Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Okay so then... since we're both here, let's just make this interesting, what do you say?"

Yoongi lets the question sink in. His companion (date) seated across from him shrugs nonchalantly. He didn't think he'd get this far by being completely honest. In fact, he was warned by his friends not to ruin this. In fact, in spite of all of the warnings, including the texts that keep buzzing his phone in this very moment, he psyched himself out of this so much that he ended up doing the exact opposite, blabbing to the point of utterly, brutal honesty. He figured his track record of being socially distant at best, inept at worst would continue. Who knew being upfront and telling someone you weren't even the one who set up that stupid profile or the proceeding date in the first place would actually land well enough that they'd actually want to keep this thing going?

So here he is, Min Yoongi, self-appointed troglodyte, looking across at this effervescent, bubblegum pink haired, ball of perfection, who shrugs as if the gravity of technically being told that Yoongi's not interested in continuing this night just rolled off his shoulders. Yoongi has two options now where he only saw one before this offer. He could stay or he could go. He figures, if this date can roll with his awkward admission and since he's already come all this way...

"Well, I just didn't want to lead you with false hope and I felt personally responsible to tell you in person when I found out my nosy ass friends did this. Again, sorry about that..."

The date, Jimin, from what Yoongi remembers him saying, puts a hand up and waves it off.

"Honestly, Yoongi-ssi, that's very Westley-like of you but please, don't apologize. Your honesty was actually kind of refreshing. Look, the way I see it, you're here, you had no idea about this, I'm here and since we're in the spirit of honesty, friendly reminder that I told you I've sworn off dating and did this on a fluke, hoping for a free burger and distraction. So we could be like two ships passing, go about our very important, or in my case, not so important lives, or we can make the most of this whole thing and then go about our very important, or in my case, not so important lives."

This makes Yoongi blink. Again, he needs a moment to digest. Jimin talks in loud tones. It's fast, animated, and intense. Yoongi kind of has a friend like this and it's almost too much for a guy who skims through life in quiet. There's something contradictory, yet fascinating about this Jimin. At first sight, he looks every bit of one of those fluffy toys you give kids who are scared there might be monsters under the bed. Yoongi knows because Yoongi was one of those kids and he wished he had a fluffy toy just like At First Sight Jimin. But there's something in his date's eyes; a bite, a jadedness, an extra bit of fire and challenge and umph that feels both disarming and chaotic at the same time. Yoongi's not really sure what to make of it.

It's been a while since he's been on a date, let alone one that's this unconventional. He didn't even think he'd make it this far. So much so, he's got his laundry in the trunk that he was preparing to bring home and fold.

His brain is catching up to all of this but he hears himself ask, "Westley?"

That must have been the wrong thing to ask.

The next thing he knows, Jimin's sitting straight up, eyes comically wide and arms flailing. He's talking in loud again when he demands, "please tell me you've seen or at least read The Princess Bride?"

Yoongi blinks. And blinks again. It must show on his face that nothing registers.

He watches as Jimin pulls at his hair, huffs and then says, "if you weren't the living embodiment of a buttercup, I'd really break off this date right now!" And then he falls back into his seat, exacerbated.

Yoongi finds himself flushing. He thinks he's being flirted with. He can't be too sure. He's never been complimented by way of flowers before.

"Uhh... thanks?" Was he supposed to respond with a thanks? He doesn't know. It's been way too long and he isn't sure what etiquette is anymore.

Park Jimin seems to take it all in stride, something he's done the entirety of their not so date. Yoongi watches as his pouty lips form into a smirk and he shrugs again, like he just got drenched by a puddle but it just rolls off him.

"You didn't answer my question," the other mentions. "So, much to my better judgement especially in spite of your clearly, terrible lack of good quality pop references, I assume it's a yes?"

And although Yoongi really isn't sure if he's being mocked or just playfully jabbed at, he says, "sure. You said let's make the best of this. What do you have in mind?"

What's the worst that could happen?

"Top 9 things you should never do on a first date?" Yoongi cocks his head to the side, squinting his eyes to look at the screen of Jimin's phone. He slides closer to Jimin in the booth they're seated so he can get a better view.

Jimin nods with lots of flare and enthusiasm. "Okay, hear me out. Well since it's likely we'll never see each other again, why not make the most of this, go all out and do all the things they say you're not supposed to do on a date and get it out of both of our systems?"

"Well you seem like a nice enough person, Park Jimin-ssi. I don't want to make us hate each other even if we'll not do this again...?" Yoongi's never intentionally tried to sabotage a date. Unintentionally? That's another story.

He mulls over things. He's not really sure where Jimin is going with his line of thinking. Then again, he can't say he was ever sure once the other agreed to continue something that wasn't intended to happen... at least on Yoongi's end. Yoongi is not sure if he should regret making the choice to stay longer. At least there's milkshakes.

Jimin clears his throat and smirks. "If only you'd wear a black bandana and fight off rodents of unusual size..." and then he trails off.

Yoongi's not sure what this means but judging by the lazy smile on Jimin's face, maybe it's good. Then again, maybe his confusion shows on his face and maybe he's being mocked.

"Think of this as like a non-date. No pretenses needed. No effort really. All of the bullshit pomp and nervousness and overwrought politeness can be tossed out. I feel very candid and free with you because I know I'm emotionally unavailable and you're very intent on living in your cave as you call it," Jimin shares.

Inept. It's in this moment that Yoongi decides officially, he is indeed inept. He can't believe he disclosed to a stranger that he enjoys the familiarity of his cave. While he's internally berating himself, Jimin's voice brings him back to present.

"And so it's really kind of refreshing to be here, drop all expectations since neither of us is getting anything out of this minus the milkshakes, am I right?" He asks cheerfully. "It's like they say, some people feel more at ease opening up about intimate things to strangers. It kind of feels like that."

There's really a lot to be said about Park Jimin. Even if it's only actually been a few minutes of time spent observing him. Yoongi's not sure what the things are but he knows there's a lot. If this were the other way around, he's not sure he'd have much anyone can say about him or any ounce of fortitude enough to turn this into something more. He'd probably be nursing his wounds, tail between his legs, regretting life over a bottle of whiskey. All of this is outside of his norm so he figures and it's not like this will happen again. So, why not?

"Somehow, I feel like I'm being exploited, Park Jimin-ssi. How do I know you don't go around making a habit of enticing dusty loners out of free milkshakes?" There's a half smirk. Yoongi hopes it's enough to show his attempt at being playful.

It's not that he's bad at feelings. Okay, he is. He is really bad at feelings sometimes. But he hopes his attempt at making this night fun lands. He's rewarded with an animated Jimin laughing and throwing his head back in loud. This turns Yoongi's smirk into a grin.

"And how do I know you don't just go playing hard to get hermit so you can shake emotionally jaded people out of milkshakes, hmm?" A counter offer with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms to boot.

When Yoongi was making his way to this restaurant, he had so much on his shoulders. He didn't even realize there was a heaviness until he stopped feeling it somewhere between admittance of his own ineptitude and sassy comebacks.

He snorts and levels Jimin with an unimpressed glare. "Don't even think about it. I'm the hyung. I pay. End of discussion."

Jimin's smile is bedazzling. Bright, deafening, mischievous. "You really are one of those, huh, Westley? You don't even know it." He giggles to himself, a secret carried in his expression that Yoongi is clearly not privy to. "Well, if I agree to you getting the milkshakes, I get to pick what we do on this date. And I say, we try to get through this ridiculous list, deal?"

Yoongi snorts again and shrugs. He leans over again, reading aloud. "Number one, be rude to staff." He pauses and sinks into himself, mortified. "I-I'm sorry, Jimin-ssi but I have a hyung who works in the restaurant business and I just can't..."

Before he continues, Jimin is once again waving him off and shaking his head. He places his hand under his chin and bats his lashes. "I bet you'd totally survive the Fire Swamp..." and it sounds a bit wistful to Yoongi but then he watches the other smile to himself again with his own secret joke then shake his head. "I actually have a hyung in the industry as well and I get the feeling if I even tried his nose would twitch and he'd poison my food. See? Who knew we had something in common. Okay, let's move on! number two..."

He tilts the phone to Yoongi's direction and motions for him to read aloud again. "Constantly check your phone..."

Jimin's eyes light up and he bounces in his seat. "Let's read the first five texts on each other's phones! What do you say?"

Yoongi can tell that his face expresses every bit of dread based on Jimin's expression. It's like he secretly finds delight in Yoongi's current state of misery. It's not that Yoongi would be opposed to something so absurd. It's that his friends have been blowing up his phone the entire time he's been here and so he can only imagine the embarrassing shit being sent right now. He's not sure he wants to expose that to himself, let alone a stranger. Especially a stranger like Park Jimin, who is currently and excitedly holding his hand out while simultaneously offering his own phone to the other. Reluctantly, Yoongi's shoulder slump. He said he would be different here. Make the most of it. What's the worst that could happen right? Switching phones, he groans internally to himself as the buzzing continues in Jimin's hands, much to the non-date's delight it seems.

"What does PIMA stand for, Yoongi-ssi?" he hears. It starts.

Yoongi sighs. "Pain in my ass..." he shares and there's a mirthful giggle that emits from Jimin that Yoongi thinks is actually kind of adorable.

"Are these your friends? You have them in your contacts as pain in my ass 1 and 2?" he wonders aloud, giggling. Clearly amused. Much to Yoongi's chagrin.

"You don't know them, otherwise, you'd understand my pain here..." Yoongi's not trying to whine but he's sure that's likely how it sounds. Very petulant and pouty. It doesn't seem to affect Jimin though, who looks to be scrolling through Yoongi's phone.

"Wow, you really were right. You must not get out. They've literally been blowing up your phone to make sure you didn't tell me all of the things you did end up telling me," Jimin giggles more to himself again, "and it looks like they actually drove to your place to make sure you didn't come back. Wow." He whistles and grins.

Yoongi grunts and lowers his head. "See what I'm saying? Pains in my ass. My mom doesn't even helicopter me like this!"

"Speaking of your eomma, she says, and I quote, 'Min Yoongi, get your head out of your ass, come out of that dungeon of yours and make sure you call me, I know you read these! Don't make me drive to Seoul!' Wow, she sounds very scary..." Yet, Jimin's still giggling, clearly thrilled by this entire ordeal.

Even though it's been a long while since Yoongi's been on a date, he thinks that even with the embarrassment, awkwardness, humiliation and unconventionality of this whole thing, this actually isn't so bad. Maybe this was a nice break for a change. He won't admit that to his friends though. They meddle too damn much.

And speaking of his friends, "your friends just texted again, Yoongi-ssi! They said they just drove by here and saw your car was still parked."

In this, Jimin seems to take full pleasure because he leans far back, almost falls over while laughing. If Yoongi had a color for this laugh right now, it'd be something neon.

He finds himself sighing and shaking his head pitifully. Checking Jimin's text messages, he changes the subject by sharing, "it looks like your hyung wanted to remind you not to bite this guy's, I'm assuming that'd be me, head off this time. He seems nice enough. Didn't take you for a biter, Jimin-ssi." He clears his throat. Is his flirting? Maybe? No? Okay, perhaps a little?

Jimin smirks, "oh, Yoongi-ssi, you have no idea..."

If Yoongi were drinking his milkshake or the glass of water next to it, he'd be choking on that. Instead, he chokes on air. Nothing but colorless, odorless air. "Right," he recovers, "uhh... I'm not sure if you want me to see this next one..."

And he's startled and disoriented but once again, Jimin's signature wave of nonchalant hand happens.

"What is it? I have nothing to hide. We're on a non-date, remember?" Jimin shares casually, leaning back, arms spread against the top of the booth.

He may be casual about this whole thing but Yoongi's neck is slowly turning red. Flush. He turns the phone cautiously towards Jimin. "I mean if you're sure..." and then he trails off and watches as Jimin's eyes go from cool and relaxed to saucers in a matter of seconds.

He snatches the phone and shrieks. Some restaurant patrons turn their heads in the way of the noise. "Uh... let's just move onto the next number."

Flush. Red. Yup, Yoongi was definitely not meant to see that.

"Number three," Yoongi reads once they've both sobered a bit, "talk about your ex... would you like to go first on this one? Something tells me you probably have some good ones."

Jimin laughs again in neon. He's still laughing when he says, "oh some of them were just godawful. I have some funny, weird ones... let's see. Oh! I had an ex who used to break all of my stuff. I mean name something that you think is unbreakable and he still managed to break it. It got so bad I had to put plastic on my furniture while we were dating."

Yoongi watches as Jimin shakes his head then runs a ring-fingered hand through his bubblegum hair, clearly in frustration. "That wasn't even the zinger. He used to go off on these long hikes by himself, yeah? And like, I get it. People need their alone time. But I tend to be a more hands on lover so, you know, it felt a bit off putting that he would just up and disappear then want to come over and talk about these explorations and adventures he had. And yet, when we finally had sex the first time, he literally shows up with a ring the next day and proposes. God, after I told him we should take a break, he kept sending me these sonnets and love notes and it was just quite a bit much so I ended up ghosting him because I just don't think he got it."

Then Jimin laughs but this doesn't look or feel like neon. This one seems a bit mortified in shades of grey. Yoongi can't say he blames him. He shudders. Yoongi doesn't pride himself on being the best boyfriend ever but even he knows that this sounds pretty high up there on the no no list.

"Well... that... I wasn't expecting that. No wonder you're... how did you phrase it... committed to destroying patriarchy by denying men romance one jilted love at a time." He finally adds and Jimin snorts. "Do you have any regrets?"

He watches Jimin pause and take a moment. Then the non-date shares, "I had this hyung I used to dance with. We were dance partners for a while when we finally decided to see where things might go. I thought, you know, based on our partnering that we were pretty compatible. And you know, the sex was great. He was a really good kisser, too. But he had this habit of being overly enthusiastic about everything, including sex sometimes. And you know what happens sometimes when people get overexcited. So one time we were out and I got really drunk and well... I accidentally told some of his colleagues that when he gets a bit excited, he's done pretty fast but then I blacked out and at the time, I didn't know this but the next day he had intended on surprising me and introducing me to his family. And they showed up to us arguing... it was so awkward. He had painted me out to be the love of his life and they walked in on me yelling about foreplay. Needless to say, we didn't part ways well. He stopped talking to me and I hadn't expected that to happen, ya know? We were friends first and then that just stopped... I-I tried to reconnect with him a few times, just to talk and even apologize. And he kept avoiding me so I eventually took the hint and gave up." Jimin shrugs, swirls milkshake around with his straw then takes a sip.

"You know they say not to add your own story to someone's pain to try and relate but since we're breaking all the rules... I don't know if it helps to know, I'm the most awkward date ever. No, really! One time I was out on a date with someone and we decided to go to the movies. And I didn't buy the tickets in advance, so when we got there, we ended up being seated on opposite sides of the theatre. So I watched the movie by myself as did they and then when it was over, I just waved awkwardly and left..." Yoongi even demonstrates the way he waved and the face he recalls making.

Even though it's been a while since that happened, it still replays in his mind and he regrets not having the presence of mind back then. He can't believe he did that. He can't believe he shared that.

Even more so when strawberry milkshake comes flying from Jimin's mouth and nose. Yoongi panics, jumps up from the booth to hand him a napkin and knocks over water. It spills across the table and Jimin laughs even harder as some of the water drips onto the sleeve of his shirt. They both don't seem to notice an extra presence as Jimin wipes his eyes and stands.

"Wait, we have to dive more into this after I towel off. There's no way you don't have more embarrassing dating stories. Don't go anywhere, I need more of this!" And then he's off, prancing in loud towards what Yoongi assumes is the restroom.

"Uhh... I know we decided to break all of the dating rules, Yoongi-ssi, but bringing your kids on the first date isn't even on this list..." he hears Jimin saying, cautiously as he slides back in the booth.

Yoongi hasn't unfroze since everything happened after Jimin left. Some part of his brain will recall that he was just minding his business, cleaning the table when something pulled at his pants leg and he may or may not have yelped in octaves that only dogs should hear. That something came with a pair of big, bright eyes, causing Yoongi to utter noises that sound strikingly close to the type dinosaurs make. Before he could really process all of what's happening, the eyes come with a stubby, little, sticky hand and a round, chubby face. A baby. Someone's baby is under the table of him and Jimin's booth. And before he could fully process that, said baby is climbing his leg, making his way into his lap. His brain, at some point, will also process how a boy, a little bit older, is speaking and also sliding his way into the booth. But right now, none of that even remotely registers.

He can tell that Jimin surveys the scene in front of him. He sees Jimin look at him quizzically, eyebrow raised, head tilted. Yoongi must appear shellshocked, damn near catatonic. He hasn't moved his arms that are awkwardly spread against the sides of the table, clinging for dear life. His eyes feel like they're about to pop out of his head.

"Cute kids, Yoongi-ssi..." he hears Jimin invite slowly. But Yoongi can't move. Won't move. Isn't sure what moving really is at this point. "How old are they...?"

Words. Yoongi knows them. He thinks he knows them. Right. Words. He can do this. "Jimin-ssi, I think I'm being attacked by sniffly, sticky faced little monsters..." Okay, those are not the right words.

He sees Jimin smirk, shake his head and rub a hand over his face. "Well, we did say we would make this night interesting," then he turns towards the older little boy whose been quietly but happily sitting between them, kicking his little legs and bobbing his head from side to side, while he drinks from Yoongi's milkshake.

"Hi sweetheart, my name is Jimin and this is Yoongi. What's your name?" he asks gently with his neon smile.

The little boy brightens into a big, boxy smile. His face is grubby, milkshake spread over his top lip and shaggy dark hair that curls over his big, curious eyes. "Hello! I'm Taehyung but I like when my friends call me Taetae! Are you my friend? I'm this many!"

He holds up three little fingers then he takes another enthusiastic drink of Yoongi's milkshake but drinks too quickly. He shuts his eyes tightly and shakes his head. Ice cream headache. "This is soooo yummy!"

Yoongi hears Jimin coo. Of course Jimin would be open to things like this. Of course this is exactly how their date non-date would go. "It's nice to meet you, Taehyung. And who is this cute little bunny on Yoongi-ssi's lap?"

"His name's Jeonggukie. I call him Kookie!" And then the little boy giggles to himself in a very similar way to Jimin.

Like the secrets of the world are theirs, including all of the universe's jokes. And Yoongi, of course, is privy to none of them. Taehyung kicks his legs enthusiastically again and says, "he is just a baby! But I like him. He's only this many!"

And then he holds up one little digit before continuing on with Yoongi's his milkshake.

"Oh you're such a big boy taking care of your little brother!" Jimin encourages then follows cautiously with, "h-how did you get here?"

Judging by Jimin's face, Yoongi takes it to mean he might still be considering that these kids are his. But then Jimin shares a glance of uncertainty and concern, especially considering Yoongi's shellshock and somewhere in an accessibly functioning part of Yoongi's mind, he thinks perhaps the dirty faces, soiled diaper and tattered clothes are enough to establish there could be cause for alarm. He's brought back to the booth when he hears a tiny giggle.

"You're funny, Chimmy-hyungie. Kookie isn't my brother, silly. I'm his protector! We met at the orpha... orpha... the place where babies go who don't have mommies or daddies!" The kid says it so matter of factly like they're just supposed to know.

The little one then looks around before crouching a bit and motioning a tiny finger to Jimin. Jimin smiles softly and leans down towards the little boy.

Yoongi watches as he cups his little mouth and in the loudest version of a whisper says, "we were supposed to stay with the men in black but they yell and say mean things. They took us from the place and said we had to be real quiet..."

This seems to jolt Jimin because he's looking up at Yoongi, trying to get him to finally engage. Yoongi finally blinks and takes a deep breath. He can see in Jimin's eyes that there's something more. Jimin pours the rest of his milkshake into the glass that Taehyung was drinking from then pats the top of the boy's head. The little one's eyes light up and he goes back to drinking and humming. Jimin leans in towards Taehyung and Yoongi.

"I-I... When I was coming out of the restroom, I overheard these two guys say something about finding some brats because they can't fetch a good price if they only have 5 instead of the 7 they told some person they called Tiger about. I-I didn't think anything of it but now that... I-I think we need to call the police, Yoongi."

Before Yoongi can respond, he sees Jimin grab his phone but what startles them both is the terrified, wide-eyed expression on the little boy's face who abruptly stopped drinking.

"Y-you can't call the polices! The men in black said they had friends that are polices that could make us go bye bye if we weren't being good!" He whispers softly while shivering. Yoongi and Jimin exchange looks.

He's admittedly not sure what the hell they're getting themselves in the middle of. If they're even in the middle of something. But he knows whatever they do next, it needs to happen fast. He watches as Jimin lowers closer to the shaken little boy.

"Taehyung... Taetae, w-we won't call the police, okay? Is it okay if I give you a back rub? When I was little and things were scary, I loved having my back rubbed. Is that okay?" The boy nods, sniffling.

Jimin rubs his back hesitantly at first, then soothingly. He looks up at Yoongi again, question in his eyes.

"What do we do?" he mouths, startled, confused. This side of Jimin is not loud and yet, still loud somehow.

"M-my friend! One of the pains in my... one of the PIMAs... is a lawyer. If this isn't something good and it would be dangerous to call police, he may know what the best options are?" He offers.

He's not sure what compels him to mimic Jimin by rubbing the baby's back who has made a home of his lap. It's soft, under his large hand, which takes up the bulk of the boy's back. Jimin watches him closely then takes a breath.

"Y-you'll do this with me? I'm not going to leave these kids alone..." It's resolute, neon, very Jimin from Yoongi's experience of the past however long their date non-date has gone. He knows.

"Well, we did agree to make this interesting," he finds himself adding.

To this, Jimin smiles softly, closed mouthed. "I know I may not show it but I do believe things happen for a reason and for some reason only the universe knows, they came to this booth, with me in it." He tries to shrug then rubs the back of his neck.

He's fidgety, unsure, really freaked out if he's being honest. He may even be headed to that point of the day where he starts to feel overstimulated. Something, though, in the way that Jimin grins in pastels that rival his hair color seems to ground him.

"You really are Westley. Got the shaggy blonde hair and everything," he hears, followed by, "how did they even get over here? How do we get them out of here? And where do we even take them?"

The little boy shifts in the booth and before Yoongi can add anything, he excitedly in quite the conspiring way shares, "the men in black said we weren't supposed to go out of the big van because Jeonggukie and I are the littlest. But I told them I had to go potty and sitting on the floor was hurting my butt! It's too bumpy! And then... and then they took us all here and when we went to potty, I did a magic trick and poofed when they didn't see me and let Kookie out of his chair and they were looking at the bigger kids when Jeonggukie wiggled out and crawled and I sneaked crawled with him and we found Yoonie-hyungie! He's a nice hyungie. He let us have sweet milk. It's cold!"

He giggles to himself again like he accomplished the biggest triumph. "They said being a good boy means I'm supposed to listen and the sister at the baby place said, Taehyung, we don't take what doesn't belong to us!" He then pouts and crosses his arms, looking devastated. "But I don't think I'm being a bad boy if I took this... it has my name on it and Jeonggukie's! I know my letters!"

Then he wiggles to lift his shirt. Tucked between his pants and underwear are two manila folders. He pulls them out with Jimin's assistance. Inside the folders appear to be all of the boys' documents indicating that they are wards of the state and including a picture. Jimin gasps and looks up at Yoongi then back down at Taehyung who is pointing out, "see it says Kim Taetae and Jeon Jeonggukie! That's us! Doesn't that mean it's mine and I'm a good boy, Chimmy-hyung?"

Jimin runs a hand through Taehyung's wild hair. "You, Taetae, are the best boy, you baby genius. You did so good!" The little boy preens at the compliment.

Taehyung pulls at Yoongi's shirt sleeve, trying to pronounce the word genius. Yoongi smiles softly and nods, then returns his sight back to Jimin.

"Hyung! These are their documents. Something tells me whoever these people are, if they realize the kids are gone along with their documents, they're gonna be none too happy. We gotta do something fast. I can't even take them to my place. It's not baby proof and it's a shoebox... what do we do? And if they have other kids, how do we get them out or tell someone?"

They're speaking quietly and Yoongi takes the time to look up and around the restaurant. It's busy enough that two little boys crawling under tables and chairs could have gone unnoticed but Yoongi's wondering for how long. He takes a deep breath and notices two men hovering at the front entrance. From Yoongi's viewpoint, he'd be able to see them but they would have to walk around a few pillars to be able to see him and Jimin. He doesn't want to chance that they'll start walking around the restaurant. He does another quick look around at the restaurant.

Then something just clicks, "m-my place is big enough. You're going to stay here with them while I pay and ask them for the biggest to go bag they have then go get my car. I'm going to see if that van is around and try to get the tags, jot down any other descriptive things I can see or remember. I'm going to pull my car towards that back entrance over there." He points at a door a few meters away. "Don't ask why, but I have laundry in my trunk, which includes a bunch of throw blankets. I'll try to stuff two blankets in the to go bag and come back here. I'm gonna move my laundry to the back seat. That way, we'll wrap the baby in one and Taehyung in the other and should anyone come near my car, when we get them in, it could look like laundry..."

Yoongi rubs the back of his neck and goes to hand Jimin the baby. Jimin's staring at him with the most curious look in his eyes. "I know we're planning to essentially kidnap two potentially kidnapped kids but that was very specific... is there something I need to know...?"

Bashful. Yoongi didn't realize that could be a thing until this very moment. "I... uh... had a friend who needed help sneaking away from a stalker ex a few times before and also, I'm a writer..."

Jimin's eyes scan and scrutinize Yoongi for what feels like an eternity. They're intense, neon again and discerning. He waits for the executioner's judgement. "In that case, this quick thinking skill makes you really, strangely sexy and desirable but we'll deal with that maybe some other time. You need to move before the wait staff comes over to check on us, I'll get these two to stay quiet."

Yoongi hands the baby over to Jimin and Jimin slides Yoongi the two manila folders. He suddenly gets an urge and decides to show Taehyung what he's doing. It feels important. He also feels like one of those spies from those movies he likes when he discreetly tucks the folders into his shirt like Taehyung did. The kid seems ecstatic about the idea of going with Yoongi and Jimin and the more Yoongi thinks of what the child told them, the more he really has to give it to him, he really is clever to be so young.

Taking a deep breath, Yoongi casually makes his way to the register. He notices two tall, muscled men at the front entrance and one more has exited the area where the toilets are. The one who exited the toilets shakes his head with his arms out in a shrug. From there, Yoongi can see a tattoo on his wrist. Quickly, he makes a mental note, trying not to arouse suspicion. He casually pretends to be looking at his phone while he waits to pay his bill. He makes sure the phone is on silent and the flash is off. He then does his best impression of his halmeoni by pretending that he can't see as his lifts his phone and mutters to himself while pretending to text as he snaps a picture of the tattoo. He can feel eyes on him from the three men. This also gets the host to look up and smile politely. Yoongi plays the role further. He makes a point to mention something about his meddlesome friends who keep interrupting his date and sending him emojis.

For good measure, he turns his phone out and up so that the host can see. This seems to take focus away from him as the host laughs and the men go back to their previous occupied conversation. He pays and asks for the biggest to go bag, arousing no suspicion. When Yoongi is done, he goes to step outside, approaching the front door. As he crosses by the three men, he overhears them saying something about not being able to check the restaurant and the kids possibly having walked outside. He also notices one of the men has the same tattoo but on his neck, right side. The men mention something about quickly checking a nearby toy shop that they remember some of the kids mentioning. Kids love toys, after all. They collide into each other trying to break for the door. Yoongi steps out before they do and as he steps into the street, ducks down and pretends to tie his shoe while taking a fake phone call right behind the van. He wonders if these three are the only ones there, if there are more children in the van, if he can risk it and open the door.

Deciding that he's only had enough time to plan for helping the first two children, he does his best to reduce his anxiety by reminding himself that he thought of getting descriptive details to try and help the other kids as well. He decides that since the windows are tinted, he won't risk opening any doors right now. He reasons, if they are kidnappers of some kind, there's likely another person in the car. He kicks himself for not asking Taehyung if he could remember how many there were earlier. He quickly snaps the license plate, hoping that no one is somehow able to watch him from the back of the van. Then he gets up, pretending to still casually be on the phone as he walks towards his car. When he's out of the van's eyesight, he takes off running.

Unlocking the car, he quickly tosses his laundry into the backseat like he planned. Then he puts the manila folders in his glove compartment and locks it. He drives around to the entrance that he and Jimin agreed to meet. Looking around to see if anyone notices, he quickly makes his way out of the car, stuffs two throw blankets in the to go bags and heads to the door. Jimin is standing right there with the baby on his hip and Taehyung pulled closely and protectively to him. When he looks up and notices Yoongi, he opens the door as quietly as possible. Yoongi pulls out the blankets, Jimin hands him the baby, Yoongi wraps the baby protectively in the blanket. Somehow they work like they're dancing. It's quick, quiet, efficient. Jimin's picked up a blanket wrapped Taehyung and then heads to the car quickly. Yoongi watches as he lays Taehyung gently against the laundry then rushes to the passenger's side. Once inside, he motions for Yoongi to hand him the soft bundle in his arms.

He does so, closes the door quietly for Jimin then moves to the driver's seat. Once buckled in, Yoongi looks over at Jimin who is cradling the now fussy baby low on his lap, rubbing his back soothingly. He puts the car in drive but a thought flashes in his head as he pulls away. He looks in his rearview to make sure they've not been followed then takes a breath. No sign of the big white van anywhere, no indication of cameras. At least that he can see. Damn, he forgot about cameras. He expresses so by slamming on the steering wheel, startling Jimin.

He doesn't turn his head when he says, "I didn't allot for cameras in my head... t-there could have been cameras, Jimin..." He's grinding his teeth when he feels a soft hand brush against the nape of his neck.

"Considering we just potentially plotted and seemingly successfully kidnapped some very likely already kidnapped kids that we don't yet know how or if we can involve police, I think it's okay to forgive yourself for not thinking about the cameras, hyung. You did good, it's okay." From Yoongi's peripheral, he can see Jimin nodding his head.

Yoongi's clenching his jaw when a thought comes to him. "Hyung?" he finds himself asking. They're at a stop light and he turns to Jimin grinning.

"Need I remind you that we just kidnapped potentially kidnapped kids? We're way past formalities at this points. Face it, we've jumped all the way to parents, Yoongi-hyung." Then he pulls the blanket away from the baby more, rocking him gently.

Before Yoongi has a chance of rebuttal, a very excited, very staticky head of Taehyung pops up out of the blankets and laundry, "are you my parents now?!" And he squeals for good measure.

Jimin tuts and chuckles to himself. "Ah, Taetae, sweetheart, make sure your buckle is still on okay?" If this were any other circumstance, this would all feel very domestic.

Yoongi has to remind himself, as he checks after the boy in his rearview that this was supposed to be a non-date. He chuckles to himself, shaking his head. It's all incredulous. He couldn't even write any of this if he tried. Jimin hums, a question at the end of the sound.

"I bet we'll never forget a non-date like this," Yoongi muses and Jimin's back to neon again, sliding his body over towards Yoongi as the laugh crescendos.

"Oh this is one for the books, my friend. How could anything possibly top, I went on a date to reject my date and ended up domestically married to him with two children in the same night?" He giggles and it sounds like what Yoongi imagines would be the footsteps of fairies.

Once they both sober, he says, "speaking of books, I uhh... again, don't ask but I read before that when children are kidnapped, if you're looking for the child, you should look for their shoes because the kidnappers don't often bother to change their shoes. This might sound really twisted but since the baby needs diapers and Taehyung could probably use some cleaner clothes, maybe I should also get him some different shoes? Where's your place, I could probably drop you off home since it's getting dark out and I'll take them with me and contact my friend..."

Jimin doesn't have time to chime in because Taehyung has made a decision for the adults. "No, Yoonie-hyung! You can't make my other new parent go bye bye. You're the parents now and you have to stay together! I won't allow it! You're not being a good daddy right now, Yoonie-hyung!" Then he proceeds to rant further and throw a fit in the back.

Yoongi blinks. Jimin's trying not to laugh again by covering his mouth. They pull up to another light and Yoongi's head is possibly swimming as he's being berated by a toddler. Jimin, for all it's worth, does his best not to mock Yoongi. On his first day as the parent he didn't even know he was, he's obviously failing.

"We'll likely have to help them figure out attachments but for now, he's already hooked on us both, hyung. I don't think it's a good idea to split up. I don't mean to put you out or anything. I realize this likely is going to impact your cave but...?" Jimin trails off. Yoongi looks over at him. He's asking an unspoken question.

Yoongi's shellshocked again. But he does notice the spark in Jimin's eyes. This is by far the strangest, most inexplicable series of events to ever happen in Yoongi's life. And there was once a whole semester of university where Yoongi put up with hiding a grown person in the most creative ways from a stalker. So this says quite a lot. He just nods. Jimin holds his gaze for a moment longer. There's another question in his eyes. Are you sure? He takes a deep breath, shallows the bile that feels like is about to rise. Right. There are two vulnerable beings in his care right now. He can do this. He nods more resolutely. He watches Jimin take this in, discerning, scanning.

"Taetae, what Yoongi-hyung means is we're going to where I live to get me some clothes and we're going to stop and get you and Kookie some clothes and things. And then we're all gonna go over to Yoongi-hyung's, okay? We should probably feed them too, right, hyung?"

The light changes again and he puts the car in drive. Much to Jimin's and Taehyung's delight, he adds, "you seem to be better at this whole thing. Can you make a list of all you think they'd both need in order to be safe and comfortable? A-and what I'd... I mean we'd need to do to make my place child safe. D-don't worry about costs or anything..."

He looks over briefly at Jimin, who is smirking. Yoongi isn't sure but he thinks this is likely mischief and perhaps he can't trust it. Jimin finally speaks up after a long pause. "If this is the closest I'll get you to say 'as you wish', I'll take it..."

Chapter Text

"Alright, hyung, according to this list, it looks like we have all of the essential categories. More specifically, we've got diapers, wipes, that magic thing that gets rid of the diapers. And yes, for the last time, it's a great investment, trust me. We've got lots of the most adorable clothing options, and see, this list here says that it's an essential must for babies to have onesies AND other options, hyung. Shoes, coats, a crib, and one of those cute back up baby baskets for Jeonggukie to sleep in tonight, two car seats, a 2-in-1 stroller for both boys just in case Taetae's legs get tired, a high chair, the most adorable utensils and food things, food, bottles, sippy cups, bibs, baby soaps and shampoos, baby proof equipment, baby gates, some books and toys... are we missing anything else?"

Yoongi's been staring at Jimin since he started rattling things off. It all sounds like another language. It's fast. It's neon. Loud. All he remembers asking him was if he was sure they got everything they needed for the two little ones. He blinks. What the hell could he possibly add to this growing list? He doesn't even get an opportunity. Jimin snaps his finger like a light just flickered.

"First aid kit, hyung! I know you have them because of your clumsy friend but we really need child friendly options." Jimin scurries off down an aisle with the cart and Taehyung in tow.

Yoongi's not as awkward as earlier but still feels pretty weird about the way he's carrying this wiggly baby. He's good at observing though and taking notes. Jimin said to keep the baby occupied and bounce him a lot. He's also got a dilemma.

"How does someone even use this thing?" Yoongi contemplates while holding and inspecting the carrier with his free hand.

It, like everything else for the past half hour of Baby Rearing 101 has been making his head spin. The longer this continues, the more he's thankful for Jimin's presence. He's not sure what he was thinking by assuming he would just take them in without some kind of support. He hears Jimin giggle as the younger rounds back into the aisle where he left Yoongi. Something that's also been happening for the past half hour.

"Hyung, are you sure about getting that? Maybe we won't even be able to keep them for longer than a night and then you'll have bought all of these things and what will you do with them?" He asks while grabbing the baby to place him in the carrier.

Yoongi watches closely. With the baby inside, it kind of reminds him of an open backpack. He thinks he can manage this. He's proven correct when Jimin helps fasten the baby to him. Jimin claps his hand and coos then tickles the toddler's feet. The little one wiggles excitedly. Well, it looks like the baby is adjusting to things too.

Meanwhile, Taehyung joyfully sits in the shopping cart, singing to himself as he acts some kind of a scene between the two toys he's carrying. Yoongi also didn't need to add those either. But kids need toys. At least, he was a kid that relished in the joy of toys.

"If, and this is a big if, they're only here for a night, I'd rather be more prepared than not. It could be a few hours, it could be a few weeks. They have needs and getting around with one of these, once I get the hang of it, might make things easier. I don't have the strongest arms. Plus, if somehow this is all a big misunderstanding or we have to relinquish the kids to the state or something, this will all be theirs. I want to make sure all of it goes with them." He takes a moment to adjust the straps around his arms. He might actually be able to manage this. To test his own theory, he even bounces the carrier a bit, while cradling a hand under the baby, just in case.

Jimin giggles again and shakes his head. "Who knew you'd be such a good daddy," then he wiggles his eyebrows.

Yoongi's become immune enough to not fully blush at Jimin's incessant teasing and innuendo. Not immune enough that his ears don't turn red. "Come on, hyung. We should get going. This is a lot of stuff and I think we should try to lull Jeonggukie to sleep just in case he isn't used to the car seat and I also really think we should feed them one more time and give them baths before bed."

He bounces and coos at the baby who giggles and grabs for his lips. Jimin's reflexes seem to be natural. Jimin guides the baby's focus to one of his fingers like he's been doing this his whole life. Yoongi thinks in this space, this side of Jimin is spring. Breezy. Colorful. Delicate. Light.

"You're really good with him... with both of them." Yoongi marvels. He could swear Jimin's cheeks bloom pink. "I don't know what I would've done if I did this by myself." He looks at the cart. "This is a lot."

"If this is your way of throwing digs at me for all of the cute onesies, it was you who indulged my madness, hyung. Don't forget that!" Jimin then coos to the baby about how he's going to look so cute in the animal onesies he's selected.

The baby just giggles, trying to capture his face again. Jimin dodges him by pretending to nibble his little hand, causing the boy to break out in a squeaky baby cackle. Yoongi's heart does a thing. Yoongi's heart does a lot of things. Jimin's eyes also do a thing. He watches as they go so wide.

"Hyung! Hyung! Did you hear that? His little laugh! That's his first laugh! Oh let's see if we can get him to laugh again. Come on you precious little bunny," Jimin squeaks as he leans into Yoongi and Jeongguk's space, nuzzles his nose into the baby's neck then pretends to gobble his belly.

The baby laughs again and Jimin reels in neon. There are parts of Yoongi's brain that want to short circuit. This scene is so cute and yet he wants to punch something in the face. Somehow, that doesn't feel like the right kind of emotion. He opens his mouth to speak when they're interrupted by a voice clearing their throat.

"Excuse me! I couldn't help but watch and overhear. You two make such a lovely couple and you have the most adorable children!" An ahjumma shares while clutching her hands to her chest, swooning. "You see, I've been trying to get grandchildren out of my son and he keeps telling me they're too young. But seeing you both gives me so much hope! How old are they?"

Yoongi's entire face and neck are on fire. Short circuiting has become his normal state. While he's busy not computing, he notices how Jimin, on the other hand, seems to come alive at the praise. Of course he does.

Jimin respectfully bows, adding, "oh thank you, ahjumma. This little bunny is a year and our Taehyungie is three already! Can you believe it, honey? Three. Times flies!" And because he's quite the charmer, he adds a little excited hop as the topper.

The ahjumma joins Jimin in a chorus of squeaky excitement. "You both look so young. How long have you been together?"

Yoongi's pretty sure he looks like a fish. A very red, gaping fish. They seem to pay him no mind though as they continue to squeak on without him.

"My, when I think about the time..." and it's right there, with the way that Jimin places a hand on his hip and tilts like he's contemplating that Yoongi wonders what the hell Park Jimin actually does for a living.

It could range anywhere from a con artist to an actor at this point. Whatever it is, he's just a little too good at selling this.

"It's been, what, almost ten years, right, honey?" Yoongi hears him ask.

And as the absurdity that is this day builds, why wouldn't he try to sink Yoongi down with him in his ship of lies and deceit? So Yoongi does what he's learned to do best with Park Jimin and merely nods.

The ahjumma sighs adoringly, eating right out of Jimin's hands. "I remember when I was this young and in love. The more you cherish and spend time together, the better it gets, remember that. And never forget to communicate! I wish you both the best of health for you and your little ones." And she signals for permission to give Taehyung money.

Taehyung's eyes widen and his grin is so big it takes up his entire face. Yoongi knows that no is likely an important word. He's said it a lot. But in this moment, looking at this face, a word like that should never exist. Also, in this moment, comes the slow realization for Yoongi that he might be doomed. They're going to get everything their grubby little hands desire, self-discipline be damned. How is he possibly going to have any kind of self-control when looking at that face? It's all going to go bad. He wants to kick something. When did this become his life?

Jimin must have taken over (again) and made the decision to agree because Taehyung holds the money to his heart as if he'd just discovered treasure. Yoongi watches as Jimin again bows, so he follows and does the same. When the ahjumma is out of the aisle, he levels Jimin with a glare.

"You are going to hell for that. I can't believe you just lied to an elderly person and made me your accessory to the crime!" He hisses. The baby has stopped moving. Yoongi loses his train of thought to check for signs of breathing.

He looks up at Jimin who smirks and motions with his hands that the baby is asleep. "What? Did you want me to say, 'oh actually, ahjumma, I just met this man and we kidnapped both of these kids because we thought some bad guys were trying to take them?' I'm sure that will go over so well, hyung."

Yoongi can hear the sarcasm. But it's laced with the smile of an angel and that's how Yoongi knows he's very much in trouble. "Let's just go ring this up before we draw anymore attention," he grumbles, walking away, still strapped to the baby.

He hears Jimin chuckle behind him. Yoongi was fully expecting to spend his evening with a glass of wine, folding his laundry. Instead, he got two kids and the human version of the Cheshire Cat. This is going to be a really long night.

Yoongi knows it's coming before it happens. Knows he could have probably been a bit more prepared for it when he decided. Alas. He hears Jimin let out a long whistle as the younger looks around after placing bags in the living room.

"This is where you live?" he hears. And he knew it was coming. And he's still not nearly prepared to explain, especially considering they have so much more to do before the night is actually over.

Looking at his watch, he notices that it's half past eight already. He's not sure what time babies should go to bed but considering he needs to baby proof everything and get the kids into adequate sleep spaces, they'll need to maybe get moving on everything. Yoongi clears his throat and shakes his head, seeing that Jimin awaits a response expectantly.

"No, actually... I live in an apartment. This is more of my family's home." Then he's rubbing the back of his head as he watches Jimin prance around with a look of awe.

This response seems to stop him in his tracks. "What, are you some kind of chaebol or something? Damn hyung, you really are a daddy."

Yoongi groans internally while clearing his throat and watching as Taehyung races across the floor with one of his new cars. Mortified. There's no other word to describe the attention being drawn to him right now.

"No! I-it's nothing like that. It's a long story but basically my hyung's really good at investments and he convinced me to start saving and investing. This wasn't the space it is now, when we first got it. B-but then I picked up a following with my work and we were able to turn it into this. Turns out, I also have an eye sometimes for architecture and design." He's rambling.

He rambles when he's nervous sometimes. He rubs the back of his neck. "When I'm not here, my family stays or some of the community that raised me back home comes here for vacations. I wanted to gift it to my hyung for when he starts his own family..." Everything is hot. Sweaty. Clammy.

Jimin hums, bounces on the balls of his feet and looks down at the sleeping baby who is sprawled in the baby basket. "Min Yoongi. Leave it to you to be the most fascinating person I've ever met on a non-date. I want more details on this but we should really get them ready for b-e-d now." At first, it doesn't click as to why Jimin spells the word out but then his eyes follow Jimin's to Taehyung, who has a whole action sequence happening with his cars.

And Yoongi wants to add more to it but the conversation seems to lull because Jimin gathers Taehyung with the promise to race him to the bathtub. Except halfway through their revving up, realizes he doesn't know where that is. Yoongi lets them know where the bathroom is then places the baby and basket in the room he's chosen for the kids. He fiddles with the monitors until he figures it all out then joins Jimin and Taehyung.

Yoongi knows that someone helped him bathe when he was little. But he figures even though they do have so much to do, he should probably watch what Jimin does with Taehyung, in case Jimin can't always be there. Jimin seems to pick up on Yoongi's presence. First, rising to check on the baby then relaxing after Yoongi shows him the monitor from his pocket. He smiles at Yoongi softly, motioning for him to join them. In fact, he goes as far as guiding Yoongi through taking over bath time with Tae.

It's not so bad. Kind of fun, actually. Even considering Taehyung makes a point to splash him every opportunity he gets. Tae seems to enjoy the new bath toys and is even more excited to try on his new superhero pajamas. Whether the kids can stay here for a few weeks or a few hours, Yoongi thinks he's able to call himself a bath time pro by the end of everything. Well... maybe not that far. But for his first time giving a toddler a bath, he mentally pats himself on the back. No one slipped.

Because Taehyung's big kid bed needs to be assembled, they work in tandem to take the mattress from the bed that's already in the room out of the frame, lowering it to the floor. Jimin suggested this as it might be easier for Taehyung to navigate. He commends Yoongi for picking a room for the kids that's close to the bathroom. They're able to get Taehyung to bed pretty easily with a story, nightlight and his new stuffed tiger.

Yoongi shows Jimin the second spare room and bathroom then provides him with a full tour of the house. Latching the monitor to his hip, they take turns emptying his car. Yoongi also makes a point to text his friends.

"Hyung, you did all of this?! How..." Yoongi meets Jimin's enlarged eyes.

While Jimin went to go settle in, Yoongi got antsy. Not knowing how else to sit with everything, he decided to look up how to design a house for kids. Once he'd gotten visual examples that he felt were manageable, he proceeded to go room by room, starting with the front door then working his way through the living room, doors and kitchen. He made sure the baby's high chair, and should Jeongguk possibly not like the high chair (as mentioned by Jimin), the little table and chairs were all set up and ready to go. That their little dishes, groceries and other kitchen knick knacks were stored away. That specific items, as listed on the site from his phone, were easily eye level for a three year old and others were stored much higher. That cabinets and drawers were less accessible. Next, he worked the bathroom closest to the kids' new room. He'd read that there were precautions one can take to minimize things like risk of drowning. Jimin made sure to purchase all of the things he needed, which made the set up go relatively easy. When he was satisfied with his babyproofing work, he started working on building the kids' furniture, starting with the crib. And that's where he was when Jimin came down the hallway, stepping into the living room.

"I won't say that I get nervous in new situations per se, but sometimes, I get antsy and I want to move or do things that make me feel like I've actually done something. I mean, you've been so great with the kids and I guess I was feeling useless, if I'm being honest..." he offers sheepishly. "And I figured my way of contributing is that I'm good with my hands..."

Jimin blinks and looks around the open floor plan. "I'll say!" Another potential innuendo. Yoongi slid right into that one. "Hyung, useless? I made a shopping list and helped get the kids ready for bed. You literally re-designed your house in an hour and a half!"

Yoongi watches as he traipses across the rooms in awe, silently inspecting and making noises of awe and approval. He rubs the back of his neck and holds up a piece of plastic. "I was reading about babies and toilets... but I didn't know what to do about that in light of Taehyung possibly needing to use it. So, I thought I'd defer to you?" He really had tried to look up suggestions but then he got too caught up in horror stories that happen to kids and had to put his phone away.

"You'll let me know if I missed anything?" He asks, putting the finishing touches on the crib, while Jimin grabs for the toilet lock.

"I'll do you one better and let you know when I need someone to design my first place. Okay, Mr. Fix-It. Aside from this, what else do we need to do?" Jimin asks, sitting on the couch across from Yoongi.

We.

Yoongi typically could sleep for at least 12 hours. Although they'd both agreed (Yoongi begrudgingly) that Jimin would keep the baby monitor in his room, life had other plans, in the form of a very pouty Taehyung, who managed to find his room. He proceeded to be met by this rather gregarious tale (all happening while Taehyung's little body is sprawled across his chest) about how the boy's stomach felt like a monster was inside of it ready to eat its way out.

By the time Jimin reaches the kitchen, he's met by the sounds of music, the smell of food and the giggles of children. Yoongi crouches down and plates another pancake on Taehyung's plate and looks up to meet one pouty-faced Jimin. Lots of pouty, cute faces this morning, he thinks.

"Hyung, wha..." Jimin stops mid sentence, still taking everything in. He slowly blinks and rubs his eyes a few times.

"Chimmy-hyung!" Taehyung squeals from his new little table. It's quite adorable watching the little boy stab into his pancakes. "Yoonie makes the best pancakes! They are soooo yummy! You should eat some before Kookie gets them."

It's not that Yoongi didn't have much success with the baby in his high chair. Things were going quite fine, in fact. By all accounts of the things he's looked up so far, Jeongguk has been quite the agreeable baby, much to Yoongi's utmost gratitude. It's just that when the one year-old seemed to realize Taehyung got to sit at a big kid table, he promptly, and very adamantly decided he needed to join. And join he has. Yoongi having to work extra fast because the baby took great pleasure in getting his hands good and gooey from taking pancake pieces from Taehyung's plate. Taehyung, Jeongguk's self-appointed protector, also let it be known that he didn't mind sharing while also managing to throw several hints that he hadn't had enough of his own.

Jimin steps further into the kitchen, still in shock from the scene before him. It's so ridiculously domestic what with Yoongi in silk pajamas, humming to the music in the background, plating pancakes. Yoongi motions for him to join them. Jimin slowly sits on one of the bar stools, positioning himself to where he has a view of the children, who are busy stuffing their grubby little faces, still blinking in awe.

"How...?" Is all he asks.

"Well Taehyungie woke me up after Jeonggukie woke him up." He rubs the back of his neck. "You were asleep so I looked up what to do when a three year old wakes up. And I made sure Taehyung used the bathroom and then I watched a video on how to change diapers. You did it so fast last night..." he pauses and then shakes himself. "Anyway, it also says music is a great way to start kids' day and I like music too so that was easy. And I checked their files. They don't have allergies but I wasn't sure if Taehyung meant it when he said he could eat a whole elephant so the next best thing were western pancakes, according to this list. And Jeonggukie seems to like them too. I have traditional breakfast too, if you'd like...?" he motions his spatula between the other items and the pancakes.

Jimin points to towards the banchan and then the pancakes, making Yoongi chuckle. He grabs the ladle and pours soup into a bowl, sliding it over and encouraging Jimin to eat up. Jimin raises a hand to show that he'll plate his own pancakes. There's others like kkakdugi, rice, and meat. He slowly takes a sip of his soup and closes his eyes, in bliss.

"Min Yoongi, you're really showing me up. My heaven, this is divine. Ascend me now!" He spends a bit more time sampling the rest of breakfast. "If you weren't intentionally single and I weren't unintentionally a relationship train wreck, I'd marry you right now." And then he moans and Yoongi has to focus on the stove.

Yoongi clears his throat, then plates his own food and sits on a bar stool next to Jimin. "My hyung taught me," he says, shrugging.

"Listen, that hyung I told you about last night? Tried for three years. I promise I can't do anything like this." Jimin speaks in neon, with his mouth full, cheeks and eyes still puffed. He looks like a duck to Yoongi right now.

He chuckles. Takes a moment to chew his own food then says, "I'll clean up and then I do have a few phone calls to make. Could you...?"

Jimin shakes his head. "No, no. You've already done too much and if this were a competition, I'd be losing miserably. Showing me up like this with your magic hands and five star kitchen service. Go. I'm going to clean and take over with the kids, make sure they're washed and clothed. You go do your calls."

The look he's then given shows Yoongi he has no room for arguing. "Alright, well, there's an office to the right of the living room over there. I'll be in there if you need anything. And I'll work fast so you're not alone!"

Yoongi hadn't expected to get a phone call from his friends, letting him know they were pulling up at the gate. Frazzled, he moved quickly to make sure his friends didn't disturb Jimin or the kids before he'd had a chance to give them a rundown of everything. Once they were in his office, he was able to lay it all out.

"Hyung, when you said you had an emergency, I was thinking like the sex was so good you pulled a muscle or knocked your date unconscious. I..." Namjoon shakes his head. "Only you would show up for a date, try to scare them off and end up a father to two kids."

Hoseok claps his hands with great enthusiasm and bounces up and down in his chair. "When do we get to meet them? They're so quiet but I bet they're so cute!"

"Ah, Jimin's been with them. Maybe putting them down for a nap, I think." Yoongi shares. It dawns on him that he hasn't let Jimin know there are guests here and he should probably do that but before he can, Hoseok chimes in again.

"Jimin, ehh? How was this Jimin?" Then he's elbowing Yoongi and Yoongi looks disgusted.

He rolls his eyes. "It's really not like that. I..."

Before he can continue, Jimin pops into the room, giggling with the baby. "Yoongi! Hyung, you'll never guess what Jeonggukie just... oh." Yoongi watches as Jimin scans the room and gets a better glimpse. "Oh!" He doubles back.

There's a brief pause that feels stretched for decades. Yoongi watches as something seems to set in three of their faces. Whatever it is, it all registers around the same time. Yoongi, unsurprisingly, is clueless.

The following dialogue goes down simultaneously, progressively loud and fully animated from Namjoon and Hoseok: "Jimin?!"

"You know Jimin?!"

They've turned towards each other now.

"How the hell do you know Jimin?!"

Yoongi's about to ask when they became a vocal harmony group but when he turns towards Jimin, he can see the color drain out of the younger's face. Quietly and almost robotic, he bounces the baby on his hips, eyes wide in shock. Looks like he wants to run.

Hoseok clears his throat and finally, speaking by himself, asks, "this is Park Jimin?!"

"You still haven't told me how the hell you know Jimin, love." Namjoon adds, with a bite that Yoongi's rarely heard from his friend towards his boyfriend before.

Hoseok cuts his eyes at Namjoon, "I don't go around talking about all of my exes, love." Hoseok sees Namjoon's bite and raises him with venom.

This whole thing is strange and a lot to take in but what really threatens to knock him on his ass is when he hears Namjoon say, "ex?! Wait, Jimin's your ex? Jimin's my ex."

Ridiculous. Absurd. Certifiable. There's so many words right now that come to mind for the last 24 hours. Leave it to Hoseok and Namjoon to add to the chaos. Before a storm can fully brew, Yoongi interjects.

Raising his hands, he says "wait, wait, wait. Let me get this straight. You both dated Jimin?" This is it.

He gets the words out, hears himself ask and then he blinks, blinks again. They both look at him and it's the absolute madness of it all. It erupts. How couldn't it? He proceeds to lean back in his chair and laughs. The depths of his soul shake. He's laughed so hard, tears are streaming down his face. When he sobers a bit, he realizes no one else is laughing.

"He's the one from my third year, hyung!" Hoseok hisses. Clearly, didn't find this funny. Yoongi's eyebrows go up to his hairline. Oh, maybe that's why no one... wait. Then that must mean...

"Jimin's the stalker?!" He hears himself ask then winces at the word choice.

Jimin finally chimes in, "you told him I stalked you?!"

Namjoon snorts humorlessly. "Well, isn't that fitting?"

Jimin looks like he's back to life, clearly ready to clap back but the light bulb clicks over Yoongi's eyes. He turns to Hoseok, "wait, you're the one minute man?! Oh my God, it makes so much sense, and you were the stage 5 clinger?" He asks towards Namjoon.

Namjoon blanches but it's Hoseok who appears to be seething now.

"You really talked about my sex life on a first date, Jimin? Wow. Classy. Really. I see not much has changed."

"I don't think you get the right to judge when you apparently lied and had your friend thinking I was stalking you!" Jimin retorts, switching the baby to his other hip.

He rubs the boy's back soothingly and checks on him. Jeongguk looks teary eyed and confused. Jimin takes his finger and allows the baby to gum at it. The distraction seems to work. Yoongi wants to end this mess before it gets worse, especially for the sake of the baby.

Instead, he's met with Namjoon's delayed reaction. "How could you call me a stage 5 clinger?!" He's looking right at Jimin, hurt. Like someone just snatched his favorite toy right out of his hands.

Yoongi jumps in, trying to contain this. "He didn't. That's what I decided to call you. Or are you going to deny proposing to him?"

And then Namjoon almost falls out of the chair. Yoongi winces, checks on the baby and Jimin. He hears Namjoon gain his balance again while asking, "you told him that?!"

"You proposed to Jimin?" Hoseok's turn now.

"It was my first serious relationship! I was young!" Return serve, Namjoon. Honestly, Yoongi's neck is hurting from all the back and forth.

"Oh so you can propose to this piece of shit but not me?" Abort. Nope. Now it's time to wrap this up.

"Excuse me, Hoseok-ssi," Yoongi looks at Jimin, sees how color drain from his eyes.

He's not neon right now. He's everything but. The way he calls Hoseok so formally even sounds weird from Yoongi's perspective and he didn't even know what they were like together. Except through Hoseok's account, of course.

Jimin continues, "I may have been a lot of things in our relationship but that was years ago and it doesn't give you the right to call me names."

"Yeah, Hoseok, cool it. You two," Yoongi points to Namjoon and Hoseok, "fix your shit, but don't move." He then stands up and offers to take the baby. Jimin shakes his head as Yoongi motions for them to leave the office. He can feel glares directed at Jimin.

"Okay so that was a lot. Are you okay? Do you need me to take the baby?" He asks once they've left the room and closed the door.

"N-no, he might actually be just the distraction I need right now..." Jimin walks away before Yoongi can continue.

Granted, they've only been around each other for a little over 12 hours so far but Yoongi can admit that he'd grown accustom to one side of Jimin. Obviously, there's much more that meets the eye.

Taking a deep breath, he braces himself for whatever could come from that office. He hopes it's not too much. The minute he opens the door, unfortunately, he knows, it's about to be the most.

"I don't know what the hell that was all about but I can't believe you two would be that rude to my guest. And in front of a baby?" Yoongi chides. He sits in his chair, aggressively nibbling on his bottom lip.

"Hyung. Yoongi." Yoongi's not used to Hoseok saying this with so much acid. "He's only known you for what? A few hours, already taking so many liberties like that? He can't stay here, Yoongi-ah. He's using you and manipulating you. I wouldn't even be surprised if those were his fucking kids and he's just doing this shit to get a free holiday or something." Hoseok hisses. It's venomous.

Yoongi blinks, head tilting back in surprise. "Whatever you have going on in that head of yours is clearly allowing you to attempt at insulting my intelligence right now, Hoba. I was there when those kids showed up. I was there when you two (he makes a very exaggerated gesture, signifying both of them) told me you set up that damn profile. Or did you forget? What are you even saying right now?"

He's trying to contain this as much as possible. This is the last thing he wants or needs, especially as it pertains to the kids. This is not why he'd told them what was going on.

"You know how you are, hyung. Look at all of this. You let two children under 5, most likely illegally, as well as a complete stranger who happens to be my ex... our ex... into your family home. I think it's safe to say even you can tell something was a bit off. You haven't been here in years." The rational part of Yoongi knows that Namjoon is coming from a place of concern.

The irritated part? Another story.

"I know how I am? You know what, don't answer that. Since you both are so busy speaking for me and insulting my intelligence, let me explain this to you, simply, although I owe neither of you an explanation. I brought them here because it's bigger than my apartment, first of all and second of all, did you forget this house isn't registered under my name? No, don't look at me like I just proved your point, Joon-ah. You're missing mine. If there's an ounce of a chance those assholes who snatched them from the orphanage got camera footage and saw the tags on my car, the first place they'd go looking for those kids is my apartment, which is in my name."

The realization seems to dawn on both Namjoon and Hoseok's face but Yoongi doesn't give them another moment. "Yeah, it means I'll have to get the car detailed, something I arranged today, get it parked at the apartment and clean my apartment of anything valuable or identifiable before they get there with the possibility they'll likely break in. And I also have to booby trap my apartment discreetly so I can throw them off while also running some kind of surveillance in the hopes that I might catch them in there. That was me up all night thinking this through so again, I ask you both, what are you even saying?"

Namjoon blinks while Hoseok huffs in his seat, crossing his arms. "Hyung, you're not some James Bond type. Do you hear yourself? The fact that you're trying to do all of this and with Park Jimin of all people?" Hoseok adds a snort to that.

"What the hell are you even saying to me right now, Kim Namjoon? If it wasn't for Jimin... wait! You two are the ones who made that profile and matched me with him! How the hell did you not know who you matched me with?!" Yoongi asks, rubbing his eyes.

A quick body scan. That's what he'd learned to do for himself, especially when he notices there are changes. His breath is quickening, he's grinding his teeth and he's pretty sure he's at the precipice of a headache.

Irritation.

Annoyance.

Possible anger.

He hadn't felt these things when Taehyung decided to play with his eyelids to wake him up way earlier than his body was ready for. Hadn't felt this when he first attempted diapers only to realize he had it on backwards and that because he'd not been quick enough, the baby projectile peed on the walls, narrowly missing his face. Hadn't felt this when he ran into that restaurant, spoke the truth, only for it to be met back with more truth and an invitation. When he agreed to completely alter his life 180, overnight. But now? Now, he's feeling all of that. With the friends he's known for a long time. Why?

"Park Jimin is a common name, hyung. He looks different and he had qualities we both liked and thought you'd get along with. You can't blame us for..." Hoseok starts but Yoongi cuts him off.

Normally, Yoongi isn't this impolite. But right now, his brain rapid firing. "Wait, am I hearing this right?" They both look at him confused by the question.

But for Yoongi, the light is all the way on. "Qualities you both liked... don't tell me his profile caught your attention because you're both still hung up on him. That's it, isn't it?"

They sputter, move around uncomfortably in their chairs but before they can protest further, Yoongi shakes his head and stands.

"Unbelievable. You know what? I don't even wanna know. None of this is why I told either of you. I need serious help and you can be on board or not. But I can't do this right now. If you decide to help, I need you both to fix your shit first." Then he leaves to go fix his own.

"I should probably let it be known that I totally eavesdropped that convo. They're probably right to be concerned but thank you, for sounding reasonable towards me, even if you don't know me." Jimin shares. The kids are down for mid-morning naps and Jimin invited Yoongi into the guest room once he was ready to talk.

Yoongi's face squints. "We don't really have to go into that, Jimin. Like I don't want you to feel obligated to explain yourself to me."

"You really are my very own Killian Jones..." Jimin shares and it sounds wistful. But Yoongi also thinks it's still teasing.

However, as has become the custom, he's not sure because he doesn't get the reference. So he blanks, to which, Jimin blanches.

"Once Upon a Time? Captain Hook? Emma Swan? Captain Swan?" What the hell does Peter Pan have to do with this and from what he remembers reading, who the hell is Emma Swan? He knows it shows on his face. Minus five again.

"Min Yoongi, we really have to do something about this. This really won't do." He tuts and shakes his head, visibly disappointed. Yoongi can't help but continue to look confused, causing Jimin to giggle and continue to shake his head. "Anyway, it's been our thing, ya know, transparency. So might as well keep it going."

"Yeah but that was before this all happened," Yoongi's hand motions in circle. "Really, you don't have to talk to me about anything you don't want. It's not my business, it's not my place. In fact, I'm sorry I called you a stalker. And I'm sorry I didn't warn you that they were coming. Obviously, I hadn't known about you dating them but you were with the kids and even though they just popped up, I still handled that part in poor taste..."

"Why, Mr. Darcy, have you, in spite of my protests of independence, seen fit to protect my delicate sensibilities?" Jimin's eyebrows flutter as he puts his face in his hands.

Yoongi deadpans. He actually got that reference and can now fully confirm that Jimin has been, in fact, mercilessly teasing him.

Jimin giggles at his own humor and says, "It's okay. I want you to know. Back then, I was the kind of person who always wanted someone else to fill my spaces with me. You know why I swore off men?" Yoongi shakes his head then grimaces.

Obviously, Jimin meant for that to be rhetorical so he internally berates himself.

Nonetheless, Jimin smiles and continues on, "the more I wanted, the more the guys I dated couldn't or wouldn't give. At first, I just was like fuck it because I blamed them. But then, things kept happening and it kind of forced me to start spending more time away from people and with myself. It was scary, you know? For someone like me who was constantly on the go and always fueled by what someone else could give them,"

He takes a moment to gather himself then continues, "I was expecting others to pour things into me and nothing ever felt full enough. I don't even know when the change happened, really. I suppose it was when I lost Hoseok. He just wouldn't even talk to me. Didn't even pay me dust after that happened. Naturally, the first reaction to that, I snapped. Went through dates like people go through pens. But as time went, the distractions weren't enough. I knew I wasn't feeling poured into. I was actually feeling sucked dry. And not even in the fun way."

He pouts. Yoongi blushes. "I couldn't or maybe I wouldn't get it so I figured the only way to control anything was to avoid being hurt altogether. I suppose there was some healing or something there. I mean I'm still needy, sure as hell not perfect but I think somewhere down the road, it helped me see things I was doing. Because the good ones? No matter how I held on, they just wouldn't last. Eventually got enough kicks in my ass to see that I was relying on a lot of old habits in new spaces, expecting great results. And that just wasn't going to work." He pauses and looks at Yoongi then adds, "you look like you want to say something."

"No, I just... you're very introspective s'all. And I think in some ways, I can relate." Yoongi shrugs and leans across the end of the bed, trying to get more comfortable.

He notices how Jimin takes him in then his eyebrow raises, intrigued. "Share for share, in the spirit of transparency? Only if you want to, of course."

"I... yeah, I want to." He pauses. Does he want to? This feels like a whole lot real fast. He takes a breath and plays with a loose thread on the bed's comforter.

"Okay, I will. In the spirit of transparency... I spent a great deal of my life acting for and doing the things everyone seemed to want me to do. It's likely part of why Hoseok and Namjoon were concerned. They've seen me at my worse and they're worried I'd just say yes to something or someone they have in their mind as this self-absorbed villain. But I deserve more credit than that and you deserve humanity. I have a feeling this will all seep in and I will lose it and maybe pull it all back together but for right now, I'm a very active participant in this all, you know? I said yes because I wanted to. And maybe I felt obligated to these children but they're kids. I don't know. I'm still processing it. It's only been a few hours but... I haven't been living on my own because I'm scared. I know a lot of people think that. It could be complacency. I won't deny that. I'm comfortable. It's been safe, peaceful. Well, at least quiet. I've been on my own because it's a choice I made. After all, it got pretty foggy and claustrophobic being around people who only wanted to share space with me because of what I could do for them. I made a choice to move myself away from that and look at the things I wanted and valued. I'm still working on it. But I guess I got so upset because even in their concern, which, I get it and I appreciate but that blurred a line and projected some shit on me that they need to sort out."

There's a pause. Yoongi can hear the crackle of the baby monitor and the kids breathing. He's still yet to install the cameras but he will. He can also hear Jimin breathing and the whirring sounds of a fan in one of the rooms. He looks up at Jimin who seems deep in contemplation.

Finally, the space is filled with the sound of his voice again. "This is not going to be easy, you know."

"I know."

"And you're okay with a complete stranger living in your house, for however long, to find the best solution for these kids?"

Yoongi shrugs. They're being honest, so here it goes. "In this moment, I am. It could change, honestly. It's a lot, I haven't put all the pieces together. You probably haven't either. But since it is our thing, we'll just stay honest with each other?"

"Full honesty? Yoongi, whatever issues we have going on, could easily come up and out with these children like earlier. They also don't deserve to have our shit spilled over them..."

Yoongi's been thinking about that. Been thinking about how already, so much of himself is being brought to the surface and exposed. Been thinking about all of the ways in which it'd be easy to project his ilk onto two innocent beings. "You're worried about Namjoon and Hoseok?"

"It's not so much them..." Then Jimin pauses, regroups after biting at his bottom lip. "Well maybe it's them but it's more of the fact that things I thought I let fly away came back the moment I locked eyes with both of them. And they're both my exes... in a relationship together. And best friends with this random guy they matched me with on a dating app. Who, by the way, is letting me stay in his second home to protect two kids? Like the more I say it out loud..."

Yoongi observes him sigh as he runs his hand through his hair. He isn't sure how to pick up from there but Jimin seems to want to continue so he sits back quietly. Jimin looks lost in thought. Layers. He's starting to see more dimensions to Jimin. The colors aren't so blatant, but rather, gradations.

"But keep in mind," Yoongi offers, "you're also saying yes to staying with a random guy, who is friends with two of your exes and has associated some part of you as this stalker, flaky type for years. And you agreed to stay with two kids. It's equally absurd on both ends."

Jimin's expression breaks. He's smirking now. Sighing, he shares, "I was truthful when I said I only agreed on that date because of the prospect of free food. I take when I can. I like getting my way. But since this is weird and somehow, cathartic, and a thing for us... being brought back to my past just now, made me realize how much I really don't want to be in another relationship. Feels honestly why I wanted to make the date light and whimsical. The minute you told me your truth and you were unashamed to speak it... I thought, well, rather than feeling put off or not valued, something about it made me want to drop my own defenses. It also helped that I was really thinking I'd never have to see you again. Even if you are cute and swoop in for damsels."

Yoongi lets out a grunt. "Well, I guess it's obvious, I'm a yes man. I don't intend to be. It's something I grew up knowing so when something goes down, I've been the person who tries to solve it. I said the truth about not wanting to get your hopes up and I was determined to just spill it all and leave. I stayed because I thought there's no way someone who looks like you would actually entertain my madness but also, if I'm honest, because I was trying to right what I decided was some kind of wrong made by my friends. And I said yes to figuring out this whole thing with the kids because I'm not a dick but also because I'm used to trying to fix things. But we're being frank and Jimin, I'm in way over my head. I know I am. I didn't even know there was a thing to lock the toilet or why. I don't know CPR. I thought about that when I looked up all that stuff earlier. I sometimes forget what sleep looks like, especially when I'm really inspired and want to get working towards where my creativity guides me. I'm not asking you to stay but I am saying that I don't know how the hell I could possibly think I could've figured this out with you. How do you even know so much?"

"You're Westley, hyung. Something tells me, in spite of what you think, you would've figured this out with or without me. And I umm... funny enough I didn't just lose my will for relationships. I kind of lost my support at school and got blackballed in the dance community after my break up with Hoseok. So..." Then, he runs hand through his hair again. Bubblegum pink. Fluffy. A contrast to the sharpness of his eyes right now. "I ended up having to reconfigure a lot about my life and took a year off from school, came back and graduated with an education degree. I teach kids now."

Wait.

Yoongi knows what he remembers back then. Hoseok going on and on about him potentially meeting the love of his life. Hoseok pulling at Yoongi, begging him to meet his flower. Yoongi being so consumed and overloaded that things kept falling through. Yoongi agreeing finally after Hoseok's family were to come visit. Hoseok turning into a wall right after. Hoseok telling him that he had to hide him. Every single time he told him. Hoseok telling him he was being stalked by his ex, who turned out to be not what he was. Yoongi trying to convince him to call campus police, especially after the third time they'd had to stop everything while walking on campus to hide him as soon as he caught sight of his ex. Bitter Hoseok, who stopped smiling for months, scowled and did nothing but vent about his user of an ex. And then one day, it was like he got over it. Yoongi knew he hadn't fully but it was a change. He'd gone back to smiling more. Gone back to talking about dance. Talked about all the new prospects he was excited to mentor. No more talk of his ex. It all comes to mind but now Yoongi is aware, there is a whole other side.

He swallows. It feels dry and prickly on his throat. Without caution, he finds his mouth asking, "what do you mean you got blackballed" before he really thinks it through. Of course with the way he remembers Hoseok presenting it, this makes total sense. Not fair, but makes total sense.

"I guess it all clicked from earlier so that's what I'm calling it. Back then, I didn't fully get what was going on. I mean I did, to an extent, but I had no idea he was saying I was stalking him or maybe that's just how he saw it. I-it wasn't my intention. We just... it went from being really serious, even in something as silly as that fight, to abruptly non-existent. And with it, big parts of my life that I didn't realize. We broke up in between semesters and the very next semester, he was a TA. It makes so much sense now. I'm not saying it was him but it did make me feel like my dancing wasn't good enough because I kept being told no. When I finally thought I reconciled it, I figured that was the extent of my ability and so I didn't think to fight it or anything." Jimin shrugs. And it's not the same shrug from last night. No, this one feels like he's almost made his way through a vat of peanut butter but hasn't quite reached a ledge to get out.

"That's just fucked up..." Yoongi says, mostly to himself but, obviously loud enough for Jimin to hear.

"Yeah it is. But also, who knows what might have happened if we needed to be here for these kids and things had been different? We are likely not gonna get things all right, Yoongi, but we need to be solid for them if we're really going to do this."

"I withdraw into myself a lot." Yoongi adds after mulling over Jimin's words. "It's just my process or what I've been used to. I think it helps me think and sometimes stay safe. And so I struggle with being aware of what's going on around me. Makes me seem withdrawn..."

Jimin seems to catch on. He nods and then joins in. "Okay hmm... since we're doing this umm... I'd rather defer and let others take care of me. I like being spoiled in that way. So I struggle sometimes with seeing how heavy that might be on some people..."

"I'm absolutely terrified that these kids are putting their trust in me. I've been coasting through, not sure about my own life and what if my desire to be helpful is really selfish?" Again, this is one of those rhetorical musings that Yoongi's throwing out into the universe. But Jimin can hear it.

"I'm scared too, hyung. I may have more day to day experience with kids but... I don't want my own shit to spill out on these babies."

"I hate the thought of you feeling obligated to help me with this because you work with kids..."

"I hate the thought of you feeling like I'm taking advantage of you or manipulating you like they said..."

"Jimin, I love my friends but I don't care what they said..."

"Wait, we're breaking script?"

"Jimin..." Yoongi pauses and turns towards the younger more. He sighs and sits up straight, adding, "the you that Hoseok painted you out to be is this abstract memory somewhere in a pocket of my mind. Yes, I remember what it was like. But you could just as equally decide to leave in the middle of the night as you could to somehow use this to your advantage. I personally can't see how adding children to your plate would do that. They can figure out whatever shit they have towards you. I won't push you to sort out yours here. But I'm asking you, Park Jimin, with all of my own shit that I have going on and all of the shit you probably have going on, knowing that I have no fucking idea what the hell I'm doing and that unfortunately the only people that I could think of to help me are ill-fated ex-lovers, will you join me and be my partner and work with me on figuring out how to help Taehyung and Jeongguk?"

Jimin blinks and Yoongi thinks he's taken aback. But he should've known. Should've seen it coming. "Is this your way of proposing because as weird as that was, it's kind of hot, actually..."

"Jimin..."

The Jimin giggle returns. The one that sounds like prancing fairies. "Yes, hyung. I, Park Jimin, take you, Min Yoongi, as my partner in who knows what the hell we're doing. To try to figure this out but let's promise to always be transparent even when it hurts. Especially if this becomes too overwhelming. Because we are both agreeing to work together and care for these vulnerable beings as our responsibility until otherwise. I also say, just in case, from experience, we just write some core solid things down and sign together. Should anything get confusing or murky or we lose our shit, we'll have something solid to ground us both and remind us why we're doing this and what for. What do you say?" And then, Jimin sticks out he's unusually tiny pinky.

Yoongi nods and clasps his with Jimin, grinning.

Jimin returns it then claps a hand over Yoongi's shoulder. "Alright then, hyung. Let's go get the shit kicked out of us by love!" Yoongi cocks his head, confused.

"Aish! Really, Yoongi? Love Actually?! Oh, come on! How am I supposed to live like this?!"

Chapter Text

"I know it's a little different and this could take some digesting... or you may just be thinking it's all bullshit, and that's honestly okay too." Jimin pauses and takes a breath.

They both look up thinking they've heard some movement from the bedrooms upstairs. Nothing on the monitor though. Yoongi looks out of the office window to see it's a tree bending against the side of the house.

Once Jimin's alarm lowers, he prattles on, "and I want to preface this again by saying I teach at an international school but, what do you think? First impressions?" He exits out of the video and looks at Yoongi expectantly.

Yoongi likes to let things settle, typically, before he responds. So he gathers himself for a moment. And Jimin meets him right there, judging by the softness in his honey-toned eyes. Yoongi appreciates that because they've been going non-stop mid-morning with what Jimin called a "crash course into parental training."

Somewhere between Yoongi's friends showing up unannounced, signing a pact with basic agreements (which Jimin also used finger paints to imprint his, Yoongi's and the children's hands but Yoongi didn't have a conniption, really) and the kids being put down for mid-morning naps, Jimin somehow managed to find Yoongi's display easel and pad, but adds markers and a long pointer. Either Namjoon stashed these in the office when Yoongi wasn't looking or much more like he's starting to suspect, the teacher brought his own supplies. He'd started off their crash course marching back and forth like a general, throwing terms and lists at Yoongi. Yoongi did his best to listen attentively and take notes with his scratchy handwriting.

We're just going over some basics, hyung. Jimin mentioned. Now they've finished watching a video with subtitles and if he's honest, with all of the other information, plus this, he isn't sure what he thinks. It's a lot. Jimin said it would be but he's admitting it to himself now as well.

"I think I get why you showed this to me. And I have been a person who thought I had to get rid of myself for the sake of others. But my parents aren't assholes..." His eyebrows furrow. He's not sure where he wants to go with that so he trails off.

Jimin smiles softly. "Hyung, it's not about that. She's pointing out some ways in which parents might impact the adults their children become. I know this may be a little different than what you might be used to but I wanted you to see this simply as a way to be aware of impact versus intention. Obviously, we have no clue how long the kids are relying on us and we have no idea what they may or may not pick up from us. They're very vulnerable and we are taking responsibility for them, so accountability is so, so important."

Right. They've been making movements all morning to try navigating that, plus this crash course. Yoongi's really grateful to have someone who seems as informed as Jimin. What are the odds of any of this happening and the person joining him on this journey happens to be one Park Jimin, teacher with supplies extraordinaire?

"You and I don't currently have much time to get family counseling or take parenting classes. But let's lean on each other and do our best to remember that the more space we make for bringing awareness to our own shit, the more space we will have to pay attention to these children. I don't just mean making sure they're physically safe and healthy, hyung. Someone or several someones likely took it upon themselves to try taking advantage of these babies in ways I'm not sure I'm ready to name, if I'm being honest. I think it's in our best interest to be vigilant. Not perfect, but vigilant."

When Jimin is in this kind of space, his loud looks like bold colors, bold statements, bold punctuation. It's meant to be indefinitely embedded somewhere on you. It's like one of those permanent markers he's using to write something down.

"Yes, I get you and I agree," Yoongi adds, nodding. "And I guess that's a good segue to the next part of our agenda?" Jimin made an agenda. Because of course, Jimin made an agenda.

"Yes, exactly. I'd say for your crash course, you did well, hyung. We have a clearly stated emergency plan or at least the start of it and the next on the list is I need to call my hyung, you need to... hyung, how am I supposed to read this mess?" Jimin demands, while scrunching his face up.

"What does this even say?" And then he's tilting half his body over towards Yoongi's space. Apparently that's the thing to do when needing to closely examine handwriting.

"It says I need to make sure they're installing the cameras in my apartment and in here. Oh! The car was detailed and brought back to my apartment, by the way. Didn't want to take any chances. I'll borrow Hoseok's on the days I need to go out." He checks his phone as it buzzes with a notification. "Ah! Joon-ah went to go get us one of those cheap burner phones so we can make an anonymous call to the police and see what happens. He's going to want to talk to both of us at some point, you're sure you're okay with that?" Yoongi asks, trying not to bite his nails.

Jimin nods.

Then pauses.

Nods a second time and then breathes.

Then he shakes his head.

"Right. Full disclosure, I still don't know how I feel about all of this so I won't say I'm not ready but I also won't pretend this isn't a lot. At the same time, it's been a busy morning and I really just found out two of my exes are your best friends, and dating each other."

"Yeah, whenever it's said out loud, my head spins. But I'm not going anywhere, okay? I cleared out my schedule to focus on sorting out the basics." Yoongi shares and Jimin smiles at him softly.

He then gasps and bounces back towards Yoongi's desk. "Oh! Yoongi! That's right. We have to go over our schedules! Okay so I've taken the time to put my work schedule here on this calendar. You really need one of these more readily visible, hyung. What about you? I'll color code this in case there are any overlaps so we can figure out sitters or..."

Park Jimin is the type to speak in permanent marker and make neatly written schedules with colors and highlights and stickers. There are actual stickers on Yoongi's clean slate, black and white calendar. Min Yoongi is the type to admire said schedules, wish he had the creativity and detail to commit to making some while forgetting but finding himself in his own lull of a routine.

Yet here is that lull interrupted yet again by one loud presence that is Park Jimin. Asking him yet another question he's been dreading. Yoongi's throat dries. He knew it'd been building up to this moment. How could it not? He clears his throat, which stops Jimin in mid-speech.

Sheepishly, he adds, "that uhh- that won't be necessary. The sitters, I mean. I'll be around during the day. I mean I can be around during the day." The last part spoken barely above a whisper.

He tries not to look down at his feet. It isn't that Yoongi is shy about where he assumes this is leading.

Well, maybe a little shy.

Okay, he feels very shy right now. So much so, his hands feel clammy and he's getting overheated.

Jimin's muttering to himself but then becomes slightly louder when he says, "you're not a chaebol, you're not some kind of gang leader... what am I missing, Min Yoongi? Oh! oh, wait! Are you a sugar baby?!" And then his eyes are so wide with wonder and something else that Yoongi isn't sure he enjoys seeing right now.

In fact, naturally, this leads to the side eye he gives Jimin, who giggles and covers his mouth then puts his hands up in surrender. "I already told you I write, Park Jimin. That's it. Nothing fancy. I write."

"You're like Shin Kyung-sook then?" Jimin asks, for clarification after sobering from his giggle fit.

But Yoongi's ears are definitely already turning red and he's ready to turn on the AC. He shakes his head. "You know Shin Kyung-sook?" he inquires and Jimin looks taken aback.

He expresses his dismay further, rather indignantly. "Excuse you! Just because you're an ostrich doesn't mean my head's in the sand with you, hyung. Eomma-reul butakhae is quite a clever and fitting reference to our situation, if I do say so myself." He lifts his nose and crosses his arms but just as quickly shoots a look over to Yoongi, "so where's your work, Shin Kyung-sook?"

Yoongi sighs, shoulder slump. "Not like that... I have a bigger audience abroad, but not that kind of... y-you probably wouldn't know my..."

"Min Yoongi," Jimin interrupts with a gasp, light bulb click, then he proceeds to giggle yet again at his own joke. Yoongi would like to be in on it. Yoongi finds he is always at a perpetual state of loss with Park Jimin and his inside jokes and his teasing quips and that flusters him.

But also, in the hours he's come to know this Park Jimin, he's wondering if it'd be more than okay if he kept it to himself. "I've got it!" He hears Jimin squeak, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "You're a fan fiction writer!"

Yup, could've kept that to himself. How the hell did it even get to this? Then again, Yoongi's not sure where the bar sets between chaebol, sugar baby and this. Jimin's curled into himself cracking up and making jokes questioning how that would be remotely possible when Yoongi has yet to catch his amazing references. Yoongi just sighs, watching the younger's antics as he blinks. He didn't ask for this disrespect.

