Archive of Our Own

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there thrived a marvelous kingdom, ruled over generations by the royal family of Kim. The king and queen had three beloved sons,

Prince Seokjin the Fair, the eldest, was handsome and charming, and stories of his beauty were spread so far and wide that throngs would flock to merely catch a glimpse of his face. While he was graceful and kind, the picture of elegance and refinement, he also possessed a sharp wit. From his childhood, he would excel in games of strategy, with his quick thinking and sense of cunning. Indeed, he was the ideal Crown Prince and it was believed he would lead the nation to success and glory.

Prince Namjoon the Just, was known for his righteousness and wisdom, and as a great orator who would capture the hearts of his subjects with his intellect and erudition. He was well read to the extreme, but rather than simply being buried in his libraries, he made sure his learnings were put to use. Namjoon, with his patience and strength, also made for a good leader and it was expected from the days of his youth that he would assist his older brother in his administration duties, fulfilling the role of his Prime Minister and advisor.

Prince Taehyung, the youngest... had no discerning title as such, for he was yet to prove himself worthy, not having yet achieved any noble accomplishment in the eyes of the royalty. However, he was known, fondly, as the Prince of the People, for he had not a proud bone in his body. It was rumored he vastly preferred the company of the royal pets and the children of the servants, as compared to the sycophantic courtiers and ambassadors, with their fawning eyes and oily words.

The lesser known truth about Prince Taehyung, however, happened to be the way he felt rather lost in life, how he despised the stiffness and regulations of palatial existence. An epic unsung, of how, during an attempt to escape, the young prince befriended, of all people, an outlaw, known by the name of Jungkook. And as if that were not enough, how he ended up igniting a forbidden love affair with him as well.

Taehyung tries not to think of it as an active betrayal of his brothers, and his entire kingdom really. He is well loved amongst his people, owing to his generosity and kindness, and after the passing of the king and queen, has been practically raised by his much older brothers. But being the youngest, he's often had a 'spoiled brat' image associated with him, despite his generally lovable, although occasionally eccentric nature.

Taehyung is in no way a rebel, however, and he is grateful to his brothers for basically running the affairs of the kingdom since their youth. At five and twenty, he remains blissfully unaware and uninvolved in the day to day matters that they look into, but his lack of interest in political relations and tax collection does not mean he would ever plot a resistance against them.

He has always been more interested, quite honestly, in the finer things in life. He has an appreciation for the arts and has even dabbled in painting and music himself.
Taehyung has enjoyed wine from Europe and exotic fruit from the Americas. He has dressed himself in the finest silks from China, the rarest pearls from Japan and gold from Africa. His gardens house a menagerie of pets shipped from India - tigers and elephants and peacocks.

But none of his precious animals have had as lasting an impression on him, as a particular rabbit faced visitor. And with time, Taehyung has come to realize- no jewel, no artifact will ever be worth more to him than this particular boy.

This particular boy, however, happens to be a dangerous and ruthless criminal, a suspected ruffian, a thug, a wanted man with a bounty of a hundred gold coins.

And therein lies the problem.

Taehyung's chambers lie at the top floor of the West Tower. Their castle is a strange mess of turrets and crenulations, unnecessary halls and hidden quarters. Over the years, due to enemy attacks and the natural aging of the edifice, several parts have crumbled, only to be rebuilt by ambitious rulers with no attention to symmetry. The result is a curious, confusing structure, which a young Taehyung spent hours exploring.

The tower he resides in is hardly an example of astounding architecture - it's one of the oldest parts, a slice of the original building that is still standing resolutely, holding its ground against the wind and weather. At the end of the day, it is what it is - a rather dull stone structure, but Taehyung has lived his best memories within its gray walls, and is proud to call it home.

Well, not all his best memories.

It's not even where it all started. Everything started in quite an undignified place really, especially if you consider the fact that Taehyung is not only a prince, but also one of the most refined men across the seven seas.

It happens like this:

Taehyung is on the run. Astride his best steed, a black stallion he calls Vante, he speeds recklessly away from the royal premises. His cantle bag has been secured to Vante's saddle and he grips the reins with a tight grip as the horse gallops on. He takes a backroad that is seldom used, so as to avoid the questioning looks of the townspeople, for he is a man with a mission.

The weight of his sword bears down on his hip as he makes his way along the deserted road. The ground is dry and rocky and Vante's hooves make an awfully loud thundering sound as they continue their journey. Taehyung cringes slightly, hoping it's not too noticeable, although there doesn't seem to be anyone around for miles. He's tried his best to disguise himself, wearing a pair of dark trousers and a plain white shirt, a cloak pulled low to hide as much as his face as possible.

As he draws closer to the forest, Taehyung lets Vante slow down to a trot. While it's not densely wooded enough to prevent breach on horseback, they'll definitely have to be more cautious of the upturned roots and rotting logs that litter the forest floor. He has a clear path in mind, and although it's easily possible to get lost as you delve deeper, there's still plenty of light for him to keep track of his surroundings.

Which is why Taehyung is able to recognize the uncanny feeling of being watched. At first it's nothing, just a faint rustling of leaves by Vante's right flank. Taehyung dismisses it as the wind, or the small woodland creatures that they're sure to run into at some point or the other. But the feeling does not go away and he begins to wonder if he's being followed.

He glances around in alarm, but there's no one to be seen, but it does little to shake the uneasiness he's experiencing. Vante keeps a steady pace, but Taehyung is well aware they are heading towards a patch of somewhat thick undergrowth that will slow them down considerably. Of course, it ought to slow down their pursuer as well, because there's no way they would have been able to keep up with a champion like Vante unless they were on horseback themself.

In fact, Taehyung is confident Vante will be able to outrun whoever it is. His horse is the fastest if not the strongest steed in their kingdom, and he has a strong suspicion regarding the identity of the unknown person hot on his tracks - this is most certainly an inside job.

Although, now that he's come to think of it, he does think it's odd that he hasn't heard the clopping of hooves or even seen a rider at some distance. It would be incredibly difficult for someone on his trail to muffle the sound to this extent, and almost impossible to conceal a full grown horse amongst the trees. The forest, though lush and green in the right season, leans towards the deciduous and temperate rather than an Amazonian jungle. Oak and maple dominate their path, with the occasional thin and pale wooded birch standing out like a sore thumb, much like Taehyung amongst his brothers with his complete disregard for filial piety.

So lost is he in his self-deprecatory similes, that Taehyung fails to notice they have almost stepped into a stream! His feet dig into his stirrups as he yanks the reins to force his horse to an abrupt stop. He frowns as he assesses the water gurgling and flowing before him- it makes a pleasant sight, but he doesn't recall ever having seen it before. He'd been pretty sure of the route, but now.. now the place he's in seems unfamiliar. Did he take a wrong turn somewhere along the way..? There seems to be no sign of the supposed assailant, and Taehyung wonders if it was all his overactive imagination, because the forest seems deadly quiet. Was he so caught up in his little fantasy of knights and robbers that he rode down the wrong path like a bumbling fool? Oh gods, is he lost?

"Oh Vante", Taehyung sighs, patting the horse's mane with affection as he dismounts. "Where in the world are we?"

The trees offer him no response, staring at him with sullen gazes. All his ears are graced by the faint rustling of leaves, and the sound of an owl hooting.

That strikes him as queer, for it is not sundown yet, and moth hour is not upon them still. But the sciences Namjoon attempts to tutor him on, are largely of a political nature, rather than ornithological, so Taehyung has little knowledge with regards to the Circadian rhythms of birds that are ostensibly nocturnal in nature.

Perhaps Taehyung is digressing in his own internal monologue - there are more pressing matters at hand than the potentially irregular hooting of an owl.

The owl hoots yet again, as if mocking him and then falls silent.

Taehyung extracts his pack from the saddle, and leads Vante towards an area where he'll be in reach of a small stretch of grass, as well the cool water. He tethers the horse to a trusty looking oak (the solitary birch stands by with a wretched expression) and begins to explore the area around him on foot.

Much to his relief, Taehyung finds the place he'd been looking for in a matter of minutes. It's only about ten yards to the left of where he'd left his horse, so he feels marginally better about himself. He may not be well versed on the history of their kingdom but at least he's well aware about their lands. He's only been to this particular place once in the past, when he'd been out scoping out the terrain and had chanced upon it by accident, so he is pleased at the fact he's been able to recall the way with relative ease.

Perhaps he should have been a cartographer; nay, an explorer. He has always had a passion for adventure, a taste for the offbeat and the tangible world makes more sense to him than abstract concepts from dusty volumes. They should have let him explore the uncharted lands beyond the Great Hills of the North. Or the south-eastern forests. Or sail across the seas, opening up new routes to trade with undiscovered nations. It wasn't as if he was contributing to the all important task of running their kingdom, anyway. He'd pleaded with his brothers to let him embark on such a journey in the past, but they had been adamant on making him stay.

"I understand you are bored Tae", Seokjin had said, not unkindly. "But I'm worried about you. You're often more absent minded than Joon and once you leave the four walls of our kingdom, there will be no one to protect you against our enemies. And soldiers from other kingdoms are not the only threats out there. You might even be able to talk yourself out of a situation like that-"

"If you are well informed on the conditions of various treaties signed with our neighboring nations", Namjoon had cut in. "That's essential."

"Well yes", Seokjin had allowed, "But I was actually talking about the influx of criminals attacking lone travelers in recent years. Our men try to safeguard the interior of the kingdom, and we have soldiers stationed at the battlements to defend the castle, but the outside world is dangerous, especially if you insist on traveling by your lonesome. For the life of me, I cannot understand why you are so opposed to taking our troops along with you for these potential expeditions of yours. Do you not value your own safety.. would you rather not return in one piece? Or is there nothing tying you to your homeland?"

