lean on like he always had, the cornerstone of his life.
Only when Jungkook’s sobs subsided did Seokjin tentatively loosened his hold, trying to peek at his brother’s face.
-Better?- he gently asked, stroking Jungkook’s back.
The younger shrugged and then nodded, brushing his nose with the side of his hand.
-A lil’ bit- Jungkook snorts, clumsily drying out his tears -I’ll cry it out a few more nights and be good to go-
Seokjin could only imagine what it felt like for Jungkook to have his whole reality shattered in such a manner… he would understand if Jungkook wanted nothing to do with all of this bullshit anymore.
-I know it may not be the best time to discuss further… we can wait until you’ve rested some more, or until we meet with Indigo- Jungkook’s twitch of discomfort wasn’t missed by Seokjin, who softened his tone even more -He actually might be the best person to explain…-
-Nah, just…- Jungkook brushes off an annoying thought -I’d rather take it all at once, or my brain is gonna do that nasty thing of overthinking- As if to prepare for a brawl, Jungkook squares his shoulders and stretches his neck, hitting his chest with one closed fist -Hit me-
If Seokjin ever had to give thanks for his brother’s earnest and resilient mind, now was the time. He laughed, shaking his head at his brother’s annoying yet endearing ways.
-Alright then- Seokjin took a deep breath. -As I understand it, this power… is not entirely yours. The energy that was released that day was meant to be hosted by a powerful magical being. Indigo was that being, that's why he was so close to us that day. I imagine you saw…- Indigo had explained the process of recovery to Seokjin, how the truth of that day would be revealed to Jungkook. The alluded nodded, signaling he knew what his brother was referring to. The rainy night that fucked everything up. -You were… unexpected. You hadn’t awakened your magical powers yet, making you sort of an empty vessel so… the magic went straight to you. At least that’s what Indigo…- Seokjin’s train of thought wandered off, doubt weighing on his heart, if Indigo’s words were wholly true or just a means to control…
Jungkook pondered this information for a moment, finding it reasonable… but something seemed a bit off. He remembered the man of the winter eyes, and his words before releasing him… Live well… Who? Him? The power? Both? Did Indigo tell his brother about that part? Or did he just see it because Jimin happened to be with him? Who the hell was this Taehyung guy?
Unable to make sense of the fuckery afoot, he huffed, massaging his temple -I’m too dumb for this shit- Seokjin whacked his arm so he lifted his hands in surrender -Ok, ok… So this power was meant to…-
-Indigo says it’s the key to ending the… ‘spread of the void’, as he calls it. Alas, since it was lost, it only led to an impasse the last twenty years…-
-Why didn't he do something before? Why didnt he just take it from me and spare us this fucking mess?-
Seokjin took a deep breath, as if expecting this question, but not making it any less complicated.
-He could’ve… should've, actually, killed both of us, take the power and be done with it. Would’ve been simpler…-
-Oh… yeah, that makes sense- Jungkook scratches his nape and then looks curiously at the tender smile that reaches his brother’s eyes when recalling something as he spoke.
-But he didn't, for whatever reason. He saved us. Took care of us. And gave me a choice… a chance for you to live your life. And I took it- Small print be damned.
-So, your ability to enchant…-
-Is no more- Seokjin shrugs with a calm smile -I’m part of the regular folk now. As per our contract, I became your conduit to release the magic safely, so your body was able to withstand it until it grew strong enough. For that, I had to enchant and disperse as much magic as I could… and it was imperative that you didn’t remember anything, because, as you probably figured out… the moment you became aware of the power within you, it would manifest, and all the magic would return to you at once… If your body hadn’t been ready… you would’ve disintegrated…-
-Fuck… So that’s why only now we got this ‘commission’, eh? I was grown enough? I'm surprised he waited this long. I always thought he was just playing you like an asshole, sending us on a wild goose chase all over the continent…-
Seokjin giggles, shrugging and looking to the side, a bit abashedly -I know it’s hard to believe given how I usually speak about Nam… Indigo… but he is kind. He cares. He just works on another plane of existence. He sees things in a way I couldn't even fathom. But he has never failed me, even when I behave like a conceited brat- he chuckles.
Jungkook blinks a bit. -Damn. You actually care for him-
Seokjin is taken aback but then snickers.
-I quite fancied him in my youth, but don’t worry, I got swiftly rejected-
-The fucking gall of that motherf...-
-Wow, listen, he was quite gentle about it… which was kinda worse actually, haha. Don’t look at me like that!- Seokjin takes a moment to ponder if he should speak more or not, deciding on the former. -Indigo told me he lost someone the day he found us, and still holds on to the hope of finding them, so…-
Jungkook frowns, curious. He looks back at the cave where Jimin laid, the cogs in his brain moving a bit, an odd foreboding feeling in his chest. -Who is he looking for?-
-He seldom spoke of them, never said a name… All I know, they are one who came up with the plan to defeat the Devas, and in the womb of the Mother forged this power you now hold-
Jungkook eyebrows shoot all the way up, looking slowly back at his brother, not knowing if all of this was bad or good… but it was definitely too much of a coincidence for even a simpleton like him to ignore.
-...Hyung… I need to tell you what I saw on that mountain. All of it.-
Seokjin nods, tense but determined. He was listening.
The sound of dragging feet is heard behind them. Seokjin gasps in shock, looking frightened at someone over Jungkook’s shoulder. The hunter whips around in an instant.
His heart rejoiced, then grieved.
Jimin was standing before them, scantily clad on the same robes he’s had since the incident in the mountain, frayed, torn and dirty with mud and blood. His skin looked blueish and pale even under the warm light of the fire, enhanced by his black hair messily falling around his cheeks and over his eyes, which had lost their usual candid gloss. Whereas before they resembled a sunny spring day, now they looked grayish, like the clouded sky before the rain. The only touch of color came from his lips, red like a rose in full bloom, slightly parted as he took little breaths in and out.