"What fandom?!" Jimin proceeds to demand in a squeal. He's now bouncing up and down like a child who has to use the toilet. And Yoongi groans. Because what else is he going to do in this situation?

"I'm not a fan fiction writer." Yoongi can do this. Clarification, that's all. He's a writer, has a way with words. He can get in and out fast, easy, painless. "I write music, compositions and such. It gets shopped around, mostly abroad like in the US and sometimes it gets translated and sells. Hence the piano in the living room?"

"Oh. I figured that was just some fancy rich people decoration. Hyung, that's boring. You gave me all of this build up with the shyness and the red face for nothing. I liked the idea of you being a fan fiction writer so much better..." He has the nerve to pout.

Gee, thanks.

Jimin's shoulders drop in his own self-induced frustration but then, he again perks up, "unless...?" His eyebrows wiggle.

"Brat! How do you come into my house and disrespect me like this? It hasn't even been 24 hours!" Yoongi hisses. Jimin giggles more and that wipes away any attempt Yoongi might have had to maintaining his resolve. "I do some concept writing for popular western TV shows and some music composition as well." He huffs.

"Well you made it seem like it was this big classified deal, hyung. I almost thought you were a secret agent or something. And I obviously don't mean you're boring. I just mean the build-up was pretty damn anti-climactic. That's kinda cool, though. You didn't have to hide it." He shrugs and scribbles something on their new schedule.

Yoongi shrugs as well with an added sigh. "It's not the most traditional or understood career path so I just tell people I write. Which isn't untrue."

"Hyung, you've probably done scores for some of my favorite western shows I like, even when you have no clue what the hell I'm talking about... which is such a waste, but I digress. The fact that you might do that makes you exceptionally cool, own it." He adds a nod for good measure.

Red. Yoongi only knows a life in red when he's around Park Jimin. Park Jimin knows a life in bold, neon. But Yoongi? Apparently his only color is red, or maybe shades of pink too. He's trying not to cower into himself but he really can't help it. Not when Jimin just throws out compliments so casually.

He watches Jimin ruminate over the schedule. "Okay, so it looks like you'll likely be on daytime parent duty during the week. I've written down some typical things I think they might need or want to do during the day. And in case you're into developmental stages, I'll share some of that too. So, starting tomorrow, you'll have to get really hands on with keeping them stimulated. I'm going to write down some things, more for you than for them. Oh! Maybe you can teach Taehyungie some music then! He's a little young still but he seems to be musically inclined already! And you seem to like to cook, maybe you can have him join you!"

Yoongi takes a long pause. He really hadn't thought this far, let alone about that kind of thing. What does a 3 year old do all day? "I actually like that idea. If he'd be open to any of it. And it might even give me some time to get some things submitted, if they're attentive enough."

"Don't worry, hyung. We bought lots of games, toys and books. Now that I have your email, I'll send you a bunch of resources for how to keep them busy, happy and stimulated. You can also text me now like the emergency plan says. Are..." Yoongi notices Jimin pause.

No, this is more like hesitation.

For once, Park Jimin looks to be at a loss for words. And Yoongi watches the younger scrunching his face, attempting to bend his mind in order to gather and will the right words for whatever it is he's trying to share. This expression, less loud, more muted. For once, Min Yoongi isn't actually sure he quite likes seeing that.

Jimin blinks slowly, taking a deep and measured breath. He swallows and also clears his throat, running a hand through his hair.

Whatever it is, Yoongi wants to stop him from even having to access it but Jimin continues before he can chime in. "Are y-your... friends good with children? Maybe... maybe they can help you out if you feel it's appropriate?" He suggests but Yoongi can tell it feels like sawdust in Jimin's mouth.

Yoongi shrugs. "Something tells me I'll need the baby gate for Joon-ah before I would for Taehyungie or Jeonggukie. But that is part of why I called and told them. I think I'd only call them for a couple of hours here or there if I really need to get something done. Especially since I'm not really sure where we stand with everything yet..."

"Don't worry, hyung. It's not... this is about the kids. I won't let what bothers me or doesn't bother me affect what happens with the kids."

Nodding, Yoongi runs his hand through his own hair. He really hopes his friends have done the grown up thing and talked but judging by the way they left earlier, who knows. They did agree they'd be back later in the day after helping Yoongi sort through logistics. He's just glad it's a Sunday and not a work day because this would make things that much more complicated.

"You seem to pick up on stuff really fast so we'll do a lot of this together today, if you have time? And hopefully that'll give you the basics. My hyung, the one that I need to call, I think he'd be open to coming over to help out too, if that's okay." It sounds like a suggestion and an unspoken absolute. Permanent marker Jimin is back.

"Well, if you trust him, the more the merrier?" Then Yoongi shrugs.

Not quite sure what to think or feel, he'd given himself enough time to decide he truly does want to dedicate himself to being helpful towards the children. So he's open. He's looking at this as an adventure. He and Jimin sort out more logistical things for tomorrow and Jimin suggests they go day to day, hour by hour if need be. They make a point to note making sure they talk this over with Taehyung so the boy isn't confused by Jimin's absence.

Yoongi also suggests that maybe some days he can take the kids out to come pick Jimin up from school. Jimin agrees to cover bath and bed time during the week and Yoongi will cover dinner. They'll switch on weekends. That is to say, Jimin will ask his hyung to bring meals for them or order takeout. All of this is subject to change based on things coming up, so they make space for that. Jimin's hyung apparently is an amazing chef and his primary goal is to sweet talk the man into bringing them all the freebies.

It's weird, Yoongi notes, that they seem to work so well together. At least when they have this common goal. Jimin likes to have things in writing, with colors and arrows, squiggles and highlights, post-its and stickers. Yoongi's office now looks like New York's Times Square in comparison to how it used to. It's very Jimin. Checking the time, they decide to reconvene after wrapping up the rest of the checklist of errands.

"Alright, Moon Soo-Ho, let's be on with our business." Jimin prompts, while posting their new schedule on the wall of the office.

Yoongi blinks. He can't recall any authors of that name. He knows how his face is screwed in confusion and sees, yet again, Jimin looking him right in the eyes. And yet again, his shoulders sag. Yoongi has taken this to translate as 'Park Jimin is once again teasing you in pop reference that you know nothing of'.

He confirms as much when Jimin expressed: "Aish. I was thinking surely if it's Korean... not even this one? Lee Myung-so?" He looks to Yoongi expectantly.

"Are they more contemporary writers or something?" Yoongi inquires, confused.

This clearly was the wrong question. It comes to Yoongi that he really should just stay quiet at this point. But the way the teacher's wood-stained eyes land on him when he goads Yoongi into joining along is almost like some kind of hypnosis that forces him to open his mouth and say the wrong answer. He can't help it!

Jimin sighs in defeat, shaking his head. And really? At this point, it might as well be their thing along with full transparency. Except, at Yoongi's expense, he doesn't want it to be a thing. He wants to know all the ways to understand Jimin so his head doesn't hurt as much.

"At this point, I'm doing this to myself. It was too good to be true, I suppose." He shrugs again as though water just bounces off him, not a care in the world then sighs lazily for a second time. "The plotline got weird anyway. Come, hyung, we have things to do."

Yoongi cocks his eyebrow in challenge. He's got his eye on Namjoon and whatever foolery could leave his mouth. Doesn't help that his partner didn't return when he showed up.

"Okay, so I'll cut to the chase. Before we get started, I owe Jimin-ssi an apology. And I'll only speak on my behalf..." Namjoon starts and it admittedly throws Yoongi off.

Then again, he's known his friend for a very long time and the man can't hold conflict for very long. It makes him jittery and when Namjoon gets jittery, things break. Well, even when he isn't, things can break too. But with jittery conflict Namjoon, things break more like trying to get the right consistency for a choux pastry. Something that, from experience, he'd like to avoid.

Yoongi and Namjoon started their friendship quite reluctantly. They had a few basic classes together, assigned, at times, to pair up for projects. They often argued in the beginning, seemingly over petty things. Namjoon had a very set way of doing things which didn't always agree with Yoongi. Eventually, they shared some commonalities and came to respect one another through mutual passion. Yoongi knows enough of Namjoon to know that it's with that very passion, he shouldn't be surprised by this and yet, it still catches him.

Jimin looks uncomfortable though. Eyes gazing between the baby (amusing himself by grabbing at his feet while trying to rolling across the living room floor) and some point on the little bit of the throw rug that isn't under the coffee table. Jimin knew this time that Namjoon would be returning so he wasn't startled when he came downstairs with the baby and saw him waiting with Yoongi on the sofa. Yoongi has monitor duty. Jimin mentioned that either the last few days have finally caught up to Taehyung or he's just a long napper. He also mentioned watching the kid closely because that could impact bed time. Yoongi's thinking about all of the logs and apps and resources Jimin's been showing him when he hears him clear his throat, interrupting Namjoon.

"Y-you really don't have to do that!" Jimin insists and he's fidgety, jittery, sparky. Not sparks of neon. This is more like a socket that's ready to ignite.

"I... please? I just... I mean it's not-" Namjoon huffs, fumbling over his words.

At this point, Jimin looks up and to Yoongi. Yoongi turns away from looking at Namjoon then looks back. Jeongguk has decided to stand while banging on the coffee table in the middle of the room and note to self, Yoongi is so glad Jimin got things to make sure the baby doesn't hurt himself on the edges, now that he's watching as he holds himself up. He takes his attention back to Jimin, hoping or thinking the teacher is trying to communicate with him in silence.

Are you okay? he hopes his eyes convey, further expressed by the way he tilts his head. It looks like Jimin isn't sure.

The moment is broken though in a soft gasp. Jimin's hands instinctively go to catch the baby who has now decided to stand on his own and clap. He excitedly but gently (possibly to not startle the baby) claps and expresses excitement across his face. He also encourages the others to join. They do so as well, which does seem to excite the baby enough that he squeaks, claps and lands right on his bottom.

They laugh at the confused look of the one year-old after his body crashes back down in a thud. Then breaks out into the biggest smile as he claps again, expecting the others to join him. They all collectively coo and praise in claps. It's already very clear. You do not say no to Jeon Jeongguk.

"He's a really cute kid," Namjoon interjects.

Again, that feeling Yoongi has when he wants to punch something squishy comes as he wholeheartedly agrees with his friend's assessment. He should probably get himself checked. They watch as Jeongguk decides what to get into next. Jimin right there to guide him just in case. He's decided to climb back up to the coffee table and walk around it, while still holding on, of course.

"I think he either has taken steps before or he'll be taking his first steps soon! I hope I get to see it..." Jimin offers, probably more to himself. That same look in muted returns between the furrow of Jimin's brows. The one Yoongi isn't quite sure he's a fan of.

"I-I'll film it and send it to you if you're not here!" He mentions, trying to keep it casual but Namjoon's head snaps towards Yoongi.

Yoongi won't turn in his friend's direction. Tries to count backwards to reduce life in red. But Namjoon says nothing to him. Instead, he clears his throat, directing his words to Jimin, whose eyes are wide and wondrous and staring at Yoongi.

It's enough of a distraction for Namjoon to take his opportunity. "Jimin-ssi, I don't want to make you uncomfortable. I just want to acknowledge that I was a really goofy, overzealous kid when we were dating and I totally get and respect now why you made the choices you did. I wasn't listening to or respecting your wishes at all then. I know my reaction didn't indicate that earlier and for that, I apologize as well. Of course, I know this might be dredging up some things for you and I can only imagine you're taking in hyung's friends being... well anyway, I hope that because we have space and distance from our pasts, that we can fill that with new interaction instead?"

He pauses, possibly to gauge Jimin's reaction. Yoongi thinks right now Jimin looks a bit like a caged tiger. He watches as Jimin's gaze narrows slightly while he scootches around the coffee table, following Jeongguk. He pauses long enough to sigh and place his hands through his hair. Something in the way he slumps and goes back to attending to the baby lets Yoongi know Jimin's resigned himself to listening. It seems to let Namjoon know as well, who slides more forward on the sofa.

"That's very kind and thoughtful of you. I accept your apology. And I would like for my being here and being present, especially for these children, to be as drama free as possible..." He pauses and Yoongi can just tell somehow that there's more. "Considering." Jimin says with a finality to his sentence.

Namjoon nods while Yoongi looks back and forth between the two. There still feels like a lot left in the area. It stifles and reeks, clouds like pollution. Yoongi hadn't noticed the lightness and airiness of the atmosphere until now. He decides to take a chance.

"Joon-ah, since the start of everything, Jimin and I have made some kind of pact where we are transparent and honest with each other," he starts. He can tell this gets Jimin's attention. "So I'll take it as my responsibility to call out Seok-ah's not being here. Is there something that needs to be said that involves what's going on right now?"

Jimin puts the baby in his lap and lets him slap at his hands with both of his chubby paws. He eyes Yoongi closely but remains silent. Namjoon's wiggling around in his seat, clearly showing some signs of distress.

"Well, I mean since you're not beating around the bush... and without actually speaking for him or things that aren't relevant to what we're doing, he's asked for some space to process some stuff and uh... we'll let you know if and when that changes?" Yoongi wants to know why that sounded like more of a question.

He turns, face demonstrating one of his own. Namjoon subtly shakes his head. Not right now but also we're okay. He doesn't look that convincing in what his eyes convey though. And Yoongi isn't sure he's convinced either but there's promise to catch up later, maybe. He just hopes Jimin isn't putting any of this on himself.

By divine magic or something, they hear feet scuffling that eventually makes their way down the stairs and rounds the corner into the living room. A very pouty-faced, sleepy, bed-headed Taehyung slowly shuffles into the room. The baby squeals in Jimin's lap, looking in the kid's direction then excitedly yells, "Ta!" or something close to it. Jimin squeaks at him to which the baby turns his head in confusion.

"Alright so let me make sure I have all of the details correct so far..." Namjoon readjusts his glasses as he reads over his notes.

After getting Taehyung a snack, Jimin was able to revive the sleepy toddler awake by making a game out of guiding him through recalling details of what led up to him and the baby finding Yoongi's table. While Yoongi prepared lunch for everyone, he and Jimin also took turns filling gaps. Based on Taehyung's keen and enthusiastic recall, they determined that there were four men in total with the kids, which means there is a possibility Yoongi might have been seen taking a picture of the van's plates. He groans over this but Namjoon assures him they're in process of running said plates. Namjoon also downloads a VPN service then Jimin makes a phone call to the police to report the van and the children. They're hoping that although it's early afternoon, they have a bit of time on their sides and are able to catch these people off-guard. There are still a lot of variables. A lot of holes the way Yoongi sees it. But at least they're doing something. Once lunch is served to everyone, they review details with Namjoon one more time.

"Well based on everything we have here, let me just lay some things out to you both, based on the law. I'm going to make some calls with some colleagues but I don't think you have to worry about kidnapping on your end or anything like that. In fact, I'd even go out on a limb and say you might get a pat on the back for taking these kids out of the system. Honestly, the sad reality is the entire orphanage, adoption and foster care systems are shit. Bloodlines and all that, you know? It's likely these kids were headed to be shipped for trafficking, probably internationally, because people aren't taking care of others' kids here, so it's easy. I don't need to go into what that implies, I think we all get it. There's just too many children in the system so things like this are easily overlooked and/or it wouldn't surprise me if there really are people working inside of those places who need or want to make an extra wad by looking the other way." Namjoon shares.

This makes Jimin bristle. Yoongi isn't keen on hearing any of it either. He's letting Jeongguk gum at his finger and can't imagine how anyone would look at either of these precious kids and do anything unthinkable. He just hopes they were able to save the other kids in time.

Namjoon seems to read his mind when he adds, "now, here's the hard part to swallow. Because of how everything is run, and likely there's police involvement, that phone call we made is more moot than anything. I mean we stop them from trafficking these kids only to put them back in a system that doesn't take care of them and risk them being trafficked again?"

This isn't news Yoongi wants to hear at all.

Judging by the way Jimin seems to adamantly be focusing on whatever art he's doing with Taehyung, neither does he.

"That being said, hyung, I think your shrewdness could truly pay off. I have some friends (Namjoon has friends and colleagues everywhere) in the system who are doing great work to ensure kids like this are housed properly and carefully first domestically and then abroad with qualified homes. I'm going to put some feelers out and see if they hear anything about an anonymous report, see if we can get these kids housed in their facilities. I can't guarantee anything but it's a start. Plus, we have your picture evidence to narrow down identifying some of these folks. I'm almost certain the guys you both ran into are smaller players of a bigger operation. So, we do have to be careful. Car's parked where you usually keep it and I set the booby trap like you asked, hyung."

This makes Yoongi nod in relief.

Jimin cocks his head to the side, attention now back on the conversation. "Booby trap?"

"I- uh, well- I had the keypad wiped and re-coded but I set some old style traps in case anyone ever gets the code and tries to get in." Yoongi shares, clearing his throat.

Judging by the way Jimin's looking at him, he's not going to let this go. And Yoongi is proven right.

"You're out here doing things like you're in an Arthur Conan Doyle series but yet I wasn't supposed to assume when it comes to your occupation?" He sasses. Yoongi knew it was coming. If he were a gambling man, he'd be a rich man right now because he would bet money that it was coming.

It's the most color Yoongi's seen from Jimin (short of playing with the kids) since Namjoon's been here. So much so, he even takes a chance at getting Namjoon involved.

"If I'm going to live with him, I think I deserve all rights to a background check. And it'd better be a thorough one because I'll need to know if there's a secret cave compartment in here and whether or not to look for a bat signal."

"It's not my fault you have the world's most active imagination which leads you to draw towards these outlandish conclusions..."

"Who goes around just knowing the random sh- stuff you know, is conveniently a self-proclaimed recluse yet all muddled, saying 'I'm just a writer, Jimin-ah!' And you expect me to just buy that lame ahh- this is going to take some getting used to... lame cover?"

"I don't even sound like that."

"I don't even sound like that!"

"Great example for the children, Jiminie, really."

"J-Jiminie?"

"Oh, I-I'm s-sorr..."

"No. No. It's really sweet. C-cute, hyung..."

Yoongi's rewarded by the sweet sounds of the fairy-footstep giggle but the reverie breaks as soon as he remembers they have an audience and it isn't the children. Record scratch and all. Namjoon clears his throat, looking back and forth between Jimin and Yoongi. The hint of a smirk spreading across his face.

"R-right. Well. So I'm going to get going. Looks like you two have this one. Uhh, hyung if you need me tomorrow, I'll be available..." He gets up, narrowly avoiding tripping on his own feet and makes his way to the shoe pantry to retrieve his shoes.

"Aww! Does Namu-hyung have to go? But I drawed you a picture!" Taehyung whines expressively.

Now, Yoongi's seen so many times when big, scary Namjoon has frightened many children. But once he allowed Taehyung to poke his dimples and they bonded over their "game" and once he kept showering the boy's quick thinking with all the praise, they became instant besties. Yoongi's actually not surprised to see Taehyung respond this way. What does actually surprise him is to see his 6 foot tall goof of a friend turn into a massive ball of mush. Sliding out of his shoes, he walks over to the coffee table now littered in Taehyung graffiti.

Namjoon's lanky body eases down next to the toddler. If marshmallows had a human form...

"This is for me, Taetae?" He asks and the boy nods enthusiastically. "And you even wrote Namu here and Love, Tae there. Well, you are such a smart kid, hmm?" Taehyung reels in the praise again.

"Chimmy-hyung showed me!"

"And this is me?" Truth be told, there are three green blobs, all about the same size, on the paper. Still, Namjoon asks, nearly close to tears.

True friend that he is, Yoongi is recording this, because blackmail.

Taehyung nods again, enthusiastically. "Uh huh and this is me and this is Kookie! We're all friends! And I didn't draw my new parents because I'm drawing them another one!" The boy explains.

"Your new pare... ahh, I see. Well, Taehyung, I have to go check on my... on Hoseok-hyung. You remember, I was telling you about him and how he gives the best hugs? And then I'll be back tomorrow, okay? But for now, can hyung have this? I want to make sure I put it in a frame for my office so everyone can see it. If that's okay?"

The boy claps. The baby joins in on the clapping. The adults chuckle. Apparently both children approve. Namjoon takes his new drawing but not before suspiciously turning away. When he turns back, his face is redder and he motions for Yoongi. They walk to the main entrance, in front of the door.

"So we're never speaking of this again." Namjoon shares, voice oddly cracked. What a sap.

And, naturally, Yoongi relishes. "Too late, already got it on camera."

This straightens Namjoon up. He levels Yoongi, unimpressed. "Right... Jiminie..." he adds mockingly.

Ahh so this is how things are headed. "I deny your allegations. Not on camera like this is." Then he waves his phone triumphantly.

"This... this is good for you, hyung. Hoseok would be..."

Yoongi tuts. "Don't start your sentimental shit on me right now, Kim Namjoon. Head in the game. Are you two okay, or...?" He whispers.

Namjoon bristles and lowers his voice. "We're not broken up. We're both too stubborn and whipped for each other for that, hyung. You don't worry about us. I think it just opened up some kind of old wound and you know how he gets sometimes. Doesn't want us to see it. We'll be okay. He's too competitive to stay away, especially anything involving meeting these kids. He'll be coercing Taehyungie into making his own portrait in no time."

Yoongi's not sure how to sit with that. His friends bickered sometimes in the beginning of their relationship. But he's never seen either of them like this. In fact, he's typically busy avoiding them so as not to be the awkward third wheel. They're usually gross. "Well, if you need anything..."

Namjoon watches his friend for a breath or two. And Yoongi's wondering what this soft, fluffy look is in his eyes. He's not sure he likes this side of Namjoon as there's no telling where this could be going. "Hyung, I really mean it. I'm proud of you. I know I wasn't sure or even agreeable at first, I'll admit. I made the wrong assumption. I'm an overprotective shit to you sometimes because I care about you but you're doing a great thing here. I'll support you whenever I can."

They are not doing this right now. Yoongi is a residual crier. He tries to keep that information, like most else about himself, to himself. Nope. "What did I say, you disrespectful shit? And no, before you ask, you're not bringing your office here."

Namjoon grins, dimples galore. "Schedule's already cleared out, hyung. See you tomorrow."

"I'll change my keypad. I better not see your goofy mug here."

Taehyung takes the loss of his new "favorite" hyung in stride when he's met by another new "favorite" hyung in the form of Kim Seokjin. Jimin's friend strides in looking nothing like the executive chef of a premier French restaurant in Incheon and every bit a runway model or K-drama star. In fact, if they hadn't told Yoongi, they might have been able to get away with it as a ruse and he would've believed them.

Kim Seokjin is unfairly attractive, to put it mildly. With his broad shoulders, perfect height and cupid's bow and amazingly coiffed hair, is the point. And insanely kind. He's a lot to take in. Maybe too much. But then his arms flail and his eyes blink rapidly when he talks at the speed of light. Yoongi gets an idea of Jimin's neon. If Jimin lives in loud, Seokjin lives in flail. And the two together live in explosive, expressive chaos.

"I know I told you not to bite his head off, Jimin-ah, but I also didn't mean to come home with the cutest kids known to man, either." He reprimands playfully but continues his cooing ministrations on Jeongguk. The baby is giggly and keeps trying to grab for Seokjin's nose and lips.

"Don't be so dramatic, hyung. I told you what happened, already. Plus, don't make it seem like we don't have our work cut out for us! I just basically agreed to live with a stranger and take care of two kids neither of us knows." Jimin's sharing.

"And you were right to call me when you did, brat. And that lawyer friend. I don't know what you've gotten yourself into this time but I need to meet this Min Yoongi-ssi and make sure you're not going to terrorize him."

"Hyung!" Jimin whines.

Yoongi's overhearing this as he makes his way downstairs with an excitable Taehyung, who convinced him that he needs to be carried on Yoongi's back because his legs stopped working. The minute they turn the corner and enter into the living room, Taehyung's legs magically work again as he wiggles his way out of the piggyback to run and examine the newest guest.

"Hi! I'm Taehyung and friends call me Taetae and these are my new parents, Yoonie-hyungie and Chimmy-hyungie, and you are holding my baby Kookie and what's your name and are we friends? And my legs stopped working but then hyungie fixed them!" He spits out, rapid fire.

"Behold, a miracle," Yoongi deadpans, sarcastically. Seokjin, who was cooing over Taehyung, turns and then the strangest things happens.

He lets out a laugh that Yoongi isn't even sure he can characterize. It's a strange, rise of noise that includes teeth and bouncing shoulders. It's so different that even the kids join in laughing after a two second delay of confusion.

"Humor." Seokjin shares once he's sobered. "I like this one." He watches Seokjin whisper to Jimin. Jimin snatches the baby from Seokjin, conveniently raising the child in front of his face so Yoongi isn't able to gauge his reaction.

Seokjin lowers closer to Taehyung. "Hi Taetae. I'm your uncle Jinnie-hyung! You are the cutest little monster, aren't you?" To which Taehyung playfully makes monster motions and noises.

But then the little one adds, "Uncle Jinnie-hyung, I don't wanna be a monster! They're scary. I want to be a fairy like my pretty, pretty Chimmy-hyung!" And yet again, Jimin conveniently has his face covered by baby.

Seokjin snorts and mutters something under his breath suspiciously sounding like "truer words, kid" before straightening himself. Jimin not so subtly swipes at his hyung who dodges slyly, all while maintaining eye contact with the young boy.

"Well, Taehyung-ah, hyung is a very smart and wise hyung and you know what? Hyung says you can be anything you want to be, yeah?" The boy nods rapidly. Yoongi's worried he might even give himself whiplash. "In fact, if you tell hyung you want to be a fairy, hyung will bring you the sweetest, nicest, most beautiful fairy cake, all for you. How does that sound?"

Yoongi will not tell anyone that he started to scrapbook, documenting firsts for the kids ever since Jimin was concerned about missing the baby's first potential steps. But what will happen later is that Yoongi will write about the first time he saw Taehyung become so overwrought with emotion that he simply stops. The kid short circuits.

Well, at least that's how it appears to Yoongi. Jimin seems to take it in stride, handing Yoongi the baby, while crouching down and rubbing the boy's back. In a series of the strange theme happening, Taehyung starts sobbing and big, fat tears lob down his face. It's enough to get Jeongguk's little chin wobbling, too. Yoongi will also mark that as the first time he remembers Taehyung crying. He bounces, tries to distract and turn the baby away while Jimin jumps into action, scooping Taehyung up. He whisks him off into the kitchen. Yoongi pretends to chomp at Jeongguk's fingers like he saw Jimin do. The baby responds accordingly, making Yoongi relish at the small victory of mimicking something correctly. But it's also then, he remembers they're not alone. Uh oh.

He stops and looks up to a smirking Kim Seokjin. "Oh, please don't stop this lovefest on my account," the elder says, some part whimsically, but Yoongi can sense a hint of bark. He's been around Park Jimin for a few hours long enough to think it's there.

"Granted, I didn't think he'd join you in a kid caper but I'm glad I forced Jimin-ah on that date, now. You're cute. A bit shorter than I imagined but definitely cute. If things go south, I'm on your team." He winks and shoots a gun with his fingers.

It may be Yoongi's turn to short circuit. He's not sure what the hell to make of any of this. The baby grimaces, trying to use his strength to straighten his legs on Yoongi's lap as soon as he sits them down on the sofa and it's enough to bring him back to present.

"Uhh, aren't you Jimin's hyung?" He asks lamely.

Seokjin rolls his eyes. "I'm your hyung too and please. You know how much I've had to put up with that nuisance? He's lucky I have such an amazing skin and hair care routine because it's enough to induce early onset greying and wrinkles. And I'm simply too handsome to allow that in this household." Yoongi takes his observation back. Kim Seokjin is an actual force of nature. Like a tsunami, mixed with a volcanic explosion.

"You have a career, good credit, judging by this house and the design details, all of your teeth and a hero complex. You're already 45 steps ahead, Yoongi-ah." And then he winks.

He actually winks. Is there a word for tsunami + volcano. Volnami? Tsucano? Kim Seokjin?

"Respectfully, Seokjin-ssi... (who cuts him off by insisting on his calling the man Jin-hyung... Park Jimin and his friends and boundaries aren't a thing, apparently) Hyung, uhh I'm no hero. I just... couldn't leave them without knowing they'd be okay. I'd hope any average person would do the same."

Seokjin, err, Jin-hyung, smiles with challenge and grit while laying his cheek in his hand. "So you're going to tell me you didn't see those bags under those big, chocolate puppy eyes and that far off and away, help I'm about to be trapped against the wall, pouty-faced look and think you should swoop in and play perfect house host, hmm?"

Blink.

Red.

Grey.

Confusion.

Yoongi cocks his head to the side. "I don't want to make assumptions on what you're implying or even saying outright, hyung. If I noticed Jimin's bags under his eyes, I'm sure he's noticed my own. As far... I didn't even see any of that until today, though. So no, I didn't think I was coming in on a white horse or anything. And okay, yes, before you throw it back at me, I did think I needed to absolve some guilt by showing up to apologize and explain my situation. Yes, I did do that. If that's hero complex, so be it. I'd do it again. That wasn't fair to him."

"Huh." It sounds very judge and executioner-y. Seokjin closes his hands together and sits them over his right knee. "Well, you're also oddly yet refreshingly self-aware."

"You're Jimin's hyung," Yoongi says again with a shrug. "He and I have decided to maintain full disclosure from the beginning. Would be counterproductive to stop now with someone who obviously means a great deal to him."

"I know it seems like my methods are anti-Jimin, Yoongi. They're not. It's reverse psychology, you see. I want to see where your head is at. I like you. I mean that. I know how many people have taken advantage of Jimin and how closed up he's gotten. I actually haven't seen him this light in a long time. But what do you mean full disclosure? He didn't tell you about...?" Seokjin pauses as he is interrupted by Jimin re-entering the kitchen, carrying a sheepish Taehyung.

"He did," Yoongi shares softly, only to Seokjin, whose eyes widen. We'll talk more later are what his eyes seem to communicate.

"I hope hyungie didn't overdo it!" Jimin bites then turns back to teacher mode. "Our bashful Taehyungie got so excited by hyungie's offer to make him a fairy cake that it overwhelmed him. But he's okay, and so, so happy, while a little embarrassed! Right, Taetae?" Although the little one has his head burrowed into Jimin's neck with a finger in his mouth, he nods softly.

Jimin lowers the boy to the ground and whispers something in his ears that seems to get him to brighten again. "Jinnie-hyung, I'm gonna make you a picture of the best fairy cake in all the land because you're the best fairy cake maker and I am so so so so sooooo happy!"

He then proceeds to dive his little body across the floor and towards his art supplies. The adults in the room melt instantly. They watch Taehyung sing to himself as he studiously works on his new art project.

The moment is cut when Seokjin whispers, "Park Jimin, you told this man about your ex?!"

"Don't look at me like that. We seriously thought we wouldn't see each other again and it turns out, I'm glad to have given the head's up because his friends that I was telling you about? Yeah, Hoseok and Namjoon. And they're together. As in a couple."

Seokjin lets out a long whistle that seems to fascinate both children for some time. They go back to playing and drawing when he continues speaking. Although Taehyung is now chirping as if he is whistling. "And you haven't had wine?!" To which Jimin mournfully shakes his head.

Seokjin looks back and forth between Yoongi and Jimin for several beats. Assessing something. He slowly turns back to Jimin then says, "if I have to drag you down an aisle myself, you're going to marry this man."

Yoongi owns a record player that he got from his father, who got it from his father, who got it from a friend during wartime. Somehow, the thing still kicks. Whenever Yoongi or his family are at this house for Chuseok or vacations, he brings the record player with him. His friends and family group have turned it into an event where they look for the most iconic, nicely used records to add to an ever-growing collection.

When Namjoon came over, as per his request, he brought Yoongi some much needed items, like all of his important, identifiable information, some clothes, his bath bomb collection and the record player along with the records. After the whirlwind that is Kim Seokjin left, (not before promising to return with meals, sweets and presents for the children) Yoongi sets it up just in time for dinner prep. He'd offered Jimin some alone time with his friend to catch up, figuring this would be a good transition for when he has to spend time with the kids while solo. He took the kids out for a walk, not too far, so as not to arouse any attention, of course. But enough that Jimin and Seokjin can talk freely without the precocious ears of toddlers.

Whatever transpired, by the time Yoongi did arrive, he was starting to notice the shades of greys mingling with Jimin's neon. Deciding to lighten the mood, he brought out the record player and tried to explain it to Taehyung in a way that a three year old would understand. Naturally, Taehyung decided it was his magic music box. That it was all for him and that he is blessing the mere mortals that are Yoongi and Jimin by allowing them to share and bask in its greatness. Jimin observes the whole of what Yoongi's doing in confusion until he encourages the teacher to select a record to go with their dinner prep soundtrack. Music, he explains, is the secret ingredient to all good cooking.

He's not sure where any of this came from but as they got through activities, diaper changes and potty breaks throughout the day, he thinks it's his turn to contribute to their new dynamic. Yoongi loves to cook. He loves anything that allows him to freely and mind-numbly consume in artistic passion. He thinks of dishes that would be easy for Jimin to catch on and the kids (well, mostly Taehyung) to help. No matter how much Jimin insists, he still feels like the teacher has been doing most of the legwork. If he is going to learn how to parent, he thinks it might be helpful for Jimin to learn how to cook. So he goads the younger into joining him based on this logic. At first, Jimin continues to balk.
But not willing to back down from a challenge, the younger eventually snatches the offered apron from Yoongi's hands.

Taehyung, not to be excluded, demands his own. They fashion a makeshift apron out of an old shirt of Yoongi's and he makes a note to order a Taehyung sized one. Jimin eventually picks a record. As the hand drums and bassline start building into a funky, groovy, soulful enmeshment of all things good and classic, Jimin lets all trepidation be damned. His shoulders take a life of their own. Yoongi has to be mindful not to slip, burn or cut himself as he watches the teacher glide around the kitchen like an ice skater. Now Yoongi may hide it but he has rhythm. But Jimin? He's graceful, sensual, captivating and that's all while barely moving. It's blatantly unfair and intriguing all at the same time. That feeling happens again that fills in his chest and makes him envision punching a kitten. He has to turn away a few times but he finds himself locked back in before he knows it.

They slide Jeongguk in his pack and play, loaded with toys and other distractions. For good measure, Jimin gives the baby a carrot to chew on. And just like that, they've got a dancing, food prepping assembly line going. Yoongi shows Jimin how and what to chop. Jimin shows Taehyung how to dance. Jeongguk mashes carrot bits everywhere while he sing-yells, possibly dancing (or pooping). Clapping, dancing, sauteing, smiling, laughing, carrot mashing. Neon, like strobe lights at Studio 54. It even has muted, grey-red Yoongi shaking his own hips, shoulders rocking, head nodding.

If Min Yoongi orders customized aprons in varying sizes while everyone's in their respective beds later on that night, no one has to know.

It doesn't happen the first day. It doesn't even happen the second. Which is why Yoongi can't say he saw or felt the storm brewing. On the third day of Jimin being away at work, it all comes crashing down. Yoongi thinks he might have overcompensated a bit, when he thinks back on it.

The first two days had been filled with play dates and visits from new, favorite hyungies. Enough to distract the kids from the realizations of everything. Taehyung got to reconnect with his favorite hyung, Namu, on one day and the next day, he got to see his new favorite hyung, uncle Jinnie. But adding cherry on top was playing with his new, new favorite hyung, Hosi, who also apparently had the magic touch when it came to getting Jeongguk to nap. There were presents and meals and cakes as promised. There were play dates and trips to the park, art projects and new stories to tell each hyung then relay all over again when Chimmy-hyungie came home. Taehyung (and to an extension, Jeongguk) was a good helper for Yoongi's new dinner time ritual. Even when he didn't have to cook and just needed to reheat the meals from Seokjin, they still played music in aprons, dancing around the kitchen and setting the tables.

It's not that things were too good to be true. But Yoongi admits, things were flying pretty damn high. So when the crash came, it came down hard. That self-fulfilling prophecy that he'd been trying to push down. The premonition he seemed to mark himself with? Yeah. Min Yoongi lost his shit. It all came at the most inconvenient time. And it'd been quite a shitstorm of a day. So it should come to him as no surprise when Jimin finds him curled in the corner of the children's newly decorated room, barely hanging on. Taehyung curled on one leg, Jeongguk on the other. Passed out from mere exhaustion.

"Hey, hyung..." Jimin shares softly. He can see it. Can see the blotchy patches on Yoongi's tear-dried face. Can see the rawness of his bitten lips. The clouds and shadows that linger over the room and steal the colors away. He knows. "I'm here now, hyung. You got through it." Yoongi doesn't feel like he got through shit.

Jimin settles the kids in cribs and beds, then coaxes Yoongi to join him in the guest room. When Yoongi scurries in, robotic, Jimin pats the bed. Yoongi slides in and before he knows it, a fresh set of tears are streaming down his face while he recounts the day.

"I failed..." he sobs.

It'd started off as any normal day. Jimin left a note for Yoongi like he'd done on the other two mornings. On the schedule, per Jimin's handwriting, they were to expect a visit from Namjoon. He was due to go over what he'd heard from some of his colleagues. Thankfully, Jimin had been helpful in setting alarms for Yoongi so that he could be up before the kids.

He started his coffee, played something softly and soothingly from the record player then went upstairs, tiptoeing quietly into the children's room. Sure enough, a very alert Jeongguk was standing in his crib, just a second away from announcing his desire to be removed from his solitary confinement. Yoongi scooped the excitable baby up, changing his diaper and wiping him down like Jimin showed him. He got him into a onesie then strapped him into the baby carrier. He made sure to preoccupy him with a bottle while making breakfast.

They all sat down together for breakfast once Taehyung was awake. Yoongi announced what they'd do next, a walk outside. Taehyung was excited which made Jeongguk respond joyfully as well. It all went how things had for the past couple of days until about midday. At midday, Yoongi was having trouble getting Jeongguk down for a nap. He knew he wasn't the expert on the baby, but the fussiness seemed uncharacteristic.

It also seemed to cause a chain reaction. Because Taehyung was demanding a story for naptime. And that would go fine, except for the fact that the baby was fussy and becoming progressively more upset and setting Taehyung off, who kept covering his ears, becoming whiny. Which didn't help because that meant having to leave the room so Taehyung could nap but Taehyung wouldn't nap because he wanted a story for nap time. So Yoongi tried to think quickly. Looked up what to do for uncharacteristically fussy babies, ways to convince a toddler to nap, how to keep his cool in a hostile environment. The usual.

He'd texted Jimin, texted Namjoon and Hoseok, texted his new hyung, Seokjin, as was written in the emergency plan. Jimin recommended he check the baby for the basic needs and then check his temperature. Also reminded him where the first aide supplies were. And Yoongi wanted to be attentive to this. But the more tired Taehyung became, the more he literally held onto Yoongi. It started with him holding his pant leg then moved to him wrapping his little body around his leg like a koala. He also started loudly demanding more attention and became fussy because the baby was too loud.

Yoongi got the idea from Namjoon and Hoseok, in their group chat, to see if Taehyung would be okay with being Yoongi's little helper. Albeit whiny and clingy, sleep-deprived Taehyung started out being the best little helper. That is until the baby's soft cries escalated to high pitched shrills. His cheeks were red, flush and he squirmed uncontrollably. Taehyung then proceeded to throw a fit in the middle of the floor. Yoongi wanted to join him. Trying to maintain some composure and not freak out, he checked the baby's temperature again. 38C. High but not high enough for a hospital call, according to the baby book and ER plan he's reading.

He's trying to distract Taehyung with a movie but the boy proceeds to throw a plushie at the television, almost knocking it over. Startled, Yoongi tries to reason with Taehyung but drops the baby, catching him at the last second with quick reflexes, before he hits the ground. The chain reaction startles both Taehyung and Jeongguk momentarily. Taehyung sobers faster then proceeds to scream at Yoongi for almost dropping Taehyung's baby. He yells often about missing Chimmy-hyungie. This causes Jeongguk to shriek again which causes Taehyung to scream some more.

In high stress situations, Yoongi knows the best thing for him to do is take a walk and count backwards. But he can't leave two vulnerable children here. He looks at the time. Namjoon should be on his way soon. Except Namjoon forgot he double booked clients. Hoseok can't get over to him because Namjoon, license or not, rushed out with the car. Seokjin has a wedding party to prep for and Jimin has classes. So, with a deep breath to try to find calm in the middle of it all, he tried agin to rock the baby to sleep. And it comes to him.

If there's one person who might know what to do in this situation, it'd be eomma. He put the phone on speaker. As expected, she lays into him for not calling. But she stopped when she heard the crackle in his voice and the chaos in the background.

He gave the abridged version as quickly as he could. That voice that gave him his first recall of music and melody chimed into soothe weary parts of him threatening to bow and crack.

"Well, you've gotten yourself into quite a pickle, my sweet love. Can you put me on the video thing? I want to see the world through your eyes." So Yoongi complied. The new face enough to distract the uncomfortable baby, Taehyung in the middle of meltdown number... Yoongi lost count. She coos at how precious the sniffly baby is.

"Yoongi-ah, I want you to put your finger in the baby's mouth. Very gently though, my love, and tell me what you feel." Positioning the phone so that his mother's able to see and he's hands free, Yoongi complies again. "That's it," she coaxes. "Now, feel around, very gently. Tell me what you feel."

He's not sure what he's feeling for but just glad that Jeongguk lets him feel around his mouth. When he brushes over what feels like a stump on the baby's gums, Jeongguk becomes fussy again then starts revving up for another round. Yoongi's mother interjects, cooing and singing and making funny faces at the baby.

"Love, I can't be too sure but I think he's teething. Poor little thing. It's rough being a baby, isn't it? You have to do all of these things and no one understands you unless you're screaming your cute, little round head off, yeah?" Maybe the baby senses exactly what Yoongi did as a child but something about his eomma seems to entrance Jeongguk. "Dumpling, I want you to go to the kitchen and find something cold that he can nibble on. Did your boyfriend get teething toys? Check the freezer."

"Omma, you know Jimin is not my boyfriend. Don't start." He chides as he checks the freezer and finds what appears to be a couple of baby toys stashed in there.

"Don't you start, Min Yoongi. Hiding yourself away and then you call me and you have a family. I've been a halmeoni for several days now and I'm just now finding out. I better be cuddling those babies soon, do you hear me? And Jimin calls me tonight or I drive there myself. Do you understand? Now, put the teether in the baby's mouth, let him suck on that. Keep giving him things like that and see if that helps his little fever. It looks like it's not bad enough that you need to call 119. Got it?" Yoongi nods and follows instructions. The baby gnaws on the teething toy like life depends on it.

Yoongi's so exhausted right now, he doesn't even argue his mom's sass like he typically would. "Would you look at that, Min Yoongi. My troll child who lives under a bridge. A father. Now, where's my other baby? Show me my new love, you're moving too slow!" He groans and makes his way over to a sobbing Taehyung, sprawled in the middle of the living room floor. "Oh look at this little angel. Taehyung-ah! Sweet darling, come let me have a look at you?" His mother offers in a soothing lilt.

At the sound of his name, Taehyung sits up slowly. Eyes heavy but puffy, cheeks red and splotchy, he pouts but looks at the screen with some interest. "Hi... I'm Taetae. Are you my friend? I don't want to be friends with Yoonie-hyungie right now." He whines in pout.

Eomma coos loudly, clapping her hands. "Don't mind old, stuffy, Min Yoongi, my sweet one. I am your halmeoni, Taehyung-ah. And halmeoni wants to know what's got you so upset, hmm?"

Taehyung rubs at his eyes sleepily before presenting one tiny digit to the screen. "Halmeoni, I hurt my finger!" He whines more, ducking into the pillows on the sofa. Eomma tuts.

"Oh this won't do, now will it, my sweet angel? It sounds like you need magic kisses, yeah? Will you let hyung kiss it and make it better?" She asks, softly. Taehyung's eyes widen as he nods emphatically.

"I like magic kisses and hugs, halmeoni! They make me feel soooo much better." Still a whine but not to the same extent. Taehyung lifts his finger towards Yoongi. Yoongi goes to take that as his cue but is intercepted by a quick moving baby who removes the toy in order to grab the finger then proceeds to chomp down.

Taehyung looks like he wants to have another meltdown but seems to think better of it when his halmeoni says, "oh my Taehyung-ah, it looks like Jeonggukie will give your finger magic kisses!"

The kid appears to genuinely reconsider his disposition before giving a shy smile and giggle. "I like Kookie kisses." Slowly, without saying a word, Taehyung curls himself into Yoongi's side.

Yoongi rubs the boy's back soothingly. They've had a rough day today. He kisses the top of Taehyung's head while coaxing the baby back to his teething toy.

"This weekend, Min Yoongi. You will bring halmeoni's babies to me this weekend or so help me."

And it seemed like crisis was averted. Eomma mentions that she has to do a hospital visit that might mess with her cellular reception so he might need to call his appa if things escalate again. But Yoongi feels it all slowing down from earlier. Of course, it's then as all three are finally and gently being lulled to sleep on the sofa, Yoongi's phone rings obnoxiously, jolting both the children. It seems to shock Jeongguk so much that the baby's cry escalates to a shrill again. This naturally causes Taehyung to cry and Yoongi wants to join them. The camera people are here to connect the camera system and monitors. Yoongi takes that opportunity to try convincing Taehyung to get dressed so they can go for another walk. The boy refuses and has another meltdown. He then has a potty accident, which causes yet another meltdown. Things all happen so fast from there.

He's trying to change Taehyung, show the people around while distracting the baby. He gets flustered when Taehyung manages to get outside, half naked, because one of the workers is careless, in spite of Yoongi's instructions. It takes nearly an hour, several frantic texts and an almost 119 call before he finds Taehyung. By the time this is done, the workers have finished their job and shown Yoongi the basics. They're able to get the cameras to his apartment up and running. At least there's that. He takes a breath only to realize there's a trail of bloodied footprints throughout the house.

Frantic, Yoongi follows and locates a sleep-deprived Taehyung who chose, at this moment, to hang out in Yoongi's closet. There's blood everywhere. Color draining from the boy's face. It seems, in his haste to run outside, he cut the bottom of his foot. The only thing that's kept Jeongguk from completely losing it again is being held by Yoongi. However, holding Jeongguk while doing triage for Taehyung's injuries, not possible. He risks putting the baby back in the carrier but that causes a fit. He has to deal with this. So much to his dismay, in spite of his distraction attempts, the baby cries as he's put in his pack and play, making grabby hands at Yoongi, as they get Taehyung into the bathroom.

Yoongi tries to work quickly but efficiently, making sure to check for any pieces of glass or debris in his foot. He does his best to wash the foot as gently as possible. It's not a deep cut but there's a lot of blood. He's able to get the bleeding to stop then disinfect. This causes Taehyung to cry, which causes Jeongguk to cry more. Yoongi takes a deep breath but it's not working. His chest is starting to feel tight and his throat starting to close. His jaw clenches. Making sure to bandage the wound as best as he can, Yoongi lifts both children and brings them into their room. Playing soft music, he starts on a bed time story. They're once again gently being lulled to sleep when he jumps up from a blood curling yell. The baby.

Jeongguk screams, writhes, and flails his tiny little baby arms from the crib. Yoongi notices him pulling at his left ear. Not sure what time it is, what's happening, where he is, he springs into action. Disoriented and, of course, sensing everything, Taehyung starts crying as well. Yoongi counts backwards from 30. As soon as he lifts the baby, Jeongguk vomits all over him. It gets parts of the wall and floor as well. Now, Yoongi officially panics. He puts the baby down, grabs the thermometer and checks the baby's temperature. It's raised to 38.7C. Yoongi remembers in math that you round up so while the baby screams and wiggles and the smell picks up, he warns Taehyung from getting too close before running to get cleaning supplies while calling 119.

Although the dispatcher is very calming and reassuring, based on Jeongguk's reported symptoms, because he's only vomited once and his temperature is not quite at the alarming point, it's not fully enough for action just yet to take place other than for Yoongi to continue monitoring. He is instructed to follow up with the child's pediatrician. And then, he realizes the children don't have pediatricians or how to legally go about doing that. If the baby throws up again or if his temperature gets to 39C, he is instructed to call 119 right away. He sighs, dejected, hunched over the floor cleaning. He doesn't notice footsteps, lingering shadows or strange gagging noises but then by the time he does, it's too late. Taehyung, who was leaning over Yoongi, proceeds to smell the baby's vomit and vomit on Yoongi.

Maybe it's the exhaustion, maybe it's how everything seemed to be served in a shit stew at once. He's not sure how the hell he's able to get both kids and the room cleaned up but he does it. He's not sure how he has enough time to give himself a rinse and change of clothes, but he does it. He's not sure how he's able to get Taehyung to eat a couple of bites of food, with a very upset baby in tow, but somehow, he does it. Maybe it's the final burst of exhaustion that sets it. Maybe it's the absurdity of this whole situation. But something finally snaps and Min Yoongi loses his shit. He slides against the wall, making his way down to the floor. The baby fussing but his temperature has lowered some. Taehyung's so exhausted he just curls against Yoongi on the floor.

The elder starts, not even realizing he's been crying. He hadn't noticed the tears flowing until the little boy raises his head. He reaches for the hyung's face with confusion and a wobbly bottom lip. The levee breaks when the baby wakes himself up again, fighting sleep. He cries more. Taehyung cries. Yoongi sobs. They shouldn't be seeing him like this. It's so much, the flood spills over so intensely, he even apologizes to both of them.

"I don't know what I'm doing at all. I'm so sorry..."

He'd been so drained from crying that he hadn't even noticed when Jimin eventually stepped into the room.

"Come on, hyung, let's get you up and in the shower," Jimin nudges, softly. While they were on the bed, he'd been running his hands through Yoongi's hair and noticed the caked vomit still left there. "You're going to take a nice shower, we're going to get a little bit of food in you and then you're going to sleep, okay? Meet me downstairs when you're done."

It feels like going through motions. Yoongi feels boneless, colorless, motionless even. But he gets himself downstairs, guided by the smell of food and fire. He almost panics but when he turns the corner into the living room, it's been transformed. The coffee table and throw rug are moved and in their place, a blanket with food and drink spread out, surrounded by pillows of all sizes, soft candles and music. Yoongi knows he's tired so he double takes and wipes both of his eyes.

Wordlessly, Jimin looks up, smiling when he notices him enter. Then, he walks over and quietly grabs his hand. "You need a restart. It's like a karmic peace offering, you know?" As if Yoongi didn't just spiral so far down. As if his greys didn't cause deluge and level everything in ruin. As if...

"Come sit, hyung. Just a couple of bites, okay?" Jimin reasons. Yoongi nods mindlessly and sits at their makeshift living room picnic.

And even though the lights, the music, even the pillows, are soft, there are colors. So many colors right now. With the glow of the candles bouncing the way they do, Jimin is warm shades of autumn, a glass of wine and Billie Holiday. And then the flames turn in another direction, bouncing more colors from Jimin's face. Then he's spring rain, birds chirping and Edith Piaf. He's everything but grey.

They eat in a comforting silence for a while. Yoongi watches the colors bounce with the flames. Takes it all in. When he's finally ready, he opens up. He's too tired to hold back. "Something about you always feels very soothing," Yoongi shares softly. "Thank you..." he continues.

He watches as spring turns to summer in Jimin's smile. Loud turns to blaring. "Something about you always grounds me, hyung." A share for a share.

Yoongi sighs. He's so drained. His sleepy eyes, likely that much sleepier. "I failed today."

"It's not a test, hyungie..." Jimin retorts, shaking his head. And Yoongi wants a rebuttal. Has a rebuttal. But then, "did you leave them?"

"M-maybe I wanted to...?"

"But did you?"

Silence. Pause. Absorption.

"There's no way I'd leave them..."

"Then you didn't fail."

More silence. More pause. More absorption.

"How are you so sure? So confident?"

"I'm not," Jimin responds with his fairy-footed giggle. "I just have experience to guide me. Knocked me on my ass a few times. And now, so do you. I'm proud of you, hyung. Not everyone can take all of that and still come back."

"I didn't even get them a pediatrician, Jimin-ah." And the colors start to blur a bit.

"So we'll do that, together. I know some people at my school. I was already talking to them about it, even before today. They won't ask any questions. We'll set up an appointment. We'll go together. They'll give the kids a proper check up and look at their old records, yeah?"

"See? You're so calm. I'm terrible at this."

"Yoongi. The minute you felt something was off, you followed the plan we wrote. You reached out to so many people and you called 119. And you did all of this by yourself for the most part. You even got to speak to your eomma."

Yoongi takes a deep breath. "She'll kill me if you two don't talk or meet soon..."

Jimin chuckles before taking a drink. "Kind of got that impression from our non-date. Don't worry, mine will do the same when hyungie snitches on me. It'll be omma threat for omma threat."

"You won't tell her?"

"If it comes from me directly, it'll turn into a whole thing, hyung. Your eomma can threaten you once and that seems to get you in order. Mine won't say a word. She'll just be here at the door, expecting you to open it. And then she'll proceed to try to stop the bad guys all by herself after laying into us about so many things I don't even want to think about right now. When Jinnie tells her, and I'm sure he will or has, she'll trust that he's looking out for me so she can take a breather on the fire and brimstone."

They both chuckle. The crackling sounds of the candles, the softness of the music fills the space. A tear escapes down Yoongi's face.

"Jimin, I'm scared..." he shares softly.

The other boy sighs, almost as if sounding relieved. It draws Yoongi's attention to focus on him. "Honestly, thank God, because I didn't want to be the only one and I didn't want to be the first one to say it."

Yoongi looks in surprise. "Wait... you?"

"Come on, hyung. Have you not been paying attention? I am a train wreck. I guess you haven't noticed it yet because I know a thing or two about how to navigate this but man oh man. You think I don't know what Jinnie was saying? He's right, you know? I've seen some things, done some things, lived some things. I'm fucking terrified. Why you think I've been so adamant about not traumatizing these kids? I'm such a fuck up sometimes, hyung." He discloses.

"Guess we're using big kid words now so I know it's real." Yoongi sighs, a weight of something leaving with the exhale. Maybe this is good. Maybe this is more than good.

"Your biggest fears?" Jimin asks, gently. "Or the scariest things you've ever experienced. You pick."

It doesn't even take a moment for Yoongi. "Telling my parents I was moving away and pursuing the career path I did."

"Being alone."

"Almost losing myself from always being there for others."

"Losing myself in the arms of another every night after losing myself to the last one to ever have my heart."

"Hoseok?"

"Hoseok."

"I'm scared you'll see how fucked up and dull I am and leave."

"Interesting. Because I'm scared you won't find me palatable anymore and you'll tell me to go."

"But then the walls in my office would be without so many post its and stickers."

"Yeah well I enjoy coming in to the smell of gourmet meals."

"So we really are using each other."

"You got me, hyung. Thwarted me from my nefarious plan." Jimin giggles in fairy padded bliss to Yoongi's ears.

"Will you tell me if being around Hoseok still hurts?"

"Do I want to? No. Should I? Probably. Will I? I'll try."

"Right now?"

"When it first happened on Sunday, it burned. Hotter than any of these candles combined."

"And right now?"

"Awkward. More manageable with some wine."

"I miss alcohol."

"Preach."

"Why didn't we drink on our non-date?"

"Hyung, you're asking all of the important questions. What the hell was wrong with us?"

"You mean aside from the fact that we were plotting to risk our lives and save some children?"

"Yes, exactly. Besides all that. We missed a perfectly good opportunity for debauchery and it makes my heart hurt." They both laugh this time. "Guess we'll have to have another non-date to make up for it."

More laughing. A beeping noises coming from the office. Yoongi still laughs while offering to put the leftovers away.

"It's nice to have adult time, hyung." Jimin says while lazily stretching. Yoongi's in the kitchen, grinning to himself.

"You're just saying that because you have to mind your words all day and now even more with the kids." He wraps food, putting things away neatly when he hears a gasp.

Before he can ask, Jimin's voice rings through to his ears in a way that chills his bones. "Hyung!" Is all he says.

It's enough to get Yoongi moving, quickly, albeit cautiously. He follows the sound of Jimin's voice, heading to the office. From the door, Yoongi can see the younger, staring, wide-eyed, trembling, at the monitor. It's ominous, the foreboding tickle that crawls up Yoongi's spine. He follows the direction of Jimin's finger as it points to the monitors. He's a half-step off. He's processing and trying to absorb and what the hell is even...

"Yoongi, there are people in your apartment that do NOT look like Hoseok or Namjoon..."

Chapter Text

"I-I'll film it and send it to you if you're not here!"

It's not just the way Yoongi might utter things in contradiction, almost accidental and haphazard yet quietly uninhibited. It's not just the way they lock eyes for a brief moment before the reverie is interrupted by Namjoon. Or the way they've figured out how to communicate with as few words as possible.

It's not just the way he blatantly teases yet Yoongi takes it in stride. Or the way he doesn't hide his confusion when things Jimin references go over his head.

It's not in the way Jimin seems to know he'd stop this conversation if it made him feel any more uncomfortable than it already has. Or the way he's been scrutinizing his longtime friend more than he does a stranger.

Not just the ways he inadvertently shifts the conversation away from Jimin with just one word. Jiminie.

Nor in the ways he intentionally shifts the conversation away from Jimin.

It's not just how the man has no qualms about deferring to Jimin so much yet insists on pulling his weight. It's not the way Jimin was barely away for an hour and somehow Min Yoongi quietly, efficiently, magically flipped his entire house to cater to the kids.

As he's consoling Taehyung in the kitchen, Jimin notices how the majority of the food and snack choices are either his or the kids'. Notices how the grocery list has 'more bananas' but scratches out mango.

Taehyung sniffles, rubbing his face against Jimin's shirt. Jimin put the overzealous little one on the kitchen island, cleaned his face and now rubs his back in a consoling hug. "I promise I'm not angry, Chimmy-hyungie!"

"Oh no, no. It's okay, baby. Sometimes, even Chimmy gets so happy that the only thing I can do is cry."

"Really?" The boy looks up at him in wide-eyed wonder.

"Really, really." He assures.

Tae cocks his head, contemplating, then adds, "and Yoonie-hyung? He doesn't look like he cries. He looks like a kitty!"

Jimin giggles. "And you be sure to tell him that. Min Kitty." He chuckles again as they both share a giggle. "We all have things we feel that don't have words. And sometimes, Taehyungie, when you're really, really happy and you cry, it doesn't mean you're upset. And sometimes when you cry, it does. And both of those are just your body's way of letting it out."

Taehyung's face scrunches up, making Jimin giggle again. "The most important thing to understand is that it is okay to cry if you need to cry, Taehyungie, okay?" The little boy nods and Jimin cups his face, rubbing their noses together. The little boy giggles which warms Jimin's heart. "What do you say we go let Jinnie-hyungie know just how excited you are, hmm?"

Then he and Yoongi are back to their silent eye conversation. He's okay, hyung Jimin conveys as he lowers the boy back to the ground. And again when he notices the ease in Yoongi's sleepy, triangle eyes has only relaxed a little, I'm okay, hyung.

It's not just in the way Yoongi allows Jimin and his friend to fill the space in the ways they've been known to take it. It's not just in the way he offers to start dinner or suggest that they catch up.

"What is it, Jimin-ah? I see it in your eyes. You're going to need to figure out what it is. For your own sake." Jin mentions once Yoongi took the children out for a walk. "Now, obviously Rome wasn't built in a day. But what you're taking on? I won't tell you how to live your life, you know me. But I will say I've seen you try to carry a whole solar system and it crashed on top of you. But these are kids. So, you may not know it now. But again, I ask you, what is it?"

Jimin pauses. He knows his friend well enough to know he won't pressure him into responding right away. But he also knows Jin doesn't mince words. If he says it, he means it and means for you to sit with it. Once their talk wrapped up and they've finished hugging, promises to see each other soon, Jimin's walking back into the house, Jin calls for him again.

"I read something the other day that said something like, 'pay attention to the ease or unease that takes place in your body around certain people, places or situations, your body will always show you what's in alignment with you'. This is the first time I think I've seen your jaw unclenched in weeks. Just more food for thought."

Jimin could say it's just about the kids. But since he started work this week, there's always dosirak prepared for him with his name written in an intriguingly rushed but methodical handwriting that's not his own. How the hell is there always dosirak ready for him when he leaves in the morning?

Jimin would have said yes to those children in an instant. Whether he could afford it or not, whether he had the space or not, whether it was legal or not. He knows. Two vulnerable children potentially being exploited? Foregone conclusion. He already knew he was going home with those kids.

But what is it that makes the yes so simple?

What is it that makes opening and being present feel so weightless?

"Pick a record, Jimin-ah."

"Wha- Yoongi, what are you on about?"

Sincerity.

Warmth.

Comfort.

Those eyes.

"A record, pick a record."

What is it about the way he looks with such earnest? Something as simple as a request for a record, met with so much regard and courtesy.

Consternation, that might be what's happening in Jimin's expression. It isn't that he's hesitant to follow where this is going. It isn't even about knowing or not knowing where this is going. Whether or not it's going anywhere.

There's something about the way a simple gesture from Min Yoongi speaks volumes. It's an invitation, a declaration of trust, of care, of consideration. It's an extension of connection, of inclusion, of openness.

It's the way the entire space lights up. Not just because the music is amazing. Not even because there's movement and dance. It's this. There's so much light. It feels like breathing for the first time. Jimin hasn't danced like this in so long. And he dances regularly.

Carefree.

He's not even doing much more than some shimmying and a basic two step combination with Taehyung. And yet, the smiles, the laughter, the wiggling hips and wide eyes.

What is it?

A few days in and they'd actually built some kind of routine. Even the meal prep dance party, it becomes a part of their thing™. Like well-referenced pop culture that flies over Yoongi's head. Like dosirak with notes every morning. Like random texts of the kids doing random, seemingly mundane things throughout the day. How does he define it? What is it?

westley-hyung ♥ 14:48 pm:
yeah, got him to calm down again... well eomma did but i think we're going to nap

westley-hyung ♥ 14:55 pm:
just kidding. *sigh* the damn camera people finally show up as soon as we were all headed to sleep
he's fussy again :(

westley-hyung ♥ 14:58 pm:
*sigh* taehyungie got upset, refused to put clothes on and now we have a potty accident
more crying :|

westley-hyung ♥ 15:08 pm:
fuck jimin. i don't wanna scare you but i can't find taehyung.
he got outside

westley-hyung ♥ 15:09 pm:
one of these assholes left the door open, even though i told them they needed to close it every time they go in and out

<3 missed calls>westley-hyung ♥ 15:11 pm
<1 new voice message>

westley-hyung ♥ 15:15 pm:
do you think i should call 119?
i'll try joon first, see what he suggests

westley-hyung ♥ 15:26 pm:
no joon... fuck, i think i'm gonna call 119
i think i should call 119... i dont see him anywhere
i'm trying nto to panic
i know you're busy, pls call me as soon as you see this

westley-hyung ♥ 15:28 pm:
wait, i think i know where he is or where he could be headed!!
will keep you posted, please don't panic
hyung will handle this <3

westley-hyung ♥ 15:55 pm:
i found him, he's okay!!
i might need a beer after this

westley-hyung ♥ 16:04 pm:
taehyungie cut his foot, it's everywhere...
of course it's everywhere...

westley-hyung ♥ 16:15 pm:
honestly, i'm not sure but i really think something's not okay with jeonggukie
i don't think it's just teething but idk
he's just really, really upset
he only wants to be held right now
made worse by how i had to put him down to clean taehyung
jimin, tnhis is really hard
sorry for blowing up ur phone

<1 missed call>westley-hyung ♥ 16:32 pm:
<1 new voice message>

okay, i need help.
something is wrong with the babny
i took his temp, it's too high, he threw up everywhere

westley-hyung ♥ 16:53 pm:
119 is a fucking joke.

Something in the way Jimin knows from one text message that Yoongi's reached a breaking point. Something in the lack of response to his return texts and phone calls. Something in how Jimin calls out when he gets in the house, only to be met with silence. All confirmed when he reaches the children's room. The motionless, static way Yoongi seems to be staring at something and nothing. The way it takes him three times to get the hyung's attention. He steps further into the room, takes it all in. Curled against Yoongi's protective hold are the kids, splayed across him and the floor. Jimin checks for the rise and fall of their bellies.

It's not in the tear-stained cheeks, the stale smell of baby milk and something else. The lack of blinking. It's something in the way those arms wrap tightly around those children. It's in the way those long piano playing fingers seem to absent-mindedly brush through their little heads. It's life. There's still life. Still color.

Crouching in front of them, he reaches out and gently caresses the side of Yoongi's face. "Hey, hyung..." he whispers softly. He smiles tentatively, watches as the cylinders fire in hot cocoa eyes. Recognition.

His smile brightens just a fraction more then with less hesitation, Jimin adds, "I'm here now, hyung. You got through it."

He then moves the kids to their respective beds, tucks them in, turning on the nightlight. He holds his hand out and Yoongi silently takes it, pulling himself up. He motions. Come with me. And yes, Yoongi's shoulders do slump and his face seems sunken in but he follows. When Jimin reaches the bed, he pats the other side, inviting Yoongi to sit beside him. Then he waits. It doesn't take long. The tears start to flow down the elder's face.

In this light, he looks so fragile. So young, even. Absolutely unhinged and vulnerable. But there's something in the way he feels and lets himself feel. "I failed..."

It's enough to break Jimin's heart. But something shows him Yoongi may have been bruised today but (even if he may not know it yet) he's not broken. Even when he recalls every single detail of his day, even in the way he relays things. Careful, meticulous, scrutinizing, discerning. The way he doesn't even think twice to avoid bending his tongue around lashing out at the children. The way his words carry such care, concern, uncertainty. Even in his insecurities, they're surrounded by the things he should do better. There's life and color still left in Min Yoongi. There's still warmth and density, like earth. Solid, fertile earth.

"Meet me downstairs when you're done." He isn't sure how much time he has, but Jimin knows exactly what his game plan is.

He starts by retracing Yoongi's footsteps from throughout the day. The closet must have gotten overlooked in trying to take care of both kids simultaneously. Yoongi was right. There's blood everywhere. On hard surfaces, he disinfects everything and on clothing or other cloth items, he pours hydrogen peroxide to the stains before rinsing, gathering those items to join the ones from the kids' hamper. After starting laundry, he warms up the takeout he brought, taking out his other grocery items as well. Now that he's seen Yoongi, he goes to start the record player, moving it into the living room. He slides the throw rug and coffee table to a corner of the room. Next, the blanket and pillows. From there, the candles can be placed strategically. He bought big enough candles that, just in case they need more time, they'll burn for a quite a while.

Doing a once-over, he grabs the food, placing items in cute bowls and plates from Yoongi's cabinets. The way the room lights up with the candles, the softness of the singer crooning in vintage, foreign language, the smell of the food. Something tells him to take a picture of this moment. He cuts the lights in the kitchen, adding more to the ambiance. And when Yoongi shuffles quietly down the stairs, hair still wet, face still a bit sunken, the hyung's expression is enough to let Jimin know.

Life.

Living.

Yoongi called Namjoon and Jimin called Seokjin. There's a plan for everyone to meet at Yoongi's family home in the evening. Yoongi will make dinner. While at work, Jimin manages to secure pediatric appointments for the kids, ask his superiors and is able to leave early. He finds out through texts that the police were at the scene rather quickly, according to Namjoon. But, the apprehended suspects were let go, confirming all suspicions of police involvement. They'll talk more in depth later.

Yoongi agreed to heat checks. If everything is warm every hour that Jimin checks, it means he and the children are okay. He says because things were so chaotic yesterday, they've mostly been quiet and sleeping. Jimin encourages that and that encouragement gets extended to Yoongi as well.

When he gets home earlier than anyone anticipated, it's to Yoongi bouncing the fussy baby strapped to his front in the carrier. While swinging Taehyung around on his back, holding onto his feet. They're in mid turn when all heads notice Jimin standing there, sliding out of his shoes with a smile.

Taehyung squeals (right in Yoongi's ear, judging by the grimace) and wiggles to get down. Yoongi takes the hint and lowers so Taehyung can. He takes off at full speed and barrels into the teacher.

"CHIMINIE-HYUNG I MISSED YOU MORE THAN MY WHOLE LIFE!" he screams but it's muffled against Jimin's leg. The teacher envelopes him into a hug, while giggling.

He looks up again, noticing the way that Yoongi takes even that, in stride. He smiles even more because the elder's face morphs from confusion to concern.

"Jimin. What- Are you okay? Did something happen?" He asks, stepping into his space. Feline eyes scanning to see if something is awry.

"Oh, not like that, hyung," he shares while grabbing for the baby.

The baby makes grabby hands and squeaks an enthusiastic "Ee!" Jimin's eyes widen.

"Hyung, I think he's trying to say my name!" And he wants to laugh at the incredulous, confused look across the writer's face. He rolls his eyes, playfully. "I'm serious, hyung, watch." He sits the baby on the kitchen island, hands immediately in place because Jeongguk is a very wiggly, fast and precocious baby.

It's a good call. Because the minute the kid realizes he's there, he tries to make a break for it. Jimin positions him upright and points to the baby.

"Jeonggukie?" He asks. The baby responds with a sound that resembles the 'a' sound one makes when saying apple. Jimin thinks that might be the Jeonggukie way of saying yes. He squeaks and claps and the baby mimics in excitement.

Then Jimin points to Taehyung. "And who is that?" Taehyung, ever the trooper, smiles brightly and pokes at his own cheek in a cute gesture.

"Ta!" The baby affirms then makes grabby hands towards Taehyung.

Jimin now bounces on the balls of his feet, squeaking excitedly. "And who is that, Jeonggukie?" He asks, pointing to a very confused-looking Yoongi. "Ee!"

Jimin and Taehyung clap again, making the baby join them in clapping. Yoongi is met with a doe-eyed, affronted one year old who isn't having it so, he too, reluctantly joins in the clapping.

"Good job, baby!" Jimin praises and again Jeonggukie makes an "ah" like apple sound. Jimin giggles then points to himself. "And who am I?" He asks to which the baby again responds with an enthusiastic "Ee!" followed by his own clapping.

Jimin laughs, scoops the baby up and smothers his face in kisses. Taehyung stands on his tiptoes, asking for his turn. So he also scoops the little in his other arm and nuzzles him with his nose. And it's things like this. But then when they turn and see Yoongi lost in a sea of confusion, the moment becomes that much richer.

Taehyung leans his body over, grabbing for Yoongi and pulling him until they're in a weirdly shaped group hug. When they pull apart, Yoongi, bless his soul, still has no clue what is going on.

"What just happened and what are you doing home so early? I-I mean not that I-I, mean we, aren't happy to see you." And then he clears his throat.

He should let up. But he's Park Jimin, so he won't. "It's okay, Mr. Darcy. Lizzie fancies your company as well," he teases. Yoongi flusters but sighs bored and Jimin giggles. "So I was able to leave early to help you with these little monkeys," he says this, lowering Taehyung, who now runs around the space acting like a monkey. "And hyung, the baby has associations for us."

Yoongi gives him a side eye, to which Jimin rolls his eyes. "I'm serious! How do I... okay basically, without getting too deep into it right now, he's been listening and hearing the sounds associated to each of us. I think he's trying to say Tae," to which they're interrupted when the baby yells "Ta" again while pointing towards the boy. "See! And he knows the sounds of Yoongi that's why he says 'ee' and I think because Taehyungie calls me Chimmy, he's hearing the 'ee' sound at the end of that as well."

He watches Yoongi take the information in. He nods but doesn't add much else. And it's something about this whole exchange that finds Jimin giggling to himself but adding, "hyung, I'm gonna send you some things on early childhood development, how does that sound? We just witnessed a milestone. And I get the feeling our Jeonggukie here is right on the precipice of many more!"

"Ah!" Jeongguk affirms and it's Yoongi's eyes that meet Jimin's and they both laugh.

They've got their assembly line going. Music blasting, aprons on. Jimin shimmies around Yoongi to the cutting board. He won't comment right now on the fact that just yesterday there was one apron and now there are four in varying sizes and customization. He just shimmies and moves his hips to the bassline, letting the spirit of Louis Johnson carry him.

"Like this? Right, hyung?" He asks as he chops up more vegetables. Yoongi wiggles his way over, eyes over Jimin's shoulder.

Taehyung is bopping along on his step stool, putting the chopped vegetables in a bowl. Jeongguk bangs his toy drum, singing weirdly on key in his pack and play.

"Yes, that's perfect, Jimin-ah. Ah, Taehyung-ah, nice moves, but keep squishing everything, okay?" And Taehyung undulates his little body to the beat while letting his little hands mash the ingredients together.

Yoongi joins him by wiggling his hips, dropping lower towards the floor. Jimin's head cocks back in pure laughter and delight but of course, he continues to egg Yoongi on by snapping the towel at his butt to the beat. Yoongi responds by wiggling his hips even more.

They've got a groove going, as the song suggests. So much so, they hadn't noticed the audience that had been standing stock-still, watching this whole exchange for a while now, until Jimin happens to look up towards the living room, notices Hoseok and Namjoon standing there with mouths agape and crashes into Yoongi who almost drops the pan.

"Uhh, nice moves, hyung?" Namjoon asks, confusion riddled across his face.

Hoseok looks back and forth, assessing the entire scene. It's the kind of thing that the Hoseok that Jimin used to know would eat up. He knows things have changed. Something in the way Hoseok's eyes refuse to break eye contact while boring into his.

Also something in the contrast of the lighting, even. It's almost symbolic. How the kitchen is so luminous, so vibrant and his friends are standing where the lights aren't on. Added to that, Yoongi's face brightens, "Ah! Joon-ah, Hobi, just in time for dinner!" He yells as he lowers the music. "Welcome to Haus of Min. I'm your executive chef, my assistant, Jimin," he continues while pointing to Jimin and Jimin is about to giggle when he looks up and sees the way Hoseok is staring at him. The moment is broken, however, when...

"I'm a zoo chef!" Taehyung adds, boisterously.

Yoongi chuckles "it's sous chef, Taehyung-ah." Taehyung then tries to practice it on his tongue, making Jimin smile more.

"Da!" Jeongguk adds intelligently and Yoongi says, "right, and our kitchen manager, Jeonggukie. You guys have a seat, unless you'd like to join us. On second thought, just have a seat."

And when Taehyung whines about his hyungies joining the dance party and Yoongi, before he turns up the music again, mentions how uncle Namu is a kitchen disaster, Jimin tries with all his might not to laugh.

It's the first time Jimin and Hoseok have been in the house together since earlier in the week. And it's interesting. How the lyrics are the exact opposite of the tension in the space. And maybe it's the way Yoongi seems so caught in it, that perhaps, he doesn't notice it. Doesn't notice the way Namjoon tries to coax Hoseok to join or sit, while also still looking confused and yet apologetic. Or in the way that Jimin has stopped cutting.

Or maybe he does. And Jimin just can't figure out how. All he knows is the next thing, he's being swept across the kitchen in some kind of weird ballroom dance. At first surprised, then he dies laughing, as Yoongi tries to dip him after turning. There's only but so much room with everyone in there and yet Yoongi ridiculously has the intensity in his face of someone competing at the WDSF. And Jimin knows the eyes are still on them. But the tension cuts again when they hear, "now this is my kind of kitchen!"

Then just like that, Kim Seokjin moonwalks his way right smack in the middle of the mayhem.

That lingering, foreboding feeling? Jimin knew it was coming.

It's the way Taehyung insistently wanted to play some kind of knights and dragons game after they'd watched Tangled.

"Hosi-hyung, isn't my Chimmy just the pretty, prettiest in all the land? You have to be a brave knight like me. We have to save Chimmy-hyung from the big, scary cat-dragon!" And typically, Jimin would snort and tease Yoongi about being a cat-dragon. But the tension.

It's definitely in the ways in which, after that, Jin carried the bulk of the conversation at dinner and everyone bounced their conversation on and around the kids.

In the way that, because they decided to eat on the floor in the living room, Jin has positioned himself to sit directly across from Hoseok.

This will not be one of those moments where he'd say he should have seen it coming. He knew exactly what was happening.

It comes as no surprise when while Yoongi and Namjoon are setting up seating out back and Jin is cleaning dishes, that while Jimin double checks the nursery, he's met by Hoseok, standing at the door way, in challenge.

He isn't trying to do this at all but damn sure not where the kids are asleep. "Look," he starts tirelessly, "if you're here to visit the kids, be my guest but if you have something to say to me, which it seems clear you do, I won't do this in here."

He gives the elder a moment to gather himself. He steps outside so Jimin grabs the monitor, sighing, but follows. Closing the door softly, he heads to Yoongi's room. He knows it's a poor choice right away, judging by the way Hoseok's entire demeanor sours even more. But, he's not going to bring whatever this is into the space where he sleeps and damn sure not around the kids.

"I don't know what your angle is but I think it's in your best interest to be gone sooner rather than later," Hoseok warns, very matter of fact.

Jimin sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "Respectfully, you don't get to make any of those kinds of decisions so I hear your opinion but that's all it is at this point." And he gets up from the corner of the bed where he was sitting, to head towards the door.

"No, of course not. Because as per usual, you're selfish and it's all about what Jimin wants." Hoseok throws back.

And Jimin really has been doing a lot to work on himself. It's how he can tell right now. Because when he looks up and into Hoseok's piercing eyes, all he sees is the past. But there's something in what Namjoon asked for and what Yoongi shows and where Jimin is now, that helps him come to a huge understanding right in this very room. He'd been dreading any exchange with Hoseok, based especially on his ex's reaction from the other day. He'd been feeling all of the things. The lingering questions, the what ifs, the regret. At night, after he and Yoongi part, he'd spent the last couple of days examining the stages of grief.

Hoseok, at one point, was his lifeline. His pulse. The very piece that kept him moving. To see his eyes not shine bright towards the younger, it brought shame, confusion, hurt, even betrayal. In Hoseok, he thought he'd found his one. He thought that was it. But it's in this moment, that he sees the fullness and reality of Hoseok's emotions across his face, that he knows. The answers here are actually quite simple. He doesn't need to go searching for old feelings to make him get back to his old self.

The old Jimin would have never been agreeable to any of this. The old Jimin would have also tried to appease this man's anger and frustration. The old Jimin wouldn't have come to terms with the idea that the Jimin who currently stands in that room, exhausted and confused, doesn't even want to be around anyone who doesn't give him an opportunity for expansion. It isn't a slight towards Hoseok. But a point of recognition for Jimin. Hoseok is hurt. For reasons, the more Jimin thinks about it, he's not fully sure. He hopes maybe one day they can actually sit down and get to the core of that hurt. But for now? Jimin doesn't want to go back. In fact, Jimin's realizing, in all of this misery, that nothing he could do will take him back and no part of him will be his old self again.

It's how it starts to click, just that fast, all of the ways in which he already feels like Jimin. All of the ways in which that is affirmed and validated. And this, rehashing some misunderstanding where comprehension is lacking, isn't it. It's okay if Hoseok is still angry. It's okay if he doesn't even have a name for his emotions. It's okay that this feels weird and uncomfortable. Jimin doesn't hold anything against him. It is, after all, still raw and fresh to some degree. What is not okay for Jimin is being cornered into a room and having said feelings be projected onto him. Yes, maybe there was something he did that probably, or rather, obviously, still strikes a nerve with Hoseok. He wants to own up to that. But something about this, the way he'd essentially been backed against the wall, doesn't feel like the time nor place.

He squares his shoulders. His jaw's been clenching, his shoulders hunched and rounded towards his ears. He's noticing his body. Jin was right, this tension hasn't shown up in almost a week. He takes a breath, slow and calculated. He knows what he is about to say will probably not win Hoseok over. But he can already tell, currently, Hoseok doesn't want to be won over. And Jimin is tired of vying.

"I'm not that same wide-eyed kid who followed you everywhere. You lost the right to talk to or about me like this when you walked away and refused my phone calls. You don't know me. Not anymore. And that's fine, because I don't know you either. If you never want to, your choice. But I'm not leaving these kids, or Yoongi. And I know that's not something you want to hear but honestly, that's not my problem. When you're ready for us to actually sit and talk this out, we'll do it in the open. I don't want any problems but I won't be backed into corners anymore, either." And with that, he takes his leave.

Jimin makes it downstairs to help Yoongi. He can see by the look in the writer's eyes, he wants to ask but seems to think better of it. Yoongi tells them they'll meet out on the patio and that he and Namjoon went over the footage again.

It's a tiny patio but will suffice for what's needed. They're all (in a manner of speaking) here to figure out what to do about the guys that showed up in Yoongi's apartment. Yoongi ran to the toilet while Jimin and Jin were gathering snacks and drinks to bring outside. Jin, walking ahead of Jimin, happens to walk past where Namjoon and Hoseok sit outside. From Jimin's viewpoint, they're both looking at the elder, appraising.

"No, no, boys. Eyes off the merchandise," he hears his hyung say, then add, "you can't afford me. And I'm not talking money or items." Then Jin takes a sip of whatever he's drinking, while turning towards a sputtering Namjoon and Hoseok. "And another thing..." he starts.

Uh oh. Jimin should probably move but his legs seem to have lead in them. "Don't think I don't know about that little attempt at a bitchfest," he points towards Hoseok. "You have something you need to clear out, we're going to be adults about this and say it out in public. And I'll be very clear here that I'm unapologetically team Jimin."

Hoseok goes to say something and Seokjin raises his hand up to cut him off. Now Jimin steps in, flustered. "Hyung!" He tries to admonish but he knows how the man gets.

Sure enough, Jin tuts and waves Jimin off. By now, Yoongi also stepped out onto the patio, confused.

"Absolutely not, Park Jimin. You two," he points to Yoongi and Jimin, "have so much on your plates. The last thing that needs to continue is some petty schoolhouse drama. You want to air out your grievances, I'd rather you see a therapist but otherwise either leave it at the door or talk like adults, when in public spaces. Also," because, he's clearly on a roll, "my radar is blaring. These two may be so stuck up into each other, they can't see it but I can see through you like glass."

Jimin cocks his head, watching as Seokjin continues to motion between Namjoon and Hoseok. He looks over to Yoongi, who is no help.

"That one," Jin continues, while pointing to Yoongi. Yoongi's own head tilts in confusion, but before he can express it, Jin turns back to Hoseok and Namjoon again, while standing. "You've been barking up the wrong tree. Reconcile it." Then, just like that, he walks away, back into the house.

It starts out so awkward but eventually, they do come up with a plan. Namjoon discloses results of some of the work done with trusted colleagues. He confirmed there were 7 children, including their two babies. The remaining 5 were found, unharmed, placed in safe places, discreetly, some with immediate possibility for adoption. He also said it's likely someone may come by to check on the kids. That has Jimin a bit on edge and judging by the fidgeting Yoongi does, it's probably the same. There's also no guarantee that whoever is behind this hasn't already procured more children but some Namjoon's colleagues in the police department have been investigating this for a while, undercover.

