Chapter Text
“ Jimin of the House of Flora and Yoongi of the House of Fauna shall be wed at the 7th hour of the 7th day of the 7th week of the season. May the union of the families, bring us all prosperity and restore the balance of power between the families .”
There are mixed reactions throughout the ancestral hall. Some erupt into applause, others cheers, some even disappointment and shock. In the center of the room, there is one table with no audible reaction. Just a combination of confusion and horror across their faces. Not only the faces of the to-be engaged couple, but those of their other family members who had assumed they would be chosen for this moment. Even their friends, who also sat at the main celebration table, seemed unsure of how to react to the unexpected news.
Jimin had assumed this banquet would be the same as all the others. After he finished his duties in the morning, he had his aids prepare his formal clothes with plans to flirt with as many of the eligible elven men as he could while his elder brother waited to find out if this would be the day his engagement to his lover was announced by the oracle’s prophecy.
Banquets such as this were held for that purpose, the entirety of the elven kingdom was brought together in the ancestral hall of the palace to read the oracles prophecies to the masses either when one was given or a young reached the age of 20, so that they may receive their designated job announcement. The masses had become more desperate to hear them in the past years, as they’ve struggled to maintain their domains. Thus they all gathered in the stone hall under the vine wrapped ceilings, bathed in the light of candles, some floating above their heads, for the readings. After there was always a celebration, because the finding of one's true path should always be celebrated.
Power between the Houses in the kingdom was an important balancing act, and to maintain that of the two biggest houses, the Flora and the Fauna. It had been prophesied many moons ago that there would be a union of the two families every generation. If the prophecy was not followed, their balance of nature was affected. It happened five years ago, when the last receivers had decided to run away from their fate and they were still feeling the effects today.
Yesterday Jimin was the unimportant and bratty second son of the family, now he was to be wed to his least favorite person to save the world around them.
From the moment it was announced it’s a flurry of activity, the two are rushed up to the head table to be recognized by all in the hall. There’s no time to process the events. Congratulations and Thank yous flow like water, his family comes up to hug them at some point, he doesn’t see Yoongi’s family. Then again, Jimin’s not sure he’s looked at Yoongi even once since the moment it was announced.
The first moment they get to really sit down alone is when they are ushered into an office belonging to one of the elders. Waiting to hear more about what will happen next. Jimin takes a look over at Yoongi, who's now hunched over with his head rested on his palms, elbows digging into the leather of his trousers as if he's contemplating things.
In terms of looks Jimin knows he could have done far worse, Yoongi is attractive even by their high beauty standards. Jimin watches as some wavy strands of hair fall to cover his face. He doesn’t know why exactly, but the man is always very cold to him, he knows he’s not that kind of personality. He doesn’t act that way when he is in the company of Namjoon, or Seokjin, or even Hoseok, but he is with Jimin. With that thought Jimin tears his eyes away and lets his head fall onto the back of the leather seat.
He is going to be getting married to this man, he has to for the sake of his people, of his home. He knows this in his heart even before the elders come in to explain. He had sat in on conversations between his parents and brother about it enough times, back when his brother, Seokjin, was expected to be the one to receive this “honor”. If the chosen would try to escape their duties again, it would likely mark the end of their lives as they knew it. Yet, it didn’t feel right. He did not know Yoongi well enough, or love him. The man he did feel something for was back in the hall, probably chatting with friends and family, maybe chatting with Jungkook about his first assignment.
Jimin chances another look at Yoongi and can’t help but feel anger bubbling in him at the elder man’s pensive expression. “What are you thinking so hard about, there's no way out of this. You know that.” There's a bite in his voice but it's dampened by the exhaustion. Maybe he could convince his brother to make him one of those calming rose baths when they arrive home. It was the least he deserved.
The look Yoongi throws him is anything but sympathetic. “I'm trying to figure out why it's me that they’ve chosen.”
Jimin rolls his eyes “In case you hadn’t noticed. The both of us were chosen, not just you.”
“You are at the top of your family, you being chosen is acceptable. I am a bastard child with no loyalty for our system of living. I am not one to typically be chosen.”
