Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was like a lullaby in his ear. In a soothing tone, it whispered sweet nothings, wrapping around him like cocoon of comfort, drawing him closer until he was in reach. It spoke of a beauty he had never imagined before, tempting him like he tempted all those he came into contact with. To open the jar would be to allow him to have the sweetest of sweets. It would be a pleasure unachievable by any other means.

Its seduction was something Jeongguk was afraid he wouldn’t be able to resist. He was so close to it now, all it would take is one small movement and its contents would be released.

And Jeongguk wasn’t stupid, he knew exactly why the gods had given him the most alluring object in the universe.

If he removed the lid from the jar, his fate would be sealed and the god’s punishment would wreak havoc over Namjoon’s favorite of the god’s creations, the very creatures he risked his life to provide for.

But, by the gods, it was just so tempting.

The thing that drove Jeongguk insane with bitterness was the fact that the gods knew this. Jeongguk could practically feel them peering down from their thrones with bated breath, urging his hand to move the final few inches until he could feel the smooth surface of the jar under his palm. He could feel the engravings, riddled with the words and power of the gods, under his cool fingers. He could sense the amount of energy put into into its creation.

Why would the gods put so much power into a simple jar? What was in it? He had to know. His mind swirled with possibilities of what could possibly be in there. All he had to do was move his hand upwards a few inches and he’d have all his answ—

“Jeongguk,” a soft voice called to him.

Jeongguk felt like he was being revived after drowning, the breath suddenly being drawn in as shock ran through him. He blinked rapidly and jerked his hand away from the jar, putting his surroundings back into focus. The warm air coming in from the window clearing his mind and reminding him of the reason he entered the room in the first place. The lure of the mysterious jar distracting him from retrieving the fan Yoongi had asked for.

He turned slowly, taking in the figure of his husband standing before him with his arms crossed, his head tilted and eyebrow raised. Jeongguk quickly shook the last dregs of the hypnotism from his mind, slightly embarrassed at his lapse of control. It was happening too often lately. He had to resist. It wasn’t just Namjoon’s punishment, it was Yoongi’s. And Jeongguk would be damned before he let something hurt Yoongi.

Yoongi shortened the distance between them with quick strides. He grabbed Jeongguk’s wrist and pulled him across the room with a strength that he didn’t seem to possess due to his small frame. Yoongi was able to deceive others in ways that amazed Jeongguk, but never Jeongguk. As long as Jeongguk remained honest with him, he’d do the same.

Yoongi reached up to cup his face. His palms cradling his cheeks as if he was a fragile child, and Jeongguk understood that he must be radiating with vulnerability still. The control that the jar had over him always managed to shake him until he could barely stand against it.

Yoongi’s gentleness contradicted the overwhelming strength that always exuded from him. “This is not you. This is them. They gifted you with a sick sense of curiosity beyond your own control, but you must try to resist it. Don’t give in to it, love.”

Jeongguk reached up a hand to cover Yoongi’s, staring into the calculating eyes of the only person who thought of him as more than a simple means to an end. “It’s hard,” he croaked out in a gruff voice. He cleared his throat, not wanting to seem more vulnerable than he already did. Yoongi worried enough as it was. “It’s like placing a plate of food in front of a starving man. It’s the most enticing thing I have faced in my life.”

“I know. Trust me, my love. I know. For me, that object is you. It takes all my willpower to keep from locking you up in a room with me for the rest of our lives, however long that may be. But when I think of the consequences that come with doing that, I resist. I need you to trust me, love me in return, and you’d never do that if I acted like a savage.”

Sometimes Jeongguk wondered if Yoongi’s voice was better than even the jar’s whisperings. His deep, rich voice resonated with power every time he opened his mouth. He was careful with his words, only choosing those that benefitted him, it’s how he got the reputation of being the slightly naïve, dimwitted brother in comparison to Namjoon. Jeongguk felt blessed every time Yoongi opened up to him, his voice washing over him as a veil of calmness, gifting him the illusion of self-control.

“You’re the only thing that stops me from opening it. I know if I do, it will not only mean punishment for me. It will mean punishment for you as well. I could never do that to you,” Jeongguk admitted, leaning forward to rest his head on Yoongi’s. His titan may be small, but his presence was larger than anything in Jeongguk’s life.

“My love,” Yoongi whispered, before placing a chaste kiss on his husband’s lips. He would be forever grateful that he ignored Namjoon’s warnings.

“We need to prepare for Namjoon’s arrival tonight, you know how he can be. Why don’t you go instruct the servants on dinner while I hide the jar again?” Yoongi offered, pulling away from his lover.

Jeongguk gave the jar one last longing look before nodding. He turned on the spot, his robes fluttering around him, and strode towards the door. He stopped in the doorway, making a request without turning around. “Hide it better than you have before, Yoongi. The desire keeps growing every day and I don’t know how much long I will be able to keep from opening the lid.” He rushed out.

Yoongi growled quietly as he was left alone in the room, his frustrations against the gods increased every day. They treated the rest of the world like their play things, only useful if they’re able to provide even a modicum of entertainment in their boring lives. They underestimated him, but that was intentional. You never let the enemy know your true strength. He never even let Namjoon know anything. He had seen too many siblings turn on one another.

He took a deep breath. He needed to control himself. The gods were always watching lately. One false move could involve a greater punishment and Yoongi had Jeongguk to think about now.

The jar now sat on a shelf on the far end of the room, away from the original cabinet it had been held in. Yoongi and Jeongguk had tried multiple solutions to hiding the jar, but in the end it didn’t matter how well it was hid. Somehow Jeongguk always managed to find it. Yoongi couldn’t bring himself to leave Jeongguk in the same room alone with it anymore. As much as he trusted Jeongguk, anything to do with the gods had him automatically proceeding with caution.