Taehyung sighs as he recalls the conversation. He doesn't really have anything rooting him to his kingdom. He loves his brothers, no doubt, but they're self-sufficient, they don't really need him. He has his gems in chests of gold and his tigers in cages of silver, but all in all, materialistic wealth has started to lose its appeal. He's looking for something, although he can't define it. A sense of purpose.. or maybe a person. A person to come home to.

He's never mentioned it to his brothers though. It's not like he's simply looking for a spouse. Taehyung is not opposed to the idea of marriage - and he knows it's his duty as a prince to wed a suitable prince or princess from another nation, so as to form an alliance between the two kingdoms. Although Seokjin and Namjoon are older, they are too occupied to even consider marriage, but one word from Taehyung and they would be sure to set him up with the fairest heir of the most elite of royal families. But Taehyung does not want to get married just for the sake of moral obligation, even if he might have his choice of pretty, well mannered candidates.

He thinks an arrangement like that would do little to quell the yearning in his heart, that he would still feel cold with a relative stranger in his bed. Taehyung wants a person who will love him for the chaotic, aristocratic mess he is. Someone who will not judge him for his imperfections. Someone to hold and love and cherish and..

And he's pretty sure no such person exists within his kingdom; it goes without saying that there is zero likelihood of accidentally bumping into an eligible princess on the street - his life is no fairytale and the only royals allowed within the walls are members of his own family. It would of course be a scandal if he were to ask a commoner for his daughter's hand in marriage, but the sad reality is, despite the endearments, even the townspeople have their own preconceived notions about him - to them he is the coddled baby, the youngest prince with seemingly no ambition or purpose, in stark contrast to his brothers and their illustrious achievements. He's also considered somewhat of a reckless spendthrift, but they don't mind as much as he's equally inclined to direct his funds towards the welfare of the people, albeit in a more spontaneous fashion as opposed to Namjoon's carefully thought out five year plans.

And so, in conclusion, Taehyung needs to get out, find what he's been searching for all these years. The monotony of his life is killing him and that's causing him much more stress than any of Seokjin's fables about crooks lurking in the shadows. Besides, Taehyung thinks to himself as he walks towards his destination - a clearing in the woods - he's well equipped to defend himself, should the need arise.

Mayhaps, he is too hasty in his contemplations, for the very next second a dull thud befalls his ears, almost as though one had dropped a heavy object from the tree tops. Perturbed, Taehyung is about to whip around when he finds himself physically subjugated. His arms have been restrained against his back - he can feel a strong grip restraining them in place. And then suddenly, the blade of a dagger is pressed against his neck.

Heart beating wildly, Taehyung struggles against his captor, trying to wriggle out of his grasp, but his efforts are in vain. Seeing as one of the captor's hands must be holding his weapon, it would seem he would be using a single hand to restrict both of Taehyung's - which should not be possible. Taehyung, despite being the youngest prince, is by no means frail or petite. He's got a runner's body, (from always running from his problems, perhaps) and he's tall, lean and decently built, if not overtly muscular. So it does surprise him that it looks as if the attacker is keeping him in check almost effortlessly.

He tries to catch a glimpse of the person behind him, but the hood of his cloak effectively tunnels his field of vision.

"Yield", a silvery smooth voice whispers, noticing his struggles, "Or die."

Taehyung rams his elbow into the attacker's chest. It's a surprisingly firm chest, and the impact seems to affect Taehyung more than it does his foe, but it does momentarily loosen their grip on him. Shuddering to think what may have happened had the enemy been clad in a suit of armor, Taehyung ignores the shock waves traversing through the nerves of his arm and twists out of their grasp. Whirling around, the shape of the assailant - masculine, about his own height, but broader - vaguely registers in his mind before he swiftly knees the man in the groin.

The man doubles over in pain, but Taehyung feels he'd been a little off in his aim, so he begins to rush towards the direction he's come from. Once he reaches his horse, he'll be able to speed away. He needs to pass the man though, to exit the clearing and he's not two steps past him when he feels a strong tug on his wrist that sends him reeling backwards. Fortunately, it's not his dominant hand, so Taehyung is able to unsheathe his sword. Although he's never been out on the battlefield himself, he's been personally trained in hand to hand combat by the Commander General and sword fighting has happened to be his saving grace.

With practiced ease, Taehyung brandishes his broadsword, turning his stance from defensive to offensive. The man retreats, letting go of his wrist and instead grabbing the hilt of his own rapier that hangs by his side. The rapier is long and slender and as opposed to Taehyung's heavy military sword, is well suited for faster, thrusting attacks. In addition to that, Taehyung does not have a shield to defend himself and unlike his practice sessions at home, where sparring partners were always armed with reasonably identical weapons, he realizes he might be at a disadvantage in this scenario. His broadsword, like the name suggests, is definitely broader and stronger than the other man's weapon, but with a rapier it's possible to attack someone from a longer range; Taehyung could even end up blinded before he'd have time to counteract.

The best strategy, he decides, is to disarm the man before he's able to deliver a thrust that will render him helpless or at the very least, maimed with a stab wound. Thus, the moment the rapier is drawn, Taehyung lashes out with his sword, knocking out his opponent's weapon before he has a steady grasp on the same. It's a dishonorable move, especially coming from a prince. Duels of the nobility are respectable affairs, however and are carried out as per a predetermined set of rules. These skirmishes are often more about public displays of talent to maintain one's reputation, and are concluded at 'first blood', no matter how minor the injury. Something tells Taehyung whatever he's embroiled in is different.

This is an ambush, and an attempt on his life. And Taehyung is not afraid to fight dirty.

The rapier flies off, falling to the ground a few feet away. It's still visible, although surrounded by wisps of grasp, the blade glinting in the evening light. It's still within reach, so Taehyung does not waste time, slashing rapidly at his opponent. The man counters with his dagger, blocking Taehyung's blow with the same blade he'd held up to his neck not so very long ago. The instrument is dangerously sharp, much more than the rapier, but it's not even a foot long and it's no match for Taehyung's sword. But its wielder is compensating for it, using sheer power to hold his own against Taehyung; parrying against his thrusts with nimble yet forceful movements.

At long last, however, Taehyung is able to get the upper hand, and he proceeds to back the other up against a tree. His back is pressed up against the bark, dagger grating against Taehyung's. In spite of the vulnerable position he's in, not a hint of despondency clouds the man's features. Instead he looks rather taken aback, if anything. To his chagrin, Taehyung notices the man doesn't seem worn out either. He's not too sure as to how long he's been here in the glade, clashing swords with this stranger, his original plans long-forgotten.. but he is not used to this kind of a regime and his body is facing the consequences. Already, his arms have started to hurt, both from the weight of the sword as well as the tension of the battle, and while he's been doing well so far, he's not sure how long he can keep it up.

He needs to end this now, once and for all.

Perspiration builds up at the base of his neck, as he thinks about how to go about with it. The other man, on the contrary, doesn't seem to have broken a sweat, and is staring at him with a curious expression. The gap between them gives Taehyung an edge over him, because while Taehyung's sword could slice him from where he stands, the man would need to cover the distance to reach him. Taehyung could finish this. Should finish this. Slay the enemy and be done with this madness.

But he doesn't. He's never.. never killed someone before. Not even an animal. And.. and now that he's looking at the man up close - he doesn't even seem to be that old. He's just some kid, doing his job, taking the assignment a little too far because he got carried away in the moment. He doesn't deserve this.

Taehyung.. Taehyung can't do it. He lowers his sword. There's a chance the other will seize the opportunity to best him, but there's not much he can do at this point.

To his surprise, the man lowers his dagger as well, reaching out with his other hand to gently uncover Taehyung's face, his hood falling against his shoulders.

"Who are you?" he asks, and maybe there's a little awe in his voice. "I- I've never seen anyone fight like that.."

When there's no immediate response, he looks thoughtful. "Do you come here often? I think I've seen you before."

Taehyung wants to laugh. Or maybe cry. There's adrenaline and endorphins and all sorts of weird hormones gushing through his blood and he feels giddy.

"I'm -" he starts, before cutting himself off. "Doesn't matter who I am, but shouldn't you know? Didn't Namjoon send you?"

And come to think of it, he's pretty sure he's seen the kid as well. He's got wide, round eyes and the shortest of ponytails, and his nose has a distinctive shape that gives off a bunny like impression. Yes, Taehyung has definitely seen him before. Surprisingly, he's not dressed in military uniform, which is what Taehyung would have expected. Instead he's clad in a faded green lace-up tunic, tight fitting, a probable hand me down. It fits him snugly in all the right places, stretching across his chest, with the sleeves digging into his well-defined forearms.

Taehyung sighs. This is probably a new recruit, some dumb teenager sent to retrieve him who didn't quite understand the mission, but took off in earnest all the same. He looks the type. That also explains the strange feeling he'd had about being followed, but not much else.

"Namjoon?" the lad frowns, incredulous. "Prince Namjoon? Why the fuck would he send me?"

"Hey", Taehyung growls at the unexpectedly crass talk used in reference to his older brother. "Watch your language, kid. Just because I've let you off, don't expect me to-"

"I'm not a kid!" the bunny nosed stranger protests.

Taehyung scoffs. "What are you, seventeen?"

"I'll have you know, I have seen no less than three and twenty summers", the boy tells him haughtily. "Likely that's more than you have."