Jimin just hums, avoiding the bastard comment. “Maybe that is exactly the reason.”
Yoongi raises his brow “What do you mean?”
“What better way to keep a rebel in check than putting him in an impossible situation? By putting the weight of the world on their shoulders you force them to stay.”
“Are you trying to say you want this?”
Jimin snorts, “Not in the slightest, you are the last person in your family I would choose to marry. However, my loyalty to my family far outweighs my disdain for you.”
Yoongi looks as if he wants to retort but at that moment the doors open and in walks the elder elf of the prophecy readers, followed by the king himself. Both of them immediately straighten up and stand to greet them formally.
“Please, have a seat. You two should get all the rest you can now. The wedding planning is an arduous process” Jimin can see the look of disgust on Yoongi’s face from the corner of his eye and he can't help but to mentally mimic it.
Namjoon watches as both his brother and cousin are greeted and congratulated by the masses. Jungkook, for his first official assignment as a grown man, and Yoongi for his prophesied marriage to Jimin. He wants to join the crowd, wants to hug both his brother and cousin and congratulate them on their good fortunes. Instead he is frozen in his seat, gripped by a storm of emotions, many of which he’s sure he can’t name.
He doesn’t even need to turn his head to know his boyfriend next to him is in a similar state. They were supposed to be the ones chosen to wed and unite the families, they had been raised to believe it was their place as the first born children of their families to take care of their communities. Especially after the last prophesied couple ran away before their wedding.
Accepting of their fates they had made the decision to take the initiative, as good first borns should. They had tried to get to know each other as friends at first, they spent a lot of time together, and eventually as they grew up, they found genuine love for each other. Or at least Namjoon knew he loved Jin, they had never truly spoken about it. He was happy that marrying the man he loved would also allow him to fulfill his duties and save his people.
If that’s not the case then what? What would happen? Would Jin leave him? Would his family no longer approve of them? Namjoon was not a man who did well with uncertainty.
There were other issues too, the biggest being that he knew his elder cousin. Yoongi’s level of loyalty to the people of their society was not like Namjoon’s. He was not the kind of person to do things for the sake of pleasing others. Especially not those who had been shunning him for being born for all these years.
He’s so lost in his own head he doesn’t notice that the room has largely emptied out. Everyone has likely gone from the dining hall to the reception hall. Yoongi and Jimin have been taken back to the offices to speak to the elders. So now he’s sitting here with Jin, as a few of the stragglers start to filter out of the room.
“Tell me what’s going on in that big head of yours Namjoon-ie?” he’s startled out of his frozen position by Seokjin reaching up to push his hair behind his ear. He can’t help but grab Jin’s hand before he can pull away, squeezing it tight as if to make sure he’s still there.
“Probably the same thing that's going through yours my love.”
Sharing his thoughts with Seokjin is nothing new to him, Jin made it a point when they began their relationship, if they were to marry eventually they should always be honest with each other. The only thing is that he’s not sure how to describe what he’s feeling right now. Namjoon’s not even sure what he’s feeling aside from fear. Everything is a jumble in his head.
“Hey, look at me.” Namjoon finally pulls his gaze down to Jin’s eyes, never one to deny him anything. One thing about Seokjin is that the man is absolutely stunning. Even without Namjoon’s bias it was easy to tell he was the most beautiful being in the kingdom. That was another part of what was scaring Namjoon. Jin doesn’t need to stay with him, he could have anyone, and anyone was free to go after him now if they weren’t the ones getting married to save everyone’s lives.
“We’ll figure it out alright. We know Jimin and Yoongi don’t want this, they can’t stand each other. Maybe we can change the elder’s minds.” If Namjoon was a little less stuck in his head he would probably have noticed the panicked edge in Jin’s voice. Instead he just nods and changes his grip on Jin’s hand so that their fingers are now intertwined. Namjoon allows himself to press a small kiss to the back of his lover's hand.
“We should go, they’ll wonder where we are.” Jin just nods, and together they get up and walk towards the reception hall in silence. Unexpressed feelings hanging in the air.