He shook off his feelings, reaching for the jar that was so tempting for Jeongguk, but so ordinary for him. The jar felt empty in his hands, but he knew not to be deceived. No matter his feelings on it, it was far more dangerous than anything should be. Yoongi had watched Jeongguk become a slave to its force too many times for him to doubt its ability. It made Yoongi want to curse them more for taking something so innocent and turning it into something so corrupt.

He sighed as he set it back down long enough to drag a small chair over to climb on top of. Carefully balancing, he placed the jar behind a collection of vases on the top shelf. Jeongguk would have to climb in order to reach it, and perhaps that will give him enough time to regain control over his actions.

Yoongi could only hope, if there was such a thing in this world.

----

Jeongguk wasn’t blind or deaf. He knew Namjoon practically despised his existence. In his mind, Jeongguk was the downfall of them all.

However, he seemed to adore Yoongi’s, even going as far as to fix Yoongi’s “mistakes”, something practically unheard of in their world. Siblings let siblings out to dry, mothers gave up their children for a better version, and husbands cheated on their partners more often than not.

Jeongguk also understood Yoongi’s hesitation to share anything with Namjoon. Namjoon had the tendency to come off a bit stronger than he needed to, especially since he thought Yoongi didn’t understand their world. Truth was, Yoongi understood it all too well. Jeongguk was a bit hesitant to say it made him a little jaded, but, in the time that Jeongguk had lived with and gotten to know him, it was obvious how much resentment Yoongi managed to hold in his small body.

Namjoon’s complete disregard and distrust of Jeongguk did nothing to turn things in his favor when it came to Yoongi.

Jeongguk was grateful for that. As selfish as it seemed, he liked Yoongi being on his side in this debate.  He didn’t know what he’d do if someone managed to turn Yoongi against him.

The weekly argument could be heard throughout Jeongguk’s home. The servants were trained to turn a blind eye to anything that involved their masters. At first, Jeongguk had tried to follow their example, believing that this is how Yoongi wanted him to act. The cook told him that a good husband would keep to himself and not get involve in the affairs of his husband unless instructed. Jeongguk was young and naïve, still fresh to the world. As many gifts as the gods had given him, not one of them had been knowledge on social situations.

However, Jeongguk soon learned that Yoongi would tell him everything anyway. He always replayed past events over several times, analyzing each and every second that had happened.

Yoongi always said, “One of the only ways to control what will happen is to look at what has already happened and learn from it.” And he wanted Jeongguk to learn everything he possibly could just in case he wasn’t around to protect him.

Jeongguk didn’t like to think of that possible outcome.

Now, Jeongguk just listened into every conversation, knowing Yoongi preferred it when he contributed to their nighttime discussions. It was one of the reasons he was well aware of Namjoon’s hatred. It was also the reason that Jeongguk knew he was going to end up opening the jar soon.

Because Namjoon knew the future and it always held the same thing – Jeongguk releasing darkness into the world.

What exactly was the darkness in the jar? The gods held so much power in their hands that it was almost impossible to imagine the outcome. Whatever it was, it made Namjoon storm their home once a week to try and talk sense into Yoongi. On one or two occasions, he had physically threatened Jeongguk to the point where Yoongi no longer left them alone together. Ever.

Jeongguk could feel his fingers twitch against the dining room table where he sat waiting for Yoongi and Namjoon to finish hashing it out. The amount of effort it took not to go searching for the jar was wearing on him. He couldn’t go looking. He needed to prove Namjoon wrong.

“You’re not understanding, brother. You never understand. He is going to be the end of us all. He’ll end up ruining us,” Namjoon bellowed in a booming voice. It was a familiar argument. The words the same ones he spoke weekly in hope that maybe this time Yoongi would listen.

Namjoon’s voice was nothing like his brothers. While Yoongi’s was liquid and soothing, Namjoon’s was made of hard edges and cutting lines. Jeongguk knew he was the only one who thought that though. The servant’s soft sighs at his commands were telling enough for him to know how desired Namjoon was, but to Jeongguk his voice made him flinch in fear and worry.

Yoongi’s voice was calm in return. Jeongguk and he had gone over these situations enough times to have decided that when his brother was like this, the only thing he could do was remain composed. They believed it showed his seriousness and loyalty more than screaming did.

“Ruin us? Or ruin your favorite creation? It was your thoughtlessness that got us into this situation. You constantly come back to the same arguments, brother. However, you never bring up your role in all this. I knew what I was doing when I used up all my power on the others. I knew the humans’ history. Even Zeus thought they could not be trusted, yet you had to ensure they were able to survive. Why?”

A servant came into Jeongguk’s eyesight in order to refill his cup with water. Never anything stronger. Wine wasn’t kept in the house. Inhibitions were thrown out when alcohol was involved. Control was relinquished. Actions grew reckless. Jeongguk and Yoongi thrived on the small amount of control they still had. He nodded his thanks at the fellow human.

“The humans are our future, brother. Without them, there is no us. We need their worship and love in order to have purpose. They wouldn’t have survived without fire. You had nothing left to give them. You wasted it all on creatures that didn’t matter. You were foolish, and I did the only thing I could think of. I don’t regret my actions,” Namjoon spoke confidently.

“The gods need them, not us. Titans are no longer important in this world, brother.”

“You don’t understand what the future holds, Yoongi.”

“And you don’t understand what the past tells us, Namjoon. While you may know the effect, you will never be able to comprehend the true cause.”

It was quiet for so long that Jeongguk thought that they were done arguing. Both their voices carried, even with the slightest of whispers, especially with the walls the ways they were between the two rooms. Jeongguk used to worry about the humans overhearing and using the information against them, but Yoongi had such trust in his staff that his worry was quickly assuaged.

