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♤ ♤ ♤
The pancakes were almost ready when they heard it— a scream from the bedroom located near the end of the hallway. A cute, little yelp followed by a bubbly series of laughter.
"Jeon Jungkook!" Namjoon's exasperated voice follows, "No, come over here, you little bun!"
"Can't catch me!" Jungkook hops and skips away from the elder, dressed in his favorite black rabbit hoodie, with the ears and everything; his sock cladded feet making quiet stomping noises across the hallway. The younger male bounds into the living room, laughing continuously and flashing his white carrot-patterned underwear for the rest of the household to see, bringing the rest of the members into amusement and delicate fondness. "Joonie can't catch me!" He squeals, running towards where Taehyung and Jimin were lounging on the velvet leather couch.
"Why are you running around in your underwear, Koo?" Jimin laughs, reaching to grab hold of the little boy but the rascal is smart and jumps back, giggling, his little rabbit teeth poking out as he tries to conceal the playful grin breaking out of his face.
"Ha! Minnie can't catch me too!" Jungkook titters but squeaks in surprise when black smoke suddenly poofs from where Jimin was lounging. Suddenly, there were arms around his little waist as the black smoke appears once more a second later behind him. The boy pouts, "Minnie cheated! Cheater! Cheater!"
"Ow, okay, baby—" Jimin evades the sweaterpaw-fists before turning the little boy to face his chest, easily lifting him up, carrying him in his arms and supporting his little bottom with a hand. "But you weren't being a good boy, were you? You were being mean to Namjoon-hyung."
"Kookie was winning!" Jungkook pouts but nonetheless accepts the new position he was in, wrapping his arms around the elder's neck— well he tries to, his little arms aren't long enough yet, "Kookie was going to win if Minnie didn't cheat!"
Jimin sighs, a fond smile on his face. "Yes, yes, I cheated. What will the baby do about it?"
Jungkook pouts before burying his face against Jimin's black button-up. "Mmm..." He thinks, not seeing the fond expressions being exchanged by his caretakers. "Kookie wants 'anana milk!"
Jimin laughs, "Banana milk?" He asks, raising an eyebrow before flashing a grin at the younger male's open excitement, "As you wish, little one."
"All right, now that that's settled," Namjoon shakes his head in exasperation, "Come here, little bun. Let's put you in these shorts or else Jinnie-hyung will have my arms again."
Jungkook giggles at the threat— granted that it wouldn't be the first time Jin sliced off Namjoon's arms, mostly because of his clumsiness particularly when he steps foot in the kitchen.
Jimin puts the toddler on the couch where Taehyung proceeds to rub a hand on his little belly as a distraction, making the youngest yelp in laughter. Jimin helps Namjoon put each little leg in the shorts before he reaches over to the youngest's head, fixing the little twisted curls on their baby's black locks.
Now that he's fully dressed and calmed down, Jungkook bounces on the couch and scoots over to Taehyung, sitting on his lap. "What're you doing, Tae-Tae?"
"Mhm?" Taehyung hums before leaning forward to rub his nose against the baby's, "Nothing much, baby. Just waiting for your food so I can feed you myself."
"Tae-Tae will feed me today?"
"After much argument with the little mochi over there, yes, little one."
"Only because I feel sorry for your pitiful ass," Jimin huffs as he sits back on the couch, crossing his legs.
Taehyung sticks out a tongue and Jungkook giggles before copying the elder, much to Jimin's dismay.
"Don't teach the bun bad things, Tae!"
"Are you seriously asking me not to do bad things?"
"Only when in front of our baby!"
Jungkook giggles as the two squabble (again) before looking over the couch to see the rest of the members by the kitchen. Seokjin, the eldest, was almost done stacking a bunch of fluffy pancakes on a cute, round bunny-themed plate; Hoseok was ready to decorate the dish with slices of strawberries and bananas because they also cater to their baby's health as well while Yoongi was nursing the warm chocolate milk in Jungkook's favorite pink sippy cup. Namjoon, the leader, returns to the living room and sits on the fancy leather seat near the couch, winking at the toddler peeking at the happenings around him.
