For various reasons I have to modify the time it takes to arrive to Kafto (chapters 11-12) from four days to at least fifteen!
This is gun be sum long ass chapter y'all with a special surprise at the end, praise me U_U

And a good half of this is not proofread, meh :I

<<December>>

>>No Jimin- wait! We don't know if-

Jimin ignores his wife's words picking more and more girly clothes out of the bunch the vendor brought

>>Can we have this in white instead that yellow, and with lace? Ah, and without the hem with the fringes? Yes? Perfect<<

>>Jimin-

Giselle sighs and shakes her head, it's been not even a week since she told the Prince about her pregnancy and he acts as if the baby is going to be there in a few days

>>And then I want this one in purple with-

>>Jimin!<<

Giselle exclaims now a bit irritated by his lack of attention, she tugs at the hem of his jacket, attracting his focus

>>I'm telling you that we don't know if she's a girl alright? There's no need to buy all these cute clothes if then it's a boy!<<

Jimin stops on his tracks, a few mini sized ruffly skirts in his hands as he looks at her

>>Oh..you feel like it's going to be a boy?<<

Giselle shakes her head

>>No but-

>>Then it's a girl. I'm telling you she is a little royal princess, trust me<<

>>But-

He gives her the stern look so she huffs like a stubborn child and crosses her arms

>>If it's a prince I'm going to dress him up for an year like a mademoiselle with all these clothes you're buying<<

Jimin rolls his eyes and giggles, pulling her by the arm towards the proposes of clothing

>>Just help me and stop rambling, you talk just like Yoongi<<

He mutters jokingly, elbowing gently her side. It works, she calms down with her scolding tone as soon as he presents her two light blue mini dresses

>>Which one?<<

>>I don't kno-

>>Ohhh come on, you have such pretty clothes, why wouldn't you know which one to pick for your own daughter??<<

Jimin stomps a foot on the floor stubbornly, so Giselle licks her own lips and hums, dragging a strand of white hair behind her ear

>>Hum, the one on the left<<

>>Eh? Why this one, I think the one on the right is way better-

He turns around and orders that one to the vendor, Giselle sighs again

>>Why are you even asking me if you're going to chose anyway?<<

She demands, deep down knowing that his excitement amuses her and makes him look just so adorable in her eyes.

>>You're right, okay, pick one that you like, I won't say a single thing!<<

He proposes, so Giselle gives a look, picking out of the bunch a very cute lilac dress with pink chiffon and tiny white flowers embroidered on the fabric. Jimin seems on the verge of objecting with his finger already pointing up in protest, so Giselle freezes him with one single glance

>>Say a single thing and I'm going to murder you in your sleep tonight<<

He closes his mouth and his arm falls back down

>>That's mean<<

>>You're the mean one, I'm her mom too<<

Jimin pouts adorably at her

>>Are you already accepting the fact that she's a girl?<<

Giselle rolls her eyes and looks at the vendor

>>This one please<<

Then she leaves Jimin to his matters and abandons the room. Jimin is going to be a great dad, she can see that. He'd going to be better than her own dad, or the King, he's going to be caring for sure, and Giselle couldn't ask for anything better.

If life could be every day like this one, Giselle would be the happiest girl in the world. Seeing how Jimin cares about this, about her health and the fact that he's often around her, because of the baby, of course, but it makes her so, so happy.

Jungkook enters the room only after he saw Giselle leave, peeking then from behind the future King's shoulders

>>Picking clothes?<<

Jimin nods enthusiastically

>>Yeah!<<

Jungkook drapes one arm around the other's waist, placing his own chin on the shorter's shoulder

>>That lilac one with the white flowers is really cute<<

>>You think? Giselle liked that as well<<

The Prince pulls that one up and looks at it

>>To me it's too simple<<

>>If it depended on you you would dress every girl like an opera actress<<

Jimin laughs but has to agree with that sentence

>>Yeah I would, and there's nothing wrong with it. And you? Which dress do you like?<<

>>Me?..Hum<<

The elder gives a quick look around, then sees a bright red gown and, as the Eros he is, red always manages to attract his attention like flames, and points to that

>>That one, it's really eye catching<<

>>Mhh, but she will be able to wear that only if she's an Eros. As an Agàpe she wouldn't, so..<<

>>Oh, right..then the baby pink one, but in a deep blue hue<<

Jimin smiles and turns yet again to the vendor

>>You heard him, I want that one in deep blue<<

.