Jungkook looked down, and his stomach twisted. The skin from Jimin’s hands up to his elbows was blackened and withered, falling out of the bone in some places, but no blood came out of it, dried to the core like ash after a fire. And shining like a menacing blade around his wrists still remained the snake shackles, glowing as if satisfied by having fulfilled their cruel purpose.
Jungkook wanted to burn them…
-Water…?-
Jungkook snapped out of his thoughts at the simple request, having a hard time not feeling awful at how Jimin’s voice sounded: hoarse, almost non-existent. He looked around, hands flailing, looking for what was requested without success. But just when he was wondering if he should just share some of the stew’s broth, Seokjin tapped his shoulder and silently handed him a leather canteen.
Jungkook took it from his brother’s trembling hands and quickly got up, trotting towards Jimin, who didn’t seem to regard his presence, still as a corpse. Jungkook’s heart ached, but he kept his composure, uncapping the canteen and lifting it to Jimin’s lips. It wasn’t until the first drop of fresh water touched Jimin’s lips that he reacted, opening his mouth and eagerly leaning in.
Jungkook assisted until Jimin averted his head, and the hunter took the canteen away. He noticed a single drop of water falling down the corner of Jimin’s mouth. Looking down at the mage’s useless arms, and up at his mouth… He used his sleeve to gently dry Jimin’s lips and chin, brazing for any offense Jimin could take at his gesture… But Jimin remained impassive, his gaze far away, lost in a daze…
-Jimin…-
-I hear water-
Jungkook blinks surprised by the random commentary, looking at his brother, searching for an answer.
Seokjin looks very uncomfortable and worried, his hands unable to remain quiet. He haphazardly points toward the south.
-There’s a…- he gulps -A small lake… beyond those trees-
Jimin blinks once, twice… then nods, whispering a small phrase neither brother was able to hear, and starts walking in the direction Seokjin mentioned.
Jungkook’s body doesn’t even hesitate, his legs immediately moving to follow behind. But right away his brother’s concerned voice stops him.
-Wait…!-
Jungkook looks back. Seokjin is in full-on panic mode, scrambling to get up, begging with his eyes for Jungkook not to go.
-Hyung, don’t…!- Jungkook sighs in frustration and runs towards his brother, stealing glances back to note where Jimin was going. He then softly pushes Seokjin to sit back again, crouching in front of him. -I know you worry, but I’ll be right back with Jimin once I make sure he’s ok, deal?-
Seokjin’s lips tremble and he is noticeably conflicted. He takes a deep breath -I don’t think you should…-
Jungkook is confused, and his frown shows it. Seokjin sighs and caresses his chest, feeling his heart pounding as if it wanted to escape his ribcage.
-I shouldn’t have let you go after him. I should’ve been there, then you wouldn’t…-
Seokjin laments, covering his face with trembling hands and Jungkook finally understands. He gets up and hugs his big brother with all his might. Bad idea, since immediately Seokjin huffs and puffs and slaps his back like a drum.
-Au, au, au, you’re gonna crush me you punk!-
Jungkook laughs as he releases his brother, a satisfied grin on his face. -Hey, trust your lil’ bro on this. We’ll figure this whole thing out when I’m back. Promise-
Seokjin still looked unsure and worried, clearly wanting to refute and keep his little brother there with him… but finally he sighs, nodding slowly. -Ok… I need to stay put for Hobi’s return anyways, so…- Seokjin presses his lips, shaking his hand to shoo Jungkook away -Go now! Before I regret it and tie your toes to a tree-
Jungkook smiles and kisses his brother’s forehead before eagerly running towards the treeline hiding the lake from view. He thought it’d be harder to find Jimin but there was this odd, invisible force, like a thread pulling him right from the chest… somehow he knew it would guide him towards his heart’s desire. He had felt a similar pull the first time he saw the angel at the tavern. Was it a common magic thing, or had it something to do with the power he absorbed?… It was so weird, having to think of himself as a mage now… life had a fucked up sense of humor, for sure.
He took a deep breath as he left behind the last tree, treading along a bed of soft grass and sleeping flowers. He was met by a great clearing that held a tranquil lake right in the middle. On the surface of the water soft waves were carried by the wind, refracting the light of the full moon shining above in a starry sky. But even the breathtaking beauty of the silver queen of the night couldn’t sway Jungkook’s attention from the one his heart yearned to call beloved...
Jimin sat in a regal posture despite his many injuries, perfectly still, facing the lake. With the moonlight caressing his silhouette and accentuating his delicate curves, he could've easily been mistaken for a magnificent statue carved by the gods themselves.
Jungkook took a deep breath.
Not wanting to alarm him, Jungkook’s steps were careful. He decided to flank Jimin, as if approaching an injured wild fox that could run or snap at any moment. His bare feet sank on the wet gray sand that surrounded the lake, the soft sound they made enough to make his presence known without (hopefully) startling Jimin.
Reaching Jimin’s side and considering his lack of reaction as a sign he wasn’t being rejected yet, Jungkook sat by his side, slowly, still respecting his space, but close enough so he could finally gaze upon Jimin’s face, beautiful as ever, even with the scars of battle evident across his body.
Jimin had his eyes closed, lips partly opened, his breathing controlled and scarily slow, almost imperceptible. If Jungkook didn’t know Jimin wasn’t human, he’d start resuscitation efforts immediately. But what worried him most was how Jimin’s breath condensed in a white mist with each exhalation. It wasn’t cold enough that summer night for that to happen, which meant it was Jimin’s breath that came out colder than the night’s air.
Alarmed, he took off his shirt, nevermind that it was the only garment that covered his torso, and held it up, hesitating whether to get closer and put it over Jimin’s shoulders, or just throw it on top and hope for the best. He wanted to help, he always did, but should he? His track record wasn’t exactly the best on that front as of late. Abyssmal, actually.
In the middle of this conundrum, Jimin opened his eyes and looked at Jungkook. The hunter froze. Jimin held his gaze for a few seconds, and Jungkook noticed his eyes seemed brighter and more focused. Jimin then looked down at the shirt hanging in the limbo of Jungkook’s indecision… and chuckled.
Jungkook’s heart sings in answer to that adorable sound.
