Chapter Text
Love always comes unexpectedly. Jisung and Minho had hundreds of galaxies and aliens between them, but still, they encountered each other in the vast universe. There was only one valid explanation for that: fate.
Understanding how lucky they were, they spent the entire day exploring the star, holding hands, madly in love. Responsibilities? Who cares about them? After they walk around all the nearby spots, Jisung suggests visiting the waterfall he created a few years ago to impress Minho, and he gladly accepts to travel the long distance until they find the mystic spot deep in the forest.
"I can't believe you have a waterfall in your star! Why didn't you bring me here before? You don't love me. Is that it?" Minho questions with a frown, lying on the pinkish grass of the star and enjoying the sweet afternoon breeze, resting his head on Jisung's thighs.
"No, idiot. I wasn't going to show you around when you were practically a stranger who crashed on my star a month ago. This is a special place, not some tourist attraction for intruders." Jisung rolls his eyes, scratching Minho's scalp lovingly.
"But I'm no longer a stranger, and you love me? Right? RIGHT!?" Minho's relaxed expression changes, looking at Jisung threateningly.
"About that..." Jisung teases with a full grin on his face.
"Well, shit. I confessed my feelings to you last night, and you still consider me a stranger. Good to know you don't love me, Sweetheart."
Minho stands up and huffs in annoyance. He turns his back to Jisung to hide his smile and tries to walk away, but Jisung is fast enough to wrap his arms around his waist. The Asterin giggles cutely and presses his face on Minho's back.
"You are so dramatic! Of course, you are not a stranger anymore, and I love you so much." Jisung kisses his neck before Minho turns around to face him.
"I was thinking today was the most romantic day of my life, but you keep being annoying," Minho complains, trying to detach himself from Jisung's grip.
"You still love me, though? Even if I'm annoying?"
"About that..."
Jisung tightens the hold on his waist almost painfully, so Minho turns around, tickling him to get revenge. They start pushing and pulling each other between laughs, whispered loving words, and insults (because Jisung hates tickles) until they lose balance. Minho is fast enough to turn their positions for Jisung to land on his chest instead of the hard soil.
"You're such an asshole! I hate tickles, and you know it! I hate you!" Jisung complains with a pout, not meaning any of his words and caressing Minho's cheek with adoration.
"Jisungie..."
"No. Shut up. You don't love me. If you did, you wouldn't have tickled me." Jisung smiles when he feels Minho's strong arms tugging his waist to be closer. The Noctis loves physical contact more than words, and Jisung happily accepts his clingyness.
"Jisungie..."
"No."
"I will call you Jisungie the whole night until you understand how much I love you." Minho threatens him with a wink and his stupid smile.
"Too corny! Eww!"
"Jisungieeeeeeeeeee"
"I don't careeeeeeeeeeeee!"
"JISUNGIE!!!!"
"SHUT UP!"
"Jisungiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeee."
"Ugh! Fine, I love you too." Jisung fakes annoyance but loves being called Jisungie, knowing it's Minho's way of saying I love you .
They remain silent for a while, enjoying each other's presence. Jisung has his head on Minho's chest, listening to his steady heartbeats and the calm sound of the water running nearby. He feels at ease as if he has waited for this moment his entire life.
"By the way, I got a call this morning. I need to return home tonight." Minho admits with a frown, noticing how Jisung tightens his arms around him.
"No."
"What do you mean no ? I have to leave. You can't stop a higher officer from doing his duty."
"But I don't want to be apart from you." Jisung knows he's been selfish but doesn't want to say goodbye to Minho yet.
"We don't have to be apart. You can come with me." Minho whispers. He holds Jisung's body closer to his own. Not even the air is allowed to be between them.
"So you declared your love last night just to kidnap me today? How could I be so naive?" Jisung chuckles, nuzzling in Minho's neck and taking in his musky scent.
"Is that a no?"
"About what?"
"You coming with me? I want you to." Minho's voice is no longer confident. He sounds so vulnerable, and that makes Jisung shiver.
"Wait. Are you serious?" Jisung sits as if Minho's words have burnt him. He can feel his heart beating faster and his star changing its color. Is that how it is for Minho's species? After confessing their feelings, they just...? Is Minho trying to take advantage of him? Does he think Jisung is an easy catch?
"I mean it, but..." He stops talking when he notices that Jisung is slightly trembling and that the star's surface is becoming purple. "Are you okay, my love?" Minho sits with him, taking Jisung's face between his hands and looking at him with concern. He wonders what he did wrong for Jisung to panic. The purple light means anxiousness, right?
"I-I don't know what to say," Jisung admits, adverting his gaze.
"It's okay if you are too tired today. We can talk about this tomorrow. Don't worry too much. Should we return home?"
Jisung nods, feeling better now that Minho has dropped the topic. He waits for Minho to stand up first to make grabby hands at him. The Noctis groans and complains about Jisung's laziness, but after a while, he accepts carrying his lover home. The silence surrounding them this time is uncomfortable, but they act like it's not.
☀🪐☄
Minho prepares dinner as always, and Jisung goes to feed the squirrels with a lump in his throat. Minho can't be serious about his proposal. They declared their feelings for each other last night, so Jisung is not ready to be with Minho in that way. He would love to do it in the future, but they are too young right now. Jisung has to find a credible excuse to reject Minho's proposal. But how? He doesn't want to hurt his feelings.
"Dinner is ready!"
Jisung startles at the call but quickly enters his house, trying to remain calm. Minho is already sitting at the table with his legs slightly parted. Jisung is about to question him when Minho grabs his wrist and makes him sit between his legs.
"W-what are you doing?" Jisung stutters, surprised at the sudden proximity.