Taehyung has never had anyone talk back to him like this, not someone younger anyway. He's not sure if he hates it, although he thinks he's supposed to.

"I'm older than you by a couple of years then", he says, trailing off as he realizes he doesn't have a name to address. "Sorry, I seem to have seen you before, but I don't recall your name."

"Jungkook." The boy says, and immediately looks like he regrets it. "I probably shouldn't have said that. Ah, I'm bad at this. The others all use pseudonyms in the business, but I didn't want to separate out the work I do from who I am, right?"

Taehyung scratches his head. Pseudonyms? He was not aware of the soldiers operating under fake names, but given his own ethical dilemma a few minutes ago, he supposes wanting to create a persona of sorts to do the dirty work might be standard practice.

For the first time, the boy- Jungkook looks crestfallen. "Will you try handing me over to the military?"

Taehyung's heart fills with pity. "No, I won't. I'm starting to realize this was a misunderstanding."

Jungkook's face floods with relief. "Thank you. That wouldn't have gone well with the others, and I really don't want any more fighting."

He looks shyly at Taehyung. "I'm sorry about attacking you like that, but it's just.. the line of work I'm in. I promise I wasn't trying to hurt you physically, just following orders to 'retrieve the goods'.

Taehyung chuckles at being referred to as 'goods'. What the hell was Namjoon thinking? For God's sake, he'd just been trying to escape a boring lecture on foreign policy, not run off with the Crown Jewels. Did this seriously warrant sending out a task force to retrieve him?

Jungkook seems to be losing his initial aura of arrogance, slowly deflating to what seems to be a natural state of shyness and potential introversion.

"You're very skilled though", he mumbles, and then blushes. "Um. W-what's your name?"

It's adorable, Taehyung thinks. This boy is fucking adorable, crass language be damned. He feels his own cheeks heating up.

"Taehyung", he says, brushing his long bangs away from his forehead, where they've begun to stick, damp with sweat from his earlier exertion. He leaves out the title and he doesn't know why. For some reason, this Jungkook hasn't been treating him like a prince, and it's refreshing. Perhaps because he's new and doesn't know of the formal speech that is required of him in the presence of royalty, but Taehyung is not seeking to fix that. He finds he likes this just fine.

"Taehyung", Jungkook repeats, testing out the word. His lips curve upwards in a bashful smile. "That's a nice name. I like it."

No one apart from Taehyung's brothers calls him by his name, and even they use his title while speaking in public.

"I like to hear you say it", the confession spills from his lips, unprompted. "I wouldn't mind hearing it from you more often."

It's only after he's uttered the words that he realizes they could be construed as a flirtation, and the tips of his ears burn red. He finds he cannot make eye contact, and instead looks away, towards Jungkook's fallen rapier. Maybe he should change the subject?

"Um", he adjusts his collar, suddenly feeling too warm. He's never really felt this way before, and although he'd meant the words in a different context when he said them, he doesn't want to take them back. He doesn't mind how Jungkook interprets them, because both interpretations hold true.

"Uh, Jungkook. There's a stream over here", he gestures towards the path he's come from, "Why don't we go freshen up. God knows I'm exhausted from all of this. You're not a bad fighter yourself, although I suspect from our little duel that your strengths lie in physical combat rather than sword fighting."

Jungkook nods, and Taehyung turns to lead the way, but then suddenly Jungkook is reaching for him again, and it's like deja vu, except this time this is the demure bunny Jungkook, not the rapier wielding assassin, and he ends up tugging on Taehyung's sleeve instead of making actual skin contact.

"Um. Do you actually forgive me?" he asks, hesitantly, like he expects Taehyung to drop the act at any moment. "I really feel bad about attacking you like that, I'm so sorry."

How could he not?

Taehyung clears his throat. "It's all water under the bridge now, no harm was done. And you did say you weren't planning to actually hurt me anyway, right?"

Jungkook nods, sheepfaced.

Taehyung picks up the boy's rapier and hands it back to him. "Then it's fine, I'm not angry you attacked me. We wouldn't have met if you hadn't."

Jungkook doesn't say anything but his hand remains attached to Taehyung's sleeve all the way to the stream.

Once they reach the stream however, the boy lets go as Taehyung checks on Vante to make sure he's doing all right. But by the time he's set aside his pack, there's no sight of Jungkook and Taehyung wonders if he's disappeared as easily as he'd arrived in the first place.

With a heavy heart he steps towards the water, and to his surprise finds Jungkook's top discarded on the surface of a flat rock. The boy himself is crouched by the edge, splashing his face with water. Taehyung's heart catches in his throat. He never planned to take off his own shirt, and while he's used to his own attendants helping him with his clothes - a practice he's found increasingly awkward and unnecessary as he's grown older - he's unused to seeing others in a state of undress, in such close proximity.

Jungkook, even with his back turned to him, is beautiful. It's not even inherently sexual; Jungkook looks like he belongs in the paintings of the masters, the ones Taehyung tries to emulate. Rivulets of water trickle down defined shoulder blades and his hair, that he's let down, fans out against the nape of his neck. In the midst of the bubbling water and greenery, illuminated by the soft glow of eventide, he looks almost otherworldly. He turns to beckon Taehyung, and oh! Droplets of water cling to his eyelashes and it appears as though he has not a care in the world. A naiad, a water nymph who has unknowingly bewitched a prince; a curious feat considering his wide eyed, soft lipped countenance is suggestive of an air of innocence.

Taehyung wishes he had his brushes along with, that he might seek to capture this moment somehow, but he doubts even the great masters would succeed if they were to undertake the endeavor.

So enraptured is he by the sight before him, that he is abruptly brought down to earth by a spray of cold water that hits his face, drenches his clothes. Taehyung blinks, water dripping down the tip of his nose.

Peals of devious laughter ring out in the quiet of the woods, and Taehyung splutters indignantly. Not so much the picture of innocence, then; this boy is an evil sprite. He'd momentarily forgotten the way the boy had tracked him, and the combat skills he possessed. Jungkook might seem timid in the face of coquetry, but he's a force to be reckoned with. Taehyung, with his limited human interaction with his peers, had perhaps started to think of people as one dimensional characters. The blast of icy water is a wake up call in more than one way, and something inside Taehyung.. shifts.

"You seemed frozen over there", Jungkook asks, sounding a little concerned when Taehyung joins him. "Feeling alright?"

"You make a captivating sight", Taehyung shrugs, testing the metaphorical waters. "Took my breath away."

As predicted, Jungkook flushes a pretty pink. Hah, serves him right, Taehyung thinks. He shakes his head to dry his messy wet hair, which evokes a grin from the other boy- who seems to have been quick to recover from his bout of embarrassment.

"You look like a puppy, Tae."

"Hey!" Taehyung whines, but he can't stop the smile that spreads across his face at the endearment. This is the happiest he's been in ages.

Later on, tugging on his clothes, Jungkook approaches Vante, who nickers in greeting. Taehyung retrieves his pack and is pleased to see that Jungkook seems rather taken by his horse, stroking his dark head. Vante leans into his touch, and it's evident he trusts the boy.

"I wish I had a treat for him", Jungkook murmurs.

"Well", Taehyung opens up his pack, "I do have these."

Jungkook peeks over his shoulder. "What do you have - oh gods, strawberries?"

Taehyung nods, as he holds one out to Jungkook, who's looking at him in bewilderment.

"Strawberries?" he shakes his head, dumbfounded. "Tae, don't tell me we went through all that for a handful of fucking strawberries."

Taehyung eyes him in confusion. "What? Do you not like strawberries?"

"No, no", Jungkook says, taking the fruit and offering it to the horse. "I love them, it's just that.. I wasn't expecting you to be carrying them in your bag. Neither were the others; we wouldn't have planned this if we'd known."

Taehyung doesn't have the faintest inkling of what he's going on about. Did Namjoon and the others really think he was making off with something of importance?

"What did you think I was carrying, then?" he questions.

Jungkook shrugs. "I don't know. Gold, jewels. Riches, in any case from the way you're dressed."

"I'm dressed in simple clothes!" Taehyung cries. He'd painstakingly chosen this particular outfit to blend in with the commoners. And why Namjoon's men would think he'd run off with jewels is beyond him.

Jungkook fingers the cuff of his sleeve, the part he'd been holding on to earlier.

"Tae, this has got to be silk. Even your shoes look like they've been made from expensive leather. And don't even get me started on your horse. He's a beauty, but he's not like any other I've seen in these parts."

Taehyung's face falls, it seems he is not as great a master of disguise as he'd liked to be. It seems Jungkook has seen through his ruse after all, but the strange thing is, he still does not seem to be treating him any different. Does he truly not know his identity?

"Kook", he ventures, offering the strawberries to the boy, "Are you not from around here?"

Jungkook nods, although he doesn't expand further, and Taehyung gets the distinct impression that he'd really like to say more, but is holding himself back. He decides not to press, everyone has their own reasons.

He's chewing thoughtfully on a berry, when Jungkook breaks the silence with a question of his own.

"I was just wondering.. why were you galloping through the forest with a bunch of strawberries, of all things in the first place?"

Taehyung bites his lip. "I was.. I was kind of running away from my older brother. He wanted me to read up on.. Diplomatics and the Art of Negotiation. And I.. uh.. I thought I'd just come here instead. Have a.. um.. picnic."

"Huh", Jungkook muses. "Your brother must be a real scholar. Bet he's a hardass. But you were going to have a picnic here? Alone?"

Taehyung can't help feeling self conscious about his revelation.

"Yeah", he sighs. "I don't really have any friends."

