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He figures it wasn’t supposed to end up like this. Taehyung learned of an arrangement months before he met Hades. He was to be wed to Aeolus. Being wed to the King of Aeolia would mean being stuck on an island that is home to the most violent storms in the universe. To put it simply, they would be an absolute disaster. How could the goddess of spring and new life himself be trapped on an island that leaves no room for flowers to bloom, no possibility for new life to spawn because what could possibly survive on Aeolia?
It was this utter frustration and desperation to escape the arrangement that had Taehyung walking right into the arms of the underworld god himself. Or…into the trap of his hellhound. Because it would appear that the mutt had taken a liking to Taehyung’s fresh bed of peonies that were meant for his mother’s garden. The goddess burst into tears when he saw the way the hellhound had completely destroyed his flower bed. Not expecting for a charred hand to reach out to help him to his feet, “are you okay, gorgeous?” and the thing is that Taehyung has been identified by his beauty all of his life. But always when something was needed. Never just for the sake of acknowledgment. And something as simple as this shouldn’t have him flustered. He was just caught up in his emotions. Which is why he lashed out. “Is this your dumb dog? He just obliterated an entire winter’s worth of labor and patience. You should keep things like this on a leash.” the man with black hair and glowing eyes laughed. Smile wide on his face “oh petal, you should know that hellhounds cannot be tamed. Neither can their master’s.” When Taehyung yanked his hand back to himself and stormed off, he had no intentions of seeing that man ever again.
So, no, he does not have a reasonable explanation for why he kept going back to that very spot repeatedly. Even after knowing it wouldn’t be fruitful to plant anything there. He would go back every single day. Sometimes running into the man and the dog, other times, to his dismay, he did not. Taehyung couldn’t make sense of why he somewhat looked forward to seeing the man. It’s not as if he really has any business hanging around the god of the underworld anyway. Truth be told, his mother would likely lose her mind if she knew. If he spent enough time thinking about it, perhaps he’d realize that a part of his initial interest was in the very fact that many of the gods would probably lose their minds as well.
It’s probably the tenth time that he’s run into Jeongguk that the god says, “i’m always coming up here to see you. Don’t you think it’s time you come down to my realm?” to which Taehyung panics. His chest tightens and the thought of being taken away from the comfort of his mother’s palace is terrifying. “no.” his jaw ticks, delicate hands folding into his crossed arms “if you wish to see me, you’ll need to continue coming here.” Taehyung has gotten so used to other gods fawning over himself, he hadn’t even considered a possibility of Jeongguk saying “it’s a shame that I won’t be seeing you anymore then.” The man steps closer to Taehyung, who was crouched down playing with the ears of the hellhound, Bam, that he’s come to enjoy spending time with. Choosing his words carefully, just for curiosity’s sake, he says, “well, I'm arranged to be wed soon, so I suppose it’s all for the best.” His eyes are pointed when he looks at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk who’s eyes flicker with flames of blue and orange. Jeongguk who looks as if he’s seconds from bursting into flames himself. The god of the underworld who’s finger tips begin to smoke when he reaches out to cup a hand onto the side of the deity’s neck. Taehyung’s oxygen is pulled from his lungs with the subtle simmer of Jeongguk’s touch on his skin. This is the closest the God has come to him, when their faces are so close he can feel the other’s breath on his lips “well, it’s only fitting that i leave you with something to remember me by.” before he’s leaving. Taehyung stumbles back when Jeongguk and Bam are out of sight. Chest heaving and in disbelief of what just happened. Confused by what Jeongguk intended to leave behind.
Though his confusion was short-lived. Because when he arrives home, his mother gasps at the sight of him. “what happened? Are you hurt?” gentle fingers caressing the side of his face. “mother, i’m fine. I was just out in the woods again.” but her nostrils flare. “why is the mark of Hades on your skin.” Taehyung freezes. Basket of florals dropping to the floor. Peonies and roses flooding their foyer as he rushes over to the large mirror. Head tilting to the right slowly. Eyes widening at the sight of three black finger prints over the juncture where his shoulder meets his neck. “I—”
“I’ll have him murdered if he hurt you. Did he hurt you? Do not lie to me. Aeolus will be furious as well, this is not good. This is not good at all. Your wedding is next week.”
“perhaps…we should postpone the wedding…” the words come out unconsciously. Taehyung cannot peel his eyes from the marks on his skin. His fingers reach up to touch over them. Drags across it and notices that the marks do not smudge. Even if he licks the pad of his thumb to try to smear the black prints away, they do not disappear at all. As if Jeongguk has engraved himself on Taehyung’s skin. It makes his stomach burn a feeling he’s never quite felt before. A feeling he wants more of.
Turns to look at his mother is looking at him curiously, “You have no business with Hades. There is no reason for you to spend any time with such a demon. I don’t know how he has the title of God.” Taehyung smiles softly “it was a misunderstanding. His hellhound devoured one of my flower beds. We simply had a small argument.” Which isn’t a lie. It is indeed the truth. Though that argument happened months ago and Taehyung continued to return. “Well we cannot postpone the wedding. You’ve been promised to Aeolus by your father. These things cannot be undone.”
✦
It is a strange feeling.
Jeongguk has never felt such anger. He has spent many of his centuries in anger, so to feel a new type of fire burning inside of him is not something he is used to. Nor is he fond of it. In fact, Jeongguk kind of hates it. Hates the way he’s drawn to that gorgeous goddess and hates even more the fact that he won’t be in his presence anymore. Arranged to be wed? Kidnapped. That’s what Taehyung meant. Because that’s all those bloody gods are good for is stealing what does not belong to them. It’s infuriating, and even more so that he realizes what a mess he may have caused for the deity. There is nothing a man hates more than a mark on their property. It’s not even that Jeongguk intended to brand Taehyung. He has never felt an interest to do so to anyone. Taehyung isn’t property. Certainly not property of Jeongguk. Yet his being moved unconsciously when he reached out to touch and left his mark on the gorgeously golden skin of the goddess.
Days have passed since he saw Taehyung last and Jeongguk cannot stop thinking about it. About him. Making a visit to his brother is not something Jeongguk enjoys doing. Damned ‘king of the Olympiad’. Really, who coins them-self as zeus anyway? He storms into Namjoon’s palace and sets fire to every single pillar in his way. Eyes rolling when his brother is standing there with a shit eating grin “and to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? I see you’ve taken to destroy my home again.”
“who is Persephone arranged to marry?”
“huh?” Namjoon’s head tilts “what do you mean?”
“answer the question or i will burn your entire palace to nothingness.”
“i’m not sure, i think Aeolus.”
