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Chapter Text

Jeon Jungkook

Cause of Death: The Dead

Boo Seungkwan

Cause of Death: Kim Mingyu (Infected)

Jung Dawon

Cause of Death: The Dead

Kim Woosung

Cause of Death: Kim Mingyu (Throat Slit)

Bang (Chris) Chan

Cause of Death: Park Chanyeol (Shot)

Choi Minho

Cause of Death: Byun Baekhyun (Shot)

Hwang Hyunjin

Cause of Death: The Dead

Park Hyungsik

Cause of Death: The Dead

Lee Taemin

Cause of Death: Park Jimin (Murdered)

Han Jisung

Cause of Death: Shot Down

Lisa Manobal

Cause of Death: The Dead

Son Chaeyoung

Cause of Death: Lee Taemin (Beaten to death)

Kim Taeyeon

Cause of Death: Lee Taemin (Beaten to death)

Chapter Text

TWELVE MONTHS LATER

Silence filled the trees, only the rustling of leaves could be heard nowadays. There was no more bird song, no animal calls. Nothing. Just deafening, frightening, deadly silence.

Shadows shifted as tall cloaked men travelled through, using them for cover and camouflage. The area was foreign to them, confusing as they tried to navigate the forests of Chungcheong, in search of one man. One man Kim Mingyu was sure would be able to advise him, be able to teach him and guide him to becoming the man he needed to be in this world. The most powerful; the last man standing.

Hong Jisoo would be able to show him the way, train him with his new abilities, teach him how to use them to his advantage, against others.

Kim Mingyu would search day and night for his Sunbaenim.

To no end.

Even if it got everyone around him killed.

He would find him!

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"Hoseokah!" The man opened his eyes to his name being yelled, his door being slammed open, and Jackson greeting him with a very frustrated, irritated expression.

"Any particular reason why you're waking me up?" Hoseok groaned, sheltering his eyes, pulling up his duvet to cover his bare chest as the man glared at him from the doorway. "It's my day off, go away."

"It may be your day off, but it isn't Binna's," Jackson said, folding his arms over his chest, and shaking his head. "Where is she?"

"How would I know?" Hoseok glinted over to the elder, eyes narrowed with annoyance and sleep alike. 

"Namjoon said she was with you," Jackson said through gritted teeth as he looked around the dim, empty bedroom, not having time for this since Baekhyun was already on his case, needing them to go for their run now, otherwise they'd miss out on their lunch. "Is she here?" 

"Why would she be here?" Hoseok grumbled with a gritty voice, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. "I haven't seen her since yesterday. Can you fuck off and just let me enjoy my day off?"

"Useless bugger," Jackson huffed when he concluded, himself, that the man was the only one there, slamming the door behind him as he gave up, heading off to find his sister. Hoseok just let out a low mumble of curses, getting himself comfortable again.

"You're gonna get me killed!" He sighed as the duvet shuffled around him, hearing the little giggle from under the covers. 

"Oh, he's alright," Binna chuckled, crawling up the bed, popping her head out of the duvet as she lay on the man's chest, grinning at him. "You don't need to worry about Jack... Can I get back to what I was doing now?"

"You won't find me complaining," Hoseok smirked, closing his eyes and laying his head back, resting against his arms as the girl disappeared back under the covers. "Not complaining at all."

-

"Right," Jongdae said, grabbing and carrying a few plates in a way that his past waiter experience helped with. Standing in the kitchen, Seokjin was running around creating meals for lunchtime as the other man ran them out to those who had ordered them. "I'm gonna get these out, let's hurry it up with the other orders, please."

"You got it," Seokjin nodded, his voice bright with false and forced enthusiasm, not bothering to let himself waste his energy by getting frustrated with the man who was rushing him off his feet. "Almost done, ten more minutes, hopefully."

Jongdae just grumbled, leaving the kitchen, deciding that was an acceptable amount of time to let the food cook. Seokjin sighed as he disappeared, letting himself have a breather now that he was alone. Though, only until the door opened again, causing him to curse softly under his breath.

"Hey, hyung," Namjoon's firm voice entered the kitchen before he did, always having the strongest presence.

"Hey, Joonie," Seokjin smiled, happy to see his brother. He had been stuck in the kitchen since morning, cooking through the breakfast and lunch shifts. It was refreshing to see the leader after a while. "What can I get ya?"

"Just wanted a few bottles of water," Namjoon said as he leaned against the wall. He wasn't meant to be in the kitchen, he knew that, but he wasn't about to ring a bell just to talk to his hyung through the order window. "Me and Zitao are heading out, may be a while."

"Here," The elder said with a sly smile, grabbing a few bottles from the cupboard and handing them to his dongsaeng. "Take extra just in case then, just get them out of sight for when Jongdae comes back."

"Thanks, hyung," Namjoon nodded, giving the man a quick side hug before pulling his backpack off and stashing the bottles. "Appreciate it."

"Just be careful, and take a coat," Seokjin nodded as Namjoon was about to head back out, receiving a thumbs up from him. "This year's first snow is here. Don't let yourself get into danger."

-

"Damn, kid," Felix praised, beaming as Nayeon read to him, Chika and Taehyung, showing off how much she had studied. "You're a better reader than me!"

"You're definitely doing well," Chika agreed, rubbing the little girl's back as they sat on the bed, the two boys listening as they sat on the bedroom floor. 

She felt proud, proud of Nayeon and proud of herself. Before the world was destroyed, she had never thought of herself as a teacher since cooking was her main passion, but she loved the feeling she was getting as Nayeon progressed.

"Maybe you should give Taehyungie hyung lessons, Nayeonah," Felix teased, giving the older boy a playful nudge with his elbow. "You're smarter than him now."

"Very funny," Taehyung shook his head, not really finding the humour as Nayeon and Chika giggled. 

"What's wrong, oppa?" Nayeon asked, picking up on the boy's low mood before anyone else, her sparkling eyes softening as a worried frown started to form.

She placed her book aside, laying her hands on her lap, waiting for a response.

"Nothing, hun," Taehyung sighed, looking up and giving her a soft smile, one he had mastered around the child to hide all his emotions inside. "I'm just a little hungry, I think. I'm gonna head down to the canteen, do you guys want anything?"

"No, thanks, oppa," Nayeon shook her head, but there was no fooling the overly empathetic child. She wasn't convinced in the slightest.

"No, thank you, hyung," Felix said, though his cheery tone had faded as the atmosphere had sank a little. Chika shook her head, being the last to respond and Taehyung was free to leave, pushing himself up from the floor and walking out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

Taehyung didn't lift his gaze from his feet as he wandered down the hall, not even bothering to apologise as his shoulder pushed against someone, deciding just to keep moving and not pay anyone any mind.

Jennie sighed as she stumbled back, watching as Taehyung ignored her and Jomei. With a small shake of her head, she just clicked her tongue and decided enough was enough. She was getting sick of seeing the kid moping around.

"Give me a minute," Jennie said to Jomei, who just nodded, giving Taehyung a slightly worried glance before continuing down the hall.

Looking back, Jennie saw as the older boy had stopped, clearly anticipating her calling him back as he slumped against the wall and slid down it.

"What's up, dumbarse?" She asked, walking back over to Taehyung, sitting down next to him as he pulled his knees up to his chest. "You look glum."

"I'm fine," Taehyung sighed quietly, resting his forehead on his knees, causing the girl to roll her eyes.

"You're full of shit," Jennie dismissed, tilting her head to see him properly. "Tell me what's wrong. I'm only gonna sit here pestering until you do. Is it about Jungkook again?"

"No," The boy shook his head, still hiding his face, but Jennie heard the sniff that followed the word. "Not this time."

"Then it's about Jiminah," Jennie sighed, already knowing where this was going. She had seen the boy get lower and lower over the months, and Jimin always seemed to be the reason why. 

Just a few nights before, she had been walking down to her room late at night and had seen his light on. Just out of curiosity, she had let herself into the boy's bedroom but was taken aback by the state she had found him in - sobbing into his hands, a clear and devastating sign of his loneliness painfully littered all over his pale arms and pooling around him.

"You haven't done that again, have you?" Jennie asked softly, gently placing her hand on the boy's arm, making him peep up through his fringe. "Because you can't, Taehyungah. That just makes everything hurt worse..."

"I haven't," The boy shook his head, biting his lip, lying through his teeth but somehow convincing the girl nonetheless. Jennie was the only one, the only one who knew just how much this was hurting the boy, just how bad it was affecting him, not having his soulmate to rely on anymore. "I just... Really miss him and I don't think he's ever coming back. I thought he would have radioed or something but... It's been a year a-and I-I-I don't even think he misses me."

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

Snow crystals crunched under Park Seojoon's boots as he traipsed along the field, just finishing off his watch, rubbing his hands together and breathing misty, hot breath onto them as he walked down to his own house. Though, his feet were quick to divert when he saw the old dirty, white-brown jeep pulled up just outside the fence. Instead, he decided to pay his neighbour an early morning visit, since he seemed to be back from his run already.

"Come in!" Yoongi called, stirring the steaming pot of jjigae, on the stove, about to walk over to the door before Seojoon let himself in. "Hey, hyung."

"Good morning," The elder smiled, following the man into the kitchen, the smell of cooking kimchi filling his nostrils and making his stomach rumble. "When did you get back? I wasn't expecting you home so soon, I was gonna pop over later to check on Jimin."

"I got back about an hour ago," Yoongi shrugged, returning to his meal that he had been working on since he had gotten home. "There wasn't much out there."

"Did you find anything?" Seojoon asked, taking a seat at the little dining table in the middle of the kitchen, watching as the man danced around, grabbing things from the cupboards.

"Um, managed to find some batteries and a tool kit," Yoongi shrugged, giving the pot one last stir before folding his arms over his chest and turning to face the elder. "If that's what you mean. We've now got a month's supply of kimchi, thanks to some sorry bastard and their decent lock on their cellar. Got some practical things, more seeds for the field; there're winter coats in my car if you or Beomie need one. I managed to get Jiminie some more meds but... It's getting tricky."

"Is he running low again?" Seojoon asked, assuming so by the way the younger's tone dipped. Yoongi was rather cagey when it came to what medication his husband was on, liking to keep that private for the small boy. All Seojoon knew was that one of them was for epilepsy, he just guessed the others were for his mental health.

"Not yet," Yoongi sighed and the elder heard the relief in his voice, the strain fading. "But I need to keep on top of it. It's gonna be easy for him to run out; they're too hard to find, now."

"Not to press or overstep," Seojoon started, taking caution since he knew the sensitivity of the subject. Knowing the men for over a year now, he had learned what topics were off-limits and that was most of them. He had never known anyone as private as the couple about who they were and where they came from, but all in all, he knew he could trust and rely on them for anything. "But is there any way Jimin could go without those meds? He's been seizure free for a while now, maybe you could start weening him off them. Then you don't have to search so much."

"He's been free for two weeks," Yoongi scoffed and shook his head, going back to his cooking. "In the normal world, his specialist told him he needs to be at least two years free, before even thinking about coming off medication. I remember. I went to that appointment with him. It's just... Not a possibility for him, it's too severe. This is lifelong. So, I'll keep finding the meds, until I know damn well there's none left anywhere... And the others, he needs them as well. He just... does."

"Well, if you told me what they're called," Seojoon raised an eyebrow at the man, already knowing he was pushing it. "I could look for them when I go out, you don't have to search on your own."

"I can search," Yoongi said, shaking his head again, closing the conversation. Seojoon already knew what Jimin's epilepsy medication was, but Yoongi wasn't going to have him prying at the rest. It wasn't any of his business. "It's fine, it's just gonna get harder, take longer." 

"Well, I'm here to help, Yoongi," The elder sighed as the man finished off with the stove. "When you're ready to allow me, that is. Just let me know."

"Yeah, sure... Right. Let me get this up to him," Yoongi said, brushing the man off and dishing up the meal he had cooked and placing it on a tray, grabbing a bottle of water from the cupboard. "You can take what's left to Beomie and Nuri if you like. No point in wasting it."

"She was talking about popping over later, by the way," Seojoon said as he sighed, standing himself up, folding his arms over his chest, knowing he was about to get kicked out. "Nuriyah? She was up early, and said she was thinking of taking Jimin down the field."

"No, she will not." Yoongi shook his head at the mention of the young girl's idea. Cho Nuri had joined them a few months back, when she accidentally fell upon the field, seeking sanctuary. She was a sweet girl, and fun to be around, but she was clingy to the youngest boys, wanting to hang out with them twenty-four/seven. That didn't rub well with a husband like Min Yoongi. "It's way too cold out there. Tell her to spend the day with Beomie, Jimin's not going out in the snow... Look, I just want a quiet day with my husband, in the warm, alone. I've been running around all over the place, it's been a while since I've just had a day alone with him."

"It's fine, Yoongi," Seojoon said, patting the man's shoulder as he walked past him, heading to the front door. "I'll keep the kids busy, maybe get them shovelling the snow or something. Just enjoy your day, yeah?"

"Thanks, hyung," Yoongi huffed as he grabbed his backpack, throwing it over his shoulders, causing the man to chuckle to himself as he left the house. 

.With a heavy sigh, Yoongi looked over the meal he had just made, before grabbing the tray and heading up to his bedroom, letting himself in quietly; smiling brightly as he saw Jimin still fast asleep, curled up into a little ball, in the middle of the bed and cuddling his pillow.

Placing the tray down on the bedside table, Yoongi pulled the small pill boxes out of his bag, placing them next to the bottle of water. One for the boy's epilepsy, one for his chest, and his antipsychotics - stacked neatly next to the steaming bowl.

He made a mental note to himself, the next fortnight he'd search again - even if it took weeks, he'd keep finding those tablets. He would. He refused to ever let his husband get that ill again.

"Good morning, beautiful," He said with a soft smile as he sat on the edge of the bed, seeing his husband pop his head up and start to uncoil himself. Jimin's sleepy eyes were barely open, his pretty face hidden by his almost shoulder-length, fluffy bed hair as his lips tugged upwards, smiling at the feeling of the strands being played with. "How're we feeling today?"

"Sleepy..." The boy mumbled, leaning into the elder's hand, his voice slightly gritty as he woke more. "Need more sleep."

"Ah, well," Yoongi sighed, holding back a chuckle as he looked over to the tray of food. "I guess I'll have to eat this kimchi jjigae myself then... Even though I just spent all of the last hour preparing it for you."

"You made jjigae?" Jimin perked up a little, waking up enough to actually smell the food that left his stomach rumbling.

"I'll admit, most of the ingredients are substituted with whatever canned shit I could find..." Yoongi shrugged, grinning as the boy sat himself up and stretched his arms over his head. "But it's my best attempt. I found a kimchi celler on my run, today, so you get to have a warm breakfast. Today and for the next few weeks, we'll be living off it."

"How did I get so lucky, having the best husband?" Jimin giggled as the man handed over the tray and rested it on his lap, reaching for the chopsticks instantly. 

"I'm the lucky one," Yoongi just gave a soft chuckle, brushing the boy's hair behind his ear and kissing his forehead, giving the medication boxes one soft tap just to remind him they were there, before not mentioning them again.  "Enjoy it, darling. I'll be downstairs."

"Wait," Jimin frowned, quickly chewing the mouthful he had shovelled in, reaching out to grab the man's hand. "Why? Stay here, share with me."

"I didn't make it just so I could eat it," Yoongi scoffed but didn't argue when the boy tugged his arm. He sat back down without needing any convincing, never needing any convincing to spend more time with his husband. "I ate earlier before I went out, which means this feast is all yours... And that damned cat's, since I know you're gonna feed him."

"Where is he?" Jimin frowned as he looked around the room. He usually woke to the cat curling up by his feet, but he hadn't seen him yet. "You haven't kicked him outside, have you?"

"No," Yoongi chuckled at the accusing glare the boy sent him. "No, he's downstairs, somewhere, sulking. It's snowing, so he won't go out. But I swear if the little shit pisses in my shoes like last time..."

"You're gonna give him a loving hug and say 'it's okay, Suga. I'm not mad at you at all'," Jimin said, a teasing lilt to his voice that made Yoongi scoff. "Don't you hurt my cat, Yoongissi."

"Oh, you know I won't. I'm not brave enough," Yoongi said wryly, shaking his head. "That thing hates me. I swear, coming out of the bathroom yesterday, it was gonna pounce on my dick!"

"Well, maybe you should stop walking around without clothes on, yeobo," Jimin giggled, cheeks flushing bright pink at the memory. Yoongi wasn't wrong though, maybe Suga thought it was a cat toy. "It's not good for any of us, you know? Especially not good for my heart."

"I haven't heard you complain before," Yoongi shrugged, watching as the boy was already close to finishing his breakfast, giving him a proud smile as he finally placed his chopsticks back down and reached for his med boxes. "You gonna come downstairs, or are you gonna get some more sleep, hmm?"

"I'll come down," Jimin nodded, moving the tray off his lap to crawl out of the duvet. "Gotta feed Suga."

"Come on then," Yoongi smiled, though couldn't say he wasn't glad that the boy had eaten all his breakfast and wasn't about to give it to the cat. 

Jimin just nodded again, grabbing his hand as he stood up on the bed, jumping off with a little hop, causing the elder to laugh and grab the tray, quickly following him down the stairs.

"It's snowing, a lot," Yoongi shook his head as they wandered into the kitchen, lighting the gas stove again as soon as he reached it, wanting to get a pot of coffee going. Jimin just grabbed a can of cat food off the side, opened it and filled up Suga's food bowl before throwing it in the bin and waiting for his pet to appear. "So, duvet day. Whatcha think? I've got some books I need to catch up with."

"I was gonna go out," Jimin pouted, placing his dish in the sink as the man filled up the old metal kettle from the huge water keg they had in the corner. The house didn't have running water, but the stream in the field made up for that. "Damnit."

"You're not going out there," Yoongi said, rolling his eyes when the boy sighed, placing a hand on his hip and kissing the side of his head. "It's too cold, you're tiny arse will be hypothermic in minutes."

"But my radio's out there," Jimin said, laying his head on the man's shoulder, and Yoongi knew he was going to be in a foul mood all day if he didn't get the old CD player. "And you like my tiny arse. Don't insult it."

The regressive sulking was one of the only few signs left, other than the occasional horrific night terrors that snuck up on him, that proved that Jimin ever went through any type of struggle. Sometimes it was like living with a four-year-old, but Yoongi didn't mind, considering the boy could have been feeling so much worse.

"That I do, it's cute," Yoongi gave a soft chuckle, kissing his boy once more before turning to the stove. "I'll get my guitar out in a bit."

That had been the turning point for his husband, being able to hear music and get back into his love of dancing. Jimin threw himself into it passionately and it became incredibly healing for him, like daily therapy.

"Don't worry, I won't let you miss out on your music," He reassured the younger with a warm smile, grabbing a couple of mugs from one of the cupboards above him. "Just let me have coffee first. You want one?"

"I don't drink coffee," Jimin's lips pushed out into a pout again, but Yoongi just kissed them.

"You know what I mean," The elder chuckled, already reaching for the jar of instant cocoa, which sat on the top shelf. "Is that a yes?"

"T'is a yes," Jimin nodded, picking up Suga, who had waltzed in and was now whipping his ankles with his tail, taking a seat with him at the small, oak dining table. "Thank you, yeobo."

"Anything for you, my dear," Yoongi chuckled, mentally adoring all the little quirks, likes and mannerisms that made his husband his husband, making the drinks when the kettle started whistling.

"You're so gay," Jimin scoffed, shaking his head and scratching behind Suga's ears, mumbling another soft thank you as the man placed the mug in front of him. After a moment, he moved the cat off his lap, reaching for his mug. "Go on, you. Go eat."

Suga mewled as the boy gently nudged him with his foot, in the direction of his food bowl.

"Right, stay here with evil spawn," Yoongi chuckled, sipping his coffee before rounding the table as kissing the top of his husband's head. "Give me a moment and I'll get my guitar. Just stay here a second."

"Whatcha planning, yeobo?" Jimin asked but sighed when he got no response form the elder, who just disappeared into the living room. 

He just sat, sipping his cocoa as he listened to random thumping and thudding from the living room. Just as he was about to ask what the hell was going on, Yoongi returned with a proud smirk, beckoning him into the other room.

"What have you done?" Jimin frowned, leaving Suga to finish off his breakfast as he followed his husband into the living room, taken aback when he saw what the elder was up to.

All the furniture had been pushed back towards the walls, leaving a massive space in the middle of the room, clear and open.

"So you can dance," Yoongi chuckled as the boy just looked around with wide eyes, dropping his hand to go and sit on the couch, lifting his spruce acoustic guitar and sitting it on his lap.

"Yeobo..."

"Don't thank me," Yoongi smirked, strumming the string to make sure the instrument was in tune before starting to play a melody stored in the far memories in his mind. "Just have fun, baby."

And so Jimin did, using the song Yoongi was playing and matching his movements to the melody, dancing gracefully and softly around the living room, giggling every so often at himself whenever he caught himself getting carried away, losing himself in the dance.

"Aren't you pretty?" Yoongi chuckled lightly, almost losing himself in just watching his husband dance, having to remind himself to keep playing the music. 

Though Yoongi was admittedly distracted, Jimin couldn't say the same, blushing under his husband's stare. He wasn't necessarily feeling self-conscious, but Yoongi noticed as his graceful movements slowed and gave him a soft smile.

"The prettiest," He said, but that only made the boy turn a deeper shade of pink. "So talented, so beautiful."

"This is why I do this with Beomgyu and Nuriyah," Jimin shook his head, pressing his palms to his hot cheeks, his eyes disappearing into an embarrassed smile. "They don't watch me like a hawk."

"Trust me, Nuri watches you," the elder said, raising an eyebrow at the small boy. "She can't keep her eyes off of you."

"Now you know how I felt," Jimin scoffed, catching the slightly jealous-sounding tone in the man's voice. "Having to watch Jeonghannim swoon every time you walked into the room, for months."

Yoongi just chuckled and shook his head, showing off his gums with a smile but Jimin only shrunk more on the spot, causing his hand to stop strumming the guitar strings. 

"I think'm gonna stop," Jimin huffed after a moment, shaking his head, not feeling like dancing anymore.

"Why?" Yoongi looked at him, frowning as he just stood there in thought. "You're really talented, yeobo. That hasn't changed, nothing can change that."

"I'm nowhere near as good as I used to be," Jimin sighed and the elder watched almost in slow motion as the boy's face morphed into an expression he hadn't seen in a while. A sad look, worried, disappointed. He was beginning to slip.

No, not happening.

"You're beautiful, Jiminah," Yoongi said firmly, making the boy look up at him, refusing to let him go backwards. "You're dancing is beautiful. Everything you do is..."

"I think I might throw up," Jimin interrupted, his eyes vanishing once more, unaware that that was what his husband wanted. "You're gross."

"At least you're smiling," Yoongi shrugged off the playful insult, letting his fingers tinker with the strings again. He noticed as the cat waltzed into the living room, clicking his tongue at it as it crept closer to him, rubbing its head against the guitar on his lap. "This thing has an unhealthy attachment to you. Can't be in a different room for longer than five minutes." 

"Oh, just like you, then," Jimin teased as his emotions eased back and his mind cleared, doing a ballarino spin until he was facing his husband again with a smirk, holding his hand out. "Dance with me."

"I'm sorry?" Yoongi raised an eyebrow at the little outstretched hand, before looking up at his husband's smirking face. "How am I meant to play you music if you want me dancing with you?"

"On this one occasion," Jimin giggled, still holding his hand out, giving the elder a look to tell him to just give in. "I don't think we need music."

"Are you gonna sing?" Yoongi asked with hope, moving his guitar off his lap, leaving it on the couch as he took his husband's small hand, giving it a squeeze. 

"I am not," Jimin shook his head, the bashful pink colour sinking back into his cheeks.

"Why?" Yoongi whined, purposefully sounding stressy as he stood his with husband, holding his hand on the boy's hips as he wrapped his arms around his neck. "I miss your singing. It's so rare now."

"If I sang all the time, it wouldn't be special," Jimin said, causing Yoongi to sigh and reluctantly nod in agreement as they started swaying. "I like to reserve that for certain times. Maybe I'll sing later, considering what day it is. Damn... Do you know how lucky you are? How lucky I am?"

"Lucky?" The corners of Yoongi's lips twitched with an amused smile as he tilted his head. "Where did that come from?"

"Do you know why I'm lucky, Yoonie?" Jimin asked, inching closer in his husband's arms, resting his forehead against the elder's, causing him to chuckle.

"Go on," Yoongi smirked, rubbing his nose against the boy's. "Why are you lucky?"

"I'm so lucky," The boy continued without clarifying, eyes vanishing into his smile once again, causing Yoongi's heart to warm. "So, so, so lucky... Having you, being yours. I love you and I wouldn't change a thing, well... I would change a lot of things; in fact, most things. Everything? No, just most things... A lot should be changed. But I wouldn't change anything between us, because we are perfect. You're perfect, and I love you so much, Yoonie."

"What are you babbling about?" Yoongi chuckled as the boy laid his head on his shoulder, still swaying softly in a ballroom stance.

"I'm renewing my vows," Jimin said and the elder could feel his smirk as he turned and peppered a few kisses over the crook of his neck. "Get with it, Yoongissi. If t'is snowing, t'is our anniversary!"

Chapter Text

Searching for Hong Jisoo had become the warriors' ultimate goal now. 

Obsessed with power, control, and determination, Kim Mingyu still refused to give up. He wasn't exaggerating when he said he'd find  Jisoo, at  the expense of everyone. He had forced his men to face countless obstacles, battles, and setbacks without any aid, but not one ounce of care was given to them, the ones who had had his back since day one. 

They knew they were just pawns to  him, and  yet were still too fearful to turn against their leader. Betrayal was not worth the  punishment so  they followed him, sometimes to the ends of the earth if he asked them.

As the group travelled from village to village and city to city, their journey led them to the place Mingyu was sure would be the answer. 

A small, isolated cottage on the outskirts of Chungcheong forest, surrounded by chains of live corpses reaching out with boney, rotten hands and gaping jaws; protecting the mysterious building in the most sinister way, making it hard but not impossible for the men to reach their destination.

Mingyu knew this was it.

After months of following leads and tracking down possible locations, they finally laid their eyes on the house that had protected the man they were looking for.  A man  of few words but carried himself with a sense of confidence,  intimidation and  pride that was undeniable. The warriors knew they had found the one they were looking for.

The leader approached the door, as his men continued to watch his back, keeping an eye on the risky defences they had just snuck around, preparing in his mind a proposal for Hong Jisoo that would change everyone's lives.

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"So, where are we going?" Binna asked with a cheeky grin as Hoseok whisked her down the corridor, away from where she was supposed to be working. "And why are you being so secretive? This isn't like you, Hoseok who isn't anyone."

Hoseok had the whole evening planned and he was excited for the first time in a good few months. He had just finished work in the infirmary, with Jeonghan, and had sneakily pulled Binna away from her shift. Now, they were in the process of heading down to the canteen, hoping Seokjin will help them steal some food so Hoseok could take the girl for a picnic date.

Though all the man's excitement was brought crumbling down around him, in seconds, as they wandered down the hall, hand in hand.

"We are gonna be-"

"Hoseok!" A girl's voice shouted up the hall, causing the man to forget what he was saying, freeze on the spot and turn, accidentally pulling Binna to a stop as well as he forgot to let go of her hand. "Hoseok oppa!"

"Jennie?" Hoseok frowned, an unsettling feeling instantly sinking in his gut. He'd never seen the young girl so panicked and she had never called him oppa before. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"It's Taehyungah," Jennie shook her head, placing her hand on her chest as she tried to catch her breath after chasing the man. "It's bad. You've gotta come now!"

"What's bad?" Hoseok called but the girl was already running back down the hall. "Yah, where's my brother? Jennieyah!"

"I wanted to get Jisoo Unnie," Jennie said over her shoulder as she led the two to Taehyung's room, at such a pace that they struggled to keep up. "But he wouldn't let me. He didn't want me to get anyone but when I heard you walking past, I just... He needs help!"

Barging into the bedroom, Hoseok had to step back for a second to truly process the image in front of him. The image of his dongsaeng sobbing on the floor, in a pool of his own blood, clutching his arm tight to his chest.

"I managed to get the knife off him but..." Jennie just trailed off as she stayed in the doorway with Binna, while Hoseok cautiously walked over and crouched in front of his brother. "This isn't the first time but... It's the worst."

"Let me see, Tae Tae," Hoseok said, his voice soft and quiet, a little reassuring smile on his lips as the boy looked up at him. "It's alright, honey. Just let Hobi see what you've done. I'm not angry at you. Just let me make sure it isn't serious, yeah?"

Taehyung whimpered as his hot tears flooded his cheeks, flinching back a couple of times before finally allowing the elder to see. 

Across his thin, pale wrist was a large, long and gory-looking gash, pouring with blood and it made Hoseok's stomach churn.

"Okay, um, okay, shit," Hoseok shook everything out of his head, forcing himself not to panic as he helped his dongsaeng stand up, knowing he's need to work quickly since the boy was bleeding a lot. "Alright, Tae Tae. Woah, are you dizzy? No? Alright, let's just get you to the bathroom. Come on, honey, let's just get you cleaned up... Jennie, first aid kit now, please. Binna, could you just look around the room? Get rid of anything sharp, yeah? And clean all that up?"

"Yeah, of course," Binna nodded, patting the man's shoulder and giving Taehyung a small sympathetic smile, before moving away and searching the bedroom.

"I-I'm sorry, hyung," Taehyung sobbed, leaning his head against his brother's shoulder as they walked, but Hoseok just sighed and shushed him. The man sat him down on the toilet as soon as the entered the joined bathroom, grabbing a towel from the rack and holding it against his injured wrist. "Hyung... I-I-I-I... I'm s-so... Sorry... I-"

"Shush, shush, shush. You're starting to panic, kiddo," Hoseok shook his head, moving the towel but clicking his tongue when the blood continued to flow, forcing him to press a little harder on the boy's arm and stand and lift it, so it was higher than the boy's chest. "You're gonna be okay, I promise you. This is fixable, it's treatable, honey. Hobi's gotcha, I've gotcha, let's just take some deep breaths, yeah? Breathe with Hobi."

