Chapter Text
“I’ll never take warmth for granted again.” Namjoon sobbed dramatically as he sank shoulder-deep into a hot spring that the gods above had blessed him with. He had no shame in moaning scandalously as he leaned his back against the rocks and closed his eyes.
Seokjin rolled his eyes and dipped his feet in the steamy water. Admittedly, it did feel amazing, but that didn’t cover up the fact that Namjoon was exaggerating. “Oh, hush. The cold isn’t that bad.” He slowly lowered himself gingerly into the water until it lapped at his collar bones and he couldn’t help but relax and close his eyes. “O- Oh. ”
“ Yeah. ” Namjoon agreed. “And you can only say that when you’ve been a northerner your whole life! I haven’t! I’ve literally never been that cold before.”
“You know, it’s not even winter.” Seokjin passively mentioned, rather than allow himself to be stirred up by Namjoon’s attempts. “What would you have done then?”
“Died.” Namjoon snorted. “I would have died.”
“You’re so dramatic…”
“It’s okay, I don’t like the cold either. I was always cold-blooded.”
Jin opened his mouth to respond before he realized that the last voice didn’t belong to Namjoon. His eyes snapped open and he was met with the sight of a young slim man who was currently dumping what Jin hoped was his belongings onto the ground a few feet away from the springs. His black hair contrasted greatly with his pale skin, and Jin found himself staring in both awe and confusion at his sudden appearance.
“Who are you?” Namjoon bluntly questioned. He cracked open his eyes but was quick to close them when the man began to strip out of his clothes. Never mind the fact that he’s stripping in front of two complete strangers .
“I’m getting in the hot spring.” The stranger calmly redirected the question. He was either ignoring it or pretending that was the answer, and Namjoon was slightly irked.
“No, I’m asking who you are.” Namjoon restated.
“You know it’s rude to ask for somebody else’s name without first offering your own.” The stranger once again evaded his demand. Namjoon could hear the sound of somebody slipping into the water, and he was relieved to see that the man had submerged his lower half and spared them the embarrassment of walking around naked. The stranger slid down until his chin was dipping into the water and sighed quietly.
Namjoon sighed as well. He realized that the stranger did have a point, and reluctantly introduced himself. “Kim Namjoon… and he’s Kim Seokjin.” He waved in Jin’s general direction offhandedly.
“See? That’s not so bad.” Namjoon would have taken the man’s words as patronizing if it weren’t for the calm essence he was emitting. “And I’m Min Yoongi.”
“Yoongi…” Jin tested the name experimentally. “What are you doing this far away from a village?”
“Travelling.” Yoongi answered simply.
For a bit it seemed as if Yoongi wouldn’t elaborate, not when he was cupping a few handfuls of the softly bubbling water and using it to wet his hair and pull his bangs away from his forehead. However, once his goal had been accomplished, he continued.
“I often travel between the Fire and Air lands. This spring is the only one I know of for most of the Air territories. It’s a little out of the way, but I suppose it’s worth it.”
This was news to Namjoon. From how Namjoon sees it, Yoongi doesn’t look like he belongs in either of the two nations. “So how come you look neither like a member of the Nation nor a nomad?” Sure, Yoongi had been wearing a nomadic outfit before joining them in the hot spring, but even then…
Yoongi smirked in mild amusement at the question and peeked over at Namjoon. “That’s because I’m not really anything. If you want to get technical, I used to live in the Temple nearby. But right now, I’m just me.”
“Used to?” Jin echoed in confusion. “What happened?”
“Am I here to tell my life story?” Yoongi retorted. He laughed at Jin’s horrified face immediately after, showing that he was joking. “I’m messing with you. It’s nothing deep or personal, I just got bored of it. I guess the Temple life just wasn’t for me. I doubt I’m welcome back there, but they can’t keep me off of the land.”
“I don’t think I want to know why exactly that is…” Jin muttered quietly.
Namjoon wanted to know. He was more than a little curious. For the time being, though, he could afford to wait. “So you’re just travelling, huh?”
“Yup.” Yoongi popped the ‘p’ and smiled lazily. Clearly, the warmth of the springs were setting in for him. “And what about you, Earth boy? You’re not just here to have fun.”
“What makes you say that?” Namjoon rose an eyebrow. “... And how did you find out that I’m from the Earth Kingdom?”
“You confirmed it just now by saying that.” Yoongi once again evaded the question. He appeared to be making a game out of it. “And I also overheard you speaking, and your clothes that are hanging over there are Kingdom apparel.”
Seokjin snorted, “Well… you’re not wrong. We’re trying to recruit help.”
“Help for…?” Yoongi prompted.
“We need help to stop the riots.” Namjoon explained. “My friend is doing the same thing, so he should be collecting people, as well.”
“Speaking of which, do you think you would like to-”
“Count me out.” Yoongi waved his hands some for emphasis, blissfully ignoring how he cut Jin off. “I’ve only heard of what’s going on, but I don’t want to get involved.”
“You… don’t?” Namjoon blinked in surprise.
