Chapter 57: A Test to Prevail

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A/N: *insert; Hiyaaa how you doing?* meme

Yes yes, I was a lil busy, my major kicking ass anyway here's a delayed treat for yall-

Recommended music:
• Cathedral- MJ Cole
•Lament- Invadable Harmony
• Pretty fool- beasts with no name [for the last portion. This song is a sound track for the show and I remember being completely entranced by it]

Happy reading♡
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Taehyung is not a man of many words.

His gaze, usually cold. His lips, pressed thin. A sheen frost would settle on his features of tan, making anyone and everybody steer clear from his path.

Although there would be instances, where his lithe body would struck rigid- unmoving.

Taehyung stares, blood pulsing.

Taehyung surely is not a man of many words, but his curiosity was unprecedented and for that, he could not help but wonder what pleasant(not) occasion would this day have to hold, to be greeted by an angel on an early morning jog.

"You can be at ease, Kim Taehyung." The angel, spoke. Voice as gentle as it had ever been.

Taehyung exhaled, but the tension in his guts didn't recede, he was still a little self conscious- of many... many things.

Specific things.

"Why don't you come take a seat, you're almost out of breath" Namjoon said, gesturing towards a lone bench around the deserted park.

Taehyung complied, not wanting to seem rude and quietly made his way towards the wooden bench.

Taehyung wasn't all that much of nervous, perhaps he should have been considering the looks he'd get from the angels he had crossed paths with until now-

Even Jungkook had gone to lengths of expressing his displeasure of him having met an Angel in the Precinct who had showed up unannounced. Perhaps it had something to do with the angel and Demon discourse, or possibly a sibling thing, Taehyung doesn't understand much of how it worked- but Jungkook clearly wasn't happy knowing that he had been visited by one of his quoteunquote "lofty, darned, sibling" when neither he, nor Jimin was by his side.

Taehyung looked up to the Angel, who stood before him.

Jungkook seemed to trust Namjoon- or atleast, the scarce amount of times the Devil had willingly let Angel to step in to care for him, fearing that he wouldn't want Jungkook around- or the times, he had slipped in to whispers, of demanding him to escape to safety with either Jimin or Namjoon, for things should ever go south...

Taheyung doesn't know, what he should make of "things going south" or why... would Jungkook say that- it doesn't make sense and although the juncture in the crook of his neck, faintly tingles at that- Taehyung doesn't quite remember what.... the pain felt like.

"Um... is- did something happen?" Taehyung asked, impatiently, his voice meek.

Taehyung sweat a little more from the anxiety, desperately hoping it was not what his mind was more concerned about- speaking of which, it had been over two days and Taehyung had thoroughly rinsed his body of any and all evidence- hopefully.

"No, I simply visited to check upon you" Namjoon replied and Taehyung mentally sighed in relief.

Atleast the Angel held some respect for other non immortal creatures, and did not give a sleazy grin like Jimin had-

Taehyung shudders and then shakes the thought away.

"You seem cold, would you like to head inside? There's a place that I know around here that opens early."

"Ah- hm?" Taehyung stumps. Taehyung doesn't have an idea or two of Heavenly etiquette, but he sure does know it would be sign of disrespectful to gesture the robe the Angel was wearing- perhaps it wouldn't have been a problem if it were 5 centuries ago- also it would be absurd if people catch him talking to himself or something, that is, if the Angel doesn't wish to reveal himself to another-

Namjoon pauses, studying the mortal's face and then let's out a pleasant deep chuckle- one that fills in his face to let two dimples arise on his cheeks like a pair of suns.

Taehyung admires the Angel quietly. Although Jungkook had no similar features as that of the Angel before him, there would be no mistake in pointing out that both were from the same class of ethereal beauty, each unique and bright but something that entirely transcends mortals.

With a wave of His hand, Namjoon's attire changes into that of current fashion- a grey sweatshirt and simple black pants. The glow of his face had receded by a point, but the taller man stood out nonetheless.

Taehyung walks alongside the Angel, a step behind. The silence wasn't deafening, the dawn was breaking and there were already people in the streets, ready to start with their new day.

