Chapter Text
Well holy shit he can't believe this. It's only been three months, THREE months and he's already falling? What kind of spell Jaebum is using, Jackson groaned as he sink his head further into the bed. He hates that octopus just yesterday and now all this gross flowery feeling growing in his heart? What the heck.
He jumped when there's a knock on his door, heart leaping for a few seconds before he tries to calm it down, damn he feel so weak now after knowing his feelings. He cleared his throat once before answering, "yeah?"
There was disappointment when it was Bambam's head which peeking in, then cursed himself for even feeling that way.
"Are you still going to lock yourself in today? It's been four days and you haven't come out unless for meals," the snakeman asked although there's curiosity in his eyes rather than concern. "Jaebum been asking for you too."
Jackson's heart skip a beat, "oh he was?"
"We're wondering why the princess isn't coming out," Bambam laughed and run away when Jackson throw something to him.
"I'm not a princess!" he yelled, embarrassed and he hates the blush on his face. Damn, it's so irritating. And he's dreading the realization that it's not as annoying when it was Jaebum who called him that. He has fallen too hard it's scary.
That noon Jackson decided to come out of his room after making sure Bambam is no longer in the cave, staying inside his room wouldn't help him sort out his thoughts after all. So he braved himself to go to the magic room, feeling the stirring warmth inside him when the octopusman greets him with a smile.
"Have you finally grace me with your presence, prince Jackson?" he said teasingly causing Jackson to groan.
"I simply have nothing to do, so I just slept all day."
"And now you're bored of sleeping," Jaebum chuckled, closing the book his reading. "If you want, I could take you out to the place we were at few days ago."
"No... Not now," Jackson is not sure he can handle another heart attack seeing Jaebum under the sunlight again.
"Well then, there's still a lot of books to accompany your boredom."
Jackson's eyes scans through the books on the shelves, "do you have books from the land?"
"Yes I have, would you like to read them?"
"You have?" Jackson asked wide eyed, he didn't really meant his question, it was just for a distraction but now he's genuinely interested. "Have you been on land?"
Jaebum laughed softly, swimming to the shelf as his fingers caressing the books searching through the titles, "of course I have, longer than you did if I may add."
"Then..." there's a spark in Jackson's eyes, he wants to know more about the land, about the wonders of it.
"I could show you," the octopusman giggled at the childlike glint in the merman's eyes.
"You'll bring be to the land?" his tone was surprised, expectant and amused. But Jaebum tone it down immediately.
"No, I can't bring you to the land for a while since the magic from last time still burdening your body. There's another spell which allow us stay on land for a couple of weeks, but that magic require long and slow preparation. Let's save that for later."
Although Jackson initially feel disappointed, he feels excited at the promise of 'later' now. But... "then how are you going to show me then?"
"Have you seen butterfly?" Jaebum asked instead.
"No... What is that?"
"A small and beautiful animal, well an insect to be more precise," Jaebum reach out his hand, a mild glow on his palm before it took shape of a pretty pair of blue wings then it flies to Jackson.
Jackson is awed at the illusion, it's so clear like the animal is really there and it's so pretty. "Oh!" he exclaimed when the butterfly landed on his nose, "it tickles! Is this really an illusion?"
"A pretty damn good illusion, huh?" Jaebum said smugly then a swarm of butterflies took form in the room, flying about beautifully with a lot of different colors.
At first Jackson is taken aback by the wonder and the beauty, but then the swarm of butterflies flying towards him and strangely it makes him terribly uneasy, "take them away! No, not any closer!"
Jaebum laughed at the horror in Jackson's eyes, "so you're scared of insects?"
"I don't know but it makes my skin crawls," Jackson shivered a bit and relieved when the butterflies disappeared. "They are beautiful though... Are all insects that beautiful?"
"You tell me," in an instant the room full of insects, from ants to big spiders roaming around and some even crawling on Jackson's tail. The merman screams, utterly terrified.
"No! Get them off me! I don't like this, get them off! Get away!"
"Hahahaha!" Jaebum laughed loudly, seemingly very happy and satisfied before he made the illusion disappeared. "Oh my, you're so cute."
"And you're a bully, I hate you," Jackson grumbled under his breath, trying to calm down his breathing.
"Here, I'll show you another insects which is beautiful."
"No, no more insect, Jaebum no-" his shrieks engulfed by the sudden darkness in the room. "Jaebum I swear-!"