"Hoseokssi," Jennie's slightly calmer voice entered the bathroom. "I got the kit."

"Thanks, Jennie," The man gave her a quick and short smile, turning to the tap and turning it on. "Just keep hold of them... Tae Tae, let's clean you up, honey."

The boy let out breathy whimpers but, after a moment, he managed to take a deep breath and let his hyung help him. "Hyung, I..."

"It's okay, Taehyungie," Hoseok hushed, being tender and gentle as he cleaned the boy's arm with care. The boy continued sobbing out his apologies, choking on them slightly as his crying grew hysterical. "Shush, shush. Hobi's not angry at you, you haven't done anything wrong. Just try and calm down a little bit, before your chest gets bad. You're alright, just let Hobi help you here, okay?"

"I-I-I didn't m-mean to..." Taehyung stuttered, causing Hoseok to nod with a soft sigh. "It was an... An... An accident... Hyung."

"I know, honey," Hoseok said, resting the boy's arm on his lap when it was clean, leaving the cloth laid over it and gently pressing a kiss to his dongsaeng's forehead, before moving back to take the kit that Jennie was handing him. "I know it was, you'll be okay... Binna, could you get him some water? He doesn't need stitches but this crying's gonna leave him dehydrated... Thanks, babe." 

"I just miss him," Taehyung whimpered, leaning back against the toilet as Hoseok tended to the wound on his wrist. He didn't even flinch, no wincing, just sniffles of broken emotions. "Miss him so much. Hyung, I miss him!"

"Kook? No... Jiminah?" Hoseok asked, looking at the boy with a sad frown, sighing heavily when he gave a small nod. "Oh, I know you do, sweetheart. I know you do. We're gonna find a way to get you to him, okay? Even if I drive you all the way to Busan, myself. But I can't have you doing this to yourself, okay? It's really easy to get infections in this world, Tae Tae. It's dangerous and you can get seriously ill, honey... So, if we get you to Jiminie, can you make hyung the promise that you won't do this again? Hmm?"

-

"Warehouse run, a few miles south. You, Zitao, Jongdae and Zhang," Baekhyun said as he sat at his desk, feet kicked up, arms folded over his chest as he faced Namjoon at an awkwardly slouched angle. "You'll be out there for a few hours, maybe longer. Depends on how competent you are. Zhang's in charge of the run but I want you in charge of what you bring back. The last group I sent brought back a whole bunch of fuck all."

"You had me out there yesterday," Namjoon pointed out, raising an eyebrow at the man as he kicked his feet down, sitting up properly. "And the day before that. Care to tell me why?"

"You wanted to be busy, Namjoonssi," Baekhyun gave a dry chuckle, causing the man to scoff and lean his head back, shaking it. "So, I'm making sure you're busy. A group's heading out in a few hours, you'll go with them. A simple supply run, bring back anything useful. Understood?"

"Understood," Namjoon just nodded, keeping his tone restrained and his teeth gritted. The whole time, Baekhyun had been trying to get a rise out of him, but he wasn't going to let it happen.

"Right," Baekhyun forced a false, wry smile, clapping his hands together and moving away from his desk, about to leave the office and holding the door open, gesturing for Namjoon to do so as well. "Since that's dealt with..."

"Only on one condition, though," Namjoon said, forcing the man to look back and glare at him.

"And what would that be?" Baekhyun tilted his head, raising a challenging eyebrow at the man. "You're in no position to be giving me ultimatums, Namjoonssi. I'm in charge here, remember? You don't have a say anymore, remember?"

"You give Seokjin a day off. You're working him too hard," Namjoon said simply, not letting the man get under his skin, hands on his hips and the boss just scoffed at him. "Seokjin needs to be having at least one day off every five days. His stamina isn't as good as it used to be, before all this shit. He's been beaten down, worked into the ground. If you keep him slaving away in that kitchen, he's gonna end up dead on his feet. Give him a break."

-

"Hey, hyung," Hoseok smiled through the order window, in the canteen, popping his head through to try and look around the kitchen. "Anyone in there with you?"

"Only Chika and Jomei," Seokjin chuckled as his brother took that answer and bombarded his way through the door. 

"Hey, kids," Hoseok gave the two teens a wave, which was warmly returned before they quickly got back to work. 

"We're making sushi for lunch," Seokjin said, his smile still bright as Hoseok nosied around. "Those two recommended it. Want to be a taster?"

"I'm good, thanks," Hoseok shook his head, shoving his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the wall, allowing the three to keep preparing the ingredients. "I actually needed to talk to you about something, hyung. Something important. Think you could take a quick break?"

"Go ahead, Jinsan," Jomei spoke before the eldest could even open his mouth. "No offence, but I think the Japanese ones should take over with the Sushi. You can go for a coffee."

"Offence is taken," Seokjin scoffed at the playful comment but was grateful for the teens being able to take over. "It's just Kimbap, Christ... Let's go Hoseokie, coffee actually sounds great." 

"I think we have to let Tae go to Busan, hyung," Hoseok sighed as his hyung tinkered with the coffee machine, in the hall, making himself a drink. "Jennie had to find me last night. Hyung, he's hurting himself. I mean really, physically hurting himself, because he's feeling so unbelievably lonely. The sad fact is, we're not enough and we will never be enough. If Kookie was still here, it would be different but... The kid's just breaking without his best friend."

"What did he do?" Seokjin frowned at the younger as he stepped back, finally having his drink but, new worry swimming in his eyes. "Did he actually...?"

"Actually," Hoseok nodded sadly, biting his lip. "He's still sleeping it off but, he narrowly missed needing stitches. If he had cut any deeper... We could've been having a very different conversation."

"Jesus Christ!"

 "We need to let him go and find Jimin, hyung," Hoseok pressed, looking his brother in the eye. "I've managed to get him to promise me that he won't do it again, on the terms that he's allowed to go to Busan. We need to let him go. Him and Jimin are ride or die. He can't go any longer without him."

"It's dangerous, though," The eldest shook his head, the fear in his chest too big to ignore. "I don't want him going alone, he could get himself into all sorts of trouble. I just-"

"Ah, Jennie has already said she'll go with him," Hoseok said, cutting the man off before he could list off every risk. "He won't be alone, hyung. He'll be perfectly fine. You know you can trust that girl, she takes everything head-on. Nothing will mess with them. She'll get him to Busan. You have to remember she was the one who brought him home after the Hyungsik fiasco."

"That's true..."

"He'll be fine, hyung," Hoseok said, becoming slightly pushy now since he knew this was best for their baby brother. "But only if he finds Jimin."

"But we don't even know where Jimin and Yoongi are!" Seokjin countered, his voice raising in pitch slightly, before he took a deep breath to calm himself down. "How are they meant to find them?"

"Well, they'll get to Busan," Hoseok shrugged, placing his arm around his hyung's shoulders. "And I guess Tae will just turn on the Park Jiminah tracker, that's planted in his brain, and use it as a Sat Nav until they find 'em."

"I'm being serious, Hoseokah."

"So am I," Hoseok said with a soft tilt of his head. "You know once in a fifty-meter radius, they're telepathically connected by their weird, soulmate sixth sense. It's a little spooky but it's real, hyung."

"Yeah, I know," Seokjin sighed, kicking the floor with his foot as he sipped his coffee, wincing when he remembered it was still steaming hot. "Alright, fine. But we make sure he's got supplies with him. Food, water. If he's driving, we've gotta give Jennie a map otherwise he'll get them lost..."

"They'll be alright, hyung," Hoseok said, patting the man's shoulder and giving him a bright, trademark Hoseok smile, causing him to chuckle. "I'm sure of it."

"Considering you're clearly slacking off anyway," A random and disgruntled voice travelled up the hall, making the men look over their shoulders to see Baekhyun heading their way. "Seokjin, you'll be glad to hear you have the rest of the day off. I'll see you, gentlemen, later."

"Wait," Seokjin held up a long finger, spinning on his heel but the man was already walking away. "Wha-"

"Don't bother questioning it, Seokjinah," Baekhyun shook his head as he continued to walk down the hall, not even bothering to turn back as he seemed to be in a rush to be somewhere. "Just take advantage of it. Back to normal tomorrow."

"Hoseokie," Seokjin turned to the younger with a thoughtful frown as the man disappeared, and Hoseok saw immediately how his cheeks had paled and confusion filled his eyes. "Where has Namjoon been through all of this?"

Chapter Text

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

"Are you sure this is the place?" Jennie asked, twisting her map this way and that as Taehyung drove them through a small town. "I don't even think this is Geumjeong. Where the hell have you taken us?"

"I haven't got us lost, if that's what you're implying," Taehyung pouted, glaring at the girl for a second. "This is Geumjeong, I am telling you. I used to live here, remember? Just shut up and stop backseat driving. I know where I'm going."

"Not likely," Jennie scoffed, rolling her eyes, but threw her map down nonetheless. She just rolled her window down, wanting some fresh air, since they had been cramped up in the little, beaten-up Volkswagen.

"What's that?" Taehyung frowned, hearing something from outside the car that the girl seemed to have missed.

"What's what?" Jennie asked, raising an eyebrow at the boy. "Eyes on the road dumbarse."

"You can't hear that?" Taehyung frowned, hearing it again. A voice, a girl's voice. "Someone needs help... They're shouting for help!"

"Just keep driving, Tae," Jennie said, but the boy was already pulling over. "Taehyungah, it's not our problem. We can't put ourselves in danger for people we don't even know!"

"Oppa!" The voice screamed again much more clearly this time, kicking Taehyung into gear and having him throw his door open.

"We don't know who they are, dumbarse!" Jennie exclaimed, but Taehyung wasn't having any of it. "Don't you dare-"

"I didn't leave you, did I?" Taehyung shot back, clamouring out of the car, unwilling to ignore a distress call. "When Hyungsik wanted to, did I leave you? No, now get out of the car, Jennie!"

-

"So, we're going here?" Nuri asked, wafting a map under Yoongi's nose, making him stop and take a deep breath. Nuri was irritating on a good day, but when the seventeen-year-old had already pissed him off, she was playing a dangerous game.

"Yes," The man said shortly, looking at where the girl's finger was pointing. "The sooner we get to the pharmacy, the sooner we can go home, the sooner I can go to bed and get away from you."

"You don't have to be rude, oppa," Nuri sulked, though she hadn't really stopped sulking since that morning when Yoongi had a go at her then. 

He had promised to take her out on his run with him, teach her a few fighting techniques, how to get around the dead stealthily. But now she regretted going with him since it had been miserable and he had taken over so far.

"Are you really still grumpy about this morning?" The teen asked, causing Yoongi to shake his head and grumble, leading her into a little alleyway. A shortcut he had found a few weeks ago. "Because, if you are, I think you're overreacting a little. Just let it go, hmm? Oppa?"

"Let it go?" Yoongi asked sharply, turning to the teen, taking her aback slightly with how angry he actually looked. "Nuriyah, I'm not gonna let it go. For months, you have been coming into my house uninvited. For months, you have been trying to play with my husband's head."

He couldn't be angry at the girl for her little, heartstruck teenage crush on Jimin, that was obvious to anyone. But what he could be angry about, was her little arsenal of different tactics, trying to weed her way between him and his husband every chance she got.

"You don't have to be with him all the time, Jiminie oppa," Nuri pressed, hot on the boy's heels as he headed into his kitchen. "You can do whatever you like. Yoongi oppa can't control you."

"He doesn't control me!" Jimin exclaimed, offended on his husband's behalf. "I love Yoon. He just gets really lonely, really easily. So do I, I guess... He needs someone nearby at all times, otherwise, he starts overthinking things, and he likes me being nearby."

"Sounds like his problem," Nuri muttered under her breath, sitting down at the dining table, uninvited but knowing the boy would make her a drink anyway, just out of politeness.  "Actually, it sounds like emotional manipulation, oppa. It's not healthy."

"I don't think that's what's happening," Jimin shook his head, biting his lip lightly  as he filled the kettle and lit the stove, leaving it to boil . "You haven't been here long, honey. I know it can take quite a while to warm up to Yoonie, but trust me, he's not like that." 

"I wouldn't be so sure..." Nuri sighed, clicking her tongue. He wasn't listening to her, he wasn't hearing her. "Jiminie oppa, seriously, he does this all the time. Why not just blow him off and come spend the day with me and Beomgyu? You know you always have fun with us."

"And what makes you think I don't have fun here?" Jimin chuckled lightly as he got two mugs ready, one coffee and one cocoa; shaking his head a little, as he turned to raise an eyebrow at the girl, but he was taken aback by her sad gaze. "Maybe I want..."

"Oppa, I'm worried about you," The teen tried, her lips pouting, her doe eyes widening and suddenly Jimin felt bad, guilty. "I care about you, I don't wanna see you get hurt or anything..."

"You think I'd hurt my husband, Cho Nuriyah?" A disgruntled, low voice travelled up the hallway and into the kitchen, causing Jimin to freeze slightly as Yoongi walked over to the stove before he could finish the drinks. 

"That's Nuri's cup, Yeobo," Jimin said quickly as the man began making the girl's coffee his own, along with finishing the boy's cocoa for him.

"I don't remember hearing you invite her in," Yoongi shook his head, continuing to make the drinks grumpily. "Do you want to go back to your friend if you're not going to answer me, Nuriyah? If I'm not being too controlling by asking, of course."

"Yeobo..." Jimin sighed, placing his hand on the man's shoulder to calm him down, but he sent the girl an apologetic look. Yoongi's passive-aggressive words and low tone meant she didn't have a choice here. She needed to leave.

"Alright," The girl gave a soft shrug, her sharp eyes glinting but her tone remained light and pleasant as she pushed away from the table. "I'll see you later, Jiminie oppa."

"Don't forget our run, later, kid," Yoongi yelled after her as she skipped out of the house, clicking his tongue as the front door shut behind her.

"Yeobo," Jimin sighed again but fell quiet when the man turned to him with offended eyes.

"Do you think I'd hurt you?" Yoongi asked, his voice still firm but Jimin heard the vulnerability behind it. The kind of slip that was only noticeable by Jimin.

"Never," The boy gave a soft smile, taking the mug out of the man's hand, putting it back down on the side before pulling him into a hug, only leaning back to place a kiss on his lips. "Never, baby."

"You need to back off of my husband, kid," Yoongi said as they walked, keeping a cautious eye on each and every turn they passed, since Nuri wasn't paying any attention. "And I need to stop waking up to you being in my house, every morning."

"I was only inviting him to spend the morning with us," Nuri said, flashing a small, defensive frown over her shoulder. "He said he had to spend the time with you. I was just reminding him that he didn't have to. He has options on how to spend his day."

"I know that, thank you. I never force Jimin to do anything," Yoongi said, his tone sharp though he bit his tongue. Whether they were having a disagreement or not, he still had to make sure this kid got home safe. "If he felt like I was forcing him, he'd speak up. We don't keep things from each other if you must know, we made that promise a long time ago. I have no say in what he does with his day and I don't mind, as long as I know he's safe. What Jimin decides to do with his time is up to him and I trust him completely."

"Well, I just think Jiminie oppa would feel more comfortable if you backed off a bit," The girl shrugged, stomping forwards through the alleyway. "Maybe you should give him a bit of space to make his own decisions. If you did that, he'd feel like he could do whatever he wants. He is a grown man, after all."

"Alright, kid. We've gotta talk," Yoongi scoffed, shaking his head as he stopped in his tracks. The girl turned back to him when she heard the lack of footsteps behind her, a little frown forming as he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Did I say something, oppa?" She asked, her brow furrowing deeper, her hand on her hip but Yoongi saw the slight tug of the corner of her lips. 

"Listen to me, kid," Yoongi said, his tone firmer, quieter. It was a tone Nuri hadn't heard before, but many others had. It was a tone she didn't want to hear. "Jimin has a young heart and a much, much younger mind. He needs someone to be able to guide him, but that someone isn't you. It's me. And that doesn't mean I control him or force him to do anything. He is a grown man, you're right. So, maybe you should have a bit of respect for him, rather than being pushy and suffocating. I think what you need to do is stop with these little mind tricks, stop confusing him and putting words in his mouth."

"I don't know what you're talking about, oppa," Nuri said softly, her full lips pouting a little as she tilted her head and swayed on her heels. 

"I see it, Nuriyah," Yoongi gave a false chuckle as the girl decided to play dumb. "If you think I haven't got my eye on him, twenty-four-seven, then you are very, very wrong. This isn't a matter of a stupid teenager flirting with an older man, that would be understandable. That I could let slide because we've all been there, kid, trust me. But this is a matter of a very sly, sneaky, little girl playing with the mind of someone very vulnerable. You leave him alone now, Nuri. Otherwise, we will be having problems."

"Where do you get off, ey?" The girl scoffed, her jaw gaping as she felt highly offended at the accusations. "Who are you to be talking to me like that?"

"I am eight years your senior and the husband of the man you have been harassing for weeks!" Yoongi snapped back, not having the experienced patience to be dealing with stressy teenagers like this. God, was he out of his depth! If this was one of his brothers, he would have just smacked them over the head and told them to get a grip. "Never think you can get away with talking to me like that, girl. You leave him alone! I will not tell you again!"

As the man's anger quietened, and his accusing finger fell, all the two could hear was snarling and growling - the most disgustingly vile sounds, coming from the end of the alleyway, where they were meant to be heading.

"Oh, well done!" The girl exclaimed as the man grabbed her hand and yanked her back down the opposite end of the alley. "Your shouting must have drawn them!"

"God, you're a brat!" Yoongi grumbled, running back and dragging her with him. Though, he was not expecting their only exit to be blocked off as well. "Oh, fuck!"

"Oppa!" Nuri screamed as she spun around, seeing that they didn't even have time to think. The dead were mere meters away, closing them in. "What do we do? Oppa!"

"Stop screaming and let me think!" Yoongi shouted back, wracking his brain, trying to think of an escape plan, though time was very quickly running out. "Right, get your knife out. Hold it in front of you, like I taught you. I'm gonna clear a path, okay? And then we run!"

Nuri nodded, hurrying to pull her knife from her belt, and the man pulled his pistol out of his backpack. The gun was only ever used when he was on a run, he found it on one, anyway. Jimin didn't even know he had it and it was kept that way. The gun was specifically for emergencies like this. A last resort.

"Get ready!" Yoongi warned, aiming at the dead but just before he could pull his own trigger - a round of gunfire went off behind them, making them both jump and duck, not knowing what to expect as they glanced over their shoulders.

"Yoongi hyung?" A surprised, familiar voice could only just be heard over the dead but no one had time to get caught up in the moment.

"Shut up, dumbarse!" Jennie exclaimed, giving Taehyung's shoulder a harsh nudge, reminding him to keep clearing the way for the two to run back. "Come on! Hurry up, Yoongissi!"

"Oppa," Nuri grabbed Yoongi's arm, breaking him out of the shock that seeing his dongsaeng brought. "Oppa, let's go! Now, please!"

"No. Just get back to the car!" Yoongi shouted, shaking the girl off and waving his hand around to get the kids to run. The dead were quickly swarming him but he kept the upper hand, shooting the dead down before they got too close. "Get lost! I need to get to that pharmacy."

"No, hyung!" Taehyung shouted back but was waved off. "We have extra stuff, you don't need to! You won't make it!"

"Just... Go!"

Just as Nuri and Jennie nodded, heading through the clearing the man had created, Taehyung froze, watching as his brother fought with all his might.

Yoongi didn't feel tired, the dead were an easy obstacle for him to clear now, no matter how many. He had learned techniques and tactics that kept him safe, but nothing could have prepared him for the wave of nausea that washed over him in a matter of seconds as they began to overwhelm him. 

His mind began to spin, his vision blurring behind his glasses and, if it wasn't for his dongsaeng's strong hands pulling him away, the dead would have torn him apart.

"Come on, hyung!" Taehyung's voice rose over the ringing in his ears. Yoongi just shook his head, trying to clear his vision as the boy dragged him away, forgetting about the dead that was hot on their heels. "We've gotta go! Let's go! Come on, just please don't pass out."

"Right... Jennie, put the rest of the bags in the back," Taehyung sighed as everyone caught their breath, snatching the backpack away from his hyung. They hadn't stopped running until they reached the cars. Somehow, they had luckily parked fairly close to each other, so grabbing Jennie and Taehyung's things wasn't too hard a task. Now it was just a matter of getting home. "Go and sit down, hyung. Before you fall down. I'm driving by the way."

"Yeah, yeah," Yoongi just waved him off, disappearing into the passenger seat. Taehyung just clicked his tongue, helping Jennie throw the rest of their stuff into the trunk.

"Come on," Jennie sighed, just patting his shoulder in reassurance. "Let's go find that boy of yours, hm?"

Taehyung nodded, a little spark in his eyes at the thought of going to see his best friend again as he jumped into the driver's seat, starting up the engine as everyone else got comfortable.

"So, do you still get dizzy, hyung?" Taehyung asked, his eyes flickering to his hyung for a moment before focusing on the road and making sure there were no signs of the dead before pulling away. "Those headaches like before?"

"The headaches never really went away," Yoongi shrugged his shoulders, letting his head lean against the doorframe. "But that hasn't happened for a long time."

"Maybe you just wore yourself out," Taehyung suggested, though worry lingered in his soft-sounding voice. "You could have a nap, hyung. If you wanted to."

"Maybe," Yoongi nodded as he settled back, his hand clasped around the charm of his necklace, deciding it was okay to let his eyes close for a while. They still had quite the drive back, after all. "Just ask Nuri if you need directions. She knows the way back."

"So, how do you know each other?" Nuri asked curiously though kept her voice quiet so Yoongi could sleep. Jennie sent her an odd look, but Taehyung just flashed a small smile through the rearview mirror.

"Me and Yoongi hyung worked together, before all this," Taehyung said with a little shrug. "He's my brother. We met Jennie last year, was it?"

"Something like that," Jennie shrugged, deciding to stay well out of the conversation. She got enough bubble energy off Felix, she didn't need it off this new girl as well.

"So, I'm guessing you know you know Jiminie oppa as well? Since he and Yoongi oppa worked together as well," Nuri asked curiously, giving a little subtle smirk when the boy hummed and nodded with a smile. "How so? Did you meet before, like Yoongi oppa?"

"I'm Jimin's best friend," Taehyung said, eyes meeting the girl's through the mirror, a small proud smile on his lips that was about to be stolen. "Have been since we were kids, why?"

"Huh," Nuri hummed, pursing her lips and nodding, her sharp eyes narrowed into sly slits. "Jiminie oppa never mentioned a Taehyung before. Maybe best is a bit of an overstatement. Maybe he just forgot, Jiminie oppa's always forgetting things."

"Maybe..." Taehyung's brow furrowed, and Jennie's heart sank at the dip in his voice. The way his tone fell quiet, deep and sad. God, she wished that was true, for his sake.

It wasn't long until Nuri had guided them back to the field that surrounded her home. Taehyung had managed to pull up, just as the sun began to set. Getting there had been fairly easy, waking Yoongi up once they had arrived was a different story, but they managed it. He just snapped their heads off in the process.

"You two just go up," Yoongi suggested as Taehyung stood around, fidgeting nervously. He was still feeling a little lightheaded again as he pulled the bags out of the trunk, though he didn't let it show. Or, at least, tried not to. "I've got all this. Nuriyah, they're probably in the field. Take Taehyungah with you and find Jiminie for him, yeah?"

"Sure thing, oppa," The young girl nodded, giving the younger boy a pump of her eyebrows before nodding over her shoulder, gesturing for him to follow her. 

"And remember what I said, Nuri," Yoongi called after her, causing her shoulders to slump as she walked away. "Aish, if my Nayeonah's ever that bad..."

"Are you excited, dumbarse?" Jennie teased as she and Taehyung followed the girl up. "Or nervous, maybe?"

Taehyung just nodded to both, feeling a little overwhelmed by the huge field they were being led to, even more by the wooden fence surrounding it that was lined with a defensive layer of barbed wire. Was Jimin ready to see him again? Was he ready to see Jimin again?

-

"Hyung, why d-don't you come and dan-c-ce with us?" Beomgyu asked, catching Seojoon once again, out of the corner of his eye, watching him and Jimin dance. "You're clearly m-more inves-s-ted in us then keeping w-watch."

"Oh, no, Beomie," Seojoon chuckled, shaking his head as he grinned. "I'm no dancer, I'm happy just being a passionate audience member. Thank you."

"Surely, you know the dance by now though, hyung," Jimin giggled as he continued to hop around playfully, but again, the man shook his head. "You watch us enough. You should know the steps by now."

Had Seojoon been paying attention to what he had been doing, rather than enjoying the show, he wouldn't have been taken by surprise when someone shoved straight past him, almost knocking him to the ground as they passed.

"Whoa, whoa! Hey, h-wh-who are-" Beomgyu exclaimed, about to pull Jimin back but it was too late. 

The boy's arm was grabbed and he let out a squeak as he was spun around, before being sent down onto the grass by a very sharp, very harsh slap to his cheek.

"Do you know just how much I've fucking missed you, you brat?!" Taehyung spat, clenching his fist as his palm stung, fuming as he looked down at the boy holding the side of his face. "I didn't even know if you were still alive! I've been going insane, all year, worrying about you but you're clearly having too much fun to care about me!"

"Yah! Taehyungah, don't you dare!" Yoongi shouted, having seen the boy hit his husband as he was walking over. He ran to them, quickly helping his husband off the ground and brushing him off, holding him close since it seemed he was too shocked to even realise or work out what had happened. "What the fuck was that? What do you think you're playing at, kid?"

"What do you think it was?!" Taehyung shook his head, cheeks flushing hot with frustration. "How is this fair? You promised you'd be back. Here we are, a whole year later, hyung! Were you ever planning on coming back or was that it? Wham bam, see you never!?"

"Yoon..." Jimin turned towards his husband, hiding his face and covering his ears, physically shaking as the man looked at him in concern. This was too much! The boy wasn't ready to see a face from the past. He wasn't prepared to remember. "Take me home! G-gotta go home now... I-I-I think... Th-think it's time to go, hyung... Please!"

"Okay, baby, alright... Seojoon hyung?" Yoongi nodded as the boy regressed into a babbling mess, turning to the eldest but he seemed to be frozen in place, seeing Taehyung for the first time in years. So, instead, he turned to the teen behind them. "Beomie... Can you please take Jiminie home? Just get him inside, please. Make him some cocoa and get some music on."

"Yes, hyung," The teen said as he stepped closer, wrapping his arm around Jimin's shoulders, feeling bad as he felt the way his hyung was trembling.

"Just distract him, Beomie. Find the cat for him, and that blanket, from upstairs," Yoongi said, letting him take his husband, hoping he'd be enough close company to stop the boy from slipping into his PTSD. "As quickly as possible, let Suga ground him. Radio if..."

"I-I know, hyung," Beomgyu reassured, leading the small boy away, leaving Taehyung to stare after them in amazement. Were they serious, right now?

"Cocoa?" Taehyung scoffed, turning to his hyung, eyes wide and jaw agape. "Fucking cocoa? Are you for real?"

"Do not take that tone with me," Yoongi narrowed his eyes, pointing a finger at the point as he stalked closer, pushing past Jennie who suddenly decided to act protective of her friend.

Despite how it looked, Yoongi wasn't about to use his fist against his dongsaeng, he never would, but there was an old promise that needed to be upheld.

So, as he stood in front of the younger, he shoved him, hard. So hard the boy stumbled and fell backwards, heavily landing on his backside with a gasp.

"I told you months ago! I told you I wouldn't have you raising a hand at him again! How fucking dare you?!" Yoongi yelled, brushing his hands off on his jacket as Jennie and Seojoon rushed to help the shocked boy back up. "It's not my fault you turned up out of the blue, Tae! As incredible as it is to see you, you must understand that he wasn't ready! You didn't have to fucking hit him!"

"Don't you know how fucking hard it's been for me?" Taehyung exclaimed back, though he couldn't bring himself to look the elder in the eye anymore. "How painful it's been? Waiting, every day. Hoping you'd come back. Hoping to just see him again?"

"Don't you know how hard it's been for us?" Yoongi asked the younger, tilting his head to follow the boy's guilty gaze to the ground. "Do you realise how sheltered I've had to keep him? Hmm? I have had to avoid every tiny, little thing that could have possibly sent him backwards. Certain words, names, actions, songs.

Hell, Tae! For the first few months, he couldn't be on his own for more than two minutes because he thought we had abandoned him. I've had to learn how to act like a carer rather than a husband, for the days when he regresses into this... This scared, lonely, terrified childlike version of himself. We've had to relearn how to cope, how to live, Taehyungah. It hasn't been easy. And he's only just symptom-free from... From..."

"The psychosis?" Taehyung finished sharply with a tense jaw, not catching the harsh look Seojoon sent Yoongi, though the latter saw it straight away. "The voices? The visions? The fucking homicidal tendencies? I know what happened, I know why you left, hyung. Though no one wanted to tell me how bad he was. Don't forget that me and Jimin are practically the same person. Did you really think I didn't know the kid was going crazy?"

"Jimin was homicidal?" Seojoon raised an eyebrow at Yoongi, surprised, shocked, astonished. "He's hurt people?"

Out of all the reasons he thought Yoongi was so private about their past, the small boy being a danger to others was never one of them. And he had subjected two young teenagers to that? Annoyance and guilt started to set in.

"You convinced me, Yoongi," The eldest said, holding his voice strained, trying to wait for an explanation before letting himself get angry. "I let you near Beomie... He's with Beomgyu, right-"

"No, Jimin was ill. He was just ill," Yoongi shook his head, cutting the man off. It had been a long time since he'd had to have these conversations, on his husband's behalf. "He was never dangerous! He isn't dangerous, he was more suicidal than homicidal. People are cruel... Hyung, I didn't tell you, because Jimin needed to have people around him who wouldn't judge him for the past. Taehyungah, the whole reason we left was so he could heal from all of that. Now he has, so please, I am begging you, give him time to process this! Please wait for him to come to you, now."