“Aeolus?” Jeongguk’s fists burst into flames as he voice booms “you’re going to have the goddess of spring trapped on that miserable island?”
“it is not me who makes these decisions, Jeongguk. And what do you care for? When have you ever met anyone that you weren’t intending to damn to hell.”
“i’ve come to know Taehyung recently.”
“i see.” Namjoon’s arms cross “must have taken a liking then, if you’re calling him so personally.”
“actually, i do not like him at all. He’s terribly annoying, I was simply curious because he mentioned he would be wed soon.”
“really? You threatened to burn down my palace for information about something you don’t care about?”
“Namjoon, how many times have i set fire to this palace just for fun? Do not tempt me.” Jeongguk glares. The flames on his fists subside and he turns to leave. He can hear his brother shouting something behind him but Jeongguk’s mind is clouded. Thinking about Taehyung, the goddess who plants beds and beds of flowers simply for fun, being trapped on an island that’s fit for nothing but despair. Jeongguk pays no mind to the destruction he causes as he makes his way home.
✦
Taehyung is nervous. He’s been thinking it for every single moment of the last week. Fingers trembling as he gets dressed for the day. Wrapping his gown around his lithe waste and securing it with a golden belt. When he stops by the kitchen to bid his mother goodbye for the day, he lingers a bit longer than usual. He lingers enough that she pauses, “is everything okay, dear?”
“yeah” he nods with a half smile “can’t a son just love his mother?”
“of course” she smiles “it is a bitter sweet feeling hmm? That in just a few days you’ll be taken from me. I’ll be sure Aeolus brings you back to me properly. Otherwise i’ll have Poseidon send a typhoon to wipe out his damn island.” Taehyung giggles into his mother’s palm where she holds onto him. “i love you, do bring back some more tiger lilies if you happened to grow any. I need them for a recipe and the weather is soon to turn horrible for plants to blossom.” Taehyung heart twinges, “i will see what i have.” he hugs her impossibly tight “i love you too.”
And really, this melancholic feeling is unnecessary. There’s a high probability that this won’t work. At all. Realistically, he’s come to this spot everyday for months on end and Jeongguk has not been there but for once a week. When he arrives Taehyung takes it upon himself to sit against the tall willow tree. The one that provides just enough shade for him to rest under but not enough shade to block the flowers from taking in their needed sunlight.
He waits and waits and waits. The sun has officially passed over the highest point and is on it’s way back down when Taehyung wakes from an unintentional slumber. Eyes fluttering open to the feeling of a wet snout pressing into his arm. Finding that damned dog with its tail wagging and running in circles to be played with. “oh, what a surprise.” he speaks softly. Bringing himself to his feet, finally landing his eyes on Jeongguk. Jeongguk who is standing a good distance away. “he’s been whining all over the place. Even the deceased are tired of hearing him.”
Taehyung giggles, hand coming to ruffle the dog’s, usually sharp, ears that flop as soon as he’s around the goddess. “ahhh, Bam-ie, what will you do once i’m gone hmm?”
Taehyung doesn’t notice the way Jeongguk’s entire body stiffens. He’s too busy playing with the puppy. But then Bam takes to laying in the flower bed, which gives Taehyung nothing to do other than walk towards the God that’s maintained his distance even still. “damn any souls recently?”
“no” Jeongguk’s lips almost curl into a smile, but they don’t “i’ve had a few that i’ve considered. But nothing i can justify doing.”
“ahhh, because the god of the underworld is very focused on maintaining his morals.”
“of course.” Jeongguk’s eyes narrow, focusing in on the gown that Taehyung is wearing. Specifically focused on the way the fabric bunches up over his left shoulder. Perfectly positioned against his neck to cover the mark that Jeongguk unintentionally left. He doesn’t know how he feels about it being covered. His body once again having a mind of it’s own when he steps forward. Index finger hooking onto the golden ring that holds the fabric in place and tugging it a bit out of his way. Making so that the fabric drapes off of Taehyung’s shoulder and his mouth nearly waters. “your husband-to-be must not be very happy with me. I’m surprised i haven’t been paid a visit.”
“i have yet to meet him myself.” Taehyung’s breaths are shallow. Eyes round and wide when he looks right into Jeongguk’s own.
Jeongguk’s fingers brush over the black outlines he left. Delicately touching over the skin and feeling the grooves. Taehyung hadn’t even flinched when he did it. “i never thought that Demeter of all mother’s would allow her child to be abducted into a wedding against their will.”
“she has no choice.” Taehyung snaps immediately. Hand curling around Jeongguk’s wrist and yanking his touch away. “she is simply following orders.”
“and what about you?”
“what about me?”
“will you just follow orders? Is that all your life is meant to be?”
Taehyung takes in a long, slow, deep breath. It is now or never. He’s terrified. “what option do i have? Do you have any idea what it is like being a goddess instead of a god?”
“unfortunately i do not.” Jeongguk looks away. He hates the fact that he feels without control of himself around Taehyung. The way words and actions flow unconsciously. “you wouldn’t need to have such troubles with me.”
“with you” Taehyung scoffs “in what way would being with you be any different from another god?”
“i could cherish you.” his lip snarls “i—”
“is that something you would even want? Or does the joy of stealing from another God sound overwhelmingly enticing?”
Jeongguk grabs onto Taehyung’s hand and tugs him close. The fronts of their bodies entirely flush when he holds onto the other’s sharp jawline, “how many days have i spent in this garden with you before knowing anything of your proposed marriage? Can you really ask such a question to me? When I have consistently inconvenienced myself for months, just for the sake of seeing your face.” Taehyung’s chest heaves when he inches himself even closer. His bare feet standing between Jeongguk’s large black boots. “what will you do then?”
“i’m not sure what you’re asking of me, petal”
Taehyung’s lashes flutter slowly, as if hypnotizing Jeongguk to not look anywhere else “will you take me instead?”
“Taehyung,” Jeongguk breathes sharply “please be aware of what you are asking.”
“i can’t marry him. I’ll be miserable. I don’t want a life such as that.”
“what do you want me to do?” Jeongguk’s hands fall to the waist that is adorned with a golden belt. Kind of wants to know what it would look like if it were black. “I will do it. Whatever you want.”
Taehyung’s long fingers brush lightly over Jeongguk’s chest, slipping up his shoulders and resting there as he speaks, “noone travels to the underworld, correct?”
“They attempt…” Jeongguk’s grin is a bit sinister “but you wouldn’t need to worry about that.”
“so if…” Taehyung’s lips tremble “…if i were to be abducted and held in the underworld. He wouldn’t be able to find me. Is that correct?”
“i don’t want to abduct you.” Jeongguk pushes the goddess away gently, even if it kills him to do so, “that makes me no different than them.”
