Chapter Text
A week later, Jimin finds himself outside of Seokjin’s cabin home helping Jeongguk put up streamers for Taehyung’s birthday party. It’s crazy to think about how different their birthdays have been considering the two month difference. But here they are, putting streamers up and Hoseok has huffed out his lungs blowing up balloons. (He also made an off-handed comment that Jimin doesn’t even want to remember right now.)
In a way, Jimin wants to consider this their Christmas celebration as well but he won’t say that out loud. With everything going on, Jimin honestly forgot that Christmas was just right around the corner until Yoongi came in that morning carrying a small box. The amount of embarrassment and shame he felt for not getting Yoongi anything back will always haunt him, but the gift he received is worth a thousand words.
A simple keychain. But it’s not as simple as one would think.
First of all, the outside of the keychain has a photo of him and Yoongi. A photo that they took by the fountain sometime ago when Yoongi asked Jimin to dance with him. Second, there’s a small hole in the keychain and whenever he looks through it, he can see the word I love you written in hundreds of languages. It’s almost like a promise, in a way. He’ll never go a day without knowing that Yoongi loves him.
“You haven’t seen Taehyung’s mark yet, have you?” Jeongguk questions. He steps off the bench to move onto the next task once all the purple streamers have officially been hung up. He sighs heavily. It’s more work than it’s worth but for Taehyung, Jimin knows Jeongguk would do anything. It’s the same way Yoongi is towards him.
Jimin shakes his head. He knows Taehyung got his mark though finally. Overheard him scream at it in the restroom when he first woke up. Actually, it’s because of Taehyung screaming about his mark that Jimin woke up to begin with. The whole house overheard him and yet he hasn’t shared with anyone.
“It’s a surprise,” Taehyung said, much to everyone’s disappointment. Even Jimin is offended that he doesn’t get to see it first. They’re soulmates! Best friends! Why can’t he? Where are his rights? “I’ll show you all at the same time. At the party, okay?”
The party, that he wasn’t supposed to know about, correct.
“He said he’d show us all during the party.” Jimin replies. He ties three of the purple and white balloons around the fence surrounding the front door. He looks out towards the driveway, towards the peace and quiet. It feels fairly eerily today. Like there’s something wrong that shouldn’t be, but he tries to push that to the back of his mind. Today should be a good day. A great day honestly.
It’s Taehyung’s birthday. What isn’t a better time?
“Should we place a bet?” Jeongguk wonders. Jimin turns to look at him and tilts his head to the side. “On Taehyung’s mark. What do you think it will be?”
“You know, he’d hate us for betting money on such a thing.” Jimin laughs. He shakes his head before adding, “I’m thinking Gold. Both of his parents were Gold marks. He’d make for a great artist or something similar. What about you?”
“I bet you twenty that he’ll be a Purple mark.” Jeongguk hums. He seems overly confident about his answer. Jimin’s eyes narrow in.
“Forty, and you’ll have a deal.”
“You’re on, Prince.”
The two laugh lightheartedly, as they continue to set up the outside as Namjoon and Yoongi work on the inside. Seokjin, Hoseok and Taehyung are out for the moment. It was the only way they could set up without Taehyung seeing it before he was supposed to, except now they’re racing against the clock.
“How are things with Yoongi?” Jeongguk questions moments later. They’re tying the final balloons up around the front porch. It looks great, extremely inviting and hopefully Taehyung likes it just as much as Jimin and Jeongguk do. “Are you two officially together yet? We all know about the kiss last week. Friends don’t just kiss friends for the hell of it.”
“I…” Jimin falls silent then. Things are good technically. But he’s unsure what they are. Did that kiss clarify that they’re together? Or was it just a “you didn't die” kiss? Maybe Jimin was completely missing something. Maybe it was painfully obvious and he’s just oblivious so—… “I’m not sure.” He admits.
“Do you want to be?” Jeongguk wonders. He leans against the grey wood that holds up the porch and looks in Jimin’s direction. Jimin nods immediately.
“I love him.”
“Then talk to him. Figure out what you and what you’re not, and then if you can change it, change it.” Jeongguk smiles. “You’re both perfect for each other. You’re literally destined to be together. You’re soulmates. One of a kind. Don’t spend too much time clawing at the what ifs, and start grabbing the now.”
