Work Text:
“These are dragonfly wings…. I told you I needed beetle. Where did you even find these, last I heard they were super hard to get a hold of ....”
A deep sigh, followed by a small shake of the glass vial broke Jaemin out of his trance. He simply just shrugged his head, a smirk forming on his lips as he leaned over the counter of Mystical Methodology and glanced at the adorable enchanting Witch on the other side. He had known Yangyang for only a few years, but it was some of the best in his 150 here on this planet. He wasn't sure what had pulled him in - perhaps it was the curious and sparkling brown eyes, bubbly yet at times sarcastic personality, the ever changing hair color and style (today was a shade of purple that Jaemin would call grape, hair wavy and parted perfectly in the middle as locks fell gracefully against his face) or perhaps it was simply just magic.
“It’s what I could find. The people who sell to you and the people that sell to me are vastly different, darling. Besides, it’s wings , does it really matter what bug they come from?” A small huff from Yangyang followed by a deep blush probably meant that yes, it did matter, but part of Jaemin just really loved riling the other up just to see his cute and adorable reactions.
“Beetle wings have a property in them that releases a chemical that I need in order for this potion to work that dragonflies lack. It’s Magic 101 if I mess this up Kun is gonna yell at me again and then I’m gonna yell at YOU for making me mess it all up.” A small huff followed by Yangyang placing the small glass vile on the countertop should not have been as cute and funny as it was, and the small little glare being aimed right at Jaemin should not have made him coo as hard as he did but a small noise that sounded a lot like ‘ adorable ’ slipped from his lips and it made the Witch blush even more.
“Stop being such a demon, I am mad at you, can you take me seriously for once?”
“Vampire, darling, not demon. There is a major difference. And I’m sorry I just can’t help it, you are the cutest thing on this planet when you get mad.” Jaemin’s smirk grew to a full smile, showing off his beautiful and perfect line of teeth including two pointed fangs nestled where two incisors would otherwise occupy. He didn't want to continue to rile up Yangyang too much, afraid of making him mad to the point of receiving the silent treatment which did not sound at all appealing to him, and having him mad was never intentional so before he could retaliate Jaemin pulled out a second jar from his leather jacket pocket. A beautiful pair of beetle’s wings gleamed against the small shoppe’s candle-like lighting, tucked inside its glass shell. Yangyang’s face went instantly from one of annoyance to shock, to wonder, and then finally a small smile stretched across those plump pink lips.
“You are such a prick, oh my God.”
“Your prick, sweetheart…” Jaemin giggled as the Witch rolled his eyes and snagged the vile from his cold hand, a small noise of triumph escaping from him as he turned from the counter and made his way to the back of the shop.
“Can you do me a favor and flip the sign on the door to closed? I need to finish this potion by midnight and I don’t have anyone to cover for me.”
“I mean, I can cover the front if you need? What’s so hard about running a register?” Jaemin wished he had his phone out to record the absolute look of horror on the other’s face as he turned to look at the vampire, trying so hard not to laugh as Yangyang sighed and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head softly.
“Do I need to remind you of the Ice Fairy incident the last time you made that offer to help out around here, Minnie?”
No, he very much did not need to remind him of that. Although the use of the nickname did make Jaemin smirk as he moved quickly to flick the sign to CLOSED while making sure the front door was locked up tight before returning back to an amused YangYang.
“No Darling, I’d rather not think of that again. Lead the way -I’ll be nice, quiet company while you work.” The snort that the other let out let him know that he did not believe his claims in the slightest, but he did not protest his accompaniment as the Witch turned on his heel and made his way toward the cauldron room. It was a small room towards the back only staff had access too, needing a spell to even break the lock on the door. The Vampire looked at shelves of various items as they walked back, admiring many of the things the place sold. He bought a crystal here because YangYang suggested it would bring him good luck, keeping it strung on a gold chain that hung from his neck underneath his shirt. This place was special to him in more ways than one, and he was always thankful for stumbling across it one chilly night out of curiosity.