"Hyung?" Beomgyu sighed, clicking the play button on Jimin's CD player, letting the music play quietly in the background as the elder buried himself in his mint green, fluffy blanket and curled up into a ball in the middle of his husband and his huge bed.

The teen had done what Yoongi requested other than finding Suga, who unfortunately seemed to be hiding somewhere, and he knew how to act around the boy when he was like this, but that didn't make him feel any less awkward.

"Are you a-able to talk t-to me yet?" He asked with a soft tone, tilting his head as he took a seat next to the elder, gently placing his hand on his shoulder but Jimin finches away harshly. Yoongi had told them, close physical contact was okay, as long as Jimin was alert enough to know it wasn't a threat. Clearly, the boy was too far gone this time. "Don't worry if not. Jus-s-st take your time, focus-s-son the music, yeah?"

"Hey, Beomie," Yoongi's voice travelled into the room, making the teen sigh quietly in relief. The man had left Taehyung downstairs after they all calmed down, and had promised Seojoon that he'd go and swap places with Beomgyu just so he could see nothing had changed and the kid was fine. "Shall I take over, hmm?"

The young boy nodded, facing the man with big sad eyes, causing him to sigh. Swiftly they switched places, and Yoongi thanked the boy before he left the room.

"Jiminie?" Yoongi said softly, making his husband aware of him being there before gently tangling his fingers in his hair. He was oblivious to the fetal position the boy had curled himself into, head only just showing from under his blanket, as his muddy shoes showed at the other end. "Let's get these boots off, hmm? No need to ruin the sheets, now. Let's get you more comfortable, honey."

Jimin made no movement, but he didn't flinch away, unlike with Beomgyu who learned pretty quickly that he wasn't allowed to touch him. He just let his husband be there with him, for him.

"Jiminie? Come back to me, baby boy," Yoongi sighed as he sat back down, throwing the boy's boots across the room and gently running his hand through his hair, though made sure his fluffy blanket was still wrapped around him while making that soft purring noise with his voice to calm him. "You know and love Taehyungah. He'd never hurt you like the others did, he was just overwhelmed by seeing you. Just like you were by seeing him. Come back, now. Let's stay away from the past, hmm?"

"Too much," Jimin sniffed, keeping his face hidden under his blanket still, not really acknowledging the elder apart from replying with a whispery voice. "Not ready... 'tis t-t-too much."

"I know, my love," Yoongi nodded sadly. This was what he had tried to tell Taehyung. "I know you weren't. I'm sorry, Jiminie. It was my fault, not Tae's. I should have... Told him earlier, I guess. I just thought it would do you both good. I'm really, really sorry, darling."

"Y-yoonie..." Jimin mumbled, finally peeping out from under his blanket, slowly turning towards the elder with glossy eyes. "Yeo-Yoon..."

"Yeah, baby?" Yoongi cooed though, his brow furrowed a little when the boy repeated his name, his eyes becoming a little unfocused as his small hand appeared and reached out to him. Gently taking his hand, the elder just sighed and clicked his tongue, realising what was going on. "Oh. Oh, darling... It's alright. This hasn't happened for a while, has it?"

The smaller just gasped slightly, making a little whimpery noise as he rolled closer to his husband, in sudden need of close comfort.

"It's alright, yeobo. It's just a small one, it'll be over before you know it," Yoongi whispered, holding his boy's hand and kissing his knuckles one by one. Jimin hadn't tensed, he was still quite limp, meaning the seizure wasn't going to be convulsive but still... This was really shitty timing! "Nice, deep breaths, beautiful. You've got this."

Yoongi could hear his husband's little cries, though no tears fell, letting his worries ease a bit. it only took a minute or so for the boy to calm down, for him to let his husband hold him tight again.

"Well, that couldn't have happened at a worse time," Yoongi gave a light-hearted, warm chuckle, feeling the boy's grip around his hand tighten, causing him to stroke his thumb over his knuckles. "Hmm? After all those weeks, you'd've thought it would have at least given you a few more hours."

Jimin just whimpered weakly, his frazzled mind not ready to understand his husband's light use of humour, just nuzzling closer to him.

"Well done, baby. Just try and take deep breaths, now," Yoongi sighed, carding his fingers through the boy's hair as he laid his head on his lap. "Do you want another drink, hmm? Will that help?"

The boy shook his head, and the elder could tell how hard he was trying to calm himself down but was consequently only working himself up more.

"You're okay, yeobo," He said softly, his voice velvety. This was all so much at once and Jimin hadn't felt overwhelmed in a long time. "Just take your time, this is all in your control... Just take your time."

"Hug," Jimin mumbled, so quietly and shyly it was almost missed. "Please... Need Bear. Need Bear hug."

"Of course, baby boy," Yoongi smiled, pride warming his chest as the boy felt brave enough to let his best friend back in. Though the seizure may have left him just feeling vulnerable, Yoongi was proud of him, whatever the reason. He honestly didn't need a reason anymore, he was always proud of his husband nowadays. "Let me get him, okay? He's downstairs. Just give me a moment."

Jimin gave a tiny nod, his tight grip on the man's hand easing, allowing him to move away. Yoongi sighed heavily, shaking his head as he left the room, only making it to the landing.

"Is he okay?" Taehyung asked, turning to face the elder from where he was sitting, at the top of the stairs. 

"No," Yoongi said bluntly, tilting his head and shoving his hands in his jeans pockets. "He's not, his best friend in the entire world hit him today. Would you be okay?"

"Can I see him?" The boy asked sheepishly, causing Yoongi to take in a sharp breath when he heard the clear guilt in his voice. "At least to apologise? Just for a second?"

"He's already asking for you," Yoongi clicked his tongue after a moment, giving the boy a small nod of agreement. "Just... Don't push your luck, Taehyungah. Go in and comfort him, nothing more. Don't start with any questions."

"I won't hyung," Taehyung shook his head as he stood up, still feeling like he deserved an explanation as to why he had been abandoned, but agreeing that now just wasn't the time. But Yoongi wasn't done.

"Do not take his blanket away," The elder started to list things before letting the boy move, annoying him. Since when didn't Taehyung know how to look after his best friend? "We found it when we moved here and it's been a while since he's needed it but, when he's like this, he gets attached to it. And don't turn the music off, just leave it playing. Oh, and if he wants the cat, just get him the cat. Don't even question it. And he's just seized, Tae. Only partial but..."

"Hyung, I got it," Taehyung interrupted, honestly feeling slightly offended. Jimin was his soulmate, long before Yoongi had ever met him. Where did he get off telling him things he already knew? "Can I...?"

"Go on," The man nodded, stepping aside, taking in a deep breath and allowing the younger into his bedroom. Shaking his head lightly, he waited until Taehyung had shut the door before slowly walking down the stairs, to the living room.

Taehyung gave a soft sigh and entered the room, feeling guilty and sad and hurt when he saw the fluffy, mint green ball, clicking his tongue quietly. Without a single word, he crept over to the bed, gingerly taking a seat next to the boy and placing his hand on his shoulder.

"I'm here, Tiny," He whispered, only just loud enough to be heard over the softly playing music. He just felt sad, that's all he felt. He spent an entire year being angry at his best friend because he hadn't come home, missing him so badly, but now that he was here, he was starting to realise maybe Jimin was still just as bad as when he left. He should have never been angry with him, he shouldn't have blamed him. "I'm so sorry about earlier. I haven't... Eh-hm, I just haven't been myself, but I'm here now. Tae bear's here."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"What is taking so long?" Baekhyun shouted at his radio, pacing around his office. The group he sent out the day before, still hadn't returned and now he had the likes of Hoseok and Seokjin on his case about where their brother was. "Why aren't you answering me? Zhang? Zitao?!"

"Can't answer... Sir!" A voice came through broken static, sounding distressed, breathless. "Stuck... Dead separated..."

"Who have you lost?" Baekhyun sighed, slamming his fist down on his desk, shaking his head and fighting the urge to call his men idiots, even though they most definitely were. "Tell me! What's...?"

"Namj-" The voice came back but the static was starting to overpower it. "At back... The dead..."

"Just leave, Zhang," Baekhyun shook his head again, not willing to stand around and listen to this. He wasn't having his men getting killed. "Get out of there. Don't waste another second. Leave the bugger's sorry arse behind."

"We've gotta go!" Zhang shouted as the men kept fighting the way towards the back of the pharmacy. "Zitao enough! Byun's calling us back."

"But Namjoonssi," Zitao shouted back, still fighting his way over to where the man had been surrounded. "They'll kill him!"

"It's not our problem!" Zhang snapped, fighting his way through and grabbing the man's coat, yanking him back. "We'll be killed. Byun said to leave him!"

"Zhang!"

"We can't get to you, Namjoonah!" Zitao shouted over the aisle, being dragged back by Zhang as Jongdae had already run back towards the exit. "I'm sorry, there's too many! We just can't!"

"Don't you-" Namjoon went to shout back, but the men were gone, and the dead were all around him. 

Knife in hand, he took in a shaky breath, only sparing half a second to gather himself before moving forward to kill the bastards that were trying to pull him to the ground.

Boney, bloody hands were grabbing at his collar, his jacket and his arms but he managed to dodge - but only just. 

Just as the man thought he had a way out, cleared enough room to sneak past the shelves, he was yanked back. A great big, rotten hand tangled into his hair, pulling roughly, sending him tumbling into the rack beside him, causing it all to clatter around him as he fell to the floor, having to use his hand to stop his face from smacking the marble. 

Not wasting a second, the man shoved back against the dead that grabbed him. He didn't have a second. Not when he fell forwards as his arm went weak, and the cannibalistic corpse grabbed his shirt, tugging him closer to its snapping jaw. With all his might, Namjoon used his weaker hand to find his knife while his other arm lay limp in his lap. 

Finally managing to stab the blade through the bastard's skull, Namjoon just yelled, shoving it away as the smell made him retch.

"Fuck!" The man hissed as he tried to push himself back up, becoming very quickly aware of the agony caused by his wrist. 

He only had a moment to spare as the rest of the dead started to close in, and he regretted spending it looking down; seeing the vomit-inducing sight of his bone piercing through his broken skin, causing him to bite his lip hard to stop from screeching in pain.

He didn't have time to react anyway, not when the growling grew louder and louder.

Whipping his head around, he searched desperately for an escape, the only sign of one being in the form of a door, at the back of the warehouse. Gritting his teeth and standing himself up, Namjoon made a mad dash, merely dodging the dead rather than fighting, until he had locked himself in what turned out to be a tiny bathroom.

He slammed his body against the door as he slid down it, pressing his legs up against the opposite wall, on either side of the rotten-smelling, metal toilet. It hadn't even been ten seconds before the dead started shoving the door hard, trying to break it down and get to him.

Namjoon looked around the tiny bathroom, letting out a sound close to a whimper when he realised there was no way out. Shaking his head, he let out a long, shaky breath, accidentally making eye contact with his arm, the protruding bone making him gag harshly and recoil.

In a last-ditch effort, since he didn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, he shimmied his backpack off his shoulders, trying to get to his radio that was in the front pocket.

"Hey? Hello! Zhang?... You bastard! Anyone there?? I'm stuck in the bathroom, my arm..." He tried once the device was in his hand, but gagged, hard, swallowing down another sob to try and sound even slightly like his normal self. "My wrist's broken. I can't..."

The banging on the door intensified, making the man gasp and briefly forget what he was saying, though no answer came anyway. Attempt two, giving up on the bastards that left him there, he tried someone who he knew wouldn't ignore him.

"Jin hyung?" The man's voice broke with desperate hope, finger releasing the button on his radio as anticipation rose in his chest but... 

"Seokjin hyung? Please answer..."

The static didn't come through, the little red light didn't shine.

"Hyung?"

Broken. 

It must have broke when he fell, along with his wrist which was now leaving a trail of blood around him. God damn it! 

"Argh!" The man screamed, throwing the radio across the little room, letting himself collapse against the wall and cradling his injured wrist against his chest as he wept through the searing pain and panic. The dead continued to bang against the door, causing a deafening thumping sound in the room, driving the man mad. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

Now, what was he meant to do?!

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

The wind blew the leaves of all the trees, surrounding the Busan country-house field, causing the sunlight to dance over the small group in little shards. 

Looking away from where he was talking to Jennie, Taehyung saw his soulmate, staring off into the distance, his eyes glossy and dazed.

"Chingu... Hey, chingu," Taehyung gave the boy a slight nudge, causing him to blink up at him. "Where'd you just go?"

"Nowhere," Jimin shook his head, blinking a few more times before flashing his best friend a warm smile, shuffling closer to him. "'m here."

"Good, 'cus I wanna play," Taehyung smirked, but Jimin frowned when he held his hand out to him, not sure what he meant. The way he was holding his hand out, it was like he was offering the smaller something. "Take the controller, Tiny. Time for Sonic."

"There's no controller," Jimin's brow furrowed as his lips pouted but Taehyung just leaned closer, smirking still.

"Then make one," The younger boy chuckled, still holding his hand out. Now the smaller boy giggled, taking the pretend controller the younger was handing him. "Let's play some Sonic, it's been years since I've beat your arse on it."

"Hey, I always beat you!" Jimin exclaimed, lips forming an offended little 'o' shape. 

"Then prove it, kid," Taehyung laughed, acting out the action of setting up a game before sitting back and pulling the boy closer until he was practically on top of him. "Beat me, I bet you can't!"

The boys laughed and giggled, the sound just like music as they messed around, nudging each other and playing their imaginary video game.

Nuri watched with narrow eyes, ignoring what Beomgyu was trying to tell her. She hadn't been paying any attention to the teen boy anyway, not when the two elders had decided to ignore all of them. Jennie let out a bitter chuckle, seeing the spark of envy in the girl's eyes, shuffling closer to her.

"You know how you told him best friend was an overstatement?" Jennie scoffed, tapping the young girl's shoulder and sneering in her ear. "I think you may have been wrong, somehow. Don't you, you little bitch?"

Since things had calmed down the previous afternoon, Yoongi wasn't sure who was more attached to who. They had been outside all morning, with the younger ones dancing. Seojoon had left after a while, to complete Yoongi and Nuri's run that had to be ditched, and Yoongi was left babysitting. 

As the morning shifted into the afternoon, the younger ones had calmed down and were all sitting in a circle now, somewhat leaving Yoongi out as they chatted, not that he minded. He just watched from a distance, lounging against the fence, letting the sun keep him warm.

He couldn't actually tell if Taehyung was sitting on Jimin's lap, or vice versa. All he knew was everyone else was practically being ignored by the soulmates, who seemed to be in their own little world.

Though in the past, he'd admit now, that it would have made him jealous. Now, he was just glad the two were together again. And he was glad to see Taehyung again.

Although Jimin needed to forget everything, Yoongi was starting to feel lost, being so far away from the rest of his family. He had to grip onto the past and remember what happened, just so he felt connected to them, no matter how much it hurt. But having his dongsaeng here again, at least he could let a few of those painful memories go.

With a small chuckle and pushing the thoughts out of his head, as he looked over his shoulder, he pushed himself off the grass and walked over to where Jimin was now literally sitting on Taehyung's lap, head on the younger's shoulder and arms wrapped around his neck. Not that Taehyung seemed bothered, he was hugging the boy back with just as much adoration.

"Baby?" Yoongi said as he crouched in front of the small group and gave his husband's shoulder a little shake, taking Jimin's little hands as he shuffled and smiled at him. "I'm gonna go in for a bit. Don't get too cold, yeah?"

"Yeah, okay," Jimin nodded, though gave a little frown and kept hold of the man's hand as he tried to walk away, getting up and following him. "Yeobo? Yoon... Is your head playing up again?"

"A little, yeah," Yoongi nodded honestly. He wasn't going to mention the dull ache growing behind his eyes, but he was unable to stop the glad smile creeping on his lips when Jimin sighed and pulled him into a hug. The boy kissed his temple and forehead tenderly, all over as if he was trying to take his headache away, causing him to chuckle at his cuteness. "I'm just gonna go get some painkillers and find a new book, okay? Don't you worry, just keep having fun. And don't get cold, yeah? ...Hey, do you want me to fix you something to eat for later? We still have some kimchi left."

"No, I want you to rest. You haven't been the same since that run," Jimin observed with worried eyes, still not letting go of his husband, keeping him locked in a hug. He didn't want to let the man brush this off, not when things seemed to be getting worse. "Are you sure you didn't fall or something? Something's made your headaches worse, Yoonie."

"Didn't I just tell you not to worry?" Yoongi chuckled, a sinking feeling in his chest as his smile grew wider. He shouldn't have been lying like this, it wasn't fair. Though, he wasn't really lying... Just downplaying. "Get back to Tae before he starts sulking. I have a book to find, maybe Seojoon hyung's got one."

"Under the bed, wrapped in foil," Jimin smirked, placing a kiss on the man's lips. "Meant to be a secret but... Consider it an early birthday present."

"You're too good to me," Yoongi chuckled, kissing the boy back, letting his lips linger against his since he was already making him feel better.

"I know," Jimin nodded cheekily, smirking as he pulled away. "Go, get them painkillers. Maybe just try and sleep it off, hmm?"

"I will, baby," Yoongi nodded, giving the boy another hug and loving kiss. "Seojoon hyung will be back soon, but be careful out here. No one's on watch so..."

"I know, Yoonie. We're okay," Jimin smiled, pecking the man's cheek just to see the expression reflected back at him. "Could you feed Suga for me? Pretty please?"

"Sure," Yoongi chuckled with a nod, giving the boy one last kiss before letting him go and turning, walking down the field to his house. 

"And remember not to fall asleep wearing those glasses," The boy called after him, but only to receive a thumbs up. "You'll break them."

Jimin just sighed as he was brushed off, watching his husband with sad eyes, shaking his head with fought-back worry as he headed back to Taehyung.

Yoongi stumbled into the kitchen, immediately being met with the hungry calico, who seemed rather annoyed that he had been left inside while everyone else played in the sun. 

"Well, you should have come with us," Yoongi clicked his tongue as the cat began to cry, grabbing a can of food off the side for him. "Shouldn't you? Fucking irritating creature."

The longer the man stayed standing up though, he found the ache in the back of his head was becoming a consistent pounding. So hard it was almost deafening.

"Yeah, yeah," Yoongi sighed as the calico continued to mewl at him, nudging the cat away to fill his food bowl. But just as he finished emptying the tin can and tried to stand back up, his whole body swayed, dizziness causing him to close his eyes. Taking a moment, he had to brace himself against the wall before stepping back. "God, damn... This isn't fun."

Suga looked up at the man, meowing quietly for a moment before moving towards his lunch. Yoongi just stayed still until his mind had cleared, allowing him to find some painkillers and a bottle of water in the cupboard, above the stove.

Taking the two tablets, he kept hold of the water bottle and headed upstairs, in search of the book his husband mention. It had been a long time since he had found a new, decent book, having to reread the same ones over an over again for a good month. Hopefully, this was a good one.

And just as Jimin had said, right underneath the bed was a tightly wrapped present, covered in tin foil. The thought alone made Yoongi chuckle, but the gift made his heart swell.

A soft smile tugged at the man's lips as he held the book in his hands, throwing the foil across the room and getting comfy on the bed, shuffling against his pillows. 

Love in the Big City, the title read, causing Yoongi to scoff.

"You're an intriguing man, Park Jimin," He muttered to himself, kicking off his boots and leaning back against the headboard, sighing in relief to be off his feet. 

But as he rested his head back and opened the book, an odd feeling washed over him and he was sure his eyes rolled for a second, but the sudden blurriness made it hard to tell.

With a heavy breath, he placed the book down, clasping his fists around the duvet to brace himself through the nauseous whirlwind in his head. "What the..?"

Yoongi's mouth fell open as he gasped, trying to call out a name his mind couldn't remember how to pronounce. Instead, he found himself laying down fully, curling up as his stomach churned violently. He was sure he was about to vomit, the saliva pooling thickly in his mouth but becoming harder to swallow. 

What was happening to him?

Suga was just traipsing into the bedroom but, once he sensed the intensely concerning atmosphere, he jumped up onto the bed; giving a short, confused little meow, he tried to curl into the man's arms, awkwardly laying his paws over his wrists with his tail swaying against the man's cheek. Yoongi didn't really know how to react though, he couldn't even bring himself to push the pet away.

It was only a matter of seconds before the man's back straightened forcefully, his entire body going tense and rigid, making him let out a soft cry as the air left his lungs.

A crack sounded, just like Jimin had anticipated though for very different reasons; the temples of his glasses snapping under the pressure of his head turning to the side, straining harshly against the pillow as he grunted for air.

Suga mewled, continuously rubbing his head against the man's clenched fists to try and calm him, but it wasn't having any effect. Yoongi was left, struggling alone, while everyone was outside completely oblivious. 

-

Only a few hours passed after Jimin decided to dance again, while Taehyung and Jennie got to know the others; before the evening chill in the air became harsher, and stronger, making it hard to stay outside. He finally decided it was time to call it a day when he saw the tips of his fingers turning a soft shade of red.

"Tae Tae," He called as he collected up his radio, shutting off the music and turning to find the boy sitting behind him, on the grass with Jennie, Beomgyu and Nuri. "I'm going in. The door'll be open, for when you two come back, but I'll just be chilling upstairs. I think Yoonie's probably asleep, so if you come in, keep quiet."

"Sure thing, Tiny," Taehyung gave him a smile, waving as he wandered down the field, before going back to the highly amusing, though extremely flirty conversation Nuri was trying to have with him. "Don't forget to eat something!"

"If I was hungry," Jimin mumbled under his breath, though was touched by his friend's concern. Sometimes though, it got a bit much, everyone taking over and looking after him as if he were a child. Sometimes it helped, but other times it left him feeling rather useless.

Instead of dwelling on it though, Jimin just let himself be thankful and brushed the rest of his emotions off. Maybe they just fussed because they knew those emotions could lead to bad things, bad thoughts, and bad feelings. They were only trying to keep him safe... From himself.

If you asked the boy to answer honestly, he really couldn't tell you much of what had happened in the past two years. His mind had officially cut most of it off from him, leaving him with only the fear and feelings that he felt, but no memories of what had truly caused all the pain. Just glimpses, flashes of the past. Nothing to help him really understand what he had been through, but enough to make sure he was still terrified of it happening again.

With a heavy sigh, Jimin just let himself into his house, kicked off his shoes and headed straight upstairs in search of his husband. A hug didn't sound too bad, but something told the boy Yoongi was probably already asleep.

"Yeobo?" Jimin whispered as he crept into the room, a warm smile tugging at his lips as he quietly shut the door behind him and neared the bed, crawling over to his husband. 

Yoongi was certainly sound asleep as he had guessed, snoring lightly as he had curled up with his new book nearby, and Suga sleeping in his arms.

"I knew you were pretending to hate him," Jimin just chuckled under his breath at the cat, tickling behind the calico's ears, before sitting back up and stroking the man's hair out of his face. That was when he noticed the broken glasses.

"Oh, Yoonie... I told you you'd break them if you kept falling asleep, reading," Jimin sighed, taking the broken pieces of the glasses before leaning down to kiss his husband's forehead. "'tis a good job they're fixable, silly. I'll go and find the tape."

Chapter Text

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

Yoongi had suffered many long nights in his life, most of them being after the world came to its pitiful end. But the night his dongsaeng had turned up at his home, in Busan, he decided may have been the longest.

With Taehyung and Jennie downstairs, occupying the couch and armchair in the living room, Yoongi was just glad Jimin was calmer than he was when he left him with the younger boy. 

That said, Yoongi should have known his husband well enough by now, to know that would all change once they tried to get some sleep. Nothing was ever as simple as just calming down.

"Jiminie?" He sighed, rolling over as he heard the boy pacing around the room, waking him up. With a groan, the elder rubbed his eyes before sitting up, watching his husband's shadow frantically wander around. "Why aren't you in bed, darling? You're leaving speed marks behind ya, come lay down."

"There's too much, too many faces," The boy muttered to himself, his pace not slowing, leaving Yoongi to realise he didn't hear him. "I don't wanna know. Just stop, stop telling me... I don't wanna know."

With a heavy sigh, Yoongi threw the duvet off himself, pushing his hair back off his face before climbing out of bed. The relapse should have been expected, Jimin was too overwhelmed. How could he have thought they'd just have another peaceful night?

"Slow down, yeobo," Yoongi said as he sat at the foot of the bed, his voice soft and low as he gently grasped the boy's wrist, pulling him to a stop and tugging him to stand between his legs. "T-talk to me, Jiminie. Squeeze my hand, come back now."

"There's too many things," Jimin continued to mumble his nonsense, causing Yoongi's heart to sink. Carefully, he just pulled him closer until he was sitting on his lap, not squirming away but not really settling either. "All at once. Can't hear, can't listen, can't think."

"Slow it down, beautiful," Yoongi whispered against the younger's ear, keeping his arm around the boy's shoulders, stroking his cheek with his opposite hand, to ground him."You can hear me, you can see me. Focus, baby, come back."

"Yoon, I... I-I-I don't..." Jimin shook his head, tears welling in his eyes as Yoongi cooed. "I don't want to... I don't wanna remember! There's... Th-there's so much. Don't wanna know!"

"Oh, I know, baby," The elder sighed, gently rocking the boy against his chest, holding him so close he could almost hear the horrific memories swimming around his head. He didn't want Jimin to remember, either. He didn't want him to be in that kind of agony again. "I know you don't. But I honestly don't think there's anything we can do if the memories want to come back, darling. I think we just have to ride with it."

"But I... I... I don't wanna," The boy whimpered, squirming but not pushing his husband away. Yoongi just continued to sway back and forth, trying to ground him. "I don't wanna... I-I-I'm s-scared."

"I know, baby," The elder sighed again, pressing a lingering kiss to the boy's forehead before resting his cheek on the top of his hair. He wasn't sure how to make it easier for the smaller. If he could take it all away, he would, but if Jimin was starting to remember the past,  he couldn't just stop it. "Why not try talking about it? Hmm? Try telling me what the memory is, baby. Sharing it may help... Do you think you could say it out loud?"

Jimin shook his head a fraction, but his arms wrapped around his waist, almost as if he was cradling himself, trying to ease himself through something.

"Is everything hurting again, baby?" Yoongi asked softly, kissing the boy's ear, and nosing his temple. This had been happening every so often; visual memories and flashbacks were less frequent, but the physical reminders were rendering the boy a whimpering mess. "Is the pain coming back?"

"Hurts..." Jimin nodded, huddling up as Yoongi pulled him onto his lap properly, hugging him close and littering kisses over his hair and neck. "It always hurts."

"No, baby," Yoongi said, gently reminding him the pain was only temporary, that it would go away and he would feel happy again. "It doesn't. It just hurts right now. This is your PTSD, my love. It'll pass again and you'll see, everything was in the past."

"Why?" Jimin whined, laying his head against the man's shoulder, finally starting to lean into him, let him comfort him. "Why would...? Why?"

"Why what, my love?" Yoongi asked softly, his brow furrowing lightly but he continued to kiss the younger's tears away. "Hmm?"

"I... Yoonie, I didn't do anything," Jimin cried, looking up at his husband with a wobbly frown, causing Yoongi to bite his lip, not wanting to cry as well. "I didn't do anything. I never did anything... Why? Why was it me?"

"I don't know, baby," Yoongi shook his head, unable to answer. "I... Don't know."

"I didn't do anything," Jimin squeaked, and Yoongi noticed he was finally realising something that he was never able to understand before. It wasn't his fault. He didn't deserve any of it. "So why did they...? Why would...? Yoonie?!"

"I really don't know, angel," The elder said, having to keep his voice low so it didn't sound shaky. "I'm sorry, I just... Can't answer that one. I can't explain why it all happened, it wasn't fair and you didn't deserve any of it. I'm sorry." 

Yoongi didn't think he had worn himself out the other day, nor did he think the night with Jimin was overly draining, though it wasn't easy; but he was certain he had never slept that deeply before. Maybe he just needed the extra rest, maybe Jimin was right. The supply run had worn him out too much. And now, just sitting and pretending to be on watch, while the kids danced and messed around, was enough to have his eyelids drooping.

He felt bad when he woke up, guilty, since it seemed he had slept through the morning. Taehyung and Jimin were in the kitchen when he got up, and he was thankful that the younger of the two seemed to have quickly caught on to their morning routine, having made Jimin breakfast as well as lunch, and made sure he had his medications.

It was extremely important to keep Jimin's routine, and the fact that he had overslept scared him. 

Thank God Taehyung was there and thank God he knew his best friend better than anyone. Otherwise, the boy would have been lost and confused; his whole day would have been turned upside down just by Yoongi missing a few hours.

But because he was there, Jimin was now dancing around the field, giggling and laughing as his best friend chased him around. They were reminding Yoongi of how school kids would play on the playground, causing him to chuckle.

He watched as it seemed they were in the middle of a game of tag, and Taehyung chased Jimin at top speed, catching him abruptly, causing him to stumble and accidentally trip over. 

Even though he was still giggling, Yoongi could see the flush in his husband's cheeks, the way his shoulders were heaving with each heavy breath. He narrowed his eyes, watching the details of the scene as Taehyung went running after Beomgyu, Nuri and Jennie, and he saw how Jimin let his head drop, the smile fading quickly. Jimin was pretending to have fun. He was tired.

"Oi, Mochi!" Yoongi yelled playfully, not letting his concern strain his voice as he called from where he was sitting, on a log in front of the large wooden fence. The boy turned immediately, like an obedient puppy, when he heard his husband's voice, causing the man to chuckle. "Here, baby."

"What's up?" Jimin asked, jogging over to the elder who just smiled at him, plopping down on the grass between his legs. 

"You need a break, yeobo," Yoongi told him and gently rubbed his shoulders for him. It was as if he knew and the boy didn't, which actually may have been the case. Jimin didn't seem to argue though as he laid his head against the man's knee, and Yoongi realised the younger was probably waiting for him to call, to give him an excuse to leave the group. "Take five and have some water."

"How are you feeling?" Jimin asked as he lifted his head, smiling a silent thank you as the man handed him a water bottle. "Still iffy?"

"I'm alright, darling," Yoongi shook his head, ruffling the boy's hair. "Little dizzy still, but I'm alright. It'll pass in a few days, you know what it's like."