There's a glow, a blinking flying greenish glow. Then another and another glows until the whole room illuminated by tiny, flying green glows. Some part of Jaebum also lighten by this glows, making the whole thing look ethereal. What's more Jackson noticed how the room also look different, like they're on land with tall grass and mountains around them. It's beautifully breathtaking.
"Wow..." Jackson breathes.
"This is my memory, I saw exactly this when I went to some valley. Beautiful isn't it?"
"Yes, it is... Are those glowing things also insects?"
"Yes, they are fireflies. It's quite hard to find them nowadays," there was a fond and longing stare in Jaebum's slightly illuminated eyes, making Jackson's heart beating harder again. He didn't know if it's the insects or Jaebum's beauty which makes it all beautiful.
"Fireflies... Flying fire..."
Jaebum laughed, "yeah, flying fire."
The darkness and the way they share a gaze makes it so intimate. They hold each other stares like they both being bewitched, pulling at each other by an unseen force. It almost feel like their hearts share the same beating and it feels so close, so bare and raw.
Then Jackson feel a soft touch on his arm, fingers caressing his skin, unsure yet not unpleasant. He didn't know when they get to be that close that even in the darkness he could see the twin moles on Jaebum's eyelid, the gentle breathing on his cheeks. Then suddenly the room brighten and all the illusion disappears. Belatedly he realized another presence in the cave and came to understand that Bambam is back home.
Jaebum cleared his throat, "I'll show you which books is from the land, you can read it."
Jackson was stunned, a bit embarrassed at the awkward atmosphere surrounding them. But he couldn't help the hot blush on his face when he noticed the way the octopusman's ears reddening much like himself. Strangely, Jackson slowly understanding what was it between them, and he's not sure if he hate it. It's not unpleasant at all.
--
"What does it mean, social dance?" Jackson asked while reading one of the books from land.
"It means a dance which often used for social gatherings."
"What is dance?"
Jaebum turned with a mild judging look, "it's like those you merfolks did for a celebration."
"Oh, like twirling? Does those pair of legs can twirl with so much agility?"
The octopusman laughed, "those legs can do so much more than you think it could. You might feel unstable with it, but that's because you're not used to it. Here, let me show you."
Suddenly a melody heard and it's filling the magic room, "what's that?" Jackson asked in surprise.
"That, my dear, is a song to accompany the dance," he smirked and yet instead of the smirk irritating Jackson like it always been, this time it actually makes Jackson's flutters because Jaebum called him 'dear'.
Then an illusion of a pair of couple emerged and dancing to the music, graceful and elegant. Jackson's attention shifted entirely to the figures for a moment, enchanted by the simple yet charming movement. He unconsciously start to sway his body to the music and the dancing illusions, trying to mimic as a smile made on his lips. Then the illusion fades, before he could feel disappointed, a hand reaching to him, palm up.
"May I have this dance, prince?"
Jackson blushed at the way Jaebum called him prince and at how he smiled to him, gentle and fondly. He really feels weak at the presence of the octopusman now after fully admitting it is love which he feels towards him. He hesitantly took the hand, smiling back with a smile which he wishes isn't awkward.
"Aren't you a charming prince too now," Jackson chuckled teasingly to lighten up the mood, yet unexpectedly Jaebum smiled bashfully to it, making it weird for both of them. The intimacy was not noticed by Jackson only this time, they both feel it radiating between them. Causing a matching blush on their cheeks and it's sweet, Jackson swoon at the realization of how much he affect the other.
Jackson, feeling bold, pull Jaebum by the waist and bringing them closer slowly, eyes intact and swimming into unexplored emotions. The bubbling giddiness in his chest caused him to giggle, and as if infected, Jaebum also giggling along with him. Now they share warmth, less awkwardness and just them basking at the soft melody filling the room.
After a while, Jaebum take one of Jackson's hand which was on his waist and put it on his shoulder, smiling as he did so. Jackson briefly squeeze the warm skin and smiled back, willing for the butterflies in his stomach to settle down. What they have right now feels good, so unreal yet gentle and calming despite the turbulence in Jackson's chest.
"So," Jackson cleared his throat slightly breaking the peaceful atmosphere, "is the dance just swaying about like this?"
Jaebum grinned, "is it too boring for your liking, prince?"
"I'm not saying it's boring..." he likes it too much it's dangerous for his heart.
"For an energetic merman such as yourself, probably a more upbeat song and dance is more suitable."