“that’s not true.” Taehyung steps back into his space, takes it upon himself to reach out to the god that is very clearly conflicted. Reaching out and holding on to his hands “just long enough for him to accept defeat and find another to marry. He doesn’t care for me, i’m a trophy. There’s plenty of trophies in all of Olympus.”
“ah.” Jeongguk nods in understanding. Of course. A being such as Taehyung would never want to be with him. He was a fool for ever getting his hopes up, “so I am only hiding you? Temporarily..?”
“would you?” He wants to say no. Because how can he possibly have Taehyung in his space all of the time and not fall even more than he already has. Yet, again, Jeongguk’s voice comes out on it’s own, “if that is what you wish for, i will make anything happen for you.”
Tears almost immediately fall from the goddesses eyes but Jeongguk shakes his head “You must know, I do not leave the underworld during these winter months. I was coming here to wish you goodbye. Will you be okay being away from home for that long?”
Taehyung seems to hesitate. As if calculating in his mind just how long it will be before he gets to see his mother again. It will be worth it, freedom will be worth it. It has to be. “yes. I will be okay for that long.” Jeongguk feels as if he has just sentenced himself to his own purgatory, when the goddess takes his hand and allows Jeongguk to take him to the underworld.
“What happens when you will return home?” Taehyung gnaws on his lip when his eyes find Jeongguk’s again, “I suppose I have a few months to figure that out.”
✦
“I need you to listen to me. Do not leave the palace. If you become so restless that you wish to explore, come find me and I will take you to styx but that is as far as i’m willing to take you. It’s dangerous down here and I won’t be responsible for you ending up dead.”
“Well when you say it like that it almost sounds like you care” the goddess smirks and crosses his arms. “Of course i don’t.” Jeongguk insists “but the last thing i need is your death on my back. I have enough to fight with the others about.”
Maybe it’s too much of a cliche but Taehyung really imagined Hades’ palace to be unbearably hot. Contrary to his thoughts, it’s comfortable. The room that Jeongguk shows him to is lavish. Almost as lavish as his room at home if he had all of his personal items here. All he has is the small bag he prepared, though there isn’t much in it. He couldn’t pack many things without flagging his mother’s attention. Jeongguk disappears for hours. Taehyung, doesn’t really care much for the rules put in place. Besides, Bam hasn’t left him at all, so he feels safe to roam just a bit with the hellhound by his side.
It’s kind of terrifying to think that Jeongguk lives here permanently. No wonder he was spending so much time up by Taehyung’s spot, it’s fucking depressing here. At least on the outside. Inside of the palace it wasn’t too bad. But walking around where there should be grass and roses, only finding charred dirt and remnants of something Taehyung has no desire to learn more about–it’s a bit jarring. Though he is overjoyed when he comes across a small tree that is overflowing with pomegranates. He grabs one as he continues walking. Enjoying each and every seed. Thinking nothing of the way his brain slowly becomes fuzzy.
It certainly would have been wise to at least, inform Jeongguk that he was stepping outside. But Taehyung has never cared much for people keeping tabs on him, which is how he finds himself cornered. Cornered by what, he doesn’t know, but Bam is growling and keeping a firm stance in front of the goddess as a shroud of dark gray smoke surrounds them. Taehyung feels fatigue, insane fatigue that he cannot fight off. Fingers clutching onto Bam’s collar before he hits the ground. There’s a loud boom of thunder and then he can feel tremors in the ground. Almost as if the surface is opening up below them. Taehyung tries desperately to open his eyes but he cannot. Hands falling from the hellhound’s collar, losing what little consciousness he had left.
When he comes to, Taehyung finds himself in the comfort of a mattress. Soft and plush and the weight of something at his feet. Eyes opening to see the dog there he smiles, albeit confused. Didn’t he go outside? He doesn’t remember coming back here. Oh..but then the door is slamming open and Jeongguk’s eyes have flames like Taehyung’s never seen. “I specifically told you not to leave. And what do you do? You leave. Consuming poison and nearly getting yourself sucked into the depths by lost souls. What were you thinking?”
“I, I–” Taehyung is flustered. overwhelmed and confused. eyes going round as he stares blankly at Jeongguk. Who looks at him with fury in his gaze, “Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea. It’s not even been an entire day. I cannot keep an eye on you at all times and I can’t let you–.”
Taehyung sits up with sharp eyes, yes it was his fault, but he’s honestly a bit irritated, “What happened to you saying you would cherish me, as opposed to Aeolus? Suddenly i’m such a burden after I follow you, that you want to send me back!”
“You followed me for an escape route!” Jeongguk’s voice is loud and one of the posts at the edge of Taehyung’s bed bursts to flames. He scoots back as far away as possible. Eyes riddled with fear that Jeongguk mustn’t like because immediately he is putting out the flames and apologizing under his breath. “You have no desire to be cherished by me. I’m a solution to a problem and that’s fine. I’m willing to be that for you. But my rules are mandatory. If you wish to return to Olympus, I will happily take you there. The winter solstice is tomorrow and I will not be opening the gates again until spring. So make up your mind!” the door slams shut behind Jeongguk, leaving the smell of burnt ashe in his wake.
Taehyung scoots forward to Bam who is looking at him with big round eyes, “Is your daddy always so damn mean?”
✦
Jeongguk has no idea why he did this to himself.
In hindsight, he’s not sure why he let himself grow infatuated with the gorgeous deity anyway. There would never be a time in this eternity where someone with beauty and grace such as Taehyung’s would bless his life. Yet he still let himself go back repeatedly. Months and months of weekly visits, hoping and clinging to any little sliver of attention he could garner from him. And now he’s found himself in an unforgivable predicament. Jeongguk’s never been good at reigning in his emotions. The fear that spread through his body at hearing his hound’s vicious growl is something Jeongguk doesn’t think he’s ever experienced in his centuries of living. Let alone the bitter churning in his gut as he pumped poisonous seeds from an unconscious Taehyung’s stomach. Why can’t the goddess just fucking listen? He thinks it was a rather simple request. And if Taehyung so desperately needs to get air outside of the palace Jeongguk will take him. In fact, he would prefer to accompany Taehyung wherever he wishes to go.
But now he’s gone and made a mess and started a fight and Jeongguk finds himself reluctantly hoping for the goddess to ask to return home. Jeongguk will get over the fact that Taehyung will be married off to a useless God and ca— “May I come in please?” whatever fury was brewing in Jeongguk’s chest completely dissipates at the sound of a soft voice from his doorway.
His traitorous dog staying right by the goddess' side as if he were his dog instead of Jeongguk’s. “have you packed your things?”
“I don’t wish to leave.”
