Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jimin and Taehyung were only five and four, respectively, when their mother died of a broken heart.

It was only a few months after the death of their father. His death was less… dramatic. The day he died in a car crash Jimin knew something bad was going to happen. It wasn’t the look in his mother’s eyes either. He felt it when his father left that morning. The hug his father gave his sons was the same as any other but Jimin could not seem to bring himself to let go of him. He knew that if he let go his father would have to leave. If he left, Jimin just knew that would be the last time he would see him.

“Jimin, I have to go,” His father chuckled.

“I know daddy,” Jimin sighed and forced himself to let him go. The look on his face must have said what he was feeling as his father hugged him again.

“I love you so much,” His father said.

Taehyung wasn’t any better. Jimin didn’t know then if it was because Jimin had been so reluctant to let their father go. Later, Tae explained that he felt it too. He felt that that hug was the last one he would get from their father. When the man had bent down to give his youngest a hug he already couldn’t smile or reassure them anymore. 

The bright and warm summer morning wasn’t bright or warm anymore, because the entire house knew that it would be a bad day. 

It didn’t help either Jimin or Taehyung that their mother, instead of comforting them-- because she knew what was going to happen, she tore up the living room and dining room looking for something. She flipped the couch, shoved aside tables, and through books and magazines everywhere. The entire time, Jimin and Tae watched from the backyard looking in through the screen door. They could hear her crying. She didn’t even seem to notice that her sons didn’t have lunch that day or that they were around at all.

When the phone call finally came, she was seated on the floor leaned against the wall. She was pale and empty. She didn’t get up to get the phone so Jimin answered. The man on the other end asked for his mother, Jimin didn’t bring her the phone.

He simply asked, “He died, right?” Jimin felt tears running down his face, hot as they fell and cold as they dried. Taehyung was next to him, his slightly younger face wrinkled and pinched in his own cries.

The man on the phone faltered, “Um, yes, he passed away about an hour ago… I’m sorry, son.”

Jimin hung up the phone, he felt bad for being rude but couldn’t bring himself to be upset about that for long. Taehyung grabbed onto him and sobbed into his shoulder. Jimin didn’t think either of them were old enough to truly comfort each other to the best of their abilities. One look at their mother let him know they didn’t have much of a choice.

Jimin in the next few days managed to take care of himself and Taehyung. He couldn’t figure out the bathtub but managed to get himself and Tae clean enough. It was hard enough getting himself dressed but he had to help Tae, so he figured that out too. Taehyung tried to help but neither were equipped to be independent so there wasn’t much he could do. Jimin got up on chairs and stools to make PB and J which was the only thing he knew vaguely how to make.

The entire time their mother laid in bed. Jimin heard her crying sometimes which let him know that she was still there… in theory.

After three days of simply managing, the aunts came.

Apparently, their father’s parents took care of the funeral and had invited everyone they could that would be interested in coming. They didn’t think about calling their daughter-in-law and their grandchildren. The day of the funeral the aunts arrived, women the boys had met twice in their life. The both of them had an air about them that Jimin found mystical. They wore loose skirts and embroidered shawls, that day and the day following they wore all black. Sora Park had a shaved head and plump cheeks, her eyes were kind to match her smile. She was shorter than her sister, Jessica Park. Jessica had long brown hair and heavy eyeliner that made Jimin think of a cat. Unlike Sora, her face was thinner and more angular. Both women looked like they were his mother’s age and just as pretty as she was too.

Aunt Sora bathed the boys properly and got them dressed for the funeral. Aunt Jessica locked herself in their mother’s bedroom with her. Aunt Sora took Jimin and Taehyung to their father’s funeral, but as they were leaving Jimin heard their other aunt arguing with their mother.

Aunt Sora had tried to rush them out before they really heard anything, but Jimin wasn’t upset about his Aunt Jessica yelling at their mother. He wanted to but was always taught to be polite and not to yell at adults.

The funeral was a nice change and Jimin felt bad for being happy about seeing his extended family. He knew why they were there. The white casket at the end of the aisle reminded him.

After the reception, he and Taehyung were taken back home. Their mother stood by the door, her face like a ghost, she knelt and looked at Jimin and Taehyung with sorrow. She finally cried in front of them and held them close.

“I’m so sorry, boys,” She gasped in between sobs. Jimin was the first to break, which shocked him. He sobbed into his mother’s neck and held on so tight his arms lost feeling after a few minutes. Taehyung broke a few seconds after Jimin, seeing him broken after days of being so strong.

Jimin didn’t know when they finally got up and sat at their dining room table with the aunts, but they did eventually get up and ate a real meal. It was a traditional Korean meal, something they hadn’t had in a long time. They used the children’s chopsticks that they never got a chance to use. Their aunts got Jimin and Taehyung talking; got them to talk about daycare and friends.

All the while, though her expression was more neutral, their mother would gaze at their father’s usual chair. Jimin got that feeling like the morning their father died. It wasn’t as strong, but it was there. He had a feeling they would be saying goodbye to their mother too.

After two months, Taehyung and Jimin came home to their aunts waiting for them on the front porch. Their Aunt Jessica had an arm around Sora. Jimin didn’t know it would be that day, but he wasn’t all that surprised when Jessica explained that their mother had passed. 

Their bags were already packed.

Jimin and Taehyung went with their aunts back to their home miles and miles away from their old house. Jimin wasn’t sad about that, he knew they would be taken care of by their aunts. It didn’t think he’d want to stay in the old house anyway.

He didn’t even cry because their mother was dead. He cried because she left them. The love she had for them, he knew she loved them, wasn’t enough for her to stay.

Over the passing months he made himself believe that their mother’s death was out of anyone’s hands. It was easier when the aunts told him and Taehyung about magic and-- above all-- the curse.

It’s at the old, worn kitchen table. A couple months after the death of their mother, the aunts tell them about magic. They explain that they are witches, not evil or wand wielding. They have old journals called grimoires and spellbooks. They have three different rooms in their large home for growing and jarring herbs and other plants. They explain that there is green magic and blood magic. Green magic is learning the power of the universe and nature that anyone is allowed to use, as long as they are grateful and respectful when using it. Blood magic is the magic that you are born with. You can do more, but you have to study harder than wielders of green witches but must maintain the same level of respect. It lives within those that come from a line of witches, usually women of the body and/or soul.

“What does that mean?” Jimin asks.

“We’ll explain when you’re older.” Jessica smiles knowingly.

They went on to explain that Jimin and Taehyung probably didn’t have blood magic but it didn’t mean they couldn’t practice magic.

Then they explain the curse.

Candles and spell books litter the table alongside glasses of chocolate milk and cookies. The heavy scent of sage in the air, something that lingers even when the aunts aren't casting. 

They tell them that their ancestor, Park Sun-hee, was banished from her village when their family still resided in Korea. It was because they believed she was an evil witch because being a witch in Korea during that time wasn’t necessarily against any laws. She apparently seduced married men with her powers, which led to her banishment. The aunts add that they don’t believe Sun-hee was evil. Still, with little else for her to do, she lived in isolation. She had been pregnant when she was banished, and waited for the father of the child, her true lover, to come and find her. He promised that he would on the day she was banished but he never came. When she finally accepted this, she put a spell on herself to never fall in love again.

“She was powerful and came from a line of powerful witches, which were called shamans back then,” Aunt Jessica continues, “I don’t think she intended to curse the entire family line, but she did. No blood witch of our family can fall in love without their lover, in some way or another, dying of unnatural causes.”

“What if it’s just an accident?” Jimin asks.

“It does happen, I suppose,” She pauses and Jimin thinks she’s probably doing it to be dramatic, “We know when death is imminent for our love when there’s the sound of the Deathwatch Beetle. A normally small, nondescript bug that you don’t notice much with a busy household yet every witch in our family has heard perfectly clear on the day their lover dies.”

Jimin thinks about his mother, how she tore apart the house. She was looking for something, Jimin already knew. Did she think finding the beetle would stop her husband’s death?

“I doubt it will affect you,” Sora hums and Jimin, who lost track of the conversation for a moment, startles. “You should be respectful of it though, it was powerful enough magic that your ancestor cursed us all.”

Jimin nods and looks to Taehyung to agree. Taehyung, however, is busy looking at the birds the aunts keep outside. They are for luck and love spells, the aunts had told them. Jimin looks back to the table and to the unlit candle in front of him.

“I’m sorry our ancestor made it so you can’t fall in love.”

“Darling,” Aunt Sora puts her hand on his back in comfort, “We can still feel it and live it, and we can still love you and your brother. That love isn’t cursed.”

He smiles at that, but he can’t help but think of their mother. She died of a broken heart, they said. He could get himself to believe it now with the story of their ancestor. However, the aunts told them that they’ve lost their previous husbands too and they didn’t have any children. They stayed, they didn’t die of a broken heart though their hearts had been broken. Yet, his mother who had two children succumbed to her broken heart. It felt even more like he and Taehyung weren’t enough to keep her around.

Jimin feels his hand being squeezed, he looks up to see Aunt Jess smiling at him with all the love he could want. It fills him with a warmth he can’t explain, but he revels in it. His aunt looks to the unlit candle in front of her and gently blows on it. The white wick starts smoking and then lights, he laughs and looks to the candle in front of him.

He purses his lips and blows as gently as Aunt Jessica had. They said he and his brother don’t have the blood magic, the magic that lit the candle and cursed his family. He guesses that they would have sensed it. He still blows at the wick just to see, willing it to light.

His aunts gasp as the wick begins to smoke, seconds later the flame is born from the white wick. Jimin sits back in his rickety chair and stares in wonder at the dancing flame. 

“Well, that was... unexpected.” Aunt Jessica breaks the silence that had enveloped the kitchen. 

“I didn’t think it was possible.” Aunt Sora said more quietly. “Maybe we’re getting rusty, Jessi.”

“No, we’ve been doing those spells for years. They’re never wrong.” Jessica insists, her eyes unblinking but not upset or angry.

“Jiminie-hyung is special.” Taehyung walks back over to the table and wraps his arms around Jimin.

“Yes, he certainly is,” Jessica squeezes Jimin’s hand again. Jimin looks up at Aunt Sora, she has a line between her brows and worry in her eyes.

A knock on the kitchen door startles Taehyung and Jimin. A frazzled woman taps at the glass window on the door, tears in her eyes. Jimin hears Aunt Jessica sigh.

“Tae, Jimin, go on to bed,” She gets up and gestures to the stairs. Aunt Sora is already heading towards the door. Jimin immediately slides out of his chair and tugs Taehyung along. “Goodnight Aunties,”

The two trek up the stairs and once out of sight from the aunts, they both make eye contact. They can hear the frantic ramblings of the woman. Curiosity leads them both down the stairs just enough to see what the aunts and the woman are doing. They sit on the steps observing the women.

“I need him to love me,” The woman cries into her hands. Aunt Jess hums something as the woman speaks, Jessica rubs an herb mixture on a photograph. Aunt Sora holds one of the birds and approaches the woman. “He has to leave his wife,”

The woman holds a long needle and stares at the bird as if it is the reason for her misfortunes. 

“I want him to love me until he’s sick with it,” With a final breath, the woman stabs the needle into the chest of the bird.

Jimin gasps and hides his face in Taehyung’s shoulder. Taehyung runs his hand through Jimin’s hair, absently comforting the older of the two for once. From what Jimin knows of love, with or without a curse, it changes people and makes them do things that hurt themselves or others. Other than the love he has for his family, Jimin can’t imagine that love is anything to be excited for.

“I never want to fall in love,”

#

Jimin never grows to resent magic as much as he resents romantic love. He is weary of it since it’s still the thing that caused the curse that killed his parents indirectly. He could never turn his back on it because, other than the love he has for his brother and his aunts, magic becomes a source of escape.

Taehyung turns out to have magic in his blood as well. The aunts are less dramatic about his magical awakening, but the worry in their eyes is still there. He wonders what has them so worried for them.The worry fades too quickly for him to ask.

Jimin and Taehyung study magic together as soon as they finish school work and because the aunts don’t care for public education, sometimes they practice magic before school work. They grow together in their power. Their peers already know as soon as they walk through the doors what Tae and Jimin are. A small town likes average and normal above everything else. Despite how long their family has been in the town Taehyung and Jimin’s family is not normal; therefore the small town doesn’t approve. 

The two of them ignore the harsh words and actions of their peers and rely on each other. They protect each other from the world. They bandage each other’s wounds when the other children throw stones and sticks and dirt whenever they can. Eventually, Jimin knows all he has is his small family and magic. He insists to himself that it’s all he needs. No matter how sad he gets.

Jimin wished he had Tae’s bravery though. Taehyung yells back at the students and gets into fights. When his magic becomes more under his control, he casts little harmless hexes that the kids can never prove was him. He wears whatever he wants and says whatever he wants. Eventually Tae starts to protect Jimin more than Jimin protects Tae. 

“You have your own bravery, Jimin,” Aunt Sora, crushing mint leaves for lemonade, assures him when he voices his insecurities. “Your brother has his bravery and you have your’s.”

Jimin is comforted by her words, but still can’t help feeling weak. Yet, Taehyung will come home from later in their teenage years and will yell and pout about some person he was with, didn’t matter guy or girl. He cries sometimes and he crawls under the covers on Jimin’s bed and asks to just be held by his big brother. Jimin remembers the few days it was just him and Tae. He wasn’t loud, he didn’t yell at their mother for hurting them, and he didn’t complain. He just listened and comforted his brother. In these moments when Tae has some problem or another and comes to Jimin for comfort, Jimin feels strong.

Chapter Text

It’s a cold March night and it’s 10 o’clock, Jimin is in flannel pajamas bottoms and a fluffy blue robe. His thick black glasses are perched on his small round nose, and his black hair is in need of a trim as it falls into his eyes. He bites his lip in apprehension as Taehyung tosses his duffle bag over the railing of their balcony. 

“I’m gonna miss you,” Jimin says.

Taehyung turns back to him. He’s ready for however long he’ll be on the road with a man he’s known for two weeks. Barefoot and in baggy green pants cinched at the ankles, and an equally baggy shirt that has to belong to the muscular man he’s running away with. His own black hair, going just past his chin now, is tied back with a hair tie and any further flyaways are pushed back with a tan headband that Jimin knows belongs to Tae. 

“Jiminie, I’ll miss you too, but I’m not going away forever.” Taehyung steps over the railing and balances on the outside of the railing. He grins like his adventure has already begun. “I’m exploring everywhere else that isn’t this island.”

Jimin deep down understands this, but wishes he didn’t. He wants to argue with his brother to remain here with him and the aunts.

“I just feel like I’ll never see you again.”

Tae’s face falls and he looks at Jimin in distress. Jimin almost instantly wishes he hadn’t said anything. 

“Minnie, no, I’ll come back I promise.” He grins then, “I have to come back because we have to grow old together and have tons of dogs and cats, probably some rabbits.” Taehyung cups Jimin’s face, taking them away from railing. Jimin worries for his safety but imagines that Tae trusts his magic and Jimin enough to catch him if he falls. Jimin tries to smile for him.

Taehyung gets the look in his eye, the one that says he had an idea. His eyes sparkle and he turns his head down to the man waiting below. Taehyung’s boyfriend, a blond-haired and blue-eyed sporty type, stands at the fence of their garden with a bored look on his face.

“Babe!” Taehyung whisper-shouts. The man perks up and trots closer to the balcony above him. Jimin nearly snorts at the heart eyes he has for his brother, “I need your pocket knife.”

He tosses the knife and Tae catches it with little issue. He opens it and turns back to Jimin. 

“Give me your hand,”

He takes Jimin’s right hand and opens it palm side up to him. Taehyung takes a breath and Jimin can feel the air spark with magic like a storm. The cool blade against his palm sends shivers down his spine. He doesn’t feel the pain of the cut until Tae has taken the knife away and focused on his own palm. Jimin winces but Tae doesn’t seem too affected by the open wound on his hand.

He catches Jimin’s gaze and presses their matching palms together, Taehyung’s almost engulfing Jimin’s. The electricity sparks.

“Our blood,” Tae whispers and the magic bursts from the both of them. “Together forever, soulmate.”

“Don’t be weird, Tae,” Jimin laughs.

“It’s true, soulmates come in many different shapes and sizes. Even if we fall in love or out of love or are alone in another state somewhere, we have each other no matter what.” Taehyung wraps his arms around Jimin.

Jimin’s heart clenches with the words. His aunt’s words from so long ago ring in his head, that this kind of love was untouched by the magic they were all used to. It was its own kind of magic and Jimin’s heart is bursting with it. “Okay soulmate,”

Tae hums and releases Jimin.

“Baby!” The voice of Tae’s boyfriend interrupts the moment and Tae rolls his eyes. Jimin looks to their joined hands, blood drying and cracking across their palms. It would be gross if Jimin didn’t feel so happy at the sight of it. 

“Yes, dear, I know we have to go! Let a guy say goodbye to his brother for God’s sake.” Taehyung yells this time, not seeming to care about waking anyone up anymore. “Honestly he’s acting like we have a standing appointment.”

“Be careful, Tae-Tae,” Jimin squeezes their held hands and lets go with another wince. Taehyung winks and descends the lattice below Jimin’s tiny balcony. Jimin watches Taehyung jump onto his boyfriend’s back as the two head towards the car. He didn’t want to watch the car disappear out of sight; it would feel too much like a goodbye. Instead, he heads inside to clean his hand and dress the wound.

Tae’s departure is hard, as the two were inseparable for much of their lives, but they’re twenty-one and twenty and Tae wanted to see more than this small island. Not without experiencing life not having an entire town looking down on him. Traveling sounds exhilarating but Jimin isn’t like Tae. He grew into his own person away from being the comforting older brother. And he likes meeting new people, he likes being liked. In a way, he wanted to leave the town too. He didn’t trust, however, that tragedy wouldn’t come for him if he left the house. He told himself that he found comfort in the familiar.

The truth was that he was afraid. Taehyung’s bravery let him leave and explore, to live outside of the house and the town they had grown so accustomed to. Jimin wished he had Tae’s brand of bravery.

Now Jimin only had the aunt’s. He already felt a little more lonely with Tae gone.

#

Jimin made sure to go out with the aunts whenever they needed to do something in town. If he didn’t he’d probably never leave the house. There are plenty of things to do, what with three different gardens to tend to and ingredients to bottle and seal and ship. That only made it harder to find an excuse to leave. Even the aunts would make subtle comments about him needing to go out more. Sometimes they weren’t subtle.

“We love having you here, we just want you to go out and find people. They are out there, dear,” Sora says over the pot of… something that is bubbling on the stove. Jessica and Jimin are braiding straw and hair to make charms at the kitchen table. “Maybe not in this town, but lots of people go out of town for things like clubbing and such. Maybe you could come to the next gathering, there’s bound to be people there that you’ll like.”

“The last time I went to one of those someone tried to put a charm on my dick,” Jimin reminds Sora, as she had been the one to shoo the woman away.

“To be fair, those particular ladies are not used to having men with penises there. It’s fascinating I’m sure.” Jessica adds and starts on a new charm. 

The gatherings are nice, like Sora said, eighty percent of the time. He’s met many people that understand what it is like for him, but he’s still an anomaly even in that group. Men with dicks are rare amongst blood witches. Not to mention many of the gatherings are done with everyone naked, hence having a charm put on his dick.

“I’m just saying, we worry,” Sora huffs at him and promptly spits into the concoction on the stove.

Another reason he goes with the aunts into town is to get the mail. No postal worker has ever driven up to the house to collect or drop off mail, so the aunts simply use a post office box. They say that they even prefer it because it gives all of them the excuse to walk through town. Jimin feels particularly attacked by this seeing as he made the habit of going with them to town everyday to pick up the mail; as if they did it on purpose.

He wants to see the mail though, for postcards and souvenirs from Taehyung.