Taehyung glances over to the Angel, who looked as normal as any other mortal walking past them. The Angel would smile politely at anyone who looked over to him, or smiled in awe.

The two head into a small restaurant, cramped between two taller buildings. The door frame was short and so both had to duck, as they stepped into the establishment.

Taehyung had not once seen the small family run restaurant before in the busy streets of Seoul, yet Namjoon had carefully laid down an order for breakfast, consisting of egg spinach rolls, tofu and chicken, with kimchi stew and some fluffy rice.

The food, tasted homely and warm. Almost familiar.

Taehyung swallowed a piece of tofu and then looked over at the Angel is disguise "I... didn't know erm- you'd eat mortal food..."

Namjoon places his chopsticks aside for a bit "I stay in the mortal realm for longer periods than I do at Silver Gates, I'm a Guardian afterall..." he smiles gently "and as for food, although I require none as you may already know, I do relish the fruits of my Father's creation"

"So... you're always... here?" Taehyung asks, not quite sure how to put forth his question. He wonders if its even right to address the immortal, as 'you' - although he did put forth the most formal of 'you' in his native tongue, he still found it incomplete and disregarding.

Namjoon picks up his chopsticks "mm... yes, but not quite... the world is vast- but for the last few years, yes, I have frequented this country more than the others."

Taehyung doesn't have to guess the reason behind it. He knows it.

Taehyung doesn't ask any further and resumes to eat in silence.

People pour into the restaurant- mostly elderly and few daily laborers, lively and buzzing. The silence filled by their chatter and the cold of early spring warmed by steaming food.

Taehyung feels a little conflicted, but he dares not voice out his questions. A curious mortal as he was, Taehyung understood the weight of several things- and the most crucial of that, was to not prod at something he could not efficiently hold in his hands.

Asking Jungkook questions is same as asking them to a wall- there was no point of hoping to receive a straight answer- if it's not snickers of quick remarks, he'd be roped into those sticky hands of the scheming Devil and be done with it. Notably, that's how his last questionnaire adventure went- the worst of being revealed to something horrendous doing of his own.... Taehyung would rather take a jump out of a plane without a chute than live through that embarrassment again.

The Angel's calm stature, lets in belief that he would answer Taehyung's questions- if not, atleast he would guide him. Taehyung believes.

He looks down at his plate. He remembers Jungkook's distaste.

Is there a line that would be crossed if he'd seek guidance from an Angel?

Jungkook is wary of them.... and they're wary of Jungkook. This, Taehyung knows.

But then there was Dr. Min, who had outrightedly warned him of Jungkook. Of what he was capable... of what... truly he could be... of what he truly is...

The middle ground, as twisted as it was, rested with Jimin- who was equally, or if not, more wary of all the parties. Sure, his inherent nature made him inclusively hostile against the Angels. But there were times, where there was nothing but unbridled fear in his voice when he spoke of Jungkook- or spoke... to Jungkook. Sure, he was the most closest of all to the man, yet it didn't justify why he feared him the most- or probably it did.... and Taehyung, didn't want to accept it.

The Devil.

The Devil. His wrath, as they speak.... or rather something that shouldn't be spoken of.

Taehyung worries and he pushes the words further deeper into his throat, swallowing it with a piece of tofu.

Breakfast savoured, the two head out of the establishment, walking beside each other in quiet solitude.

"Today is fairly eventful" The Angel speaks, his face overturned to the sky. He stops walking and then peers down to look at Taehyung.

"Should it be something, I should be careful about?" Taehyung asks, a little jittery.

Namjoon smiles at that "Perhaps, but who knows?" He shrugs a little, a break in his lofty character "we are not granted the eyes to see the future."

Taehyung registers it in his mind, thoughts swirling in his head. He clenches and unclenches his fingers.

"I- I know.. I know it's not my place to ask.... but I must know" he pauses, waits for the calm eyes to overturn but the Angel's gaze does not waver off of him.

Like a weight on his chest, Taehyung suddenly feels the intensity. It's stiffling.

He steels his heart and continues. It's now or never.

"There has been.. too many things that have been occurring lately... I need to know where I stand in it. How am I... bound to it."