“Taehyung, I really—”
“I didn’t only agree to coming with you for an escape route. I’m sorry if I made it seem that way. Truly, I feel so grateful that you were willing to help me.” Taehyung takes steps across Jeongguk’s onyx tiles with his golden bare feet. The length of his leg peeking through the slit in the fabric of his gown. Expanse visible all the way up his thigh. Clearly unaware of the way he looks, temptation as sweet as sin walking right towards the ruler of the underworld. Luring Jeongguk in to listen to his every word, “I shouldn’t have gone alone, I thought with Bam I would be safe. I know now that I should have listened.”
“You’re a being from the living, you have no protection down here. The lost souls will devour you, Taehyung.”
“you’re a being from the living just like me. How are you protected?”
Jeongguk’s lips curl into a smirk as he forces his eyes away from the place on Taehyung’s neck where his finger prints rest, “I’m the king, petal. I don’t need protection from my own kingdom.”
“so then..” Taehyung’s tongue comes out to wet his lips and Jeongguk thinks it’s pathetic how utterly mesmerized he is by everything the goddess does “..if I wanted to see more of the underworld, I should have the king by my side?” The god nods curtly, lips pursed before he clears his throat. Trying desperately to snap himself out of whatever trance Taehyung is pulling over him. “Yes.”
“Can I stay? Until the spring?” Jeongguk nearly let it slip that Taehyung could stay as long as he would like to. “if you wish to, yes.”
“Jeongguk.” the goddess speaks firmly. ”I would truly enjoy staying here with you. Not for an escape route–simply, because I like you.” There’s hardly an arm's length of space between them, but it’s enough to help Jeongguk hold onto the last remnants of his sanity. Taehyung can’t just fucking say that and expect Jeongguk to contain himself, “I’ll be making a final trip up to Olympus in the morning. Is there anything you need for me to return with?”
The goddess shakes his head. Taehyung wants desperately to go home one more time. To somehow give his mother a message that he is okay. But that could ruin this entire plan so he only sighs “thank you, for letting me stay. And for saving me earlier.”
“you don’t need to thank me.” Jeongguk rolls his eyes “I would like to sleep now.”
“Kay.” Taehyung smiles, adjusting the belt at his waist, dragging that slit higher up to the point that Jeongguk has to roll over and bury his face in the pillow in order to resist. “Bam!” He shouts, waiting for his dog to come to bed as usual. But the hellhound’s tail curls around the goddess’ leg as he steps next to Taehyung’s side. Having soft, beautifully deep giggles filling Jeongguk’s palace, and his heart, “sorry, Jeongguk. I think he favors me.”
“or he doesn’t trust you not to betray his owner in my sleep.”
“sure.” Taehyung’s nose scrunches when he smiles “if it helps you rest easier, goodnight.”
✦
The god has not even reached the peak of mount Olympus before Namjoon is quite literally radiating electricity as he walks towards his brother. “what did you do, Jeongguk?”
“I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I’m here to let you know that as the solstice approaches i will not be returning, so if you need something of me, ask now.”
“what i need is to know where Persephone is.”
“and how am I to know that?”
Namjoon is so clearly angry, face red and fists clenched, “you come in here demanding answers about him and then days later he is missing? Demeter is losing her mind. Not to mention the trouble this is going to cause with Aeolus. Do you take me for a fool, Jeongguk?!”
“frankly, i couldn't care less about Aeolus not being able to abduct a bride. And as far as Demeter goes, i’m not seeing how that is my problem either. I have no idea where Taehyung has gone. But if he’s left, it must have been for good reason.”
“I don’t fucking believe you. Jeongguk, so help me—”
“I’ll be going now. You don’t have to believe me. I owe you nothing.” just for fun Jeongguk sets fire to the shrubbery on this walkway, looking over his shoulder with a smirk “see you in a few months brother.”
✦
It has been almost four weeks of his time with Jeongguk and Taehyung…is in trouble. Trouble because his heart is feeling things that he knows he should not be feeling. His heart had already been feeling such things when he was looking forward to their spontaneous meetings at the flower garden. Matters intensifying when Jeongguk promised to take care of him. Plummeting into dangerous territory when the god returned from his final trip to Olympus with bags filled with clothes and books and some paintings of different floral arrangements.
Jeongguk hadn’t made any eye contact when he dropped the gifts off. Simply letting them fall to the floor in the room that Taehyung will be calling home temporarily—”you should at least be somewhat comfortable while you’re here.” and then he was gone.
While they have spent time together each day walking to the sea and Jeongguk telling Taehyung many stories of his centuries as King of the Underworld. Taehyung wishes they’ve spent even more time. He enjoys Jeongguk’s presence so much it’s terrifying.
They do not eat meals together, mostly because Jeongguk eats so sporadically that Taehyung is usually reading or napping. But tonight is a first, because when the goddess is dressed in only a large sheer blouse, far too long even for his tall frame—he sneaks into the kitchen. Planning to have a late night feast as he slept through dinner. But he hadn’t expected for Jeongguk to be in the kitchen as well. Preparing something on the stove. The god’s eyes look up to meet Taehyung’s and he nearly drops the spatula from his grasp at the sight of the goddess, dressed so….obscenely. “Oh my heavens.” Taehyung’s voice falls to a low moan. Jeongguk’s stomach flipping at the sound when the man steps closer “that smells amazing. What is it?”
“just some meat i stocked up on when i bought your things.” Jeongguk was going to say something else but he can hear the way Taehyung’s stomach rumbles. “have a seat, i’ll serve you.”
“wha—” Taehyung nearly chokes on his words. “you don’t need to. I was just going to—”
Jeongguk’s words come out as a sharp command, “sit, Taehyung.” and so the goddess does. Hops up onto the center island of the kitchen and leans back on his palms as he watches Jeongguk finish cooking. It’s something he never in a million years could’ve imagined. Figured that Hades, of all gods, surely had servants doing his every task. But Taehyung hasn’t seen a single being in this palace accept for them and Bam. And it doesn’t help that Jeongguk, when he’s in the comfort of his palace, drops all of his cloaks and heavy stompers.
Bare feet and baggy pants and thin cloth shirts…if he wears any shirt at all. Taehyung assumes that it is due to the late hour of night, that Jeongguk is not wearing a shirt at this time. The same way, he himself, did not bother with dressing more discreetly. Figuring he’d have the kitchen to himself this hour of night. Drawn from his thoughts by Jeongguk holding out a bowl for him, filled with a yummy smelling broth and the delicious cuts of meat aligned as if prepared by a gourmet chef.
