Chapter Text
The park has seen better days, it was old now but it once flourished with color and life. The playground was renovated, expand outward in a circular way for the children. Slides were added, happy colors of bright red, yellow and blue painted over the sad, dull green and gray. A place where parents brought their children for fun, to get out of the house and soak up some sun, although the trees provided lots of shade and the breeze was cool enough for everyone to bring sweaters or jackets.
Currently, Jungkook can't imagine the park having any visitors at all, the stone steps were cracked and grass grew in between the lines. Pink flowers on the sidewalk that he once considered pretty until someone told him that they weren't flowers at all, but actually weeds.
The paint was peeling off and trash was littered everywhere. Graffiti was tagged in every available space and some railings were buried in the wood chips.
Autumn feels colder this year.
He continued walking past the broken swing set and memories of his mother's smile, instead, he left the walkway and detoured off into the clear patch of dried grass in between rows of trees.
It used to be his favorite place, this area grew some of Jungkook's favorite flowers, as a child he never knew the names of them -even now. He just knew they had twelve petals, the inside was a darker color -black almost. The tips of the petals would be red or orange sometimes pink. On good days some white flowers would bloom.
There were also these tiny flowers that could not be longer than Jungkook’s pinky finger. They would be purple with five petals or white with seven petals. He would pluck them and stick them in his curly hair before shaking them off to go home.
A fond memory, but now that same batch of flowers are withering away, dried up and dying.
Maybe that's why he's back, in a way he almost belongs here. In the middle of dead flowers stands Jeon Jungkook. The great and wonderful, wandering Jeon Jungkook.
The grass starts to tickle Jungkook’s ankles so he shifts a little but the action is fruitless and he stops and closes his eyes, enjoying the cold air that tugs at his raven locks.
His brown stolen jacket he snatched one day was probably crying at this point, he really needed a new one but when you live on the streets with no money, you settle with what you have so he pulled up his hoodie and took a deep breath.
With the release of his breath he dropped to his knees, the petals crunched abnormally loud and Jungkook worried if anyone heard.
The cold air felt breathing in mint. It was painful, strong, and everywhere. Jungkook didn't notice when he started to cry but when the sky turned a dark blue and the sun was gone he wiped away the last of his tears and contemplated sleeping on the ground or in a nearby bench. He chose the latter.
–—–
Jungkook lost track of what day it is but never what time it is.
Currently, it was around eight in the morning, according to the street lamps shadow but whether it was Saturday or Tuesday, Jungkook had no clue.
The bus should be arriving at any time and thankfully no one else was waiting with him. When the bus finally did pull over Jungkook dropped his change in the slot and walked to the very back. You'll never believe how much change is dropped on the floor until you need it.
The seat next to him was occupied by his backpack. It was big and black, had too many zippers with extra pockets that he didn't use but he carried two pairs of pants and four shirts. All he had. All he could have.
On each side he had a water bottle, both were empty which reminded him he had to go and steal some more food. He necessarily didn't like to steal but when you're hungry and somehow have the power to get people to do stuff by asking them…you do it, to survive of course.
Jungkook’s not sure how it works but if he stares into the eyes of anyone, he can convince them to do whatever he wanted.
He would do it to the bus driver and get in for free but his little spell only last so long, that and it hurts like a bitch. The headaches he gets are painful enough to want to stab his brain. So he only uses it about once a week or so, just to grab enough food from a little store to last him days.
Staring out the window, he tilts his head on it. The moving streaks of color should be making him sick since he hasn't eaten yet but he raises his hand to his face, he inspects it for a while.
Questions that never get answered. He puts his hand down and allows himself to dream of a place where he's not alone, where he can wonder if anyone out there is like him. If maybe someone, anyone understands him. Another question that will forever be unanswered.
–—–
When Jungkook wakes up it's on the bus again, there are more people inside now, so he decides to leave. Honestly, he hasn't showered in days and he can hear people complaining about the smell, even if it isn't voiced.
Jungkook walks wherever his legs take him, his body aches but he continues to walk. It’s probably five maybe six. It’s hard to tell, he still hasn't eaten and his stomach won't stop growling. He's at the edge of the town and he manages to find a cheap motel.