Yoongi skeptically looks at the other, stony face on as always and crossed arms. He closes his eyes and sighs, then he scratches the back of his neck and sighs again

>>So you're telling me that you can see other people's..what-..what are they called again?<<

Taehyung's frown deepens, he knew Yoongi wouldn't believe him

>>Cherubs. They're cherubs. And I can see and hear them<<

Yoongi chuckles

>>Hum, Taehyung, do you really need me to believe such a stupid thing?<<

Taehyung nods quickly, of course he needs that. He wants Yoongi to believe him, because he found the courage of telling him and now it would be such a waste if it all doesn't matter to the other. Taehyung takes his hand

>>Look, I know it sounds strange but..why would I lie after all? I have no reasons..<<

>>I don't know, you should tell me<<

Yoongi replies, staring at the other, he then clicks his own tongue at the sight of the other's distraught but still hopeful expression, so the Agàpe sighs and rolls his eyes

>>Let me hear, what do...what do these cherubs look like?<<

Taehyung's eyes shot up immediately at the question, full of surprise

>>O-oh, they're cute! They're about seventy centimeters/twenty-seven inches and, hum, they look like kids but very intelligent, and oh! Cherubs have this little white wings that-

>>Let's say I believe you, and I don't but let's play pretend, why would such creatures appear, tell me?<<

The noble interrupts more skeptical than ever. Taehyung can't help but stutter at the other's icy eyes

>>They..they appear when..when you fall in lo-love<<

>>You do understand that I can't believe this?<<

The red haired male  gives him a sad nod. He knew Yoongi wasn't one to believe without seeing, but Taehyung blindly hoped with crossed fingers. He wants to share secrets with Yoongi, to get closer to each other, the fact that they're in this strange relationship doesn't mean that something better can't bloom..

>>But Yoongs, you had one yourself a while ago, now it has disappeared, but I know for sure you could hear his whispers, you heard, so trust me this once<<

>>How do you know?<<

>>I told you, I saw it<<

>>Then why did that voice disappear?<<

The younger twists his fingers in nervousness, this is the part he didn't want to get to

>>W-well..because you told the one who like that you like them<<

There are a few seconds of of silence, for once Taehyung's words managed to shut Yoongi up. The latter wets his lips with his tongue, then opens his mouth to say something, but then it closes without uttering a single syllable, he's at a loss of words because there's no way Taehyung would know about that, right? About his confession, and the voice in his head.

>>You knew? That I like someone else I mean<<

Taehyung nods, sadly eyeing the floor

>>I mean, you didn't confess to me, so it must been someone else..<<

Yoongi lifts one hand and moves to place his fingers on the other's cheek, but Taehyung takes a step backwards, escaping the caring, cold touch of the Agàpe's hand

>>Tell me..are you in love with me Kim Taehyung?<<

The servant shakes his head with no hesitance

>>No<<

>>I see, that's better. Well...later in my room?<<

Taehyung gives him a light nod.

A few seconds later, Yoongi leaves the storage of the kitchens, where they were talking, while Taehyung remains there. He timidly looks at the floor, scared to burst put crying if he dares raise his gaze from the brooms at the side

Why didn't you tell him Tata??

>>There was no need..<<

He mumbles, looking at his cute little cherub cuddled at his feet

There was! I'm sure-

>>He's enamored of someone else<<

Well then, stop seeing him. How are you going to get over the boy if you don't stop being with him?

Taehyung shrugs

>>I have no damn idea, but..I'm still going to take what I can from him, his body for example, since I can't get anything else besides that<<

.

It's not clear if it's Jimin who's dragging Jungkook or the other way round, but the two are pacing very quickly outside the palace, the sky is a dead sea of a monotone gray, and the air is so breezy and cold that it makes Jimin's nose and cheeks tingle and color of a bright cherry-red as he stays glued to Jungkook. It seems like it might snow, that's the kind of atmosphere around. The two are just about to leave Stoicheion to go towards Thur after the first delay, it's very early in the morning, so they're leaving without saying goodbye, they did that yesterday evening, there's no need to wake anyone up.

The Prince's both arms are draped around one of Jungkook's, and with his hands he's holding the elder's while they walk towards the carriage. Is already full of their luggage on the back, it's ready to leave now. Jungkook can't wait to meet his family, but Jimin seems to be even more excited at the idea, not to mention that this is the first time, aside from the visit to Kafto, that he leaves the palace for a long time. The journey is meant to last at least a few weeks so..

The Aether's grasp tightens as they stop at the side of the carriage waiting for the door to be opened for them, so Jungkook looks at his side

>>Are you cold?<<

Jimin shakes his head no, but the way he shifts from one foot to the other and then his tensed position and also his clingy behavior are all signs that state the contrary, so the Eros drapes one arm around the other's back and one around his front, hugging him loosely

>>You're an ice cube sweet cheeks<<

Jimin chuckles, placing his face on the other's chest and relaxing a second in his warm embrace, rubbing his forehead on the other's breast bone, his gloved-hands pressed between their bodies trying to keep them warm. Jungkook places one kiss on his head and then turns around his head to see the door wide opened for them to get inside

>>Come on, let's go<<

Jimin frowns and wines

>>If you let me go now I'm going to freeze to death<<

Jungkook smiles fondly, rubbing the other's back to create warmness through the friction

>>Ahh~ what to do, what to do?<<

He sings playfully, then he picks the other up, so that he's going to still keep hugging him and warm his body up while getting inside the carriage, and so he does. The Prince doesn't say a thing, the fact that he now has authority inside the palace doesn't mean he can't still love being babied around, he loves that.