"You're lucky we still had the tape, by the way," Jimin chuckled, pointing a finger towards the man's repaired glasses. "Had to search everywhere. Beomie found it in Seojoon hyung's toolbox." 

"You could have just woke me up," Yoongi said, gently massaging the base of the boy's neck. "I would have found some."

"You weren't waking," Jimin shook his head with a little pout, shrugging the man's hand off to turn to him, resting his chin on his knee. "I don't think you've ever slept like that, you always wake up after a few hours. I was worried something bad was happening."

"Oh, baby," Yoongi sighed, leaning down and kissing the top of the boy's head before stroking his fingers through his hair. "I'm alright, I must have just been tired. You didn't have to worry."  

"I always worry about you," Jimin mumbled, now laying his forehead against the man's knee, hiding his face. 

Yoongi just clicked his tongue, shuffling off the log until he sat on the grass with his husband. The smaller pouted at him, his brow furrowed a little, but he just chuckled, opening his arms. Immediately, Jimin huddled up against him, cuddling him tight.

"I love you," He whispered to the boy, kissing the shell of his ear, nipping lightly just to hear him giggle. "Do you know how precious you are?"

"Do you know how nauseating you are?" Jimin teased back, his eyes disappearing into a cheeky grin, causing Yoongi to just shake his head and chuckle.

"Fuck's sake," The elder sighed, rolling his eyes, pushing himself back up onto the log and leaving his husband on the grass. "Every sodding time I try to be nice to you... I don't know why I bother trying. You're a bully."

"But you love me," Jimin smirked, holding the man's hands, kissing his knuckles. "You said so, a few million times. You can't take it back."

Yoongi just scoffed, lightly smacking the back of the boy's head, though it may as well have just been a blow of the soft wind since his hand barely brushed over his long hair. 

"You need a haircut, it's looking scruffy."

"I like it," Jimin shrugged with a little pout as the man started playing with the shoulder-length strands. "I'm not cutting it."

"I like it too!" Taehyung called from behind them, where he was with Beomgyu and the girls, causing Jimin to grin. "He looks somewhere between an Afgan puppy and a rockstar."

"You know what?" Yoongi chuckled, shaking his head at his nosey dongsaeng, twirling the boy's hair around his fingers with a thoughtful expression. "He's not wrong... But it's still scruffy."

"Like yours is any better," Jimin pouted and pointed to the man's nearly equally long hair, his tone sulky as he turned away, but Yoongi firmly grasped his chin, pulling him back into a kiss. When he broke away though, Jimin's pout just became more dramatic. "That's cheating, let me be offended."

"And watch you sulk all day?" Yoongi scoffed, pecking the boy's plump lips again. "I don't think so, little shit."

"English?" Jimin chuckled as the man playfully insulted him with foreign words, raising an eyebrow at him. The words left his lips before he even thought about them. "Who are you? Joonie hyung?"

Immediate silence fell between the couple as Jimin's cheeky expression fell. Yoongi let out a long breath, hearing his brother's name stirred up a lot of emotions for the both of them. That was the first time the boy had mentioned any of their family since they moved away.

Jimin's memories of everything were coming back thick and fast now, maybe even the positive ones, just like they had been since Taehyung arrived. 

"I miss 'im," Yoongi said softly, brushing the boy's hair out of his face and giving him a warm, nostalgic smile as he felt his own memories flood back. He had been away from his brothers for far too long, but it was for Jimin, so he could cope. "Don't you, baby?"

"I... I do," Jimin nodded, and Yoongi's smile became contagious as he ran his hand through his hair bashfully. "I miss Moni hyung."

Yoongi didn't mention any other names just yet, not wanting to push his husband past what he could cope with. This was progress, and for now, that was enough. That was more than enough.

"Lisa would have loved this," Jennie chuckled as Nuri Beomgyu ran past and tagged her, freezing her on the spot. Taehyung ran up and lingered nearby, listening while trying to catch his breath. "The freedom, the playfulness, it's so carefree. It's definitely her kinda scene."

"Yeah, Kook would have loved it here too," Taehyung nodded, letting himself sink down on the ground after Beomgyu inevitably whizzed past, tagging him in the process. "He could have gotten into so much mischief. Not that he'd ever get caught, mind. He'd always get away with it and we'd get the blame."

"Lisa did that to me and Rosé," Jennie nodded, sitting next to the boy, laying her head on his shoulder as he stared off down the field, a sad but somewhat nostalgic look in his eyes. "Maknae power, right?"

"Right," Taehyung nodded, biting his lower lip, seeing Jungkook's cheeky smirk in the back of his mind and the sight made his heart tingle. "Good God, why does it hurt so much?" 

"Because we still love them," Jennie sighed, having an answer straight away since she asked herself that... A lot.

"That's... Very true," Taehyung looked down, subconsciously holding his arm against his chest. "I guess we do."

"Hey, dumbarse?" Jennie spoke, making the boy look back up and frown at her. He had grown accustomed to the nickname, there was no point in being offended anymore, nothing was changing it. "Don't hurt yourself anymore, okay? I can't see anyone else, that I love, get hurt."

"Yoon?" Jimin's voice became clearer and Yoongi blinked as his husband's small fingers snapped in front of his face. "Earth to Yoongs... Yoonie? What's wrong?"

"Huh?" Yoongi frowned as he mindlessly fiddled with the charm on his necklace, not sure why the boy was now staring at him with wide, concerned eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I'm asking you that," Jimin pouted, tilting his head to the side, relieved to see the man was at least focusing on something again. "What was that? You went somewhere, baby."

"I was just thinking," Yoongi shook his head, brushing off the boy's worries with another warm smile, dropping his necklace and rubbing the base of Jimin's neck to relax him. "Remembering things. That's all, darling. You worry too much, calm down."

"Sometimes, I don't think I worry enough," Jimin huffed, still looking at his husband sceptically. Yoongi just chuckled and ruffled his hair, making him pout like a sad puppy.

"You worry too much," The elder repeated, letting his arm rest over the boy's shoulders when he shrugged away from his massage. "Now chill out a bit. Everything's alright, baby."  

Jimin just let out a heavy sigh, nodding his head, but something had shifted in the air. A sudden tension hit him, making his shoulders tense up, a tightness in his jaw making his teeth clench. 

It was almost as if Yoongi had just jinxed everything with those two words. Everything most certainly was not alright!

"Yeobo-"

"Hyung!" Taehyung shouted over him, causing the two to shoot their gazes over to him and where he stood with the others, already backing away from the fence the couple was sitting in front of, panic written all over their faces. "The dead!"

"What?!" Yoongi exclaimed, hopping up off the log, pulling Jimin up with him. "That's not possible!" 

But it was possible. 

Coming up the field, only a few meters away from the fence, a herd of walking corpses created shadows with their height as they stumbled closer. How the hell had no one heard them?

"Run!" Yoongi shouted, being the only one with a weapon since he was supposed to be on watch. Why did he get so distracted? What the hell was wrong with him?

Everyone else was unarmed, caught off guard, and now in danger. 

He put them in danger. 

Shit!

"Get back to the house," He shouted again as he grabbed the switchblade that was hidden in his boot, waving the kids away but Jimin was already shaking his head, holding onto his arm. "I'll meet you there! Just go!"

"No, you get back to the house!" The boy exclaimed, stumbling back in the direction of their home, dragging his husband with him. "Yoongiyah! You can't fight them, come on."

"I gotta try, baby," Yoongi shook his head, trying to escape his husband's grasp. "We can't let them get up the field. I've gotta do something, just go inside and wait for me."

"To not make it back?" Jimin quick-fired, not willing to let the man do this by himself. "No, Yoon. You're not well enough, just come back. We'll figure something else out!"

"No, just go, baby. It'll be okay, go back the house and radio-" Yoongi was about to say radio Seojoon, but the instruction was rendered moot when a round of gunfire went off, causing him to jump on the spot.

He turned and watched with wide eyes and a slack jaw as his husband crumbled at the noise. The way Jimin collapsed actually made the man question whether or not he had been shot, though he had already clocked Seojoon in the corner of his eye, clearly having returned from his run to be bombarded by the chaos.

"Jiminah, get up, baby," He quickly ran over to the boy who had now balled up into a fetal position, protecting his ears. Gently uncurling and lifting him up into his arms, Yoongi gave him a shake to try and bring him back to reality, but he kept his eyes firmly screwed up and, no matter how much the man tried to pry them away, his hands weren't budging from his ears. "You're okay, it didn't hit you, it didn't hurt you. Seojoon hyung is back, he's keeping us safe. You've gotta get up, baby. I know the noise is scary, I know you're scared, but we've gotta go!"

"Taehyung!" Seojoon shouted as he ran down the field, gun up but not taking out many of the corpses as his focus wasn't on his aim, but rather on the youngest members of the group. "Get Beomgyu and Nuri out of here! Go!"

"You good?" Jennie asked as she backed up, following the way Taehyung was running to get the teens moving faster. She could see the boy was breathless but he seemed to be coping okay.

"Fine," Taehyung nodded, waving his arm, trying to get the two youngests' attention. "We've gotta help. Yoongi and Seojoon can't do this alone."

"I was thinking the same... Yah! Give me the gun!" Jennie suggested, though it came out sounding like a demand and Seojoon was shocked. "Get Tae and the other's something to fight with, I'll hold them back."

"No, I am not giving you my gun!" Seojoon shouted back, trying to shoot down the dead that were getting too close, but heard the young woman's groan of frustration when he missed the majority of the shots. "Beomie, run to the house. You lot go with him, go!" 

"Just give me the gun!" Jennie ordered, pulling Taehyung behind her as she held her hand out for the weapon. "Dude, you're a shit aim. Give me the fucking thing!"

"Hyung, she's good," Taehyung vouched, giving the man a small nod, causing him to let out a groan and give in. "She won't waste a single bullet, I swear!"

"Damn it... Let's get you out of here," Yoongi was quick to wrap his arms around his husband as the gunfire became more rapid, more often. Jimin was starting to shut down with each deafening bang. "It's alright, baby. Come on."

"Yoon..." Jimin cried, shaking his head, frozen on the spot. Yoongi watched as the dead continued to wander around, but he was now in the protective aura of his husband, invisible to them. "I... I wanna..."

"Jiminie," He spoke, voice clear and slow, eyes locked with the younger's as he held his face in his hands. He already knew what the boy was trying to say, trying to ask, and this time, he could agree and give him what he wanted. Getting back to the house was better anyway, then he could get his gun and cover the others, giving them a chance to get to safety themselves. "Let's go home now. Yeah? Come with me, angel. Let's get you away from the noise." 

He gave Jimin one more look over as he whimpered in protest, taking in the extreme fear in his watery eyes, sparing a second to kiss his forehead before covering his ears with his hands, guiding him through the crowd as the shooting continued. 

"I've gotcha," He said, despite keeping the boy's sensitive ears covered. Jimin's little hands reached up to cover his, almost to lock them in place, and Yoongi took it as a sign of trust, moving a little faster now. "That's it, baby boy. Let's go."

Running with Jimin clutching onto him was easy. Yoongi had done that many times.

Running with Jimin clutching onto him, while the dead continued to fill the field, all while his eyes were starting to blur and his head was starting to spin.

That was a whole other story!

"J-Jimin..." He panted, letting go of the boy a little, giving him a nudge forward. "Keeping running, baby. I'll catch you up. Go... Go on."

"W-wha... What?" Jimin whimpered, shaking his head and gripping onto the man's arm, refusing to let go as his tears continued to flow. "N-no... Yoonie..."

"G-go, baby," Yoongi shook his head, he couldn't keep up with that pace, but he couldn't have Jimin standing in the middle of all the chaos. "J-just..."

"Yoonie?" Jimin continued to sob, glued to the spot as the man swayed, trying to get him to let go. "Yoonie!"

The man shook his head, bending over slightly as breathing became a difficult task, causing him to collapse to his knees and pull his husband down with him.

"Yeobo!" Jimin sobbed as the man passed out right in front of him, new and more intense fears filling his mind. His breath got caught in his throat as he tried to hold his husband, but the elder was too limp.

"Yoonie?" Jimin gasped, carefully rolling the man onto his back, only to cry out when he saw strange fluid dripping from the man's nose, tinged pink but not bright enough to be a nosebleed, and it made his stomach flip. Yoongi's eyelids flickered but didn't open, causing Jimin to panic and give the man a shake. "Yoongi! Wake up! Yoongi!"

Whimpery and indecipherable murmurs left Yoongi's lips as his eyelids continued to flutter, but that was all the response Jimin was getting, leaving him with nothing else to do other than scream for help.

"Tae!" Jimin cried, his voice breaking into sharp squeaks. His tiny hands, covered with his sleeves, gently wiped the pinky fluid away from his husband's nose, but panic was starting to take over. "Taehyungie, please! I don't know what's happening! Please, help me! Tae!"

"Give me a minute, Tiny!" Taehyung's sharp voice shouted back, but the boy didn't turn to see his best friend fight the dead with some sort of thick tree branch he had picked up off the ground. "Bit b-busy right now!"

If the situation had been different, Jimin probably would have thought it was impressive, but he missed completely in his moment of panic.

"Bear!" He screamed as Yoongi suddenly pulled away from him, his body tensing, his back arching violently. 

Jimin stared in horror, beginning to hyperventilate as he worked out what was happening but quickly realised... He didn't know what the hell to do! 

"Taehyung!"

"Hey, it's okay," Taehyung was quick to comfort as he ran over, falling to his knees next to his hyung and soulmate. Gently, he pulled the boy's hands away, stopping him from moving his husband as he frantically tried to stop the convulsions from wracking through the elder's body. "You haven't seen this side of it before, Tiny, but trust me. You can't hold him still, okay? Leave him be."

"But his head!" Jimin exclaimed as he tried to pull away, but Taehyung just shushed him quietly as he pulled off his jacket, gently easing it under Yoongi's head. It was filthy and bloodstained, but he didn't think his hyung would mind too much. "He can't... If he..."

"Shush... Shush, there you go. It's alright, he's alright," Taehyung cooed, instantly slipping into his soft, special voice whilst hugging Jimin gently, giving a small reassuring smile when he peeped up through wet lashes. The gunfire had died down, the rest of the group having managed to clear the dead, or at least led what was left away from the couple. "Just let it happen, he can't hurt himself further, now. It'll be over soon... It looks kinda scary, huh?"

"Mmh-hmm," The boy brokenly nodded, squeaky hiccups leaving his throat as he watched his husband convulse, feeling utterly useless. More useless than he had ever felt in his entire life. 

Did he put his family through this awful feeling? 

"Tae... Is this what... What I'm like?"

"I'm afraid so, chingu. Sometimes, you're worse than this. This actually isn't a bad seizure. He's already calming," Taehyung nodded sadly, moving and shuffling behind his hyung as he started gasping for air, rolling him over a little to help but taking the boy's hand and resting it on his husband's hip. "Just hold him on his side, okay? You know, you know, that it'll pass and that Yoongi hyung will be okay. Why not try talking to him, hmm? It'll help, I promise. I know it helps you."

"Oh... O-okay," Jimin stuttered, bobbing his head, and wiping his cheeks, before focusing on talking to his husband. Taehyung just nodded sadly, standing himself up.

"Just keep talking to 'im. Give me a couple of minutes, Tiny. I'll be right back," He sighed, leaning down and kissing the top of the boy's head, knowing he was too distracted anyway, so decided to go and find Jennie and the others.

As he wandered down the field, he found Seojoon and the young girl dragging the dead away, having taken out the last few while he was busy. Hearing the silence in the open air, the way the Earth seemed to stand still now, Taehyung took a moment and realised just how worn out he felt after the small battle. 

"Where are the others?" He asked the oldest man, concerned when he noticed the teens were nowhere in sight.

"In the house," Seojoon said, but his eyes were already flickering over to the couple behind him. "What's happened? What's wrong with Yoongi?"

"Jen, w-we need to get him to Jeonghan... Jeonghannim," Taehyung said, ignoring Seojoon's question as Jennie walked over, brushing her filthy hands off on her just as filthy jeans.

"You need to use your inhaler," Jennie said, reminding the boy of the annoying rattle in his throat, that had admittedly been there for a while now. "You gonna drive?"

"I can," Taehyung nodded, fishing for the device in his pocket, rolling his eyes as he found they were empty but the girl was already throwing one in his direction. Catching it in one hand, he nodded his thanks. "If some... Someone could come and keep an eye on Chim. I... I can't drive and watch him at the same time and... He's about to go off the deep end, I can just tell."

"Who's Jeonghan?" Seojoon asked, switching his gaze between the two, ultimately landing on Jennie as Taehyung seemed preoccupied, with using his inhaler. "Where are you talking about?"

"Where we came from," Jennie said sharply, though her eye remained on the boy until he seemed to regain control of his breathing. "Jeonghannim, he's the doctor there. Though, Tae, we could just get Hoseokssi to come here. Wouldn't that be easier? Draw less attention?"

"No..." Taehyung immediately shook his head, shoving his inhaler back into his pocket. "No, Yoongi hyung's really ill. He was before he left and I've... I've never seen him seize. It's quicker to get him back to Jeonghan. Hobi hyung is good, but Yoongi hyung needs Jeonghan."

"Right, well..." Jennie tapped her foot, glancing over to the couple, seeing the way Jimin had nuzzled himself between the man's arms. But Yoongi was still unconscious. "I can't drive, Tae. You know that."

"I know."

"And Jimin doesn't like me."

"That's not true," Taehyung protested, shaking his head before running a hand down his face. "It's not true at all. It's just when he's like this, he needs..."

"One of the seven," Jennie nodded, very well aware of the unbreakable bond of Bangtan. "He's still ain't gonna let me help, which doesn't help you."

"I can go with you," Seojoon suggested, reminding the two that he was there, stood awkwardly while they went back and forth in the slowest, most irritating way. "Jiminah trusts me, I think... I hope. But I need to know that the kids will be safe."

"Oh, I can babysit," Jennie said with a shrug and a wave of her hand, though it wasn't as reassuring as she may have been going for. "They'll be fine."

"Yeah, I'm going to need more than that," Seojoon shook his head, folding his arms over his chest, looking back to Taehyung. "Tae, I can't leave here knowing Beomgyu may be in danger, nor Nuri for that matter. They're too young, they need an adult here."

"Hey, I'm an adult!" Jennie defended with an offended scoff, but Taehyung just sent her a look, telling her to shut up.

"In all fairness, hyung, you can trust her. Jennie is one of the most stubborn, argumentative and defensive, for lack of a better word bitchiest people I've ever known," Taehyung stood up for the girl, ignoring the glare the girl shot at him. "But I'd trust her over almost anyone, but with my life, hyung. If there's someone who can handle the dead well, it's her. I know she'll protect those kids with her life. She won't let you down."

"Thank you," Jennie said, her glare softening into an only slightly offended frown. "I think... Look, I'll look after the place. You don't have to worry about a thing, ajeossi."

"Don't call him that," Taehyung muttered through gritted teeth. "He gets triggered if he thinks you think he's old."

"Well, isn't he?" Jennie asked, lowering her tone too as she faced the boy properly. "I mean he's at least..."

"Are you both done?" Seojoon interrupted, raising his eyebrow at the two, reminding the two of the hurry they were meant to be in. "I just need to be sure that Beomie and Nuri are safe. If you can promise me that, then we don't need to still be standing around."

"I can most definitely promise Beomie will be safe," Jennie gave a firm nod but Taehyung nudged her side, causing her to roll her eyes. "And the little..."

"Jennie!" Taehyung cut her off. It was clear she didn't like the teen girl, but she didn't need to be making a difficult situation even more difficult. "Hyung, they'll be fine. I promise, but can we please get Yoongi hyung out of here? We need to hurry up."

"Right," Seojoon finally gave in, letting out a heavy sigh before gesturing for Taehyung to make the first move. "Fine. Come on, let's go."

"Jiminah?" Taehyung crouched down, placing hi hand on his best friend's shoulder. It was worrying him deeply, the fact that Yoongi still hadn't woken up, but it was gonna be difficult to get Jimin to cooperate. "Come on, kiddo. Let's get Yoongi hyung to a doctor."

The boy sniffed, not giving much of an answer, but Taehyung knew deep down it was okay for him to pull the boy away from his husband while Seojoon helped Yoongi. 

"Let's sit in the backseat," He told the boy, walking him over to Seojoon's jeep, sitting him in the back. "I'm gonna drive, okay? So we get there quickly. You just sit with Yoongs, back here."

Seojoon was quick but gentle, laying Yoongi down in the back seat, while Jimin helped him use his lap as a pillow. The eldest slipped into the passenger seat as Taehyung started the engine.

Taehyung had somewhat zoned out as he pulled away from the field, his eyes locked on the road that he drove towards, leading them back to where the rest of his family was.

But what was said next shocked him, making him jump.

"Taehyungah?" Seojoon's voice pulled Taehyung out of his trance, sounding deadly serious and almost angry. "Were... Were you bit, kid?"

The boy let his gaze fall to his hands, on the steering wheel and saw the blood dripping from his hand. His cheeks turned hot as he gulped, noticing the bandage that was peeping out from underneath his sleeve, readjusting his hands on the steering wheel to hide it.

"No," was all he said, his tone sharp and his words short. "It's nothing, just ignore it."

"He'll be alright, Jungkookie," Jimin's soft voice came from the back seat, still choked up with immense, overwhelming emotions that couldn't be labled. "It'll be okay."

"Chimmy," Taehyng shook his head, sadly, his heart clenching tight in his chest. "Please don't."

"I know, Jungkookie. Stop telling me that," Jimin mumbled weakly, with a slight nod as he brushed his little thumbs over his husband's sharp cheekbones, causing Taehyungs sharp eyes to dart to him through the rearview mirror. "Yoonie'll be okay. We'll make him okay. We will."

"Jiminah," Taehyung spoke, his tone almost cold as he had to hold back his emotions. "Jungkook's not there. He's gone! Okay? Gone. Drop that shit and just focus on Yoongi hyung."

"Is he okay?" Seojoon asked quietly, watching the small boy through the mirror. 

"No," Taehyung shook his head, blinking away the tears that were threatening to fall at the mention of their maknae's name, of his boyfriend's name. "No, he isn't."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

Seokjin's head spun, round and round and round, sending him dizzy as Hoseok waffled his ear off about his wonderful day with Jeonghan. He was pretty sure that was what the younger was rambling about, anyway. 

He had been sitting in his little bedroom all morning, with Hoseok joining him for the past half an hour. No matter how hard he tried to focus on being realistic and just biding his time, Seokjin was sure something had happened to their leader.

It had been nearly two days since they had seen their brother. Two days since Baekhyun randomly gave Seokjin the day off work, declaring after being asked for further explanation, that Namjoon had made the deal. The deal to go on the difficult, dangerous run, to buy the eldest a few hours to himself.

If the man had gone on the run, just so he could have a rest, but didn't come back... Was hurt or worse...

Seokjin would never forgive himself.

Seokjin zoned out, his brown eyes trained on the door as Hoseok kept babbling on. He couldn't even hear his younger brother anymore, the boy's words sounding like jibberish white noise; his mind was too noisy as it was. 

He just couldn't stop worrying about Namjoon. 

"Hoseokie?" He finally cut the younger off, placing a big hand on his shoulder, unable to stay in the unknown any longer. "I'd love to hear about your day, I really would. Hyung's proud of you, but I have to go and talk to Baekhyun. Why not go and tell that pretty, little girlfriend you've got now, hmm? I've gotta go but I'll be back to listen."

"But I..." Hoseok tilted his head as his brow furrowed and jaw opened in slight offence, watching as the man pushed himself up and headed out of the room, closing the door after himself. "...Wasn't even talking about that."

As Seokjin wandered down the hallway, hands shoved into his jeans pockets and a head full of worried thoughts, he headed straight to Baekhyun's office. Though, the further he walked, the closer he came to a silhouette that seemed to be heading in the same direction. The figure didn't turn, he could see any defining features but, after a moment... 

"Joonie?" Seokjin frowned, sure he recognised the man, even from the back. "Namjoonie?"

Jogging down the hall, he grabbed the man's shoulder, pulling his stumbling to a stop and spinning him around. Seokjin audibly gasped, seeing his dongsaeng's broken expression, painted over his bloodstained, tear-stained face.

"Oh, Joonie," He sighed, but the younger man didn't say anything. He made no move, he just stood frozen as his hyung check him over. "Where have you been? What..."

No response. No, Namjoon simply grabbed his hyung with one hand clasped around the elder's jacket, pulling him close and sobbing into his shoulder, no longer able to hold it back.

"O-okay, okay. Hyung's gotcha, you're safe now," Seokjin's voice was soft and calm as he held the man tight, just letting him sob. He didn't have to be strong right now, it was okay to cry. "Are you okay? Hmm? ...Let's get you some help, now, Joonie. Come on."

-

"So, I was thinking you two could hit the books, tomorrow?" Jeonghan suggested as he walked into his little assigned office, with one of his apprentices,  Jisoo following and listening closely.

 The room was not much bigger than the supply cupboard, down the hall, but Jeonghan didn't mind. It was cosy after a long day of work. 

"With more people going on runs, we're gonna need you to be able to deal with injuries. You and Hoseokah are both well-trained in wound care now, but what happens when people start breaking bones? We don't exactly have the materials for casts. I need you two to come up with some ideas. Get creative, see what we can do with what we've got, yeah?"

"Um, okay..." Jisoo nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. "I'll go and see what Hoseokssi thinks. Maybe he already..."

"Jeonghan!" A loud voice bounced into the room as the door swung open. The doctor swung around with a shocked frown as Seokjin ran in, practically dragging an exhausted-looking Namjoon behind him.

"I'll... Uh, give you some privacy," Jisoo bowed her head, excusing herself and quickly creeping out of the room to give the men their own space as they started to rush around.

"What the fuck is going on?" The doctor exclaimed as Seokjin sat Namjoon on the small couch, that had been squashed into the room. The younger of the two was shivering, and Jeonghan could hear his shaky, shallow breaths from his desk. "Namjoonssi, when did you get back? What's happened?"

"He's shaken," Seokjin shook his head, already having asked these questions and not received any answers or explanations. He could only tell the doctor what he had noticed. "He's injured his wrist, maybe his head too. But we're not talking yet, Jeonghannim."

"Did you make this?" The doctor continued to question the younger though, as he crouched down in front of him and helped him out of the crappy sling, gesturing to the DIY contraption on his arm. "You splinted it yourself?"

Namjoon merely nodded, missing the impressed tone of the doctor's voice, just looking away when he gently took hold of his arm and started to undo the belt.

"You're a very clever man," Jeonghan scoffed, honestly impressed as he carefully unwrapped the tightened belt from the man's arm. "True survivalist! I wouldn't've thought of all this and, hell, I've been fucking trained."

"It's needed to happen," Namjoon looked away, gritting his teeth and speaking for the first time as the doctor moved the broken pieces of plunger away and unravelled the bandage.

"Ah, right," Jeonghan cleared his throat, a new sense of urgency in his voice as he pushed away from the couch after seeing the open fracture. "Strong painkillers and preemptive antibiotics, me thinks. Right now. Gimme a second."

"Joonie?" Seokjin spoke softly as the doctor ran out of the room, but Namjoon had gone back to not answering. The younger was just staring through the floor, his cheeks pale as his shoulders continued to shudder. 

The eldest just sighed and shook his head, unsure of what to do. He had seen his brothers, some of them at their worst times, but he had never seen Namjoon this shattered.

"Okay, take these," The doctor quickly whizzed back into the office and handed the man a strip of tablets, placing them in his shakey hand along with a bottle of water. "We'll give them a moment to kick in, take the edge off, and then I'm gonna examine this wrist. See what we're dealing with."

"Be careful with him," Seokjin said, narrowing his sharp eyes at the doctor. Jeonghan just nodded, knowing why he was being so protective. Namjoon never showed himself as this fragile, the man never showed his weaknesses, therefore something really bad must have gone down while he was away.

Be gentle, the doctor took the younger's arm after a moment, very carefully examining where it was clearly broken.

"Right... The break is clean, by the feels of it, but the protrusion isn't severe," Jeonghan said, cautious not to move the man's wrist too abruptly. "It can be treated without surgery. Casting will be difficult though, we were just discussing that, but we'll work it out... Had you not splinted it, I think I'd be saying something very different. Well done, Namjoonssi. I know it hurts worse than having your balls stapled... Well, no, it doesn't, not that I would know... Anyway, you did amazingly well."

"You're insufferable," Namjoon gritted his teeth, shaking his head, subconsciously leaning into his hyung more as the painkillers started to kick in, making him feel lightheaded.

Jeonghan just chuckled, shaking his head and gently laying the man's arm back down on his lap. Just as he was about to explain his plan to help, the door swung open. admittedly only really making him jump as the other two weren't paying much attention.

"Junmyeon said he saw you back," Baekhyun grumbled as he rudely entered the room, his words aimed at Namjoon but not really being heard until they fell flat and firm. "So, where the hell are the rest of the group, Namjoon? There were four of you. Zhang radioed but I've lost contact with them now. Where are they?"

"They left," Namjoon shook his head, his words still stuttering and fumbling all over the place. Seokjin had never heard him so worked up, he had never seen his brother this scared. "I got o-o-out of th-there on my own. I d-don't know where they are, nor d-do I care! They could be dead for all-"

"Okay," Seokjin decided to cut him off before Baekhyun stormed across the room. "Baekhyunssi, no one knows where your men are. Why not just go and find them? Not like you would have extended us that same courtesy, right? Don't expect any help from us."

"Fucking hell!" Baekhyun exclaimed, literally kicking the ground like a child throwing a tantrum, aggressively slamming the door into the wall for added effect.

"Did you at least give hyung the day off?" Namjoon asked, his voice softer now, though in some ways, more firm as well. He sounded like himself for the first time in hours, even if he was exhausted and croaky. 

"Day off?" Seokjin frowned, his gaze switching between the two. "You mean those three hours you said I could have was meant to be a day?"

"Oh, you know what?" Baekhyun scoffed as all eyes turned to him, shaking his head and running a hand through his hair. "I don't have fucking time for this! I need to go and find my men. I'll deal with you later."