Jimin stared back at the lake, traces of a smile still in his lips.
With a shy shrug, Jungkook tried to explain his actions.
-You look cold-
-The gesture is appreciated, but… unfortunately the cold I feel can’t be thwarted by a humble cotton shirt-
Despite his voice being little more than a hoarse whisper, Jungkook was glad to hear it, thankful that Jimin was willing to engage in conversation.
-How about body warmth?-
Jimin blinked rapidly, surprised, keeping his eyes glued to the surface of the lake. After a few moments, he glanced at Jungkook from beneath his long lashes and nodded once.
Jungkook grinned candidly. He eagerly dragged himself across the sand towards Jimin, sitting behind him, putting one leg on each side of his body, noticing how small Jimin’s frame actually was… he hadn’t thought about it much, with the confident way the angel displayed himself, his power making him feel larger than life. Jungkook’s curious eyes inevitably wandered over Jimin’s exposed back, where a lone crescent moon was tattooed, and even further down... He forcefully pried his eyes away, it wasn’t the time to swoon for fuck’s sake. Willing himself to focus, he hovered over Jimin’s back, whispering to his ear.
-You can lean on me-
Jimin’s breath hiccups, and his body quivers… he doesn’t do anything for a few moments, making Jungkook a bit nervous, had he been too brazen…? But in the end Jimin leaned back, slowly, carefully stretching his legs over the soft sand, letting his inert arms drop at his sides. Jimin closed his eyes, gasping when his freezing back touched the warm skin of Jungkook’s torso, his chest heaving, but relaxing after a few moments, leaning his whole weight against Jungkook, letting out a pleased hum.
Jungkook smiles, gently brushing back Jimin’s hair, while kissing him adoringly on his temple. Finally he rests his chin on top of Jimin’s head and closes his eyes, enjoying the simple fact of being a safe place for the one he was fond of to rest.
But silence didn’t last, too heavy a burden between them still. Incapable of muting the anxious voices in his mind, Jungkook mused and murmured, trying to find the words to illustrate his thoughts, but failing every time, letting out a heavy sigh.
There was a strange feeling that had been building up in Jungkook’s chest since he saw Jimin wake up… and how different it was from the first time he’d seen the gorgeous angel, what felt like ages ago even if it had only been days. Back then… It was like a behemoth meeting a stunned deer; there was not even a possible level of comparison between them. Now, however… the one in need, the one helpless was Jimin. And Jungkook had power, one capable of rivaling the gods, apparently… so, even if he knew he wouldn’t get to keep all of it, he was a mage now, there was no undoing that. So, he needed to learn how to properly wield this power… because there was no more hiding possible anymore.
Jungkook had lived his life under the radar, breaking laws and necks but always making sure to never get the lethal eyes of the divine to gaze upon him or his family. But now, all of them were. The menacing image of the hungry eyes in the void staring at him flashed in his mind and he gasped, quickly opening his eyes to escape the shadows in his mind. He whispers an expletive, trying to rub his uncomfortable fear off of him with Jimin’s scent, which caught the mage’s attention as his hair was being ruffled by the hunter’s nose.
Jimin lets out an airy chuckle -You’ll be surprised, but I can’t read minds, no matter how much you try to rub your thoughts into my skull, dear-
Jungkook stopped, lifting his head a bit embarrassed -Shit, sorry, it’s nothing… I was just…- but once more Jungkook’s thoughts scramble in chaos before they can reach his mouth, and he grunts, frustrated.
The shadow of a smile danced in the corner of Jimin’s lips -Alright… I’ll ask, then: Do you feel troubled by your magic?-
-Yeah…-
-Would you like to ask me about it?-
-...Maybe-
-Do you fear I’ll leave you if you ask?-
-...Hm- Jungkook nods, leaning his cheek atop Jimin’s head like a disgruntled pup.
-Well… It will not be because of your questions that I’ll have to leave, if that’s any comfort, so you may as well ask me whatever you need while you can, dear-
Appalled and disappointed to hear his fear could become inevitable soon, Jungkook’s eyes traced every bruise, every cut and every burn in Jimin’s body, the hatred he felt for those blasted shackles and whoever put them there increasing tenfold. If he could help Jimin… would he stay? He let out a frustrated sigh, soothing himself by dropping soft kisses in Jimin’s temple, before slowly speaking up.
-Then…- Jungkook hums, hesitating to ask further, knowing that the most likely answer he’d get would upset him -You really have to go now…? Into those shadows?-
Jimin sighed, burying himself as deep as he could into Jungkook’s embrace, hiding in the nook under Jungkook’s strong jaw, feeling the firm beating of the hunter’s heart in his back.
-If I want to heal before an eon’s time, yes-
-...Did the shadows do this to you?- he hovered his hand over one of Jimin’s cursed shackles. -I heard a voice coming from them when they tried to…take you- Jungkook couldn’t help but let out an aggrieved growl after those words. -Is that the culprit?-
Jimin paused, considering his words, not having expected Jungkook to have heard Yoongi’s voice. What had he said? Ah, how the Lord of shadows enjoyed trifling with him…
-The shadows didn’t curse me. My… father did- there was a tense silence following those words, and as Jungkook was barely coming to terms with how a father could be such a fucking prick, Jimin whispered in a hushed and nervous tone -The God Father-
Yeah, there it was. Jungkook didn’t know when he had made the connection, but the bit of info, that should be fucking mind-shattering, didn’t surprise him at all.
Jimin expected Jungkook to recoil after learning of his heritage, but the hunter did quite the opposite, coddling him further still, caressing and loving every part of his body that was in his reach as if trying to comfort and soothe him, sorry for a past that he had nothing to do with. It 3 the mage, it stirred his heart and, somehow, even frightened him, how accepted he felt… how cared for… how he didn’t want Jungkook’s sweet ministrations to end. But he knew better than to be fooled by the fleeting emotions of a newly blooming crush.
Oh, but how tempting it was, to let himself recklessly fall… maybe understanding just a little why his brother did what he did…
Alas… Jimin sat up to put a little space between them, feeling his body heat up, the cold in his core losing the battle to Jungkook’s fiery adoration.