Once they're in and the door is closed, Jungkook sits down and Jimin gets partially off of him, he just sits beside the elder but with his arms still draped all around. The Prince looks up and places one hand on the other's cheek, brushing his warm skin fondly for a bit. Jungkook places his own fingers on top of the younger's, he knows what's that bit of hesitance in his eyes

>>Jimin, they're going to love you like I do, don't worry, we talked about this<<

>>Yes but-

>>Not buts, they'll love how genuine you are, just don't bother<<

They both feel the carriage start moving, so they give a quick glance to the window as the enormous palace passes by the cold glass in a few seconds and the bumpy road makes their seats a bit more uncomfortable, then they go back to where they were

>>You're adorable, they'll have to like you<<

>>And what if they don't? What if they find me strange and-

>>They won't, they're not like the fancy brainless nobles you've met all your life, they're kind if you're kind with them, and I know for sure you will be to them and them to you too. Don't worry, for real<<

Jimin shuts up a few seconds, then he speaks up again

>>But what will they think about your...our situation Jungkook? I'm married and..and about to have a baby<<

>>Well...I mean we could explain, I guess<<

Jimin sighs and looks downwards, cuddling towards Jungkook

>>Not even you're sure of that, they're going to hate me because I'm making you suffer, I already know..<<

Jungkook kisses a few times the other's cheek, while talking between one peck and the other

>>No baby they won't, they..my family will see how much I love you and they'll understand. Unlike your father they don't have a kingdom to rule and no subjects that expect from them, so they will approve, I'm sure<<

The Prince twists his fingers nervously, with his gray eyes still glued onto the floor

>>I don't know if to believe you, I don't want to lead my hopes up<<

>>Hey..<<

Jungkook calls, but the other doesn't face him

>>Hey?<<

Yet again there's no reply, so Jungkook's palms press onto the other's soft cheeks, forcing him to look up

>>Jimin, I love you. I don't need approval to love you, if they're okay with it then better, but if they're not I don't care. I love you<<

The Prince gets onto his own knees to be taller, then he brushes Jungkook's fringe backwards gently, a few times, dragging his fingers though the dark brown strands of hair slowly, methodically

>>I love you too<<

He mumbles

>>I know you do, you risked a lot for me<<

>>And you risked for me too, so we're equal<<

Jimin places a chaste kiss on the other's lips, then he continues brushing his hair soothingly

>>You should wear your hair slicked back, you have such a strong gaze..it's fascinating, and I find your eyes gorgeous, so expressive...<<

Jungkook blushes slightly at the compliment, pushing his fringe back down shyly

>>Why won't you wear them up for me sometimes?<<

>>Because I look angry when I do, my normal expression is a bit..<<

>>A bit too gorgeous<<

Jungkook scoffs and giggles before replying

>>I'm serious, I look mad<<

Jimin huffs and stamps a well deserved kiss on the other's lips

>>You're hot when you're mad, your expression is sexy<<

>>Really?<<

The Prince nods, pushing again that dark fringe back and placing his forehead on the other's

>>Yeah<<

Jungkook moves his face a bit forward to get a kiss but Jimin pulls slightly back, giving him his Agàpe version of a cheeky grin and a quiet giggle, so the elder's arm drapes around the other's waist as he presses forward and Jimin pulls back again, containing their laughter, and this goes on until the back of Jimin's head is pressing against the window of the carriage and his lover is a few inches from his face, with one hand blocking his way and trapping the Prince at the corner

>>And the little lamb was eaten by the wolf<<

Jungkook mutters before 'attacking' the Prince with tickles, Jimin shrieks and crumbles on himself trying to pry his way out of the other's clutches, stomach hurting at the loud laughs he's forced to let out, then the carriage comes to a sudden stop and the door opens up from the outside, startling the two playing boys, with Jimin being mostly under Jungkook and his arms stretched to push him away. The guard looks at them dumbfounded, then he lowers his head

>>I'm sorry Your Majesty, we thought you were having trouble back here! I'm apologize!<<

Said that he bows and closes the door, while the two exchange a shocked look as their vehicle starts moving again

>>Do you think he thought we...?<<

Jimin demands eloquently and the other nods

>>He thought we were getting freaky<<

Jimin places both of his hands on his own face, hiding the embarrassment (even if it doesn't show thanks to his lack of facial expression) and rolling onto his own side

>>That was so not elegant..<<

The first day of traveling goes pretty smoothly, they stop to eat for lunch and dinner, but mostly they both spend their time inside the carriage, they play cards and read some books one at time as their partner listens, then, just as Jungkook is reading, Jimin dozes off. The elder, realizing that is way past two in the morning, puts away the novel, lays himself to sleep as well, it's not comfy at all, but meh, he slept in worse places than a royal carriage to be honest, this is haven compared to his childhood, not to mention that where is Jimin Jungkook feels at ease and at home, so there's no fluffy king sized bed he'd rather be right at this moment.