“He’s back on the West Coast!” Jessica exclaims one day getting the mail. In her hands there is a postcard from San Francisco, one with glitter and rainbows and Pride all over it. A very Taehyung postcard. “And he’s not with that Savannah girl anymore, I suppose she didn’t want to leave DC. He’s with a Randy and Gavin now,”

“Are you serious?” Jimin takes the postcard and reads Taehyung’s message. It makes sense why he hasn’t gotten an email from him in a week, since he’s been on the road for that long.

“It’s San Francisco, what do you expect?” Sora shrugs and twirls her parasol along her thin shoulders. Jimin has long accepted that the aunts have an aesthetic to uphold. He himself can’t seem to shake the practical magic witch style. He never leaves the house with his rose quartz necklace. 

From the postcard, Jimin gathers that Tae told both men he didn’t want to choose and now the both of them are eating out the palm of his hand. He can understand sleeping with as many people as he wants, but the emotional attachment Taehyung has with these people. He always seems like he truly cares for them, but as soon as things go on for too long Taehyung drops them and moves on. Savannah from DC seemed like the settling down type from Taehyung’s emails. The poor, naive girl.

“At least it doesn’t seem as serious with these two,” He muses as the three of them walk towards the farmer’s market. Sora picks up a head of broccoli and inspects it.

“He does go through lovers like toilet paper, one day he needs someone to ground him. Someone to show him how to stay.” Jessica says running her hands over cucumbers. 

The owners of the stands are looking at the two women with fear and distrust. Mother’s shield their children. Jimin keeps his head down, trying to be small in the moderately large market. With keeping one’s head down, you can’t see everything that’s in front of you. That’s how he ends up bumping into someone. Someone who was holding a small crate of apples.

No one hits the floor, but some apples are lost in the collision. Jimin winces at the one busted apple by his feet. Immediately he apologizes to the stranger.

“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking. I should have been. Do I need to pay for these, I will.” He meets eyes with the man and stutters to a stop. The man smiles unbothered by the accident.

“It’s okay, accidents happen,” It’s not the kindness that Jimin is used to hearing around town. The man is unfamiliar, someone from out of town or someone very new. He’s an inch or so taller than Jimin and nothing but lean muscle with a perpetually happy gaze. A big smile so genuine Jimin actually believes he didn’t just ruin the man’s product. Everything about the man is glowing, or makes Jimin feel like he is.

“Accidents, yes, um… yes I’m still sorry and still feel like I should buy those apples.” The man just stares for a minute, as if not hearing Jimin. There’s a kind of wonderment in his expression, like he’s staring at something truly special. “Um…”

He blinks and shakes his head a few times to clear it. His hair, brown with blond highlights and Jimin is endeared, flaps around and ends up in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, it’s just… no don’t worry about the apples. Really… um, what’s your name?” Jimin blushes, the man can’t be as amazed by Jimin as Jimin is by him. It’s something Jimin isn’t used to.

He opens his mouth to answer.

“Hoseok!” Someone shouts and the man looks up in recognition. “Stop chit-chatting and get me the rest of the crates!”

The man, Hoseok, seems upset at remembering he has a job to do. His mouth makes an adorable frown and Jimin is endeared . Jimin smiles at the idea that he would rather be talking with him. “I’m sorry again, I’ll see you around,”

Jimin looks for the aunts and leaves the man behind.

He finds them just outside the farmers market with their reusable bags of vegetables hanging from their arms and knowing looks. Jessica hands him her bags and her smirk deepens, “He was handsome, good vibe too.”

“Yes, a lot of good energy and-- oh don’t look now dear but he’s very fit.” Sora chuckles. Jimin is almost not embarrassed about turning to catch Hoseok wiping sweat from his forehead with the end of his shirt; the action revealing a toned stomach and low-riding jeans.

The aunts both laugh and Jimin is red-cheeked and even more embarrassed.

#

The aunts rarely let things go.

“I say you go back and find that boy and just tackle him.” Jessica offers at the dinner table, the wine in her glass swirls in a tiny whirlpool.

“Don’t tackle him, that’s a one way ticket to a theoretical hanging.” Sora swats at Jessica and pours herself a second glass.

Jimin didn’t see Hoseok in the market the day before when they had gone to get their mail. There wasn’t anything in the mail of value either. He consulted the runes but they weren’t exactly helpful. That was his entire day today as well.

“I’ll see him again, but I’m not going to ask around town. As if the town would be that helpful anyway.” Jimin gets up and takes his glass to the sink. He knew they meant well, but he wasn’t going to be desperate. For all he knew, Hoseok was just in town for the farmer’s market and was from far out of town. He’d possibly see him at the next farmer’s market, but that’s it.

The hope of meeting him again dims as a cloud of doubt overtakes him.

It didn’t make any difference. What would he want from this stranger? Love? He was sure he’d never want something like that. He didn’t want romance. He didn’t want something that would turn him into something that didn’t care about anyone or anything. Being caring and understanding was everything to him, he didn’t want to lose his family.

It hurt, that maybe fate was trying to remind him of this. That it had been a chance at something more. Maybe it was his last chance to change his mind and now this is his life until his brother comes back so they can die on the same day together. He didn’t know why it hurt though.

“Sweetheart, let yourself be happy,”

Jimin forced out a small laugh, “I am happy, Auntie.” It felt like a lie even to him.

Later that night he went out onto his balcony with his laptop. It was an old model, but it worked for what he used it for and the tiny modem the aunts let into the house aloud for average wifi on clear nights. Taehyung usually used public libraries or internet cafes or borrowed his current lover’s laptop.

He logged into his account and found a new email from Tae. Their emails are never as detailed as their phone calls or the occasional letter if Tae is feeling dramatic.

I was on the road for four days, my ass hurt and not in the way I like it to. Still worth it, because San Francisco is amazing! I need to take you here, it’s the opposite of the island. I need to take you to a lot of places, to be honest.

Anyway,

You probably got my postcard, so I know you’re judging me. It’s just Randy is like a teddy bear and he paid for my dinner, Jiminie! Gavin is gorgeous and he helped me rescue this cat from a drain pipe. The sex, Jimin, the sex is like nothing I’ve ever had before. I passed out, I’m telling you I passed out and they were worried something was wrong. I woke a few minutes later with a stupid grin on my face.

I’ll call you soon! I love you!

Your Soulmate Tae-Tae

Jimin smiles at his brother’s message and at the picture he attached with his two boyfriends on either side of him. He’s not sure he needed that much detail about the wonders of his sex life but they seem nice and Taehyung seems happy. That’s what really matters.

He wondered if Tae would ever take him to San Francisco or maybe one day Jimin would feel up to going on his own. He wondered if he would ever want to find someone who would rescue a cat with him or someone who would buy him dinner. This inevitably made him think of Hoseok and the genuine smile and genuine appreciation.

I would love to go to San Francisco with you one day! I miss you too. Please be safe, but other than that I just want you happy and if Randy and Gavin make you happy, then by all means.

Jimin pauses, wondering for a second if you should tell Tae about Hoseok. He shrugs and decides it would be nice to sound a little more interesting to Taehyung.

I met someone the other day, I don’t know if I’ll see him again but he saw me. He looked at me as a person, someone he wanted to get to know. He asked for my name but we were interrupted. I wanted to give it to him, my name. He seemed like he would cherish every word I’d say to him. Which is so cheesy, I know. I don’t know if I’ll see him again, he probably only comes around at the big farmers market. It would be nice to see him again, but maybe it’s for the best.

I’ll stop, I love you

Your Soulmate Jimin

#

It really didn’t feel like anything of note would happen today.

The aunts didn’t go out to town today, therefore Jimin hasn’t gone out. He tills the loose dirt in the garden. Most of the items in the garden are just herbs and flowers for small concoctions, but they have some vegetables that the aunts don’t like to buy from the market. He plucks small radishes and beets. It’s a mild day for summer in Washington and the sun has decided to come out. A cool breeze rustles his hair and dirt cools his bare feet. He didn’t bother to wear any of his good jeans and instead is wearing a pair of cut off shorts. He knew there had to be as much dirt on his butt as on his shirt and hands. He feels good about the day, despite not going on the usual outing. 

The aunts sit off to the side at a wrought iron table and chairs playing a game of go. The both of them have been quiet for most of the day, though Jimin has heard them mumbling to each other and glancing often at Jimin as if waiting. He figures they must have sensed something.

He doesn’t feel like analyzing what it could be they sense, as he himself didn’t feel anything off about the day. He learned a long time ago to trust his senses.

Jimin is halfway through with the garden work, the aunts on their third game, and he started to feel a pull. He pauses for a moment but nothing happens, just a constant dull pulling. He looks towards his aunts. They seem relaxed, unbothered.

“Everything alright?” Sora inquires, looking over her sunglasses.

He starts to nod, but the dull pull becomes something he can’t ignore. He stands up and doesn’t know why he does. The pull isn’t painful but insistant. Jimin feels as though he needs to get to town as quickly as he can. When this thought comes to mind, he doesn’t need the pull anymore. Instead he starts walking.

“Be careful, Jimin!” Jessica calls out as he briskly walks out of the garden gate.

He starts to run after a minute of walking, it’s like his body doesn’t think he’s going fast enough and he doesn’t question it. He tries at some points to stop and think about why he is doing this. His head only has questions, but his heart and body doesn’t want to question it anymore. His chest is full of a buzzing, like bees or… butterflies. His stomach is full of them. They flap around so much that he thinks he might float away. Still, Jimin thinks that if he let himself float around he’d end up at the destination that he seems insistent on reaching.

He’s about a minute outside of the town when he sees a man. He’s in an apron and he’s stopped in the middle of this back road that Jimin and the aunts take all the time. He has no car and he seems confused as he looks around. As Jimin gets closer he recognizes the man. Hoseok from the market.

All at once he knows his destination.

“Hoseok,” Jimin calls out to the poor man rubbing at his forehead in confusion. That adorable frown on his face.

Hoseok turns and he’s not confused anymore like he found his destination too. The two continue walking to each other, not an unknown place this time. When Jimin is within arm's reach of Hoseok he sighs heavily.

“I really wanna be annoyed,”

Hoseok laughs, Jimin is reminded how much he is endeared by him when he smiles that ridiculously big smile because it’s heart shaped and utterly Hoseok. Jimin is aware he doesn’t know Hoseok, but God does he want to. “Why is that? Because we’ve found ourselves in the middle of the road like we were meant to be here?”

“That barely makes sense, but yes,” Jimin steps closer.

Hoseok looks hesitant, his smile fading a little, “Is it okay that we’ve found ourselves here? I really don’t know if it is actually,”

“If you don’t want to be here, it’s okay,” Jimin is aware somewhat that this has infringed on some boundaries. It’s not his fault and he doesn’t feel like this is wrong. He’s more aware of the circumstances that have led them to find each other in the middle of this road.

He’s sure his aunts are sharing a celebratory drink or high five or something. He doesn’t think he’s particularly mad, yet.

“You know, I’ve heard the rumors about your family and I know that this wasn’t entirely my free will that brought me here.” Jimin’s smile dims, “But I feel like I wanted to be here, like I needed that little shove. I don’t think it would’ve worked if I didn’t want this. Which means I think you might want this too. Am I right?”

Jimin closes the distance and brings his lips up to Hoseok’s in lieu of an answer.

If he questioned whether the risk of being hurt or hurting others was worth falling in love, he got his answer in this one kiss.

#

Kissing Hoseok has become Jimin’s favorite pastime. Sometimes Hoseok will hold his face like he’s breakable and place gentle kisses on his cheeks and nose. Jimin grows impatient sometimes and wraps his arms around Hoseok, kissing him deeply and thoroughly. It was this kind of kiss that they drowned in for Jimin doesn’t know how long on that back road. They explored each other’s mouths, mapping them out, and at some point a car drove by. They looked up and watched the vehicle disappear and then looked back at each other before laughing.

Hoseok asked if Jimin would mind coming home with him.

“We should go on a date, I feel like we’ve skipped a few things,” He laughed, obviously not bothered by this fact.

“We will go on a date,” Jimin insisted and took Hoseok’s hand. “You don’t live too far away do you?”

The two made their way to town. Hoseok cleared things up at work and then they went home-- meaning Hoseok’s house. Jimin couldn’t help the thought of calling it home. Hoseok lived there, so maybe it was already Jimin’s home. A small part of him, miniscule in comparison to the loving glow, hated himself for falling into this. He knew what happened to his mother because she loved someone. She threw everything away. He never wanted to do that.

The thought plagued him. He would look at Hoseok and his chest constricted, now hating himself for ever wanting to leave this feeling behind.

Hoseok, of course, started to notice. He would run his hand through Jimin’s hair, tilt his head up, and get a little closer. His presence, a soothing balm to the ache in Jimin’s chest. 

“Are you alright?” Hoseok asks after a day of being together, staying in Hoseok’s house. They hadn’t left once since they got there. Jimin called his aunts and let them know where he was and promptly hung up when they got boastful about their part in it. Jimin stares at Hoseok for a little longer, not saying anything. Hoseok is patient.

“You said you heard the rumors about my family,” Jimin starts, “How much did you hear?”

“That you’re some kind of magical and beautiful, but no one should fall into your clutches unless they…” Hoseok pauses. His expression is playful at first, but the more he sees Jimin’s expression droop he realizes what could be wrong. “I’m sorry… your mother,”

“Do you really believe we’re magical?” Jimin shook away thoughts of his mother’s passing.

“Yes and no, I do lean more towards yes now though. The more I talk to you the more I believe it,” Hoseok runs his hands through Jimin’s hair again, “This just makes sense that it’s magic.”

“You make it sound like we’re ethereal, angelic,” Jimin smiles, “We just respect and work with nature and the powers of the universe that anyone could work with if they wanted. I will say I don’t know if the curse that killed my parents will affect me… us.”

Hoseok’s eyes widen. Like he didn’t understand why Jimin was upset until that moment, “Jimin, I’ve only known you for a few days and how much I’ve grown to care about you in that time is scary. However, I won’t let some curse ruin that. Whether that be a real curse or the idea of one.”

“What do you mean by the idea of one?”

“I mean what you’re thinking right now. You’re scared of the curse and you don’t want to be selfish and lose someone or multiple someones.” Hoseok’s eyes turn pleading, “Don’t leave because of some curse that may or may not affect us. If we turn out to be a shitty couple then leave, or if I’m an asshole you can’t stand then please leave. Don’t leave if you have a chance at being happy.”

Jimin breaks down. There was a wall he knew he created a long time ago and he doesn’t want to tear it down, but he wants to make a door for Hoseok to get in. He knows Hoseok is right. Doesn’t mean he isn’t scared. He thinks he’ll be scared for a long time, the fear will always be there. He believes, however, that Hoseok will help him not let it control him.

He wants to be happy.

“Thank you,” Jimin leans closer and rests his head on Hoseok’s shoulder.

#

Jimin didn’t go back to his home for four days.

Even then he only goes back to pack a few things, and goes straight back to Hoseok’s. His aunts hug him tightly before he leaves. Sora gives him this look that tells him he’ll be okay, no matter what happens.

“Jiminie, go be happy my dear,” She hugs him for a second time. He has a feeling she had tears in her eyes. “Also visit, bring him around too.”

“Yes please don’t forget your spinster aunts, darling,” Jessica joins their embrace and Jimin laughs. He feels like he might cry too, so he leaves before he has the chance to. He waves at them as he gets into Hoseok’s truck.

Before, Jimin didn’t do much. He attended online classes for business, dreaming of opening a botanical shop on his own with the family recipes. He imagined forcing the town to admit he and his family had a place there. 

With Hoseok, he finishes his degree in no time as if Hoseok gives him a reason to work harder. Hoseok brings out this side of Jimin that he never indulged in because he had been so determined to be the caretaker of his brother, the house, his mother, and even his aunts though they did protest. Hoseok lets Jimin take care of him sometimes.

Jimin loves learning new things about Hoseok. He learns that Hoseok is a dancer. He used to live in South Korea with his family and he attended a dance school for a number of years before they moved to the states. He still loves it and was more than happy to teach Jimin some things when Jimin showed interest.

Hoseok makes sound effects when he cooks and Jimin doesn’t think he could be more endeared by him but he’s proven wrong. The two cook together often and Jimin is better at it than Hoseok, but Jimin let Hoseok do a lot of it just to hear him. They do a lot of chores together but Hoseok usually takes over cleaning. He tells Jimin it’s because he loves it, and Jimin believes him for the most part, but Hoseok has a certain way to clean and Jimin doesn’t want to disrupt his process, it’s admittedly cute how intense he is about cleaning.

Before Jimin realizes it, a year slides by. He and Hoseok went from not knowing anything about each other but still caring for one another, to knowing each other better than anyone and loving each other more than they thought possible. 

Jimin falls asleep after Hoseok often and sometimes stares for a moment. He thanks himself for letting go of his fears so he could love this man. In the end most of the time, Hoseok wakes up. He chuckles tiredly at Jimin.

“I should be weirded out at being stared at.” He says one night.

“Are you?” Jimin joins him in his laughter.

“Surprisingly, I’m just as taken with staring at you.”

Jimin cringes and he turns over and buries his face in his pillow. He yells into the cotton for Hoseok to stop being cheesy. Hoseok laughs harder and starts attacking Jimin with kisses. He yells out in some sort of victory cry.

After a few minutes of an all out tickle war, Hoseok wrestles Jimin into submission. He’s straddling Jimin’s hips, hands holding Jimin’s on either side of Jimin’s head. The two stare for a moment, breathless and smiling. Hoseok softens.

“I really love you,” He whispers.

Jimin wants his body to freeze and push Hoseok aside. He wants to run away, but he doesn’t. He realizes that between that day on the road and this moment he;s never wanted to run away.

“I love you too,” He replies with very little hesitation.

#

During this time, Jimin updates Taehyung often. A week after he got together with Hoseok, he was hesitant about telling Tae about it. The answer to his email about the first encounter was mostly Taehyung yelling at Jimin to give it a go. Give that guy a chance! Jimin didn’t expect anything else from his brother. Now, though, Jimin had to admit that he did-- with the help of the aunts. He gave it a chance. Taehyung would be happy, but emailing him would be like admitting that he was truly trying to let go of his trepidations.

Taehyung, I can’t say I took your advice because I didn’t really have a choice in the matter (ask the aunts), not that I care now.

I am with the guy from the market and to be perfectly honest, I’ve never been happier with someone that wasn’t my family. Even then there was this fear that I would lose one of you. I’ll continue being honest that I’m still afraid of losing one of you, especially Hoseok. I know things may not be like it was with mom and dad. Still, I’m afraid.

But he’s so wonderful, Tae. It’s harder to stay away from him than it is to be with him. And he understands me, he understands my fears.

I’m rambly, I know. You’re going to gloat, I know you are. The aunts have been doing that all week.

I love you and miss you,

Your Soulmate Jimin

Taehyung answered faster than he ever had before. It’s a lot of spelling errors and barely legible phrases, but Jimin knows that he’s happy for him. Tae asked for all of the details. Jimin supplied him with them, even some of the ones that have him blushing.

He wants to tell anyone that passes by him on the street that he’s happy and in love. The more he and Hoseok say it, the less afraid he is. Taehyung tells him in their emails and over the phone that Jimin sounds different, in the best way. Jimin doesn’t hesitate to talk about his day or gush about Taehyung’s new true loves of the month. Jimin doesn’t feel sad when Tae tells him he can’t make it to one holiday or another. He’s just happy that Tae is happy.

#

It’s a little less than two years later.

Jimin gets out of bed first, which is usual during the week. He kisses Hoseok’s forehead, because it’s just what he does when he gets up in the mornings. It’s so ingrained in him to look over and see Hoseok’s face and lean over to kiss him.