That was the same air that surrounded Yoongi and Jimin as they walked silently out of their king’s lecture and went to rejoin their families. There was no room for questions or argument during the entire meeting, and they are both far too unsure of how to process this day.
So they continue on. Jimin climbs into one of the giant flying enchanted leaves the house of flora uses for transportation between domains. Yoongi mounts his steed and joins his parents on their ride back to their domain. As they would after every other prophecy reading, knowing full well nothing would ever be the same for them again.
It’s silent from when they leave until Jimin and his family make it back to their cottage. Even once everyone is seated in the entrance room no one speaks. It’s like not even his parents know what to say. Seokjin looks like he’s fighting a battle with himself, too busy in his head to express any of it or pay attention to his family around him.
So Jimin just sits there, waiting for someone to give him some sort of direction or reassurance. If they don’t in the next 10 minutes, Jimin’s positive he’s going to burst into tears.
“I know this is not what we expected son, but this is your duty to our people. You understand what's expected of you.”
“Yes father, I understand.” Jimin responds seriously, still feeling dejected.
“That being said, I know you and Yoongi are not on the best of terms. It would be best to fix that before the wedding.”
“I will attempt to right the situation.” Jimin’s response seems to be exactly what his father was looking for since afterwards the burly man allowed his seriousness to drop slightly.
“You will bring honor back to our cohort and peace to our people my son, Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you, Father, Mother.” He regards them both as they stand to make their way to their quarters.
“Rest well my son, you will have much to do in the coming days.”
He waits until his parents have gone to kick off his sandals and curl into himself on the cushioned bench. He looks over at his brother for some form of comfort and it seems to snap Jin out of his mental battle because he immediately comes to sit next to Jimin and wrap him in a hug.
Jimin doesn’t know who is getting more comfort out of this hug but he will take what he can get. He knows his brother needs it just as much as he does, this was supposed to be his honor, his wedding to Namjoon, his love story and happy ending. They sit for a while in the silence and comfortable embrace. Then Jin takes a shaky breath drawing Jimin’s attention to his face.
“This sucks.” Jimin mumbled from behind his knees.
Jin lets out a snort “Tell me about it, I was supposed to be planning my wedding this week. Now I have to help my little brother plan his. I’m so sorry Jimin-ie. This was supposed to be my burden to bear, not yours.”
Jimin just sinks his head further down into his lap. “I can take it, if I have to, but Yoongi doesn’t want this. I could see it. What if he runs? What will happen to me, to our people?”
Seokjin squeezes his brother's shoulder. “ I just don’t get it. If you and Namjoon get married anyway isn’t the prophecy still fulfilled? Then what's the point of making us do this?” tears are pooling in his eyes in frustration.
“I don’t know Jimin-ie, but I’m going to do my best to find out. Seokjin says before pushing his younger brother’s head into his own chest to muffle both their cries.
Yoongi let his horse fall to the back of their troupe so he could line up with Namjoon, who didn’t seem to have the energy to keep up with his younger brother’s speedy riding today.
“Are you okay?”
Namjoon looks up from where he had been examining his mares mane. Being from the Fauna family he can converse with his horse, and other animals. She had been complaining about knots but he honestly didn’t see them “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”
Yoongi rolls his eyes “Exactly, but you haven’t which makes me think your focus is more on what this means for you right now.”
“Maybe.”
“Jin loves you just as much as you love him. Far more than anything I feel for Jimin, even as an acquaintance. I would only think that your focus would be more on your own relationship at this moment.”
Namjoon hums “It is but that's not all, Yoongi you are not one for self sacrifice. I have been raised to accept it. You don’t deserve to have this forced upon you.”
Yoongi just responds with a shrug and lets himself get distracted with a youngling who’s mare was a bit too excited for his skill level.
The topic wasn’t brought up again until they reached Namjoon’s family farm. It was an unspoken arrangement that they would all be meeting to discuss what’s happening.
Yoongi can feel his parents standing at his back, ready to support him in case his uncle and aunt were to push him.
“This is ridiculous!” Is the first thing his uncle says. “Namjoon has been told to prepare for this his whole life and in a second they decide to change it all?”