There's a faint flicker of gold in those raven irises. Like a quick zap of lightening that if Taehyung wasn't looking at the Angel's face, he would have completely missed it.

Like flowing water, the faint emotion drifts away from the handsome features. Namjoon blinks, "it's something... that even I.. have failed to understand, how you're bound to it, Kim Taehyung."

The reply was unexpected, but it wasn't the answer.

Taehyung waits for more.

"My father may send tests to prevail in life, but this... shouldn't be a test" the Angel pauses, his eyes turned to the sky as something in them crinkles, tense.

"Then what test is this?" Taehyung asks, feeling his own nervousness spike.

Namjoon looks back at him and expression that almost comes close to be called as sorrowful.

"Trust." Namjoon replies, tone somber. "We're all in His will, a test, of who we choose to trust."

Taehyung pauses, eyes lowering to the concrete underneath his foot.

A traitor in the Precinct.

Somebody he trusts.

And.... and.

He sighs, dejected.

He trusts. He believes.

"I know it would be hard on you, if I were to ask you to pick a side, Kim Taehyung. But I must know.... who is it that you will choose, if the world's ending by tomorrow?"

Another set of heavy weights rest on his chest, it's almost hard to breathe.

The reality is terrifying, his discarded rationality creeping up his veins and yet.... and yet, a desperate voice screams into his ear.

Everything in all of my existence, has been unfair to me.

Why has nobody prayed for the Sinner who needed it the most?

There's nothing I fear more than your blood on my hands.

If there comes a day, where you're truly scared of me, run away.

I cannot replace you Detective Kim

The words suffocate him, like an impending doom awaiting him in the future.

Righteousness and the brimming emotions of his heart, clash against each other. A sort of pain, that Taehyung had never imagined to face before. Nothing mattered before righteousness.... that was until... his heart ached for another.

He exhales through his nose, the tension in his shoulders receding. "I'd trust myself to make a decision, should that day come."

The Angel blinks, clearly not having expected this for an answer. "And if your decision must be at your expense?" He asks, unwavering.

Taehyung faintly shudders under the gaze and then let's out a half-hearted chuckle "Its not like my current profession grants me 100% safety either"

The Angel's tense expression softens at that, the sorrow returning to his gaze.

"I'd rather you not depart, Taehyung." Namjoon replies in a somber tone, familiarity pouring in his words.

The world moves, as do the people, but the two stay in the same spot as everything else dims away.

The heavy words cling onto Taehyung's chest, tearing into his flesh. He can't keep up with the Angel's gaze anymore and so he lowers his own, feeling something prickle at his eyes.

Taehyung feels a little pathetic to know such honest words could reduce him bare.

He laughs, uneasily to cover up the pain in his chest.

"I've cheated death several times, it seems luck is favorably on my side." He speaks, casually as he does whenever one prods at this little corner in his heart.

The Angel says nothing to that and turns to face the sun, he deeply exhales pressing his hands behind his back.

"Be wary when you trust another...." Namjoon pauses, a small sigh escaping his lips- seeming as if he were speaking to himself "we should all be..."

The Angel turns to look back at Taehyung and the mortal straightens up. The golden rays of the Sun spilling across the sky, surrounding the Angel in a golden halo- almost as if he were igniting it himself.

"And it's not that I am warning you against my brother...." Namjoon purses his lips, faint golden swirling in his eyes. "I'm simply asking you to be careful, for several eyes are restless and deceiving as it is always the one you hold close, finds it easy to draw a dagger into your back."

"It has happened in history before... it can happen again." A faint frown tugs at the Angel's features.

Taehyung does not reply, and silently watches as the Angel waves his hand, a crystalline bubble forming around him. Namjoon asks him to briefly close his eyes and so he does, without a complaint and feels two bright lights sizzle through, his skin turning warm.

He opens his eyes only to find two other Angel's beside Namjoon, on either side.

One, a short haired woman with silver armor adorned on her frame, her face cold and unyielding. The same face, who he had seen at Hongdo Island. Bitter memories filter in through Taehyung's mind and he promptly shuts is close.