Jeongguk had learned true loyalty for the servants around him, and they had learned it from Yoongi. Yoongi was honest to those who were honest to him.

“I warned you of what their gift would bring. Why did you accept him anyway?” Namjoon sounded tired, as if the argument was wearing on him and it probably was.

A sigh could be heard, the walls were so thin and the dining hall so quiet. “I’ve explained it to you before, brother. I need him.”

“Was it the gifts the gods bestowed him? There are plenty others with the same gifts, Yoongi.” Jeongguk flinched with the reminder of how expendable he was.

“It’s not the gifts. I’d want him even without the beauty and charm. You allow yourself to give everything to the humans, Namjoon. Let me love just this one,” Yoongi’s voice held finality.

A door connected to the dining hall flung open and Yoongi stepped out. With a face full of strain and cold eyes, he took in the feast laid out on the table. His hair was a mess from running his hands through it, probably in an effort to keep himself calm. Jeongguk hated the toll disagreeing with his brother took on him.

The genuine concern on Jeongguk’s face was enough to cause Yoongi’s own face to gentle as finally met Jeongguk’s eyes. He ignored Namjoon emerging behind him and took long strides in order to meet his husband at the table. He took Jeongguk’s hand as he took his spot at the head of the table, bringing it up to his mouth as he took his seat. He gave it a quick kiss before sending Jeongguk a quick smile.

“The food looks wonderful, my love,” he said, looking away from Jeongguk and running his eyes over the table again. Namjoon took his seat across from Jeongguk, sending him a sneer that disappeared as Yoongi looked over at him.

Jeongguk blushed slightly, pulling his hand out of Yoongi’s grip. “I can’t take credit for it. It was all the cook. All I did was instruct him what to make.”

Yoongi leaned back so the servant that rushed over could fill his own water cup. “You made great choices when choosing tonight’s meal, then.”

Jeongguk wished he could say he was used to the tension that Namjoon’s visits brought over their household, but he wasn’t. The weight of Namjoon’s disproval settled heavily on his shoulder, making him more flustered than he usually was. Jeongguk couldn’t help but think that the blubbering fool he turned into around him wasn’t doing anything to convince Namjoon of his innocence.

An uncomfortable air descended on them and lasted the rest of the meal. Yoongi pretended not to notice and tried to engage both Jeongguk and Namjoon in conversation, but neither of them were in the mood to pretend to like one another.

Yoongi sighed, pushing his food away from him. “Both of you could at least attempt to be civil. It is not like either one of you is going away.”

“You don’t know that. The only one with any knowledge on what will happen once I open that jar – and it will happen – is Namjoon. For all we know, whatever is in there will destroy us all, or, at the very least, me,” Jeongguk corrected, gnawing at his lip and refusing to look at the older boys.

Namjoon eyed Jeongguk carefully before turning to Yoongi. “He’s right, brother. I can’t see anything to do with him. I believe the gods created him in a way that his future is indiscernible. He’s disposable.”

Jeongguk heard a sharp breath come from Yoongi, saw his fists curling inward out of the corner of his eyes, and knew that he was trying to control himself.

Jeongguk’s next words were spoken with an edge to them that could make even the strongest of men wary. “I think we’re done here. Namjoon, it’s been a lovely visit, but I wish to be alone with my husband now.”

Namjoon watched Yoongi for a second longer before heeding Jeongguk’s words and pushing away from the table. When Yoongi didn’t say anything more, he bowed his head slightly and took his leave. A female servant coming up to lead him by his arm towards the door as she sent a wicked grin to her friend, who was giggling behind her hand.

As soon as he was out of sight, Yoongi spoke up. “You are not disposable.”

“I know.”

“We’ll deal with the outcome when it happens. Until then, you’re safe with me.”

“I know.”

Yoongi looked up from his plate, his eyes intense. “I can’t lose you.”

“You won’t,” Jeongguk promised, grabbing ahold of Yoongi’s hand. “They’ll have to recruit Hades if they want to take me from you. And you know Hades. He can’t stand being around his family for longer than a few minutes.”

----

“Do you ever think about what life would be like if you’d never met me?” Jeongguk asked from his position on top of Yoongi. His thighs laid on either side of Yoongi’s waist, straddling him on top of the pile of furs that constituted as their bed.

“No.”

“No?”

Yoongi cocked his head, staring up at his husband with a soft gaze. Jeongguk felt as if his heart was being forced out of his chest with the amount of adoration he felt himself feeling for the small man in front of him. It was like Yoongi was the one bestowed with the gifts from Aphrodite and not him.

“It’s not something I want to think about. If you weren’t in my life, there wouldn’t be a point. It would be boring and unfulfilling,” Yoongi explained, reaching up a hand to caress Jeongguk’s cheek.

Jeongguk leaned into his touch, smiling down at him. “Good answer,” he whispered, turning his head to kiss his palm.

“What about you? Do you ever wonder?”

“I don’t think I could wonder, even if I wished to. There is very little before you that I remember. I imagine it’s like trying to remember parts of your childhood. You know that they were important, but you can’t draw them to the front of your memory. That is what life before you is like. I know it’s there, but I can barely remember it.”

Yoongi drew his forehead to rest against his own. “I will forever be amazing at your ability to say the exact right thing without trying.”

Jeongguk’s answering giggle was interrupted by Yoongi’s lips crashing into his own. He smiles before allowing himself to melt into the embrace. Even after a year of being together, Jeongguk couldn’t get enough of his enigma of a husband. Each touch sent goosebumps up his spine and each kiss had his toes curling from the desire that formed.

But as much as Jeongguk would love to give into his husband, they actually had to talk. Yoongi let out a low whine as Jeongguk separated himself from him. “I know, but we need to talk.”