"Eating? Duh." Minho tightens his hold on Jisung's waist and passes him his plate, expecting Jisung to eat as well.
"You want me to eat like this? Let me go, idiot. I have two chairs in this house for a reason. I can barely move here!"
"Too bad. I'm comfy this way."
"Minho!"
"If you want to leave that badly, hurry up and eat your food." Minho smugly watches Jisung huff in annoyance, giving up while eating his dinner with a frown. He complains but ends up pressing his back into Minho's chest, sighing comfortably. Minho chuckles and holds him tight until they finish eating with a grin plastered on their faces.
When they head to bed, Minho lulls Jisung to sleep before taking out his communication device. He knows he has to clarify things with Chan as soon as possible to avoid losing his job as an officer.
"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!?" Chan answers as soon as Minho calls, instantly frowning when he notices Minho is lying in bed as if he has nothing better to do.
"Well, hello to you too. I'm glad to see you're healthy. How's everyone doing?" Minho fakes nonchalance as if he hasn't avoided his responsibilities all day.
"Fuck off, Minho. I'm not in the mood."
"I know you are mad, and I'm sorry. I really am. I was going to return tonight, but my Jisungie started feeling tired, and I couldn't force him to come with me, so I..."
"Shut up. Who the hell is your Jisungie! ?"
Minho huffs at being interrupted, but he directs the communication device to focus on Jisung, who is cutely wrapping Minho with his arms. Chan melts at the sight but averts his gaze, trying to remain solemn. He is a commander, so he shouldn't let his guard down by a cute display of affection.
"I will return to the headquarters as soon as Jisungie feels better, I promise. Give me one more week." Minho pleads, caressing Jisung's antennas.
"Minho, you have been absent for more than a month. I can't keep lying about you to the higher officers at the headquarters, or they will assume the worst about you. They are still trying to capture the responsible ones for the destruction of our planet, remember? We can't take any risks."
"But..."
"I'm glad you found someone you love out there, but you should remember I am your commander, and I need you here. Now." Chan knows he will change his mind once he looks at Minho's pleading eyes, so he lowers his gaze. He has a weak spot for his friends, but also has responsibilities to fulfill.
"Give me one more week. I promise to be away from this sector for as long as you wish in my next mission but give me one more week with my Jisungie. Please." Minho tightens his hold on Jisung, who has been soundly sleeping, mumbling nonsense but tightening his hold on Minho's shirt to ensure he is still with him.
"A week is too long. I need to send you somewhere in the next ten hours." Chan rubs his eyes, trying to keep his temper under control. He has a lot going on in his mind and can't risk the well-being of his team.
"Send me to a mission near my current coordinates, and I'll return home in a week. I promise." Minho can hear the soft snores of the alien curled on the bed with him, their limbs interwinding like puzzle pieces. It pains him to think of leaving Jisung, but he knows Chan is right. He promised to protect the galaxy, and he can't quit. Chan contemplates his proposal and sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance.
"Ahhghh! Fine! I'll send you a new uniform tomorrow for you to look presentable and not like some piece of shit. I'll also send you the coordinates of a planet nearby with a mission, but if you don't return here as promised, I swear I'll cut your balls and sell them to the space pirates!"
"Kinky. Why are you thinking about my balls? You could sell any other part of my body." Minho teases his commander, loving how Chan flushes red, trying to justify himself. "I'm impressed you took note of Seungmin's insults. But stay away from him in the future, okay? He is a terrible influence. I can't believe I heard my commander scold me so vulgarly." Minho fakes offense, grinning when Seungmin appears out of nowhere, ready to fight.
"Fuck off, Minho!!" Seungmin shouts on the other line. Chan chuckles and ends the call before they start arguing like immature idiots.
☀🪐☄
As promised, Minho goes to a nearby planet the next day to help the habitants. He ends up capturing several thieves and helping to build a new school. Jisung works in his star until nighttime and doesn't hesitate to jump on Minho's arms when he returns.
"I missed you so much!! What took you so long? " Jisung kisses his temple, feeling Minho hug him tighter, squeezing his waist. He swears Minho is obsessed with it.
"Clingy."
"Says the alien who has to eat with me between his legs like an idiot."
Minho huffs, offended. He lifts Jisung off the ground to drop him over his shoulder. Jisung squeaks and tries to break free from the painful grip of his lover. Minho turns around and walks directly to his ship as if he is kidnapping Jisung.
"Let me go, idiot!"
"Or what!?" Minho challenges, playfully smacking his ass. Jisung is so light that he can carry him with one arm.
"Or-Or... Or I'll cry!" Jisung stutters, tightening his grasp on Minho's uniform. He isn't scared. He is actually too shy to admit he likes it when Minho displays his strength like this.
"My Jisungie will cry if I kidnap him to come with me? But I love him so much."
"Then put me down! I made dinner for you, and it's getting cold."
Minho stops dead in his tracks. Jisung hates cooking that's non-debatable. But even if Jisung avoids the kitchen like the plague, he cooked something for him. Minho blushes at the revelation and puts Jisung down to hug him again. Jisung smacks his bicep playfully but melts in the warm embrace.
"If you prepared soup of roots, I'd rather eat grass," Minho whispers in his ear. Jisung chuckles and detaches himself from the hug, kissing Minho's nose.
"Eat whatever the hell you want. I'll even give you the squirrels' food." Jisung pouts, trying to appear hurt, but Minho knows the sparks in his eyes show he doesn't mean it.
"Whatever I want? What about eating you?"