The other, who he remembers better- Kiwoo, the one he had met in the Lieutenant's office.

The two address Namjoon with a perfunctory bow and pass a fleeting glance at him, before looking back at Namjoon.

"There's a situation in Gwangjju." The woman- whom, Taehyung faintly recalls to be named Yinan, speaks.

Namjoon nods "we can set out now-" he pauses to look at KiWoo who hadn't yet spoken.

"The Silver Gates, requests your presence, but it can wait. The situation at Gwangjju is more critical." The Angel speaks, tone formal.

Namjoon gives another nod of affirmation. "Let the Silver Gates know I've received their message and will return in few more hours after Gwangjju is dealt with."

Kiwoo nods at that and steps away. Resplendent golden light fills in and gone are the sweatshirt and pants, revealing a set of plain white robes.

The Angel turns to look at Taehyung, a faint smile on his lips. "Thankyou, for allowing me to have breakfast with you, Kim Taehyung."

The Detective sputters at that, ignoring the pointed gaze he receives from the other two for that.

Before he could thank in return, or bow in gratitude, or give any sort of reply, the Angel disappears- not quite in the blindingly flashing white light, but a moderate one that doesn't sizzle his eyes into his sockets.

Taehyung blinks, dazed. He eyes the other two, curious but doesn't say anything. The Angel in the Silver armor, looks at him in distaste as does the other, expressions although lofty- still impossibly cold. Protective.

"Do not assume closeness with all of us, as you have with the Devil." Kiwoo speaks, his tone cutting sharp. Taehyung shifts uneasily.

"It is still customary to know your place and show respect to the Guardian, even if he doesn't ask of it."

Taehyung seals his lips, not wanting to offend either and bows his head slightly in an apology.

A mere huff to the air and another white light bursts into the air- this time, significantly uncaring and sizzling bright that Taehyung winces on spot.

Dots appear in his vision and he looks up, squinting his eyes to find a pair of calm golden ones looking back at him.

The woman stares, chin held high, standing as tall as him.

Taehyung remembers how a playful (contextual) sparring had turned into something that of a terrorizing twist in his guts. He recalls, Jungkook's admitted joy of fighting the Angel had nothing to do with the amount of trust he withheld for her.

Taehyung holds in his breath, a little jittery.

He watches her, her lips moving- almost as if she wanted to say something, but then she purses it into a thin line and turns away. A wave of her hand and the crystal bubble around them disintegrates, the noise fills in, people walk past and soon Taehyung loses the sight of the Angel in the crowds.

**********

Taehyung makes his way to his desk, tugging at his jacket. He then promptly sits down, letting a sigh escape his lips.

He leans back on his chair and catches Hoseok, busy in his phone, eyebrow furrowed and a thumbs jut between his lips, biting away at the nail- anxious.

"Hoseok. Updates from HQ?" Taehyung asks and the Detective looks up, shaking his head.

"Nope. Not yet." He sighs and then scoots towards Taehyung, dragging his chair across the tiles. "Here, look at this mess" He tells, handing his phone over to Taehyung.

The two close in, the phone securely held Taehyung watches the screen flash red and white, the news anchor reporting in with a footage of a severe highway accident being reeled onto the screen.

"-9 confirmed deaths, 6 are in critical danger and 17 more injured, severe and minor, now enroute Shinjin Hospital. Heading back to the site, the reports claim that Mr. Park Gongsoo, who was driving a heavy ton truck of Mettlors Steel ltd Industry, supposedly faced a failure in the engine, losing the control of the vehicle and the secondary systems, which resulted in the mass collision. Mr. Park, is also one of the 9 victims who lost their lives today on this tragic highway accident, now seen as a marked roadway incident in the last 20 years. Gwangjju city department, has now undertaken investigation to s-"

Taehyung exhales a puff of air.

So this was the "critical" situation in Gwangjju.

"Its troublesome" Taehyung mumbles.

"It is, although Mr. Park who was driving the truck, it is the Industry's fault in not keeping in check with their transport vehicles. They scarcely conducted tests and when commissioned to acquire newer better accommodated heavy vehicles they refused so as to cut costs and now this happens- its a pity, that innocent lives are lost to their ignorance" Hoseok clicks his tongue and reels back into his chair.