“We can talk when we’re finished,” Yoongi proposed, trying to reconnect their lips.

Jeongguk chuckled, pushing lightly on Yoongi’s chest, simultaneous pushing himself up and Yoongi down. It didn’t take much force to keep him down considering how small he was compared to Jeongguk. “You say that every time, but when has that actually happened.”

Yoongi glared at him before spitting out, “Fine. Ruin my fun.”

Jeongguk moved his hands from his chest to his cheeks, patting him patronizingly. “Good husband.”

“What did you want to talk about, love?”

Jeongguk’s smile slid off his face slightly as he remembered what he needed to bring up. “Namjoon’s visits are getting more and more frequent. That can’t be a good sign.”

Yoongi sighed, patting Jeongguk’s thigh in a silent command to let him up. Jeongguk scrambled off and onto his knees on the furs next to him, while Yoongi sat up, ready to get serious. He mimicked Jeongguk’s position, his hands lying on top of Jeongguk’s thighs.

“I would love to assure you that Namjoon is just overreacting, but…”

“He’s gifted with foresight.”

“Yes, and that’s what makes me nervous.”

Jeongguk bit his lip and looked away. “I don’t want to worry you, but I-I don’t know how much longer I can resist the pull.”

“I know.”

“No, you don’t.” Jeongguk argued, shaking his head.

“We talked about this earlier Jeongguk. We’ll get through this. I understand that this is hard for you-“

“No!” Jeongguk exclaimed, startling Yoongi. He began tugging at his hair, a bad habit he managed to pick up from Yoongi. He seemed to regret shouting, as his next words were softer, “You don’t. I don’t even know how to begin to explain it to you.”

Yoongi’s hands came up to gently tug his hands away, keeping them clutched in both his as he settles them between them. “Try.”

Jeongguk eyed Yoongi, his mind whirling with possible ways to explain. Was there even a way to describe the pure desperation that he felt consuming him at every possible moment?

“It’s as if something is crawling under my skin, keeping me from ever being truly comfortable. At times it’s the softest silk, gliding across my body, drawing me in deeper and deeper. At others, it’s like a thousand needles, repeatedly pricking my body. My body begs me to end its suffering, and I physically feel like I need to. The only way to sooth it would be to give in. I don’t know what the gods did to me, but the overwhelming need I feel all the time is pure and utter torture. I can’t even think about the jar without my breath being swept from my lungs. This isn’t simply curiosity. There is something wrong with me,” Jeongguk cried, tears welling up in his eyes. He was barely holding on to his composure.

“Jeongguk,” Yoongi whispered quietly in concern. He raised a hand to wipe the tears, but Jeongguk shook his head rapidly, his control breaking.

“I don’t know why you keep choosing me! I’m going insane! Even the maids know of this. I can hear them talk. The signs are all there. I’m positively mad with this silly obsession with a jar. A jar, Yoongi!” Jeongguk stood up, pacing the small bedroom. “In the next few days, I’m going to open it and everyone is going to have to face the disappointment that comes with it. You’re going to be disappointed in me for opening it. Namjoon’s going to be disappointed in you for not heeding his words. And I’m going to be disappointed with whatever that jar contains, because nothing could satisfy what I feel inside!”

“Jeongguk,” Yoongi whispered again, watching with sad eyes as Jeongguk wore a hole with his steps. “Jeongguk, sit back down.” When Jeongguk ignored his request, he stood up, rushing to stand in front of his husband. He gripped his upper arms tightly, shaking him slightly. “Look at me.”

Jeongguk ignored him again, keeping his eyes on a spot above his head. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you decided to marry me? Even I knew it was a trick. Hell, Zeus even told you it was a trick. You had nothing to gain by marrying me. Namjoon’s quick to emphasize how common my skills are. The only difference between me and some commoner is that I didn’t have to work to become what everyone wants. I have nothing special to offer you.”

“Oh, Gguk!” Yoongi moved his hands to clutch Jeongguk’s cheeks between his hands, forcing their eyes to meet. “I didn’t need anything special. I knew from the very beginning that you were it. You don’t live as long as I have without knowing what is worth risking everything for.”

“That explains nothing,” Jeongguk practically growled, frustrated.

“I’m cannot explain things like you, Gguk. I wasn’t gifted with words like you were. The most I can do is emphasize that you are everything to me.”

“Try!” Jeongguk demanded, pushing Yoongi away from him.

Yoongi ignored the shock he felt at Jeongguk’s physical reaction and huffed in frustration, “Jeongguk! I can’t! There are just some things in this world you can’t explain. I’ve lived in a world of darkness so long, that I’m able to recognize even the smallest flame. You were the flame. I don’t know how to describe to you how I knew, but I promise you I didn’t make a mistake. You are proving to be everything I knew you would be.”

Yoongi eyes roamed over Jeongguk’s face, taking in all the pain that painted itself plainly on his face. Jeongguk’s chest shook from the silent sobs he was forcing back. He shook his head rapidly back and forth again, trying to take back his previous actions.

“I know you’re s-serious when you call me J-Jeongguk. I’m s-sorry. I’m sorry I p-pushed you,” Jeongguk struggled to get out over his sobs.

Yoongi’s feet moved of their own accord to stand in front of Jeongguk again, grabbing his hand. “Baby, calm down. Everything is fine. I need you to breathe for me. Can you do that?”

Jeongguk bit his lip, breathing deeply. Yoongi stroked his knuckles until his sobs slowed into the occasional hiccups. He could feel his heart slow and his emotions crash down, exhausting him. Yoongi waited a few more moments, watching his face until he pulled him back over to the furs. He pushed him down onto his back, forcing him to relax. Yoongi laid practically on top of him, pressing his face into the crook of Jeongguk’s neck.