He wishes the ground would open up and swallow him whole. Taehyung likes to think of himself as a fairly confident and outgoing person, but the unfortunate circumstances of his birth have led him to lead quite a solitary life despite his craving for social contact. Once upon a time, he did fraternize with the prince of a neighboring kingdom, but over the past few years, the relations between the two nations have soured, and Taehyung has somehow lost contact with someone he'd once considered a platonic soulmate. Jungkook, on the other hand, despite his occasional shyness, seems to have quite a few friends, if the informal way he keeps referring to his companions is anything to go by. Things have been going splendidly so far, but the thought that Jungkook may think less of him, may think there's something wrong with him strikes fear into Taehyung's chest.

There's a brief moment of silence and then Jungkook is reaching for his sleeve.

"Well, you've got me."

It's hard to control the flood of emotions that crashes into his heart like a tidal wave. Emotions that well up in his eyes and catch in his throat. Taehyung opens his mouth, but no words come out.

Jungkook can't seem to raise his head, but he takes Taehyung's silence as reluctance.

"Um.. If you want, of course", he mumbles, "I'm sorry if that was too forward."

And Taehyung wants. He wants so bad.

"Yeah", he manages to choke out. "Yeah, I'd like that."

Jungkook looks up then, still fidgeting with Taehyung's sleeve, but he's smiling, all warm and adorable and Taehyung wants to kiss him so bad, he wants to cry. Wants to touch his cheeks and card his hand through his unruly hair and see if he tastes like the strawberries he's been eating.

Instead he settles for calming Jungkook's restless fingers with his own, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of the boy's hand. They lose track of time as they stand there, just two stupid twenty somethings holding hands in the middle of the fucking woods.

An owl hoots again, and Jungkook says it's time for him to go.

The second time Taehyung meets Jungkook is not long after the first. Meeting the boy has definitely turned his life around for the better and befriending him has definitely had a positive impact on him. But it's not like his ennui and depression have magically been cured. These things take time, Namjoon assures him, when he broaches the topic, but he's on the right track. Taehyung hasn't delved into the details, but both his brothers are pleased to note he seems fractionally more interested in life, and Seokjin can't resist pinching his cheek, insisting the color is returning to his face that's been glum for so long.

On some level, Taehyung is aware that he should not base his happiness on a single person, especially someone he's just met. So he tries to connect once more with those he's known, but forgotten how to talk to. He pens a letter to his old friend, the Crown prince of the kingdom of the Parks. Although the relationship between the two nations is tense, they do have an alliance, and it's not like the princes had ever had any personal dispute. As he writes the letter, Taehyung finds how much he's missed his friend - his so called soulmate- and wonders what had happened.

Of course, due to the political fallout based on territory border issues, visits had stopped entirely. But they had kept a steady exchange of letters at the beginning which somehow fizzled out. Maybe the prince had other friends? Maybe he lost interest in Taehyung in particular? Maybe he was actually interested in the welfare of his subjects and unlike Taehyung, took up his responsibilities like a mature adult and had no time for such childish communications?

He ends up discarding the letter and twists his broken thoughts into a clumsy poem instead. Taehyung isn't the best with language and literature, and it takes him hours to wrangle his sentiments onto paper, the blotchy ink staining the tips of his slender fingers. It's dawn by the time his maniacal energy finally peters out and he's so worn out coming from that high that he feels as though he could sleep for weeks. There's a grayish blue light filtering in from the window though, lighting up his writing desk and the exuberance he feels is unnatural. As he wipes the tears from his eyes, Taehyung is hit with the realization that although it's a long way to recovery, he's actually begun to feel passionate about something for the first time in ages.

He names the poem 'Four of The Clock' and it's an amalgam of the yearning for his old friend, his own listlessness and the hope he feels at the breaking of dawn. The next day, he rereads it, and realizes in embarrassment that his chicken scratch read better in the hazy glow of candlelight. He trudges down his tower to Namjoon's apartments, still in his pajamas, armed with his blotted parchment. Namjoon sits with him, patiently going over his verses, his prolific quill polishing over Taehyung's half-baked ideas and graceless composition until a final product is born.

When Taehyung expresses his gratitude however, Namjoon looks almost misty eyed. As Taehyung takes his leave, he notices his brother setting his eyeglasses to the side and dabbing at the corners of his eye with a folded up handkerchief.

A few days pass without event. Taehyung runs into the Commander General who's on a way to a meeting with the older Kims. He greets him, thanking him for the training he's provided, and post exchanging a few words of small talk, asks him about Jungkook. After he'd returned home that fateful day, his brothers had admonished him for disappearing without a trace, but hadn't broached the topic of sending people out to look for him. So he doesn't really know how things have turned out for Jungkook, although he doesn't think there would be a cause for concern. However, he hasn't had any way to contact Jungkook either and he supposes this could give him his opening.

"Your Royal Highness", the General says, bowing deeply, "I am afraid I do not recall any young soldier by the name of Jungkook. Is there a chance Your Highness might be referring to Sergeant Jonghyuk?"

After Taehyung insists the boy was named Jungkook, and had provided confirmation that he was not registered by any alternate name, the older man takes his leave, promising to double check on the same. Taehyung, although disappointed, does not think much of it. The General is elderly and to expect him to know every new recruit by name is an unfair expectation. He's confident he'll hear back from him sooner or later.

That night however, Taehyung sleeps fitfully, tossing and turning as he's plagued with abstract nightmares about his future plans - or lack thereof. Finally, he gives up around a half past three in the morning, sitting at his windowsill. The moon is a tired crescent and he idly wonders if Jungkook is looking up at the same night sky and thinking of him as well. Ultimately, for lack of anything better to do, Taehyung gets dressed and pulls on his cloak, before making his way out. Soldiers are stationed on either side of his door, but he tells them he can't sleep and is planning to take a walk in the royal gardens. They rush to escort him, but he dismisses them and they dare not to insist further.

Taehyung feels relaxed as he makes his way past the gates. He's always liked dawn and dusk. Neither is it as dark and intimidating as the night, nor is it as bustling and judgemental as the day. It's probably around four, he hazards, as he enters the sleeping town. In a few hours, the birds will erupt in song and the sun will emerge from beyond the hills and the townspeople will rise and tend to their morning chores. He'll have to make the most of his little excursion before that happens.

There's a cold breeze as he walks through the quiet streets and he pulls his cloak tighter, hoping everyone has enough bedding and blankets for the night. Seokjin is a thoughtful ruler though, and the kingdom has seen relative prosperity even in the harshest of seasons. As if to prove this point, town sleeps soundly and not even a young babe can be heard crying.

As he's walking past one of the more prestigious houses in town - some minister or merchant perhaps - he hears a scrabbling sound, like rats in the rafters. Something small - a bit of rock? rolls down from the roof and falls some distance from his feet. Taehyung looks up, trying to trace the source of the sound, and is nonplussed to see a figure on top of the roof. It seems like the person has just ascended and is now planning to make their way towards the courtyard. It all looks extremely suspicious and Taehyung stares, transfixed. Perhaps the person notices his presence because they suddenly cease their movements, standing up straight, sneaking furtive glances on either side. The moonlight catches their face when they turn towards Taehyung, and eye contact is made.

It's Jungkook. He's wearing a cloak again this time, but it's unmistakably him.

"Tae!" he calls out, excitedly, before clapping a hand over his mouth.

Taehyung keeps staring at him for a moment, trying to figure out a rational explanation for what he's seeing. When nothing comes to mind, he leaps into action, using the ledge of a window as a foothold and swinging himself up onto the roof. Hauling himself onto the sloping roof, he falters, losing his footing on the tiles of clay that line its surface. Jungkook is by his side at once, though, giving him a helping hand and guiding him towards a flatter area of the rooftop, above the core parts of the building.

Once they're seated at a safer location, in no danger of slipping and sliding off the roof, Taehyung clears his throat.

"So, Kook", he begins, glancing at the boy, "What brings you here on top of a.. a fucking roof in the dead of night?"

As he looks at him closely, however, Taehyung realizes the boy looks to be in a state of distress.

"Kook?" he tries again, softer this time. "Hey, tell me what happened. Is everything alright?"

Jungkook sighs and he seems wistful. "I thought.. well after we met, and from what I heard about these parts, I thought.. I thought I could change things. Do honest work."

He laughs, humorless. "But here I am again, and I don't even regret it."

Something is wrong here, Taehyung realizes. Something is off about this whole thing.

"Jungkook.. You.. You don't work for the military, do you?"

The boy scrubs a hand across his face. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

Both of them are silent then, possibilities marinating as they wait for the other to continue.

It's Jungkook who speaks first. "I should have known there was a misunderstanding of some kind. Hah. I really am a fool, aren't I? Of course there was some confusion, why else would you ever-"

"I would", Taehyung cuts in, because he would. He's starting to understand Jungkook might be involved in something rather unsavory, but from what he knows of the boy, he trusts him.

Jungkook looks up at him. "You don't mean that, you don't even-"

"I do", Taehyung tells him, because he does. "I believe you are a good person, Kook, and I'm not going to judge you. So please, tell me what you're doing here, and let me help you."

Jungkook does not look fully convinced, but he continues, all the same.

"Jimin is sick", he says and the worry that etches his face makes Taehyung think of his own friend who'd shared the name.

"I knew a Jimin, once..", he says, and then stops himself from launching into his own story of self pity. People often tell him not to be sad because others have it worse, and he doesn't necessarily agree with that. But perhaps understanding he's not the only one with problems is another step in the right direction.

"I'm sorry, please go on. Who is Jimin?"