Taehyung sinks into his own chair and stares at his ceiling, deep in thought.

"Hoseok, I have to ask you something..." Taehyung pauses, feeling Hoseok's eyes move to him.

"...I've been thinking of this ... possible traitor in the Precinct..... and it's funny isn't it? They're probably watching us right now, acting all aloof...." Taehyung sighs and then looks back at the other Detective, eyes intense.

Hoseok averts his eyes and then runs it across the room, wary.

He jumps to his feet and pauses to look down at Taehyung, in a hushed voice he speaks,"Let's head outside."

Taehyung looks at the retreating figure and then stands up, following his gaze around the large room watching to catch someone act out unnaturally hearing his intentional slip of words.

Few of those, who obviously heard his words seemed to have stiffened, peeking at him underneath their lashes and few who snickered under their breaths, anxious.

Someone who aided a psychotic mass murderer was amongst them.

They knew. And they were tense.

Lips pursed, Taehyung tugs onto his jacket and trails his way out, just as a face sneaks up, turning around the corner. Eyes wide, pupils dilated, voiceless whispers leaving from lips in a manner of heinous chants.

The figure stands cold and frozen, fingers shaking in hunger.

The lips curl into a deathly smile, before it vanishes, the Officer blinks, dazed and walks away, aloof.

********

"Thats a dangerous thing to do..." Hoseok shakes his head.

"If they won't show, we'll only have to try luring them out." Taehyung shrugs.

Hoseok opens his mouth and then exhales, pressing the bridge of his nose. "You've become even more careless with your tactics Taehyung, don't you value your life even a bit?"

That's the second time he heard it.

Taehyung grins and elbows the other man "I'm sick of playing sitting ducks, knowing that bastard is watching us only sickens me."

"Yes and that's why we have to be careful. Really, saying something like this obnoxiously outloud- you're acting like somebody I know now" Hoseok scoffs, in distaste.

Taehyung quirks his eyebrow, demanding for an answer but Hoseok slips away "what do you mean who? Ofcourse all the evil influence is getting to you."

Taehyung doubles and sputters over that, watching at his friend incredulously "Ah you must not value your life now that you're asking for some good beating from me-"

"Aiyah!- I'm kidding. I'm kidding." Hoseok puts his hands together, dramatically pleading.

Taehyung snorts, chuckling and continues to walk alongside the man. They both come to a pause at an open window, and simultaneously prop their hands on the windowsill.

"Hoseok... I must tell you... I'm a little anxious these days... and have doubts when it comes to trusting people..."

The wind blows in, soothing and calm. The white clouds float, painting the baby blue sky.

"I have doubts too.... I've long had doubts." Hoseok confesses.

"You do?" Taehyung looks over at the male, who nods and Taehyung laughs a little "I guess that makes me feel a little better..."

"I kind of pinned everything on... well... ahem.. Jungkook... back then... you know, when I realized what he was..."

Taehyung wheezes a little, unable to hold it back.

"Stop laughing, I'm still living the horror alright. Forgive this plain mortal here whose fortune did a 180 on him that now claims the Devil is not as much as bad as the history paints him in-"

Taehyung begins to laugh even more at that, head thrown back.

"Oh he is bad alright, please don't ever say this to him you'll demolish his ego threshold-" Taehyung chuckles, breathing in deeply.

"Oh shutup, I'd rather not meet him or his underling, thankyou very much." Hoseok mumbles, wrapping his fingers around his neck at the faint memory. He shudders.

Silence zips in, both deep in their doubts before Hoseok chimes in.

"You do not doubt me?" Hoseok asks, earnest.

Taehyung briefly looks at the man, remembering how his heart had evoked tiny bits of mistrust against the man, not enough to consume his thoughts but enough to hold him struck.

He recalls the day he had trudged into the terrorizing tunnel, a eye-less mangled corpse of a creature that haunted him down earlier. He remembers the anxious, rigid glances sent back and forth between Jimin and Jungkook- a first.