With a sigh he walks in, they have food in the front and he grabs a handful, stuffing his face along the way. No one is behind the desk so he continues to eat the powdered doughnuts because he at least needs some food in him for what he's about to do.
Shoes shuffling on the floor are the only indication he needs to get ready. He walks to the front desk, a boy in a brown flannel eyes him cautiously.
He clears his throat, “How can I help you, sir?”
Jungkook takes in a deep breath, “Room, I want a room. Any room,” he asks, ignoring the familiar buzzing in his ear, any longer and he might faint. He can feel the color drain from his face, he swallows thickly but maintains eye contact with the male.
“Okay…of course, Sir.”
The said male looks dizzy, his eyes are not focused and his words are slurred but nothing compared to Jungkook who's gripping to edge of the counter.
“I don't have to pay,” Jungkook grits out, “It's free and I don't want to be disturbed.”
“Sure.”
With shaky hands, the male grabs the nearest keys and wait for Jungkook to grab them. The longer he waits the more he trembles, “room seventeen.”
Jungkook can feel the pain now, his neck is burning and his eyes are watery, he wants to look away but he forces himself not to. Jungkook’s breathing is deep and he exhales with his mouth. Throat has gone dry and a headache formed strong enough to get him to cry but he waits, the male holds up his hand and Jungkook stares at it.
“Slide!” He rushes, “slide it over!”
The male sides the keys over and Jungkook grabs them and runs out to the door. He barely makes three steps before he collapses on the floor, pushing up against the building's wall. He shuts his eyes and scrunches his face. Coughing he holds on to the key like a lifeline. It hurts and he whimpers out little
Hands holding up his head he opens one eye and sees room sixteen, he stumbles to it. Falling and wobbling to get there but right next to it is his room and he sticks the key in the keyhole, completely missing the first few times, his headache is getting stronger and when he's about to give up the lock clicks and he rushes in. Slamming the door shut before falling on the floor, letting himself past out.
⛱
Seokjin shivers, a funny sound escapes his mouth and Jimin turns to stare at him.
“You okay hyung?” Jimin giggles.
Seokjin narrows his eyes, “I'm okay, just cold. Are you laughing at me?”
“Wahhh~ laugh at my favorite hyung...of course not.”
“Okay, good,” Seokjin says, returning to read his book.
“I don't remember laughing at Hobi-hyung today?”
Seokjin turns his head so fast and playfully glares at Jimin who turns his attention back to the tv, giggling.
“Why are you laughing Jiminie?” Taehyung asks, plopping himself on Seokjin’s lap. An
comes out of Seokjin as he turns his attention to Taehyung. He's sitting on his lap staring at Jimin like he isn't using Seokjin as a seat.
“What am I to you Taehyung? A chair?” Seokjin voices his thoughts but Taehyung shifts so that his legs now dangle off the armrest of the recliner. He wraps his long, smooth arms around Seokjin shoulders and tucks his head into Seokjin's neck, his nose poking his throat.
“Of course not, hyungie,” Taehyung whispers into his neck, his breath makes Seokjin shiver and a smile spreads across his face. Lately, Taehyung has been having trouble sleeping and he comes to Seokjin for help.
“Did you sleep well today?” When Taehyung shakes his head, his ash gray hair -maybe a bit too long- shines and bounces, he snuggles closer and tightens his arms around the sturdy shoulders.
“Okay, why don't you sleep for a little then, you comfortable like this?” Seokjin asks slowly luring Taehyung to sleep. One hand on his waist while the other hand goes to Taehyung’s face where his thumb strokes his cheek, then he rakes his fingers through his hair until he reaches Taehyung’s wings. They’re folded and tucked into his back but he pets one wing, letting his fingers feel the soft feathers, it still amazes him how his wings could look so powerful and strong but feel so soft and delicate. Taehyung’s wings are truly a dark beauty.
He falls asleep with very little on Seokjin’s part, it didn't take much to get him to knock out. His book long forgotten, he enjoys the warmth Taehyung gives him and closes his eyes.
The next time he wakes up is by Yoongi’s hands, a soft shake and a hushed, “It’s almost dinner time.” Then he takes a seat in the other recliner.