"What?" he yelped when suddenly Jaebum pulled on one of his hand and their chests bumped at each other. The music changed, more merry and colorful, there's a glint of mischief in the octopusman's eyes.
"Let's tango then, shall we?"
Jackson was surprised at the sudden change of pace, he got pulled and twirled around to the beat of the song. It's making him dizzy at first, but then the weirdness and the way Jaebum smiles widely makes all of it delightful and playfully amusing. Automatically he laughs loudly, letting himself loose and going crazy to the beat, pulling at Jaebum and they're twirling together surrounded by laughters.
And Jackson found himself falling deeper in love. Because it's so fun to be with Jaebum and this is the first time he ever heard the octopusman laughing that free, genuine happiness and excitement. Right now, he's sharing a moment with the real Jaebum, that gentle and slightly childlike octopus.
When the music stop, they're out of breath, wide grins painted on their faces. There's a burst of excitement and adrenaline in their veins, and that's probably why Jackson was so bold. He slides his fingers in Jaebum's hair, combing it backwards as he brought their foreheads together, closing his eyes to feel the ghosting breaths of Jaebum.
He could hear the way Jaebum's breathing hitched at the sudden closeness, but Jackson think nothing of it as his whole being buzzing with happiness and love. Yes, this is love, strange at it may, he really fall in love with this contradicting octopusman. Maybe he just experiencing Stockholm syndrome, something he just read from one of Jaebum's books, but whatever he feels it in his veins.
But slowly Jaebum pulling away, clearing his throat awkwardly, "um, I... I have something else to do."
It makes Jackson smile and more giddy seeing the cute blush on Jaebum, he's so cute, so innocent. But he also starting to feel awkward from his sudden boldness, so he let the man go, "okay."
"We will... If you want, we can continue this later..."
Still trying the limit, Jackson reach out his hand and tuck in some strands behind Jaebum's ear, "sure, I would love to."
There's a flush on Jaebum's entire face, Jackson almost laugh at it, "okay... Okay then I'll... Get going."
Later when Jaebum had run away and Jackson alone in his room, he squeals loudly to his pillow after realizing how shameless and bold he was acting. But the persistent grin and warm kicking of his heart tells him he didn't regret it, he really, really like it.
--
"Maybe he really like me too to a certain extent..." Jackson grinned to himself, feeling happy and sure. After all, who could resist prince Jackson? He knows he's adored by everyone. Even Bambam adores him, if he say so himself. And he dares himself to think the octopus love him too.
So he tries to push Jaebum's nerves further, maybe that way he'll come clean with what he feel towards Jackson. Although this time he didn't try to push it by doing pranks, but by flirting to the octopusman. He's the best at flirting, he guessed by the reaction he earned from Jaebum.
Jaebum would turned away and try to hide his blush whenever Jackson glide closer to him, smiling while staring under his curvy eyelashes, half teasing half flirting. Sometimes Jackson dare himself to caress Jaebum's arm and his lower back, until he can cling to those muscular arms unabashedly. As he gets a reaction which pleases him, Jackson also feel on the cloud nine for being able to be so clingy to the octopusman and how it strengthens his suspect of Jaebum liking him back.
He's happy, feels weirdly liberated at the bubbly emotions in his chest. He's stuck on that cave after all, why not make the most of it. Speaking of the cave, Bambam is out again, Jackson often wonder what is the relation between the octopusman and the snakeman.
"This cave, whose house is it? Yours or Bambam's?" Jackson finally asked.
Jaebum look up a bit, thinking, "in a way this cave is mine? I was the one who found it, but Bambam was the one who made it habitable, because at that time he was the one who can use magic."
"So you really can't use magic before?" Jackson asked excitedly, because he had thought Jaebum wouldn't tell him that easily, and yet here they are. His heart swells thinking that Jaebum had trust him that much.
"Well, not that I can't use it at all, but my magic was pretty unstable and almost nonexistent. Bambam in the other hand was already a magic bearer at young age, he's far stronger than me," Jaebum explained nonchalantly while Jackson is shocked.
"Stronger than you? You must be kidding... You're already a joke and he's far stronger than you?"
"Did you forget he teleported you from this cave to my favorite place so easily in one jump, which I have to say I went to that place through two jumps, and he nullified my magic barriers at the same time? And he barely got affected by the after effects of those magic? He may look easy, but his magic is no joke."