Jungkook gives the leader a toothy smile then puffs his cheeks out before sinking back in the couch, resting his head and the rest of his (tiny!) body against Taehyung's as he and Jimin continue to debate about what is right to do in front of Jungkook.
Because the thing is, Jungkook's caretakers aren't ordinary caretakers, if the black smoke from earlier hadn't given any indication of that already. Yes, Jungkook's six caretakers are— well, to put it simply- demons. They are all extensions of the great entity known as Death.
Yes, that's right.
His caretakers are all Reapers. Personifications of Death.
Because Jungkook— poor, poor little Jungkook, shouldn't even be here at all.
♤ ♤ ♤
All he heard was screaming. Lots of screaming. Then there were gunshots, but the baby didn't know what that was, just that it was loud enough to wake him. He cries— cries in his little bed with his little plush bunny he affectionately named Cooky clutched in his baby hands. Suddenly, his bedroom door opens and large dark figures loom above him near his bed. He hiccups, almost makes out a few words— wants to ask who they were, what they were doing here or if they were the monsters at night his parents always told him would never hurt him if they were around. But now, where were his parents? Were they gone? Was that why the monsters are here?
Little Jungkook cries harder, hugging the little bunny tighter and sees a flash of silver aim at him and then—
♤ ♤ ♤
"Oh, we have a young one." Came a melodic voice, so sweet and gentle, it felt like a warm hug. "Very young, indeed."
Jungkook begins to see again, begins to focus on his surroundings— his eyes were open all along, never did get to close them before... what happened to him before? He feels himself to be lighter than he used to be and gazes towards the sound of the soft voice. Was it his mother? Father? They're alive! They fought the monsters away!
Little Jungkook tries to call for his parents but his voice is gone. He tries to move his fingers and his legs but to no avail. His little bunny is laying beside him, red stuff dirtying its once clean, pink fur. The red stuff is also all over him, all over his pastel pajama onesie, staining the baby blue bedsheets his mother was very keen on keeping clean— right at the middle—
"Hello, little one." The soft voice greets and Jungkook meets eyes with a tall, handsome man with soft white hair flowing against the gentle breeze from his open bedroom window, pink plump lips curving to form a smile. The tall man was smiling at him peacefully, as if everything was all a dream.
Yes, it was all a dream. Jungkook hums in his thought as the stranger reaches out to pat his black hair.
"Jeon Jungkook." Came another voice— this one was monotone and husky and it came from his other side. The man was holding up a black leather book, reading from it. "Age, two years old."
Jungkook wants to say he was two and a half years old but his voice is gone.
"Cause of death," The monotone voice continues, "Fatal gunshot wound to the chest." And he sees the book disappear in a black mist from the other man's hand. Jungkook meets the eyes of the second man beside his bed, he also had white hair with sleepy yet sharp eyes— Jungkook thinks he looks like the cat from their neighbor next door.
But what was that?
Cause of death?
Death?
Jungkook... is dead?
"Hmm," The handsome male hums, smile growing. "Interesting."
The other white haired male stays quiet but his eyes have sharpened— like a cat locking on to a treat. A baby mouse.
"We've finished reaping the two outside." Another voice appears and Jungkook sees another man with a heart shaped smile bounding through the bedroom door, pushing his white hair back. They all seem to have white hair and are wearing the same type of black suits. Are they all brothers? "Took a while, forgive us for that, Jin-hyung. Jimin and Taehyung wouldn't stop bickering over which one of them was going to reap who."
"Honestly, Hoseok, what's new with those two—" The cat-like man groans.
"Yoongi." The handsome man says. Oh, so the white haired cat-like male is called Yoongi. "This little one— he's still in limbo."
The man called Yoongi freezes and looks back to Jungkook, eyes scrutinizing the little boy's frame.
The handsome man leans forward, his big hand moving to cup Jungkook's cheek which was gradually losing warmth as death approached him but surprisingly, not completely taking him. "Hello, little one. My name is Seokjin, but, as I'm sure you're able to hear, you can also call me Jin."