That's the extent of what he can tell them. Yoongi gets praised for his quick thinking, as the pictures were sent to help the case. Several patrons of the restaurant that day had homes that were broken into. Jin chimes inform everyone that no one had broken into Jimin's. They're hoping that remains the case. Turns out, it really is a good thing Yoongi has reclusive tendencies because on the report, the desk clerk reported that the people inquired about his whereabouts but how he's always either away or holed up there. His being at the house, as Yoongi seemed to surmise, doesn't rouse much suspicion. It could also be a great cover and make Yoongi looks less uninvolved.

Namjoon relays that his colleagues do think they are looking for Yoongi, so everyone needs to be careful. They didn't find anything retrieved from the break in but to be cautious, they decide Yoongi and Jimin will take the kids to visit the Min family in Daegu. Namjoon, Hoseok and even Seokjin will take turns checking on the house and apartments. Yoongi sends a Kakaotalk message to his mother. Jimin giggles as Yoongi shows him the responses littered in exclamations and expletives. Because how dare Min Yoongi tell her at the last minute but also, why can't he gets his ass there sooner?

"Wow hyung, this will be the first time anyone's gone with you to Daegu and you're bringing a family," Namjoon jokes but seems to recognize the mistake of his words right away. Hoseok's expression sours again but Yoongi doesn't seem to take notice as he heads upstairs to check on Jeongguk, who was tossing and turning in his sleep.

Jimin and Jin are putting food away when he overhears Hoseok say, "I know, love, and I am trying. I just don't want to hold back when I think he's only here to manipulate hyung. It's not right."

"But baby, hyung's made a decision and we agreed we wanted to be the type of friends to hyung that trusts in his decisions and judgement."

"I know." Jimin hears Hoseok sigh. By now, Jin is standing next to him, eyeing to see if he is okay. "I don't mean to keep bringing it up. But you don't know what that was like for me. He didn't just embarrass me, he destroyed me, Namjoon. The way he would just speak so freely about intimate things like he didn't even care. And I couldn't tell what was real or not. He just expected me to carry him as usual and pick up the pieces. You don't do that to someone you supposedly love and now I have to watch them giggle and make googly eyes at each other? It's not right."

Jin goes to step forward into the conversation but Jimin's had enough. He stops him and does his own stepping forward.

"You're really going to sit here and talk loudly enough so that we can all hear you but then do what? Play victim when someone calls you out? What is the point of this Hoseok? You're really going to sit here and say I didn't care?"

And you can hear a pin drop until Hoseok fires back, "you do not get to speak so informally towards me. I'm not Yoongi. And this is not your conversation."

"No you're right. You're not Yoongi. I'm not going to disrespect you, Hoseok-ssi, but I am also not a pushover."

Namjoon steps in to the space, "let's just... let's all try to remember why we're here, everyone, yeah?"

"I wasn't looking for my past to slap me in my face, Namjoon." Hoseok laments.

And maybe the moon shifted somewhere or something. Whatever it is, Jimin's over it. "No, what you were looking for is that same naive kid who used to worship the sun shining out of your ass. And when that didn't go your way anymore, and you realized that I'm a fucking human, who fucks up and makes mistakes, I got tossed like trash."

"Yoongi may not see through your bullshit, sob story, but you're not going to sit up here and lie to me or act like you give a damn about anyone but yourself. So what is it? You want his money? Getting to play house? You loved being doted on and I bet this is so convenient for you, isn't it? Why are you here, Park Jimin-ssi?"

When they were together, Jimin can't remember a time where Hoseok had ever felt this cold and withheld. In fact, perhaps the sun really did shine out of his ass at one point. But this is a great reminder for Jimin of why the past is the past for a reason. Somehow, yet again, in the middle of this turmoil, something begins to show up for him, allowing him to see just how much impact holding onto the past has led.

It showed up in the ways he started to withdrawal after consuming hours and hours of others' time in order to fill some unspoken void. It showed up in the way he would pour himself into everyone but himself. It showed up in the way he'd gotten used to his willingness to keep anyone around just to have anyone around because he was so afraid of being dropped again. It showed up in how hurt, humiliated and truly affected he'd actually been when Hoseok walked away without even looking in his direction again. It showed up when that itch was just about to scratch. The one he'd been trying to bury for months. He'd been doing so well for a while but then something made him miss hands on him and he was looking for that sweet, albeit temporary, release. It'd shown up when the first match he got on that dating app was someone who acted like all of the bed fillers who showed up after the void left from Hoseok. Which snowballed into him swearing off any of it. Which led him to fully proclaim that he never wanted to be with anyone else again. Which led to him being so lax about it, he forgot to delete the damn app in the first place. Which led somehow to something on his profile that he forgot to delete making him popular. Which led to so many notifications that in his annoyed state, he'd clicked on the first profile he'd seen, ironically, only to actually find the person kind of interesting. Interesting enough that he'd take his frustrations of the world out anyone foolish enough to be entangled with him. One free meal at a time. It all showed up.

It all led him here. And he realizes, with great conviction, he doesn't want to be here.

But then, what is it?

He looks up, first at Jin, then at Hoseok and Namjoon. If Yoongi hasn't heard this whole thing, his tune out skills should come with a class.

Yoongi.

His head snaps again towards Hoseok and Namjoon. The cogs are turning. There are things coming to him. He looks at Jin again, who raises his eyebrow.

Oh.

Oh!

It's not everything but it's something. A point of recognition and realization. When Jin sees that he and Jimin seem to be on the same page, his hyung crosses his arms, some kind of triumph held across his gorgeous face. How did Jimin not see it? Perhaps running around with toddlers might do it.

Now, even more, Jimin doesn't want to be here.

Here.

Here.

What is it?

Jimin gasps. They all turn towards him. He's been wrong this entire time. Missed a lot of pieces, things slowly starting to seep in. This all might have been a factor into why he's here right now, still going back and forth with Hoseok. But it's not why he's here. None of that actually has to do with his past. In fact, as he's realizing it and becoming more honest with himself, nothing about anything that's happened while he's been in here has been about his past. But he's been so present, so in the moments, so captivated and held that the only time he'd had to go back into his past was when he was left to his own thoughts.

He muffles a laugh. "I don't want to be here." And he watches as Jin turns to him with a raised brow and Hoseok raises his arms towards Namjoon in frustration. He watches confusion settle onto Namjoon's face.

"I realized something about you and I from years ago. You're hearing me but you're not listening. Which is why I won't explain or answer you. Doesn't matter what I say, you're looking to build more evidence in your mind against me. And I know what listening and hearing looks like now. This, our past bullshit, whatever hurt, that's not where I am. It's no longer where I want to be. That isn't even all of who I am. That doesn't remove me from the harm I've caused. But I will not be held here anymore. I'm not that younger kid anymore. I can be accountable to my actions and still move on about my day. So if we can't be civil towards each other or talk through what's really hurting, then we don't talk. Or at least, I won't talk. Because I don't want to fight, nor have I ever wanted to. You're hurt and for that, I'm sorry. You can think whatever you want but as I said, I'm not leaving these children nor Yoongi by himself to fend for them. I won't be bullied or pressed either. I am open to meeting you where you are in the present and where I am. But if you are not, can we at least agree to stay away from each other while the other is here because I don't want this affecting the children more than it already has?"

It's something in the way Yoongi bobs his head to the music. Something in the way he seems to have a talent for rhymes and verses and tries to teach both kids. Something in how it makes Jimin sing along and expose that he can actually carry a note. In the ways that Yoongi goes on and on about it after realizing it.

It's something in the way Jimin panicked, missing his alarm earlier that morning, only to find that Yoongi had been in the process of making breakfast after making sure the kids were washed and dressed, the car already packed.

It's something in the way the three and a half or so hours seem to fly by because it's Yoongi who excitedly teaches Taehyung how to play I-Spy and it's Yoongi who'd read up on how to keep children of that age busy. It's something how he watches Yoongi every few minutes or so, check through the rearview mirror to make sure the kids are safe in the back.

It's something in the way Yoongi knocks and is met with his carbon copy, at least in disposition, answering the door with just a head nod, grunt, followed by a "Min Yoongi." And nothing else. How it'd thrown Jimin so far off that he ended up letting out an awkward chortle in surprise.

It's how it's made that much more when Yoongi steps ahead, removes his shoes and announces his presence, only for his mother, who he is a carbon copy of in features, to poke her head out of whatever room she's in, give him a once over and say, "you look like mul-mandu." And that's all she says before turning to continue whatever she's doing.

And it must be that from her angle, she can't see the others behind Yoongi, but from Jimin's viewpoint, he sees it all. So when he leans over, wheezing from the laughter that consumes all of him, she then proceeds to damn near mow Yoongi over, not before slapping at him that he should've announced her babies were here too.

It's in how Yoongi's eomma proceeds to fuss over Jimin and the babies all while Yoongi continues to stand, looking affronted and in how Jimin thinks nothing of it when he can't stop laughing.

Or how Yoongi pouts until he's met by the enthusiastic barks of a sprightly, brown poodle. "At least someone loves hyung, yeah?" And it's that same soft, squeaky, excitable voice that doesn't match his normal speaking voice. The same one that's used to read stories to the kids or praise the baby when he thinks Jimin isn't looking.

Then there's something in the way Yoongi goes back to pouting the minute the puppy realizes they have company, whining about how no one respects him here and this is why he stops visiting.

The day before, Jimin requested off so they could get the kids to the pediatrician. Dr. Bae was amazing with the fussy baby, diagnosing an ear infection on top of teething. They mentioned how that could explain some of what happened on Wednesday. They provided them with pointers and prescriptions, manageable, especially for travel. They also looked over Taehyung, who got a sticker for being such a good, healthy boy.

By the time they got to Daegu, the baby was in and out of sleep because of medication, still a bit fussy though. And Taehyung decided to let his new halmeoni know that he has to eat all the vegetables so he can keep being big and strong.

It's in how, by dinnertime, Jimin also gets to meet Yoongi's often talked about hyung and how Yoongi is teased lovingly but mercilessly. It's in how it felt like nothing for Jimin to join in and let them know about all of the ways in which he teases Yoongi and it goes over his head. And how Yoongi pouts because he is so disrespected in his own childhood home.

It's the way they bicker back and forth over the silliest things because Min Yoongi just has to be right and Park Jimin will not back down.

There's something in the way he's teaching both kids how to play with Holly and Jimin watches from the door. Something in how he should've seen it coming. How Yoongi's eomma was just itching to get him alone.

"My Yoongi, he looks like me but takes after his grouch of a father," she says motioning towards the man.

To Jimin's surprise, when he turns, he notices that Yoongi's appa is seated comfortably in the same recliner he's been most of their stay, but with a passed out Jeongguk dropped comfortably with the baby's head on his shoulder, little arms around his body. In hindsight, he thinks about how earlier, he'd seen Taehyung in the room with him as well. And Jimin's not sure what the hell floors him the most. The fact that the baby had been fussy most of the day but Yoongi's appa seems to have been the only one to get him down. Or the fact that this abeonim has barely spoken any words the entire time and yet here he is, stone-faced baby whisperer.

She points to Yoongi, playing with Taehyung and Holly while his hyung laughs, snapping pictures. "He learned to love through his hands. Like my grump over there. One look at him, everyone clears out of the way. Wouldn't believe he's a giant bowl of oatmeal, huh?" She grins and winks at Jimin, who is still staring at the silent man watching a show in his recliner, while holding the baby.

"He likes you, ya know..." she says and it snaps Jimin out of his trance. He turns, wide eyed, looking back outside then back to her. She grins. "My husband!" Then she swats at him, hooting with laughter.

And now Jimin knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of the butt of jokes. "You should've seen your face!" She pats his back affectionately, and before walking away, says, "these Min boys aren't as tricky as they look. They're practical. That's how they know to provide first. You learn to look between the silence. But my Yoongi-ah, he's more expressive than even he gives himself credit for. Just has to know what gets him to click and tick. Look at the big goof. My sensitive mandu. You think I don't know he hid from us because he thought he had to return in a certain manner before he came back here?"

This closeness, the way there's almost no formality, it does startle Jimin a bit. She smiles. "All eommas know, my dear." Then she winks and walks away as if she didn't spin Jimin and turn him upside down all at the same time.

When they go to leave, Yoongi's already beat him to packing the car again. They'd decided to include video chat time once a week and Jimin's gonna add it to their color-coded schedule. He thinks it's inevitable they may have to include his own eomma.

There are hugs, kisses, lots of food (probably more than anyone has space for). Jimin watches as Yoongi steps away to speak to his appa. "The silences aren't that silent." Eomeonim whispers, stepping into Jimin's space. They exchange hugs and promises to check in when they get back. He doesn't see when Yoongi's father slides next to him, ever so quietly, handing him a bottle of water while holding a picture Taehyung drew in the other hand. Jimin is a Park and Parks hug so he returns the shock by diving into the silent man's arms in thanks. He's met with the silent rumbling of his body in laughter. He pats Jimin's back and says he should visit for Chuseok if his parents aren't expecting him.

Jimin offers to drive but Yoongi smiles softly. His shoulders have dropped, less hunched since they've been here and he's glowing. "Don't worry, Jiminie. Hyung's got it. You rest."

Then, something else clicks as it had a few days ago. And Jimin thinks he finally starts to get it. At the point of Jimin's life when he contemplated dancing professionally, he'd learned to step beyond the space of regurgitation into immersion and creation. He'd learned to take the pieces that were presented to him and re-invent them as his own. He'd learn to put himself into the expression and that it'd show up in his way. He'd started to step beyond that into creating his own. It's in that space, that he's starting to see what it is. It's how he'd take from what was already driving his heart and he'd pour into it with care, precision and concentration. It's in how he'd cultivate something from even the simplest movement. He'd spent enough time around others from music and arts departments in school to know that they, too, explored their art very similarly.

And so he starts to get it.

The way he'd made a point to make sure Taehyung didn't forget to give his jobumonim the artwork he'd made them (including one that had a single baby-sized hand print).

The way he'd push his eomma out of the kitchen to help his hyung with meals.

The way he'd make sure Jimin's plate was prepared and full before he grabbed his own food. Or the way he topped off his drinks.

The way skinship flowed like an estuary.

The way he didn't oppose to Jimin seeing his baby albums.

The way he never opposes when even Jimin knows he might be pushing it just to get his way.

The way he will also let him know if it's a hard no, firm but also gentle.

The way he'd helped his appa with the roof. And now that Jimin really thinks on it, they'd been installing new appliances to make sure Jimin and the babies were comfortable in the room they were staying in.

The way he knew Yoongi was sleeping on the couch.

The way he'd helped his eomma with sewing blankets for the babies.

The way there was always a bottle of water on the bedside table for Jimin by the time he got out of the shower.

The way he'd smile and look over, raise both of his eyebrows, you okay?

The way he's actually pretty soft-spoken around others. In a way that allows for others to fill the space. In a way that allows him, when he's content, to sit back and watch the others enjoy themselves.

The way he's crafting activities for the kids like he'd put notes to sheet music.

The way Jimin saw the makings of baby book in his room when he returned the fresh laundry the other day.

The way he tries to hide his smile when he receives praise but it eventually wins.

The way he'd cheered louder than anyone when Jeongguk did take steps in the Mins' backyard.

The way he looked up developmental stages so he could explain how Jimin recognized Jeongguk's speech milestones to his parents.

The way he teaches Taehyung to pet, feed and walk Holly.

What is it? It's everything and nothing. So much to think about and nothing to think on at all. It's buoyant, effortless, and limitless. Everything Min Yoongi does is art.

Love is art.

Care is art.

Life is art.

That's how he struggled to remove himself from the failure of that dreadful Wednesday. Because for Yoongi, he lives his passion. He is passion. And sometimes passion is a blazing fire that can also burn out quickly. A person of passion who keeps to themselves can manage how big or small the fire burns. Throw in others to the mix and it could be an inferno or the flame could die.

What is it? It's Jimin looking at this man's profile while he drives them home. Home. And it's Jimin deciding right then and there, he is okay being. And even further, he wants to be one who stokes the fire without adding to or taking from the flame. It's Jimin accepting and embracing and gasping for air for what feels like the first time. It's teary-eyed revelation.

It feels like it starts from his toes and rises, slowly and tingly to his feet then up every bit of him. When it reaches his heart, he closes his eyes, lets the tears flow freely. He takes a meditative exhale. The kind that allows him to notice his jaw is loose, his shoulders are relaxed and his hands are unclenched.

Serenity.

Through glossy eyes, he smiles to himself. Small, at first, then bigger as it all consumes his heart. He looks back at the kids, the smile widens. The warmth is all encompassing at this point. He could really lift off, seatbelt or not. He slides his hand over, locks his fingers with Yoongi's.

Earth.

At some point in Jimin's life, he'd grown too afraid of taking off in flight because of how badly he'd crashed. And when you surround yourself in walls, there's no need to worry about the risks of falling. But now he sees the ways in which, without blinking, he never needed walls here. This isn't crashing. He gets to decide how high or low he goes. And each step of the way, he's been met wherever and however he lands. Yoongi turns to him with a soft smile at first that morphs into concern at the sight of tears.

Sometimes, when you're really happy, and you cry, it doesn't mean you're upset.

He smiles at Yoongi, feels the way their hands mold into each other. How Yoongi squeezes his hand in assurance while allowing the space for Jimin's tears to flow freely. Yoongi says nothing and that says everything.

Acceptance.

Freedom.

Nothing else matters. Doesn't matter that they've only known each other for a week. Doesn't matter that they might be in danger. That the future has so much lingering and unknown. No matter length of time, no matter circumstance, no matter his rules or society's, he knows what it is.

"Hyung," the smile sits effortlessly across his face, met with one on Yoongi's, "when we get home, let's have that non-date."

Chapter Text

Days blend into weeks and Yoongi's feeling less like the disaster he thinks he is and more like a somewhat competent guardian. At least that's what everyone keeps telling him. Operation Healthy Taekook as Jimin named it (because he got the idea from one of those shows he loves so much) grows from a party of four (including the littles) to a party of Yoongi, Jimin, the littles, Hoseok and Namjoon, Seokjin, and both Jimin's and Yoongi's families. A village, indeed.

The kids seem happy, healthy and adjusting well to all of the sudden changes of the past few weeks. And now, even though things are a lot noisier, busier and crowded than he's used to, Yoongi is happy to see the babies flourishing.

He owes it all to his friends, especially Jimin.

Friends. A term he'd never imagined using on the very first day he'd met the teacher. But now it just goes so easily. As do a lot of things around Jimin.

Something changed at some point after they'd returned back from Daegu. It could just be the time they're investing together. It could be the fact that something like this naturally pushes people to lean into each other. Whatever it is, Yoongi sees it. At least he feels he sees things change.

Jimin sings more openly. He even has Yoongi joining him. And it really isn't fair. Who sounds that good casually? And he has the nerve to say it's no big deal. But every time it happens and that fluorescent smile beams, Yoongi feels more and more like he's trapped in a pressure cooker with the lid on. Park Jimin does anything lately, and Yoongi is a soda bottle with the lid while being shaken up.

And that's not all Yoongi notices. He notices how Jimin spends more time in the bathroom mirror, checking and tending to his appearance. He notices more make-up and jewelry selections. They make him look that much more beautiful. He even loves showing off to Yoongi. He has the audacity to wear more of his shirts tucked in, cinching his tiny waist or pants that conveniently accentuate all the right places. And that too, is not fair. Utterly, painstakingly, not. fair.

He dances more and initiates more music selections for their dinner time disco, which he also named. And he doesn't just dance. Park Jimin dances. It somehow brings out Yoongi's competitive (childish) spirit. Because anything Jimin can do, Yoongi pretends he can do better. It elicits strobe light laughter from Jimin every time so he must be doing something right. He does a lot of smiling, something else Yoongi notices. And maybe it makes Yoongi smile more. When he laughs, he leans his entire body into Yoongi. So maybe Yoongi does anything he can to get him to laugh.

And he plans a lot of non-dates. Added to their thing™ now are hour or so long conversations of the most random and sometimes inappropriate things to do or talk about. Tonight's no different.

Jimin took it upon himself (clearly) to incorporate a glass jar into some kind of game he's decided they're playing tonight. He's shaking it in front of Yoongi, giggling.

"C'mon, hyung! I did this much, you pick one!" He giggles. Jimin giggles a lot lately. It's fairy-footed and light. Also, the more tickled he looks, the more his honey-toned eyes disappear.

Yoongi shrugs. He grabs the jar with one hand while his other's enjoined with Jimin's tiny fingers. Another thing that changed. Skinship. Which, again, Yoongi totally doesn't mind because he finds, he quite enjoys holding Jimin's hand. And maybe that one happened because Yoongi is an awkward ball of jitters and he'd mistaken Jimin's outreached hand for an opportunity to hold his one time too many. It made neon spark everywhere though. And lately, his awkwardness seems to get rewarded in that way.

Placing the jar in his lap, he picks with his free hand. Jimin asked him to put a couple of topics in, letting Yoongi know he'd be doing the same. "It's like 20 questions but based on the prompts!" He'd squeaked in neon to Yoongi excitedly.

He pulls out a piece of paper and reads, "strangest place you've masturbated..." then he looks at Jimin. He sincerely hopes the phlegmatic way his eyes blearily shift to the younger's lets him know every bit of how over it he already is.

But of course, Jimin just continues his fae-prancing giggle. Yoongi rolls his eyes. He rubs the back of his neck, clearing his throat. "One time, I had an office job and the person I was dating was messaging me and..."

"Hyung! You?! You didn't!" But Jimin is clearly delighted. He motions for Yoongi to continue.

"I... umm... no one was in the office at that time and... and it was getting painful but I couldn't reach the toilet, so I... you know..." Yoongi really thinks Jimin is a full blown sadist. He's really relishing in Yoongi's humiliation at the moment. Yoongi knows his cheeks are red. He can't even help it. "Stop laughing! I was young..."

That doesn't seem to help plead his case. Because Jimin's entire body has made its way half way across Yoongi's lap. "Park Jimin, you're going to wake the babies! It's not that funny and you're the one who put that ridiculous thing in there just to get a rise outta me."

Yoongi knows right away that was the worst word choice ever. Jimin's now cackling in a shrieky, squealy chorus of bright. Yoongi sighs.

Finally, Jimin sobers but Yoongi sees the glint of mischief in those twinkling eyes. A menace. "I don't know, hyung, at least if I got a rise out of you tonight, you have your own office, ya know?" He shoots a finger gun and winks.

Yoongi stares, unimpressed to which Jimin continues giggling. Giggle monster Park Jimin then adds, "I masturbated in a church once," with mirth.

"Of course you did. Nothing about that even remotely surprises me." More giggles.

"I don't know, hyung. A good orgasm could have anybody feeling closer to God, so I figured, when in Rome, hmm?" Jimin throws back, wiggling his eyebrows.

Yoongi sighs and hands Jimin the jar as the younger giggles more after seeing his expression.

Grabbing his own paper, Jimin reads it then says, "hyung, you're so boring but I'm actually kind of curious about this. First impressions..." His nose scrunches in the most adorable way Yoongi's ever seen as he thinks of his response. Then he adds, "your voice made me second guess my strangest place I've ever masturbated..." then he cocks his eyebrow.

Flustered.

Yoongi will not choke on air. He will not. But he does clear his throat to gather himself. "Need I state the obvious, no alcohol has been involved this whole evening, unless you have a secret stash somewhere upstairs, which would also explain a lot and not surprise me." He retorts, playing it cool. There. That gives enough space, hopefully.

But nope. Park Jimin has suddenly transformed into a viper. A siren. Some kind of relentless entity determined to grab Yoongi in his grubby clutches and never let go. Jimin slides closer, almost in his lap. "Oh hyung, don't you know alcohol makes a person loose..." and it's the way he says the last word that lets Yoongi know.

Park Jimin is actually a demon disguised as a cherub.

He clears his throat again. He knows he has to answer. It's enough to have heard what Jimin just shared but now he's watching Jimin watch him in earnest. It's an emotional rollercoaster going from Jimin's carefree, potentially drunk admission to his own truth.

But with that look in the younger's eyes, he knows he has to... "I thought you were loud..." it comes out so right in his head but by the way Jimin scoffs and swats at him, not so much when he says it.

He puts his hands up, placatingly. "No, no... what I mean is..."

He's struggling but Jimin's giving him an out as well as the space to figure it out. He knows exactly what he wants to say, he's just not sure if he should say it or play it cool and drop it. Judging by how he feels shell-shocked, he thinks it also shows across his face because Jimin's eyes are reminding him of the things he loves about coffee. Deep and comforting. It's okay, they say. He's mulling and flustering and possibly even floundering.

And when did his hand get in Jimin's again? He stares down at their entwined hands. Notices the way they fit so nicely. Notices how Jimin's pinky finger seems to tap against the back of his own hand like Morse code. He can't look back up, not right now. But here goes.

He's really gonna do this. "S-sometimes I see or think in sounds and colors... s-so when I first saw you, your colors were loud... l-like bold, y-you're bright like something neon. N-neon because you stand out and you're meant to be seen and your laugh is like the Banpodaegyo Bridge at night and... y-you stand out. A-and I was thinking what kind of mess did those two knuckleheads get me into because there's no way in hell something that's so shiny and laughs like strobe lights would pay me dust? S-so I just knew I needed to make it known right away. S'why I just told it all right then and there..."

Did he mean to ramble, and without any alcohol? And now... he's fidgeting. Distracting himself with a piece of lint from the floor with his free hand, trying to avoid any eye contact. There's silence. And Yoongi thinks this might be the moment where his awkward isn't so endearingly chased by Jimin's dazzling laugh. He thinks this might be when he finally reached his peak. But nothing. Because there's more silence. And one thing he notices in the silence is that their hands are still together. When he finally does look up, it's to Jimin watching him with a curious expression strewn across his face.

Finally, the younger blinks and smiles with the gentlest, most endeared gaze in his sparkle eyes. And Yoongi's heart stops. He's seen a lot of different variations of sun in Jimin's smile but this one reminds him of early mornings. When it just starts to peak and it's soft and beginning to welcome all beings back to life. And then, that giggle™.

Dare Yoongi say it, but he even thinks Jimin becomes a bit bashful. He says nothing in response to Yoongi's blabbing, just gently pushes the jar back to Yoongi, who takes it and grabs a piece of paper.

"A quirk you notice about yourself," he reads then snorts. Funny. But before he can even begin on that, Jimin pipes up.

"Will you tell me something else you notice about me?" His long eyelashes flutter when he asks and Yoongi is but a weak man with a weak heart at the moment. How can he not acquiesce?

He's gonna shoot himself in the foot. But he's already exposed himself this far so why the hell not? He bites his bottom lip, in contemplation, then admits, "you giggle. You actually giggle. And it sounds like what I'd think the sound of Tinkerbell's footsteps would be when she prances."

He hears a gasp, looking up and forgetting, just in that brief moment that's been trying to avoid any eye contact. When they lock eyes, he's rewarded with a smile as bright as the sun at the highest peak of the morning. Jimin reels, so much so, he's removed his hand from Yoongi's to cross his arms over himself, curling in to himself bashfully. He giggles again then covers his face, turning away. Yoongi isn't sure what makes him feel so bold but he gently puts his hand on Jimin's, pulling one of them away.

Looking into his eyes, he smiles shyly. "Don't be shy. I-I like it..." he clears his throat. "I-I like nice sounds..."

They continue to lock in each other's eyes. Yoongi is the first to blink. At first, he almost misses it but then his eyes travel down to Jimin's lips, letting him know the younger's speaking.

"Everything you do is art. Because, you, Min Yoongi, are art. The way you do everything with attention to detail. The way you pour yourself into something. Even the way you describe things, it's all art." Jimin murmurs. Gentle, soft, delicate. And yet, still very bold like Jimin. "I-I like art..."

Yoongi's eyes go comically wide to which Jimin response with yet another giggle.

"Hyung, what's going on with you?" Yoongi's musings are interrupted by the high pitch of Hoseok's voice.

He focuses back in, noticing how his friend seems really dedicated towards this toddler dance video he's attempting with Jeongguk. This gets him to chuckle a bit as the toddler seems very focused as well, executing his baby moves. Of course, Yoongi has his phone out in seconds.

"What are you bothering me about now, Jung Hoseok?" Then he puts his phone down and claps as the baby wobbles away from the living room, towards Yoongi, whose been standing off in the kitchen.

The baby raises his arms, yelling "Ee! Ee," demanding to be picked up. Yoongi obliges, tossing him in the air then catches him, pretending to munch on Jeongguk's tummy. There's a shriek of tiny tot laughter bouncing across the house now. Yoongi laughs at this sweet sound but looks up when he realizes Hoseok's been staring at him the whole time.

"Hyung, either you've suddenly taken an interest in skin care, have been hiding an alcohol problem or you're actually glowing. What's going on?" He wonders, making his way towards one of the stools at the kitchen island.

"What do you mean, Hoba? Take one look at this face and tell me you don't get all warm and gooey!" He turns the baby towards Hoseok and Jeongguk seems to agree. "Ah!"

The adults both laugh and Yoongi hands Jeongguk back to Hoseok once he watches the baby yawn. If they time it right, he'll likely join Taehyung for nap time soon.

"I don't know, hyung. You've been staring off into space with this goofy grin for the past 10 minutes. It's been happening a lot lately." He looks at Yoongi almost skeptically, very closely, almost invasive.

Yoongi isn't sure where this is going. Then again, he's not sure if, for him, it even matters. "You looking at me so closely is creepy." Yoongi deadpans. But judging by the look on Hoseok's face, he's not letting up. "I've been feeling good about myself these days, I guess. I'm happy." He shrugs with a gentle smile.

Hoseok nods then seems to contemplate this more. "That's good, hyung. That's really good. I just..." But then the younger trails off, possibly to gather his thoughts.

Okay now, maybe it matters. There's a million places where this could go. Yoongi's not entirely dense. He and Jimin's friend group come and go throughout the week.

So Yoongi notices the ways in which they all interact with the kids. The ways the kids interact with them. With Namjoon, Taehyung loves to curl up against him for as long as he can, getting him to read him as many stories as possible. Jeongguk just stares, wide-eyed, open mouthed. With Seokjin, Jeongguk is a rowdy baby. Very playful, very cheeky. Taehyung likes to stare, wide-eyed, open mouthed. But he also draws Uncle Jinnie his best art. With Hoseok, both of the kids are rowdy but Jeongguk will nap better, loves to curl up against Yoongi's friend and knock out. The few times all three have been over have been a free-for-all of chaos. During those times, Yoongi casually makes his way to his office or bedroom but watches the monitors. Jin will typically stay for dinner time disco. Namjoon's got a lifetime ban from the kitchen so he will stay sometimes and work in Yoongi's office while bobbing his head along.

Whenever Hoseok comes over during the week though, he's the only one who isn't still around by the time Jimin returns. And Yoongi feels the tension thicken every time the couple comes over together, and it gets closer to when Jimin will arrive. Or when Tae does his best persuasion in pout. Yoongi knows the kids can feel it too. On the rare weekend Jin's available, he's invited everyone over for brunch and the tension is palpable. When any combination of the uncle trio comes over on weekends, the tension is palpable. Taehyung always responds by insisting Hoseok play with him and Jimin. Yoongi, Namjoon or Jin intervene every time by distracting the little boy. Taehyung isn't dense either.

Even though things have been pretty hectic and they're all still adjusting, Yoongi knows words were exchanged between Hoseok and Jimin. It'd been pretty much confirmed when he and Jin sat and talked about how significant it was that Jimin opened up at all about that relationship but refused to talk about what happened on the patio that one night. So yes, this could go a million different ways but Yoongi's on alert because it's very likely, all signs point towards Jimin.

"I just was thinking and I hope we aren't setting ourselves or the kids up for failure by getting too attached, hyung." Okay, a million different places and this was not one that came to the forefront of Yoongi's mind.

He watches as Jeongguk's damn near drooling while curled into Hoseok and smiles to himself. "Big thing to say when you're Jeonggukie's personal pillow. No, I hear you. I'm glad we're bringing this up actually. See, I've been reading up on attachment styles for foster carers. Don't look so shocked, I've gotta keep up with Jimin if I'm going to be parent of the year. He's easily got a 5 year head start but I'm slowly creeping up on him."

Hoseok side eyes Yoongi, and he clears his throat. Did he really just... "Anyway, yeah and a lot of what I'm finding talks about attachment as if the children might already be used to more unhealthy attachment styles. But it looks like if I'm in a good place, if we all are, even if they have to leave us, which I hope not, but even if they do, it's a good experience for them to be met with kindness, love and care. And yeah, I worry. I do. Like if someone says they can't be with us anymore and then what does that mean? But Jimin says there's no way to predict any of that and we just have to do our best loving all over the kids right now. And I agree."

"Right..." Hoseok nods slowly. "Just, you know, be careful, hyung. It's not like you to let things go easily. I'm gonna check on Taehyungie and put this little bunny in his crib." He pats Yoongi on the shoulder then makes his way upstairs.

Not soon after, the keypad is being pressed and the door opens while Yoongi is checking emails in his office. Nothing important, he notes and as he's closing out of the browser, he feels a pair of arms wrap around his shoulders and a chin landing on the top of his head.

"What, are you ditching work now?" Yoongi asks, giving one of Jimin's hands a squeeze. "What kind of example do you think you're setting, Park Jimin? Bad enough Taehyung's learned to pout to get his way. In case it wasn't clear, I blame you for that."

Jimin rolls his eyes and giggles, then proceeds to squeeze Yoongi's shoulders. Yoongi groans, causing Jimin to giggle again. To any prying eye or ear, it sounds so much less harmless than it is. Especially when Yoongi pouts, "don't stop. Do that again, Jimin-ah!"

"Excuse me, what were you just complaining about with pouting?" Jimin inquires, grinning.

Yoongi sighs, dramatically. "Jimin, there's a new study going around. I just read like a bunch of articles on how these kinds of things are important for the well-being of the children. There's a massive study with findings and everything, coming from out at the University of North Louisiana. Says this should happen as much as possible..."

There's a pause. Followed by Jimin cackling and swatting at Yoongi. As his body leans over towards the chair, he nearly slips. Except Yoongi has quick reflexes so he catches Jimin by the waist then stands to right both of them. It's intimate how close they're standing together. Jimin's still giggling while he places his hands on Yoongi chest and neck.

"For a second, you almost got me again. But now I'm onto you, hyung. There is no University of North Louisiana, you liar!" He's still giggling when Yoongi starts poking at his waist, tickling him.

"You can't call me a liar, Jimin-ah. I'm your hyung. You're really not setting the best example for our kids!" Yoongi goads. Jimin squirms to get out of Yoongi's grasp and Yoongi teases further, "And another thing, how can someone take dance classes and be so clumsy?"

Jimin sighs dramatically, leaning his head back. "Alas, my one fatal flaw. However shall I repay my fearless hero?"

"You can go back to what you were doing just a second ago." Yoongi wiggles his eyebrows up and down. That mini-massage was ironing out some knots in Yoongi's shoulders. Can't blame a man for trying.

Jimin throws his head back again, laughing loudly. Yoongi continues to tease, "Park Jimin, do you know how long it took to tire those miscreants out? Hush with this racket, you're gonna wake the babies. Stop with all this noise! And what are you doing home so early, hmm?"

Jimin swats at Yoongi playfully. "Don't call our babies miscreants! Who even uses that word, old timer? And who knows, something kept happening with the alarms today so they dismissed us."

"I'll show you an old timer, brat!" Yoongi retorts, ready to tickle Jimin again. Jimin's attempting to wiggle out of Yoongi's hold to no avail. Or maybe he makes it appear like it's to no avail.

Regardless, it's actually quite innocent, joyous and fun and light but to the prying eyes...

Of course, it should come as no surprise that they're interrupted by Hoseok standing at the door, clearing his throat, eyes burning holes into both of them.

"Right..." he says slowly, looking between the both of them.

Yoongi lets Jimin go not before poking his side and looking away as if he didn't do anything. "Need something, Seok-ah?" As if he is the pinnacle of innocence and Jimin yelps at the contact. He swats at Yoongi again and Yoongi feigns outrage while Jimin turns away to giggle.

Hoseok keeps looking between the both of them again, his face blank of expression. "Hyung," he says kind of lowly, "I'm going to get going..." and he points towards the door but Yoongi notices the way Hoseok stares right at Jimin like he's trying to melt his face off. So Yoongi slides himself in front of Jimin.

"Huh..." Hoseok utters then nods. "Right. Well, I'll see you later, hyung."

Slowly, but truly, many things shift. Yoongi notices a lot of the changes. Notices how he and Jimin are spending more time away from the house for their non-dates. Notices how Jeongguk has more teeth and more confidence in his wobbly steps. Notices how Taehyung follows Jimin around everywhere, every chance he gets. Notices that Hoseok's been coming over more and stays longer, even when Jimin comes home.

It's another non-date night and this one is again away from the house. They're at some American-styled diner, similar to the place they first met, sharing milkshakes again.

"It's the nostalgia of it all, hyung!" Jimin chirps, grinning from ear to ear.

"Jiminie, what's the difference between a non-date and a date?" Yoongi blurts. He thinks he wanted to ask that question in his head, rather than out loud but alas.

Jimin's face scrunches because he clearly drank his milkshake too quickly. When he finally gathers himself and glares at Yoongi (who is doing the worst job of hiding his smirk), he says, "we're above dating, hyung" and he shrugs and goes back to his milkshake. "Yoongi, you remember how big Taetae's eyes were when he was drinking your milkshake? It's so so so so yummy!" He mimics the little boy's voice and mannerisms.

Yoongi laughs silently. "You remember how I thought I was under attack? Still feel that way, in case you wanted to know."

"Oh, stop with your exaggerations. You love it." Jimin grins.

Yoongi grins as well. "I suppose you're all not that bad..." then he ducks from the balled up napkin headed towards his head.

"Taetae wants to dye his hair like mine. I found some temporary and safe hair dye recipes that we could try this weekend. I was thinking about touching up my roots maybe or going blonde and then we can be matchers, hyung!"

"I wouldn't call this blonde, I'd call this, I haven't touched it in forever and it took a wild, ashy color of its own..." Yoongi jokes. "He's been your little shadow more and more lately so it doesn't surprise me. Did I tell you about the other day, how he wanted me to get him fairy wings because they reminded him of you? But Jeonggukie pooped through his clothes so we had to take a rain check."

Jimin giggles, shaking his head. "Jimin, do you... do you think we might be setting the kids up for failure somehow? Like I was all about the fairy wings if he wanted them, right? But he may not always be with us and what if he still wants to keep dying his hair and the other people caring for him say no? What if he gets teased and ridiculed or something?" Yoongi adds, biting at his bottom lip nervously. He goes to bite his thumb but Jimin is there to meet him and hold his hand.

"Hyung, we both said we would talk things out and leave our what ifs, right? That was your idea, hmm?" And Yoongi nods. Because it was his idea. And now it might be biting him in the ass. "Where's all this coming from? Did someone call you about them?"

Shaking his head, Yoongi feels Jimin squeeze his hand while rubbing soothing circles with his thumb. "No, nothing like that. It's just that I was talking to Hoseok the other day and he was wondering if all of us were getting too attached and getting them too attachend."

Something flickers in Jimin's eyes but dies just as quickly. He nods and says, "I could give all of us all of the stats and things that point towards all of the ways positive experiences help children grow well but hyung, we have no idea what's in their future. I just don't want to spoil what we have now for being so worried about what might be."

And Yoongi is glad for the reminder. Because they've agreed to this. To being present. To being attentive and kind and loving and affectionate towards the kids. To listening to their wants and needs very closely. To doing the best they can with what they have, no more or less. If something falls through, with all of this, at least they can say they really put their best in. He turns their conjoined hands and takes a moment to run his thumb over Jimin's knuckles

"Okay, so what colors were you thinking about? And do you want to do a family thing? Like do you think I should change mine too or should that be a you and Taehyungie thing? I like how he's bonding with you, by the way. I think purple would be nice, especially with his big, expressive eyes and his skin tone... or what about maybe a red?" Yoongi's kind of rambling. Head cocked to the side, contemplating colors and possibilities. He stopped when he notices Jimin's sparkly eyes and smile, beaming at him affectionately. "What?" He asks, smiling shyly.

Jimin shakes his head, grinning and shrugging at the same time. "You're... it's just really sweet how you don't seem to mind that he's bonding with me like this. Some people could get really insecure about children forming particular bonds, especially when you're with them every day. That's just really kind and considerate of you, hyung." Then he clears his throat, "anyway, with the way his natural color is so dark, I don't even know if the dyes will take but we could try something a bit safe for now, like a red, and see what happens. Although, purple sounds really fun. Part of me does want to ask him but there's also the reality that he might say, 'pink like yours, Chimmy-hyungie!' and then we'll have to really figure that one out."

"Jimin, the kid literally makes me sing to him, hug him, hold his hand and sit very still while he inspects my teeth and body like he's Doc McStuffins. This week, he's started this thing and I'll admit, Jiminie, it's quite adorable. He'll come up to me and say Jeonggukie needs something and since he can't speak, Tae has to speak for him. So he'll say 'hyung, Jeonggukie needs a donut really badly' and the first time, I almost didn't get it but then I just started asking him, 'and would Taehyungie like another donut as well' and his eyes get so big and he nods like this." He demonstrates Taehyung's mannerisms to which both he and Jimin laugh.

Then he continues, "I was more worried that he wouldn't have a relationship with you because you're away more than I am. They seem to know right when you're about to come home. It's really cute. I'll message it to you tomorrow. Also, been using it to my advantage for nap times." Yoongi chuckles to himself when Jimin swats at him.

"Don't exploit my babies, hyung!" Jimin jokes and they're both chuckling this time. "You're so good with them. Look at us, we're parents. We even sound like parents and we bicker like an... uh, anyway, speaking of parental things! We have a special day coming soon and we haven't made any plans yet. Ideas?"

"Ahh, that's right, our Jeonggukie turns the big two soon. What about a Kumamon theme? He seems to like Kumamon." Yoongi nods.

"You seem to like Kumamon, Yoongi. Don't put that monstrosity on the baby."

Yoongi gasps, clutching at this non-existent pearls. "Who calls Kumamon a monstrosity?! Park Jimin, just how dark is your soul? That is a national treasure. I can't do this anymore. Waiter, check please! Get me out of this awful non-date, right now!"

Yoongi and Jimin work between Jimin's schedule and Yoongi's projects to come up with the best birthday bash for Jeongguk. Of course, they involve the baby's other hyungs, and new surrogate grandparents. The most important feedback, however, comes from Taehyung.

"Jeonggukie wants a big, BIG cake, like THIS big, all the way to the sky."

"Jeonggukie wants us to dress up like PJ Masks and wear fairy wings."

"Hyungie, can I be Spiderman and Jeonggukie could be Catboy?"

"Can I have wings for Jeonggukie's birthday? He can have wings too! Like me! Can Chimmy-hyungie have wings? Can we ALL have wings?!"

"I want to draw a big, pretty picture for my Kookie but you can't see it!"

"Hyungie, you gotta give me a money so I can go buy Kookie's present but he can't come see it. Because it's a surprise!"

"Hyungie, Kookie likes banana milk so we should get a banana milk cake!"

Although input from a 3 year old feels very up and down, Taehyung does have a keen observation of the soon to be 2 year old. Jimin and Yoongi make a point to explain to him that he gets to have his own birthday when he turns 4 in a few months. He seems really excited about that.

It's a superheroes and fairy wings costume party. Jin, dressed in a Superman T-shirt, provides his restaurant as the venue. They invite the hyungs as well as their family members. Jimin's younger brother gets to meet Yoongi and Jimin gets to meet Yoongi's hyung's partner. Taehyung does a great job as the party's host, directing guests and helping with presents and things. As asked, he's dressed as Spiderman with big, beautiful rainbow fairy wings. He runs around the venue pretending to fly while shooting webs everywhere.

The guest of honor, dressed up as Catboy, enjoys smashing his face in the cake. He also managed to get his foot in it as well. It's a great turn out, full of great, supportive, loving people. If they thought Taehyung would be forgotten, they're sorely mistaken. He's doted on, showered in love and kisses. Yoongi's appa is probably the most lively, Jimin's ever seen, chasing the boy around as the Tickle Monster.

Jimin hasn't stopped laughing at Yoongi's costume. He's snuck up on Yoongi too many times and snapped photos of him. It's during the last escape that someone finally asks. "What the hell are you supposed to be, Yoon?" His hyung inquires, full judgement written all over his face. He's looking at the black ears and the long green tail.

"A cat dragon." He deadpans. "Taehyungie said we can't have a superheroes and fairies party without a villain. Not one word, hyung."

His hyung silently chuckles but puts his hands up in surrender. "I said nothing. How is everything?" He motions towards Jimin who has just taken Jeongguk and swung him around after the toddler called for him from Hoseok's lap.

They're prancing and spinning around, the now 2 year old trying to reach for Jimin's fairy wings. And Jimin throws his head back, in giant, bright laughter. He looks amazing with his shimmering make up, and rhinestones that are strategically placed around his big, beautiful eyes. There are shimmers and glitter in his hair to complement the pretty iridescent wings he bought. It all goes well with the white flowing button down he wears and white skinny jeans. He looks every bit of a celestial being. So much so, Yoongi hopes someone took way more pictures of the fairy than of the cat dragon.

"I hope you don't take this the wrong way but I really enjoy seeing you like this. You look well, Yoongi." Hyung shares and Yoongi turns away from Jimin, Taehyung and Jeongguk holding hands in a circle. He really hopes someone is getting photos of this.

"I-it's not that I didn't enjoy you before but..."

Yoongi doesn't mean to cut his hyung off but he shakes his head, interjecting, "no, no, hyung. I get what you mean. And thanks. I like me right now too. I've been feeling really good. I... uh... I think I had a bit of a breakthrough that first time Jeonggukie was ill. It helped me realize a lot of things. And I'm not being so hard on myself now."

"That's good. It really shows and I'm proud of you. I know this is a lot and eomma won't say it, but we all had some concerns at first, when she told us what was going on. I admire you. You seem to be handling this well and you're even glowing lately."

Yoongi blinks and looks at his brother. "Ya know, Hoseokie said the same thing not too long ago." They hear a snap of a camera off to the side and Yoongi turns his head in the sound's direction.

"Run Taehyungie!" They hear Jimin squeal, as he scoops the boy and camera up, scurrying away from Yoongi and his hyung, in fairy laughter and mirth.

Yoongi feels a tug at his tail and looks down to see Jeongguk is very excitedly attacking it. He rolls his eyes playfully. "Not you too, little one. Yah! Park Jimin, look what habits you're giving these kids, you fairy-winged delinquent!" He yells, then picks up the toddler.

His brother's grinning, eyebrow raised. "Imagine that." He hums, walking away.

When Jin brings out the cake, they hoist both Jeongguk and Taehyung up and the four blow out the candles together. The picture will end up framed in Yoongi's office much later.

With planning, partying, taking things down, bringing presents home and getting two sugar-filled children to bed, Yoongi and Jimin are sleep-deprived. When they leave the children after story and nightlight time, Jimin pulls Yoongi into the hallway quietly and wraps his arms around the older's neck in a hug. Yoongi steps closer into the younger's space, sliding his arms around Jimin's waist. They sway together in their embrace. Yoongi lowers his head into the crook of Jimin's neck. Jimin responds in kind, softly running his fingers along the nape of Yoongi's neck.

"I'm exhausted." Yoongi mutters. And Jimin giggles, both at the sentiment and the tickle of Yoongi's breath against his neck. "You looked really pretty today. Smell good too." He nuzzles his nose into the crook of Jimin's neck.

Jimin giggles quietly, "who knew it'd take you to be ready to collapse before you got this touchy. Stop doing that, hyung... tickles!" Jimin whines but he doesn't let go. In fact, he leans more into Yoongi's space.

Yoongi massages circles at Jimin's hipbones and the small of his back. "We actually threw a party for a 2 year old. We actually have a 2 year old."

"We're parents, hyung!" Jimin chirps. "We really got all of that done today. I can't believe you wore a tail." He giggles.

Yoongi snorts, still unmoving. "And you have all the picture proof in the world." He yawns.

Jimin giggles and moves to grab Yoongi's hand but the older won't budge. Snickering, he says, "come on, hyung. You're so delirious. Let's get you to bed."

Yoongi unfolds and allows himself to be guided into his bedroom. He crashes face first into the bed with a giggling Jimin watching. Jimin goes to leave but Yoongi quickly grabs his wrist. "Stay."

When Yoongi wakes up, it's to the realization that his head lies on a surface that feels a lot different than his pillow. He stills, allows his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He checks the clock. It's just around morning twilight. He hears birds coming alive. The sun just barely peaking out at the horizon and yet, when he looks out of the window, there are still stars and the moon sparkling in the sky. He looks back down to his bed. He and Jimin must have gotten tangled together. He watches the rise and fall of the younger's chest. Smiling softly to himself, he takes in the view next to him. Still tired and hoping to get just a bit more sleep before the kids are awake, he slides in on his side, observing the younger.

Jimin sleeps in pout. It's the most endearing, angelic thing he's ever seen. Taking his hand to trace the outline of Jimin's face, he moves to brush hair from his eyes. He doesn't expect to feel the hand that lands on top of his own, resting on the side of Jimin's face. Jimin's eyes flutter and he smiles before fully opening them. He nuzzles into the touch, giggling quietly. Dawn's soundtrack in the background, the gentle crackle of the baby monitor, the soft but paced puffs of air between he and Jimin, altogether, it sounds like the makings of a 12-tone composition. But Yoongi looks into soft, sleepy, coffee-infused eyes and all the sounds are drowned out.

Jimin bites his bottom lip, grinning shyly and slides under the covers. Yoongi smiles to himself then joins Jimin who motions with his finger. He inches closer. Resting the hand that's on the pillow against his cheek, Jimin raises the other, fingertips tracing the outline of Yoongi's face. Yoongi closes his eyes, can feel the heat of his breath intermingled with Jimin's. Can feel the moment the younger man presses even closer. Their foreheads touch. Foreheads to noses. His heart pounds and he wonders if Jimin's does the same. Can feel the expansion and collapse of their chests together.

Synchronicity.

Jimin's fingertips trace Yoongi's lips. "O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do," he recites, barely above a whisper.

Yoongi's free hand wraps around Jimin's waist. He opens his eyes, takes the younger in. He can see the curl of his eyelash and the spark in his bright, beautiful eyes. Slowly, gently, Yoongi feels Jimin exhale then brush his lips against his own. He savors the barely there touch for a moment. Savors the way Jimin's soft, pillowy lips envelope his own. Savors the sweetness of the tiny space between. The beginning build-up. He can feel Jimin smile against his lips. He matches it with his own smile. It's light and airy and tingly. Finally, when the tension is too high, he closes in. It deepens quickly. Breath and hands and fluttered eyelashes and tongues. And Jimin giggles. If dawn's soundtrack comes with Park Jimin's giggle, Yoongi will never curse being awake this early again.

"Hi..." Jimin whispers, with a giggle once they pull away. He licks his lips and giggles again.

"Good morning," Yoongi responds softly, returning the smile.

Their lips join again, Jimin giggles through the kiss and Yoongi feels explosive and light. These are pastels and sparkles. These are a child's joy and summer rain.

"Hi..." Jimin giggles again, blushing and radiant. Bold and vibrant and glowing.

"You said that already," Yoongi grins, between kisses. "We gotta be quiet, yeah?" And Jimin nods, grinning, bringing Yoongi closer. The depths their lips explore vary, ebb and flow, rise and fall.

The pace of their breathing increases. Jimin keeps giggling. They're closer, deeper, heated. Hands roam. Gently at first, like running fingers across flower petals. Then more firm like hands tending soil. Backs arch. Breaths stutter. Hearts beat faster, stronger. And Jimin still giggles.

"Aish! Park Jimin, you're going to give us away, you goof! Shh! You have to be quiet!" Yoongi whisper yells. Jimin giggles at his chiding to which Yoongi then adds, "do I have to stuff underwear in your mouth?"

Jimin buries his head against Yoongi's shoulder, body shaking from the giggle fit he's having. "Oh, how kinky, hyung!" He returns with a soft smile.

Equally, Yoongi can't help the smile that hasn't left his face yet. Peppering kisses to Jimin's forehead, then his nose, he intentionally skips his smiley lips and places light kisses along the crook of his neck. Jimin giggles again and Yoongi huffs, endearingly.

"Jimin," he tries to whisper seriously. They both know he's anything but, "you're gonna wake the kids any minute now!"

Jimin squirms, grinning and whining quietly. "I can't help it. I'm ticklish!"

And maybe the airiness gets to Yoongi's head. He feels breezy and free and also brazen. "Oh yeah?" He whispers directly into Jimin's ear.

He feels how Jimin's body responds. Giving Jimin a pillow to bite on, Yoongi proceeds to lightly tickle the younger's sides, grin full of mischief. Jimin's muffled fairy-pranced giggle fills the room. It all blooms at its own pace. Even though they're both aware that the children could be awake at any moment, there's no rush. Yoongi smiles, brushing hair from Jimin's face again then lightly kisses his fluttery eyelids.

"Hi..." Jimin utters a third time. Giggly, bright, blinding.

Yoongi playfully rolls his eyes. "Again, you already said that... ouch!" Jimin poked his side to which Yoongi grins lazily. "Hey, beautiful..."

For once, Yoongi's mind is clear. For once, he's just here, in the moment. In this energy that's vibrant, electric and energizing. And right now, it feels right. To free fall. To jump without knowing where or if there's a landing. Hands and limbs become explorers of uncharted terrain. Added to the soundtrack, whispered promises and directives...

"More..."

"There.."

"Yes..."

And they climb. Together. Higher. The adagio of their pas de deus to the rhythmic sounds of the squeaking bed, crackle of the monitor, bodies speaking the language of ecstasy, birds and crickets and frogs in the distance. Delicate. Languid. Full. They're consumed in each other, in this space. Passion burning blue hot. They rise together, climb new heights. Then the culmination, ending with the coda.

Then they fall into each other. Sated. Smiling. Euphoric.

"Hi..." Still a giggle and a bright, strobe-light smile.

"Hi, pretty."

"You think I'm pretty."

"You know you're pretty and you know I think you are, brat."

More giggling, some hiding. "Well, I think you're pretty too, hyung!"

"Who knew you'd be so silly..."

"I can't help it! I'm happy!"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Me too. I'm happy too."

"You slept with him, didn't you?! Of course, you finally got your claws into him, didn't you? You two slept together?!" Yoongi can hear it before he can see it.

He'd just put the kids down for a nap while Jimin tended to the dishes. Hoseok had come over under the guise of planning a surprise birthday video for Namjoon. And that could be plausible, considering his friend's birthday is in a few days. But Hoseok never comes over alone on the weekends. In fact, Hoseok rarely comes over on the weekends even when Namjoon's here. To Yoongi, it really doesn't need to take a rocket scientist to know why. Before he can move to intervene, he hears Jimin.

"I don't really see how that's any of your business..."

Someone, likely Hoseok, huffs. "That poorly hidden bite mark makes it my business. It's entirely my business, Jimin. That's my best friend! You can't go around ruining people's lives and you both are being selfish, doing this around these kids!"

"Hoseok-ssi, you're not even around us with the kids that much and honestly," Yoongi hears Jimin pause. He's likely running his hands through his hair. "Look... despite what you think, I'm not the same person that I was back then and neither are you." There's a brief silence. Some kind of ruffling noise.

Jimin continues, "I obviously caused harm and I'm sorry, Hoseok-ssi."

"Yeah, that's rich... now." Hoseok snorts.

"Well all we have is now! I've apologized before. You're so hung up on something that happened so long ago and okay, I get it. It clearly hurt you. I clearly hurt you. But you can't hold me hostage, or hyung for that matter." Jimin pleads.

"He is not your hyung!"

"He's so much more to me than that!"

"Bullshit."

Jimin huffs loudly, clearly sounding exasperated. "Oh my... I don't know what to say to get you off my back! How much of this really is about me? Because I know your hang up and..."

"Tread lightly..." Hoseok seems to growl, threatening and predatory in a way Yoongi's never heard from his friend before. And he's had enough so he steps down from the staircase.

Stepping into the room, he sees how Jimin's eyes widen as soon as he spots him. Hoseok gestures as if to continue speaking but he stops and turns after noticing Jimin's eyes are no longer fixed in his direction. The shock also registers on his face.

"No, please continue. Don't stop on my account." Yoongi offers, crossing his arms.

Hoseok rounds his shoulders, "I'll just see myself out..." and he moves to head passed Yoongi.

But Yoongi steps directly in front of him. "You were on such a role though, Hoseok. Why hold back now?" He's trying to keep his frustration and potential anger at bay. But it's rising and bubbling in his throat.

Hoseok blinks, eyes widen then narrow a bit. He squares his shoulders. "Hyung, I just think..." but Yoongi raises his hand to stop him.

Hoseok looks taken aback by the gesture, even taking a step back to gather himself.

"You know what I think? I think you're so stuck on projecting your unrequited feelings for me that you underestimate and devalue the depth of Jimin and my's relationship." And Yoongi can see both the shock morph across the faces of both Hoseok and Jimin. "Yes, Hoseok, I know you and Namjoon both have been trying for years to slowly convince me that the three of us could be together. I never wanted to have a conversation like this with you but these attacks are getting out of hand. And I don't want to begrudge either you or Joon of your choices but enough is enough. This pining and now taking your jealousy out on Jimin? This isn't you. Well, it isn't the you I've spent years befriending. Tell me if I'm wrong..."

Hoseok blinks rapidly. He starts fidgeting in a way that reminds Yoongi of a caged animal. Trapped. "Y-you..."

"You think I didn't notice the way you've been coming over more? Like you're marking some kind of territory? You think I don't know that you backed Jimin into my room to threaten him? You think I don't know that you've been watching us both like a hawk? You think I don't know that Jimin asked you to keep your distance if you two couldn't get along? I asked you both, you and Joon both, to trust me and my ability to make my own choices. But yet, you insist on coming in my home and making my guest feel uncomfortable? You think I don't know that sometimes your form of care is trying to coddle me and that it fulfills some latent desire to take care of me? Hoseok, don't get me wrong, when I've needed you both, I can't even thank you enough. But this? What you're doing, how you're acting, it's making me feel like I'm not good enough."

Then he takes a deep breath. He tries to control the burning sensation rising in his throat.

"No, hyung. That's not my intention at all. I just don't think he is good enough for you..."

"But you really don't get to decide that and that right there is proving my point. You don't even know. You didn't even stop to ask me. Just because I chose to stay to myself for a while, doesn't mean I need you to baby me. I still don't get how the hell you both thought the way to getting me out of my so-called shell, was to invade my space, without my permission, and make a dating profile. And now that it's seemed to bite you in the ass, you want to take it back? What's really going on, Hoseok, because I don't for one second believe this is about Jimin-ah..." Yoongi concludes. Jimin moves to leave the room but Yoongi makes eye contact, showing him that he would like him to stay. So Jimin obliges but sits down on the sofa quietly.

"I don't think we should be having this conversation with him here, hyung..." Hoseok mentions, quietly.

Yoongi shakes his head. "You don't get to do that. I want Jimin here. He deserves the right to know why you've been so hostile."

Hoseok huffs. "Fine. Hyung, we overstepped. We were worried. We set up the profile. And then when I realized who it was, it made me realize a couple of things. He lured me in, lured Namjoon in, the same way he used to when we were together. And so you're right. It might have been from old things that used to have me tangled in his web of shit. He is manipulative, hyung. It's all an act. He says what you want to hear, gets you to dote over him hand and foot, the whole cute thing, it's all an act. The minute things don't go his way, he will turn on you, just like he did with me. This doesn't have anything to do with my feelings for you. Or maybe it does but not in how you think. I wasn't opposed to the idea of you dating other people. I'm just opposed to him. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

Yoongi is watching Jimin. Jimin is grinding his teeth and clenching his jaw. He looks like he wanted to interject several times but either thought better of it or tried to come up with something better.

He turns to look back at Hoseok. "I remember how confused and shut down and hurt you were over whatever happened between you and Jimin. But you don't get to make those conclusions for me. You don't really even get to make them for Jimin when you didn't hear his side. And I know you didn't hear his side, for years, because I was the one who kept hiding you or relocating you or blocking his calls. So you have one part of a story and I don't know how you'd ever get resolution from that. But what I do know is you really have no idea about Jimin and I. So I'll tell you since it doesn't seem clear."

He runs his hand through his hair, then continues. "You know how I would describe what we have? Easy. And some people might take that word dismissively. But not me. Easy might be the most liberating word... feeling... way to describe what I feel. It's so easy that it's almost too damn easy. Hoseok, there are spaces where I don't have to fill it with words around Jimin and yet we never run short of them if and when we need to. You know why? Because we talk to each other. We don't keep secrets. And we can enjoy the silence of each other because even that speaks loudly. And when it seems like there's unspoken words, it's me. It's because I need time to fully get it. And he might not think I know it about him but it's the way I know he gives me a moment, or five or however long I need. It's the way he thinks I don't know that these little pretend dates of his are really dates and he's trying to get to know me better, trying to see if I'm okay with what this is. It's the way I know he's been trying to get me to see for weeks because he's too worried about being too much even when I asked him not to tone down his light."

He's focused his attention entirely on Jimin at this point, even though he's technically speaking to Hoseok. He sees Jimin's eyes widen a fraction. Yet, he continues.

"Because it's easy. We already have so much drama surrounding us yet this feels like breathing. I love him, Hoseok." Jimin and Hoseok both blanch. And Yoongi groans because this is not at all how he wanted to do this.

Hoseok sputters and looks at Yoongi in disbelief. "H-hyung. Y-you barely know each other. How could you remotely say this is love? You sleep together and suddenly it's love?"

"Yes, love. I love Park Jimin. I love you, Park Jimin and it's shitty that this is how it had to come out, that I don't owe any explanation but Hoseok, you're really pushing the lines of our friendship right now. And I'm trying my best not to say something I might regret later but you've become so insistent on not hearing anything. And if after this miserable confession, he'll accept me and my feelings and maybe even reciprocate them, I plan to spend the rest of however long showing him that I get it. That I see him. That I appreciate his efforts. That I'm so grateful he sees me too. You don't get to dictate what love is for me. You or no one gets to put time on love for me. When I think about waking up and sharing a life with someone, I hear ridiculous songs being made up for the sake of those kids. I see dance parties in the middle of the kitchen and our living room full of pillows, blankets and food everywhere. I hear Western pop cultural things taking over and rotting the kids' brains. If I ever thought what my future might look like, with a partner and with kids, you don't think I've seen it? You don't think I haven't thought about it? There's not a moment where I think of all of the qualities, think of what I might need or want, and I don't see Jimin. Bright, bold, neon Jimin. If you can not accept that, then I'm going to have to ask you to leave my house, Hoseok."

The entire room falls pin-drop silent. It's out now. Yoongi won't beat himself up but he knows Jimin deserves better. Deserves more. And he resolves that if he'll allow it, he'll give Jimin more. He dares a glance at Jimin who sits shell-shocked yet teary eyed.

"Y-you've never mentioned loving someone like this, not so soon..." Hoseok whispers.

"I never had a reason to until now."

"You've barely known him for a month or so. I-I don't know that I can trust that, hyung..." Hoseok confesses.

Yoongi sighs, runs his hand through his hair. "It's not really for you to trust. But if you can't trust me, what's the point of our friendship?"

"And when he betrays you and puts your business out to everyone after he can't get his way but then pretends like it was some drunken mistake because he's cute and should be forgiven? You're going to regret it."

"Hoseok, I can't imagine how that felt for you even when I lived some of it with you. But I know what I feel and I am asking you to respect that."

"And if I don't, you'll tell me to fuck off? All of those years of friendship? I've loved you and that wasn't enough. Joon loved you and that wasn't enough. But this? Suddenly this is love?"

"I don't think any of us in here has one-dimensional love, Hoseok. What I have towards Jimin may not be what I feel towards you but my love isn't shallow and neither is yours. I don't want to be in a relationship with you two romantically but you're still my friends. And I'm happy. I'm happy with Jiminie..."

Hoseok scoffs and shakes his head but he takes a deep breath. He blinks back tears when he asks, "you'll never see me the way you do him?"

"Hoseok, what if it was a different Jimin you matched me with but I still went on this date and I really hit it off with them? What if I decided I wanted to start dating them and it led to love? Would it be any different?" Yoongi ponders. "What was the point of getting me to go out on a date if you knew you were still harboring these feelings?"

"I wanted to help you get out of your slump and maybe you would start coming around again, Yoongi! I..."

But Yoongi stops him. "Are you saying you tried to manipulate me so that I could spend more time with you two...?"

"N-no, that's not what I'm..."

"Hoseok, please leave my house."

But Hoseok steps closer into Yoongi's space, pleadingly. "No, hyung, please it's not like that!"

"I don't hate you. But it's been a very emotional last 24 hours for me, I barely got any sleep and I don't want to say or do anything rash. I just need some space, please. I just told the man I love that I love him through trying to reason with you. That's really shitty and he deserves better. Please, Seok-ah. I'll call you later, let's clear our heads and come back to this when I'm more reasonable."

Hoseok looks like he's about to say something else but decides against it. He wipes tears from his face and nods. "I'm sorry, hyung..." he offers as he makes his way towards the door.

When he leaves, Yoongi takes a deep breath, drained but there's something very important he needs to do. He sits next to Jimin on the sofa who looks at him, wide-eyed, crying softly. Yoongi wipes tears from his face and smiles gently.

"Hi..." he says, quietly.

"You love me?" Jimin asks, immedlately.

"Yeah, I do. So much. Look, Jimin-ah, I'm so..." But then his words are cut off by lips. Specifically, Jimin's lips connect with his and the younger lunges forward, and on top of Yoongi, who ends up on his back.

This kiss is full of fire, intensity. When they part, breathless yet craving, Jimin says, "I never, ever want to hear you apologize for loving me." And then they kiss again. They have to pull away eventually to catch their breaths. Jimin runs his fingers through Yoongi's hair, smiling, while he does.

"Hey, pretty..." Yoongi says, softly. And Jimin giggles again, burying his head and hands into the crook of Yoongi's neck. "Yah! Park Jimin, we made love earlier, I confess my heart to you, and you're still acting like a blushing bride?" He teases but soothingly rubs the younger's back.

Jimin mutters something into Yoongi's shoulder. "I'm sorry, what was that? Do I have to tickle you, hmm?" That gets Jimin to react. He swats at Yoongi and raises his head up again.

"I said, you didn't actually confess your heart to me and it took you long enough." He humphs for good measure.

"You don't think I caught all those not so subtle hints? All those non-dates that were actually dates? All the times you lean into me and when you cut yourself off from hinting at us being together? The damn tight ass jeans and you sticking your ass out? That was such a low blow, by the way. You have not been playing fair. Or when your eyes light up whenever I'd say things like our family or our babies? How could you not think I was messing with you on purpose? I had to get back at you for those jeans. And what do you take me for? I'm slow to respond but I'm not dense." Yoongi feigns disgust and lightly pinches Jimin's hip.

In outrage, Jimin plucks his forehead. "Min Yoongi, you were messing with me on purpose? What kind of love is this?!"

Yoongi laughs lightly then smiles, looking into Jimin's eyes seriously. "Hey... I just want you to know I see you and I know you see me too. And, I want this, all of whatever it may be, with you. If that's okay. I love you, Park Jimin. You make it easy."

Jimin's eyes water again and he buries his head into Yoongi's shoulder. Loudly, he complains, something that sounds very close to, "stop making me swoon, you damn romantic pirate!"

Yoongi chuckles, kissing the top of Jimin's head. "As you wish..." he offers and Jimin's head immediately pops up, shock written all across his face. When Yoongi winks, Jimin squeaks, jumps off the couch and runs upstairs.

===

"I can't believe you watched Princess Bride without me!" Jimin pouts, later that evening. They're in bed together. Yoongi is peppering Jimin with kisses.

He lifts his head. "These are the things you think about after sex?"

Jimin giggles and swats playfully. He cups Yoongi's face, lips meeting again leisurely. "I love you more, Min Yoongi." He shares with a giggle.

"Not possible." Yoongi responds, adding more kisses. "I love you most."

"I can't believe we're the type of couple to turn everything into a competition. I can't believe we both feel like this! It's so weird how this feels... so... simple? I swear it to you, I really did just want that milkshake, hyung. Nothing more. I guess it really is true, these things happen when you least expect it."

"I can't believe we have to tell Taehyung..." Yoongi groans and Jimin laughs.

"I don't know, hyung. He already calls us his parents. And he's used to us holding hands and cuddling. Maybe we just keep going the way we do and let him come to us." Jimin offers, running his fingertips up and down Yoongi's arm.

Yoongi shudders at the touch. "You're just saying that because it'd be left up to me since you have work tomorrow. You're not so sly, Park Jimin."

"Maybe, maybe not but you still love me," he retorts in a singsong voice.

Yoongi lifts his body on top of Jimin's, caging the younger with an arm on both sides of him. "Yes, I really do." He thinks of all of this. And Jimin's right. There's no tension. No pull. No lingering uncertainty. It just is. And maybe they're both so used to so many other things that easy seems like they're waiting for the ball to drop. He starts trailing kisses down the younger's body again.

"Yoongi!" Jimin whines, "we can't go all night, I have to get to bed... stop tha- oh... don't stop that... yup, definitely keep doing that."

"I'm not going to do the cliche threaten thing. I'll save that for when I see Hoseok. I can't believe he actually said all of that to Jimin-ah and didn't think it'd get back to me." Jin shares as he writes something else on the paper. Yoongi knew Jimin would likely have relayed that day to Seokjin.

He continues rolling the ball with Jeongguk. "Seok-ah is going through a lot of feelings and hopefully, with time, he'll sort through things. I have faith."

"I know he is. And I also know what it was like to pick up the pieces of Park Jimin. He was devastated. He kept blaming himself. He got harder and harder on himself. And then those assholes bullied him out of the one thing that kept him pulled together. For a while, I really thought we'd lost him, Yoongi. Don't get me wrong, Jimin isn't fragile by any means. But when he loves, his loves with his entire heart. And he loves hard. And the shell he put himself in was just as hard, if not harder." He runs his hand through his hair and sighs.

"I wish I could tell you how big this is. To see him like this. But I'm also proud of him. Because it shows me his silly ass was really working on himself this whole time. Who knew?" He quips, smirking. "I just want you to make a promise to each other. Promise to be kind, promise to be truthful, promise to keep working together, work hard to make it last, but work smart enough to know if it isn't working. Promise to do your best, put yourself in it and give the best of you. Promise to enjoy each moment together and each other. If you both can do that, I'm a happy hyung." Jin offers with a shrug.

The more Yoongi's spent time getting to know this hyung, the more he realizes it's the most Kim Seokjin thing he's ever heard. "And you don't think, especially because of all of that, we've rushed into things?"

"You two?! Please. Watching you two dance around each other is worse than watching paint dry, are you kidding? Honestly, Yoongi, my money was on you being clueless for at least 8 more months. The fact that you actually do have fast-moving brain cells still shocks me. Jimin's practically been throwing himself at you. 'Oh, Yoongi-hyung, you're just sooo interesting,' yeah, it was sickening. I guess it was really obvious for me because it's the complete opposite of what I've been seeing consistently for the past couple of years. But yeah, I'm glad the pining is over, put me out of my misery." He grins and Yoongi can't help but laugh.

Yoongi is helping oversee Taehyung's hangul lesson with his Uncle Jinnie. "Don't talk about my baby that way. I didn't know he'd make it so obvious he had a crush."

"A crush? Please. I'd tease you over how whipped you are right now but actually, I mean it, Yoongi. I haven't seen him like this. Not even with Hoseok. It's not a comparison. Just, it's different. It's less about you and more about him. I mean I've seen him have a crush before, so this isn't typical, trust me. Really had me worried, you know? That's why I was coming in here ready to suss everything out. We spent months with it just being me and him on dinner dates. Which were really like me feeding him so he didn't starve." He then goes to praising Taehyung for doing so well.

The little boy is so precious in his focus. Tongue out, little nose scrunched, brows furrowed. Determined. Yoongi and Jin both silently coo at how adorable the boy looks. Yoongi takes his phone out and snaps a photo. "Why did you two never date then?" He wonders as he angles his phone just right. He wants to make sure Jimin sees this but it has to be perfect.

Jin looks highly unimpressed. "That'd be like me asking why you never joined those two not so subtle, pining fools for friends of yours. They're trying to sweeten me up, I hope you know. Still can't afford me. Don't get me wrong, Jimin and I together would slay humanity. I mean look at us, hello. But that's not what we need from each other. I don't imagine it's ever even been what we wanted from each other either."

"I... uhh... I wouldn't find it weird if... if you were with Namjoon and Hoseok. I mean if you wanted to, of course." Yoongi offers.

Jin looks at Yoongi questioningly then shakes his head. "If, and I mean if, I wanted a relationship of any kind with anyone or in this case, more than one, I've no qualms about that. I'm not always here saving the day, you know. I date. And when I don't feel like it, I don't. We get each other, you and I. It's why I'm not threatening you. But I better not have to give you both the talk. And those two, by the way, still have some work to do before I'd even remotely entertain it. But it's fun how I have them wrapped around my finger." And then he winks.

Yoongi laughs, gums exposed. "I see exactly how you and Jimin are friends." He shakes his head.

"I mean it, Min Yoongi. I see the way you care for and take care of him, of each other. For these kids. For your friends. I see you two and I'm glad you didn't give into the things that could make this complicated. The fact that you both see it lets me know I don't need to worry as a hyung. Love, in all of its forms, should be easy. Well, it could be. Please enjoy each other. And when those moments come where you almost forget, and they'll be there, remember what you are for each other. Why you came to these realizations about each other."

"I will. I'll do my best, hyung."

"I talked to Jimin the other day." Namjoon is trying to share casually as he goes over more case notes one morning.

Yoongi can see right through him but he bites anyway. "Did you now?"

"Y-yeah... we actually talked about our relationship. I mean our past relationship. It wasn't as intense as I made it out to be as a kid. I think you can say Jimin was sort of my gay awakening and I just really overstepped and did way too much. But nothing to worry about, hyung. I assure you, I'm aware of where you both stand now..." Namjoon's rattling off like rapid fire. His glasses have slid down his nose, kind of crooked as he continues to feign interest in whatever he's looking down at.

Yoongi chuckles and shakes his head. "Dude, what are you sweating about? Is this about this crush on me you think I didn't know about? Or are you still crushing on him?"

This causes Namjoon to nearly knock his laptop over. "I-I don't... okay I've thought about it but he and I are in different spaces. Hoseok would've never be down for it either. Anyway hyung, why did you never say anything? Maybe I overstepped with you and missed some cues or something..." He finally looks up, in contemplation.

"If either one of you had overstepped, I would've said. But even when I did, and by the way, since we both seem to be open right now, making me a dating profile was overstepping... you both ignored my feelings there. Granted, and I swear if you're smug about this, I will kick your ass, I owe you some thanks as well. Because I could see myself spending the rest of my life with him." Yoongi smirks to himself, thinking about the way Jimin spammed him with so many texts earlier when he found the bouquet Yoongi left for him.

"Damn, you really got it bad, hyung." Namjoon snorts, grinning. "Yeah, I... we overstepped. We really did. I can't even pretend we didn't and that wasn't cool. And since we're being upfront, yes, I did it to try to get rid of my crush. I was hoping you'd maybe take an interest in someone and that could make you unavailable in my mind. That sounds so weird and really shitty..." He rubs the back of his head.

"It's extremely shitty. I was unavailable because I said I was, not whether or not I was with someone. Look, the three of us have a tight bond. And I would imagine if you thought from me that you had a chance, what that looks like... but Joon-ah, I've been very clear about my boundaries. When I said I didn't want a relationship, at the time, I genuinely meant with anyone. I mean romantically. It wasn't from any bad experiences. It wasn't some quarter-life crisis. I genuinely just wasn't interested. So all of the pushing and meddling and vying... if anything, it actually made me withdraw more into myself than open me up to the option. And now that I've had some time, Jimin aside, I'm not poly like you guys. But it wasn't fair to me, no matter how well-intended." Yoongi nods. He's glad they can air this out. It'd felt weird having Namjoon around without Hoseok. Hoseok is still taking some time to sort through some things. And it especially felt awkward with the way things went down not too long ago.

Namjoon grins and hums to himself. "So Jin-hyung really was spot on." He shakes his head, more to himself and Yoongi's eyebrow raises.

"I'm going to walk away after I casually name that this is the 5th time you've mentioned Jin-hyung in the last hour. Let me know what you want for lunch after you finish short circuiting." Yoongi says, patting his friend's shoulder, unsympathetically, before leaving.

A few more weeks pass, the school year is up and running for Jimin. Yoongi takes on another project. Which blends into Taehyung's latest phase, obsession over learning music. He even becomes keenly interested in jazz, especially that of the Great American Songbook era. Jeongguk goes from syllables to full words. His favorite one being "no" and "mine." Things are still slightly awkward with Hoseok but he and Yoongi are communicating, much better than they had and slowly mending old wounds. He thinks he'll become more open to the possibility of finally having that talk with Jimin as well.

Non-dates become actual dates when they can squeeze it in. When Yoongi gets a chance, he prides himself on acclimating himself to all of Jimin's pop references. Then upping his game by surprising him. They take to watching shows and movies together, getting to know each other, exploring life together. Jimin was right, much to Yoongi's chagrin. They casually lean into their relationship and it's not that big of a deal to the kids. The one time they'd overslept, the kids just demanding to join them in bed and cuddle. In fact, Taehyung has taken to demanding more kisses and Jeongguk enjoys mashing Jimin's and Yoongi's faces together so they can kiss, while he cackles.

Yoongi's eomma finds out about the progression between them accidentally one day when he's video chatting with her and Jimin barges in the room referring to Yoongi as my love. Yoongi receives the tongue lashing of the century for withholding and treating his mother so poorly, then later takes it out on tickling Jimin who snickered and conveniently took off running when he realized his mistake. Yoongi also got to know Jimin's family through video chat, who are even more boisterous than his eomma. They finalize plans for a weekend road trip, stopping briefly in Daegu before making their way to Busan.

And it's so natural, they way things fall into place. The routines they create. The outings they provide the children. The dates and moments they have together. For something that came into their lives that seemingly makes no sense, they've leaned more and more into each other, made the best of their situation. Built on their trust of each other. They take time to relish of how things came to be. Of how it could be scary. It could be ephemeral. Of how it might consume them both, sweep them both off their feet. But there's something about Jimin's pulling Yoongi along that makes Yoongi open up and there's something about Yoongi's calming aura and steadiness that makes Jimin want to stay. The days, the hours, the moments become explorations. New ways to seek each other out, to understand each other and themselves. They also enjoy being witness to the development and blossoming of both children. And although Yoongi does have another meltdown (not as epic as the first), they gradually adapt into their new normal.

It's right as they're joking about Jimin's eomma already making wedding decorations and having to fight his own eomma over not doing so that Yoongi gets the call. Typically, he doesn't answer phone calls he doesn't recognize. Therefore, he allows it to go to voicemail but it's when he retrieves his voicemail, the message jolts him out of the lulled sense of security. The call is from someone by the name of Lee Minji-ssi, identifying themselves as a social worker. He plays the message again on speaker for Jimin and they're both frozen for a while. The social worker-nim requests that the children, Yoongi and Jimin be brought to a center at a specific address tomorrow, 9 am sharp. The address is provided and right as the sense of dread begins to settle, Yoongi gets a series of texts from Namjoon, basically confirming the same thing. They at least feel assured that Namjoon is aware so this is potentially the real deal. Their little rag tag family all comes together to prep and support, even with Hoseok offering words of motivation.

The following morning, as they stand in front of the building they're supposed to enter, Jimin stops them, squeezing Yoongi's hand in his. "We got this, hyung. No matter what, I'm so proud of us!" He chirps, then steals a kiss and giggles.

In the beginning, it goes exactly as Namjoon suggested it might. They review the preliminaries of how they came about finding the children. They're asked about how they're managing to care for the kids, if there are any challenges. The children are also taken into a room, which Jimin has to squeeze Yoongi's thigh reassuringly when he turns his head periodically to see where they are. Social worker-nim seems to respond in kind and provides them with a tour to the room in which the kids are playing with two other attendants. Taehyung waves enthusiastically while Jeongguk starts whining for them. They allow the child some time to settle with Yoongi and Jimin.

Lee Minji-ssi even goes so far as to give him a cookie and ask his name to which he proudly exclaims, "Googie!" while flashing his new set of teeth and clapping to the delight of all adults present. They take a break while social worker-nim brings Jeongguk back with Taehyung, spending a substantial amount of time with the two. Jimin squeezes Yoongi's hand again, reassuring him that things look like they're going really well. The nerves have been sitting at the pit of his stomach but Jimin's smile steadies him.

"Well, I've got to say, considering the circumstances, it's most commendable to see how well the children have taken to you and you to them. They're healthy, well-adjusted, considering, and overall happy. They look well-fed, well-cared for and it is a testament towards just how much dedication, commitment and care you have placed into them. At this time, I see no reason as to why they can not continue to stay under your care. My compliments to you for your selflessness during these strange times. We shall provide you with a stipend should you need an additional support resources prior to your exit today. We will just need your address, of course, to be able to conduct adequate at-home visits." The way Jimin is squeezing Yoongi's thigh to contain the squeal threatening to leave his bright and sunshiny face is worse than any blood pressure sleeve he's ever put on his arm. But Yoongi can't even seem to care because he feels like the weight of 1000 years has just been lifted from his shoulders. He bows his thanks and prepares to stand.

However, social worker-nim motions for him to wait. "That being said, I'd be remiss to conceal my concerns, Park Jimin-ssi." And Yoongi can tell both of their faces express some form of confusion and surprise. "You are employed as a teacher, at the International School, are you not?"

Jimin nods, tentatively, then answers verbally, in the affirmative. "But I checked your records and there is nothing on your file that indicates you reporting any lost or missing children to your superiors. Are you not mandated?"

"Well, yes, I am, sonsaengnim. But that typically applies while I am in classes with my students." Jimin's eyes are wider but he's poised, confident, erect.

"So are you admitting then that you'd allow vulnerable children to be at risk, outside of your school? You being a child educator, I find this to be rather troubling." Yoongi's gut starts to turn in knots, especially when Jimin sputters. He does not like where this feels like it's going.

"No, that's not what I'm..."

Social worker-nim cuts him off and Yoongi has to cover his face to hide his snarl. "So you're saying you did report the children missing or lost then? Because I contacted your school superiors and they report having no awareness of this, so which is it, Park Jimin-ssi?"

Yoongi does not like the way Lee Minji-ssi's eyes seem to look through Jimin. Her words so cold, precise and cutting. Jimin blinks several times, squares his shoulders and takes a breath.