Jungkook hurriedly followed Jimin’s motion to not let him get away, holding him against his chest with his strong arms, leaving an adoring trail of kisses across Jimin’s exposed shoulder.
-Don’t leave…-
Jimin shouldn’t be surprised by Jungkook’s brazen attitude but it still got to him, having to let out a huff to compose himself.
-You hate Devas. You should be pushing me away, not showering me with all this…affection-
-I don’t hate Devas cause they’re Devas, that would be dumb- Jungkook answered without a hint of irony nor doubt -I hate what they’ve done, and what they keep doing. If they were cool- he shrugs -I’d be cool- he kisses Jimin’s neck.
Jimin looks at him with disbelief, then averting his eyes, deep frown, pursed lips. He wished things could be as simple as Jungkook made them out to be, but they weren’t. Inevitably Jungkook would realize nothing about him was ever simple…
Jungkook placed a hand on Jimin’s cheek, making him face his way, so Jungkook could look at his pretty eyes and show Jimin he was serious about him and not just winging it like it seemed he did most of the time.
-How could I ever hold your blood against you? We are more than that. You are so much more…-
-Am I?- Jimin’s expression reflected deep sorrow and, above all, exhaustion. -Words are so easy to glamourize, but reality makes sure to expose them as hollow husks of fleeting promises. I used my words countless times as the harbinger of the cosmic void… and it took speaking against them once for my whole world to be destroyed-
-So why did you do it?-
-...To aid my brother-
-Do you regret it?-
-No-
Jungkook smiles and leans forward to lay a soft kiss on Jimin’s forehead. -Exactly- With a tenderness unthinkable coming from a rough hunter, Jungkook sweetly rubbed their cheeks and noses together, finally resting his forehead over Jimin’s, feeling their breaths mingling before whispering into Jimin’s lips.
-I see you…-
Jimin takes in a hitched breath, closing his eyes, droplets of pear-like tears adorning his long, soft lashes. The way his frown deepened and he nibbled at his lips made his troubled thoughts clear, but he didn’t push away, instead leaning forward, wanting more of Jungkook’s warmth, cursing how he couldn’t use his hands, so instead he arched his back, pushing their chests together, as he caressed cheek against cheek, nose against nose, and hovering lips over lips at a tortuous distance, hesitating to close it and commit. But Jungkook had no doubts in the way he pulled Jimin in, a hand on the low of his back, so the mage’s legs naturally strapped around his body, eager to share the heat of his body that arose with each stroke of skin against skin.
One kiss and he would fall. One last push and he’d surrender to this feeling so feared, yet so incredibly alluring…
Jimin hesitated, their labored breaths all that separated their lips.
-What is it you desire from me?-
Jungkook’s response came like a prayer.
-I wanna kiss you- I beg you.
Could Jimin believe there is no pride in this man’s heart, no ulterior motives? Yes. And he felt ashamed because his heart wasn’t the same… He was the moon… a part of him always in shadows, unseen, unknown...
-Even when I look like this?-
A chuckle. So adoring a sound… Jimin’s heart wavered.
-Like what, the love of my life?-
Jimin lets out an audible gasp mixed with a cackle at the audacity of Jungkook’s answer, and since he couldn’t punch him away, he opted to nib at his nose, making Jungkook laugh out loud. Jimin scoffed, attempting to remain serious, but a smile inevitably creeped up his rosy lips.
-Such a whimsical notion… You’ve known me for a few days at best-
Jungkook’s wide smile reached his eyes, caressing Jimin’s cheek with his thumb. He scooted closer still, not fearing any retribution from his beloved, welcoming anything he could offer, pain or pleasure, such was the way of his wild heart.
-Yeah, it’s wild… but I feel what I feel, and want what I want. And right now, I just…I want to be with you. Whatever that means, whatever it looks like… I want it-
Jimin’s smile remained, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.
-I forget how young you are…-
Jungkook resented that statement, stunning him for a bit so he didn’t try to stop Jimin when, careful and slow, he stood up using only his legs as support. Without another look at Jungkook, Jimin faced the lake once more, walking towards it until his toes were caressed by the soft waves at the edge of the water.
Jungkook huffed, standing up quickly, eager as if ready to enter a combat ring, staring at Jimin’s back longingly, frustrated and anxious at how he couldn’t come up with a valid excuse that would convince Jimin to stay. He had to make him stay… And it hurt, weirdly, how Jimin seemed so fucking serene and unknowable, whereas Jungkook resembled a newborn star, an exploding, chaotic mess, their minds a stark contrast to the state of both their bodies. And as Jimin’s gaze stared at something -someone- far beyond the horizon, Jungkook thought what kind of wonder was the person that kept Jimin from looking back at him, from choosing him.
Jungkook’s heart was at a crossroads, wavering at the thin line between love and obsession, his jealousy too strong to deny, and yet his desire for the happiness of the one before him making his chest pound with even stronger rapture… even if it meant letting him go? Perhaps. Or perhaps he could offer something else.
He closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply, steeling his resolve. He walked towards Jimin, standing right behind him, taking a second to admire before leaning over and kissing Jimin’s exposed shoulder, mouthing at the silky skin and inhaling deeply, rubbing his nose up the angel’s neck, wanting to brand each of his senses with the memory of Jimin. His aroma was heavenly…
Jimin’s chest raised as he took a deep breath, naturally leaning his head to better give way to Jungkook’s sweet, wet kisses that now traveled up his neck. He couldn’t help but let out an airy moan, closing his eyes, allowing Jungkook to do as he pleased. It drove Jungkook crazy.
-What am I to you?- he whispered into Jimin’s ear, a deep, frustrated breath that sent shivers down Jimin’s spine, making him arch his back, to which Jungkook grabbed onto his hips for dear life.
-A riddle…- Jimin’s voice was barely a whisper, but it burned in Jungkook’s mind all the same. -I haven’t gotten the answer for yet…-
-Everything I said, I mean it-
Jimin sighed, rubbing his forehead against the side of Jungkook’s face.