Jin frowned and sat up straighter. “But you’d be doing a lot of good by helping us!”
“Don’t.” Yoongi winced slightly at the mention of doing good. “Just don’t.”
Namjoon stared at Yoongi in confusion before speaking slowly. “I understand if you wouldn’t want to get involved in the violence, but you really would be helping a lot of people…” He watched as Yoongi again winced and sank further down into the water. “Won’t you help? We would appreciate it.”
Yoongi glared halfheartedly at Namjoon. “Stop. You know what you’re doing and you know it’s working.”
“What are you doing?” Jin echoed Yoongi’s words and turned to Namjoon, who suddenly looked to be holding in laughter.
“Ah, what’s this?” Namjoon chuckled teasingly. “You’re such a people pleaser, aren’t you? It’s cute, really.”
Jin’s eyes widened as he caught on before he bit down on his lips to stop from smiling. “You’re guilt tripping him!”
“This feels more like manipulation.” Yoongi grouched.
“Call it what you will, so long as it works. Hey, at least you won’t be bored, right? You still get to travel, and you get to help others while you’re at it.” Namjoon bargained cleverly.
Yoongi scowled at him, clearly not amused.
“So does this mean you’ll do it…?” Jin asked.
“Treat me to some food and I might think about it.” Yoongi sighed. It was clear, however, that he’d already given in.
“Deal.” Namjoon grinned in victory.
After a while of playful banter and basking in the springs, the three men finally climbed out with pruny fingers. They set up camp a small distance away from the waters, where Jin began preparing food.
“So… you never explained. What exactly is your plan?” Yoongi asked. He watched the boiling water hanging over the fire with disinterest, studying the flames.
“Um… well.” Namjoon hesitated and smiled sheepishly. It was clear that he didn’t have one just by the nervous tic in his voice.
“He has no idea.” Jin interrupted Namjoon’s awkward fumbling as he tried to explain himself. The eldest sent Namjoon a half-hearted glare. “We’ve been trying to come up with ideas, but he’s always shooting them down.”
“Because your strategies suck.” Namjoon retorted bluntly. He flinched when Jin threateningly pointed a spoon at him.
Yoongi let loose a small snort of amusement, clearly holding back a smile. Some of it slipped through, anyway. “It can’t be that bad.”
Namjoon rose an eyebrow in challenge. “He offered up the idea of us personally going to the ruler and offering food to influence him into action.”
“I…” Yoongi stopped and frowned at Jin, a little befuddled. “It’s not a bad idea, I guess? But… food isn’t going to get him to do anything.”
“Food will get anybody to do anything.” Jin defended with a huff.
“Well… the rest of it is a good idea, anyway.” Yoongi continued. He chose to ignore Jin’s indignant glare and continued, “Meeting the King or Emperor or whatever he’s called… it might be the only way. It’s not like the crowd can be appeased by us.” He had a point. The three men glanced at each other silently, Yoongi’s expression demanding an answer, and Namjoon’s and Jin’s expressions were thoughtful.
“Alright.” Namjoon sighed after a moment of internal conflict. “We’ll give it a go. But we still need to work something out from it and see if Hoseok and his group have anything better. Can’t count out any other possible options.”
“And yet you counted out my idea of food bribery.” Jin gave Namjoon a sharp look. In response, the younger man grimaced and scooted away, and Yoongi squinted at the two.
“... Any option except for that one.” Namjoon restated apprehensively. When Jin opened his mouth to argue and most likely point out some of Namjoon’s flaws unnecessarily, Namjoon dismissively hopped up and walked away from the fire to go lay down.
“Well, looks like it’s time to call it a day! Good night.”
Yoongi snorted and gave Jin a contemplative look before he decided it was best to lay down as well. With a sarcastic smile and shrug, he stood up and walked towards the bedding that was silently calling for him.
Jin stared after them with furrowed eyebrows and a stuck out bottom lip. “Don’t ignore me…” He muttered. But of course there was no reply.
As if to mock him, the leftover fire suddenly blew out from a strong gust of wind, and Jin was left to his own devices with the setting sun as his only awake companion.
“Time for an ice breaker!” Taehyung decidedly exclaimed in a burst of energy. The shout disrupted the silence and managed to startle the other three.
“Is that necessary? We’ve already been travelling together for a while now.” Jungkook pointed out. In front of them, he saw Jimin pat Hoseok’s shoulder sympathetically in an attempt to calm the other down from a mini heart attack. Jungkook could relate, unfortunately.
Jungkook made the mistake of questioning Taehyung, and it became obvious the moment the other’s face contorted into shock and disbelief. “Of course it’s necessary! We don’t know anything about each other!” For the sake of the argument, Taehyung ignored the glances Jimin sent him while pointing between himself and Jungkook.
“And what would you suggest?” Hoseok played along. Curiosity was getting the best of him, despite knowing that any idea of Taehyung’s had the high potential of ending badly.
Taehyung paused at that and tilted his head in thought. He hadn’t considered it, truthfully. “... How about just talking? It’s like truth or dare, except just the truth.”
