"Have you seen Jeongguk? I've tried ringing him but his wrist call is turned off," Taehyung asked as he entered the Leonava room. Yoongi and Hoseok, who were the only ones there, stopped what they were doing and bowed, a little surprised at the sudden entrance.

"No, haven't seen him since yesterday. Didn't even show up for dinner," Hoseok answered. "Would you like me to search for him, your majesty?"

"No, that's alright. You don't need to call me that, y'know. I'd prefer Taehyung," Taehyung said with a short smile. Hoseok nodded.

"He's probably in his room," Yoongi said. Taehyung thanked the elf and sprinted out. It took him a awhile as he was still getting used to the endless and identical corridors in the palace, but he somehow managed to end up at Jeongguk's door. There was a guard standing out, meaning the boy was surely inside.

The guard bowed as Taehyung came, who nodded back getting him back to his usual stance. Taehyung knocked on the door twice, and with the lack of response, he looked at the guard for help. The guard looked back, not knowing what he was supposed to do exactly. He had received order's from the young elf to not allow anyone in.

The guard cleared his throat and turned towards the door. "Sir Jeon, Prince Taehyung is here to see you," he spoke. "I will be letting him in."

After waiting for a moment to see if Jeongguk had any protests against it, the guard opened the door seeing that there was none. He made sure to face away from the inside as Taehyung entered, and closed the door immediately when the Prince was fully in.

Taehyung saw the figure hunched over in the bed slowly get up. With his back faced to him, Jeongguk sat up at the edge of the bed. He knew that that was incredibly disrespectful, but Jeongguk just did not feel like facing the older at the moment.

"Good after-noon, your highness. I cannot assist you with training today, I am not feeling too well. A helper should be waiting for you at the gym. My apologies," Jeongguk said, voice hoarse.

"I know, I sent him away," Taehyung informed. He walked closer to the elf, getting suspicious at his formal talk even though no one was around. Hearing the footsteps nearing, Jeongguk cleared his throat. "I suggest you stay away, you cannot catch my cold."

"Did you take medicine?" Taehyung asked, ignoring the other and walking up to him. Jeongguk's head hung low, his longish raven hair covering his eyes in its untamed hairdo. Not liking the silent answer, Taehyung knew the elf didn't take any.

Taehyung wanted to take a look at the elf properly, so he squatted down, peering up at the elf. His eyes widened as he saw the strained face of the younger, eyes shut close, bottom lip trapped under his teeth to stop the quiver.

"Hey," Taehyung spoke softly. He placed a hand on Jeongguk's that gripped the bedsheet so tightly, loosening at the touch. "What's wrong?"

Jeongguk's eyes fluttered open, meeting with the older's, and Taehyung was able to really see how red and puffy they had become. Jeongguk looked up to the ceiling, feeling all the tears he had been able to control in rush back. He hated this, hated someone saw how much a big baby he actually was, hated looking weak, hated having someone pity him. Pitied, he'd been pitied his entire life. It was enough.

Taehyung got up from the squat and took a seat on the bed, his hand not moving from the other's. "Jeongguk, please talk to me. You don't need to hold yourself back in front of me, you can cry, you know I won't judge. Speak to me, it's better to share your burdens. I won't force you, but I'll wait 'till you do. What's wrong?"

Jeongguk remained silent, little sniffles escaping through. He shook his head, retrieving his hand from Taehyung's hold harshly. "It's alright. I'm fine. I'm fine."

Taehyung frowned as the younger kept repeating those two words, his voice getting quieter and breaking more every time. By the end, he couldn't even made out the words as tears began spilling uncontrollably with silent sobs.

He wanted to keep up the tough act, but Jeongguk just couldn't. He just couldn't. He broke down, and when Taehyung pulled him in for a hug and brought his head to his shoulder, Jeongguk didn't try to stop him. He just cried into his expensive silk robe as the older gently stroked his hair back, whispering soothing words to him. It helped.

After a while, Jeongguk pulled away to meet Taehyung's caring smile. He grabbed a couple tissues from his bedside table, dabbing at his eyes with one then wiping his nose with the other. He bunched them and they disintegrated in thin air.

"Sorry," Jeongguk said quietly, looking at the huge blotch on Taehyung's clothing. If only he had heating powers.

"It's alright. Do you want to talk about it now?" Taehyung asked. He felt like he was walking on eggshells, scared the elf would kick him out of the room for prying so much, but Taehyung just wanted to help.