"Deal with what?" Seokjin questioned but the man had already disappeared out the door. "Aish..."

Silence fell in the room as Jeonghan clicked his tongue, giving the men a moment before asking the question that needed to be asked.

"Namjoonssi," He said softly, crouching in front of the man, placing his hand on his knee. "How did you get out by yourself?"

First things first.

Namjoon knew he was trapped. He neck jarred every time the dead slammed their whole bodies against the bathroom door behind him. He couldn't move even if he wanted to, they would just run in and tear him apart instantly.

The man's main priority was his wrist, which was leaving a pool of blood around him. He had to stop the bleeding.

Shimmying his backpack off his shoulders, he managed to use his good hand to rummage around in the supplies he had found before all hell broke loose. Finding a bandage, he ripped the packet open with his teeth and tried to wrap it around his wrist.

Doing that one-handed was hard enough, but the feeling of his bone being forcefully pushed around, the agony that came with that - Namjoon couldn't swallow down the bile rising in his throat.

The vomit burned as the man found himself unable to control the retching, but he didn't stop until he had bandaged his arm. He could worry about being covered in sick later, this needed to happen.

Taking deep, shuddering breaths, he let himself calm for a few moments. Then it was back to work.

He swallowed thickly, the long piece of wood catching his eye as he scanned the room for anything useful. Using his foot, straining greatly while not moving away from the door, he managed to drag the plunger close enough to grab it with his uninjured hand. 

The smell of the rubber's many soiled travels in the loo made the man cringe, his nose wrinkling and eyes watering; the urge to vomit came back but it was the best he had. Using his foot once again, he managed to snap the wooden handle in half, thankfully kicking off the dirty rubber in the process. At least he didn't have to touch it with his bare hands.

Shaking his head and trying to ignore the smell, the man dropped the plunger by his side and reached for his belt, unbuckling it and shimmying until it was free from his waist. 

Deep breath... 

Think.

The second thing to do...

"Alright... Come on. This isn't gonna hurt at all," He psyched himself up, grabbing the two halves of the handle. "It's just... You know, mind over matter. That's all."

Bracing his injured arm against his torso, he managed to get to wooden poles to sit on either side, though grew incredibly frustrated as it took four tries before they stopped rolling away. 

Why the fuck were humans born with only two hands? Pathetic!

Carefully manoeuvring, he managed to wrap the belt around the poles and sucked in a deep, deep breath before...

"Fuck!" He gritted his teeth almost to breaking point, grinding them as his eyes squeezed painfully tight, while he tightened the belt, forcing his injured arm to straighten. 

It was agony. It felt like his arm was on fire, and it hurt like a bitch - but it worked.

Next, he thought to himself, panting heavily as he looked around again. He had to get out, and the dead were still pushing against the door, jolting him every time they shoved it. 

Looking around through now hooded eyes, he managed to get his gaze to fall upon an escape route. A tiny window, above the toilet...

It was the only way out.

Now, third on the mental checklist he had made himself...

Blocking the door.

He needed to move to get to the window but he knew, it would take less than a second for the dead to break the door down if he were to step away. It needed blocking somehow. 

"Think, God damn it!"

His backpack caught his eye again. Grabbing it, he growled in frustration as he found - nothing in there was useful!

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," He chanted, throwing things about, trying to find something. Anything.

And then he realised, as useless as it was going to be - there was only one thing that could possibly help.

Securing his arm to his chest, using one of the other bandages to make a sling, he grabbed all the boxes of tablets he had.

Tipping out the strips of medications, the man knew he could only try.

Using his foot to flatten the cardboard boxes, he shimmied, shoving them under the door behind him, wedging them in until they could move. It took all twelve boxes until there were no gaps, the space between the bottom of the door and the grubby floor completely jammed shut.

Namjoon clicked the lock, just for safe measure.

Now...

Pushing himself up off the flithly floor, he kept his back against the door, not quite trusting it just yet. His head was starting to pound from the roars and growls coming from outside and, when the door made him jolt again, that's when he decided it was time to go.

Checking the door one last time, he shook his head at himself, telling himself just how stupid he was. This was his own fault for trusting Byun Baekhyun, after all.

The door wouldn't last long but... It would buy him a few seconds.

Enoguh time to jump onto the metal toilet and throw the window open. The window was small, way too small.

The idea of having to jump out of it made him think of the story Seokjin had told him, when they got him back to the beach, how Jimin had to crawl through a doggy door just to escape a house to help them.

But he wasn't Jimin. 

He didn't have slim shoulders, he wasn't dainty and short.

No, Namjoon was nearly six feet tall, with broad shoulders, a huge coat on and a backpack. He wasn't dainty at all, in fact exactly the opposite. 

"Come on, Kim!" He shouted at himself as he threw his bag out the window, and took in a few short sharp breaths before finally going for it. He had to, even if he got stuck there forever and died in that window like an absolute idiot - he at least had to try.

With one, determined jump, he forced himself through the tiny window, wigging until he came tumbling out the other side. It wasn't a long fall, still on the first floor, but it was a tiny window and an awkward angle.

The wail that left the man's mouth as he landed, with a heavy thump, right onto his wrist when he forgot not to try and catch himself with it, made him seriously question who the hell he was. He didn't even sound like himself, the squeal sounding more in Jimin's vocal range than his own. 

"Do not..." He spat, shaking his head as he literally had to force himself to sit up, trying to bring himself back, to stop his eyes from rolling from the pain. "Do not pass out... Get a grip, Kim!"

He needed to get home, away from the dead, back with his family. 

The only thing left to do was...  Not pass out. 

Chapter Text

"If we're not back soon to explain, they're gonna attack Byun with a thousand questions," Zitao sighed, his entire mind riddled with panicky thoughts of what would happen when they managed to get home. When they had to tell the small group of men that they left their brother behind.  "They're gonna kill us. Hell, they could kidnap us, take us to that psycho in Busan and... Oh, God! What if we end up like Taeminnim?"

"Shut the fuck up!" Zhang smacked the man over the head harshly, causing his feet to stop for a second, leaving him frozen behind them. "Byun himself told us to leave the bastard. We don't have to worry about the others. We just need to get home, now concentrate. It was your retarded arse that got us lost in the first place."

Zitao huffed like an offended child, rolling his eyes as he sauntered behind Zhang and Jongdae through the forest that he, admittedly, had led them into. He had seen long wooden trails through the trees and convinced the two men to see them as a map, follow them to get home...

That was a bad idea.

"Do you even know where these paths lead?" Jongdae scoffed, looking up at the walkways above their heads, frowning at them as if he was trying to sus them out. They weren't new to the pathways, they had seen them many times on their runs, but not one of them had ever spent a second to try and work out what they were or who built them.

Baekhyun knew. They didn't need to know. At least, they didn't think they needed to. Not until the owners themselves had made themselves known, climbing down from the trees and stopping them in their mission to get home.

The three men froze, the more timid two hiding behind Zhang as their leader. Though the older man looked just as scared, just as terrified, just as submissive as about five or six tall men dressed in cloaks and robes lined up in front of them.

It took him a moment to remind himself how to breathe as he tried to inspect the men, looking for any indication of who they were, where they had come from...

"Hi," The tallest spoke with a gritty voice, stepping forwards from the middle of the line-up, his cloak hiding all defining features and yet the three of Baekhyun's men were still frozen with fear.

"H-hello..." Zhang lowered his head, greeting the men with caution, not expecting the quiet, dark chuckle that met his shyness. 

"I wonder if you three could help me. I have spent the last thirteen months trying to find a way to get back at someone who thought it was okay to try and hurt me, steal from me, betray me," The cloaked man said, only his smirk showing from underneath his hood as shadows blocked the rest of his face. "You gentlemen look local. Do you think you could help me? I'm still looking for this someone. A small, weak, pathetic, whiny excuse of a man;  goes by the name Park Jimin. I'm guessing he's still around here somewhere, hiding in his husband's shadow."

The three men visibly shuddered at the mention of the weak boy's name, causing Mingyu to raise an intrigued eyebrow, giving them a curious smirk. This Jimin was a more interesting character than he had ever thought. Was there something he didn't know?

"We've... We've heard of him," Zhang nodded, feeling Zitao's glare and Jongdae's fearful eyes burning through him from behind. "Can't say I've ever run into the kid, you guys? No? But our boss knows where he is."

"I want you to introduce us to this boss of yours," The man said, no... Ordered. Zhang's mouth clamped shut for a second as the lips under the hood fell into a straight, firm line before quirking up once more. "Please."

"Why?" Zhang narrowed his eyes, his tone a little stronger now, as if he was learning how to talk to this stranger. "What are you going to do for us? It's no easy task, to get around that group. Jimin's group."

"I'll tell you what... Make this trip worth our while, son," The stranger smirked, placing his hand on Zhang's shoulder, looking up. His hood fell back as he made direct eye contact, almost making the shorter man squirm on the spot as he gasped at the stranger's unnaturally golden eyes. Rummaging around in the hidden pocket of his clock, the warrior pulled out a small, green glass vial with a label that Zhang couldn't read in time. "And I may be able to offer you the gift of immortality. How does that sound? ...Though, if you waste our time, I can most definitely promise a slow and oh-so-entertaining death for each of you."

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"You shouldn't be out here," Seokjin sighed as he found Namjoon out by the front gates, his breath coming out in a mist as he walked over and placed his hand on the man's shoulder. He wasn't surprised by his brother being outside, he had expected it, but that didn't mean he was worried about the younger man standing out in the cold after what he had been through. "You're not ready, Joonie. Go back in and rest."

"Baekhyun's been gone all night," Namjoon said, not making any effort to brush the man off, but not acknowledging his concern either. The bleak statement only makes Seokjin wonder how long he had been standing there though. "Which means he still hasn't found them. What if they're dead?"

"Who cares?" Seokjin asked, his brow furrowing as he watched his brother out of concern. "Joon, they're bad people..."

"It's going to be my fault if they don't come back, hyung."

"How is it your fault?" Seokjin scoffed, shaking his head as the younger rolled his eyes at him. "They left you, you said so."

"It's still going to be my fault," Namjoon sighed, almost as if he had already accepted his fate. "You know damn well it is. If Baekhyun is known for anything, it's finding someone else to blame for his wrongdoings. I'm going to be that someone."

"I'm not gonna let him blame you, Joonie," Seokjin said, giving the younger a firm look, patting his shoulder. "It wasn't your fault. If they don't come back, it's on them. The only important thing is that you got back safe."

"That won't matter if Baekhyun comes back tonight and kills me," Namjoon gave half a shrug, but there was something about his tone. Something that scared the eldest, but didn't seem to scare him. He sounded... Empty.

"I won't let that happen, Namjoon," Seokjin shook his head, but the younger wouldn't look at him. "I just... Won't let that happen."

A slight, tension-filled silence settled between the men as they stared through the bars of the gates. The outside was calm, it always was at Hwaesa.

Unlike at the warehouse or the hospital, where they had to work on the fences, killing the dead that built up outside of them. Hwaesa was always calm, so calm it was unsettling.

It was unsettling because despite the serene illusion - there was always something seconds away from going wrong. You could always sense the danger of the building, of the people who occupied it. You could smell the uncertain safety in the air.

"Hyung?!" A scared, frantic voice came from a radio hooked onto Seokjin's belt, causing him to jump, hold his breath and freeze. With the youthful tone but mature depth, the voice was mistakably Taehyung's, but that wasn't the first name that came to the man's mind when he was caught off guard.

"Jungkook?" He frowned, the name slipping from his lips quickly before he even thought about saying anything. 

"Don't be an idiot," Namjoon said harshly, though he was sure he didn't mean it to sound so mean. Grabbing the radio with his only working hand, the leader answered swiftly. "Taehyungah? Is that you?"

"We're just pulling up!" Taehyung shouted back through the device but was heard to be heard over the loud, desperate sound of someone crying. "Come around back! Please, hyung, hurry. Bring Jeonghan or Hobi, or both! It's Yoongi hyung, he's ill!"

The men froze, eyes widening as they stared at each other, only breaking out of their shock when Taehyung shouted at them again.

"Hurry!"

"Go, radio for Jeonghan!" Seokjin said to Namjoon, already making a run for the back of the building. "I'll meet you there. Hurry, Joon!"

"Jimin, just wait here, chingu," Taehyung tried but it was no easy task, trying to get the small boy to leave his husband's side. "Please! Please, just let me get hyung inside..."

"Just let him go with you, Taehyungah," Seojoon suggested, trying to hold the elder of the two back as Taehyung rushed his brother inside, but it was clear they weren't going to get Jimin to cooperate, no matter how hard they tried.

"He can't go inside!" Taehyung shouted back, struggling to hold his second-oldest brother in his arms. Eight hours they had been driving, at top speed, but Yoongi never regained consciousness. "Keep him out h-"

"Taehyungah!" Seokjin's voice called, the back doors of the massive corporation building swinging open. Taehyung felt the air leave his lungs and quickly fill them back up like balloons, the relief of seeing his hyung almost knocking him over. "We've called for Jeonghan. What happened?"

"I-I don't even know," The boy shook his head, finding it hard to find his words. "He just... I... Hyung, I'm dropping him!"

Seokjin rushed to his side, carefully lifting Yoongi out of his arms, but his mind started running with a million thoughts and fears.

"I-I've got him," Seokjin stuttered, panic filling his chest as his eldest dongsaeng now lay limp in his arms. "I've got him, Tae. Let go. It's alright, let go, now... Woah, w-wait, Jiminah..."

"No, Tiny! Let them help," Taehyung was quick to shift his attention, grabbing his best friend who had slipped from Seojoon's hold, and hugging him from behind to stop him from interfering. He knew the kid just wanted his husband, he was terrified, but he was going to get in the way. "It's okay, he's with hyung. Come on, chingu."

"What happened, guys?" Jeonghan asked as he ran down with Hoseok and Namjoon, his voice low and monotone, firm as he stepped closer to where Seokjin was holding Yoongi. It was what the others had come to call his doctor voice. He held the younger man's face in his hands, carefully watching for any reactions, though only got a soft flutter of his eyelids. "Tell me what happened. From the start. Slowly."

"I-I don't know!" Taehyung exclaimed, trying not to get wound up by his best friend's fists hitting against him, struggling to hold Jimin back as he fought and fought and fought. "The dead came and we were fighting. He was trying to get Jiminah away but just collapsed. His headaches have been bad again. Jeonghannim, he seized. I don't think that's... This gross pink stuff came from his nose."

"That's a CSF leak. The pressure's caused a bleed," Jeonghan shook his head, no longer needing to hear the full story, nor did he have time to. "Jin, come on! Hoseokssi, get Jisooyah, get Jiyongnim, get everyone on my team! We need to move quickly. Go!"

As the two elders ran off, Hoseok shook his head at Namjoon as Taehyung tried to keep Jimin breathing, let alone calm him down.

"Go and radio the team, Joonah," He said, giving the leader a firm look, telling him to simply get a move on. "Go. We've gotta get Jiminah calm. I'll help Tae, just go and make sure no one knows he's here."

"Shush, shush, shush," Taehyung tried to keep hold of his best friend as Namjoon ran after the men. He collapsed to the ground, going down with the boy as he wailed, but he didn't let go of him for a second. "Yoongi's gonna be fine, Tiny. He ain't leaving ya, he never would. That stubborn bastard would walk through the fires of hell barefoot if it meant staying by your side. You just have to wait for him, chingu. You just have to hold on tight and wait for him."

"Tae, let's get him out of sight," Hoseok said, his tone hushed as he crouched beside his brothers. "Before anyone sees him. Come on, let's get him to my room."

"No!" Jimin screeched as Taehyung nodded and tried to stand him up, frantic, beyond help. "No, Yoon... Yoongi! Y-Yoon... Yoon! ...My... M-my-m-"

"Listen to me, Jiminie," Hoseok shook his head, carefully but securely cupping the boy's beet-red cheeks in his hand, lifting his head so he could look him in the eye, gently brushing his hot tears away. "Listen to Hobi, now... Jiminie? You remember, sweetheart? You remember me?"

"Probably not," Taehyung muttered under his breath, but the bitter words didn't go amiss with Hoseok. He didn't let it sway him though.

"Jiminie, honey, listen now," Hoseok said, more firmly as he kept hold of his dongsaeng cheeks, though his smile and eyes softened to show his brother that he wasn't going to hurt him. "We're all on the same side. I have been working with Jeonghan, every hour of practically every day since we got here. I have learned just how incredible that man is; what he can do, and the miracles he can perform. Believe me when I say he is going to do everything possible to help Yoongs.

Now, let Hobi help you, okay? If Baekhyun finds out you're here, he's gonna send you away or worse. I don't want that to happen. I want you to be able to stay here until Yoongi is better. Yeah? Yeah. That's what we want. So, come with hyung now. Take Hobi and Tae's hands, come with us now. Come on, sweetheart, let's keep you safe as well."

-

"You cleared him before they left!" Seokjin shouted as soon as Jeonghan left the medical room, where Yoongi was now resting. "What the hell is this? What's happening?"

"I sent him off with medication for intracranial hypertension," Jeonghan said, his voice crystal clear but the words and terms were still foreign to Seokjin. "It's been a year, and Taehyung says this came on when he got there. Which means, for some unknown reason, he stopped taking that medication. Whether he couldn't find any, or he was more focused on searching for other things while doing medication runs, it doesn't matter anymore because the pressure had built up again very quickly and has now caused a bleed."

"But you're gonna help him," Seokjin said, brow furrowing as the doctor sighed at him, giving him a look of uncertainty. "No, you are going to help him. You are."

"I can try. We have no idea, without scans," Jeonghan sighed, shaking his head, sounding frustrated. "I don't know how bad of a state Yoongi is in and I hate that, Seokjin. I really do because I cannot do my job properly, and that makes me angry more than anything. The best I can do is operate, like I suggested before he left... We're lucky we even have an operating room at all in a dump like this so I can only go through with my previous plan; which is to do the craniectomy to relieve the pressure and just pray that I can easily find and repair the bleed. I am attempting the impossible here, and attempt is the best I can do..."

The doctor's long and wordy rant was cut off abruptly as he turned to walk back into the small room, when Seokjin grabbed his arm, staring at him with wide eyes filled with a mix of panic and anger.

"I have to go now, Seokjin," Jeonghan said with narrowed eyes, his voice so firm it sound cold and blunt as the man held tight onto his hand. "Yoongi's brain is bleeding right now. He is haemorrhaging. I have to go now before he has a stroke. You want to let me go, Seokjin. Now."

"Promise me!" Seokjin exclaimed as the doctor turned to walk away, briefly letting him go before grabbing his arm abruptly again, and causing him to look back with a warning frown. "Jeonghannim, promise me you'll save my brother."

"I can't promise you that, Seokjinssi," Jeonghan shook his head, forcibly removing the man's hand from his arm, looking him firmly in the eye. It was terrifying to see the doctor act so seriously. "I can't stand here and tell you I can save Yoongi's life because I am not a neurosurgeon. But I can stand here and say that I am a very highly qualified trauma surgeon and have trained with some of the best in the country.

 I have performed this operation six times in my career, before the world went to shit, five assisting a lead and once leading myself, and five of those times were completely successful, without complications. 

 It's been a long time since I have been in this position but when I am, I give one million percent of my focus, attention and care to my patients. I will give my best in there, hopefully, Yoongi will give his best back, okay? I will try my absolute best, Seokjinssi. That, I can promise. Now, I am going to go and get the rest of my team, you are gonna go and find me Jung Hoseok... And you keep Jiminah as far away as possible. I don't even want him in this block. You keep him away, Seokjinssi! I need no distractions." 

-

Seojoon watched helplessly as Taehyung, Namjoon and Hoseok tried their damnedest to calm Jimin down, and yet the boy just screamed.

He was screaming names that were unknown to the eldest man. Names like Jungkook, Woosung, Baekhyun, and Taemin. Seojoon had no idea who these people were and yet he had never seen Jimin as scared as he was portraying himself to be.

"Jiminie, we're going to keep you safe," Hoseok tried to reason with the frantic boy, holding his hands down as Taehyung cuddled him still, keeping him sitting on the bed. "Baekhyun isn't even here at the moment. You're okay but we can't draw this much attention to ourselves okay? I need you to be quiet, honey. Can you please just try to take a deep breath?"

"Hyung, do we have any blankets? A big blanket, preferably fluffy," Taehyung asked either Namjoon or Hoseok, kind of addressing them both as he looked around the bedroom, wincing as his soulmate struggled away from Hoseok and turn to grip the hell out of him, holding him so tight it was becoming painful and he needed relief. "Yoongi got him a blanket, back in Busan. He needs it when he has flashbacks but we... Forgot to bring it. Hyung, Chimmy needs a blanket."

"Yeah, I-I-I'll go and find one," Hoseok stuttered, giving a hurried nod, pushing himself off the bed and letting Namjoon take his place as he headed to the door. "Just, uh, use the, um, the duvet for now. Yeah? I'll try and find him a blanket. Just quieten him down, we can't get caught."

"Jeonghan needs you!"

Hoseok almost fell over as he was screamed at from the other end of the hall. He had barely closed the bedroom door behind him and yet, Seokjin still ran to him.

"Hyung!" He cried, hand over his chest as his heart raced. "What the f-"

"Jeonghan needs you, now!" Seokjin repeated more urgently as the younger glared at him, grabbing his arm and trying to drag him down the hall, where he'd just come from. "Quickly, Hoseokie. Please! Come on."

"Me?" Hoseok shook his head a little, not sure how to react to his hyung's abrupt appearance. "But Tae's in there on the brink of a breakdown. My head now hurts from all the screaming. And apparently, Jimin needs a fricking blanket and... And..."

"Hoseokie, Yoongi's... Jeonghan needs all the help he can get," Seokjin shook his head, feeling the fear creeping up his throat again. "He needs to operate, he said... I don't know. Hoseokie, you need to help him!"

"Surgery?" The younger's jaw fell to the floor, his eyes widening in fear, confusion and shock. "Jin, I'm not an actual doctor, I've had zero training in surgery! I've never... Never... No. No, hyung, I can't help him. I'd be in the way. I'd make things w-worse, hyung. I-"

"Hoseok, please!" Seokjin grabbed the man's hand as he started to babble, his eyes screaming, desperate, begging. "This is Yoongi!"

"Fine, fine, okay!" Hoseok nodded, his head bobbing up and down as Seokjin wasted no time, dragging him back to the medical room. 

They only waited a second after banging on the door, about to let themselves in, before Jeonghan swung the door open and shoved them back outside.

"Jiyong's prepping him, I need you to stay out here," The doctor said, not letting the eldest of the two kick off like he was about to, rather just talking on. "We just have one problem, here. If we're gonna do this, we need blood. Which is just not available in an old company building, unless there's someone with a lot to confess."

"Not a problem," Seokjin shook his head, finally dropping Hoseok's hand, remembering he was still gripping it tight without meaning to. "I'll give it as much as he needs. That's not an issue."

"That idea's nice, Jinnie, but it's too risky without knowing for sure what blood types you are," Jeonghan sighed, placing his hand on the man's shoulder. "He could reject it, and then we'd be in a worse state. Not to mention your own condi-"

"No, I've done it for him before," Seokjin shook his head, cutting the doctor off just as harshly as he nudged his hand away. "We are the same blood type. He didn't reject anything, just let me do it again. Let me help, in any way. Please!"

"Seokjinssi..." The doctor was about to protest but with both of the men staring at him with wide, fearfully pleading eyes... "Fine! Fine, Hoseok go, get him ready. Make it quick."

"Thank you," Seokjin said bluntly, turning on his heel, just expecting Hoseok to follow him.

"Take no more than two units from him," Jeonghan said lowly, catching Hoseok's shoulder and holding him back, looking him dead in the eye. "We'll work something else out if we need more, but that man is not healthy enough for this. Take two, send him straight to get something to eat then make sure he goes to bed, and then come back. I do not need two of you down at the same time... How is Jiminah?"

"Could do with being knocked out for a bit," Hoseok let out a long tired breath, letting his gaze fall to the floor before looking over to his eldest brother, waiting impatiently at the end of the hall. "Inconsolable... And he wants a fucking blanket! Damn it, I forgot..."

"Do it," Jeonghan said shortly, making Hoseok flash him a sharp frown. "If you truly think he's gonna make himself ill, then sedate him. After you've helped Jinnie."

 "We've gotta get Yoongs through this, Seonbaenim," The younger sighed, giving a small nod of understanding. "Otherwise, we lose them both."

-

"Tae, what do we do, buddy?" Namjoon asked, running his uninjured hand down his face. His head was banging, ears were ringing and yet all he could hear, still, was Jimin's shrill crying. "Why is he so worked up?"

"Being here!" Taehyung barked, looking at his brother as if he was being stupid. "Hyung, it's triggering. That's why he left in the first place. He can't be here."

"I get that but..." Namjoon shook his head, watching as the small boy shook against the younger, seemingly hiding from everything. Maybe even himself. "How do we... Make it... Less triggering?"

"I don't know. He doesn't remember any of... I mean he remembers but..." Taehyung shook his head as Jimin hid his face in his neck, huddling up to him. "It's like he only knows what happened here if he's triggered. When he's at home..."

"Maybe we c-could just go home now?" Jimin whimpered sheepishly into his shoulder, playing with the sleeves pulled over his little hands. Taehyung just sighed, flashing Namjoon a sad look as he gently rubbed his hand over the boy's shoulder blades before pulling him to his side and hugging him close once again. "I don't feel safe here, I want Yoonie and wanna go home."

"I know you do, kiddo," The younger boy said, playing into whatever was causing his best friend to speak like a four-year-old and just comforting Jimin as best he could at that moment. "I know you do, but there's nothing we can do right now. You've just gotta be brave for us, okay? Can you do that, chingu? I know you can."

Namjoon watched as the boy broke down into tears again at his best friend's suggestion, at a complete loss as to what to do.

"Um, Taehyunah?" Seojoon cleared his throat, piping up from the corner he had been stood in for what he felt could have easily been half an hour now. "Taehyungah, do you think...? Taehyung! Could this..."

"Who are you?" Namjoon asked sharply before Taehyung's attention was even caught, taking the elder aback with his glare.

"He's a friend, hyung," Taehyung called, giving his brother a nod when he shot him a disbelieving look. "It's okay, Seojoon hyung's a friend."

"You said that about Hyungsik," Namjoon muttered under his breath, shaking his head before looking back at the elder. "Don't give me a reason not to trust you. What were you going to say?"

"Just... Jimin hasn't had his medication today."

"What do you know about his medication?" Namjoon scoffed, but his bitter tone was starting to rub the elder the wrong way. 

"Not a lot, actually," Seojoon gave an unamused chuckle, not letting the man get under his skin. "That's why I'm bringing it up."

"Namjoonie hyung, he could seize easily, then," Taehyung frowned, worried as he remembered that the elder was right. "We need to..."

"No, I mean the other ones," Seojoon shook his head, sighing softly, causing Namjoon's glare to harden with confusion. "There are these other ones that he has. Yoongi never let me know what they are. He said it would be breaching Jimin's privacy. All I know is that he never let the kid miss a dose, never. I don't know... Something about the way he always made sure, at the same time every day. Could they have something to do with... How he's acting now?"

"It's antipsychotics," Taehyung said, making the men look back at where he was basically cradling the trembling boy. "Aren't they, Tiny? The tablets you take, they're antipsychotics."

"Then we need to find Jin hyung," Namjoon said, giving Taehyung a small nod of thanks, though his eyes never softened. "We can't let him carry on like this. Hyung was with them, most of the day they left. He'll know what Jeonghan gave him."

"R-risperi..." Taehyung mumbled out as if he wasn't sure what the word actually was, just making a noise he thought sounded similar to his memory. "Risperidone? Yeah, I think that's the one, I saw the box on their nightstand. I'm pretty sure it's risperidone, or respirodone or... You get the point."

Namjoon nodded again, heading over to the door, just as Hoseok was about to walk in.

"He still going?" The man asked, sighing heavily as Jimin's little sobs answered his question quickly. "Well, Jeonghan's..."

"Hoseokie?" A quiet voice called, causing the man to turn, forgetting what he was saying as Binna skipped down the hall, looking at him with worried eyes. "What's going on? The aura of this place... Jesus Christ, why is everything so stressful around here today?"

"Um, we've..." Hoseok stammered for words as the girl popped her head around the bedroom door, taking in the scene for herself before looking at him for an explanation. "Got a lot going on.

"You've gotta calm him down, Hoseok! He's making my head hurt!" Binna whisper-shouted as Jimin started to cry loudly again, causing the man to sigh. As if that wasn't what he was trying to do. Showing her the vial of medication he had pulled out of his pocket, the girl just scoffed. "You're gonna sedate him? Oh, for goodness' sake! Just because you're training to be a doctor, Hoseok, doesn't mean you should take the easy way out of a breakdown. It'll just be worse next time. Get out of my way."

"Hyung, can you get him his rescue meds?" Taehyung called as Binna shoved the man out of the way. "He slipping, I think he's going into a cluster."

"I-I-I've gotta..." Hoseok stuttered gesturing over his shoulder but Namjoon just nodded at him.

"Go, I'll get him some," He said firmly, the younger giving him a nod of thanks. "Just keep us updated, Hope... Hoseok, I mean it. Keep us updated."

"Binnassi, maybe we should just let Jimin have some privacy?" Namjoon said after a second though, before leaving the room. "If anyone's gonna help her, it's gonna be Tae."

"Of course," The girl gave him a sweet smile, nodding as he left the room before closing the door, turning back to Taehyung and Jimin. "Need anything?"

"I don't know," The younger boy shook his head lightly. "I don't think so..."

Binna nodded again, giving him another warm smile, before looking at Jimin. Seeing how broken he looked, how lost he looked, how sad he looked.

"Hey, here. Aw, shush, shush, it's okay," The girl cooed softly as she sat beside the sobbing boy, on the bed, gently wrapping the woolly shawl over the boy's shoulders and pulling it tight around him. "How's that, hmm? Feel better? A bit safer? It always makes me feel safer, I know that. There you go, little buddy." 