“You just described an interrogation.” Jimin stated flatly.
Taehyung groaned at the lack of cooperation. “Just give it a try! Let’s have some deep conversations, or whatever.” The ‘or whatever’ gained a sound of amusement from Hoseok, who looked to be giving in.
And, sure enough. “Alright, let’s talk.”
That seemed to kick Jimin into action, and he nodded in agreement. Taehyung, with confirmation from Hoseok and Jimin, turned to Jungkook.
Jungkook made a pained face at the eager expression Taehyung was giving him, but nodded slowly. “Fine, do whatever.”
Taehyung cheered victoriously and pumped a fist into the air, with Jungkook edging away to make sure he wasn’t hit.
“Alright! First up, some simple details! Name, interesting background information, and what your abilities are.” When they all hesitated, Taehyung pointed to Hoseok who flinched back slightly in surprise. “You first.”
“Uh,” Hoseok blankly uttered, “Right… Ignoring the fact that we already know each other’s names, I’m Jung Hoseok. Interesting background information? Um, I live with my friend in the Earth Kingdom capital. Moved there a few years ago together with Namjoon, who you’ll meet later. And I… can Earth Bend?” He turned his last sentence into a question, unsure if he’d interpreted Taehyung’s demands correctly.
Taehyung gasped and latched onto Hoseok’s shoulders. “Show me!”
Hoseok probably would have refused if not for the fact that Jimin and Jungkook looked curious too, despite having been witness to it. Sighing in defeat, he relented and moved away from Taehyung. “Alright, alright. But I’m not doing much.”
With another sigh, though this one more of a sigh of concentration, Hoseok went through the motions smoothly. It didn’t take much, since he wasn’t lifting boulders or pushing up pillars of ground, and he watched in amusement as the three spectators gaped at the sight of rocks ranging from the size of Hoseok’s head to small pebbles rose and followed his movements. After a few moments he let the rocks settle back down to the ground, but kept three small pebbles in his hand. And, just for the fun of it, sent the pebbles flying towards the younger men and nailed all three in the forehead with a pebble each.
Hoseok was not ashamed to admit that he laughed at the indignant looks on their faces.
“That was unnecessary.” Jungkook muttered bitterly, rubbing at his forehead. Jimin pouted and nodded in agreement.
“What? You wanted to see, so I gave you a close-up.” Hoseok shrugged and smiled coyly. “So? Who’s going next?”
Jimin and Jungkook exchanged glances before Jimin sighed, “I guess I’ll go next. Park Jimin, born and raised on the seaside of the Nation. Grew up with Jungkook, and we became walking fire hazards the day we met.” He grinned at the memory of them setting fire to a chair in school because they’d been fighting over it. Good times.
“Really?” Taehyung looked far more impressed than what was healthy. “Can I s-“
Hoseok interrupted Taehyung’s question with nervous laughter. “That’s probably not a good idea… Let’s hold back on the fire. Please.”
“Why?” Taehyung whined, but that was one question that Hoseok was not willing to answer. Or let the other two answer either, as a matter of fact. He cut his eyes at them, daring either of the two to tell. They didn’t, fortunately.
“My turn.” Jungkook chirped innocently. He was suddenly looking much more excited about the “game” and Hoseok found it more than a little suspicious. “Jeon Jungkook, youngest one here. Moved to Jiminie’s town when I was little and we grew up together. And I’m a fire bender as well.”
“Can you show-”
“Sure!” Jungkook had clearly been waiting for that question, and hadn’t even given Taehyung a chance to finish it before interrupting. Without hesitation, he jogged forward a few feet. And, without further warning, he was a blur of flames and heat as he twisted and turned and flipped acrobatically, eager to show off to his new friend (and cause a bit of mischief in the process). By the time he breathlessly walked back over, the surrounding area was nothing more than singed grass and darkened rocks.
Jungkook matched Jimin’s proud grin as he high-fived both the older fire bender and the squealing Taehyung.
“That was so cool !”
Hoseok watched, dismayed and a little shell-shocked, as a single leaf floated down from the nearby copse of trees and immediately caught fire when it touched the charred land.
Thanks to Jungkook’s overzealous pyro acrobatic moves, they had to go around the scarred ground.
“Isn’t it your turn?” Jimin asked Taehyung once the unintroduced one had gotten over the show.
“Oh. Right.” Taehyung blinked dumbly before shrugging and smiling. “Kim Taehyung. Technically born in the Water Tribe, but I don’t really belong anywhere, I just kinda travel for the fun of it. Lots of interesting people, you know? But not the best when you’ve run out of food.”
“So… you water bend?” Jungkook guessed.
“Uh… not that I know of, no.” Taehyung answered vaguely.
Hoseok finally caught up to the conversation and looked at Taehyung curiously. “Then what about the others? Earth? Air? Fire?” Kill Hoseok now if he had to deal with another pyromaniac.
Taehyung grinned, amused at the mini guessing game. “Nope, nope, and nope. I’m a normal human. Surprise?”
Yes, it seemed Kim Taehyung was indeed full of surprises.