"Wh-What?" The man by his door, Hoseok as what Yoongi called him earlier, croaks. "This kid? Limbo? But h-how?"
Yoongi crosses his arms, deep in thought. "We've never had a case of persistent limbo before, not with a human this young."
"What's up? What's taking you guys so long?" Another male enters the room, again white hair with lush lips followed by another male with tanned skin, his own white hair slightly parted. "We have three cases tonight, right? The two outside have been taken care of, thanks to yours truly and Taehyung here... and the last one—"
"Hasn't completely transitioned." Yoongi intrudes and that— that halts the two by the door.
"Hasn't... transitioned?" The tanned male, Taehyung, almost chokes in shock. "What do you mean?" He steps toward the bed, standing behind Seokjin and stares down. The expression on his face morphs from shock to disturbed. "B-But, he's just— he's just a baby!"
That catches the other male, Jimin's, attention and he walks to stand by the bed as well. He makes a noise at the back of his throat. Hoseok reaches over to squeeze his nape.
"Humans are capable of such monstrosities, we know that by now." Hoseok adds solemnly.
Jungkook slowly blinks and continues to gaze at Seokjin's eyes— they were so warm and nice. Who were they? Were they the evil monsters who came in his room earlier?
"No, little one," Seokjin brushes a thumb against his blood-stained cheek, "We're not the monsters from earlier who did this to you."
Jungkook's eyes widen by a millimeter. How did he know that when he didn't even say a thing?! The elder all but chuckles again.
"I know more than you think I know, little one." He says, teasingly and fondly.
"Where's Namjoon?" Yoongi asks, looking at the two who had just entered the scene.
"He's—"
"What has happened?" Another voice, this one sounding strong and authoritative and yet comforting all the same. Like his father.
"Failed transition, Namjoon." Was all Yoongi said and the newcomer, Namjoon, hardens his jaw and steps into the scene, looking down at the toddler laying on the blood-soaked bed.
"A failed transition from limbo, huh?" He hums in thought before a little smirk graces his features, a peek of a little dimple catching Jungkook's eye. "Interesting."
"This is not the time for your curiosity to peak." Yoongi huffs. "What are we going to do?"
"Well, if he hasn't fully transitioned, why don't we just wait until he does?" Taehyung suggests with a shrug.
"It doesn't work that way, Tae." Jimin nudges the other male gently and earns himself a nudge as well.
"Right," Namjoon says, mostly sounding like he was talking to himself in thought. "When a human dies, they go through several phases in death. First, is the limbo phase— a state of restraint and confinement for the soul in preparation for reaping, it's the time where memories are being formally arranged for the next phase, the transition phase— where most humans recall seeing a light flashing before their eyes— their memories, so to speak— and as their memories leave them, it allows the soul to leave the body now that their link to their mortal life is gone."
"That's where we come in," Jimin adds. "After the phase of transition, the soul is ready for the reaping phase. Now that the human's memories are gone, their soul is left in a body with no connection to life. A soul in an empty shell of a body is useless so we reap them for judgment in the next world- whether they are deemed worthy for reincarnation or damnation, well, that's up to the higher-ups and—"
"And the reason why reincarnated souls have no recollection as to their previous lives is because the memories have been erased before reaping. Blah, blah, blah— I know, I remember what our mentors taught us, okay?" Taehyung waves a lazy hand.
"So, now we have a two year old (two and a half! Jungkook thinks with a pout in his mental voice) here, shot in the chest, who hasn't entered the transition phase at all." Yoongi gazes towards Namjoon. "You're the leader, what do you think we should do about this?"
"We've never had this kind of case before." Hoseok says, "Maybe we should consult with the elders about this—"
"I still think we should wait it out." Taehyung suggests, placing his hands at the back of his head in a carefree manner, "Maybe it's just taking a while because he's just a baby."
"Maybe— but it shouldn't be taking this long," Jimin ponders. "If he's just a baby, he shouldn't have that many memories to arrange in the first place—"
Namjoon sighs, "All right, all right— I hear all of you." He walks towards Seokjin who was still petting Jungkook's cheek tenderly. "Seokjin-hyung, what do you think?"