Binna gave a soft chuckle as Jimin curled up against her, laying his head on her lap as his cries died down into quiet sniffles and coughs under the shawl. 

"Binnassi," Taehyung spoke quietly as he tilted his head, to see his soulmate's face. The boy's eyelids were fluttering, the corners of his swollen lips twitching enough to make him drool. "Can you lift his head a little?"

"Like this?" The girl asked, gently propping Jimin's head up with her thigh but keeping him close to her, waiting for Taehyung to nod his approval before tucking the scarf tighter around the smaller boy. "There, nice, comfy, cosy. I can't let you keep this, buddy, but I think I'll allow you to nap with it for a bit. How's that sound?"

"How'd you know to do that?" Taehyung asked, looking up at the older girl as Jimin only nuzzled closer, coming out of the little seizure that had clearly drained his remaining energy. Not that she seemed to mind, she just cuddled the small boy lightly, allowing him to get comfortable. "He needed a blanket, he had one back in Busan... What's the deal?"

"If you want the medical explanation, the feeling of being wrapped up tight in something releases serotonin. It makes you feel warm, relaxed, safe. It gives a feeling of security. That's why I wear it all the time," Binna smiled, her voice soft as she brushed Jimin's long fringe out of his eyes as he gave in and fell asleep against her. "As for how I knew... If you take a moment and put yourself in other people's shoes. Really wear and feel them..."

"I grew up in his shoes, and he - mine."

"But you need to run in them, not just walk..." Binna said, making eye contact with the boy. She wasn't overstepping, or at least not trying to, and Taehyung could tell she was just a truly kind and genuinely caring young woman. And, in all fairness, maybe she did know what Jimin was going through. Taehyung didn't know anything about her past. "Let the soles wear out beneath your own feet before you hand them back. You'll soon work out what they need."

-

"Jeonghannim," Hoseok shook his head at the doctor, who had just told him to meet Jiyong in the bathroom, to get ready. "You're gonna do a better job without me. I'm gonna be no help to you. Just let me keep the others calm and..."

"Hoseok, you are an incredible apprentice. You learn quickly and I need as many hands on deck as possible here. I am trusting you and I will guide you. I just need assistance, okay?" Jeonghan sighed, patting the man's shoulder, feeling how the tension had settled as he kept taking deep breaths. "Please. Go. Find Jiyongnim. He'll teach you how to clean up properly and I'll be there in a moment."

"O-oh-okay," Hoseok gave a shaky nod, finally giving in, letting out a low breath as he turned and stumbled down the corridor. Jeonghan just sighed again, shaking his head a little before turning toward the room behind him.

"Alright, you stubborn, incredible, insanely annoying but gorgeous man. Everyone's getting cleaned up and ready," Jeonghan sighed, giving Yoongi a soft, yet sad smile as he walked over to the bed the man was laying on, only the outer corners of his warm eyes showing the true emotions of expression. "Let's get you through this, so you can swiftly get back to nagging my arse. It's your best trait, Yoongissi. I've missed it. I've missed you, buddy. Now... Be strong, the strongest you've been in your whole life, and just trust me for once."

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

"I told you," Jennie frowned as she heard the footsteps behind her. She had been sat outside Seojoon and Beomgyu's house, all afternoon, watching the sun go down as she guarded the house. As she had promised. "I'll keep watch tonight. You two should stay inside, we don't know if the..."

"I th-th-thought you'd like a warm drink," The young male voice came, and she just clicked her tongue as Beomgyu sat next to her on the porch, handing her a warm mug. "It's tea. H-here..."

She smiled as he handed her two small paper packets. 

"S-s-sugar," He said as if he needed to explain. "In case you like it... Yoongi h-hyung does-s-n't, but Jimin hyung does-so-so maybe... S-so-sorry, I'm trying to... S-speak clearly."

"Take your time," Jennie shook her head, thanking the boy for the drink, tipping two of the sugar packets into it before looking back over to the field. "It's not exactly safe out here though, go back in. I said I'd take watch."

"I'm-ight wait for hyung..." Beomgyu said, his tone soft but shy. "He mighy b-be back tonight. I wanna wait."

"What's the story here?" Jennie asked curiously, tilting her head at the boy, not sure if he reminded her more of Felix or Jomei, but finally settled on the Aussie when he flashed her a little grin. "How'd you all know each other? Is Seojoon your brother?"

"He may as well h-have been,"The boy chuckled lightly, giving a little shrug. "Better than my r-real b-br-brother. I met him a f... Few... Few weeks-sa-after... You know. He looked after me, even when he didn't w-want to. He w-was-s-a alone before, then took me in. I know he wanted to s-s-t-stay alone but he didn't leave me w-when he c-could have."

"I knew a kid like that," Jennie gave a small, thoughtful smile. "Little bit older than you. He always wanted to be alone, never wanted anyone around him at all. He pretended like he hated everything, was angry all the time, and acted as if smiling was able to kill him, but... He'd never let you get hurt. He'd never turn his back on you, either. Loyal through and through."

"He taught me to talk," Beomgyu said, making the girl look over at him, frowning slightly. "S-seojoon hyung... He taught me how to talk properly. N-not even my parents-s-could, not friends, teachers, n-not family. It was-s-shim... Him."

Chapter Text

A deal. 

That wasn't what Mingyu was offering.

That was all Baekhyun wanted.

Though, as Byun drove through the city, expecting to find the idiotic members of his group trying to hitchhike on the side of the road - the group of cloaked strangers certainly had him curious.

Recognising the attire immediately, having only caught glimpses of these skilful, ninja-like men through the trees while being on supply runs - Baekhyun knew exactly who he was dealing with straight away.

The Sky People .

"We go by Gwahagja," The tallest of the men corrected the name, the smirk clear in his voice. Baekhyun didn't like it.

"I don't care," Baekhyun scoffed. It wasn't going to happen again. He wasn't going to be walked over by the likes of Lee Taemin, certainly not someone who wasn't even as intimidating as his late brother. "Gwahagja, Sky People, fucking Tree Monkeys. I don't care what you call yourselves. I want to know what the hell it has to do with me."

"These gentlemen behind me..."

"Can you stop talking like that?" Baekhyun cut the man off, also sick of hearing the prim and proper tone of the voice he knew was not meant to sound that way. "You think you're gonna convince me of anything by being polite? It's not gonna work."

"You know Park Jimin?" The man said, his words suddenly sharp, losing that calm edge just like Baekhyun wanted. Now, they were on the same level. "Kim Namjoon. A man named Yoongi. I need to know where they are. I want you to bring them to me, by tonight."

"Namjoon? Namjoon I can take you to," Baekhyun said, though he didn't miss the way his own men's eyes shot to him. "Yes, guys. He got home without you and to be perfectly honest, I'm impressed but he's still not my favourite person... But, no. Sorry, dude, I can't tell you where Yoongi and Jimin are and I certainly ain't gonna go and get them for you."

"And why not?"

"Because that would be spilling secrets," Baekhyun said, the corners of his lips quirking upwards as the hood lifted ever so slightly, showing the bottom half of the man's face. He didn't like hearing that. "Go fetch is not a game I like to play. I won't tell you where they are, purely because there's no incentive... Is there?"

"Well then, how about this? Your men are currently in my possession," The man said, almost as if he was sure that would make the man bow before him and give him what he wanted, causing Baekhyun to scoff bitterly. "Just until you change your mind."

"Are you serious?" Baekhyun raised an eyebrow at the hooded stranger, almost sounding amused, making the three young men frown at him. "In your possession? Dude, just 'em. If they're useless enough to get themselves kidnapped like slutty teenage girls, do you think I want 'em back? Just kill 'em, you'll be doing us both a favour."

"Sir!" Zitao exclaimed, betrayal making his hurt ache but Zhang simply narrowed his eyes at their boss. 

Baekhyun was provoking the warrior, and he didn't even care if it got them all killed. It was like working under Lee Taemin all over again and yet he still felt shocked by the man's words.

"Now, I'm not gonna make this deal with you," Baekhyun ignored the two, rolling his eyes as he spoke, getting slightly sick of speaking to a hood rather than this guy's face. "Not until I know exactly what's in it for me. You're not the only one who has beef with Kim Namjoon's people."

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"Seokjinssi?" A voice pulled the man out of his tired, scared train of thought, making him lift his head from his hands and finally stretch on the bench that he had spent the whole night sitting on. 

"Jeonghannim," Seokjin immediately rose to his feet as the doctor walked over to him, hope in his eyes but dread in his stomach. "Is he... Has... Was it..."

"Slow down," Jeonghan said, placing his hand on my man's shoulder once he reached him, pushing him back down on the bench. "One question at a time."

"Where's Hoseok?" Seokjin asked, taking a deep breath, deciding it would be better for himself to ask the easy question first.

"Laying down," Jeonghan sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. He had cleaned himself and changed before trying to find the man so that he didn't make him uncomfortable in his soiled scrubs. "He got a little lightheaded for a while, and he... You know, passed out. But he's alright. Perfectly fine. I've got him with Binna and Jisoo, and Jisoo's got him on fluids just to get back on his feet as quickly as possible, but I do owe him an apology. I probably kept him in there a lot longer than I should've."

"So..." Seokjin took a deep breath, slowly letting it out through his nose before looking back to the doctor. "Yoongi? Is he..."

"Yoongi's in recovery, he's still sedated. I want to keep him that way for a while so he has the best chance at healing, so he's intubated right now. Things went a little differently than we expected, we ran into many complications."

"Complications?" Seokjin asked, his jaw dropping as dread filled his gut.

"It was tough but... He's a fighter, Jin. He refused to give up," Jeonghan said, his tone settling into a softer sound, almost as if he was trying to be sympathetic and comforting. The kind of tone a doctor would specifically choose to use when delivering bad news. "I'm not gonna sit here and go into detail, Jinnie. Just, it was difficult. This just wasn't the right environment, it's just good it was sterile. The only thing we really had going for us was the team, they were amazing. We actually... Seokjin, we were lucky we chose the right place to go in and, while trying to find the bleed, we also found a tumour. It was a small one, but impactful. It hadn't grown deep, just on the surface, but it was pressing against Yoongi's occipital lobe."

"C-cancer?" Seokjin stuttered over the word but Jeonghan was already shaking his head.

"We don't have any proper equipment, but what we do have is a Kwon Jiyong. An interesting little, old thing with two PhDs in biomedicine," Jeonghan assured. "I've sent it with him, just to double check but, no. I don't think it's cancer. It most likely would have spread a lot more over the year if it was. The tumour was likely to have formed around scar tissue that didn't heal properly on the brain surface, it's actually not an uncommon occurrence. What we do know now, though, is that the tumour can account for all of it, Jinnie."

"Don't call me that."

"I'm serious," Jeonghan sighed, clicking his tongue. "From the headaches to the vision loss, discoordination and shit balance. The balance of chemicals and neuropathways was affected, so even how bitchy, paranoid and obsessive he got can be explained. That possessive protectiveness over his husband, verges into delusional distrust in everyone? The behavioural and physical changes can all be tied to it. But now that we've removed it, I truly think he'll finally be able to heal properly. He should calm down, his eyesight may even improve. What's important right now is rehabilitation. I'll work with him, but he needs time to heal before we even attempt rehab."

"Okay, so... How do we..." Seokjin cleared his throat, taking a deep breath before looking back up at the doctor. "How do we tell Jiminah?"

"We don't," Jeonghan shook his head, folding his arms over his chest, making the men frown at him. "Not yet. We wait until Yoongi's stable first. Today is crucial, but there are still risks. Infection, something we missed, we just have to wait and see. I have him on very strong antibiotics, but I'm sending Binna and Jackson out to find more. As I said, he has a long recovery ahead of him but Jiyongnim and I will be keeping a very close eye on him, making sure his vitals remain stable. Then we'll take it from there. By the way... What doctor were you with when Yoongi suffered his first head injury? "

"A man called Kim Woosung," Seokjin sighed. "We met him when we arrived at that hospital. There was a crash. An accident. Yoongi, Jimin, Jungkookah and Hoseokie were all in desperate need and he proved to be decent enough to provide help."

"Well, I hope he's dead," Jeonghan deadpanned, making Seokjin's brow furrow quickly. "What? You were set up in a hospital, right? With power?"

Seokjin simply nodded, his brow only knitting together more and more as the doctor laughed.

"Then that man clearly wasn't worth his salt," Jeonghan scoffed at the man's dumbfounded expression. "If Yoongi had scans as soon as you arrived, which would have been very possible in a fully-powered hospital, then he'd most likely not be in this situation now. If that doctor had half a brain cell, he would have known to get a CT for a head injury and he could have taken measures to treat whatever obvious damage there was. Seriously, Seokjinah, what else did he fuck up? Who else did he work with?"

"Hoseokie," Seokjin said, looking up at the man with a worried look. "He had the worst outcome from the crash. A coma, about a week. It took him a long time to bounce back."

"Hoseok?" Jeonghan frowned, but Seokjin just nodded. "Well, I don't see any worries there, he's an incredible man. Very cognitively aware, very smart. I wouldn't say there were any long-term issues - Who else?"

"Me," Seokjin shrugged, trying to think back, though was admittedly struggling to force himself to remember those days. "Um, Taehyung, Jiminah... Jungkookah. I think Namjoonie's the only one who didn't need him."

"Well, I work with you daily as well," Jeonghan sighed, well aware of the man's condition, and how quickly he can become worn out. "Tae and Jimin? What happened there? I'm guessing Tae's chest."

"Yeah, his asthma got bad after... An incident," Seokjin just nodded. "Jiminie's back, after the crash. And the attack... Woosung got him walking again a few days after but he's always had problems, since."

"I'll catch up with Tae, we'll do an asthma review," The doctor said, honestly letting Seokjin relax for a while. "And if Jimin's in a stable enough state himself, I'll go and check on him. But first, I'm gonna leave everything to Jiyongnim because I need some sleep. I hope you understand."

"Yeah, yeah, of course," Seokjin gave a small smile as the doctor patted his shoulder and walked off down the hall. "Um... Jeonghanssi?"

"Yeah?" The doctor turned back, walking backwards though stopped when the man looked up at him.

"Could you, uh..." Seokjin stuttered, rubbing the back of his head before chuckling in embarrassment. "Could you just... Say something stupid? Anything? Just... Not be so serious for a second?"

"I'd love to, Jinnie," Jeonghan clicked his tongue, shaking his head a little as he continued walking back. "I really would but I'm more tired than shit clogging up an old man's arse. Let me get some sleep and I'll get back to you later."

Seokjin scoffed, shaking off the shock of the man's statement as it made him chuckle in disbelief. Well, he got what he asked for, after all.

-

Yoongi had slowly settled, after waking from surgery. They had kept him sedated for the first two days, keeping him hidden in Jeonghan's room to recover, so Baekhyun didn't suspect anything. 

At first, Jeonghan was worried things were taking a bad turn since the man simply couldn't place where he was, who he was with or what was happening - no matter how many times the doctor patiently explained it to him, he still couldn't recognise the blurry faces around him.

But slowly, with lots of gentle encouragement from him and Jiyong, Yoongi relaxed and began to accept the fact that he was back at Hwaesa and Jeonghan decided, now three days had passed, it was time to make sure he really was okay.

"I-it's too blurry..." Yoongi croaked, eyes squeezing shut as the strain of following the doctor's finger became too much. "I can't."

"That's okay," Jeonghan reassured as the man gulped, trying to ease his dry throat. "It's still very early days. Brain surgery has a much longer recovery time than any other surgery. Once the swelling all goes down, I'm sure your sight will improve. You may still need the glasses, it may not be perfect, but it'll be clearer than this."

"Can you tell me your full name?" Jiyong asked Yoongi when Jeonghan stopped talking, looking over his notebook and watching the man closely as he swallowed thickly again. "How old you are?"

"Mi-min... Y-yoongi, Min Yoongi," Yoongi said, giving a very slight nod as he knew he had pronounced his name correctly. "I... D-don't know how... My age. Um, maybe, I'm... Maybe I'm-"

"That's alright," Jeonghan said, interrupting the man's attempts. "From Seokjin's answer, you're twenty-five. Your speech is good. Slow but good. It'll get clearer as well, in time This is normal and you're making really good progress, Yoongs."

"D-don't go all doctor-y on me..." The man mumbled, closing his eyes and sighing heavily, causing Jeonghan to smirk. "I'm good, W-woosung. Go back to Dawon, now."

"Jeonghan," The doctor corrected him, locking eyes with Jiyong, flashing him a small look of concern. "Yoongi, I'm Jeonghan. And I've heard all about this Woosung arsehole, and we'll get to that later but for now... Can you tell me who's sat over there? What's that ugly mug's name?"

"Jerk," Yoongi mumbled without even looking, though the word made the doctor chuckle. "But it's... It's okay because he b-brought my boyfriend home to me. I'll forgive the... The blaming."

"Well then," Jiyong clapped his hands together before Jeonghan could ask any questions, already seeing the curious spark in his eye. "Thank you, Yoongissi, for that backhandedly nice statement... If that's what that was."

Though, Jiyong had skipped over something important. He didn't realise the mistake that the doctor heard, the small yet kind of confusing mistake from Yoongi that Jeonghan wasn't expecting at all. The slight title change from husband to boyfriend threw him a little.

"Do you remember where that was, Yoongi?" Jeonghan asked, raising an eyebrow at him, waiting patiently for an answer.

"The... Was that a-at the beach?"

"Yes," Jiyong confirmed, giving the doctor a nod to tell him the guess was right, even if it was a guess. "I think it's safe to say your memory's intact."

"Lucky me!" Yoongi whined though his expression remained blank and tired.

"Yes, lucky you," Jeonghan gave an amused sigh, still smirking as he stood up to check the man over again quickly. The mistake still lingered in the back of his mind, but it was too early to push overly emotional topics. "Lucky, lucky you. Enjoy the pain meds, Yoongi. They make you funny. Right now, though, I think it's time you got some sleep. You did good, today."

-

"Hey, hyung," Taehyung said quietly as Hoseok walked into his bedroom. That's where he and Jimin had been hiding for the past four days, making sure Baekhyun didn't see them. 

Seojoon had left, the evening they arrived, declaring he needed to get back to Beomgyu and Nuri. Taehyung and Jimin had been in hiding ever since, while Namjoon and Seokjin made it their top priority to keep Baekhyun as oblivious as possible.

Apparently, since Hoseok worked with Jeonghan, that earned him enough respect from the boss to not be snooped on, but that didn't mean it was easy staying in secret.

"Sorry," Hoseok sighed tiredly, setting down a tray of coffees on his desk, three mugs to be precise, gesturing for the boy to help himself. Since Jeonghan was preoccupied, to say the least, Hoseok had taken over all his small cases, meaning he was working pretty much twenty-four-seven. "I tried to get back earlier."

"It's alright. Tiny's feeling a bit better, today," Taehyung nodded as he took one of the drinks, smiling over at his best friend, who gave him a teary smile back. 

"He is?"

"A little bit."

"Has his chest been okay?" Hoseok asked when the younger stayed next to him, by his little desk, to talk quietly. They had told Jimin, the day before, what had happened and what was going on, but the doctor made sure someone was keeping a very close eye on him at all times. "Jeonghannim told me to ask. All this stress... Is he struggling?"

"I think he's been okay," Taehyung shrugged. "He hasn't complained of anything. He seized last night, but it wasn't anything too major. He just slept and woke in a good mood, this morning. Well... As good as Tiny's mood can get. It's just hard, having to stay hidden and not being able to use the radios."

"I know, kiddo," Hoseok sighed, giving the boy a sympathetic look. He hated the fact that his brothers had to hide, that everyone had to sneak around, but Baekhyun could never find out they were there. They had to be cautious. "We'll work something out... Hey, Jiminie. How're you doing, honey?"

"Yoonie will be okay," Jimin said as his hyung sat beside him, looking him in the eye as he tenderly brushed his fringe back, while the younger boy sat in the armchair in the corner. "I know he will be. Jungkookie said Taemin can't take him. He'll be okay."

"As I said," Taehyung scoffed, shaking his head sadly before looking back at the elder, seeing the shared grief in the man's eyes when their maknae was unexpectedly mentioned. "A little bit better."

"Hobi hyung?"

"Yeah, kiddo?" Hoseok smiled warmly without showing how saddening it was to see him like this, taking in the small boy's bashful tone and just letting him continue in his own time.

"Yoon... Yoonie doesn't like my hair," Jimin mumbled, causing the elder to raise an eyebrow at him. "He says it's scruffy..."

"Oh?"

"Do you..." Jimin hid the bottom half of his face with his small hands, rocking slightly back and forth as he had been for the past few hours, but Hoseok managed to hear him. "Do you think you could help me cut it?"

"I should think so, buddy," Hoseok nodded, gently placing his arm around the boy's shoulders for a moment, kissing the side of his head. "Do you wanna do it now?"

"Mmh-hmm," The boy hummed, bobbing his head up and down, making his long hair bounce.

"Alrighty, kiddo," Hoseok smiled, giving him a little squeezing hug before moving away. "Just hold on a second, I'll go and find some scissors."

"You may want some shears, hyung," Taehyung joked, glad when his soulmate let out a little giggle. "You sure you wanna cut it, chingu? I thought you liked it long."

"Yoon doesn't, though," Jimin shrugged as Hoseok left the room, taking the cup that Taehyung had brought over to him. "Thanks... It'd make him happy if I got it cut so..."

"I think it makes him happy when you're happy, buddy."

"This is coffee," Jimin grimaced, using all his willpower not to spit the mouthful of hot liquid out, swallowing it down thickly before handing Taehyung the cup back. 

"Since when don't you like coffee?" Taehyung scoffed, though went to put the cup back on the desk, before giving the boy a funny look.

"I've never liked coffee," Jimin frowned at the younger, though the boy mirrored his confused expression. After eighteen years together, they found it odd to learn something new about each other. 

"Right, shall we play hairdresser?" Hoseok chuckled as he walked back into the room. 

"That's what you said last time," Jimin laughed, looking over to his hyung as he placed the pair of scissors on his desk, patting the chair and beckoning the younger over.

"You thinking of changing speciality, hyung?" Taehyung asked as Jimin skipped over, taking a seat and letting the elder get to work on his messy mop of hair.

"We're all still musicians at heart, Tae Tae," Hoseok smiled, starting to cut the boy's hair as he settled and got comfy. "But sometimes, it's nice to do something so mundane. Don'tcha think? Though, we all have new jobs now."

"Yeah," Taehyung chuckled, nodding in agreement, giving his best friend a teasing grin. "Chimmy's a housewife."

"Very funny," Jimin gave half a laugh that was drowned out by Hoseok's brighter chirp. "What's your new job?"

"Your caregiver," Taehyung shrugged, biting his lip as the boy sulked in front of him, trying not to laugh at him. "Hobi hyung's stress relief, Jin hyung's stressor. Yongbokie's comedy tutor, Jennie's punching bag... I have a few, actually."

"Damn good stress relief you are," Hoseok smiled warmly, patting Jimin's shoulder as well. "You too, buddy. You're my two favourite brats. Closely followed by Jin hyung, of course." 

"There is no way I'm a bigger brat than hyung," Taehyung scoffed, looking at the elder, offended. "Chim maybe but I am not! I'd like you to take that back."

"I take it back," Hoseok smirked, running his fingers through Jimin's hair, making him squirm slightly. 

"Thank you," Taehyung stated, folding his arms over his chest, pouting dramatically.

"You were right, by the way, Chimmy," Hoseok said, checking for any stray, long strands he may have missed while they were chatting. "About Yoongs being alright. He's speaking a lot today apparently, he doing really well... He misses you, that's for sure, kiddo. He may be up to having visitors. You know, only if they're named Park Jimin, that is. He doesn't have time for anyone else."

"I... I can go and see him?" Jimin asked, turning to face the man as he brushed off his shoulders for him, brows furrowed his eyes hopeful. 

"Yeah, but..." Hoseok sighed, brushing the boy's short fringe back. He had left it since he knew the kid needed something to fiddle with. "You know we operated? Well, he needs lots of rest, so we've gotta be gentle, yeah?"

"Always," Jimin turned and frowned at the man, slightly offended by the fact the elder thought there was even a minute chance of him hurting his husband. "Can I go now?"

"Remember the beach?" Hoseok asked, missing the way even Taehyung tensed up at the question before he clarified. "How you had to hide to get to Yoongs? You wore that hoodie?"

"Yeah...?"

"We've gotta do that again, okay?" Hoseok said, pushing himself up and walking over to his little unit of clothes, pulling out a hoody that he had only just gotten back from Binna. "Throw this one on, yeah? Then we'll get you to Yoongs." 

"Okay," Jimin nodded, hurriedly putting the hoody on, pulling the hood up and making sure it covered his face. Just like before.

"Good boy," Hoseok smiled, though still gave the hood another tug, making sure it was definitely hiding the boy as much as possible. "Taehyungie, you coming, buddy?"

"No, I'll stay here," Taehyung smiled, waving them out of the room. "Tell hyung I'm thinking about him."

It was a lengthy task, sneaking down the halls, avoiding everyone, and hiding each time a shadow showed around the corners. Hoseok was practically dragging Jimin by the time they reached the side of the building, where Jeonghan's room was.

"H-hyung?" Jimin stuttered, accidentally peeping up from his hood and regretting it immediately when he looked around the horrifically familiar building, feeling dread fill his gut as his throat closed off with instant anticipation of the worst. "N-no... Changed my mind, hyung... Please, can't..."

"Just keep walking, honey," Hoseok said softly, keeping his hand on the boy's shoulder, urging him forward when his feet started to protest. "Don't look around, keep looking at your feet. You've just gotta 'em keep moving, just a little bit further. Hobi's looking after ya."

"I... I can't..."

"Wanna see Yoongs?" Hoseok asked, his voice still hushed as the boy shuddered against him. "Hmm? Then keep moving, kiddo. I know you can. They're at the end of this hall... See? Here."

Giving the boy a nudge in the right direction, maybe shoving him a little harder than he meant to, Hoseok got his brother to the door and rapped on it, three times in quick succession.

"I'm proud of you, Jiminie," Hoseok sighed, hugging Jimin lightly after stepping back and waiting for the doctor to answer, kissing the side of his head as he leaned into him though caught himself out with a chuckle and patted the boy's back. "Just don't tell Yoongs I did that."

Jimin gave a very soft nod as the door creaked open at a cautious speed. After a moment, Jeonghan's head popped out, giving the two an assessing frown.

"Hoseokah?" The doctor asked lowly, only taking a breath of relief when the hooded boy lifted his head, realising it was Jimin and no one else. "Oh, for God's sake."

"He wants to see his husband," Hoseok explained the obvious, confused as he got glared at.

"What? No, I'm sorry," Jeonghan sighed, opening the door a little more, only to usher the two back. "Hoseok, I said a few more days, not a few hours. Let go back to your room, Jiminah, come-"

"No, he's okay. My angel's okay," Yoongi's croaky voice came from the room behind them, stopping the doctor and making him roll his eyes. "Jiminie, come 'ere."

"No," Jeonghan said though, causing Hoseok to frown behind the small boy, who now looked confused at the mixed message. "I'm sorry, Jiminah. Maybe tomorrow, okay?"

"Oh..." Jimin looked down, letting his hood cover his face again. It was okay if Yoongi needed to rest, he had to let him, he wanted him to get better after all. "Okay."

"No, it's alright, Chimmy. Seonbaenim, it took all his strength just to get to this door," Hoseok said, placing his hand on his brother's shoulder as he went to turn. "Don't turn him away now."

"I had already told you to wait a few more days," The doctor said, giving the elder a disapproving glare. "I'm sorry, Hoseok, but no. He's not ready..."

"Jimin?" Yoongi's voice came again, causing the boy to try and push forwards as he was called, only to be stopped by the doctor once more. This time it was Hoseok's turn to glare.

"Please," Hoseok said again, only this time his voice was firmer, lower, more demanding than requesting. "Do not confuse him like this. Just let him in, Seonbaenim."

"Fine. Ten minutes," Jeonghan clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, moving out of the way, letting the two in. 

Hosoek mouthed a silent thank you but the doctor missed it, being distracted when Jimin threw his arms around him and squeezed him tight.

"Ten minutes, Jiminie," The doctor sighed, his back stiffening as tension filled his whole body, giving the boy a short hug before gently pushing him away. "Clock's ticking, kiddo. Go and sit down."

"Thank you," Hoseok said again, with volume as Jimin nodded and walked over to his husband.

"I'm serious, Hoseokah," Jeonghan sighed, the disapproval still in his eyes. "Only ten minutes. He's drugged up and needs to sleep."

"So does Jimin," Hoseok muttered to the doctor as Yoongi beckoned his husband over. "He's in a bad way. They need to be together right now, Seonbaenim. It's been too long for them to be apart, after a whole year by each other's sides. Whether it's healthy or not, when this vulnerable, they depend on each other."

"Right," Jeonghan just sighed, turning just in time to see the small boy laying down on the bed, next to his husband. "Jiminah, sit back up please."

"Yes, Jeonghannim," Jimin nodded, though sadness filled him as he went to sit up. 

And it was almost as if Yoongi felt it as well, since his hand wrapped around the boy's wrist, tugging him closer again. The doctor sighed again, shaking his head as Jimin gave him an unsure look, leaving him just to shrug since Yoongi wasn't going to let go.

Yoongi smiled weakly when Jimin finally snuggled up next to him on the bed he was lying in, his heavy eyelids falling closed as he wrapped his arms around the boy's tiny frame. 

"Does this hurt?" Jimin whispered, gently taking his husband's hand, stroking his finger around the IV that had been taped down.

"No," Yoongi breathed back, kissing the boy's head as he rested against his shoulder. "Nothing hurts now you're here... 

Only because you're maxed out on morphine, Jeonghan thought to himself, scoffing lightly to himself.

"Jiminie?"

"Hmm?" The boy hummed, sudden and extreme relaxation making him feel sleepy as he was finally able to settle in his husband's arms where he belonged.

"Who's been with you?" Yoongi whispered, closing his eyes and burying his face in the boy's hair, breathing in his scent. "Who's been... Looking after you?"