Impulses, following orders.

Or something similar to itself.

Taehyung had his doubts too.

Taehyung shakes the thoughts away and then smiles at the sky, "what's left if I don't trust you in the end, Hoseok?"

Hoseok's gaze softens and he turns to look in the same direction, "I'm thankful... that I don't have to fight against my friend... I trust you too."

"But not all, is it?" Taehyung throws a side-eye glance

Hoseok sighs, head hung low. "Not all." He repeats.

"Who?" Taehyung asks, vaguely and Hoseok snorts, shoulders sagging.

"Its just speculations, I'd rather you not bear my guilt of holding suspicions over friends."

Taehyung's eyelids flutter at the response. He understands.

"And you're too much caught up into this..." Hoseok sighs "even back then, the Reaper specifically sought you out to endanger your life- I- fear... whoever it is amongst us, is.... most likely disguising as a friend...."

"You don't want your suspicions to be right." Taehyung whispers.

"I do not want you to die." Hoseok corrects.

Taehyung stares at the man and then averts his gaze, his guts twisting uncomfortably. "Why does everyone say that as if I'm inevitably going to die in less than a week?"

Hoseok grips the windowsill, clearly unhappy with the words.

Taehyung looks over at the man and does indeed feel a pang of pain pinch his heart.

"Ah- don't look so down Hoseok! You're scaring me with that face-" he says, patting Hoseok's back, trying to console him.

Hoseok scowls and pulls away, not buying the act "I trust you to stay, because I trust your decisions Taehyung...."

Taehyung pauses, hand mid-air.

"And for that alone... I keep thinking... I keep trying to understand..." Hoseok turns to look back at the sky "but the air has been weirder... people are weirder... I just... see things differently... it's not right, I know something is not right..."

"what you do, is your decision and I know you.... and for what I've seen... I believe.. I can hope, to believe that they'd keep you safe from harm's way..." he sighs, drawing a deep breath. "It worries me Taehyung.... we're only human... we shouldn't be dealing with this."

Hoseok turns to look at him, eyes fierce yet warm.

"I do trust them... Hoseok." Taehyung confesses "it's difficult to explain... but I promise you, I've not forgotten my morals."

Hoseok exhales in relief, but his expression remains thick. He pats Taehyung's arm and then walks past the man, leaving Taehyung alone to his thoughts.

He casts the sky one last look before walking away, to look for long overdue answers.

************

"Aw c'mon, don't be like that Detective Kim-"

Taehyung holds down the urge to roll his eyes. He doesn't move.

"But is it not the truth?" He presses, watching the Devil pace around in his deep velvet robe.

"The truth, yes the truth- and I'm telling, you- I am being civil here and cooperating but obviously, there's a lot of gray area in your proposed questions right there unless-!" Jungkook pauses, whirling around to look at the Detective and creeps in closer, slipping behind the couch and grips the mortal man's shoulders.

"-you want me to expose your bits of other crimes, Detective Kim. I mean, you didn't take the first one so well-" he leans in close, voice deep and teasing as he kneads the muscles under his palm. Taehyung squirms.

"-if you insist then I'm much more honored to oblige" the Devil whispers into Taehyung's ear, who visibly shudders.

Snapping out of the sultry trance, the Detective smacks Jungkook with the file in his hands.

"Stop trying to distract me Jungkook, I'm being serious here."

The Devil groans and pads away, chucking his robe on the floor, allowing Taehyung to see his bare back. He makes his way to the mini bar and pours himself a drink instead, ignoring the pointed stare.

Taehyung feels a vein pop up on his forehead.

"I know... your- immortal business isn't any of my business but Jungkook- there's been shit happening lately and I hate to break your main character bubble here, but seriously ¾th of this shit is centered around me and I don't even know what's happening half the time!"

The Devil whirls around, eyes narrowed.

"Break my main character bubble?" He repeats, snidely "oh Detective Kim, now that's rude of you"

Taehyung groans and jumps to feet "Alright just let me in, atleast what I have to keep an eye out f-"

"I'm here to watch over you, am I not?" Jungkook cuts in.