-Would you truly do anything I ask, then?-
-Anything to keep you with me-
Jimin turned, looking up at Jungkook’s wondrous eyes, realizing with a pang in his heart that he truly wasn’t lying… And yet… words were still just that. Frail. Inane.
Unless you laced them with magic.
-Then give it to me instead…-
Jungkook’s frown deepens, his head naturally tilting to one side, not understanding what could Jimin mean. Then he followed Jimin’s gaze that rested on his chest where, if you paid close attention, right over his heart, you could see a golden glow radiating countless strands of light towards all corners of his body, as if it were a second skin. Jungkook gasps.
-This power you weren’t meant to have-
Jungkook’s eyes widen as his face pales in dread and shock, foolishly never having expected such a request. He takes a step back, nausea bubbling up as his head spins, coming to the realization that this is what everyone was after; his brother, Indigo, Jimin, the Devas, the shadows… this power that he never asked for, that he didn’t want.
And if this power actually belonged to Jimin’s lost brother… he understood, he painfully agreed it should be given back to his family…
Yet it was Seokjin’s only hope to be free.
Jungkook let out a pained sigh, closing
his eyes and lowering his head, his shoulders shaking, tightening his fists.
-Fuck…!-
He braced himself for the anger and recriminations that were surely to come from Jimin now. And he would take it, he would understand as he desperately forced his brain to come up with a solution, a compromise, there was surely something he could do to make everyone happy and stay… Maybe… fuck, maybe…!
A cold, pure and fresh sensation landed on his lips. A kiss. A soothing gesture that made a well of emotions burst and fade away, calming his agitated heart. Jungkook let out a longing sound, leaning into the lips he had desperately wanted to taste again, even if the cold of Jimin’s skin reminded him of what he had to give up.
As Jimin’s lips part with his, Jungkook keeps his eyes closed a few seconds longer, wanting the moment to last. But finally he slowly opens them, met by the gorgeous look of the one that had made his world explode into a new universe…
Jimin’s smile couldn’t hide the pain in his eyes, yet he leaned in to press their foreheads together.
-You will always choose your brother first. Believe me… I wholeheartedly understand…-
With that soft whisper, which sounded awfully final to Jungkook, Jimin backed away without another look, going back to the edge of the lake, but not stopping there this time. Gracefully he walked into the dark waters, disturbing the surface of the lake, making the reflection of the moon ripple all around him, as if he was dipping into the night sky.
But he wasn’t going to the sky, thought Jungkook, as he saw the shadows underneath the water springing to life, surrounding Jimin’s feet, similar to a snake on the prowl… Jimin was sinking into darkness again, but he wasn’t fighting it anymore, and it made Jungkook’s heart contrite. The angel’s wings were shackled.
He looked at his hands, at the streaks of gold flowing under his skin.
What the hell was he now? A mere vessel to be discarded once the contents were delivered? Was it so easy to leave him behind? He’d lost almost all of his family because of this blasted thing, and now he’d lose the one he’d chosen to adore.
No fucking way.
Jimin heard the splash of water before one of his arms was yanked back, the sharp pain that followed making him yell. He turned around, ready to quarrel and reprimand… but his voice caught on his throat and he felt a shiver run down his spine when faced with Jungkook’s ironclad expression, a sense of danger tingling under his skin… This is a hunter.
However, Jungkook’s harsh and predatory gaze wasn’t directed at him… but at his shackles.
Jimin’s chest heaved.
-W...Wait…- As he tried to pull himself free, Jungkook responded by grabbing his other wrist, hooking his fingers under the golden shackles to keep him in place. The snakes hissed and twitched in a warning that Jungkook completely ignored as the strands of gold that flowed under his skin started to gather at the palms of his hands.
-Oh, Jungkook, no…- Jimin let out a whimper.
Dreading what was going to happen, Jimin thrashes and kicks with all his might, even if it made the pain worse, even if his battered body barely had any strength left. But any suffering was better than the punishment for trying to escape his curse.
-I’ve tried!!- Jimin screams, tears mixing with the splashes of water that covered both of them due to his terrified, vain struggle -I beg you, Jungkook, stop!!-
-I won’t!!!- Jungkook’s roar cut through the air, his unstable, boundless magic permeating even through his voice. -Fuck the consequences!- he snapped, grabbing Jimin’s jaw with one hand, pulling him in so he couldn’t avert his eyes, so he’d see his resolve -I’ll bear them all!-
Jimin’s voice drowned in his throat, little sobs making tears fall from his eyes. There it was, behind those doey eyes, a will that could burn the world…
Jimin’s shoulders dropped and he stopped resisting, letting out a trembling breath. The snakes wiggled and at vertiginous speed snapped back, crawling up his arms, jaws open, aiming for his eyes…
The air cracked as a massive force squashed the snakes’ heads off their bodies. Time seemed to slow down as Jimin’s wide eyes were transfixed on Jungkook’s closed fist, a hair away from touching his nose, streams of black blood trickling down between his fingers as Jimin continued to fall back, the moon in the sky the last thing he saw before he sinks into the dark waters. The silence was deafening as he floated down into the shadows. Was this his inescapable fate? To be cast down away from the warmth of the sun he so desperately yearned for? Jimin feels his body tighten, stressed, preparing for the promised punishment for defying the God Father’s decree… Instead, he felt the prison keeping his magic at bay washed away like a sand castle against the mighty sea, coming back to him as if it had never gone away, gently fixing his broken body, putting it back together piece by piece as it was before the shackles were embedded on his skin…
He was free…
Yet his heart still drowned in sorrow.
Was it because half of his soul was still missing? Could he ever be free without him…?
Find me, Tae had said. Jimin tried. By the moon, he’d tried so hard... Tried to find his voice in the song of the birds and his tears in the dew covering the grass at dawn… he had tried to love this world like he had, to feel the warmth Jimin had only known in his embrace. But all he’d been left with was cold, indifferent solitude… he was the moon, and he had no sun’s light to reflect anymore… Empty words, broken promises, he would be left alone in the shadows once more…
Light separated the waters, casting the shadows away, and Jimin was hoisted by a strong arm, pulling him up. As he breached the surface of the lake, Jimin took in the night’s air, his lungs rejoicing like it was his first breath. His eyes were closed, unsure if he’d be able to face the radiance of the one in whose arms he was huddled in.