Yoongi’s right, he should be making dinner. Carefully he moves his arms to pick up Taehyung who is as light as a feather (he chuckles at this thought) and walks to where Yoongi is, “Can you hold him till the foods ready?”
Yoongi nodes his head and opens up his arms, he might seem uninterested but the big baby loves to hug and cuddle with Taehyung. Seokjin places him in his arms and grabs a blanket to cover the both of them. They both look so cute, Taehyung’s bigger form curling into Yoongi’s smaller form. It's adorable but he'll never tell him that Yoongi looks like a big stuffed animal (but when does he not).
Walking to the kitchen, he turns on the sink to wash his hands and he feels the warmth before he actually feels arms hugging him from behind.
“Hi Seokie,” Seokjin says.
“Hi Seokie,” replies a cheeky smiling Hoseok.
“Yaaa!” Seokjin quietly yells, his voice sounding irritated but his movements show he's just playing, he dries his hands angrily, “who you talking to, you little brat.” His body turns to Hoseok, arms on his hips before he reaches out to grab a wooden spoon, shaking it in front of him.
“Hyung! Seokjin-hyung~~! I'm just kidding,” Hoseok pleads but that grin is still stuck on his face.
“You think you're really funny, don't you? Go wash your hands and help me cut the veggies. Then maybe I'll think about forgiving you.”
“Okay, okay. Stop waving the spoon before you hurt yourself,” Hoseok laughs, turning around to wash his hands. Seokjin hits his butt with the spoon but turns around like nothing happened and takes out the meat to be seasoned and cooked.
Seokjin hums to himself and when Jimin slides next to him asking if he could help, he tells him to wash his hands and help make the noodles. Jimin listens and gets the water ready. Seokjin watches the meat sizzle when someone walks into the kitchen.
“Hey guys,” Namjoon says, giving Jimin a kiss on his head. Jimin blushes and rushes to set up the table, Seokjin rolls his eyes but he smiles anyway, “Nice of you to join the living Joon-ah.”
He can hear Hoseok giggle but he walks to Jimin to help him.
“Hey,” Namjoon whines, “I just took a nap…”
“Yeh Joon, for six hours!”
Namjoon nervously chuckles, dimples full-on display and Seokjin can't resist poking one of them. A pretty blush drapes itself on his cheeks and Seokjin walks to the table with the bowl of food, setting everything for everyone, “You hungry?” Seokjin asks Namjoon.
He scoffs in reply, “Do you even need to ask.”
“You right, sorry. Go warm up yesterday's rice, it’s in the fridge,” as an afterthought Seokjin says, “don’t burn it, please.” Embarrassed Namjoon walks in shame to warm up the rice, “How long do I warm up it?”
“Oh, my… Here Joon I'll be right there. Jimin can wake up birdy and gummy?”
“On it!” Jimin walks away from Hoseok and walks to the living room, he can hear Namjoon getting scolded by Seokjin and he starts to laugh quietly.
When he gets to Yoongi and Taehyung they are wrapped around each other. Jimin almost feels bad waking them up but it's dinner time so cautiously he goes to wake up Yoongi but stops himself halfway and settles for lightly shaking Taehyung.
He sturs for a moment before fully waking up, his hair covers his eyes, it's messy but when is it not a birds nest. He licks his lips and Jimin follows the moment, his eyes go back to Taehyung’s wings, they flutter and slowly open and fold themselves.
“Seokjin-hyung says it's him to eat.”
Taehyung nods, he still looks a bit drowsy so Jimin asks if he needs help waking up Yoongi. When Taehyung shakes his head, he watches his hair shine and bounce, elegantly and he thinks if anyone's hair is going to look so fancy while shaking it, it would be Taehyung. He glances at Yoongi’s sleeping figure one last time before walking away.
When Jimin turns to leave Taehyung interlocks his hand with Yoongi’s. It's so tiny compared to his long, slender fingers that he smiles to himself. He leans down brushing his nose with Yoongi’s and stares at the shape of his eyes and the curve of his eyelashes. So pretty he thinks, “Hyung,” Taehyung voices.
The deep husky voice makes Yoongi open his eyes, it could only belong to Taehyung, he’s been up since before Jimin walked in and now Taehyung’s big gray eyes stare into him.