Jaemin stopped short, looking at Yangyang as he mumbled something and waved his hand in the air, the sleeve of his cream sweater sliding down his arm as the lock on the door clicked. The Witch walked forward and turned the handle, making his way inside as Jaemin followed like an obedient dog. Another mumble of words and wave of hands as lights illuminated the room, the layout simple yet complex in nature. A cast-iron cauldron was the star of the room, sitting on top of a stone table in the middle and glowing a color that Jaemin could only describe as that of a beautiful blue sky. Empty vials and jars lined the wall to the left, on the right various materials and ingredients that have been collected over the years. YangYang quickly made his way in that direction, going through many different boxes and burlap bags to find just the right things he needed. Jaemin followed as extra hands, silently taking anything that was handed to him as the other hmm’d and haw’d over what he had taken out. He seemed satisfied after a few minutes of rustling through varying powders, liquids, and things that looked oddly like dehydrated eyeballs ( he will not linger on that last part thank you very much ) and eventually started to make his way to the cauldron. Jaemin followed and dutifully placed what was given to him on the table as he watched the young Witch get to work.
It was mesmerizing in a way, seeing Yangyang’s talent bloom and blossom as he flipped through pages of a dusty book he pulled from the shelf and organized all the utensils he would need to begin. Jaemin zoned out as he watched him measure out intricate amounts of liquid, scoop a few powders with golden spoons, grind a few of those suspicious small objects up in a mortar and pestle into a fine dust. Satisfied, he pulled out the star of the show, those gleaming beetle wings, and he looked at Jaemin with a small smile as he uncapped the cork from the glass jar.
“Are you ready to see something cool and spectacular, Jaeminnie?” Nodding Yangyang couldn’t contain his own smile, and Jaemin moved to hover close as he eye’d the cauldron with a bit of apprehension. He knew Yang was a pro at this, knowledgeable at this craft he was basically born into, parents both high-ranking Sorcerers in their own right. Still, it was Magic, and no matter how powerful or knowledgeable you were things could go awry.
“Of course darling, you know I love to see you work. Just, be careful, yeah?” It was like he knew exactly what Jaemin was thinking, eyes sparkling and looking the Vampire up and down before he stepped closer. He held out his pinky finger, shaking it softly to cue Jaemin into grabbing it with his own. A Promise.
“I will be the most careful Witch in the world, I pinky swear.” Shaking his head in disbelief but with an adoring smile Jaemin took YangYang’s warm Pinky in his own grip, maybe a bit too tight as they slowly shook on their promise and he felt their link slip apart as the Witch got to work. Jaemin already missed his warmth, fading far too quickly for his liking but he just sighed as he watched his favorite entity do what he loved. Yangyang poured and sprinkled ingredients one by one into the cauldron, the contents bubbling the already existing liquid inside and changing its color with everything that was added. He looked on as sky blue turned into a sunset orange, then a royal purple, bright green like a lime, pink like the blush on Yangyang’s cheeks; colors and sparks flashing across his vision before it fizzled and stopped. Jaemin looked quickly over to the other, the final ingredient in his hand as the beetle wing nestled softly in his palm.
He couldn’t help it at this point, perhaps it was instinct or just his brashness to any and all situations that had a small hint of danger to them, but Jaemin found himself wrapping a strong arm around YangYang’s small waist, needing to have him nearby just in case. What if the cauldron caught on fire, what if a monster suddenly popped out of the thing, what if the very room imploded into dust? He had to protect his witch somehow, it was the duty he laid out for himself.
The motion caught YangYang off guard, his body tightening up and freezing on the spot as he felt that grip around him, and maybe Jaemin regrets spooking him but it couldn’t be helped. He felt warmth everywhere their bodies made contact and he loved it, even though he could not reciprocate that warmth back he still longed for this feeling. He saw Yang move his head up to look at him, eyes sparkling as he swallowed, the Vampire following the motion with interest as he could hear the other’s heartbeat increase. It was a sweet and enticing drum in his ear, the beat of his heart mixed with the sound of blood flowing through his veins, thumping a little faster, making him feel dizzy and in need. He fed before coming here but he suddenly felt parched and he only wanted one thing, feeling that pull and nuzzling his nose right into Yangyang’s sweet and soft neck. He was a man possessed, lingering against the heat overflowing from skin as he skimmed his lips against fragile tissue. The other seemed frozen, body tight, unsure of the situation, and Jaemin was sure he was feeling the same mixture of feelings he was. It was so hard not to when this was new territory for them, their touches mostly consisting of hand holding and soft hugs (and kitten punches from Yang if Jaemin particularly pissed him off). Jaemin wanted more from this though, he was just waiting for the other to catch up.
But He was tired of waiting. He needed more, and he needed Yangyang to know.