Jeongguk shook his head slowly once, and Taehyung nodded. "Did you eat?" Taehyung questioned to only receive another shake.

Taehyung sighed, it was well past lunch time. He raised his arm, the sleeve of his robe slipping down to expose his forearm. He pressed a few buttons on his wrist call. He'd been much more accustomed to the gadget with the help of Hoseok. Currently, he was basically making an online food order.

After some time, there was a knock at the door. Taehyung went over and opened in, thanking the helper elf who brought it up and bringing it inside of their room. He didn't think Jeongguk would really appreciate more elves seeing his state.

Taehyung rolled the cart over to Jeongguk. The smell of whatever the meal was was surely to get Jeongguk's mouth watering, Taehyung thought. He folded his arms, took a seat and looked and Jeongguk. Jeongguk looked back, face expressionless.

"What, want me to feed you?" Taehyung asked. Jeongguk blinked, looking down at this fingers and then the food. After a quick glance back at Taehyung, who actually looked ready to feed him, Jeongguk took the bowl of soup and wooden spoon.

Taehyung watched as Jeongguk took tiny little sips, at time just dipping the spoon into the soup. The older let out a short sigh before taking the bowl and spoon from Jeongguk. The younger stared at him confused. Taehyung stirred the soup well, getting all the solids to show themselves.

Getting a good scoop, Taehyung blew on it lightly then brought the spoon to Jeongguk's mouth.

"I can feed myself," Jeongguk said.

"Oh really? From what I just saw, we'll be here for a good week or two. C'mon, say ahh," Taehyung replied, opening his mouth for the other to copy.

Jeongguk only looked back, a small glare peaking through.

Taehyung widened his mouth, as if that'd get the younger to do it. "Royal order, open wide!"

Jeongguk rolled his eyes. Of course this order was stupid and didn't count. Even though he's the prince, he can't just throw around random requests like that. Jeongguk could continue to resist, but he let Taehyung think that he just had no other choice as he opened his mouth just enough to be able to get all the contents off the spoon.

They continued like this, Taehyung feeding him until the bowl was finished. Jeongguk's eyes were on Taehyung the entire time. The older set the bowl down and passed the napkin to Jeongguk.

"You'd do this when we were younger too," Jeongguk said as he set the napkin down after patting his lips with it. Taehyung hummed back, confused. Jeongguk explained, "I used to be a brat and not eat when I was in a bad mood. You were an even bigger brat and didn't eat if I didn't. So you'd come to me and try to feed me until I cracked and ate."

Taehyung smiled at that story. "Did I? Cute."

Jeongguk looked down at his lap and played with his fingers. Taehyung was about to call for someone to come and get the cart, but Jeongguk decided to speak right then.

"He loves someone else."

Taehyung looked at Jeongguk, a little shocked as he wasn't expecting it. Jeongguk continued. "For over twenty years, to this day. I don't think those feelings will be going away any time soon."

"So?"

Jeongguk looked at Taehyung with a raised brow. "What do you mean 'so'? He doesn't like me."

"So you're just going to give up?"

Jeongguk went quiet, not wanting to answer that.

"Jeongguk," Taehyung called out softly. "Why do you like Namjoon?"

The younger wasn't expecting such a question. He gave it a thought before answering. "He was the only one there for me. The only one who stayed in my life when all those I loved left. He was the only one to comfort me during those dark days. I've always admired him for being so strong and smart, I guess over time it became more."

Taehyung nodded. "Are you sure?"

"What?"

"Never mind," Taehyung said and shook his head.

Jeongguk wanted to ask what the other exactly meant, but something in him understood and he didn't want to search for the answer.

"Yes, I'm going to give up on him. It'll take time, but I think it's what's best for me."

Taehyung nodded. "Remember I'm always here for you. I might've not been in the past, but I am now, and I'm here to stay." He scooted closer to the younger so that he could throw and arm over Jeongguk's shoulder.

"Thanks," Jeongguk said quietly.

He could do this. He needs to do this. For himself. Jeongguk couldn't keep chasing after something that could never be his. One elf could only break his heart once, he wasn't going to allow himself to put it back to pieces just to let it be broken again.

•—•—•

Taehyung found himself in another meeting. Killian Jones. He was a retired general, an earth elf who basically becomes stronger and buffer with solar energy.

The two were having casual tea outside. In that process, he became another of the few that knew Taehyung was powerless as he couldn't float a simple tea cup. He tried to use the excuse of he'd just preferred it that way, but when the older requested him to pass a picture frame from across the room, he was caught.