Jisung doesn't answer and rushes back home, trying to hide his blush and failing miserably. He serves Minho his dinner and appreciates the effort of his lover, eating his nasty food without throwing up. He sits between Minho's parted legs and enjoys the feeling of their hot bodies pressed together.
"So, about my departure, I'd love for you to come with me to this special dinner by the end of the week because..."
"You are tired, Min. You can barely keep your eyes open." Jisung interrupts him before he can finish talking. Suddenly, their closeness is too much for Jisung, so he straightens and gets up. Minho is about to argue, but Jisung shuts him up with a kiss. "We'll talk about this tomorrow."
Minho yawns, nodding his head and following Jisung to the bed mindlessly. The older falls asleep first due to his hard work during the day, so he misses how the surface of Jisung's star turns angry red.
Fear.
Jisung is terrified.
☀🪐☄
Their routine becomes awfully domestic. With Minho leaving to work on the planet assigned to him by Chan and Jisung working on his star, they build a new routine that makes their hearts flutter. When Minho lands on the star, Jisung runs to envelope him in a tight hug and kisses his face like they haven't seen each other in centuries. Minho loves the attention and carries Jisung home every time, knowing his lover is tired from all the physical work he has to do growing plants in his star. Minho cooks their dinner because he can't trust Jisung enough with the food, and they sit impossibly close to each other, with Jisung between Minho's legs or directly on his lap.
They are comfortable. They are happy. But they know that as the days pass by, the tension between them grows. Jisung loves Minho, but he can't accept his proposal. Jisung always finds new excuses to change the topic about Minho's departure, and during the night, he waits for Minho to fall asleep to show his emotions, letting his star shine in dark shades of red and purple.
At first, Minho doesn't insist when Jisung changes the topic, but the week is almost over, and he has to leave soon. He knows he could easily drag Jisung out of the star in his spaceship, but Minho can't kidnap the love of his life just because he wants to show him his home. He loves Jisung enough to give him countless moons and every planet in the galaxy, but even with his intense feelings towards his Jisungie, Minho is losing his patience.
☀🪐☄
They have been arguing for about two hours now.
Minho huffs in annoyance. It's his last day with his lover, and they keep fighting over unimportant things. Minho loves him, but he knows Jisung is stubborn enough to keep them fighting for the rest of the day, so they should be careful before their bickering gets out of control.
"For the last time, Sweetheart, it's not that far! We can go and return in less than two days." Minho argues, rolling his eyes and stirring the fried eggs he is cooking for them.
"IT IS FAR!!!! I'll die if I go with you," Jisung is feeding the squirrels, avoiding Minho at all costs and listening to his stomach growl from hunger. Their dinner smells heavenly, and he can't wait to try Minho's new recipe. He is mad at him, but Jisung will still eat whatever Minho is cooking, even if it's raw or not condimented enough.
"YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE! Stop being dramatic!"
"How are you so sure I won't die, huh?" One of the squirrels jumps onto Jisung's lap and stares at him as if asking if Jisung is okay. He pats the squirrel and directs it to the food, appreciating the attention but ready to enter his house to confront Minho. If they are going to keep arguing, they should at least see each other in the eyes.
"I'm sure because I won't let you die." Minho mumbles, still focused on the stove and their dinner to hide his blushed cheeks.
"I can't get away from my star. I'm connected to it, remember?"
"Bullshit. You told me you could leave for a couple of days. I remember because I was worried when you said we had to go to the intergalactic market the first time, but you assured me you would be fine."
"That's different! The intergalactic market is not that far, so I won't die if I leave my star unattended for some hours, but your home is on the other side of the galaxy!" Jisung defends himself while serving them tea made of blue flowers and exotic fruits (his favorite).
"You told me you could travel thousands of miles if you returned soon enough to be with your star again. And even if we take a little longer, which won't happen, you would only get sick. You won't die, so stop using that excuse with me. Don't lie to me, Sweetheart. I have a good memory." Minho turns off the stove and serves them both a plate of food. Jisung sighs, annoyed by his lover. How can Minho remember all his weaknesses like it was basic knowledge?
"I have never traveled so far," Jisung admits with a pout, watching Minho organize the table and clean the kitchen.
"I know. But I want to spend the next few days with you before I get assigned to my next mission. I'll be far away from here so we won't see each other for almost a month. Maybe two, and I want to introduce you to my friends. Please, Jisungie, come with me." Minho pleads, hiding his face out of embarrassment. Is he being too desperate? Is Jisung getting tired of him?
Jisung shakes his head slightly but doesn't answer anything. Minho doesn't pressure him to talk. Instead, he takes a bite of his food. It has a sweet taste, but for some reason, he feels it getting bitter with every passing second. Jisung notices Minho parted his legs as in previous days, and his heart melts at the gesture.
Minho loves it when Jisung sits between his parted legs because he wants to be as close to him as possible. His clinginess is adorable, always dragging Jisung to sit with him, but now, his gesture has a deeper meaning. This time, it's not a demand. It's a request. If Jisung feels comfortable enough, he can sit between Minho's legs. If he doesn't, he can sit on the other chair. Minho doesn't want to pressure him today. He wants Jisung to choose everything by himself.
"Come here. The food is getting cold." Mingo mumbles, taking another bite, waiting for Jisung to get closer. He won't complain if Jisung sits on a different chair, but they should finish eating dinner because it's getting late, and they need to sleep. Both are tired and don't want to keep arguing with each other any longer.