Jackson is dumbfounded, he can't imagine anyone else being stronger than Jaebum, that octopusman's magic was already so strong and a level which Jackson will never be able to reach. Knowing the snakeman have a greater magic awed him and also terrifying him. Because behind Bambam's open and welcoming personality, his character is still unknown to Jackson.
"Have he... With his magic..." Jackson can't put his word properly because even though he didn't really trust the kid, it's still unfair to ask such question.
There was a sad smile on Jaebum's lips, "unfortunately, he did, but it was accidental."
"How..." Jackson's heart fell at the answer, Bambam had hurt someone due to his magic. But more than that he's witnessing how deeply Jaebum care for the kid through the sadness in his eyes. They may bicker a lot, but they hold each other close.
"He was a little kid, a prankster since birth," Jaebum snorted, "it was just another prank of his, but he was too young to be able to control his magic, everything went wrong and it happened." Jaebum slowly inhales, "he killed the other kid."
Jackson gasped, feeling saddened at the story. But Jaebum continues even with a pained look, "his kind, the other snakemen tried to take advantage of his power after that, using it for ill deeds and sort. Although they tried to control him, they was actually afraid of Bambam because even then his magic was so strong. One wrong step and he would kill the entire tribe.
"Feeling fed up, Bambam ran away and lived alone at a faraway place so no one can find him. But the influence of the other snakemen on him already messing his head, he's a bit crooked when we found each other," Jaebum softly laughed. "As for me, it's the nature of my kind to live independently from young age. But... That's not what is unbearable. Everyone are afraid of me and they created an image on me based on baseless rumors. Well, who would like a sorcerer octopusman? The whole thing spelling catastrophe."
Although Jaebum is smiling, Jackson know the pain is still bleeding in his heart even now. So he cupped the side of Jaebum's face, gazing to his eyes wordlessly telling him that, 'you're not alone now'. And it seems the intensity of those emotions racked Jaebum's heart, he closed his eyes and Jackson saw the trembles on his eyelashes and his lips. He wants to embrace the vulnerable Jaebum in front of him, to chase away his sadness, but he knows the other need this moment to let it go. He never felt his love as overwhelming as it is now.
"My favorite place..." Jaebum suddenly continues, eyes looking at the distant, avoiding to look directly to Jackson. "That place was where I met him the first time. He's younger than me yet he's so smug and told me that we have to stick together, fellow lonely boys and all."
Jackson snorted then chukled, "let me guess, you gave him a good smack?"
"No, I would rather have my head intact to the neck," Jaebum grinned, "he was young, he still can't hide his power, so it was oozing out like harsh waves. No one would dare to mess with him, especially me who at that time couldn't do magic. Now thinking back at it, I don't regret it... Although he was a bit twisted in the head and I have to keep an eye on him all the time, we're good together."
Jackson hummed thoughtfully, slowly letting go the warmth of Jaebum's cheek, "so he teach you magic?"
"It's more like we teach each other before we learnt it by ourselves," he shrugged.
"When you told me he was stronger than you... Honestly I was afraid, I still didn't know him that much, what if he use it for something bad? But now if I think about it clearly, he doesn't seem like someone who would do that, nor does he seems as twisted as you described him to be," Jackson think it's pretty rude to say the first part, but it's better to voice it all out, he trust Jaebum after all.
Unexpectedly Jaebum grinned widely and start to chuckle, "he got softer indeed, a lot gentler all because of a certain someone. He's still a big prankster though."
"Oh? Someone? Who? Is this the start of a romance story?" Jackson clapping his hand excitedly.
"Who knows, they don't even know what are they, but the bond between them is deep. You've been wondering where he's always gone to, right? He was meeting that kid."
"Every day? Wow, that's love," Jackson smiled, somewhat feeling a bit closer to the snakeman at the story. Then a thought floating to his head at a certain remembrance, "is that kid the friend he said in my kingdom?"
Jaebum's eyes get slightly wider, "how do you know? Yeah, that's him."
"He told me before he was meeting a friend from my kingdom, wow... That's gonna be like, Romeo and Juliet."
Jaebum frowning, hesitantly asked, "how do you know about Romeo and Juliet?"
"You have that book."
Jaebum blushed and start scanning the shelves, wanting to hide any kind of romance books.
"Who would have thought you're such a romantic?" Jackson laughed.
"Shut up," Jaebum grumbled while looking down in embarrassment.