“You’re not insane. You’ll understand that once their hold over you is removed.”

---- ----

Yoongi knew that with how strong Namjoon’s grip on his arm was there was going to be a bruise later. He also knew that with the way Namjoon’s eyes kept rapidly shifting from one statue to another that the meeting that they were going to wasn’t going to be necessarily thrilling. Namjoon always knew what was going to happen before it happened. Perhaps not exactly in the way that one would expect, sometimes he could only sense the outcome, other times he could only sense an associated emotion. If he was nervous, then that meant that something unpleasant was waiting for them.

However, what else was to be expected?

They were meeting with Zeus (and by extension, his “loyal” band of gods interested in drama) and that automatically implied that something negative was going to happen.

Yoongi had decided not to worry about it. He’d learned long ago that it was unnecessary. Worrying about something didn’t change the outcome of the event. It only ensure that you suffered both before and during it. Yoongi didn’t have enough energy within him to care.

Suddenly, Namjoon came to a stop feet from a gilded door that Yoongi assumed housed the awaiting gods. He released his hold on Yoongi’s arm and shot out his arm to the side, catching Yoongi in the chest. He rocked on his heels trying to keep himself from falling from the sudden action.

“Why you-”

“I need you to promise me something,” Namjoon said, his eyes not once leaving the door in front of him. The smallest hint of fear in his eyes confirmed what Yoongi already knew. Whatever was awaiting them wasn’t a grand feast.

“What?”

“Don’t accept anything they offer you. I don’t know if they’ll use it to put you into their debt or if it’ll be a start of a punishment, but I do know that whatever they offer us will end up having devastating effects,” Namjoon warned. He tore his eyes away from the door to look into Yoongi’s.

Yoongi absentmindedly rubbed his chest in the spot Namjoon had hit. He broke eye contact in order to do his own gazing at the door. Behind that door lied individuals with too much power and not enough sense.

“I feel like I should be the one warning you. I’m the eldest,” Yoongi replied, slowly turning back to look at Namjoon.

“Yoongi,” Namjoon pressed urgently.

“I’m not a fool, brother,” was Yoongi’s only reply.

Why make a promise if you didn’t know if you’d be able to keep it? Promises lost their meaning the more they were made and broken. 

Namjoon took Yoongi’s words to be a promise though, not paying attention to the words themselves in his urgency. He nodded his head once before continuing to lead them towards the entrance.

He threw open the doors with a confidence that Yoongi knew he didn’t feel. He strode into the room purposefully, making Yoongi smile with pride.

His brother had managed to grow into a stronger man than he’d ever imagined was possible.

It was as if Zeus had thrown a party and they were the guests of honor. Everyone stopped their conversations, turning towards the door to watch Namjoon make his way towards Zeus with Yoongi slinking in afterwards. Yoongi crossed his arms over his chest, unused to the feeling of having a dozen pair of eyes on him. The added smirk on Zeus’ face made Yoongi want to turn right around a leave the way he came in.

“Namjoon! Yoongi! Welcome,” Zeus greeted them boisterously, his tone not matching the look in his eyes. He waved a hand around the room. “We’ve been waiting on you to arrive.”

Yoongi took that moment to take in his surroundings. He took in more with a single glance than probably Namjoon had taken in the entire time they’d been walking in. Namjoon’s nerves blinded him, while they caused Yoongi to become sharper.

The extravagance he saw made him feel sick. Whether it was from envy or disgust, he didn’t know. Here they were living in grandeur, while Yoongi knew for certain the humans were struggling to get by as war after war raged on. Hell, he bet half of them here were fueling the anger and desire that caused the fighting just for their own entertainment. Yoongi wasn’t the biggest fan of the humans, but he was even less of a fan of the rulers surrounding him. Too much power placed in one area.

“As much as I’d like to drag out this visit, I’ve been waiting weeks for this moment. I have a gift for you!” Zeus told them, clapping his hands at the end for both emphasis and a signal of some sorts. Behind him, Yoongi could hear someone walking out the door.

“As kind as that is-”

“Oh hush, Namjoon. There’s no need to deny it before you’ve even seen it. Besides, it’s more so for Yoongi.” The twinkle in his eye was more than a little disturbing.

“I don’t think Yoongi-“

“You’re not Yoongi, are you? Yoongi is perfectly capable of speaking for himself,” Zeus snapped at the fidgeting Namjoon. He melted Namjoon with his gaze before shifting his attention to Yoongi. “What do you say? Would you like to see your present?”

He could feel Namjoon’s eyes (as well as the eyes of everyone else in the room) burning a hole into his skull, however he didn’t look away from Zeus. He had to commend Namjoon for even trying to stand up to the man, because there’s no way he’d ever be able to.

He nodded his head slightly. “Of course.”

Yoongi couldn’t help but feel guilty at Namjoon’s disappointed sigh. He didn’t like going against Namjoon, but the relief he felt with Zeus’ face relaxed slightly and his intense glare shifted.

“Good, good! That’s what I wanted to hear,” he said, moving towards the door they had come in through. “See Namjoon. You have to let your brother have his own voice. How is he ever going to learn, if you keep making all his decisions for him?”

Namjoon kept quiet, put in his place. They didn’t have power here, something Yoongi understood and Namjoon had trouble grasping.

Zeus stood in front of the door, a layer of excitement fell over the other gods in the room. As they all grew anxious with anticipation, the brothers stood there, tension growing with excited whisper.

“Now, boys, you might be wondering, ‘why would Zeus bestowing upon me one of his rare gifts when all I’ve done is betray him?’” Zeus flourished dramatically, building up the tension. “The truth is I understand what it’s like to feel the need to help the less fortunate. Therefore, in this case, you are my charity and I am your benefactor. Bring him in!”