“I…” Jimin nods his head. The words weight true. He should talk to Yoongi soon and figure out where they stand. What they are. Are they anything? He’ll find out soon. He knows it for a fact. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll talk to him tonight.”
“Great.” Jeongguk leans up from the porch and claps his hands contently as the sound of tires approaching echoes in their ears. He turns his head to look towards the driveway before calling out, “Taehyung is here!”
Except when Jimin turns to look as well, he realizes that isn’t Seokjin’s Toyota. It’s not even the same colour. He steps back and throws his head towards the front door. “We’ve got company!” He screeches worried. Jeongguk immediately moves in front of him.
Two SUVs pull into the driveway. Four men from each vehicle pops out once they’re parked. Jimin immediately recognizes one of them—Chez.
They’ve been found.
They’re royally fucked.
“Greetings, Prince.” Chez spits. He walks in between the two cars until he’s just feet away from Jeongguk and Jimin. His eyes are filled with anger, annoyance. He doesn’t want to be there but he also wants his revenge for what happened a week ago. Jimin doesn’t entirely blame him. “Seems you went down the wrong rabbit hole. This isn’t where you belong. Why don’t you come—“
“Back away from him.” Yoongi snarls. Jimin doesn’t have to look behind him to know that he and Namjoon are standing outside now. He can feel the heat of Namjoon’s magic radiating off of him, can feel Yoongi’s anger. “If you lay one hand on him, Chez. Any of you, I’ll kill you myself.”
“Tough words from a Red mark.” Chez laughs. “You couldn’t hurt me even if you tried.” He places his hand on his hip and motions for the others behind him to move in closer. They’ll take Jimin by force if they have to.
“Surprising that even you can’t see that people are lying to you.” Yoongi says. He motions to the mark on his face. He stopped covering it. When they began staying here, Yoongi knew he was safe. Knew he’d be okay not pretending he was a Red mark so now the Blue is on display. Chez’s eyes widen when he sees it. “What colour is this, Chez? I don’t think that’s Red.”
“Y-you…” Chez takes a step back. He falters. Jeongguk runs forward and pushes him to the ground.
Namjoon moves forward until he’s guarding both Yoongi and Jimin. “Keep them safe. That’s our objective.”
“Got it.” Jeongguk says immediately.
Yoongi reaches out for Jimin and pulls him back closer to the house. Further away from the reach of those men, away from their hands, their claws. Jimin watches with wide, terrified eyes. What could Jeongguk do though? His magic was different from Namjoon’s. It was mental, not physical. What could he—?
One of the men that came from the first car runs up to Jeongguk in an attempt to attack him, only Jeongguk moves out of the way and punches him in the face. Jimin’s eyes widen.
Oh. Who needs magic when one has brute strength? Jeongguk will be fine.
The magic Namjoon uses is different than last time. It’s hotter. More physical. Enough that if someone were to touch it, they’d get burned. Two of which already have. Their screams echo in Jimin’s ears as Yoongi pulls for him to follow into the house. It should be safer there. It should be, but what men came from behind too? From around the back? Were they safe? Or surrounded? Jimin doesn’t hear the sound of any other cars though. He doesn’t hear any more footsteps or voices beyond the fighting out front.
He doesn’t make it into the house though before someone is grabbing him by the arm. He rips his head to the side to see Chez standing right there. The anger on his face is multiplied by whatever standards that Chez normally is angry. Jimin attempts to pull away, tries all he can but Chez never lets go.
“I’m not letting you go this easily again.” Chez growls. “You humiliated me. Almost cost me my job, ruined my pay for my family. I’m not risking that again. You’re coming with me, little Blue.”
“Actually, he’s not.” A voice says. Jimin barely has time to react to whoever the newcomer is when seconds later Chez is being lifted into the air—through magic—and tossed to the side. In Chez’s surprise, his grip falls away and Jimin finds himself a free man once again.
“Seokjin!” Yoongi beams. He smiles happily. Jimin turns his head to see Seokjin and Taehyung appearing from behind the house. Where did they come from? The car isn’t anywhere to be seen. “How did you know we needed you?”
Seokjin shakes his head, “I didn’t, actually. But it’s been two hours so Taehyung and I came back. I could overhear the commotion though, I saw the SUVs pull down our street so I went the back way. The car is parked behind the house this time.” He climbs over the fence of the front porch and smiles in Jimin’s direction. “Don’t worry. You’ll both be okay. Promise. Just leave it to us magic users. Watch us be cool for a change.”