When morning comes, and Jungkook realizes the carriage has stopped, he wakes up, careful not to disrupt Jimin's sleep, who's sprawled like a starfish on top of the other, he's so messy. There's a knock on the door, so Jungkook replies

>>Yeah?<<

The door opens up, and since the curtains inside the carriage were closed, the light results biding to Jungkook's still sleepy eyes. He scans outside, where to guards are standing

>>Your Majesty, breakfast is ready<<

Jimin, of course, doesn't reply as he's still deep in the dream world

>>Hum..he's sleeping, may we delay for a little longer until-

>>I was not asking you, I only take orders from the Prince<<

>>But he's asleep, do you want me to wake him up??<<

The guard gives a nod and Jungkook looks at the significantly older male with a frown

>>I'm telling you he's tired, we'll eat later so-

>>Your Majesty?<<

The knight calls again, making Jimin stir at the commotion, and the bright light all together. The youngest groans, covering his eyes and rubbing them

>>Too bright!<<

Once the boy adjusts, he looks around himself dazed

>>Your Majesty, breakfast is ready<<

>>Ehh? No I'm going to eat later, I'm too tired...<<

The guard nods and bows his head, but then the prince squeaks loudly and everyone jolts up. The Prince turns to Jungkook

>>But maybe you're hungry! I'm sorry Hot Stuff, we're going to eat immediately, just-

>>No no, it's okay, I'm fine so..<<

The Prince shakes his head, getting off of the other and pulling at his arm

>>You're the one who always says that food is very important to be able to engender flames! Come come!<<

.

Jungkook nervously sits as Jimin sleeps peacefully on his shoulder, the journey accompanied by the sound of the clanking hoofs of the horses. It's been three days since they went away, and if Jungkook is not wrong, they should be close to arrive.
In fact the vehicle comes to a sudden stop and the elder begins getting agitated at the thought, agitated and excited. He moves the curtain of the window to the side, peeking on the bright scenario outside, it's a sunny winter morning, but both unluckily and luckily they're still on the main road, but they're pretty close, Jungkook already recognizes the place.

The charioteer apparently stopped just to demand for informations to a passer by, he asked where the Jeons's house is. The old man, an evident Earth controller, points his finger down the road instead that towards the small village at the feet of the volcano Sigovronto. He pays attention to the indications given, and by the sound of it his family is not living anymore where he grew up, and he's not sad about that at all, he hated how small that house was for all of them.

The carriage starts moving again, Jungkook repeats in his head the directions, then busies himself in memorizing what to say to his parents, how to present Jimin without scaring them, and his mind continues wandering through the randomness, guessing what his brothers look like now, if Jaeho has grown to be a little taller now that he's nine years old, if Dohyun's bad  character has tamed a bit or not, if Jimin will like his stubborn behaviors or if he'll prefer Jaeho's cheery character more.

How will they react to the gifts he bought? Where should he bring Jimin first? To visit what? What would he like to eat? What will the new house look like? Will it be nice?

Jimin yawns, pressing his face more onto Jungkook's shoulder, lips smudged and pressed onto the other's arm. The elder looks down at their barely even touching hands, Jimin's fingers rapped around Jungkook's pinky gently, tiredly. The elder's hand loosely tightens around the other's. His hand is little and extremely soft, because his skin avoided working since birth.

As he mindlessly plays with the other's cute fingers, Jungkook ponders some more. He finds himself thinking about Jimin's life up to now, sure full of comfort and whatever thing his heart could desire and his money buy, but still he himself as Jeon Jungkook would probably never want to switch positions with the younger, as far as he knows the boy has been through an horrendous childhood, continuous pressures and duties and lessons and-

And the marriage.

And the baby.

He's been damn forced for the love of the Gods, that's too cruel!

Jungkook's fingers clench around Jimin's, only noticing that the younger has woken up when he feels a tug at his own arm, turning his face to his lover. The Prince is still clearly half asleep, but he woke up because of Jungkook's touch and  increasing warmth

>>Jungkookie?<<

>>Hum, it's nothing, don't worry. Are you still nauseous or the sleep washed it off?<<

Jimin shakes his head with a pained expression now that he notices

>>It's still there<<

>>Endure a lil more sweet cheeks, we're almost there apparently<<

Jimin looks up hopeful, still leaning onto the other

>>Really?<<

>>Yeah!<<

There are a few moments of silence as the Prince detaches finally from the elder and peeks outside of the window

>>Mini?<<

>>Mh?<<

>>Just saying, I know that you know already, but don't expect a palace, at all. Don't expect too much-

>>Jungkook I know, don't worry! Don't get nervous you too, because I already am and that would only make it worse<<

The Eros pulls Jimin closer and ruffles his soft white hair

>>No no, of course not! And don't be nervous<<

>>It's not like I can help it..you think I should switch before we arrive? To Eros I mean-

Jungkook shakes his head

>>It doesn't matter in what form you present yourself, you do you, alright?<<

The Prince sighs and nods, almost deciding to switch anyway, they'll probably prefer having another Eros as a guest and not an Agàpe but...
But Jungkook has never judged him by his looks and behaviors, so maybe it's alright. Maybe it doesn't matter that much whether he's one race or the other, he's Park Jimin, the Eros and the Agàpe, an Aether with either no race or two opposite ones.