He heads to their kitchen-- and it is theirs now. It’s small and blue with old wood flooring. It’s the kind of old flooring that’s hollow and creaky. The whole house is old, but not nearly as old as his aunts’ home. Still, he thinks of this old house as his home as he does the aunts’ home. He makes breakfast and puts on coffee. He feeds their cat-- they don’t have children but they got this cute one-eyed black cat together so he’s kind of like their kid.

Hoseok has a few deliveries today but not as many as he usually does. So, he and Jimin plan on going property browsing for the shop Jimin wants to open.

Jimin finishes breakfast, pours himself and Hoseok coffee. He takes Hoseok his cup and places it on the nightstand. Instead of quietly calling Hoseok’s name to wake him up like Jimin usually does, Jimin gets onto the bed and lays across him. Hoseok groans with the added weight.

“Hobi, get up, it’s time to start the day with your wonderful and loving boyfriend.” Jimin wiggles while still on top of Hoseok. Hoseok grunts but doesn’t move. “Hobi!” Jimin whines now.

“Jiminie,” Hoseok whines in return but sits up, lightly pushing Jimin off of him. “What’s so wrong with soft good morning kisses?” He rubs the sleep from his eyes and drapes himself over Jimin this time.

Jimin hums, “You can still get those but only when you’re out of bed.”

With that, he gets up and leaves the room, but not before blowing a kiss over his shoulder. The morning goes by in much the same way. They share small gestures, little things that let the other know how much they love them. 

Hoseok is almost out and Jimin walks him to the door, then pulls him into a kiss. He holds him there. He licks into his mouth, nips at his lips, and breathes him in. Hoseok groans.

“Jiminie, I have to go to work.” He murmurs into the kiss but wraps an arm around Jimin’s waist and squeezes. Jimin laughs and pulls away.

“I know, just have a good day,” He kisses his cheek because he can’t help it. Hoseok smiles and lets him go, finally heading out the door.

“I love you,”

“I love you too,”

Jimin goes back to the kitchen with a smile still on his face. It’s warm for the fall and he feels like the temperature has more to do with Hoseok than the environment. Jimin has always felt warmer with him around. He starts humming while he finishes his coffee and gets out the laptop that he shares with Hoseok. He browses real estate websites and saves a few pages. He orders some supplies for some recipes he doesn’t have the ingredients for yet. 

After that, he relaxes into the normally uncomfortable kitchen chair. He goes to his email and deletes the spam. Jimin is happy to see that Taehyung has emailed him. He hasn’t heard from him in a week. This usually indicates that he’s been on the road again. Which is odd because he just got to Arizona, Tae doesn’t leave a new place so soon after getting there unless he says it’s just a pit stop. He moves the cursor over to click on the unread email and then--

Clickclickclick

It wasn’t his laptop or the coffee pot or the stove. He knows those sounds like he knows his boyfriend, his cat, or his family. He knows this sound from a different place. He has not heard this sound audibly but he knows this sound. His aunt’s words echo through his head like being in the center of a horrific orchestra. It’s just a subtle clicking of a beetle, but it rings out like a siren and crushes him like a physical weight.

He feels a dread he hasn’t known for so long, not since he looked at his father that last morning and knew he was going to die. This devastating heartbreak that he never wanted to experience, and has seen in his mother’s glassy expression of the last few months of her life.

Clickclickclick

He now knows the sound that drove his mother to tear the house apart on the morning of his father's death. Jimin gets up from the kitchen table and wrenches open the junk drawer. He pulls out a small pry bar and looks frantically around the room.

Clickclickclick

He practically jumps to the corner of the tiny kitchen and shoves his pry bar between two wood panels. He pulls and pulls in search of the bug that will ruin his life. The Deathwatch Beetle.

He pulls the floor up. Wood flooring begins to be thrown across the room as Jimin carelessly takes it apart. He screams in frustration when he can’t find it in the kitchen. He opens cabinets and pulls out pots and pans, cleaning supplies, and miscellaneous ingredients. It’s becoming impossible to walk around the room. Still the beetle clicks.

He abandons his pry bar and starts using his hands. He can feel them getting cut up and scratched, but he can’t care about that right now. Jimin has to find this beetle; he doesn’t even know why. The beetle is the harbinger of death not the cause. The cause is his foolishness. To think he could be happy with Hoseok. That he could ever have someone to love him and to love in return. That is the cause. To think he could ever trust love.

He knows his mother’s pain and has never been closer to his mother until this moment. He doesn’t wonder if his mother saw or heard his father die, he knows she did because he can see and hear him. 

Hoseok walks down a street, carrying a crate of apples. He looks both ways before he crosses, but Jimin wishes he could yell at him to just stay on the sidewalk. Hoseok is halfway across the road.

Jimin closes his eyes and puts his hands over his ears. He still hears a woman scream. Then he can feel himself screaming.

He hears his phone ring after an hour of crying, but he doesn’t get up to answer it. He doesn’t have a son to answer the phone for him either, so every hour or so that passes the phone rings again. He doesn’t see who calls each time but he has a feeling it changes from his aunts, to friends of Hoseok’s, to the police or hospital.

At one point when it rings, Jimin gets up and feels like he should answer this time. Taehyung’s name is on the screen and Jimin answers but doesn’t say anything. He hears Tae sniffle as if he’s been crying too.

“I’m so sorry, Minnie,”

#

His mother did not go to the funeral of his father. He didn’t understand at the time, but as he got older he understood not wanting to be surrounded by people. How they’ll try and make you feel better, or judge you for how you handle things. It might be too much for some people. He understands now especially.

Jimin makes himself go. His aunts are by his side and he’ll appreciate it on some level he hasn’t gotten to yet. He’s still in a pit. A real one or an emotional one, they feel the same. He can feel Hoseok’s family eye him. They came over to the house the day after the accident and were shocked by the state of things. He’s sure they’re judging him, remembering what family he comes from now that Hoseok isn’t there to protect him. Some of Hoseok’s friends look the same way in his direction.

Jimin didn’t get along with Hoseok’s friends for the most part when Hoseok was alive. Now they don’t seem like they want to hold back anymore. The only thing stopping them from sneering is the pastor at the front. Jimin no longer wants to be there.

Aunt Sora squeezes his hand, sensing his discomfort. Jessica rubs between his shoulders. It did comfort him, if only a little.

 The funeral is over and Jimin has barely processed any of it. As everyone leaves, he stares as Hoseok’s casket gets lowered six feet into the earth. He feels a numbness settle into his bones, but leaves his heart to throb like an open wound that may never heal.

“Do you want to say anything to him, sweetheart?” Aunt Sora squeezes his hand again. He knows he should say something and he manages to get a few feet closer to the grave. He can’t bring himself to get any closer when he’s two feet from the site.

There are a lot of things he wants to say, but he chooses not to. If he does say something he’s scared he’ll start crying again or fall to his knees or something equally as pathetic in front of people that hate him. Instead he turns and walks away from the grave. He knows his aunts are following him but he doesn’t look back until he’s in their car. 

As Sora drives them back home, where he’s moved back to, he thinks about hating them. They did the spell. Hoseok had been right that it wasn’t a spell that took away their rights as human beings. If at any point they truly didn’t want to follow that path they could’ve stopped. Neither of them wanted to stop. Still, the aunts gave them the shove to find each other even though Jimin had been right. Falling in love with Hoseok had been his death sentence.

He wants to hate the aunts-- but in a place he can’t reach yet, he knew they didn’t deserve that. He couldn’t bring himself to hate anyone, even himself.

When the three get home, he goes back up to his room and the aunts don’t stop him. His desk hasn’t been changed since the last time he used it and he sits down to wake up the computer. It’s been a week since the accident and Jimin has had a few phone conversations with Taehyung which has been more helpful than anything else to get him to function. He has done little else than eating and sleeping and talking to Tae.

He opens his email and aside from spam, there is just the unopened email from Taehyung.

The email details his time in Arizona. He was living on a friend’s couch when he first mentioned Arizona in his last email. He doesn’t talk about his friend in this email. He’s enjoying himself, he’s happy, and he’s been busy which is why he hasn’t emailed all week. Why he’s been busy is what catches Jimin’s attention.

I know you won’t believe me, the aunts won’t either I’m sure. I’ve found someone. I can’t put it into words but his spirit is strong. He is strong, so much stronger than me. It’s been a week but he said he loves me.

My heart beat so fast, but I couldn’t help but say it back. I didn’t even think about whether I really do love him. We’ve been so wrapped up in each other, I can’t see anything else.

Jimin stops reading and turns off his computer. Taehyung never mentioned this man in their phone calls. He hopes Taehyung doesn’t think he’s ignored this detail out of selfishness.

That’s not why he’s exited the email.

There’s a gnawing in his stomach at the words. It’s possible that he hates the reminder of that feeling, of being in love. He doesn’t think it is. There’s something about the man that feels off. He hasn’t even met the man, but despite this strong spirit Tae describes there’s something wrong about it. His heart aches and throbs the more he thinks about it. Maybe he does hate that reminder.

He pushes everything out of his mind. If his head is blank then maybe he can sleep. Sleep sounds like a wonderful thing after a funeral. He strips off the suit and keeps the t-shirt before crawling under his covers and praying for sleep.

#

He knows he should get up, but he’s cold. He’s so cold even with his bed by a large window and the sun shining. It doesn’t help and he shuts the curtains more often than not, because he feels like it’s just mocking him. 

He manages one day to get up. It’s a rainy morning and he thinks it’s safer this way as he traverses the house. He and Hoseok didn’t go to the aunts’ home as much as the aunts came to their home. So he doesn’t have a lot of memories that could pop up and remind him of anything.

The kitchen is empty and he wants to be confused, since his aunts are always brewing something especially on rainy mornings. He doesn’t have the energy to be confused, he’s just proud of himself for making it downstairs. His stomach growls and he rummages through the fridge.

He makes a sandwich. He puts effort into this sandwich. For some reason, Hoseok always loved his sandwiches and asked if he would consider opening a sandwich shop instead of a botanical store. At this memory, Jimin lets a smile grow on his face. He can feel the throbbing but he concentrates on how happy the memory is. He just wants to make it through this meal without giving up because he hurts.

Jimin’s throat constricts and he glares at the sandwich. He wants to eat but he’s losing his appetite. Still, he picks up the sandwich and takes a bite. He chews and he swallows. It doesn’t taste like anything but his stomach feels like he’s eaten a four course meal already. 

He throws the sandwich away and looks around the kitchen like it will manifest food he finds edible. Instead he spots a book, an old book that he suspects is one of the aunts’ grimoires. Cautiously, Jimin goes and picks it up. He remembers this one. It was one that Sora was looking at a long time ago. It was just after his mother died. She grazed her finger over a page with pressed flowers on one side.

That wouldn’t help him find the page as there’s dozens of different pressed flowers in all of their spell books. He knows, looking back, he knows those flowers were that of belladonna. The first page he turns to has those deadly flowers and a ragged sticky note at the top of the page that reads, “Resurrection.”

Like his aunt did, Jimin runs his hand down the page and reads the steps for the spell.

“It won’t help, darling,” Jimin jumps and the book falls to the counter. Jessica stands in the doorway. She looks sad and walks over to Jimin. She picks up the book but doesn’t open it. “He wouldn’t come back as Hoseok, not like you knew him. He would be dark and unnatural and it wouldn’t help.”

“I was only looking,”

“Jimin,” She warns, Aunt Jess has never been tolerant of lies, “It’s dangerous and you’d just hate yourself more than you already do.”

He winces at this and she immediately softens. She hugs him close and for once he doesn’t start crying. She wasn’t wrong.

#

Taehyung never told Jimin that he picked up some bad habits on the road. He stopped trying to care about the people he slept with. He uses belladonna to sleep. He smokes. Jimin worries a lot and Taehyung would rather avoid worrying Jimin unnecessarily. He doesn’t think he should worry about him anyway.

Tae’s happy and Jimin just wants him to be happy. He wasn’t in trouble and he didn’t want to ruin anything for Jimin. He had a life, he was happy and in love. He was settled, something Tae couldn’t imagine for himself anytime soon.

Then Hoseok died.

Taehyung felt a shiver down his spine the minute it happened or the minute Jimin realized it was going to happen. He didn’t know which at the time, so he called the aunts to see. They told him no one could reach Jimin and he knew he had to be the one to do it.

When he called the first time Jimin didn’t say anything, but Tae heard him crying. It was heartbreaking.

The aunts tell him, now, that Jimin won’t leave his room. He’s more active than their mother had been that first week, but not even close to healthy. They didn’t outright say he needed to come home for a visit, but he heard it in their voices.

“He likes hearing from you,”

“I’m glad you’re taking the time to call your brother, Tae,”

He wants to go and normally he would’ve gotten in his car the minute he sensed it. One look at the man sleeping next to him reminds him why he didn’t.

Goran Borislov is an intense man. Tae was staying on a friend’s couch in a cul de sac. They hosted a lot of parties, but it was only at that last party that Tae met Goran. He had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth as he leaned against a wall. He locked eyes with Tae, the look in his eyes made the hairs on the back of Tae’s neck rise. He tilted his head and tilted his, like he was on a string. He smiled and went into the house, Taehyung put his drink down and followed him. He lost sight of him and would’ve given up if he didn’t feel his back press against a firm chest. Taehyung felt Goran chuckles more than he heard him. He wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him away.

That night wasn’t wild, but like the man pinning him to the bed it was intense. Goran searched his entire body for every sensitive spot that he could play with. He took Taehyung apart and put him back together. After that Tae did his own exploring and they traded back and forth for hours. Days passed and Tae didn’t realise that they hadn’t left Goran’s apartment bedroom for days. They ate, they drank, and they fucked. Tae barely remembers if they did anything else and it was only two weeks ago.

They’ve left the apartment since then, but it’s different. Tae doesn’t go far from Goran, always in his lap or attached to his hip. Then Goran said he loved him. It was only a week they’d known each other but Goran was so sure and Tae was so caught up in an orgasm that he said it back. Now Goran talks about love as if they’ll exist for centuries. He worships Taehyung every second he gets and Tae enjoys it. He does. But Goran is strong. 

Tae has to beg for sleep and Goran will laugh, like they really are vampires that don’t need to sleep or eat or go to the bathroom. Taehyung has to ask most of the time. It’s fine, he thinks, because Goran just loves him and he’s from another country and maybe they’re more intense there when it comes to relationships. Taehyung doubts this a little, but he shoves that thought to the side a lot. He’s never been loved by someone like this. 

He’s talked to Goran about how much his family means to him. He told Goran about Jimin’s boyfriend’s passing. Goran didn’t ask about a funeral or how Jimin was doing. He didn’t ask if Taehyung was going to visit. Taehyung felt like Goran didn’t think that was an option for him. Like he didn’t even consider it.

Taehyung puts out the cigarette he’d been drawing from for the past ten minutes. He just has to psyche himself up a little. He looks at Goran again, fast asleep and snoring. He could just get up, he’s asleep and won’t notice. Taehyung takes a deep breath and gets up as quietly as possible. 

Once on his feet, Taehyung looks back and Goran still snores away. His eyes flicker to the bottle on Goran’s nightstand, a heavy bottle of the man’s favorite tequila. Taehyung glances towards the bathroom where he can see his toiletries bag. He rifles through it to find his go-to sleep aide, it’s more like a sedative and he knows this-- Jimin would be pissed if he knew Tae uses it. It’s also a highly lethal poison in higher dosages. Taehyung would never do that to anyone, but knocking his clingy boyfriend out for a few hours so he can freely visit his brother would be great.

He tip-toes over to the nightstand to grab the tequila and unscrews it to take a swig for himself. He makes his way to the bathroom quickly and locks the door. The first thing he does is pee, something he hasn’t been able to do for hours. A quick look through his bag and he finds the belladonna. The small vial is full with the crystalized herb, which makes it easily dissolvable. He puts a pinch into the half full bottle and swirls the bottle to dissolve the herb.

Taehyung stares at the tainted drink and a trickle of worry runs down his spine. He whispers a few words and kisses the rim of the bottle before getting up and opening to the door to the bathroom. He yelps at the figure on the other side.

“Hey baby, what are you doing?” The accent on his boyfriend’s tongue sounds like a purr. Taehyung knows from experience how nice the man’s voice sounds against his skin. Right now, however, Taehyung shivers in anxiety instead of lust.

“I was going to the bathroom, hun, I didn’t want to wake you.” Taehyung smiles the sultriest smile he can muster. He presses himself against Goran, Tae can feel both of their heartbeats and knows his heart is the one beating faster. Goran melts and kisses Taehyung with a fervor that Tae doesn’t think is necessary for just getting out of the bathroom. That’s just how Goran is, he kisses like he hasn’t seen Tae in years instead of seconds. He bites Taehyung’s bottom lip and licks to soothe the pain.

Taehyung moans to make Goran happy. Goran’s hands explore Tae’s body, squeezing his hips and ass and thighs. Taehyung isn’t rail thin, but he’s quite a bit smaller than Goran. The man takes advantage of this often by lifting and throwing Taehyung around. Which in the beginning of their relationship-- which was four weeks ago-- it was fun. Sometimes, now, Taehyung doesn’t find it that fun.

Goran takes the bottle from Tae’s hands and gulps heavily before putting it on a dresser. He drags Taehyung back to the bed that Tae almost never leaves.

It’s when Goran is about to slip inside Taehyung that he passes out. Tae sighs in relief and cautiously makes sure Goran is alive. He’s an expert now at administering belladonna, but you can never be too sure. He sighs again in relief when he feels the strong heart beat.

He pushes Goran off of him and lazily throws a blanket on him.

Taehyung packs a light bag of clothes along with his toiletry bag. He leaves a note for Goran letting him know where he is and why he took the car. Other than putting on pants and a t-shirt, Taehyung barely manages to put on a pair of sandals before trotting out to the parking lot.

He slows for a second when he notices a few of the residents. He stops completely when he sees Jungkook. A friend he keeps running into since San Francisco. He’s made jokes about him stalking him and Jungkook blushes and stutters as if Taehyung actually thought the younger stalked him. He’s never had friends that he feels he could actually rely on, but if he had to rely on one of them Jungkook would be it. He hasn’t had a chance to see him since he’s been in Arizona, or truthfully since he’s been with Goran. 

Goran has never said he doesn’t like Jungkook, but he gets this hardness in his expression if Taehyung mentions him. For some reason, Taehyung decided to stop hanging out with Jungkook instead of telling Goran to stop being a dick.

Jungkook notices Tae about the same time that Tae notices Jungkook. Taehyung can see him hesitate, he looks around the parking lot and once he seems satisfied he waves at Taehyung. Tae waves back and smiles, the most genuine smile he’s had for a while. Jungkook walks over, still looking around.

“Hey Tae, are you leaving?” He says casually gesturing to the bags.

“I’m visiting my brother, he needs me right now. I’ll be back in a few days,” Tae looks back in the direction of Goran’s apartment. Anxiety is creeping up on Taehyung, even though he knows the belladonna will keep Goran asleep for a few hours.

“It sounds like you need it too, Tae,” Jungkook has this look, like he knows more than Tae wants to let on. Taehyung has always wondered if Jungkook had an interest in him. Then he’d wondered why he never pursued anything. It isn’t like Taehyung is shy. There’s just something about Jungkook that’s different. Taehyung didn’t even mean to fall into this serious of a relationship with Goran. He knows, though, that if he did anything with Jungkook it wouldn’t surprise him to fall into something serious. Jungkook is a date first guy, a wine and dine guy. Tae doesn’t want to taint Jungkook with quick fucks.

“It’ll be nice,” Tae nods, “I gotta go if I wanna get there anytime soon.” Taehyung laughs and waves goodbye to his friend. Jungkook returns the wave with the same look as before.