"Jimin is a friend." Jungkook tells him. "And he's.. he's not used to this life. The cold and the roughness and.. yeah. Yoongi is a healer and he said it would be fine but.."

"Go on", Taehyung encourages him.

"I always seem to talk too much in front of you." Jungkook sighs and then looks panicked. "I don't even know who you are and I've just gone and spilled the names of my friends and now.. oh fuck, fuck, fuck. I'm so fucking stupid."

"Hey, Kook, Kookie", Taehyung takes his hands in his, "Breathe. I'm not going to tell anyone about your friends. You can trust me. Look at me, I promise, okay?"

Jungkook's hands clutch Taehyung's tightly. "Thanks Tae. I'm sorry for getting you into this mess."

"Shh. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to", Taehyung brings their entwined arms close to his heart. "So stop apologizing."

Jungkook seems both embarrassed and comforted by the gesture, but he goes back to his story.

"Yoongi said he'd be able to manage, but he's been busy working his spells and we didn't have a lot of supplies left, so Hoseok and I tried doing odd jobs in town. We worked the fields for a day but then some people recognized us and we had to retreat."

Taehyung is not completely sure as to what he means by that, but he nods.

"Jimin couldn't eat much last night, and it's been getting colder. I thought I could.. I thought maybe if I took home a chicken, we might be able to make him some soup. And this is a big house, and I was desperate. They probably wouldn't miss one chicken anyway."

Jungkook hangs his head in shame. "Jimin would scold me for it, especially here, but.. but I didn't know what else to do."

Taehyung raises their hands to lightly press his lips against Jungkook's knuckles, causing the boy to look at him in barely concealed wonder.

"So, Kook, if I'm understanding this correctly.. We are here to steal a chicken, for your sick friend."

Jungkook nods slowly, like Taehyung is made of glass and he's terrified of shattering the illusion.

"And we can't buy it the normal way because the townspeople dislike you."

Jungkook nods again. "I suppose you could say that."

"Well", Taehyung says, rising to his feet. "What are you waiting for Kook, let's go steal ourselves a chicken."

Jungkook looks at him like he's crazy, but also seems.. relieved? He shifts into instructor mode, because apparently this kind of heist gets more difficult after sunrise. As per his plan, they shimmy down to the courtyard which contains the coop. Taehyung, playing the role of the assistant, fetches an old wicker basket from the junk that lies in one of the corners of the yard. Jungkook fiddles with the latch of the hen house and, upon opening it, manages to swipe one of the hens and pop it into the basket, before securing the lid with a rope he's brought along. The hens, obviously disturbed, start squawking loudly, and somewhere by the main entrance, a dog begins to growl, sensing intruders.

After that, it's an adrenaline rush as the pair struggle to make their way back up the roof, alternating between carrying the basket. A lamp lights up in one of the rooms and they begin to hear voices and footsteps as they stumble along. Taehyung's heart in particular is beating so hard, it's a wonder he's able to function. The thrill of it all, the fear of being caught, the ridiculousness of the situation - a prince stealing a fucking chicken - it's all so stupid, but he feels so alive, he's laughing as they jump from one roof to another.

At some point, when they've put a considerable distance between themselves and the first house, Jungkook deems it safe to take a break. The sun is still yet to rise, so the dark helps conceal themselves in the shadows. They halt on top of what seems to be a shop - the roof is flat which makes it easier for them to rest and while the chicken has quietened down now, any possible sound is less likely to attract attention as the shop is likely to be empty.

Both of them are laughing hysterically, hoods fallen to their shoulders and Taehyung actually finds he has tear tracks down his cheeks, which makes it seem funnier.

"T-that was wild", he wheezes, "We should.. We should probably do that again."

Jungkook grows quiet however, the high seemingly wearing off.

"Tae.. I saw you."

Taehyung raises an eyebrow at him. "Yes, I would hope so. I don't know what magick your friend Yoongi is capable of, but I sure as hell cannot turn invisible at will."

Jungkook looks like he's trying not to laugh, but he manages to school his expression into a frown.

"I'm serious, Taehyung", he says. "I saw you slip a gold coin into the hen house."

"Oh." Taehyung does not have an answer to that. At the moment, he thought it was the right thing to do, so he did it.

"Why would you do that, Tae?"

Taehyung briefly considers avoidance, but then decides he'd prefer his relation with Jungkook to be built on trust. There already seem to be secrets between them, and he'd rather not consciously contribute to the misconceptions.

"I thought.. well, you did seem to be against stealing, yourself. But you said they wouldn't sell it to us for some reason. I had some money on me, so I thought this would be a suitable compromise. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I kind of thought of it at the spur of the moment and later on, I didn't want to make you feel indebted to me, because it was something I did of my own will."

Jungkook takes a deep breath.

"That is something I can understand. And I'm thankful to you for helping. But Taehyung, that was a gold coin."

Taehyung blinks. "So?"

"A chicken is not worth a gold coin!" Jungkook whisper-screams. "What were you thinking, Tae? You could buy hundreds, maybe even thousands of chickens with something like that!"

"Oh", Taehyung mutters, suitably chastised. "I.. uh. I guess I wasn't aware of that."

"Gods", Jungkook says, "You're not an ordinary townsperson, are you?"

Taehyung, with some reluctance, shakes his head.

"Oh Tae", Jungkook looks at him, and his face is both exasperated yet endeared, tired yet adoring. "What am I going to do with you?"

Let's run away into the sunset together, Taehyung wants to say. But he knows that's not possible. Jungkook's friend is unwell, and Taehyung's brothers would worry if he left permanently. Come home with me, he wants to say, but though they haven't clearly established their backgrounds yet, the contrast is obvious.

"Let's just stay here", he says instead, and he's never thought he'd ever say that, what with his constant plans to escape. But the words are flowing freely from his mouth now. "I know it seems impossible, but stay with me, please."

"Because the dawn right before the sun rises is the darkest", Jungkook mutters, almost to himself, "Or at least that's what Yoongi says."

Taehyung finds he likes the sound of that. The idea somehow seems to resonate with his own attempt at poetry. The sun has begun to rise as well, and the rooftop gives them an elevated view, surrounding the two with the rosy hues of daybreak. But although he'd love to stay and bask in the morning glow, it also means people will be up and about soon, and they need to return before they are seen.

"Be careful, Kook." Taehyung tells him. "We'll have to leave before the town awakens, but take care of Jimin and the others."

Jungkook nods.

The next part is harder for Taehyung to get out.

"I'm not sure we'll meet again, so if we don't, Kookie, know that you'll always have a place in my heart. I'll always be thinking of you", Taehyung says and then his voice breaks. "But i-if.. If it's ever possible, please come see me. I don't know where you're from, or where you're planning to go, but I'll be here, waiting."

"Tae", Jungkook cries, and then suddenly, Tae is being held by strong, protective arms, hands in his hair, stroking.

Jungkook is crying, big wet tears plopping all over Taehyung's face and then Jungkook is kissing him. It's a mess, but they're kissing, hot and soft and precious. Taehyung wipes Jungkook's tears away the best as he can and curses the gods, curses the universe for making him meet this man, making him fall for him, but making the circumstances so difficult for them to work out.

"I'll come see you, Tae", Jungkook tells him, words whispered into his skin, between open mouthed kisses. "I promise I will, if it's the last thing I do. I'm not leaving here without you."

It's a few weeks later when Taehyung realizes why Jungkook's face had seemed so familiar when he'd first laid eyes on him. It's what he'd grown to suspect, but the parchment Namjoon is holding up during their meeting, serves as a confirmation of his doubts. It explains their curious meeting in the woods, why Jungkook had accosted him, why he'd been so amused when he'd discovered Tae's satchel had been stuffed to the brim with strawberries.

"There have been reports from a few of the townsfolk, of him being sighted in the south-eastern region in recent days", Namjoon announces. "It's rumored he has been attempting to con the innocent by posing as a farm-worker along with a few of his comrades."

Seokjin nods, grim. "It certainly is a troublesome problem. We should consider hiking the reward money. The sooner this dangerous criminal is off the streets, the safer it shall be for our people."

Taehyung can't stop staring at the sketch his brothers are referring to. It is essentially a wanted poster of no other than the boy who'd kissed him so fervently and made him soft promises under the purplish haze of dawn.

"Do we have a name?" he asks, heart beating uneasily within the confines of his chest.

It's not that he is now wary of Jungkook, in fact he finds, thief or not, he trusts him a lot. But at the end of the day, this is even worse than him falling for a commoner. His brothers are discussing how putting this robber behind bars is of utmost importance, but they don't know he's already carved himself a place in Taehyung's heart. That despite their limited interactions, he's begun to reside deep within him, and that Tae intends to keep him there, caged behind his ribs for eternity.

The Minster of Security speaks up, "Your Highness, it is believed his name is 'Jeon', or some variation of it, although it may very well be an alias."

"And have our men been able to identify where this 'Jeon' has come from? And his whereabouts- surely he must be holed up in the south-eastern province?" Seokjin asks.

The Minister bows low, "Your Majesty, I beg of your forgiveness, for our men have toiled hard, but we are yet to pinpoint his hiding base. The gang has made good use of the unmapped and rough terrain, and the dense forest is difficult to penetrate on horseback."

Namjoon glances at Seokjin at that.

"Perhaps we should have allowed Prince Taehyung to lead the expedition to map the forests. We seem to have been defeated by the unknown forces of nature."

"If I may add, Your Highness", the Commander General interrupts, "They also seem to be in possession of a witch, who is likely to be using his wiles and charms to aid their escape on the occasions the townsfolk have encountered them, and to keep them hidden on our attempts to capture them."