"Hmm," Seokjin smiles down at the little one, thumb swiping a little of the blood off his cheek, "Perhaps we should ask the little one what he thinks."
Yoongi's eyes widen, "Ask him— wh-what are you implying, hyung?"
"Ssh," Seokjin moves his other hand to a 'quiet' motion, facing Yoongi. "Listen." He says.
The room is quiet. Jungkook blinks slowly and with the continuous, gentle caress from the elder male, feels himself gradually falling asleep. And as he closes his eyes, little Jungkook presses his lips together an—
"Not... dead..."
Jimin and Taehyung share an intake of breath. Hoseok freezes in place. Yoongi's arms fall limp at his sides and Namjoon smiles wider, a flash of intrigue crossing his eyes.
"J-Jungkook..." The little boy opens his eyes once more as he regains his voice, as slow as the soft ticking of his bedroom clock.
"Jungkook is here."
Seokjin's face softens and he chuckles, fond, before turning to the rest of his group. A mixture of impressed, shock and wonder crossing their faces.
"Well, there you have it."
Yoongi is the first to regain his composure. "Are you saying—"
"The little one is a special case," Namjoon says, catching the rest of his members' attention. "Jungkook, correct?" The boy nods slowly, "You can move your head, even? Amazing— what about your hands, little one? Can you move those too?"
Jungkook attempts to wiggle his fingers— and they finally move! He moves his toes as well and he watches as the elders around him show several forms of surprise at his body regaining its function.
"This is—" Jimin chokes in disbelief. "I haven't seen this kind of thing happen before! A-Are we for certain that he's even part of the List?"
Yoongi summons the book again and checks the page. "His name is here. He's... dead."
Jungkook whines, "Not... dead."
Yoongi vanishes the book and raises a challenging eyebrow at the baby laying on the bed, "Oh? You think you're not dead, little one? Care to argue with a Reaper on that matter?"
"Yoongi-hyung," Hoseok chuckles, exasperated, but already aware that the little one has already enraptured the elder. In fact, the baby seems to have caught everyone's attention.
Namjoon goes closer to the bed and kneels beside it, gently says, "Listen to me, Jungkook. You shouldn't be here in this world anymore, but for some reason, you still are. Now, I have a question for you and I want you to be honest with me— are you going to stay here or would you like to come with us?"
"I knew it was going to come to this," Yoongi says, throwing his hands in the air.
Jimin and Taehyung gasp, "We get to keep him?!" They scream in unison.
"Ssh!" Seokjin chastises them and the two shrink back, carefully tucked under Hoseok's protection from the eldest's glare.
"That's up to him," Namjoon chuckles, "What do you say, little one?"
"...." Jungkook looks up to the white haired leader in front of him, the little dimple and smile catching his attention. He carefully opens and closes his hand before he sighs, "Wh-What about umma and appa?"
Seokjin leans closer and traces the little bump of a nose with a soft finger, "I'm sorry but they're no longer here, little one."
Jungkook takes a moment, doesn't really understand the gravity of that statement and looks back to the men surrounding his bed.
It's better than being alone. He thinks.
He lifts both arms up, extending them towards the group with hands wide open in acceptance.
"Jungkook—" He croaks, fighting back tears. "K-Kookie wan' go with you. Kookie doesn't wan' be alone."
Namjoon smiles affectionately and maybe sees the rest of his members' faces collapse with both endearment and affection before taking one little hand in his own large one and feels a pulseless little limb.
"As you wish, little one."
♤ ♤ ♤
"Your pancakes are ready, Kookie!" Jin announces with glee as he holds up the tray with a stack of fluffy pancakes decorated with strawberries and bananas and covered in rich, glistening honey. Yoongi then quietly places the pink sippy cup beside the tray, giving the baby a little smile in silence.
Jungkook grins, "Thank you, Jinnie! Yoonie!" And then feels a wet kiss on his cheek. He giggles, "You too, Seokie!"