Jisung doesn't hesitate to sit between Minho's parted legs and presses his back to Minho's firm chest. They eat in silence, their hearts beating in synchrony, but they still can't manage to align their thoughts and desires. What a shame. Even when their arms brush, they ignore each other until their stomachs are full. Jisung is the first to stand up, going to the sink to wash the dishes while Minho bathes. Jisung goes to bed first, waiting for Minho to join him, but that never happens. After half an hour of waiting, Jisung falls asleep out of tiredness. Minho takes advantage of this and grabs Jisung's supplies to stop moon pests. He surrounds the star and installs the long metal poles they used during the last full moon. Minho finally convinced Jisung to explain how the electric field worked after the incident where Jisung lost consciousness.
Minho stays awake the whole night but is satisfied when morning comes. He should leave in a couple of hours to arrive at the headquarters on time, so he activates the electric field and ensures everything is working before returning to the house.
Jisung wakes up expecting to find Minho lying beside him on the bed and panics when he isn't. He stands and rubs the sleep off his eyes before going to the kitchen, where he finds breakfast served and a freshly bathed Minho wearing his officer uniform.
"Morning," Minho spits harshly, noticing how Jisung scowls because he doesn't like waking up alone. Minho directs him to sit on the chair across the table and closes his legs to ensure Jisung doesn't sit in the same chair as him this time. Minho wants to look him in the eyes before leaving.
"Why you didn't come to bed last night?" Jisung questions, not even saying good morning before starting an argument. He should thank Minho for the breakfast. He should enjoy the last morning they will share for a while, but Jisung can't help but feel anxious about Minho's departure.
"I'm leaving today, so I placed the electric field in case you decide to come with me." Minho straightens his posture and forces Jisung to look at him. "Han Jisung, I'll organize a dinner with my friends to apologize for disappearing for so long and to introduce you to them. I don't want to argue with you about this any longer."
"Min, I can't." Jisung shakes his head, feeling his throat contract at the demanding tone of his lover. The light of his star turns slightly purple. Anxiousness, great.
"Why not? I promise to keep you safe. I know you are worried about leaving your star unprotected, so I installed the electric field for you to be at ease. We can even leave a camera recording if that makes you less anxious. I promise It'll only take us two days to go and return here." Minho extends his hand to take Jisung's, but the Asterin stands up from the table. He crosses his arms over his chest and shakes his head again.
"I can't. It's too dangerous. What if I collapse halfway? Or what if the star nucleus collapses in my absence?"
"But that has never happened before. You won't be far for long, and you can leave the squirrels inside your room to protect them." Minho stands up as well, trying to sound composed.
"I can't. I really can't, Minho. I'm sorry." Jisung turns around, feeling tears pooling in his eyes. He can't believe he is having an argument with Minho about this. He is scared. Minho should get it. He always gets it. Why he can't understand Jisung now?
"You can't!? YOU CAN'T!? Why do you keep saying that? I have listed all possible ways you can come with me while keeping your star safe. You don't trust me? Is that it?" Minho loses his patience at last. After a week of the same problem, he admits he is tired of Jisung's denial. Jisung is always saying no without specifying why. Minho doesn't understand what's wrong with him.
"S-stop! Don't raise your voice." Jisung mumbles. He is still not facing Minho, hiding his face with his hands. His star is still emitting a purple light, slowly becoming blue. He hates shouting because it makes him sad.
"Then answer the fucking question! Why can't you come with me!?"
"I-I just..."
"What? Do you think I want to hurt you? I won't. I promise I'll take care of you!"
"That's not it, you don't understand!"
"Then make me understand! What's wrong? Talk to me, Jisung. Trust me, please."
"I can't, Minho. I can't go with you."
"YOU CAN'T, OR YOU DON'T WANT TO!?"
"I DON'T WANT TO GO WITH YOU, OKAY!?" Jisung snaps as well, not realizing the effect his worlds have on Minho. "I don't want to leave my star unattended for your stupid dinner! I don't want to, so shut up about it already!"
His harsh words shatter Minho's heart into small pieces of sorrow, and he remains silent. With hot tears running down his cheeks, Minho goes to the kitchen for his communication device and chugs the rest of his breakfast drink. Since Minho hasn't answered anything, Jisung turns in time to see how Minho is wiping his tears harshly.
"Min, I..." He tries to get closer, but Minho takes a step back.
"I can't read minds, Jisung. I don't know why you are so defensive about leaving your star, and I wish you could be honest and tell me what's wrong. If you didn't want to come with me, that's fine, but you didn't have to be an idiot saying it like that." Minho exits the house, holding back more of his tears and avoiding Jisung's apologies.
"Wait, Min. I didn't mean to sound so harsh. I just..."
"We could have talked about this before, Jisung. But you kept making excuses all week, and now I have to go." Minho knows he should be patient with his lover, but Jisung's words hurt him. They know they are different. They still don't understand their traditions, but Minho always encourages Jisung to open up.
Minho's species is diplomatic. They adapt when they visit a new planet to avoid hurting other aliens, but Jisung's species is always alone. They don't tend to be closer to lots of aliens. They like being alone, dealing with their feeling and thoughts in silence. Minho knows Jisung needs his space, and he understands there are certain boundaries he can't cross yet. But he wishes Jisung was more understanding towards him and his feelings.
Minho has almost reached the ship when Jisung holds his wrist. His big doe eyes are watery with blue tears, and the surface of the star is emitting a sad blue light. Minho tries to stay strong, ignoring Jisung's pout and lovely eyes. He tries to get away, but Jisung only tightens his grip.
"Jisung, let me go." He tries to fake a stern voice, hoping Jisung doesn't notice his trembling body.
"N-no. I don't want you to leave like this." Jisung tries to get closer to touch his face, but Minho doesn't let him. "I didn't mean... I know we should have talked before, but I was scared, and you..."