#

Taehyung is accustomed to long car rides and it always takes longer when he’s with someone else. He’s by himself and it’s easy to just grab a granola bar when he’s hungry or swig from the many water bottles around the car. He likes road trips when it’s just him. If he gets lonely the folky tunes of Joni Mitchell are there to comfort him. No one tells him to slow down when he’s in Idaho and going a few miles above the speed limit. No one tells him to stop at a motel when the sun goes down.

It’s almost five in the morning when he gets home and he sits in the driveway for a minute staring at the old house. He feels this rush of comfort, remembering that this really is his home. He can smell sage and lavender and he hasn’t left the car yet. If he opens his head, concentrates a little, he can feel his brother. Just the one glimpse almost pulls him under the fog of depression and grief.

That spurs him into action and he’s in the house without a second thought.

He opens Jimin’s door and sneaks inside. All he can see of his brother is a lump on the bed. The lump doesn’t even move when Taehyung closes the door behind him. He walks over to the bed and lifts the covers to reveal Jimin clutching a pillow, a pathetic sight which has Tae heartbroken. He crawls under the covers and pulls the pillow from Jimin’s grasp, with difficulty as it seems Jimin is very attached to this pillow. As soon as he has it he shoves it aside and gathers his brother in his arms.

“Hey Minnie,” He whispers. Jimin opens his eyes and stares at Tae for a long time. Eventually he tries to smile but instead his eyes well up with tears and curls into Taehyung. Tae rubs his back and holds him closer, trying to protect him from… anything really.

“I know,”

#

“He’s from Slovakia, apparently moved here with his family when he was fifteen.” Tae explains and Jimin is unhappy to see the cigarette balanced between his middle and index finger. He doesn’t say anything because he’s just happy to have Tae here and he doesn’t have the energy to be the overbearing older brother. “He’s my sexy vampire cowboy.”

“I don’t know how that makes sense, but it paints a picture I guess.” Jimin sips from his wine glass. “Sounds intense,”

“He’s very… that-- intense,” Tae takes a drag from his cigarette.

The two are still in Jimin’s room. Jimin sits on the floor propped against the foot of the bed. Taehyung lounges by the fireplace that hasn’t been lit since the last time Tae was here. Now it burns and the fire light dances across Taehyung’s figure.

“Yeah, intense and clingy,” Tae chuckles, “Belladonna is helpful when I need to sleep.”

Jimin freezes and stares at Taehyung in shock. He had said it so casually, as if it’s the most normal thing to do. He can see it in Tae’s eyes, though, like he’s trying to make it normal.

“You drug your boyfriend so you can get some sleep. You didn’t get the belladonna just for that right?” Jimin settles on being a judgey brother instead of a mother hen.

“No, I… I’ve used it sometimes. Insomnia’s a bitch, but it hasn’t bothered me since I’ve been with Goran.” Tae stubs out the spent cigarette. “I told you before, he’s strong. He says he loves me and I’m not afraid of losing him to the curse.”

He’s quiet when he says this, knowing that bringing up the curse could hurt his brother. Jimin nods and his expression is upset, but Taehyung doesn’t think it has to do with the passing of his own boyfriend.

“I wish I got to know him more,” Tae says and watches Jimin’s expression for anything to be worried about.

“You would’ve liked him. He liked you when you visited that one time.” Jimin smiled and this time Tae didn’t see any pain. Jimin didn’t feel any pain either. “He had a lot of friends and when we started dating a few of them became my friends. The town didn’t look down on me when I was with him. Which is kind of crazy because this is still a small town that I’ve never thought of as accepting. I feel like it was because it was Hoseok I was dating. Everyone loved him so much. I loved him so much.”

“Even if you disagree, I’m glad you had him when you did. He reminded you to live for yourself. You were going to open a shop and sell cute shampoos and lotions and shit.” Taehyung sits up straighter with the enthusiasm of Jimin’s former happiness. “You can be happy, Jimin. You don’t need anyone to make you happy.”

“I could still open the shop. It just feels wrong doing it without him.” Jimin runs his fingers through his hair. He bleached it three months ago, Hoseok loved it and Jimin loved it. Now, his roots are showing but he doesn’t want to redye it.

Taehyung bounces in his spot, “Yes, do it! Hoseok would want you to. That’s why he wanted to open it with you anyway, because he wanted you to be happy.” He pauses, “I also think it’s because he was addicted to your sugar scrubs, why else would a delivery man have such glowing skin?”

Jimin laughs with his entire body and it feels good. Watching him makes Taehyung start to laugh. The joke wasn’t even that funny but they’re howling.

#

It is inevitable, Jimin supposes, that Taehyung had to leave at some point. He holds his hand tightly, as if that could keep him. 

“I’ll come back, Minnie, you know I will.” Taehyung promises for the second time in their lives. Jimin nods. To be fair he has always come back.

Chapter Text

Jimin wakes up to the sun in his face and he doesn’t get up to close the curtains. He just lets the sun warm his face and it feels nice. It feels like Hoseok kisses, warm and tingly. Taehyung has been gone for hours now and Jimin feels like he can still smell his perfume. Jimin knows he’s right.

When Jimin told Hoseok about his plans for the shop he loved it. He wanted to do it with Jimin, even if Jimin said he didn’t need to dump everything into a business he didn’t have an interest in before they got together. Hoseok said that Jimin inspired him. He said once Jimin’s business was up in running, Hoseok would go back to school and teach dance. He never entertained the thought before Jimin because it was about surviving, not living. Jimin inspired Hoseok to pursue his own dream. So, he would do anything in his power to help Jimin with his. Jimin isn’t even sure how inspired Hoseok, but he trusted him.

He lets a few tears go as he thinks about Hoseok and their plans, because it is sad. Hoseok was so excited about going to school and being able to teach. Jimin realizes now, however, that Hoseok would want him to continue even more now. He would want him to do everything he said he wanted to do.

Hoseok can’t do what he dreamed of doing. Jimin can’t let two dreams fall to the wayside. That would make losing Hoseok even worse.

The pillow next to Jimin’s has an indent. He turns over and inhales the last remnants of his brother’s presence and then forces himself to get up. He thinks about what needs to be done and starts planning. He takes things one step at a time and figures things out. 

His aunts see him making coffee and scrolling through his laptop in the kitchen later in the morning and they nearly squeal with excitement. He can’t blame them.

Jimin picks up where he left off before Hoseok died. The plans change slightly, with Hoseok not there, but he manages to fill the gaps. In three months, he buys a store with the money he and Hoseok put aside for it, he makes a brand, and stocks up on inventory. This means he spends a lot of nights making huge batches of things like mint and lemongrass lotion. In five months, he puts out a help wanted sign and adds his store to the hiring websites and temp agencies. It takes another month of limited hours and working by himself before someone finally answers the sign.

He closes the shop to prepare for the interview since it’s not like he has anyone to man the register while he’s interviewing. He wears a light sweater and black skinny jeans, because he realized that morning as he was getting ready that he had no business appropriate clothes aside from funeral attire. He re-dyed his hair a week ago to pink-- his excuse was to turn over a new leaf in life but he just really liked the color. He’s not even sure why he’s making a deal about being dressed nicely when he’s the one interviewing.

When the person being interviewed walks in his nerves get that much worse. 

He doesn’t recognize the man, so he’s probably not from town. He appreciates this in some ways, because there’s a better chance that there will be no judgement or assumptions during the interviewing process. He smiles as the man comes in.

Jimin was pleased when someone with a Korean name applied, it’s not hard to find other Asians on the west coast but considering he lives in a dramatically small town it’s more difficult. Seokjin Kim is tall-- a few inches taller than Jimin, broad-shouldered and incredibly handsome, by societal standards and Jimin’s standards, with dark and tidy hair and high cheekbones. He doesn’t appear nervous and smiles big when he walks in. He looks around the small, but bright and open store and nods approvingly.

“I’ve never worked for an herbalist or botanist or anything like that.” Seokjin begins as he sits down on the stool Jimin directed him to, “But I have worked retail, office jobs, food service, all that stuff. To be honest, I saw the store was being run by a Korean man and I jumped on the application faster than my keyboard could handle. It would be nice to work for someone that can pronounce my name and not make unknowingly racist comments.”

Jimin giggles and Seokjin looks like he swoons at the sound.

“Well, Seokjin-shi, I have looked over your resume and I won’t lie to you, I’m desperate. I just opened the shop two months ago and haven’t been able to have the hours I want because I also need to make the product. I’ve pretty much been on my own. You seem to have all of the credentials necessary to take a lot of work off my hands, that is if you’re willing to put in the work.” Jimin explains and flips through Seokjin’s resume idly.

“Of course,” Seokjin nods, but hesitates for a moment on something. Jimin immediately worries he’s overstepped somehow, assuming Seokjin would even want to take on so much. “Can I make a suggestion?”

“Sure,” Jimin replies cautiously.

“If you’re going to be a business owner, you will need to work on your assertiveness. Don’t be wishy-washy!” Seokjin insists and Jimin gapes at the bluntness, “Go, ‘You have the right qualifications, but I want to see if you’re a right fit for the store.’ Be critical, make me think you could hire anyone that walks down the street.”

Jimin is relieved and very amused at Seokjin’s suggestions.

“I could just make you the store manager, then you can do the interviewing. It does say you managed two restaurants and a Hot Topic.” Jimin grins as Seokjin rolls his eyes.

“Alright that’s fine, better than being called See-Ah-kjin, but please don’t call Denny’s for references. The GM is a homophobic toolbag. Jenny from Red Lobster is much sweeter.” Jimin laughs again at Seokjin’s antics. Seokjin grins, like he won something important.

“Well, I closed the shop today because I didn’t know how this interview would go, but we open tomorrow at ten am. Can you come in then?” Jimin shuffles through drawers to find a name tag and papers for Seokjin’s paycheck.

“Of course I can, next time though, tell me I come in at ten am. Really give me no choice in the matter.” Seokjin winks and Jimin laughs once again.

Jimin does not regret hiring Seokjin, he’s able to open the store for long and for more days. He’s less stressed as well. Seokjin has a tendency to be bossy, even towards Jimin, but he proves his worth and handles almost half of the business with Jimin. Jimin asks him one day if he would ever want to have a bigger role in the store, Seokjin waves it off and says he shouldn’t worry about that.

Jimin likes having someone to talk to that isn’t his aunts. Taehyung calls every week, he used to call more but as of late he never goes above his once a week call. Jimin worries, he will always worry when it comes to Tae, but it’s different. Taehyung doesn’t talk about his relationship with the European guy that much, even though this is the longest relationship he’s ever had. Jimin asks about Goran, but Tae usually changes the subject after answering the question. Jimin tries not to worry because Tae doesn’t sound different and he’s happy. Jimin knows if there was something wrong he’d know even if Tae didn’t tell him. He hasn’t felt anything, so he should trust Taehyung when he says that he’s happy.

Within a few weeks, Seokjin lines up another interview.

The person Seokjin hires is another Korean man by the name of Namjoon Kim. He’s taller than both Jimin and Seokjin with dimples. He doesn’t have nearly as much experience as Seokjin has, but he’s smart and apparently Seokjin wanted him to help with the books and be another cashier. He’s motivated to work hard even when Seokjin is upfront about what he expects from him unbothered by the expectations.

Namjoon, unlike Seokjin who lives off the island, lives in town. Jimin feels bad at first for not knowing him, but Namjoon assures him it’s because he’s only been here a month. Jimin ends up walking to the shop with Namjoon since he passes Namjoon’s house on his way to work. The man is quieter than Seokjin and not bossy in the slightest. He’s incredibly thoughtful and is always talking about books he’s read and the classes he’s taking at his online university. Jimin likes to think he has two new friends now, ones he made on his own.

Except Namjoon isn’t as ignorant about Jimin's past as Seokjin.

“I knew Hoseok, he was a really good friend actually.” Namjoon ruffles his own hair as they walk to work. “I lived in California up until a month ago, I was at the funeral actually. But… um, he talked about you a lot in our phone calls. He really loved you-- I’m sorry if this is inappropriate. I just, I saw how his friends from town were looking at you. You were all alone except those two women and I wanted to say something but you also didn’t seem like you wanted to talk to anyone. Hoseok wouldn’t have wanted you to deal with that by yourself, but I’m also kind of awkward...” Namjoon starts to ramble, which is a habit Jimin has gotten used to from him.

Jimin isn’t destroyed by the reminder of Hoseok. He’s not devastated. He’s sad because Hoseok is dead and it still affects him. He still feels like there is a piece missing from his heart, but it’s been a year at this point and he doesn’t look back at the memory of Hoseok in heartbreak anymore. He puts a hand on Namjoon’s arm to stop his rambling.

“Namjoon, it’s okay, thank you for telling me. It’s nice to meet one of Hoseok’s friends.” Jimin reassures him. “Especially since you don’t hate me,”

“No, never, I don’t understand why anyone could hate you. Hoseok called you an angel and he’s not wrong, you are an angel.” Namjoon rushes out and Jimin giggles. “I mean, I know that everyone thinks you and your family are witches. I have no idea why that’s an issue nowadays, but I don’t believe anything about the curse though.”

This Jimin wilts at. He appreciates Namjoon’s support, but he’s wrong this time.

“Well, they aren’t wrong about the witch thing. I don’t know why they have to be cruel about it, all of them have asked my aunts for a spell before, even the older residents asked my grandma for spells when she was alive.” He shrugs.

Namjoon’s eyes widen comically, “Whoa.”

“My brother and I weren’t supposed to be that kind of witch though. It shocked my aunts when they found out we could do just as much as them.” Jimin continues, trying to avoid the curse topic.

“Fascinating,” Namjoon blinks after a few minutes of gawking into the distance.

After a few months with both of them working at his store, they both know that Jimin is a witch. Seokjin is completely unbothered by the news, which doesn’t surprise Jimin in the slightest.

#

It’s an early fall evening in September; Jimin, Seokjin, and Namjoon celebrated the shop’s six month anniversary this morning and Jimin gave some of his regulars a 40% discount. Seokjin gave him the stink eye, because if it were up to Seokjin they’d have an annual sale minimum. If it were up to Jimin they’d have a sale every month.

Jimin is reading through a few bills and miscellaneous paperwork, the spoon in his coffee cup lazily stirring the milk and coffee on its own. Dinah rests on Jimin’s feet and purrs when Jimin bends down occasionally to scratch behind his ears. The balcony doors are cracked and let in a cool breeze.

Despite how quiet everything is, Jimin has an odd feeling that has stuck with him the entire day despite the celebrations. It’s nothing like the dread that he has felt before, but it’s still the feeling of something bad that’s about to happen. It has put him on edge, Namjoon and Seokjin have asked him what’s wrong, but he honestly doesn’t know. He feels bad for worrying them.

It’s 8:30 when he looks out the window and notices a ring faintly outlining the moon. A storm is coming.

His phone rings.

He gets up with an urgency like he was expecting the phone call. Dinah protests weakly, but just rolls over. He can’t properly concentrate on anything but panic. He still manages to answer the phone and only one name falls from his lips when he does.

“Taehyung,”

“Jimin,” His younger brother’s voice croaks out with difficulty, “I-I’m sorry, I need you. I need help, Minnie.”

“I know, Tae-tae, I’ll get there as quickly as I can.” Jimin assures and gets on his computer to look up flights. “I can be there in four hours max, okay?”

“Okay,”

“Do you need me to stay on the phone?” Jimin tries to be gentle, not letting his panic seep through the phone. He doesn’t know what exactly has happened, but he knows he needs to get to his brother as quickly as possible. He only wishes he didn’t have to factor in wait times.

“No, Minnie, I’ll be okay for now,” Tae’s voice is stronger but it still sounds like he’s swallowed a handful of gravel. 

“Okay Tae-tae, hyung will be there,” He hangs up with a lot of reluctance but he needs both hands to get everything in order. He manages to get a small bag with one set of clothes, his cellphone and his wallet. He changes his pants because flannel is not what you wear to save your brother from an unknown problem.

Jimin runs down the stairs two at a time. He’s thankful to see Jessica with her keys, “Come on, I’ll get you to the airport.”

There is no conversation for the hour it takes to get to the airport. Jimin’s already gotten a plane ticket to Arizona and only takes the time now to double check he has everything. Apparently he forgot shoes but Jessica laughs with little humor to her tone, “Your plane will still be twenty minutes from take off when you get there. Get shoes once you're there. It’s Arizona you’re going to so flip flops won’t be a shock in September.”

Jimin nods.

“Also, we told the committee that we would be at the gathering. You know it lasts for a couple days, so we might not be at home when you get back. Call if you need us though, please.”

He knows if he opens his mouth he won’t get a coherent sentence out. His head focused entirely on his brother who he knows is in trouble. He doesn’t know how, but that doesn’t matter and would never matter to him when the panic in his veins is enough to let him know how much his brother needs him.

#

Jimin gets a cab to the address Taehyung sent him. He didn’t even realize he didn’t know the address until he got the message, since he had already given it to the driver. His head is still in overdrive, the two and half hour plane trip had been awful to get through. He kept getting up to go to the bathroom just to have an excuse to be on his feet. His seatmate was very disgruntled by the time the plane landed.

Even now his legs take turns bouncing which is probably agitating the driver. He wants to call Tae, but he also just wants to get there and at this point his anxiety makes him too impatient to scroll through his phone. Instead he tries to breathe and not imagine all of the horrible scenarios that his mind could come up with. 

It’s almost 2:30 am when he gets to the address, which turns out to be an apartment complex. He gives the driver enough money for the ride and a tip which he doesn’t count, so he either skimped on the guy or made him very happy. The walk-up apartments are on the cheaper end with four units per building, six buildings in total. The apartment Tae’s in is right next to the main parking lot and on the second landing.

He knocks but sees the door is ajar already which does nothing to quell his anxiety.

Jimin makes himself slow down, he doesn’t want to run into the apartment and make things bad for Tae or himself. He looks around the apartment. The place itself is a mess of liquor bottles, magazines, and empty cigarette packs. It’s not disgusting and he knows Tae isn’t the tidiest but this mess is not the kind of mess Tae makes.

The living/dining room and kitchen are empty save the mess, so Jimin moves further into the apartment. He’s anxious and fearful. He doesn’t feel the dread that comes whenever someone he loves dies but he has a bad feeling nonetheless. He passes the open bathroom to see no one.

There is only one other room aside from a closet which he opened anyway. The bedroom is open and if it weren’t for Tae’s phone call Jimin would assume that no one’s home. He goes into the room and he’s relieved for a quick second at seeing a tuft of blue hair. That relief disappears when he sees the state Tae is in.

He’s curled up in a corner of the bedroom with the lights off. Jimin rushes over and takes Tae by the shoulders as gently as he can. When he gets Tae to uncurl from his position he gasps.

Taehyung’s left eye is swollen. Further examination shows his neck has bruises as well, which would explain why he sounded so ragged. Tae lifts his head and attempts an incredibly sad smile.

“He’s strong,” Tae’s voice sounds worse in person.

“What happened, Tae-tae?”

“Can we get going first?” Taehyung starts to get up and Jimin helps him. “I packed my stuff already before I called.”

Jimin sees the bag on the bed and grabs it, “Do you need anything else?”

Taehyung shakes his head and starts heading out of the apartment. Jimin follows close behind. At the door Tae pauses for a second and looks over at the bookcase by the door. He hesitates for another moment but apparently makes the decision to go over and grab a carton of cigarettes from the bottom shelf and a clock.

“I bought him the damn thing,” Tae grits out as Jimin gives him a look.