"No- yes. But no-"

"If you're feeling wary, all the more reason to allow me to be your partner again so I can be by your side-" the Devil proposes with a wide grin

Taehyung sighs with his eyes shut, exhausted "no. No. That's not happening"

"See? You're not letting me-" Jungkook rolls his eyes and walks back down to the couch with a glass of whiskey.

"Jungkook I just- ugh- why are you being so difficult? I want to be independent alright? I have always been and I have always watched my own back and I don't really... like being this- one big idiot in this supernatural world of some sort where people are trying to kill me in their supernatural ways and people who are trying to warn me to be smart enough to not be be a fool and evade it-"

"Who did you meet today?" A voice cuts in and Taehyung heaves, the restrain on his tongue long gone. A mistake.

Oh.

"Why is that even important-" Taehyung dodges.

"I asked, who did you meet today?" Jungkook repeats, his voice somehow colder.

"Jungkook stop trying to intimidate me. What's so hard to answer what I'm asking? Why can't you just tell me?" Taehyung frowns.

Jungkook doesn't respond and somehow Taehyung feels an invisible barrier extend between them, pulling further and further away.

He clenches his fingers, his chest hurting a little.

Taehyung purses his lips together, the cold mask reforming on his features.

"Fine then!" He barks, turning away "I'll just find someone who'll tell me what's going on-"

And he walks, so again, without turning back even once and steps into the elevator, jabbing the panel to take him to ground floor.

He paces around the shiny golden elevator, the warm light spilling over him but the Detective's restlessness preserved.

Jungkook is an idiot.

An idiot.

He snaps and grips his hair in frustration. "ARGH What an idiot!!!"

An idiot.

I am an idiot.

He presses his forhead against the mirrored wall, and sighs softly, defeated.

His heart aches just as much as his forhead.

Should he try asking Jimin instead- Taehyung shakes his head.

He sighs once more and slumps against the wall, feeling the tiredness in his bones rise.

He needs to take a nap, Taehyung understands. What he needs is a warm nap.

The door dings open, sliding past. Dejected, at the failure of prying answers out of Jungkook and simultaneously sabotaging a bit of their mutual-understanding unnamed relationship, Taehyung walks out, feeling like shit.

He steps out of the elevator and comes in face to face with Jungkook- now dressed, with a plain white shirt and a grey suit jacket thrown over his shoulders.

For a second, Taehyung wonders if there's another elevator connected to the Penthouse before recalls who the man even was.

Right.

"What?" He asks, tone unkind but Taehyung feels anxious, unable to keep his emotions in line.

"Give me some time, I'll have to think over it." The Devil proposes and Taheyung frowns.

"Call me when you're ready to speak." Taehyung bites out, trying to evade the other.

"Detective Kim, I'm serious."

Taehyung clicks his tongue and walks past the man "and so am I."

"Please... do not just-" Jungkook sighs, exasperated and catches onto the Detective's arm, holding him back from walking away.

Frustration spiking, he whirls around to look at the raventte.

"Do not what?" He snaps, he narrows his eyes and steps closer to the man "You're here but you're not talking to me Jungkook."

"I don't like this feeling and you keep twisting everything around and I just... don't have anybody else to ask about it. So tell me what I should do. Tell me where I should look for answers. Or do you want me simply lounging around until whatever that's out there actually gets me?"

Gazes locked, they stare at each other, fierce and vulnerable all the same.

"Tell me, am I even going to wake up tomorrow?"

Something flits past Jungkook's face and his irises spark red, face growing dark. The lights overhead flicker and distorted murmurs arise from the lobby.

The grip on his hand tightens and Taehyung bites back the pained groan.

"Detective Kim... Taehyung... do not jest." A strained voice leaves the Devil's throat. A threat. A warning. A request.

Desperation.

Jungkook lets go of the Detective's arm as the red in his eyes dissipates and he then takes a step behind, putting some distance.

"I apologize, I'll call you." He speaks.

Taehyung stiffly nods and walks away, his footsteps fastened.

Jungkook stares at his palm in soundless anger, boiling underneath his skin.

How could he.

How could he!