Yoongi didn’t know what he was expecting to be behind the door, but it definitely wasn’t what was.

In the doorway stood easily the most beautiful human that Yoongi had ever laid his eyes on. He automatically knew that Aphrodite had something to do with the creature in front of him. Everything about him scream the contradicting combination of soft and strong that Aphrodite admired in her lovers. His eyes were wide and innocent as he took in everyone staring at him. He shrank slightly into himself.

“I would like to introduce you to Jeongguk, our most amazing creation to date. Created from the Earth herself, he has the best gift my children and siblings could gift him. And he’s all yours.”

“Pardon?” Yoongi suddenly spoke, drawing his eyes away from the Jeongguk to look over at Zeus.

His smile seemed to widen even more at Yoongi’s words. “If you choose to accept, Jeongguk will become your husband. You can take him home with you and live whatever life you choose without our interference. Or, well, with minimal interference from us.”

“What’s the catch?” Namjoon spoke up, not able to keep silent any longer.

“Namjoon. Namjoon. Namjoon Always the smart one.” Zeus complimented.

He laid his hand on Jeongguk’s back, causing him to slightly cringe away from the contact. Zeus ignored him, leading him towards the brothers.

The closer he got the harder it became for Yoongi to keep his eyes off of him. Yoongi had never seen any creature as scared as he looked in that moment. However, he didn’t fight any of it, like a lamb up for the slaughter, unknowing of its fate.

“Unfortunately for you, I’m smarter. Why would I give up my secrets to you now, when it’s more entertaining for you to find them out later?”

Zeus stopped Jeongguk to stand directly in front of Yoongi. “What do you say? Will you accept our gift?”

Yoongi looked over at Namjoon to see him shake his head in an almost imperceptible way. Looking over at Zeus, he could see him practically salivating at the power he held in his hands. If Yoongi accepted the gift, then whatever consequence he had in mind would play out exactly like he wanted it to.

Finally, he looked at Jeongguk standing there in front of him, so unaware of everything. Aphrodite’s gift was obvious, but Yoongi wondered what the others gave him. Jeongguk’s eyes nervously danced over everyone staring at him before they landed on Yoongi’s.

It may have been Yoongi’s imagination, but Jeongguk seemed to relax slightly as the contact was made. It made his answer easy for him.

“Yes. I’ll accept your gift.”

----

“What the hell were you thinking, brother?” Namjoon screamed at him, once they were back home.

Yoongi had sent Jeongguk with his most trusted servants to get cleaned up before dinner was served. He had yet to say anything to anyone, but Yoongi was sure that once he was able to explain everything he would open up. There was no doubt in Yoongi’s mind that the gods hadn’t explained anything to him.

“Have you seen anything?” Yoongi asked, walking past Namjoon into his dining room.

“Not yet, but I don’t need to see anything to know you’re making a huge mistake. All the god’s gifts are conditional. Even someone like you should know this.” Namjoon followed him, standing in front of him as he went to sit down, blocking his seat.

Yoongi narrowed his eyes at his brother. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”

“You don’t think about the consequences of your actions, Yoongi! You’re so stuck in the past that you don’t look towards the future.”

Yoongi let out a hollow laugh. “Just say it, Namjoon. You think I’m dim and shouldn’t be allowed to make decisions that aren’t heavily influence by you.”

“It’s your lack of foresight that got us into this mess in the first place. If you had just considered your actions before you distributed the attributes, then none of us would be in this situation.”

Yoongi rolled his eyes. “And if you had remembered what happened last time when someone stole something from Zeus, then maybe you wouldn’t have stolen the one thing he specifically took from them. Or perhaps if you had remembered what happened the last time humans’ were allowed fire, maybe you would have hesitated a moment before giving it back to them.”

“You’re pinning the blame on me?” Namjoon growled, crossing his arms across his chest.

“Yes, I am. Maybe if you trusted me every once in a while, then we wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“I did trust you. I trusted you not to give into Zeus, and look what you did, played right into his hand.”

“I’m sorry!” Yoongi exploded. “Is that what you want to hear? I know you’re disappointed, but what’s done is done.”

“It’s not done. You’re not married yet. You still have a week to back out. Just tell them you made a mistake in accepting,” Namjoon pleaded, grabbing onto Yoongi’s shoulders and shaking them.

“Aren’t you supposed to be the smart one? Haven’t you learned anything from the past? Going back on a deal with the gods is a death sentence. Besides, even if the situation was presented to me again, I’d probably choose the same thing over again.”

Namjoon closed his eyes, tilting his head back. “Why? Why did you accept Jeongguk?”

Yoongi ignored the question, shrugging Namjoon’s hands off his shoulders. “Jeongguk’s going to be good for us. I can feel it Namjoon.”

“I doubt that, Yoongi. He’s going to bring a disaster upon us.”

----

“Thank you,” Jeongguk said quietly, as Yoongi fixed the blankets into place for him in the guest room.

Yoongi looked up surprised at the words. It was the first thing that he had ever said to him. His voice had a silvery quality to it that Yoongi assumed was a gift from Apollo. The light, musical tone was obviously from those two words alone. Again, Yoongi wondered what other gifts he acquired.

“There’s no need to thank me. You’re going to be my husband. It’s the least I could do,” Yoongi responded, standing from his kneeling position next to the blankets. “I should, um, let you get some rest then.”

Jeongguk hand reached out to catch him as he turned towards the door. “Wait. I…We should talk.”

Yoongi nodded his head almost immediately. “Of course we should. I just didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

“I think it’s safe to say that that’s already been done. I didn’t get much of an explanation when they sent me down here,” Jeongguk explained, drawing his hand back from Yoongi’s sleeve. He took a seat hesitant on top of the blanket, eyes Yoongi wearily, almost as if he was afraid Yoongi would yell at him for the movement.