“Food,” Taehyung whispers but his voice shakes Yoongi’s body, he realizes he can't move, not with the way Taehyung covers over him. Once Taehyung moves he pulls Yoongi up by his hand and walks him to the table, they sit down next to each other, still holding each other's hand and Taehyung looks ready to fall asleep again.
Seokjin serves everyone some food and once he takes the first bite he nods his head for everyone to eat. Yoongi makes it his mission to feed Taehyung, making sure he doesn't fall asleep on an empty stomach.
“So Namjoon-hyung, why did you sleep for long?” Jimin suddenly asks.
“Maybe I just needed some rest, I'm not sure but I feel better now. Don't worry, I'm not sick…you would know.”
Jimin hums, “I would know,” he confirms. “At least I think I would,” Jimin sighs.
“Hey let it go, what happened to Taehyung is not your fault,” Yoongi tells him.
Jimin blinks in surprise, he didn't realize Yoongi would catch on to what he was saying but of course he would. “Yea...I just think...what if I did know, I could have helped.”
“Stop. Not your fault, done. Now eat,” Yoongi replies giving Jimin some of his veggies. He claims it's because doesn't like them but everyone knows he just cares.
They continue to eat and have small conversations here and there but suddenly Taehyung sits up straight, fully awake. Everyone stares at him worriedly.
His eyes do that thing where he stares at nothing and everything at the same time, he stands and silently walks to the glass sliding door. He stops for a moment but then opens the door stepping outside, barefoot and stares out beyond the trees surrounding them. With the new space, his wings spread out and Taehyung holds himself up with pride.
“Taehyungie, what's wrong?” Seokjin questions but gets no answer. Taehyung is unwilling to talk and if possible his wings spread even farther. Hiding everyone's view, shielding them from something they can't see.
“Hyung do you-”
“No, I don't feel anything,” Seokjin cuts off Namjoon. They all return to the table and let Taehyung do as he pleases. After a while he comes in and goes back out with a jar in his hands. He spends an hour outside paint seals and symbols on the walls of the house.
Jimin recognizes a few of them, some for protection. Others for cloaking, some for safety and more that he doesn't understand. Lines and circles, writing he's unfamiliar with, it's Taehyung’s native language. Soon after he's done painting with his bare fingers, he says a chant and the blue paint becomes clear from the windows and walls. He comes inside and dips his finger in the same jar, walks to each member and draws a line on their faces. He talks again and nobody but him understand it -maybe Namjoon since he's trying to study new languages. The paint disappears like it did outside and Taehyung finally lets himself relax.
When morning comes Seokjin finds Namjoon on the couch with Taehyung’s head on his lap, his hand softly petting his hair, cup of coffee in the other hand.
“What do you think it was Joon-ah?”
“I don't know,” Namjoon sighs turning his attention away from Taehyung towards Seokjin, “He doesn't remember it...I'm not sure if it's his reaper side or his banshee side.”
Seokjin releases a sign as well, “Well, I didn't feel anything, did you hear anything? Can you listen to Tae’s thoughts and figure out why he does this?”
“I don't -I didn't hear anything but I've tried that hyung. He doesn't know why he did it,” Namjoon pauses collecting his thoughts, “I think it has something to do with his sleep lately. He barely catches a nap, you constantly have to lure him to bed. You are exhausting yourself and before you tell me that you don't mind look at yourself. You look just as tired.” Finally done with his rant, Namjoon sips on his coffee and mumbles, “hate coffee, should've got tea…” waiting for how Seokjin will react he shakes his foot, tapping it along the floor.
“This just sounds like we need movie night more than ever,” Seokjin says and he sits next to Taehyung.
“Hyung,” Namjoon pleads.
“I know,” Seokjin hums, “and you're right. I truly don't mind helping Tae sleep but it's important we all stay healthy. We should talk with everyone once they're up.”
“Agreed.”
“Also I'm not making breakfast today, everyone can eat a banana, I'm going to the gym.”
“Ohhh! Hyung! Take me too! I want to go to the library, it's on the same street.”
“Alright well get ready, I'm gonna shower.”
“Seokjin-hyung, you'll be wasting water.”