“Father?”
“It’s a ploy it must be! I would almost think my father was manipulating things from beyond the grave.”
“Brother?” The ranting wasn’t unusual for the head of the family but it was a surprise in this situation, he had never shown much interest in Yoongi, though there was no outright disdain like his father before him, Yoongi and Namjoon's grandfather.
The man stops in his tracks and walks up to Yoongi “My boy, I don’t want this result. Namjoon and I will do what we can to change the elders' minds but for now can we count on you to try and maintain a relationship with your intended for now?”
Yoongi can tell his parents are ready to jump in and say he doesn’t have to do it, that he can run, and part of him wants to say no. Yet there's another part of Yoongi saying that there's no harm in trying. Jimin may be a spoiled brat but he is not always unpleasant. If it is temporary until the others can find a solution, it would at the very least give his cousin some peace of mind to figure out his own relationship. “I will make my best attempt uncle.”
His uncle simply nods in thanks and out of the corner of his eye Yoongi can see Namjoon let out a breath of relief. Namjoon and Seokjin surely owe him one if he is going to put up with the likes of Jimin and wedding plans.
The next day finds Jimin at Taehyung's cabin, lying on the fur rug and playing with Taehyung's bunny. He still finds it both amusing and endearing that the hunter couldn’t bring himself to kill the creature when he looked into its eyes and realized how much it reminded him of his beloved's round eyes and scrunched nose. Somehow he had come to the conclusion that the only option was to keep the small bunny as a pet, something Jungkook was overjoyed about.
Jimin had hoped to have a love like that one day as well.
The rest of the group sits around the small room, Hoseok in a chair fashioned out of sticks and other wood, while Taehyung and Jungkook are laying together on Taehyung’s bed watching the bunny hop around Jimin.
Everyone is quiet for a little bit, a break in the banter they had been having about Jungkook’s new placement and just how well it suited the soft hearted boy. He’d been charged with caring for and protecting companion animals throughout the domains.
The tension of the other prophecy announced yesterday hung in the air. The topic that needed to be brought up, yet no one was brave enough to start the conversation.
So Jimin decides it would be best to leap into the breach and say it himself. “It seems that my assignment time will be cut down in the next few days. I won't get to spend much time with the flowers soon. Taemin was ordered to give me time for wedding planning needs.”
Taehyung moves his eyes from the bunny to focus on Jimin’s face with a sympathetic look. “Will Yoongi be joining you?”
Jimin snorts “ I do not know and I don't really care at this point as long as he shows up to the wedding”
“Jimin.” The tone from their youngest is a warning one. Yoongi is his cousin after all, and they have always gotten along well.
“Jungkook.” Jimin answered back monotonously, cousin or not he does not have to pretend to be okay with this arrangement in the company of his friends.
“If you are going to marry him, the least you can do is give him a chance.”
Jimin sits up solely so that he can look over Taehyung and into Jungkook's eyes. “I would say he’s had enough chances for one lifetime.”
Jungkook rolls his eyes “It was 3 years ago Jimin, please just let it go already.”
“I almost died Jungkook.”
“You were nowhere near death you big baby!”
See there were many reasons that Jimin and Yoongi had never got along. From their childhood days they had seemed to do nothing but rub each other the wrong way. Yoongi was just as cold to him yesterday as he had been when Jimin was at the tender age of 5 years, Jimin just as headstrong. They never saw eye to eye but had been capable of being cordial with one another for the sake of necessity.
That changed about 3 years ago. The year after Yoongi was given his assignment, an incident that ruined any last bit of respect Jimin had for the elder and effectively soured any contact. Since then they hadn’t spoken a word to each other, well until yesterday that is.
“A bear, being that was supposed to be controlled by your cousin, went rogue and almost trampled me. I think that is as near to death as it gets.”
“He made it stop as soon as he saw you Jimin. Must you always be so dramatic!”
Taehyung seemed to be staying quiet, not willing to get between his best friend and his lover, so Jimin switched his gaze to where Hoseok was sitting. The elder ripped his eyes away from whatever he had been staring at above Jimin’s head to respond with a sheepish smile. “You were on the bear's territory Jimin. You were not supposed to be there, no matter how noble your goals were. Yoongi wouldn’t have had any issue keeping it calm if you hadn’t been there.”