Forces his eyes away from the insanely sculpted physique the god adorns. Rather focusing on the proximity between them when Jeongguk hesitates to move away. His hips touch where Taehyung’s knees are bent at the edge of the counter. But he does end up moving. Turning off the stove and leaning against the counter opposite of Taehyung. Eating silently after placing a plate on the floor that Bam devours immediately. “this’ss sho-o good.” Taehyung mutters with a full mouth. Chuckling at the way Jeongguk smiles “of course a gorgeous thing like you must have at least one flaw.”
“was’that!” Taehyung’s eyes glare, but his mouth is still full. Jeongguk stepping forward with a napkin to wipe away the sauce that dribbles down the goddess’ chin. “you’re a filthy eater.”
“it’s compliments to your cooking, y’know. It’s too delicious to eat cleanly.” gnaws on his lip a bit as he places his empty bowl to his side. Hands folded in his lap as he watches Jeongguk finish eating as well. “you never let me say thank you for the gifts.”
“they weren’t gifts. They were necessities. You don’t need to thank me.”
“Jeongguk.” Taehyung scolds. Sharp brown eyes boring into his own and making Jeongguk’s finger tips burn with a painful desire. Especially because the loose collar of the shirt Taehyung wears has the mark he left sitting so beautifully on display. The goddess smiles, radiantly, when Jeongguk’s eyes lift back up to the other’s “Thank you. For the necessities.”
The problem with Jeongguk’s…powers. Is that he can set flames to anything he so much as lays his eyes on if he wishes to. And when he could not handle holding eye contact with the deity any longer, his gaze fell to the counter. Thoughts swirling and raging and he of course didn’t mean to. But suddenly Taehyung is yelping and jumping from the counter to his feet. Eyes immediately swelling with tears. “wha—”
Jeongguk panics, in one large step he’s right in front of the other. Hands no longer hot, entire body ice cold as he watches the way a tear falls down Taehyung’s cheek, “are you hurt? I’m so sorry. I wasn’t—”
“it just startled me..” he says softly. Hands unconsciously resting on Jeongguk’s biceps. “i’m okay really.” he tries to step away. But Jeongguk cannot get over how glorious it feels to have Taehyung this close. Hands falling from his face to rest on Taehyung’s hips, “I would never hurt you intentionally, i just…i didn’t mean to—.”
Taehyung’s voice is immediate, zero hesitation in his tone, “i know.” his hands tighten just barely over Jeongguk’s biceps. Eyes gentle and warm when they meet gazes “it’s okay. I know you didn’t.”
“Taehyung.”
“hm?” his heart is racing. Rattling against his chest when he feels Jeongguk’s hands grip him firmer. Pulling just a bit until their fronts are almost touching entirely. Taehyung might melt, figuratively speaking. Maybe literally too, if Jeongguk keeps looking at him this way.
“i—” and the thing is that Jeongguk doesn’t know what he intended to say. Kind of just wanted to hear the other’s name on his tongue. So it’s for no apparent reason that he says, “would you like me to remove the mark i left on you?”
“you can do that?” Taehyung’s eyes widen. “i assumed it was permanent.”
“it is. Unless i remove it. Noone else could remove it for you.” Jeongguk’s fingers tap lazily against Taehyung’s hip bones. Trying desperately to dispel the urges in his mind. Desire he hasn’t felt ever in his life. Wondering how anyone could quel such a rage. Wondering if Taehyung feels it too.
“i see.” Taehyung’s sinful tongue comes out to wet the skin of his lips again and Jeongguk is entranced. He wants him terribly. Terribly. Terribly. It feels cruel, the way he needs him. The way he’s desired Taehyung since the first time they met and has only continued since then. The way he doesn’t even behave like himself with the goddess around. “yeah, so i can..” brings his right hand from Taehyung’s hip to ghost over the mark. But he wasn’t expecting for a soft hand to curl around his wrist. Tugging Jeongguk’s hand away with the most intense gaze in his eyes.
Jeongguk thinks he could see his own flames reflected in Taehyung’s dark irises when the goddess speaks, “i don’t want you to remove it.” his stomach kicks violently. The hand still holding Taehyung’s waist moves to wrap around him entirely. Palm flattening against his lower back as he breathes him in. Face burrowing into the golden skin of Taehyung’s neck. Lips ghosting where his finger prints lie as he takes a shaky breath, “why would you possibly want to keep this on your perfectly untainted body?” Taehyung’s hands rest on Jeongguk’s chest, nails scraping against his bare skin as his head lulls to the side. Allowing the god even better access to the already exposed skin. “like it.”
“you like it?” Jeongguk smirks against his skin. Gives in to the urge to kiss over it. The softest kiss he’s ever given. Drags his lips up and down, leaving endless kisses in their wake. “what is there to like about it?”
Jeongguk thinks there aren’t enough centuries that he could have ever lived to prepare him for the feeling of one of those golden hands cupping onto his jawline. holding him in place where each press of his lips gets heavier and heavier. Fuck midas, Taehyung’s touch is incomparable. “the fact that it was put there by you”
“hell..” Jeongguk growls low into the goddess's neck “..what are you doing to me?”
“Jeongguk” Taehyung uses his hold on the god’s jawline to raise him from his neck. leans closer, letting their noses brush “you’ve got to know by now, how i fe—.”
Bam suddenly jolts up, Taehyung witnessing in real time as the dog transforms from an adorable little hell hound into a beast of vicious nature. Stature so tall he nearly reaches the ceiling. The image of the infamous Cerberus that he assumed was a myth considering he’s only seen the affectionate puppy. Everything moves far too quickly from then. Jeongguk has Taehyung in his arms instantly. Strong hold on Taehyung’s body as he takes the goddess to his room. The furious flames flickering in Jeongguk’s eyes tells Taehyung that there is trouble. “I’m sealing your door. Okay? I will come to you when it’s safe.”
“Jeongguk, wait.” Taehyung could cry. They were right there. Right on the cusp of everything he’s been thinking about for so long being around Jeongguk. But the god shakes his head, “your safety cannot wait. Rest. I’ll come to you soon.” and then he’s out of the door. In an instant Taehyung watches as what was once a large wooden door is gone. The seams all but vanished and all that’s left is a solid wall. He doesn’t know what is going on, and maybe he should be more worried than he is. But he doesn’t feel any type of fear with Jeongguk around. If anything he feels more secured and protected than he’s ever felt in his entire life.
✦
Jeongguk steps outside with burning flames of fury in his palms. Surprised, tremendously, at the sight of Demeter in tears at the gates. “What brings you?” his voice booms.
“I…I need to know. H-has my son. H-has he been killed. Would you know? If his soul were trapped with the other’s that have been lost?”
Guilt. a feeling Jeongguk has never encountered before, aches in his chest. “Persephone is among the living. I can assure you.”