“Quiet Joon-ah, Tae is sleeping.”
“I'm up now...thanks.”
“Sorry…”
⛱
To say Jungkook felt bad was a huge understatement, he felt like he just hit spiky rock bottom and broke every bone possible while somehow catching on fire halfway through. The pain was everywhere, in his fingers that he managed to fall on, two of them turned purple. A throbbing inside his skull like his brain suddenly wanted to escape and find another vesicle to live in. His skin felt too hot and sticky to be normal, the side of his cheek was marked by the dirt-stained carpet pattern. His legs felt like dead logs that he couldn’t move.
No one was here to help him now. Not that anyone was ever there to help him.
After realizing he needs to eat and wash up, it’s a battle to get up and sit a the table with the packs of donuts he took earlier but he wins this war. Eating and living off of chips and chocolate covered anything is really not as fun as it seems to be. Drinking faucet water makes a stale dryness form on your tongue and Jungkook is waiting for it to go away.
The shower is another problem, conquerable but only with skill and determination. Jungkook thankfully has one of those and makes it in one piece and as a reward, he sits on a towel in the shower, too tired to stand and bathes in the warm water provided.
The water was painful, attacking every bruise Jungkook hides behind his clothes. Sneaks into every open wound ready to run carelessly through. It should feel nicer than this but satisfaction never came easily to Jungkook.
The water pressure did not cease the lingering void of emptiness that had grown in his chest. With a sigh, he walked across the vast/or/wide landscape of the bedroom, falling face first on the rock-hard bed. Better than the rock-hard floor. It didn’t take long until Jungkook fell asleep again, still exhausted from today’s events.
When he woke up the pain was significantly reduced, the pain lingered but was bearable once again. Deciding his stay was over, he quickly left while leaving the key in the keyhole and walking away from the motel.
Life would have been fair to him if he didn’t run into a man later that night in in the alleyway but of course he did. All his supplies from his bag feel on the wet ground and Jungkook quickly bent down to grab everything ignoring the wet patch forming around his knees. He panics, terror floods him. His heart accelerating more than it currently was, with trembling hands he picks up the food that fell onto the floor.
“Oh man, I’m so sorry, here let me help,” the man says. Jungkook shakes his head not sure if the man can see him, no he whispers. It’s still too dark for Jungkook to see anything, his hand taps on the ground searching for his stolen food. His stomach growls from hunger yet his heart is racing, neck is burning and blood pounding in his ears.
The man apologized again for bumping into him and kneeled on the floor to help gather up the items if it were day he might question why such a man is carrying around bags of stolen motel food but it was too dark to see anything. Just like it was too dark for Jungkook to see the man's hand and lightly brush over it while expecting to receive a sock.
As fast as Jungkook had touched the man’s hand, he was already pulling away like a child touching fire for the first time. Heart pounding so loudly in this eardrums, a bitter hunger lingers on him, so terribly hungry, unquenchable for any earthly meal. He felt like everything grew eyes, the rusted old chained fence, the over-flooded trash bins, the hovering flies and the towering buildings with cracked windows enjoying him corrupt this poor soul with pleasured grins. The poor man who he came to contact with -skin on skin- he convulsed, collapsing on the wet cold floor, crying out in pain until he was choking on his own spit.
Jungkook felt this weight lifted off on his chest, it was like he could breathe again but all he wanted to do was crumble and melt until he was no more. With round wide eyes he stared at the man, instinctively scooting backward. All the noise around him blurred out, the man's eyes rolled back, pure white, soon after a darkness surrounded them. This was always the worst part, subconsciously Jungkook raised his hands to his ears, closed his eyes and waited.
He didn’t want to hear the screams, he tried not to listen to his thoughts, they came to him easier than breathing. Pearl tears on the verge of escaping Jungkook’s eyes, his breathing was too fast, his heart was pounding beyond normal. He gulped after a while of silence, standing up with wobbly legs. Sorry, sorry, I’m so sorry words he didn’t know he was repeating until his throat dried up.
He walked to the still, lifeless body and with shaky hands, he reached out to him, touched his forearm before the man turned to ash. Black ash that stained his fingers and was carried away by the wind. Jungkook jolted up as if the ash was harming him. In his panic and realization that he just killed someone -again. He didn’t hear the sirens coming until the repeating flashes of blue and red made him dizzy.