The two make their way down and Tae decides that he’s up for talking. Taking the small clock and cigarettes apparently gave him a confidence boost. “I was talking to a friend-- the only person I’ve been close with and known for years out here-- Goran knew that, but he got tense whenever I brought him up so I just didn’t. I even stopped hanging out with him.” There’s an energy buzzing in his words like he's about to burst, “I didn’t even realize that I stopped hanging out with anyone except Goran until a week ago. I’m not a doormat and I don’t let my boyfriends tell me what to do or who I should hang out with. I started talking to Jungkook again-- my friend-- since he’s been here for a while which is cool-- maybe he got tired of traveling around. I didn’t get tired of traveling but I haven’t left Arizona in a year. Anyway-- Goran saw me talking with Jungkook who lives in the building or his friends live here, I don’t know. Goran calls me over and he takes my arm and pulls me into the stairwell.”

Taehyung pauses and looks around the parking lot, fear in his eyes but he continues, “He hit me and I know some people think guys can’t get beaten up by their boyfriends, but they don’t know all guys-- I’m not strong like that. I can’t win a fight like that. I wasn’t going to forgive him though, fuck that with a ten foot pole. I’ve never been hit by a boyfriend or girlfriend, but I’m not going to let one hit me in anger more than once.”

Jimin puts his arm around him and squeezes.

“When I got back to the apartment-- he left to cool off or whatever-- I started packing. I wasn’t going to call you then, at least not right that second. I was going to crash with someone before leaving for home. Then he got back and of course he was pissed-- he lunged for me and grabbed my neck and I swear I thought I was dead. I started seeing black and then his phone rang. He let me go and five minutes later he left. I called because I was scared, I just didn’t want to be alone. Looking back I could’ve called someone closer, like Jungkook or one of my other Arizona friends. I just… I guess I just wanted my big brother.” Tae looks at Jimin and smiles a smile less sad than the one he offered when they were in the apartment. Jimin returns it.

Jimin shuffles through his pockets in search of his phone so he can look for a ride. Tae swears and starts walking away. 

“Taehyung!” Jimin shouts after him, “What are you doing?”

“My tiger’s eye is in Goran’s car,” He explains over his shoulder. He’s headed for a blue mustang and Jimin breathes out a long-suffering sigh. He waits a minute for Tae to get his necklace and then two and then realizes it doesn’t take that long to get a necklace. He looks up and around and doesn’t see Taehyung.

Jimin runs over to the vehicle that Tae had gone towards, “Tae!”

He yanks the driver’s door open to reveal Taehyung being held at gunpoint by a bigger man in the backseat of the car. Jimin assumes this is Goran and feels ice cold fear raise the hairs on his body. Goran glares at Jimin, “You’ll drive.”

Jimin gulps and puts Taehyung’s bag in and then slides into the driver’s seat. Goran hands him the keys and Jimin starts the car and pulls out of the parking space. Tae’s breathing is ragged and Jimin is struggling to stay calm. He glances into the overhead mirror and sees Goran still has the gun pressed to Tae’s throat.

“So, you’re Jimin, I presume,” Goran says casually.

Jimin is quiet and clenches his teeth. He pulls out of the parking lot.

“Not a talker?” Goran keeps talking, possibly liking the sound of his own voice. “Just keep driving, pick a direction, I don’t care,”

Jimin does drive, he automatically heads north as if to start the long journey home. He glances often in the mirror to see how Taehyung is doing, things haven’t changed. Tae looks into the mirror back at him and there’s a tingling in his head. Neither of them says anything. Jimin continues to drive for an hour.

Goran keeps talking despite both Jimin and Taehyung staying close-lipped. He doesn’t seem to care all that much. He keeps taking swigs from a bottle of tequila. Jimin wants to be surprised that he keeps tequila in his car, but he’s not.

“I’ve never had siblings: not sisters or brother and sister or brothers,” Goran smirks and raises an eyebrow. Jimin wants to vomit now. One positive is that Goran has sat back and isn’t holding a gun to Tae’s neck anymore. Taehyung is stockstill next to him.

Goran continues to ramble and Jimin looks into the mirror again. Taehyung catches his eye and the tingling is back, this time he can hear Taehyung as if he’s talking to him through the mirror, “The belladonna is in my bag, front pocket.”

Jimin looks back at the road and reaches for the bag. Goran doesn’t notice, probably thanks to the front seat being a three-seater. He feels for a vial, he can see it in his head, a small vial of the crystalized herb. Then he feels it and takes it out. It occurs to him, however, that he doesn’t know how he’s going to give it to Goran.

He keeps a hold on the belladonna and focuses back on Goran. At this point he can’t do much, especially since he’s the driver and doesn’t want to get away from Goran by crashing the car. Goran knows that which is probably why he’s made Jimin drive.

“Did you know that the Zodiac killed all those people so he could have slaves in heaven?” Goran says offhandedly and Jimin shivers in disgust. The man has a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and has the front of his ring hovering close to the flame of his lighter. It's an odd metal ring with a crest on the front of it, the part being heated by the lighter. Jimin’s brows furrow at the action as Goran continues talking.

Without warning he tosses the lighter aside and tugs on Taehyung’s leg growling, “Come here, sweetheart.”

Jimin turns and reaches back, hitting Goran while Taehyung shouts in protest. He knocks his hand away from where he pulled Taehyung’s pant leg up. Jimin shouts, “Get off him, crazy fuck!”

Goran falls back and yells back, “Watch the road!”

He holds his hands up and Jimin snatches the tequila. He steadies the car which had veered out of the lane. He’s thankful there were no cars in the lane right then. He takes a swig of the alcohol, laws be damned, and puts it between his legs.

“What! Did you think I wasn’t going to do anything?! Like I was going to let you brand my brother in the backseat!” Jimin shouts at him and opens the belladonna next to the bottle.

“I thought you’d watch the road so you don’t kill us all,” Goran scuffs.

Taehyung wipes away a stray tear and crosses his arms. Jimin tips the vial of belladonna into the bottle, half of it going in and traces his finger around the rim and the drink starts stirring. He closes the vial and puts it into his hoodie pocket.

“Maybe you need more of that drink,” Goran laughs and flicks a cigarette out the window, “You’re nothing like your brother. So uptight,”

Jimin rolls his eyes.

Goran doesn’t ask for the bottle back for another fifty miles, all the while rambling. Jimin keeps looking back at Tae and they both share the same irritation. It was luck that Jimin was even able to get the bottle without Goran saying anything, so he should be happy about that. He wonders what Goran even plans on doing. Jimin will park or crash the car if he even thinks about trying to kill Taehyung in the back seat. Even if he manages to kill Tae, at that point Jimin is definitely crashing the car. He’d rather go down killing the stupid bastard than be killed by him, then have him do the same thing to someone else. Jimin tries to hope that he just lets them go.

“Pull off this side road.” Goran orders.

The gravel road leads to a cell tower on the median of the interstate. Jimin doesn’t have anywhere else to go but to stop the car. He holds onto the steering wheel tightly.

“I need to piss, you two stay in the car. Hand me the bottle,” Jimin does as he says. “Hand me the keys,” Jimin hesitates and Goran immediately grabs Taehyung and Jimin takes the keys out of the ignition and hands them over.

Goran gets out of the car and slams the door shut. He saunters a few feet from the car, “Jackass.” Jimin mumbles.

“You gave it to him?” Tae leans closer to Jimin, watching Goran take a long drink from the bottle that’s only about a quarter full.

“Yeah, how long does it take?” Jimin relaxes against the seat. He’d rather not get a peak at the dudes dick, so he just looks forward out the windshield.

“Couple minutes, depends on how much you gave to him.”

The two wait for Goran to drop with bated breath.

The minutes go by but all that happens is Goran starts crooning some song or another. Taehyung huffs, “How much did you give him?”

“Plenty,”

Goran starts to zip his pants and tosses the empty bottle away. He twirls the car keys around his finger as he heads back to the car. He’s still humming when he gets into the car. Jimin sits up and watches the mirror; Taehyung stares intently at his newly ex-boyfriend. Goran leans over to Taehyung as he slams the door shut. He reaches up and pinches Taehyung's cheek, still humming.

Taehyung gulps, “G-Goran, babe, why do you just… let us go. We had a great run, but I think we’ve run our course. We can see other people--”

“Always seeing other people,” Goran growls and what could be construed as a gentle touch turns to an angry one. The man wraps both hands around Taehyung’s neck and shoves him to the seat. Jimin shouts, screams even, and turns to grab Goran or hit him. He does anything to try and get him off of Taehyung. He takes handfuls of his hair and pulls.

“JIMIN!” Taehyung yells and Jimin realizes there’s no resistance from Goran. Tae pushes the man away from him and stares wide eyes at his face. “Oh shit, Jimin how much belladonna did you give him?”

“H-half the vial,”

“You… We killed him.”

#

Taehyung is on his second cigarette as the two sit in the front staring out the windshield. Neither of them have said much as they sit in the parked car. Goran’s body still lays in the back seat.

“I don’t want to go to jail,” Taehyung whispers.

“It was self-defense,”

“We’re two gay men and he was poisoned. That’s gonna look good in court.” Jimin rolls his eyes and finally turns the car on. He hates to hear it, but Tae’s not wrong. He almost asks for one of Taehyung cigarettes. They pull back onto the road and Jimin doesn’t care about how illegal it is to make a u-turn on a freeway.

“Then what do we do, Tae? We’re not him, we didn’t kill him because we’re psychopaths.” Jimin puts his arm up on the window and props his head up on his fist, “I just got my store together, I have regular customers and employees. I have a life.”

“I know and despite what my homeless and jobless ass looks like, I have a life too.” Taehyung grouches and lights another cigarette.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Jimin sighs, “Tone down on those things.”

Taehyung shrugs and lights it anyway.

The two go quiet again. Jimin drives them in the direction of home, despite the dead body and the fact it will take a day to get there.

Taehyung perks up and Jimin glances over. He throws his cigarette out the window and runs his hands through his hair. There’s a gleam in his eyes, an idea that Jimin is a bit afraid of hearing. Taehyung rubs his chin in thought, “Jimin, what was that spell the aunts have in their book? The one you found?”

Jimin blanches, “Taehyung, I am not bringing him back from the dead. It’s dark magic, he won’t come back normal. He’ll be dark and twisted--”

“He’s already dark and twisted, and I don’t care how he comes back. As long as he comes back, there is no dead body. No body, no murder charge,” Taehyung turns to Jimin with determination. 

“The aunts won’t help with this and they won’t let us do it…” Jimin trails off and hates himself for considering this. He remembers what Jessica said in the car. “They won’t be there when we get back.”

“You’re considering it, aren't you.” Taehyung states and smirks in triumph. Jimin groans.

“What do we do when he wakes up?” Jimin slouches in defeat.

“Aim a frying pan at his head and threaten him to leave or we call the cops.” Taehyung offers and kicks his feet up on the dashboard. “We should probably pull off somewhere secluded so we can move the body to the trunk.”

Jimin turns a glare to Taehyung.

“In case he starts to stink,” Taehyung defends himself and Jimin laughs humorlessly.

Jimin looks back at the road, now on the lookout for more gravel roads. “I cannot believe we’re resurrecting the dead because the gays can’t trust the justice system.”

#

Considering he just took a plane from Washington to Arizona and right away drove 1438 miles back to Washington, Jimin is running on pure adrenaline.

When he and Tae pop the trunk to retrieve Goran, they both almost vomit from the smell. They psych each other up to get him out of the car and groan at the weight of the body. They take frequent rests to try and breathe fresh air. Jimin tries to make a mental note that they need to bleach the entire kitchen once they’re done.

There is a part of him that hopes the spell doesn’t work. He doesn’t know what they would do, but he’s afraid of what they would let loose into the world if the spell does work. Not to mention there is no guarantee he would leave them alone if he wakes up.

Once they drag Goran into the kitchen and onto the island, Jimin gets the book. The aunts didn’t hide it after he found it, knowing then he wouldn’t try and bring Hoseok back. Little did they know he’d end up using it on Taehyung’s dead boyfriend.

He finds the page even faster this time and writes down all of the ingredients necessary.

“Get these from the pantry please,” Jimin hands the list to Taehyung. He winces before grabbing the kitchen scissors and cuts the front of his shirt open. Goran’s chest is paler than when he was alive, understandably. He really wasn’t looking forward to seeing what would happen when he woke up.

He grimaces.

“He’s not awake yet, Minnie,” Taehyung assures from the doorway. Jimin nods and prepares the ingredients.

He lights the candles, burns the sage, and drizzles at least five different oils over Goran’s chest. The book calls for deep breaths, three of them. He instructs Taehyung to do the same. Rain and thunder roar from outside and Jimin doesn’t know if it’s because of coincidence or the spell.

Taehyung spreads the sage smoke around the body and kitchen.

“Okay I need something white to make the pentagram.” Jimin continues breathing. Tae purses his lips in thought then raises his brows as if an idea just popped into his head. Jimin gives him a look. “No,”

Tae looks up confused for a moment then his eyes widen in understanding, “Gross, no, why would I ever give the guy the pleasure of having my jizz on his chest ever again? I’m not even in the mood to do that sort of thing…”

“Well, I’m glad you’re not turned on by dead people or resurrection.” Jimin shrugs and Tae goes about finding the right object for the spell that is preferably not bodily fluids. “You owe me big time for this, Tae. Just thought you should know.”

“I know and I love you, how’s this?” He procures a can of Reddi Whip and shrugs.

“That’s great,” Jimin nods and takes the canister. He reads the rest of the spell while spraying out cream to form the five pointed star. He reads it again, not because he didn’t understand but to put off the real spellcasting. There’s no going back after they say the words.

He holds out his hands for Taehyung to take.

“Repeat,” Jimin looks at Tae and they nod, the understanding that this is it pulses between them. He grips tightly to Tae’s hands. Old words fall from his lips and taste like smoke. Taehyung tests the words on his tongue. They fall into the spell, their power flows through in that familiar electric current.

They repeat the phrases over and over again. The words become something else, something tangible. The grip they have on their hands tightens. The electricity in the air grows more potent, they can almost smell the ozone. They begin to shake from their cores, consumed by the spell and no longer fully conscious of their surroundings. 

Once they hear a sharp intake of breath they stop. They blink at each other and look down at the once dead man lying on their kitchen island. The man’s skin hasn’t changed, pale mottled with gray, and he’s still bloated, but his eyes are open. They’re grossly bloodshot and without pupils. Jimin thinks the gaze is that of a monster, not a man.

Almost as if this thing that used to be Goran heard his thoughts, it growls like a rabid dog and launches at Taehyung. It sounds like it tries to say words but they end up coming out like disgusting grunts and gurgles. The thing grabs Taehyung’s neck and squeezes, as if reenacting his first final moments. It spits out black gunk as it continues to try and speak. Tae’s face splattered with it.

Jimin screams and grabs a frying pan-- one they set out initially for threatening. Without thinking he slams it down on the thing’s head a half dozen times. The thing that was once Goran falls to the ground dead again. Taehyung scrambles up wiping at his face frantically and stares at the thing like it will get up again. Jimin’s not so sure it won’t.

“What the fuck,” A voice that isn’t Jimin or Taehyung’s, thankfully not Goran’s either, speaks up. The brother’s turn to find a tall young man with unbrushed black hair and wide doe eyes staring unbelievingly at the corpse.

“J-Jungkook? H-How-- why-- when… what the hell?!” Taehyung splutters.

“I would say, ‘I know this sounds weird’ but what I just saw was really fucking weird.” Jungkook ruffles his already unkempt hair, “I heard around the complex that Goran messed you up and your brother came to take you home. I… I’ll be honest… I didn’t want to never see you again and I was worried and I couldn’t find Goran to beat his ass for hurting you. I jumped on a plane, which cleared out my bank account, and headed over. I actually just looked you up and asked around, so… here I am. A witness to whatever the hell that was.”

Jimin is rather amused that Jungkook rambles as much as Tae does.

“That’s kind of sweet actually,” Taehyung smiles in spite of the dead body on the ground and the faded black stains on his face.

“Taehyung, we just killed Goran for the second time. Please don’t flirt,” Jimin admonishes.

“The second time?” Jungkook rubs his forehead in confusion.

“Jungkook, can you help us bury a body?” Taehyung asks out of breath.

#

Goran is in the ground between the big garden and the trellis. Jungkook did help them carry the body and then helped dig the four foot deep grave. The three of them pushed the corpse into the hole and stamped the dirt back in place.

Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung sit at the kitchen table by the window that looks over the part of the yard that Goran is buried. The three are caked in mud and soaked to the bone from the rain. Once they trudged back inside, Jimin managed to make the three of them tea.

“Can you explain what happened now?” Jungkook pleads, hands gripped around the mug of tea for dear life. Jimin tried to ask if he wanted an added anxiety reducer, but at the mention of herbs Jungkook shook his head firmly. Jimin respected his wishes.

Taehyung and Jimin look at each and share a few looks that feels like a conversation. Jimin eventually concedes with a big sigh.

“You’re not wrong about what happened, really.” Jimin begins, “Taehyung called me and told me about what happened between him and Goran. I got on the first flight out and came to get him. We were getting ready to leave and ended up being essentially kidnapped by Goran. I accidently poisoned him with belladonna-- we only meant to knock him out. We didn’t want to go to jail--”

“That sounds like self-defense, but okay,” Jungkook drinks his tea, petulant.

“Come on, Jungkookie, think about it. Two men end up in a car with another man, that man gets drugged. No court would be okay with self-defense.” Taehyung argues, “Let’s add in that we’re two gay men.”

Jungkook winces but nods in agreement.

“So,” Jimin continues, “We decided to… bring him back.” This is the part where he can see Jungkook falter. His eyes widen and he almost drops his mug of tea.

“Our idea was that as long as he had a pulse, it didn’t matter. He’d go on his way and we couldn’t be arrested for murder.” Taehyung finishes their tale and Jimin takes a deep breath and takes a drink from his mug.

Jungkook snorts, “Obviously that didn’t work since you beat him over the head with a frying pan.”

“Yeah, Jimin tried to tell me… when you bring things back they don’t come back like waking up.” Taehyung fidgets in his seat and looks at Jimin with an apology in his eyes. “They come back unnatural. I don’t think it helped that Goran was already a shitty human.”

The trio are silent as they sip their tea. They haven’t cleaned the kitchen yet, so the rotting stench still lingers.

“Jungkook, I can’t help but notice how well you’re taking everything.” Jimin notes conversationally. “Do you plan on turning us in?”

Jungkook starts and does drop his mug this time. Miraculously the mug doesn’t break. “Wh--What… no, trust me I feel like I should, but to be honest I hated Goran and he was a piece of shit human. I’m not saying we should kill every asshole we stumble across.” He’s rambling again, Jimin doesn’t miss the fond look on Tae’s face, “You both owe me.”

“I already owe Jimin my life, what’s more debt?” Taehyung raises his mug like a toast. Jimin rolls his eyes for the hundredth time in the past 24 hours. “Also, this is a little late but… thank you both, so much. It’s not fair that I’ve dragged two people I’m close to into this mess. Still, you guys have done so much.”

Jimin catches his brother’s eye and smiles. He mouths to him, so it’s private and all their own, “I love you.”

Taehyung smiles back.

“If I’m being honest, and I feel like I should be at this point, I… I don’t regret draining my bank account to come all the way up here. I’m trying to regret it, especially since I literally dropped everything and came after you, I can’t bring myself to.” Jungkook looks scared, his feelings are overwhelming him and Jimin thinks he needs to get some sleep. They all need sleep.

“Well, it’s been a long day for all of us. Taehyung, go and show Jungkook the attic room and get him settled. You are definitely helping me clean this kitchen though, so be quick.” Jimin gets up and collects the mugs, “Jungkook, you’re welcome to stay with us. We have plenty of room and I’m sure the aunts will agree when they get back.”

Taehyung takes Jungkook by the arm and takes him upstairs, mumbling about where everything is. This leaves Jimin to his thoughts and he’s grateful to be alone, even with the barely perceptible grave in his backyard. It unnerves him enough to go over to the large window and close the curtains.