"Anytime, sweetheart!" Hoseok coos, cuddling up to the baby before moving back to allow Taehyung to sit upright, little Jungkook on his lap.
The elder reaper takes the pink and white baby fork and takes a piece of the fluffy pancake, making airplane noises towards Jungkook's mouth, much to the younger male's delight.
"Open up!" Taehyung sing-songs and lets Jungkook close his mouth around the fork, watching with delight as the baby chews happily, "Is it good, bun?"
Jungkook nods, pleased, cheeks bulging in joy. "'innie makes the best 'ancakes!"
"No talking with your mouth full, dear." Seokjin chastises gently and with little conviction.
Jungkook covers his mouth with two baby hands and giggles before opening his mouth again for another piece— this time, it's one of the sliced strawberries. Jungkook squeaks as the juices explode in his mouth.
The rest watch as Taehyung continues to feed the baby on his lap. As they are supernatural beings, feeding wasn't really a necessity for them. So most of their supplies at home are all catered to Jungkook's preferences and needs. As a human whose death failed to transition completely, Jungkook's time is confined leaving him trapped in his two (and a half!) year old body, well, that's Namjoon's theory.
The rest of the members have kept Jungkook hidden from the higher ups of their world, because they would most likely use him for study rather than actually care for him. The six men have altogether decided that it would be best for the little one to be away from that kind of life. He's so young and so small— how could they possible leave him in other people's hands?
The only people aware of Jungkook's existence are another group of Reapers led by Jaebum, mostly assigned to reap near China and Thailand and the four sirens led by Solar who weren't Reapers but who were assigned to lull those humans to peaceful deaths with their voices- humans of old age or of a benevolent past, for example. They were the comforters of man in his dying hour, should they deserve it.
Namjoon trusted their silence and he believes it so— if their fond gaze and careful approach to the little toddler was anything to go by.
Most of the times, Jungkook was kept in their home especially when they had work to do. But there were a few tantrums here and there every once in a while. It was during those times that either Jaebum or Solar would lend a hand to watch over him.
"Jackson's just about to have a fit if he doesn't play hide and seek with your little one again." Jaebum sighs during one such favor, exasperated as he listens to said member count out loud while Jungkook tries to fit in between some shelves nearby, giggling in excitement. "He says your little one is good at hiding and that his pride is on the line."
Namjoon laughs, watching in fascination as Jackson begins hunting for the toddler, an easy feat since Jungkook's bottom is completely exposed for the world to see and yet the elder Reaper completely misses him for the nth time. The two leaders are not so sure if Jackson is doing it on purpose or if he's just stupid.
With Solar and the rest of her group, all it takes is a little hum of a lullaby and Jungkook is fast asleep, his little hand holding one of the sirens' hand in a gentle, precious hold- and when his caretakers return from work, it's either to a sight of little Jungkook bundled up in his pastel blanket being rocked in the arms of one of the sirens or the little baby laid out in the middle on his mat, blanket over his body and surrounded by sleeping sirens to keep him company. Needless to say, it's very hard to wake up the group when they look so peaceful in their rest.
Jungkook finishes the pancakes and rest against Taehyung's body again, rubbing his satisfied tummy with a pleased look on his face.
"Here, baby." Jimin coos, giving him his sippy cup. "Yoongi-hyung prepared the milk just the way you like it."
Jungkook hums appreciatively and begins to sip slowly, cheeks flushed pink in delight as the chocolate flavor bursts in his mouth. But he seems too satisfied to actually show it as he leans further against Taehyung, eyes slowly closing and mouth sipping at the drink ever so slowly.
Taehyung chuckles softly, petting Jungkook's black hair. "There, there, little one. You can sleep if you want."
"Mmm..." Jungkook hums still sipping on his drink. Taehyung and Jimin exchange another fond laugh before the former leans down and presses a kiss on the baby's temple. Jungkook squirms a little before his little hands let go of the sippy cup and Taehyung is too distracted to realize it rolling off Jungkook's hold. Thankfully, Yoongi catches it in time and places it back on the tray.