"Taehyung's been with him every day, Yoongi," Jeonghan assured when the boy hummed his response. Hoseok nodded, silently watching from the doorway still. "Hoseok's been keeping him updated, and making sure he's been alright as well. We're looking after 'im. No one knows you're here and it's gonna stay that way."

"Have you... Looked after him? Really?" Yoongi's brow furrowed, his sharp cat eyes peeping open again to glare at the two still lingering in the doorway. "He's cold, shaking. Is this what... W-what you call looking after 'im?" 

"Don't worry about me, Yoonie," Jimin mumbled against the man's chest, causing him to sigh and close his eyes again. "Rest, baby. You can't stress. Please, don't worry about me."

"Get him a blanket, Jeonghanssi," Yoongi said in a slow, drowsy but slightly demanding tone that just made the doctor smirk, fold his arms over his chest and raise an eyebrow at him. "I'm too tired to ask again."

"I will not," Jeonghan shook his head, letting out a low chuckle. "Ten minutes, make the most of it."

"I'm gonna go, make sure no one's waiting at your office," Hoseok said to the doctor as the couple settled. 

"Thank you, Hoseokie," Jeonghan gave the man a short smile, sitting down as he left the room, taking his notebook from his desk and flicking through it, checking all the scrawled notes Jiyong had left in there, that morning.

"I cut my hair for you," Jimin mumbled, smiling as Yoongi's hand reached up to softly stroke the back of his head. The room was so quiet, you could hear the wind hitting the glass of the window. It was calm and peaceful and the seconds were drifting by unnoticed, but the ten minutes were almost up. "Considering you thought it was scruffy."

"It's cute, baby," Yoongi whispered to him, his eyes remaining closed but his fingers tangled with the short strands, twirling them a little. "You're cute."

Jimin chuckled, shaking his head at the man lightly, his warm eyes disappearing when his husband tugged him closer, cuddling him a little tighter.

"Jiminah, you need to be careful," Jeonghan scolded when he heard Yoongi groan at the movement, looking up from his notebooks and watching the older of the two cautiously. "You need to let Yoongi rest, don't pull him around."

"Don't talk to him like he's a child," Yoongi spoke before Jimin even had a chance to respond, causing Jeonghan to sigh. "I was the one who cuddled him because I'm... 'm fine. Back off."

"Well, I'm glad to see you're feeling well enough to argue with me, Yoongissi," The doctor scoffed, shaking his head with a heavy sigh. "But you're not fine and you need to be careful. Jiminah, Yoongi's too tired and you need to keep it calm, here."

"I'm sorry, Yoon," Jimin said sheepishly, his cheeks pink with guilt as he sat up a little but Yoongi just blinked his eyes open and looked up at him, giving him a small smile.

"Ignore 'im," The man said, smiling contently when the boy stroked his thumb over this cheek. "Kiss me."

Jimin didn't hesitate for a second, giving his husband what he wanted, lightly pressing his plump lips to the elder's thin ones, just letting them linger together for a few seconds before sitting up a little bit. 

"That's my boy," Yoongi sighed, his soft smile only growing when Jimin giggled at him. "Again." 

And so Jimin did, leaning down, letting the kiss deepen a little.

"Again."

Jimin kissed his husband again, this time laying next to him properly, very gently resting his forehead against his.

"Again," Yoongi whispered against the boy's lips which hadn't even moved away, just feeling completely relaxed. The warmth from the boy, the safety he felt near him, almost made him feel lightheaded. "Stay here."

"Yoongi, Jimin actually needs to go now," Jeonghan said from across the room, causing the man to close his eyes. Jimin sat up, frowning over to the doctor. "It's been much longer than ten minutes. You've gotta sleep. You need to rest now."

Jimin looked back to his husband, biting his lip when he saw the sudden yet subtle tears escaping the corner of the man's eyes, slipping down his temples.

"I'm not going," The boy shook his head, wiping the tears away with his thumbs, his voice soft but only caused the elder to cry more. "Yeobo, it's okay. I'm not going."

"Jiminah, he doesn't need this emotional stress," Jeonghan sighed as he heard Yoongi's sniffling. "I'm gonna radio Hoseok, he'll walk you back to his room, okay? Yoongi needs to rest."

"Yeobo?" Jimin sat up properly, ignoring the doctor and carefully cupping his husband's cheek. "Do you want me to go? I'll stay if you want me to."

"This is dangerous, Jimin," Jeonghan tried. Hoseok may have been able to keep people out of his room but Baekhyun could walk in the doctor's small bedroom at any moment. "If you get caught, there is nothing I can do..." 

"Ch-chimmy..."

"I'll stay, baby," Jimin said, kissing his husband's forehead tenderly. "Shush, baby. I'll stay, please don't cry."

"I... I-I-I..." Yoongi started stuttering, grasping the boy's hand tightly, the tears endless as his head pounded. "St-stay... I... I-I-I want..."

"He's getting worked up... This is ridiculous, Yoongi," Jeonghan shook his head, feeling annoyed but knowing that he wasn't going to get anywhere. He was frustrated with Hoseok for forcing this so soon. Yoongi was meant to be resting, but now he was a stuttering, emotional mess again. "Jimin, I'm calling Hoseok."

"No, you're not," Jimin said bluntly, shaking his head, a slight grit to his otherwise soft voice that made the doctor raise an eyebrow at him. 

Keeping hold of his husband's hand, he sighed, taking in a deep breath through his nose before leaning down and kissing the man's ear. 

We're all still musicians at heart.

His gentle tenor voice came out, sounding silky - he started humming melodically until the loving lyrics came into his mind, coming out softly as he remembered the song he had sung to Yoongi on the day they got married.

"Y-y-you're... You're singing," Yoongi breathed out, closing his eyes softly as Jimin's voice invaded his mind, taking his panic away. 

Jeonghan watched, his brow furrowed deeply as he saw Yoongi calm, needing less than a minute to recompose himself. 

"You d-don't sing anymore..." The man said shakily, but Jimin didn't stop, only laid back down comfortably next to him. "You're singing... You're..."

"A-alright..." Jeonghan cleared his throat, taken aback by the scene. He was honestly stunned, himself, hearing the boy's voice. Yoongi had said time and time again, how beautiful Jimin's singing was, but the doctor had never actually heard it himself. "Right... You win. I'm gonna give you two a few minutes of privacy."

No response, leaving Jeonghan to just collect up his notebook, shaking his head lightly.

"I'm gonna lock the door," Jeonghan said, sighing when the couple still didn't acknowledge what he said. "You'll be safe. I'll only be five minutes, and then its night-night time... Right..."

After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, the song came to a slow, mumbled end. Yoongi sighed deeply, letting his mind float. He didn't need to look down to know Jimin was asleep against him, he could hear it in the boy's even breaths. It almost made him feel relaxed again, almost enough to forget the dull pain in his head, to forget the stress around him, and just settle into sleep as well. Almost.

"Don't make him leave yet," He gave a soft plea after a moment as he heard the door opening once again, opening his eyes just a fraction to catch Jeonghan creeping back into the room. "Just let him sleep a little longer."

"I need you to sleep, Yoongi," Jeonghan sighed, shaking his head lightly, though made no attempt to wake the small boy. He was just glad the man was calmer now.

"Just let him stay," the man pressed, keeping his arms around his husband almost protectively, though it seemed the action was only to protect himself.

"You can't sleep properly without him," The doctor observed, taking a seat on the edge of the bed, giving the man a soft, sympathetic look. "Can you?"

"No," Yoongi admitted shortly, closing his eyes and sighing deeply, but Jeonghan had already seen the shine of tears in his eyes. "Please don't make me let go of him yet."

"Fine," The doctor gave in, knowing it was in poor judgement but there was such a deep, new vulnerability to the man's voice, almost on the verge of sounding fearful. As if he was too scared to let go. As if everything may disappear if his husband wasn't in his arms. When Yoongi was practically begging him, he couldn't argue. "But I'm gonna come back in fifteen minutes. If you're not asleep by the time I'm back, I'm sedating your arse."

"Jeonghan hyung?"

"Yes?" Jeonghan asked, turning back to the man with a small frown, seeing that he was looking back at him again.

"Earlier..." Yoongi sighed, so quiet he was basically whispering. "He can't help it... He goes one of three ways. Rage, oblivious or... Broken. I think I prefer oblivious... Don't you?"

"You're his husband, Yoongi," Jeonghan clicked his tongue, shaking his head a little. "Not his carer. There needs to be boundaries, you can't take on all his stress. You have enough of your own."

"I'm both," Yoongi said shortly, his voice firm for the first time, no longer sounding croaky. "I'll always be both."

"But who cares for you, Yoongi?"

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"Jiminie?" Jeonghan sighed as he walked into the bedroom, locking the door behind him before sitting next to the boy, who was still sitting next to his husband on the bed as he had all night; gently placing his hand on his shoulder to make him look up, though only briefly. "How are you feeling?"

"Yoonie's sleeping," Jimin whispered, not answering the doctor as he held his husband's fingers, mindlessly playing with the man's ring. "He should wake up soon, so he can have breakfast. We're meant to have breakfast."

"We'll make sure he gets something, kid," Jeonghan nodded, giving the boy a soft smile. 

He was annoyed that the men hadn't told him about Jimin missing his meds sooner, since he could have helped, sent Jisoo his way and saved the boy all the stress, but he was just glad now that he seemed to be back on track. Kind of.

It was clear to him now, what Yoongi meant the previous night by oblivious, but Jeonghan couldn't place his finger on whether Jimin's memory was bad or if he was refusing to remember things he didn't want to remember. He had his money on the latter, but he couldn't blame the boy for it.

"Gotta change his dressing today, so he can eat after we do that, yeah? ...Can you answer me?"

"What was the question?" Jimin asked, looking over his shoulder, causing the doctor to sigh quietly again.

"We haven't had a proper catch-up yet. How are you feeling?"

"Why doesn't anything feel real?" The boy asked, his lips pouting and trembling, causing sadness to hit the doctor in a way he wasn't expecting. "I don't... I don't know how I feel."

"Have you had your tablets today?" Jeonghan asked softly, be gentle with his tone and voice.

"Yeah."

"Good. That's good. But this," Jeonghan said, crouching down a little, gesturing to Yoongi before giving the boy a small smile. "All of this... I don't think either of you was expecting it. It's not something to expect, and it's not just Yoongs who has to suffer the aftermath, is it? ...Jiminie, mental illness doesn't just go away in a year, sweetheart. Your trauma never went away and being dragged here? It has triggered a relapse. That word probably doesn't make sense either, but you'll be okay. You'll get back on track. You will. That's why Yoongi said, last night, he wants you to go back to Busan."

"He wants me to go home?" Jimin frowned, looking back to his husband, tears welling up in his eyes. "Alone?"

"He's not well enough to travel, honey," Jeonghan said, keeping his hand on the younger's shoulder, trying to comfort him. "He still has a lot of healing to do. But you won't be alone. Taehyungah will be with you."

"And you'll look after him?" Jimin asked, shocking the doctor with his lack of refusal. "I'll go if Yoon wants me to but you have to promise you'll look after him."

"Of course, I'll look after him, Jiminie," Jeonghan smiled warmly, resting his arm over the boy's shoulders. "I'll always..."

A small knock on the door cut the man off. Both Jeonghan and Jimin shared a small look, blank faces glowing with anticipation as the door knocked again, the handle rattling this time.

"Stay quiet," The doctor whispered, mentally thanking himself for locking the door when he did. "Don't make a sound."

The door knocked louder, more impatiently, causing Jimin to jump and the doctor to move.

"Get on the floor," The man whispered, leaving the boy confused as he whipped his shirt off and threw it away. "Just get on the floor, Jiminah! Don't be seen."

Jimin obeyed without question as the door knocked the fourth time, sounding more urgent this time, rolling onto the floor but still managing to hold his husband's hand.

Jeonghan took in a deep breath, ruffling and messing up his hair before pulling the door open. He wasn't expecting visitors, Jiyong and Hoseok would have just walked in or called out, therefore...

"When I knock on this door, I expect it to open immediately," Baekhyun said, hands shoved into his jeans pockets. "Supplies came in, I need you to tell us what's useful and what's not... What is wrong with you?"

"I've just woken up," Jeonghan frowned through sleepy, narrowed eyes. "What's wrong with you?"

"My doctor's not doing his job properly," Baekhyun said, not liking the backchat. "Come on, my office..."

"I'm currently naked, sir," Jeonghan coughed, clearing his throat, making his voice sound gritty and the man glared disapprovingly at him. "I'm very proud of what I have been blessed with and all eyes are welcome but usually, people have the decency to at least buy me dinner first. Can we do this another time?"

Baekhyun narrowed his eyes at the man, tilting his head a little. Not to look around the room he was hiding though. The man was eccentric and odd enough for him to believe him.

"Fine," He gave in with a small nod. "My office, when the lunch bell goes. Should give you enough time to... Put some clothes on." 

"Thank you, Sir," Jeonghan bowed his head, about to shut the door before he was called again.

"Hanah," Jiyong shouted, jogging up to the room, only to be stopped with a sharp frown from the man in charge. "I've got some news, can I come in?"

"I wouldn't if I were you," Baekhyun scoffed, turning on his heel but looked back with a slightly confused look when the scientist proceeded to enter the bedroom.

"I've worked with him a long time, Sir," Jiyong sighed, shaking his head, turning back to the man when Jeonghan waved his arms at him, doing crazy kinds of gestures behind the door. "He's a shameless man. You get used to it."

"Yeah..." Baekhyun shook his head, clicking his tongue as he walked away. "I don't think so."

"Come in, Sir," Jeonghan smirked, bowing as he let Jiyong into the room.

"You need to be less reckless," Jiyong scolded but the doctor only chuckled lightly.

"How may I help you?" Jeonghan asked, clapping his hands at Jimin to throw his shirt back at him. "Thanks, kid. Jiyongnim?"

"It's not cancer, Hanah," Jiyong said, his eyes flickering over to the small boy who went to sit back on the bed and didn't seem to be listening to them anyway. "You were right. The neoplasm formed on scar tissue, it was not cancerous. Good work, Doc."

-

"Where you off to?" Binna frowned as Hoseok stood from their shared bed, confused and jostled by the sudden rush of movement. 

"Gotta get back," Hoseok said, throwing a jacket over his shoulders, just about to grab the radio off the bedside table before the girl grabbed his wrist. "Jisoo's waiting for me, Jagi."

"So, she can keep waiting. Sit, sit, sit," Binna ushered the man back onto the bed, pushing him down when he refused to take a seat. "It is your day off, approved by Dr Smartarse, himself. You will sit down, you will take a break, and you will not do anything anyone else asks. Not today."

"I need to be at the office," Hoseok shook his head, taking the girl's hands, that were literally holding him down. "I've had my break. Jeonghannim is busy, I am the one he left in charge, Jagi. Jisoo's..."

"You saw the inside of your brother's brain, Hoseok!" Binna let out an exasperated laugh as she hopped on the bed, hugging the man from behind, laying her head on his shoulder. "And you've been working non-stop since. Take a breather, that's too much for anyone to handle."

"How am I meant to take a breather?" Hoseok shook his head, placing his hand over the girl's, resting on his chest. "There is no possible way to relax in this place. There's stress... Everywhere."

"I could think of a way to get you relaxing," Binna shrugged, turning her head, breathing against the man's ear, making him shiver. "If you'd let me help. Or are we playing Mister Stubborn today?" 

"I might be playing Mister Stubborn today," Hoseok said, his lips tugging into a little smirk as he turned his head, only to be less than an inch away from the girl.

"I think we have to change that," Binna smiled, touching her nose to the man's, keeping direct eye contact with him. "Don't you, Hoseok who is someone?"

"Oh, I'm someone now?" The man chuckled at the change of phrase. 

"You're my someone," Binna nodded, pulling the man down until she was lying on the bed with him on top of her. "A very important someone, so let's change that mopy attitude of yours, hmm?"

"It may take a while," Hoseok smirked, almost as if he was warning the girl, leaning down, pulling her shawl off to trace his nose up her neck.

"I think I've got time," Binna chuckled, pecking the man's cheek, letting her hands trail up his back as he began kissing. "Probably should have locked the door though..."

"On it!" 

-

Jeonghan flicked through his notebooks, sighing contently at the quiet room. Yoongi had woken shortly after Jiyong left, and he shared a light breakfast with Jimin before falling asleep again for a few more hours.

Though, as the afternoon came, the man woke again.

"Doc?" Jeonghan heard him, spinning around on his chair.

"Hey, Yoongs," The doctor smiled, getting up. "How're you feeling? You conked out pretty hard there."

"Mmmh, head hurts," Yoongi mumbled, his features scrunching up a little as he woke.

"I'll get you some more morphine," Jeonghan sighed, patting the man's shoulder softly. "You're due another dose, anyway."

"No. Don't," Yoongi said, clenching his eyes closed, his fist clenching around the bedsheets. "Just save it for someone else. I'll be fine, it's been worse than this."

"You don't need to be a martyr," The doctor sighed, biting the inside of his cheek, waiting for the man to wake up more and change his mind. "Have the morphine, Yoongi. You'll heal quicker when you're not in pain."

"Just find me..."

"He's in the corner," Jeonghan said before the man could even finish his sentence, nodding over his shoulder to the armchair that had been squashed in the corner of the room; to Jimin sleeping soundly, curled up into a little ball. Okay, so maybe the obsession hadn't subsided much. "You fell back to sleep asleep after eating. He refused to leave and ended up taking a nap. I would have sent him back to Hoseok's room but he wasn't complying, and picking him up and putting him in my pocket just didn't seem worth the tantrum."

"You're still doing it," Yoongi shook his head, letting out an annoyed sound.

"Doing what?" Jeonghan frowned, not sure what the man meant as he sat beside him. 

"Talking about him as if he's a stroppy four-year-old," Yoongi sighed, looking at the doctor with tired but frustrated eyes. "You don't get it. The more you guys go on, telling him he's this and acting like he's that - that's what he's gonna be. You say he's a child, then you're gonna get tantrums. Just like when Mingyu said he was crazy, that's exactly what he got... Jimin doesn't know how to be himself anymore, but he can't handle it if others are telling him who to be. Just go with how he's feeling in the moment, and don't put any ideas or prejudices in his head. Then you'll see him for who he really is. Not who you think he is." 

"You know who he is, then?" Jeonghan cocked an eyebrow.

"Park Jimin is a selfless man, with a heart of gold, that has been forced to do the vilest of things. To go through the vilest of things," Yoongi said, blinking a few times as his eyes tried to focus on his husband on the other side of the room. "The world has broken 'im, a hundred times over. It's hard to recognise 'im sometimes, even for me, but if you look deep enough for long enough... He's still the same selfless man with a heart of gold. He's just scared of showing that side now. Look where it's got 'im every time."

"I'm glad you can still go on your rants and tangents," Jeonghan gave a soft chuckle when the man finally stopped for breath. "Speaking of tangents, if I'm allowed to go on one of my own. I have some good news from Jiyongnim."

"Good news sounds intriguing," Yoongi said, squinting up at the man, his vision still blurrier than he was used to.

"The tumour you had," Jeonghan said, placing his hand on the man's knee. "Wasn't cancerous."

"Oh..." Yoongi's brow furrowed, his narrowed eyes blinking as he stared at the wall ahead of him, letting the doctor's words sink in properly. "Right, well... Okay. Thanks, doc."

"You gonna have that morphine now?" The doctor offered, seeing the way the man's eyes turned glossy, proving he was more scared of the situation than he had been letting on. "Hmm?"

"He will," A small voice came from the corner, making the two turn to see Jimin stretching his arms over his head, letting out a yawn. 

"Making decisions for me now?" Yoongi chuckled, the sound making both Jeonghan and Jimin smile at him proudly. That was the first proper laugh they had heard. "So bossy."  

"He'll have the morphine, Jeonghannim," Jimin said, his plump lips tugging at the corners as he got up and sat beside his husband, on the opposite side of the bed from Jeonghan. "I am bossy. He's soft."

"Sir, yes, Sir," Jeonghan chuckled, standing and giving Jimin a playful salute, though only agreed since Yoongi gave him a subtle nod of agreement, giving him actual permission.

 "Where're your glasses?" Jimin asked as he took Yoongi's hand, distracting himself from the syringe in the doctor's hand, feeling his stomach involuntarily and maybe unfairly churn. 

"I think he stole them," Yoongi said, giving the boy a soft smile as Jeonghan added the drug to his IV, rubbing his thumb over Jimin's knuckles as he looked away for a moment. "It's okay, baby. All done, didn't even hurt. But my glasses, I wasn't given them back."

"They're here," Jeonghan scoffed, pulling out the glasses case from the drawer in his desk. He threw them over for Jimin to catch, chuckling lightly at the clear relief in Yoongi's strained eyes. "Sorry, I probably should have given them back sooner. I just wanted to see if your sight would improve a little without aid."

Jimin opened the case and took out the glasses, unfolding them before gently placing them on his husband's face.

"Thanks, baby," Yoongi smiled, positioning them more comfortably before looking up at the boy.

The man let out a low breath, just taking in every detail of the boy's face before smiling at him again, this time wider.

"Hey, you," Yoongi smiled, the familiar words causing his husband's heart to warm. "Almost forgot how beautiful you are."

"Yeah, yeah, he's very pretty. You can go back to swooning in a second, Yoongs. Look here," Jeonghan said, holding his finger up for the man to focus on. "Follow... And again... Look here. Brilliant. Pursuits are smoother than butter, oculomotor dysfunctions are no more. Much better than yesterday. There was nystagmus last time but it seems you can focus clearly again without disruption, so it's easy to say it was an issue with the swelling as I thought, but it's going down significantly now. Are the glasses still helping like they were?" 

"They're better than nothing," Yoongi nodded, unable to keep the small smile off his lips as Jimin tenderly stroked the strands of hair, poking out, underneath his bandage, off his forehead to kiss the area. "I love you too, baby... It's definitely clearer with the glasses, yes."

"Then we'll leave everything alone for now," Jeonghan said, a suggestive tone to his statement, but Yoongi just shrugged as he focused on Jimin playing with their rings, knowing the doctor knew better than him anyway. "We wait, let your incision heal fully. And time will do its thing. Things may improve, but they may not. But it is very, very unlikely that things will deteriorate now. This is as bad as it's gonna be, so if the glasses help, I'd be happy enough with that." 

"Yeah," Yoongi nodded, able to move his head properly now the painkillers were kicking back in. 

Jeonghan just smiled and went to sit back down. Though, when a knock sounded on the door, he was immediately back on his feet.

"Silent," He whispered to the two, holding his finger to his lips as he crept over to the door. 

Both of the couple nodded, but Jimin found himself giving his husband a little frown when he squeezed his hand, looking scared. It was so incredibly rare to see Yoongi look scared, nowadays. 

The boy just leaned closer, in front of him so he couldn't stare at the door. Yoongi just gave the younger a small smile, which was returned brighter with a light kiss.

Not fully distracted, Yoongi could just about hear the doctor's hushed voice, before a little crowd of footsteps entered the room, making him and his husband look up.

As Jeonghan stood aside, Namjoon, Taehyung and Seokjin walked in with relieved expressions at seeing their brother awake and alert. 

"Oh, Yoongiyah," Seokjin was first to speak, looking the most relieved as he walked over, swapping places with Jimin as the boy went to hug his best friend. "How're you doing?"

"Guys, how are you all here, right now?" Jeonghan asked the men before Yoongi could answer his hyung. 

"Baekhyun's not here," Namjoon said with a slight shrug. "He apparently left this morning. So, we thought it'd be a good time to sneak in. Hoseok should be here soon."

"Well, you all need to keep it calm and quiet in here," The doctor said with a sigh, sitting at his desk, though admittedly wasn't overly comfortable in the very crowded room. "Space out. And stay the hell away from my desk. Personal space is very important to my sanity, not that you guys seem to care very much."

"You claustrophobic, Jeonghannim?" Taehyung asked, tilting his head to the side, but Jeonghan refused to answer, simply turning back to his notebooks and actively ignoring the five men. 

"Doctor God has a weakness," Yoongi muttered under his breath.

"How are you doing?" Seokjin asked the man again, taking his hand and bringing the attention back to him. 

"I'm okay," Yoongi nodded, lowering his voice slightly, looking his hyung in the eye. "They operated. Here, in this place... No equipment, that means you..."

"I will always give blood for you, Yoongs," Seokjin cut him off, giving his hand a light squeeze before deciding it wasn't enough, just lifting him up from his laying position into a hug. "I'd prefer it if I didn't have to considering what the circumstances mean. But anytime..."

"I love you, hyung," Yoongi whispered, so quietly in Seokjin's ear that he almost didn't hear it at all. Though, the younger's attempt at subtlety was dismissed entirely when the man just chuckled at him. 

"I love you too, Yoongiyah," Seokjin said, smiling softly before releasing his brother, letting his rest back against his pillow again. "You're gonna stop putting yourself in these situations now, though. You're gonna be the death of me."

"Nayeonah?" The man whispered, his voice even quieter, and this time Seokjin kept his reply soft as well since it was obvious he didn't want Jimin hearing, for whatever reason.

"With Chika," He nodded, giving the man a soft, reassuring smile. "She's always with Chika or Yongbok. She's doing fantastic." 

"And what happened to you?" Yoongi asked, leaning to see around his hyung, at Namjoon.

"Just a run that went to shit," The younger man just shrugged, looking down at his arm, which was still bound in a sling, before looking back to his brother. "Turns out I don't just break everything around me, I am also capable of breaking myself."

"Shocker," Yoongi scoffed sarcastically, not surprised at all. "Taehyungie?"

"Yeah, yeah," Taehyung sighed, letting go of Jimin who was still hugging him, pushing him in his husband's direction. "You can have him back."

"I was gonna ask if you're okay, kid," Yoongi let out a low chuckle, though wasn't necessarily against Jimin sitting beside him again, smiling at the small boy when he took his hand. "I think I owe you one, don't I?"

"For rushing you back here, putting everyone else at risk and potentially saving your life with my amazing decision-making skills?" Taehyung smirked. "No, hyung. You don't need to thank me for anything."

"I wasn't going to thank you," Yoongi frowned, scoffing once again. "I said I owed you one. But how are you?"

"I'm okay, hyung," Taehyung just nodded, giving Seokjin a small smile when his soft eyes landed on him. "I've actually..."

"Sorry, I'm late, got caught up," Hoseok's voice hurried into the room, the door shutting behind the man as he came in, but he frowned as he stood next to Namjoon, feeling confused as to why all the men were staring at him with funny looks. "Why is everyone smirking at me?"

"Your hair's a mess, hyung," Jimin said, his giggle causing a small outbreak of shared laughter.

"And your shirt is inside out," Namjoon said in a much quieter tone, raising an eyebrow at the elder. 

Hoseok looked down, seeing the label of his t-shirt showing under his chin. "Fuck..."

"At least he's chilled out for once," Taehyung observed, unable to stop the light chuckle that left his throat, trying to cover it with a forced cough.

"Having a better time than me," Yoongi shrugged with a small smirk but missed Jimin's sharp eyes darting to him for the statement.

"Let's stop talking about me," Hoseok brushed off all the comments, shaking his head as he adjusted his shirt and tried to fix his hair. "How're you doing, Yoongs?" 

"I actually feel sick," Yoongi said, causing Jimin to grip his hand and Jeonghan to spin around on his chair quick enough to make a roundabout feel dizzy.

"You do?" The doctor asked, quick to his feet, about to grab his bag of equipment. "In what way? Nausea?"

"Sick of that question," Yoongi said with a sigh, causing the doctor to curse him under his breath, sinking back into his chair. "Stop asking, I'm fine. Just update me, how have you guys been?"

Just as Seokjin was about to speak, the door swung open, hitting the wall loudly. Yoongi's hand tightened around his husband's as everyone stared, slack-jawed as Baekhyun walked in. 

The man's nostrils flared slightly, his dark eyes scanning each face staring in his direction, before turning to the doctor.

"Jeonghan, stay here with Yoongi. I'll deal with all of that later," Baekhyun sighed, shaking his head as all eyes burned into him, not showing if he was angry or not. "Everyone else in my office. Now."

-

The five Bangtan members stood in a line, being separated by Zhang, Zitao and Jongdae as Baekhyun stomped around. He was definitely angry now.

"How're you doing, Namjoonah?" Zhang asked, standing in front of the man with a smirk. Namjoon just narrowed his eyes, biting his tongue.

Baekhyun wasn't paying any attention to the men, not for a start. Just pacing back and forth, trying to work out what the first thing he should shout about was.

Though, instead of saying anything, he paused in front of the smallest boy, his dark eyes glaring for a second before the back of his hand whipped Jimin's cheek

"Yah!" Seokjin shouted as the boy fell with a squeak, hitting the floor with a thud from the impact, but Zitao shoved him back, not letting him help his brother.

"Oh, come on," Baekhyun scoffed, rolling his shoulder out and stretching his neck as if he was warming up for something. "It's the very least the brat deserves. Living under my roof, thinking I wouldn't notice. You're all fucking idiots."

"Y-you knew?" Hoseok asked, his brow furrowing so deeply his eyes almost disappeared into his frown.

"How?" Taehyung asked, mirroring his hyung's expression, though jumped when Baekhyun turned to him swiftly, wafting a radio at him.

"It's a shared connection, you dumb fuck," Baekhyun spat in the young boy's face, sneering as he turned back to his main issue. "Heard you the second you arrived."

Hoseok gently placed his hand on Taehyung's shoulder as he shook on the spot, tugging him close to his side and the man in charge paced around in front of them.

"I've let you have your fun," Baekhyun shook his head, before his pacing came to a stop, once again singling one of them out. "But now you're gonna clean up the mess you've all made."

"What mess?!" Namjoon asked, getting rather frustrated with Zhang standing in front of him, holding him back. 

"I met Kim Mingyu, yesterday," Baekhyun turned back, a false smile on his lips. "Yeah, he didn't have much to say. Only that he's planning on killing you. Three of you to be exact... Though, there's one of you he certainly wants dead."

The men fell silent as he spun on his heel, facing the small, teary boy on the floor once more. 