"Don't be shy, it makes you sweeter and softer, it's lovely," Jackson said half teasing half being honest. He could feel the growing warm on his cheeks as he see Jaebum unconsciously pouting with a flushed face. Can he be any cuter? Jackson swear he almost squeals. But since he's a kind spirit and Jaebum seem to be wanting to run away, he change back the topic, "do I know this kid whom Bambam fancied?"
Instantly Jaebum smiled and he gives Jackson this 'look', like he knows something and won't tell him, "oh you'll be in for a huge surprise."
"What?" Jackson whined, extremely curious, "why you guys won't just say it? I can't do anything about it so why not just tell me?"
"All in a good time, dear," Jaebum grinned, seemingly satisfied to get back at Jackson and makes him annoyed. "I promised to that kid to never tell anyone about him and Bambam, so you'll have to find out yourself. Beside, I owe him."
"You owe him?"
"He made Bambam the way he is now and makes him happy, I don't have to keep watching him anymore in fear he'll do something bad. And through that kid, I came to know a wonderful person which I'm forever thankful for," there's a longing look in Jaebum's eyes and it caused an ache in Jackson's heart.
"Who...?"
Jaebum smiled but not looking to Jackson, his eyes soft and full of fondness, "they hold a beauty no one can rivals, their heart is pure and there's this... Liveliness they hold which is so kind and gentle. They saved me from my demons just by being there."
Jackson feels envy, his heart throbbing in pain because Jaebum talk about this person so adoringly, like a treasure, like someone really important and it's not him. He took a deep breath, "you love them."
And then Jaebum's eyes holds over Jackson's, he gazes deep to Jackson's deep soul. The pour of his emotions is so strong Jackson feels his breath taken away by the intensity.
"I do."
Jackson could almost hear the sound of his heart cracking, but more than that he began wondering who this person is. Because the way Jaebum gazed at him tells a hidden secret, a secret which answer to his heart. He was just parting his lips, wanting to voice out his questions but Jaebum put a finger to his lips. Soft, gentle yet silencing.
"And it was so much easier when they hates me, resent me for my wicked deed. If they keep hating me, it'll be so much easier to bury this guilt in my heart," Jaebum whispered, his voice carries a tremble to his finger and onto Jackson's soft lips. Almost like a kiss, they were so close yet so far and their breath never been so in synch as it did now. "And their kindness give me a taste of my dream and I greedily took it for granted."
Jackson gasped when a kiss placed on his eyelid, so gentle yet hold a fierce passion and he felt the tremble of Jaebum's lips. He was too taken aback he couldn't react at all despite wanting to reciprocate it. When Jaebum pulled away a little, he could see the tears glistening in his warm eyes.
"It's you Jackson, it's always been you."
Jackson took a deep breath, "Jaebum I-"
"So I'll let you go. I'm sorry for tricking and hurting you. Thank you for being kind to me despite my wrong doings, you gave me light in this lonely life. And I don't want you to lose that light, to be trapped within these dark walls because my selfishness, I'm sorry. I'm letting you free."
"What?" before he could even feel confused, a bright light come from under his tail. He could feel the magic chain which binding him to the cave was being undone. "Wait-"
"Farewell my prince, be happy always."
And that was the last word he heard from Jaebum before he got tangled in cold waves which warping him into another place, back to his kingdom. The colorful castle which he knows so well, the houses spread within his father's kingdom, he's back home. And yet, there was no relief, there's only uneasiness and sadness in his whole being.
"Jaebum!" he screamed, his heart aching from unanswered feelings. He tries to swim back to where the cave is, but found himself unable to get out from the kingdom perimeter due to the strengthened magic barriers of his father. "No! Not again!" at that time he never hate a magic barriers so much in all his life.
And he screams and keep screaming until some guards find him and forcefully bring him back to his castle, his home he had missed so much. Yet all he wants is to go back to the dark cave which hold a part if his heart, his love.
He never hate Jaebum so much for not letting him speak his heart.
--
"Hyung..." Yugyeom called softly as he hugs his crying brother, "talk to me, how can I understand if you just keep crying? Where the hell even you been?"
"I hate him so much," Jackson cries to his little brother's neck, "I hate dad for putting up a magic barriers which I can't get through..."
Yugyeom share a look with Youngjae, feeling at lost because they know nothing. Jackson went missing for three months unknown where and why, then suddenly he just back and crying his heart out. Youngjae had thought maybe he did something to his attraction to a certain human, did he got captured by the human or something?