"A witch, you say?" Seokjin repeats, a curious expression adorning his face, "It's been years since I have heard of a witch in these parts."

The General nods, for he has served the kingdom even prior to the birth of the princes, "Yes, Your Majesty, that is correct. These thieves appear to hail from another land, perhaps a neighboring kingdom. It seems they have breached the territory through the less guarded borders of the Northern mountains. We have taken the necessary measures to reinforce the security in the area, but the rats have already seeped through the crevices."

Seokjin hums. "Commander General, please ensure such incidences do not occur henceforth. However, let us not dwell on what has already happened, and try to solve the ongoing problem at the soonest."

"Yes, Your Majesty, be assured, our troops will be sure to squash the enemy at the earliest."

"And Prince Namjoon", Seokjin turns to his brother, "Do you believe it will still be useful to have the young prince carry out his expedition? If so, let us assign him his own forces so that he may begin his exploration."

Namjoon nods in agreement, "It is not too late. I believe we have dallied for too long, and we must set this plan in action. Would you be willing, Prince Taehyung?"

It's a mixed sort of feeling Taehyung feels as he mulls over it. He is overjoyed his proposal has finally been accepted, however the circumstances around it- to eventually capture Jungkook- induce an uneasiness laced with nausea.

However, perhaps he will be able to find out more about Jungkook if he does take up the assignment? Jeon Jungkook, is that even his name? If he learns more of him, perhaps he would be able to help him further? There are still many unanswered questions, despite the clear affection he feels for the boy, although of course, with the royal family out for his blood, there is no way he can bring any of that up in the meeting.

He accepts the quest, however on one condition- he shall go alone.

Namjoon offers the use of his study and his vast libraries, so as Taehyung might be able to work on his plans, however the younger prince turns him down, preferring to sit out in the open.

It's a pleasant morning as Taehyung sits on an intricately carved marble bench in the palace gardens. Tan, his Bengal tiger nuzzles against him, before laying his head down on the prince's lap. Taehyung scratches behind the ears of the great cat, and smiles when he purrs in contentment. He's supposed to be mapping out his quest, but his head is full of Jungkook.

He wishes there was a way to contact him, but he cannot even send out a dove with a message, for he doesn't know where to direct him. The idea that he may not be able to warn the boy of the impending danger, that his life may be at risk, engulfs Taehyung in terror. He wishes he could find him somehow.

"Oh Tan", he mumbles, threading his fingers through the tiger's golden fur, eyes welling up with frustrated tears. "What am I to do?"

Tan licks at his palm with his rough tongue, his coal black eyes peering into Tae's in concern. Taehyung hugs him fiercely, the way a child might embrace a doll or a stuffed bear, and his tears finally break through, wetting the tiger's striped coat.

In the end, Taehyung finds himself heading over to the clearing in the forest where he'd first met Jungkook. It's unlikely the boy will be waiting there for him, but at least the memories associated with the place may put his heart at ease, and allow him to focus on the work at hand. Truthfully, the roof holds memories far more close to his heart, but as a prince, he cannot simply climb on top of some subject's place of business without garnering odd looks.

He has already entered the brush when he realizes he's still clad in his princely attire, unlike the last time, when he'd worn a simpler outfit. He shakes his head, letting Vante trot on. It's not like he's going to run into anyone here.

He's wearing a pair of cream colored breeches and leather riding boots. His shirt is plain white, although the silk is richer than the one he'd donned previously. A navy blue jacket, bearing the royal emblem of the Kims, a golden coat of arms, is the highlight of his look. His cape, cream again, with a red hem, flutters in the breeze as he rides, the fabric heavily embroidered. He does not wear much in the way of jewelry on a daily basis, but the buttons of his clothing are made of gold, and his brooch is encrusted with the purest of diamonds.

Vante slows down as they reach their destination and Taehyung dismounts, pulling off his gloves. He begins to make his way to the clearing, heart beating a nervous rhythm as the leaves crunch beneath his feet.

Of course, the little meadow, as he's come to think of it, is utterly deserted. Taehyung lets out the breath he hadn't been aware he was holding. He sighs, trying not to feel too dejected. Of course Jungkook would not be here, he was spotted all the way in the south-east, why would he even come all the way here, when it wasn't even guaranteed they'd meet. How foolish of Taehyung to even allow himself to even permit himself to imagine.. how childish.

Still, Taehyung's fists curl tighter as he tries to control his emotions.

And then- there's a familiar thump, someone descending from a branch to the forest floor.

"Taehyung?"

Tae nearly gets whiplash from how fast his head turns towards the source of the voice.

"J-jungkook?"

And it is indeed him, in all his glory, his dark bangs escaping his ponytail, clad again in peasant's attire. The broadness of his chest and the thickness of his thighs obvious through his thin, form-fitting clothes, and the buckles of his dark boots glint in the sunlight as he approaches.

"Tae", he says, his eyes soft and arms outstretched, "I've missed you so."

Surely they must have been lovers in a past life, Taehyung thinks, for there is no way to explain the connection they feel, the way he melts into Jungkook's arms. There's no place he'd rather be, and despite the vast difference in their social standing, it feels right to be with Jungkook, to imagine a future at his side.

Jungkook places kiss after kiss into his hair and then on his face, and Taehyung simply tries to bury himself into his grasp, wanting nothing more than to be held tighter.

"I.. I thought I'd never see you again", he murmurs into Jungkook's neck. "I was so scared, Kook. They're after you, you know?"

"Shh", Jungkook strokes his hair comfortingly. "Sweet Tae, don't worry yourself about that. I promised you I'd meet you again, they could never make me break that promise."

Taehyung lets himself be held by Jungkook's strong arms, lets the worry and stress seep out of his body.

After a while they break apart, finding themselves a spot to sit on the heather. Yet, they continue to gaze upon one another, as if they can't quite get their fill of the other.

"Is it true", Taehyung finally breaks the silence, "That your name is 'Jeon'? Jeon Jungkook?"

Jungkook nods, his expression growing a little tense. "It's true. I was not aware they had learned of it. Ah, this might be dangerous. Yoongi says there's power in knowing a full name, that it can be used against one.."

Taehyung reaches out to take his hand in his own.

"Worry not, for they only know of the name of your family. And this kingdom has no connections with beings of magick, neither witch nor fae."

Jungkook plays with Tae's hand, appeased, a mischievous smile replacing the look of concern.

"No beings of magick? I wonder if that is an untruth, Tae." He says, "For I have yet to see a creature as enchanting as yourself."

Taehyung blushes and shoves him, lightly.

"One might say the same of yourself, 'Jeon'."

The both of them dissolve into a fit of giggles, until Jungkook looks at Taehyung, really looks at him, and it seems he's taking in his appearance for the first time.

"Tae", he says, suddenly, his hand reaching out to trace the emblem at Taehyung's breast pocket. "Tae, what.. what is this?"

Taehyung looks at him, a little uncertain. It seems they are having this talk then.

"That..", he answers, "Is the coat of arms of the Kims."

Jungkook blinks. "The royal family? I.. I mean I thought as much but.."

His eyes trail across Taehyung's body, seeing, as if for the first time, the regal attire he is clad in.

"Tae, what you're wearing.. Is this?" his hands move lower to touch his brooch, and then slip under his jacket, along his side to his waist.

Taehyung shudders at the touch, eyes closing.

Jungkook continues to run his hands over him, situating himself closer until he's fit himself between Taehyung's legs, seemingly addicted to mapping his body with his bare hands, as addicted as Tae is to his touch.

"Tae, love", he breathes, his mouth dangerously close to Taehyung's, "I.. I don't understand. I knew you were no ordinary peasant, but this.. Are you a part of the royal force? A knight?"

Taehyung shakes his head, breathless.

Jungkook tries to focus, his face marred with inquisitiveness, but ultimately he gives in, pressing his mouth to Taehyung's in a slow, desperate kiss. When he moves back, Taehyung chases him, emitting a soft moan.

Jungkook strokes his face, endeared. "Sweet, sweet Tae.. I fear you may be out of reach of a common thief like me. Who are you?"

Taehyung clings to him, tightly.

"A prince", he whispers into Jungkook's skin.

Jungkook's hands still.

"A.. a prince?"

Taehyung trails his lips along his neck.

"Yes."

"But.. I thought the land of the Kims was ruled by two princes- Prince Seokjin and Prince Namjoon.."

"They're my older brothers", Taehyung says, pulling back, somewhat embarrassed. "I'm.. I don't really participate in the administrative work."

Jungkook seems to sense his discomfort and pulls him close again, so that he's half seated on his lap.

"That's alright, Tae. You don't need to feel guilty about it, especially not when I'm.. when I am who I am."

Taehyung rests his head in the crook of Jungkook's neck, hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.

"Prince Taehyung", Jungkook says after a bit, his voice almost reverent. "And to think I've been treating you with such disrespect, that I even tried to attack you. I've been speaking to you so informally.. even being so bold as to kiss you. I'm nothing but a wanted thief. You could very well ask your men to off my head."

"Jungkook", Tae cries out, horrified, "Never say anything like that again! I order you."

Jungkook tugs him close to peck his lips.

"I'm sorry, my sweet prince", he chuckles. "I promise I won't."

After some time, Taehyung stares at their intertwined fingers and asks with some trepidation, "Kook, this doesn't change anything, does it?"

"Never", Jungkook holds his hand a little tighter. "I.. I adore you, Tae, if it wasn't obvious before. I realize now, that I'm far below your level, as a suitor, but I would have loved to court you. Yet I want to stay by your side, as long as you'll have me."