The cold in his hand had melted, as did the blood he had felt under his grip. He senses the distress and the pain, Jungkook purses his lips.

He turns to watch the Detective slip out of the doors and he follows, his footsteps quick, in hopes of catching the man in his arms, to cradle him, to apologize. Again. And again. And again.

He steps out of the revolving doors only to watch a door slam shut and the taxi rev away.

He stares at the vehicle, blending with the rest. Stranded, he listens to the heartbeat that drifts further away from his radius.

Jungkook sighs, defeated.

He walls down the street, thoughts adrift, wondering what would be left if he reveals the truth.

He thinks.

He fears.

Jungkook sits down on a lone bench, surrounded by a few pedestrians waiting for their bus to arrive.

Would Detective Kim leave him?

Would Detective Kim.... hate him?

He sighs, head hung low and fingers clasped together.

Some time passes by in silence but Jungkook remains, plagued by his thoughts until he feels a stare bore into him.

He cracks an eyelid open and glances over to the figure seated beside him, hands neatly folded around a book.

Jungkook almost scoffs out loud.

"Need something?" He asks gruff and annoyed.

The man doesn't say anything but extends his arm, so as to hand over the book in his hands.

Jungkook recoils and curses in his head.

Damned priests!

"You seem like you could use a bit of help, the Holy Bible always carves out a path to all who seek it." The priest speaks, holding almost no emotion in his eyes.

Jungkook bites back his desire to lunge at the man and deliver a nice punch to the face, but his expression gives away his thoughts.

The priest shrugs, a small smile creeping up to his lips and ushers the Holy Bible further towards the Devil, who immidiately backs away, hissing.

"I was there alright now stop evoking my familial trauma and go kneel at church or something" he mutters under his breath, horrified at the oblivious priest's boldness.

No- strike that.

The AUDACITY.

"I've long left the path and have no intentions of returning, please mind your own business old priest." Jungkook bites out with a painful smile.

One punch. Just one... strong... bone shattering punch.

Jungkook at one point wonders if his older brother can sense his thirst for violence. He shakes his thoughts away and admittedly stands up, not wanting to associate with someone that would result in breaking a truce with the Silver Gates.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." [James 4:7]

Jungkook stares at the traffic, eyes empty as he promptly ignores the priest's provocation.

"You hold no qualms. It is only for the Lord's light, I believe you should understand that the infl-"

Jungkook whirls, he snaps his fingers and points at the man "listen. Listen. Shush. Zip it. Alright? Shutup. Leave me alone. Go about your way. I go about mine. How about that hm?"

The priest doesn't respond and Jungkook sighs in relief, and turns to the road, thoughts racing back to Taehyung.

There's not a minute of silence before, the annoying voice fills in. Jungkook almost groans in his head-

"Evil does not prevail. All that's tainted shall burn in His light...." The priest pauses "and so will you, Samael."

Like lightening zapping the earth, there's a shift in the air, carrying sharp electricity that desires to consume.

Dangerous and overwhelming.

There's a siren drawling somewhere, perhaps the sky had darkened too.

The noise deafens as He slowly turns to face the mortal priest.

"What.... the hell did you just say?" The Devil demands, deathly pale.

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Authors note:

I wanted my bois to quarrel and argue a bit, maybe add some drama, but sigh they are both hopelessly attached....

There's no records of the Devil's actual name being Samael before his fall and he's referred to as Lucifer, as it is (note that I didn't dig that deep cause I was tired lol)... but I used it anyway cause the show used it and I presumed it so... speaking of the show, I dropped it at season3😭 I got spoiled and then just didn't feel the need to continue it....

Anyway, short arc incoming and I'm questioning my religious ideals as I'm writing it.... nothing too serious just bits here and there as I desperately hope I don't get sniped from the Heavens haha jk

Like I said, this is the last arc before we will swerve straight into the final arc of an inferno and truly, I wish I could speed write but sigh... give or take 6-5 chapters and maybe bits of fluff and angst and fluff and it's go time baby, time to unleash the hell I've been waiting for since chapter1.

Haha until then!

Thanks for all the love and patience.

Stay safe and take care.

Love,
J