Jimin rolls his eyes “You’re all traitors. I maintain he could have gotten me killed!” He’s slightly startled when he lies back down and the bunny moves to play with his pointed ear. “At least the bunny agrees with me.”
“Actually he thinks you are too loud, he's asked you to stop or he will do to your ears what you have done to his.”
At that Jimin grumbles, figures even the rabbit would disagree with him. “Well I suppose it doesn’t matter anyway. Father has instructed me to get along with him for the sake of our people, so that is what I must do.”
With that the room goes silent once again.
Contrary to how many may feel about his job, Yoongi fully enjoys what he does. He enjoys working with the animals that others fear, he enjoys taking care of them.
Only today he's a mess, and he knows the animals can sense it. He knows it makes them uneasy, he wants to reassure them but his mind won't calm down.
"Alright youngling, time to take a break, before you set the wolves off into a frenzy."
Yoongi grunts "If you insist on calling me youngling, perhaps I'll let them on you instead."
The older elf laughs "I suppose I can't anymore, seeing as you'll be getting married soon." Tablo lets out a laugh at the face Yoongi makes. "Come up here Yoongi, my wife made sweet bread for us."
Now if there was one thing Yoongi could not resist, it was Hyejung's fresh breads, so he leaves his task to join his mentor atop the watchtower.
It's quiet for all of 5 minutes before Tablo asks about the topic that's been spoiling his mood. "So you've been chosen to marry."
Yoongi doesn't answer, instead choosing to pick at his bread.
"It might not be so bad you know? Married life can be nice sometimes."
"You got to choose who you married though, and the person you chose wasn't a spoiled brat." Yoongi points out.
The elder just chuckles "You would be surprised, one thing I've learned through the years is everyone wants to be spoiled some times."
Yoongi raises an eyebrow "Have you ever met Jimin? One time he trespassed near one of the bear dens looking for some kind of rare moss, and when the bear came back, he claims it was me trying to kill him!"
Tablo laughs "Okay maybe he is a little worse than I thought, but you only have two options here."
"Two?" Of course Yoongi knew what it was but he didn't think anyone would dare bring it up.
"Run, or get married. Or option three I suppose..."
Yoongi lets a small smile show "The elders will have your head if they hear you even mentioned running to me."
Tablo rolls his eyes "The elders are trying to force people to marry based on some old prophecy by telling you that if you don't everyone dies. I think I am on the high ground of morals here."
Yoongi can't help but agree with him. "So, what's option three?"
Tablo smiles "Give him a chance. People may surprise you when they're given a chance to be more."
"Uncle thinks there may have been a mistake, he asked me to pretend to prepare until he figures something out."
"He might be right, but if not? That means you acted through it all and have to make a decision without having all the information. I do believe that is something you've always hated."
He's right of course, Yoongi has always been a stickler for finding out as much information as possible before making a move.
"I suppose you're right."
Yoongi didn’t think his first encounter would come so soon. Less than two hours later, as he’s leaving the forest and making his way back to the fauna domain's village, he’s stopped by a flying leaf message smacking him in the face. Something that can only be sent by those of the house of flora.
“Your intended would like to meet with you in the royal marketplace in 30 minutes for a chat. Don’t be late”- Jimin.
He had half a mind to rumple it up and throw it away, but the words from his uncle and his mentor ring in his ears. So Yoongi sighs, and changes course towards the general trading market for the kingdom.
Jimin orders a dandelion cider from one of his house's stalls while he waits for his intended to arrive. He debates on ordering something for Yoongi, but he has no idea what the man likes and he doubts it would be similar to his own tastes.
He does hope the leaf reached its intended target, they have a habit of getting caught and tangled in the wrong winds. If it didn't reach Yoongi, he'll look like an idiot who's supposed soon-to-be husband stood him up. No doubt then word would travel and eventually get back to his family and it would come back as a disappointment.