They keep minding their own business in their own little bubble of hushed sweet nothings, until the carriage stops again. They exchange a strange look, something in between worried and expectant at the same time

>>Do I look good?<<

The Prince demands suddenly self conscious, but Jungkook nods to his relief

>>Of course, you're always your prettiest self<<

The door opens up and they both take a big breath in, and seeing their partner doing the same they both let out a tense trembling giggle, the Jungkook squeezes Jimin's hand

>>Relax<<

Then he hops off and Jimin takes in another breath, thinking to himself

''You've talked ahead of big crowds and met an infinite number of people, pull yourself together, they're just four, come on''

He puts a foot on the step, looking downwards to where he needs to step off, while taking Jungkook's offered hand. He comes out of there in the blinding sun in contrast with the breezy air of mid December. Only after he's fully off he does lift his gaze. The house is..modest he'd say. It's not the smallest thing ever, but neither the biggest, the outside is neat, that's what he notices, there's nothing remarkable about it all, it's an house like every other.

>>Is this your home?<<

He whispers, and Jungkook shrugs

>>I guess<<

>>You guess?<<

>>They moved out, I was not raised in this one, so..<<

>>Oh<<

The Prince nods and immediately retrieves his hand back when the front door slams open

>>'Gukkie!<<

A childish voice shouts, a kid runs out of the house, and automatically Jungkook crunches down with open arms, waiting for the impact. The little boy, Jaeho if Jimin remembers correctly, throws himself on his older brother, hugging him.
Jungkook picks him up with ease, he must be very light after all.

Taken by the scene they caused, Jimin does not notice the other figure approaching until this one's voice speaks up

>>Jungkook, hum..who's this?<<

He demands, eyeing Jimin in a turbulent mix of amazement and shock, he didn't think Jungkook would bring friends.
He didn't think Jungkook would have such beautiful friends either, heck, that boy looks like an angel!

Jungkook straightens his back and looks proudly at Jimin, as if he's so happy to present him

>>Well Dohyun, nice to see you too. The one you so called 'this' is the Crown Prince of Stoicheion, you know?<<

Dohyun gapes like a fish for a few seconds, then he bows rigidly

>>I'm sorry, hum..hum...-

>>It's Your Majesty Dohyun, that's how to refer to hi-

Jimin shakes his head feeling very nervous on the inside

>>Oh no no, only Jimin is fine<<

Jaeho scrutinizes the elder Agàpe with his eyes, biting his own thumbnail, still in Jungkook's arms. The little boy turns his head to his brother

>>A Prince?<<

Jungkook nods, starting looking around, strangely enough his mom is still not out of the door

>>Then you have a sword right??<<

Jaeho says, and Jimin nods surprised by the sudden question, he pulls his cloak to the side, so that the hilt of the sword peeks out. Jaeho squirms in his elder brother's arms for him to put him down, and done that, he's quickly by Jimin, looking at the object

>>Is it sharp??<<

Jimin gives a look to Jungkook, as if to make sure he's doing it all right

>>Yeah-

>>Does it have a name then??<<

Jimin shakes his head

>>But all important swords have important names! And you do battles with it?!<<

The kid asks again, more and more excited. Jungkook meanwhile has to place one hand under Dohyun's chin and pull it up since his jaw was hanging slack open

>>Hum..no, it's only an accessory most of the the time so..<<

>>Oh...<<

The child mumbles, tone lowering sadly. Jimin internally panics, how is he supposed to-

>>Hey, you can name it if you want<<

The Prince offers, and Jaeho's expression brightens at the mention, and he starts mumbling things as if he's thinking about it, but then the settling situation gets shaken by another figure. There's an Eros woman with dark brown curly hair hurrying towards them, she has Jungkook's eyes. First things first she bows her head to the Prince, she doesn't know who he is, but surely she recognizes the boy to be at least an influential personality, a noble of some sort minimum being him dressed so nicely, then the woman jumps to Jungkook's neck, pulling him downwards because she's petite and obviously the boy might have gotten her element, but surely not her size

>>My sweetest adorable bunny is back! My Jungkookie!<<

She showers his cheeks in kisses as he rolls his eyes but never misses on hugging her back fondly

>>Welcome back dear! Oh my- you gained some weight didn't you?! You look so nice! But the earrings my son! What happened to you there to become so handsome all of sudden??<<

Jungkook laughs, giving a glance back at Jimin and pointing at him

>>He happened<<

Jimin would be blushing all over if it wasn't for his fairly white skin, so he just gently bows his head at the reference, as if thanking Jungkook

>>You just needed to be put in stylish clothes, it's thanks to your parents that you're so pretty<<

Jungkook rolls his eyes once again, while his mom stares at Jimin up and down with interest because this boy's appearance is abnormally nice and neat

>>So? Are you going to present me this young boy Jungkook, where are your manners kid?<<

Jimin expectantly looks at him, eager to hear his reply to the question

>>He's Prince Jimin mom, and..hum..<<

He clears his voice

>>My..my lover<<

A few seconds of utter silence follow as everyone's stares ping pong between the two guys

>>P-...<<

His mom starts, mouth hanging open

>>Prince?!<<

 >>Lover?!?<<

Dohyun adds on in shock. Jungkook's sheepish expression and Jimin's calm one combined make the situation even funnier to watch.