"Scared of what? Of me? You don't trust me?" Minho huffs, shaking his head in disbelief. After protecting and helping him ever since he arrived, Jisung doesn't trust him. Minho feels like crying again.
"No! Of course, I trust you, Min. I'm actually scared of..."
An explosion is what stops their argument, taking them both off guard. Minho instantly changes into officer mode and places himself in front of Jisung protectively. His emotions lose importance when Minho realizes spaceships are wandering nearby. They don't have anything against Jisung's star, but they are too close. Minho is about to ask Jisung to enter his house when he receives a call from Chan.
"Minho! please tell me you and your lover are not on a ship." He asks in a rush. He seems to be running, shouting orders to other officers while talking to Minho.
"No, I was about to enter my ship when we heard an explosion and..."
"Oh my, I almost had a heart attack! Get him somewhere safe in your location. Space police are having a hard time with a pirate, and they asked us for help. Since you are near, I'll assign you to it." Chan orders, not leaving room to argue but giving Minho a sympathetic smile.
"How many pirates? Are they armed?" Minho questions when another explosion makes Jisung tremble.
"Only one. Seungmin is after him, and the space police is not far, but our ships are faster, so it's better if you two get the pirate under control before the space police arrive."
"Leave it to me," Minho assures Chan and ends the call. He checks his gun and walks to his ship at a steady pace.
He is about to open the door when Jisung reaches for his hand. Minho stiffens, avoiding his gaze because he can't be weak now. He has to fulfill his role as an officer. His heart is too weak to confront Jisung now. He has to keep his lover safe, not argue with him.
"Get inside the house with your squirrels. Don't get out until the explosions stop, okay?" Minho tries to enter his ship, but the way Jisung's star shines red makes Minho turn around to face him.
"Min, I'm scared." Jisung mumbles with a trembling lip and panicked eyes.
Another loud explosion catches them off guard. Jisung shivers, and his star shines even more brightly out of instinct. Minho reacts then, forgetting his broken heart and stupid feelings. He cups Jisung's cheek and meets his wavering gaze.
"I know, Sweetheart. But I'll keep you safe, I promise. I'll always do it." He assures him, kissing his cheek and pushing him towards his home. "Go home now and stay away from the windows."
Jisung nods but doesn't move for a while, trying to get his shit together. He should move. He knows it, but something is keeping him from doing it. Minho notices his resistance, so he pushes Jisung again. He is still gentle but keeps pushing him as if he can't wait to get Jisung to safety. Another explosion resonates between them, making Minho even more anxious. He doesn't have time for this. He has to help Seungmin to capture the space pirate.
"Sweetheart, please, go home."
"You... You will come back. Right?" Jisung asks, finally understanding what is holding him back. He can't go home if Minho is not coming back. He can't bear the thought of living without him. He would rather die out here than return home without Minho.
"I..."
The following explosion is closer to the star than the previous ones. Minho can see the sparkles only restrained by the electric field, so he pushes Jisung again. The squirrels notice the danger and run toward Jisung, climbing on his legs and arms. Jisung reacts then, calming the squirrels and turning around to get them home. He is about to start running when he remembers Minho.
"I love you, Min. A lot." He states, noticing how Minho flinches and averts his gaze, blushing. "Don't forget about me."
"I won't," Minho whispers so low that Jisung might not have heard him. Jisung sprints to his home when another explosion impacts the electric field. He doesn't turn back this time.
☀🪐☄
The space pirate distracts Seungmin by using big explosions, not minding the planets and stars nearby, thinking he is clever enough to fool the officer. The pirate is so desperate to escape Seungmin that he doesn't notice the second ship chasing him. Minho waits for the pirate to get away enough from Jisung's star to shoot the engine of the pirate's ship, making him crash on a nearby planet. Seungmin and Minho land safely after the pirate, ready to neutralize him before the space police arrive.
"Minho! You were the one who shot the pirate's ship!?" Seungmin questions as soon he recognizes Minho a few meters away.
"Of course, it was me! Who else could have shot a moving object with such precision?" Minho answers, raising his eyebrows and displaying an annoying grin.
"Egocentric asshole. I missed you so much," Seungmin rolls his eyes but doesn't hesitate to envelop Minho in a quick hug after a month of not seeing each other.
"Chan won't believe me when I tell him you hugged me." Minho teases, returning the hug.
"Tell him that, and I'll make you sterile."
"What is it with you and your obsession with my dick and balls? All your insults are related to them. You even corrupted Chan, so his threats sound like yours now!" Minho complains, smacking Seungmin's butt.
"Me obsessed with you? Ewww." Seungmin detaches himself from the hug and frowns at the implication. "I'm just trying to stop you from having offspring. We don't need more aliens like you in this universe."
Minho is about to insult his friend when the pirate's ship shifts with the alien trapped inside, trying to break free. Seungmin takes hold of his gun and points it to the pirate while Minho walks to the crashed ship.
"Okay, piece of shit. Get out with your hands over your head, and don't try anything stupid or..."
"Baby, you'll let your friend insult me this way? I thought you were romantically chasing me. I wasn't expecting this horrific interruption in our courting session." States the pirate when he's finally free from his ship, following Minho's instruction but looking directly at Seungmin.
"Shut up. I wasn't..."
"You weren't courting me? I thought making out with someone was considered a sign of attraction." The pirate's eyes are not leaving Seungmin's body for a second, making the other shiver. Minho has to admit that pirates are usually pretty, but this one is more than that. He is perfect. He wonders if Seungmin hooked up with him because if he did, Minho would understand. And he will make fun of him later.
"Look, I didn't know you were a pirate. As soon as I realized you were, I had to capture you. Don't take it personally, Hyunjin. I'm just doing my job."