"Did someone hurt you? Did he hurt you?" Youngjae asked carefully which making Jackson cry harder.
"No... No he never hurt me... Not like that."
Yugyeom and Youngjae ask nothing more, letting him cry and calm himself down. But Jackson still feeling sad and frustrated, even in gentle embrace of his brother and friend, he didn't found peace. If only he was stronger enough to break through his father's magic barriers, then he could give a certain octopus a good beating. But his father would never let him out again after he gone missing for so long. At least he appreciate them enough to not question further when he keep crying.
He spent a week holed up in his room, crying and hating Jaebum. Until Yugyeom had enough and forcefully dragged him out of his hiding place, his bed. Jackson had protested, even fighting with his brother, but Yugyeom is unrelenting.
"How can you move on if you keep crying and replaying it in your head without getting out of your pathetic room and actually try to let it go?" his brother had said and although it angers him, Yugyeom is right.
So he let himself got dragged along the kingdom's perimeter. Sometimes he tries to get through it but failed everytime, making the frustration grows even more. Days went by with Yugyeom dragging him out of the room and strolling around the kingdom. He lose his smile, his mind always goes back to the cave and the dwellers of it.
Is Jaebum also crying like him? Did he hurt as much as he is right now? Did he miss him like he did? Did he ever try to come and see him again? He realized the rumours about an octopusman trying to get inside the kingdom must be Jaebum, and it was Jackson he was trying to see. His heart grows heavier and tears brimming again at the thought. How long has he been in love with him? Has he given up now?
"You know..." Jackson start amidst his brooding while strolling with Yugyeom, "just because many people said someone is bad, doesn't mean it's the truth."
"What do you mean?" his brother asked, in full attention because this is the first in a while Jackson is finally talking.
"I feel ashamed, even though I always try to never believe in rumours, I was actually foolishly let prejudice tainting my judgement. I regret not realizing it sooner how kind he really was," Jackson closed his eyes, wondering if he had trust Jaebum more in the beginning, would it be different? Would he have enough time to confess his feelings then?
There was silence until Yugyeom said, "I know that feeling."
Jackson look up, curious to why his brother said what he said.
"Hyung, I... I have a secret," he bit his lower lip in nervousness, "come with me tomorrow, I've wanting to let you know."
The next day Jackson got shocked like nothing ever did. 'You'll be in for a big surprise', that octopusman's voice echoes in his mind as he look at the person Yugyeom want him to meet at the other side of the magic barriers, "the fuck?"
"Nice to see you Jackson," he twirls his fingers in mock with a smug face.
"It was you, Bambam?" Jackson gaped then made the connection, "that friend of yours was my own brother??"
"Surprise surprise," Bamban clapped his hands.
"You know each other?" Yugyeom was no less shocked than Jackson.
"Let me tell you something, when people said they saw Jaebum trying to get into the kingdom, he was actually already on his way going home," Bambam hinted with a smirk.
"Jaebum? You know Jaebum too, hyung?" Yugyeom then gasped in realization, "were you at their place when you were missing?"
"What do you mean by that?" Jackson asked Bambam instead, ignoring his brother's confusion.
"What I meant is," he reach out his hand then a big hole created at the magic barriers between them, "these barriers is nothing to us. If we really planned for something evil, it'll be done already before you know it."
Jackson's heart began racing at the clarification, "he only want to see me all this time..."
"Since the very start, it's all about you, Jackson," Bambam smiled and for once it was friendly and soft without mischief, "he caught a glimpse of you from the window of your room and that was enough to make him fall. Enough to make him do things normally he wouldn't do, like tricking you. Even so, he was always feel guilty for trapping you like that. I don't even have to tell you how much of an innocent he is."
Anger and adrenaline pumping in Jackson's veins, all he want to do is to teleport himself to that certain idiotic octopus, "is he there? I really need to see him."
Instead of answering, Bambam offer his hand to Jackson, "I can make your journey simpler, and I expect some blood, if you could that is."
"A few teeth maybe," Jackson grinned as he holds Bambam's hand, ready when the cold waves teleported him to where he wanted to be. Instantly he was welcomed by dark walls and cold surrounding, but what mostly took his attention was the wide pair of unsuspecting eyes, Jaebum himself. His anger hit the roof before he could think better. He dashed and punched Jaebum hard in the jaw it actually send the man tumbling back to the wall.