"Is this not courting, what we are doing?" Taehyung asks, with a twinkle in his eye. "In any case, be assured that your feelings are returned, Kook, for not a day goes by when my heart does not long for you. The circumstances of our births could never change that."

Needless to say, the conversation soon evolves into something more, and by tea-time, Taehyung is picking bits of bracken and twigs out of Jungkook's hair, that has come undone.

"I must head back", Taehyung says with some reluctance, "Lest my brothers grow worried about my whereabouts."

He has explained to Jungkook, the bounty he carries, and Taehyung's own role in the exploration of the forested areas, in the midst of their lighthearted conversations, as new lovers.

Jungkook nods his assent, although his hands do not seem to want to let go.

"Also", Taehyung says, "I meant to ask- how is your friend now? Jimin?"

"He is much better", Jungkook smiles, "Although it seems, now in his sharper state of mind, he has drawn his own assumptions about us, for he is convinced I have fallen for some village maid."

Taehyung chuckles. "Maybe you should introduce us, then."

Jungkook's doe eyes grow wide. "Would you.. would you like that, Tae?"

"Of course I would, Kook, why would I not?"

Jungkook shrugs. "I don't know.. I thought, perhaps, with us being.. essentially, a band of thieves-"

"I trust what you have told me", Taehyung cuts in, "That you only take what you truly need, and that too, from those who have gained it through untoward means, or have such a surplus that they would not be impacted."

Jungkook nods. "It's true, I swear. But I thought you might find it.. uncomfortable, as a person of your rank and blood."

Taehyung shakes his head. "Are you not mine, Jungkook?"

Jungkook's mouth drops open in surprise at the directness, but he nods.

"And are Jimin and the rest not your friends?"

"They're like my family."

Taehyung smiles. "And I would love to meet your family, Kook. Do you trust me? That I would keep your secret safe?"

"Somehow, I feel like I'd trust you with my life, Tae."

"Then it's settled."

As per plan, Jungkook arrives a few days later, near their usual spot, where Taehyung awaits with Vante. Jungkook does not own his own steed, and it would have raised questions, had Tae tried to smuggle an additional horse out of the stables, without a rider, so they decide to ride together. Vante is a large, strong stallion so he faces no difficulty carrying them. The only challenge is having Jungkook seated at such close proximity, with his front pressed against Taehyung's back, makes Tae flush pink. Although he is the one controlling his horse, occasionally, Jungkook leans forward or reaches around him with a hand on the reins, to guide them towards the right direction. The warmth of his body is a pleasant and reassuring feeling, although it makes Tae's veins bubble with want.

It takes half a day to reach the gang's hiding spot, despite Taehyung's riding experience and Jungkook's knowledge of the path. Once they reach and dismount, Taehyung feels his thighs burn- it's been a while since he's ridden such a distance. The camp is located at the foot of a rocky mountain, and Jungkook disappears into a small cave of supplies to fetch an apple for the trustworthy horse, while Taehyung guides him to a babbling brook to get refreshed.

Once the boys are feeling refreshed as well, Jungkook leads Taehyung to the main camp, where he can see a few makeshift huts fashioned out of wood and thatched with bracken, surrounding what appears to be the remains of a bonfire. They inhabit the huts on the good days, he explains, retreating to the caves when it rains. Yoongi has cast a spell in the perimeter that makes it impossible for people to trespass, which is why the soldiers on their heels have been getting lost in the undergrowth.

From all he's been hearing of him, Taehyung expects Yoongi to be a fearsome sorcerer, otherworldly and all powerful, but the man they chance upon as they step closer, is hardly intimidating, except for when one looks into his eyes. Yoongi is a pale man of short stature, with slim limbs and a tired smile. He greets them pleasantly enough, although it seems like he'd already been expecting them. His eyes give away the fact that he's not quite human, though, for they are almost feline, and seem to burn with a black fire that can only be his magick.

By the remnants of the fire, sits another man, with a bow and quiver by his side. He seems to be making arrows, and Taehyung wonders if it's Jimin, until Jungkook introduces him as Hoseok, a talented archer who has been with him since his childhood. Hoseok seems to be an observant and open individual. He is quick to offer his introduction, and after a brief conversation, takes Taehyung's hands into both of his own, and declares that he approves of him.

"Thank you", Taehyung says, bowing, and Hoseok grins and makes a hooting sound, so reminiscent of that first time when he'd been pursued in the forest. So that had been Hoseok, then? Perhaps it was a method of communication for the gang.

When there's still no sight of Jimin, Jungkook ducks into one of the huts, and yells his name, beckoning him to step out.

"Alright, stop screaming, I'm coming", Jimin yells back, and Taehyung frowns because he's heard that voice before.. Surely it couldn't be..

"This.." Jungkook says, suddenly sounding a bit shy, "This is my.. This is my Taehyung."

"'This is my Taehyung'" Jimin mocks him, his voice playful, "Just admit it already, this is your mystery lover-boy, Kook. I knew it, I told you you were in love. I've never seen you like this before."

He turns towards Taehyung to get a good look at him, and he freezes, eyes growing wide as saucers.

"T-Taehyung?!"

Taehyung blinks back at him, similarly paralyzed.

Jimin stalks over to him, his face full of disbelief as Jungkook stares at the pair, confused.

"Is it really you, Taetae?" Jimin asks, a cautious hand reaching out to touch his face, as if Taehyung were an illusion that might simply fade away.

"Hey", Jungkook snaps, his possessive streak flaring up. "Jimin, what the fuck are you doing? Stop making him uncomfortable. You have your own fiancé, go coddle his face."

Taehyung seems to find his voice. "No Kook, it's okay."

"Are you sure?"

Taehyung nods. "I don't know how he's here, but this.. I know him. This is Jimin. Prince Jimin of the Parks. I haven't seen him in ages, but we.. we used to be best friends."

Jimin shakes his head, blinking back tears.

"Shut up, you fool. Come here."

He hugs Taehyung and Taehyung squishes him back. Jimin is tiny, just as he was all those years ago, but he's the perfect size to cuddle and he's his oldest friend, his soulmate.

"Why are you here Chim?" Taehyung asks, once they've hugged and cried it out.

Jungkook crouches by the fire, heating up some food for them, while Yoongi and Hoseok sit across them, watching with interest.

"I.. I met Yoongi and, well. We fell in love. But you know how witchcraft is illegal in many places these days- it was the same in my kingdom, and so we eloped."

Taehyung's forehead creases with worry.

"It must have been difficult for you to adjust to life in the outdoors."

Jimin nods. "It is, sometimes I feel like I'm slowing everyone down, especially when I have to be left behind during.. missions. The boys do their best to accommodate me, but you know how different life is growing up in a palace. It was really hard for me, trying to survive like this. I fell sick recently- I guess Jungkook told you about that- but I'm better now, adjusting."

Yoongi sighs. "I wish I had something better to offer him. It would have been smoother for him, had we stayed back in Busan."

"That would have put you at risk, Yoongi", Jimin says, "There were witch-hunts and stake burnings and all of that shit. I don't regret my choice for a moment. You guys are my family, and I'd follow you to the ends of the earth."

Something suddenly occurs to Taehyung. "So this was why you stopped writing!"

"Yes, I'm sorry about that Taetae", Jimin says, "I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't risk putting anything about Yoongi in writing, lest my letters be intercepted."

Taehyung understands. He feels the same way about Jungkook.

As if reading his thoughts, a sneaky grin spreads across Jimin's face.

"Now because both of you are my friends, and I can't pick one to threaten one to be good to the other, this is the part where I shall spill all of Jungkook's embarrassing secrets from the past few weeks."

"Hey!" Jungkook protests, but Jimin has already launched into the story of how he had caught Jungkook singing to himself about 'his pretty sweetheart', how he would behave like a lovesick teenager at times, walking around in a daze.

"One time, Yoongi asked him to fetch him some mushrooms- toadstools- for a protection spell", Jimin snickers, "And this boy strolls back in the evening with an actual, living toad in his hands."

Jungkook blushes and hides his face, and Taehyung can't help but laugh at his cuteness.

"He's even composed a love song for you, I believe", Jimin reveals. "The gods know how I've tolerated the bleating of his pipes all night."

"Jungkook!" Taehyung turns to the boy in curiosity. "I didn't know you played?"

Jungkook shrugs, "It's just the panpipe, nothing fancy."

Taehyung assures him he'd love to hear him, regardless, and so Jungkook serenades him with self-composed tunes, the flute like melodies so lilting that Taehyung knows for sure, that it is nothing less than love, that Jungkook feels for him.

And when it is finally time for Taehyung to take his leave, they whisper the words to each other as well, confessions of love spilling from their lips as they vow to meet again, soon.

Taehyung's exploration activities mean he can meet Jungkook more often. Sometimes they work together, scoping the land and making records, while sometimes Tae works alone, actually getting work done. He is quite aware he would be able to complete his task faster if he'd enlisted the help of his men, but this gives him an excuse to stray to the camp, and having a duty to fulfill gives him a sense of purpose as well. He loves being one with nature as he surveys the forests, and along with the terrain he also keeps track of the wildlife and plants, making sure to sketch any undocumented species he comes across.

His brothers are proud of him for taking up new responsibilities, and Namjoon even suggests he create a book of sorts, to publish all his findings.

Jungkook and his friends, weary of their nomadic life, try to sink their roots into their section of the forest. The forest does provide them with fruit and fish, and small game, but they've also begun to cultivate some herbs and vegetables, along with keeping a few chickens. They do continue to rob the rich and corrupt families, that the law cannot touch, but Taehyung tries to help whenever they allow him to, and life grows relatively stable for them.