"Yoongi-hyung and I called and made an anonymous report well under 24 hours of discovering that the children were vulnerable because we were concerned for the safety of the children and ourselves. We also reached out to his lawyer friend, together, to discuss the best options as it pertains to their safety." Jimin answers, still poised but there's an undertone, a mixture of nervousness and agitation.

Social worker-nim hums. It feels phony but then she turns to Yoongi and her face changes entirely. "Yes, well how interesting that Min Yoongi-ssi had all of the resources, everything that we actually can verify in his name and yet the very one blaring and obvious thing that you could actually do, that it is a part of your job title, you didn't." Then it's back to Jimin and cold.

Yoongi doesn't like the feeling he has in his gut. Something about this all feels off and wrong and gross. Having enough, he steps in, clearing his throat, "Lee Minji-ssi," to which she turns and literally bats her eyes at him. "Respectfully, I would not have been able to accomplish any of this without Jimin-ah. I knew nothing about calling and reporting. I knew nothing about basic parenting things. I knew nothing about children, really. That was all orchestrated and planned, very thoroughly and meticulously by him.
Any praise you've given is literally all attributed to Jimin."

"Your modesty is refreshing, Min Yoongi-ssi. But I assure you, Park Jimin-ssi is well aware of his code of ethics. And quite frankly," she then turns towards Jimin and it's icy, "I find you having been in contact with these children for well over 60 days but not notifying your superiors once, to be quite troubling. With your training background and credentials, you are well-aware by now of what negligence looks like and I find your actions to be quite questionable. At minimum, grossly negligent. I can't in good conscience say that I think it's appropriate that you are around these children or any children for that matter."

While Yoongi's eyes widen, the color drains from Jimin's face. When Yoongi was younger, he was a pretty popular, albeit, sometimes quiet kid. There were kids who didn't get to have the best clothes. He fit somewhere in the middle. The ones who were the outliers were constantly picked on and ridiculed and Yoongi didn't like that. He got in trouble a few times for fist throwing just to prove that point. Suffice to say, Yoongi doesn't take well to bullies. And he feels, quite frankly, that Lee Minji-ssi is using her position to bully Jimin.

"I respect your observations, Sonsaengnim. And I assure you that it was never my intent nor actions to cause or be negligent. If you would even like, I can provide records of recommendation highlighting my ethic and I implore you to see your observations of me with the children, that..."

"As I've said," and she cuts him off again, completely disinterested, downright sounding bored actually. "I've taken the liberty to contact your superiors. Even further, I have since expressed my concerns about your negligence. If there is any ounce of ethic there, I'd hope you will now use your best judgment and remove yourself from the equation entirely. And I would sincerely hope that you take a moment of deep reflection of your actions... or in this case, inaction."

"W-wait, are you saying Jimin can't be around the children?" Yoongi interjects, decorum be damned. "He is a guest, in my home. You can't tell me who I can and can not invite into my home." He adds.

She turns towards Yoongi and her face soften. "That may not be the case, Min Yoongi-ssi, but I implore you to be mindful. I can not stop the system from determining that his ongoing presence is establishing negligence in the home. That may very well result in the children being rehoused and I can tell how much you care for them and they for you. I do not want that for you. I realize this could be upsetting but you are not held by certain codes as Park Jimin-ssi is expected to uphold professionally and chose not to. That simply can not be overlooked."

Yoongi knows without actually looking at Jimin that the younger is doing his best to keep tears at bay. "So you're saying I get to keep the children?" He clarifies. She nods with a smile that makes Yoongi's stomach churn. "And you have no authority to stop what guests I do or do not invite in my home?"

Her face drops a bit but she looks at though she's trying to reason, "again, no. But please just be reasonable and reminded that any and all guests may be subject to background checks and I'm afraid that this could jeopardize your status as their guardians if it is found that Park Jimin-ssi is your guest at this time."

"Right. Is there anything else then, Lee Minji-ssi?" He asks, trying to maintain his composure. This is about the babies. He's gotta get through this for their babies.

"You are welcome to leave with the children, Min Yoongi-ssi and on your way out, if you could just complete the voucher with your address so that we may provide you with the stipend. Again, I just want to commend you for all of your dedication and sacrifice." How dare this woman lay it on this thick in front of the one person who deserves all of the credit?

Standing abruptly, he says nothing but bows and grabs for Jimin's hand. Jimin is frozen but goes, quietly. He scoops up both of the children from the observation room, not even bothering to stop and fill out any voucher forms. The car ride home is quiet. Yoongi can tell Jimin is crying while he stares out the window. Nothing about this feels okay. It's hard for him to hate people but in this moment, he hates anyone involved who took the color away from Park Jimin's face. Having called and debriefed Namjoon prior to leaving, they're met by Jin (who picked up Namjoon, Hoseok is working) at the house. Jimin says nothing, sits on the couch quietly. The children seem to pick up on the somber mood and refuse to leave his side, curled against him affectionately. Namjoon assures Yoongi he will work hard to ensure that nothing of what the social worker was alluding to comes to fruition while helping Yoongi pack overnight bags because Jin has a few days off and will take the kids overnight. Jin whips up a couple of meals in the kitchen.

When they're ready to leave, car loaded and kid-ready, although the kids are excited to go with Uncle Jinnie-hyung, it takes quite some time to pry themselves from how they're curled against Jimin. Taehyung even cries. Yoongi sees the kids off, waving as Namjoon and Jin drive away. As soon as Yoongi turns back into the house, he almost jumps out of his skin, met immediately by Jimin standing there, lost and sullen.

"Sunshine, wha-" Yoongi begins.

But Jimin breaks down almost collapsing. Yoongi catches him, pulling him closer and hears him mutter, "my superior just called. I've been suspended," between sobs.

Yoongi spent what felt like hours consoling a distraught Jimin. In that time, he finds out that Jimin is under investigation and suspended until further notice, effective immediately. Yoongi allows his body to be comfort, his presence to be some pillar of grounding. But his words, he feels like they'd be useless. Finally coaxing Jimin into a shower and sleep, he kisses the frown settled between Jimin's brows before writing a note then running out for an errand. He wants to replace what words can't say through action. He wants to be there for Jimin in whatever way he names.

Yoongi hopes he has a good idea. Jimin likes snacks. When Jimin gets snacks, he smiles. So it goes without saying, Yoongi makes sure to load up on all of Jimin's favorites. Since Jin prepared some meals, he doesn't have to worry about cooking. He grabs a couple of other items to secure the vision he's created in his mind. When he gets back, he sets everything up, quickly yet quietly. He's just put the finishing touches on everything when he hears the scuffle of Jimin's footsteps. He knows he's rounded the corner into the living room when he hears a soft gasp.

"Hyung, w-what?" He asks, still groggy from sleep. He rubs his eyes and looks around, blinking rapidly.

Yoongi smiles and motions for Jimin to join him. Blankets are placed and pinned strategically to make a fort in the living room. Inside, fairy lights strewn around the top perimeter. At the center, soft blankets, cushions and pillows. For added measure, Yoongi lit some candles that Jimin loves, his snacks displayed neatly in the middle and added decorative lights around the screen of the laptop. With the lighting, it looks like they're in the middle of a really decorative theater. Yoongi made sure to also put their dinner in cute bowls and plates, covered so that it doesn't get too cool. Jimin crawls inside, looking around in awe.

"Yoongi, what is all this?" He asks softly (and a bit tiredly) as he sits, still observing in wide-eyed wonder.

Yoongi smiles. In these lights, although the colors are muted, Jimin still manages to be the first sunlight after a snowstorm. "Well you've always been the one planning our dates... and non-dates so I... well it's been a rough day and you've been here for so many of my rough days and..." Jimin continues to stare so it suddenly makes Yoongi nervous. "I-I mean if it's too much..." he adds, sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Y-you did all of this for me?" Jimin asks, barely above a whisper.

"Of course, sunshine. I'd do anything for you." Yoongi responds with a shrug. Jimin looks around more, seems to absorb every single precious attention to detail laid by Yoongi's hand.

His eyes land back on Yoongi's and he lets out something mixed between a soft gasp, exhale and a laugh as tears flow down his face. Yoongi panics. He goes to move and Jimin shakes his head, smiling softly.

"You really are Westley..."

It's around 6 in the evening. Yoongi thinks with how draining the day has been, they'll probably call it an early night. He wouldn't be opposed to ending their night spent in their new fort. He also thinks the kids will love it. He hums softly, gently running his fingers through Jimin's hair. Jimin's back is pressed against his front, free hand holding the other's. In the time they've spent in their fort, Jimin's cried some more. Yoongi held him close. They've shared snacks. They've kissed passionately. They've even watched The Princess Bride together, finally. Jimin turns, curling his body up against Yoongi and burying his face in his neck. Yoongi rubs his arm and back, hoping that he's pouring all of the love he feels into his touch.

"I can feel you thinking. Come on, baby, talk to me? Full disclosure...?" Yoongi offers, delicately.

Jimin sniffles. "I don't have all the words yet."

"That's okay. What about... what about if you tell me what you love so much about fairy tales, hmm? You like a lot of Western ones." At that, Jimin sits up, corner of his mouth curling up into a smile.

"I like Studio Ghibli too... and dramas!" He grins, brightly. "I love love. I love watching love and seeing it unfold. You look at all of the things they put into it and how much they put into getting each other. And sometimes, it's really cheesy. But I smile so hard, because it's so... silly and free. You get to watch two people, or even more than two people, sometimes complete strangers, and how the universe wields its magic and then they meet and then they get to know each other. And then sometimes, bad shit happens but they make their way back to each other. It's like a dance." He shares, whimsically. "I deal with the heavy shit enough in my day to day. A little corny, fantastical, sometimes really questionable plot and shitty dialogue with the softest, sappiest background music just really gets my heart going sometimes. Lets me remember I'm still alive."

Yoongi smiles and hums, sliding more into Jimin's space. "I can think of background music for our corny, fantastical love story..."

"Yeah?" Finally, the storms drain and the sun is back again. Jimin smiles and leans into Yoongi's space, brushing his lips against Yoongi's.

Yoongi nods, still smiling. "Yeah, Baby Shark..." And the euphonious chords of Jimin's laugh bounces across the room. "Yah! Don't laugh, I've had that shit stuck in my head this whole time!"

They kiss while smiling and laughing. Jimin presses his forehead to Yoongi's, hand wrapped around his neck. "I love you so much, you goofy man."

Yoongi pulls Jimin closer, guiding his waist. He places soft kisses on the top of his head, then his forehead, next his eyelids, his nose, his cheeks, his chin, the corners of his mouth. By this point, Jimin's giggling again. Then finally, his lips. "And I love you, Park Jimin." He murmurs. He's about to kiss Jimin again when the doorbell rings.

Jimin sighs. It's wet and shaky. "I called my eomma earlier. I-I'm going to go with them. To Busan..."

Yoongi sits up straighter as Jimin prepares to answer the door. "B-baby?"

"I don't have all the words yet..." Jimin repeats as he's crawling out of the fort. It's then the Yoongi notices there's a bag left by the door. "I-I just need time, okay?"

Yoongi follows as Jimin answers the door. He watches, confused and befuddled as Jimin gets enveloped in his family's arms. He watches Jimin's appa approach him and squeeze his shoulder before taking Jimin's bag. Watches Jimin fall apart again in his mother's arms. They help him slide on his shoes and head to the door.

"J-Jimin...?" Yoongi pleads, softly. Confusion marred across his face.

Jimin stops and turns, eyes red from the tears again. And it takes everything for Yoongi to gain resolve and hold it. Hoseok asked Yoongi how he knew he loved Jimin. And to Yoongi, he just knew. Reasons or not. It wasn't in just these big moments. It wasn't in just the small ones. It was in the entire process of all they are together. Everything they've shared thus far. And in this moment, in this time, he knows even after the beauty of the last few hours, he looks into those his favorite pair of eyes and he'd do everything to stop the world for Park Jimin. And if that means it stops right now, then it does. Because this is worth it. And Jimin is worth it. It hurts. It tears him apart. Now he wishes he did spend more time using words. He wants to be selfish. Wants to beg him to sit down and talk things through together. But nothing hurts more than seeing Jimin in grey. So if the world needs to stop in order for Jimin to get his color back, so be it.

"I'll be here... when you're ready to come back home."

Chapter Text

"Was it you?" Yoongi asks slowly and very calculated, trying to quell the venom threatening to spew with his words. He nibbles on the bottom of his lip in an attempt to keep any ire down.

Hoseok stares at him. He'd barely gotten in the house before Yoongi was on him like a panther pouncing. Namjoon looks between the two, trying to decide on what to say, if anything at all.

"Hyung... wha-?" Hoseok looks baffled, caught off with eyes imploring Namjoon for assistance.

And like a dutiful partner and peacekeeper, Namjoon steps forward, hands up in an attempt to mollify the situation. "Hyung, we just got here..."

But Yoongi won't even look at Namjoon, regardless of his taller stature. He keeps laser focus and staring straight at Hoseok. "Was. It. You?" Yoongi narrows his sharp, piercing eyes.

There's silence. It stretches for what feels like hours. Realistically, more like a few seconds. So Yoongi fills that time by watching Hoseok's body language. He's hyperviligant, discerning and ready for any indication of a tell. Hoseok, for his part, looks out of sorts, extremely confused and bewildered.

Yoongi closes his eyes and takes a breath. He knows what he feels in his gut. And he doesn't want his emotions to drive this on the off chance that he's not listening to himself well enough. "I have known you for a very long time. The thought of having to ask you this really kills me, Hoseok. I just... I can't even ask you to please tell me the truth because I don't know what the fuck I'd do if..."

"Hyung... hyung, you're not making much sense, right now. What's going on?" Namjoon interjects, worriedly.

Yoongi swallows bile. It's molten lava seeping down his throat. "I really hope with my fullest heart that my gut is right but I... I can only ask this once and I need you to be very clear with me. Hoseok, did you report Jimin to his superiors or do anything that would get him suspended?"

Hoseok's entire face expresses horror and confusion while Namjoon looks floored. Yoongi's known his friends long enough to know this is all the answer he needs. But again, he has to be thorough.

"Hyung, I may be a lot of things but no. Absolutely not. Fuck." He runs his hands through his hair and starts pacing.

"Jimin got suspended?" Namjoon asks, baffled.

"Not only did Jimin get suspended but that social worker laid into him in a way that I'm wondering if I have grounds to file a complaint. Don't worry, I intend to no matter what. And the thing is... she kept badgering him over some technicality. She was up my ass though in a completely different way. Glowing reviews. Damn near thought she'd propose marriage right on the spot. And once I had time to really sit and think it over, it kept pulling at me... the extremes of her behavior were a little too hot and cold for my liking. So I started really thinking about it. It all points to you." Yoongi surmises, gesturing to Hoseok.

Before Hoseok came chime in, pacing back and forth, he continues. "You've not kept it a secret about your feelings towards Jimin, made worse by the fact that you have feelings for me. I remember you told me I'd regret it. I remember the look of betrayal on your face when I told you I loved him. I heard you tell him we weren't being a good example for the kids. You asked me out of the blue about getting too attached to them. But the thing that sticks with me the most is how you played such a huge part in making sure he couldn't dance anymore when we were in school..." Yoongi is in mid pace when he can see and hear both Namjoon and Hoseok sputter.

"And I was originally going to let that play out the way it needed to between you and Jimin because it wasn't mine to resolve. But he told me a little about that. About how it broke him then. And we'd gotten to a place, he and I, where we could lean into each other. So imagine my surprise when I'm literally kissing him, my doorbell rings and he tells me he's leaving to go to Busan then his parents are whisking him off." More shock expressed verbally.

"I cried. I went through a bunch of grief stages, at least I think I did. There's been a lot of anger. And anger is a really good motivator. Gets me thinking. So I'm thinking that here is a pattern. And I'm not a big fan of this pattern at all. It's a little too fucking convenient for my liking, actually. But... I am fair. I can be fair. And I weigh in the fact that I've never known you to be this type of person. But then, in staying fair, I'd only recently found out after all these years you got Jimin kicked out of his dance program. Now, I'm trying to figure out where the pendulum swings. So I will ask you again, Jung Hoseok, was it you?" Yoongi stops and looks him straight in the eye.

Hoseok looks thoughtfully before returning his eyes back to Yoongi. "What you say is true, I've done all of those things..."

Namjoon turns to look at his boyfriend in shock. Yoongi's eyes narrow again. But Hoseok continues. "I'm not proud of what I did to him then and I'm not proud of how much I lashed out now. But I own up to it. The shitty part is this does make it look like I had something to do with that. And I can't even be upset with you for thinking that, to be honest, hyung. If this were the other way around, I know I'd be on your ass. I know this is going to put me in some kind of bind but I also know you and I know I can say I didn't do that shit but you'll believe me more when I show you. I don't have a way to prove that I didn't do this. I could defend myself but I know you won't want to hear it. But I just want to say this again, hyung, I did not do anything to report Jimin. I was admittedly being too in my head and self-absorbed to even take it to that point. I don't know how to make this right, but I will. And I'll start by apologizing for being an asshole and making you doubt our friendship."

"Even when we've had our disagreements you've always been a good friend to me, Seok. This doesn't mean I fully forgive everything but I'm relying on our years of friendship. I swear if you prove me wrong and you're lying... I can't... I can't lose you either. So you better come up with something and fast because I can't lose you too. Please..." And damn it he thought he'd hold it together but there go the tears. He turns away quickly but Hoseok is right there, followed by Namjoon.

"Hyung, I know you probably hate my guts right now but I'm going to hug you, okay?" Yoongi nods before collapsing into Hoseok. Namjoon joins from the other side.

He doesn't realize he's sobbing until he feels the wetness of his tears begin to saturate Hoseok's sleeve.

"He left..."

"Did I upset you? By leaving?" Jimin asks, tentatively.

Yoongi spent the day brainstorming with Namjoon and Hoseok. Hoseok, for his part, had asked some really key questions about the entire exchange with the social worker. He also brought up some really good points. As some form of atonement, Hoseok takes the lead in contacting Seokjin and preparing to take the kids to his and Namjoon's apartment. He'd willingly walked into a Kim Seokjin tongue lashing but lived to tell the tale. Yoongi allowed himself to sit with his feelings. Thankful to have someone there while he cried. He'd decided he would give Jimin time and when he was ready, he'd be there like he said. Jimin calls to video chat that evening. It's tenuous and awkward at first. Jimin notices the puffiness and tiredness of Yoongi's eyes.

"I'm upset that you had to leave, not upset with you for making a choice to better yourself, love." Yoongi shares, truthfully.

Jimin sighs, running his hand through his hair, nervously. "I just... it's not that I couldn't talk to you... I wanted to. I want to. I just..."

"Baby... you don't have to explain yourself to me. Are you feeling any better?" Yoongi wonders aloud.

Jimin sniffles then huffs. "I miss you... so much. We were just beginning and I took that away." And Yoongi can tell he's trying to blink back tears when he looks away from the camera, eyes moving rapidly.

"Hey... hey, Jiminie... look at me?" He gives the younger a moment to wipe his eyes and come back to present. When he does, returning back to the camera, Yoongi adds, "I haven't gone anywhere. I'm still here."

Jimin breaks down again and Yoongi allows his own tears to fall softly down his face. "It hurts so much, hyung..." he croaks and Yoongi's heart feels it. Jimin tries desperately to wipe tears away from his face.

"It's okay to cry, Jiminie..." he shares, wiping his own tears from his face.

Jimin gasps, "oh no, the babies! Oh God, they're going to be..."

Yoongi tuts, shaking his head. "They're having the time of their lives right now. So we'll focus on you now, babies later, got it?"

"But what are we going to tell them, hyung? I just needed time away but they may not ever be able to see me again..." Jimin's bottom lip wobbles again and he looks down.

"Yah! Park Jimin, are you backing out on me? I never took you for a backer outer. I sure as hell am not gonna dye my hair some wild color for Taehyung. That's your role. Don't you back out on me now!" Yoongi complains, with a tiny smirk.

Jimin pouts, looking absolutely devastated. "But hyung, the social worker said..."

"Jimin, I don't really believe for one second there wasn't something off about what that social worker said. I'm looking more into it with Namjoon." He shares, quickly.

"Do you think..." then Jimin hesitates. Yoongi knows exactly what's coming next. "Do you think it was Hoseok...?" He asks quietly and reluctantly.

Yoongi shakes his head. "I did. Well, it all makes sense, I assume that's why you're asking too. Way too many signs pointing to him. But he says he didn't and I know this doesn't sound like much but I believe him. I'm watching him closely, though. He's been owning up to his part and I really called out a lot of his shit. Which leads me to... I told him that I knew about his part in getting you kicked out of the dance program..."

"I-it's okay, hyung. Thank you for telling me. It was bound to be brought up at some point. I-I... that social worker wasn't technically wrong, Yoongi. Maybe it's not what you think it is. A lot of social workers are just like this and she has a point..." Jimin stumbles through the words, looking and feeling every bit of uncertainty.

So Yoongi shakes his head again. "See, I thought about that too. Maybe she can get you on a technicality but then what the hell was the need for her to be so damn hot and cold? You can say it's personality, perhaps. But she damn near was ready to give me her first born and strip you of yours in the same breath. Yeah, call me paranoid but something feels off."

"I feel it too..." Jimin sighs.

"So we fight. Because I'm not doing this without you. Not unless you choose on your own that you don't want this anymore. But if you do, please let it be your choice and not because some person with questionable boundaries tried to tear you down unnecessarily. I filed a complaint by the way." Yoongi mentions. He did. As soon as he finished crying, he worked with Namjoon and Hoseok to go over wording and he filed.

Jimin chuckles softly. But just as soon as some color appears, it downgrades back to greyscale again. "I could be out of a career. That suspension will be on my record no matter what... what am I going to do, Yoongi?" He asks, bewildered.

"Let hyung take care of you when you get back. And for now, you stay with your family and let them love you, okay?" Yoongi offers.

Jimin pouts, making Yoongi grin a bit. "Hyung, I don't wanna be a kept husband! I want to earn my keep and I love what I do!"

"So, you just assume I'm going to propose and marry you, brat? Or are you saying I'm too whipped and you're already staking your claim, huh?" Yoongi chirps, teasingly.

"You're so lucky I can't throw this pillow through the phone. Damn it, now I'm stuck between the middle of it's the least you could do and who said you'd be the one to propose. And I don't like either of those answers." He crosses his arms, sticks his tongue out and turns away from the camera.

Yoongi hums. "I kind of like the idea of throwing you over my shoulder, slapping your butt and growling 'mine' and then ta da, married." Jimin groans, wanting to swat at him.

Sighing though, he adds, "I miss you, my love..."

"It's only a 4 or so hour drive, baby. But I miss you too. You said you think you'll stay for a month. Do you think you'll be back for Chuseok?" He inquires. They hadn't talked about it yet.

Jimin frowns. "I-I don't know, hyung. I've always been here for Chuseok so..."

"No, no don't frown, baby. Take the time you need. We'll make sure the kids are around on video and we'll plan something special for them, okay? Hyung will figure out something."

"I've got something figured out. But it requires all of your help." Yoongi mentions. "And I guess it depends on some things..."

"Like I said, I'll make myself available, Yoongi-ah. But I need to know one thing. Are you sure Hoseok had nothing to do with this?" Seokjin inquires again.

"I'd think the way you put the fear of God in him would let you know. But I'd be lying if I said I was sure. That said, I believe him. Is my belief enough? I don't know. But Hoseok is also a really bad liar. He might be good at keeping things buried but he can't hold a lie for shit. I am watching closely though."

"As am I... alright, I trust your judgment. But if he says anything else that's negative about or towards Jimin..." He trails off but Yoongi gets it.

He nods and squeezes his hand. "I know, hyung. I'm glad you suggested he go home to Busan."

"I'm sorry, Yoongi. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you but the last time anything was like this, it got so bad and he holed himself up. I didn't know what was going on for months. I might have panicked and thought the worst when he called me this time. I know he's been leaning on you but I couldn't help myself." The hyung shares, remorsefully.

"No, hyung. It's okay. I mean, yeah it hurts. I miss him and his silly staccato laugh. But now I get to understand more about him and he's been looking better even if he's still upset. His cheeks are getting full too. But don't tell him that." He grins. He'd noticed how round Jimin's cheeks were becoming and nearly fell out of his chair, smacked by the cuteness of it all.

"So we have a plan..." Jin starts.

"We have a plan," Yoongi reiterates.

"And if I find out Hoseok was in any way responsible for this hurt, I get to cut him..."

"I'll help you dispose of the body, myself."

"Glad we have an accord."

"I'm really only saying this to stay on your good side."

"And don't you forget it."

"It's gonna be okay, baby. They'll be excited to see you, you'll see." Yoongi coaxes.

The kids are on their way back to the house. Yoongi and Jimin have spent the past half hour or so going over what to say and how to say it. Jimin's been nervous and upset for about 29 of those minutes.

The keypad clicks and the door opens. Taehyung comes barreling into the living room but stops when he sees the fort. He gasps, dramatically. "It's so pretty! Is it mine?!" He exclaims, running at full speed, passed Yoongi to the fort. Of course, Jeongguk, very intellectually retorts, "No! Mine," as he does his best two year-old baby run towards Yoongi. "Oowee!" He calls and holds his hands up.

"Up you go, little prince!" Yoongi coos, tossing him in the air. The toddler squeals in delight. "One of these days you'll fully say Yoongi but you're the only one in the world allowed to call me Oowee." Then he chuckles to himself.

Taehyung pokes his head out of the fort and squeals, "Yoonie-hyung, can I have this?"

Yoongi chuckles, "I'll tell you about it later. Uncle Jinnie-hyung has to go. Would you like to say goodbye?"

Taehyung again charges across the room and into Jin's legs. Jin dramatically makes an 'oof' sound. "You're getting strong, kid! Pretty soon, you'll be able to knock over your uncle Jinnie-hyung." Taehyung giggles while he makes a muscle with his arm.

"You're the best Uncle Jinnie-hyung ever! I will play with my toys forever and ever and ever." And naturally, Jin coos.

"Alright, I gotta go before I melt into a puddle right here. Oowee, good luck. Let me know how it goes."

"Just for that, I tell you nothing." Then Jin leaves, chuckling, of course, on his way out.

Yoongi takes a breath and motions for Taehyung to join him. "Yoonie-hyung, when Chimmy-hyung gets home from the school, I gotta show him all my new toys. And, and, my new magic palace. It's mine right? I can have it?"

"No! Mine!" Jeongguk argues, compellingly, from his perch in Yoongi's arms.

Yoongi chuckles quietly. "This is actually something I built for Chimmy-hyungie. But don't worry, I'll make one for you both upstairs, yeah? But for now, would you like to come sit inside? I have a surprise for you."

Taehyung's eyes widen. He claps and jumps up and down then wiggles in excitement. Jeongguk mimics his movements. Yoongi takes that as a yes and crouches with the baby into the fort. Taehyung follows.

"Baby, are you here? We're ready when you are." Yoongi says, and Taehyung looks at him questioningly but curls up against Yoongi's side, leaning over his leg.

Jimin uncovers his screen, appearing on Yoongi's tablet. "Hi my precious babies!" He looks tired, bags under his eyes but Yoongi smiles to himself at the way he lights up at the sight of them.

Taehyung gasps and Jeongguk bounces excitedly in Yoongi's lap then proceeds to try to attack the tablet. "Dimie!" He squeaks, reaching for the tablet. Jimin gasps and although Yoongi tries to stave off two wiggly children, he can tell Jimin's teary-eyed again.

Taehyung meanwhile has outwitted Yoongi, wiggles his body in such a way that gets out of his hold so he can grab the tablet. At this point, all Jimin can see are his eyes and the tip of his nose. He laughs though. "Taehyung-ah... why don't you put the tablet back so I can see all of your pretty faces, yeah? Will you sit like a good boy so hyung can see you?"

"I'm the goodest, bestest boy!" Taehyung exclaims while sitting back.

Yoongi takes notice of the moment the regret washes across Jimin's face. Notices how he's taking them all in, curled up against each other. Notices how torn he looks to have his heart in one place and his body in another.

"Jiminie is going to be away from the house for a little while, Taehyung-ah. But, we'll get to see him on the video chat, just like this, okay?" Yoongi offers. The young one tilts his head to the side, appearing to digest the words.

He looks between Yoongi and the screen. "You come home tomorrow, right, Chimmy-hyung?" He asks sweetly. "I want to show you all my new toys!"

Jimin sniffles and smiles softly. "No baby, hyung will be staying away for some days..." Yoongi can tell he's getting choked up.

"But why?" His manner so innocent and pure, wide and wondrous. Who could be in his presence and not instantly melt? "Does your heart hurt? Is that how come you're sad, Chimmy? You said when I'm sad, it's okay to cry! You should go to a doctor to fix your heart!" Then, he pouts.

There's something inherent, the way he and Jimin banned together, leaned into and supported each other the way they did. A trust. The way they'd established, for example, very early on that they were not going to insult this child's intelligence. Any of his intelligence. And right in this moment, Yoongi is glad they were smart enough to step out of the way of that.

Jimin smiles softly. Yoongi can tell he's trying his best not to cry, tears threatening to escape down his cheeks once again. "Yes, little love, you're right. Chimmy-hyung is a little sad and I'm going to be away from the house for some days to heal my heart, okay? I miss you both so much..."

"I miss you too! But it's okay. You're going to get better. And I'll make you all the things to make your heart happy again! And Yoonie-hyungie will give you kisses again so you can smile and be happy, okay?" Then he turns his head up to Yoongi, almost looking offended. "Yoonie-hyung, you have to give my Chiminie more kisses! He's sad!" He points out, indignantly, clearly annoyed that Yoongi obviously didn't get it.

Duh, Yoongi.

"I will, little love." Yoongi nods, looking at him affectionately.

Taehyung tilts his head, scrunching up his little nose. "And you have to give me kisses too because I'm sad!" He announces then makes sure Yoongi notes it by frowning his face as exaggerated as he can.

Yoongi tries his best to hide the smile that threatens to break across his face. He turns away quickly, looking at the screen. Jimin's smiling softly, eyes still glistening but the angst is gone. "Kisses, you say?" He distorts his voice and gets into character. With the baby still in his lap, he curls his fingers in a claw-like manner. "I'll show you kisses!"

Taehyung squeals, trying to make a break for it but it's too late. He's caught in Yoongi's long reach. Now he's being tickled and kissed all over. Jeongguk adds to the melee rubbing his little face back and forth across Taehyung's belly. Yoongi sees this and throw his head back in a giant laugh that startles everyone except for Jimin, who watches so endearing and giggling.

"Why don't we go show Chiminie your new toys, yeah?" Yoongi offers. Of course, Taehyung's eyes widen yet again and he takes off out of the fort. Jeongguk's little legs don't move as fast but the determination in his face to follow is all Yoongi needs to laugh again.

Yoongi picks up the tablet, making his way out of the fort but doesn't forget to say, "see baby, nothing to worry about."

Days pass and Jimin's video chats increase from once a day to once during the day and once at night. Eventually, he's on video longer and more frequently. He still needs time but he and Yoongi stay in contact as often as possible, considering. This is a new routine and took some getting used to but Yoongi feels encouraged by the way Jimin's eyes look less strained and puffy.

"Hyung, I can't believe you do so much with them during the day. I feel so awful now. You're amazing with them." Jimin shares one night while they're in their new bed time routine. Typically, Yoongi stays on the phone with Jimin until the younger passes out.

"I've got a lot of catching up if I'm going to beat you as parent of the year," he jests and Jimin rolls his eyes. "Anyway, what's your number right now, baby?"

Jimin seems to take a moment then lets out a tiny grin. "I'm about a 9."

"Oh?" Yoongi asks, caught by surprise. Most days, it's been no more than a 6. He'll surely take a 9. "What's in your head right now?"

There's a lot of things that Yoongi should probably see coming. Yet, he falls right into every trap set by the siren that is Park Jimin. "Well..." Jimin pauses for further emphasis, before his eyes shift and his grin becomes a smirk. He bites his bottom lip and that's the moment where Yoongi realizes it's too late. "I was just thinking about how sexy it is seeing you in dad mode."

"Park Jimin..." Yoongi groans. A warning. "Behave. With your weird dad kink." He shakes his head, tutting and hoping this changes the subject.

Since Jimin's been in Busan, Taehyung has been extra clingy. Sometimes that's involved surprise visits in the middle of the night where the little one shuffles across the hallway into Yoongi's room. He's now tall enough to open Yoongi's door and make his way to the bed.

"I just miss you so much, hyung..." Jimin damn near purrs.

"Jimin, the kids..."

"Are asleep. I was with you during story and nightlight time. Don't you miss me too, hyungie?" He pouts, batting his lashes.

"You are really not playing fair. 'Course I miss you, brat." Yoongi's trying to shift and adjust to the growing discomfort that's starting to take over.

"You should punish me... since I'm misbehaving so bad." His words sinful, calculated, thrumming.

Yoongi lets out a mixture of a snort and groan. Agony remove thyself. "Jimin... you're pushing it."

"I know what else I'd like to push... come on, hyung. Don't you wanna play?" First he whines, and then he has the nerve to giggle. Vixen.

"Jiminie, just earlier, you were on the verge of tears again, baby. The doctor said you need as much rest as possible..." Yoongi hopes he's being sensitive and caring and supportive as possible. His willpower on overdrive.

But willpower be damned when it comes to one determined, playfully petulant Park Jimin. "Orgasms release endorphins," he whines, "happy hormones, hyung!"

Who is Yoongi to argue against science?

===

"I can't believe you made me do that, you minx."

"Mmm... I think it needs to be added to our nightly routine, love. You know, to keep me happy."

"Don't manipulate me with your vindictive, horny, villainous ways, wretch!"

Jimin giggles and Yoongi knows willpower will never exist in that sound. He's doomed.

"I'm ready to talk now, baby." Jimin shares after a while. "You know… I always watch these dramas and read these books and the main characters have this block… and I get so frustrated watching it because I know there has to be a build up but I always find myself screaming into my pillow, why don't they just talk? So… here I am, hyung. Can we talk?"

Yoongi smiles softly. "For the record, I just wanna say I think it's adorable that you love pillow talk. And also, yes, I'm all ears."

Jimin blushes. "There was a second where I felt like that same person that I used to be. Or that I thought I was. When we were in the room with the social worker, I mean..." he pauses and Yoongi lays quietly, patiently listening for any signs of distress.

"And the suspension really hurt my pride. But now, I'm pissed. I'm so angry, hyung. You know? I didn't fight for myself with the dance department. And it took so much from me. I had to rebuild myself only to realize I was here all along. And so I got scared, thinking it would take more away from me this time around too. But no more. I still have dance, maybe not in the same way I once did, but I do. And I'm still here. And I'm so angry now. Well, not right this second," then he wiggles his eyebrows.

Yoongi coughs, shifting uncomfortably. He shakes his head. Well, at least his firecracker is burning bright again. Fiery and neon. "I'm still hurting, don't get me wrong. But I just realized that I was thinking more about you and missing you and the kids than about any of that. I love them so much..." Then Jimin trails off, running his hand through his hair and sighing. "I thought about it more and I should've just pissed her off and sat in your lap. How dare she. Batting her cheap eyelashes in your face. I could spit, hyung."

Yoongi has to turn away to keep from exposing the laugh threatening to leave his mouth right now. He just lets his fireball get it all out of his system and steps out of the way of the inferno. "Spending time away from you and with my family is just reminding me that I'm not that person anymore, hyung. I wanna come home. I'm going to spend Chuseok with them but I wanna come back home. To my babies." There's determination in his precious, pouty face and Yoongi just wants to kiss all over him.

Instead, he nods. No distress. That's a good sign. A great sign.

"Then we'll do what we can to make sure they're able to see you and we can share Chuseok together, no matter where we are, yeah?"

"Damn hyung, I really do have you wrapped around my pinky."

Yoongi snorts. "Yeah, don't I know it."

"Okay babies, remember, when Jimin answers, we're going to say Chuseok jal bo naeseyo. Got it?" Yoongi asks, smiling.

Jeongguk says no and Taehyung nods, enthusiastically. Yoongi is almost 100% certain he won't remember and this will all go to shit. Taehyung's entirely too wired and fidgety. But maybe he'll surprise him. Yoongi dials, it rings and after the third ring, Jimin picks up.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Taehyung yells and Yoongi tries to cover up his laugh.

Jimin, however, fails. "Hey baby..." he says, giggling.

"Hey love, these little monkeys wanted to know if you got our packages yet." Yoongi responds, grinning.

"Oh! Let me go check right now! But I told you not to get me any..." Then Jimin opens the door and chaos unfolds.

"SURPRISE! I missed you for a thousand lives!" Taehyung squeals barreling into Jimin. Yoongi shakes his head affectionately. Doesn't even matter at this point that Taehyung did, in fact, get it wrong. He looks over to Jimin who takes a moment to register. Then, his mouth flies open, he gasps loudly then shrieks then starts crying. Jeongguk takes one look at crying Jimin and proceeds to join him.

Yoongi, who has been recording with his camera, chuckles at the mayhem of it all. Jimin kneels down and tries to calm the baby while trying to calm himself while also playing jungle gym to a very overzealous Taehyung who now hangs over his back.

"Hi beautiful," Yoongi grins, stepping closer into Jimin's space. Jimin stands up again, still in shock with Taehyung hanging from his neck.

He starts crying more then swats at Yoongi who ducks for cover, grinning. "You sneaky, dirty, perfect, sneaky man!" He squeaks in between sobs. "What are you doing here?!"

"Well, you see, there's this thing called a car..." Yoongi starts.

"Min Yoongi, how can you be so cruel?!" Jimin whines, tormented.

Before Yoongi can respond, Jimin's parents are pushing Jimin out of the way to get to the babies. Yoongi chuckles as Jimin's eyes bulge from being mowed over. They give Yoongi hugs before scooping up Taehyung and Jeongguk excitedly and running into the house as if nothing happened. Yoongi shakes his head, laughing, and moves to enter as well but before he can, he's arms full of Jimin, who has launched himself at Yoongi, wrapping his legs around Yoongi's waist. He has to stumble back, almost loses his balance entirely but manages. Jimin is grabbing his face and kissing him everywhere. Yoongi keeps chuckling.

"Jiminie, if you keep doing that, not only will I drop us but I won't even be able to see."

"I don't even care. You are so sexy and I want you in my mouth right now, Yoongi."

"Jimin!" Yoongi hisses in scandalized admonishment, between kisses. "I'm going to drop you and your neighbors are going to see this!"

"Let them see." Jimin fires back before cupping Yoongi's face and attacking Yoongi's lips with a searing kiss.

He presses his forehead to Yoongi's, closes his eyes and tries to catch his breath. Once he's okay, he lowers his legs back to the ground. Grabbing Yoongi's hand, he walks like he's about to lead them inside. Instead, he seems to think better of it mid-step because he's yet again flinging himself into Yoongi's arms, kissing him passionately. Except this time, Yoongi's not so squared in his stance and he topples backwards. His fall is mostly cushioned by how he lands on his butt first. But Jimin's momentum has Yoongi on his back in no time. He's kissing all over Yoongi again and then before they both know it, tongues are involved. Yoongi holds Jimin's hips to keep him from wiggling too much. He tries to stop but Jimin plants kisses all over his face.

"Jimin-ah!" He begs, holding the younger's face in his hands. "Let's go inside, baby."

Jimin leans down for another kiss. "I'm gonna tell my parents to take the kids out for a stroll and..."

Yoongi laughs and shakes his head. "Baby... slow down. I'd like to get out of the grass before I start itching. Up you go." He coaxes, patting Jimin on the butt.

"I want more of that, but a lot harder. I'm going to tell my parents to take the kids out. I expect you to be upstairs in the first room on the right in ten minutes or I come out here looking for you... naked." He purrs in a predator manner.

"I can't believe you really asked your parents to leave so we could hook up in your childhood bedroom like two horny ass teens... and they actually did. How do I keep getting into these situations with you, Park Jimin? And how long do we have before we need to look presentable and air out the evidence of our debauchery?" Yoongi complains, pouting.

Jimin giggles, eyes clouded in blissful high. "They know what we're doing, hyung. Wanna go again?" He murmurs, turning towards Yoongi.

"Back, you sex hellion. Three times is enough right now. Good grief, Jimin-ah. Did you take some kind of pill or something?" Yoongi pouts again to which Jimin giggles.

Jimin wraps his leg around Yoongi, sliding part of his body on top of the older's. "Well," Jimin says with a kiss, "I can't really help it. My boyfriend being so good to me gets my libido going." More kisses. He stops his ministrations, raises his head then asks, "do you think we're moving too fast?"

"Okay, plot twist." Yoongi rubs Jimin's back soothingly then traces his hand up to the nape of his neck before moving his fingers further up, carding them through Jimin's newly dyed hair.

"I just... I could pour myself into you and never feel drained, hyung. A-and... well I like how that feels but I've never loved someone so fast..."

"Baby, we can slow this down. I'm not putting a time on anything. It's really easy to just be... with you but if you feel like it's too fast..."

"See? When you say things like that I want you all over again." Jimin whines. "You're such a fucking turn on!" Then he swats at Yoongi's chest.

"Ow! Retract the claws for a second, hellbeast. Seriously, Jiminie, I don't want you to feel pressured or forced or overwhelmed by..."

"But that's the thing, I keep looking for all of that. I don't feel anything of that, Yoongi."

"Is that a bad thing?" Jimin shakes his head. "So what's the problem?"

Jimin sits up and huffs. "Freedom is terrifying, hyung! It's too... too... it's too free!" Then he flops back on the bed, pouting and Yoongi grins.

He gathers Jimin's hand in his. "This is what matters to me most." A kiss on Jimin's knuckles. "I don't care about the rest of that stuff. I care about how we both feel. If this feels too fast or even too slow, I promise you, Park Jimin, that I'll do my best effort and tell you, okay? I like what we have. No, correction. I love what we have."

Jimin grins, biting his bottom lip. Then, "I promise to do the same, Min Yoongi." He lays his head on Yoongi's chest, tracing patterns on his skin with his finger. "Hyung?" Yoongi hums in response. "I'm at a 9.5 and I think I'd be at a 10 if we have sex again... right now." He nods, emphatically while grinning naughtily.

===

"So all of you snuck around me and plotted to get you here right before Chuseok so you wouldn't be stuck in traffic to surprise me?" Yoongi nods, continuing to assemble the table he's working on.

"And I was going to take the kids to my parents' as we head back. You're coming home with us?" Yoongi inquires while grimacing as he tries to get the screws to connect.

"Hyung, you traveled to America, outwitted Vizzini, took down Prince Humperdinck and are offering to whisk me away on your noble steed. Of course I'm going home with you." Jimin utters rather passionately and dramatically.

Yoongi rights the table, now finally assembled and gets up to wash his hands. "Right. Well, alright then..." he says, walking passed Jimin. He turns, though, abruptly, catching Jimin off guard and whispers, "as you wish," while kissing him softly on the forehead. Then he walks away.

Park Jimin bites down on his sweater paw to contain the squeal.

===

The days of Chuseok finally arrive and Yoongi is as excited as the kids to see how the Park family commemorates. His own family has a mix of contemporary customs with the traditional. Having cleared everything with Jimin's parents, he and Yoongi share his room with the kids. Sometimes, however, because Taehyung is so enamored by Jimin's parents, they spoil him with cuddles in their own room. They walk the children (mostly Taehyung) through the Park family customs and he picks up pretty well. They look so adorable in their hanbok and Jimin goes overboard with pictures. Jimin and Yoongi both beam with pride. Jimin gasps when Yoongi presents his gifts to the family. Gasps even more when, from Yoongi, he opens up the box that contains the kids' beautifully crafted scrapbook (space intentionally left so they can add more content). The children are doted on with sweets of all kinds, gifts and lots of money from Jimin's relatives. The new couple are doted over hand and foot as well. Provided with well-wishes and curiosities, thankfully nothing too personal. Only Jimin's parents and brother know the full extent of what happened with the children. For the sake of the children's safety, they allow everyone else to just assume that Yoongi is some type of foster parent and potentially met teacher Jimin through the system. That seems to work just fine and most do well not to pry or act too invasive. Although, Jimin has one auntie who really loves smushing Yoongi's face and booping his nose. Yoongi makes a note of where she is at all times, especially as the rice wine is passed around.

"He will probably kill me for sharing this, but there was a point, not too long ago, when we really weren't sure we'd see Jimin this open again. And as a parent, that's hard. You will learn that. Learn how hard it is to balance. What it means to let go and allow fate to take its course. Trust that the things you've instilled in them will help them find their own way. And yet, you'll see those sweet, doughy faces even when they become 10 and 20 and 30 and it's going to be hard. Because sometimes, they may have to fall. And sometimes, no matter what you do and how much you love them, it's just their path and you have to let them." Jimin's appa shares sagely after sliding next to Yoongi who was hiding from cheek smushing auntie. "But I look at him now," he motions towards Jimin, laughing fully at something his brother says, "and it's all worth it. Now, I'm not a blind man. I have eyes. He hasn't stopped glowing since you came. Even when we came to get him, he didn't bring up what happened with the suspension. It was you and the kids he kept fretting over. He loves you. All of you. And I'm finally starting to get that he loves himself."

Yoongi smiles, nurses his beer to his lips as he continues to look at how the colors bounce from Jimin. "You don't have to get starry-eyed. I know. You two aren't exactly subtle. It doesn't matter when or how it comes together when you have each other. None of what you two have is conventional. And to a father, that can be very concerning. Do you wonder why I haven't felt the need to threaten you?" He asks and come to think of it... "Because nothing about Jimin is conventional. Never has been, never will be. He didn't even come into this world in the most conventional way." He laughs to himself. "Came out with his eyes wide open, wanting to see who all disturbed his peace. Wanted to make sure we were the right fit for him. And then, as if he approved, he broke out in the biggest smile. And I've been trying to make sure he keeps that smile ever since. You have integrity, Min Yoongi. The only thing I can ask as a father is that you please be kind to each other. Look out for each other." He pats Yoongi's back reassuringly before moving on elsewhere.

When Yoongi looks up, he has an eyeful of Jimin who lunges himself towards him. Yoongi catches the lithe dancer, who giggles and wraps his arms around Yoongi's neck. "Sunshine, you drunk?" he asks, smirking.

"M'not drunk. Just a little tipsy. Saw you talking to appa!" He giggles, booping Yoongi's nose with his finger. "He likes you. And guess what?"

"Mmm... what's that, love?" Yoongi asks, rubbing his back as they sway together.

"I like you too!" Jimin declares, giggling. "And guess what else?" He leans against the side of Yoongi's face, whispering directly in his ear. "My cousin overcompensated. She normally does, you'll get used to it. Well, she bought one too many hotel rooms and she's had a hard time getting a refund. So guess what?" Jimin purrs suggestively.

Yoongi plays dense. "Mmm... what's that, love?" He repeats again and Jimin snickers like he's got some hidden inside joke. They're swaying together, almost their own dance with their own music.

"Eomma wants to take the kids to the beach tomorrow. And my cousin gave me the keypad to the hotel room. You know what that means?" He murmurs in Yoongi's ear. Yoongi shakes his head but gulps because Jimin starts sliding Yoongi's hand down to the band of his pants. "Means we've got all night. And you're not the only one with presents." He pulls away from Yoongi's ear, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. The material under Yoongi's fingertips lets him know this will be a long night.

"When did you realize you liked me?" Jimin ponders, leaning against the headboard. Yoongi, whose head lays on Jimin's lap, turns from looking up at the ceiling and chortles.

Jimin scrunches his nose, pokes out his lips in a pout. "What?" He whines.

"Nothing. It's just so cute how sentimental you get."

"Hyunnng! Don't make fun of me. My head gets a lot clearer!" More pouting. Yoongi laughs quietly to which Jimin swats at him. "Answer the question!"

"Yah! Pushy. I, uh... I can't say a specific moment. Maybe there were a bunch of moments. Maybe it was the way you smiled one day. Or the way you scrunch up that cute little nose. Maybe it was when you thought you were getting one over on me with your not so subtle flirting. Oh hyung, you're soooo funny!" He teases. Jimin bats at him again and he keeps laughing. "I knew I loved you when you made that picnic. I didn't realize that's what I was feeling but... the way you put love and care into things... hard not to love, I think. It all came together when I watched you sew tapestry with eomma. Appa told me if I didn't see it, he'd disown me."

Jimin beams, a high squeak escaping from his throat. "I knew I liked you when you didn't have a clue what the hell I was teasing you about but you let me do it anyway." He chuckles, especially when Yoongi calls him a brat. "I knew I loved you when we stayed with your family. Your eomma called me out. Called us both out."

Yoongi grunts. "They're all troublemakers. I think tonight your appa gave me a thinly veiled threat. Basically was telling me as long as we are good to each other, he won't have to threaten me." He snorts and Jimin shakes his head, grinning. "I'm joking. He really loves you, sunshine. They all do."

"Should we move in together?" Jimin probes, further. Yoongi snorts again and Jimin feels scandalized. "What?!"

"Oh, I don't know. You go from asking if we're moving too fast to this? And we already live together, Jimin-ah." Yoongi mentions, looking back up at the ceiling, smiling.

"I mean... like maybe I should forego renewing my lease... nevermind." Then he turns his head to look at of the window. Yoongi feels the energy shift immediately, sitting up and turning towards Jimin. He gently traces his thumb along Jimin's jawline.

"Hey what's on that beautiful mind of yours, hmm? Full disclosure?" He asks, softly.

Jimin wraps his knees into himself, still looking out of the window. "What if you change your mind and... what if it's too fast?"

Yoongi grinds his teeth. He takes Jimin in, takes a moment to absorb the weight of his words. He slides his hand until it finds Jimin's. "When we get back, I want to give you my apartment. Or any apartment you choose. But I don't want you to keep paying rent somewhere else."

"Hyung..." Jimin jolts, snapping his head to Yoongi's direction. "I don't want..."

"Hear me out, baby. On paper, you have nothing. I have everything. Even the kids are under my custody, technically. If, and this is a big if, things all go to shit somehow, what will you have left? Isn't that what you're asking me? And you're right. Right now, I'm not being fair to you at all by not naming that. Especially when we both offer love. But what else? I know this isn't about buying you but this is about how it isn't equitable at the moment. And I want that to change. I don't want this to be a hierarchy. I don't want you to ever feel like I have so much leverage and you have nothing. But right now, we aren't equal, are we? Or, I mean equitable. I'll even put the house in your name if you want. Tell me what you want, baby." Yoongi affirms.

Jimin looks like he wants to bolt. Sputtering, he says, "Y-Yoongi. I... what? I can't say yes to that. That's your family home!"

"Have you been missing the part about you being my family, love?" He inquires softly, a tender kiss to Jimin's hand.

"Your apartment got broken into and those goons know where it is..." Jimin argues weakly, biting his bottom lip.

"Then we'll pick out a new one? Just in case. Could be whatever you want it to be. And if it feels better to do it together, we can. But everything you have poured into this, into us, into the kids, yourself... I don't want you to keep giving if it feels like you're not being replenished. Because then you're going to keep looking for when it all gets taken away. And I never want to make you feel that way. So no, I don't want to buy you, if that's what you think. But I want to give you something. Tangible. That shows my commitment to you but also my understanding that you need something to make this more balanced." Yoongi reiterates.

"You got all of that out of what I asked?" Jimin bites his lip, looking at Yoongi tentatively.

"I'm learning to become fluent in Park Jimin. Baby, considering what's happened to you in previous relationships. Considering my own not so healthy relationship experiences. Let me do this. In writing. It wouldn't fill any hurt that could come from things falling to shit but... the more I think about what it'd be like, possibly losing me... it'd mean you'd lose damn near everything. And when I figure out the loophole, and you bet your ass I will, I'll make sure we'll both be listed as the kids' guardians. So what do you say?" Yoongi offers.

"W-we're not even married..."

"We can do that if that feels safer?"

"Wait, you're serious?!"

"About you? About this? Yes, Jimin."

"I might need a little more time before marriage, hyung."

"That's okay, too."

"How could you be so sure?"

"I've spent too much time with myself to not know what fills me and gives me joy. I don't need many bumps on the head from the universe or wherever else to know a sure thing when I see it. When I feel it. I'm going to pick being around the type of person that dives in head first when two children show up at a table in need of help."

"And I'm a sure thing? This is a sure thing?"

"With all my heart, Jiminie."

"A-and let's say I agree to this absurdity... I won't renew my lease and I'll still have a back up place to live, expense paid? I won't owe you?"

"I've been paying attention to you since day one. We'll draw up a contract or something in writing. You name the terms. Whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable there. A contingency plan. It's not to say something will happen. But just in case. For anything. We'll sign and date, make sure the legalities don't ever doubt or question that it's for you."

"You do realize the way you're being so attentive to my emotional and financial safety is turning me on, right?"

"Yes, apparently you have a kink for me providing for your wants and needs. Starting to think you have a sugar baby fantasy."

"That would make a great roleplay scene, hyung. I can call you daddy..."

"Back, you beast, before I douse you with holy water!"

The festivities of Chuseok are over. Yoongi believes he has a surefire way to avoid traffic. When the time comes to leave Daegu, after having traveled there from Busan, Yoongi calls Namjoon and Hoseok. He and Jimin had sat and wrote down terms the next morning, well after their intimate tryst, of course, at Yoongi's insistence. He'd forwarded the information to Namjoon. Jimin giggled and teased Yoongi over how meticulous he was about these things.

"If it removes one more frown line from your face, so be it." Yoongi had shared eliciting Jimin to squeal and cover his face with his sleeves.

When they get back into town, it's still early. Jin is available and would love to spend time with the kids. Great timing because Jimin convinces Yoongi to help pack some things in his apartment. He also wants to assess whether or not he needs much as they prepare to fully move in together. They drop the kids off with Jin then Yoongi detours and takes Jimin to a barbecue date.

"Hyung! This isn't fair. I know I said I like being spoiled and taken care of but you keep spending so much on me and planning the dates." Jimin pouts, mouth full of food.

"Baby, you literally planned all of those dates before, let me catch up. Why you gotta be so competitive?" Yoongi jokes.

Jimin laughs and bumps Yoongi with his hip. "Fine, but I get the next one."

"I don't know, Jimin-ah. I agree to that and next thing I know, I'm being chained up in some sex hotel or something." Yoongi looks at him wearily.

"Damn, it's spooky how well you know me."

Yoongi shakes his head, throwing his and Jimin's trash away. "Come Nympho-Jiminie, let's get this assessment done."

===

"You should've seen your face, hyung!" Jimin says, hanging against Yoongi as they walk up the last flight of stairs.

"Glad you can laugh at my pain. Pretty sure if I hadn't backed myself against the wall, my face cheeks wouldn't have been the only cheeks she tried to squish." And Jimin's seconds away from laying out on the stairs. "Yah! Park Jimin, You're going to knock both of us over!"

When they get to the door, Jimin giggles and kisses Yoongi's nose. "You're such a complainer, pouty faced hyung." Yoongi grumbles and follows as Jimin punches in the keypad. "Welcome to my humble abode!" Jimin invites, arms out, spinning around.

Yoongi takes a look around. It's a standard apartment but seeing it with his own two eyes, he'd guess this was Jimin's space any day of the week. There are mixed patterns and splashes of color that actually complement each other. Lots of pillows and plushies on the couch. And plants. Yoongi wonders if they're still so vibrant because Jin's been visiting. And Jimin likes photos. There are pictures framed everywhere around the living room. Yoongi smiles at smiley baby Jimin and coos at those chubby cheeks. Jimin complains about Yoongi's teasing and starts towards his bedroom.

Yoongi grins and turns, happening to catch sight of the front door. Someone not paying attention to the fact that the frame doesn't quite fit would miss slight scraped paint and how the door and frame bow at the locking mechanism. But Yoongi, he's always had this weird sense. Call it intuition. Call it a sixth sense. Whatever it is, it's foreboding. The feeling that shoots up his spine. The darkness of the corridor. Moving on instinct, he grabs at Jimin quickly, who sputters. Pulling him back, he places himself in front of Jimin just in enough time to hear movement down the dark corridor leading to the other rooms of Jimin's apartment.

Footsteps. Approaching footsteps. They both freeze. Yoongi making sure he has an arm or hand on Jimin and another on his phone at all times.

"Ah, you've been an elusive one to get to, Min Yoongi-ssi. But the reward is always with the patient and thankfully, I am patient."

Things happen so fast after that. There's movement behind Yoongi. He goes to pull Jimin closer but hears a muffled yell then a thud. He presses on his phone but before he can pick it up, his face is being covered with some kind of cloth that smells gnarly.

And with that, everything fades to black.

Chapter Text

"You know it was all too good to be true, right? Tell me you realize that."

It's more rhetorical than anything else yet Yoongi still finds himself shrugging in response.

"We should've been more practical. They were right. We got attached too fast."

"Is that why you like fairy tales so much?"

"When else does it all get magically resolved with bells and whistles and kittens in 89 minutes or less?"

"But that's not my fault life isn't always that way."

"You gave me false hope. You gave us both false hope."

"But it's different from hope. I have belief. I believe in this, in us."

"Yeah, what good are your beliefs going to get us right now, hmm? Will you finally put your tail between your legs and run? Or will you lock yourself away again so you don't have to feel the heat of too much?"

"I'm here. I'm right here..."

"You're not."

"No, but I am..."

"You're not. And it's time for you to wake up."

"But..."

"Wake up!"

Yoongi startles as something taps against some lower part of his body. "-gi...!" It's warbled. Or maybe his head is. He's not quite sure until, "Yoongi!" This time he's more sure.

He groans, head swaying listlessly. Another tap. He thinks it's his foot. "Baby... oh thank goodness. Yoongi, can you hear me? Are you okay, love?"

Pausing, his ears are awake before any other part of him. He swears he hears the voice of an angel. Eyes slowly flutter open. There's brightness but things feel too wobbly for his eyes to feel the sting.

It's hazy and his lids are half-opened but the first thing he sees is vibrant light beaming down on the most miraculous face he's ever laid eyes on. A lazy smile spreads across his face.

"Is this heaven? Are you my angel?" He blinks, wanting to will himself to take more of this seraphic light in. The angel frowns. Full, pillowy lips. Bright, enticing eyes. Glowing honey skin.

"Yoongi, it's me... wake up, love." Another tap. He thinks it might be his foot. His eyes jolt open at this point. Head lobbing a bit. He wants to lean in any direction but finds it's hard to move.

"You know me, angel? Did God send you?" Yoongi slurs, content smile spreading across his face. He feels warm and floaty.

"Damn, they must have dosed you good... Fuck. Yoongi, it's me, Jimin. Do you understand?"

Yoongi smiles again, still slurring but eyes in better focus. "An angel called Jimin. Wow. You're... you're... so... beautiful. Fuck. You got a boyfriend or girlfriend? Can angels have boyfriends? I'd be your boyfriend. Honestly, if God sent you to me, I might end up in the naughty place because I don't want to give you back." He nods, almost falling over.

"Oh?"

"S'totally your choice but if you want, you should marry me. Damn, you're beautiful. Are you seeing anybody?" He keeps blinking slowly and he swears everything gets that much brighter when the angel smiles.

"I am. I'm seeing you. Come on, love, wake up."

"Are you a model? You have the most amazingly stunning features I've ever seen. Can angels model? I would give you anything you wanted if you decided to go out with me. S'your choice though." Yoongi leans his head back, lazy grin across his face.

"I'll remember to hold you to that..."

"You can hold me as long as you like, angel. Who are you?"

"Jimin, hyung. I'm your boyfriend, Jimin."

"You're my boyfriend?! No way. Wow. Did I save a universe in another life?"

The angel laughs and Yoongi is pretty sure the heavens parted. "They really got you good."

"M'good just being here in the presence of miracles. Oh, sweet heavenly, being! What did I do to attract your honeyed presence? How can I repay the Gods for bestowing such bounty and glory?! M'gonna go to sleep now. But when I wake up, we're gonna kiss since you're my boyfriend. We should totally move in together and have babies. Perfect angel babies..."

"If you only knew..." he hears before he welcomes black.

===

"I want to punch a kitten." Yoongi groans. His head feels like it's stuck in a fish bowl. His mouth chalky and dry. The lighting is too bright and his ass hurts.

"Ah, hyung. You're back." A whisper, followed by a giggle. His eyes shoot open then blinks, shaking his head.

"How long was I out?" He croaks, softly.

He looks at the amused expression on Jimin's face. "You want me to include the impromptu love sonnets or...?" Yoongi blinks. He tilts his head in confusion. He goes to rub his eyes but finds he's not able to move them.

When he finally gains full focus of what surrounds him, he realizes that Jimin's across from him on a floor of a room he doesn't recognize, arms behind his back. Yoongi leans over, trying to look behind his own. His hands must be restrained. Everything flashes fast, panic sets in.

"Are you hurt? Did anyone touch you?" He worries, squirming to get his hands freed. It's no use. Judging by the way metal clinks against the pipe he's leaning on, there are handcuffs and rope.

"Hyung! Hyung! Shh! It's okay. I'm okay. We have to be quiet!" Jimin whispers, hurriedly. "I heard them say they'd be back in an hour or so after they took care of some other thing. I don't really know how long we've been here though. I don't think we have much time by ourselves. How are you feeling?"

Yoongi groans again, shaking his head in an attempt to remove the fuzzy, cloudy feeling. He snorts. "Two words: cactus juice."

And Jimin gapes, eyes widened in awe and surprise. "That was four and you? You watched?"

Yoongi looks scandalized. "Yah! I thought you knew me better than this! I don't live under a rock, Jimin-ah. And maybe I helped with writing some of the score for..."

"How the hell would you have written the score for Avatar: The Last Airbender?! I was like 9 when it came out, hyung."

"That's not what I was going to say and anyway, we're getting off track. How much time do we-" His words are cut off by the sound of footsteps. He and Jimin both look towards the door. Wherever they are, someone (or maybe several someones) is a level about them. This lets Yoongi know they are likely in some kind of basement and there's stairs or an elevator.

As the footsteps approach the door, it's obvious there are several people present. "Ah, our esteemed guests are finally awake. I hope the ketamine wasn't too harsh on you. Doc-nim says you may experience some vomiting but I'm afraid we don't have enough buckets, so I hope your stomachs are strong enough because I don't like messes."

Yoongi and Jimin both sit up quietly. Inside, steps a man of average build and height, possibly shorter than he and Jimin. He's unremarkable in countenance. Plain, apple-shaped face. Straight, long nose. Leathery skin. 5 o'clock shadow. A yellowing to his bored eyes. Eyebrows that don't quite shape the length of those eyes. His hair cut close, some greying on the edges. But for the scar above his thin lips, Yoongi could blink and miss this man. In fact, what makes him stand out most are two burly, tall men standing directly behind him. It reminds Yoongi of those old cartoons his grandfather used to like.

He must sense it too. Because the man crouches down in front of Yoongi while adding, "you two are ridiculously attractive. Unfortunately, I wasn't so blessed in the gene pool. But much to my fortune, I inherited thorough business savvy. You both will make me a fortune." He whistles appraisingly, then pauses, as if to self-congratulate and Yoongi thinks he's the type to literally pat himself on the back. He also seems to humor himself as he hums joyfully at his own attempt at humor. "No? Nothing? Strong, silent types I see."

He rises, making a point to scan Jimin from head to toe, slowly. It's predatory and gross and Yoongi wants to throw up in his mouth a little bit. ...Or maybe that's whatever he was drugged with. Half-Gone Eyebrow Man adjusts his cuff links.

"Ah, well then! Where are my manners? Pleased to make your acquaintance, I am Beong Woo-Seob. But perhaps you've heard my other more colloquial moniker, Horangi." Once again, he seems pleased with himself and it takes everything in Yoongi to contain his disgust.

He's not sure how seriously he's supposed to take a grown man who proudly calls himself a tiger when he looks no more harmful than an earthworm but again, he'll keep it to himself. Beong Woo-Seob actually has the nerve to bow. A quick glance across to Jimin lets Yoongi know they're both equally disgusted and yet confused. Beong Woo-Seob, because Yoongi absolutely refuses to call this man Horangi, seems to sense their confusion as well.

"Interesting. You seem genuinely perplexed. Maybe you really are just two hapless do-gooders." He throws his head back in a chuckle.

His minions join him. It's almost laughable but then again, there's a very real reality that Yoongi's actually being held captive somewhere with restraints so that continues to sober him. "Very well then. I suppose I owe you a much larger introduction and explanation."

With four cinder-walls to the small room, Jimin and Yoongi sit diagonally from each other, attached to pipes in their respective corners. Beong Woo-Seob walks between them, grabbing a chair that's been placed parallel to Yoongi and in front of Jimin, in the third corner of the room. He pulls the chair up some and takes a seat.

"You seem like very reasonable, average, albeit unfairly visually pleasing men who probably pay your dues and make the most of your humdrum lives. I commend people who do that, really. I'm hoping this conversation, then, will be very easy to understand and go smoothly. You see, I'm but a humble, mere businessman. I deal in sales and trade. Investments, as it were. I consider my business to be rather lucrative because I've worked damn hard to ensure that but there's always a few hitches, here or there. Comes with the territory, I'm afraid."

He sighs for some kind of dramatic pause. Receiving nothing in response, he continues on, "like any businessman, I see an opportunity, I take it. Now, I've been in the business supplying and demanding a very specific market for a while. Business is booming, if you catch my drift. A few months ago, I was gifted a very golden opportunity, expecting to receive a very large return on two of my investments but that wasn't the case, it seems. Now, I invested in property and I expected to have that property in my possession. I'm a humble, patient man, as I've said. I know in the grander scheme of things, I'm but a pawn to my more traveled investors. Sometimes, as I said, I can cut my losses. But when I have high ranking foreigners who have invested in my investments and yet I have no property to show for it... then we have a problem."

The way this man alludes to these children as property and investments makes Yoongi's stomach churn. He doesn't care if that's residual side effects of whatever they drugged him with. It doesn't feel right. "You may be thinking that I can get children all of the time. And you're right. I can. I have. But there's a high bidding war for children under the age of 5. Foreigners eat this shit up. With the way they've doubled down on these adoption laws recently, I came into a great opportunity. Children under the age of 5 are adopted out by rich, white foreigners in droves. The government actually helped me out a great deal with the crackdown. A lot of people relying on me to make sure this market continues to thrive. A lot of time, money, resources were pooled to ensure this all goes off without a hitch."

Yoongi has a feeling he knows where this is going. His feeling is right when he hears, "you may technically be collateral damage but you two have cost a lot of people a lot of money. Again, I am reasonable and you both look like the type to make due on your debts. So consider yourselves lucky that-"

He stops speaking when a vibration interrupts. A phone. He huffs and picks up. "What? Oh? I see." After he disconnects, he stands up, heading towards the door. When he turns back towards the middle of the room. "Well, I hate to cut this short but it would appear that I'm needed elsewhere. Please get comfortable and enjoy your stay. This won't take long." He bows again, motioning for Burly Thing 1 and 2 to follow. After they leave, Jimin and Yoongi stare at each other, incredulously.

"I don't know what this Ma Dong-Seok wannabe's deal is, Jimin-ah, but something tells me there's cameras or some shit in here. Were you awake when they brought us in here?" He whispers.

Jimin motions subtly with his eyes. "No," he utters lowly, "I woke up not long before you did. And that's two pop references in a row, hyung. I'm not sure if getting kidnapped opened up some weird portal in your head but I'm impressed."

"I'm going to ignore your back-handed compliment... what the fuck is up with that dude?" Yoongi ponders, also trying to survey the room again. The lighting is dim, especially as the one window high up above Jimin seems to indicate that the sun is setting. It looks like they could either be in some kind of basement space or a warehouse, surrounded by concrete blocks and more concrete on the ground. In other words, they could be anywhere.

"I don't know. I'm not sure whether to laugh or be scared if he's some kind of surprisingly cunning sociopath or something. Either way, I don't think they intend to keep us here for long so we have to keep our wits about us. He mentioned something about trying to sell us off." Jimin sounds disgusted, even with his voice low.

"Yeah, let's try our best not to be separated, if we can. Between the two of us, it's obvious who'd be the higher bid. I mean, you're nice looking and all, Jimin-ah, but we can't all be me." He shrugs, nonchalantly and Jimin kicks him while trying to hold back his laugh.

"Can't believe you'd joke at a time like this and that's not what you had to say earlier," he throws back between his bit bottom lip. "Hey hyung, a-are you scared?" He inquires, softly.

Yoongi takes a moment of consideration. "To be very honest, I think I'm still a little high. So I'm not sure my brain is fully realizing I probably should be scared. We could use that to our advantage because something tells me panicking will make this worse. I also don't know what the hell to make of this guy. But the fact that we're chained to basement piping is freaking me out a bit. Because... we're really kidnapped. What about you? Are you scared?"

"I-I was but then I heard him talk and well, it made me think he can't really kills us if he intends to sell us, right? Aish. That sounds so gross. Hyung, no matter what, I'm glad we tried to protect these babies. I just... I miss them so much right now but... I'll fight until my last breath if it means they never get their hands on them." He whispers softly but with determination. And Yoongi might still feel like he's swimming in a fish bowl but he's in love.

Taking a deep breath to further settle himself, he adds, "baby, I watched a documentary on this... don't look at me with all of that judgment. I don't judge your Western romance obsession!" He grins as Jimin grins.

"Before I was so rudely interrupted, they say the best course of action is to humanize yourself but also cooperate. Like you said, we at least know he isn't going to kill us if he expects to turn a profit. And we also know he'll be back and likely asking us where the kids are... if he hasn't already found them. But I don't think we should mention anything unless we absolutely have to. Also, I can't promise I won't lose my shit if he touches you again."

"Aww Westley, protecting my honor with your weird documentary obsession. Hey! I just had an idea!" He utters excitedly. "You remember that movie we watched with the kids where the family are superheroes? The one Taehyung watches on repeat?"

"Oh, The Incredibles?" Jimin nods, subtly, seemingly hyperaware that they could be under surveillance right at this moment. Looking around the room, there's not much space for cameras but that's exactly the kind of situation that gets unsuspecting people in trouble. Yoongi watches enough crime shows to know.

"You remember when they're sitting in the car and he talks about how he got caught?" Yoongi's perplexed. He thinks his face shows it as much. Jimin rolls his eyes and huffs. "Just keep him talking when he comes back, hyung."

"Yah! Why me?" He hisses quietly.

"Because you have resting bitch face and I don't!" Jimin hisses back, as if it's obvious. The nerve.

"I'm going to keep this short and sweet. We intend to sell you off to our highest international bidders as I'm sure you've put together. They love twinky, Asian boys. Your faces... You're really a gold mine and I'm going to make quite a hefty sum. Already have bidders in place. That's only part of your debt paid. Those children will make me one of the richest people in Seoul and I owe a lot of money for the delays. So, I'm going to ask very nicely... where are they?" Beong Woo-seob questions, crouched in front of Yoongi.

In the time it's taken to return back to interrogating them, Yoongi thinks he has a good angle to try and get more details from this guy. "I mean you no disrespect Beong Woo-seob ssi but I couldn't tell you that even if I wanted to."

And he's honest. Because they didn't arrive at Jimin's apartment with the kids and thank goodness for that last minute change of plans. Beong Woo-seob grinds his teeth but tries to maintain that saccharine appearance with the fakest smile Yoongi's ever seen. "And why might that be, Min Yoongi-ssi?"

Yoongi does his best to remember to cool his expression. It isn't that hard for someone like him but he won't admit that to Jimin. He shrugs his shoulders, nonchalantly, with a slow blink. "As you noticed, we didn't have them. They could be long gone by now." He has to play this role and he wants to roll his eyes so badly but he's going to commit. "W-we were told that th-they were just taken by some thugs. W-we didn't mean any harm, sir. But they're innocent children so I just reacted to protecting their safety and should someone keep trying to harm them, there's a safety plan-"

"Ah, yes. Your friends. The lawyer and the dance instructor. You see, I too, am a planner, Yoongi-ssi. Don't you worry, we are working to track them down. And the chef too. I admire your integrity. Honestly, I do. This isn't personal, I can see you're smart enough to understand. But this is business. I have eyes and ears everywhere as you seemed to have surmised. But what I have that you don't, is a pool of resources. In another life, I'd think we could be great business associates actually. You're cunning, I'll give you that. Damn hard to get a hold of." He starts pacing back and forth between Yoongi and Jimin.

Yoongi and Jimin quickly and, as inconspicuously as possible, exchange eye contact. He chuckles to himself. "I'm rather impressed or maybe a bit intrigued. Took us weeks to actually track you down. It's strange, really. You're damn near an invisible man and yet you have such a huge platform. You'd not believe how many different ways we tried to snuff you out. We had business deals lined up for you, perfectly, but you either must be really smart or didn't even bother to check. Judging by your expression, I would think you're literally the most unmotivated man and yet, oddly and perhaps, impressively, it still took me months."

Yoongi's not sure if today is back-handed compliment day but the way this guy says things, he's not sure he wants to participate. He remembers the emails. Remembers the phone calls from numbers he didn't recognize it. Remembers how they got sent to spam or were just deleted or ignored. Who knew being an introvert could save a life? Yoongi knew.

"But as I said, I am a patient man. And this beauty fell right into my lap." He shares, crouching down and running his knuckles along Jimin's jawline. Jimin tries his best not to flinch but can't seem to help the sneer at the corners of his mouth. "I won't beat a dead horse. But I respect your kind hearts so I will break down for you where the debt lies, just so you understand. Again, this is not personal."

"When those dim-witted fools lost the children, we tracked you down fairly easily. Had to track down everyone at the restaurant and toy store. Thankfully, I have the best under my payroll. That's still time and money that does add up, especially when it takes away from normal day to day operations. But you never showed up at your apartment and your alibi actually stuck. At first, we thought we'd got it wrong, you see. Because you have business internationally and could've been out of town. So I had to retrace a lot of my steps. Again, use of a lot of time and money. Lo and behold, you've been shacking up somewhere with a public servant this entire time. Just my good fortune, I think."

Never in a million years would Yoongi think his reclusive, introverted tendencies may actually be a blessing in disguise. But just as equally as that could be a blessing, it seems it's also a curse. It's not that he hadn't thought to take safety precautions around Jimin. They had, actually. There were several safety plans and back up plans. But it still didn't matter. Because Jimin's a teacher, which makes him pretty easily traceable.

Beong Woo-seob confirms as much. "Thank good fortune for public servants, am I right? My own eomma was a teacher. Didn't take long for us to ID you either. Set up a few false bomb threats and alarms around the international schools and voila! Again, these things all take time, money, manpower. I have invested quite a lot in you two." He seems to be humoring himself again, tickled by some unspoken joke that only he is privy to.

So the day Jimin came home early, unexpectedly, that'd been planned by Beong Woo-seob and his people. Which means it's very likely they know where Yoongi's family property is. Which means it's very likely they could have access to the kids by now. Either he's bluffing and trying to get them to incriminate themselves or he doesn't know where the kids are and is stalling for time while someone is out looking for them.

"There's also the tails kept at your apartments, the money spent to buy out the police so that the people who broke into your apartment couldn't be traced back to my operation. You're an evasive one yourself. It was hard to figure out where the hell you'd scurry off to after your dance classes. So I figured if we can't beat you, join you. See, do-gooders like you do the right thing. And that helps someone like me who, shall we say, bends the law. The social work center has been under our payroll for a while. We just needed to confirm whether or not you both were working together. Again, more money. You were smart to send things anonymously when you did and then report things directly when you did. Have to give it to you. Almost makes me wonder if you have some kind of background in these sorts of things. Then again, when there's a teacher involved, it made perfect sense this is how you would go about it all."

It sucks to hear this but this is also good. Keep him talking is what Jimin recommended. So Yoongi makes sure to make direct eye contact, listen attentively but appear respectful.

"That's how I thought to follow you. Because my eomma was a teacher. She likely would have thought just like you. You'd be surprised how much planning goes into these sorts of things. Planning costs. We took a risk in trying to separate you once we confirmed you'd both be there. Again, I have respect for teachers, Park Jimin-ssi so I hope you don't take offense to our tactics. At the end of the day, we had to try to figure out a way to get one of you to slip." Yoongi can see Jimin trying his hardest not to show if he's affected by this information.

"I won't add the social worker's fees to your debt. She was shit at her job in all accounts. I don't even blame you for filing that complaint. Great writing, by the way. But you will have to make up for the time spent eradicating the complaint, I'm afraid. I respect your loyalty towards one another. Unfortunately, you will be separated and sent to two separate foreign bidders. I'll get to that a bit later. I'd say that depending on your bid, it could cover 40% of your debt, generously. So that remaining 60% depends on you. We could do this the easy way or the hard way, you understand?" He asks, mostly rhetorical, but Yoongi still nods when the businessman's eyes are on him.

"Excellent. From this point, until sales are rendered, I own you. I know your entire histories. Every time you so much as sniffled, I own it. I wonder what the weather is like in Busan right about now..." he says casually. Jimin flinches very briefly but again tries to remain non-expressive. It's Yoongi this time whose eyebrows furrow.

"No? Or perhaps a quick trip to Daegu? How's your appa's hip, hmm? Would hate for his physical therapy treatments to suddenly, I don't know, not be covered. Or perhaps you'll want to explain to your hyung why he can't get a job in the industry anymore? Really, all it takes is a phone call. I'm kind of like that guy from the Avengers movie. I snap my finger and the world does fall at my feet." He's pacing again. Yoongi watches as the other two guys standing at the door adjust their shoulders.

The energy in the room becomes more tense. He crouches down in front of Yoongi again, running his bony knuckles along his jawline. "I don't get my hands dirty. They won't hit you above the collarbone. Don't want to mark up this pretty face. So, which one of you wants to help me make this easier? The sooner you cooperate, the less money I'm losing. By the way, unfortunately, I will have to add this lodging to your debt." He stands up again. Yoongi almost snorts. Lodging. Right.

Yoongi clears his throat. He's going to see how much more this man can give before he has to reveal anything. "Respectfully, Beong Woo-Seob ssi, we have families, as you're aware. If we go missing, surely, they will alert authorities and come looking for us..."

"Ah yes, that I am aware. You'd be an easier person to make disappear, you know. But this is how accidents happen. Sadly for them, that means a bit of grieving. That also means more money and time spent paying off the police again and the examiner's office. But it'll all be returned back plus more, you know? I can also see to it that your life insurance and assets according to your will get to your families and I won't actually include that in your debt, as a sign of good faith." The way this guy speaks so candidly about something so heavy makes Yoongi's stomach do somersaults.

Yoongi swallows. It's sawdust and sandpaper. Yuck. They're at a dead end. He's not sure how much longer he can keep this guy talking before he realizes they're intentionally trying to waste as much time as possible. Plus, he's not sure how much he wants to hear this guy speak any more. "I-I don't know where they might be as I said. I was told that I couldn't know in case something happened to me and Jimin had no idea I planned this. A-are the children going to be hurt, Beong Woo-Seob ssi? I-I don't mean to question you, it's just that they're very young and innocent and..." Then he makes a point to lower his head some, expressing consternation across his face.

"It is the nature of the business, I'm afraid," Beong Woo-Seob says, sighing. "These westerners, they practically salivate at the idea of playing savior or having young, impressionable heathen minds to mold into their own. That's how they look at us. That baby, alone, will make them a fortune. A little less now that we weren't able to get him shipped before he reached 2 years. But still, a fortune. It's depraved, I'm aware. But if they had not run into you kind-hearted types, they would have ended up in a system that barely feeds and clothes them and by the time they reach adult-hood, they'd be thrown out onto the streets."

'You have this much money, you could change the damn system,' is what Yoongi thinks. He doesn't say that though. Hopes it damn sure doesn't show on his face. In fact, he makes a point to keep his face down. "B-but they're innocent children, Beong Woo-Seob ssi. I-I can take care of them so they don't have to end up in the system and so they don't have to end up..." he stops himself from completing that sentence. The thought alone is running a chill up his spine that he just wants to shake out.

Beong Woo-Seob ssi hums. "Unfortunately, even I have superiors to answer to. As I said, these foreigners don't even see us as human, let alone someone with a kind-heart. Again, it really isn't personal. But it is business. And I have to supply them with what they demand. I've got bids from the Americas and Europe. Old money. I'm sad to say you two got in the middle of the most expensive trade system in the entire world. This is bigger than all of us in this room. It's literally what keeps governments thriving. They don't care about your pleas. And because I owe them now for wasting their time, you owe me. So no, Min Yoongi-ssi. We can't overlook this one. The US government has already made a bid for the three year-old and it's been settled from among people way over my head even."

It's interesting. As Yoongi tries to humanize himself, Jimin and the kids, this guy really tries to join by humanizing his own self. Yoongi wrote prose once on Stockholm Syndrome. He knows that no matter how much this guy tries to sound like he wishes the outcome were much different, at the end of the day, he's out for himself. He doesn't care about them. He damn sure doesn't care about the kids. If he didn't feel like he could make a profit from both him and Jimin, Yoongi's quite certain they'd be dead in a ditch somewhere. He tries his best to hide his revulsion.

He thinks that from the time he woke up and they first walked into the room, to the time they left, then came back, has been a total of about an hour. So he estimates that more or less two hours have been spent here. He's not sure how long it took them drag Jimin and Yoongi out of the apartment to this location. But he assumes they might not be too far from where they were snatched, just simply because this man seems very heavily invested in making sure he gets the kids. If Yoongi were looking at this from a business standpoint, and he is, he'd think the most logical thing to do in trying to recuperate lost profit would be to retrace steps. Which means, even if Hoseok, Namjoon or Jin took the kids to Jeju Island, for example, the most reasonable way to find clues would be to start where their last known whereabouts are.

This is all conjecture, of course. There's no way to fully tell where they are, whether or not the kids have been taken or how long they'll be held captive. But Yoongi has to try to keep his wits about him because if he doesn't, he's going to think about the worst things and likely lose it. Once again, he finds himself at a stalemate. He doesn't want to give too much but he's not sure how much longer he can keep this guy going.

"E-excuse me, Sajang-nim?" Yoongi's head shoots up. Jimin uses a tiny, soft voice and his big puppy eyes, wide and yet hesitant. But Yoongi looks at the ways he's subtly trying to keep his breath at bay and it tells him that maybe Jimin came to the same conclusions.

"Well, aren't you such a polite little angel?" Jimin swallows, eyes flashing quickly to Yoongi before looking down a bit, indicating that he is demure. Yoongi wants to snort. If there's one thing Park Jimin does well, it's wrap people around his cute little pinkies.

Beong Woo-Seob runs his grungy, bony fingers along Jimin's face. "I'd keep you myself but I'm afraid we already have bidders. We could have some fun before then though." He whispers, leaning into Jimin but Yoongi hears it.

He looks up and notices the two henchmen (because what the hell else is he going to call them) are eyeing him and Jimin closely.

"What is it you want to say, pretty angel? You know where the children are, hmm? Ready to be a good boy for me?" Everything about that sounds so gross coming from Beong Woo-Seob. Yoongi makes himself breathe through his mouth to steady to wobbly feeling threatening to arise.