Demeter falls to her knees and sobs. face buried in her palms “I didn’t think he’d take him without letting me say goodbye..I—“ she stands up, eyes blazing red “—I must go. I’m sorry. Thank you.” and the woman is running. nearly stumbles over herself as she follows the winding path.
she must have walked for days to reach the gates. Jeongguk notices as he turns back to the palace that Bam has not returned to normal. all three mouths snarling as his crimson eyes stare at the gates.
it is only after a few moments, do the gates fling open with Aeolus’ winds blowing furiously “where is my bride, Hades?”
“who is your bride?” the fireballs in his palms rage again. as much as he would love to burn this god to a crisp, he cannot. he can injure him severely and he would be willing to do so.
“We were due to be wed nearly a month ago. I confronted Helios. I know. I know that Persephone is here.”
“Helios is a liar.” Jeongguk scoffs. Damned meddling all seeing scum. He chuckles at the way Bam charges at Aeolus.
“I don’t want to do this. Just give him to me and I will leave.”
“even if what Helios said were true, I wouldn’t give you anything that belongs to me.” He sets flames to the wind god’s cloak and watches him tumble to the ground. rolling desperately to put out the flames. “and everything that sets foot in the underworld is my property.”
Aeolus stands with his cloak removed and burning on the ground, “you are insane.” he spits “and when my bride steps foot again on olympus, i will take him. chain him to a wall and make him regret this. his punishment will be far worse than spending life in purgatory with you.”
Jeongguk rages, has the collar of Aeolus shirt in his burning fist before the other god can realize he moved, “you will return to the living and find a new bride to torment. you will go on with your life and forget that a name such as persephone ever existed. otherwise I will burn you at the stake and let him watch as you rot.”
If Aeolus had anything to say, he doesn’t. lips quivering and blue when Jeongguk throws him yards away. he watches, amused, as Aeolus flies out. the smell of his burning clothes is something wondrous to Jeongguk’s nose.
Bam finally returning to normal as they reach the palace entrance. Sprinting off down the hallway, barking and whining at the absence of Taehyung’s door.
After returning the door and opening it for Bam. Jeongguk contemplates if he will say anything at all to the goddess. Peaks inside and sees that Taehyung has fallen asleep. After minutes of watching the rise and fall of the other’s chest…Jeongguk decides that he shouldn’t. things will become too complicated and when the spring day arrives, Taehyung will return home.
so there’s no point in living a fantasy.
✦
Jeongguk has avoided Taehyung for more than a month.
several weeks of silence, other than prepared plates of food wrapped and waiting for him in the kitchen. Even Bam has noticed Jeongguk’s strange behavior. No matter what time of day or night that Taehyung roams the palace or peaks into Jeongguk’s bedroom, he is never around.
the goddess’ patience has ran terribly thin when finally, he storms out of the palace. Dressed only in the same shirt he wore the day that they nearly kissed. the day Jeongguk was so visibly desperate for him.
And he continues to wait for several moments.
stepping further away and closer to the side of the path that will lead him to potential danger. Jeongguk will come. Taehyung knows that he will. so he takes the steps willingly. eyes locked on the door to the palace that he left open.
he was not prepared though, for rough hands cupping his waist from behind. a dark voice in his ear that sends the best chills down his spine “what do you think you are doing? And practically naked at that?”
“anything” Taehyung’s voice is exasperated “whatever i have to do for you to pay attention to me again.”
Jeongguk has Taehyung over his shoulder near instantly. his hands burning against Taehyung’s skin and he loves it. he loves it. It may sound ridiculous but Taehyung has suspicions that he has been slowly tumbling and starting to fall into what he thinks could be love with Jeongguk for months. even before they spent every day together. Each time Jeongguk and Bam showed up at his flower garden, Taehyung’s heart would beat in rhythms he had never heard before. Lost in eyes that can be simultaneously intimidating with flames yet sparkling with all of the stars the constellations have to offer. it feels cruel for Jeongguk to rip such a beautiful feeling from his grasp before he gets to experience it entirely.
Taehyung finds himself caged between Jeongguk’s arms against the closed door of the god’s bedroom, “why are you doing this to me, huh? Do you have a death wish?”
“Of course not! But what was i meant to do?!” his voice cracks a bit when he shouts, “you’ve all but forgotten about me.”
“it is pure insanity that you think you’re someone that can be forgotten…i am simply doing my best to get along Taehyung.”
“your best to get along means pretending i don't exist?”
Jeongguk’s lip trembles when Taehyung’s fingers curl around the collar of his shirt. “my best is not indulging in a luxury i do not get to keep.”
“what does that even mean” Taehyung huffs. So visibly frustrated when his hands fall to lay slack at his sides. Eyes falling from Jeongguk’s to the floor. “i don’t understand.”
“i’ve grown incredibly fond of you, alright?” Jeongguk shakes his head. He wasn’t going to do this. He wasn’t. “but i do not like to give up my things. If i have to give you up in the end, i cannot let myself have you at all.”
“i thought you said i wasn’t a possession.” Taehyung’s eyes are glistening with emotion and Jeongguk hates that very much. Hates that this is the first time in a month that he’s looked at those warm brown eyes from this close, yet when he finally gets to, they are so so sad. “exactly. You aren’t. So I am creating a necessary boundary so that when the spring arrives and it is time for you to leave, I’m not inclined to never let you go.”
“y’don’t have to” Taehyung insists. Hands clutching onto the sides of Jeongguk’s shirt and tugging him in until their legs tangle where they stand. Noses brushing when he exhales shakily “we spent time together a lot in those warm months. We can do that some more. You know.. you know Bam-ie loves my plants. There’s no reason why we cannot do both.”
“If you spend too much time down here, you will be unable to leave for long periods of time. you nearly damned yourself by eating those fucking seeds. had i not removed them…” Jeongguk’s chest heaves, his hands have moved from where they rest on the wall next to Taehyung’s head to sitting just barely above his shoulders. Body heat radiating between each other. “There's a reason I never saw you more than once a week. And none of them were of my own volition.”
“okay.” Taehyung nods his head “i’m fine with that. I—i’m fine with only going home one day a week. If it means staying here with you, I’m willing to make such a sacrifice.”
The god brings a hand to the soft cheek of the goddess with a sad smile, “you say that now. You won’t feel that way in a few months. The last thing i want is for you to hate me.”
“i would never hate you. Not when you’ve done so much for me.”
“i’m selfish.” Jeongguk’s lip snarls “i wanted you for myself. So terribly bad. Wanted to keep you here until you are forced to stay. Wanted you to never leave my side. But—”
“but what?” Taehyung is shouting. Jeongguk just doesn’t understand. “i’ve wanted that too! You’re not forcing me if it’s something I want. In fact you saved me from the one thing that would’ve made those desires come to fruition. you are not evil, Jeongguk. I don't understand why you are doing this.”