A small nip to the skin of his neck seemed to wake him from his trance and the Witch let out a small yelp as his hand flailed, both men jolting and watching as that small beetle wing floated out of YangYang’s palm and right into the cauldron. Time seemed to stop, both of them holding their breath as the liquid fizzled and changed to a bright ruby color. Neither spoke, neither dared to breathe as the iron pot shook slightly before a thin veil of smoke made its way up into the air, almost like a milky trail. Jaemin straightened up and looked over to Yang, hand never leaving his waist, trying to gauge whether this was a good or a bad thing. His eyes were impossibly larger, pink lips parted as he watched the smoke slowly fizzle out and the cauldon stopped its fizzing and popping.
“Is… did it work?” Yangyang nodded, letting out a sound of exasperation, looking up at Jaemin and finding him still very close. For a moment they just looked at each other, Yangyang trying to find something to say but all he could do was glare as his cheeks turned the brightest pink Jaemin as ever seen.
…ah oh.
“What the hell was that!?” A punch to the shoulder and then a small shove found the two separating, Jaemin pouting as he already missed his sweet scent and warmth.
“What was what? I was protecting you… you know, just in case!”
“Protecting me? Since when was biting someone’s neck considered protection !?”
If Jaemin could blush he would probably be just as red as Yang but he was still feeling very flustered, trying to find a rational thought in his mind but not really coming up with anything. He heard a goran followed by hands rubbing against eyes, YangTang shaking his head before grabbing onto a glass bottle and heading back to the cauldron to spoon the potion inside. Capping it he turned to Jaemin, conflict and uncertainty written on his face and the Vampire almost felt bad about his impulsiveness.
Yangyang held the glass bottle up so it was eye level, shaking the ruby red liquid as specks of what looked like silvery glitter reflected off the lights, shimmering in the now tense space. He didn’t want his Witch to feel uncomfortable, and an apology was already on his lips when he was stopped in his tracks as Yanyang spoke first.
“This is a potion of bravery. Kind of like a badge of courage. If someone drinks this it will gain them confidence and an unyielding resolve to take on anything and everything. They say under its influence nothing scares you, kind of intimidating knowing back in ye olden times people drank this before going into battle. You know, like when you were human.” Jaemin rolled his eyes but he let the old joke go, because Yangyang’s face was blushing again and he could sense the unease still radiating off him.
“This isn’t really just for the store, this is also for me. I wanted to drink this so that I could tell you what I felt for you, without holding back on my nerves or insecurities. Because I do, feel something for you, and I didn’t know how to say it or express it properly you know? You always flirt, you’re always close to me, but you are also sweet and I just didn't know if you were doing things just to tease me or if there was more to things, you know? . But just now that stupid neck thing you did made me think that maybe you do harbor some sort of feelings and I-”
Jaemin stopped him short, hearing about all he needed to as he leaned in and connected their lips. He felt warmth and softness against his own colder and chapped, and for one miniscule moment he thought he felt his heart stagger and flutter for the first time in centuries. He kissed soft and slow, taking his time as YangYang snapped out of his shock and started to kiss back. Jaemin smiled as he tilted his head and took their kiss deeper, reaching to take the potion out of the Witch's hand and moving it to a safe spot on the table so it wouldn’t break. YangYang took that as his cue to wrap his arms around Jaemin’s neck, gripping the short strands of hair at his nape as Jaemin moved to wrap his own arms back around Yangyang’s waist. He inhaled deeply, taking in everything to the heat radiating off the Witch's body, his heartbeat that played a beautiful rhythm in Jaemin’s ears, and those lips. Smooth, pillowy, and tasting of his mint lip balm mixed with a hint of something chocolatey - which he knew he would get addicted to easily.
He wanted more, wanted to lift Yangyang up and hold him close, absolutely unravel him and take him apart. He wanted to feel every inch of him, map out every mole and freckle on his body, and fill his mind with just Yangyang . He nibbled against the bottom of his lip, making the other gasp as his fang grazed against plump skin. He needed to restrain himself for just a moment though, not wanting to overwhelm Yangyang as he leaned himself fully back. He kept his hands around his slim waist, smiling as the Witch slowly snapped out of his daze from the kiss and met Jaemin’s gaze. It was silent between them for a long moment, the two of them just staring, the sounds of the cauldron and their breathing slowly filling the space.
And then Yangyang hit Jaemin in the chest, hard.
“You’re not allowed in this room ever again you hear me? Also you are helping me bottle the rest of this potion up with no complaints…. And keeping your hands to yourself ! Also you're paying for the first date.”
A snicker, another stolen kiss, two, and then they separated and worked into the night, both of their minds feeling lighter and chests filled with butterflies with the promise of what the future will bring.