"I-I..." then Jimin frowns, looking down a little and poking his lips out. Oh, he's about to put on a show. Looking back up, his eyes are teary and his voice a bit whiny. "I really, really have to pee. I-I tried to hold it! But I really have to go. P-please, Sajang-nim..." he lowers his voice a bit, just above a whisper. "I..." then he looks up at Beong Woo-Seob with those big puppy eyes again and Yoongi knows. This man is gone for one Park Jimin. He needs to take a number though... way at the back of the line.

Beong Woo-Seob jumps up like his pants just caught fire. "O-of course! Where are my manners? Pretty little thing like you doesn't deserve that suffering. Choi, Lee... you heard him. Remove these restraints. I'll escort him there directly. And as a matter of more good faith, I'll come for you next, Min Yoongi-ssi." Yoongi can only imagine what the hell that means and he wants to say 'yeah no thanks' but obviously thinks better of it.

He watches them undo Jimin's restraints. When his hands are freed, he doesn't make much movement, seemingly to not rouse any suspicion. Beong Woo-Seob is clearly a touchy man though. He makes a point to touch at Jimin's wrists without permission. Those shaky, grimy, grungy, bony hands on his baby. Yoongi bites the inside of his lip to distract himself. The businessman is, in fact, shorter than Jimin and although Jimin is tiny, Yoongi thinks if he were to get a good kick out of him, he'd knock the older man on his ass, easily, with the force of those thighs. He can tell by the quick scan of Jimin's eyes, he might be making a similar assessment. Jimin makes a show to even bow politely. It's subtle, but Yoongi catches the way his eyes quickly scan the room, then the way his eyes quickly meet Yoongi's. Yoongi very minutely gestures that he sees him. He's not sure what's on Jimin's mind but at minimum, he's hoping this will give them an opportunity to assess the space better.

Beong Woo-Seob takes one of the burly men and makes one stand guard at the door. Yoongi starts counting seconds to 60. After 7 counts of 60, Jimin returns, flashing his eyes again quickly to Yoongi. Just as fast, he turns his sight back to Beong Woo-Seob, bows again with a thank you. It's polite, sweet and enticing. The epitome of Park Jimin. Yoongi's really grateful they know each other enough and have had enough conversation to know that while Jimin does have a bit of a propensity to being bratty, this seems like an exaggerated part of himself he's accessing from a past. He hopes this isn't painful for the teacher. But if Yoongi were an objective observer, he'd wager that Jimin's working this role quite well. If they were in a different circumstance, perhaps, he'd even explore just how far this could go. Alas.

Jimin doesn't make a point to be to obvious. It's so subtle yet not. The way he navigates the spaces of his allure. He doesn't overdo it. Gives just enough to make the man feel attended to but not enough to feel unnatural. The way he looks down and away, yet tilts his head in such a way that his puppy eyes lock him in. The way he shuffles his feet awkwardly, poking his lips out just enough to enrapture without being salacious.

Beong Woo-Seob coughs and motions Thing 1 to come re-do Jimin's restraints. Rather than outright pouting, it's subdued. Just enough to hook him in with desire and the need to adhere. "I-it was bit tight last time, Sajang-nim..." he mutters, looking down, mouth still pouty.

Give Park Jimin all of the awards. Yoongi's trying his best to squash the desire to kiss that silly pout off his face. Then he remembers where he is and how he couldn't do that right now if he tried.

"Ahh, let's see if we can do something about that. But I can't get rid of them. Your appraisers will be here soon, as I mentioned." Beong Woo-Seob offers, motioning for Thing 1 to restrain Jimin again.

Jimin smiles shyly. He looks down, lowers his head but then looks up in Beong Woo-Seob's eyes. "Thank you, Sajang-nim," he shares as he's lowered and constrained again.

"On second thought..." the creep decides. He licks his lips hungrily and it takes everything for Yoongi not to break the guy's neck. Those gross knuckles brush against Jimin's cheek again. He looks at his watch. "We have some time. Untie him. I want to make a pre-assessment."

Yoongi has to think fast. There is no way in hell he's allowing anything to happen to Jimin on his watch. He knows Jimin's crafty and takes good care of himself but he's not sure he'd ever be able to live with himself if-

Before he can complete that thought, a buzzing sound once again interrupts. "Yes!" Beong Woo-Seob answers with much less patience than the first time. "What? What?! No, you stay right there. I'll check into it. Do not move!" He disconnects then damn near takes off running. "You two, follow me now!" he barks, running out.

"Hyung, there's only this floor and one above us. And there's a camera in here and cameras up there. I saw them when I went to the bathroom." Jimin whispers.

"Did he touch you, Jimin-ah?" Yoongi whispers back. He finds relief when the younger shakes his head. "Baby, if there's a camera we shouldn't-"

"They're preoccupied at the moment. He told me it's only a matter of time before they find the babies, hyung. We have to figure something out. And fast."

There's movement upstairs. It sounds like someone could be headed back down there. They sit silently following the sounds of the footsteps with their eyes. When it becomes obvious that those steps are not headed downstairs, they relax just a tad more. They spend some more minutes in silence, though, just in case.

"Damn..." Yoongi mentions after a while.

Jimin looks up, a bit startled, "what?"

"Well, I'm debating whether or not I should be happy that I told you my feelings or sad because it deprives me of this big climactic moment where I profess my undying love for you before we die or I do something silly that could save or kill us both."

Jimin rolls his eyes. "I'm not even sure I want to know how that brain of yours is working right now."

"I'll have you know, I've come up with at least three possible ways to get us out of this. Really, only one of them seems to have the highest probability though, but that's besides the points." He argues.

"Okay Dr. Strange, does any of that involve one of us having to die so the other can go back in time and save all of humanity?" Jimin sasses.

Yoongi huffs. "No, but I may just make it so that you end up having to do a striptease for that sleazeball and that gets me so devastated that I go back in time and save humanity."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you sound rather jealous, Min Yoongi." Jimin utters, quite teasingly.

Yoongi lets all of his indignation show. "Yah! We're in the middle of a crisis, Park Jimin. What's the matter with you, talking such frivolities at a time like this? You need to focus!"

Jimin kicks at his foot, grinning with a tiny giggle. "Hyung, you're not gonna do something silly. And obviously, we're not gonna die. At least, not right this moment."

"Jimin-ah, I don't see how us being tied together like this isn't pointing to anything but us dying... well, by dying, I obviously mean that I have the worst idea of us being turned into some kind of sex slaves and I think the drugs are finally wearing off..." Yoongi is fully sure the drugs are wearing off.

Before he knows it, Jimin wiggles his body then shakes his wrists and arms free. Huffing impatiently and petulantly, he adds, "you're totally supposed to be the Westley in this one, hyung. He never lost faith!"

"I didn't lo- how?" Yoongi blinks, watching as Jimin slinks his body over to him while trying not to make too much movement by the camera. Judging by the way his eyes are moving, the camera is positioned above the door, which sits directly across from Yoongi.

"Did some work as a camboy at one point, the rest we can talk about later. Right now, we're getting the hell outta here. Lean forward and don't move." Jimin instructs, while undoing Yoongi's restraints.

Yoongi shakes his arms and wrists, while Jimin helps him to his feet. Jimin takes the chair and pokes one of the legs against the camera above them, hard enough to smash it but not enough to make significant noise. The sound of approaching footsteps jumps them into action. Yoongi grabs Jimin's arm and they take off running together.

"We are definitely talking about all of this, including that little performance earlier, later."

Jimin takes the lead, especially once Yoongi realizes he has no idea where the hell he's leading them. Rolling his eyes once again, he responds, "yeah, yeah, keep moving, hyung. Let's go get our babies!"

As they head down a dark corridor, Jimin turns right and Yoongi adds, "I believe you meant let's go get the shit kicked out of us by love."

"Now we're talking!"

Jimin has Yoongi pressed against the wall leading to the stairs. It's enough to make him easily forget the gravity of the situation they're in. "Hyung," he's leaning into his ear, very quietly. "Why the hell did you insist on bringing this ch-"

Before he can finish, Yoongi pushes Jimin behind him before raising the chair above him and swinging. He doesn't stop to see the person headed down the stairs, just hears the body collapse. A second set of footsteps hurries but before they can make a sound, Jimin lights up the man's body. First raising his knee, striking fast at the waist then raising his leg further, cracking him right in the chin. Happens so fast, poor guy didn't see it coming.

Yoongi snorts and rolls his eyes. The show off. "Took several years of multiple fighting styles," Jimin struts passed but not before sticking his tongue out.

"Of course you did. You're really going to make a competition out of this?" Yoongi grunts, as they move the passed out bodies into a tiny closet. They prop what's left of the chair against the knob as a counterbalance.

"There is no competition. I've already won." And if Jimin could, he'd flip his hair as he saunters off towards the stairs. He grins when he hears Yoongi mutter "brat" under his breath.

Jimin tiptoes up the stairs, quietly with Yoongi close behind. They can hear Beong Woo-Seob raising his voice but no other footsteps. Jimin motions for Yoongi to follow his lead and Yoongi nods in understanding. Jimin runs up the remaining flight of stairs, right into the office, revving to take Beong Woo-Seob out. The man has his back turned, trying to look at cameras, while speaking on the phone.

"Hi!" Jimin chirps leaning forward against the desk, waving his fingers. The look in his eyes, a different kind of predatory. He makes to walk around the desk but the businessman startles, sputtering and moving back further behind it.

"What the hell is the meaning of this? Get back downsta-" He doesn't finish his sentence because it's not Jimin but Yoongi who strides in, landing two hard body blows; one right jab to the chest, one left to the throat before an additional right hook with a very loud (satisfying) crack to the man's jaw. He slumps over, out cold.

Yoongi rounds his shoulder, turning towards a shocked, open-mouthed Jimin. "Boxing." A shrug. He does flip his hair because Jimin missed the opportunity. Take that, Park Jimin.

Jimin responds accordingly by rolling his eyes, not without adding, "you didn't have to hit him!"

"Oh, I did. I really did."

"I'm pretty sure you cracked his jaw, Yoongi!"

"Best sound I've heard since your giggle." Yoongi adds with not one ounce of remorse. Jimin huffs, hands on his hips.

He licks his lips and eyes Yoongi closely. "I'd take you over this desk right now but we have to get out of here."

"I'm not touching you before you disinfect those grungy ass hands from your face, you horny toad. Go get those handcuffs so we can lock his goofy ass in here."

"You barking orders at me infuriates and turns me on at the same tim-"

"Park Jimin, I will put you over my knee and spank you later. Go get the damn cuffs!"

Jimin reels, giggling as he takes off, traipsing, not before biting his bottom lip and eyeing Yoongi suggestively.

"We gotta move fast but let's make sure to check all the damn drawers and stuff. He might have our things." Yoongi orders, checking Beong Woo-Seob's pockets. He feels much more at ease seeing the man unconscious and restrained. Someone's been on Beong Woo Seob's phone, seemingly shouting some kinds of orders and trying to get Woo-Seob's attention. Yoongi doesn't bother touching the phone. He wants whomever is on the other end to come and find the man laid out.

Jimin follows instructions dutifully, squeaking in triumph when he says, "jack pot!"

Yoongi looks up quizzically, "what's that?" Jimin's making his ways over, striding towards him. He crouches down in front of Yoongi and the knocked out businessman.

"They have two more doses of ketamine here. I-I think they were meant for... well anyway, he'll get a taste of his own medicine." Jimin opens the kit and takes out the syringe.

"Do you even know what you're doing there, Nurse Ratched?"

Jimin swats at Yoongi. "There's literal instructions here and the dose is already in the syringe, smart ass. I'm only going to stick him once exactly like it says and this is long enough to give us a longer head start, Yoongi." He's not even looking at Yoongi as he reads the instructions.

Yoongi grabs his hand gently. "Baby, doesn't that stuff kills people... like are you sure you should be giving someone a sedative whose already knocked out? Pretty sure he'll already be out for a while..."

Jimin's eyebrows furrow then unceremoniously sticks the syringe in their former captor's leg. "It's diluted in saline and enough to sedate a baby. Figure this is like dealing with an EpiPen." He shrugs, before finishing what he's doing and standing up. Yoongi joins him in standing as well. "Yoongi, please don't judge me. I-I just needed..."

Yoongi brushes hair out of Jimin's face before shushing him. "Don't explain, baby. He's sitting up right. His airway isn't blocked and judging by the sound of those sirens, I'm sure he'll be noticed soon. But we gotta go. Like right now."

Looking into Jimin's eyes, he checks to see if the younger man is still with him. Jimin nods, eyes still present, alert, ready. "I found our wallets and my phone but I didn't find yours." he shares while Yoongi's guiding him out.

"Don't worry about that. See if yours still has battery. Make sure your location is on. Try to call 119." He pauses, just enough for Jimin to do just that. "Good, now... don't look Jimin-ah. But there are a shitload of people headed this way to my right. When I say, we run. Try to not to lose my hand and don't look back yeah?"

Jimin nods again. Hearts beat fast. Adrenaline surges. Yoongi grabs Jimin's hand after Jimin stuffs his phone in his pocket and breaks for it. They can hear people yelling in the distance. Someone specifically yelling not to shoot, while someone else yelling for Jimin and Yoongi not to move. He's not sure where they are but he hopes this works. Just as he surmised earlier, it looks like they could still be in Seoul. A more industrial neighborhood near some buildings under constructions.

He runs left, turning a few corners. It's turning dark but still relatively light out. This part of town doesn't seem to have too many residents near. They can hear the patter of footsteps and loud shouts not far behind them. Jimin hasn't let go of his hand, though. Yoongi cuts another corner but up ahead, he can already tell it leads to a dead end. Skidding in his tracks, he goes to back up but they hear the screech of tires right behind them. Yoongi presses himself and Jimin against a wall, trying to look for any items that could be used as weapons. As his eyes settle on a trash bin and some glass bottles, he startles when Jimin gasps loudly.

"Yoongi!" Jimin cries loudly. He's about to ask what's wrong when he sees the car approaching.

The window rolls down and he almost falls over when he hears, "get in losers, we're going shopping!"

Min Yoongi has never felt happier to hear Jung Hoseok's voice in his entire life.

"Hoseok-ssi, how... how did you find us?" Jimin asks cautiously. He curls his body against Yoongi's in the back seat of Hoseok's car.

"You pinged your location, just like hyung said." Hoseok answers, still driving.

"Wha..." Jimin looks understandably confused. He turns his head to Yoongi, questioningly.

Yoongi sniffs. "Did it all come through clearly, Seok?"

"Yeah hyung, and they can't go too far either. It's literally broadcast everywhere." Hoseok responds, making a right turn.

Yoongi wants to answer but he yelps after being pinched by Jimin. "Min Yoongi, what the hell did you do?" He demands, causing Yoongi to yelp again as his tiny hand wacks him across the arm.

"Yah! I'm delicate!" Then he ducks because he's about to catch more hands thrown his way. "Okay! Okay! They didn't think to check my inner pockets. It was a risk but... I guess it paid off?"

If looks could kill...

Another wack and Yoongi puts his hands up in surrender. "Alright! Tough crowd." He pulls his cell phone out of the interior pocket of the fishing vest he's wearing. "It was on a call with Joon-ah the entire time. Glad my battery didn't drain and I guess we had good enough signal there. I had a dummy phone on me in my main pocket so they'd think that they took phones from the both of us."

Jimin's eyes widen. "You... you..."

"Recorded the entire conversation, yes. Well, I didn't record it. Before that asshole grabbed us, I speed dialed Joon and he knew what to do. They heard everything, Seok?" Yoongi nods.

Hoseok nods then adds, "like I said, it's literally everywhere. Wait until you hear the full story. Gonna knock you on your scrawny ass."

"First of all, of the two of us, you have the scrawnier ass and eyes on the road!"

Jimin stares, flabbergasted and trying to piece everything together. "But that's a risk. What if it died or there was no signal or they found it...?" He wonders aloud but quietly.

"Ah, yeah well... we hoped for the best case scenario but planned for the worst. Figured that if, like you said, signal dropped, the phone died, they'd at least have a location on us, especially if they took your phone and my fake one. Which they did."

Jimin's still staring in shock. "Planned? You planned this?! You knew we were gonna get kidnapped?!" Another pinch.

"Yah! Park Jimin, what did I just tell you about my delicate skin? And no, I didn't know we were going to get kidnapped but full disclosure, was I paranoid and suspecting that you or both of us could be tailed? Yes, especially after that meeting with the social worker. And, please don't pinch me again, yes, before you ask, I planned this with everyone behind your back because I didn't want you to be more freaked out when you were already dealing with so much." He shares.

Jimin sits back, absorbing Yoongi's words. When he's finally ready to talk again, he asks, "but he said they have people everywhere and what if it all fell through?"

"I wouldn't worry about that too much, Jimin-ah. Hyung had a plan to get you out of there, worst case scenario, but just trust me on this, you'll see why I'm saying don't worry soon enough." Hoseok shares, casually, as he pulls up to a familiar place.

But Jimin isn't paying attention because he turns back to Yoongi. "You did all of this?"

Yoongi rubs the back of his neck. "I mean with help, obviously, yes."

"You broke that creep's jaw..." Jimin remembers.

"Would've broken much more if we didn't have to get out of there..." Yoongi can't finish any further thoughts because Jimin has unfastened his seatbelt, straddling Yoongi's lap. Jimin places Yoongi's hands on his ass, wraps his arms around Yoongi's neck. "H-" but he's cut off by lips capturing his.

"Yah! It's bad enough I'm chauffeuring you two. I didn't ask for a porn on top of that!" Hoseok whines, putting the car in park.

Breathless, they pull away from each other long enough for Yoongi to point out of the window. "Jin-hyung!" Jimin shrieks. He turns back to Yoongi, learning into his space. "You promised to spank me later, I won't let you forget." A sultry whisper between lovers.

"We have things to deal with, thirst bucket. Up." Jimin giggles as Yoongi swats him on the butt, motioning for him to get up.

Jimin complies but not before adding, "Ooh, daddy, give me more." Hoseok and Yoongi harmonize their groans.

"So you're telling me you were able to get this live streamed through hyung's social media?" Jimin asks, in awe.

Turns out, Kim Seokjin has a huge social media platform because he's not just a chef. He's a household name. Making appearances on both national and international circuits, he's a popular staple on many cooking channels, local and abroad. He also has a strong following on his vlog.

"Hyung, I need you to indulge this potentially insane idea I have."

"That doesn't sound ominous, at all. Okay, fine. I haven't had that much of a thrilling social life lately. Could use some drama, so I'll make myself available... what you got in mind?"

"Okay, let me preface this by saying I have no proof..."

Jin nods, blinking slowly with boredom. He wants Yoongi to get to the point. "Right. Well, after this whole thing happened with that social worker, I've been thinking that maybe whoever these people are, they could still be after the kids..."

"Go on..."

"It just didn't sit right with me. It came out of nowhere and she was trying damn hard to get my address and to belittle Jimin as much as possible. So I was thinking..."

"That could be a dangerous thing..."

Yoongi rolls his eyes but continues, "I was thinking that I should probably reconcile how someone could be trying to force us to give them the kids and we should probably have a plan around that. Just in case. Because I don't want Jimin to be hurting anymore than he already is."

"You don't really have control over whether or not that happens, Yoongi-ah..." Jin reminds, running a hand through his hair.

"I know but hyung, I promised that I would show up with my best self. And this might not make sense but I can't shake this feeling. I just think, even if it's absurd, the best I could do is listen to it and at least plan around it.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well, I talked to Joon already... if something ever happened to us, do you think you could be on standby...? I've got something figured out. But it requires all of your help." Yoongi mentions. "And I guess it depends on some things..."

"Like I said, I'll make myself available, Yoongi-ah. But I need to know one thing. Are you sure Hoseok had nothing to do with this?"

"We all make a really great team, it turns out. Thankfully, things fell into place so nicely. I had some IT friends walk us through how we could stream hyung's call if it ever got to that point. And once I realized what was happening, I called Jin-hyung right away." Namjoon shares.

Then, Jin chimes in, adding, "and I posted it on my social media, asking my followers to help me find my friends because it sounds like they might have been kidnapped and that the police weren't responding. We did call 119, by the way. But the beauty of the internet..."

"It spread like wildfire... in ways that none of us expected, I'd say..." Namjoon adds. Both Hoseok and Jin nod together.

Hoseok chimes in, bouncing. "Hyung, did you know Jin-hyung had such a big following? His fan base got that location and the guy's information. They spread it so fast. It went global. They linked Beong Woo-Seob to several unresolved trafficking crimes, the agencies he worked for and they have suspects named already! It's a media mess." Everyone's in awe.

Namjoon grabs Hoseok's hand and kisses his knuckles. They smile at each other, affectionately. He mouths how proud of Namjoon he is and Namjoon blushes a bit before adding, "chipmunk, don't forget that we were able to get international support AND international figures were exposed as well. You two are involved in an international scandal!"

He turns away from Hoseok and back to Yoongi. "Hyung, the way you both came across over the call, there's so much sympathy and support rolling in for you, Jimin and the kids. So many communities have globally mobilized behind you... wow!"

"Wow!" Jimin echoes. "Well, what does all of this mean? Did people hear high Yoongi too?" He bounces against Yoongi's side, squealing. Yoongi looks around at everyone confused but they all seem to wear the marks of amusement across their faces.

"Oh yes, there are hashtags trending, including are you a model? That's one of my favorite ones. People even have a name for you, Yoonmin... you're basically celebrities right now. Hyung's work has been trending too. Oh! And there have already been arrests, including Beong Woo-Seob and some European officials who were coming to inspect you both, they got arrested too. Many systems are being investigated. It's going to take a lot of time to unravel all of this but I imagine you'll both be contacted soon. This is really just the beginning."

"So that means they know how insatiable Jimin is even in a life or death matter?" Yoongi counters and Jimin pokes his side.

"Heard every bit of how weird you both are. For some reason, people love it." Jin adds. "My publicist has been blowing my phone up to get you two in a studio for interviews and so many of my fans now want to know if you'll have your own social media."

Jimin leaps forward and bear hugs Jin. "I knew you had a decent sized platform, hyung, but... just..." his eyes become teary as he buries his face in Jin's neck. Jin rubs his back soothingly.

"I can only take credit for the fact that my brilliant personality, charm and face are so loved by many that the people really rallied behind you both but I'm not the mastermind here, Jimin-ah." He mentions, looking towards Yoongi.

Yoongi's face warms and he tries to look away, shaking his head. "I didn't..."

He can't finish because he's once again met with a lap full of Jimin. "My hero..." the younger purrs.

"It wasn't like that..." Yoongi clears his throat, "anyway, it's been a long ass day and a lot to take in so we should all probably rest up because I have a feeling we'll all need to talk... about a lot... very soon."

Jimin kisses his forehead, stroking the side of his face. "Yeah, I want to go kiss my babies and tell them all about it! Wait until Taetae hears you're a hero, hyung."

"I'm not a-"

"Are they sleeping upstairs, dearest?" Hoseok asks, turning towards Namjoon. He smiles warmly and leans his body into the lawyer.

But something reads across Namjoon's face that doesn't match Hoseok's. Confusion. Yoongi may have been high today, he might still be dealing with some residuals of that. The thing is, however, his intuition has always been pretty astute. Crystal clear. So much so, some part of him already reacts before his brain catches up and he almost drops Jimin off his lap as his head snaps in Hoseok's direction.

"I-I don't know, chipmunk? I came in when you all did... I thought you had them..." Namjoon responds, slowly.

Adrenaline again. The pace of his heartbeat picks up as it had several times already today. Yoongi feels his breath becoming more shallow and fast-paced. He can tell by the way Jimin fidgets in his lap, that either he's reacting in a very similar way or responding to the changes manifesting through Yoongi's body.

"I asked you to come back here and check on them, Namu..." Hoseok counters nervously and cautiously.

Yoongi can feel Jimin's body clench. He's sensing what Yoongi has. "Jin-hyung...?" Jimin asks, tentatively. Jin shakes his head slowly, mouth agape.

Realization must settle in with everyone around the same time. Slowly, but surely. Namjoon jumps up from where he's been seated.

He puts his hands out. Placating. Pleading, almost begging. "Okay, okay. Let's not panic. Baby, when's the last you..."

But Hoseok obviously does the opposite of said pleas. "I told you! I got here and unlocked the house, walked them inside and I told them to wait because I needed to grab their stuff but then those guys showed up..."

When they'd all arrived at Yoongi's family house, Namjoon let them know the door was still open but not to be alarmed because he surveyed the house and no one was there. There was also no signs of damage or that someone tried to take anything. He told them of how Hoseok saw the men approaching while he was unloading the car and made the decision to drive away from the house, as not to arouse suspicion. Hoseok then followed the men directly to where Yoongi and Jimin were being held.

"The men who came here... I thought they'd have taken the children to where hyung and Jimin were..." Namjoon surmises.

Yet Hoseok shakes his head, vehemently. "No, dearest... they went straight to that spot and I parked not far from there when I followed them. I swear, I didn't see them bring anything but themselves..."

"Wait... wait. What are you saying right now?" Yoongi interrupts. They all seem to start talking among themselves.

Hoseok frantically reiterating what he saw and remembers. Seokjin recalling whether or not any of them might have called him while he was streaming. Perhaps he missed something. Namjoon wondering whether or not Yoongi or Jimin recall anything else.

Everyone stops when they hear a sniffle. "W-where are the kids, hyung?" Jimin asks, barely above a whisper, tears streaming down his face.

Chapter Text

The first time Taehyung sees the baby, he's supposed to be asleep in his little bed. But it's not his fault. It really can't be helped. Because there's too much noise! And how's a little boy supposed to sleep with so much noise? A bell rings a bunch of times and even when Taehyung takes his little hands to his ears, it won't stop.

Taehyung is not supposed to leave his bed when the lights go out. But he can't help it. That noise is too much. So he goes out to find his night ahjumma or the ahjussi who sometimes comes and reads him stories. He follows the sound of the voices stirring. Big people are starting to move a lot and he can even hear the bigger kids. He doesn't want to be scolded so he drops to the floor in a scurry, crawling and scooting across it quickly. It feels like forever but Taehyung manages to get his little legs across the corridor to the exact location of the sound of the bell.

He watches as the ahjussi makes a magic wall open and the bell stops ringing. He gasps because Taehyung remembers a story about a magic man. And now he thinks he finally caught the ahjussi do magic in front of him. Plenty of times, he'd gift Taehyung coins that seem to appear from the sky, always denying he was the magic man. But this proves it. Especially because what happens next fully seals the deal in Taehyung's mind. The magic wall brings out a baby! Taehyung gasps. His eyes go really wide. His face almost feels like it's about to fall off! A baby! A magic baby!

But Taehyung thinks that maybe the baby wasn't sure about coming out of the magic land yet. He doesn't blame them because if he had a choice, he'd probably go to the magic land too. He thinks there might be a lot of cake there. And Taehyung loves cake. So he doesn't blame the baby one bit that now it's upset and starts crying.

Loud.

Really loud.

Even louder than the bell that was ringing earlier. Taehyung actually doesn't mind, though. It's a magic baby and how often do you get to see one of those?

"Aish! We've got another one," he hears the night ahjumma utter with a sigh. "Welcome, sweet babe. It's okay... shh! Shh! Don't cry. Let's get you in a nice, warm blanket. He's so little, Daehyeok-ah." She picks the baby up and bounces it to try and stop it from crying.

It doesn't really seem to work though. Maybe the ahjumma doesn't know, but Taehyung's almost certain it's because he didn't want to leave the magic land. Maybe he got put here on accident.

Magic ahjussi sighs too and shakes his head. "That's three babies in one week. I wonder if they'll send a social worker at this hour..." Taehyung has to cover his mouth so he doesn't make too much noise but the idea that the magic wall brought three babies... wow!

"Either way, we'll have to make the call. At least this time, there's a crib available. Do you think they left him with any papers?" Night ahjumma is asking while checking the baby carefully. The baby is wiggly and very pink. And upset.

Very cautiously and quietly, Taehyung follows as they bring the baby in the room he's not allowed in. He goes in there sometimes though to read the babies stories. Taehyung hasn't learned words yet but he prides himself on being a great storyteller! The babies don't all seem to understand or appreciate yet because the next day, they're gone. Taehyung hopes this time, the baby will stay. He likes how soft and small babies are, after all. He keeps himself well hidden as they put the baby down in a clear crib.

"There's a note but all it says is it's a newborn baby boy, born the 1st of September... so a few days ago, then. Well, we have that much, maybe we can track down the family from the hospitals. Good to keep a record, in case he's here for his Baek-il. What family name are we on now?" Night ahjumma calls out.

The magic ahjussi walks into another small room. Taehyung knows this room well. Sometimes, he has to sit really still on a big chair and listen as the father or one of the sisters talks to him. Usually, it involves asking him whether or not he thinks he's made good choices.

Magic ahjussi seems to check some papers on the wall. "Uh... we're back on Jeon." He responds, returning back into the room to look at the baby. He looks like he's writing something down when the night ahjumma speaks again.

"Hmm... what does he look like to you? I think he needs something that will make him stand out. Something unique and with great meaning." She's unraveling the baby from his magic blanket and pulling legs and arms. The baby doesn't seem to like that judging by the crying. Taehyung doesn't really understand what they're saying or doing but judging by the baby's response, decides he doesn't really like it that much either.

"Ah... look at how he's watching you closely. He's a special one. My grandfather had a name if I ever had a boy. Family full of girls doesn't quite fit it. I'd like to give this little one that name, and may he live long and well with it." He writes something else on paper before adding, "welcome to the world, Jeon Jeongguk."

The magic ahjussi takes a picture of the baby. Taehyung knows this because ahjussi takes lots of pictures of Taehyung because Taehyung always smiles big and wide. Soon, both adults leave the room. Taehyung waits for what feels like forever before he pushes the chair that's in the room with all of his muscles. He tries not to make a lot of noise but no one seems to notice so he keeps going until he pushes the chair as close to the new arrival as he can. He climbs up and peaks over into the glass crib.

"Hi, behbee! I Taetae!" The baby looks up at Taehyung with big, round eyes and smiles. Taehyung decides he likes this baby immediately.

The next morning, a social worker enters with the night staff. They find Taehyung curled against a chair with his blanket draped over the crib and partly over his body, sleeping. The adults are clearly perplexed by the sight. When the social worker goes to move the baby, his cries startle Taehyung awake.

Wobbly at first, then grumpily, he stands on the chair, shouting, "no! Behbee mine!" To show he truly means business, he also stomps his foot. If they don't put the baby back soon, he'll take it a step further by screaming. That always seems to get them to respond sooner, anyway.

"Yah, Taehyung-ah... you little wiggly one. The baby has to see the doctor to make sure he's okay, yeah? Come, why don't we get you some of your favorite dakjuk, hmm?" Then he's scooped up and whisked away quickly. He gets a candy and it's the most exciting thing in the world because normally he's not supposed to have candy this early.

Wait, wasn't there something he was upset about...?

When Taehyung is formally introduced to the baby, they tell him his name is Jeonggukie. Taehyung tries his hardest to shape that around his little tongue. He thinks he gets it right. He hears himself say 'Googie' and that sounds exactly like that ahjumma said it in his head. The adults all coo and clap for him so Taehyung joins them in delight. Pleased with himself, he tries it on his tongue several more times. It becomes his favorite word to say after no but before cake. That's how Taehyung knows the magic baby is really special to him. He already loves the baby more than cake! Taehyung makes sure to let everyone know that he knows his new favorite person by saying his name as many times as his little tongue will allow.

When Taehyung turns 2 a lot seems to change in his world. The baby is still there. Naturally, he insists that Googie should be his main guest for the festivities. He's also nice enough to make sure the ahjumma is there as well, even if she did take away his favorite toy. He's feeling celebratory so this time, he'll let it slide. The baby is getting bigger and bigger. And Taehyung thinks it might be because he's been visiting him as much as he can. Googie even starts to stand up with help of the big people. And Taehyung's favorite thing is when the baby smiles. His not so favorite thing is when the baby gets him wet because his mouth is leaking. It's okay though because it was a special birthday kiss from baby Googie.

Like the growing baby, other things start to change. Even Taehyung gets taller! He can almost reach the doors now. He tested it out when they tried to close the door so he couldn't visit Googie. Adults are so silly. But overall, the big people don't seem to get it unless Taehyung yells, cries or stamps his foot. He doesn't understand how they don't get that sometimes, he wants to be picked up and then sometimes he wants to be put down. Seems like it takes forever for them to understand. Two is exhausting. He learns a lot of new stuff and it's quite much. A new thing that starts is them giving him something called a nap. He's not sure what he's getting. He can't eat it and even though he insists he is not sleepy, the big people don't seem to listen.

Taehyung learns a lot of new stuff. New words, how to count, he even knows some letters and how to spell his name. They even start showing him how to use something called a potty! Being two is hard. Even though Taehyung is not supposed to go into the room with the babies, he's two now which means he is almost a big boy. With that compelling logic, he continues to maintain his favorite routine of the day. Even with all of the learning and rough times that are being two, Taehyung still makes time for Kookie every night. He grabs his blanket, sneaks into the room and reads Kookie a story. He still doesn't recognize the print on the pages. But the latest development is how he can stand up on the chair and point out all of the letters he does recognize! Then he shows Kookie the pretty pictures and babbles to him about all the prettiness in the book. And Kookie is a great conversationalist. Sometimes, they stay up for a really long time talking about really important topics.

For Kookie's birthday, the ahjussi told Taehyung that he has to help Kookie make a wish. Taehyung remembers one time how ahjussi read him a story and it was about a bug that eats a lot. And Taehyung likes this story because the bug eats cake. Taehyung loves cake. In fact, Taehyung is very excited to be eating cake for Kookie's birthday. In the story, the bug eats the cake and a lot of other stuff. And ahjussi said that Kookie is like that bug. He has to eat to grow and then if he eats enough, he'll turn into a pretty butterfly. Taehyung thinks Kookie would be the prettiest butterfly. That night, Taehyung learned the word 'protect' because bugs that turn into butterflies need protection. So as the candle is being blown for Kookie's wish, Taehyung vows that he will be his protector. He learns about being a hero while watching some of his shows and this just confirms it.

Taehyung remembers his third birthday because Kookie can stand up by himself and when they were about to unwrap his presents, some men showed up. Taehyung counts on his fingers now. There are - - - many. Three! They are all wearing black and they don't smile. Ahjussi yelled at them to get out. Ahjussi never yells. Seeing ahjussi upset made Taehyung cry and then Kookie cried. He clearly was upset too. But Taehyung doesn't think it's fair that he has to go take a nap just because he was upset! He gets a really yummy cake though after he wakes up. He almost forgets about those guys because they don't come back.

The best part of being three is that Taehyung's much bigger now and really almost a big boy. He teaches Kookie how to crawl and how to stand up and he and Kookie go on adventures! One time, Taehyung really wanted bukkumi and he remembers where the ahjussi put them so he and Kookie crawl into the kitchen. Taehyung learned about teamwork from one of his favorite shows. He and Kookie make a great team. Kookie even lets him climb on his back so Taehyung can grab the sweet treats. He slides the plate but it's too big and it falls. The fall makes a loud bang. But it's okay! They're okay! And he makes sure to share with his bestest Kookie because sharing is what good boys do! He learned this because the sister told him he can not take things that do not have his name on it, especially if he doesn't share. So Taehyung figures, because he shared, he's being a good listener! He still ends up in the good choices chair but it was worth it.

The big kids help a lot though. Because they love Taehyung and Kookie and call them their sweet babes. They give Taehyung rides on their backs and shoulders and even invite him to play big kid games. They even sneak sweet treats to them when the ahjumma is not looking. But Taehyung has to keep quiet, they say. So he just nods his head and eats his treat. Three marks how Taehyung can fully say, spell and write his name. Well, he's still working on his letters. But pretty soon, he'll be writing his own book in no time. It's also a time when his best art inspiration comes. Taehyung's drawing all the time, non-stop. He spends hours contemplating said inspiration with his business partner, Kookie. He's developed his own business of making art for his favorite big kids. He especially loves his favorite noona, Jiwon, because Jiwon-noona gives good cuddles and sneaks him the most treats and calls him the best boy.

"Jiwonie-noona, what letters make my name?" He asks one day. "Ah, you see, come. I'll show you." She writes really big and Taehyung's a smart boy. So he's seeing it. Kim Taetae. That's his name. "And what letters make Kookie's name?" She shows him. And Taehyung knows those letters. Then she shows him how his letters are different from Kookie's. And when he uses his best boy eyes, she even shows him how to write both of them!

After they finish, Jiwon adds, "Taehyung-ah, you did so well. You listened so well and you practiced so well. You were patient. You're so smart. You are a good friend to Kookie and you're kind, sweet, the cutest little one. Do you know what that makes you?"

Taehyung looks in wonder but he shakes his head. He really, really wants to know.

Jiwonie squeezes his softly. "You will find out one day, I promise." He scrunches his nose. But he likes Jiwon-noona. So he guesses he believes her.

One time, the men in black come back. Taehyung remembers because they don't smile and it seems to make ahjussi upset. He follows when they take Kookie to change his diaper. Taehyung doesn't wear those anymore because those are for babies and he's not a baby. But it's okay if Kookie does because Kookie is his special cutie.

"We have to do something. They're persistent and I heard from the other orphanage a few kilometres away. They said half of the kids, overnight!"

"There's only but so much we can do, I'm afraid. We can't be awake 24 hours and they're waiting to buy out the easiest person who will give in."

"We can't let that happen!"

The ahjumma walks out of the room and Taehyung does his best to hide. "Is that you, wiggly one?" Taehyung hears. He giggles but covers his mouth, shaking his head. "Come on out, I know you're there."

Taehyung pops his head out to surprise ahjussi and he must do such a great job because ahjussi almost falls out of his chair! "Ah, what am I going to do about you, precocious one. Should've known you wouldn't be too far from this little one." Ahjussi says while picking Taehyung up.

He struggles though and tells Taehyung that he's getting too big and too strong for an old man like him. Taehyung flexes a muscle just like the big kids showed him. He's been working out, after all. Taehyung likes how soft ahjussi's cheeks are. So he puts both of his hands on them. He likes the way they feel on his hands.

"I don't know what I am going to do, little butterfly." Ahjussi says, sighing. "Taehyung-ah, ahjussi is getting old. That means I may not always be able to protect you and Jeonggukie, you understand?"

"It's okay, ahjussi! Taetae protects Kookie! Taetae has big muscles now!" He flexes them just in case ahjussi forgot. Ahjussi chuckles, then nods seriously.

"That's right, Taehyungie. You protect Jeonggukie. If something bad ever happens, don't forget that, okay? Ahjussi wants you to remember that."

One time, Taehyung wakes up but he's in a van. Taehyung knows it's a van because when he had to go see the doctor, he got to ride in the van all by himself. He didn't like the doctor though because they gave him a shot. But doctor-nim was nice and gave him a candy and sticker for being a brave boy.

Taehyung's rocked awake by bumping and Kookie crying.

"Somebody shut that kid up!" A voice yells. Taehyung startles, looking up to see that one of the men in black from before is sitting in the front and looking back at them. He looks really angry. He looks mean too. Taehyung decides he doesn't like this man very much.

Some of the big kids are crying. Some of the other kids are trying not to cry and they have Taehyung and Kookie wrapped around them. Taehyung starts to get upset when he sees Kookie crying and some of the big kids but Jiwon-noona scoops him into her lap.

"Hey little babe, it's okay. You're okay. We're just going on a trip. Why don't you snuggle with Jeonggukie. He seems to sleep better when you two are together, yeah?" Jiwon motions to one of the other big kids to hand over Kookie. The baby still fusses and originally puts up a fight at being held by her.

"Shut that kid up! All of you, be quiet! I don't want a peep out of you! And let me tell you something, don't think to do anything stupid. We have friends in high places, do you know what that means? We know police. They are our friends. If you don't listen, we'll make sure they send you away for a long time." Taehyung definitely does not like this man.

When Kookie realizes that Taehyung is near, he starts to settle better. They snuggle into each other on Jiwon's lap and before long, they're asleep again.

"Taehyungie..." he hears, whispered. "Taehyungie..." this time he groans. "Wake up, Taetae..." He slowly blinks his eyes open to find that Jiwon is shaking him awake.

"I'm making a stop. The little ones stay in here. The rest of you, come with me." One of the men says.

"Taehyungie, don't you have to go potty?" Jiwon asks in a hushed tone and Taehyung scrunches his nose. He doesn't feel like he has to go potty so he shakes his head. "I think you have to go potty, yeah?" She asks again, nodding her head.

Taehyung doesn't feel like his body says potty but if Jiwon is saying it, maybe he really does? Jiwon is a big kid and she knows a lot of things. He nods his head along with Jiwon.

"Good, good. Tell the man you have to go potty, okay?" she instructs.

Taehyung doesn't want to tell the mean men in black anything. "But he said..."

"Trust me, Taetae. If you tell him, he will believe you okay? But you gotta use your big voice and tell him." She nods again and Taehyung nods with her. "Go on..." she urges.

Taehyung takes a big gulp of air so he can use his best, big voice. "SCUSE ME!" he yells. "I GOTTA GO POTTY!"

"Geez, why's that kid so loud?" One of the men asks, while ducking. "Can't you hold it, kid?"

Taehyung looks to Jiwon because that's a really good question. For right now, he doesn't feel like he has to potty. So can he hold it. Jiwon shakes her head. So Taehyung shakes his head. He even whines. "I can't hold it!"

"Sajang-nim, he's only three. He needs to go more frequently unless you want this whole van to smell. I-I could take them and change the baby, too!"

"Take the kid. Baby stays here. In fact, put him back in that chair!" The man instructs. Jiwon nods then bows.

She does as instructed and puts Kookie in the chair. Taehyung thinks she didn't do it right because he doesn't remember seeing them put him in like that before. He goes to tell her she's not doing it right but she scoops him up quickly and runs into a building. One of the other men leaves the van too to do something called smoke.

When Jiwon gets inside the stall, she helps Taehyung go to potty. Okay maybe he really did have to go after all. When they're done, she crouches down to Taehyung's level. "Taehyungie, listen to noona, okay?" She whispers. "I'm going to take you back out to Kookie and I want you to come back in here with Kookie, straight to me, okay? Don't say anything, just come straight to noona."

Something is happening in the other restrooms because the men in black sound upset and are yelling from in there but Jiwon keeps Taehyung close to her, trying as much as possible to block his body. She stands at the door of the restaurant, waiting. Once she seems to be satisfied, she bends quickly, "you gotta be fast, Taehyungie and be sneaky. Okay? Like when you try to sneak dasik. Very quiet now, go." She opens the door just enough for Taehyung to crawl out.

He crawls back to the van. The man who stepped out stands on the other side of the van, smoking and talking on a phone. The door is open so that makes Taehyung's life a lot easier. When Taehyung wiggles into the van, Kookie is awake. The baby goes to squeal his excitement but Taehyung covers his mouth and shushes him.

"This is important, Kookie. We're on another superhero mission! I don't think we're getting sweets with this one but maybe Jiwonie-noona will get us some. You have to be quiet." He moves his little fingers around to undo the chair's restraints. But maybe he's getting much faster because it didn't take that much. Kookie wiggles out of the chair, onto the van floor. "We gotta go inside to Jiwonie-noona!" He squeaks, triumphantly.

As he's leaving the van, a vibration and light startles him. Curious, Taehyung leans his little head over the front seat and sees that there's a phone in one of the seats. Initially, Taehyung wants to continue on and leave but then something he recognizes catches his eye. His name. On a folder. And right under it, Jeon Jeonggukie's name. Taehyung huffs impatiently.

"That's not theirs, that's mine and Kookie's. That's not fair!" He pouts. Looking out of the window, he sees the guy is still on the phone. If he wants to make good choices, the sister said if it has his name on it, it's his and if not, he has to ask and share. He figures, if he is taking his and Kookie's, he's only taking his and sharing with Kookie.

But sometimes adults can be very confusing. So Taehyung wants to make sure they don't try to take it back. He makes sure to stay ducked down, wiggles to the front seat and slides the two folders towards his body. He lifts his shirt up really big and slides the folders down. It's cold so he giggles because it tickles. Kookie has maneuvered his body to climb out feet first from the opened van. Oh yeah! Kookie has the right idea, they have to get to Jiwon-noona. He, too, follows and wiggles his way to the ground. Kookie tries to crawl towards the big store that has toys in it. And honestly, Taehyung would like to go too. That Kookie is a genius. But at the last second, they see Jiwon waving to them.

He crawls in front of Kookie and the baby follows eagerly. Jiwon slides the door open just enough for their little bodies to squeeze through. Quickly, she bends down as if she is tying her shoe. "Taehyungie, take Jeonggukie and run from the bad men. Go fast, little babe but stay hidden!" Then, she pops up, sliding closer to the restrooms and says, "oh! Sajang-nim... I-I..."

One of the men in black huffs, "what, kid? Spit it out, we don't have all day!"

Jiwon puts her head down, cheeks flaring in a blush. "Well, you see... I-I... need help...?" She says barely above a whisper. So much so, one of them has to lean into her space to hear her.

Jeongguk seems to have taken that as his cue because he's crawling away, under tables with Taehyung right behind him. Jiwon lifts her eyes just enough to see the babies disappear further into the restaurant. She whispers again to which he huffs impatiently, demanding she repeat herself.

"I'm not a mind reader, kid. Don't waste my time." Jiwon ducks, ashamed.

"I just got my period... I need money for..." before she can finish, the man flusters and flails.

"Fuck! Park, get out here! You have a sister. Figure this out!"

On the other side of the restaurant, Kookie sits up right before pointing his little finger in a direction and leading them. Kookie is a great navigator, Taehyung's always believed that. He'll know exactly where to go. Sure enough, it's not long before they're both crawling under a table. And then Kookie tugs at pants. But the person doesn't seem to hear him but that's okay because Kookie just makes sure he does by crawling up his leg. It's a pretty table. A red booth and Taehyung likes the colors. So he decides not to crawl any longer. Instead, he climbs onto the seat and slides in. They have two ice creams!

He likes how he can bounce his butt on the seat. And he likes how Kookie asks the man for a spoon and he gives it to him. And he looks like a cat. And Taehyung loves kitties so he must be nice.

"Hello! I'm Taehyung but I like when my friends call me Taetae! Are you my friend? I'm this many!" He holds up three fingers. The man blinks and looks between Taehyung and Kookie. "That's Kookie! He's this many! What's your name?" The man blinks and Taehyung's not sure but now he kind of reminds him of mandu. Taehyung likes mandu. It's very yummy. Taehyung decides that maybe kitty-faced mandu man is nice but he sure doesn't talk much. Taehyung likes his hair too.

He makes a point to tell him as much. "I like your hair! Can I have this? It looks so yummy but I was told I was supposed to ask first. So I'm asking, see?" Then, he smiles really big. The man doesn't say anything but he slides the glass over to Taehyung. It's got a big swirly straw and oh boy, this is going to be yummy. "Thank you, what's your name?"

"Y-Yoongi..."

"Are you my hyung?! Are we friends? I went to the doctor for my teeth. And he said I can not eat no more sweets. So I'm not going to eat no hard things no more on my teeth. But I can have this one. It's soft! Can I have more?" Yoongi nods as Kookie excitedly bangs his spoon on the table. Kookie made a great discovery on this mission. They get a new hyung, Kookie gets a spoon to play with, he's not fussy, and Taehyung gets an ice cream treat! Taehyung's impressed.

Taehyung has a new order of favorites. There's Kookie. Then his new hyungs. Then cake.

His hyung, Chimmy, called him the best boy and gives him cuddles and is really pretty. Taehyung likes how his hair looks like cotton candy! Taehyung had cotton candy once. Ahjussi surprised him. It was so yummy. And Taehyung wishes he could bite Chimmy-hyung's hair. But his stomach is really full because his hyungs bought him a lot of food. And he doesn't even have to share this time! But he still does because he likes sharing food with his Kookie. Chimmy calls him sweetheart. And Taehyung doesn't exactly know what that means but he likes how his Chimmy says it. He likes how his Chimmy smiles and his eyes are pretty too. And he smiles nice! He gives great hugs and nuzzles. Taehyung really likes their new bath time. Chimmy sings to him and he lets Taetae sing too! And he asks Taetae if he wants to take a bath alone or with Kookie. Sometimes, it's fun just taking a bath by himself because Kookie sometimes splashes too much. Chimmy asks if Taehyung wants a nightlight. He never had a nightlight. But it's really pretty. He gets to have lots of bedtime stories and toys. Taehyung wants to be pretty and kind like Chimmy.

Chimmy told him that Yoonie-hyung got him and Kookie all these amazing things. Including lots of snacks! And he gets his own big kid bed! And Taehyung has a new house. And it's really pretty. It has so many great places to explore. And Taehyung likes how it smells. Because Yoonie-hyung gave it to him! Taehyung can hardly believe it! When Taehyung was with the father, he told him about families. He said some people might come and take him to live with their family. But that made him a little bit sad when he asked if Kookie was coming too and they said no. Said Taehyung didn't want to go with anyone that would keep him from his Kookie. And he made that be known any way he could. Many people came and visited. They all called Taehyung cute until he let them know he wasn't going anywhere without his Kookie. But Yoonie and Chimmy don't take him away from Kookie. In fact, he doesn't even have to sneak off anywhere because he and Kookie get to be in the same room!

Yoonie doesn't always cuddle right away. But Taehyung still likes his cheeks and the way he looks like a soft kitty. And Yoonie-hyung lets Taetae squish them with his hands. Yoonie-hyung makes great voices for story time, too. He cuts their fruit into the best, fun shapes. He likes when Taehyung draws him all kinds of pictures and even tells Taehyung that he could draw pictures for Chimmy and Chimmy would really love it. And Yoonie-hyung takes lots of pictures. Taehyung loves pictures and smiling. Some of them go in these nice boxes and Yoonie-hyung hangs them up. Sometimes Taehyung has a scary dream and Yoonie picks him up and plays music until it isn't scary no more. And when Kookie is upset, he gives him cuddles too. And Yoonie always asks Taetae if he wants to be his special helper. He likes to help! Especially when it comes to taking care of Kookie. Taehyung can tell that Kookie likes his new house too so that makes Taehyung feel even better. One time, Yoonie-hyung was really upset when Kookie was sick but he didn't yell at Taehyung or Kookie. Even when Taehyung said some not nice things. Taehyung was really sorry, especially because he made Yoonie cry. He didn't mean it. So he made him the best drawing in all the world. Taehyung loves to draw and he doesn't tell anybody, but he saves his best drawings for his Yoonie. Taehyung wants to be nice and strong like Yoonie.

Yoonie and Chimmy teach him to dance. They teach him to cook. They call him the best boy. They play with him so much! He loves when they give him kisses and cuddles and snuggles. He loves when Chimmy listens to his story and tells him it's okay when he gets too excited. He loves when they call him little love. And he loves when Yoonie says 'good morning, little love' and gives him tickles from the tickle monster. Taehyung especially loves that he gets even more hyungs because Yoonie-hyung said he was going to bring more over. And he did!

Taehyung loves spending time with his Namu-hyung. At first, he wasn't sure. Namu-hyung could be all the way up to the sky. But then, Taehyung saw him smile and he loved his cheeks immediately. Namu lets him poke his cheeks. He has something in them called dimples. And Namu teaches him all kinds of stuff. When Chimmy is at the school, Namu comes over and goes over his letters and he tells Taehyung that he's a really smart boy. Yoonie says that's because Taehyung is a little genius. Taehyung's still trying to figure out what a genius is but it sounds like such a great thing. He wants to be more of it. Namu-hyung took one of Taehyung's best drawings and put it in one of those boxes like Yoonie did. But he took it with him to something he calls his office. So Taehyung thinks maybe Namu-hyung needs more pictures so he won't take them away. And Namu listens to all of Taehyung's stories! In fact, he even adds to the stories. Namu-hyung says one day, Taehyung could be a really good storymaker. Taehyung wants to be smart and goofy like Namu-hyung!

Namu-hyung brings Hobi-hyung! Taehyung loves his Hobi so, so, so much! Hobi-hyung has the best smile! Hobi-hyung likes to tickle him and toss him in the air. They play and they dance. Sometimes, Hobi-hyung plays the big, strong knight in Tae's stories. He's really good! And Hobi-hyung teaches him new music and sings with him when Taehyung watches his shows. Hobi-hyung is also a great cuddler. Taehyung doesn't even mind nap times, especially when Hobi-hyung is there. Taehyung loves Hobi's nose. And Hobi let's him play with it! When Hobi-hyung comes over, they get to go out a lot. He and Yoonie and sometimes Namu take them to all kinds of cool places. Taehyung's favorite place to go with Hobi-hyung is to the park! Hobi-hyung swings him so high! Taehyung couldn't believe it. He almost thought he was going to fly all the way to the sky. Hobi-hyung doesn't always get to stay for dinner time disco. That sometimes makes Taehyung sad. Because Hobi-hyung loves to dance and Taehyung loves to dance with him. But Hobi-hyung does sometimes bring him to a place called a studio. And he says maybe Taehyung could learn more about dance. Taehyung would like that very much! He loves to boogie. He wants to be fun and happy like Hobi-hyung!

When Taehyung spends time with Uncle Jinnie-hyung, he's so excited, he doesn't even have the words. The sister told him it was not polite to stare. But Taehyung can't help it! Uncle Jinnie-hyung looks pretty like one of the shows Taehyung watches. He's like magic. And Uncle Jinnie has a great laugh. And he makes silly faces with Taehyung and Kookie. Taehyung loves when Uncle Jinnie comes over because he always brings yummy treats! Uncle Jinnie makes the BEST cakes. And he always sneaks them to Taehyung. He joins for dinner time disco and shows off his best moves. And he calls Taehyung cutie while squishing his cheeks. He also told Taehyung not to tell Yoonie and Chimmy but Uncle Jinnie gives Taehyung nice crisp money. And it's their little secret and he hides it in a special place that only they know about. He said it's not bad. It's like having buried treasure. And Taehyung saw a movie once about buried treasure and Uncle Jinnie says it's okay because Taehyung's name is on the money! Taehyung loves visiting Uncle Jinnie too because he makes him his special helper in the kitchen. His kitchen is much bigger than the one at the house but Taehyung won't tell Yoonie that. Taehyung wants to be warm and beautiful like Uncle Jinnie!

On Taehyung's third birthday, he wished he could be happy for a very long time. He loves trips to the park, something called a museum and going for walks. He loves music on the record player and dancing. He loves his art supplies and his big kid bed. He loves that Kookie can walk better because they move so much faster now! He loves when Yoonie-hyung sits on the floor with him and they build stuff. And when Chimmy sits on the floor and plays dress up with him. He loves taking car trips. And he gets to meet more family. His halmeoni smells like fresh bread and she's soft and warm. She gives really great hugs. And she tells him good stories. His other halmeoni smells like a seashell. Taehyung got to smell one when they went to a beach! Taehyung liked the beach even if the water was too cold. His other halmeoni gave him extra sweets because he's so cute and she said sweeties should have sweets! His haraboji has a nice, squishy tummy. And he smells like trees. He showed Taehyung how to build with wood! And he's a great snuggler. His other haraboji laid on the floor with him to teach him all kinds of new games. He has two more uncles too! And they play with him a lot. And they make him fly and put him on their shoulders.

Taehyung loves his Yoonie and Chimmy so much. They bring more and more family all the time! He loves that they cuddle each other more and they give more kisses and hugs. Because Taehyung loves cuddles, hugs and kisses. So he gives them plenty of cuddles and kisses too. They wipe his boo-boos and his tears. And they tell him it's okay if he's upset. And they stay with him to fight off the monster that he thinks has been trying to sneak under his bed. But Taehyung knows his Yoonie is a hero. Because he heard him tell Chimmy that he was getting big muscles and he was Captain Korea. So Taehyung knows that Yoonie always saves the day. And he told Taehyung that he would scare off any other monsters that even dare try to sneak off to his bed. Yoonie taught him that he is the hyung and that's what hyungs do. And Taehyung is Kookie's hyung. He wants to be a good hyung like Yoonie and Chimmy. And all of his new hyungs. There are so many now. He can hardly count!

Taehyung had so much fun at Chimmy's other house with all of his family. Uncle Jinnie taught him to make a certain face. He said it was a charmer. And Taehyung didn't know what that meant but he remembered that Uncle Jinnie said to use his charms when people tell him he is cute. Taehyung got to dress up and when people kept calling him cute, he widened his eyes and poked out his lips exactly how Uncle Jinnie taught him. And when it came time for celebrations, he did the steps just like Hobi-hyung showed him. And when it came time to do something that Uncle Jinnie calls lay on the charm, he recited his letters and numbers just like Uncle Namu taught him. He did the rituals just like Yoonie said and gave Chimmy a bunch of kisses because Yoonie said that would make Chimmy the happiest. And he really was so, so happy. And Taehyung will never, ever forget it. Because Chimmy was so happy that he came back with them! And even better, Yoonie and Chimmy surprised them with a trip to Uncle Jinnie's!

Taehyung spends so much time telling Uncle Jinnie all about how he laid on the charm and Uncle Jinnie told Taehyung he was so proud to have something called a mini protege. Taehyung doesn't understand but Uncle Jinnie said to trust that it was a great thing. It gets even better because then he gets to visit Hobi-hyung! Uncle Jinnie said he had something called an emergency. So Hobi-hyung took them to get some yummy food and then toys! And Taehyung told him all about Chuseok. Kookie joined in too!

"Okay Hobi's babies, let's get you inside. Taetae, you may have one snack from this bag, okay?" Hobi-hyung shares as he opens the door, lowering bags. Taehyung is so excited to see that Chimmy's fort is still there and he remembers that Yoonie said he was going to make them one for their room too!

Excitedly, Taehyung bounces up and down, grabbing the container for his snacks and putting it inside Jeongguk's diaper bag, he grabs it then says, "I want to help! I can do it! Hobi-hyung, may I go up to my room? I can take this upstairs like a good helper! And I haven't seen my room in forever!" He really hasn't. It's been so long that it causes him to put his hand over his forehead. Life as a three year-old is sometimes really, really hard.

Hobi-hyung chuckles. "Well, that's a new one. Looks just like your Uncle Jinnie's doing." He shakes his head with a smirk. "Yes, but don't play on the stairs. Go slow if Jeonggukie follows you, yeah? I'll be right back, I have to grab the rest of your things from the car."

They're already heading up the stairs when Hobi-hyung heads back outside to the car. "Come on, Kookie kookie! We can share snacks! Hobi-hyung said one but I think he won't mind because I shared." Impeccable logic.

Jeongguk seems to agree as he crawls up the stairs right behind him and says, "snacks!"

Although the bag is pretty much bigger than Taehyung's body, he's done this before and is able to get himself, the bag and the snacks up without any spills. Yoonie-hyung is right. He's getting so much stronger! Taehyung then waits patiently for Kookie to make it and then they head to their room, dragging the diaper bag along. His face drops into a frown and his shoulders droop when he sees there is no fort. But it's okay. Maybe Yoonie-hyung just hasn't had time yet.

He's about to lower the bag when something runs a cold chill up his body, shaking him involuntarily.

"I'm telling you, Park, I'm pretty sure that car belonged to this house! I saw a car pull off."

"That makes no sense, dumb ass. Why would someone pull off and leave the door open?"

"Maybe they saw us, genius. Ever think about that?"

"Shut the hell up and check the place out. No one leaves a door wide open for no reason."

Taehyung knows those voices. He has something Namu-hyung called a photographic memory. Taehyung isn't really sure what that means or how to say it. But Namu-hyung said it means that Taehyung is able to remember a lot of stuff very quickly. He also remembered something else. The voice of his noona telling him to run from the bad guys. Taehyung makes a very quick determination. It sounds like the men in black are in the house. He'll need to move super fast like Dash on The Incredibles. And he has to save Kookie. Taehyung grabs the flashlight that Yoonie showed him works to keep monsters away. He puts it in the diaper bag. There's a wicker basket that Chimmy brought to keep fresh blankets. Taehyung and Jeongguk love this basket because they've had many amazing adventures in it. Taehyung grabs a blanket and wraps it over Kookie.

"Kookie, the bad guys are here. They're trying to get us. Don't worry, I'll protect you until Yoonie gets here and saves us, okay? But you have to be very quiet. We're going on a secret mission." Taehyung whispers.

Then he puts a finger to his lips. Jeongguk mimics him even though he looks like a ghost right now with the blanket over him. Taehyung thinks this might be added protection. People are scared of ghosts. Taehyung hikes the diaper bag up. It's bigger than him but he slowly, yet quietly waddles across the hallway. When he gets to Yoongi's door, he motions for Jeongguk to scurry over. Jeongguk does as instructed and in any other circumstance, it might be quite humorous to see tiny apparition Jeongguk spooking the hallways of their house.

They can hear footsteps and someone says, "yah! There's a second floor, stairs right here!"

Taehyung's eyes widen. They'll never make it out of the front door right now. But there's only one place he knows that they'll be safe and protected. The same place he always goes to when he wants safety. Yoonie's closet. Yoonie won't say it because Taehyung's learned from enough documented evidence of his cartoons, that he can't just tell the truth about who he really is. But every superhero has a secret place where they keep their super suit. And by Taehyung's estimations, Yoonie's is in his closet. He learned that from Edna Mode. In fact, he's spent many a day poking around to find the super suit. That Yoonie is pretty smart though. He can't let anyone see it. But it's as solid a plan as any in Taehyung's mind so they crawl inside the closet, making sure it's closed. He takes the blanket off Kookie and lays it in the corner that has the longest clothes hanging. He hopes that's enough to hide them until they're saved. They sit down on the blanket.

"Kookie, the bad guys are here. But I won't let them get you. I'll protect you. And Yoonie will come find us. You remember we heard him say he was a superhero, right?" Kookie nods, of course he remembers. That was an important revelation, after all.

Outside of the closet, Taehyung can hear footsteps. "We have to be very quiet, okay, Kookie?" He whispers. The little one nods again and puts his finger up to his lips like they'd done earlier.

"Would you look at that? Well, there's definitely kids staying here. Horangi should know. You should call him now. I think we at least got a lead or something."

"That doesn't really help if there are no kids. Come on, search all the rooms."

"This room's nice. I didn't have shit like this when I was a kid. Would've loved a bed like this." There is absolutely no way Kim Taehyung will allow this bad man to have his bed. He'll bite him if he has to. And he hasn't bitten anyone in a while, so that's really saying a lot.

"Me neither. Must be some asshole with a lot of money to throw around. Nothing here, check that one over there."

"All clear in this one too. Nicely designed room. Whole house could be in a magazine. Yah! This bathroom is adorable. I always wanted rubber ducks!"

"Would you get your shit together and quit with the nostalgia?"

"I'm just saying, a lot of care was put into this. They must really care about their kids is all."

"Be sure to write them a postcard from prison. If these are the kids we think it is, probably won't even matter. I'm going to check this one across the hall."

"I'm telling you, I saw that dancer, that's why we tailed him."

Taehyung can hear footsteps enter Yoongi's room. As steps sound closer to the closet, Taehyung covers his mouth with both hands. Jeongguk mimics the same over his own. The footsteps go to move away from the closet.

"Yeah, well... doesn't look like he came here." But then something pauses. Taehyung hears footsteps again. The closet's being opened and Taehyung slaps his hands over his eyes, closing them tightly. Jeongguk does the same.

He hears a huff and sees the man's hand sorting through Yoongi's clothes. "This guy sure wears a helluva lot of black." Taehyung puffs out his cheeks to hold his breath. The time is agonizingly slow but eventually, the closet closes again.

"That's because I think we spooked him. I'm telling you, he probably saw us and pulled off. Call Horangi. Let him know we might have at least found the house but no lead on the kids yet."

Taehyung's little heart is beating so fast. He really thinks it might jump out of his chest. He hears the footsteps going down the stairs again. It's so quiet save for him breathing and possibly Kookie's.

"Horangi-nim, we think we found the Min guy's house but no kids here. Should we stick around until someone shows up?"

"That asshole really just hung up on me. Come on. Let's go get barbecue. There's a place not far from here. No telling when or if they'll ever get back here."

"Should we close the door?"

"Nah, if this is the house, they might get freaked out and slip up and we'll grab the kids."

"Okay, let's slow down. It's dark out and retracing steps this late could be dangerous." Namjoon says, running his hands through his hair. Yoongi snorts at that. As if his entire life hasn't been the epitome of danger all day. Namjoon starts pacing. "Okay, the good thing is there are so many people getting shut down and arrested and exposed that if, and this is a big if, someone has the children, it's only a matter of time. Let's just retrace again before we call the police."

"You said Taehyung asked you to go upstairs and you told him you were running to the car to grab the rest of their stuff, right?" Jin chimes in.

Hoseok bites his bottom lip, nodding nervously. "No sooner than I got back outside, I heard them approaching so I jumped in the car and pulled off, hoping they would follow me. I pulled over at the next corner, just enough to see if they'd pull off in either direction."

"And you're certain the babies went upstairs?" Jimin asks to which Yoongi turns, looking at him. It's the first time he's spoken since realizing the children are missing.

Hoseok sighs, trying to blink back tears. "I just remember he asked if he could go upstairs and that he could help me take the diaper bag up. I think I remember them heading up the stairs but..." He sniffles and shakes his head, blinking back tears.

"Come on, Seok... deep breaths, okay?" Yoongi says gently. "And you checked upstairs?" He directs towards Namjoon to which Namjoon nods in the affirmative.

"When I got here, it was the first thing I did, especially seeing the door opened." He adds. It goes quiet again. The quiet feels so stifling. Yoongi's grinding his teeth. He knows his dentist told him not to but alas.

"Is there any way they could've taken them out from the patio, maybe pulled the car in here and then pulled off?" Yoongi wonders aloud.

Hoseok shrugs, "hyung, anything is possible at this point. It's just... I don't remember seeing them turn out onto the road. I thought they pulled straight off. Now I'm doubting myself though because it's a blur."

Namjoon rubs Hoseok's back comfortingly. "I just feel like there would have been a big fuss. What about the cameras? Do we have the nanny cam loaded?" He's heading towards Yoongi's office to try and load the cameras. "Okay so right now, we at least know Taehyung asked to go upstairs and likely did." He calls out.

"Maybe I should post something on social media and we should decide how much longer we will wait before we alert the authorities?" Seokjin suggests, handing Hoseok a box of tissue.

Jimin sighs into Yoongi. "What's up, baby? Talk to me..." Yoongi coaxes. Jimin looks at him with big, frightened eyes.

"I-I just... I don't want anything to happen to them, hyung. I can't think of the unthinkable right now. I just want them home here where they're safe and comfortable." He lets the tears fall and Yoongi catches them with his thumb.

A beat. Another. A blink. Then Yoongi's eyes widen. "What did you say?"

Jimin looks at him in confusion. His own eyes widen again, this time confusion mixed with fear.

"Jimin, what did you say?" Yoongi repeats.

"About what?" Jimin asks, cautiously.

"About home..." Yoongi prompts.

"Oh, just that I want them home where they're safe and comfortable... hyung, wha-" But Yoongi is already up.

"I think I know where they are!" He exclaims. But then he's stuck between wanting to include Jimin or just going with his gut. "Baby, come with me." He offers, grabbing at Jimin's wrist. His boyfriend is every bit confused, scared, upset.

Hoseok's stopped his fretting and looks up at Yoongi with a mix of worry and hope. Seokjin's pulled his phone away, mouth hanging open, eyebrow raised. Something in the office causes Namjoon to electroshock himself from static. It's enough to get him out of the chair and back into the common area.

"If I'm wrong, call 119. We'll be right back." Yoongi says, pulling a perplexed Jimin up the stairs.

"Hyung, Namjoon already..." Jimin starts but Yoongi shushes him.

Funny how sometimes, the smallest word, phrase, smell or feeling can bring about so much. It's all so vivid now. Bright and in technicolor.

"I know you're in there, little love. Why do you spend so much time in there?"

"It's a secret!" A tiny voice calls out, snickering.

"Yeah, well you better not have any bugs or food in there!"

"Come on out, time to eat."

"Aww! But I like it in here."

"What the hel- uhh heck is so special?"

"It's magical. It's my favorite place and it's myyyy secret!"

Yoongi crouches down and opens the closet. He looks to his right, nothing. If he were Taehyung... if he were thinking like Taehyung, he thinks maybe he should check the left. That's where all of Yoongi's longer wardrobe is and he's had to peel him out of there when he's swinging from the clothes or talking about a top secret mission he has in there. He peels some of the clothes back and sure enough, he gasps. He motions for Jimin to crouch down and join him. Jimin also gasps, tears in his eyes. Yoongi takes his phone out because nothing else will explain this.

In the left corner of his closet, curled together asleep on one of their baby blankets, are Taehyung and Jeongguk. Taehyung's little arms wrapped protectively around the baby with the monster-proof flashlight held tightly against Jeongguk's back. A pastry box open with half eaten pastries sits at their entangled little feet. Used as their pillow, the diaper bag Jimin picked out all those months ago. Taehyung tried to change Jeongguk's diaper, as indicated by the rolled up, soiled diaper and a mostly sagged, not all the way on one that lays on the baby. Wipes and powder everywhere. Jimin turns away, fully sobbing into Yoongi's shirt. To which, he kisses his boyfriend's temple tenderly, blinking away his own tears.

"Look at my smart, clever boy. I don't even want to wake them, this is the most adorable shit I've ever seen," Jimin hiccups, shaking his head. "Please tell me you took pictures."

Yoongi smiles, "of course I did, beautiful. Come on, let's get them up so Jeongguk doesn't mark my closet." Jimin responds in a watery snicker. Yoongi leans further into the closet, running his hand along Taehyung the way he always does when he wakes him. It takes a few breaths but slowly, the little boy stirs.

Smiling affectionately, Yoongi says, "hey there, little love. I'm here. We're here."

Taehyung blinks his eyes awake, yawning, then looks up. He might be sleepy but he smiles knowingly when he says, "I knew it."

Chapter Text

When a poison gets into a system, it's not always fast acting. Some are intentionally slow, insidious and work to destroy ecosystems over an extended period of time, with extended exposure. The poison can come from some of the most innocuous sources. Berries, plants, snakes. Sometimes slow-acting poisons are tasteless, odorless. The recipient often doesn't even know until it's much too late.

There are some things about slow-infiltrating poisons that Yoongi finds fascinating. It messes with your feeling, sensing and noticing.

Yoongi's not sure which comes in what order.

He's not sure if there even is an order. Maybe they all show up at the same time. Maybe they blend into each other. One thing is certain, he doesn't notice at first. Maybe, if he really gave himself time to fully sit with it, he's somewhere between feeling and sensing. But definitely not at noticing.

Time doesn't stop. But the Min family home does for a bit. And it's understandable. With everything that's happened, Yoongi becomes that much more grateful for family and friends who give him and Jimin time and space to rest. In some way or other, they'd all offered to take the children but considering what all just happened, posed no arguments when the offers were quickly declined.

Interviews.

News outlets, police, international governments, another social worker or five, some newly acquired social media following. Some are avoidable. Some not. Some can be postponed. Thankful are they to Namjoon for taking lead on the legal things, Seokjin for getting his manager to funnel all social media requests, Hoseok for bringing extra groceries or a random funny text.

So much goes on around them and yet, Jimin is still under investigation with the school. It's unspoken but neither one of them has any desire to expend much energy on much else at the moment. And so, it goes like this: Yoongi covers meals, Jimin covers bath-times, they both split activities, naps and story times. They spend a lot of time in Jimin's living room fort and even more time in Yoongi's bed, now that the children have taken to sleeping with them at night.

Pretty understandable, considering.

It isn't that Yoongi wasn't ready but these changes come in layers. Levels. Sometimes so subtle in movement, you could sneeze and that would be louder. They don't really speak on it but the unspoken agreement between him and Jimin is that it's okay to slow down. To slow way down.

Jeongguk's changes are the most steadying. They make the most sense. The baby becomes more confident in his steps, loves running and climbing stairs. He's even figured out how to climb the baby gate when not monitored. And he's fast. So fast.

He learns more ways to express himself and his personality is really starting to show. He's a very cheeky, playful baby. His newest favorite is sticking his little foot in someone's face. A practical joker already. Even when he's quiet. In fact, sometimes, he's so quiet that the whole house shuts down for Operation: Find Jeongguk. And if breathing or heart rates pick up, again, pretty understandable in this time. He doesn't often get too far though and finding him is usually rewarded in the most adorable baby cackle.

Yoongi's changes, well Yoongi thinks he changes around the others' changes. So his changes are confusing. Because while Jeongguk's baby changes make the most sense, he's sensing Taehyung and Jimin... not so much?

At first, he doesn't see it.

"I want to sit next to my favorite, Yoonie-hyungie!" is how it starts. Well, it started well before that but if Yoongi were to put a pin, this is where he'd tack it.

It's not that they go too far. They spend less time going out to the parks lately and more time doing things out on the tiny patio and yard space. But somehow, Taehyung manages to follow Yoongi everywhere. He starts insisting on dressing like Yoongi (or his interpretation), he starts to inflect words like Yoongi. Taehyung becomes Yoongi's baby shadow.

Jimin teases Yoongi through non-verbal gestures. But it's cute. Another curious thing happens in the way Taehyung asks questions. "My Yoonie," Taehyung says solemnly. His voice and expression very grave, serious.

Then a barrage of the most interesting questions come.

"My Yoonie, do you know Iron Man?" (obvious answer: no, met with much disappointment)

"My Yoonie, do you pick flying or disappearing?" (answer: "uhh... I like to keep my feet on the ground, Taetae")

"My Yoonie, is bed time the right time to fight crime?" (answer: "bed time is for going to bed, Tae")

Yoongi and Jimin have been reading a lot and listening to lectures on child development. This is a peak time for Taehyung's world to become expansive. He'll ask a lot of questions and challenge his surroundings. Those changes actually do make sense, even if they seem to be fixated on one particular source.

In fact, even his challenging rules, while a bit draining, is teaching Yoongi, especially, how to communicate.

"Taehyung, let's get ready for story time." Yoongi mentions not long after the bed time question. Typically, Taehyung relishes in story time. Even if that means he ends up taking naps.

It's different this time when he crosses his arms and firmly says, "no."

They had a restless night, between Taehyung insisting on sleeping in the bed, sprawling across them and Jeongguk being fussy. Jimin's taking a nap now. Something Yoongi's noticed he hasn't had to offer much lately. It's good for him. Naps are good. And Taehyung could benefit from one as well. Especially after trying to flush his rubber duck down the toilet because he got the idea from Finding Nemo.

Yoongi read about this. And thank the heavens he loves to read and know random facts (though in this case, child rearing tips are not so random). He knows he wants to model curiosity right now even if his instincts are feeling a bit sensitive and challenged at the moment. Any toddler can be a bit much at times, but Taehyung, who insists on following him everywhere has now also resorted to refusing any help or support from Jimin.

Taehyung's rolling around on the floor. His underwear are missing. Another habit that's happened recently. One that's also inspired a cheeky, diaper-wearing (or non-wearing) baby. Yoongi sighs. He's tired. If he were offered the opportunity to curl up in a nice warm blanket and have someone read to him, he'd surely take it. And it makes him think about this quote he once read on youth being wasted on the young. Nonetheless, exhausted Yoongi is modeling for naked, challenge-seeking Taehyung. He sits down on the floor, hoping he'll have the energy to get back up after. (He could also see himself rolling across the floor if standing just feels too much. Truly, he doesn't even blame Taehyung, because, same)

"Alright. I see you don't want to." Yoongi points out. "How come?"

===

The thing is, it's understandable that time is needed, really. But it also comes with set backs. Yoongi finds himself caught in that space of wanting no one around and not wanting to do this with just two people. It's confusing. It feels stifling. Like he really has no space or energy to even think on it, let alone figure it out. He's starting to feel more obligation than want right now. And maybe he's just plain exhausted.

As children develop, so do the ways in which they learn to navigate the world. But slowly, quietly... almost as undetected, Taehyung's changes move from Yoongi sensing to him noticing that perhaps, this could be something bigger. The questions become more specific and insistent. When it doesn't feel satisfactory, when Yoongi can't encourage Taehyung to some one on one time, when Jimin can't seem to pull Taehyung away from Yoongi long enough.

It slithers in that way, winds its way around and then Yoongi can't help but to notice that perhaps it's added in with not being able to sleep in his big kid bed. Maybe it comes with how often they're cleaning linens from bed wetting. All of these things, even together, are seemingly innocuous. These are milestones, changes that will aid in Taehyung's growth and development.

But when he's often demanding more reassurance about monsters under the bed? When Yoongi often finds him curled up in his closet. When he wakes up with night terrors.

"Jimin-ah... I think maybe I'm worried about Taehyung?" Yoongi mentions.

Jimin rolls over to face Yoongi. He's been tired a lot lately. "What do you mean, baby?"

"Well, I can't quite put a finger on it but have you noticed he seems a bit more... latched on, I guess?" Yoongi's biting at his cuticles.

He doesn't even notice he does it until he feels a soft hand guide his own away from his mouth. Has this become a routine?

Jimin sits up slowly, yawns then shrugs. "I'm not really sure what you're meaning, darling."

Even now, the pet names... okay they happen but do they happen this often? Maybe Yoongi's just waiting for the ball to drop. Maybe everything is okay and he's just hyperaware. Maybe they all just need a bit more time. Maybe he can just allow himself to just revel in the joy. The joy of being in the moment. Of being alive. Of celebrating his new family. Of being present. Maybe.

But maybe this reminds Yoongi of questionable meat. The kind where the smell isn't actually bad but it might be? Should it be cooked or thrown out? It's a lot of in betweens right now. Nothing fully plausible or tangible.

"Yoonie-hyung, if I jumped from up there, what could happen? Could I fly to the sky?" He hears Taehyung ask one morning.

It's hard. Taehyung's the type of kid who will immerse himself in a new fixation as soon as the inspiration hits. Lately, it's been Yoongi, superheroes and high places. And maybe had they not just had a whole ordeal, Yoongi might have chalked that up as a new fascination. Taehyung is a little explorer, after all. And it's honestly mesmerizing to watch the child explore and learn right in front of their eyes.

"My Yoonie, if I falled from there, you'll catch me, right?" He'd asked after the latest night terror.

Jimin's not sure what to make of it beyond it being a developmental phase. Yoongi's not sure he wants to make anything of it but he can't shake how he notices. Notices Taehyung staring at the front door for long periods, notices how he sometimes insists on having Jeongguk with him everywhere, even when the baby disagrees. But also notices how now he sometimes pushes the baby away.

The next day, Jeongguk took an awful spill while running. Yoongi has to scoop him up for some TLC and first aid. Jimin's in the shower. Yoongi's noticed the showers run a bit longer. But Jimin needs his space as does Yoongi. In a split second, he takes his eyes away from where Taehyung's playing to tend to the baby. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a flash of color.

"I'm going to fly like Superman!" Taehyung announces loudly.

Yoongi puts the baby down, takes off running to the kitchen. Taehyung's managed to climb up onto the kitchen island. He's revving his little body to leap when Yoongi slides across the floor, catching him just in time before he hits the ground. Initially, he whines about Yoongi interrupting his plans to fly. Then he just as quickly readjusts his position because Yoonie saved him.

When the kids got really sick and Yoongi ended up crying on the floor, he'd been close to a panic attack. He panicked, absolutely, but his body didn't fully lock up the way it has in the past. When deadlines got to be too overwhelming. Sometimes, when he was just walking. Sometimes when he'd not had enough sleep. Sometimes when there were way too many people and too much going on at the same time. His self-regulation became so important to him through the years as he realizes what was happening in his body. It's a big reason why he spent so much time alone, to get to know himself as best as he could.

So he notices right away his hand isn't just shaking. This is a tremor. His heart beats so fast, so hard but his chest feels like it wants to squeeze around him. His throat starts feeling tight and his vision blurry. It's been years but the geyser's about to reach the surface. And he knows it.

Thankfully, Jimin happens to make it to the bottom of the stairs as Yoongi stands. "I-I need to step away."

And he can vaguely hear Jimin questioning. Can vaguely hear Taehyung about to meltdown. Can vaguely hear the baby still fussing. But he still shuts the door to the office. He presses his forehead to the cold, hard ground, cupping his hands behind his head. He feels himself rocking as the tears escape. He tries to remind himself to take deep breaths but he manages to calm enough to sit his bottom on the carpet and allow his hand to grip and stroke the fabric. He focuses on that, focuses on the colors, focuses on the smells, the sounds.

When he leaves the office, Jimin's got the kids bundled. He looks at Yoongi's red nose and blotchy skin. "We're out of banana milk and cereal, so I'm going to take them to the store."

===

Most partnering dances have sequences where the partners come together in some form of a closed embrace. Take an Argentine tango or bachata dominicana. Even when the bodies open, there's always a contact point where they don't disconnect from each other. One leads, one follows. One calls, the other responds. Even if the footwork slightly varies from one partner to the other, they don't stray too far.

Yoongi is no dance expert, clearly. But on sleepless or brain-curious nights, he's found himself lost in the magic world of search engines. One of those being the world of dance, especially after the arrival of one Park Jimin in his life. So it's with some observing lens that he suspects Jimin doesn't specialize in styles like Argentine tango or bachata dominicana. And Yoongi, himself, for surely doesn't know the first thing of a basic for either styles.

What he thinks he knows is they're currently engaged in a very awkward dance. If he could take an educated stab at it (and by educated he means what he's found himself binge searching), he'd say they're just barely scratching the surface of a very timid contemporary dance.

They're dancing together. But not together. He's not even sure he could call the tentative air, tiny steps and minimal contact a dance yet. Dancing with a partner requires a certain level of trust, understanding, camaraderie and communication.

Some parts of it feel the same. But Yoongi notices that things don't quite have that same spark. Yoongi's noticing a lot of things. They still banter. They bicker. They flow in a routine to be attentive to the kids' needs.

But something doesn't quite feel right.

When Jimin returns with the kids, Yoongi's fully anticipating Taehyung wrapping his little body around his leg. A recent habit that's increased a bit more lately. He braces himself for impact but that doesn't happen. What does happen is Taehyung starts following Jimin everywhere. Says Jimin is his hero. Decides he wants to have fairy wings like Jimin and asks Jimin if he will show his wings to him. Jimin will joke and let Taehyung know that fairy wings can't be revealed unless a fairy is doing a good deed.

Taehyung seems to like that answer. Jimin's really good at this in ways Yoongi thinks he, himself, frustrated Taehyung. They try again to get him to sleep in his big boy bed.

Later, Yoongi's met with jest from Jimin's experience at the grocery store. Jimin lets him know he had to bark at some weird person and Taehyung's eyes lit up by this. The little boy literally took to barking at folks in the store. They laugh, Yoongi even jokes.

"Before you say anything, hyung, I-" Jimin continues.

"You're jealous." Yoongi responds, simply.

Jimin lifts his head, in shock. "What?" The concern reads fully across his face.