However, as the seasons change and the days grow dark and stormy, the weather puts a damper on Taehyung's outdoor activities, as his brothers insist he venture out only if absolutely necessary. So days pass without a chance to meet Jungkook, and Taehyung's heart grows restless as he pines for his lover.

One night, as Taehyung gets ready for bed, he watches the storm brewing outside. The thunderclouds grumble and rainwater rolls down his windowpane. He's sure that the Jungkook and his friends have retreated into their caves. At this point, Taehyung has grown attached to all of them, although his his body in particular, craves Jungkook's touch and the familiar comfort of his presence.

It feels a bit stuffy in the room, so he cracks open the window, despite the water that threatens to leak in, and turns to adjust his pillows.

Suddenly a familiar, lilting tune plays and Taehyung whirls around, wonderstruck. There's a sudden flash of lightning and then Taehyung sees a figure, perched in his window, back leaning against a side as he plays his panpipe. He plays on, oblivious to the height of the tower, and the storm raging on, illuminated by the moon which hangs bright and huge, behind him.

"Jungkook!" Tae cries, rushing over to the window and tugging him in, "What?! How did you.. Love, that was so dangerous!"

Jungkook grins like the fool he is. "I missed you Tae. Had to see you."

Taehyung shakes his head. "I missed you too, more than you can imagine. But Kook, there's guards all around, what if you'd been caught?"

"You know I'm smarter than all your men", Jungkook smirks. "And I've said it before and I'll say it again, no one can stop me from seeing you, Tae. I love you."

"I love you too, Kookie", Taehyung murmurs, pulling him into a kiss, "Ah, you're drenched. Let's get you into some dry clothes."

They are about the same height, so Taehyung's silken pajamas fit Jungkook, although they're a bit tight around him, owing to the muscle he's built from his rough life. He looks beautiful in the light blue fabric, which is a contrast from the deep red material that flows off of Taehyung's body.

In fact, he looks so gorgeous that Taehyung can't help but push him backwards against a wall of his room, and fall to his knees before him.

"Tae", Jungkook asks, confused, "Wait- what are you doing?"

For they are yet to do this before. They have tangled limbs and brought each other to completion in grassy meadows but never like this.

Taehyung unfastens the drawstring at Jungkook's waist. "This.."

"Ah, fuck", Jungkook gasps, as Taehyung frees his length, "Fuck, you shouldn't.. Tae you shouldn't be doing this for me. You're a prince!"

"And?" Taehyung asks, gently taking him into his mouth.

"And you shouldn't get down on your knees for a commoner- ah! For a.. thief like me."

Taehyung pulls off momentarily, hands continuing to stroke Jungkook even as he peers up at him though his dark eyelashes.

"Love, I thought you said you would give me anything I wanted?"

"Of course, Tae. It's not like I don't want this. I want you so badly, fuck. But my sweet prince, getting down like a.. ahh."

"Well now your sweet prince wants your sweet cum down his fucking throat, will you give him that?"

"Y-yeah", Jungkook breathes, as Taehyung licks a stripe along the underside of his dick. "Gonna do that, yeah.."

"Good boy", Taehyung coos, and begins to kiss and lave at the head, almost as if he were making out with it, running his tongue along the slit and sucking the velvety tip with his mouth.

At the point when Jungkook begins to wobble and thrash, Taehyung swallows his length as much as he can. Jungkook is quite long so it's hard for him to take him in entirely, but he uses his deft fingers to stimulate the part he cannot fit in his mouth. Jungkook's hips begin to fuck into him, as if they have a mind of their own, and his hands find their way into Tae's silky hair, grabbing into the soft curls.

Taehyung lets him fuck his mouth, and eases off his hand to pull out his own dick, which he begins to jerk off in earnest.

It's a matter of moments when Jungkook is spilling into him, shooting load after load of his milky cum into Tae's mouth, which he gulps down, swallowing every drop. He continues to suckle at his softening member through the aftershocks, until Jungkook has to physically pull him off.

"Fuck, Tae", he groans, as he catches his breath, head leaning back against the stone wall with his eyes closed. "That was so good, sweetheart. Fuck, my pretty little prince, you're so talented."

His appreciation is what gets Taehyung off and with a last few tugs, he spills his release as well.

Jungkook straightens up, oblivious, looking at him fondly. "Come on Tae, let me return the favor."

Taehyung blushes, eyes darting towards Jungkook's feet, "I.. uh.. don't think that will be necessary."

Jungkook's eyes follow him to the little puddle of cum on the floor and clicks his tongue.

"My filthy little prince", he sighs, hoisting Taehyung up, into his arms and carrying him over to the bed, "Whatever shall we do with you?"

Jungkook ends up staying the night, of course, and with his protective arms around him, Taehyung finds he's never slept better.

In the morning, after they've freshened up, and munched their way through breakfast- Taehyung had accepted the tray brought over through a gap in the door- Jungkook discovers the gloriousness of Taehyung's ass and takes his sweet time playing with it. He squeezes and bites at his cheeks, even going so far as to kiss at his opening, till the point where Taehyung's dick is hard and straining against his belly.

Taehyung has several scented oils in his room, brought to him by Arabian merchants, in bejeweled bottles. Jungkook makes good use of these oils, drizzling the contents of one such exquisite bottle over Taehyung's hole as he uses his fingers to open him up. The stickiness of the oil makes the glide easier and pleasant aroma helps calm down their nerves as they take the next step in their relationship.

Jungkook's fingers are thicker than Tae's and they feel good, as he adds them, one by one. Taehyung whines and twists in his sheets, begging for more. Once Jungkook locates his prostate, his dick begins to leak, drops of precum beading up with every thrust.

"More.." Taehyung begs, tears in his eyes, "M-more, please…"

Finally, Jungkook takes pity on him when he deems him ready. He lathers up his own cock with the oil, and begins to push into Taehyung, slow and gentle. He waits for a while once he bottoms out, to give Tae some time to adjust to the feeling.

"Feels so full", Taehyung murmurs, his breathing rough and uneven. "Kook, you're so big, inside me."

Jungkook kisses him, careful not to jostle him. "You're taking me so well, sweetheart. Love you."

"You too, Kook." Taehyung says, against his mouth, lips soft and loving, "Y-you can move now. I'm alright."

Jungkook begins to move, his thrusts gentle and shallow at first, and slowly growing deeper and harder. Taehyung loves it, loves how good Jungkook makes him feel. When Jungkook begins to hammer into his prostate, Tae cannot hold back the cries of pleasure that fall from his lips.

"Ahh, J-jungkookie, love", he begs, "Right there.. ah, harder. Fuck."

Jungkook complies, and hikes one of Tae's legs over his shoulder to better the angle, so he can fuck into him, deeper.

They've settled into a good rhythm, when there's a sudden knock on the door.

"Taehyung?" It's Seokjin's voice, "Are you up?"

Jungkook continues to pound into him, relentless, so all Taehyung can manage in response is a moan.

"What the fuck?" Jungkook whispers, panicking, "Taehyung, be quiet, he'll hear you!"

Taehyung nods, but his eyes are glazed over in pleasure, because Jungkook is just so good, and he doesn't know if he'll be able to control himself.

"Hey.. um, Taehyung?" This is Namjoon. "We couldn't quite catch that. Could you repeat what you said?"

Taehyung grunts as Jungkook fucks him with a particularly hard stroke.

Outside, the brothers continue, now certain that Taehyung is awake.

"We know you are awake Tae", Seokjin sighs, "So you can stop trying to fool us."

"Ah-ahhh!" Taehyung moans, despite Jungkook's frantic attempts to shush him.

"Shhh, Tae", he begins to slow down, "We'll have to stop if you keep being so loud. I'm sure they're suspicious already."

"No, please", Taehyung begs, "Don't stop, I'll be good."

"I love to hear your pretty moan, my sweet, but your brothers are standing right outside the door. So be good for me."

He begins thrusting into him again, this time lowering himself down, so that they're skin to skin. It makes Tae's dick rub against his abdomen, and the stimulation from both ends has Taehyung twitching and crying softly from how good it feels.

"Anyway", Seokjin sighs, "We are having a follow-up discussion on the thief, Jeon and his immoral activities, and we'd appreciate your inputs."

"Hear that, sweetheart? They want to talk to you about me. And my immoral activities. Fuck, what would they say if they knew, huh?", Jungkook whispers dirtily into Taehyung's ear, his hips punctuating every point with a thrust.

It sends Taehyung over the edge, but this time, Jungkook is prepared and he connects their mouths so he can swallow his moans.

"We're conferring with the Royal Council in fifteen minutes. Came here personally, because we knew you'd try to get out of it. Make sure you're they're on time." Namjoon says, wearily, as the two give up.

As they hear their retreating footsteps, the couple lets out a sigh of relief, and Jungkook begins to piston his hips with a renewed vigour, determined to chase his own release. After a few furious thrusts, his hot cum floods inside Taehyung, filling him up and making his toes curl in satisfaction.

As Jungkook rides out his orgasm, Taehyung holds him close, mumbling endearments until he finally pulls out. He flops over to the side, breathing heavily.

"Well, that was something", he says, looking over at Tae.

"It was", Taehyung agrees, gazing back at him adoringly, "I know there's still things we need to figure out, but I'm so thankful we found each other. I'm so grateful to you for-"

"For breaking into your heart like that?" Jungkook laughs, pulling Tae in to rub their noses together.

"Indeed", Taehyung smiles, softly. "For breaking into my heart like that."