Yoongi lowered himself to the ground to sit in front of him. “What did you want to know first?”

Jeongguk tapped his fingers against the ground, glancing around the sparsely decorated room. “We’re going to be married, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Do I have a choice?”

Yoongi drew in a sharp breath at the question. Due to everything that had happened, he never stopped to consider the fact that Jeongguk might be opposed to marrying him. Granted, neither of them honestly had a choice, but that didn’t stop the small pang in Yoongi’s chest at the thought that Jeongguk might not think of him as good enough to be married to him.

“I don’t think so. No,” Yoongi admitted slowly, continuously running his eyes over Jeongguk’s face for a reaction. When Jeongguk nodded in response, dropping his gaze, Yoongi was quick to add, “But I’ll make a good husband, I promise. I’m not good at knowing what to do, but I easily learn from my mistakes.”

Jeongguk sighed, looking back up to meet Yoongi’s eyes, his frustration evident in his eyes. “It’s not that I don’t think you’d be a good husband. I mean, look at everything you’ve done for me. You even gave me my own room and talked back to your brother in my defense.” Yoongi blushed at the thought of Jeongguk overhearing that argument. “It’s the fact that I don’t get a choice. My autonomy is being taken from me and it feels like there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Yoongi immediately felt regret as Jeongguk spoke. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault.”

“How?”

“I was the one that used up all the power I was given on the gods other creations, leaving none for humans like you. I left you defenseless against predators. I like to tell myself that I knew what I was doing, and looking back on it, I know it was the right choice to make, but honestly, I just didn’t plan ahead,” Yoongi confessed, hanging his head.

“That is not your fault,” Jeongguk told him sincerely. “You weren’t the one that gave too much power to someone they knew couldn’t handle it.”

“You’re being too nice.”

“I’m being logical. Plus, from the conversation I overheard, you told Namjoon the past consequences of such actions. Arguably, none, absolutely none of this is your fault.”

Yoongi had been telling himself this for a long time now, but hearing the words coming out of Jeongguk’s mouth made his heart pick up pace. He knew he had made the right decision in agreeing to the marriage.

Yoongi looked up and smiled at him, reaching a hand up tentatively. He lightly touched Jeongguk’s face, the other holding his breath. “You’re going to make a wonderful husband, Jeongguk.”

----

Jeongguk stared at the jar in front of him. His skin started to tingle, as if there were a thousand little bugs crawling over his skin. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s a punishment,” Yoongi explained, kneeling in front of Jeongguk’s chair.

“How though?”

“What do you feel like doing?”

“Opening it,” Jeongguk confessed, looking up to meet Yoongi’s eyes, his confusion evident.

Yoongi reached out to take his hands. “That’s the point. You were gifted with human curiosity. One of these days you’re going to open it up, and from there the punishment will be released to all human kind.”

Jeongguk was silent, hands lightly caressing the painted jar in front of him. The design on it depicting a battle scene. The gods versus the titans. A further reminder of their superiority.

“It’s kind of ingenious, if you think about it,” Jeongguk wondered out loud. “Namjoon and you have enough self-control not to open it, but I’m the gods’ own creation. They know what I’ll do better than even I do. Even now, after knowing that this is all a trick, all my hand wants to do is pull off that lid.”

Yoongi plucked the jar from Jeongguk’s hands, disappearing into the bedroom without a word. Jeongguk watched his back as he disappeared.

They’d been married for three whole days and Jeongguk was still unsure about where he stood with Yoongi. He knew that the older man had chosen him against his word to Namjoon. In the week and a half that they’d known each other, Yoongi had managed to stand up to Namjoon against him multiple times, had stopped the servants from gossiping multiple times over, and made Jeongguk feel more comfortable here than the month that he stayed with in Olympus.

Yoongi returned, wiping his hands against his robes. “It’s hidden where you can’t find it.”

“Why?” Jeongguk asked softly, taking in the sight that was his new husband. The gruff looking man was a million times softer than the prettiest of gods.

“The gods’ power is more than were able to fight against. I need to be prepare just in case you can’t fight it anymore.”

Jeongguk’s voice was small as he asked, “Do you not trust me?”

Yoongi’s eyebrows furrowed as he shook his head sharply. “No, you’re the only person I do trust, but you were created in a way that made you both irresistible and unable to resist anything as well, including opening that jar. When you open that jar, I want to make sure that we’ve stalled enough time to show them that you’re not a toy they can toss around.”

Jeongguk nodded slowly, determined. “I will not betray your trust. That jar will remain closed as long as I can manage.

---- ----

Jeongguk didn’t mean to do it.

It was like his body had a life of its own. As much as Yoongi argued for his sanity, what kind of sane person lost control of his body the way he did?

He could barely remember entering the room. It happened the same way it had been happening for the last six months, except this time Yoongi wasn’t there to stop him as he grabbed the stool. He moved it to where he has seen the jar hidden earlier that morning, grabbed it, and put it on the floor in preparation. Yoongi had moved it yesterday, and the day before, and the day before, but he wasn’t there to stop Jeongguk now.

Jeongguk gulped, his hands shaking as he gripped the lid in both his hands, the jar sitting between his legs on the floor. If he listened closely enough, he could hear Yoongi moving around on the floor above him, completely oblivious to the fact that his husband wasn’t in the garden like he said he’d be.

He managed to convince himself to count down, barely able to stop himself from rushing into ripping the lid off.

10, 9, 8

The golden scene etched into the jar seemed to glow underneath Jeongguk’s hands. If Jeongguk wasn’t so desperately in love with Yoongi, it would be the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

7, 6, 5, 4

If it hadn’t been for Yoongi always being by his side, this would have happened over a year ago. His desire to be the kind of person that made both Yoongi and himself proud was stronger than his desire to satiate his curiosity.