Jaebum cradles his jaw with wide eyes and utter shock, yet Jackson didn't care because the damn dam is flooding out, "you dare to tricked me, fucking stalked me for so long, yet you can't give me a fucking minute to answer you back? You fucker! Jerk, asshole..." he hiccups, tears forming in his eyes, "you coward, how could you..."
Jaebum still leaning on the wall, stunned to his bones feeling completely lost as to why Jackson is suddenly in his cave, why did he suddenly lash out and crying? But he knows he have no right to question as he's aware did him wrong, so he just stare wide eyed waiting for another words.
Jackson hadn't meant to cry, he can't help the tears rolling down his cheeks as he saw Jaebum in front of him again. He missed him so much it can't be described, but the racking of his body was because he feels relief, because this time for sure he's going to let his heart known. He's not going to let the stupid octopus to ruin his chance again.
So he reach out for the easiest part to pull Jaebum closer to him, he yanked the male's hair harshly while blatantly ignoring the pained yelp. And crashed his mouth to Jaebum's lips, full of desperation and frustration, holding him closer as his other hand caught the other's waist. His wet eyelashes brushing Jaebum's dry ones, gentler than the burning passion in his heart, so close, so dear.
Jackson pulled away with a soft gasp, the last tears on his right cheek as he whispered to the red, thinner lips close to his own, "I love you... I love you too you bastard."
Jaebum's mouth is open in shock and his eyes closed in disbelief, but when he opens it, Jackson could see the glistening tears of hope and happiness growing within. And likewise Jaebum saw the genuine intensity within Jackson's fond eyes. A beautiful smile grows on both their lips as their eyes shares what they feel for each other.
"Did I drink some poison and now I'm dead? Because this dream feels too real," Jaebum softly laughed breathlessly.
"I promised Bambam to punch you hard enough to make some of your tooth fall out, but I can't do that," he chuckled and kiss him again, softer this time almost a peck. "I'll just make you pay in another way."
"Cut me, boil or fry me if you want, I deserve it," Jaebum said in a serious tone despite the grin.
"Nah, I'll just make you my servant for the rest of my life," Jackson grinned back and kissed Jaebum's cheek, he can't stop kissing him.
And Jaebum feeling liberated from his long unrequited love, embracing Jackson with his strong arms and all of his limbs, tightly and longingly, "I've been wanting to do this for so long." He kissed Jackson in the mouth, parting their lips and tangling their warm tongue together then he laughed, "I'm getting dizzy."
"You have all the time in the world to kiss me now, take it slow, I don't want you to die just because of my kiss," Jackson tangling his finger's in Jaebum's hair, tugging at it softly. "You haven't answer my question."
"I'll gladly be your servant, my prince. My heart is already a slave to you, as frustrating as it sounds," Jaebum didn't mind the slight pain on his hair when he leans forward and catch Jackson's lips in his again, will forever thirst for it's sweetness.
"It's almost nauseating of how romantic and cheesy you are right now, who are you?" Jackson frowned.
"I know you like it," Jaebum turn them around and pinned Jackson to the wall instead, "run away from me now or I'll never let you go, ever again."
Jackson grinned, satisfied, "that's all I want, stupid octopus."
Then they kiss again, forgetting the fact that Bambam could walk in on them, or that Yugyeom is practically pulling his hair in confusion, or how would it all play out when Jackson say he want to stay with this octopusman to his father. Well, damn it all, he gets what he really want here.
"Why are you laughing?" Jaebum unconsciously mirroring the laugh.
"Nothing," he grinned and rubs his nose to Jaebum's, "will you show me more of the land?"
Jaebum's eyes turns softer, "of course, we can go to land sometimes, I'll show you many things. If you want, we can also visit the human couple."
"Couple? Who?" Jackson frowned.
Jaebum cocked an eyebrow, "Jinyoung and Mark, who else?"
"Huh? They are a couple? Wait, it was Mark??" Jackson is shocked and Jaebum laughed harder.
"Yes, they eloped together after you told them to."
"Oh, wow... I'm doing a good deed, right?"
Jaebum smiles as if proud, "you always are, dear."
Jackson's heart caught in his throat hearing Jaebum call him dear again, "Have you always been this sweet? Are you really that stupid octopus I hated?"
It's a melodious sound to Jackson hearing Jaebum laughing freely like that. He wishes to hear it always mixed with his own and they'll stay together forever. He hopes, there will be no more darkness in Jaebum's eyes and he'll fill it with light just like the love in his heart.
Together for hundreds of years.