"You did that on purpose. You couldn't stand to see my shine, huh? You're really that competitive."

Jimin lets Yoongi know he thinks Taehyung suspects Yoongi's a superhero, even mentioned something about him being Captain Korea. "I think that's why he's so obsessed with your closet, hyung. I think he's looking for your secret identity or a secret passage. He told me he likes knowing his superheroes upfront, not ones with secret identities. They're too tricky." He giggles.

Yoongi smiles. But something very raises a question in a small crevice of his mind. Was there something about Yoongi that made it hard to share? Was there something about Jimin that made it easier?

"What kind of superhero would you be, hyung?" Jimin questions, lying on his side.

"With this kids? The type that could split myself into several versions of me."

Jimin giggles and swats at him. "I'd want to have super strength and high energy. Gotta make sure the bad guys stay off the streets." He winks and Yoongi smiles.

But once again, he notices. Notices the way the smile doesn't quite reach Jimin's eyes. Notices the way there's an almost vacant and haunted look in Jimin's eyes. He turns away from Yoongi.

"I-I almost had a panic attack earlier... Jeonggukie banged his chin when he ran and fell. I was checking to make sure he wasn't bleeding. Mostly, I think it just startled him and he might have a bruise. And... and I took my eyes away for just a second, Jimin-ah... next thing I know, Taehyung's on top of the island ready to jump off." Yoongi shares quietly after long moments of silence.

He's not even sure Jimin's awake until he hears the sheets ruffle. Jimin turns towards him again. "Are you okay?" He hears, a hand searching for his own. When their hands meet, Yoongi traces his thumb against Jimin's knuckles.

"I made a phone call. When you took the kids out. I called my therapist. I'm okay! But she thinks it would be good for me to check in. She wants to meet the kids... maybe even see about getting support... what do you think?"

Jimin says nothing for a while but Yoongi can feel eyes on him even in the dark. "I think it sounds like you've already made your mind up so why ask me after the fact, is what I think."

"No. No, baby. It's not like that. I was just..."

Jimin turns away, judging by the sheets ruffling. He definitely pulls his hand away from Yoongi's. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Yoongi. You're going to do what you can for yourself. Do what you feel is best."

The last thing Jimin really wanted to do was step out, with the children no less. But one look at the frantic pallor of Yoongi's face and something mustered from deep in him. He'd been tired. It's just been a lot keeping two precocious babies fulfilled and nurtured. Not to mention, Taehyung's refusal to engage him at all. It'd been exhausting, having to work through mental gymnastics with a cranky, determined toddler.

But considering everything, he just missed his babies. So he relished in their new nighttime cuddles. Even during the day, nothing felt better than to snuggle up against Jeongguk as he babbled or napped. Taehyung was a bit of a harder sell. Unless Yoongi joined them, he struggled to see the benefit in cuddle time with just Jimin. Until it changed.

"Alright Taetae, Chimmy's just gonna grab a couple of quick things like we talked about and how would you like being my little helper?" Jimin asks enthusiastically.

But the boy's pouted this entire time. "I like it better when Yoonie does it! I want to be Yoonie's helper!"

"I hear that, little love. I'm sure he appreciates all the times he asks for your help and you help. And right now, he just needs a break to do some things. Maybe we can bring him something nice, what do you think?" Jimin proposes.

The toddler's still a bit miffed about being pulled away from his idol but with crossed arms and a pout, he adds, "but only for Yoonie-hyung."

Jimin takes a deep breath. He'll take this as a victory. No toddler meltdowns right now, especially now that Jeongguk makes his own little song for his favorite banana milk. While Jeongguk's engaged in his nana song, Taehyung points out the tangerines. Jimin thinks that's a great idea and praises the kid for how observant he is. It's as he grabs for tangerines that he can immediately feel the shift.

Taehyung's suddenly clinging to his pant leg, he feels something tingling up his spine. He doesn't even have to look to know eyes are on him. He looks down first at Taehyung, noticing the boy is trying to squeeze between his legs. He looks back up and notices the person holding their camera up and in their direction.

Taking a deep breath, he plasters the smile on his face. "Hello. Is there something I can help you with?" It's direct but still teeters in the space of politeness.

"Oh my! They're so cute! Aren't you the one? From that kidnapping? Aren't you Park Jimin? Are these them? Are these the kids?" Jimin doesn't really get a good look at the person's face, admittedly. Can immediately feel the overwhelming of their energy and he, too, does what he can to shield himself and the children.

This person doesn't seem to get Jimin's non-verbal cues because they proceed to step further into his space (and by extension, the children's). Jimin's counting backwards but honestly? His fuse is short. Especially now that Taehyung seems to be whimpering and definitely whining.

"It's nice to meet you and I'll have to ask you to back up, please. It's upsetting the children." Jimin thinks it's an appropriate warning. And if it sounded a bit more lethal then he tries for, is he to blame?

"Wait, let me just... little boy, can you say hi for me?" The person moves pretty dodgy but too quickly and Jimin's fight or flight kicks in. Tells him to fight. Before anyone can say anything, he's got a fist full of collar.

"Move the fuck away from my kids or I'll snap that phone and then your fucking neck. I'll personally make it a point to have you arrested for distributing photos of minors if you even think to post anything. Fucking try me." It's cold. There's a bit of a growl.

The way Jimin almost feels entirely disconnected from his body when he says it. The way it's just shy of a whisper and yet, he knows Taehyung heard every bit. The way the tone is so even, so icy, so deadly. The person tries to free themselves but Jimin just stares down at them, hard. Face expressionless but his eyes say it all.

It's a bit of a blur after. Vaguely recalling how the person scurries away. Vaguely recalling how he gathered the children and their groceries. Vaguely recalling the way Taehyung looked up at him before Jimin walked to the register. Taehyung barking. He distinctly recalls the way his hands can't quite seem to hold money. Or his card. Or the groceries. The deep pit in his stomach that drops. The bile that pulls up to his throat but doesn't quite make it all the way.

"Chimmy, you're a superhero!" Taehyung declares at a point Jimin barely remembers.

"Little love, what makes you say that?" He's slowly coming back into his body. But still not quite there.

"You scared off that scary person! Are you a magic fairy? I believe in you! I want to see your wings. Can I see your wings? Yoonie won't let me see his super powers and it's getting boring! I keep looking for his secret superhero space but I can't find it! And Yoonie won't tell me nothing! He's being mean! You'll tell me, right? Can I see your wings?" He somewhat recalls the child bouncing up and down so excitedly and Jeongguk mimicking him.

"You think Yoonie has a secret superhero space?"

"He's Captain Korea, duh!" This causes Jimin to snort. Yoongi was showing off the half of an arm muscle he developed from picking up the kids. Bragged about how there would be no living with him when he was brolic. Taehyung must of overheard the conversation. "I heard him. It was supposed to be a secret but I heard him! But now he won't tell me! You'll tell me, right? Can I see your wings? Please, please, please! I promise I won't tell! I want to be like you! I want to tell the bad guys fucking try me!"

Jimin's got to think quickly. "Little bear, fairies can only show their wings when they do good. But they can't show them all of the time because then their wings might get dirty or ruined. Chimmy said some words and did some things back there that were not nice. So, until I do some good deeds, my wings won't come back out."

"I think you did good." Taehyung affirms, rather certaintly.

===

The therapist determines twice a week sessions would be appropriate. One for Yoongi and one for Taehyung. Then she will come twice a month for family time. Yoongi's not sure whether or not to be ashamed, relieved or afraid. Does this mean that something bad is happening to Taehyung? Should he celebrate making the right call, literally? Or beat himself up for potentially overlooking something?

She reminds Yoongi during their reconnecting one-on-one that therapy doesn't necessarily have to mean he did something wrong or isn't adequate enough. Rather, he is working to process his own growth and development and sometimes, it's really okay to seek that outside of himself. She asks if he found therapy to be helpful in the past. He has. In fact, he openly admits that he doesn't think he'd be nearly as attentive to the children without the tools and work he's put into himself as a result of his sessions.

She also reminds Yoongi about how rather than a punishment, he could look at this from a logistically resourced perspective. She asks him what his end game is with the children. He's thought more and more about that, especially in light of everything that's happened. He's not quite sure he has the answer. So that's one of his recommended reflecting take aways post session. She brings this up because in her words, "even if you are just fostering these kids, it's a great idea to have a clinical lens involved and on your own volition."

So Yoongi relaxes in his mental dialogue of whether or not he's a good parent. Because it's very practical and makes sense. And he's glad he was being resourceful, even when he didn't realize it. The sessions seem to be going well. Yoongi's appreciative that she opts for in-home visits, rather than having to take the kids to her office. She does something Yoongi learns as play therapy with Taehyung. It seems to be helping. Jeongguk also joins. Having regaled her in long, detailed conversations about his day. Yoongi gets the feeling he's snitching about how he wasn't able to have two milks in baby babble. Jeongguk won't confirm or deny it though.

It feels good to have his feelings normalized. To recognize that experience, no matter how long or short in it, as traumatic. And she even pointed out the ways in which the body responds to that trauma. Which makes his sensing become noticing and recognition. In the way he notices specific things about Jimin now.

The way he mentions having something to do when invited for therapy family time. The way he thinks Yoongi's not paying attention to how often he makes sure the keypad works properly, the cameras are on, how he locks the bedroom every night. He's sleeping more and eating less. He spends long amounts of time in the shower when he does get up. He insists on the children sleeping in the same bed with them.

And lately, he's not joining therapy but he watches the therapist closely. Yoongi's seen a couple of times. It doesn't look to be with interest to what's being said, more like a hypervigilence of her presence around the children. He's sleeping less and drinking more coffee. They haven't made love in a while. On the rare chance they had to even snuggle, he wasn't very engaged but he was also trembling. Whenever Yoongi asks in bed, he feigns being asleep. When he asks while they're awake, he chances the subject.

Sometimes, he's been snappy. But it's subtle. Couples have their squabbles. But this doesn't even feel like that. It's got a bite to it, still venomous, but in a way so lackluster. Yoongi almost wishes that could just argue because that would have so much more color than the gray that's made its way back into the house.

"Hey, baby, we're getting ready to have a family time session in the kids' room. You're welcome to join us. We're going to play a-"

"I don't have the luxury of just sitting around on my ass, Yoongi. I have bills to pay and I need to find a job ASAP."

"O-Okay... just let me know if you need anything..."

But then Jimin smiles softly and typically responds with something like "I will, love" before going about his business.

===

Yoongi's admittedly a bit devastated to hear that Taehyung's exhibiting signs of PTSD. He isn't upset for reaching out. He's just beating himself up a bit for not catching it. For not being able to protect the child from harm. For not doing enough. For not being enough.

But he's thankful to his therapist. Because he finds out that he, too, might be exhibiting signs as well. Which makes him wonder so much. He hadn't really noticed it. But she pointed out his nail and cuticle biting habit. The way his leg bounces. She mentioned the heightened state of anxiety. His inability to definitively define his feelings some times. She points out how he's not had time to really sit and process things with the way they've been taking care of two young, vulnerable children. But that something inside of him recognized a call for help.

He's still struggling to let go of the narrative of not being enough. But he's also slowly allowing himself to feel proud. He did good. Processing and reconciling this gives him much more space to figure out what next. He has an idea and it's good timing. Because whether they want to or not, they'll have to provide another statement and a social worker will be scheduling to meet the children.

This still feels weird with Jimin. Not quite tension, not quite amorous. But when he'd told Jimin about the therapist's recommendations for Tae's manifestations of PTSD, he seemed to quietly take mental notes. Sometimes, he'll ask random questions. He lingers less like a watch dog and more out of curiosity. Not too long but Yoongi notices.

The more Yoongi's reminded of his tools, has space to process what's happening in his mind and the world around him, the more he thinks he feels some of what Jimin might. Jimin, who will refuse to wear socks, yet walk around wrapped in a blanket. The one who measures himself often by how much he pours into helping others while forgetting about pouring into himself. Yoongi thinks sometimes they're a lot more alike than different, even if Jimin's way more gregarious.

"Jimin-ah, before we go to bed, can you sign the statements? It's that pile of papers under the paperweight on the desk." Jimin's often more silent lately.

Grays seem to have more depth than whatever this is. There's no neon. Yoongi's learning to be graceful to the reality that, at least for now, that might not be the case. But he's not sure how to color-code this. Maybe if void were a color? With a spark of some faint splash of something. Jimin's not motionless. But often expressionless lately. Yoongi tries to help where he can. He's not exactly sure how to help though or if he really is helping. He asks. But he suspects Jimin doesn't even know how to name it right now. He often hesitates to talk about Jimin in sessions without the younger's permission. But his therapist assured him they could work together to co-create boundaries.

He will talk about Jimin so much as it impacts him and his relationship directly. He's decided to continue including Jimin into his discoveries in his sessions. The therapist suggests letting Jimin know softly that there's a number he can call. He doesn't have to work with anyone at all and especially not her, should he be interested. So that's what Yoongi does. "I have this number here, 'case you're interested." A few sessions ago, that might have felt unsafe. Now, Jimin nods or at least makes eye contact.

Jimin signs the papers, almost absent-mindedly then they head to bed. It's been three days since both children slept in their room through the night. They've been following the therapist's recommendations and the consistency seems to finally be paying off.

Yoongi expects Jimin to slide in and curl up on his side, as has been the norm lately. Instead, Jimin's sitting up hugging his knees. He slides in next to him.

"I did something that felt so outside of me. But I wasn't outside. Because it was me... I did it." He shares, so quietly. Yoongi continues to wait. So Jimin continues, "that person at the grocery store... they were trying to take pictures of us or video with their phone. They wouldn't listen, hyung. And I just..." he trails off, blinking back tears.

Yoongi scoots as close as possible, inviting Jimin into his physical space. Jimin obliges and Yoongi rubs his side soothingly. "Hey, whatever you did... it's in the past. It's not here anymore."

"But that's the thing. It's with me every where I go. I can't even look at myself anymore, Yoongi. It'll never be the same." Jimin sniffles, turning his head a bit towards Yoongi's chest.

"I was freaking out over this too. And I think... if it really overwhelms me, it feels too big, you know? I liked what we had. But that doesn't mean I have to lose what is. I'm reminding myself that this is an adventure. Because sometimes, it really does feel too big, Jimin-ah."

"We're all over social media. Even after a few weeks. I can't stop looking. It's hard to pull myself away. People have so much to say about us, about our relationship, even about the kids. It's not even whether it's negative or positive. It's just a lot." Ah, so that makes some sense as to how Jimin's felt so far away. He kisses the top of his head. "I grabbed that person by the collar. In front of the kids. I threatened to snap their neck. At first, I didn't even remember I did. But then I couldn't stop seeing it. And then I couldn't pull myself away from seeing whether or not that was going to end up on social media. And... and whether or not that would take the kids away..."

Yoongi doesn't really know what to say. Jimin's clearly been sitting with so much. He's just glad he talked some of this out with his therapist. Otherwise, he might be prone to trying to blame himself somehow. But he knows Jimin has to choose when, if or even how he opens up. And that's outside of Yoongi's control.

"Punishing yourself is only going to eat you alive, baby. You felt the need to protect yourself and the kids and you did."

"Just because I can doesn't mean I should, Yoongi. Even someone like you ended up breaking someone's nose." Finally, they're talking about it.

This is good. He knew from his sessions, this could be awkward and painful but talking about it sometimes makes it less scary. "What do you mean someone like me?"

"You're the kindness, most unassuming, quietest man..." There's a pause.

"Some people mistake quiet for having nothing to say or being docile. I don't like to fight, no. Doesn't mean I can't protect myself and the ones I love though. That's actually why I learned how. So that I had something to remind me that if I need to, I can without losing my shit." Yoongi positions them to where Jimin's facing him. "Baby, I don't regret breaking that asshole's nose. I actually regret that I didn't do more. I don't think that makes me violent or a bad person."

He wants to say he doesn't think it makes Jimin a bad person either. But he also knows this is a very fragile conversation. And he's not sure how ready Jimin's ready to receive that with minimal doubts weighing him down.

Jimin takes a few breaths. He leans into Yoongi again, likely listening to the sound of his heartbeat. This... this has texture. Color. Still not quite as vibrant. But not nearly as dull or muted. Yoongi closes his eyes in silent gratitude.

"W-We haven't had a date or a non-date in a long time..." Jimin mentions after an extended silence. Yoongi perks up. He's off the bed immediately.

"Hold that thought!" He whispers, waddling his way out of the room. Jimin looks stunned and confused until he sees Yoongi struggling with the record player and some records.

Yoongi motions with his nose. "Here, use the lighter and light up some of your candles. The kids are drooling. I didn't have time to get snacks though." And he's giggling like an excitable child before Christmas.

Jimin grins and does lights a couple of candles while Yoongi sets up the record player on the bedside table. He thinks he has just the right vibe for this. Once the record is ready, the first song begins where the piano keys start their light and angelic, repetitive melody before the saxophone joins and takes them on a whimsical journey. Jimin's back pressed against Yoongi, Yoongi playing with his fingers. Yoongi feels Jimin taking deep, long breaths.

He's almost asleep when he hears. "Hyung?" He hums in response. "I think... I may... umm, you know..." He pauses and Yoongi kisses his ear softly. He hears Jimin sigh. "D-do you have that number you were telling me about...?"

Chapter Text

"Jiminie! How was your phone call, baby?" Yoongi watches the moment Jimin steps into the kitchen.

He stops stirring the soup in the pot and smiles brightly, encouragingly. It's not muted anymore. Not quite neon. But not gray either. They're slowly coming closer together in their dance again and the colors are pulsing (not yet loud again). Considering whatever drab seeped its way into their dynamic, Yoongi will take it. It feels like the very first climb on a rollercoaster. It's scary but it's also exhilarating. He likes that they're heading back towards scary yet exhilarating.

Jimin's smile doesn't fully reach his eyes. He doesn't curl himself against Yoongi from behind like he used to. Yoongi misses the way they never missed an opportunity to touch. Instead, they fall into this new pattern of comforting silence. It feels weird but also okay. They're healing.

But Jimin doesn't leave. Even the sort of awkward silences feel a bit more comfortable. Trusting. Instead, he takes a seat on the one of the stools. Yoongi motions, inviting him to pick a record. Jimin smiles faintly, but shakes his head in decline. Yoongi returns the smile with a bigger one. He goes back to checking everything on the stove.

"I umm... my parents... we talked..." Yoongi hears him pause then turns the flame down then faces him again. "...about you." Jimin shares, softly.

It's both shocking yet somehow not. Yoongi tries to pool his expression, hoping his body language reads open and inviting. "Oh?" He thinks back to Chuseok. How Jimin's appa pulled him aside. They, like Yoongi's family, immediately made contact upon receiving the news of the events that occurred but also kept respectful distance when asked.

It's curious though. Yoongi's characteristically been known to disappear for weeks on end, even through his mother's increasingly colorful threats. So him asking for space came as no surprise, whatsoever. Jimin, though... since moving in, Yoongi's never seen him go a day without talking to his family. When he got his suspension? He went home to his family. And even though they'd asked for space, Yoongi assumed Jimin might maintain some level of contact. But, he too, chose radio silence. Hopefully, this is a good sign.

He moves to the kitchen island and grabs a cutting board. Jimin's staring at Yoongi's hands while he chops vegetables.

"Your appa... he talked to me at your house, you know." Yoongi shares, casually. "Said all sales are final, no returns or exchanges." He hopes the joke isn't missed.

Jimin smiles again. Still, not full but there. It's not summer in a desert. More like the first peak of sun after monsoon season. And he'll take it. "Yeah... he... he told me that again just now. They really like you. My brother too. They like me with you..."

Yoongi stops chopping. He absorbs the words, sits on them carefully. "How'd that feel? Hearing that, I mean..."

Jimin gnaws at his bottom lip. "I..." then he pauses, running a hand through his hair. "One time, I went with my family to the amusement park. I was so excited because all of my friends were talking about these spinning teacups. And I just had to try it because I wouldn't be cool if I didn't."

Yoongi tries to imagine cool, baby Jimin. He grins to himself.

"And it was my first major ride. The line felt like forever. I was so excited. My dad took my hand and we got in the teacup together. And it was so fun at first, you know? Watching the world go by in such a blur. But then he started spinning it faster and faster. And I just... I think about that a lot lately."

Yoongi swallows and it feels like something big and wooden lodged somewhere in his throat. He'd been preparing for this, in therapy. His therapist let him know that trauma can and very well may bring up a lot of feelings. Especially considering all of their circumstances, both individually and together, as a couple. He tries to separate his heart from all of this. But he admits, it's so hard. Still, this is about Jimin. He wants to be here for Jimin.

They haven't talked, not like this, in a while. Talking is good. Talking might be a sign of trust, comfort, safety. At least he hopes so.

"Does... does this feel too..." he has to swallow again before finishing the last part, "fast?"

"Yoongi..." Jimin's eyes finally lock with his own. He's not sure what to read from those eyes. He's not sure he wants to read anything. Yes, this really is so hard. "I'm so in love with you, I don't even know sometimes where I start and you end..."

Well, that wasn't what he was expecting.

Yoongi's so keyed up he has to clutch the countertop of the island. "What do you need, Jimin-ah?"

Almost just before he finishes the question, Jimin's chiming in. "To feel... I-I need to feel... something, anything. Please..." His eyes are wide, pleading, and wild.

He springs to the balls of his feet and before he knows it, he's around the island and in Jimin's space. He initiates the touch, first with searching eyes. Then with words of permission and finally wrapping both hands around Jimin's waist, turning his boyfriend to face him. Placing his forehead against Jimin's, he rubs at his sides soothingly. He hears a sniffle and pulls away just enough to see the tears falling down Jimin's face. Yoongi places a soft kiss to the middle of Jimin's forehead, then to his nose, then under each eye before wiping tears.

"It's okay, baby. Hyung's got you." And then he's peppering his lips with soft, staccato kisses.

Something seems to break between them because the next thing Yoongi knows, Jimin's clawing at his collar and yanking him closer. Jimin deepens the kiss. This is the first time they've had any physical contact in weeks. It's hot with an air of desperation like they're both chasing.

Jimin breaks into a sob which sobers Yoongi right away. He moves to pull away, about to let Jimin know they should stop. "Please, hyung... please, I need you..."

He's begging and pulling and then locking his legs around Yoongi's middle.

"Shh... shh..." Yoongi soothes, kissing him again. "Hyung will take care of you. I got you, baby. Let hyung take you up-"

The sound of Yoongi's zipper stops him, along with Jimin interjecting, "no! No, right here. Hyung, please..."

Maybe it is like being in the teacups because things are happening at a pace where Yoongi's not sure his brain's caught up yet. It feels so nice, having Jimin grind against his middle. To respond. The sounds Jimin's making. But perhaps they should slow down a little? Because there are kids... right. The kids.

But the kids are napping. And this is getting hot and heavy. So maybe if they're fast enough...

The lust wins out. They need this. He slides his own hand down Jimin's sweatpants. The younger hisses appreciatively. "Like this, baby? Or you want something else?" He finds himself asking in a rasp.

"Just..." Jimin moans. "I missed you so much, Yoongi. Please don't stop." Jimin ruts against Yoongi's hand. The panting and moaning gets louder as they explore each other.

"Shh... be a good boy for hyung and stay quiet, Jimin-ah." He doesn't even blame him. They're both so sensitive. So desirous and wanting. Yoongi slides Jimin's pants down to his knees while getting on his own in front of him. "Hyung's got you, baby."

Yoongi missed touch. Now it feels like hands are everywhere. His skin is burning. Touching Jimin's is scorching. He just never imagined they'd rekindle things in the kitchen but then again...

His mouth's opening to the promise land with Jimin writhing between his sturdy hands.

Something loud either crashes or explodes upstairs... possibly both.

"I DIDN'T DO IT! BUT I THINK THERE'S A GHOST IN HERE!"

"Bad Taetae! Taetae bad!"

"Shh, Kookie! Taetae good."

"TAETAE BAD! TAETAE BAD!"

There's muffled noises, some thumping and then a scream. "KOOKIE BIT ME!"

"NO! NO BITE!"

Yoongi chuckles to himself as he stands up, cupping Jimin's cheek and putting their foreheads together. "I'll go handle it."

"Baby... oh thank goodness. Yoongi, can you hear me? Are you okay, love?"

"Is this heaven? Are you my angel?"

"Yoongi, it's me... wake up, love."

"You know me, angel? Did God send you?"

"Damn, they must have dosed you good... Fuck. Yoongi, it's me, Jimin. Do you understand?"

"An angel called Jimin. Wow. You're... you're... so... beautiful. Fuck. You got a boyfriend or girlfriend? Can angels have boyfriends? I'd be your boyfriend. Honestly, if God sent you to me, I might end up in the naughty place because I don't want to give you back."

"Oh?"

"S'totally your choice but if you want, you should marry me. Damn, you're beautiful. Are you seeing anybody?"

"I am. I'm seeing you. Come on, love, wake up."

"Are you a model? You have the most amazingly stunning features I've ever seen. Can angels model? I would give you anything you wanted if you decided to go out with me. S'your choice though."

"I'll remember to hold you to that..."

"You can hold me as long as you like, angel. Who are you?"

"Jimin, hyung. I'm your boyfriend, Jimin."

"You're my boyfriend?! No way. Wow. Did I save a universe in another life?"

"They really got you good."

"M'good just being here in the presence of miracles. Oh, sweet heavenly, being! What did I do to attract your honeyed presence? How can I repay the Gods for bestowing such bounty and glory?! M'gonna go to sleep now. But when I wake up, we're gonna kiss since you're my boyfriend. We should totally move in together and have babies. Perfect angel babies..."

"If you only knew..."

"Park Jimin! This is third time you've listened to this today!" Yoongi admonishes as he enters the bedroom. But it doesn't matter. Jimin's not listening.

Nope.

In fact, Jimin's curled over into himself, cackling with tears streaming down his face, like this is his first time ever hearing this. Like he hasn't been repeating this every day this week. Some days, it's the only thing that seems to bring out this much laughter from Jimin. Yoongi notices.

Ever since he started his own sessions with a therapist, he's been more open to speaking on certain details of their kidnapping. The safest part of that ordeal being how Yoongi's intoxicated love confessions went viral. He's taken great pleasure of listening and looking at the still-trending phrases on social media. Naturally, all at Yoongi's expense.

"Oh sweet heavenly, being!" Jimin teases before giggling in hysterics. Secretly, Yoongi's endeared.

He hasn't heard that prancing sound in weeks. Hasn't seen that crescent-eyed smile that open and without abandon in too long. Jimin's face is red and he's clutching his stomach, gasping for air. Secretly.

Because outwardly, Yoongi's obviously appalled.

"Yah! Jimin-ah, how could you be so cruel to tease me at a vulnerable time in my life, huh?" He tries to look seriously affronted but Jimin sobers long enough to take one look at his boyfriend and collapse into himself yet again.

Yoongi tries very, very hard to not indulge the foolery. Someone has to be the adult in this situation, thank you very much.

"Baby... you... you're still trending! You're so quotable, you're a meme. This is golden. I don't care what you say, I'm getting this whole conversation printed and framed."

Yoongi pouts. (Adults can pout). "Well, you make sure you hang it up in your new apartment, that isn't this house!"

Jimin crawls over to Yoongi, grinning. "Aww my sensitive baby. The whole world knows how much my baby loves me with his romantic monologues..." he plants a soft kiss on Yoongi's pouty lips but Yoongi hisses in response.

"Yeah, well they all know how shameless you are too, nymph!" He tosses back while crossing his arms to block Jimin and Jimin just shakes his head, continuing to giggle.

Something in Jimin's eyes gets that predatory look Yoongi hasn't seen in a while. Not since that moment in the kitchen. But there have been lots of hints and attempts. Yoongi tries to hide his gulp. "You didn't keep on your promise, hyung. I believe I was promised a spanking that day..."

This is good.

They recently had their first couple's session and confessed that they essentially had to re-define intimacy after a traumatizing situation. They initially talked around the kitchen incident until it became too unbearable and they shared. Yoongi confessed that he's following Jimin's lead and Jimin shared that he's not sure how he feels on any given second.

They haven't even really kissed much since, let alone something more physical. Jimin hasn't spoken or alluded to sex at all. By the end of the session, they decided to try pacing by setting a timer for at least a half hour of time where the two of them can sit or lie together.

Jimin's on all fours, caging Yoongi and preparing to straddle his lap. Instinctively, Yoongi's hands go to his waist. He playfully swats Jimin's butt, softly. He has the nerve to purr.

"Don't start something we can't finish, Jiminie..." he whispers softly.

"I'll be really, really quiet..."

Yoongi snorts, shaking his head. "We both know that's the biggest lie."

Of course, that gets Jimin to sit back on his lap, pouting. Notice, he doesn't deny it, though. Yoongi leans forward and kisses his pout.

A light bulb seems to click over Jimin's head. "Baby, take a shower with me." It takes about 15 seconds or so, at least that's what he thinks.

He reviews every possible reason for why that could be a bad idea. Considering what they almost did in the kitchen, this is a much better one. In fact, a brilliant one. So much so, he pushes himself on top of Jimin, laying him flat on his back. His knee gets dangerously close to that sweet spot he knows Jimin's craving for. The younger licks his lips. Something explodes then they're dry humping each other like two jittery teens trying not to get caught by their parents.

Yoongi catches the moan escaping Jimin with his lips. "We gotta move fast. Come on." He pulls Jimin up and they scurry off into the shower.

Once they've disrobed and stepped in, Jimin's in pounce mode. He pushes Yoongi against the shower wall and immediately attacks his neck, lips, any parts his mouth and hands can touch. Yoongi sighs, contently.

Jimin's clawing and nipping and pulling. "What do you want, baby?" Yoongi asks between kisses. Jimin whines.

"I-I don't know... I just... please... just... just touch me anywhere. It burns, hyung." He continues to whine.

He starts grinding himself against Yoongi's thigh when Yoongi snaps his hips then reverses them, pressing Jimin against the wall, belly first.

"Don't move. Hands against the wall." He commands, running his hands against the globes of Jimin's ass. "I'm about to do very lewd things to this work of art and I expect to hear you." He adds, slapping Jimin's ass.

Jimin mewls loudly in response, as Yoongi gets on his knees. He's kneading Jimin's ass, fingers and tongue headed to salvation. He feels Jimin trembling in anticipation and slaps his ass again when he starts grinding himself against the wall.

"Behave."

"I don't hear you. Maybe you should punish me or move faster!" Jimin sasses. Yoongi stands, pressing himself right up against Jimin, who gasps.

"You're going to suffer." He whispers, dangerously. He yanks Jimin's hips back into him.

Kisses down his neck, along his shoulders, down his back. Touching Jimin in every spot except where he's begging for it, Yoongi pulls away completely and abruptly. And Jimin whines. Yoongi's back on his knees, continuing his previous ministrations and Jimin's very vocally approving.

...when something slams against the bathroom door.

"HELLO! ARE YOU IN THERE?! WHERE ARE MY PARENTS?!" They hear the door knob jiggle. "LET ME IN! I NEED TO SEE YOU!"

Jimin damn near cries. "Baby, please... just... can we just move fast? I just need this so much. I need you so much, hyungie..." And he's whining petulantly. He's already gotten started in spite of Yoongi's order.

Yoongi offers two supportive hands, and they both listen quietly. It's silent for a few beats. They hope maybe Taehyung went to preoccupy himself with something else. They're moving faster, climbing higher when something bangs against the door loudly.

"CAN YOU HEAR ME?! KOOKIE IS CRYING AND I CAN'T HEAR MYSELF AND YOU'RE NOT LISTENING TO ME! LET ME IN!"

Jimin curses loudly, banging his head against the shower wall. Yoongi stands and meets him immediately, shushes him soothingly as he tries to help him along. How does anyone do that when there are now two kids wailing loudly and banging at the door?

Jimin deflates (in more ways than one). "Fuck. I can't..." he sags his shoulders. They both let out a long sigh. "I-I'll go... y-you're still..." He bites his lip, hands roaming.

Another loud bang. More crying. Possibly some shoving at this point.

Jimin raises his head questioningly to the sky. Yoongi grins and kisses his chin. "Don't worry, baby... we'll continue this tonight, okay?"

Spoiler alert: Taehyung has an accident because he's ill and his tummy doesn't feel good. So naturally, he has to sleep in their bed... as they were approaching climax.

There are two more major interruptions before Yoongi admits he must have missed where something in this (or maybe a lot of something) had the makings of disaster written all over it. Simply put, Yoongi isn't sure where it went from a series of ill-timed (and definitely unfortunate) events to disaster. It escalates so fast.

One minute, Jimin's sneak attacking him around corners, whisking him off and giggling. And almost in the very next, he's not touching him at all. He schedules more of his own therapy sessions. He cancels their next couple's session with Yoongi. But at least he's going to his own, right?

"Baby, you're sleeping in the guest room...?" He knows he's confused. It must show on his face. And maybe that wasn't a good idea because Jimin definitely rolls his eyes. That reaction definitely unsettles Yoongi a bit. When did it feel so frigid?

"What's up, Jiminie? You okay?"

Jimin huffs and moves his laptop and a comforter into the guest room, causing Yoongi to follow. He's confused, to say the very least. Especially with feeling ignored. "Baby...?"

"Now? You notice now? Of course you only ask now..."

"Jimin... baby, wha-"

Something crashes, Jeongguk starts wailing loudly and Taehyung's shushing him. Even though they're right next door, this sounds serious enough to intervene. Yoongi's in the children's room in seconds. He turns to say something to Jimin but is met with air, followed by the guest room door slamming.

===

Jimin spends more time away from the house. Some days, he comes home and Yoongi can swear he smells alcohol. He doesn't participate in dinner time disco anymore. When the kids vie for his attention, he seems more attentive to Jeongguk. Taehyung obviously wants to be included. He's the type of kid that loves hard. He loves with every bit of his body. He loves tangibly and expressively. His love is loud, bold, unrelenting. When he loves, he shows it with every bit of his little self. Yoongi notices Jimin tells him no more often. It's not mean-spirited but it's also very different. Especially when Yoongi sees the gritting of Jimin's teeth.

Something's happening. Yoongi notices that much. He's just not quite sure what the hell it is. Jimin pushes away, Taehyung barrels in closer, Jimin closes off, Taehyung pushes Jeongguk. Jimin's voice becomes more authoritative. Taehyung pushes back. Jimin grits his teeth. Yoongi intervenes, tries to encourage Taehyung to join him in something or other and is met with tundra.

Yoongi talks about it in sessions. The therapist checks in to see if they've been having time for the two of them like they agreed. Yoongi offers. Jimin starts telling him things such as:

"How often do I have to say no before you respect it?"

"My no hasn't changed."

"Seriously, are you going to respect my space or not?"

Knots start to build in Yoongi's stomach. He's biting his nails again and doesn't notice it until he realizes Jimin's not there to hold his hand. He's chewed away his cuticles from his thumb and index finger already.

Jimin comes home one night, eyes glossy and red, strained. He doesn't expect to be met with Yoongi, who stayed up waiting. He heads towards the stairs but Yoongi calls out to him.

"I don't know what to do, Jimin-ah..." Please don't shut me out.

Initially, Jimin says nothing. Just stands on the stairs, back to Yoongi. He doesn't move. He doesn't speak. Eventually, his head turns just over his left shoulder.

"I'm not a project, Yoongi." Is all he shares, tiredly, before he walks upstairs.

Yoongi feels more confused.

===

It happens so fast. Yoongi's in the kitchen. Jimin and Jeongguk are in the living room. He's teaching him how to catch a ball. The baby claps when he catches it. Jimin actually laughs.

"I want to catch it!" Yoongi hears Taehyung whine. Yoongi's head shoots up just in time to see the kids entangled while both trying to hold the ball. Taehyung pops up triumphantly with the ball, rearing to throw it. Jeongguk sits on his bottom confused, scrunching his little face and trying to decide to cry or not.

"Taehyung, no! Give him back the ball."

"But I want to throw it!"

"Jeongguk is throwing the ball right now. We do not snatch toys from each other. We ask politely and we wait. Now give him the ball back." Something about Jimin's tone makes Yoongi move on his feet quickly.

"No." Taehyung responds, resolutely.

Before he can respond, Jeongguk's up, taking a massive bite out of Taehyung's arm before yelling his battle cry of "is mine!" Then he lunges for the ball. Taehyung screeches then slaps the younger boy hard. Jeongguk lands on his bottom, blinks then wails. Yoongi's in full motion but it's too late. Chaos has entered the chat.

Jimin's standing over Taehyung. The boy drops the ball and moves to take off running. Jimin's quicker. He scoops him up. He places the squirming child in a corner of the room.

"Enough," his voice is authoritative in a way none of them are used to. Not quite fully raised but pretty damn intimidating. "We should've done this a long time ago. Do not even THINK to move from that spot. This is unacceptable! You don't-"

"Jimin!" Yoongi finally interjects, while bouncing Jeongguk in a soothing manner.

"Stop saving him! Just stop. Taehyung, I thought I told you-"

Yoongi softens his voice, gently. "Jimin... baby, I-I'll take care of it. I think you need to cool off."

Jimin looks up at Yoongi with the most wild and intense fire in his eyes. He's breathing heavily, seething actually. Like a caged animal ready to pounce. Yoongi steps back just a bit more to give him space. He watches Jimin look at Taehyung cowering in the corner, at him holding and rocking the baby. He opens his mouth and Yoongi swears he's about to spew venom with how intense the scowl is on his face. Instead, he just storms away, upstairs and Yoongi hears the door slam loudly.

===

"Can I come in?" Yoongi asks tentatively at the guest room door.

He's not sure if Jimin's going to ignore him. He gave some time for things to cool down. Or at least, hopefully. They need to talk. That much is obvious. He just hopes Jimin's receptive and not feeling boxed in.

He hears some shuffling and footsteps. Jimin yanks the door open. There's still heat in his eyes. Okay so maybe not as cooled off as Yoongi was hoping.

"Yoongi, I'm not going to keep repeating that I need space..." Jimin's not even looking at him. He's looking through him at this point.

Yoongi nods. "I hear that. And I want to honor that. But Jimin, we have to talk. I... that was intense. The kids are with hyung for the night. If you're not ready to do it now, that's fine. But I would like us to talk before the day's over."

He watches Jimin roll his eyes and open the door wider. "Whatever, it's your house. Let's get this shit over with."

Yoongi takes two deep breaths. He feels like sand might be slipping through his fingers. That sand being the foundation he built with Park Jimin.

"Baby..." He steps inside and sits on the bed, offering a place for Jimin to sit next to him. Jimin chooses to stand with his arms crossed. Okay, this is definitely not cooled down. "Why don't I come back later?"

"Don't patronize me, Yoongi."

"I'm not... I..." He takes a deep breath to collect himself. "Can you tell me how this feels patronizing?"

"Why the fuck do I keep having to point things out to you? How is it you're so aware for these kids but I have to spell out every fucking thing, Yoongi?"

Yoongi's taken aback. He doesn't want that to sting as much as it does. But it stings. Did he miss something? He thinks he might have. He takes a moment to re-assess. Things were starting to spring back to life just a few weeks ago. Now? What the hell happened? He thinks about everything. About when and how. It dawns on him, there's a common denominator.

"We kept getting our us time interrupted."

"Wow, congratulations."

"Baby, I'm trying. Please, I just..."

"You just what, Yoongi? You just act like a pushover with everything else in your life except your boyfriend."

"A pushover except with you? I give you everything you ask me for..." There's that tiny little voice in his one ear telling him to disengage but he's already said it.

"How many times did I beg you to just fucking pay attention to me? You won't. You don't. What kind of relationship is this?"

"Jimin..."

"No, Yoongi. I can't even take a piss without a fucking hand getting stuck under the door!"

Now Yoongi's pulling his own hair and standing up. He knows this isn't the way. He knows. But he can't stop himself. "You knew that when you agreed to this!"

"So now this is my fucking fault for wanting to remember I'm only 20-fucking-5?"

This is getting way ahead of both of them. This is reminding Yoongi too much of a lot of things he left behind. A lot of things he worked on, in and out of therapy. A lot of things he vowed he would never repeat. He looks at his love. He looks like a caged bird. Yoongi's wondering when his wings were ever clipped. He's wondering if he was the one carrying the scissors. It can't be like this. Not this.

His breath is shaky and he rubs his hands against the sides of his pants. "Baby, I think I'm going to take a moment to-"

"No, for once in your spineless life, fucking face me, Yoongi. Get upset with me! Judge me, Yoongi!"

There's pleading in Jimin's words and pleading in Yoongi's.

"I don't want to fight... we don't have to fight..."

"You're not listening to me! I'm fucking frustrated and angry!"

"I know and-"

"Fucking listen to me!"

"I agree with you... it's natural-"

"Stop! Don't be a robot! Stop repeating shit your therapist says and be present with me. Argue! Make me fucking feel something!"

Yoongi takes a seat again on the bed. Jimin's blocking the door and this will only keep going in circles. He looks up and Jimin's pacing back and forth. They're both on the verge of tears. What happened? When did it become this?

"Jimin, I love you... please, come sit. We don't have to fight..."

Jimin slams his hand into the wall, frustrated. It definitely leaves a crack. He pulls his hair and groans in a loud, gutteral and frustrated tone. "I'm snapping at everything. I don't want to be around the kids. I'm an awful person. Fucking fight with me about it, damn it!"

"No baby... I can't... I won't. We don't have to be like this..." He watches Jimin opens his mouth to interject again but adds, "We're already hurting. We don't have to hurt each other..." It's barely above a whisper. Just stepping into this kind of space has wiped him out so much.

But something seems to penetrate. Because Jimin's shoulders aren't touching his ears anymore. They're slumping. As is the rest of his body. And then he's headed to the floor. And Yoongi's right there before his knees make contact. He's scooping him into an embrace, awkward as the position is and Jimin sobs into his shoulder.

He whispers soothing words into Jimin's ear while rocking and kissing his forehead. He allows himself to be swept in the emotions and they both cry. Together. The heaviness of everything they've experienced together seems to come out on that floor. It's raw. It's ugly. It's unrelenting. And they're in it, together. Choking on it until it comes out in wails, in sobs, in screams even.

They're bone weary. Barely able to move but eventually, they lay against each other on the floor. Yoongi looks up at the ceiling. Imagines shapes on the wall as though looking at clouds. He listens as Jimin's sobs even out. His own eyes puffy, his face swollen and his nose is gross. None of that even matters.

"They almost took them away. I should be so thankful to see them every day... to snuggle them but I..." he finally hears. It's gentle. It's raspy. But very vulnerable.

Yoongi doesn't finish the thought. Doesn't know how. Doesn't have the energy to try to fill the space with words. He pulls Jimin closer. Feels the younger curl himself tighter against him.

"I'm angry, hyung. I'm so, so angry. And hurt. And confused. I don't know what is up and what is down anymore. Taehyung hates me... I'm supposed to be trained for these things and I can't even keep it together. I can't keep my job. I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if I want to..."

Yoongi takes a deep breath. Now that he's cried a lot out, there's a lot of blank space. Clarity. "You've been thinking about this for a while. The spinning teacups?"

"We spun too fast..."

"A month in, or 5 years from now, Jimin, what's the difference if it has the same outcome?"

"We didn't choose each other. We got stuck together and that's the difference."

Yoongi takes his free hand and connects it with Jimin's. He kisses Jimin's hand softly. "You questioning how much I love you again, Park Jimin?"

"How could you possibly? How do you know it's love, Yoongi? I'm a train wreck. You can't possibly know? You won't even argue with me..."

There's a pause but Yoongi doesn't let go of playing with Jimin's hand. He watches how they fit so well. Watches his own chewed thumb caress Jimin's knuckles. It's not perfect and they fit. Maybe that's all the more reason why he sees the fit.

"I tend to take after my father. I'm trying to be better at being my own person but this reminded me of my childhood so much that I froze. I- my mother would get to the point of so much frustration that it spilled over into pushing my dad to react... I watched it happen that way when I was in my last relationship. How I carried that over with me. I'm not my father, though, Jimin-ah. And I realized something from earlier. I didn't want to argue, not because I froze but because we don't have to do it like this. We don't have to make excuses or justify why this is usually so easy between us. It just is. Even with some really fucked up shit that's happened. Even then, it just is. I know that's scary. I know... but look at us. Well, I mean aside from how you saw me ugly cry, we don't have to carry our skeletons with us. Not you and I. I didn't want to fight. I don't want to fight because we aren't our past. No matter how much we keep looking back. We don't have the kind of relationship where we have to tear each other down to build something. I know we're hurting and I... feel safe with you, Jimin. Safe enough to know that if you had the power, you'd kiss every wound better while burning down whoever caused me harm. And I feel the same way about you. That's how I know it's love, baby. That's how I know I don't need five years to figure out that this is the real thing."

Jimin lifts his head. His cute little nose is red and sniffly His eyes, wide and watery. He pouts, bottom lip juts out. "You can't make me swoon like this when I feel like a wet sock!"

Yoongi chuckles, unlatching their hands to run his through Jimin's hair then caress his face. "Hi..."

Jimin's tears fall again. "I self-sabotaged... and I tried to push you away. And I tried to push myself away. And I took it out on Taehyung. And that's not fair to any of us..." Yoongi wipes tears away from Jimin's face. "You're still here." Yoongi nods. He is. "And you really are an ugly crier." He laughs in between tears. Yoongi wants to pretend to be affronted but they're both tired to the point of delirium so he laughs easily.

"Yah! I'm fragile, Park Jimin." He teases.

"Hyung... I'm a terrible, cranky, bratty boyfriend. I've been so awful to you..." his lip wobbles again.

"Hey... hey... shh. You've been going to your sessions?" Jimin nods. "And we're talking right now. We cried a lot. It takes time, baby... we're hurting and we're healing."

"I called you spineless..."

"Baby... the beauty of our relationship is that we've been doing work around NOT beating ourselves up, yeah? By trying to do better..."

"I know but..."

"Jimin, I'm a bit of a pushover. For all of you. You have me wrapped around your finger. You say jump and I'll be doing those leap things you were showing the kids, might break my ankle." Jimin giggles. Fairies. Yoongi hears the fairies again. "We're not perfect. We're still learning. And some really fucked up shit happened and these kids came to us already in really fucked up circumstances. But I broke someone's nose and you superkicked the fuck outta that one dude to get to these kids. We may not be perfect but we're pretty bad ass."

"As long as you remember I got the first KO." Then Jimin sticks his tongue out and it's right there that Yoongi knows. Jimin sighs. Lays his ear to Yoongi's heart. "I-I still don't know if I can do this... but I do want help. M-maybe we can schedule another family session, soon?"

"Yeah, baby. I like that idea. We're okay?"

Jimin lifts his head. He looks into Yoongi's eyes. There's so much sincerity and openness now. He nods.

"Good. Because my head hurts laying on this floor. You should lay on your belly so I can use your ass as my pillow. Ow! It was just a suggestion!"

===

Yoongi pays close attention to the ways Jimin expresses love. Jimin first expresses love in touch. The safer he feels, the more his body shows it. The more he feels loved, the more his body responds to it. It might be in the way he leans in, the way he laughs with his whole body, the way he stretches his limbs to dance. This seems to also go hand in hand with what he can give. It's all connected, really. He can use his body to provide a cake or a card. And when he receives praise, his entire face lights up. He looks like he grows an entire foot taller when he's given words of encouragement and recognition. It's no wonder that when it comes to sex, he gives his everything and is nearly insatiable. It's no wonder he'd begged Yoongi in so many ways, to just feel.

Yoongi expresses love differently. In the way he wants to make sure everyone is safe around him. Be it in what he gives them to eat, to sleep, to be. Yoongi's learned to express love in how he provides. He's good with putting things together, with learning and adapting to be adjustable to others' needs. Prior to meeting Jimin, he knows he's not been the most physically intimate person when expressing love. Jimin, though, makes that easy. But, Yoongi's taking it on himself to be more attentive. He finds he quite likes their ways of expressing physical intimacy, even the non-sexual.

Park Jimin might be one of the most sensual people Yoongi's ever met. So he tries to give more time into arousing Jimin's senses in a way that feels comforting, safe, loved on. The night of their argument, they're too tired to make love. So he makes love happen in other ways. He runs them a nice warm bath and breaks out his special bath bomb collection. He brands kisses into Jimin's skin while massaging his back with a loofah. He hums soothingly in Jimin's ear while they relax into each other. They fall asleep together in the guest room but not after Yoongi calls Jin and asks if he can keep the kids for an extra day or two. Jin's too excited to see them after their closing off the world so it's an easy yes.

The next day, they spend primarily in bed together. It's Jimin, naturally, who initiates love making. It's also Jimin who breaks down before it even starts. He's not sure what to do anymore and it's affecting everything, he shares. They don't make love but Yoongi holds him through the tears then spoils him with all kinds of junk food.

Yoongi has an individual session in his office the next day. He tiptoes out of bed, gets breakfast together for Jimin with a cheesy note of love but lets him sleep as long as possible. He goes over the events of everything with the therapist.

"And with all that came up, it still sounds like you're uncertain about something. What's coming up for you?"

Yoongi takes a breath. "I don't wanna speak too much on Jimin without him being here, as you know... but I just... I guess it takes a lot of bravery to say 'I don't know and I'm not sure what I'm feeling' but I just... I'm scared." The last part finishes quietly. He looks down at the floor, foot tapping nervously.

"Of?"

"Of doing this alone. Doing this without him..."

"I tried to push him away..." Jimin finds himself admitting.

He and Yoongi are sitting in the therapist's office for a couple's session. They'd all agreed that it was a better idea: 1. because the children aren't at the house and 2. to get away from the house and fully create a neutral environment. Yoongi goes to bite his cuticle. Jimin grabs his hand and locks theirs together.

"And why do you think that is?"

Jimin feels Yoongi squeeze his hand. It's assuring, comforting. Just very much like Yoongi. Yoongi has a way of just being this safe, comforting presence. Be it in the way his eyes are sharp yet delicate. Be it in how his words are deep yet calming. Thoughtful, even when exposing. Yoongi is a warm blanket on a cold, rainy day. Jimin sighs and thinks about the question a bit more.

"Something he said the other day really stuck with me... what we have is actually easy. But it's like a part of me keeps wanting to look back. Like I keep wanting to try to base this from every other relationship I've ever had, long or short. And it's not like that. And... and I'm not like that. But sometimes, I can't help it. Easy feels too easy..." He looks down at their hands. The connection visibly feels grounding. The ability to touch and feel the touch, also grounding.

"When you look back, what do you find yourself looking for?"

Jimin knows the answer right away. Ever since he and Yoongi bawled their eyes out on the floor, he knew. And if he's really reflective, he knew before then. He felt himself slowly slipping away. It got too heavy and then he made the call to his own therapist, started going to his own sessions and it felt more manageable. But then he didn't realize he was still teetering. Still processing. Still grieving and coping. So when he reached out to his family, finally, and they started talking about his relationship and when the kids wanted all of his attention, and when he looked at himself in the mirror and didn't know who the hell he was looking at...

"For everything to come crashing down eventually. For when the fever dream is over..."

"Is that what you want?"

Jimin shakes his head immediately. Truth be told, this is the freest and safest he has ever felt in himself. And certainly in a relationship. He's so used to pouring so much of himself in so fast and needing assurance that when he got it without asking, it scared the shit out of him. It's right in that moment he realizes he never had to ask. Sometimes they don't always get it. But there's something about Yoongi that makes Jimin let him know what he wants and needs. And there's something about Jimin that makes it easy to do that. To know he hears himself, sees himself, has been understanding himself so much better. So why was he pushing that away? Why is he discrediting himself and this now?

Sighing, he adds, "I had three big relationships and then the rest, I just used my body to try and sate a need. I haven't known love in this kind of way, where joy doesn't come with pain eventually. I wasn't even expecting this. That is, I wasn't expecting to become a parental figure and a boyfriend and a live-in boyfriend..."

"When you hear yourself say all of this out loud, how does it feel in your body?"

Jimin closes his eyes and takes a breath. When he thinks about all of these things, his heart beats pretty fast and there's a fuzzy, weird kind of feeling in his belly. Like little gnomes are moving things around or something. He shares as much.

"And would you say any of what you describe in your body feels unsafe or dangerous?"

"No. It doesn't feel..." he pauses and thinks about how he immediately answered. "Well, then why am I so overwhelmed?" he hears himself ask outloud.

The therapist smiles softly. He knows they might ask him why he thinks that is. Maybe this is his body's pre-emptive way of asking first.

"I want you to take your time and think about it. Now, I'm curious about something you mentioned earlier. Your anger."

Jimin's nose scrunches but he doesn't let go of Yoongi's hand. "What about it?"

"You seem to have a lot of shame surrounding your anger. Have you noticed it in your body?"

"Well I pretty much have been an insufferable brat for weeks straight and took it out on hyung and the kids. And in a way, I guess I took it out on myself. Why shouldn't I be ashamed of that?" He finds himself asking.

He's been doing everything he can to show his amends. To make his amends. But forgiveness is hard for Jimin to receive sometimes when he can't even forgive himself. He feels the softness of Yoongi's lips on his cheek. It settles him as that feeling starts to rise again in his chest.

"Hmm. That's interesting... so when one of the children demonstrates anger, would you say they should feel ashamed?"

"Well no, of course not. Anger is natural... oh..." Okay, therapist 1, Jimin 0. "But-but... this is different..."

"How is this any different?"

"Well, because I'm an adult and I should have a better handle on my emotions..."

"So based on what I'm hearing you say, Taehyung should be okay with expressing his anger now because it's natural but not when he is an adult, correct?"

Is Jimin stumped? Yes. Does it show all over his face. It does. "No but..."

"Anger, as you say is a very natural part of us, Jimin-ssi. It happens and finds ways to express itself whether we want it to or not. Our emotions are here to communicate for us in ways we aren't always able to communicate just by ourselves. Does this make sense?" Jimin nods because of course he learned about this.

The therapist grins. Probably can see this on his face. "We can talk about the accountability towards one's emotions, sure. It sounds like you are aware that there are many ways you could demonstrate anger. And this doesn't sound like one of your favorites, is that a fair assessment?"

Jimin agrees wholeheartedly. He thinks he acted a whole fool.

"I see you agree but there's still a part of you that does not seem to accept that anger. Jimin-ssi, as you've identified, you all have been through a very intense ordeal. One leading to another. A lot of this outside of your control. To be frank, I'd be a bit afraid if you weren't angry."

"But why?" He finds himself asking.

"Anger is the part of us that knows things that happen to us are not okay, not acceptable. Anger knows you deserve to be treated well. That means just as much as other emotions, anger shows up for you to point out how much you love yourself."

Jimin blinks. He's floored. He's never thought of it like that. He sits back in his seat and takes a deep breath then a huff.

"I'm actually not surprised that two massive sources of love were where the anger was channeled. This is where, according to you, you've been learning the depth of love. You've been learning love in kindness and wellness and it was in jeopardy of being taken away. I'm certain from what I'm hearing, in your rational mind, you would channel your anger towards those who wronged you, Yoongi-ssi and the children. But all of that control has been taken from all of you. You've mentioned to me before that you weren't sure of where you stand anymore. So I imagine that your way of trying to gain control was to protect the love around you by pushing it away. That includes the love you've found in yourself, by the way."

Jimin turns, finally, looking at Yoongi. He actually winks and Jimin refuses to turn into a puddle but damn. "Why is this so easy...?"

"Do you really want him to answer? Or do you know the answer already?"

Jimin turns back to the therapist and releases a loud sigh. "But, we've barely known each other..."

"Yoongi-ssi, what do you say to this?"

Yoongi wiggles in his seat then again rubs his thumb against Jimin's knuckles. "Well, I like getting to know each other and I mean we've been through some pretty intense and fucked up situations but we're still here, for each other, doing this... and that's shown me we're really good together..."

"I love you." Jimin's been watching Yoongi the entire time and it just comes out. Just slips right out, smoother than a breeze. Then, he scrunches his face again. Why is this so hard? "Why was that so easy?"

"Jimin, we could both tell you but I think you know the answer yourself. Give yourself some time. Maybe the next time we're all here together, you'll be ready to voice it."

===

"Are we really slow dancing in the middle of the kitchen with no music?"

"What do you mean? I've been singing to you this whole time!" Jimin doesn't even have to lift his head from Yoongi's shoulder to know he's offended. He giggles and kisses his neck gently.

"This is nice..." he adds, gently.

"Just because you're cute, I'll go with this subject change. But don't think I'll let it slide any other time, Park Jimin." He feels Yoongi's lips on his forehead.

Yoongi. Who is always there to match the somatic ways Jimin's whole being speaks. Yoongi. A pillar of calm. A focal point. A steadying presence. Who initiates slow dances in the middle of kitchens with no music.

Since their last couple's session, Jimin finds himself asking less of what is it about Yoongi and more of what is it about Jimin. But to get to that question, he's been looking at his relationship with Yoongi. Yoongi, who in so many ways is such a provider. There are so many ways to feel safe. Yoongi tries to listen to the ways in which Jimin needs to feel safe.

And yes, he's so good with that. But Jimin's starting to realize he may be as good as Jimin is good at articulating. Neither of them are mind readers. Yoongi would have had to learn from somewhere. And what makes Yoongi feel safe? When he's held. Not just physically. When he's nurtured and honored. When he's seen and his emotions are given validity. So maybe the therapist was right. Maybe Jimin knows. It's just not quite coming to words yet. Perhaps it's air sign problems, Libra problems, the full moon, but he can't let it go. Why?

The bell rings, startling them both from their reverie. Jimin lifts his head to look into Yoongi's eyes. He sees just as confused as Jimin is. The kids are with Yoongi's parents in Daegu to be dropped off by Jimin's parents from Busan. So it wouldn't be them. Maybe it's a reporter. Some of them have been trying to wiggle their way into their lives when they're out and about. They don't move, still embracing each other but then the keypad is being pressed. It could only be someone they know. Since the kidnapping, the keypad code's been changed and Yoongi forgot to spread the news. He kisses Jimin before scurrying to the door.

"I didn't get a text or call, did I?" He hears Yoongi ask.

"Uhh... check your phone, hyung." Ah, Hoseok. "I asked if I could come over to talk. Is this a good time or...?"

It sounds like Yoongi's patting his sides. He can't find his phone. And he won't. Because it's upstairs where he last left it.

"Oh yeah, let me just check with Jimin-ah and then we can go-"

"Actually, hyung..." then Hoseok's stepping into the kitchen. "That's what my message said. I don't have Jimin's number..."

"Oh... oh!" Jimin finally chimes in. Yoongi looks to Jimin, Jimin to Yoongi.

"So..." then Hoseok pauses and irons out his shirt with his hands. "I owe you an apology and an explanation, both of you. Especially Jimin. But I also recognize that you don't owe me the time to listen..."

Yoongi looks to Jimin who nibbles on the bottom of his lip, a bit nervously. The weight of everything still sits deliberately on their laps. Any small inkling of distress on Jimin's face and he knows Yoongi will shut this down. Instead though, it's Jimin who takes this lead. Something in his gut tells him this is okay now. Perhaps if Hoseok showed up a few days ago, maybe not so much. But right now, Jimin's feeling open.

"Do you want to sit with the both of us or just..."

Hoseok shuffles on his feet, fidgeting nervously. He's jittery and Yoongi picks up on it right away.

"How about I make you both some tea and you sit in the living room?" He offers. Jimin nods, smiling gently. He seems to get confirmation from Hoseok as well before he's kissing Jimin on the nose, making him giggle then digging in the cupboards.

Jimin motions for Hoseok to join him on the sofa and he does. They hear some pots and pans moving around.

"You know what, baby? I'm just gonna make us something and... go... get my headphones, kay?" Then Yoongi takes off upstairs and Jimin tries to hold back the giggle threatening to escape.

"He really loves you..." Hoseok points out. Jimin feels the flush of his cheeks and tries to reign in the fluttering of his eyes. "I've just... I've never seen him so..."

"Mushy?"

Hoseok laughs. "Yes, but no I mean... when hyung is really passionate about something, he pours so much into it and then it looks effortless. It's like he's a whole other person transformed. The rest of us mere mortals have to ascend a thousand leagues to even be at his start. And I see that... when he's with you."

Now, Jimin's cheeks are definitely flushed. Yoongi makes his way back downstairs, making a point to show how he found his phone and has on headphones and then he waves. It's so goofy the way this man waves in his own house. Jimin can't help but shake his head and grin. It's so Yoongi.

"I was jealous. But it was more than that..." Hoseok finds himself saying after watching a bit longer. "I umm... when we were together... when you and I were together, I wasn't completely honest with you. And the more I think about it, the more I think that's where it really all crumbled."

Jimin turns his body towards Hoseok in interest. Before he can add to it, Yoongi's scurrying in with a tray of snacks and tea. He lays the tray on the coffee table, kisses Jimin on the forehead then scurries back into the kitchen. Not before waving again.

"I always wanted him to look at me the way he looks at you. The way it just comes so easily like he always meant to look at you that way. I didn't realize until later this isn't the kind of thing you force. And when you showed up back then, and you did look at me, well even if it wasn't fully like that, it was enough to make me feel like I could have what I wanted from hyung."

Jimin doesn't know what to say but finds himself asking, "did you love me the way you said you did?"

"Maybe not the way I was going on and on about, if I'm being honest now. But I did. Didn't get it until later. How couldn't I love you? You made me feel so important. I know that's not the healthiest love but I wanted to be seen so bad from hyung. And you were there. And you were seeing me. You were so popular but you wanted us to have a chance. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. I couldn't." Hoseok takes a moment to sigh. "I couldn't listen to you because I was too caught up in having this kid fill me up in ways I wanted from someone else and that I wouldn't give myself. So you're right, I didn't really treat you as a full human being at all."

"I-I didn't want to break up. I just felt like things were happening so fast and so much at once. And people were talking in the dance studio..."

There hadn't just been talk. Hoseok tended to get a bit boisterous. He wasn't explicit about their sexual relationship but he left things open so that others could fill enough blanks. It had people making assumptions about Jimin that started to impact his relationship in dance. There were definitely rumors that Jimin was only with Hoseok for his academic standing. It made him begin to feel self-conscious about himself and his dancing. He remembers trying to sit down with Hoseok and talk about it. But when Hoseok exploded because of Jimin's drunken blunder that made Hoseok look not so favorable, all hell really did break loose.

"I think the more I think about it, the truth is, I projected a lot of my feelings for hyung onto you and then I wanted you to just keep going along with it. Because you were a good kid and you loved me. And I didn't realize I was hurting and thereby hurting you. I tried to rush us through so I could prove myself to hyung in some weird way. And that wasn't right, not to you. Not to anyone, really. When you got drunk, I didn't see that you were basically trying to get my attention. And when it was too late, you were telling my coworkers things that we hadn't talked about. So I selfishly took it out on you and pushed you away. Because when my family came to the apartment and we were arguing, hyung was headed up the stairs too and I just... wanted to prove something to him so badly. And that got ruined, in my mind. I pushed you away. It happened so fast. Then I shut down."

Even though it's been years, even though Jimin is in a different place, the sting still penetrates. He closes his eyes, trying to blink back the tears for that hurt and confused boy left to pick himself up with no answers. "That hurt me so much. I-I didn't understand how it turned from something so small into you not ever speaking to me again. And then you..."

"And then I did nothing to support your being bullied out of the dance program..." Hoseok runs his hands through his hair. "I know this justifies nothing but I can tell you what I understand about it more... and about me, if that helps."

Jimin's glad to have this conversation. If you sat him down at the beginning of the year and told him this would happen, he'd laugh until he couldn't breathe. But now, he feels stable in his own mind and body enough to be open to this. He nods and motions for Hoseok to continue.

"You know that expression how hurt people hurt people? Well, I was hurting. After all of that embarrassment and just being confused about myself and my love life, hyung still didn't see me. Not the way you did when you looked at me. Not the way I felt myself looking at him. So when it started... I knew it was wrong but it got me more attention from hyung. I guess to push down the guilt of what happened to you, I started to really believe it. You were the villain. You wronged me and then you stalked me and you were the selfish one. And it made sense. Because you'd never so much as opposed me on anything. Suddenly now, you're making really loud displays of how unhappy you are with me. At the time, it felt really selfish. That's when I realized I actually did have feelings for you and as far as I was concerned, you threw it away. It was me. I was the selfish one, Jimin. I know that doesn't take away what happened..."

"I'm not telling you this to make you feel guilt but to name it. I went through a lot of pain after that relationship. It was really hard for me to trust after that." Jimin is proud of himself for being able to share his truth without feeling overprotective and hypervigilent. He's safe right now. He knows it. The pain won't have power over him, at least not in this moment.

"I heard about how you were... I mean the reputation that was going around. It's why..." He pauses and Jimin notices how teary-eyed and remorseful his eyes are.

Jimin reaches out and squeezes Hoseok's hand, reassuringly. "It's why you were so cold when you saw me with hyung the first time?"

Hoseok lowers his head, ashamed. "And finding out you slept with my boyfriend. It's one of the reasons. I was feeling like you were taking everything away from me again, especially hyung. I can't believe I didn't put it altogether when we did that dating app. He's right... he always seems to know these things. I was still hung up over a lot of things, including my relationship with you. When I wasn't being a self-absorbed prick, I realized all of the things I got from our relationship and from you... including that I was poly."

"Wait, what?" Jimin cocks his head, so baffled.

"I didn't know it when we were together. Or maybe I did but I didn't realize it. I loved you back then and I loved hyung. I didn't realize I could do that and not be some kind of weird freak in my head. And when I ghosted you, I still loved you. And I still loved hyung. And I was really miserable. God, I watched him get into relationships and I would try to do things to sabotage them. He called me out on it. And that's how I should've known he knew I was in love with him. And when Namjoon came around, he called me out too. It made me really start to see myself more and you would think that meant I saw you better. But I felt jilted. You didn't love me. At least with hyung, I got to stick around and resolve that. I projected my anger on you and I don't know what I could ever do to..." Jimin hears a sniffle. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a flash of movement.

Yoongi's poked his head into the living room. Are you okay? His face asks. Jimin smiles softly. He nods then blows a kiss to Yoongi. Yoongi dramatically catches it and places it at his heart before stumbling back into the kitchen. Jimin giggles quietly but jumps when he hears a scoff.

"God, I don't know whether to cry over the past or over this sappy shit."

This time, Jimin does laugh. Loudly.

"I'm happy for him. I'm happy for you both. I knew he loved you when he threatened to kick me out of his house. I saw it in his eyes." Jimin blushes again. He's not sure he's ready to delve into that.

He squeezes Hoseok's hand again. "Tell me how you met Namjoon."

It's Hoseok's turn to blush. Jimin giggles. This is a side of Hoseok he hasn't ever seen. Not even while he was talking about Yoongi. "Well, we actually met at a healthy relationships group on campus. I was doing some TA work in the studio, Namjoon was working on his JD and it was being offered. I joined because hyung was attending. I would've done anything to get his attention. But then this tall klutz comes stumbling over and he idolized hyung so much. At first, naturally, I was offended. Who is this doofus and why does hyung actually talk to him?"

Jimin laughs.

"Don't tell him I told you this but that was after I guess you two apparently broke up. He seemed really hung up over you. I didn't know it was you at the time. And then when I found out and I realized you and hyung were having sex... I just... Jimin, I was not fair to you."

Jimin allows Hoseok space to gather himself. He hands him a teacup and takes his own. They'd been talking for some time so he hopes it isn't cold. He takes a sip and it's just right. Hoseok accepts the gesture and takes a sip of his of cup as well.

"So anyway, he started following us everywhere. I was a bit annoyed. He was awful at flirting, he flailed around when he danced, he interrupted my pining over hyung so much. But the worst of it was how he just called me out. I was like who the fuck do you think you are? And you know Namjoon, he just as calmly let me curse him to the moon and back but his point still stood, just so matter of factly. Didn't talk to him for an entire month. Hyung knew. Knew something was up, I mean. I'll never forget his words. 'Hoba, I didn't go to school for psychology and I'm already seeing a therapist. Fix your shit, whatever it is,' and then he just walked off."

They both chuckle. Jimin shakes his head. Yoongi pokes his head out. Takes his headphones down. "My ears are twitching... you talking shit about me?"

Jimin rolls his eyes and excuses himself to Hoseok. He walks to the kitchen and wraps his arms around Yoongi's neck. Yoongi places his hands right on his ass. Jimin rolls his eyes again. "Is my big baby starving for attention while we have a guest?"

Yoongi pouts and Jimin chuckles and kisses it. He still pouts when he says, "yah! You've been over there this whole time, love me!"

"And I'm the brat?" But he joins their lips anyway.

"Everything okay, baby?" Yoongi asks after things get a bit more heated than they anticipated.

Jimin grins. "Quit acting like you haven't been eavesdropping this whole time. Now hurry it up in here. It smells good and I'm starving." He kisses Yoongi's nose and turns to walk out of the kitchen. Finds himself yelping when he feels the slap on his ass. He looks back and Yoongi's grinning so mischievously. Yup, definitely blushing.

He knows Hoseok's eyeing his beestung lips. Knows his hair's a bit more out of place than it was. Hoseok rolls his eyes, sipping his tea. He shakes his head, grinning. "You two have no shame whatsoever."

"Talk to him! He can't keep his hands off me. He has a real problem, you know? We're in therapy right now." Jimin feels it the moment his phone buzzes. Knows it's Yoongi. Tries to keep the grin down.

Hoseok is clearly not impressed, making Jimin giggle more. To think, he's sitting with his ex-boyfriend, giggling over his boyfriend who is best friends with his ex... with two of his exes. "You two fit really well together. Not just because you're leprechauns."

Jimin would be offended by the height joke but something lingers in his mind. "What changed? You seemed upset about us being together."

"You. You could've aired my shit out there. You didn't. You just told hyung about how we knew each other but you tried to handle it between us. I know I can be stubborn but I watched you with hyung and with the kids. I was jealous on that part. You have something with him I always wanted. It started making me feel shitty about my own relationship. About myself. And then you all were kidnapped. Really kidnapped. And I knew I needed to grow up and let the shit go and have a lot of truth moments with myself. I know it shouldn't take something like getting kidnapped but it really scared the shit outta me that something could happen to either one of you and that it might have been my fault. I blamed myself for leaving the kids. I've had a rough couple of weeks after it, if I'm being honest."

Jimin's eyes start to sting. "You're not alone there..." he shares softly. This time, Hoseok grabs his hand and squeezes it back. They take some time to sip tea and sit together in the silence. Then Jimin finds himself asking, "are you still interested in hyung?"

Hoseok smiles softly. "I think I'll always love him. And I'm attracted to him. But no. I had to mourn what wasn't and what I put in my head. He made his line very clear. I just kept ignoring it. That's on me. And, I love Namjoon. I'm in love with Namjoon. Hyung is what I thought I wanted and I realized Namjoon's who I wanted and needed all along. Plus, we're hot together and we'd make gorgeous babies."

Jimin falls over laughing, almost spills his tea. "Whose genes do you think they'd take after if it comes to dancing?"

Hoseok pretends to contemplate. "Well see, here's the thing. When Namu really isn't being a doofus, he can really move. It's just that he's always a doofus." He sighs, dramatically, "my doofus as it were."

This time, they both giggle. Tea and gossip over cute boys. Jimin thinks he quite enjoys this. He knows he does.

"You do know Yoongi's texting him right now, right?" Jimin asks, conspiratorily.

"Of course, they're so competitive. Can't stand to see us be the sexier two of the couples." Jimin hears his phone buzz yet again. They both cackle.

Jimin bouncing on the sofa, puts one foot under him after putting the teacup on the coffee table. "So when did you know Namjoon-hyung was the one?"

"He's one of my ones but it was when we got drunk one night. We were laughing at my pining over hyung and he just blurted out that he thought I was poly. And we laughed. And laughed. And then he spilled beer on me and we laughed more. And then I went to go clean it at the same time he did. We crashed into each other. Somehow we were kissing after that. And then... and then it was a full on make out. Don't tell hyung, but I'm pretty sure we had sex in his apartment..."

This time, Hoseok's phone buzzes.

"Yoongi, you're supposed to be cooking. If you're gonna eavesdrop, you might as well bring your not subtle at all ass in here!" Jimin fusses.

Sure enough, Yoongi pokes his head out yet again, ladle in hand. "I am watching both of you very closely. I might just be poisoning Hoseok's food right now."

Jimin throws a pillow, Hoseok rolls his eyes. "Anyway, when I woke up, the fool was gone. I thought he dicked and ditched. Turns out, he just got so excited, he went to go buy flowers and forgot to text me. So I was ready to write him off but then he comes back looking all silly and sheepish with these half-murdered flowers and as cheesy as that sounds, I just knew there was something about him.

Jimin takes Hoseok in. Takes in the way his face lights up, even in his mock annoyance. The way his cheekbones rise higher and the glint of his eyes. "When did you recognize you were poly?"

"Namu and I were getting serious and he wanted to take the next step. He wanted to move in together. We... our relationship is the healthiest relationship I've ever experienced, if I'm being honest. Namu's a planner. He's very thorough. And sure, life doesn't always fit within the tightest plans but he had a vision about us that I trusted. Until I didn't. Until I freaked the fuck out because I got really sick, Yoongi made me soup and I realized I was still in love with him. But here's the thing, I knew we were healthy, Namu and I, because after I freaked out, I told him. And we sat down and he said, what's so wrong with you loving us both? And I said, what's so right about it? And he said, maybe there is no wrong or right, Chipmunk. Maybe you just love two people because you've got the deepest, purest heart I've ever seen and the space to love that much."

"Wow," is all Jimin can really say. Because damn. Namjoon, poet. Namjoon, philosopher.

"In case you're wondering, yes, we both were in love with hyung. I think that's how we had a better understanding of each other. It's not that we were trying to manipulate him. I just... we work so well together, we all fit, you know? Anyway, I think we leaned on each other. This reality that we're not monogamous and yet we still love each other. How funny, we're in a monogamous presenting relationship right now, though, right? Where Namjoon saw it as something expansive, I saw it as something painful. He helps me see the better of myself, even when the worst is there. He's a big part of my peace."

Something about these words strike a chord in Jimin. He doesn't have the words himself just yet but they're there. He can feel it.

"What made you sign hyung up for the app?" He wonders.

"Jimin, do you see how much love he gives? Okay, we were also using that to try to get over our feelings. It's true. It was shitty. We were being terrible friends..." Again, that remorseful look is back.

"It wasn't the best listening to your friend's boundaries... and we're happy. Please don't beat yourself up anymore. We're being adults. We're all talking. I forgive you, hyung. It hurt, I'm still dealing with some of it but I'd like us to start over... w-we can't change what happened in the past but we can move forward."

He looks up and sees the tears filling up Hoseok's eyes. Hoseok nods, hopeful and pleading. Jimin smiles warmly. "Hi, I'm Jimin. I'm dating your friend, Yoongi, and we're co-parenting two kids. Would you like to stay for dinner?"

"So basically, I think..." Jimin looks at Yoongi, "we think, it's the perfect time to call in reinforcements. We'd like to ask for more help."

"I want to tell you something. I feel like now is finally the most appropriate time. In the time that I've gotten to know your home and this makeshift family, I've been quite thoroughly impressed by you two young adults," Jimin gapes and goes to retort but the therapist continues, "including crises. Especially during crises. I'm very impressed with your ability right now to show up enough for yourselves when you realize things might feel a bit over your heads. I want you both to give yourselves a pat on the back for building your community."

Jimin turns towards Yoongi, who is turning towards him. "Hyung, you've... well you've been showing me up in this whole parenting thing and it's not fair. I love you and I'm so proud of you. You're such a good daddy."

He watches Yoongi blush and roll his eyes with a smirk. "Baby, I love the way you think I'm showing you up when really, I'm just catching up. Also, when you sing to the kids and dance in those pants that I like, it's sexy." He winks.

Jimin swats at him, "hyung!" He has the nerve to call Jimin a sex demon.

"What?" He asks, innocently. Even the therapist giggles. Jimin shakes his head, flustered. "I'm proud of you, Jimin-ah. I'm proud of both of us. This is so sappy right now, by the way, and for once, it's not our faults."

"Alright, lovebirds. So you asked about setting boundaries with the children. I'd like you both to read this."

They look over something and at the same time, recite, "step one: communicate your values..."

===

"Taehyungie..." Jimin says, crouched to the child's level. "The last time we spoke, Chimmy-hyung was really upset. Instead of saying that I was upset, I took it out on you. And that's not okay. I'm sorry for not using my words and for making you feel scared."

Taehyung grabs his chin as if contemplating. "You 'spose to use your words when you're upset, my Chimmy. But it's 'kay. I wasn't being a good listener too. I'm 'spose to be a good listener."

"Were you upset too, Taehyungie? When hyung was playing with Jeonggukie?" Jimin asks, after trying to hold back from laughing.

Taehyung's eyes go wide and he nods fervently. "I wanted to play too! I want to play with Chimmy too!" Then he pouts to emphasize his point. "Chimmy always says Taetae wait your turn but you always play with Jeonggukie and it takes FOREVER!"

"We're going to try something new from now on, okay? Each of you will get to have your own Yoonie time and Chimmy time. We're going to put it on this nice wall in your room! And you get to pick out the stickers you want. And when it's Yoonie time with Taetae, we'll set a timer. A timer is something that rings really loud to let you know it's Taetae and Yoonie time and when it's over, it will ring a different sound. Then, when it's Taetae and Chimmy time, you'll have the timer. And when it's time to do something different, another sound will ring. Do you understand?"

Judging by the way the kid scrunched his nose quite a lot, probably not. But the therapist suggested explaining and communicating boundaries first. Next come the visual aides. It might take a lot of repetition and definitely consistency, but they'll get it. Taetae's the bestest boy, after all.

"Then, sometimes, we will have time where all of the family gets to play together. You and me and Jeonggukie and Yoonie. And sometimes, me and Yoonie will play with just you. But also, that means, when it's Jeonggukie's turn, he gets to play with just Yoonie and I, too, okay? But you will both get a turn." Taehyung bounces up and down in excitement and he spits rapidfire details of all the things they're going to do together.

Jimin thinks this could actually be really fun to plan and co-create with the little boy. He takes a deep breath. Because this one will be the trickiest. "And then, sometimes, Chimmy and Yoonie will have Chimmy and Yoonie time."

"Will you play, just you and Yoonie?" Taehyung asks, innocently. Bless this child. Jimin clears his throat.

"In a manner of speaking..." He mutters under his breath. "Yes, sometimes, it's okay for all of us to have time together. And sometimes, it's okay to have time alone. And we still love you both very much."

They've planned to use a red, yellow and green system. Yoongi almost choked when the therapist suggested this. Jimin, of course, swatted at him. They will define for the children what things mean red, for example, like an injury. If it's red, they can interrupt Yoonie and Chimmy time, and so forth.

"These kids are either going to grow up with the most expressive sexual educations or be scarred for life." Yoongi says a bit later (totally not eavesdropping), after Jimin and Taehyung have hugged and rubbed noses. "You did good, bub. With that sweet, sexy teacher voice. Oh, seonsaeng-nim! Seonsaeng-nim, will you please come teach me a..." he pauses for emphasis, then wiggles his eyebrows, adding, "lesson?"

"I'm the one that trended as a sex fiend and yet, your truth comes out. And for that, I give you a failing grade. And you're expelled."

===

"Hyung, as your new favorite dongsaeng-"

"Pretty sure that title goes to Jeonggukie and Taehyungie."

Jimin completely ignores him, "as I was saying, as your new favorite dongsaeng, remember... you said you would do anything and kind of owe me?" Of course his voice is higher pitched. Of course it's sweet and of course he's laying it on thick.

"Why do I feel like this is already biting me in the ass?" Hoseok asks, with a groan.

Jimin pouts. "Don't be like that, hyung. I just need one tiny favor."

Hoseok sighs.

"Just take the kids for a couple of days. You and Namjoon miss them and Yoongi and I just need quality time." He puts on his bestest, most precious smile.

However, Hoseok absolutely deadpans.

Jimin huffs. "Okay! Fine, I need to get laid!"

Hoseok rolls his eyes.

"You don't understand! It's like they have some kind of dick radar! Even with our new system. Every time we get started (Hoseok interrupts saying, "I do not want to hear this" to which Jimin ignores), one of them interrupts. Taetae is tall enough to open the door. If we lock it, he screams or bangs on the door. He's getting his colors confused. It gets Jeonggukie all riled up... one time his little pitiful hand was just under the door and it got caught. It was a whole mess, hyung! You gotta help me h-"

"Oh my goodness, fine!"

.
.
.

Later that night, when they're both catching their breaths, eyes half-lidded, completely sated, Yoongi turns his head slightly and asks, "Jiminie... did you get rid of our children to get laid, you shameless minx?"

Chapter Text

"It's time we had a real heart to heart..."

He sighs, running a tentative hand though his hair. It's shaky and no matter how many times he's rehearsed what he's about to say, it doesn't feel right and stays lodged in his throat.

"I-I didn't want to have to do this. B-but sometimes in life, we have to do things we don't... that's not important right now. Anyway, I... this can not continue..."

He winces hearing himself finally speak the words he's been dreading to say since the last time he rehearsed them.

It hurts, swallowing the bile down that keeps rising to his throat. The very last thing he wants to do is have this conversation. To be in this space. To speak these words into existence.

How did it all come to this? Why?

He closes his eyes and takes another moment to inhale. Then slowly, shallowly, he releases. It doesn't help. His chest still feels tighter. A sting in his eyes lets him know the tears are threatening to fall any second.

He blinks a couple of times to will them at bay.

He wants to forget this whole thing, take back everything and just let it be.

But there's a lingering reminder calling him to present. Furrowing his eyebrows and scrunching his nose, he shakes his head and sighs.

His heart beat feels erratic and he could swear his palms are sweating at this point.

"I-I didn't want to have to do this. If it were left up to me... well..." and he knows he's stammering but how the hell is he supposed to get this out? He feels so awkward, so hurt, so... frustrated that he even has to do this in the first place.

He hangs his head low, he knows the longer he pauses, the longer he will beat around the bush.

He practiced this over and over again. He can do this. He kind of has to because, unfortunately, this is the end.

He tries his best not to make eye contact when he finally gathers the nerve to say softly, "Jeonggukie, hyung isn't angry... but when you bite hyung's cheeks, it hurts. And so I didn't mean to scare you. I-I was just startled. I was surprised."

He shuts his eyes tight, trying to will the tears from escaping again.

That red, runny, button nose. Those wide, teary eyes and that wobbly bottom lip.

This is absolute cruelty and Yoongi may not be the most religious man but he has a bone to pick with whomever is up there in Heaven right now.

He's interrupted by his musings yet again from the tyrant that got him into this mess, clearing his throat and looking to him expectantly.

I will end you, Park Jimin. His eyes express.

But Jimin just rolls his eyes then widens them. Stop being dramatic and just do the thing. Jimin's eyes seem to express back.

Traitor.