"I heard you were raised by Sir Namjoon's brother?" the man asked, floating up his cup and taking a sip of his piping hot tea. Mr. Jones had made it a point to request the helper elf to change his tea four times as it wasn't hot enough.

"Well, not exactly. I was raised by two elves named Marie and Dave for most of my life," Taehyung explained.

The elf nodded, stroking his long beard which he stopped as he remembered something. "Wait a minute, those names... Marie and Dave Bennett?" Killian asked, shocked. Taehyung nodded in response.

The elder scoffed. "The couple who tried to steal royal potions? Why would anyone trust a child with those outlaws?"

"Well they were actually really n–"

"I mean, they're traitors. There was a reason Marie couldn't conceive a child. She wasn't worthy of being a mother!"

Taehyung jaw clenched. He did his best to not start cursing at the elder for talking about his parents that way.

He took another sip after a sigh. "Your father was too kind to let them go that easily. Well, it's better than letting Jimin raise you. That elf's quite the trouble maker. God, if my son was anything like him, I'd be embarrassed. I find it a little strange that he's not even an ounce like his brother, how unfortunate."

Taehyung looked down and closed his eyes, his hands that hid under the table balled up into fists. First, he talks shit about his parents, and now his best friend? He felt a new kind of rage stir up in him.

"Ahh!" a loud scream along with the shatter of the porcelain cup was heard. Taehyung head sprung up and eyes shot open. He'd seen the hot liquid along with the cup had bursted, bits of the ceramic on the table but all the tea of the elf's face.

Killian yelled in pain, Taehyung stared not knowing what to do. From the looks of it, it seemed to be a first-degree burn. Helper elves and guard waiting at the doors rushed to their side. A guard made one his charms expand and turn into a floating chair like object. The other guard carried the elf onto the chair. While that happened, the helpers elves questioned and inspected if the Prince was alright, letting out a breath of relief seeing he was.

"I'll be taking him to the Royal Infirmary, your highness," the guard said, before bowing and rushing with the chair to the nearest teleporter with a helper elf.

"Are you sure you're alright, Prince Taehyung?" the other helper elf repeated. "What happened?"

"I'm fine, thank you. And, your guess is as good as mine," Taehyung replied, watching the teleporter in the wall reveal itself and close.

What the hell had happened? Taehyung just told himself karma got the best of him, but he knew that probably wasn't it.

Later on, Taehyung paid a visit to the infirmary with Namjoon. The elf rested on a bed but looked completely fine, all due to magical aid of course.

"Are you alright, Sir Jones?" Taehyung asked.

"Yes, Prince Taehyung. Why hello, Namjoon. It's been a while, it's good to see you," he answered.

Namjoon smiled and nodded once. "Likewise, Killian, but I didn't imagine to see you like this. What happened?"

The elf shook his head. "I must've gripped onto it too tightly, I didn't know my strength could go into one's telekinetic abilities. Well, it was quite sunny today. I'm not sure."

"I'll have someone look into it. Rest well, I hope the remainder of your stay is much better," Namjoon said.

The two elves left the room, Taehyung followed behind Namjoon. The older went back to the balcony where they had their tea.

"That's weird," Namjoon muttered as he examined the place. He looked at Taehyung who looked equally confused. Namjoon knotted his brows. "Was it... was it you?"

"What?" Taehyung questioned, not understanding what he meant.

"Did you break the cup?" he clarified.

"What? No! Why would I?" Taehyung began, feeling very defensive. Even if he did have any kind of magic, he'd never intend to hurt anyone, and especially not like that.

Namjoon looked at him for another moment before dropping it. "My apologies, I don't know what I was thinking. Oh, I completely forgot, I have a meeting to get to. If you'll excuse me, Prince Taehyung."

Taehyung nodded. "Oh, before you leave. Can the process for mom and dad on Earth be a little sped up. I'm sorry if it's a lot of work."

The older shook his head. "I'll make sure it's done as soon as it could be. Yoongi's the one in charge of it."

Taehyung nodded again. Namjoon smiled and began walking away, but he was stopped again. "You'll join us for dinner, right?"

"Of course." With that, Namjoon left.

Taehyung finally felt like he could relax. He sat down and reached for a treat he couldn't enjoy earlier in that tense situation just when his wrist call vibrated. He groaned and checked it, seeing that it was the reminder for his training.