Jimin nods his head slowly. He wanted to say that magic users have always been cool since they were discovered but he knows now isn’t the time for that. If Seokjin wants to show them cool, then he can. Jimin will revel in the excitement—and the fear—of the current situation. The helplessness that comes with it.
As Prince, shouldn’t he be able to defend himself? He can’t even do that much. Or save the one he loves.
“Are you two okay?” Taehyung questions. His eyes are filled with worry and for a moment, Jimin completely forgot it was his birthday until he spots the balloons. So much for a birthday party. Seems his birthday was just as screwed up as Jimin’s.
“I’m sorry.” He whispers. Taehyung and Yoongi stare at him confused. Worried. “If it wasn’t for me being caught, your birthday wouldn’t have—“
Taehyung pulls Jimin into a hug immediately after, a second later, they overhear the sound of another person being thrown, punched and burned. Did Taehyung do this to shield him from it? Or merely as a comfort?
“I’m not mad.” Taehyung says with a smile. The worry in his eyes stays but there’s no anger or fear or sadness. He’s content. He’s focused. “You and Yoongi come first right now. Afterwards, it’ll be all about me again. Okay? Safety is the priority. I can have a million parties if and when I want.”
“I…” It’s true. Jimin knows it’s true. Taehyung has never been a huge fan of parties to begin with and yet here they are, throwing him one. He probably would much rather prefer to go out and eat at some fancy restaurant, but that unfortunately won’t work for some time. Not until they’re all safe. “Thanks, Taehyung.”
“Retreat!” Someone calls. It isn’t Chez’s voice this time. It surprises Jimin though. Wasn't Chez leading this operation? Why wasn’t he calling—
His eyes land on Chez, being carried into the SUV. He’s unconscious but Jimin can faintly see he’s breathing. There’s a burn mark on his arm. Nothing fatal but painful nonetheless. The others quickly gather into the cars, put them into reverse and get out as quick as they came.
Jimin exhales a shaky breath.
“They’ll be back.” He whispers. He knows they will. “T-they won’t stop until they get us. Get me. Get…oh my god, Yoongi they know about you now. They’ll come for you too. For us. I-I…”
“Jimin.”
“I don’t know if I can keep doing this. I’m helpless in this situation. I can’t even keep someone—“
“Park. Jimin.” Taehyung calls again. He places his hands on both side of Jimin’s shoulder and stares at him. Jimin freezes.
“Y-yes?”
“You’ll be fine.” Taehyung says. Jimin shakes his head. “I promise you’ll be fine.”
“How do you know that? They’ll come back. They’ll keep coming back every time and more people will get hurt because of me. And I…”
Taehyung sighs and steps away. “I have a plan.”
“You do?” Yoongi questions.
“It’s a crazy plan.” Hoseok calls. He emerges from the back seconds later. In all of the craziness, Jimin didn’t even think about him. Some friend he was. Hoseok could have been hurt and he wouldn’t have even remembered about him. But of course he’d stay behind. As a Gold mark, he wouldn’t dare get involved. But Taehyung did. “But I think it’ll work. As long as Jimin and Yoongi agree and Jeongguk.”
“Me?” Jeongguk tilts his head to the side. “What do I have to do with it?”
“Your magic, more like.” Taehyung briefly explains. He holds his hand up to ask for a moment before going inside to the kitchen. He grabs a paper towel and puts water on it before returning outside. Raising the towel up, he removes the Red makeup he put on his mark.
Jimin knew he wouldn’t be a Red mark. Always knew it.
But when the mark is finally revealed, Jimin gasps.
“It’s Gold!” Jimin cheers. He looks immediately in Jeongguk’s direction. “Alright Jeongguk, time to—“
“Wait.” Jeongguk stumbles forward. “That’s…your mark is Gold and Purple. Taehyung, you—…you have two marks?”
Jimin’s brain short-circuits. But it’s true. Getting a closer look, the mark fades from Gold to Purple in one simple strip. Taehyung has two colours for his mark. He’s just as rare as the Blue marks.
“Wait, so then who wins the bet?” Jeongguk asks a second later. Taehyung’s face contorts into slight annoyance.
You made a bet on my mark?” Taehyung questions.
Jeongguk laughs. “Happy birthday, baby?”