"Jeonggukie... I know sometimes you get excited but... but it is n-not okay to bite hyung on the cheeks when you're hungry. Hyung's cheeks are not food, do you understand? When you want food, you say, I'm hungry. Okay?"

He looks up again and watches as his precious little baby hunches into him while nodding his tiny, round head. It's the wobbly lip that's really about to be Yoongi's entire downfall.

He can't do this.

So what it's become a habit? So what he's had bruised cheeks a few times? So what he was startled out of his sleep because the baby decided to gnaw on him? So what it might potentially be giving Jeongguk certain messages of understanding?

He will take bruised cheeks and teeny bite marks over this any day damn it.

They've been navigating Jeonggukie's transition into toddlerhood. And some might call it the terrible twos but Yoongi likes to think Jeonggukie is just a spirited, precious and precocious baby with a lot of energy and a very expressive ways of showing his feelings.

Maybe Jeongguk's taken to biting or hitting when he's upset (or in Yoongi's case, hungry) and so he's decided to throw toys as another means of expression. It could potentially be dangerous but also... the athletic part of Yoongi marvels at how this kid already has quite the arm on him. And maybe there was those times whenever Yoongi goes to put the toys away that scared the shit out of him the moment he notices two eyes following him among the plushies... but really, it's not that bad.

"I sowwie." A tiny little voice croaks, in remorse.

Nope. Absolutely not. He can NOT do this. He will not.

Jimin, or, the vile betrayer formerly known as the love of Yoongi's life, seems to think otherwise.

Yoongi's going to show him. He'll have him sleep on the couch. Hmph.

Jimin seems to read his thoughts because he pinches Yoongi's side, causing him to yelp. And naturally, Yoongi growls. But Jimin's eyes are scary when they're insistent.

Maybe he'll be the one on the couch if he's not careful.

Huffing, he shakes his head and continues on. "Jeonggukie... we use our teeth to chew our food. And when we're upset, we use our words to talk about it. We don't bite..."

He gasps as the baby lowers his head in shame. Yoongi immediately looks up at Jimin, ready to escape this agony but if he was looking for any sympathy whatsoever, he'll get none of it from Park Jimin. How dare he level Yoongi with an unimpressed stare then roll his eyes again?

How dare he sass him without words, signalling for him to continue?

"Y-you were upset with Taetae and you bit him. Instead of biting him, you say, Taetae, I'm upset. We don't bite other people in this house without permission..." Jimin snorts and this time, it's Yoongi who shoots cold eyes his way.

Jimin has the decency to raise his hands in surrender but not without motioning, yet again, for Yoongi to continue.

"If you bite someone when you are upset and you are trying to hurt them, that is not okay." And here goes the last part. The part that just really is meant to drive it home. He sighs. "Jeonggukie, it's not okay to hurt me. I'd like you to respect my body."

He rolls his eyes, internally. Okay, yes. Yoongi can see the merit and power of these words. But also (and maybe because he's being defiant since his little baby is suffering from this lecture) he thinks these words are pretty big for a toddler. And granted, his Jeonggukie is the smartest baby but, still.

Whoever thought of this should be forced into a room full of Legos while barefoot. He looks up again and remembers, oh right. Park Jimin, public enemy number one and main enabler of this atrocity.

"A-and if someone is hurting your body, it's okay for you to tell them that you would like them to respect your body too, okay? B-but let's try to use our words to say what we feel from now on. Again, hyung is not upset but when you bit my cheek, that did kind of sting... but only just-"

He wants to finish that thought and soften the blow but the shark that is Park Jimin is on he, ready to attack.

He sneers. Because Legos.

He wishes his brain capacity could just will Jimin into that room right this second.

"W-we will work together, as a family, to use our words and teach you ways to express your feelings that don't involve hurting someone else, yeah?"

He looks up again at the miserable, pitiful expression on his poor baby's face. Fate is really cruel and he's ready to give body blows to the entire world.

"And how was it?"

Yoongi clears his throat, noticing that Jimin's opening his mouth and cuts him off. "So about that, my reason for being here was to officially inform you that this will be our last session as of today. I'm firing you and breaking up with Jimin and I will be single parent all by myself." He nods resolutely.

But the therapist just throws their head back and laughs. Mercilessly. At Yoongi's pain.

"If you couldn't tell," Jimin starts, "he's still sulking. I'm not sure who cried more, Jeonggukie or him."

Yoongi is not sulking. Maybe his arms are crossed. Maybe he's glaring but that's all justified. Neither one of these heartless individuals had to do what Yoongi had to do.

"Ahh, it's always hard the first few times, Yoongi-ssi. As we discussed. But the good news is, you've officially made your mark into parenting. Holding boundaries, modeling accountability and speaking on harmful behaviors, these things are tough. Especially with toddler. And especially with..."

Jimin snorts. "It's okay, you can say it. Hyung is a pushover."

Yoongi snaps his head in Jimin's direction, letting Jimin see every bit of disgust and betrayal in his face.

"You weren't saying that the other night when I-"

"What I was going to say," the therapist mentions, grinning, "was that it's especially hard when met with a situation such as the one you found yourselves in with the children."

Okay so the therapist is a great diplomat and mediator but that doesn't stop Yoongi and Jimin from sticking their tongues out at each other.

The therapist, ever so gracious, gives them time while also giggling at the antics they've come to know from Yoongi and Jimin during their family sessions.

"Yoongi-ssi, we've talked, at length, about your reluctance towards what you deemed as any form of discipline. Do you understand, now, why you were encouraged to have this talk with little Jeongguk?"

"Because Jimin's a fucking sadist and enjoys my suffering." Yoongi mutters then winces at the sting of Jimin swatting him at the back of his head.

Ever so patient and gracious (more like immune to their foolery), the therapist grins but waits for Yoongi to reflect.

"I don't know!" Yoongi huffs, flustered. "I... have you seen that face? You weren't there. His little nose was red and his little lip was poked out and he just looked miserable and I was miserable and it was just miserable, okay?"

If it sounds like Yoongi's whining, it's because he is.

Jimin pretends to cough while definitely calling Yoongi a sap.

Yoongi looks so rightly affronted. "I can't believe you both made me do this! You want to know how it was? It was awful! You're terrible human beings! Why did you make me do that?"

"Because one look into either of their eyes and you cave every single time, hyung. We talked about this. It's good for you." Jimin reiterates.

And of course Yoongi has a rebuttal. "It's not good! It's far from good. Did you see how he looked at me? My baby? He's going to hate my guts and in approximately 19.4 years from now, he'll be in need of his own therapist because of how badly I scarred him from taking away his favorite toy!"

"That specific, huh?" Yoongi is going to break up with Jimin. Then take him back and then break up with him again. Then marry him and divorce him. Ha. Not childish whatsoever.

Instead, he groans, asking, "how can you relish at my misery?!"

"There, there..." Jimin offers, rubbing Yoongi's back. Yoongi scowls and moves half an inch away. Ha. Feel the distance, feel the burn, Park Jimin.

"So as I was saying, I'm breaking up with Park Jimin and firing you and taking my babies away from both of your evil clutches."

Except now this time, Jimin pats him patronizingly on the back and says, "there, there Tsukino Usagi."

Of course! Of freaking course Jimin would wait until Yoongi's most vulnerable (and not able to get to his phone without the other seeing) to drop a reference that stumps him. And he'd been doing so well!

Park Jimin did that on purpose! Yoongi swears he can see the victorious glint in his eyes.

And Yoongi's so stumped but he's trying not to show it. He surmises this is a person. And judging by the way Jimin was so smug, probably someone who is a bit expressive in their feelings. He can do this.

Is this person fictional or non-fictional? You never know with Jimin.

Yoongi, with or without the help of search engines and phoning a friend, had been able to keep up and even throw his own pop culture references out to Jimin and now, he feels his boat sinking slowly.

Think, Yoongi. Think.

But then it's too late. The mirth and mischief already settles across Jimin's face. "Are you telling me I finally won again? You have no idea who I'm talking about, do you hyung?" He goads.

Yoongi hopes he's leveling Jimin with the 'I will conjure that Lego room just for you, any second now' face.

Except Jimin's too busy celebrating this victory.

"I can't believe you've never watched Sailor Moon either." He shakes his head and Yoongi feels like he's back to square one. Park Jimin: 8000, Min Yoongi: 0.

Jimin does a little celebratory wiggle and just like that, hearts take over where Yoongi's eyes should be.

Yoongi sighs and sinks into himself. "Okay so maybe I'm a bit of a pushover," he glares as Jimin huffs a chortle. "I just... is it so bad that I feel awful for having to do something like that when like you've said, they've already been through so much? I just... I don't want them to hate me or... or think I'm not listening and getting them. I don't want them to shut me out like I did with my parents."

"Ahh..." and there it goes again. That telltale sign that the therapist knows some insight Yoongi isn't quite ready for but will hit like a gut punch.

Yoongi sighs miserably, dragging a hand across his face. "I know. I know. This is the part where you tell me that I'm projecting my own fears onto the children and perhaps it's time to explore that during my one on ones with my therapist."

"Actually, I was going to say that I think we're at a great place of awareness now and by you being able to name these concerns, it is already structuring how you want to take up space in their lives."

Maybe Yoongi slumps sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"But, now that you've mentioned it..." Yoongi doesn't like that grin. Not one bit. Yup, therapist is fired. Yoongi breaks up with Jimin. Flies to the middle of nowhere with his baby where they will live a nomad life on an island far away from anyone.

"You mean to tell me after agonizing over, so dramatically, might I add, over disciplining Jeonggukie, your therapy team all cleared you to set up a meeting with a new social worker?" Seokjin adds in disbelief.

Yoongi frowns. "Yah! Don't act so surprised! Plus you forgot the most important part."

Having the collective support and observations from Yoongi's individual therapist, Jimin's individual therapist and their family counselor garner better chances for their next pending meeting with the social worker. In other words, the family therapist is of the impression that this may be great for their chances of adoption.

It doesn't take much to notice the very slight but noticeable way Jimin's eyes sink just a bit. It's all overwhelming news. There's a meeting with the social worker to be done, after all. And Yoongi's sure the last meeting still has an impact on Jimin, even if he's working through things during his one on ones.

There's still a possibility that the children could be taken from them. There's a possibility that this Tiger character could potentially still have money and influence in the system. There's a possibility that they could take things out on Jimin, on Yoongi or on both.

With Jimin's birthday slowly approaching, he hopes they can have an opportunity to celebrate some joys, especially considering it's been a bumpy few months together.

There's also an investigation still open. They've done their best, by way of Namjoon, to stall the inevitable but they're running short on time to speak to the authorities about the incident. Because international borders were involved, several international agencies are doing work which means they may be expected to speak to quite a few people.

And less importantly but still lingering, they now have a social media presence. That could be ignored except Jimin is still recovering from almost knocking someone's face off in the grocery store.

It's not like they signed up for it but they're meeting with Seokjin now, at his insistence, to help temper some of the zeal behind their story.

"Here's how it's going to go, my manager filtered the questions already and we'll stick to the ones you agreed you're comfortable with. If for some reason, one of those fuckers slips something rude through, we'll just deflect with my handsomeness. You are not expected to discuss anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If they ask about the children outside of their well-being, you let them know that you can not reveal that information legally at this time but that you're so appreciative of the outpour of love and support. They eat shit like that up."

Yoongi sees Jimin fiddling with the bottom of his sweater sleeve. He reaches his hand out, seeing the younger look up and they lock eyes. Smiling softly, Jimin takes his hand and squeezes.

"Okay, I'm ready... w-we're ready." Jimin announces after a reassuring nod from Yoongi.

It doesn't go half as bad as they might have expected.

In fact, Yoongi starts to enjoy how Jimin gets into interacting with some of the people asking questions, especially when they talk about how cute he is. Yoongi can't blame them. But also, back off from his baby, mortals.

They're asked to retell what happened. They try to be vague as not to draw too much attention to their normal whereabouts or anything that could directly link them to the children.

There's a lot of funny commentary on Yoongi being high and Jimin absolutely reels in it. Yoongi's a good, albeit grumpy, sport about the whole thing. They bicker on a live interview and, become trending topics, yet again. And despite their insistence, they find out a lot of money and donations have been placed into the children's education and upbringing.

They briefly take part in an even bigger discussion on traditions and how that potentially impedes on so many things set aside for children like Taehyung and Jeongguk. While they are grateful and blown away by the general support from the community, they also make a plea to encourage folks towards allocating their money and resources towards orphanages as well as helping fight the stigmas behind caring for children that don't carry their own family names.

Overall, it's a very enriching conversation, made even lighter with the help of their hyung, who is the master of deflection and distraction.

"Min Yoongi-ssi, I don't have to remind you that a birthday is coming soon, do I? A very important birthday of someone I love and care for dearly." Seokjin asks, not so subtly, the minute Jimin moves to use the toilet.

Yoongi sighs, bored. The team that is Jinmin really need to come up with better tactics.

"Hyung, whatever he paid you, however he bribed you, whichever way he tried to finesse you with his big eyes and pouty face, I still won't tell either one of you a damn thing."

"Yah! Min Yoongi, don't be disrespectful. Just say you don't have a gift for him and go!"

===

From the moment Jeongguk meets Uncle Hobi, he's developed this weirdly cute habit of demanding he be held by him so he can bury his little nose in the crook of Hoseok's neck. Naturally, Hoseok relishes in this but Yoongi chose to double check with Jeongguk's care team to make sure that was okay.

Much to Hoseok's delight, it's perfectly fine they said.

Hoseok's cradling and cuddling Jeongguk when Yoongi, while washing dishes, feels a tiny hand tug at his pants.

He turns to his left, being met with Taehyung's big, bright, unique eyes. The little one motions with his little finger for Yoongi to come down to his level.

Cupping his little face with his hands, he whispers (very loudly) "Yoonie, Hobi-hyung wants me to ask you what you are getting Chimmy for his birthday but he told me not to tell you."

Yoongi watches the realization settle across Taehyung's cute, panicked face as he comically gasps and covers his mouth.

He looks up in time to see Hoseok's face morph from dismay to an attempt at being stoic and uninterested.

"You tell Hobi-hyung and Chimmy that I'm going to bring Christmas early and bring them both a bag of coal." Yoongi explains, not pretending to whisper at all, while staring directly into his best friend's soul.

Hoseok gulps while Taehyung gasps. "Can I have a bag too, Yoonie?!" He shrieks with wondrous eyes. Then he scrunches his little face. "What's a coal?"

===

"Alright, you two. I think you're more than prepared for the social worker. And I'll be there this time. I don't give a sh- uhh, a flying fungus what anyone says." Namjoon offers, correcting himself quickly.

Something about the words 'flying fungus' really tickles Taehyung, so his little body is keeled over in laughter as he repeats the phrase several times. Namjoon grins, endeared and sheepish.

"Or you can just finally propose to Hoseok and start your own family." Yoongi offers, rolling his eyes and causing Jimin's to bug out before he cackles with his twinkly laughter.

Naturally, Namjoon sputters then grabs at his collar. "As I was saying," he continues after straightening himself up, "they won't be bothering you all anymore now that you've met with some of the detectives. I really trust these people, hyung. If they turn out to be ass- I mean a-holes, then they'll be really upset when audio footage of the interview gets leaked."

Jimin might flow with the distraction but Yoongi intentionally narrows his eyes. Namjoon responds in kind with his own bewildered look of denial and deflection.

"S-so... Jimin!" Namjoon's voice definitely cracks and he almost falls out of his chair.

How the hell did they even become friends again? Oh. That's right, Yoongi happened by a forlorn Namjoon sitting on the floor in the hallway of their dorm after being sexiled. Out of the kindness of his heart or really because he just looked so pitiful with his eyes... Yoongi's starting to notice a theme here. Either way, he wasn't ever able to get rid of Namjoon after that fateful night.

"You have a birthday coming up, any plans?"

The bad thing about being friends with his friends this long is they haven't gone away. The good thing is Yoongi immediately knows when there's something completely unnatural about the ways they speak. And there's absolutely nothing organic about Namjoon's act. Yoongi even catches Jimin trying to play off how he's silently threatening Namjoon.

Yoongi shakes his head and rises slowly from the couch. "Jimin will be spending his birthday alone, unless all of you not so subtle co-conspirators decide to take him in." He mentions, with his back to them as he walks away.

He can hear Jimin threatening to kill Namjoon for "ruining everything" as if somehow all of the other horrid attempts were any more successful.

"So, we have a date arranged for you both to meet with the social worker. But Jimin, you mentioned you wanted to share some things about this?"

Jimin nods, wide-eyed at the therapist. Yoongi doesn't get the impression that he intentionally avoid looking in his direction but whatever's on his love's mind seems to have his eyes glued straight ahead.

"I've been doing my best to deal with it during my private sessions. And... well the therapist recommended I talk about this during our next family session..." Jimin then slides his little hand over to Yoongi's thigh.

Responding in kind, Yoongi places his own hand on top of Jimin's.

The therapist nods, encouraging Jimin to continue while Yoongi squeezes his hand to let him know he's here.

"I might have said this before... I'm so used to looking for conflict in my relationships." Then he pauses so the therapist picks up from where he trails off.

"Why do you think that is?"

Yoongi watches Jimin. Watches as he takes a deep breath and sits up straighter. A few weeks ago, they wouldn't have even broached this let alone Jimin taking the lead to bring this up. Yoongi thinks he's the bravest human he's ever met.

"Well, that's what we're taught relationships are about, right? And more specifically, I've had a lot of conflict in my relationships in the past... definitely brought my fair share of it to the relationships as well..."

The therapist nods and Jimin's body language indicates he's looking for a response. "Is it okay if I share and ask something?" They ask, kindly.

They also wait until both Jimin and Yoongi consent. Satisfied, they continued. "From my time working with you and the children, what I've observed is that it's not to say Yoongi and you don't have differences but why are you looking for things between you to be conflicting?"

Jimin smiles to himself. He probably knew this was coming.

"Because it happened so fast? Here I was meeting a guy to get some milkshakes and now we've moved in together and we have kids and... and I love him..."

"And how does that make you feel, Jimin ssi?"

"When I think about it? It terrifies me. When I live it, I just... I just live in all of it, fully."

"So what's stopping you from living in it more?"

Jimin looks over at Yoongi and Yoongi smiles softly, hoping that he looks every bit of the encouragement he feels.

They're making so much progress together. Getting into a healthier emotional exchange. Jimin even walks lighter on his feet now that they got their sex marathon out of their system. Or as Yoongi likes to call it, "now that you've turned our bedroom into a sex dungeon."

"Hyung, so I realized sex with you is really a part of my basic needs and my basic needs weren't being met."

"Park Jimin, eating food is a basic need."

"Well... sex is like food, Yoongi!" Jimin whines in full pout.

They've come to a place in their unconventional relationship where Yoongi can pick up on Jimin needs to work through some things but the space isn't icy. It isn't grey. There's still so much vibrant color because Jimin is neon, strobe light exuberance.

"You're the very last person I ever want to shut out and that's exactly what I did, exactly what I said I didn't want to do." Jimin shares, looking into Yoongi's eyes.

Yoongi immediately wants to scream out in rebuttal because they've talked about this. But this is not why they're here. This is not how they got passed this. So he waits for Jimin to continue.

"I don't regret my decision." Jimin says, looking more towards the therapist's direction. "I've said this before and I meant it, it didn't matter what Yoongi decided, I was going to do everything in my power to make sure those babies were safe. They didn't ask to be here. They didn't ask for any of this. They deserve so much..."

The moment Jimin gets choked up, Yoongi's right there, stroking his hand soothingly. And Jimin turns with warmth in his eyes.

"I just... it comes with so much. It came with so much. So fast. I stopped dating. And then I'm in this situation and I can't help but wonder did all of this push me to rush my feelings? Maybe it did, maybe not. But how much space can I process those feelings and then there are two vulnerable babies. And then I'm suspended. And then we're kidnapped. And then I snapped at some random person in a grocery store. We had to basically broadcast our lives to social media to ask people to stop following us when they recognize us. And the kids don't understand why we stopped going to the park or out to play."

Yoongi waits to see any signs of discomfort from Jimin. But he's so enamored by how the younger keeps going, no signs of distress or embarrassment.

"I... I'm full of a lot of feelings. I'm angry at those bad people. At the world. Maybe even at their birth parents. I'm frustrated... well, a bit less now that we're getting a better intimacy routine. But with frustration is guilt. And I'm overwhelmed sometimes. And yes, I'm also happy. So happy. So in love. So grateful but I feel so... I feel so insecure." Jimin confesses.

"Of all that you mentioned, because you are both fully fleshed people, very capable of feeling several things at the same time, which feeling stands out the most?"

Yoongi likes this question. He also wants to know.

"Hyung has a great way of really seeing me. In the beginning, it felt a bit intimidating, it's the eyes." Jimin shares, giggling. "And he picked up on my emotional needs not being met. I-I was feeling really insecure about my place in all of this. And he said he wanted to recognize our dynamic, you know? Like really name the inequities in our relationship. He suggested for my own peace of mind that I should have things to fall back on, especially because I gave so much and... and I lost much as well."

"And how did that feel to have that conversation?"

"Well... I jumped him." Jimin shrugs, giggling to himself. Yoongi shakes his head, endeared. "It was really sexy. I felt safe, I felt heard, I felt seen. I-I don't want to play what ifs, you know. But hyung is right. Anything could happen. And I have no legal ties to any of it. It's all under his name. If we break up or... or if something happens to him... what happens to the kids? I looked up the process of adoption. I lost my apartment. I'll likely lose my ability to teach in the schools again. I..." He sighs but the therapist seems to pick up on something.

"And so we're in full circle now. Wondering what to do about the children. When these thoughts come, Jimin-ssi, I want you... both of you to remember that you both equally participated and collaborated on a very solid and concise plan regarding the social worker. We've debriefed on general expectations. We've now laid out worries and yes, they may rise and fall like tides as Yoongi-ssi so poetically stated but remember, you have a plan. Have you followed up with finding an apartment, Jimin-ssi?"

"I know it makes sense. I know I agreed to it. I get the logic of it but I'm scared that it somehow means I'm putting a break up into the universe or I'm somehow sabotaging our relationship..." It's a very brave confession and Yoongi wants to express as much through kisses.

"Your concerns are valid. I want to help reframe them, though, if that's okay?" And Jimin nods, emphatically.

"I purposely had you both write down the pros and cons of doing so but one thing we didn't mention was perhaps this might be a space you can create to establish intimacy with your boyfriend, separate and apart from the children?"

Yoongi watches the moment the light bulb flicks over Jimin's head.

"Great. So he can turn two bedrooms into sex dungeons." He snarks.

The therapist laughs. "Your assignments this week, Jimin, start looking for an apartment. Yoongi, continue to work on your boundaries. I know Jimin's birthday is coming up. So the next time we see each other, I'd like to hear about an activity of intimacy and closeness established between you both and the children and one between just the two of you."

===

Their activity with the kids comes a lot easier and sooner than either of them expected.

"Yoonie! Chimmy!" Taehyung shrieks. They're still working on the concept of inside voices. When the two make it to where Taehyung's sprawled out across the floor with his drawing pad, Jeongguk mimicking him with a blue and orange marker all over his face, Jimin coos, immediately taking a picture.

"Jeonggukie is helping me with my picture. But why come we haven't done a picture together?" The child asks, innocently yet quite huffily.

Something seems to light up in Jimin's face and Yoongi thinks he knows.

And that's how they all end up sprawled out in the living room area, creating a family mural.

It's a chaotic affair, naturally. But one full of many laughs and rewards. For one, it's helping Jeongguk have a great command of his colors and shapes. It's a great bonding experience, except when Jimin "pretends" to "accidentally" write on Yoongi. The clean up after the art fight... let's just say Yoongi's become well-versed in parental life hacks for stain removal.

But if all goes well, eventually it will be turned into something that can be framed.

Yoongi's helping Taehyung make a mold of his hand when he notices Jimin look up, biting his lip and grinning.

"I love you." He mouths.

"I love you more." Yoongi responds.

"I love you most. I win." Jimin counters, sticking out his tongue.

Jeongguk catches that and sticks his own tongue out. But cheeky baby that he is, decides to lick everyone.

They stop art time for the day, have clean up, some naps and then lunch when Yoongi gets an idea. It may be a bit chilly as they head closer to winter but they kids have been so patient.

"Baby, how about we go to the p-a-r-k?" Yoongi asks. Jimin's eyes raise in shock as Taehyung cutely tries to sound out the word.

"Y-you think it's okay?" He responds, wearily.

"Sure, it's a nice enough day. They need to get out a bit and stretch their legs. We can go to the one you wanted to go to near that one school. I figure, with school being in session, there likely wouldn't be too many people during this time of day. If we sense something weird, we'll pack up and go visit the uncles. What do you think?"

"I think... I don't want to live in fear. And they've been such angels about this whole thing. Let's... let's try it out."

===

When Taehyung realizes they're going to the park, it takes everything to help the little love settle into his seat properly. He explains to Jeongguk what's happening and they're both chanting excitedly.

They've gone over the rules and what to expect enough times for Jimin to feel comfortable.

And yet, it doesn't even take five minutes of the children playing before Taehyung darts off running. Jeongguk's legs are still quite smaller so before he can get too far, Yoongi scoops him up. He protests for about two seconds before raspberries are blown over his tummy.

Jimin, however, jumps up immediately but Yoongi gently places his hand on Jimin's shoulder.

"Remember, the therapist suggested we assess and then respond, yeah?"

Taehyung looks like he might be running towards the slide except he yells "noona! Noona!" to which Jimin starts becoming more alarmed when instead of running towards the slide, he veers towards a group of people at the swings.

Yoongi doesn't even respond fast enough before Jimin darts out after the child. Instead, Yoongi scoops Jeongguk up and rather than running, he walks, briskly, trailing behind them.

"Taehyung-ah! What did we say about running up to strangers?" He hears Jimin plea, in an attempt to relax his heightened emotions.

"That's not a stranger, that's noona!" Taehyung yells back but doesn't stop before putting his arms out.

Jimin stops to watch the scene before him. And Yoongi catches up, rubbing his back to let him know he's there.

"D-do you think he knows her?" Jimin asks, worriedly.

They watch the interaction with this girl. If Yoongi was judging by the crowd and the black grungy clothes, he'd think she was older but the round baby face and cheeks makes him think she's maybe no older than 15 or so. They watches as she goes from smirking at something the people with her say to widening her eyes before opening her arms wide to scoop Taehyung into her arms while happily yelling "Taehyungie! Oh my darling Taetae, look at you!" Then she's fawning over him while he sits on her hip. He giggles as she plays with his chin, his nose and gives him a soft kiss to his forehead.

"E-excuse me..." Jimin announcing, stepping ahead of where he and Yoongi were standing. The girl and the others with her all look in their direction. Taehyung wiggles to get down then once down, runs to grab Jimin's hand while pulling him towards the girl.

"Is that...?"

"Ohh man, look it up. Look it up, I think so." Yoongi hears from the others.

"Jiwonie, this my Chimmy and my Yoonie. They're my parents!" Taehyung announces proudly. "I took Kookie and found them just like you said! I did good!"

The girl, Jiwon apparently, looks misty-eyed before straightening herself. "You did so good, Taetae." She clears her throat, clearly trying to pool her emotions. "You're the ones. From the interview." She announces matter of factly as Yoongi hears one of the others say, "see, I knew it. That's the Is this heaven, guy? Are you an angel guy!"

Another responds with, "that's legendary. They're both even hotter in person." And he groans. Internally. He'll likely never escape that blasted audio if he tried. They have enough sense to look away when Yoongi levels them with an unimpressed glance.

"The kids... it was Taehyungie and Jeonggukie." Still, not a question. She seems all business and Yoongi watches as Jimin subtly squeeze Taehyung closer to him.

Jimin clears his throat. "You'll have to forgive me if I seem a bit weary but how-"

The girl, Jiwon, seems to sense Jimin's emotional state. "I was with them," she offers quickly albeit a bit more quietly. "In the van. That day at the diner. I told Taehyungie to take the baby and run."

Okay so there is a lot Yoongi would like to say to that but before he can he finds himself shocked by the way Jimin rushes to pull this girl into his arms. Everyone else seems shocked as well. Except Taehyung. Taehyung looks like all of his worlds finally collided and came together in harmony.

"Forgive me. Forgive me! I didn't mean to touch you without your permission." Jimin offers, moving to take a step back. Yoongi can tell by his tone that he's crying.

Jiwon seems to take it in stride but this is the first time since standing there, Yoongi sees more emotions across the girl's face when she whispers, "it's okay" before pulling him into a hug.

"Y-you saved them. Y-you... don't even know how much it means to me to hear that... to us..." Jimin blubbers.

He's cradling the girl's face so gently. Jimin's definitely crying and she's trying her best to blink back her own tears. She looks up at Yoongi and he offers a kind smile, hoping his face conveys any modicum of gratitude. Jimin's right, there might not be enough words to express how much that means.

Jimin pulls her into another hug when Yoongi hears, faintly, "and you saved me..."

===

Yoongi has random talents, sure, but who knew he could speak teenager?

At Jimin's insistence, he was refusing to let Jiwon out of his sight. But the kids were reluctant to budge, probably for multiple reasons. Somehow it was Yoongi who was able to get through to them enough that here they are, sitting around eating burgers. Jeonggukie passed out on his lap and Taehyung nestled against Jiwon. Jimin hasn't let go of her hand since they left the park and walked over towards some food places.

He learns that the others are Young-ha, who doesn't hold his tongue, Dae, who seems to be the alert and stoic leader and Byeol, who looks very skittish but also has kind eyes towards the children. The more they hear Jimin barking orders at Yoongi, Yoongi pouting in defiance and then both of them bickering, the more they seem to be at ease.

Jiwon is initially reluctant but it's Taehyung who starts the conversation of how they know each other. As he plays "remember when" and Jiwon can't help but respond. This segues into her letting them know what happened in the orphanage that led to the children being kidnapped. They find out Jiwon was like Taehyung and Jeongguk, there since she was a baby and due to age out. The other kids chime in, having been placed in other orphanages and explain the realities of aging out for kids like them.

Yoongi thinks it helps them feel at ease when the babies play with each of them and/or demand attention from each of them like the tiny tyrants they are. It also helps that Jiwon seems to be very pleased with how things turned out for the two boys.

"Hyung-nim, would it be rude to say your voice is so much deeper and even sexier and you look even hotter in person?" Young-ha shares, earning a smack from Dae and a look of contempt from Jiwon and Byeol.

"You can't say that! I'm so sorry about them, Yoongi-oppa. They really was raised by wolves." Dae shares, embarrassed.

Jimin giggles, chiming in. "That's how I fell for him. And those hands." He shares, winking at Young-ha. They all giggle together while Yoongi looks rightly affronted.

"Yah! What am I to you, a piece of meat? You're lucky the kids are asleep right now. What kind of example are you setting on these impressionable minds?" Yoongi barks in dialect, while covering Jeongguk's ears. "In my day, kids showed more respect, huh!"

He's not at all taken seriously as Jimin just talks right over him, while sticking a french fry in his mouth. "Come off it. You sound like a grandpa, especially where you're hungry."

Yoongi, being the whipped puddle of goo that he is for one Park Jimin, chews his fry but not without leveling him a glare in pout.

The teens seem highly amused.

"We were betting that this whole thing was made up. But then we know what it's like being in those systems but I still thought maybe you were the kind of famous people who were stuck up assholes, trying to use your story for clout." Byeol shares, surprisingly candid. It's the most she's spoken the entire time.

"At the park, we thought you were gonna flash your money at us like some big shots or ask us why we weren't in school or something, when we saw you walk up. Like we were gonna taint the kids or something." Dae adds.

Byeol hangs her head. "We're sorry for judging you. Please forgive us. I just... recognized you from that interview and even though you were funny, I thought all famous people would be stuck up assholes, no offense. I never wanted to meet those pricks. Except Seokjin oppa."

"You know Seokjin?" Yoongi asks.

"Hyung-nim, everyone knows Seokjin-hyung." Like duh, Yoongi.

Jimin giggles. "We should take you to his restaurant next time. He's a great friend of ours and Uncle Jinnie to the babies."

Jiwon smiles affectionately at this but shakes her head. "Look, honestly, you're both almost too good to be true. I'm glad you're happily gay af and you curse, otherwise I think we would have all been spooked... except maybe Young-ha but they're just a creep anyways."

Young-ha takes it in stride by sticking their tongue out.

"I think what Jiwon's trying to say is, we're glad you're not some stuck up pricks and you're like so kind and we're thankful for the food but... we're not really too used to too many adults being this... genuine?" Dae offers.

Jimin turns towards her, eyes wide in realization of her words. "Oh! Am I making you uncomfortable?"

Dae groans, causing the other teens to laugh. "See what I mean? Like, you're actually good. I hope that never changes oppa but it's kind of... suffocating." She turns to put on a brave face but Yoongi catches her wipe away a tear.

"Dae-ah, listen to me? All of you... listen to me... please" Jimin pleads before placing his other hand out towards her.

She takes it and Yoongi watches Jimin squeeze it.

He can tell Jimin's about to tear up any minute. "So, neither Yoongi nor I could or really would ever say we know what it's like in your shoes. But I can say I became a teacher because I wanted to create a place where kids feel safe. I didn't come from a lot of money. I didn't come from any status. So I tried where I could. I'm telling you this because you're not some charity cases to me. And sure, maybe we wouldn't have met like this had it not been for what happened but... you've each been kind enough to take my offer to sit down and get to know you. And yes, you can ask Yoongi. I'm the hovering type of parent. I won't lie. I'm going to worry sick about where you'll go to sleep tonight. If you even have a place to rest but... if you never want to speak to us again, it'll be enough to know I got to share this with all of you. That you got to help me bring more joy to these babies' lives today. That even though some really shitty things happened to you, you helped make such a difference. I... I..."

The tears start flowing and Jimin goes to apologize before covering his face, embarrassed. But without trying to startle Taehyung out of sleep, four teary-eyed teenagers slide in to give hugs.

"You're all a part of this. You're such a very big part... God, I hate crying!" Jimin announces, in between tears while laughing. The others chuckle between tears as well.

Yoongi takes a photo of the moment with his phone. "I took a photo and if it's okay, I'll share it with each of you. So you'll have something to commemorate this moment." He shares. Jimin looks up at him, all teary-eyed and snot nosed.

There's a brief second where there's so much love in his heart and Yoongi wants to send it right back. But then it all changes when he shrieks.

"Wait! Min Yoongi, I look like a dreadful mess. Don't you dare share that!"

"Well, that was quite eventful, hmm?" Yoongi mentions, when he and Jimin are cuddled in bed.

Jimin sighs, making shapes across Yoongi's stomach. "They wouldn't let me get them a hotel or something." He pouts.

Yoongi chuckles, running his hand through Jimin's hair. "Baby, we convinced them it was okay to take some of the donated money as they saw fit AND they weren't even reluctant to exchange contact information. Although, I'm pretty sure Young-ha saved me in their phone as Hot Hands Hyung-nim."

He scrunches his nose but Jimin laughs. Then he sighs again. "But... I just want them to be okay..."

"I know, love. But did you want to overwhelm them by coming on too strong? Gotta start really slow with these kinds of things. Who knows how many adults in their lives have already dropped the ball or gave them broken promises. A burger felt like too much for them earlier. They seemed genuinely open to your offer to hit you up any time and have lunch dates and stuff. Plus, Jiwon was able to give you the address to the orphanage." Yoongi reminds.

It was quite a feat. It came completely unprovoked. Although reluctant, she texted it to Jimin before they parted. Jimin invited her to tag along but she insisted that she would prefer not to go back there. They understood immediately.

But Jimin sighs for the millionth time. "I guess for once, you're right..." And Yoongi snorts but continues stroking the younger's hair. "I hope they stay in touch. So... we're doing this?" He asks, looking up at Yoongi.

"If that's what you want, my love." Yoongi affirms.

"That's what I want." Jimin nods then squeezes Yoongi's middle.

===

The orphanage, more like an old church, is actually relatively easy to find. Although, from the outside, you wouldn't tell it was either. Jiwon gave great descriptions, which turned out to be so helpful. It also turns out to be a lot closer than either Yoongi or Jimin anticipated. To think, this was all happening so close by. It could have been anywhere, anyone, at any time. But the cards were dealt to the two of them.

Jimin takes a long, steadying breath and Yoongi squeezes his hand. "Baby, we can just look here and come back later... or not even at all."

"I love you. I just... I'm okay. I want to do this." He nods.

Taehyung seems to have finally registered some familiarity because he screeches and claps his hands, "hey! I know this!"

When they're finally out and approaching the door, Jimin squeezes Yoongi's hand tightly then rings the buzzer.

A stern looking, older ahjussi opens the door. His gaze could rival Yoongi's own but the minute he sees the children, his eyes widen. "Little butterfly..." he whispers, gently.

===

The ahjussi, Lee Daehyeok-ssi, is a kind man who clearly doesn't get paid enough for what he does and likely well beyond the age for his body to continue the work. They can tell he's instantly relieved to see the children happy and healthy.

He says he doesn't watch too much television but he knows their story from Seokjin. Of course, everyone knows Seokjin. He takes them around the space. It's not as big as Yoongi maybe hoped. He watches as Jimin walks through each room, painstakingly. He's looking at photos on the wall, notes in the office, places where the ahjussi points out how Taehyung used to hide and sneak before trying to steal snacks. Apparently Taehyung also turned into a baby mastermind and orchestrated a two-baby operation with him and Kookie.

They all chuckle at that.

"I protect Kookie just like you said!" Taehyung exclaims, bouncing excitedly. He runs full speed into the man's arms. Yoongi and Jimin are there just in case that's a bit too much for the elder.

He shows them where Taehyung used to sleep, the baby box where he'd apparently found Jeongguk one night. He tells them so many memories and they hang onto the boys' origins with every breath.

"It makes an old man happy to see these two alive and healthy. Those people, they were evil from the start. They went around to several others, snuffed them out with money. But I come from the old ways. You earn your keep with these two hands. That's what I told them. They falsified my medical records, made it so I wasn't there the day they took the babies. At the time, we housed some of the youngest two. I knew what that meant and I..." he sighs as he trails off while they're sitting over tea.

It's Yoongi who grabs his hand gently. "They're okay. We make sure of it." He nods resolutely.

The ahjussi smiles then chuckles, more to himself. "I'll say. Look at Jeonggukie. He's already so big. I met him with he was this small." He motions with his hands, they all turn to watch the little ones playing with some of the children there. "I gave him his name, you know. Jeongguk. My grandfather gave it to me but I had no boys, you see. I knew he'd be special. They both are." He chuckles again, a toothy grin that seems to light up his face.

He takes one hand from Yoongi and one from Jimin. "You've made an old man so pleased. To know, to see them again... I don't get this often and my health..." He allows the tears to flow freely. Yoongi envelops his small fragile body in his arms and pats his back comfortingly. "Thank you, I can die a happy death when my time comes."

Yoongi watches Jimin take one more look around the space before they leave. He can tell Jimin's feeling a bit reluctant to go.

"Ahjussi," Jimin starts, eventually as they're heading out. "I'm a teacher... well I'm still technically under investigation because of that gang but I was wondering if it'd be okay if... maybe I can come by regularly and spend time with some of the kids. W-we aren't far from here and..."

Jimin looks at his feet shyly. But ahjussi takes his hand in his, smiling. "It would be my honor. I can tell you were raised well. I hope you make your parents proud." He says while patting Jimin on the back. "By the way," he adds while walking them to the door, "I make a mean tteokbokki, too."

When they arrive home and Jimin's flying high from excitement of this new prospect in his life, they get a call that potentially could bring them way down.

The social worker contacts them with expectation that they bring the children to a particular address she provides. Tomorrow.

The panic doesn't set in until they're sitting and waiting to be called. Namjoon's there. Hellbent on leveling the entire building if he has to. Jimin's trying his best to keep the babies from noticing the height of emotions but they did inform them both of where they were going and why. Taehyung seemed to take it in stride. Especially when he realized this could be what truly makes them his parents.

"Don't worry, hyung. I have a good feeling about this. It's gonna be okay. And we'll be back to normal. You, me, the babies and that leaky faucet." He's the one who continues to pace back and forth. Yoongi's more nervous for and about him but he won't speak that aloud right now.

They'd called for the children. Jeongguk was fussy and reluctant to go but Taehyung bravely took his hand, saying, "Taetae will protect Kookie. And 'sides, they have to be nice to us and give us cookies!" The attendant laughs but nods in agreement. That seems to get Jeongguk moving with them.

When they're finally called back, they're introduced to Mrs. Do. Namjoon's there watching the proceeding like a hawk.

She explains her role and expectations. Then continues with, "the children have been well-provided for, they're well-adjusted and to that I truly commend you both. Taehyung speaks so highly and fondly of you." She smiles warmly.

Jimin's knee bounces while he continues to squeeze Yoongi's thigh. Yoongi glances over and can see Jimin's hopeful eyes widening in wonder and yearning.

Yoongi doesn't notice it. There's no change at all when she continues with, "which is why it truly pains me to say you can't keep the children." He almost misses what she says except he sees Jimin's face drops. His eyes start to water. Namjoon's on it right away and asks for an explanation.

"The state requires that they be placed in a foster home prior to potential for adoption. It goes without saying that your work and care with them actually makes them both prime candidates for adoption." She offers.

The reality seems to seep in more. "We can't keep them with us...?" Jimin speaks in the tiniest whisper as his face falls, and Yoongi wants to wrap his arms around the teacher.

Mrs. Do sighs this time. "Sadly, Park Jimin-ssi, I'm afraid they'll need to be placed in a proper foster home."

Something seems to possess Jimin because he sits erect. "Please, is there anything you can do to show how detrimental this could be on the children to be uprooted from their current lives? They know us. They've bonded with us and we with them. We have the support of licensed clinicians, our friends and our family. I just want a chance... please."

Maybe Jimin is devastated but right now he looks like a warrior. Ready to step up for the final battle and give his life for victory.

"Our hands are really tied by the law. Usually, you'd have to be a registered foster for them to even consider." Mrs. Do says, remorse in her eyes.

"But I am a foster and so is Jimin." Yoongi finally chimes in. He'd been waiting for this ever since he prepped with Namjoon.

"Look, I know this makes no sense, especially to a logical and sound guy like you, Joon-ah. But these kids are here, in my house. And my blind date... who apparently is your ex and Hoseok's ex..." he runs his hands through his hair at the absurdity of the words he just uttered. "Nevermind all of that, the most important thing right now are these kids. That they're safe, that they're protected. I have them now and Jimin's not leaving either. So what are the options?"

Namjoon eyes his friend closely. He grinds his jaw before sighing. "Well, I looked into everything like you asked. You'll likely need to make an appearance with a social worker or someone who can actually petition the court, letting the court know that these children are no longer wards. Best case scenario, it's a relatively easy thing to do, considering most people are still funny about taking in children that are not born from them. If you're going to protect them, I think your best route is to actually foster them. Are you going to adopt? Because unless you want this to be temporary, hyung, you really need to think about this. As you said, these are kids involved and they're not going to understand being thrown back into the system if they have to be."

"I don't want to throw them back in the system. I'm not sure what I want but what would I need to do to keep them here with me and cover my ass just in case?" Yoongi asks.

Namjoon smiles, knowingly. "Always knew you were such a sap, hyung. Alright, so I have these forms you can fill out. Let's read them over. Do you think Jimin will want to sign them too?"

Yoongi watches out of the corner of his eye as wet eyes are staring at him in wonder "Y-yoongi...?" He hears as he digs into his bag to grab his file.

Jimin should recognize this file. It's been sitting in his office ever since he told Jimin to sign "sworn statements" and such. He knew when they talked about equity that he needed to do this for Jimin. Yes, part of him wanting to include him in the process but he also knew enough about Jimin to know that he'd refuse just from feeling like he was being treated as a charity case, especially being weary of his chances of being approved, considering his suspension. Yoongi lays the file on the desk as Jimin leans over and it seems it slowly register across his face, along with a gasp.

Yoongi subtly winks at Jimin, mentally letting him know, 'I got this' as he turns to the documents he's speaking on. "I believe this is what you require, is it not? And if that's the case, and we have all of the requirements needed, including approval, it'd make the most sense that, as Jimin said, the children's home and routine are not disrupted.

Mrs. Do blinks and looks at the documents. She takes her time reading over everything thoroughly. Jimin's biting his bottom lip. When she looks up, she crosses her hands together, smiling. "Well, yes, Yoongi-ssi, I will have to get you to complete some paperwork but it would appear that you have met the requirements and that would make you, at least temporarily, the fostered guardians of Jeon Jeongguk and Kim Taehyung."

"Wha- wait, so we get to keep them?" Jimin asks in disbelief.

Mrs. Do chuckles lightly. "As long as everything clears, I don't see why not." She also adds, "now, I must provide some precaution as a formality. You will need to complete a few more forms and that does not guarantee the fostering of these two children. It could also potentially open you to fostering other children while these two are placed elsewhere. That being said, it could also be likely you'll be able to maintain your current routine with the children."

"We get to keep them!" Jimin shrieks, body lunging towards Yoongi. He hasn't seemed to fully heard a word Mrs. Do just said. Yoongi takes it in stride and grins to himself. "That was so fucking sexy, I'm going to suck you dry after I kick you for putting me through that." He whispers just in Yoongi's ear.

Yoongi laughs fully before kissing Jimin on the nose and adding, "happy birthday, Park Jimin."

Chapter Text

Before meeting Jimin, Yoongi would probably never say he paid much attention to sunrises. But lately, especially since they've been working through their feelings towards being abducted, Yoongi's taken to being up early just to watch Jimin.

And maybe it's creepy... maybe it's cheesy... he's not really sure. He just knows he's taken to watching the rise and fall of Jimin's chest to the soundtrack of wildlife scrambling for shelter as the weather gets colder.

Today, he's rewarded for his effort. Sensing Yoongi's presence, Jimin's cutely scrunched face spreads into smiles first before slowly blinking into focus. "Hey you..."

And there's a feeling that overtakes Yoongi deep into the core of spaces he's not even sure he can name inside himself. But he knows it fills him with warmth, with comfort, with the light that shines through one Park Jimin.

"Hi, baby." He responds, his own smile inching across his face.

Jimin sweeps hair away from Yoongi's forehead, grinning lazily. "We have to quit meeting like this."

"I can't help it..." Yoongi shares with a sigh.

"W-what's wrong, love?" Jimin wonders, content look morphing to worry in a manner of seconds.

Yoongi slides his body closer, kissing Jimin's nose. He's happily met with a giggle. "Nothing... I'm just... I'm really grateful." He admits and he knows he's blushing.

Jimin coos. Naturally. "Aww Westley-hyung, you're such a bleeding heart."

Yoongi smiles softly, taking Jimin's smaller hand into his own. He takes a moment to study the contrast. Jimin hums contently, watching as Yoongi takes this in. Yoongi kisses Jimin's hand and sighs again.

"Don't leave it trapped in that beautiful mind of yours, Yoongi... let me in?"

Taking a deep breath, he trails his eyes up to Jimin's. "Full disclosure?"

Jimin smiles and nods, encouragingly.

"You've been teaching me different ways to love. It's really helpful for me. But I realized that I've taken after my dad so much, you know? And... and well, love comes best to me when I can do... when I provide, when I give, when I take care of things. It's not to say I'm not learning other ways. It's just... what comes first is when I can love you by how much I know I can take care of things..."

Jimin kisses Yoongi gently. "You're a very practical lover. So what needs sorting out this time, my love?"

And it's amazing. How someone can just get it. Get you. Get exactly what you're hoping to convey, even if you don't think you're doing a great job of conveying it. Even when you're not always certain you get yourself.

"Promise you'll hear me out?" Yoongi asks, nervously.

Jimin grins lazily, nodding. Because he gets it.

"I think we need to figure out what happens to the kids if something happens to one or both of us. I-I know we're still pending with the decision and everything but... Jimin, we haven't been together for a year. And I'm sure about this. About us. All of us. But I also know life changes. Life happens. We both know anything could happen. I just..." He struggles to really express his thoughts. Him, a writer by trade, at a loss of words.

"You want to make sure while we're in a space of love that we can come up with the most reasonable solutions, just in case?" Jimin tries. Because Jimin truly gets it.

Yoongi closes his eyes, trying to savor the purity of this moment before he has to say, "I don't just mean like death or injury, Jimin-ah... we could break up. I-I'm not trying to wish that on us!" He adds quickly before opening one eye cautiously. The sunbeam smile tells him a lot of what he needs to know but just to be sure, he finds himself asking, "you're not upset?"

"Like I said..." then he pauses, smiling as he caresses Yoongi's face. "You're a practical lover. You like to make sure you've thought about the options so you're providing as best as you can. You want to make sure we take this on while we're in a space of love, instead of a time that could change. A few weeks ago, I might have been alarmed, Yoongi. I might have worried about what you might be implying. But we got abducted and we've been through hell... I think this is so mature of you. And sexy..." He adds, wiggling his eyebrows.

Yoongi rolls his eyes affectionately, not at all prepared for Jimin to roll his body on top of his own. They adjust fine enough and Yoongi rubs Jimin's back.

"If one of us were pregnant..." to this, Yoongi snorts, "Yes, I'd want to plan out our ideals but I'd want to know all of our other options too, just in case. I think... I think we could even involve our friends and the kids and our families and then we'll sit down and write it out in our next session?"

For Yoongi, there's something really refreshing bordering terrifying in how, with Jimin, he doesn't always have to vie for words. Because Jimin just gets it. Gets him. Even when they've sifted through discomfort. Even when Jimin left. It doesn't stop Yoongi from wanting to constantly improve his communication but there's a lot to be said by how much this feels like breathing.

He kisses Jimin's chin. "And you say I'm the one with the big brain."

And Jimin giggles. And it's Tinkerbell lovely, as always.

"You're the kind of lover who takes it all in because you want to feel all of it. When you love, you want to be all in, lean all into it. You want to be able to immerse yourself in it. It's a different way of loving than I'm used to but I learn to be love with you, from you, Park Jimin."

Jimin nuzzles his nose against Yoongi's face. Yoongi can feel his smile beaming without even having to see it. He plants gentle kisses across Yoongi's face while adding, "there's something about this time of the day with you that feels so magical."

And it's as if he took the words right from Yoongi's thoughts.

Nuzzling Yoongi's neck, he adds, "let's make love slowly while the sun rises, my darling."

"I can't believe you're going to be a parent... officially." Jin shares, still in disbelief, looking at the approval documents for their pending hearing.

"I can't believe we have a 4 year old. Speaking of birthdays, hyung..." Jimin mentions, while also trying to work whatever sticky solution out of Jeongguk's hair as gently as possible.

The little one flinches and turns his head in outrage. "That hurt, baby! Be kind!" He admonishes, causing Jin to raise an eyebrow. His little round face scrunches in disapproval and he turns back, crossing his little arms around his tiny body.

Jimin bites his bottom lip to keep from laughing, shaking his head instead.

"He hears Yoongi call me baby and it just stuck. I keep encouraging him now that we got more of an official go ahead, to say 'appa' or 'papa' but he insists I'm baby." He gently tries to tug the sticky clumps of hair loose as the little one wiggles impatiently.

Jin chuckles, shaking his head. "Don't start throwing your hints, Park Jimin-ah. I want no fuss for my birthday this year." He sniffs. "His vocabulary's really starting to pick up, both of theirs. Fascinating to see them grow so fast. Every time I visit or you bring them, they're getting bigger and smarter."

Jimin watches his hyung closely. Watches the way he leans his chin against his hand as he gazes lovingly at the ornery little lovebug in Jimin's lap.

Biting his lip, he grins to himself. "You know..." he starts, just innocently enough to not sound every bit of calculated that it truly is. "You can do this. They've opened domestic adoptions up to singles. That's how hyung and I are able to petition separately."

Jin seems to shake himself away from whatever reverie he was in. He pauses for a moment before asking, "I've been meaning to ask how that's going to work since you're not married. Unless that's the thing you called me over here for?" He raises another perfectly sculpted eyebrow and Jimin rolls his eyes.

"We may be doing this so unconventionally but I think we've both agreed to take a pause before that happens." Jimin grins to himself. "Hyung will technically adopt Taehyung and I will adopt Jeonggukie. There's more legalities to it but we'll talk about it later."

"Kookie baby's!" The little one adds, sagely.

The adults chuckle and as Jimin triumphantly detangles the little one's hair, he kisses the top of his head and says, "that's right, you're my baby!" The little boy giggles, scrunching his cute little nose before wiggling out of Jimin's lap to go wreak havoc on the living room again.

Jimin and Jin take to watching the boy as he enthusiastically plays with his toys again. Jimin finds the smile that spreads across his face to be easy. "His speech is picking up so fast because he wants to keep up with Taetae. I can't believe he's almost speaking full sentences already." He sighs, whimsically.

"I hate to be that person, Jimin-ah but... you know hyung has to ask. What happens to these two if you and Yoongi break up or... worse?"

And Jimin turns to face his hyung, smiling reassuringly. "That's actually why we're having this dinner tonight. It's what we wanted to talk to you all about. And our parents too."

===

Dinnertime disco is a grand affair tonight because Haus of Min (and Park) is blazing alight with the famous foursome plus all of the uncles. Of course, Uncle Namu still is not allowed to be in the kitchen. But he busts a move in the living room (only after any tables and toys have been cleared for any threat of injury, naturally).

The little ones split their time between dancing in the kitchen, dancing with Uncle Namu and some form of helping with cooking. Taehyung is so delighted that he has to remember the counting he learned with his counselor, several times.

It's a big deal. Yoongi took him out earlier to have one on one time in order to explain to Taehyung just what was happening and gauge his feelings on being a big brother with two loving parents, lots of uncles and grandparents.

"Taetae, hyung would like to record this so we can send it to Jiminie, is that okay?" Yoongi asks, worriedly. The little one grins at the mention of his hyung's name. He nods and expresses how excited he is to send something to his favorite Chimmy.

Positioning the camera, he hopes to capture a beautiful moment they all can share later. Taking a breath, Yoongi continues nervously, "Taetae.... would you like to be a big brother?"

The child counselor suggested having this conversation with Taehyung away from the house and in a one on one setting.

Taehyung cocks his head to the side, seemingly contemplating the question. He motions with his little hands to speak and it takes everything in Yoongi not to coo loudly.

"Do I get to have another one like Kookie?" He asks, innocently. Yoongi smiles, chuckling quietly as his shoulders bounce.

"How do you feel about being a big brother to Kookie?" He clarifies.

Taehyung looks at Yoongi very seriously. "I'm s'posed to protect Kookie! He's mine." And that's that.

"Do you like it?" Yoongi probes further and before he can even finish, Taehyung's nodding enthusiastically. "What do you like the most about protecting Kookie?"

"I get to share all my best toys with Kookie and we have lots of fun adventures. And now he can run faster!"

Yoongi grins to himself. Taehyung truly is a special kid. "Do you remember Miss Do-ssi?" Yoongi asks and Taehyung nods, grinning.

"She said I was a smart boy and gave me a cookie!" He grins, proudly, kicking his little legs in excitement.

Smiling, Yoongi continues, "Miss Do-ssi said she was going to check and see if it was okay that I become your appa. And guess what?" Yoongi asks, leaving a bit of suspense.

He watches Taehyung's eyes get so big. "What? What?"

Yoongi's a bit nervous. They went over this but it's still important they give Taehyung the option. "If you'd like... I get to be your appa. Forever and ever. Would you like that? Would you like to call me appa and stay forever and ever?"

Taehyung gapes, eyes widening in shock. "Forever and ever?" He asks, whispering. It takes everything for Yoongi to blink back the tears as he takes in this moment.

Instead, he nods, adding, "I-if you want... I'll be your appa and you'll stay with me as long as you'd like. And... no one can take you away."

Taehyung seems to understand as he leaps to Yoongi, spreading his arms wide. "Oh yes! Yes! I would like that very much. Forever and ever. You can be my appa!" Yoongi scoops the boy into his arms, allowing the tears to flow freely as he smiles, taking in the child's scent.

He frees his little love from his arms and the boy's face changes to confusion then concern. "Appa?" He asks, tentatively, as if he is both checking to see if that's okay and trying to acclimate it on his tongue. "Why you crying?" He asks, cupping his tiny fingers around both of Yoongi's cheeks. "I-is it because you can't be Kookie's appa?" Then his little lip starts wobbling. "Does this means Chimmy-hyungie has to leave again?"

The panic rises through Taehyung's little body so fast, Yoongi has to catch him in his arms. "No, no, Taehyung. A-appa... (it still feels the best kind of weird) was crying because I'm happy. Remember? Sometimes crying can be because we're happy too. I'm happy because I get to be your appa and Kookie's appa. And guess what?" He asks, excitedly.

Watching the anxious expression melt from the little one's body, he notices Taehyung jump back into the spaces of anticipation. "What? What?"

"Jiminie wants to be your appa too!" It's in this moment, he's glad they checked to make sure it was appropriate to record this. Because Jimin needs to see this. Jimin needs to know just how loved he is.

Taehyung screeches and flails his little body like he's about to short circuit any minute. To Yoongi's surprise, that doesn't happen. Instead, he's met with a barrage of questions, including his favorites. "We get to keep TWO appas?! You get to be my parents, really, really?"

"Really, really. Two appas. And you get to keep your uncles, and your grandparents, too. We need to meet with someone called a judge. That's a person who will ask you some questions and you get to dress up really nice and they'll say congratulations on your new family, Taehyung!" Taehyung gasps at this and attacks Yoongi's neck.

"This the best day of my whole life, Yoonie-appa!" The baby sobs, happily into Yoongi's neck. Yoongi chuckles lightly while rubbing Taehyung's back affectionately.

"Appa? Yoonie-appa?" Taehyung mumbles in the crick of Yoongi's neck.

"Yes, little love?"

"If Miss Do-ssi says you can be my appas, really really, then I think you should ask her to get me another baby, too." He nods, seriously. "Or I would like a puppy."

Yoongi's thoughts are broken by Jimin poking at him enthusiastically. "Wha-?"

"Hyung, look!" Jimin says, trying to keep his voice at a whisper.

Taehyung grabs Jeongguk's hand. "I need to talk to Kookie in private. It's a secret. No grown ups!"

"Only Kookie Taetae." The youngest adds, resolutely.

This makes all of the adults completely curious. They listen as the two waddle their way up to their room, then the adults crash into each other trying to scurry behind the pair, up the stairs.

Yoongi rolls his eyes as limbs get tangled and Namjoon somehow trips up the stairs. But they make it in time.

"I gotta tell you something really, really important, kay, Kookie?"

"Otay!" The younger nods.

Jimin squeals and Yoongi has to be quick on his toes, covering Jimin's mouth as the younger makes sure his phone is steady.

Taehyung levels the little one with a serious look on his face. "Kookie, you get to be my brother. We can share toys. But you can't eat all my snacks, okay? But I'll share. You wanna be brothers? It means you're mine and I'm yours. Forever and ever!"

Jimin's bright eyes are already glistening with tears. He's swatting at Yoongi quietly. They watch as the younger continues to model his and Yoongi's conversation from earlier. Or something like it.

"Ever and ever. Taetae mine!" Jeongguk says, clapping.

Yoongi watches Hoseok's head laying gently against Namjoon's head as he sniffles quietly. Namjoon trying (and failing) to keep his own tears at bay. They happen to make eye contact right in that moment and Yoongi raises an eyebrow. He motions as if to write something, signalling exactly what he means to convey to his friend, who looks away, shyly. Grinning triumphantly to himself, he notices another set of eyes observing their exchange. He raises another challenging eyebrow to his hyung as if to say, "you too!"

Jin clears his throat and looks up at the ceiling. Yoongi assesses his friends another second before listening back in on the conversation.

"And Yoonie-appa says he gets to be our appa, okay? That means you can stay and I can stay and he's gonna give us kisses and cuddles and all the stories any time. We did good when we went on our secret mission, Kookie! Okay? But I'll still protect you because I'm getting strong muscles like Uncle Namu." He flexes for good measure.

Hoseok giggles quietly into Namjoon's chest, rubbing his arms affectionately as the lawyer blushes, sheepishly.

"Kookie strong too!" For good measure, the little one stands and flexes both muscles.

Taehyung gasps, in the face he makes when he comes up with all of his amazing ideas. "I know! We can protect Yoonie-appa and Chimmy-appa now, okay?"

Jeongguk, still flexing his arms muscles, chimes in, adding, "Kookie protecc Yoowie and baby and Taetae! Kookie strong!"

Which causes Yoongi to snort.

"If you want Chimmy and Yoonie to be your appas now, you have to say appa, Kookie. Say Yoonie appa, Chimmy appa."

"No, Yoowie and baby!" He retorts, defiantly as he giggles.

Taehyung giggles too. "Okay, I don't think they mind. They're good parents. You like them as your parents, Kookie? You like our family? And Jinnie and Hobi and Namu too?"

Jeongguk nods. "They mine and Taetae's!" He chimes in enthusiastically.

Taehyung seems to take delight in Jeongguk's response. Then he levels him with another serious look, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Now, Yoonie-appa says we gotta be patient and wait for the judge. But he doesn't mind if we call him appa too! But I think it's too many appas. So I will call Yoonie appa and Jiminie can be papa. Because he told me it means the same thing but it has a different name. And I like papa! Do you like papa?"

"Kookie like baby." And that's when Yoongi loses his, finding himself biting lightly into Jimin's shoulder as his whole body chuckles. When he sobers, he sees Jimin giving all of them a not so enthusiastic glare.

"This is your fault!" He mouths to Yoongi, who grins, completely pleased with himself.

"Appa says we get to dress up nice and then the judge says, happy birthday! You get to be parents with appa and papa! Yay!"

Jeongguk claps enthusiastically, clearly liking the idea of that.

For added measure, Taehyung also squeaks when he says, "and since Yoonie is our appa now, he's gonna get us a new baby and a puppy!"

===

"I need a glass of wine after witnessing that. I did not sign up for these tears, Min Yoongi!" Hoseok admonishes, wiping his face.

"Yah! Don't look at me. Blame your own sentiments, you big mush!" Yoongi grumps as he gathers glasses.

And Jimin does his best to be consoled by Seokjin while Yoongi takes on the roll of host. His precious, sentimental baby is so touched and overwrought in emotions. As he arranges glasses for everyone and brings snacks, he makes a point to kiss Jimin's temple.

"I hate to break it to you, but it might get even more emotional, that's why we called you here tonight. Let's all get comfortable?"

Jimin leans into Yoongi and the older wraps an arm around his waist. "You okay, baby?"

Jimin snorts, rolling his eyes. "And this is exactly where our youngest gets it from!" He whines, pouting.

Yoongi, meanwhile, is having a moment. Something about officially calling Jeongguk their youngest sends a chill up his spine. Feeling himself getting a bit misty, he clears his throat, kissing Jimin's temple again before running to the office.

"Hyung and I have done some talking and well... we're about to really be parents." Jimin squeals.

To this, everyone grabs a glass and raises it. Yoongi joins them after grabbing a file from the office. There are hugs and congratulations abound.

"I wouldn't be Min Yoongi if I didn't think and sometimes overthink things. It was important to Jiminie and I that we included you all in our thoughts," he mentions, while grabbing Jimin's hand in his. "There's a lot we still have to do to prepare for the hearing but we're confident. Miss Do-ssi has been a strong really advocate for the kids and for us."

Hoseok chimes in while eating a cracker. "What else has to be done besides the hearing?"

"We have to take some courses. Thankfully, Miss Do-ssi was able to get the background checks ran rather quickly with hyung's quick thinking to bring the paperwork. They'll interview Taehyung again to see if he understands what's happening. And if he doesn't, it's okay with his age. They're seeming pretty satisfied with his first interview. Jeonggukie won't need to but I'm sure he'll insist on joining." Jimin adds, grinning.

"So then how does everything work with adopting the kids. I thought you'd have to be marri-" Hoseok stops himself with a gasp. "Is this an engagement announcement?!"

Yoongi chuckles, shaking his head. "Maybe not ours," he emphasizes, sending a challenging look to him and Namjoon. Namjoon tries to look away, gets caught by Jin, who raises an eyebrow then Namjoon raises one back. Yoongi and Jimin catch the whole thing, look between everyone else then back at each other.

"Huh." Jimin huffs, leaning back against the couch.

"So as I was saying... to answer your question, I'm surprised you didn't seem to know this, Hob-ah but because of how things are so dyer, they opened adoption up to singles. So... even you can apply. Hell, even Jin-hyung can." He knows he's pushing it. But it's definitely worth it seeing Namjoon and Jin squirm while Hoseok lets it all seep in before bouncing in delight.

Jimin leans into Yoongi, pretending to nibble his ear when he says, "and Jeongguk truly learned to choose violence from you."

Grinning, Yoongi continues. "So yeah, we can petition to adopt as singles."

Something seems to sober with Seokjin. "I asked Jimin-ah this before but... what happens if you two split or something bad happens?"

This seems to catch Hoseok and Namjoon's attention as well as they start looking to each other, pensively.

"It's okay, you guys. We talked about this. That's why you're here. We're not saying something will happen but we don't want to shy away from it. The reality is this is a lot, it's new and it's about to get more real once we sign those papers and have that hearing. We felt like we owed it to ourselves and the kids and even you all as our family unit to talk this out. So we started things in our couple's session and now here we are." Yoongi's so proud of his baby. He's quite the speaker.

"As much as I'd love to marry Jimin right this second," Yoongi starts while the younger squeaks to himself. "We're saying it's okay to not throw so many things at the kids and ourselves and even you all. On the one hand, it could make things easier logistically but on the other, we run the risk of our marriage not being recognized and being back to square one. So, we're allowed to adopt as an established family, which would mean, they'd take my name as the elder of the family, in this case. They will be in my jokbo officially but we talked to the Parks and they're honored to add them as well. But if we break up, Jimin will be given primary custody. If for some reason, we're not able to petition that way, I will adopt Jeonggukie and Jimin will adopt Taehyungie. We talked it over and that makes the most sense for us both. We'll still see to it that if we broke up, essentially, Jimin will have primary custody of both children, though.."

Judging by their friend's reactions, they're a bit shocked by this news. So Jimin chimes in. "It will be joint but I will have the primary petition of custody, if we broke up and wanted to separate. And we've written out a schedule of what that custody would look like where we both feel it's sound and agreeable to each of us and the kids. If something happened to either of us and it wasn't a break up, obviously, the other would maintain custody. And this is where you all come in."

"Jin-hyung... Hoseok..." Yoongi says sincerely, looking at both of his friends. "We would like to ask you both to be godparents to our children. And if anything should happen to us like death or debilitating injury... we know we're asking a lot but-"

"Are you mad?" Jin cuts him off, flailing.

Jimin looks at him puzzled. Scared even. "Hyung?"

"How could you even say you're asking a lot of me? If you hadn't asked me, I would have raised hell, Min Yoongi! Those are my babies." For added emphasis, he nods, making Jimin giggle and shake his head.

Namjoon rubs Hoseok's shoulder, meanwhile. "Chipmunk?" He asks, softly, as Hoseok seems to be in a daze.

"I... me?" He asks, softly. "W-why me? I-I was so mean to Jimin-ah... I... why not Namjoon?"

Jimin smiles warmly. "We've asked Namjoon hyung to be the children's executor of the trusts we're giving them from those donations. So it'd be a conflict of interest but before we asked him that, Yoongi and I knew we'd ask you. We wanted to make sure that if we for some reason were separated from the kids, they'd be with people who love them and that they love. Hyung, you pour every bit of yourself into them. You love those kids so much. There's simply no one else we would want to ask, Uncle Hobi."

At this, Jung Hoseok is a belligerent mess. He's ugly crying and swatting at Namjoon for keeping the secret. Namjoon flustered, but affectionately smiling, of course. Then they make up by kissing and Yoongi stops them from making out on his furniture with his look of disgust.

Jimin giggles, looking to Jin and grabbing his hand. "Our parents are aware. Our brothers too. They'll want to support you. We also decided that if we broke up, we'd sign a no bad mouthing in front of the kids clause. We don't want them to feel lacking in love just because we don't..."

Yoongi can feel the moment Jimin's body rejects what he's about to say. Taking a breath, he picks up. "If we decided we no longer loved each other and we wanted to separate..." he continues. "This is only just in case. Because we don't want things to be messy for them... or... for us."

"It's a way of holding us accountable to ourselves and each other. The family counselor suggested we set a time frame to check back in on this. So, we decided if we are still together a year from now, Namjoon-hyung will bring the terms to us and we'll go over everything, see if we're still on the same page. You are all our witnesses, if that's okay. We just... we want to step into this with some care and consideration to the gravity of what we're agreeing to." Jimin adds, finally, after gathering himself.

A natural lull in conversation seems to envelop the room as everyone takes it all in.

A sob interrupts their musings then from Kim Seokjin, "I hate you all making me cry, damn it!" He swats at Jimin. "Park Jimin, who allowed you to grow up?" And Jimin cries while they both embrace each other in a tearful fit of laughs. Jin strokes Jimin's hair. "You're really doing this. You're both really doing this. I'm so proud of you."

"Sooo..." Jiwon offers, not so subtly and Yoongi smirks.

"You're not as coy as you think, kid. Yes, we're approved for adopting and we're getting a hearing. No, we're not getting married... yet."

Jiwon huffs, rolling her eyes. "I mean... not that I care or anything! I'm just doing intel for Young-ha."

Yoongi grins, shaking his head. Ever since Jiwon and her friends entered their lives one park outing, they've slowly but surely wiggled their way in and out of Haus of Min (-Park).

"Jiwon-ah... oppa wants to ask you a question but I'm not sure how you'll take it."

"Why am I not in school." She answers, unflinching.

Yoongi, however, does flinch. "Am I that predictable?"

"Oppa, it's usually during school hours that I've been visiting to talk to Jiminie-oppa. Not that you aren't nice company or anything." She adds quickly.

Yoongi looks at her in disbelief. "Yah! I put food on your plate! Show some respect." He complains in an exaggerated elder voice.

Jiwon laughs, accepting the food offering before rolling her eyes, playfully. "Oppa is right. You're quite dramatic, Yoongi-oppa."

"Yeah, well I see through your little ruse. You may say Jiminie is your favorite but he's not here and yet you're talking my ear off, eating my food!" Yoongi huffs, sticking his nose in the air.

Jiwon still laughs, shaking her head. "Well, Jimin oppa is right again, your food is good. I can't believe this is the third time I've come over and oppa is still there again. He told me he would be here." She pouts while sipping her soup.

"Yah Jiwonie, if you're going to learn anything about Jimin, it's that he really leads with his heart. And he truly means to be here but there's something tugging at him at that orphanage. He won't tell me. But I know. It's his, whatever it is and we just have to give him space, okay? Until he figures it out." Yoongi shares, pouring more juice into her glass.

Jiwon sighs. "His heart's too pure for the rest of us. Anyway, to answer your question, the truth is, when the police found the rest of us, I could've gone back there. But I didn't. I have a couple of years before they toss me on my ass with about 57000 won in my pocket. I know this because we met up with others and they told us that's what happens when we age out."

Jiwon is like a skittish animal. Yoongi's noticed that when he leaves a bit of space, she'll decide how and when to fill it on her own. He keeps his body language open, warm and inviting. This is the most she's talked about the ordeal. The most she's allowed herself to speak on her experience and Yoongi hopes she continues to feel safe to open up in this way.

She shrugs, playing with her food before sighing. "Kids like us don't get the oppas who care, like you and Jimin oppa. We get treated like criminals before we even leave and then most of us end up that way anyway because we have nothing when we age out." She shrugs, nonchalantly. "Figured, I might as well beat them to it."

Yoongi takes a moment to take the younger girl in. She puts on a brave face that Yoongi imagines he might have done similarly had he been in her position at that age. But he can see the hurt, confusion and loss in her eyes.

"I mostly went to school because of my sports classes." He confesses. "Got scolded a lot for daydreaming so much in my other classes." Jiwon whips her head to Yoongi, expression of her face mixed between shock and amusement.

Yoongi shrugs with a not so there smirk. "Now Jimin-ah... he's the goody-two shoes. His parents showed me all of these high marks and awards he got. He actually liked school. Can you believe it?" He scoffs playfully.

Then, cocking his head to the side, he seems to say more to himself, "then again, getting to know Park Jimin, this totally makes sense," to which Jiwon laughs more.

Yoongi responds with a grin of his own. "You know, I don't really know if I had a point. I was just sharing that we both went and finished under different circumstances. But we both had a steady home to come to, so I get that's completely different. Our door's always open, Jiwon-ah. And just because Jimin-ah's a teacher doesn't mean he's smarter than me. You know, if you decide to try school again and need some help."

Jiwon waves her hand dismissively, smiling. "Appreciate that oppa but school's just not my thing. Plus, where would the others stay? We've got our own thing going. We look out for each other."

Yoongi slides a mug of hot cocoa towards Jiwon's way, extra marshmallow. Her eyes light up larger than Jimin's would had he been seated on the stool instead. There's still a kid left in there after all.

He clears his throat.

Jiwon watches the marshmallows melt into swirls of pink and white clouds in her mug. "I know what you're going to say, oppa. But you have your hands full with two little ones. I think it's cool... we all do, that you'd seriously take us in but... the babies deserve their best chance and that's with you two." She lowers her head, biting her bottom lip.

"Somehow I'm both offended and appreciative of that. I won't stop offering our invitation; a warm bed, a warm shower, some regular meals. No one says we have to jump to adoption right away. We just want you all to feel comfortable with the idea of trying it out. Each of you deserves your best chance, too."

Jiwon smiles a little as she takes a sip of the confectionery goodness in her mug. "I-I don't wanna go back. It's embarrassing..." she adds, trailing off.

And Yoongi takes that moment to fully absorb her words and countenance. After some times, he smiles while reminiscing. "You know, when I was your age, I couldn't always read the words the right way. I kept getting them jumbled. Numbers sometimes, too. It wasn't that I didn't know it, I just couldn't put it all together the original way it was taught to me."

Jiwon seems to take this in. She puts the mug down slowly and her eyes widen. Lowering her head a bit and staring at the counter, she whispers, "But you're a writer..." then she trails off, eyebrows furrowed together.

"Go figure, right? Who'd have thought? Surely not my teachers." Yoongi chuckles to himself.

Whispering still, Jiwon asks softly, "d-did you get ridiculed by your teachers?"

Yoongi hums before nodding his head and saying, "some of them. They didn't quite get that I wasn't goofing about just because I felt like it... well, most of the time." His shoulders bounce this time when he laughs at himself. "But, I had one awesome teacher who chose to see it differently, who said maybe we should look at this differently."

As Jiwon opens her mouth to speak, the keypad chimes and in enters a very boisterous, very excited combination of the children and Jin hyung. Yoongi checks the time. They're a bit early. They come dancing into the house, singing loudly when Seokjin rounds the corner singing.

"We're early but- oh... hello!" He offers upon noticing the new visitor.

"Noona!" Taehyung squeaks, running straight to her, demanding to be picked up. Jeongguk toddles behind, adding, "Kookie go to Yoowie! Come get Kookie, Yoowie!"

"Yes, Yoowie-ah! Get the baby." Jin taunts. Yoongi rolls his eyes, picking up the excited, but obviously sleepy toddler who nuzzles into Yoongi's neck. "Who's our friend catching flies?" He asks, pointing to a shocked and gaping Jiwon.

"Hyungie, this is our Jiwonie-noona." Taehyung announces proudly.

"Noona!" Jeongguk confirms with his thumb in his mouth.

"How is it you can say noona so clearly, crumb monster?" Yoongi says, tickling the little boy's tummy. The baby giggles and wiggles in his arms but can't get away. "When are you going to say appa, hmm?"

"Yoowie!" Jeongguk affirms while cackling, mischievously.

Yoongi looks and sees a shellshocked Jiwon staring at Jin. He grins, chuckling to himself. "Jiwon-ah?"

Jiwon blinks several times before becoming bashful to which Yoongi chuckles again. She bows politely but quietly to Jin, much to the endearment of the elder.

"Yah! Min Yoongi, you keep bringing all of the cute ones home, save some for the rest of us!" Jin complains, flapping his arms.

"Seokjin-oppa called me cute..." Jiwon says to no one. It's probably meant to be inner dialogue but everyone hears it, of course.

Taehyung tugs at Jiwon's sleeve. "Jiwonie-noona! Come see our room. It's the best, most prettiest, most magical room!" He offers, still tugging her arm.

"Taehyungie, baby, let Jiwon answer whether she wants to see or not first, okay? I know you're excited but you have to let her choose first." Yoongi offers gently.

Taehyung nods enthusiastically while still offering his biggest, roundest eyes and cute face. Jimin's child, indeed.

"S-sure..." Jiwon hesitates, still staring at Seokjin in awe.

He grins, winking and Yoongi could swear this rough and tough teenager melts just like the marshmallows in her mug. He clears his throat. "It's okay, Jiwonie. You go ahead, we'll be right behind you. Somebody's sleepy."

At this, Jeongguk pops his little head up from where it slowly made it's way into the crick of Yoongi's neck, pulling his thumb out of his mouth. He shakes his head. "Not Kookie! Kookie not seepy!" To emphasize his point, he rounds his eyes wider, causing the adults to chuckle.

Jiwon hesitates although Taehyung enthusiastically talks her ear off about all of the wonderful things in the bedroom so Jin adds, "Jiwonie, I would love to get to know my new friend. Why don't you let Taetae show you around and then we can have a nice chat, hmm?"

Jiwon blinks slowly, in a daze. "F-friend?" She whispers to herself while bowing awkwardly several times, as she passes him and makes her way upstairs.

Jin and Yoongi chuckle as Yoongi rocks the sleepy not sleepy toddler. "I can't believe people actually respond like this around you. Who even knew you were some famous type?"

"Literally everyone except for you, Troglodyte." Jin retorts, bored. "In fact, I have decided to just make it my life long mission to show up and bug the hell out of you because you're the only person I've ever met who didn't even know who I was."

Yoongi frowns, face turned into a pout. "I knew who you were!" He argues. "As Jimin's friend and that's what should be most important, hyung."

Jin rolls his eyes, grinning. "You're so full of it, Min Yoongi." Yoongi feigns ignorance and pretends to look offended before taunting Jin further.

"So you're finally going to stop pretending like you're not ready to adopt, hyung?" He asks, slyly.

Jin sputters, turning bright red. He opens his mouth to retort but notices the baby drifting to sleep. Gathering himself, he sneers and says, "I have said nothing of the sort and it'd be well within your best interest not to give any ideas to Park Jimin."

Grinning triumphantly, Yoongi shifts the baby more comfortably. "Hyung, Jimin's the one who gave me ideas." His grin widens as he watches Jin mutters something profane under his breath.

"Jiwonie could use a home. Well, she won't accept our invitation just yet. But she's still so young and she seems quite taken by you. Just saying, hyung."

Sniffing the air, Jin takes a seat at the kitchen island. "She seems like a darling girl. I would love nothing more than to offer her my home, Yoongi-ah. The problem is me. I'm not sure I'm cut out for it. I'm too busy and what if I just end up ruining a life worse because I'm not attentive enough or there enough..."

"Hyung... hyung, wait slow down. You give so much time to the babies and you don't even think twice. They love so much, hyung. You would make a great parent. Hell, look at me. I'm not even saying I'm great but..." he kisses the top of Jeongguk's head who's drooling on his shoulder, muttering about a donut.

They chuckle listening to the baby before Jin sighs. "When did you know you were ready?"

"I didn't." Yoongi answers immediately. Then he takes a moment to think further. "I still don't, to be honest. I'm not sure I'll ever be whatever my mind considers as ready. But there was something about having two little bodies looking at me with trust and love and wanting safety from me that felt like I could do everything I can to see that they always had that... or as close to that as I can within what part I control." The baby settles again after growling further about the donut.

It's the right kind of chaos to have this type of conversation. "Did you ever see yourself here, so domestic and a father?"

"Hmm... sometimes I thought about what it'd be like to play with my kids if I ever had any but that was one of those daydreams you have when you're trying to see yourself through to the other side of some shit, you know? The first time he got sick and Taehyung couldn't sleep... it really scared me, hyung. I panicked. I didn't know what the hell to do, especially when I couldn't get Jimin on the phone. But then I woke up the next morning and Taehyung wanted cuddles and Jeongguk curled his little body against me like none of what happened the previous day mattered, even with finding out someone was in my apartment. And maybe it wouldn't be like that with other kids, I don't know. But I knew if they could keep going and giving me a chance, I could at least try for them. And for me... a-and for Jiminie."

"I'm happy you have each other, Yoongi-ah. I'm happy you have me, too." Jin mentions after a natural lull in the conversation. "Jiminie mentioned the classes you're taking. I'm not making any commitments or anything but I think I'd be interested. At least in seeing what it's about. If I'm going to be a competent fairy godparent, I probably should."

Yoongi raises his eyebrow. "Fairy godparent?"

"Your child is Kim Taehyung and you have the nerve to be quizzical?"

Yoongi takes a moment to inhale Jeongguk's scent, squeezing him a bit tighter. "My child..." he whispers. "I'm going to be a dad, hyung..."

It's as though the reality of it just started to settle right in that moment.

And it's Jin's warm smile that brings him back as he hears, "you are a dad, Min Yoongi."

===

"Mmm... you smell so good." Jimin croons.

Yoongi snorts, not moving his head from the top of Jimin's, whose nose is burrowed into Yoongi's neck. He's not sure who is holding up whom but they sway back and forth, holding each other nonetheless. "I smell like spoiled milk and whatever concoction Taehyung made in the short amount of time that I ran to use the toilet."

"Well, it must be a concoction of goodness because you smell divine!" Jimin insists with a bit of a whine.

Chuckling, Yoongi kisses the top of Jimin's head as they continue to sway to their own imaginary melody.

"Hyung?" Jimin asks, sleep evident in his tone.

"Hmm?" Yoongi answers, just as sleepily.

"It's quiet. And it's not even bed time."

"I know. Don't jinx it."

"And we have an actual babysitter."

"Well, technically she can't get rid of them right now but sort of?"

Jimin chuckles. "How the hell did you even get Jiwonie to stay the night?"

"To be honest, it was her, not me. She was so enamored by talking with Jin-hyung and I was busy doing voices for Taehyung that I didn't realize it was snowing as hard. Jin-hyung offered to drop her off but I think she was embarrassed to take a ride and be dropped off where she usually stays. But don't worry, I didn't pressure her. She was the one who asked." Yoongi chuckles to himself as Jimin nuzzles further into his neck.

They ease back into comfortable silence, leaning against each other as they rock back and forth to their own music. It's nice to take moments such as these. Yoongi takes a deep breath, releasing while he mentally counts his blessings.

Jimin lifts his head slightly. "Hyung, you're a dilf." He adds after they enjoy a stretch of comfortable silence to which Yoongi snorts again, shaking his head.