The little one's breathing has slowed down to even intervals and Jimin picks up the pastel blanket nearby and bundles up the toddler before carrying him to lay him down on the mat, soft fluffy pillows around and guarded by his battalion of plush animals because his caretakers continuously spoil him. Of course, his favorite pink bunny is placed right by his side, and he's quick to wrap his arms around it in a hug, kissing its head gently before rubbing his cheek against the now clean, pink plush toy.
"Now that the little one is behaved and sleeping," Seokjin says, returning the plate and utensil on the tray to carry back to the kitchen for cleaning. "What's our agenda for today?"
Yoongi summons his black book again and flips through the pages, "We have two cases in the city, both male; another one just north from these two and another at the hospital near—"
Taehyung groans, throwing his head back, "It just keeps going, hyung. Make it stop."
"Hey, I don't make the rules when people die, Tae."
"It's too much work," The younger male complains and Hoseok chuckles, patting his head in comfort. "I just want to laze around here, maybe cuddle with Kookie and give him a bubble bath—"
"Now you're just being a sloth." Jimin pinches at his arm and Taehyung hisses at him.
"Stop it you two," Seokjin shakes his head, "I swear, sometimes I wonder which one is the toddler among the three of you." He says, pointing to the two Reapers and then to the sleeping baby in the middle laying peacefully on his mat.
"Work is still work." Namjoon reasons out with the group. "We have to answer Death's call. It's our duty."
"Of course it is." Taehyung surrenders, sagging his shoulders in defeat.
♤ ♤ ♤
"Hyung," Jimin blinks as he tries to fit the pajama onesie they had prepared for Jungkook, "Is it me or has Kookie grown?"
That caused several heads around the house to turn towards the two in the middle of the room, where Jimin was busy changing Jungkook into his sleeping attire for bed as per routine. Except now, his clothes wouldn't fit anymore and Jungkook...
He does seem to have grown a little.
"I-I thought Kookie's time has stopped—" Taehyung croaks out in surprise.
Namjoon furrows his brows, "Maybe my theory's all wrong," He mumbles and observes the younger male. It's been a long time since he's stayed with them (they're not really sure about time since they lose track of it as they are immortal) and they have noticed how there have been subtle changes on the youngest but the fact remains that Jungkook is dead— he has no pulse and no heartbeat.
So why is he growing?
"Is it because he still has his soul in him?" Yoongi provides, crossing his legs as he leans back on the couch in thought.
Jungkook giggles, exposed in his little white underwear, "No pajamas tonight?" He asks cheerily, completely oblivious to the growing mystery surrounding him and to the turmoil the group around him is having.
Jimin exhales a little chuckle, "Looks like you've outgrown them, baby."
Jungkook's eyes widen, "I'm growing?" He smiles wider, "I'm growing! Will I grow taller than you Minnie?"
"Yah! You little brat!" Jimin playfully squishes the baby's cheeks, earning him a series of squeals and laughter.
The group continues to observe the youngest but they silently come to an agreement to wait it out and see what happens next— Jungkook doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort and is still his usual self. Perhaps they were just worried over nothing.
♤ ♤ ♤
Jungkook keeps growing.
There's no denying it.
Their once baby toddler has outgrown all of their pastel blankets and pajama onesies. Jungkook is physically resembling a sixteen year old now— a young, beautiful, lean male with jet black hair as soft as silk and clear brown eyes. Their little one has grown into a fine young man, so beautiful and precious, it was hard not to keep their hands off of him.
But along with the physical changes came mental and emotional changes as well.
"Jungkookie," Hoseok approaches the younger male one day. He was seated on the couch, his head covered with his favorite black hoodie, hands clutching the sides of his head, as if it was about to break if he lets go for even a second. "Is everything okay?"
Jungkook sniffs, alarming the elder, "M-Make it stop, Seokie-hyung!"
Hoseok blinks, surprised at the outburst, "What? Make what stop, baby?"
Jungkook removes his hands from his head and reaches out to the elder who immediately takes hold of him in his arms, pressing gentle kisses over his forehead, hushing his little cries.