“Taehyung,” Namjoon speaks up. “What can you do? What is your plan? I’m sorry to be pushy, but if you have a plan we need to hear it and debate whether it will be set into motion or not.”
“I…um, well I had a dream this morning. Maybe a vision or something similar but it showed me what to do with my magic.” Taehyung crouches down and places his hand on the floor. “ Erase it. That’s what my dream said. It’s what I did. I can do it here.”
“I’m not following.” Seokjin says.
“I can erase memories. I can erase them completely or I can erase things from it. I can…I can erase the memory of the world. I can make them forget about Blue marks completely and then, with Jimin and Yoongi’s consent, Jeongguk can change the colour of their marks.”
Oh.
Oh.
This is…not what he was expecting. Jimin and Yoongi exchange a look with one another, wordless, but filled with so many emotions. This isn’t something that they can answer on the spot. They’d have to think about it, talk it over and decide what they’re going to do.
“You don’t need to make a decision now.” Taehyung says. “My power won’t go anywhere but you are in danger. I’d love for you to stay a Blue mark but you’ll always be hiding it then. Covering it up.”
“The choice is yours.” Hoseok says, “Talk it over and decide what to do. We won’t cloud your judgement with our thoughts. This is your choice.”
“If this works…would things between Jimin and I change?” Yoongi wonders. Jimin looks at him confused. “As Blue marks, we’re soulmates. Destined to be together. If we’re no longer Blue marks then—“
“ No!” Jimin rushes forward and grabs ahold of Yoongi’s hand. “No. This mark doesn’t define what we are. We make what we are. We’re soulmates even without the mark of the Prince. I’m yours, Min Yoongi. Always have been. Always will be.”
Jimin cups Yoongi’s cheek. He stares in those chocolate brown orbs and smiles shyly. “I love you, Min Yoongi. I’ll take on the world with you. I’ll change my mark if that meant I could be with you forever, happily. Without the fear of running.”
“I want that too.” Yoongi nods his head in agreement. “I could live without a mark without a care in the world. But losing you is the greatest disaster I could face on earth. I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you forever. I’m yours, Park Jimin. Always have been. Always will be.”
“Are they really exchanging wedding vows right now?” Namjoon mourns. He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “I thought this was a simple conversation.”
Taehyung snorts, “Nothing is simple for these two.”
“There’s your answer, Jimin.” Jeongguk comments. Jimin knows exactly what he’s referring to. This is his answer indeed. It might not be like normal but it’s true. They’re together and Jimin couldn’t be happier.
A silent exchange between Yoongi and Jimin follows before they nod their heads. The two of them look at Taehyung a moment later, “Let’s do it.” Yoongi says. “Erase their memories and change our marks.”
“Very well then.” Taehyung nods his head as well and motions for them to go out to the open field. “Let’s do it then.”
—♡︎—
“Can you do this?” Jeongguk questions. He holds onto Taehyung’s hand, his eyes are laced with worry. “This is a lot for you to handle. The whole world? Taehyung…I-I don’t know about this. I…” He's cut off by Taehyung’s lips on his. A promise. A reminder.
“I can do it.” Taehyung promises. He squeezes Jeongguk’s hand. “I had that dream for a reason. I’ll be fine. And you’ll be there for me. It’s not as draining as you think. I was practicing earlier. I can return memories as well as take them without getting drained. It’s simple really.”
“Will we all forget too?” Jeongguk wonders. Taehyung shakes his head.
“No, we won’t.” Taehyung answers. “I’m only erasing the minds of everyone else. We’ll be fine.”
“I see…” Jeongguk hums quietly to himself before looking in the direction of Jimin and Yoongi.
“What about the treasures?” Namjoon mentions. Jimin and Yoongi exchange a look with each other. Neither of them had thought about that. At least not together, but Jimin shakes his head.
“We’re giving our marks up. I don’t think we should have access to the treasures of our past. Nor do I want it honestly, I’ve acquired my own treasures in this life.” Jimin feels for the keychain that Yoongi bought for him and smiles. “I’m more than content with what I have now.”
Jimin and Yoongi intertwine their hands as Taehyung sits down on the ground. His hands are planted in the grass, feeling for it, letting it brush against his fingers as a breeze picks up. How would this work? How would they know if they did it?
“In every life, you’re my soulmate. A mark doesn’t define that.” Yoongi whispers. He squeezes Jimin’s hand. “I love you.”
“I love you.”