-Jimin…?-
The shyness laced in the hopeful longing of that voice made Jimin’s heart swell in tenderness. He felt the soft touch of Jungkook’s rugged fingers on his cheek, carefully drying off his eyes and brushing his hair off his face. Jimin’s eyelids slowly open, his blurry vision adjusting to reveal those big, starry eyes, who's worried gaze was replaced by unabashed happiness, met by an incandescent smile. Pulled by his heartstrings, Jimin lifted a hand, and softly placed it on Jungkook’s cheek.
Jungkook was so relieved to feel Jimin’s healed hands he couldn’t even speak, letting out laughter mixed with sobs. He held Jimin’s hand and kissed it over and over, frankly, just damn happy.
-I was right… it worked… I can help you, see?-
And for the first time in his life, Jimin longed for another’s warmth. Was his heart betraying his soulmate? Jimin’s eyes welled with tears.
-What should I do?-
With that pitiful plea, Jimin just… sobbed. Tears dripped, dispersing when falling over the surface of the lake, a child with no home, weeping for the love that was lost, with the only question that mattered making his heart beat, the one that he feared would remain unanswered forever…
Why?
Gasping, without skipping a beat, Jungkook pulled Jimin in and hugged him. Tight and secure, a gentle hand at the back of his head and a firm arm wrapped around his waist, attempting with all his might to spare Jimin even a fraction of his pain, to let him know he would be there for him… Jungkook’s heart jumped, endeared, when he felt Jimin hiding his face in the crook of his neck, softly weeping, his trembling breath brushing against Jungkook’s skin.
-He left me…- Jimin lamented in labored breaths, his choked voice attesting to how difficult it was to speak these words, perhaps never having done it before. -My heart… my soul… he tore them asunder and left me all alone, thinking he was freeing me… when he just confined me in neverending sorrow- Each word came out constrained, as if lacerating his throat to let them out, and yet, the more he spoke, the calmer he became, the softer his tremors and quieter his sobs. The more he wanted to melt into Jungkook’s embrace…
Jungkook takes Jimin’s face between his hands, softly drying his tears with a gentle smile.
-You’re not alone anymore-
Jimin, still sobbing a bit, looks at Jungkook with inquisitive eyes, his tears like pearls adorning his long lashes. Even in sorrow he was so beautiful… How could anyone dare to hurt such a lovely being? Jungkook could not fathom the whole extent of Jimin’s story, the eons of it an immortal being has faced. And yet, right here, right now, the answer was simple.
-Come with me- Jungkook takes Jimin’s hand and kisses his ring finger with tender devotion.
Jimin lets out a trembling breath, a delicious shiver running up his spine, his eyes softly landing right over Jungkook’s glowing chest.
The answer to the riddle was right there...
It felt as natural as breathing when he wrapped his arms around Jungkook’s neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Soft, sweet, so tender it made Jungkook’s heart swell. Then, barely separating, their lips brushing against each other, Jimin whispered:
-Take me…-
Jungkook’s breath hitched, his fingers lightly digging into Jimin’s petite waist, suddenly hyper aware of the heat of his body that sought the freshness of Jimin’s skin. There was only a moment of hesitation, seeking confirmation with his eyes. When it was eagerly granted, Jungkook dived into Jimin’s lips, that parted to allow Jungkook’s tongue entrance into Jimin’s pliant mouth, sucking and biting soft flesh, just kissing not enough, the need to melt into each other absolute.
Jungkook smiled, sighing pleasantly into the kiss. To have Jimin’s full attention on him, what an addictive sensation…
Jungkook lifted Jimin up with ease, so the mage locked his legs around Jungkook’s waist, which allowed the hunter easy access to the angel’s plump buttocks, groping them as he walked back to shore, amazed by the softness, making an awe-filled sound that caused Jimin to chuckle into the kiss, playfully entwining his fingers between Jungkook’s curled locks.
-You like that, huh?- To drive the point home Jimin arches his back, pushing his ass into Jungkook’s hands.
-Hell yeah- Jungkook doesn’t even attempt to hide his attraction, sucking down Jimin’s neck, digging his fingers into Jimin’s flesh, spreading his cheeks -I’m ready to eat you up whole, little dove-
The wanton, high-pitched sound that came out of Jimin’s throat pulled at Jungkook’s crotch. Fuck. Everything about this pretty angel was too damn sexy, and he wanted every part of it, the good, the bad, the ugly, he would take it all.
Jungkook reached the bed of flowers at the edge of the forest clearing and unceremoniously laid them down over them, making Jimin yelp in surprise. Flowers and leaves floated down around them, Jungkook’s cackles and Jimin’s giggles filling the air.
Their eyes met once more, and desire brought back silence, the sound of their mingling breaths the only one remaining. Jimin's chest heaves and he nibbles at his lower lip, his hands traveling down Jungkook’s chest, his eyes sparkling with desire, antsy and expectant.
Jungkook’s toothy smile reached his doey eyes, leaving kisses along Jimin’s delightful jawline, reaching his ear, biting and sucking at his earlobe, enjoying hearing Jimin’s labored breaths and sensual moans.
-Fucking love your voice… Wanna make you lose it screaming my name, begging for me-
Jimin gasps, excited to have that promise fulfilled, but never missing a chance to tease the hunter -I never beg, my dear…-
Any further retort Jimin might’ve had was interrupted by the surprised moan he uttered when Jungkook sucked hard on his neck, leaving a hickey that glowed red against Jimin’s moon-kissed skin.
-No worries, sugar, I can teach you how to beg proper-
Jimin bites his lower lip, hiding a smile.