>>I say<<

Jaeho starts, tugging and Jimin's cloak so that the elder looks downwards at him

>>That ''Mangler'' would be a great name for the sword<<

And the middle of all that silence, the only thing that resonates is Jungkook's snorting

.

The young Eros Master's hand is being held by his mom as they sit together at the kitchen's table, one in front of the other

>>I mean, he's not..bad, but...isn't he a bit too formal?<<

Jungkook gives a look outside, where Jaeho is dragging Jimin left and right as Dohyun still admires the appearance of the angel, aka Park Jimin.

>>He's just nervous, he's  been very self conscious about meeting you all, especially you mom<<

>>Why me? Jungkook, I swear to the Gods my child, what kind of bullshit did you fill his head with about me??<<

>>Nothing! Always on the defensive right?? It's just that I told him you're very jealous and stuff, he wants your approval! I'm sure that if you give him some time you'll see how nice he really is<<

She huffs but then hums

>>Jimin seems like a good guy, and not really full of himself like I expected, but..baby, isn't he a bit too cold with you? Are you happy when he's like that too?<<

Jungkook nods

>>You just don't understand him yet, it takes time to learn to see his emotions through the stony expression, heck it's still hard for me too at times, but I swear he's the complete opposite of cold, he has the warmest personality with who's kind to him. Just wait until tomorrow and you'll have demonstration of the truth of my words, I'm pretty sure you'll like him just as much as me<<

The boy gets up, releasing his mother's hand

>>I'm just worried Gukkie. You know that if something happens this house will always be open for you to come back, okay? I'm scared that he might be joking with you, I mean he's..he's a noble, and he's married, I'm not saying he's doing that for sure, but if he throws you away-

>>Mom<<

He interrupts, staring right at her eyes

>>He won't hurt me nor throw me away, I believe in this feeling and in Jimin. I trust him, he's not able to lie very well, you'll find out soon enough what a nice boy he is, he's genuine, for real<<

>>And I want to believe in the trust you have on him because your decisions are mine. You seem very enamored<<

Jungkook doesn't shy away like he used to as a teenager, when his mom teased him on the few little crushes he experienced. This serious expression and determined expression is all his mom requires to believe him, like the one he showed when he said he was going to work at the castle, and the deities only know how much she cried when her eldest son left.

Jungkook nods with no hesitance

>>I am<<

Beronike looks at her son a while more, and finally he blushes awkwardly at her stare making her chuckle as he listens to him grumble under his breath, abandoning the room in all timidness

>>All grown up my very strong baby<<

She mumbles as she sees Jungkook approaching the three outside, scolding Jaeho for disrupting annoyingly Jimin and circling the latter's waist with one arm.
She just hopes that this young boy knows the worth of Jungkook and doesn't undervalue him, because Jungkook is worth everything in this world, even a Prince for all that matters.

Her ebony eyes settle on the Agàpe boy as this one eyes are on Jungkook and his lips stretched in a little smile, and if Beronike knew Jimin as much as Jungkook does, she would understand more that that little loving expression is very rare and precious, a fond smile is not something that everyone manages to make bloom on the stony Aether's face, only a few, and Jungkook is one of those who reach Jimin's heart so deep than to make him smile.

.

Once they end showing the house to Jimin and Jungkook, the two decide to go say hi to his father, who has a manufacture workshop at the village. Wisely, Jimin retires in one room first and changes clothes, he's already noticeable as he is, he shall do everything in his power to mold better in the crowd.

Jaeho begs and begs to come go with them only receiving Jungkook's stern no every time, until Dohyun, with the excuse of shutting the kid up, says he'll accompany him, so that he'll be able to stick around the Prince a while more. Jungkook says the boy is his same age, but Dohyun is taller than him, and that makes him proud. As they walk towards the village, there are guards following them from a little afar, dressed just like peasants, like Jimin instructed, at least until they arrive at the evidently more crowded village. The guards disappear, following closely but not too much again, while the four boys sneak between the houses in search of the dad of three of them.

Jaeho was entrusted the lunch for his father as he previously pleaded his mother to let him bring it, but after a bit he grew to lament that it was heavy, so Jimin took it without a word, only a little smile towards the boy, then he walked right back beside Jungkook, hand in hand.
There isn't too much to see in such a little village, except the old temples and a little a square where the monthly market is held, but to Jimin, who has rarely even seen such a little hamlet, it looks so nice and cute, and it's a warm place given that is mainly populated by Earth controllers and Eros, so it's cozy on his cold body being surrounded by two Eros and a few more in the street.