"Baby, is it your head again?" Hoseok coos, cupping his cheeks. The younger male nods mutely, broken only by a whimper as his head aches once more.
"It keeps getting worse a-and I keep hearing voices." Jungkook cries, burying his face on the elder's button-up. "I don't know what they're saying, hyung, the-there's too many of them!"
"Ssh, ssh," Hoseok gently rubs comforting circles on the younger male's back before placing the pads of his fingers on the younger male's temples. "Let me help."
And then there's a numbing feeling from where Hoseok was touching him and his eyes glaze over, unshed tears glossing those brown orbs. Hoseok coos softly and kisses the tip of his nose once more.
"You're all right, let hyung take the pain away." Hoseok says softly as he removes his fingers. Jungkook sighs in relief as the pain is but a little tingling sensation now. He stays buried in the elder's arms for comfort though.
"What happened?"
Hoseok looks up to see Yoongi standing behind the couch, eyes dark with concern at seeing their youngest buried like a ball in the elder's arms.
"His head hurt again." Hoseok replies, sighing.
"Again?" Yoongi blinks and shakes his head, "This isn't normal. We should ask Namjoon and Seokjin-hyung about this."
"Mm," Hoseok moves a hand to pat behind the younger male's back to a comforting, silent tune. "But we should let him rest for now. He was really in pain, hyung. I had to numb it with my powers for a moment."
Yoongi makes a face. Despite being so stoic and indifferent, seeing Jungkook in pain and crying had never settled well with him. He reaches over to rub at the younger male's scalp, offering his own brand of comfort before leaning down to press a kiss at the back of their baby's head.
"Yeah," Yoongi whispers, "Better let him rest for now."
♤ ♤ ♤
"Voices?" Namjoon inquires as the rest of the members gather later while they let Jungkook rest in one of their bedrooms. It seemed that having some of the member's materials like clothes or blankets nearby gave the younger some kind of comfort and reassurance.
"That's right," Hoseok confirms. "He told me he's hearing a lot of voices, too many at the same time that he can't understand them."
"Hmm," Namjoon clenches his jaw and furrows his brows in concentration. "I've never heard of this before, but then again, Jungkook was a mystery from the moment we came to him."
"Maybe he's just unwell? LIke a migraine of some sort? Don't humans have those?" Jimin suggests, "Kookie has never fully transitioned so technically he's still a human, right?"
"I don't know, Jiminnie." Namjoon shakes his head, "But you do have a point."
A loud bang suddenly echoes throughout the household and the group all flinch, looking towards the bedroom where the younger was asleep.
Taehyung jumps up to his feet before black smoke appears in his place, a second later black smoke reappears right outside the bedroom door as Taehyung steps toward it. "Baby?" He calls out, concern lacing his voice.
Another loud thud and that was the last straw, the elder opens the door afraid of what he might see. Jungkook was on the floor, clutching his head again in pain, blankets surrounding him like a puddle.
"Jungkook!" Taehyung calls out and several black smoke appear behind him with the rest of the members coming in as well. Taehyung kneels by the youngest's body, hand reaching out to touch his back and then-
"H-Hurts!" Jungkook flinches before black smoke replaces where the younger male was, only to reappear once more at the corner of the room, away from the group. The younger male falls on his knees reappearing behind the black smoke and—
The group is stunned.
Because that— that was—
"Wasn't that—" Jimin croaks out after moments of silence. "Wasn't that our—"
"Jungkook," Namjoon carefully walks toward the younger male. "Jungkook, baby—"
"H-Hyung?" Jungkook whimpers, looking up from where he was on the floor, "Hyung, I-I don't know what's happening to me, hyung—"
"Calm down," Namjoon kneels in front of him and extends out his hands, "Come here, baby. Let hyungs take care of you."
"I-I—" Jungkook stammers, voice trembling and lower lip shaking as his eyes gloss over. "I feel— I feel different, hyung."
"Different?" Seokjin approaches carefully as well, followed by the rest of the members, carefully setting a distance for the younger male's comfort. "What kind of different, baby?"
"I don't know," Jungkook whimpers, "H-Hyung, am I sick?"