Jeongguk’s chest heaves as he tries to steady his breaths “that day, when i sealed your door. There were two intruders at the gate.”
Taehyung steps forward, arms wrapping around Jeongguk’s middle and burrowing his face into the neck of the god. Inhaling every last bit of him and making Jeongguk’s being soar with excitement.
“Aeolus was one. He got information from Helios, who saw you travel with me. I’ve taken care of him. He won’t dare to bother you again.”
“thank you” Taehyung whispers. Fingers digging into Jeongguk’s back as he holds him tighter.
“do not thank me. Because the other intruder was your mother.”
Taehyung’s hands fall and he steps backwards. Back flush with the wall again as his jaw drops and he stares into Jeongguk’s eyes, “what..”
“she was devastated. Absolutely distraught over not knowing where you were. Asked me if your soul had been lost. Taehyung she thought you were dead. I can’t…I can’t let you stay here. Not when you’re so close to her. I don’t want to be responsible for her grieving you.”
The goddess cries silently for moments. Eyes flashing open and looking right into Jeongguk’s with a conviction he’s never seen on anyone before, “I will explain everything to her. She won’t be grieving any longer after the spring comes. Once she knows the circumstances, she will understand. She will want my happiness.”
“your mother hates me.”
“she hates what she knows of you…she doesn’t know you. Noone does.” Taehyung pulls on Jeongguk’s arms until they fall around him. Tugs on them so that the god has no choice but to hold the goddess properly, “but i want to. So please don’t push me away.”
“Taehyung…”
“please” he inches forward, delicate palms cupping both sides of Jeongguk’s razor sharp jawline “you said you would cherish me, all i’m asking is that you let me cherish you too”
“For fucks sake, Taehyung..” Jeongguk groans. resolve wavering without a chance of him recovering. arms securing Taehyung in his hold as he lets those plush pink lips ghost over his own. halting only to pause “i don't intend to cherish you temporarily. I will want you for eternity.” sucks in the whispered gasp that rolls from the goddess' tongue “can you handle that?”
Taehyung’s lack of response has Jeongguk mentally preparing himself to let the goddess go. he's lasted this long without a long term partner, he doesn’t need one now. oh, but then Taehyung does the one thing that he cannot take back. no because his hands hold firmly onto Jeongguk’s face as he pulls the God in and connects their lips.
It shouldn’t feel the way that it does, yet Jeongguk could not possibly imagine any other feeling. When the lips he’s spent far too many moments fantasizing about press against his own deliciously. With a fire that would convince him, Taehyung were the one with flames in his blood, if not for the fact that he knows it isnt true. because Taehyung is made of everything that life and beauty is made of. Taehyung is the exact opposite of Jeongguk and perhaps thats why his feelings have grown as they have. Jeongguk will do anything to protect this. This feeling in his heart when Taehyung pulls away from his kiss with eyes blown wide and panting. A thumb brushing over his own lip in disbelief and the God snaps.
has his hands beneath the hem of the goddess’ shirt to grab him by the thighs. the gorgeous golden thighs that taunt Jeongguk everytime Taehyung roams the palace with them on display. curls those long legs around his own waist and sits at the edge of his bed with Taehyung in his arms. Lips latching to the skin just beside where he’s already left his mark when he growls “you’re mine.”
“yeah..” Taehyung is breathless. presses into Jeongguk’s lap as he feels teeth nipping at his skin “course i am…couldn’t possibly be anyone else’s.”
Jeongguk has never understood the desires of man. Why do they crave another’s touch so desperately that they would do despicable things to get it. but he knows now, because having Taehyung below him, is enough for him to become addicted to.
When he slips his strong fingers between long golden ones in time with the first grinding of their hard cocks along each other, Jeongguk cannot handle the way Taehyung whimpers beneath him, ‘oh god. that’s…i want—i want your everything—nghhh—but it’s not gonna fit—“
Squeezing their hands tighter Jeongguk seals their mouths together delicately, “you want me to fuck you, is that what you’re saying, petal?”
Taehyung’s back arches and his eyes roll back as Jeongguk drops one hand to curl around their lengths together, simultaneous strokes that have Taehyung’s knees shaking. ‘yes, yes, yes—fuck, want it so bad’
All of those desires make so much sense, after he’s gotten Taehyung prepared properly and Jeongguk is slipping inside of him in one slow thrust. He stays still once he’s buried his entire length in that deliciously tight heat. Kissing over Taehyung’s shoulder, up his neck, behind his ear and finally sealing their lips together, “you feel that? how fucking perfect you are around this dick?”
Taehyung nods and babbles something that’s entirely incoherent as Jeongguk slides out and then right back in. Fucking him slowly and drinking up every last sound from those lips right into his own. Thinks about all of the times he imagined kissing these lips under the willow tree, as he holds Taehyung beaneath him and suckles that plump bottom lip between his teeth.
Moaning deep from his gut as his thrusts increase to a pace that has them both reduced to nothing but groans and whines and tongues lazily tangling together when they can reach. All of the things Jeongguk dreamed about are coming to life right in front of him.
Though, it’s definitely better like this. Better when the person that is crying out his name desperately is doing it in pleasure, not pain. Doing it because Taehyung wants to say Jeongguk’s name as much as Jeongguk needs to say the other’s.
Has his face pressed into Taehyung’s neck when he’s lost all control and Jeongguk can feel the countless crescent shaped indents left on his body by the other. “Taehyung, what am I supposed to do now?”
The goddess is spent. So clearly drained from the disaster they’ve made when his sharp eyes soften and his hands begin to slowly stroke the sides of Jeongguk’s arms, voice deep and soothing “what do you mean?”
“i’m never going to not want you.” he brushes the locks of Taehyung’s hair away from his face “i feel as if i’ve given you the power to end me…and i’d be so willing to let you do it.”
Taehyung smiles softly into the kiss Jeongguk presses to his lips. Mouths parting as they taste each other languidly. Every swipe of Jeongguk’s tongue over his own has Taehyung moving closer and closer. until the god is on his back and the goddess can straddle his trim waist properly. Their kiss blazing hotter by the second as Taehyung whimpers into Jeongguk’s mouth and Jeongguk grunts in return. Fingers fisting the blonde hair and holding Taehyung in place to kiss him deeper. Taehyung only stops because he needs to breathe and he needs to say it, “Jeongguk.”
The nerves on the god’s face are so clear when he speaks quietly, “Are you going to be my downfall, petal?”