Dohyun is an Eros too, his aura is obviously not as strong as Jungkook's, but he seems not to be average either.

Once at the square, they sneak between narrow alleys right and left, until they stop ahead of a building entirely made of bricks. Dohyun and Jaeho run inside, while Jimin sees Jungkook's eyes linger a but longer on the outside and then turning to meet his own gaze, the elder gives him an assuring smile before entering

>>We're here<<

And in the go. The warmth of the place is very comforting, it smells of wood and metals, it's clear that this is a metal worker's shop. Jimin looks around in awe, this is something he has never seen before. Jungkook can clearly hear Jaeho and Dohyun going on and on talking about Jimin and ruining the surprise to his father, but that's okay too, Jimin doesn't seem to mind either.

They step inside the actual laboratory, at the back, and see a tall man, bald with a brown beard sprinkled in grey hair here and there. This man invites the two to get further in, and Jungkook leads his lover, always hands tightly interwined

>>Jungkook, I'm so happy to see you, how have you been?<<

He demands, hugging his son and patting his shoulder

>>I've been doing pretty well<<

>>That's nice to hear!<<

He exclaims, pulling back and turning his attention to the Agàpe

>>Must be the Prince, welcome to Thur your Highness<<

He says smiling and bowing his head consequently. Jimin nods twice, exchanging a look with Jungkook, then back to his father, the floor and then up again

>>Just...just Jimin is fine, and thanks for the welcoming hospitality, I'm sorry for the hassle<<

The older man laughs a little, still trying to remain formal, but how formal can a Philia be after all?

>>Is it? Okay then, Jimin will do. Is that for me?<<

He demands, looking down at the basket in Jimin's hand. The Aether looks down and jolts a second nodding quickly and nervously afterwards, stretching it towards Jungkook's father

>>Thank you<<

Jimin's now free hand goes to hold back onto Jungkook's arm, as his other one is holding the elder's hand. He's just awkward when people he doesn't know treat him so warmly, he's not used to that, he's used to formalities and shit-talking, while this people all seem to be appreciative of his presence and genuinely not bothered by his high society rank.

>>Jaeho says you let him name your sword Mangler, can I see it? Excuse me , but I'm a bit of a child when it comes to metals, you see<<

He says cackling with his raspy voice. Jimin nods, unlacing it from around his hips and handing the whole thing to the man, who excitedly pulls the item out of it's custody

.

In the matter of hours, that for the two pass by like minutes, it's night time, they've already seen a lot, spent time with Jungkook's family, ate and showered and bathed together.

Jungkook helped Jimin change in his night clothes, and so did Jimin for Jungkook, then the elder kissed him out of nowhere, walking backwards towards the bed in the room and sitting down on it. This is temporarily going to be Jimin's room, it was supposed to be Jungkook's when he came back, but for now he's going to sleep with Jaeho like old times.

Jimin stands between his legs, looking down at him with his hands pressed on the Eros's cheeks. It is oddly satisfying to the Prince being for once able to stand taller than his lover, even though hi height grew quite a lot in the last year, ''strangely quick'' in the curator's opinion, he's still not to the other's level.

Jimin stares at Jungkook and so does he, as the little bit of light provided by the moon outside the widow and the candle on the bedside table clears a little the darkness of the area.

The Prince wraps his arms around his Master's neck, dragging him to his chest while Jungkook lets himself be pulled, listening in religious silence.
Listening to Jimin's heartbeat, the comforting, marvelous sound of Jimin's heart thumping vividly, healthy, alive.

How long will it last?

How long until next relapse?

How long until Jimin will be crying in pain without Jungkook being able to provide him with any help?

How much time left until Jungkook will feel powerless and on the verge of tears because he can't ease Jimin's problems?

How much is left of Jimin's life still?

How much? For how long? When? Why?

Why did it have to be him the Aether? It could've been anyone else, but it decided to weight on Jimin's shoulders instead, this ruined his life. The idea of a future with Jungkook.
And the Jungkook's idea of a future with Jimin.

When Jungkook was younger, he realized that if he wanted to help his family he had to become someone worth the trust, someone with a name and a great ability that trained day and night until that led him to the job at the palace, a work that would pay him well enough that he alone could support five people, and his mission seemed accomplished, he made happy the closest people around him, be useful to them.

Then Jimin appeared, someone so kind even though his position didn't necessarily require that, someone so thorn that he needed to be put back together, and even so Jungkook admired him for his strong will, for his genuine gentleness, someone he grew to care for, and feel love for, the Prince became in no time another person he wanted and still wants to make happy, yet he doesn't know how. How to help him? How to save him?

The first time he saw how much Jimin suffers on the bed in pain, crying but still trying to keep it to himself, muffling his voice, Jungkook realized he could do nothing, and that thought hurt more than anything else in his entire life, especially after all that Jimin did for him, for them.