3, 2, 1

As soon as the jar was opened, Jeongguk immediately regretted it.

He was almost thrown backwards from the force of air that made its way out of it. A piercing scream filling the room. It was hard for him to grip on what exactly was going on.

The smoke and air that forced its way out seemed to be filled with despair and sadness and hardships. Seemed to show Jeongguk the worst of possible of outcomes that would happen with each person. The screams got louder as the misery got worse. It wasn’t possible to feel this, to see this, but somehow Jeongguk could see every bad thing that could possibly happen.

Jeongguk was sure that he had set loose the end of the world, as the stream got slower and slower, as the most painful of situations managed to escape. The nightmares playing behind Jeongguk’s eyes. He was sure this was the end of all of them.

He was wrong though, because almost as soon as it seemed to happen, it was over.

In front of him was a heavily breathing Yoongi holding on tight to the lid, holding back whatever had yet to escape from the rest of the jar.

It took him a moment to realize that the screaming had belonged to him and that tears stained his face.

“Oh, Gguk!” Yoongi exclaimed, immediately setting the jar to the side and taking Jeongguk into his arms.

“How-how could they do that to us? How could they-they think that that was the right punishment?” Jeongguk spat out, still tense in Yoongi’s hold. Sobs wracked his body as Yoongi pulled him in tightly.

Yoongi ran his hands desperately up and down Jeongguk’s back, trying to get him to calm down. Jeongguk’s heart beat rapidly against Yoongi’s chest as he pressed himself as tight as he could get to the boy. “What, Gguk? What punishment?”

“Didn’t you see that?” Jeongguk asked frantically, arms waving toward the jar behind Yoongi.

“No, love, I didn’t. All I heard was you screaming. I thought my heart was going to break at the noise,” Yoongi told him softly.

Jeongguk shuddered at the memories that came to his head. “It was awful. I’ve never seen such despair and misery in my life short life. The amount of humans that are going to suffer from this is-is tremendous.”

“Maybe that’s why I couldn’t see it,” Yoongi offered, sitting back on his heels. His hands still rested on Jeongguk’s neck. His thumbs kept Jeongguk’s head from turning back to the jar.

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe the reason I could see what happened is because I’m not human. You are,” Yoongi explained, moving one of his hands to brush against Jeongguk’s tear stained cheeks. “I know you don’t want to hear this, love, but this is the most diabolically, apt punishment they could have come up with.”

“How do you mean?” Jeongguk asked, renewed tears coming to his eyes as he realized that the images were permanently seared into his brain.

“By giving the humans fire, Namjoon ensured that they would be able to protect themselves from the dangers in the world. The gods decided to give them things that they couldn’t necessary protect themselves against. Disease and death are problems that no amount of fire or weaponry can solve. Not even the gods can completely cure misery or sadness, because not even the gods are immune to them. By giving them a means of survival, Namjoon caused them to allow the negativity that Zeus was keeping from them out into the wild to strive,” Yoongi clarified.

Jeongguk’s heart felt like exploding with how much he was feeling at the moment. “How does that punish Namjoon and you, though?”

Yoongi brought Jeongguk back into his arms, this time Jeongguk was more compliant. Yoongi’s presence had finally sunk in and relaxed him.

“Don’t you understand, love? You’re human, this is going to affect you. The god’s knew that by giving you to me it ensure that I would be punished as well, because seeing you in pain makes my heart hurt. And, as for Namjoon, he’s half in love with those humans, he’d be devastated to know he caused them any harm. The gods knew what they were doing when they did this.”

“How do you have all this figured out?” Jeongguk asked him, pulling back. He used the sleeve of his robe in order to wipe at his eyes.

Yoongi smiled, using a hand to smooth out Jeongguk’s hair. “I’ve been trying to think ahead more since meeting you. It hasn’t been working well, but I’ve gotten some ideas.”

Jeongguk pushed himself back into Yoongi’s hold, unnecessarily forcing the older man to comfort him. Yoongi closed his eyes and leaned his head against Jeongguk’s. He thought about how many consequences this was going to have for Jeongguk.

He’d gotten lucky when he fell in love with Jeongguk. Jeongguk was a happy man, full of life though he had barely been able to live. With this punishment in effect, Jeongguk was going to start feeling the emotions that plagued Yoongi daily. The worried, the regrets, the depression was now going to become a part of Jeongguk’s life in a larger capacity, because, while they did have these emotions to begin with, it was more muted, as if someone had place a glass jar over top of them, making them visible but untouchable. Now, the jar was open and the effects of the emotions were going to be felt full force.

“Yoongi,” Jeongguk spoke after a while of silence.

“Yes?”

“The jar wasn’t empty when you closed it.”

“Do you want to open it and see what else is left?” Yoongi asked, pulling away for a third time. He reached for the jar, placing it between the two of them.

Jeongguk closed his eyes for a second before opening them again, a pained look in his eyes. “I don’t think I could say no even if I wanted to.”

“Then we won’t give you a reason to say now,” Yoongi promised him.

He pulled the lid off without the hesitation that Jeongguk had had when he was trying to hold himself back. He watched Jeongguk’s face relax as he watched the final part of the punishment fly out. The change in facial expressions was dramatic.

“What do you see?” Yoongi asked him, curiously.

“Hope,” Jeongguk said, smiling slightly at his husband. The abrupt change making Yoongi head feel lighter and his heart ache more.

Yoongi leaned over the now empty jar in order to place his forehead on Jeongguk’s. “Is that a good thing or bad thing?”

“Both, but right now. It’s good.” Jeongguk leaned forward to kiss Yoongi softly.