"Shame. I would have loved to date you for real, pretty alien." The pirate, Hyunjin, winks as a distraction before closing the distance between him and Minho, holding a sharp knife.
Minho is fast enough to avoid a mortal cut, but the knife still catches his shoulder. He hisses in pain, feeling the blood rolling down his arm, but he still tries to bring the pirate down. Seungmin shoots, but Hyunjin dodges it gracefully, focusing on getting Minho down. Both officers shoot until they run out of ammunition, having to fight Hyunjin hand-to-hand. If Minho had not lost so much blood, he would have defeated the pirate long ago, but he is starting to feel dizzy with every kick and punch he gives.
Hyunjin smiles, pleased with himself when Minho has to kneel on the floor, where most of his blood has pooled. Seungmin gets distracted by his friend, so he doesn't react in time when Hyunjin holds him by the collar of his neck, slamming him on the ground.
"Pretty Alien, I hope to see you again." He says dreamingly before kissing Seungmin open-mouthed. Hyunjin stands up and is about to leave triumphantly, without noticing Minho had refilled his gun.
Minho takes the chance to shoot him in the arm, making Hyunjin wince in pain, and before Minho can shoot him again, but now aiming at a vital organ, Seungmin stops him.
"Don't!" He pleads. Minho feels taken aback by the request. Since when did Seungmin become so soft? Nevertheless, Minho puts his gun down. Hyunjin kisses Seungmin one last time and bows to Minho out of instinct. He escapes into the forest before the space police can capture him. He'll probably hide for the night and convince a merchant to get him out of the planet tomorrow.
☀🪐☄
"I have so many questions," He says with a frown while Seungmin cleans the wound in Minho's arm.
"Good for you. I won't answer any of them." Seungmin presses into the cut, making Minho hiss.
"Fine. But Chan will love to hear about your little adventure with a pirate..."
Seungmin doesn't answer. Instead, he stands and leaves Minho struggling with the bandage. It's probably so loose that it won't contain the blood, but Minho doesn't mind. He wants to go home to tell Chan as soon as possible, and he is about to do it when he remembers the way Jisung pleaded for him to return to his star. He doesn't want to face him but fears Jisung will hate him if he returns in two months instead of now.
"Hey, you, the alien who fucked a pirate!" Minho calls Seungmin loud enough that most of the space police members chuckle.
"What the hell do you want?" Seungmin is blushing, but he still manages to look scary.
"I'll return to the star where I was living to get my things. I have to finish packing."
"Sure you have." Seungmin spits harshly, but he is aware he is not in a position to confront Minho due to their encounter with the pirate. "I don't care. Go fuck your alien toy tonight, and I'll see you tomorrow. Chan will be worried if he sees you bleeding like this today."
"Thank you so much, Seungminnie! I can't wait to hear how you seduced a space pirate tomorrow." Minho bids his goodbyes to the space police members before hugging Seungmin one last time.
"Don't tell anyone about Hyunjin." It's the last thing Seungmin says before parting ways, and who is Minho to disobey? He will blackmail him later, though. That's what friends are for.
☀🪐☄
Jisung is having a hard time staying awake. He is tired because the blue light of his star is not fading. Usually, he tries to remain calm so he doesn't get exhausted by his star shining in different shades of colors, but today is different because he can't relax thinking about his lover.
Minho left.
Minho is in danger.
He rejected Minho.
He hurt Minho.
Jisung loves him, but he can't- he doesn't want to go with him. He sighs, cuddling his squirrels and hoping to stay awake for Minho. He wants to see him again. It's possible that Minho got tired of him and decided to leave forever, but Jisung still hopes to see him again. He wants to apologize. Maybe even make a deal about Minho's proposal. He is about to fall asleep when his front door opens, so he jumps out of bed and runs to give the most dramatic apology ever, but instead, he stops at the sight of a bleeding Minho.
"I'm sorry for staining your floor with blood. I just need a new bandage and..."
"Sit down." Jisung demands, not even hesitating to search in the kitchen drawers for the medication he prepared for deep wounds. He usually sells it in the intergalactic market, but this is an emergency. He will prepare a new one to sell later.
Jisung starts cleaning the dried blood from the open wound, disinfecting the area, and soothing Minho's quiet whimpers every time he uses too much force on the cut. Jisung is about to tie the bandage when the first tear scapes him. He tries to ignore it and starts boiling water to prepare an herbal drink for Minho, returning to collect the rags drenched in blood to discard them. Jisung shouldn't have looked Minho in the eyes because when he does, he starts crying.
"I'm sorry," Minho apologizes, cleaning the blue tears from Jisung's cheeks with his clean hand. Jisung shakes his head in disbelief. Is Minho apologizing to him when Jisung was the one at fault? Really?
"No, I'm the one who's supposed to be apologizing to you." Jisung rests his head on Minho's healthy shoulder, letting his blue tears stain his uniform.
"Sweetheart, you don't need to apologize. I am the one at fault." Minho pats his head, trying to stop himself from crying.
Love is a strange emotion. Minho never thought he would fall in love this way. His friends always describe him as cold and independent, but he is super sensitive when it's about love. He loves aliens with all his body and soul, so it shatters him that Jisung is so secretive. He wishes Jisung would open up to him, but he knows it must be hard for Jisung to accommodate Minho's requests.
"No, Min. It's my fault." Jisung cleans his face, messingly spreading the blue tears all over his cheeks. He should shower later, and if everything goes according to plan, Minho will join him this time. "I was rude to you before, and I should have understood how much this means to you. It's just that I never thought you wanted to do it so early in our relationship. I-I love you a lot, but I don't feel ready."