As Jungkook left a trail of love marks along Jimin’s neck, down his shoulders and chest, Jimin gasped and squirmed under him, entwining his fingers on Jungkook’s hair, feeling shots of pleasure trickling down his spine, making him arch his back and bend his knees, brushing his legs and feet along Jungkook’s body, longing for more. Jimin trembled at the touch of Jungkook’s burly hands caressing down his chest, giving attention to his nipples, and further down meeting the rags Jimin still had on, although barely, which still hindered the hunter’s free exploration of the angel’s body.
Huffing, Jungkook straightened up, ripping the fabric off Jimin like it was paper and tossing it aside, the evident lust on his eyes and the raging erection under his pants making Jimin tremble and moan keenly, provocatively opening his legs, inviting Jungkook in with fluttering eyes, feeling the buzz of expectation traveling down his spine.
Cursing under his breath how could any creature be this beautiful, Jungkook dived in, all willing to eat Jimin up, but he was shocked when Jimin stopped him, the tip of his pretty toes pushing against his abdomen. Jungkook whined, at the edge of madness, that’s how much he wanted to drown in all that was Jimin…
-Show me, then…- Jimin purred, his toes sliding down until they hooked on the belt of Jungkook’s pants, pulling further down, until the hunter’s cock was free, curving erect and proud against his stomach. At the impressive sight, Jimin felt his insides throb, his tongue moistening his lips. The angel locks eyes with Jungkook as he moves his foot up the shaft, making Jungkook let out a quivering breath. But Jimin didn’t linger there (to Jungkook’s disappointment), placing the sole of his foot over his abs, travelling up until he reached between his pectorals, right above the converging core of golden strings, under the bewitched gaze of his paramour. -...how to beg-
It was as if lightning struck. As Jimin curved his foot, pulling his toes into Jungkook’s skin, the man felt like all his nerves activated at once, his blood rising, his skin burning, an electrifying shock running through his spine, every molecule of his body reacting to Jimin’s push. Not only was his body under the spell, but he felt it, deeper still, how Jimin had connected with his magic within, calling upon it, a sensation unlike any he had ever experienced in his short life. Jungkook arched his back, thrusting his hips and throwing his head back, grunting and moaning, at the edge of orgasm, unable to find release, the waves of pleasure receding every time he was about to climax, just to reignite with verve, in an exquisite torture that drove him close to madness.
Unable to speak, Jungkook probes blindly, snatching Jimin’s wrist and pulling him into his embrace. The angel’s proud giggle was swallowed by Jungkook’s mouth as he desperately sought release in the mingling of their tongues, holding Jimin by the nape so he wouldn’t dare escape, as he frantically thrusted his hips, rubbing their cocks together, every obscene moan escaping from Jimin’s lips making Jungkook twitch with lustful desire, wanting to melt into Jimin so he was never parted from him again. And yet, it wasn’t only carnal attraction that commanded his movements, a profound affection making him take Jimin’s hand and entwine their fingers.
Jimin whimpered, his skin burning wherever it was touched by Jungkook, wanting to feel him even deeper still, in body, mind and soul, to take him whole and be taken all the same.
As Jungkook’s tongue hungrily entered his mouth, Jimin brought their entwined hands towards his chest, placing them over his heart, where Jungkook felt a surge of energy, fresh like a mountain spring. Surprised, he looked down. Just like he’d seen happening under his own chest, silver strands of energy travelled right below Jimin’s skin, converging at his core. Jungkook gasps, wide eyed, stunned for a moment and Jimin fears that Jungkook wasn’t going to be able to let go of his aversion to magic he’d been raised with…
-We’re the same-
That simple, naïve comment took Jimin by surprise, swelling his heart with tender fondness, holding Jungkook’s face between his hands and closing his eyes before capturing his lips with unabashed desire.
Jungkook took a moment to gaze upon the teardrops pooling on Jimin’s eyelashes before responding to the kiss with renewed fire, the allure of their affection igniting their lust for each other even further. Jungkook thrusts his hips again, chasing their mutual pleasure, pressing his palm whole against Jimin’s glowing core, showing him he wanted it all.
-Sense it…- Jimin guided, every word cut by the wet sound of their tongues and the smack of their lips not wanting to part from each other -Command it…- Jimin arches his back, pressing himself against Jungkook, responding with as much thrill to Jungkook’s thrusts, their wet skin, both from water, sweat and precum making for the perfect lubricant as they rubbed together in a lascivious frenzy.
Despite his mind being fogged with wild desire, focusing only on taking, tasting, loving Jimin, Jungkook’s instincts kicked in, telling him he had to go even deeper and he could only do so by not only mating with his body, but also his magic. If magic sex was a thing, he was gonna fucking give it to Jimin. Hard.
-Ah!-
The first finger entered with surprising ease, something slick and wet covering Jimin’s inner walls, shocking Jungkook for a second, before realizing Jimin was molding his body with magic, eager to receive him deeper. Jungkook shivers at the thought of it.
-You drive me insane…-
Jungkook put a second finger in, pushing deep and slow, as he sucked on the angel’s nipples, supple and pink and just as irresistible as everything about Jimin was to him.
Jimin arched his neck back, mouth agape, fingers digging on Jungkook’s shoulders to ground himself as his rim was worked open and his chest was abused, gasping and sighing, his body pliant, his hips following the motion, getting used to the penetrating sensation he hadn’t felt in so long. But it wasn’t enough.
In a hazy fit of lust, Jungkook bites down as he curled his fingers inside Jimin to press on his most sensitive spot, massaging the engorged bulb of nerves he was pleased to find in the divine body, aroused by the pleasured screams he was tearing out from Jimin’s throat and the obscene squelching sounds coming from his wet hole as the mage hugged him, unable to do more than present his ass and take Jungkook’s assault. The hunter grabs Jimin’s cock, pumping it with the same rhythm of his fingers, and Jimin’s voice cracks, squirming, heaving desperately, trying to escape the overwhelming sensation building on his lower abdomen but unable to, imprisoned in Jungkook’s fierce embrace.