With a sigh, Taehyung grabbed the treat and made his way to the gym. When he entered, he saw Jeongguk running crazy on the magical treadmill. Usually, he wouldn't get on the equipment, but he was in more tight fitted clothing and so concentrated that he didn't even notice Taehyung come in.

"Hey, Guks," Taehyung greeted.

Upon hearing the older, Jeongguk stopped the treadmill. "Prince," he said back simply. He walked over to him, not a drop of sweat on his body, just a slight steam.

Jeongguk looked at the elf head to toe. "There's something different about you."

"Different?"

"Yeah, something off. I don't know."

Taehyung hummed, not knowing what to say to that exactly. "Well, you're looking a lot better."

Jeongguk nodded, giving a short smile. They began their workout routine and while Taehyung did all the physical work, Jeongguk talked him through a short lesson of proper etiquette during a meeting with the leaders of the seven other kingdoms of Elvador, as he was bound to have one sooner or later.

When they finished, Taehyung found himself sprawled out on the floor, eyes closed and panting heavily. Sure, he'd been getting good results so far from this, but it really takes the breath out of him.

"Let's call it a day," Jeongguk said, crouching down and hovering his hands over Taehyung's face, giving off some cool air.

Taehyung opened his eyes to be greeted with a pair of hands and through the peeks, an upside down Jeongguk. Taehyung  sighed at the nice feel of the cool air hitting him.

"Really?" Taehyung breathed out, not believing the younger was letting him off so easy. He saw Jeongguk nod. Taehyung smiled wide. "Then let's go to the village!"

Jeongguk retrieved his hands as Taehyung raised up. Taehyung turned his body around so that he would face the younger.

"The village? Now way, that's out of question," Jeongguk rejected immediately.

"Oh c'mon, please? No one will recognize me, we'll be undercover. I just feel so cooped up in this place, I wanna go out," Taehyung whined, determines to get his approval.

Jeongguk sighed and got up, Taehyung followed after him quickly. He continued. "At least you get to go out on royal missions! I stay here all day and train. Don't you think I deserve this small request?"

Jeongguk only ignored the elf and went on with the usual cleaning process. Taehyung pouted seeing the younger pretend as if he didn't hear. He ran up to him and stood right in front, blocking his path.

"Please?" Taehyung pleaded, making sure to add in some puppy dog eyes, a pout and sad voice.

Jeongguk pressed his lips into a thin line, and slowly but surely, he broke. He let out the breath he didn't know he was holding in and threw his arms in the air.

"Fine, but only for an hour!" Jeongguk said. Taehyung jumped in joy, screaming out chants of his little victory. He'd been trying to get out of the castle, as great as it was, for the past week. Now, he'd finally gotten the opportunity.

•—•—•

"You know something, don't you," Namjoon said to his brother.

Jimin kept his gaze at the piece of porcelain that was left behind that Namjoon had picked up earlier, his face serious. "What do you mean?"

"You're sure the King said nothing about him to you before you left for Earth?" Namjoon asked and it wasn't the first time.

"No, no he didn't." The same answer once again.

Namjoon had always been skeptical onto why he wasn't sent down to Earth with Taehyung instead of Jimin. He knew his brother well, the elf was definitely not capable of taking care of a child with no help at all nor would he want to, a child that'd be the future of their kingdom at that. Namjoon thought it might've just been that the kingdom needed him there as the King would be gone too, but now he thinks there's a lot more than just that.

—•

I'm sorry it's been like 3949204849 years how r y'ALL

I remember I used to have consistent updates every week for my fics but now I'm just a mess
I'm really sorry guys

Kay you don't gotta read this, just my 4 am self rambling but–
I've been working on this update every day for the past week and I think I might be overthinking all of this?? It was supposed be this fun and lighthearted fic but every time i start writing, I just get all these ideas and potentials for all the characters and connections and situations and this and that and ahhh! I wanna include them all so then I start to think of how it will all progress and I just make everything more complicated for myself, and some times I don't even like them so then I want to scrap everythinggggg
Like I'm thinking about just changing the whole elf thing and just making them humans in a parallel universe with magic and shit, like them being elves is not even pertinent to this plot do, I don't know what I was thinking when I made this decision??? um yeah you might see that I went back and changed it as an announcement in the beginning of the next update possibly
Anyways, I really do like the vision I have for this fic and I have full intentions to complete it

Sorry for the wait,
Bye<3