Jimin never wanted to turn his back on magic more than in this moment. When Hoseok was alive, he grew to love it because Hoseok never wanted him to hide his power. He infused it into everything he made. When Hoseok died, he was reminded why he had been so hesitant with magic before. Then, again, he went back to it when he opened his shop and tried to grow from his life’s tragedies.

His aunts always described magic as something sentient, with feelings and a personality. The relationship it has with its users changes from person to person. Jimin wonders if his magic feels confused at being pushed and pulled. Maybe this disaster is the result of his magic showing him what happens when he doesn’t take it seriously. It doesn’t sound off the mark. If he had any intention of telling the aunts they’d probably agree.

Jimin sighs heavily and starts to gather the cleaning supplies he needs to get rid of the rot in the air.

#

That morning, or later in the day, the aunts return. They bring with them an air of control and peace, leftovers from the gathering. Jimin soaks it up before he even sees them.

He wishes he could sleep later, to make up for being awake for twenty-four hours. He and Tae didn’t finish cleaning until five in the morning; he blinks groggily at his phone as he descends the stairs: 8:30 am. Three hours is the most he could’ve hoped for. He doubts Tae will get up before 12.

“Hey, aunties,” He greets with a dry mouth and throat. The aunts, taking off their shawls and coats smile at him.

“Hello, dear, how are you?” Aunt Sora approaches and takes his hands in her’s. She’s glowing, but he expects nothing less.

“I’m okay, all things considered, Tae’s asleep upstairs,”

“Oh, is he alright?” Jessica comes up and puts her arm around his shoulders.

“He’s fine, but we didn’t get back until late last night so he’ll be asleep for a couple more hours.” Jimin smiles half-heartedly, he forgot for a moment why he ended up in the mess with Goran in the first place. His brother's frantic and barely audible voice on the phone, begging for his help. The aunts hum and the three make their way to the kitchen. Jimin knows they cleaned the kitchen to perfection but he can’t help but feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise up. His gaze flicks to the closed curtains and quickly looks away again.

Sora puts bread in the toaster and Jessica gets out the ingredients for brownies. Jimin smiles at the promise of brownies for breakfast, Tae will be excited. He goes to help Jess with the baking and pretends that this morning is as normal as every other morning.

“Oh, Jimin dear, I let your employees know that you wouldn’t be in yesterday or today.” Jessica informs, “I tried to tell them that they could take the day off but the boy insisted that he didn’t want to lose business. He also asked me to tell you that he hopes everything is alright.”

He knows immediately that it’s Seokjin she spoke to. It’s not hard to guess between two employees but Seokjin is the more stubborn of the two, he’s not afraid to be blunt with people. That includes his boss or the aunts of his boss. Jimin wishes he could’ve gone in today. He misses the normalcy his shop brings him, as well as his employees.

“You should invite them over for dinner,” Sora adds casually as she takes a bite of toast.

Jimin nods absently.

He helps Jessica put the batter into the brownie pans and everything remains quiet. A stark contrast of the past day and half.

The phone rings, but Jimin isn’t struck with devastation so he thinks it's just Seokjin or Namjoon checking in. Caller ID confirms his assumption.

“Hey Jin-hyung,” He answers his cell.

“Hello, good to hear from you,” Seokjin breathes a sigh of relief and Jimin smiles, “How are you?”

“I’m fine,”

The conversation is simple and quick. Jimin would rather not have to explain anything, not because he doesn’t trust Seokjin he’s just tired. He knows that eventually Jungkook and Tae will come down and though the aunts won’t pester Tae, the energy will shift. No matter how hard any of them try, they can sense worry or anger. It makes their magic buzz. Jessica says it’s like the ozone smell after an electrical shortage or lightning strike. He agrees.

Jimin and Jessica put the pans in the oven, the latter of the two puts the kettle on for tea.

“Oh, Taehyung,” Sora stands up from the counter. Jimin turns and finds a squinty Tae rubbing his arms. He smiles fondly at his little brother, even with the ozone smell of worried witches.

“G’mornin’ auntie,” Tae grumbles and leans into the closest person he can get to which happens to be Jessica. She wraps her arms around him with a smile as fond as Jimin’s. She rubs his back soothingly before pushing him up to get a good look at his face.

“Darling boy, if you were sleepy you should’ve stayed in bed.” Tae smiles and Jessica runs her thumb gently over the bruising on his eye. She frowns, “A little mugwort will clear this up.”

Taehyung nods and hugs her again, this time seeking comfort instead of warmth.

Sora makes her way over to dote on him and runs her fingers through his out of control bedhead. She hums, “He’ll get what’s coming to him, love.”

Tae looks at Jimin knowingly and they both look over to the kitchen window. The aunts don’t notice or don’t say anything. Jessica, however, sniffs and Jimin freezes. He waits for her to look out the window and then at the two of them accusingly. She doesn’t but instead looks up to the stairwell. A few seconds later, Jungkook walks cautiously down the stairs and peaks around. He freezes when he sees Jessica already staring.

Tae turns and when he sees Jungkook's wide terrified gaze he chuckles.

“Who might you be?” Jessica asks in amusement.

“Um…” Jungkook stammers as if forgetting his name.

“This is Jungkook, auntie,” Tae helps him out, “He’s my friend and he helped me out a lot.”

“Oh how sweet,” Sora beams and walks over to Jungkook, taking his arm and guiding him into the kitchen. “We’re making brownies and toast for breakfast, which do you prefer?”

“Uh, either… whichever, I don’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense, you helped our lovely Taehyung and came all the way up here for him. You can stay however long you need to.” Jessica chimes as she adds more water to the kettle and adds a second kettle. Jimin smiles as he’s sure she’s ecstatic to be using the company kettle, as the aunts have fondly named it.

“I-I was just worried about him.” Jungkook looks at Taehyung who smiles, pink staining his cheeks and ears.

Jessica giggles, “Jungkook, dear, we already approve.”

Jimin laughs at Jungkook’s reddening face.

They must all feel it, he thinks, the lightness in the air. The kitchen seems brighter and he forgets about the grave now staining their yard.

#

Jimin wouldn’t change Taehyung, ever, but he does wish Taehyung would change his clothes to something more work appropriate. An emerald green crop-top and jeans so shredded he has to wonder what the point is in calling them jeans. He didn’t think he needed to enforce a dress code but he’s starting to rethink that. Especially when he sees Tae without shoes.

Namjoon, already working the counter when Jimin arrives with his impromptu hires, chokes on his tea when Taehyung walks in.

“Hey, Joon-hyung,” Jimin greets and tries not to acknowledge the choking.

“Uh, good morning, Jimin,” Namjoon recovers quickly enough, “How are you?”

“I’m well,” Jimin walks over to the counter and gets out the schedule he knows Seokjin keeps in the drawer under the first register, “This is Taehyung, my brother, and Jungkook, his friend,”

“Hello,” Namjoon waves awkwardly.

“Hi,” Tae grins and Jungkook nods in his own greeting. Jimin learned quickly that when Jungkook wasn’t under stress from witnessing a murder, he became incredibly shy and all around quieter. Jimin thinks he’ll do fine making deliveries with Namjoon.

Jimin adds Taehyung and Jungkook to the schedule for the rest of the week and makes a mental note to go over it again with Seokjin later.

“I decided to hire them and Tae has experience with the product, so he should be fine as a sales consultant. Jungkook has experience with stocking and deliveries so that’ll be good.” Jimin explains as he replaces the schedule in the drawer.

“You hired people without talking to me?” Seokjin appears from the backroom with a box of lotion, “Jimin, dear, I am the self-appointed HR department. I handle hiring.”

Jimin snorts, “I know Seokjin-hyung, but Tae needs something to do during the day and Jungkook is broke and I owe him a favor.”

Jungkook is the one to snort and instantly looks like he regrets bringing attention to himself. Seokjin smirks and puts his box down near the shelf that needs restocking. He sizes Taehyung up first, “Well, Taehyung, why don’t you do the stocking for this shelf?”

Tae smiles and bounces over to begin doing his assigned task. Seokjin gives him a once over and grins, “You’re so cute, I can’t stay mad.”

“Hyung, you’re HR, isn’t that against a code to call your employees cute?” Namjoon scuffs. Seokjin glares at him.

“Considering we have two new employees and a small store, I could fire you,” Seokjin threatens but Namjoon doesn’t even flinch. Seokjin turns his stare to Jungkook and the boy shrinks under his scrutiny. “Jimin was right, deliveries could be your game. You could also bottle some of the product in the back since you look like you might die if I force you to interact with humans.”

Jungkook says nothing to disagree with Seokjin which only earns his approval, “Namjoon will show you where the deliveries are and how to work the system. Shoo shoo,”

Jungkook scuttles away and follows Namjoon to the back.

Things are quiet again and Jimin looks through the sales data from the past two days. Taehyung finishes stocking and Seokjin tells him to get another box from the back for the lavender conditioners. Jimin barely pays attention to this as a customer walks in and starts perusing the oils near the storefront window. He doesn’t notice when Seokjin walks up next to him.

“Are you okay?” Jimin startles but recovers quickly when he sees the concern on Seokjin’s face. He sighs heavily.

“I’m okay, I’m glad Tae’s back and I’m glad he’s okay. I just…” Jimin trails off and knows he can’t say anything about Goran. He wants to, but it’s too much. “His boyfriend was a real asshole.”

Seokjin squeezes his shoulder, “If I’m not being too presumptuous, I can tell.”

Jimin nods in understanding. He tries to come up with something to say, something to steer the conversation away from Tae’s deceased ex-boyfriend. Seokjin walks over to the other register before he has the chance. The customer from earlier, an older woman, has two small bottles of oil.

“Hi ma’am, are you ready to check out?” Seokjin greets with a disarming customer service smile that the woman blinks at, she seems to have forgotten what her purpose was for going up to the registers. She recovers quickly enough.

“Not quite, could you explain to me what this bottle is for?” She asks and Jimin starts to walk over since this is what he is there for after all, to explain the herbs and oils and their benefits.

“It’s a part of the Idaho Blue Spruce series, this in particular is the body oil which is mostly used for massages. It helps relieve tension and opens up the mind, doing so lowers emotional barriers. This is helpful in addressing trauma or strengthening a relationship.” Seokjin explains and Jimin pauses, impressed that he’s picked up that much. Idaho Blue isn’t a popular oil as it’s not well known. People usually just go for the basics: Lavender, jasmine, mint, etc.

“I see, but what does ‘safe in sensitive areas’ refer to? I would say my arms are rather sensitive to certain lotions and you said this is used in massages. I assume that means it’s safe on sensitive skin.” The woman seems curious more than anything, but there’s an edge to her voice that Jimin picks up on. She’s the type of customer that comes in and expects the products to work the first time and then comes in to complain after one use. In fact he thinks he remembers talking with her about another product only a few weeks ago.

“Well, I do have a pamphlet that explains the ingredients found in the essential oils. That can be extremely helpful in figuring out what ingredients cause a sensitive reaction in your arms. I also recommend just going to a dermatologist in case of severe allergy. I will say that when some of the bottles, especially our intimate section, say ‘safe for sensitive areas’ they mean if it is used on sensitive areas it won’t hurt you.” Seokjin continues to smile at the woman. Jimin suppresses a chuckle.

“How can you guarantee it won’t hurt my arms?” The woman argues, completely ignoring Seokjin’s initial suggestions. He takes an imperceptible breath before answering.

“I wasn’t referring to your arms. I was referring to people using body oils as lubricants during sex.” Seokjin bluntly states, “Idaho Blue Spruce is a wonderful essential oil for general relaxation but is commonly used during sex to increase libido.”

The woman blanches and sputters but still mumbles about getting both bottles. Once checked out she scuttles out of the shop. Jimin laughs and notices Taehyung has returned from the back and leans against a shelf from laughter.

“I don’t set out to make people feel stupid but when they ask for it--” Seokjin shrugs matter-of-factly. Jimin giggles.

“I’m impressed you know so much.” He praises. Seokjin blushes a pretty pink and adjusts his apron.

“I am familiar with our intimate selection.” He replies.

 Taehyung whistles and pokes Seokjin’s side. “Would you recommend Blue Spruce or Goldenrod if given the choice?” He smirks at the other.

“Obviously you can use them at the same time, but I am partial to Goldenrod because I’m a sucker for floral scents.” Seokjin recovers swimmingly, which Jimin would expect nothing less from the older.

He’s happy that a customer came up to the counter. The conversation they shared beforehand feels further away, a cloud that passed over the sun briefly.

The day passes in the same quiet and happy way. Taehyung smiles brightly and Jimin is happy his brother has some of his spirit back. Seokjin has adopted both Jungkook and Taehyung as if he were the boss they needed to warm up to. In some ways he is, Jimin admits. Jungkook listens to Namjoon’s rants about his online classes with rapt attention. Taehyung teases Namjoon, especially about the dimples. Jimin is happy that his friends are getting along so well.

Jimin forgets, for a time, the disastrous weekend he and Taehyung have been through. The memory of dead eyes and rotting flesh slipping away. Yet, he can’t shake it completely.

#

Taehyung appreciates Jimin for everything that he has ever done for him. He flew down to Arizona for him, got kidnapped with him, killed a man for him, resurrected a man for him, and killed that man again. Now he’s given him and his friend a job. He has a feeling he gave Jungkook the job because he feels indebted to him as well. Tae doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to pay Jimin back for everything that he has done for him. Jimin was smart enough not to get sucked into stupid shit.

He scuffs inwardly at the thought.

Then there’s Jungkook. He owes Jungkook a great deal now, but he didn’t call Jungkook barely able to form a sentence and begging for his help. He didn’t convince Jungkook to resurrect anyone. He asked if he could help bury a body and admittedly that’s a big request, but he didn’t ask Jungkook to come up from Arizona to Washington in the first place. 

It makes him wonder. 

It’s difficult to process that you’ve been beat up by your boyfriend. It’s harder knowing you and your brother accidentally killed him. It just gets harder when you and your brother then resurrect and kill him again. Point is, Tae has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t want to think about the implication of his friend helping him. He doesn’t want to question a person’s motives when he already has so much on his mind.

He’s walking over to Jungkook before he realizes it.

Jungkook has stuck to the back rooms and storage areas of Jimin’s shop. He’s being trained by Namjoon on the online store and how to handle deliveries. Currently he’s packaging different products to go out for delivery in the furthest back room, the one with the back door to the small loading dock. He’s alone as he does his task, Taehyung assumes Namjoon might be making a delivery. He hopes at least.

“Hey Jungkookie,” Taehyung greets and leans against the wall the packaging table is on. Jungkook startles and fumbles with the bottle of lotion he was wrapping in the hay Jimin uses as packaging material instead of tissue paper.

“T-Tae! Um, hey,” Jungkook still looks like he’s trying to get his heart rate down, attempts to be casual but Taehyung just chuckles lightly.

“How’s packaging and stuff?” Taehyung’s attempt at casual is more successful, if he does say so himself. He doesn’t want to lose focus, even though Jungkook’s face is red and it’s really cute.

“Good, Namjoon is super helpful.” Jungkook goes on talking about his new job and Tae is only half paying attention. He wonders how he should go about this. If he should be direct or not. He’s usually very direct, because he knows what he wants. But this isn’t picking someone up, this isn’t flirting for the sake of flirting. He has a serious motive.

He’s usually more respectful.

Jungkook shifts between looking at Tae and looking at his task. Taehyung sighs quietly, but Jungkook stutters anyway. Before he can say anything, Taehyung leans forward and takes Jungkook by the neck and kisses him. There’s a split second that Tae regrets being so brash, because that split second is Jungkook completely frozen.

Then Jungkook presses forward. They both melt into the impromptu kiss. Tae certainly feels gooey.

Jungkook wraps his arms around Tae’s bare waist and licks at Tae’s lips. Taehyung lets him in and the kiss heats up significantly. Jungkook grunts or moans, Taehyung can’t tell but knows he’s made some sort of noise of approval because he feels it in his mouth and throughout his body. He shivers in delight, even though making out against the storage room wall was not the plan necessarily.

He desperately wants to just let things play out, to let his hands move from Jungkook’s neck to his hair and down his body. Preferably, he wants to explore Jungkook’s waist and back and thighs-- especially the thighs, he would love to worship Jungkook’s thighs. The ugly pit in his stomach that’s opened up even further wins out over his desires. He feels like crying.

He pulls away and Jungkook instinctively tries to follow, but Tae puts his hand up and gently pushes Jungkook away. Jungkook’s blissed out expression morphs to confusion then worry. Taehyung knows his face has fallen, he wants to put on an angry face and storm off but instead he feels and looks pathetic. He pushes Jungkook further away and walks briskly out the back door.

“I’m such an idiot,” he mumbles to himself and really wants a cigarette, but Jimin doesn’t like him smoking and he promised he’d quit. It’s the least he can do. But god, he needs it or a drink.

He hates himself and he hates his situation and he hates Jungkook.

“Taehyung?” Taehyung really wants to keep hating Jungkook even though his voice is dripping with concern. It has to be faked, a mean voice in his head supplies. He wants to agree.

“Go away,”

“I would but I feel like we need to talk about what just happened.” Jungkook walks over and squats down next to where Taehyung is sitting and curled up by the wall.

“You didn’t get what you want and aren’t going to, so fuck off.” Taehyung hisses with a scowl firmly etched onto his features.

Jungkook frowns with confused anger, “What does that mean?”

“You know, I get it, I owe you a lot. I didn’t ask you to come here, but that doesn’t mean I don’t owe you. I get it,” Tae crosses his arms in frustration and is well aware he might look like a child, “I’m not a prostitute, though I’m sure some people think so. I’m a slut, yes, but one with standards and I don’t repay favors with sex. That’s not how I work. I don’t know why you think following me up here--”

“Taehyung!” Jungkook shouts and Tae flinches at the animosity, “I’m sorry, I know that was loud but you were rambling and I’m kind of pissed off.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes dismissively.

“I’m pissed off because you think so low of me.” Jungkook is quieter but the anger is still there, as well as hurt, “If I’m getting this right, you think I came all the way here so you’d feel indebted enough to sleep with me. That hurts… we’ve known each other for a while. I thought you knew me enough to know I wouldn’t do that.” Jungkook sits down on the ground completely, looking more and more like a kicked bunny rabbit, “I told you, I came here because I was worried. I tried to be rational about it, knowing I could call or text or email. I had to see for myself though, like I wouldn’t be convinced any other way. I haven’t made one move on you since I’ve been here. If you wanted me gone that first night, I would have left and I wouldn’t have said anything about owing me or the fact that there’s a dead person in your kitchen.

“And I don’t want to sound like a douchebag, but in there, you kissed me…” Jungkook trails off and avoids Tae’s eyes. Taehyung isn’t looking, out of guilt most of all.

“I just thought that if you kissed me back it would prove that that was all you wanted.” Taehyung feels incredibly stupid even admitting it.

“I kissed you back because I am a very weak man.” Jungkook admits, “I admit that I’ve liked you since San Francisco. Randy bragged about his hot boyfriend and his other boyfriend. He told me about this guy that loses his shit over animals and kids. His boyfriend who makes friends with everyone and cares about all of them as if they’ve been friends for years. This guy who makes luck charms out of crystals based on your zodiac, and burns incense to align his chakras not because the apartment smells like weed. I met this guy and he’s all of those things; He’s taken but he’s beautiful, kind, and magical. I didn’t even believe in any of that stuff, but I believed after meeting you because there’s no other way for someone like you to exist if there weren’t magic in the world.”

Taehyung looks up halfway through the speech and melts under the sincere passion in Jungkook’s words. His immediate instinct is to jump on Jungkook, whether to hug him or kiss him it didn’t matter. He wants to be close. Instead he just continues to melt.

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to be owed sex or because Goran the asshole is out of the picture. I came here because I felt like you needed as many people in your corner as possible. I felt it.” Jungkook blushes with the amount of stuff he just admitted to.