"What do you mean?" Minho tilts his head to the side, trying to make sense of his words. Was it rude to ask him to meet his friends? Maybe Jisung's species consider having dinner with unknown aliens inappropriate. Who knows.
"I don't know how it is with your species, but Asterins usually wait for some years before having offspring. I got overwhelmed by your proposal, but if that's what you want, we can search if we are compatible enough to procreate together."
"W-what!?" Minho stops Jisung's rambling before he combusts out of shame. He shakes his head, trying to stop his mind from wandering into dangerous places. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm not- you don't- you shouldn't make jokes about that!"
"Jokes? But you were the one who proposed taking me to your planet to breed!" Jisung seems seriously confused about the confrontation. He thought Minho was being serious.
"W-WHAT!!!!??? I never said that!!! I said I wanted to introduce you to my friends and have dinner together. When did I mention having sex with you between those sentences!?" Minho blushes crimson red. He is talking so fast that Jisung is barely able to understand him.
"I-I thought you were implying it?"
"Implying it? I wasn't talking about that, pervert. I was talking about having a good time eating us. I MEAN! I wanted to have a good time EATING... EATING FOOD with you and my friends."
"Oh." Jisung should laugh because Minho looks so cute when embarrassed, stuttering, and blushing like crazy. But he can't get a single chuckle out of his chest. He feels too mortified to react, so he averts his gaze, blushing. "Shit."
"Yeah, shit."
☀🪐☄
Jisung takes the longest shower ever until his body starts aching and changing its color. His species has never been too fond of water, but he had to stay away from Minho somehow. He couldn't help it: he had to wash away the embarrassment out of his body.
He feels like an idiot for almost ruining their relationship because he refused to have a proper talk with Minho out of fear. In his mind, Minho was a sexually active alien who wanted to have offspring as soon as he fell in love. For Jisung's species, visiting someone else's planet or star meant mating, and for the record, Jisung is stupid. He knows it. He always has been, so it doesn't surprise him that he misunderstood a friendly dinner with having sex.
He sighs, admitting that he has to exit the shower sooner or later. He dries his limbs carefully, hissing when his sensitive skin touches the soft towel. He won't take a long shower ever again. As expected, Minho is awake and waiting for him, lying on his bed with bright round eyes. He must be tired after fighting a pirate and giving an exhaustive report to the space police, but he still smiles when he sees Jisung nervously fiddling his fingers. They look at each other in silence. Minho pats the spot next to him, and Jisung cautiously walks until he reaches the bed and sits down. He is too embarrassed to cuddle Minho, so he creates some distance between each other.
"I'm sorry," he apologizes with a soft voice, trying to keep his emotions under control. His star has been twinkling in different colors for about two hours now because he can't settle on a single emotion.
"For what? I always knew you were a horny alien." Minho's expression is stern, but Jisung catches a slight smirk on his lips. The bastard is mocking him.
"I-'m not..."
"So you will deny that you wanted me to get you pregnant when we visited my star?" He raises an eyebrow, enjoying how Jisung blushes and how the star flickers in a beautiful pinkish color.
"I wasn't- I mean, I... No!"
"Mhm, you sure about that? You don't sound convinced."
"I-I-"
"You are so kinky, Jisungie. I can't believe you were thinking of us mating this whole time. How can you sleep at night? I mean, you are..."
"Minho!! Shut the fuck up, can you?" Jisung complains, throwing himself on the bed and landing on top of Minho, covering his body like a blanket. "I know I messed things up. But you started all this!"
"So now it is my fault you have dirty thoughts about us? Really?" Minho huffs, refusing to hold Jisung's waist like he desperately wants.
"Shut up!"
"Don't wanna!"
"Minho!"
"What!?"
"Stop screaming!"
"NO!"
"MINHO!"
"JISUNGIE!"
Jisung straightens his posture to look him in the eyes. They stare at each other before bursting into laughter, admitting they had missed that lighthearted feeling whenever they were together. After days of tension, they can finally breathe in peace. Jisung can't take it anymore, so he closes the distance and kisses Minho softly.
"I'm sorry for being rude. I shouldn't have talked to you like that."
Jisung takes his time kissing every feature on Minho's face twice. He keeps apologizing until Minho shushes him, forgiving him. Minho is enjoying the attention, but his breath hitches when Jisung kisses down his neck repeatedly and even pulls his shirt down to map his chest with his mouth. Minho gasps, stopping Jisung from going further. Jisung reluctantly sits, hovering over Minho's waist. His eyes are clouded with desire, and his star emits a seducing orange light, but Minho pushes him down. They kiss softly until the star's surface has a soft pink color again.
"See? You are a menace in this relationship. You have been seducing me since day one." Minho jokes, trying to ease the tense atmosphere around them.
"Why did you stop me?" Jisung questions, his doe eyes looking at Minho with a hint of disappointment.
"I thought you were scared of mating?" Minho retorts, raising an eyebrow. Instead of answering, Jisung yawns, trying to be awake for a little longer. They are tired after everything that happened during the day but want to ensure everything is clear between them before drifting to sleep.
"I mean, we didn't have to go all the way..."
Minho chuckles, engulfing Jisung in a big hug, relief soothing his limbs and heart. Jisung gives up, softening between Minho's arms and accepting nothing more than cuddling will happen tonight.
"My species don't play around, Sweetheart. After marriage, we take an entire week to mate because a night is not enough."
"W-what!? What the hell is wrong with your species?" A panicked expression overtakes his features, but he admits having Minho like that for a week sounds tempting.
"Don't be mean! It sounds like a lot of fun." Minho finally holds Jisung's waist tight like it is a physical need to have him close. Jisung giggles, hiding his face on Minho's chest and enjoying the wave of peace after the storm.