Jimin goes back to running his fingers along the nape of Yoongi's neck. It's nice. So much so, Jimin uses his other hand to load up a his music app from his phone. He hums to the song that starts, laughing as Yoongi sings along in a trot-style voice, making up his own words. They're slow dancing, taking a moment together to enjoy each other's presence. Yoongi insisting that he has to guide Jimin by keeping a firm palm on his ass so he can save him from falling, Jimin grinning lazily while shaking his head at Yoongi's antics.

Jimin sings beautifully and gently to the music with Yoongi occasionally stealing kisses as they stare lovingly at each other. He trails kisses along the length of Jimin's neck. feeling rewarded by the shudder of the younger's body.

"Mmm, that feels good, hyung." Jimin responds in murmurs, leaning his head to gain Yoongi more access. Jimin's eyes are close, face relaxed into a lazy smile.

"You know what I was thinking, love...?" Yoongi asks softly, gifting his love's face with ministrations.

He watches Jimin's smile brighten even further, the end of his lips curling into a devilish grin. "Yes, a thousand times yes, we could go in the office and be qu-"

"I was thinking this might be a good time for you to tell me about this camboy career of yours." Yoongi interrupts. There might have been a record scratch somewhere in the soundtrack of their lives for the way Jimin stops, staring at him in disbelief.

Yoongi's lips quirk into a lazy smirk. He raises an eyebrow to which Jimin responds with a rather venomous glint in his eye.

He leans back into Yoongi, whispering, "I hope you find any lingering footage of my work because it'll be the only thing you have to work with when you sleep on the couch."

And of course, Yoongi laughs, pulling the younger in closer to dance again. Jimin's just about to fight him off but they're interrupted again.

"Something about this feels like I should be experiencing second-hand embarrassment or something but this is also mildly cute too... I guess." A voice announces and before the pair can part, they feel a mass barrel into their legs.

"Kookie dance! Come get Kookie!" The little one insists, raising his little arms. Laughing, Jimin scoops Jeongguk into his arms as he and Yoongi look to see Jiwon smirking in amusement while Taehyung wiggles from her back to join the pile.

Yoongi scoops Taehyung up before opening an arm towards Jiwon. "Oh come on Jiwonie, you know you want to get in on this love fest." To add to the cringe of the moment, he even puckers his lips adding kissing noises. Jimin cocks his head back, laughing.

"Jiwonie can join for dinner time disco!" Taehyung squeaks excitedly. "I told her how I get to be the zoo chef! But I don't cook the aminals though." He says, nodding solemnly.

Grinning in mirth, Jimin says, "Ahh, that's right. It is a right of passage in the Haus of Min slash Park that one must dance during dinnertime disco in order to be fed. Right, hyung?"

At this, Jiwon looks downright appalled, horrified in that way only preteens can, full of utter disbelief and judgement across her cute, prepubescent face. Yet, there's the tiniest bit of smirk, the subtlest amusement as she shakes her head in disbelief. Yoongi counts that as some kind of moral victory that he could subject her to some form of teen normalcy such as this.

"You're so right, baby." Yoongi adds to which Jeongguk claps his hands then shouts 'baby' at Jimin triumphantly. Yoongi tickles his tummy, making the baby cackle more. "In fact, Jin-hyung is our resident dance champion at our dinnertime discos. I'm sure he'd be really impressed to hear about Jiwonie's moves."

Jiwon narrows her eyes. "This is manipulation, oppa. But for Seokjin-oppa, I will help. And my friends better never hear about this!"

"I can not believe we're being adults right now." Jimin squeaks, excitedly.

"I know right? I can't believe I'm wearing clothes that don't have marker or paint on them." Yoongi snorts before taking a sip of wine from his glass.

Jimin grabs his glass as well, taking his own sip before adding, rather excitedly, "and we're double dating!"

Yoongi looks around the restaurant. "Speaking of which, where the hell are these two delinquents? I'm starving and I could definitely use a nice bath of my own before bedtime stories so I can have a nice sleep." He adds a long yawn for added emphasis.

Jimin giggles in fairy but shakes his head. "Hyung, we're supposed to be young, sexy entrepreneurs in their prime, going on a double date and making hot, sexy love after!" And of course he pouts. But Yoongi anticipates the pout and meets his lips with a kiss.

"You're the one who came up with that role, not me. And if they don't hurry, this wine will do the trick." He adds with another yawn.

Jimin opens his mouth to speak but at the entrance they see a giggling Namjoon and Hoseok. Namjoon leans into Hoseok, whispering something in his ear before his hand disappears from view. Hoseok has the actual nerve to giggle and prance... yes prance away, swatting at Namjoon playfully.

Yoongi looks disgusted. Feels like he's having some kind of weird deja vu from just a few days ago when they were caught by Jiwon.

"Ew, they're awful. Please tell me we are not that gross, Jimin-ah." He pleads, affronted.

Jimin shakes his head, sipping his wine. "We're not nearly that bad, hyung."

"They're just out here being like that right in front of our salad! Where's the check? Gah! Some of us are single!" Yoongi complains in pout.

"And it isn't one of you haters. You two sound like a snooty, old married couple." Hoseok mentions, sliding into the chair the Namjoon pulled out for him.

"Hyung, you don't pull out my chair!" Jimin whines as he leans over, whispering to him.

"My hands were full!" Yoongi throws back.

Jimin rolls his eyes and deadpans. "Yeah, of my ass."

Yoongi shrugs, nonchalantly. "Precious cargo," he mentions as Namjoon clears his throat, asking, "are we interrupting something?"

"No. It just took you forever to get here. I'm starving. And judging by those matching vampire bites, it looks like we know what took you so long. Have you no shame?" Yoongi asks, in disgust.

As Namjoon and Hoseok squirm, trying their best to hide what kept them late, Jimin leans again. "Hyung!" he chides, "we're supposed to be young and sexy! Young and sexy couples would find this hot."

The error of Yoongi's mistake is evident on his face before he says, "oh! Right, hot and sexy. Got it." Before nodding and trying his best to look less disgusted by his friends.

As Hoseok and Namjoon laugh, Jimin facepalms, groaning. "We're really an old married couple."

"What? Yah! I can be young and sexy." He leans back and pats his lap. "Come sit on hyung's lap, baby." Then he wiggles his eyebrows.

Jimin shakes his head, trying to hide his grin. "You're lucky I find you so cute."

The quartet order their food while bantering and bickering about anything and everything. In the middle of a nice dinner, fine wine and great company, Yoongi feels Jimin's hand lock with his free hand. He looks up to see Jimin smiling gently. To think they've come this far already. He lifts their entwined hands, giving the back of Jimin's hand a sweet kiss.

"So, how does it feel being parents?" Hoseok asks, eventually, a bit misty-eyed with affection strewn across his face.

Jimin, seemingly caught by their friends in a moment of intimacy, shies from the question by ducking into Yoongi.

"We're not technically parents yet, Seok-ah... we still have a bit to go before the approval clears." Yoongi clarifies.

"Ahh, this hyung always so modest. You're going to get it. I can't think of two better people than you both to raise Taetae and Kookie." Hoseok shares brightly before raising his glass. "Here's to our family. To new friendships and old and to Yoongi-hyung and Jimin-ah being the best parents... but not better than us!" As they cheers, Hoseok seems to realize the error of his mistake but Jimin catches before he can correct himself.

"You're going to have babies!?!" He squeaks, popping back to life after his temporary bout of shyness.

Namjoon looks at Hoseok. Hoseok looks back and Namjoon. "W-we've at least been thinking about maybe taking the adoption class Jin-hyung was telling... uhh I mean Yoongi-hyung was telling us about."

"When did I tell you about the adoption class?" Yoongi prods, slyly. Namjoon winces much to Yoongi's delight.

Jimin squeaks again, a bit buzzed, bouncing up and down in his seat. "Are you three finally dating?!"

"Wait Jimin-ah, slow down. Slow down!" Hoseok placates. "Let's just... all slow down, okay?" He looks at Namjoon. They seem to have a silent conversation before Namjoon smiles softly, nodding.

Coming to some kind of telepathic agreement as Jimin buzzes in the seat next to him, Yoongi looks between his two friends.

"We've been doing a lot of talking. And a lot of exploring our relationship. And... we're really serious about each other." Hoseok starts.

Yoongi's poor arm almost gets torn off with the way Jimin bounces in excitement and anticipation. If you'd have let Min Yoongi know they'd be at this point months ago, he'd be so skeptical, at minimum.

"We've had some interaction with Jin hyung to let us know that Seok and I are very much in love but we're not ready for marriage." Namjoon continues. "But," he says quickly as Jimin leans into the table, "that's all you get about that because Jin hyung isn't here to speak his piece."

Out of the corner of his eye, Yoongi sees Jimin's shoulder slump slightly and he shakes his head, grinning at his boyfriend's shenanigans.

Hoseok leans into Namjoon, who envelopes him warmly. "We like who we are as a couple and that includes wanting to keep that open space in our relationship. But, we also have been thinking about what it'd be like to have our own family. It's way at the beginning stages but Joon asked me what I thought and well, I do like the idea of knowing our options, at least. So... we're thinking of signing up for the next adoption class..."

Jimin screeches, causing some eyes to turn in their direction. "You're going to have babies!" And then he claps, almost spilling the wine from the glass he's holding. "Hyung, they're going to have babies!" He beams and if Yoongi subtly replaces Jimin's wine glass with water, no one has to know.

The other couple chuckles, endeared and Namjoon shrugs while offering to raise another toast. "To new beginnings..." he offers and Jimin's the first to cheers to that, happily. But then, slowly, his face morphs, scrunching into the cutest little confused pout as he stares into his glass for a very long time.

There's a lot to prepare but it happens. They get the not so official call that they have a hearing date and things are looking great for the couple. So much so, Jin-hyung decides they must celebrate dinnertime disco on a grander scale. Closing down his restaurant just for family and friends, they're pleasantly surprised when Byeol, Dae and Young-ha join. So surprised, in fact, that Jimin cries so hard he has to take a break to gather himself.

Yoongi cries for a whole other reason. Tears streaming down his face as he tries to catch his breath at the sight of Young-ha battling Kim Seokjin on their makeshift disco dance floor. He also finds much enjoyment in watching the teens not so subtly vie for Jin's attention. The orphanage staff call with their congratulations and pledges to be present on the day of the hearing. Ahjussi whining that he wanted to attend dinnertime disco because he cuts a mean rug but it's way beyond his bedtime. They also videochat their parents. Yoongi's mother immediately threatening to burn the court district down if they start a minute sooner than her arrival.

And once they have clearance, Jimin basically goes all out in preparation. He decides to project an adoption hearing date for Taehyung's birthday, wanting it to be the best start of Taehyung new life. Jimin cuts his time between the orphanage, birthday planning and finding an apartment. Although, Yoongi also caught his notes on the houses he was looking at but mum's the word.

Since the celebration, the teen crew start visiting more often. And Yoongi starts noticing how visits slowly shift towards weekends more than during the day. Jin lets it slip that he may or may not have helped with job applications and comfortable schooling accommodations. But they're not to mention things because it's still a secret, wink wink.

While Taehyung becomes a pro at alternating between saying Yoongi appa and Appa Yoongi as well as Chimmy papa and Papa Chimmy, Jeonggukie maintains his stance that they are his Yoowie and Baby. When the adoption agent finally comes to observe, their insistence over how adorable that is helps reduce Jimin's worries. The agent stops by unexpectedly during a dinnertime disco. Too enamored and tickled by the Haus of Min slash Park, they press for a sooner hearing date than usual.

And so, just like that, it looks like Jimin's wish for a birthday adoption for Taehyung comes true.

On the day of the hearing, they're all abuzz. Surrounded by their support team that includes their therapy team, the ahjussi and ahjumma from the orphanage, family, friends and even Miss Do, they wait to be called for their hearing. The judge seems like a gregarious type who enjoys these types of cases. Jimin squeezes Yoongi's hand, trying to contain his excitement.

"We're going to be parents!" He whisper squeals. Yoongi chuckles, kissing Jimin's forehead. He's not nervous but he is. The tension builds in his stomach as anything new and awaiting typically will.

Looking around, seeing everyone who aided, guided and supported these two unassuming people in the ability to love up on these children helps keep him grounded, especially when Jimin can't seem to sit still. There is love here. They are held and loved here.

Yoongi almost misses the moment Taehyung gets called then ushered to the stand.

The judge chuckles and comments on how dapper he looks. Yoongi sits up, proudly. He helped Taehyung choose his adoption outfit, after all. And Taehyung went all out for his special day. They put washable blue hair dye in his hair and he chose a nice gray suit and with a Spiderman tie combination with the sparkliest pair of wings they could find.

"Why, don't you look dapper, young one?" The judge offers, smile spreading across his face.

Taehyung tilts his head, quizzical expression across his face. "What's dapper mean?" He asks, innocently.

Others in the room, who have yet to be graced with the Kim Taehyung charm catch on quickly and express themselves audibly. Jimin grins proudly, squeezing Yoongi's hand while they hear the judge make a big belly laugh.

"Dapper means you look very nice." The judge mentions, to which Taehyung immediately beams. This causes the court audience to coo yet again.

"I picked out my clothes! Well... appa Yoongi helped but mostly, I did it myself! You wanna see?" He asks, trying to stand up on his booster chair.

Jimin and Yoongi are half up, as is a court attendant, the judge and the adoption agent who assisted Taehyung to the stand. The judge chuckles.

"Tell you what, why don't I ask you some questions first about appa Yoongi-ssi, and then you can show me your great outfit after, deal?" The judge asks. And Yoongi can tell he either has kids, is used to kids or both because of the way he asks.

Taehyung, of course, nods enthusiastically. He waves at Yoongi and Jimin. "Hi appa! Hi papa! I'm on the court! And here is the judge! See?" He yells and everyone laughs.

"Yes, baby." Jimin offers, chuckling. "But inside voice, okay?"

Taehyung grins, wiggling his little body. "They're my parents. We are a fam-uh-lee and Kookie is going to be my brother!" He says in a loud whisper to the judge.

"I see. And how do you feel about your family, Taehyung?" The judge inquires, trying to remain neutral.

"I love my parents!" He squeaks, barely able to contain himself in his teeny body. He remembers inside voices, covers his mouth, reminds himself to slow down to the endearment of the entire audience before continuing with, "Chimmy papa gives me lots of kisses and he made my hair the color I wanted! And Appa Yoonie plays with me and tells me stories! And Kookie is mine! I protect him because I'm strong!" He says, showing his muscles. "Oh! Oh! And there's Uncle Jinnie and Uncle Hobi and Uncle Namu. Oh! Oh! And there's Uncle Geum and Uncle Jihyun and my grandparents! Oh! Oh! And my counselor said I get to say Jiwonie-noona and Daedae and Byeolie and Young-ha are my family too! Because family is who loves me and they love me lots." He nods. "Can ahjussi and ahjumma be my family too?" He asks as an afterthought, looking to Jimin and Yoongi.

He seems a bit peeved at himself that he hadn't thought of this before but Jimin smiles. "I think they would love that, Taetae."

Excited by this new revelation, Taehyung bounces up and down excitedly. "My, my Taehyung-ah, you have a lot of family! Do you understand what this means to have your appa and papa?"

"Uh huh!" Taehyung answers nodding. "They are going to always give me hugs and kisses and cuddles." Then he leans over closer to the judge, motioning with his little finger. The judge, clearly amused, leans closer. Once again, in a not so quiet whisper, Taehyung says, "my birthday is coming and because I'm being good and because you get to say happy birthday, they're my parents, that means they're going to get me a puppy! But you can't tell them, okay? So you have to say happy birthday, so I can get my puppy, okay?" He nods emphatically as if no one else is in the room but them. He means serious business.

The judge tries (and fails) to contain his boisterous laughter. The rest of the court tries and fails as well. Clearing his throat and righting himself, the judge smiles warmly before addressing the court. "Well, I can see exactly why anyone would fall in love with this little one. Typically, I might call the petitioners forward but having reviewed testimony and documents from the adoption agency as well as the child's counselor, I believe we have sufficient enough evidence and the court is ready to make a ruling. Are there any petitioners to contest the above petition?" He asks.

The representative for the adoption agency says there are not to which the judge reviews some documents again before nodding. He smiles to himself, "very well then."

Namjoon squeezes Yoongi's thigh, causing Yoongi to take a deep breath. He nods to both Jimin and Yoongi, encouragingly. Yoongi looks back to Hoseok and Seokjin and they both give a thumbs up.

"In the matter of Kim Taehyung, minor, the court finds that the petitioners meet the requirements needed and grant their petition for adoption." The judge starts. The courtroom starts to light up, abuzz with excitement and a court officer calls for order. "Kim Taehyung, how would you like for me to tell you that you have parents now?"

Taehyung's eyes widen. He wiggles his body excitedly, looking between the judge and Yoongi and Jimin. "Oh please! Oh please! I'll be so good and even brush my teeth and go to bed with noooo fussing!"

The judge grins. "Do you see this here?" He offers, showing the gavel to Taehyung. And the little boy nods, intrigued. "When this hits that," he points, "that makes it official that Min Yoongi-ssi and Park Jimin-ssi are your parents. How does that sound?"

"It sounds the best! Please, please, please?!" He asks ever so politely.

"I'll tell you what, Taehyung-ah. How would you like to bang this here?"

Taehyung's mouth drops in shock and awe. He looks to Yoongi and Jimin. Looks to the judge. Not sure who to ask, he just freezes before "can I?" comes out of his mouth reverently as he stares at the gavel longingly.

The judge grins along with Jimin and Yoongi. A court attendant assists Taehyung to stand on the chair at the signal of the judge.

"Okay, now don't bang it too hard but make it nice and loud." The judge instructs.

At this point, Yoongi tries his best to blinks back his tears. Jimin's have already fallen.

While being held in place by the court attendant, Taehyung scrunches his face, pokes his tongue out in concentration. He reels back and bangs the gavel, announcing, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY I HAVE PARENTS!"

The judge actually giggles. Full on giggles as he announces, "let the court document that the petitioners are granted full custodial parental rights to Kim Taehyung. Happy birthday, Taehyung."

The court attendant helps Taehyung down and before the adoption agent can grab him, he bolts across the room to Yoongi and Jimin. They all embrace laughing through tears before Jimin kisses the top of Taehyung's head, whispering in his ear. Happily, he takes off and runs right into Uncle Jinnie's lap.

The judge, still smiling warmly, motions as the adoption agent goes to scoop Jeongguk from Jimin's lap. "This is more of a formality than anything, considering the child's age. And to be honest, I've pretty much made a decision in this case but this is a court and I do have to follow the law."

Jeongguk, however, does not seem keen on being pulled from the cushy space on Jimin's lap. He scowls at the agent before announcing, "MY baby," scrunching his little face before hiding his face into Jimin's chest. He then peaks to see if the agent is still there before grinning to himself cheekily and quickly trying to hide again.

The agent laughs, tickling the baby, who cackles before letting Jimin go. He's placed at the stand in a booster seat. And it's the most adorable thing to see the little boy with his blue bowtie and suspenders under his nice blue suit sitting at the stand. Jeongguk blinks, not realizing until too late that he's been tricked. The betrayal evident across his face once he puts it all together. The court laughs and coos, of course.

"Hello Jeonggukie!" The judge offers gently.

Jeongguk tries to debate whether or not he still wants to show his disapproval of being betrayed or entertain the judge. Still looking skeptically, he slowly turns away from the agent to the judge. "Hewwo!" He says, tilting his head to suss the judge out.

The judge lets out another boisterous laugh. "I'm not sure how you two managed to survive this onslaught but my compliments to you both." He says, addressing Yoongi and Jimin. Jimin squeezes Yoongi's hand again.

"Can you tell me your name, little one?" The judge asks. Jeongguk looks downright insulted. As if to let this man know he just said his name, so obviously he knows it. Yoongi tries his absolute best to hide his grin. He turns and sees the Hoseok has entirely failed, though as he's cracking up, leaning into Seokjin.

"I Kookie." The child says indignantly. And if he could follow up with duh, he would.

"You look so nice, Kookie!" The judge praises and Jeongguk seems to forget his skepticism long enough to puff his little chest out, proudly.

"Jeonggukie, who is that?" He asks, first pointing to Yoongi.

And Yoongi swears the little boy rolls his eyes. "Yoowie." He answers, slowly. But then he looks back at the judge in a way that says, "are you sure you're the right person for this job because, duh."

The judge shakes his head, amused and grinning. "And who is that, Jeonggukie?" He asks, pointing to Jimin.

And that's when it happens. That mischievous glint, the scrunched up nose of mirth. Yoongi sees it all manifest, the very moment their little sour patch baby chooses violence.

He swears Jeonggukie leans closer to the microphone when he answers, very proudly, very cheekily, "Baby!"

Any nerves that might have still been bubbling inside Jimin go away right that moment as Yoongi watches his boyfriend shake his head incredulously, laughing. Those who know can't help but join in on the laughter. Those who don't, still find this entire exchange endearing.

Yoongi leans into Jimin before whispering, "only your child would choose to put it on public court record that your name is Baby."

Jimin tries to maintain the smile because the judge is looking at him but he pinches Yoongi under the table before responding with, "you did this to me! That's your child."

The judge motions for Taehyung and the adoption agent walks over to scoop him up. Taehyung grins, proudly.

"Jeonggukie, who is this?" He asks and Jeongguk brightens, wiggling his little body excitedly as Taehyung waves, yelling "Hi Jeonggukie!"

Jeongguk waves his little arms. "Taetae! Taetae mine!" He says, balling up his little fists and making muscles of his arms before trying to wiggle out of his chair to get to the older toddler.

The agent places Taehyung back on Jin's lap before moving to pick Jeongguk up from the stand at the urgency of the judge.

"Well, let's not keep this family waiting any longer." He smiles warmly and Jimin's damn near shrieking and cutting circulation out of Yoongi's hand. "Once again, the court finds sufficient enough evidence and is ready to make a ruling. Are there any petitioners to contest the petition?" He asks.

The representative for the adoption agency says there are not to which the judge reviews some documents again before nodding. He smiles to himself, "great! Very well then, in the matter of Jeon Jeongguk, minor, the court finds that the petitioners meet the requirements needed and grant their petition for adoption. Congratulations!" The judge starts.

It all happens so fast.

Yoongi's still holding his breath. He's so overwhelmed with emotion, he doesn't even know where to look. He watches as the judge raises the gavel. Feels his own feet lifting himself almost involuntarily as the adoption agent smiles, bringing Jeongguk to him, who tries to wiggle and lean his little body towards Yoongi. He can see Namjoon squeezing the life out of a very emotional Jimin. He hears the cheers from the court audience. Feels people patting him on the back affectionately.

There's even the court officer calling for order, but it seems out of formality more than necessity.

But what he doesn't see, what he misses, is the disruption in the back of the court. A voice interrupts the merriment, loudly.

"Your honor, wait! I object!" He hears.

And it happens so fast. Too fast.

One second, the judge is about to bang the gavel. The next, he's tilting his head as someone Yoongi's never seen before rushes forward in court attire.

At this, Namjoon and his legal team stand quickly. Namjoon almost knocking Jimin over.

"I have a petition to contest for custody of the minor, Jeon Jeongguk! The client I represent can prove that she is in fact his blood relations and was not informed of any petition for adoption."

It happens so fast. Just in a blink.

And Yoongi watches. In horror.

As Jeongguk still leaning towards him with arms outstretched, while the adoption agent stops advancing towards Yoongi.

As the confusion morphs across the adoption agent's face.

As Jeongguk tries to fight his way from their arms.

Yoongi watches Jimin go deadly still. Listens as the audience seems to hold their breaths, collectively. He feels but doesn't see Taehyung wiggle his way over to hold Yoongi's leg.

Yoongi watches as the person approaches the bench at the judge's permission.

Hears something like "are you really doing this right now? With all of those theatrics and you've been sitting in this courtroom this entire time? Are you really going to do this right now?"

Hears the person motioning a woman forward quickly. He barely catches her face as she takes the stand, takes the oath and identifies herself as Jeon Jeongguk's birth mother. Identifies his birth father only by last name but provides the correct date of birth, hospital and baby box she left him.

"Do you see this child? Are you absolutely certain about this decision? And you are saying, after all this time, you have the means and ability to provide for this child in a way that is different from this family here?" The judge asks, almost harshly.

Yoongi watches as the woman nods.

Watches as the judge sighs, shaking his head, stating, "I have no choice but to call for a continuance and review this petition. It is the court's finding that in the case for petition of custody of minor Jeon Jeongguk, the court has no choice but will to rescind custody of the minor in question from Min Yoongi and Park Jimin and grant custody temporarily to the adoption agency with the potential permanent custody granted back to his legal birth parent."

Yoongi hears the uproar. Sees the moment Jimin loses it and begs the judge not to take his baby. Hears the second someone from the legal team yells all kinds of objections and other legal terms he's only read about.

It's so fast but for Yoongi, everything is in slow motion.

He slowly starts to register that he can't move although his arms are still outstretched towards the baby.

That his heart has done some kind of nose dive the moment he hears Taehyung asking what's wrong. The moment Taehyung picks up on the fact that they're taking the baby away from them. He slowly starts to register the moment Jeongguk notices that he's being pulled away from Taehyung.

It's in that moment that time seems to stop.

Because in that moment, the very last thing Yoongi ever expects to hear happens.

And his heart completely shatters.

The baby struggles, wiggles, fights and there's pin drop silence after everyone hears very clearly as he reaches back for Yoongi.

Pleading, grasping for Yoongi with his little hands.

Tears stream down the round little face. The same face Yoongi's kissed, stroked, cleaned. The same face that's Yoongi's learned more ways of exploring love than he could ever imagine.

He looks directly at Yoongi, helplessness and realization settling into his big doe-eyes, as he yells for rescue with one word, full of conviction and clarity.

"Appa!"

Chapter Text

"What's something you think I would've hated about you, maybe before all of this?" They were cuddled together, just finished watching a movie when Jimin asks.

Yoongi tilts his head, contemplating. "I think for some people I come across as bland, maybe even a bit aloof or stoic..." he pauses, collecting his thoughts before he adds, "and I've been told it's a put off." Before he can second guess his words, he feels Jimin's tiny hand reach for his own. "I kept to myself a lot. I-it's not that I'm a loner. But, I've always been sort of okay with myself. And I didn't really have a lot of friends so I learned to fill the space with me. I guess sometimes it's awkward. I didn't always help someone else feel welcome, I guess."

There's silence. So much so that Yoongi thinks Jimin might have fallen asleep. Not for the first time, of course. "You think I would've hated that about you?" He hears after some time. "What changed?"

"Well, if I'm honest, I don't think much has. But kids... having kids, it's certainly pushing me to lean into the people I feel safest around."

"And you feel safe with me?"

Thoughts can happen in a split second, lightning speed. Despite the chaos of the courtroom, Yoongi's thoughts take him to that conversation from a few days ago. There's a part of his body that knows it's readying for crisis. Part of his body that already feels the bubbling up of emotions in his stomach.

And yet, in this moment, in this very fast second, Park Jimin becomes his focal point. Yoongi wouldn't say that he's avoiding feeling per se, but his thoughts immediately flip to Jimin.

Within that very short span of how fast his thoughts travel, he promises himself that he will feel. He'll grieve. He'll emote. Whatever comes out, he'll allow. He makes that solemn vow to himself.

But right now?

How the hell is he supposed to fall apart when at least one of them has to keep it together?

There's an almost four year old... his son... their son, who needs to understand what's happening. He has a partner, his love, his best friend, who has already been through so much lately.

The last thing he wants is for either of them to be so swept into the shock of everything that they lose themselves and he definitely doesn't want them to lose each other.

But this?

How is he supposed to hold this together? How are they? They have a child now. And it was supposed to be children. Two. And there's a cake waiting for them at home. There's a party they were prepping for.

How?

Moment to moment. Breath after breath. Day by day. That's all he can come up with right now in the swirling abyss of confusion. But he thinks if Jimin loses it, he will surely unravel himself.

Closing his eyes, taking a deep breath, reminding himself of how far they've come, individually and as a unit. He can do this. He is safe to feel and to hold it with Jimin. Jimin makes it easy no matter how turbulent it gets. But right now, he can't do that. Because if he's really being honest with himself, he's not sure how far he'll crash before the burn truly consumes him. He takes a second deep breath and exhales for good measure.

Even if he doesn't want to, he will. For himself. For Jimin. For Taehyung. And even for Jeonggukie. Especially for Jeonggukie. For their family. For everyone who showed up today on their behalf.

I just need to hold this together long enough to fall apart in my session tomorrow... he tells himself. The therapy team is all present. They see and know what's going on. That, at least, gives him some form of solace.

He knows he's bargaining. Knows there's probably a few other methods that might be a tad healthier... but please just let me get through this moment then I'll let go...

He's brought back into the room at the sound of Namjoon's team contesting something.

"Your honor, even if the petitioner can, in fact, prove they are biologically linked to the child, it is well beyond the statute. We have already presented all documentation to the court that proves both children were in the care of the orphanage for well over a year prior to their contact with our clients. Why now? It takes weeks, at earliest, and months, at usual, to petition for adoption and this just shows up right as custody of the child is being granted to this family? Dramatics aside, the children have been through more than their fair share of trauma as provided by written testimony. I implore you, excellency, to think of the well-being of both children." One of the lawyers argues.

"Your honor, my client has been looking for the child for quite some time, which you can see in the petition. The petitioners' popularity in the media brought this awareness to the client that this may involve her child and just as petitions for adoption take time, so does researching location of children missing from orphanages. Furthermore, this statute states that the biological parent has six months at the time of petition to contest an adoption and that's merely all we're asking, is for her parental rights to be acknowledged. We have the sufficient supporting documents, including family name of origin, right here, if the court will at least review the documents."

The judge looks over some papers and opens his mouth to speak.

"You said happy birthday and we get to be a family!" Taehyung yells at the judge. "The lady stole Kookie. Bang the hammer and bring him back!"

At this, no thoughts, Yoongi jumps into parent mode, grabbing his little one to rub the boy's back trying to soothe him. "L-little one... the judge can't do that right now..." he whispers in his ear. "K-Kookie has to go back with the lady for a while."

Taehyung clearly doesn't like the sound of that and proceeds to wiggle his body from Yoongi's lap. "Mister Judge, you said we can say happy birthday and then the family. I want my family please. Please go get Kookie, please." And Yoongi wants to laugh at how polite he is, including the polite (but clearly fake) smile. He's been listening to Jimin, after all.

Jimin.

Yoongi finally looks over to Jimin. The tear streaks have dried on his face and he sits silently. It's chilling actually. He's not quite sure what Jimin's cooled expression signifies. Yoongi would love more than anything to pick Jimin's brain right now. He's about to reach out and grab Jimin's hand when he's surprised by the judge standing in front of him and Taehyung.

"I'm terribly sorry, Taehyung-ah, but before I can do that, I will have to look over these papers." He says, showing Taehyung a stack of papers. "It appears Kookie will have to stay away for some time because there is someone here saying he already has a family but I will make sure that I look over every single detail."

Taehyung tries to blink back his tears. He does his breathing like he was taught. It takes about three counts of three before he speaks again.

"Mister Judge, my papa Chimmy says when you don't tell the truth, it means you are lying. That person is not saying a truth because Kookie has always been with Taetae. He came out of the magic box. I saw him. I remember. Because Uncle Namu says I have a pho- a pho... Uncle Namu says I have a good memory and I'm really smart. Kookie came out of the magic box and ahjussi took him out because ahjussi can do magic and he made a baby come. And a bunch of babies come out of the box but Kookie got to stay with Taetae because I protect him. And that's when I first met Kookie and he's been with me the whole time."

The ahjussi stands at the mention of his name, bowing to the judge. "Your honor, if you will permit, I am Lee Daehyeok-ssi. I can testify as the night staff what the child speaks of. I was there." He insists.

"Very well. Normally, we would do a continuance but as I agree that the welfare of the children needs to come first, I will take a 10-15 minute recess to review these documents of this new petition. I will take both the petition and objection into consideration. If there are findings of the validity for this new petition, I will make a ruling from there." The judge announces aloud. He then bends himself closer towards Taehyung and Yoongi. "Min-ssi, while we sort through logistics, I think it may be wise to take the little one elsewhere."

The judge leaves the courtroom and they are dismissed to head to wherever they need. Hoseok and Jin are right there, immediately, but give the family space. Jimin hasn't said a word and Yoongi looks back to Jimin's therapist, instantly locking eyes, before he turns back to Jimin.

Okay, here goes nothing...

"B-baby... I know this is a lot..." And that's all Yoongi can really come up with.

But when Jimin finally turns and their eyes meet, the very last thing Yoongi expects is to see such intensity.

"She's lying. They're lying." Jimin says, so sure and resounding before he stands.

Yoongi stumbles, trying to figure out what's going on, while also balancing an irritable child in his lap.

"Baby?" He finally finds himself asking... because what else is there? He's so confused.

At this point, they're surrounded by their entire court team but Yoongi follows Jimin's eyes. He's staring down a woman that Yoongi just now notices, seated at the back of the courtroom. Her head lowered while she speaks to the lawyer who interrupted their adoption petition.

There's a fierceness in Jimin's eyes that genuinely shocks Yoongi right now.

Keeping his eyes on the exchange in the back of the room, Jimin addresses Hoseok. "I need you to follow her.  Don't let her out of your sight." Then he motions to Seokjin, "Hyung, follow Jeonggukie's screams and find that adoption agent. Do whatever you have to do to make sure no one leaves this building with him unless it's us. I'll meet you."

And both Hoseok and Jin are in movement. Yoongi's still stuck in confusion but he sees Namjoon moving as well. Jimin places a hand on Namjoon's chest.

"No Namjoon hyung, you can't be involved because you're dealing with the hearing and Yoongi, baby, I need you here with Taehyung." He says, finally looking Yoongi in the eye again.

He knows the question reads across his face as Jimin starts moving. Jimin lithely weaves passed Yoongi, still seated with Taehyung, but leans forward and whispers, "Just trust me.  If I'm not back by the time the judge comes, one of you make sure to tell him that something's not right, the child might be in danger because someone's lying and I can prove it, so can ahjussi." 

Ahjussi steps forward, slowly, and Yoongi turns when his feels his shaky but firm grip on Yoongi's shoulder. Jimin looks directly at ahjussi when he whispers, "the children who get placed in the baby box are first registered and sent to be examined by a doctor. Then, they are listed as orphans, if they still don't have someone to step forward and claim them. To try and remedy that label, the orphanage has a list of family names on the wall. Ahjussi told Yoongi and I specifically that he gave Jeongguk his name but I looked with my own eyes and saw that list of family names on the wall.  Jeon is one of them.  She's lying.  You tell the judge that and ahjussi will confirm it."

"I may be an old man but I remember that night like it just happened. I will testify that truth." Ahjussi declares, firmly. Jimin offers him his hand and the ahjussi squeezes it confidently.

And then, like a feather in the wind, Jimin is off again and Yoongi's too late to grab at his wrist. "Okay, I hear you, Jimin, but where are you going?"  He calls out, which doesn't stop Jimin but does get him to turn his head slightly. The lawyer who interrupted the hearing seems to be escorting the woman out of the room.

"To bring back our baby!"

Jimin runs the pads of his fingertips through Yoongi's thick hair. He wants to kiss that nose and those eyes and those cheeks and those pouty lips. He smiles to himself watching as the elder hums gently with his eyes closed.

"How do you know?" he finds himself asking to which Yoongi hums before responding.

"Know?"

"That you love me..." Jimin offers, smiling when their eyes meet.

Yoongi shrugs, triumphant smirk on his face and Jimin just knows this is going to be one of those things. Yoongi things.

Sure enough, Yoongi responds. "Because I know what I know."

Miffed, Jimin pokes his lip out. "Hyung!" Then, he stops massaging Yoongi's scalp.

Perturbed by Jimin stopping, he scrunches his nose. "Okay, so you want me to wax poetic? Fine, brat. Do you really want to know how I know?"

"Yes! That's what I've been asking!" Jimin huffs, rolling his eyes. Of course, it's met with one of Yoongi's grins. The one that lets Jimin know he loves fucking with him instead of just complying like a good, cooperative boyfriend.

He watches Yoongi take a moment of contemplation before he sits up, brushing hair from Jimin's eyes. "I can pour out my love and it never runs dry with you."

Jimin's breath hitches because only Min Yoongi could make him crumble like dried putty with just a few words. And it's Jimin's fault. He really did ask for it. So he grins, shaking his head in disbelief. He grabs Yoongi's chin, gently.

"You keep talking like that and I guarantee something will be dry out of you really soon..."

Jimin would be lying if he said he wasn't about two seconds away from crumbling at the sound and sight of Jeongguk screaming for Yoongi. His resolve broke as soon as they started pulling the child away.

How fair is it that they've been through so much only to have so much taken away? And all because they made a decision to be here for these kids.

But then a thought crept into his mind that he simply couldn't shake. How awfully convenient is it after all this time? All of it. So no, he could not shake that or the fact that they've been through entirely too much. See, Jimin's not sure he believes in fate. But he doesn't think it's a mere coincidence that these people happened upon their adoption hearing on the day and exact time of the hearing.

Maybe it's a desire to not crumble just yet. Maybe it's just false hope that's driving him. He knows if he allows himself to succumb to all he's feeling, he'll lose himself for some time and likely, that'll cause a chain reaction. They have a son... two sons if Jimin has a say. He might not have been prepared, especially emotionally, to handle all of the bullshit swinging their way. And not that he can say whether or not he's prepared now. But he sure as hell will not go down without a fight.

He will not be able to live with himself, looking at the man he loves, saying he gave up.

So when he steps out into the hallway of the courtroom, he squares his shoulders, stands just a bit taller and struts down the hallway with purpose. Checking his phone, he pauses for a moment. His background, a picture of the culmination of why he's fighting. He stares at the image of himself holding up a grinning Jeongguk, cake smudged all over his face while Taehyung's little body leans dangerously over a gummy smiling Yoongi's shoulder, head dipped too close to the rest of the cake. He's relishing in the energy of that memory when his phone rings.

Hoseok.

"Hyung?" He answers, looking around to make sure no one is listening in on his conversation.

"Jimin-ah..." He's whispering. "I saw the woman, the one they're saying is Jeonggukie's mother... she walked out with the lawyer, they were talking and then a couple of really sketchy looking people approached them. They all seemed to know each other and then she got in a car with the sketchy people. I'm going to ping you the location where I am... I followed them. I sent some pictures to Joonie already too, just in case."

Breathing out in relief, Jimin runs a hand through his hair. "Hyung, you stay safe and stay hidden and I'm walking to the car right now."

"Y-You don't think they..."

"That's exactly what I think, hyung. I'll be there soon. But please, stay safe. Leave if you have to."

There's some ruffling noises before Hoseok responds. "Joon just said they were able to alert the judge of their suspicions while the lawyer stepped out and Jeonggukie is safe where Jin-hyung has eyes on him. I'm parked far enough away that they can't see me but I can see if they come out of the apartment building. I promise, I'll stay hidden."

After hanging up, Jimin texts the group chat to let everyone know he's headed to Hoseok. When he arrives at the pinged location, he spots Hoseok's car. The elder was right. It's hidden in plain sight but he knows that reddish brown hair anywhere.

He tiptoes quickly over to the car in case anyone may be watching from the inside. With stealth agility, he opens the passenger door quietly and scurries inside only to be met with the loudest screech of his life.

"I have a brush and I'm not afraid to use it!" Hoseok yells, which causes Jimin to yell in shock before covering Hoseok's mouth.

"Oh my God, hyung! It's me! Chill!" He admonishes, winded and catching his breath. "You're gonna get us both caught."

Some color drained from Hoseok's face, coupled with the horrified look are enough to make Jimin lean over laughing. "Yeah, well you screamed just as much as I did!" Hoseok defends weakly.

"What were you even going to do? Groom me to death?" Jimin continues teasing. They're swatting at each other playfully when the sight of some people dressed in all black sobers them.

"Those are the people I saw with that woman." Hoseok whispers, ducking slightly.

Jimin watches as they get into a black SUV. "Is that all of them?" And Hoseok nods. At this, Jimin takes his cue to leave Hoseok's car.

Hoseok yelps. "Where are you going?" He tries to ask through a gritted whisper. So Jimin ducks his head back in the car.

"Come on, hyung. Be my lookout. I just want to see something." He announces before scurrying towards the building. Hoseok follows haphazardly, looking over his shoulder and turning (almost tripping over his own feet) while walking.

Jimin heads towards a flight of stairs when Hoseok grabs his shoulder. "You made me promise we wouldn't get ourselves into trouble! My boyfriend is going to kill me!" He motions for a door down the immediate hallway.

"Says the person who managed to get inside and find the apartment before I even got here." Jimin retorts quietly.

Jimin uses his sweater paw to cover the peephole before knocking on the door. An unspoken question lingers in Hoseok's eyes. Before Jimin can respond, the door swings open and the woman faces him.

"I told you, I don't..." she pauses, looking up at Jimin. Hoseok slides against a nearby wall, out of sight. "You-you can't be here. How did you find me here?" She asks in panic.

"I don't want trouble," Jimin announces gently. "I-I just want to talk. Please." He doesn't want to beg but at this rate, if he could do anything to at least get her to entertain the idea of speaking with him... so be it.

She slumps her shoulders, sighing before opening the door wider. Jimin takes a step forward before flashing his eyes at Hoseok, who nods in understanding. "I have people here. They'll be back in five minutes. That's all I'm giving you." She warns.

Jimin will take whatever he can get. He shares as much. He removes his shoes then looks around the space. It's humble. Some boxes placed along the walls as though someone just moved in or might be moving out. "I-It's not much but I..."

"I-It's okay. May I sit?" He asks when he notices she's biting her bottom lip. She nods, offering her arm out for him to sit.

Taking a full look at this woman, she seems almost timid, curled into herself. The tint of her cheeks showing him that she is either embarrassed, flustered or both. Jimin had every intent of laying into her if he got the chance. But he takes her in, notices the way she tries to straighten her hair that much more. The way, although curled in, she tries to sit up that much straighter but completely avoids eye contact. And there's one solid proof that lets him know so much without knowing anything. The look in her eyes. Distant and haunting. Far and away and unsure. Skittish.

He knows those eyes. He's seen them many times before, every time he tried to avoid looking at himself in the mirror.

"H-how much...?" He finds himself speaking in an almost whisper.

She looks up startled by the soft, quiet tone. "I'm sorry?"

"How much d-did they offer you?" He clarifies.

Her body language shifts and she's now more fidgety. "I don't know what you're meaning. No one offered me anything."

Jimin sighs. "I know it's not the truth, at least not in its entirety because I know the origin of Jeonggukie's name. His full name. The ahjussi who was there on the night that he was placed in the baby box is about to testify." He offers gently and clearly. "He already gave a statement on our behalf. They'll look over that too. It'll contradict what that lawyer was trying to say about you earlier..."

He looks as she plays with the ends of her sweater, shifting her hands between her thighs. She says nothing, turning her head away, towards a window. Jimin closes his eyes, taking a light breath.

"It would be easy for any of us to make you a villain but I can't... I won't..." He pauses and observes her turn towards him in shock then continues. "Because if I'm being completely honest with myself, if it were me, maybe I'd do the same exact thing but please, all I ask is that you be truly honest with yourself. And you don't even owe me an explanation! But I just... I couldn't walk away from this without at least knowing he'll be alright... more than alright. I-If it's the money... we- I don't want this child to be a bribe but we can pay you more than whatever they're offering. Please just ask yourself if this is truly what you want for him. I won't ask if he is yours. I'll just say if he is, I believe you have every right to a second chance. But it doesn't have to be based on a lie..."

As she turns her head again, Jimin senses she may be trying to protect herself from exposing tears. Always a sensitive one, the last thing he wants is to make her feel worse. He's made his point. Before he stands, she seems to gather herself.

"Apologies for your suffering, Park Jimin-ssi, but as the child's mother, I am simply doing my due diligence is all." She utters softly. It almost sounds rehearsed.

"Alright..." Jimin sighs. "Alright." And he stands backing away with a bow. When he reaches the door, she stands to see him out. He takes another look around the space. There are no pictures on the walls. Maybe he'd adjust with some pictures on the walls. Jimin takes one last look and decides.

"Those people... they don't value human life. They only value money. They only want to use us all as a means to an end. They nearly ruined my life to get what they wanted. It really tore me down for months. I'm still picking up the pieces from what they did. But I have a say in my destiny, no matter how people try to take from me. Jeonggukie... right now, he doesn't have much of a say..." He pauses before trying to hide his own well of tears. "He's really happy..." He whispers, "but if this is what you want, I'll let go and I just ask that you let him know he's loved... please don't let him forget that... please..."

What lingers is how he really wants to say please don't let him forget us but he holds back.

She looks into his eyes, they're both letting go of pretense. He can see the tears in hers and she can see the same. "My love... he-he'll be heartbroken for a while. And our child will be really confused and upset but we'll work through this together. I won't be selfish enough to hold on if it means Jeonggukie has an opportunity to truly connect to his roots and be loved in that space. I-I've seen how hard it is to not have a family history and that beautiful boy deserves that."

The woman reaches out and wipes tears from his face and he does the same for her. "It's okay." He assures. "It's okay. Thank you, for inviting me into your home."

"What am I going to do with you, Min Jeongguk, hmm? I thought we talked about this and agreed to no more fighting for the rest of the school term?" Jeongguk winces as Jimin cleans around his eye and lip. "Hold still, this needs to disinfect. I can't believe you broke a kid's nose this time. We put you in those classes for discipline and patience, not to snap every kid's head off that looks at your brother the wrong way. Are you listening to me?"

The child watches him closely but remains silent.

He huffs. "You are just like your father." He grumbles, shaking his head. And time would have it that said man would be keying at the door no sooner than he says this.

"Alright, what was so important that I had to stop everything and get back home?" Yoongi murmurs, as he steps into house slippers. He walks into where Jimin handles Jeongguk. He gives Jeongguk a once over before whistling in appraisal, then leans over to kiss Jimin's forehead.

Affronted, Jimin swats. "Don't you dare kiss me now, Min Yoongi. This is all your fault. He's just like you. Ugh! I need to wash my hands. You try to talk some sense into him. He got into another fight. At this rate, we won't have another school to enroll him in." He fusses, storming off.

Yoongi chuckles softly, shoulders bouncing. "You really got him in a spin, hmm Jeonggukie?"

The child says nothing, continues to stare at his appa in challenge. Yoongi stares back, smirking. The child eventually caves. "Is papa upset?" He asks, softly.

Yoongi waves it off. "He's just scared is all. You know how he gets about these things. Come, tell appa what happened this time."

The child sits up straighter. Eyes full of determination and fire. "They keep calling Taetae that word you said was a really bad one." Yoongi opens his mouth to speak but the boy continues. "And you said to not be challenged by words but..." His little brows furrow together. "He won't hit them back. He looks so sad but he won't hit them back. They pulled his hair this time and then they pushed him and he fell on his popsicle stick boat he made, appa. It's not fair! So I told them to keep their hands off my brother. And they laughed and tried to push me around. And that's how I got this." He points to his eye, even goes so far as to look disappointed. "But I broke his nose."

Yoongi knows his son. There's no remorse whatsoever. "Clean hit?" He asks.

Jeongguk nods as if he's 97 instead of all of 7. "Clean hit." He repeats, little chest puffed out.

They talked about bullies often, especially as Jeongguk started to exhibit more protective qualities than they anticipated, especially considering Taehyung has always dubbed himself the younger's protector. Yoongi smirks, puts his fist out and Jeongguk does the same before tapping Yoongi's. "Good boy. Just don't tell your father I said that."

"Mmm... what has you smiling so pretty, my love?" Yoongi hears and when he opens his eyes, it's to Jimin resting his chin on Yoongi's chest, bright as the entire city of Las Vegas. He runs his fingers through Jimin's hair, watching the younger preen under his touch.

"I had a dream about Jeonggukie." He offers, voice still muddled in sleep.

Jimin smiles gently. "It must have been a good dream?"

Yoongi nods and Jimin wiggles his body on top of Yoongi's to get more comfortable... except it's every bit the opposite for Yoongi but he holds his breath. His eyes light up in anticipation and Yoongi chuckles. "He was older." He starts. "About 7 or so."

Jimin's smile widens even further. "Oh I bet he was so cute!" He squeaks.

"You were there. Because he got a black eye after fighting with some kids at school." Yoongi waits for it. Watches the horror morph across Jimin's face. Jimin swats at Yoongi before flopping over the other side of the bed.

"How could you say that's a good dream? Not my baby! This is your fault, Min Yoongi." He pouts.

"Yah! That's exactly how you were in the dream. He was defending his brother's honor, broke a kid's nose who pushed Taehyungie!" Yoongi offers.

Jimin turns to him with narrowed eyes. "I don't want our babies fighting, Min Yoongi."

"Jimin-ah, you have a black belt!" Yoongi reasons. "You should expect something like this. The kid bites like a rabid wolf." Another swat that he can't duck. "And you abuse me... ow!" He yelps before they're wrestling on the bed like two grown adults.

"Appa... papa..." A tiny voice interrupts. "You said play time was after nap time!" Taehyung whines. "I want to play too!"

"He definitely learned that from you or Jin hyung..." Yoongi whispers before yelping at being pinched.

"I'm sorry if we woke you from napping, little love. Appa was just waking up from his own nap and I couldn't help myself from giving him lots of kissies because when he wakes up he looks like a grumpy kitten." Jimin offers before attacking Yoongi's face in kisses.

The little one giggles sleepily, crawling over so Jimin can pick him up and add to the offensive. Yoongi scrunches his face, verbalizing his dislike of said attack though no one listens. Eventually, the melee dies down and Taehyung goes back to napping as Jimin strokes his hair, humming softly.

It's been a week since the hearing. Yoongi often finds himself observing his boyfriend. When he returned with Hoseok, he curled against Yoongi. That night they cried as Jimin relayed what went down at the woman's house. The lawyers had been going back and forth but in his observations, Yoongi is content to find that amidst the chaos, Jimin seems to have found some peace.

Leaning over to kiss the younger's forehead, he smiles. "I love you." He utters, softly.

"I love you most." Jimin responds, grinning.

"Oh, but you get on me and call me the cheater." Yoongi huffs, returning the grin. They look into each other's eyes for a while and Yoongi also watches the rise of fall of their child's chest. He feels a hand brushing hair away from his face and looks back up at Jimin once more.

"We're gonna get that call, baby."

One week. It'd been one week since the judge returned from his recess after reviewing documents. One week since Jimin returned with resignation in his eyes. One week since the woman returned and asked to speak to the judge in private. One week since a group of armed officers eased into the court to arrest the people with the woman as she announced that she changed her mind. One week of confusion because in the time of that chaos, which included the lawyer being arrested, someone managed to slip past Seokjin and leave the building with the child.

As if Jimin has some kind of conjuring power, the phone rings. "Hyung, we found him. We're bringing him home." Namjoon announces and they celebrate in the quietest ways to avoid waking Taehyung just yet.

Yoongi shakes off the remains of his midday nap. They make haste in getting ready. Not wanting to startle Taehyung too much, though. When they arrive at the location requested, they learn that the baby was retrieved again from all the way down near Yeosu. More arrests made, more drama unfolding with that organization but Jeongguk was safely back in the custodial care of the adoption agency and the judge, being alerted to all of this, made an immediate issue to grant custody of Jeon Jeongguk to Min Yoongi.

Taehyung drools on Yoongi's shoulder as they wait hand and hand while paperwork and things are being processed. Finally, the adoption agent enters the room, smiling. "I did not want to wait any more than necessary. But... there are some things I need to warn you about." The agent offers, taking a seat after bowing.

Yoongi feels Jimin squeeze his hand and he squeezes back. Moment to moment, day by day, whatever it takes, he knows they'll get through things together.

"I'm not sure how to tell you this.... but..." And the agent takes another gulp. "Jeonggukie's developed a bit of a biting phase..." The agent says, appearing unsure of how to break the news.

Yoongi looks at Jimin, Jimin at Yoongi. They both laugh together, shaking their heads. The agent looks between the two, really unclear of how to proceed but trying to join them in their smiles.

"We can handle biting." Yoongi offers, gently, still chuckling. The agent smiles, before standing to bow again, rushing to get the child.

"Somehow, I blame you for him being like this." Jimin whispers, nudging Yoongi with his shoulder.

"Yah! Says the person who left all of those marks on my thighs last night." Yoongi retorts in outrage.

Jimin preens and Yoongi should've known he stepped himself right into that one. He leans over ever so slightly, with a predatory glint in his eyes. "Wait until you see what I've prepared for our little celebration tonight." He bites at Yoongi's nose, grinning.

Yoongi looks at him in disgust. "We are going to taint these babies and it will be all your fault, you beast!"

Before Jimin can snap back, the door opens again and the agent has what seems like a tiny sack. But it's not a sack. It's their Jeonggukie. Except he looks so tiny and stressed. Jimin stands to scoop his precious baby into his arms but the child recoils.

He puts his thumb in his mouth, looks around the room and scrunches his face really tight. Then he turns away but looks back to see if they're still watching. When he makes eye contact, he screws his face once more before hiding.

"Ohh... I see." Jimin offers. "Is Jeonggukie upset? Hmm?" Jimin asks, following the little boy's face. He keeps trying to hide while also frowning his cute little face. It's the most precious thing in the world. "Is my Jeonggukie upset?" Jimin asks again, booping the boy's nose. Jeongguk grunts before crossing his arms.

"You know, he gets that directly from you." Yoongi offers to an affronted Jimin. The adoption agent covers a smile. The little boy follows the sound of Yoongi's voice. He reaches his little arms out towards Yoongi. Yoongi looks to Jimin, who smiles and nods before grabbing the still sleepy Taehyung. Yoongi reaches for the baby who clings to his neck immediately. "It's okay, baby. You're home. Appa and papa have you."

As if to sense his words, the little one's lip starts to wobble before he breaks out into a wail, burrowing into Yoongi more. Taehyung wakes to the sound of the baby's crying. Startled, at first, but Jimin whispers in his ear and his eyes light up. The agent slides out of the room to give the family privacy. Jimin takes a seat next to Yoongi.

"It's okay to cry, Jeonggukie. You're home with your family now!" Taehyung offers sagely. The baby hears Taehyung's voice and tries to pull Yoongi, Taehyung and Jimin together as closely as possible.

Pretty soon, the only one not crying is a very cheesing, excited Taehyung.

It takes Jeongguk through Taehyung's actual birthday to warm up to people again. He spends most days curled under Yoongi, primarily and then Jimin secondarily. They take it like they've done since this whole ordeal came about. Moment to moment. Day by day. The therapy team shifts to accommodate the baby's adjusting. It's hard to help a child so young sort through their nightmares and worries when their access to language and concepts is so different from the adults but they manage. Taehyung, naturally, is a huge catalyst for Jeongguk opening up.

But it does take some time. He doesn't like getting in car seats for a while. He also doesn't like getting in large vehicles. He needs assurance often. He regresses a bit with things such as biting, with language, even with their potty training progress. He goes through moments where he doesn't speak at all before shrieking loudly. They run tests, go to appointments, lots of therapy. They slowly reintegrate Jeongguk back into the routine of their home. Dinnertime disco. Family art time. A giant pillow fort in the middle of the living room for no reason.

Some anonymous being, whose name likely rhymes with judge, sends Taehyung a package for his birthday. It contains a puppy. Yoongi has a fit during adult time in the bedroom with Jimin. He's already listing all of the ways to try and send the dog back.

And it's Yoongi who spends every night curled up with that puppy and Jeongguk. Jimin would be jealous but there's just way too much fodder for their group chat.

They name the puppy Donut because it's the first word Jeongguk speaks after such a long time and the dog responds to it. Jimin laughs for at least thirty minutes at the betrayal in Yoongi's face after he'd so painstakingly looked up good puppy names.

Donut becomes such a huge benefit to Jeongguk. She seems to sense exactly when the baby needs her support and comfort. She also loves going on adventures with Taehyung and Jeongguk. She's such a trooper whenever either child drags her across the house to be involved in one nefarious plan or other.

Yoongi now has three baby books, including one for Min Donut.

"I would like to propose a toast. And you know I'm tipsy so if I start crying, you better ignore it, or I will viciously blackma-"

"Hyung, there are tiny humans present..." Jimin warns.

Seokjin nods. "Right. Too right. Uncle Jinnie apologies. As I was saying, I would like to propose a toast. Jimin-ah, hyung has known you for way longer than I care to admit." Jimin scoffs and everyone else laughs. "I still look amazing, though, so you haven't taken off too many years of my life dealing with your madness." Pouting, Jimin leans into Yoongi, who chuckles while kissing Jimin's forehead. "What was I... oh right, a toast! To Jimin, because hyung is really proud of you and to Yoongi for actually being brave enough to make it this far with this mess of a human. To love... and to me because, I love me!"

"Maybe we should cut him off..." Yoongi whispers, to Jimin, who giggles.

"I don't know what you said, Min Yoongi, but I know it was disrespect. I can feel it. Yah! Just raise your glasses and toast with me, damn it!" Seokjin demands and everyone laughs while complying. Seokjin goes to sit down after taking another sip.

"Not so fast, I believe another toast is in order, hyung." Yoongi offers.

To this, Jimin looks at Yoongi, questioning. His words answered when he sees Hoseok. He moves to one knee, opening a tiny box and Jimin quickly covers his mouth before he gasps too loudly. He turns to Yoongi, squealing, who nods with a wink.

"Namu, I-I know we've been back and forth and really hesitant on this whole thing but if this found family of ours has taught us anything, it's to live in the moment. I really thought about it and I could not imagine something more than to live out my moments exploring life with you. And maybe that will grow as we do..." He says while looking over at Jin. Jin nods, flustered, trying to wave Hoseok off but it's too late. Yoongi can already tell Jimin's caught it, judging by all of the squealing happening and the way the younger squeezes his thigh. "I was so hesitant in the beginning and you were so sure and we've gone through a lot. Especially in the last couple of months. But we're in a new year now. And I don't want go into another year without our moments. There's no rules for us, there never really were because we just move beyond that. You're my path though. My guidance. My light. I never thought I would get the courage to do this but I'm drunk enough and I bought a ring." Hoseok announces and everyone giggles softly. Namjoon looks floored and shocked but Hoseok continues on. "I don't know what tomorrow brings but with you I never need to know because I know your love. You're my hope and I want all of the rest of my days with you. Kim Namjoon, you tall, chiseled hunk of a man, will you marry me?"

Yoongi looks over, to the surprise of no one, to see Jimin full on bawling. He goes to laugh until he grimaces as Jimin uses Yoongi's arm sleeve as a tissue when a perfectly unused napkin sits right in front of him.

Shocked, Namjoon snaps out of it to stand. Hoseok looks so nervous until Namjoon removes something from his pocket. "I can't believe you beat me to it. Hyung, I can't believe you let him beat me! I won't let you be my best man now!" Namjoon snaps at Yoongi.

How did this turn into pick on Yoongi day?

"Well, if you're just giving out rings, I'll gladly accept!" Seokjin announces before realizing what that implies and downing another shot of whatever is in his glass.

The other two lovebirds embrace each other between laughs, hugs and tears. Yoongi missed the part where one or the other or both said yes because Jimin keeps swatting at him, complaining about how Yoongi can keep secrets like this but just left him at home with two kids and no romance.

Seriously, how did this turn into pick on Yoongi day?

Jimin's been so exhausted, he wakes up not knowing what time it is or where he is. It takes him a bit of time to steady before he notices it's the weekend with the sun just barely risen. He looks around and their bed is empty. Not even Donut curled against him. That's odd.

He stretches and yawns before lazing his way out of bed. Padding sluggishly to the en suite, he doesn't bother turning the light on when he enters to use the toilet. He blinks lazily after relieving himself before making his way over to the sink to wash his hands. He's half paying attention before he startles because he's drowning a paper in the sink. He can barely make out the smudge writing. "Look up, sleepyhead" it seems to read, so he snaps his head up.

How he missed it before and how Yoongi knew he would remain a mystery to him. But on the bathroom mirror, in marker or even lipstick, it reads, "Find x (don't worry about clean up, Jin hyung lost a bet and will take care of it later)". Chuckling, yet confused, he steps back into the bedroom. He's not sure what to make of any of this so he goes out into the hallway. There's an arrow pointing to the guest bedroom so he grins but follows it. Right next to the closet, a note states: "you're always cute in anything but it's best to shower and be dressed (dress warm)."

Jimin does as instructed, giggling to himself the entire time when he readies himself. Once he's set to head downstairs, he calls out, "babe?" He's about to step down when he hears whispering, followed by tiny giggles and some shushing noises. Grinning brightly, he shakes his head. "What are you all up to?"

"Nobody's home!" A tiny voice yells before more giggling happens. He laughs and heads down the stairs when he hears scurrying and the sound of the front door closing.

"What are you silly boys up t-" Then he cuts himself off with his own gasp.

He looks around and there are photos hanging everywhere. Everywhere. He goes to grab one of the photos closest to the bottom steps. But he stops himself, reading a note on the polaroid that says "Don't touch this. Read the instructions first, impatient ass." He pouts but also giggles, shaking his head. When he steps further into the entire downstairs area, he's confused until he sees a giant banner hanging with big arrows: "Park Jimin look here (after you've had your coffee and breakfast is on the counter because I know how you get when you're up too early without it and you say I'm the grumpy one)."

He throws his head back laughing and makes a point to run back upstairs, grab his phone and document everything from the en suite, to the guestroom and back downstairs. He has no idea what's happening but this feels like quite a moment.

Once he's had his fill out the beautiful breakfast laid out for him, he heads over to the banner. "Start here!" it declares. He looks around to note the photos have been arranged in some kind of pattern. He looks back at the banner and laughs again when he read more fine print that says "seriously, stop looking around and start HERE, Park Jimin."

"You don't know me, Min Yoongi!" Jimin huffs, grinning. He reads instructions that let him know he's to follow and guess the clues provided on each picture. He starts whining when he thinks of how many pictures there are.

"Don't whine. We made the clues easy so you didn't spend fifteen minutes just pouting," one of the instructions reads. Whatever this is, they really thought of everything. And even though Jimin really wants to pout at being teased, he can't help but be endeared by whatever these antics are.

When he takes a moment and assesses again, he gasps. "It's like a treasure map!" he surmises after one of the clues states, "this marks the spot!" Squealing in excitement, he makes it through several rounds of "warm... getting warmer... still warm enough... just warm enough for the babies to take a bath" type of clues before the real nit and grit starts.

He smiles warmly, making sure to take snap all of the photos so he still has an idea of the map. Then he goes about collecting all of the polaroids, after he's had clues instructing him to grab a warm coat, grab car keys, make sure he brings a snack (yes that really was a clue) and to collect all of the photos. He's so intrigued and his heart feels warm, looking at all of these pictures of their little family. "The number of Appa Yoongi's birthdate plus the number of Papa Jiminie's birthdate..." Jimin reads. 9 plus 13 he thinks to himself, which is 22. "Use your phone to put in the last coordinates listed starting with the added number. Then go there."

Jimin's nervous. What if he gets it wrong? Will he be able to phone a friend? When he types in his phone, the adoption agency where they picked up Jeongguk pops up right away. That has to be the place.

Making sure he has everything he's instructed to bring, he heads out to find Namjoon's car waiting for him. He drives to the agency and looks around. There's nothing visible from the car so he assumes he'll have to go inside. When he approaches the building, he sees a yellow balloon tied to one of the railings and he giggles. Two pretty roses, one yellow and one red sit under where the balloon is tied along with another clue.

"You deserve something cute because you're a cutie. Don't judge me for not being poetic, I'm literally copying your son word for word. Stop rolling your eyes and just follow the damn clue." He throws his head back laughing then shakes his head. He flips the back of the clue and it says, "Reflect. The reason we even ended up at this place. The location is your next destination. And time is ticking by the way so move your cute ass."

He frowns. That's kind of a big and ambiguous clue. The reason they ended up there last week was because of Jeonggukie. But he knows for a fact he didn't leave the baby home alone so that can't be the clue. Plus, Jeonggukie's not really a destination. He does take a moment to reflect. It doesn't come to him right away but when it does, he gasps because he's so proud of himself for getting it. At least, he thinks he gets it.

Arriving at the courthouse, Jimin hopes the clue is outside again because there's no way he's getting inside on a Saturday. He runs to the building to find no balloon. He's so confused, looking around until a voice clears. "I believe you were looking for this?" He hears and spins around.

The judge stands grinning, in plain clothes, holding another polaroid with a yellow ribbon. Jimin can feel the heat rise on his cheeks. Just what are they up to? "How...?"

"I'm not at liberty to say. I've been sworn to secrecy upon pain of death... or apparently a really bad tummyache." The judge recites, solemnly. He hands a giggling Jimin the clue before bowing and winking. "Good luck. Enjoy."

Jimin bows and goes to say thank you but it's almost like the judge vanishes into thin air. Shaking his head in disbelief, he looks at the polaroid. It's a picture of a baby's blanket. Written on the polaroid are the words "find me." He frowns again. This blanket looks vaguely familiar. Where does he knows this blanket? He flips the polaroid again. Looks at the ribbon. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Looking back at the photo, he tries to assess further. The blanket looks like it's laying in or on something but he's not sure what.

He takes a moment, huffing before he looks closer. Wait! That looks like plastic. Clear plastic. Which means he knows exactly where the next clue is.

When he arrives at the orphanage, he's already a sniffling mess threatening to spill over. There's a sign that says "We Love Park Jimin" and yellow balloons are tied on each side. The staff come filing out cheering and ahjussi grins, waving the next clue to encourage Jimin to exit the car. He's trying to contain his tears but when they envelope him in hugs, he's a goner.

The next clue is a photo of a swing set and a box of tissue (with no cheating, stick to the clues or else, Park Jimin written on the box in sharpie). Jimin laughs through tears. It can't be a coincidence that he's being brought down a series of memories, each pivotal locations of his life with the children.

When he heads to the exact location where they met Jiwon at the park, there she is, with a grinning Byeol, Dae and a very excited and jumpy Young-ha. There are several other teens there that he doesn't recognize but they all seem to be in a mix of grins, swoons, coos or swatting each other giggling.

"Oppa, this is one of the grossest, cheesiest things I've ever participated in and I have severe secondhand embarrassment, just thought you should know." Jiwon snarks.

"She totally wanted to be the one to give the clue, don't listen to her." Young-ha interjects.

Jimin looks around and their friends all wave, grinning. Jimin waves back awkwardly, trying not to blush. "Is he going to propose? Should I have worn more makeup? Is my makeup running?" He asks, checking himself. Someone squeals about how cute this is but is shushed by another. But Jimin's eyes bug out and he starts to panic.

Dae holds out a mirror. "Don't listen to them. They just wanted to tag along. But they know nothing." She says loudly and scathingly. "The only thing we are allowed to say is that oppa thought it'd be in poor taste to send you to the place where you were kidnapped next." Dae snorts and Jimin laughs, throwing his head back. Well, Min Yoongi certainly knows him well enough to disarm him from freaking out.

Young-ha nudges Jiwon, who rolls her eyes. She sighs dramatically. "I deserve honey butter chips for this." She grumbles.

Jimin giggles. "You can have half of my stash when we see each other next week."

Narrowing her eyes, she holds her pinkie out. They lock pinkies much to the delight of the others. "Your next clue." She announces, pretending to be bored but holding out her phone with a grin.

Jimin cocks his head to the side, confused until he hears, "Ahh! Jiminie, I love you!" followed by a lot of rowdiness. He knows that rowdy anywhere. So this immediately snaps his attention to the phone. The double screen shows Yoongi's family in one frame and Jimin's family in another. Jimin covers his face and starts bawling.

"Damn it, Jimin, you could've waited five more minutes and made me rich!" Yoongi's appa huffs.

"You all owe me, don't forget to pay up. Never doubt a mother's intuition. You hear that kids? You owe me as well!" His eomma says and everyone groans.

Still crying but trying to gather himself, he shakes his head. "Eomma, you bet everyone that I'd cry?" He asks, blubbering.

She grins, triumphantly. "Told them you would sob like a baby the second you heard my voice. Good to know I still know my baby."

He laughs, but breaks down again while whining. "That's so mean!" And everyone laughs.

"Come, come, Jimin-ah. We've got to rush you along!" Yoongi's eomma says. Then she elbows Yoongi's appa, still grumbling about not enjoying losing money.

Jimin giggles. "Fine, fine. 1... 2... 3..." Appa counts aloud.

"The most beautiful moment in life!" Everyone recites, including the teens surrounding them at the park.

Jimin looks up at everyone and throws his head back laughing. He falls to his knees trying to catch his breath at the sound of "see, I told you he would get it." "That's a ridiculous clue, I don't care what you say." "Oh stop fussing and pay up, grump."

He finally stands to "We love you, Jiminie!" and blows kisses while everyone waves him off and he takes off running to the car.

He laughs the entire way, shaking his head and reflecting on what's happening.

"Hyung, I really can't believe you." He announces when he arrives.

"Well, I can't believe I have to be up this early on my day off but here we are." Jin sasses.

Jimin shakes his head, still laughing. "The most beautiful moment in life? Really?"

"Still the day you met me. I told you, I'll never let you forget it." He winks and moves the clue from behind his back. Jimin takes the clue.

It's a rolled up paper, tied up in yellow ribbon. He opens to see a print out of Yoongi's dating profile and breaks out into the biggest smile, reading, "I'm a father now so murder is not an option but their suffering still is."

"You can't tell me anything?" Jimin tries. Why not?

"The asshole told me nothing on purpose. You know I would've slipped a hint. But he used the kids to give me their big, puppy eyes and pleeeease uncle Jinnie and the next thing I know, I'm opening this restaurant to stand here waiting for you, hoping he made those clues easy enough for you to get here before my pedicure appointment."

Jimin giggles before giving Jin a big hug and kiss on the cheek. "I love you, hyung."

"Yah, don't be mushy! I can't afford to have my face looking as puffy as yours right now!"

"Hyung!" Jimin says, trying to pat his face down.

Jin tuts, pushing a protesting, whiny Jimin to the door. "No time, get going. Your time is running out!"

Although Jimin pouts, he makes his way to the car with the rolled paper. He starts grinning again when he looks on the back and sees actual coordinates written on the paper. Jimin gets a bright idea of trying to call Yoongi from his phone. He laughs so hard when it goes straight to voicemail and the message says "yah, Park Jimin, I worked really hard for this. Stop cheating and follow the damn clues. And drive safely, baby. Make sure you don't forget your seatbelt and don't drive while you're crying."

"I didn't always know love was so easy." Jimin says leaning his back against Yoongi's side.

"Yeah? What changed?" He hears.

He takes a moment to really think about it before he offers, "well, I used to fish for compliments a lot. I thought that showed a person really cared about you. And when I didn't get them or when people showed different types of love, I didn't really know how to process that. Especially after Hoseok." He feels Yoongi turn his body so that Jimin's back leans against Yoongi's front. He feels the elder kiss the top of his head.

"Would you like me to compliment you more?" Yoongi asks, rubbing his fingers along Jimin's arms.

"It's not that, Yoongi-ah. I just meant it was something I did to cover myself. I didn't always know or accept me, you know? I thought I needed validation from others to be seen. But then I met you and there was no point in wearing my mask with you. You were so matter of fact about it not being a date so I said fuck it, why bother with any pretense or fake presentation?" He hears Yoongi snort but continue his ministrations. Jimin sighs into the gentle comfort of his lover's touch. "And then I had to show my full self with the kids, kids don't demand anything less... I guess what I'm realizing is I don't have to be some shell of me to connect with you."

When Jimin arrives at the newly engaged couple's apartment, the door's open and he's grossed out by the sight of them shamelessly making out. "You couldn't wait for two seconds to let me have my moment before sucking face?" He asks, incredulously. "I can't believe I'm agreeing with hyung. He's so right, though. You both are so much more scandalous than we are."

They don't even blink or jump. In fact, Hoseok even looks offended by the intrusion. "You begged me to come take the kids just so you two could have a sex marathon." He deadpans.

Like any good adult would, Jimin sticks his tongue out in retort.

Namjoon, grinning, shakes his head. "We just want to say that we're grateful to you, Park Jimin. Even if the way we all reconnected was a bit dramatic and unconventional, thank you for giving this and us a chance. For helping be a part of building an even bigger family with us."

Of course, Jimin's sniffling again but it helps to be disgusted by Hoseok cooing over how sexy his man is for being so eloquent while also agreeing with the sentiment.

"You know where to go next?" Namjoon offers. Jimin nods, rolling his eyes when Hoseok slides back into Namjoon's lap. "Good, because we love you but I want to make out with my fiance."

"That's so sexy when you say it." Hoseok preens.

Jimin damn near runs out the door while yelling. "Yup. Got it. I love you! You're grosser than us, by the way!" And he hears the two chuckling as he closes the door behind him.

To say it's been an emotional day has been the understatement of Jimin's entire year. He tries to take a moment to gather himself before entering the diner. There's no water for him to wash his face but he remembers the toilets are located at the front of it. He slides in to freshen up before walking over to the booth. Their booth. The one that started everything.

Somehow, the diner still smells the same. Of course, it's a diner so it smells of food but he can't describe the way it feels to be rendered by the faint smell of something. It gives him a chill, reminiscing on that day. He remembers the way Jin damn near dragged him out of his apartment because he was so sick of hearing about clothing options. He laughs to himself the way he was so casual about the idea of using some random stranger for food. He remembers the first utterance of Yoongi's voice and how the timbre and tone admittedly made him melt. He's so giddy that when he turns the corner, ready to embrace his loves, he doesn't see it coming.

No one's there. There is one more rose. A white rose with a decorative bag. He walks up to the table. There's also drawing. "Haha, we tricked you!" He reads. He huffs. Min Yoongi! He looks further at the drawing. It's a Taehyung classic of the four together. The day they met. Here. "But while you're here," he continues, "enjoy this coupon for a free milkshake. Seriously, Jimin-ah, don't come home without that coupon, we could use it."

He almost crumbles the damn thing and he definitely shakes his fist. He grabs the bag to see what's inside. A note reads, "open me in the car. You truly want to follow these instructions or suffer lots of grave penalties."

Jimin groans. "I'm gonna kill him. I'm gonna kiss him. Then I'm gonna kill him." He announces to no one before storming off with the ridiculous clue and bag he's not allowed to open yet.

Jimin whines and pouts the entire way to the car until he gets inside and finally opens the bag. He gasps before squealing and covering his face. There's a very long note:

Park Jimin,

We really have to talk about parental controls on this phone of yours
I can't believe I'm actually agreeing to this
And what the hell kind of search history do you have?
Should I even be surprised that this is your most searched item?
I made a coupon (I hope you didn't forget the one at the diner) (Jimin rolls his eyes)
You get to use this coupon ONCE, and I mean ONCE because what even is this thing?
And the kids have to be away.
And I need to do a lot of exercise first, Jimin-ah.
I mean it.
We should probably set a lot of ground rules
And talk
And maybe have a therapy session first
I can't believe I really set this up in front of our kids
We're going to scar them, it's your fault
You have no idea how hard it was to distract them from not actually seeing what's inside
You brazen hellhound.
I love you.

xoxo,
Yoongi. (NOT TO BE USED TONIGHT PARK JIMIN OR THE NEXT OR THE NEXT)

Jimin laughs so hard he can't breathe. He's definitely going to frame this note.

Finally, Jimin arrives back home. If those three are not there when he gets inside, he will definitely be using what's in the bag to punish Min Yoongi for a very long time. Or, he'll do that anyway just because the idea gets him reeling.

Grinning, he grabs all of his clues and heads to the door. "I have all of the clues and I am stepping inside." He warns and can hear giggles and scuffling. He beams, endeared at the thought of his babies putting up such an effort today. He wonders what might be inside.

Pressing the keypad, he slips out of his shoes. The comforting smell of tteokbokki envelopes his nose immediately. He hears a bunch of sputtering, some noise and Yoongi saying "wait Jeonggukie, don't..." but he's moved inside to see the living room.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Taehyung yells, triumphantly. Yoongi closes his eyes, shaking his head and whispering to Taehyung who squints, pouts, corrects himself, brightens up again then screams "HAPPY BALENCHIMES DAY!" Yoongi closes his eyes again, grinning in defeat.

The scene before Jimin is one he's not sure he'll ever fully be able to put in words. Some of their memories, blown up in giant poster-sized photographs as if he's walking through an art display of "This is Your Life" with candles and fairy lights strewn around the living room. The touches and detail of some of the more intimate moments with Jimin and the kids, Jimin and his friends, Jimin at Chuseok with his family, Jimin and Yoongi. It's so soft and beautiful and warming. And there's a giant red X in the middle of the floor. When he takes a closer look, his boys all dressed in black with Donut playing dead on the ground. It looks like she has some kind of lizard costume on.

Jimin's a mess of tears and laughs because he's now figured out what Yoongi was trying to stop. A very feisty Jeonggukie tangled in and fighting part of the banner and balloons he was meant to hold up. Yoongi curses under his breath while trying to free the baby but also trying not to rip the banner. Taehyung's carrying a fake sword with a bandana wrapped around his head and an eye patch way too big for his little face. Someone drew a fake beard on him and Jimin can't take it anymore.

"You're Dread Pirate Roberts and his dastardly crew! Oh hyung!" He coos and after the baby is finally freed (and moved away from trying to swing on the balloons again for one last measure), Taehyung barrels into Jimin's legs.

"Appa says he's come to steal a booty!" He announces to which Jimin turns bright red upon seeing the smug grin on Yoongi's face. Donut excitedly follows, barreling into Jimin's ankle. When Jeongguk waddles over, Jimin coos at the adorably drawn-in but smudged goatee on the baby's face as Yoongi clears his throat.

Jeongguk looks back at Yoongi, who nods, then scrunches his nose in a cheeky grin, turning to Jimin. He curls his little hands and yells "ARGH!" And Jimin's a puddle of goo, kissing all over the boy, who alternates between giggling and scrunching his face yelling "Stop dat, baby!"

Finally, Yoongi approaches as the kids go play with the balloons and Donut. He wraps his arms around Jimin's waist, sliding a hand much further down. "Hi, baby. Happy Valentine's Day." Jimin leans into him, placing both of his hands on the sides of Yoongi's face. "Got the booty." He smirks, with a firm squeeze and a gentle kiss.

Watery tears and garbled laughter. "You did all of this?" Jimin whispers. And Yoongi nods, smiling softly.

"Your little miscreants helped... a little. Slayed a dragon too." Yoongi grins, pointing at Donut in her cute little lizard costume, oblivious to everything while she chases her tail. They both laugh when Taehyung asks while trying to pronounce the word.

Jimin leans into the kiss Yoongi plants right on his lips. He looks around again and thinks about the extent of the day. Thinks about the fullness of this moment. About each day of their lives leading up to this. Immediately, he starts bawling again. Naturally, he wacks at Yoongi.

"Yah! What's the big idea?"

"Look at how puffy my face is! I can't believe you made me cry like this!"

"Your kids are going to learn unhealthy ways of conflict manage- ow! Stop swatting me and let me romance you."

"You should've warned me! No one told you to be this romantic!" Jimin complains pouting and swatting at him playfully.

Yoongi looks astonished then huffs and stomps over to the banner. "You fussed at me for not being romantic just last month, Park Jimin!" He opens the banner fully and when Jimin reads, he throws his head back laughing.

"I'M MORE ROMANTIC THAN HOSEOK AND NAMJOON in writing." It reads. Under that also reads, "Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day, We Love You, Papa! (This is not a proposal, YET, but we could always let me retire on this high note. Since pleasing you is so exhausting, let's skip that step and just go for it? No? Unless...?")

Jimin's entire body leans into the laugh that escapes it while Yoongi catches him, grinning proudly. Once he's righted, he beams so brightly, his cheeks hurt. He holds Yoongi's face gently and their lips meet yet again. "If you're asking then my answer is always yes, you silly, goofy man."

"Yah! Don't forget romantic. And make sure you call Namjoon and Hoseok and brag about it. And make sure you take tons of pictures and post them, Park Jimin." Yoongi complains, in pout.

Holding Jimin like this as the kids pretend to stab poor Donut with their plastic swords, while chasing each other between the display set up... it's worth every bit of exhaustion seeping through Yoongi's bones from the work of today. He smiles warmly as Jimin continues looking around. As Jimin video chats their families, his friends, the teens to show all of them the results of their labor. Yoongi had to duck when he revealed to Jimin the whole thing had been recording from when he returned home.

"I can't believe you, look at my face!"

"It's the cutest face ever, let me love it."

He's not even sure what prompted it. One day, Taehyung just said, "appa, we should make an adventure just like this one," while Yoongi finished reading the Princess Bride and the idea stuck.

Jimin returns back into his arms, after admiring the space for the fourth time. Grinning, he leans in peppering Yoongi with kisses. "Have the kids had their naps?"

He knew that might come up. "So... don't kill me but I kind of doped them up on sugar to keep them going so they could crash after lunch." Yoongi admits sheepishly.

He feels Jimin chuckles against him. "Well, that's good actually. Because, I was just thinking..."

Yoongi should know a set up when he hears one from Park Jimin by now. That much is confirmed when he looks into those bright, enchanting eyes and sees nothing but danger. He tries to pull away immediately but it's too late. Jimin has him wrapped in his cute, stubby, demon hands.

"Don't be like that, hyung." Jimin pouts. "I think my pirate should come unlock his treasure." He really has the nerve to bat those pretty lashes. Venomous.

"You're always like this." Yoongi sighs, shaking his head. "Everyone is busy for Valentine's Day, Park Jimin. The kids stay with us and I am exhausted."

Predatory and pretty should not go in the same sentence but there he is. Like a Venus Flytrap. Park Jimin. "Hyung," he purrs, dangerously. "That's actually perfect because we can stuff them for naps and then skip lunch and go right to dessert." He offers, nibbling Yoongi's ear.

"Park Jimin, I already got a text from Namjoon and you're proving them right." Yoongi warns.

Taken aback, Jimin gasps. "Don't believe his slander, Yoongi-ah! We are not like them! Do you know they had the nerve to be grinding on top of each other with the door wide open? I barely made it out alive getting my clue, hyung!"

Yoongi shudders, planting sweet kisses to Jimin's forehead. "My poor baby. He didn't tell me all of that."

Jimin pouts. "Of course not. My eyes and ears, hyung! That was a lot. And you should make it up to me with mind blowing sex."

Sighing in defeat, Yoongi does what any weak-willed man in his state would. "Fine, I'll get them fed... yah, Park Jimin, what are you doing?" He asks, watching Jimin saunter as he grabs the bag™, dangling it with one deadly come hither finger.

"Just getting inspired." Jimin shrugs nonchalantly, making his way up the stairs.

"No. Jimin. Jimin-ah, come here please and let's talk first. You can't redeem that coupon today. It specifically says that ON the coupon. Jimin? Yah, Jimin!" The kids look up from playing and Yoongi just slumps. "I am such a sap." He admits out loud and if Yoongi didn't know any better, it seems like both of his babies and Donut all nod in agreement.