“I’m sorry,” Tae says quietly, almost inaudibly, “I just… There's so much going on. I feel like I was quick to trust people when I met Goran. I was burned so badly because of it. It’s also a lot to process… I was so happy knowing there was someone else that I could lean on, but my head kept reminding me what happens when I let whoever into my life. The thing is I do trust you, almost as much as I trust Jimin and my aunts. I care a lot about you too and the idea that you might end up the same way as Goran… or Hoseok…”

“Hoseok?”

“My brother’s boyfriend, he died a couple months ago. There’s a lot of baggage in my family when it comes to getting romantically involved.” Tae slouches with the weight of it all. “Baggage that makes us want to sabotage every potential relationship we have or could ever have. Or it’s just the trauma.”

Taehyung didn’t think he cared about the stupid curse, but maybe it’s something that stays in his head like a squatter.

“We don’t have to be, I like you a lot and would jump at the chance to be anything you want me to be. That doesn’t sound healthy when I say it out loud, but the point is if you need a friend then here I am.” Jungkook gestures to himself and smiles awkwardly. Taehyung giggles and reaches out for Jungkook’s hand.

“Thank you and I am really sorry about jumping you like that. It was unfair of me.” Taehyung squeezes his hand.

“If this were any other normal scenario I would ignore you for a couple days and sulk, but you’re right. You have a lot of shit you’re worried about and having some sleazy guy with an ulterior motive isn’t what you need.” Jungkook laces their hands together and offers a warmer and more reassuring smile.

“We should probably get back to work or Seokjin might fire us. Brother of the big boss be damned.,” Taehyung snorts at the idea and Jungkook gets up. He helps Tae up and they both head back in the shop.

Taehyung stops him before he goes back in, even though he was the one that suggested they get back to work.

“Jungkook, I want you to know that I like you too. I’m not saying we should just start dating, because it’s way too soon, but if you’d wait for me…”

“Absolutely.”

#

Jimin gets home around 5 with Taehyung and Jungkook. The house welcomes them with the smell of sage he associates with the house. He wants to say he relaxes after a long day at the shop, training both Tae and Jungkook on the register as well as attending to the usual string of customers. He wants to say he feels he can smile easier and just let go. He can’t.

He feels uncomfortable in his own home. The shadows are bigger and despite the sage in the air he feels incredibly cold. He looks over to Tae to see if he feels it, the icy finger of unwelcome. Taehyung’s face gives nothing away as he takes off his jacket and makes a casual joke with Jungkook. 

Instead of dwelling on the feeling he goes to find his aunts.

It’s not surprising to find them in the kitchen. A pot of some kind of brew is on the stove but so is food. Sora is cutting vegetables while Jessica stirs the food on the stove slowly. They both look up and smile, Jimin feels warmer now and is less uncomfortable. He still throws a glance at the kitchen window.

“How was work, dear?” Sora asks and scoops up the cut veggies. She goes over to the food and dumps them in.

“Good, found out Seokjin is a big fan of Goldenrod.” He smiles at the memory and the aunts giggle.

Jessica turns her attention to the brew. “Jimin can you get… let’s say six clay pots? With lids,”

Jimin nods despite her back being turned and heads for the pantry. He balances the small pots, about five inches in width and three in depth, and tries to do the same with the lids. He huffs in frustration as two of the lids fall and thankfully do not break.

“Need help, Minnie?” Tae leans against the frame of the door with an amused smile playing on his lips.

“Obviously,” Jimin sighs. “Thank you.”

“How are you, by the way?” Taehyung asks as he takes the lids from Jimin and the floor. His gaze shows his concern and Jimin isn’t sure what happened in the past five minutes that warrants the concern.

“I’m fine, Tae, why?”

“Jimin, you know why,” Tae’s face looks more frustrated, but the concern remains. Jimin nods and purses his lips.

“As fine as I can be, I guess.” Jimin shrugs. He’s not comfortable in his childhood home. He can’t seem to get rid of the smell of rot. Grossly bloodshot eyes pop up out of nowhere in his head and it takes him a few minutes to pull himself together. But he’s fine, all things considered.

“I… just…” A look passes over Taehyung’s face. The worry is there, frustration, but now most of all there is fear. His brows are knitted together and his grip on the lids is tight enough to make his knuckles white. 

Jimin wishes his hands weren’t full or he’d pull his brother into a hug, anything to ease the fear. Jimin realizes he may have been selfish, as if Tae isn’t just as uncomfortable as he is. It might be worse, even, considering what he went through with Goran. That alone can affect a person for a long while, pile on the fact that they tried to resurrect the asshole and then killed him again. Jimin’s own feelings are probably nothing in comparison to Tae’s.

“I’m sorry, Tae,” Jimin settles for walking over and gently bumping Taehyung’s shoulder. Taehyung smiles weakly.

“I like that you gave me the job. It was easy to pretend everything was okay. Really to the point I don’t think I was pretending.” Tae smiles a little bigger now and Jimin returns it.

They walk back to the kitchen to deposit the pots and lids on the counter. Jessica takes one and starts putting the brew in.

Sora is putting the food that was on the stove into a larger dish while Jungkook has taken up the chopping job. Taehyung goes over to his side, to watch or help Jimin doesn’t know.

“What is this for, by the way?” Jimin asks Jessica.

“A few of our committee friends needed a sealing potion. I don’t have a written recipe for it so they said that they could try reverse engineering it, as well as using it for small concealment until they could make the full batch. You need a full cauldrons worth of potion to seal a soul completely back to the grave, which is why they need to reverse engineer.” Jessica takes a deep breath of the potion before putting the lid on the pot and getting another one, “Our faces are going to be glowing for days! Sinuses, never been clearer!”

Jimin laughs but really doesn’t want to talk about death and spirits, “And for dinner?”

“We’re pulling out all the stops,” Sora exclaims, “soup, kimchi, roasted fish, gim-gui, fish cake, and because the spinach has been begging to be made-- sigeumchi-namul. The rice has been ready for some time and the fish is in the oven.”

Jungkook looks up from his chopping with wonder in his eyes, “That’s the most Korean food I’ve heard of since moving out of my parents house.”

“Never deprive yourself of your heritage, Jungkook-ah. American food is lovely but nothing is as important as kimchi and rice.” Jessica declares from her ministries with the potion.

And a dinner like that sounds good, more than good. The aunts make an effort to make a full meal as often as possible, but it has been a month since the last time. Jessica always teases that their mother would be appalled that they don’t do it every night. Jimin thinks that a traditional meal is probably the best healing he could ask for. 

The five of them sit down and eat from their very Western dining table, but that has been the way of the Parks since his and Tae’s grandparents immigrated. Well, their grandmother immigrated and their grandfather passed right before they were set to leave.

Jimin learns-- after the aunts ask enthusiastically-- that Jungkook is second generation. He blushes as he admits he doesn’t keep in touch with his parents, not like a lot of second gen kids.

“They’re not the biggest fans of my… choices. They aren’t dicks about it, but it’s uncomfortable.” Jungkook shoves a big fish cake in his mouth. Jimin understands, maybe not personally, but he understands why shoving a big fish cake in your mouth when you don’t want to talk about something.

Sora, the closest aunt to Jungkook, pats his hand resting on the table. She gives him an encouraging smile then picks up a large piece of roasted fish and puts it on his plate. Jungkook nods in appreciation, still trying to chew his fish cake. “Are you a soju kind of person, Jungkook-ah?”

Jungkook pushes his food to one cheek since it’s clear he won’t be swallowing anytime soon, “I like alcohol.”

“Oh good because we don’t have soju, we do have margarita mix and tequila.” Jessica grins. Jimin and Tae share an amused look.

Jimin didn’t know his first alcoholic beverage as a 21 year old would be a margarita. The aunts at midnight snuck into his room and proclaimed that his coming into adulthood ritual was to take place. He had been to many rituals and gatherings so he slogged out of bed and when he made it downstairs the aunts presented him with a giant glass of margarita. After that they would frequently make up some celebration or ceremony in order to have an excuse to drink margaritas-- specifically at midnight. By the time Tae came of age he already knew about the midnight margaritas and shot out of bed when Jimin was sent to procure him for the aunts.

“You couldn’t even wait for midnight?” Jimin says to the aunts as they gather the dishes.

“No, it’s not a special occasion, Min-min,” Jessica squeezes his cheeks and he grimaces at the name.

Jimin gets up to help clean the table. Jessica goes over to the old reliable blender and gets out the respective ingredients, some not found in a normal margarita but it wouldn’t be their family if there wasn’t a special ingredient or two. Taehyung makes himself useful by helping Jessi.

“Um… I can help with something,” Jungkook goes to get up but Sora puts her hand on his shoulder.

“Dear you are helping, your pretty face motivates us to hurry with the margaritas so we can sit down and see it again.” Sora pats his cheek which is now fiery red.

Tae and Jess are humming as they add each ingredient to the blender. Jimin gets the goblets they use for margaritas and five shot glasses. The two witches by the blender are now singing of all things, but Jimin is less than surprised. Their voices rise in volume and he watches as Tae slaps and secures the top onto the blender. At the song's peak the blender starts without anyone hitting the button.

Jungkook jumps but continues staring at the two in wonderment. Jimin thinks he might be staring solely at Tae, he’s probably not wrong.

Taehyung and Jessica hop and laugh in excitement like kids in a candy store.

Sora pours out the drink mixture into the five goblets and passes them out. Jimin takes a large drink and immediately relaxes into the alcoholic buzz and the special ingredients. He didn’t want to admit that a margarita was something he was craving, but he doesn’t deny it now.

“So, Jimin,” Sora begins with a long pull from her glass, “how are things on the Namjin front, I’ve been sending a few blessings that way but the spirits can be finicky?”

Each glass is emptied one by one, everyone more relaxed in the wooden kitchen chairs. They laugh without a worry and gossip about the entire town. Jimin regretfully informs Sora that Namjoon and Jin are still very oblivious at the moment. Taehyung asks about his old flames and friends, though he says friends with a slight sneer. He did hang out with a lot of people, but townies were always cautious and never stuck around. They became friends with the brothers out of burning curiosity and once they realized the brothers did not in fact sacrifice newborn babies to Satan, they left. So, the use of the word friend in relation to old friends from town was usually sarcastic.

“So, people still scorn you for being a witch? Tons of people claim to be wiccans or witches nowadays.” Jungkook looks extremely affronted, as if they were his family. Jimin liked that and agreed with the aunts with their approval of the younger.

“The thing is when our mother got here, being a witch wasn’t cool. She was nothing but a devil-worshipper or satanist or what-have-you. It didn’t help that things do happen when we get mad, little pranks or inconveniences usually. Someone called me, Sora, or Jinhee a ‘witch bitch’ and our mother wasn’t pleased by this.” Jess knocks back the rest of her drink, “The entire family ended up with chicken pox. It’s a little unfortunate that a few members had some complications, but nobody died and that;s what counts.”

Sora adds, “Not to mention Wicca is a religion, a very nice one as most can be, but it’s made up of green witches. They can sense things and practice basic charms and potions, anyone can if they respect magic and nature and the forces of the universe. What a few of us witches are are blood witches. We’re born with the gift, whether we like it or not. We’re not better, it’s just green witches chose the path.”

Everyone at the table takes on a somber expression.

“Good God, what have we done? We’ve made the conversation so boring and sad!” Jessica gets up and grabs the bottle of tequila and the shot glasses. “Let’s play a game. We’ve got three twenty-somethings in the house and sitting around the table gossiping like old bitties. What drinking games do you know?”

 She puts the glasses on the table and pours each of them a shot.

“What makes you think I know?” Jimin snorts and sips appreciatively at the tequila.

“I’m sorry Jimin I forgot and said three twenty-somethings when I meant two.” Jessica nods in understanding as if deadly seriously.

Jimin whines slightly at the jab.

“Never have I ever,” Taehyung smirks and looks around the table in anticipation, “Gone to bed at nine o’clock as an adult.”

“You’re so boring and a bitch,” Sora complains but downs her glass, both Jimin and Jessica do the same. Jungkook looks pensive, as if he doesn’t know. In the end he doesn’t drink.

Taehyung sits at one end of the table and to his right sits Jessica. She gives him an amused knowing look, “Never have I ever had more than one romantic partner.”

Tae gasps in outrage and downs his drink, slamming it on the table.

“Jessi you have,” Sora pokes her sister.

“I said romantic partner, that was sex sweet sister,” Jessica corrects and Jimin groans not interested in hearing about the details of his aunts’ sex life. He supposes that he doesn’t have a choice given Taehyung’s game of choice.

Sora goes next, “Never have I ever… gotten arrested.”

Jessica, Taehyung, and Jungkook drink. Jimin’s eyes widen at both Jess and Tae.

Jessica waves her hand at him, “I keyed the wrong car.”

“Public indecency,” Tae grins as if proud of his misdemeanor.

It’s not lost on Jimin that Jungkook is smiling off into the distance as if in memory, “What did you do, Jungkook? Or did you witness my brother’s indecency and that’s why you look so happy?”

Jungkook’s face goes red and he stutters and Jimin cackles.

A few more rounds go by and things become far more pointed at a particular person or another. Jimin doesn’t know how many shots he’s had. Things get louder, everyone seems to be laughing at things that aren’t even that funny. They start spouting off things that are just ridiculous at times.

“Never have I ever done magic!” Jungkook says to a chorus of groans.

“Never have I ever gotten a blow job!” Jessica laughs at the only three people with dicks.

“Never have I ever been forty-five,” Tae smirks.

“Never have I ever killed a man!” Sora shouts and no one drinks. Jimin, without thinking, downs his shot.

There is quiet. The mirth in the air fizzles out and cold reality takes its place.

He looks up in confusion at first, not knowing if someone had said something he didn’t hear. It occurs to him, however, when he sees the sobered expressions on the aunts faces. They don’t look upset, but pitying. Again he’s confused, because they shouldn’t know anything.

“Jimin, what happened wasn’t your fault.” Sora puts her hand on his and her gaze is pleading.

He realizes what they think he’s referring to and wants to assure them that he doesn’t think that. He didn’t believe that he killed Hoseok, but saying this would then make them ask why he had drunk then. If he still felt even a little drunk, maybe he’d have an excuse they would buy. As it is, he feels an icy wave of sobriety run down his back. He looks over at Tae but his brother seems preoccupied looking at the bottle of tequila.

“I-I wasn’t really thinking…” He stammers and sees Tae’s expression sobering. The expression turns to fear and Taehyung looks out the kitchen window above their heads in panic.

“Where did this bottle come from?” He asks, voice quivering. The aunts turn in confusion and hesitate. He looks from the window to the four of them again, more terror seeping into his voice, “ Where did this bottle come from?”

Sora shakes her head, “We found it on the porch, thought one of you had left it out.”

Tae looks Jimin dead in the eyes, trying to push his thoughts into him and it would normally work if their senses weren’t dulled with the alcohol. When he realizes this he gets up with the bottle and throws it into the sink. The sound of breaking glass makes the other four flinch.

“What’s going on?” Jessica demands, standing and walking over to Taehyung.

Tae shakes his head.

The broom, which was leaned against a cabinet, falls to the ground.

“Company’s coming,” Sora whispers harshly and goes to stand next to Jessica. “Nothing good, I can smell it,”

“I sensed it, but I thought it was lingering bad energy.” Jessica glares between Jimin and Taehyung, “What did you two do?”

Jimin stands, “We had a problem and we handled it.”

“Taehyung,” Sora turns to Tae imploringly but he shakes his head again.

“Do you have something you want to share, Jungkook-ah,” Jessica turns on the younger. He stares between all of them, his eyes landing on Tae and questioning what to do. He says nothing in the end.

“Well, since everyone wants to be so tightlipped,” Jessica heads out of the kitchen, “Let’s go Sora, they want to make messes they can clean it up themselves.”

Sora hesitates and looks again between the brothers. They say nothing and Sora nods before following Jessica out.

A door slams and then silence envelops the house.

Taehyung is gripping the sink, knuckles whitening from the effort. Jungkook gets up and staggers, probably forgetting he was still drunk, while Jimin sits back down. Jimin pulls his legs up on the chair with him and hugs his knees to his chest. The silence remains for a long while and the air is tense like a taut rubber band, any wrong move could snap it. Jimin doesn’t know which of them would get hurt worse; would it be all of them?

“What was that about?” Jungkook asks, speech slurred but clear enough for Tae and Jimin to find each other’s gazes.

“You saw what we did when you got here, Jungkook,” Jimin says and rests his chin on his knees.

“Yeah you killed someone, which is… bad,” Jungkook looks unsure.

“Bringing people back and killing them again is worse.” Taehyung explains, shoulders hunched.

“The aunts know that?”

“No, but they could sense something was wrong the minute Tae threw the bottle in the sink. The broom falling is a bad omen, one that signals an unwelcome visitor. They’re upset because they know we did something bad with our magic, but aren’t telling them. I don’t even know why…” Jimin explains but runs a hand through his hair in frustration at himself and Tae, mainly himself. “What was even wrong with the bottle?”

“It was his brand. They don’t even sell it outside of Arizona.”

The three sit in silence again.

Taehyung sighs deeply, “Kookie, Minnie, let’s just go to bed. We can deal with whatever problems come our way tomorrow.”

Jimin hears the exhaustion in Taehyung’s voice. Tae looks at the other two and Jimin can see prominent bags under his eyes, but he doesn’t remember seeing them before this moment. The fatigue in his brother’s face looks like it’s been there for days not minutes.

“Okay, Tae-Tae, lets go,”

Chapter Text

Act 3

Jimin wakes up with his head trying to cave in on itself. He wants to groan but he feels like any movement or sound uttered would just make the headache worse. He is reminded that just because his ability to act completely sober while having enough alcohol in his system to put the biggest man on his ass, it does not mean he is immune to the hangovers. It might be made worse with the events of night as well, which has not left his brain in drunken forgetfulness. Unfortunately.

He sighs after a minute of being awake and slowly makes his way out of bed. He sits up and waits for the nausea to pass before standing. He does the same before he actually starts moving. It’s Tuesday, he closes the shop on Tuesdays. He did this so he could ensure weekend business. It’s been the right move thus far and what with his entire body feeling like flaming shit, he’s glad he doesn’t have to go in for work.

He goes up the stairs to check on Taehyung, mostly, though he knows Jungkook is in the attic bedroom as well. He glances in and sees Tae hugging a pillow to his chest, Jungkook’s bed is empty and another glance to Tae tells him the younger is in fact not the pillow Tae is clutching. He goes back down the stairs, passes the aunts’ rooms and spares a glance.

Once in the kitchen he sees Jungkook by the stove heating something up. It’s in a pot too big for just one serving and he smiles a little at the thought.

“Good morning,” He croaks out and Jungkook, despite being normally jumpy the past few days, just looks up.

“Morning,” He seems pretty normal, as if he’s been up for hours, “The aunts left this soup with a note in the fridge. You won’t like what the note says but the soup smells good.” He passes a piece of paper to Jimin.

He reads:

If you wanted our help you would’ve said so. If you want to play with forces out of your control, then you can clean it up yourselves. The soup is Grandma Park’s famous hangover soup. We love you, hopefully we’ll be back in the nic of time.

Jess and Sora

He purses his lips and puts the note on the kitchen island. He looks over to the kitchen window, curtains still drawn. He doesn’t know what looking out would do, it’s likely it wouldn’t make him feel any worse.

“Thank you for heating it up, Jungkook,” He walks over to the coffee pot, not having the patience for tea.

“What do they mean by ‘in the nic of time’?” Jungkook asks and searches for bowls.

“For once, I don’t know,” Jimin shrugs.

A noise by the doorway makes him turn and find Taehyung, he looks miserable. Jimin wants to believe it’s just the hangover, but something in the bags under his eyes doesn’t look like one night of heavy drinking. Taehyung waves in lieu of a good morning and shuffles over to Jungkook, hooking his chin over his shoulder.