There’s faint vibrations underneath their feet. Faint enough that it couldn’t be considered an earthquake but many people may call it that. Granted they even feel it. Maybe the only reason they can is because they’re right next to the source of it all.
It’s peaceful. Quiet. Everyone stands around waiting patiently. Wondering if this would drain Taehyung more than they anticipated. More than anyone would like. But he looks stable. Completely stable, not even a bead of sweat falls to their amazement.
It doesn’t take long. Five minutes tops and yet it feels like a decade for Yoongi and Jimin. Waiting, curious, watching. Did it work? What if it didn’t? What’s the back-up plan? Would they be on the run forever?
But when Taehyung opens his eyes, exhales a shaky breath and looks directly at the two of them, they know he’s finished. Jimin immediately fishes out his phone and opens up the internet.
Surely if people knew about the Blue mark, they would be talking about it still, right?
But…
But wait.
First, Jimin flips through Twitter. It had been his main source of information outside of the news. Then he looks at the internet and types “Blue mark” in but nothing pops up.
Nothing.
Not even reports from days ago.
Everything has vanished. Poof. Up in the air like it never even happened to begin with.
Jimin’s hand shakes as he shows Yoongi.
“It actually worked. There’s not a trace of a Blue mark anywhere. No one knows anything about you or me. Or…anything.” Jimin beams in excitement at the thought of them being safe. Being out of harm's way. Was this really it? “Taehyung…you did it!”
“I did? I actually did it?” Taehyung’s eyes widen with surprise but happiness. Jimin would run into his arms and give him a hug if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s sitting on the ground right now and Jimin’s hand is in Yoongi’s.
“You’re amazing.” Hoseok says. He places his hand on his hip as the breeze brushes by once more.
“Now only one part remains.” Namjoon murmurs. He looks between Jeongguk, Yoongi and Jimin. “Do you know what colour you’re gonna change your mark to?”
“I was thinking of Gold.” Jimin answers. “Growing up, Taehyung and I always said we’d rule the world together as Gold marks. I think I want to do that now. Pursue some dreams of mine.”
“Then I’ll join you.” Yoongi adds. “I never had a preference on what I was. But we were Blue marks together so let’s be Gold together now too.”
“You two are so cute, it’s gross.” Seokjin gags. Though his words hold no malice or hatred.
“Two Gold marks it is then.” Jeongguk beams. He walks away from Taehyung and stands in front of them both. “Now is where I shine.”
“You always shine.” Taehyung calls from behind.
Jeongguk grins at the comment and holds both his hands out. “I’ll need to touch your marks. Is that okay?” He questions. Both Yoongi and Jimin nod and seconds later, Jeongguk’s hand is on both of their faces.
The closes his eyes. Jimin and Yoongi do the same though they’re unsure if they need to or not. The breeze that had blown through his so sweetly picks up then. It brushes the hair of the couple back until it’s out of their face. Jimin feels as if he’ll stumble back but his feet are ground into place.
A chill crawls down Jimin’s spine, he shivers, but he doesn’t move. He can feel—what’s that feelings? Electricity?—coursing through him. Biting at his mark, changing it, replacing it. How would he look with a Gold mark rather than a Blue? How would Yoongi look? Ravishing, he’s sure of it. Gorgeous. Breathtaking as always.
A mark wouldn’t change his beauty. It wouldn’t define it.
Jeongguk steps back a moment later.
The breeze dies down and finally Jimin feels as if he can move. He looks to Yoongi first. Immediately and smiles.
“Hello, handsome.”
“Hello, Prince.” Yoongi replies.
“I-I…did it not work?” Jimin worries. Yoongi shakes his head.
“No, you’re Gold. But you’ll always be my Prince.”
“Oh.” Jimin blushes.
“What are your plans now?” Namjoon wonders.
“Taehyung and I have a birthday to celebrate.” Jeongguk says. He helps Taehyung up to his feet and walks towards the front porch to fix up the streamers that got messy from the earlier fight. “We all do.”
“That we do.” Hoseok and Seokjin walk over to help as well.
“What about you two? Any plans?”
“Return to college.” Jimin answers. “Get my degree then focus on something else. What about you, Yoongi?”
“Maybe write a book. About this. About us.”
“What would you call it?”
Yoongi smiles, and squeezes Jimin’s hand. He leans down and kisses his cheek before saying, “The Blue Prince.”