"No," Namjoon shakes his head and smiles reassuringly, "No, Jungkook. You—"
And he pauses because, now, he knows what's wrong with their youngest. The failed transition, the pulseless body, the headache, the voices, the black smoke— there was no denying it.
"Oh, sweetheart." Namjoon softens his tone and lifts the younger male's chin to look at him. "Do you trust me?"
Jungkook stares at the elder and sniffs, "I-I do, hyung."
"Then, I want you to listen carefully, baby." Namjoon says slowly, rubbing his thumb on the younger's cheek for comfort. "What you're going through is a different kind of transition. It's not the transition we thought you were destined to have all these years. It was never that at all."
"What are you saying, Namjoon?" Yoongi asks but pauses a moment later when the realization hits him as well. "Y-You're saying—"
"Jungkookie," Namjoon adds carefully as he looks into the younger male's eyes.
"You're transitioning into a Reaper."
♤ ♤ ♤
It was a long time of headaches and outbursts of uncontrolled black smokes after that. The beings couldn't keep track of how long it was— the concept of time evades them in their immortal lives. Now that they think about it, it's been a very long time since their own transitions into Reapers, so it was natural for them not to notice the signs beforehand of the youngest's changes.
After years and years of surprises with the youngest male, the group finally understands the mystery behind their little Jungkook. Their little one had long been transitioning into a Reaper rather than a lost soul for judgment. Perhaps it was fate's way of allowing Jungkook to pass judgment onto those who hurt him and his family but also, perhaps there were signs of the younger male's potential to guide the deceased to the afterlife without prejudice all these years.
"Jeon Jungkook!" Namjoon's exasperated voice follows, "No, come over here, you little bun!"
"Can't catch me, hyungie!" Jungkook skips away and just before Namjoon grabs a hold of his black button-up, the uniform for Reapers such as themselves, Jungkook teleports in his black smoke and reappears in the living room, waving his hand with Namjoon's glasses in it.
"Jungkook!" Namjoon grunts, "What did we tell you about using your powers in the house?"
Jungkook tilts his head innocently with a snicker, "Um... I can't seem to remember what that was— hey!" Black smoke appears behind him and large hands grab at his waist, keeping him in place.
"Caught the bunny," Taehyung grins by his ear before pecking his neck teasingly. Jungkook whines as the glasses in his hand is immediately snatched by the eldest member.
"Tae-hyungie!" Jungkook whines, "I almost won! And you used your power too!"
"Somehow, this feels very familiar." Taehyung hums in thought and grunts when Jungkook nudges him on the chest. But the elder simply latches onto the younger male further, chuckling when the youngest male whines further in his hold.
"Oh, finally." Namjoon says, adjusting the glasses on his face. "Thankfully, I hadn't broken anything or else Jin-hyung will slice off my arms again."
Jungkook giggles innocently, "We wouldn't want that now, would we, hyung?"
Namjoon flicks at the youngest's forehead playfully, "Ya, if you think so then don't take my glasses from me, brat."
Jungkook laughs heartily.
"I was wondering why it was so noisy out here." Seokjin appears in the living room, fixing his button-up. "Get ready now, children. Yoongi has just taken out the book and the List seems quite long tonight."
"Aww," Both Jungkook and Taehyung groan in unison causing the elders to chuckle.
"Come on, you two." Jimin throws their suit jackets towards them. "Get ready for work."
Work. Work was a constant thing to them and their immortal lives. They have a duty under Death to escort all— good or bad— from the land of the living to the afterlife. It was their fate as Reapers.
"Will I get to reap tonight, hyung?" Jungkook looks up at their leader, doe eyes hopeful.
Namjoon chuckles fondly, reaching over to run his hands along the younger male's now white hair— the signature shade for their brotherhood along with their black suits. He was almost completely transitioned. He sometimes misses those black locks but Jungkook looks just as beautiful as he did back then.
Their precious, precious baby Reaper.
Namjoon smiles warmly at the youngest member of their family.
"As you wish, little one."
♤ ♤ ♤