Just the thought makes Jimin angry and he's beginning to get impatient. Until he spots Yoongi coming towards him. He's holding his riding gloves so he must have left his mare at the stable. He knows he needs to at least attempt getting along with the man.
"You got my message then?" Jimin asks as the man takes the seat across from him.
"More like it tried to take my eye out." the elder mumbles.
"Oh! I'm sorry they aren't always the most accurate with their aim." Jimin's not sorry, if the leaf had taken his eye out then maybe that would be a reason to call off the wedding.
Yoongi waves his hand in dismissal. "There is no reason to play polite with me Jimin. We both know we would not feel much if the other was injured, at least, not at this time."
Jimin drops his forced smile and nods "Any reason to put off the wedding a little longer would be most welcomed."
"That it would, but I would believe it is you who insisted that I be in agreement."
"I want this less than you do, but I will not risk the pride and lives of families because of my own selfish unhappiness. If we must marry, we must. That does not mean I can't wish for it to happen a little later..."
"It is so strange to me, you who acts like the world revolves around you, still finds it sensible to give up your future for others."
"One must think of themselves in at least one aspect of their lives. If the rest is to give away then we must keep something." It's silent for a moment while Yoongi takes in Jimin's words. "On the other hand you are the opposite. You care only for those closest to you outside of yourself, yet you act as if you don't matter."
For the first time since Yoongi had met Jimin, he seemed to get a glimpse of something beyond what met the eye. He was far more thoughtful than many others he had conversed with. If the conversation went forward, Yoongi might wonder if he could keep up with Namjoon, but now was not the time for that.
"So, what are you proposing as our solution?"
Jimin hums and takes a sip of his drink "First I think you should order something, so that this does not look like such a formal conversation to those who are watching us."
Yoongi looks up at that, and notices, yes people are watching them from around the market, but rather than the occasional looks of disdain that Yoongi is used to, the looks are of interest and mild excitement.
He looks into Jimin's eyes and understands in that moment, that looks of any kind are nothing new to him. So he takes the hint, and gets up to order his own cider, one of apples and cinnamon, as well as two raindrop cakes, so that it looks like this is more of a date and less of a formal meeting.
It takes him a few minutes to get to everything and when he gets back to the table he notices Jimin has been staring at him.
"Thank you." The younger says quietly as he takes the offered cake. Yoongi nods before taking his seat.
"What did you have in mind from here on? " Yoongi asks.
The look Jimin gives him is one of probing "The better question, is what is going on in your mind? I certainly don't want to put in all this effort if you have no plans of staying, or making an effort."
"I've been told by my uncle that he plans to look into things. He believes there must be a mistake."
"And if there's no mistake?" Jimin asks curiously, fork half lifted to his mouth.
"Then we should be prepared." He pauses, looking down into his nearly empty cider cup. "I am willing to put aside our differences and attempt to get to know each other. So at the very least if marriage is the only option left, it is not entirely miserable for the both of us."
Jimin nods, "I am glad we can agree on something, though I would like to clear something up before we go any further."
Yoongi raises a blonde eyebrow "and what would that be."
"The bear incident."
He considered throwing his head onto the table but it would certainly make a scene and he was still wary of the eyes watching them. "I did not try to kill you!"
Jimin smiles "I know, I just enjoyed having a reason to complain about you and it gave me a reason not to have to put up with you anymore."
The look of disbelief on Yoongi's face is enough to bring Jimin to tears with laughter. "You seriously lied about it to everyone all these years? One might think you were obsessed with me."
"Of course I did, and don't tell anyone. I still enjoy using it as a way to complain about you." Jimin hums “and rather than obsessed I would say young and vengeful.” He ends his sentence with a wink because he knows it will confuse Yoongi further.
Yoongi feels just exasperated with Jimin at this point. "I am coming to realize that I know very little about you. Jimin, of House of Flora."
"I suppose that just gives you more incentive to try Yoongi, of House of Fauna. We will have plenty of time while preparing, I’ve already been told when my shifts will be shortened for the wedding planning."
Yoongi's only response is a hum and a raise of his glass. Jimin raises his glass to match Yoongi's in a cheer, sealing their deal.