“never” Taehyung’s words and heart have never been more confident, “i want to be by your side for all of time.”
✦
The first day of spring is so typically Taehyung’s favorite day of the year. However it feels bitter sweet as he is getting dressed this morning. The final month of his time here has been the most glorious days he could’ve imagined for himself.
The fact that Jeongguk did not wake him with the sweetest kiss this morning is his forsure sign that the other is feeling sad as well. Makes his way to the kitchen where Jeongguk is making busy work of tidying. Taehyung clears his throat a few times. Finally, the God looks at him and Taehyung feels his stomach ache immediately. He’s never imagined Jeongguk could look so pitiful.
“Jeongguk…”
“please don’t speak on it.” he swallows and steps into Taehyung’s space. hands soft when he holds onto his cheeks and brings their lips together “let’s get this over with before i lose the strength to let you go back.”
“it’s not permanent…” Taehyung whispers “you know this already.”
“yeah.” Jeongguk looks away and Taehyung can tell the God is having feelings of doubt. it takes no time at all for their travel, though it feels like ages with the deafening silence. Even Bam is more quiet than usual, as if sensing the atmosphere. When they reach the garden that they met at so many months ago Taehyung does not care if Helios or anyone else has eyes on them. his warm hands pull Jeongguk in by the neck and press their lips together with everything he has, “one week from today, you will be back for me, right?”
Jeongguk nods, but when Taehyung tries to pull away the hand on his hip grips impossibly tight. making him choke on a breath as Jeongguk kisses him harder. When he pulls away the God looks as if he has something to say but he must decide against it. Only insisting that Bam stay with Taehyung.
“then who will guard the gates?”
“i will be fine to guard them myself. he will keep you safe and if something happens so severe that he must transform, i will know.” Jeongguk tries to let go of Taehyung. Pulls his hands away but his fists clench immediately. Head shaking as he walks the goddess backwards until Taehyung is pressed to the large tree that he loves to sleep under. Jeongguk’s hands feeling so secure on his body “petal.”
“my angel.”
Jeongguk chuckles softly “i will never understand why you call me the very opposite of what i am.”
“you are an angel to me. the only angel i’ll ever need.” Taehyung allows Jeongguk to kiss him so freely. unabashedly succumbing to every pressing of those pillowy soft lips against his own. out in the open for anyone to see and he loves it.
“I'm so insanely captivated by you.” Jeongguk swallows the lump in his throat. forcing himself to just spit it out. “I might even be inclined to believe that I've fallen in love with you. I need you to be safe. I might finally end everything once and for all if you don’t return back to me. ”
“i will be safe.” Taehyung’s voice is softer than Jeongguk has ever heard “i might possibly be in love with you as well, Jeongguk. so deeply i dont know how to explain it.”
“go” the god whispers into their kiss “because if you don’t walk away from me now i will not let you leave”
“okay.” Taehyung kisses him again. Lingers far longer than he should before finally stepping away. “do not be late, seven days, Jeongguk.”
“i promise you Taehyung, i will be here.”
Taehyung watches Jeongguk’s frame retreat until he is no longer above the surface and he has no choice but to sink to his bottom. the grass is colder than usual due to the hardly passed winter when he sighs, hand coming to pat between Bam’s ears. He knows that Jeongguk will always keep his promise.
✦
Jeongguk has never, in his centuries of living, felt lonely before. Feelings of longing and hoping never applied to him before. Until now. Had he known that such a miserable feeling would come from sleeping alone after a month of having Taehyung in his bed each night…perhaps he would have held off a bit longer.
Yet as the seventh morning comes to rise he has reached peak desperation. He’s so tired of missing the goddess that he thinks he could burn an entire continent to ashes. He won't. of course. but he does head towards the flower garden as soon as the sun begins to rise.
Has half the nerve to go straight to his home but he figures it not best to go that far. He does not wish to encounter Demeter at all. Only wants to have his precious petal back in his arms.
Jeongguk isn’t sure how long he waits, but it is Bam’s incessant barking that garners his attention. Taehyung just barely visible from around the bend of the pathway and Jeongguk has the urge to sprint. but he doesn't.
Only waits, ever so patiently, until Taehyung is close enough for him to grab the man’s waist and bring their mouths together. “fuck.” Jeongguk groans. face pressing into Taehyung’s neck as the goddess hugs him so delicately. “this feeling has been horrible.” he admits. not expecting the way Taehyung would giggle softly “i’ve missed you too.”
“How was your week? Are you alright? Did you eat well?”
“Of course.” Taehyung smiles “my mother is a great cook you know.” his fingers curl into the collar of Jeongguk’s shirt. smirking into his kiss “though i have missed the luxury of you feeding me.”
“come then. i’ll cook for you and feed you all day long.”
“Jeongguk…”
his heart plummets. please…please don’t say it. “Yes, petal?”
“my mother and I were speaking and she’s worried about my safety.”
“she has no reason to. no one will keep you safer than i will.”
Taehyung’s gorgeous lips pout a bit before he nods. sighing wistfully “yeah..nevermind. let's go.”
Jeongguk doesn't say anything about the way the sparkle in Taehyung’s eyes dissipated a bit after that small exchange. It is much later, that Taehyung is freshly showered and enters Jeongguk’s bedroom with fury in his eyes. “are you okay?”
“my mother says this is pointless if we won't be married. someone will eventually try to abduct me as long as I am considered eligible.”
“is that so?” Jeongguk’s chest is vibrating with excitement when Taehyung crawls atop of him. straddling his legs and gorgeous arms curling around his neck. “mhm.”
“so, my petal, what would you suggest we do then? I'd hate to have to murder someone for trying to touch you.”
“well…” Taehyung gnaws on his lip. leaning in until their lips brush “you said i’m yours. you meant that, right?”
“absolutely.” Jeongguk kisses him hard. Has Taehyung on his back beneath him as he devours the gorgeous lips of his lover. “all mine.”
“no-one would dare try to abduct the love of Hades himself. don't you agree?”
“Taehyung..”
The goddess licks his lips before they pout, warm eyes seducing Jeongguk so easily, “am I not a worthy partner to wed, angel?”
“of course you are.” Jeongguk scoffs “i’ve never imagined spending eternity with anyone before you.”
“then, will you?”
“you want to be tied to me, forever?”
Taehyung nods furiously “I thought we made that clear already.”
Jeongguk spends an entire night, whispering praises and words of adoration into the golden skin of his goddess. only stopping when the sun begins to rise and Taehyung’s eyes are beginning to flutter as he falls asleep.
He never imagined he could understand the feeling of romantic love. but Jeongguk realizes as he holds Taehyung in his arms and watches him sleep, that this man alone is the reason such a word exists.