"I think... I understand what you meant the first time you confessed your feelings. Do you remember it? The night of the meteor shower?" Jisung smiles when Minho caresses his antennas, humming a sweet melody to lull him to sleep. "You told me you realized you were lost that day. I have the same feeling now."
"What feeling?"
"I feel relieved." Jisung chuckles, kissing Minho's cheek and closing his eyes. He knows he is about to fall asleep. "I never thought I was lonely until I found you."
Minho melts at the confession and tightens his hold on Jisung almost painfully. Before knowing each other, they had responsibilities to fulfill. Minho was an officer saving countless lives and planets around the galaxy, and Jisung was famous for creating deadly potions. They were happy, and they felt complete until they found each other. Because when they acknowledged their feelings, they couldn't go back to their routines like before because they would feel lonely without each other.
It's funny how loneliness is silent. Sometimes loneliness is hidden in plain sight, but one doesn't acknowledge it out of fear. One doesn't feel lonely until the realization of falling in love strikes because how can one return to normal after realizing what one has been missing? Minho falls asleep when he hears Jisung's snores, knowing his feelings are finally corresponded.
How many confessions and reassurance statements are necessary for someone to realize they are loved?
For Jisung? One.
For Minho? Countless.
☀🪐☄
"Are you sure they will like me?" Jisung asks with a pout on his perfect red lips.
"How could anyone not like you?" Minho is dead serious, watching Jisung from head to toe. "You look perfect."
Jisung playfully hits his arm but feels satisfied that Minho likes his appearance after spending hours choosing an outfit and applying makeup before accompanying Minho to his planet.
Earlier that day, after clearing things up and apologizing for the nth time, Jisung fed the squirrels and let them inside the house. He made himself pretty while Minho checked the electric field.
Minho was in awe when he saw Jisung wearing a tight outfit accentuating his perfect body proportions with little flowers decorating his arms and hair. Jisung smiled when he noticed how speechless his lover was and pressed his lips painted dark red on Minho's cheek before he ran to the ship to enter first. Minho had to shake his head several times to return to his senses, planning revenge against Jisung, the bastard. Minho felt ecstatic when Jisung sat on his lap and asked hundreds of questions about his species the whole way to the headquarters. He couldn't wait to present him to his friends.
When they arrive at the headquarters, several offices stop dead in their tracks to look at Jisung shamelessly. He does look perfect, but they have no right to stare at him like that. Minho almost shouts at them to mind their fucking business but decides to control himself, wrapping an arm around Jisung's waist.
"Possessive much?" Jisung mocks him when Minho hisses at one of the officers who get too close to his liking. The officer bows and sprints to get away from them.
"What? I need to keep you safe."
"Yeah, yeah. My hero." Jisung detaches Minho's arm from his waist and grabs his hand instead, leaning on his side. They have almost reached one of the buildings surrounding the headquarters when two other officers walk directly to them.
"You're finally here!" One of the officers, a Noctis with curly hair and broad shoulders, engulfs Minho in a big hug. "I missed you so much, Min! I barely slept when we lost track of you for weeks."
"Don't blame Minho for your lack of sleep, Chan. We all know you don't sleep because you like to work until you pass out." The other officer says, raising his eyebrow mockingly.
"Seungmin is right. That's your fault, Chan. Not mine." Minho teases but melts in Chan's arms and even forces Seungmin to join the hug.
When they finish their warm reunion, Minho steps back to introduce Jisung. Chan offers him a polite bow with a friendly smile while Seungmin gets closer to greet Jisung, kissing his hand.
"Hey! Step back, know your boundaries." Minho frowns, wrapping his arm around Jisung's shoulders protectively. Chan and Jisung chuckle at the possessiveness, making Minho blush and Seungmin scoff. "I'm about to cancel the dinner with all of you."
"Chill, I was just trying to be friendly," Seungmin rolls his eyes, winking at Jisung one last time.
They start walking together to the place they reserved for the night, admitting how exciting it is to have dinner together after so long. The rest of their friends are already waiting for them. Before entering the restaurant, Jisung tugs Minho's arm to get his attention. The Noctis turns around with a questioning look and assures Jisung that everything will be alright, that Minho will keep them safe.
"I just wanted to say I love you." Jisung chuckles when Minho blushes, trying to regain his composure. "Thank you for having me here. I know this means a lot to you, and I'm sorry for hurting you back then. I didn't mean..."
"My Jisungie, it's okay." Minho tugs him close, kissing his cheek and caressing his antennas. "Having you here now is what matters."
"Still..."
"Hey, the disgusting couple out there! Hurry up, I want to eat already!" Seungmin calls them from across the restaurant, making the rest of Minho's friends laugh.
"Sure! But before we start, should we talk about your little adventure with a pirate?" Minho retorts, enjoying the surprised gasps of their friends and Seungmin's blushed cheeks.
Jisung laughs fondly at Minho and Seungmin bickering, enjoying the friendly atmosphere in the restaurant and eating food he didn't know existed. The officers spend the night telling stories from around the galaxy, catching up on their lives. Minho's friends include Jisung in the conversation periodically, teasing Minho every time he gets jealous. When Jisung gets overwhelmed due to the loud atmosphere at the restaurant, Minho excuses them from his friends to get some fresh air outside. Jisung thanks him profusely, feeling safe by Minho's side.
Both Jisung and Minho are exhausted but couldn't feel more alive. Under the lights of a thousand stars and satellites, they ask each other at the same time:
"Will you be my mate?"
They don't accept right away, but a few years later, they say yes.
☀🪐☄