He scrambled up to his feet, taking his bag and running faster than the cop behind him. Barely able to stand if it wasn’t for the adrenaline pumping in his veins he would have rolled on the floor and let himself rot way.
⛱
Seokjin has had his hands full, quite literally. Namjoon had shoved all his final drafts of a report he did on crabs as well as life-sized models to help him “envision the beautiful majestic creatures” and left him standing in the hallway like a fish out of water. A flash of pain monetarily flashed in his chested before it was gone. Seokjin dismissed the danger of it seeing as he was probably tired of using his powers on Taehyung and going to the gym.
That said he was not dumb and quickly went to sit on the couch before it could possibly get any worse.
“Hey, Hobi-baby, can you get me a glass of water please?”
Hoseok hums and walks to the kitchen, preparing a nice cold glass of water for his hyung. When he returns he holds it out for Seokjin to take but when he let’s go the cup it smashes on the floor, broken glass spreading on the tiled floor and under the couch, water absorbs into the brown rug under the coffee table and ice cubes bounce until they slide alongside the water. With wide eyes Hoseok looks at his hyung, not understanding what happened, ready to apologize but Seokjin beats him to it, “Sorry Hoseok!I must not be thinking right, I’ll go clean it.”
So Hoseok stands there baffled as Seokjin disappears coming come with a rag ready to clean up. The noise brings in Namjoon and Yoongi who were relaxing together. Seokjin goes to bend down but it looks painful since his body falls to the ground halfway and goes in a dog position with his hands holding him up. His breathing too fast and rapid, harsh like the oxygen he breathes in is thinning. Clearing his throat, wheezing a bit, Seokjin goes to hold his head, Namjoon is already by his side keeping him from falling or tilting over and Seokjin leans in his hold.
Jimin rushes to them, cautiously picking up the glass on the floor and cleaning up the water. No one dares to move but their minds racing, trying to figure out what's happening. Yoongi silently walks away stopping when Taehyung appears and pulls his sleeve looking for comfort.
“Hyung…” Jimin speaks when the room feels calmer, he sits next to Jin with worried eyes.
It takes a moment for Seokjin to say anything, “There’s someone out there, new. Like us but…not.”
“What do you mean hyung?” Yoongi speaks (for everyone).
“Are they bad?” questions Hoseok usually when someone new came into the town Seokjin could feel them, which is how they found Jimin and Taehyung, sometimes people they didn’t want to find. Seokjin kept them safe, he was somehow connected with earth, able to feel vibrations in the ground, always could tell when a storm was coming or if someone strong entered the town. But they were never strong enough to knock Seokjin down.
Seokjin shakes his head at the question, “I...I honestly don’t know, I want to say they aren’t but I can’t be too sure.”
“Okay, let’s go after them.” No one moves even after Namjoon spoke. The fear of the unknown gets to them even if they know they should go. Yoongi somehow has the keys already and dangles them in front of everyone.
“Should some of us stay home?”
“No Jimin, we’re stronger together. Let’s go,” and with that Namjoon stands up, one by one everyone grabs a jacket and walks out the door filling up the car. Inside Seokjin grips onto the handlebar, Yoongi puts his free hand on Seokjin's arm, he knows he can’t take away his pain but he hopes his sign of affection is enough.
Thankfully it is but the moment is ruined to fast once Namjoon speaks, “I can hear them.”
The simple sentence raises too many questions but the first one voiced is Yoongi’s, “Which way do I go.”
“Take a left at the next light and take the freeway to the junkyard by the car dealer.”
Yoongi replies quietly while he watches the sun go down, he doesn’t like going to search for someone at night but he can’t do anything about it. Through the mirror, he can see Jimin clinging to Namjoon worried about Seokjin. Then in the very back is Hoseok and Taehyung who look unsure of how to feel. Namjoon has his eyes closed focusing too much.
“They’re scared, really really scared oh my g--” Seokjin doesn’t finish his sentence but Namjoon does, “He. He’s scared.”
“He? You sure,” Hoseok asks.
“He. Jungkook. I’m sure.”