“Hangover soup,” He mumbles and takes a heavy inhale, “Where are the aunts?”

“The note’s on the island, Tae,” Jimin points at the paper and Tae picks up frowning. He drops it and walks over to the formidable kitchen window and opens the curtain a crack, just enough to look outside.

“Do you think they know?”

“Tae, they know somethings wrong but I don’t think they know every detail.” Jimin says but Taehyung shakes his head. The look on his face says he’s not shaking his head at Jimin but something else. His breathing is visible with how fast each breath is coming.

“Tae,” Jungkook walks over carefully, “Tae, what’s wrong?”

“Roses… we don’t have rose,” Taehyung murmurs and before Jungkook or Jimin can do anything Taehyung sprints out of the house. They follow him, confused at his abrupt exit.

He runs over to a rose bush that wasn’t there before. Jimin knows the aunts didn’t plant roses by the trellis. The thorny stems cling and climb up the trellis as if they’ve been there for years. Jimin doesn’t remember there ever being roses in the garden at all, roses aren’t even in season yet.

Taehyung pauses by the roses with fear and panic in his wide eyes, face pale and hands shaking. All at once he attacks the rose bush, pulling and ripping at the scarlet flowers and their stems. “He’s doing this, he’s making them grow, we have to get rid of them!”

Tae keeps repeating the same phrases with increasing distress as he frantically tries uprooting the entire bush. Jungkook rushes over and grabs Taehyung by the waist and yanks him up and away from the plant. Jimin understands Taehyung’s frenzied attack, especially with how on edge he seems. Anxiety filling his chest. Jimin can feel it in Tae as well as himself.

“Taehyung!” Jungkook has set Tae on his feet and turned him around to face him, “Breathe, please, follow me,”

Jimin watches as Jungkook touches his forehead to Tae’s and takes a deep breath, waiting for Taehyung to follow along. Tae eventually does and almost collapses. Jimin approaches them and takes Taehyung’s hand, not wanting to overwhelm him.

“Go inside, Tae-Tae, I’ll handle this okay. Just go inside with Jungkook, I’ll follow you guys. We’ll eat breakfast, drink coffee, and I’ll handle this.” Jimin rubs his thumb against Taehyung’s knuckles.

Taehyung gulps and nods. He and Jungkook head inside first and Jimin, with a glance at the roses, still mockingly tall on the trellis, he follows.

#

Jimin doesn't think that getting rid of the rose bush will help get rid of the unwanted company, but he does think it will ease some of Tae’s anxiety. Usually, his brother tries to stay upbeat when there is trouble and before the previous night he was doing just that. Now the fear is consuming him and Jimin can feel it. Unlike the quiet familial buzz he usually feels in the house, it’s a live wire hovering close to a puddle of water. Taehyung is either the live wire or he’s in the puddle below it.

Jimin gets the shears from the shed and starts hacking away. He didn’t put on gloves but he’s not being careful about the thorns or the shears. He can barely feel it, but the thorns scratch into his skin and he knows they’ll sting badly when he takes a shower. Doesn’t help he’s wearing a tank-top and shorts.

He’s not even sure he’s making progress. He’ll cut away a huge branching stem of roses and he finds an even bigger stem. It doesn’t help that the flowers are entwined in the trellis, making things even more difficult.

He heaves an annoyed sigh as another stem catches his eye.

“Not a fan of roses?” Jimin jumps, dropping the shears and spins around to face the voice.

A man who is no taller nor shorter than Jimin, wearing cheap jeans, a polo, and blazer. He’s Asian, but pale with brown hair. As he walks closer Jimin is distracted by his sharp eyes and full bottom lip. Once he’s a few feet away from Jimin, he can sense a small spark in the air like a far away bell ringing. Handsome, but deadly serious despite his dry joke.

“Um, no, not really,” Jimin crosses his arms, then uncrosses them. “We-- I wasn’t expecting anyone today? Can I help you?”

Jimin feels like he means it. He’s not being polite; he's genuinely asking this man if he needs help. He doesn’t know why he cares, he has too much to worry about.

“Yes, this is the Park residence?” Jimin nods, “Alright, I’m Yoongi Min, a private investigator and I’m investigating Goron Borislav on a string of murders in Arizona.”

Jimin’s blood runs cold, so cold he feels like he can see his every breath.

“This is Washington,” Jimin supplies unhelpfully and he grimaces once he says it. Yoongi’s mouth twitches as if he’s trying not to smile or laugh.

“Yes, I know, I’m looking for the last person to have seen Borislav and that happens to be a Taehyung Park. Are you his brother?” The investigator continues and Jimin crosses and uncrosses his arms again, trying to be casual and failing.

“Yes, how did you know Taehyung would be here? He travels,”

“Sources, is it alright if I ask you and your brother a few questions?” Yoongi takes out a small notebook and pen. Jimin tries to think of the best response, anything. He doesn’t even know if he should answer any of Yoongi Min’s questions. He’s just a P.I. not a real cop with warrants and government backing. However he does have some pull and can probably get the police involved.

“I’ll go get him, would you like to come inside? I can make tea,” Jimin starts walking towards the house before Yoongi answers. He decides that he and Tae can come up with something to say to the investigator. They can answer his questions and he’ll leave.

“Yes, that would be good, but tea is unnecessary,” Yoongi seems to be following.

The man seems legitimate, and he’s as sharp as his gaze and very to the point. It’s odd, considering he got Jimin’s attention by making a joking remark. Once inside, Jimin just tells him to wait in the kitchen and Yoongi says nothing, only nods.

Jimin takes the steps two at a time to get the attic and finds Taehyung looking a little better than he was at breakfast. He’s in sweats and a t-shirt, it’s more subdued than what Tae usually wears. Still, Taehyung looks fresh as he sits cross legged on the floor with a clear quartz in each hand and meditation music playing on a small bluetooth speaker. Jungkook sits next to him in a similar position though more awkward in his hand and foot placement.

“I hate to interrupt but we have an emergency.” Jimin says and Jungkook blinks a few times while Tae takes a few breaths to properly end his meditation.

“What’s the emergency?” Jungkook asks.

“There is a man here, a private investigator and he wants to ask us questions about…” Jimin looks at Tae with worry before he continues, “Goron.”

Taehyung takes a final breath and opens his eyes, “Okay, what did you say to him?”

“I said I’d come and get you. He said it’s because of a string of murders in Arizona.” Jimin shrugs and Taehyung gets up from the floor, Jungkook does the same.

Jungkook looks thoughtful, “I know about that, two Asian men and one Asian girl. Hate crimes.”

This bit of info doesn’t enlighten Jimin, it only adds to the list of things that made Goron an asshole.

“Well, we’ll answer his questions. Last time we saw Goron was a few days ago. He hit me, I called you, we left Arizona, and haven’t seen him since.” Taehyung states matter of factly. Jimin’s glad Tae is okay right now, but those bags under his eyes are still there as a reminder.

“What about me?” Jungkook interjects.

“You can just stay up here, he didn’t mention you,” Taehyung says with a little more worry and turns to Jungkook, “If you can avoid being a part of this on the surface, then do it, Jungkookie.”

Jungkook looks conflicted, he doesn’t do anything for a short stretch of time before he hugs Taehyung. Tae melts and buries his face in the crook of Jungkook’s neck, “Be careful.”

Jimin lets a small smile play on his face, happier than ever that Jungkook followed Taehyung here.

“I’ll see you downstairs,” Jimin leaves the space and goes back down the steps to the kitchen.

Yoongi is still in the kitchen where Jimin left him, apparently passing the time by looking at the different jars on the counter. They’re basic herbs, the more complex ones in the pantry and greenhouse. They’re more sensitive.

“It’s lavender,” Jimin explains when he sees which jar Yoongi has picked up. The investigator doesn’t flinch at the sudden arrival. “We keep the foxglove and oleander away from prying eyes.”

Yoongi hums in response, “Right, when was the last time you saw Goron Borislav?”

Jimin is a little offended by Yoongi’s bluntness. It’s not like Seokjin’ who’s blunt for laughs most of the time. Yoongi just seems uninterested in any form of small talk or friendliness. His expression is cool and gives nothing away.

“A few days ago, Friday night,” Jimin answers plainly.

If it wasn’t for Yoongi’s unreadable expression, Jimin would think he’s faltering. He’s probably used to people spilling their guts out for him. The investigator gives Jimin a onceover. “What do you know about him?”

“That he’s a piece of shit human who hurt my brother.” Jimin schools his own expression into something impenetrable.

“How so?”

“He hit me,” Taehyung says from the doorway. He’s changed into loose slacks and a blue sweater with stitching that makes it almost see-through. His smile is mysterious, the kind of mystery Jimin associates with flirting. He can feel an allure exuding from Taehyung and he almost rolls his eyes.

“He hit you,” Yoongi says and it sounds like it should be a question.

“Yep and if you have anything to say about a man getting beat up by his significant other then we have nothing else to say to you.” Taehyung still smiles, but he lets a warning slip into his gaze as he narrows his eyes.

“No, Mr. Park, other than an apology that you had to go through that.” Yoongi writes a note in his book. Jimin is taken aback by the sincerity in his tone. His face doesn’t change, but his voice gives it away, “But he hit you and you left, correct? Haven’t seen him since?”

“Yep and I hope I never see his face again,” Tae says with genuine disdain and Jimin doesn’t blame him.

“Whose car is in the driveway?”

Jimin freezes and knows they’ve fucked up.

“Goron’s,” Jimin says without another thought. Tae gives him an incredulous look and Yoongi turns to Jimin with a suspicious look in his eyes, aside from the coldness and suspicion they are very pretty eyes. “We took his car,”

“Why?”

“We needed to leave quickly, we shouldn’t have taken the car but we did.” Jimin crosses his arms and they stay there now.

Yoongi’s expression finally changes, his eyes widen a fraction and he frowns. Jimin ignores the fact that it looks like he’s pouting. His eyes look down at something on Jimin’s neck; Jimin reaches up confused. Yoongi stops his hand, “A scratch from the aggressive gardening.”

He smirks now and Jimin’s heart beats that faster.

“Do you mind if we sit down, I’d like to explain some things.” He says and he looks back up to Jimin’s eyes, “Maybe some tea would be nice.”

#

Jimin makes chamomile tea, straight chamomile. He wouldn't have minded getting out one of the ancient bottles of wine from the cellar, but he suspects Yoongi wouldn’t appreciate either him or Tae drinking. He does get the biggest mugs for himself and Tae. “So, are you from Arizona?” He hears Tae ask.

“I was raised there since I was ten,” Yoongi answers absently from the sound of it.

“Were you born in America?” 

“No,”

“Oh, me and Jimin were born here, our grandma came over.” Taehyung’s bravado seems to be dying, nerves slowing taking over, “Well, our dad was born in Korea, I think,”

“Yeah, Busan,” Jimin adds helpfully as he pours out the tea. He adds a copious amount of honey to Tae’s, a spoonful of sugar to his, and brings over the honey and sugar to Yoongi so he can choose for himself. Jimin sits down to the right of the investigator.

“I was born in Daegu,” Yoongi offers, for once, and drinks his tea without adding anything, “This is good,”

“We grow the chamomile ourselves,” Jimin shrugs, “You won’t find fresher tea leaves anywhere else. Except my shop,” He blames Jin for being a salesman, can imagine his satisfied smile at his pitch.

“Right, well, let’s get to it,” Yoongi takes another sip of tea and pulls out a few things from the inside of his jacket. Jimin is getting used to Yoongi’s brand of professionalism. Tae isn’t as forgiving and frowns at the investigator, “Goron Borislav came here to the states wh--”

“He was fifteen, yeah,” Tae interrupts and takes a gulp from his tea.

“Right,” Yoongi seems less than bothered by Tae’s interruption, “And he’s had a handful of misdemeanors, up until five years ago. A young Asian American man was murdered: strangled. A year passed and then another young Asian American man in the same way. One was a Japanese exchange student and the other a Taiwanese immigrant. The third victim was different and the police have written it off as not the same killer. The victim was a college girl, Korean immigrant. All three victims were Asian and all three were branded… is this too much for you? We can take a minute.”

Yoongi looks at Taehyung now considerably paler. He looks up, as if not realizing Yoongi stopped talking, “It’s fine, go on,”

“Do you mind if I show you the brand, perhaps you can tell me anything if it’s something you recognize?” Yoongi is more hesitant now, after noticing Tae’s discomfort. For some reason, Jimin feels some comfort at this.

“You can,” Tae says.

Yoongi puts a small photo on the table. Jimin can’t tell where on the body it was done, but he can guess it was on the man’s leg. It’s a crest, an odd crest. He has seen the crest before and gets flashes of that night, Taehyung’s shouting and Goran’s growl. He feels his own face pale.

“Do you recognize it?” Yoongi asks carefully.

“His ring,” Tae says quietly, not answering Yoongi, only stating a fact to himself. Yoongi nods anyway.

“Police want to believe there is no connection between the young girl and the other two victims, which is why I’m here, on behalf of the victim’s family.” Yoongi explains, “Do you know where Borislav could be?”

“We haven’t seen him, I don’t care where he is.” Tae’s demeanor switches again, angrier and more defensive.

“Tae, he’s just doing his job,” Jimin tries to catch Tae’s eye, but he’s staring at the table. His eyes narrowed and arms wrapped around himself.

“It’s fine,” Yoongi assures, “I’ve been investigating this man for a few months. I wouldn’t want to talk about him if I didn’t have to. From what it sounds like you went through a lot, I understand. I am trying to find him, so if you can think of anything that could help it would be appreciated.”

Taehyung glares at Yoongi for a minute longer before it lessens and Tae takes another gulp of tea. He lets it sit in his mouth for a bit before swallowing and taking a deep breath.

“He went missing for an entire three days about six months ago. He said he’d be gone and that he wanted me to wait for him. I did… wish I didn’t, but I did. That was the only time in our time together that that happened. Of course, I left for a day or two at one point… I don’t think he did anything then.” Tae tells him, “That’s it, that’s all I know other than I’m less than surprised that he would do something like this.”

Yoongi nods his head distractedly, “You were together for how long?”

“A year and half,”

His frown deepens and he gets up, “I’m going to call a tow company to get the car, I’m just going to look through it and see if I find anything. Here’s my card if you remember anything, you have been very helpful.” He gives them a plain white business card: his name, job title, and number. “I’ll be in town for a while longer, but I should be going. Thank you for your time,”

Jimin gets up to walk him to the door, considering he came in through the side door with him earlier. He looks over his shoulder at Tae, he hasn’t moved and has taken to staring off into space. His face is ashen and the exhaustion is back full force.

Yoongi nods at Jimin as he opens the door for him, “Make sure to clean those cuts.”

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that,” Jimin wanted to sound sarcastic, but ended up sounding unsure, out of breath. Yoongi nods again, he hesitates on the threshold with a look of concern as if he doesn’t want to leave. He doesn’t say anything, instead he turns and walks down the porch steps towards Goron’s car.

Jimin closes the door and goes back to the kitchen to find Taehyung making more tea. He’s back to normal-- aside from the eye bags-- and is looking through the jars of tea leaves. 

“He seems nice,” Tae says as he scoops lavender tea leaves into the infuser. Jimin walks over and hugs his brother and Tae relaxes into it.

“Yeah, like those mustached men in detective dramas are nice.” Jimin replies even though he disagrees.

“You don’t fool me, Jimin Park,” Tae nudges Jimin’s side, “He’s cute.”

“You acted like you wanted to bite his head off the entire time.”

Taehyung pauses in his task and bites his lip, “I did act like that, didn’t I?”

A sliver of worry finds its way into Jimin’s thoughts. The look on Tae’s face isn’t entirely confused, but there is something in it that makes Jimin feel like Tae doesn’t understand his own actions anymore than Jimin does. Jimin lays his head on Tae’s shoulder.

“I’m sure it’s because it’s not the nicest of conversations. It was hard enough for me to hear about the things he did. And I didn’t know him.” Jimin reassures Tae, but Tae doesn’t look much better. He manages a minute smile.

“Well, that’s why I’m making a shitton of lavender tea. By the way we’ll need more lavender tea.” Jimin chuckles quietly as Tae puts the kettle on.

They sit and listen as the water begins to boil.

Taehyung slumps against Jimin and whines, “I haven’t been getting a lot of sleep. If the giant eye bags don’t give it away. I get woken up by nothing… Jungkookie doesn’t snore that loud and I’m used to the creaks and groans of the house. I think it’s my insomnia, but I don’t wake up in the middle of the night when it’s  insomnia. I just can’t sleep. I wake up and go over to the window-- no reason, I just stare for a minute and then go back to bed. I swear this has to happen at least three or four times in a night.” Taehyung’s breathing has gotten shallow and rough, Jimin pulls Taehyung closer the best he can, “I… I think it’s him.”

“Tae-Tae,” Jimin shushes him and starts subtly rocking back and forth to sooth, “It’ll be okay, it’s only been a week. Healing takes time.”

“Minnie, the aunts wouldn’t have left if they didn’t feel it,” Taehyung clings his brother.

“They wouldn’t have left if they thought we were in any danger,” Jimin believes this, but he has a small bit of doubt. Tae is right, they’ve all felt it. An unwelcome guest has found his way into their home, the problem is it’s Jimin and Tae’s fault. Jimin doesn’t mention it, because he knows Tae’s thinking it too.

The kettle starts screaming and they stay in their embrace for a moment longer. After the moment is up, Tae extricates himself from Jimin’s arms and pours out the water into their mugs. They go to the living room instead of the kitchen table and sit close together on the worn out velvety couch. Taehyung throws his legs over Jimin’s lap and relaxes.

“Do you think he’d turn us in if he found out we killed him?” Tae asks, voice lighter.

“I don’t know, he’s… weird, maybe that’s how all detectives are,” Jimin drags his finger around the rim of his mug, the tea inside consequently starts to stir into a whirlpool. “He’s professional and to the book, and oddly sweet. He has this vibe…”

“Yes, a vibe, like a cop and a good person mixed into one.”

“Taehyung, cops aren’t inherently bad people,”

“I know, they’re pretty great to straight, Christian, white people.” Tae shrugs and Jimin snorts, “Anyway, political jokes aside, he seems like an enigma.”

“We don’t know him that well,” Jimin keeps his gaze on the turning tea, slowly mesmerized by it. Jimin doesn’t talk about the pull he feels. When Yoongi left the house, Jimin wanted to go after him. He wanted to tell him everything. He couldn’t explain it, but lying to Yoongi didn’t sit right with him. In the midst of the conversation, he thought it was just guilt. He wasn’t a criminal, so it only made sense that he didn’t want to lie. Now, he remembers that he didn’t really care about telling anyone about Goron’s murder. He didn’t like knowing that killed someone, but Goron tried to kill his brother. Jimin would kill Goron a third time if he had too.

Yet, Yoongi’s very presence made it hard for Jimin to remember his vindication.

“We know people, though, maybe not as well as I used to think,” Tae hesitates, “But we know people if we listen to our senses. Usually PI’s get paid-- hence ‘private,’ but he doesn’t seem like he’s only doing this for the money.”

“Yeah,”

They fall into a casual silence, sipping at their tea and reveling in the comfort they offer each other.

Jimin draws patterns onto Tae’s legs, thinking about the look Yoongi had on his face before he left. He didn’t understand it, but it was like Yoongi knew Jimin wasn’t exactly safe. Jimin doesn’t know what Yoongi could do to make him feel any safer, though.

A cop offers nothing in the way of protecting them against restless spirits.

Chapter Text

I'm sorry I'm making this a chapter, but I will not be continuing this work. Maybe in the future I'll pick it back up and continue it but not in the coming future. Thank you to those that liked the work. Have a good day!