-Oh! Oh… wait! Wait, ah! Jungkook!!-
With Jungkook’s name on his lips, Jimin’s body jerked furiously, his legs budged, thighs trembling and chest heaving as his orgasm sent shockwaves across his body, finishing on Jungkook’s hand. The angel tensed, a moan drowned on his throat, before going limp, falling on Jungkook’s lap, basking on the afterglow, a tickling buzz travelling up and down his body, moving him to cuddle up as close as he could to his lover, burrowing his face on the nook under Jungkook’s jaw, his breath brushing against the hunter’s neck.
Jungkook placed sweet kisses all over Jimin’s cheeks as he slowly took his fingers out, feeling Jimin’s insides twitching still.
-You ok…?-
-Mmhm…- Jimin cutely murmured, skin glowing wet, playfully licking up Jungkook’s neck as he rubbed his palm over the hunter’s still very much excited cock -...More?-
Jungkook stifles a laugh and a moan, wondering once again if he was actually dealing with a little devil rather than an angel. Not that it made any difference. Heaven or hell, he’d gladly traverse either with him. Carefully he laid Jimin back on the grass, positioning himself between his legs, taking a moment to admire the glorious beauty that laid compliant and meek for him… all for him…
That’s when Jungkook realized how nervous he really was, his heart beating like a bolter inside his chest. He swallows hard, looking down and spitting on his fingers, lathering his shaft to make absolutely sure he wouldn’t hurt Jimin. He positioned the tip against Jimin’s entrance, and he looked up at Jimin who was… blushing, timid fingers barely covering his plump lips, eyes glossed in expectation. Jungkook sighs, enamoured, feeling human and flawed in this awkwardness, as it should be, as they both could be, fate be damned.
Jungkook leaned over and kissed the palm of Jimin’s hand, nuzzling in it, making Jimin’s heart flutter in tenderness.
-Lemme know if it hurts, ‘kay?-
Jimin nods, slowly brushing his fingers along Jungkook’s face, locking their eyes. Jimin takes a breath.
-Be mine, as I am yours…-
Jungkook surrenders.
A guttural groan is ripped from his throat at the overwhelming tightness of Jimin’s insides. Jungkook had to lean his head back, closing his eyes to focus and not finish embarrassingly early. Jimin moans sweetly, his insides twitching, eager to receive Jungkook in.
-Ah, fuck, you’re amazing…- Jungkook heaves, covering Jimin’s lithe frame with his larger body as he started thrusting, slowly at first, gaining speed the more desire overcame his reason, their labored breaths attesting to their sole desire to become one.
Jimin laid pliant, legs open wide, toes twitching, the pleasure of having his insides ravaged making him curve his back, pursuing the intoxicant sensation. He relished the feeling of being claimed, the weight and heat of Jungkook’s body pressing down on him, so that he had no choice but to lay there and take it, the sounds he was uttering so obscene they would shame him if he wasn’t so drunk on the way Jungkook pounded into him, hitting hard and sweet and oh, right there!
Overwhelmed, Jimin dug his fingers on Jungkook’s arms, leaning his head back, losing his breath, barely able to speak in between thrusts -Oh my… hah! Ah! Wait! Too… deep!-
-Not enough…- Jungkook grunted in Jimin's ear, holding the angel’s hips high so he could go in deeper, the fire within him reaching out to the glaciar inside Jimin, seeking to melt it, to be truly let in and merge, the exquisite tightness inside and the softness of Jimin’s body making it impossible to let go, as he held Jimin by the nape and sucked on his neck, desperate to take more, to have it all, to brand himself into every part of Jimin so he would never deny him…
Repeating the name of his lover like a mantra, Jimin locked his legs around Jungkook’s waist, and hugged him close, closing his eyes, pleasure building up, sending what felt like electric shocks all over his body, causing his words to jumble up, unable to do much more than squeal and yell and beg as Jungkook’s thrusts became more erratic and fierce, his moans and grunts sending Jimin’s brain into overdrive. So close.
Desperation in his voice, Jungkook looked into Jimin’s eyes, never stopping his onslaught.
-Fuck…! Jimin! I’m…!-
-Yes…Yes! Inside me!-
Capturing Jimin’s lips in a ravenous kiss, Jungkook pounded one, two, three times before feeling Jimin tightening inside, tipping him over the edge. They swallowed each other’s moans, rolling back their eyes, the climax hitting like lightning. Jimin felt Jungkook’s semen filling him in as his own seed smeared their stomachs, at the same time that their cores lit up like a firework, strings of light mixing and making the euphoric sensation grow tenfold. Jimin held on to it desperately, not wanting to let go, but alas, gold and silver parted ways, returning to their respective cores.
Lost in the moment, Jungkook leaned his forehead on Jimin’s, gasping for air, his hips still jerking as the waves of pleasure travelled relentlessly, the tingling sensation reaching even to the tip of his fingers, making him blurt out a drunk laughter, hugging Jimin and showering him with sloppy kisses, as he slowly felt himself come down from the best orgasm of his life. The afterglow settled in, turning his muscles into mush, and his mind into a calm, still lake. He laid his head on Jimin’s chest, spent and just so damn happy. And for the first time, he heard Jimin’s heart beat, a sweet cacophony, shy yet hopeful, and he understood. He never wanted this sound to end…
Jimin’s legs slid down Jungkook’s sides and his hands fell haphazardly over his head as he tried to catch his breath, his glossy eyes fixed on the moon above them, the bliss of making love washing away his worries and fears. Just for a moment, he told himself, he wanted the world to be just the two of them…
A trembling smile made way for a warm tear. He moves his fingers one by one, as if plucking the strings of an instrument, slowly reaching out…
Jungkook sighed contentedly when he felt Jimin’s tender touch, softly stroking his hair.
-I’m yours…-
Jimin closes his eyes. He feels soft kisses on his chest, down his abdomen, raising his body heat. Jimin moans softly when he feels Jungkook taking him in his mouth, letting himself be done as the hunter so desired, drowning in the pleasures of the flesh, oblivious to the shadows moving on the edge of the forest all around them. Or perhaps purposely ignoring them.
Just tonight.
Only us…
Tomorrow he’d reach for the sun again.