Seeing him like that and being powerless hurts more Jungkook than being in Jimin's place, it would probably hurt less. And those relapses only make him weaker each time, reminding everyone that knows about it that he'll die sooner or later.

In an handful of months if they're lucky, less in the worst scenario, Jungkook might not be able to hold the love of his life like he is right now anymore, not able to lull his own head to the beat of Jimin's hammering heart, perhaps Jimin will disappear, just like he so suddenly barged into Jungkook's life with cheerfulness and the easily irritable character, his quiet moments and even the shy looks. He could just as easily disappear, without an explanation, abandoning those beautiful smiles, genuine and bright, the ones that makes his pretty eyes crinkle to oblivion on top of his cheeks like two crescent moons behind the hills, and Jungkook wouldn't be able to do anything to avoid that. Jimin will not lean on him anymore when he laughs or cries, like he always does.

The Eros holds tighter, hands grasping the back of Jimin's nightgown, tensing at the thought of losing him, and the Prince immediately fulfills the apparent seek for closeness that Jungkook needs and requires now, stroking his hair with kind fingers, combing them though the dark strands.

The elder can't help himself out of those horrible, hideous thoughts bouncing continuously in his skull, digging and digging into his soul until there's no tun back and the tears start spilling.

Jimin's surprised eyes go unnoticed by Jungkook who has his face pressed, hidden, onto the other's abdomen.

>>Kook..<<

And Jungkook would scream and cry harder, as loud as possible, but he won't. He just won't.
Because Jimin doesn't need to see that too.
Because Jimin is probably always on the same thought, always grazing the idea of death with uncertain fingers, trying to avoid it, never bringing it up in a conversation, even during their intimate moments, when he could speak up his worries and fears, he does not, and Jungkook feels like he has no right to be the one crying when Jimin should. When Jimin is being strong.
He does not want to make his security crumble into pieces, because he knows that Jimin works hard on maintaining his composure all the time, hiding his purest worries down, deep down, where no one can see.

Love?
Love hurts.
Love bites back, vengeful towards the ones who fall the most into it, those who so deeply are into each other.

Jungkook goes on sobbing silently, trying hard to keep quiet, hands fisting and grasping Jimin closer, making sure he won't go anywhere further away, that he won't disappear.

The Prince bends a little forward, pushing Jungkook's face bit back to look at his already red, blotchy cheeks, full of tear-stains, at his trembling lips, and his glossy eyes and wet eyelashes. Jimin lets out a little chuckle

>>You're a mess..<<

He mumbles, smile saddening,and Jungkook mumbles and apology back.
The Aether understood already what's going on, what's wrong, he probably knew all along. There aren't many reasons and matters for which Jungkook would burst out crying like a toddler.

Jimin's hand brushed away the salty tears, and then pins back Jungkook's fringe

>>You won't have to miss me too much<<

He whispers, kissing Jungkook's cheek as this one sniffles distraught, then he continues

>>I think it's going to be okay. I'm sure it won't hurt. Death I mean. I read that all Aethers seem to have been found lifeless with serene expressions, so don't worry<<

Jungkook opens his mouth to reply, with sore throat and a raspy, trembling voice

>>How..h-how am I supposed not to? If I lose you I'm done Mini. I won't be able to live a life without-

He says if. If, because his mind is not able yet to register that there's no hope at all.

  >>When it happens, you'll continue your life. You won't be done<< 

He answers back, with a straight when, that leaves no other option than the worst. Because he knows it will happen. He knew all along. He knew when he was a little child, it is one of the first things he was told when he understood he was an Aether.

The Prince's cold mouth presses again onto the other's skin, again on his soft, wet cheek that makes his lips salty, then he remains there, with his head pressed to the other's temple, humming to a tune quietly, sitting onto the other's lap.

>>Don't miss me. Not for too long. Neither too much<<

They end up laying, even if the bed is too small for two, they stick one another, and Jimin cuddles Jungkook until he stops crying, calming down

>>You better go to sleep now, or you'll end up waking your brothers if you go too late<<

Jimin mumbles, kissing Jungkook's lips twice, leaning on top of him

>>Can't I stay here?<<

Jimin shakes his head no, so Jungkook tries again

>>We don't have to do anything-

>>I don't want them to think bad, even if we don't do anything<<

Jungkook sighs, not moving a single finger to get up, remaining in silence for a while

>>You'll call me if something happens, right? If you don't feel well, if your head hurts, heck, even if you miss me or you can't sleep, just call me, I'll be here in a second<<

Jimin nods, sitting so that Jungkook can do the same

>>Yeah<<

He looks as the elder gets up and leans in for another sweet kiss, eyeing Jimin while walking at the door and going out, where two guards are having their night turn.

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And this is me sprinkling sum gud Jikook everywhere

Because we need the fluff

And I love me sum more fluff (plus my beloved bellybutton piercing)

And we need sum smut

And sum more Kookie-solo-smut because I love my (side) man

And...sum more, so we're good to go

HOPE YOU ENJOYED, BECAUSE I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE DRAWING THIS!