"I have different plans," Baekhyun smirked, crouching down in front of the boy, placing his hand on his shoulder to make him look up. "You need to get a grip now."

"You're not going to get anywhere, being that close to him," Seokjin shook his head, not trusting the calm way the man approached his brother. "Back off, let him rest and calm down. We'll have a proper discussion tomorrow -"

Jimin practically screeched as the man slapped him again, positively giving him whiplash this time with the amount of strength in the action.

"Yah!" Seokjin shouted again, this time fuming, his ears and cheeks burning red as he went to push forwards... Only to be stopped again.

"Come on!" Baekhyun snapped as the frantic boy tried to scurry away. He grabbed the kid's jumper, his palm stinging against the boy's red, tear-flooded cheek again. "That's enough of this shit! I need you to fucking snap out of it! I need the man who killed Taemin!"

Another sharp slap and Namjoon found himself stepping forwards defensively, only to be held back by Zhang, giving him a cocky, infuriating smirk.

"Cut the crap, Jimin," Baekhyun sneered, harshly gripping the boy's chin between his fingertips. Jimin wailed again, his tears unstoppable as another slap came, making his cheek feel firey. "This pathetic waste of space was not the psycho I know beat the shit out of my brother! I need that side of you now. Now that you've brought all this shit to my door, you can fix it."

Each word, each breath that came next, all punctuated with yet another painful strike.

"Snap the fuck. Out. Of. It!" 

"Stop it!" Seokjin roared as Jimin's head dropped, his little shoulders heaving as Baekhyun finally gave him a second to breathe.

The boss just grabbed the boy's chin again, squishing his cheeks in and making his jaw ache under the pressure as he pulled his head up, to look him in the eye. 

A victorious chuckle left his lips as the boy slowly blinked his eyes open, a dark smirk painting over his face as Jimin's irises gleamed.

"There he is," Baekhyun chuckled, looking deep into the boy's eyes, taking every little detail of the golden colour as Jimin became pilant in his hold, his cries nothing but shallow, heavy breaths. "Now... Let's get to work."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

Baekhyun scoffed, running his tongue along his teeth, raising an eyebrow at the boy. 

Jimin had him pinned against the wall, huffing hot breath against his cheeks as his arm pressed against his neck. The pressure was harsh but not enough to cut off the man's airways, and Baekhyun found that amusing.

"I see you picked up a few things from our dear Taemin," He pressed, just waiting for the boy to do something, then he'd have a reason to put him down for good. "Make a move then, show me what you've learned."

But Jimin didn't do anything...

His arm fell, his feet stepped back.

"I need Yoongi," He stated, heavy, shaky breaths leaving his lungs as he scampered past his brothers, out of the room, leaving Taehyung and Hoseok to quickly chase after him.

"Go and get Jeonghan," Seokjin pushed Namjoon out of the room, seeing the sharp glint in his eyes as he stared at Baekhyun, knowing he had to stop him before he finished the job Jimin had started. "Tell him we need him. Go, Namjoonah, now." 

"Jiminah!" Taehyung called running up and catching the boy's hand, only to have him squirm out of his hold. "Tiny, you've..."

"I need Yoongi," Jimin shook his head, trying to pry the boy's fingers from his wrist. "H-he said... He said if I... If I need..."

"I know, Tiny," The boy nodded, not allowing Jimin to push him away. "I know, you need to go to Yoongs if you're scared. But not right now, buddy."

"I have to!" Jimin shouted, his voice cracking as his golden eyes burned through the younger. "I have to otherwise I'll... I'll... I need Yoongi!"

"No, Jiminah," Hoseok shook his head as he caught up to the two, butting in and firmly holding the boy's shoulders, pushing him to the other end of the hall. "We need to calm down first, okay? I know you need Yoongi but you don't want him to see you like this. Let's go back to my room for a moment, you need a moment."

"Guys?" Seokjin ran up as the two managed to haul Jimin up the hall.

"Going to my room, hyung," Hoseok said, still holding the boy's shoulders tight, but he could practically feel the rage shaking through him. 

Seokjin just nodded, following them up to the bedroom, swinging the door open just before Jimin managed to escape Hoseok's hold.

"Wait, what's...?" Taehyung frowned, mainly speaking to himself as he watched his soulmate pace the room, backing away from them as quickly as he could. "Jiminie, what's... Jiminie?"

"Don't..." The boy stuttered, holding his hands up as his best friend tried to walk over to him, almost shielding himself away from something. "Don't touch me... Don't... Please!"

"Jiminie, no one is hurting you now ," Seokjin said as Jeonghan hurriedly appeared at the doorway, his words firm but his tone gentle as he approached the boy, about to take his hand until he got shoved away. "We won't let anyone .  Please, try  and focus now. Focus on me, on hyung."

"Go and get the Chlorpromazine from my office," Jeonghan instructed Hoseok subtly, already seen enough to make a snap decision, glad when the man didn't question him and just hurried out of the room. "Jiminah, time to take a break now. Can you slow it down for us?"

Instead of a response, the doctor found himself having to duck as a rather hefty-sized medical journal whizzed over the top of his head. More things went flying from Hoseok's bedside table, including the unplugged, useless lamp which went straight through the back window.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Hoseok exclaimed as he ran back into the room, just in time to hear the glass shattering. "Chim..."

The boy didn't respond, he just doubled over, crying hard as his little face turned bright red.

"Tiny, please let me help you!" Taehyung begged, reaching out to the boy.

"Don't fucking touch me!" The boy screeched, losing all control of himself as his arms swung in defence, his fist colliding with the side of the younger's face.

"Tae, just leave him," Seokjin sighed, honestly not knowing how to help Jimin now. "Don't get yourself hurt..."

"No," Taehyung shook his head, stretching his jaw a little to stop the ache, holding the boy's hand down so he couldn't hit him again. "I... I deserved that. Karma and all..."

"Either way, his heart's not strong enough for this," Jeonghan shook his head as he grabbed the blanket from off the bed, grasping the frantic boy's arm and pulling him away from the younger, bracing him against his chest and wrapping him in it to stop him from fighting back. "Enough's enough. There we go. Hoseokah, twenty-five milligrams, please. That's one mil..."

"Get off!" Jimin squirmed, but the doctor was much stronger, holding him still. The boy's cheeks turned white when the doctor nodded towards Hoseok, who handed over a filled syringe. "No! N-no, no, no!"

"I know, sweetheart," Jeonghan  sighed, as  the boy struggled for freedom, keeping a firm hold on him. "I know, I know, scary needle. Just hold on, kiddo. You'll feel better, hold still. I don't want to hurt you, Jiminie. Hold still. Hoseok, hold him still..."

Hoseok stepped closer, gently holding his dongsaeng's head against his shoulder, holding him still as the doctor injected the top of his slim arm with the sedative.

"You're okay, Jiminie," Hoseok whispered, stroking the back of the boy's head as his shouts quietened into muffled exclamations until they died away completely. "Breathe... Hobi's here, we're all here ."

"Good boy, down we go," Jeonghan shushed as the whimpering boy felt limp against him, holding him in his arms and slowly lowering him to the floor with Hoseok's help, tugging the blanket tight around him so the cold wooden flooring wasn't a bother. 

Jimin blinked tiredly around the room, and Hoseok teared up as the golden streaks melted away from the boy's irises, leaving them cold, dark and empty.

"Well done, just relax now. Good boy... "

With a sigh, the doctor's shoulders sank, gently lifting the boy's head and holding him against his lap as he examined his assaulted cheek, shaking his head at the bruising already setting in, causing the boy's eye to swell up.

"Right... Be careful of the glass. Taehyungah, help me get him on the bed. He's sedated but he still needs a trusted friend to move him. Seokjin, let's get him some ice, stop this swelling. Hoseokah, please tell Jiyongnim he needs to stay with Yoongi tonight, as I now need to stay here," He said, gently holding his fingers to the pulse point on Jimin's neck just to be cautious, sounding worn out as the other three men caught their breath. "I shouldn't have used that drug 'cause of his seizures but I honestly don't think there was any other option here. He was going to hurt himself and you guys... I'll be talking to Baekhyun in the morning. This was nothing short of abuse and it won't be tolerated. I don't care who the son of a bitch is."

-

"They're going back to wherever the hell they escaped to," Baekhyun stated, kicking his feet up onto his desk, folding his arms over his chest as Jeonghan glared at him. "And then I'm sending the tree climbers there. That way, my house stays nice and clean."

"Yoongi's in no state to travel," Jeonghan shook his head firmly. "I care if you care. The man's not walking yet, you are not sending him anywhere. I need Hoseok with me to continue my work and Seokjin shouldn't be going anywhere without me either. If you send them away, I go with them, and I will take whoever wants to stay with that group. Jiyong, Binna, Jackson, Felix, Chika and Jomei..." 

"Do what you like, Doc," Baekhyun chuckled, but Jeonghan shook his head, running his tongue over his teeth.

"Do not call me that," The doctor said, his voice lowering. He had enough experience from Mingyu to know exactly how to talk to men like Baekhyun. "Considering I have worked here for over a year now, protecting the health of all your people, I demand more respect from your pitiful arse."

"Oh, you demand, do you?" The boss scoffed, letting out a sound of genuine amusement. "The thing is, Doc. You work here... For me. Which means I am in charge. If you don't like that, by all means, go with them. But you will find yourself in the middle of their mess. If you think I'm taking any part in this..."

"By sending Kim Mingyu to them, you are taking a part in this," Jeonghan said, curling his fingers and flexing them, trying not to lose his temper. "A very, very big part that is going to get an innocent boy killed for nothing but revenge, maybe a few more people killed as well."

"You think Jimin's innocent?" Baekhyun raised an eyebrow at the doctor, still not bothering to sit up straight. "The bastard's a murderer."

"I know exactly what Jimin was forced to do," Jeonghan stated, not allowing the man to turn the conversation, sway his opinion or bad mouth any of the men. "Exactly how you, and all the other arseholes from this place, treated him. You can not convince me Park Jimin is a bad person so don't even bother trying. You're the cunt in this scenario. What the fuck was that yesterday?"

"That was me losing my temper with the whiny, little bitch. It was getting my point across that he needs to clean up whatever mess he makes," Baekhyun shrugged, making eye contact with the doctor as he leaned over his desk, fuming in front of him. "Maybe... Just maybe it was a little dose of Karma."

"Do you have any idea how long it took to calm him down? What we had to resort to?" Jeonghan scoffed at the man's blatant lack of empathy. "Because of you, you now have a broken window and a very mentally ill kid plotting your death, so I hope you're happy."

"Well, I hope he's being creative," Baekhyun swiped, the upwards tug of his lips making Jeonghan want to knock his teeth out. "Wouldn't want to be disappointed. I'll be sure to add the damages to his bill, later."

"The kid has psychotic PTSD and you think it's okay to smack him about!" Jeonghan shouted, pointing a blaming finger at the boss. "Just to get him to snap and do your dirty work. Well, there you go! He snapped, now what do you plan to do?"

"I plan to wash my hands clean of these people," Baekhyun said, finally letting his feet fall from the desk, sitting up straight to look the doctor in the eye. "These other people, Kim Mingyu, are now threatening my home. My people. Therefore, Jimin is going to fix that. The way he fixed the last problem... He can kill Mingyu, I'll even allow him all the fun. The rest of us can just sit back and enjoy the show. I'm kinda sad I missed the last one... Disappointing."

"That is beyond manipulative, beyond sadistic. Jimin is not a weapon, just there for you to play around with. Making him kill again...?" Jeonghan shook his head, not believing he was having this conversation.  "You're abusing your power, wasn't that exactly what the last prick running this place did?"

To that, the doctor was refused an answer. Baekhyun merely raised an eyebrow, silently asking if the man was done with his assumptions.

"Have you ever killed someone, Baekhyunssi?" Jeonghan asked through gritted teeth, though his voice came out clear and firm enough to strike a nerve within the man. "Have you ever been forced to take someone's life?"

The way Baekhyun's cocky, smarmy expression fell had Jeonghan nodding slowly, letting out a heavy breath.

"Then how could you possibly hold this much hatred over Jimin?"

-

"So, that's it?" Seokjin asked Jeonghan after he spoke to them in the hall and finished telling them about Baekhyun's ridiculous plan. "Tae and Jimin leave and he sends the Gwahagja to them..."

"Namjoon's gonna go with them," Jeonghan stated, making the younger man look at him with a confused frown.

"I am?" Namjoon asked, tilting his head a little. "I mean, yeah. Of course, I'll go with them but... Is that your idea or Byun's?"

"Mine but he can't argue with me," Jeonghan said with a small shrug. "Otherwise I leave as well and he doesn't want that."

"This is Woosung and Taemin all over again," Namjoon shook his head, sighing as he sat down on the bench behind him, running his hand down his face. 

"You go with them, Namjoon," The doctor said, turning to the man as he looked up at him tiredly. "And you're in charge again. It's as simple as that... Me and Hoseok stay here with Jinnie and Yoongi..."

"How many times do I have to tell you?" Seokjin complained but was ignored, leaving him to mutter under his breath.

"You take control in Busan," Jeonghan continued. "Baekhyun wants to send them away and send Mingyu after them, expecting Jimin to simply wipe the bastard out. You go with them, you know how to negotiate, how to hold yourself. You can handle Kim Mingyu. This doesn't have to end in bloodshed."

"He's right, Namjoonah," Seokjin said, giving the younger man a firm nod of encouragement. "You're the best leader anyone could have the honour of working with. We all trust you with our lives." 

"Me and Jinnie... Seokjinssi will work things this end with Hoseok," Jeonghan said as the younger started to really listen intently. "We'll stop all trouble, that we possibly can, from coming your way."

"Hyung?" Hoseok's voice travelled through Seokjin's radio, causing him to take a deep breath and forget about what he was saying to answer. "Yoongi's asking where the hell everyone is... You wanna come and explain everything?"

"I'll be there in a moment, Hoseokie," Seokjin said but Namjoon shook his head at him.

"I'll go," The younger said. "You go and talk to Taehyung and Jiminah. They'll understand it all easier if it comes from you."

"Just be quick," Hoseok's irritated voice came back. "He... Wants Jimin, by the way."

-

"Hey, guys," Jeonghan smiled into the little bedroom at the best friends, chilling on the bed. 

"Guys, we've gotta talk," Seokjin sighed, tilting his head and giving them a sad smile, taking a seat next to Jimin who tried to shuffle away, whimpering something quietly. "Hey, it's alright, Chimmy. I just need to tell..."

"He's post-ictal, hyung," Taehyung cut the man off, shaking his head sadly when both Seokjin and Jeonghan gave him questioning looks. "About ten minutes ago. It was a pretty nasty one, three minutes right when he woke up. He needs a moment."

"The sedative's still wearing off," Jeonghan sighed, scratching his brow before also taking a seat beside the small boy, though Seokjin moved away so the boy didn't feel crowded. "It's left you vulnerable, Jiminie. Have you had your tablets yet?"

The boy gave a soft shake of his head, blinking at the ground, habitually trying to push his hair back before remembering it was too short now.

"Tae, get him his meds," Jeonghan instructed, gently lifting Jimin's chin and looking into his eyes. "You're focusing well, honey. Is it easing off?"

"My back hurts..." The boy mumbled, though his words didn't match the blank expression on his face.

"He nearly fell off the bed," Taehyung sighed, rummaging around through Hoseok's drawer before searching one of the backpacks, by the door, finally finding his friend's meds. "I... Had to be a little forceful to make sure he didn't. Sorry, Tiny."

Seokjin watched with nervous eyes as Jeonghan sat up a little, seemingly massaging the boy's neck for him before giving him a warm smile. 

"You're alright, buddy," The doctor reassured, giving his shoulder a gentle pat and looking towards Seokjin as Taehyung handed over his boxes of tablets and a water bottle.  "He'll be fine, sore but fine."

"Okay," Seokjin nodded, letting out a long breath. "Right, guys. Here's what we're gonna be doing, alright? 

  You two are going to go back to Busan, Namjoon's going to go with you. You're going to be safe but you're going to have to be smart. We're going to do our best to make sure the trouble caused here doesn't follow you, okay?"

"And Yoongi?" Taehyung asked quietly, looking at his hyung with a concerned expression. 

Seokjin just nodded, sighing. Yoongi couldn't go with them, Jimin had to leave him. 

"Jiminie, Yoongs wants to see you, buddy," Seokjin sighed, crouching down in front of the boy who simply looked away. "You'll regret it if you don't say goodbye. We're gonna go and see him, okay?"

"I can't," The boy whispered, letting his gaze fall to the ground, shaking his head when the man sighed at him. "He can't see me."

"Because of this?" Seokjin asked softly, reaching up and gently brushing his thumb under the boy's eye, where dark bruising had fully set in. The red marks of Baekhyun's fingers were still bright and hot, like whip lashes across his cheek. "We'll get you some more ice. In the meantime, Yoongi's still asking for you, Chim. You've gotta go to him, you don't know the next time you'll be able to."

"Don't wanna hurt him," The boy mumbled, his voice still barely there.

"Not saying goodbye will be what hurts him," Seokjin sighed, giving the boy a hopefully coaxing smile when he finally made eye contact. "Go and prove to him that he's got nothing to worry about, that you're going to be okay. That's all he wants."

-

Yoongi sighed, quickly looking towards the bedroom door as it opened, sick of twiddling his thumbs and wondering where everyone was.

"There you are," He frowned as Jeonghan walked in, closing the door behind him, keeping his hand on the handle. "I was starting to feel abandoned. What's going on?"

"Yoongi, you need to stay where you are," Jeonghan said with a pointed finger, still holding the door shut. "Your arse does not leave that bed. No matter what."

"What?"

"No matter what. Say it, no matter what," The doctor cut him off, making him repeat him twice before he finally backed away from the door. "Stay, I mean it, Yoongi. You're not walking yet, that isn't changing today. Stay where you are."

"Just tell me what's going on," Yoongi said with a slightly demanding tone as he slowly sat himself up, but the doctor ignored him. "Has this got something to do with when you all disappeared, yesterday? Jeonghan, what has Baekhyun done? Where's...?"

"Stop," Jeonghan shook his head, hand on the door handle, waiting for the man to stop talking. "Be quiet and stay where you are."

Yoongi just bit his tongue, letting out a heavy breath as he waited. Jeonghan gave him a slow nod, thanking him for complying, before finally opening the door.

Seokjin walked in with Jimin huddled up to his side.

"Go on, honey," The elder sighed, pushing the boy in his husband's direction. Jimin hesitated for a moment but when Yoongi called him over, he couldn't refuse.

"W-wh-what happened?" Yoongi asked, jaw agape as Jimin sat down beside him, seeing the bruising on his husband's face and feeling a hot wave of anger wash through his veins. "Who did this?"

"Baekhyun," Seokjin sighed when Jimin shied away from the man. Yoongi's eyes turned dark but, with a warning glare from Jeonghan, he just took in a deep breath.

"Jiminie, baby?"

"I'm... I'm gonna go home," The boy said, not making eye contact even though his husband was cupping his cheek in his hand. "I wanna go home, Yoon."

"O-okay, baby," The man bit his lip, tracing his thumb over the boy's cheek, leaning up slightly to press a gentle kiss to his bruised eyelid. "My darling..."

"Don't let yourself get worked up, Yoongi," Jeonghan said firmly, though he knew it was near impossible for the man not to get angry. "It happened, it's superficial, Jimin's fine. He's going home this afternoon. Byun won't lay another hand on him."

"Are you okay?" Yoongi whispered to the boy, looking at him directly. This wasn't just superficial, Jimin was hurt deep inside. He was already distancing himself, shutting down inside, it could be seen in his dim eyes. He wasn't fine, but Yoongi knew there was nothing he could do. "Jiminie? You don't have to sit back and take this. You know you don't."

"Yoongi..." Seokjin tried to cut the man off, not liking the sound of the advice he was giving the younger. The last thing they needed was more trouble with Baekhyun. "I don't think..."

"You're stronger than this, yeobo," Yoongi continued as if he never heard the man. "You don't have to take any of their shit. You're stronger than all of them. That's what we used all year learning, right? Just fight back, yeobo. Fight back."  

"I wanna turn it off, Yoonie," Jimin shook his head, finally making eye contact, and Yoongi hated the fact that there weren't tears. "I... Don't wanna feel it."

"Don't turn it off," Yoongi said, caressing his cheek again. "That's the worst thing you could do, baby. Don't throw last year away. Just feel it and let it out, even if that means getting angry..."

"Don't wanna be angry," Jimin shook his head and Yoongi could tell he was gritting his teeth, biting his tongue. He did want to be angry, he wanted to scream but he was stopping himself.  "Yoon... Please don't let me hurt anyone."

"The most important thing, baby," Yoongi sighed, taking his boy's hand, kissing his ring. "Is that you don't hurt yourself... Jin hyung?"

"Yeah?" The man looked up, breathing shakily into his hands. 

 "Jiminie, I trust you, baby. But you won't trust yourself," Yoongi said, giving the boy's hand a squeeze before looking back at his brother. "Hyung, I need you to tell Namjoonah, once they get to Busan, he needs to go to our bedroom-"

"Yoonie?" Jimin frowned, his pillowy lips trembling.

"My backpack, if I remember right, is next to the door," The man continued with his hyung listening carefully, nodding attentively. "You tell him, he needs to find my gun and hide it."

"Yoon..." Tears finally pricked Jimin's eyes.

"Tell him to hide it as soon as they get there," Yoongi said firmly, his voice almost scarily serious. "I won't have that thing in the same building as my husband. Tell him to get rid of it."

"Of course, Yoongi," Seokjin nodded, knowing exactly why the man was being so cautious. "I'll tell him."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"Oh, Seokjinnie!" Jeonghan called as he caught the man, on his way back to his office, jogging to walk next to him.

"That's no better," Seokjin shook his head at the way the doctor kept trying to embellish his name, hands shoved in the pockets of his denim jacket as he headed to the canteen. He was meant to be there an hour ago but, after remembering the events of the other day, he decided to make Baekhyun wait. He wasn't exactly in a bowing-down mood anymore. "What's up?" 

"I'm glad it was you I caught, actually," Jeonghan said as he followed the man, almost dismissing everything he had said as if he just chose not to hear it. "I want to know where that hospital is."

"What hospital?" Seokjin gave the man a funny look, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Where you guys stayed," Jeonghan said slowly, looking at the man as if he was being dumb. "I wanna know just how overrun it is, if it still is, of course."

"Whatever you're planning, we're not going back there," Seokjin shook his head again, pausing, making the doctor stop as well as he folded his arms over his chest. "I'm not gonna tell you where it is, I want nothing to do with your idea... I don't care what it is."

"Yoongi's one-week post-op," Jeonghan said, shoving his hands in his pockets, rocking slightly on the balls of his feet as he waited for his sentence to make him change his mind. "I wanna make sure he's recovering properly. His incision's healing well but I wanna make sure we didn't miss anything. That place had power, right? It could still have power, Yoongi could have scans and we can run more adequate tests rather than just assuming based on observations... So, again, where's the hospital?" 

Seokjin sighed, loudly, almost as if he was trying to stifle an exclamation and Jeonghan knew he won. Looking up at the doctor with narrowed eyes, the man just nodded in understanding.

"It's a few miles away," He said, shaking his head lightly. "South, about fifteen-twenty minutes. It's overrun though, Jeonghanssi. The place was burning down when we left. It might not even be standing anymore."

"Jomei and Felix are good fighters," Jeonghan said, raising an eyebrow at the man's dubious look. "I want to get there, I am willing to clear it. It's worth checking if the power still works, even if we just have to turn right back around, I'm not willing to drop it until I know for sure." 

"Jomei, yes," Seokjin nodded but then clicked his tongue, turning to start walking again. "But don't make Yongbok go back there. The kid went through too much and lost too many friends that day, don't make him relive that."

"Jiyongnim can come along, instead then," Jeonghan said as they walked up the hall to the canteen, where Seokjin was meant to be working. "He knows how to handle himself. If you come, and there is a decent amount of equipment still scattered about, we could give you both a full check-up."

"Is Yoongiyah well enough?" Seokjin asked. "To go out? Shouldn't he be resting? You only got him up and out of bed yesterday."

"I'm gonna see him later, today," Jeonghan nodded, understanding the man's concerns. "Gotta get back to the office for a bit but I'll make sure he's fit to travel before anything. Don't worry. Have you seen him today?"

"Not yet," Seokjin shook his head, though his feet came to a stop again. "I might go now, actually..."

"Why not ask if he wants to see Nayeon?" Jeonghan suggested, giving the man a shrug as he contemplated ditching work. "Might put a smile on that pretty, sullen, grumpy face of his."

-

In the end, Seokjin decided he would blow off work, deciding his brother was far more important than keeping Baekhyun happy. He went to see Yoongi, who seemed in bright enough spirits though wasn't exactly in a chatty mood. 

"Do you want to see Nayeon?" He asked after sitting in silence for a while, thinking Jeonghan may have been right about it being good for the man to see the little girl. "I can't stress how much she's missed you."

"I've missed her too," Yoongi nodded, sighing heavily as he sat up, shuffling on the bed to make himself comfortable.

"Why did you keep quiet? When Jimin was here," Seokjin asked, sure the younger boy missed the girl as well, though Yoongi's expression said differently. "Didn't he want to see her? He didn't... Mention her."

"I don't think he remembers who she is, hyung," Yoongi said sadly, shaking his head a little and clasping his hands together. "I was starting to think he'd forgotten all of you. The longer we were away, the less he talked about this place, until he just... Never mentioned any of it. He was like a whole different person out there."

"You made the right choice by moving away, Yoongs," Seokjin sighed when he noticed the regretful tone of the younger's voice. "Despite everything from the past few days, I've never seen Jimin look so healthy, even when we were performing. He's strong now, that fight he put up...? Jesus. Before you left, the kid couldn't even lift a shirt over his head. You must've been doing something right." 

"I can't help but think I sheltered him too much, though," Yoongi said, the corner of his mouth quirking thoughtfully. "Three meals a day, music and dancing, going to bed the same time every night; never leaving the field, blanket cuddle sessions with the fucking cat... If I had made sure he remembered... That the world is still dangerous. Maybe he..."

"Yoongi," Seokjin cut him off, shaking his head at him. "You did exactly what you went away to do. You got him well... For that, you are a great husband."

"And yet, he still had a breakdown," Yoongi said, his brow furrowing as he looked at his hyung. "The second he was thrown back into reality, all that was reversed. Like we never even tried. Like it was all for nothing." 

"You didn't have time to prepare him, Yoongi. You didn't have time to prepare yourself," Seokjin sighed, placing his hand on his brother's knee as it started bouncing. "I can't honestly believe either of you was expecting to have to come back, the way you did. This wasn't predicted and there was nothing we could have done to control it. I'm sure you certainly didn't ask to have a brain tumour. Jimin was bound to have a breakdown, coming back here. That was expected, but it doesn't mean your year away was all for nothing."

"Why does it feel like I've gone and made him worse?" Yoongi asked, his voice cracking slightly though he tried to cover it with a cough. "Like this was my fault..."

"Because you're emotional and on extremely strong medications, right now. You're tired," Seokjin sighed, shuffling a little closer to the man when his eyes teared up, taking his hand to stop him from wiping the tears away. He needed to cry, not hold everything inside. "Not to mention, probably still off in pain, meds or no meds. Do you know what I think you need?"

"Hmm?" Yoongi sniffed, pulling his hand out of the man's hold, rubbing at his cheeks.

"Don't do this to yourself, Yoongs," The eldest clicked his tongue as the man swallowed his emotions back down. "Just let yourself cry. You'd feel better..."

"What do I need?" Yoongi asked stiffly, dropping his gaze down to his lap, bringing the man's attention back to what he was going to say. "And if you're about to say sleep..."

"I think you need to see Nayeonah," Seokjin shook his head, giving the man a soft smile when he raised an eyebrow at him. "If you won't let yourself cry, maybe you'll let yourself laugh... Hmm? You need to have some kind of release."

"Is it safe for her to come down here?" Yoongi frowned as the man pulled his radio out. 

"Of course it is. She won't be walking around on her own. You wanna see her?" He asked him, letting out a little chuckle when the younger's expression softened greatly, a smile breaking through. "I'll take that as a yes... I'll give Hoseokie a call. I think she's with Yongbok today, but I'm sure she won't mind the interruption. You think you have the energy?"

"Of course," Yoongi chuckled, unable to think of anything better than seeing his daughter again after so long. 

"Let's give him a call then," Seokjin smiled back, reaching for the drawer beside the bed, and grabbing the radio inside. "Hoseokah? Got a moment?"

"Sure, hyung," Hoseok's overly cheery voice came through a few moments later, making Seokjin chuckle. Clearly, the man was with Binna. "What's up?"

"We were just hoping you'd be able to go and get little Nayeonah for us," Seokjin said, giving Yoongi a smile when he started tapping his fingers together in a fast-paced rhythm. Obviously, he had picked up a few of Jimin's nervous tics along the way. "Can we get the radio to her? Just do us a favour and don't tell her why."

"Sure thing, hyung," Hoseok smiled, patting Binna's shoulder as he got up from her bed. She gave him a little wave as he left quickly. "Give me a few minutes, I'll go find the little rascal. She's with Yongbok, right?"

"Think so," Seokjin responded, making the man nod and turn in the direction of the Aussie's assigned room. 

He headed up the stairs, to the second floor, where the young boy's room was. Him, Chika and Jomei had recently been moved upstairs, though no one understood why, but it was never questioned. As long as they were still safe. As he was about to knock, he just opened the door and let himself in, not feeling the need to make his presence known.

What happened next changed his mind though.

Not even a step into the room, Hoseok heard a little yelp as something hit his head. Not painfully but hard enough to make him jump back in surprise.

"Hyung!" Felix exclaimed, sitting up on his bed, and wrapping his duvet around himself as the man bent down to pick up what had been thrown at him. "I'm so sorry"

Hoseok couldn't help but let out a laugh as he found the boy's weapon was nothing but an HB pencil. 

"Hi, kid."

"Hi," The boy chuckled, shaking his head at himself, embarrassed for being scared as the man laughed at him. "Sorry. I really didn't mean to do that."

"It's alright," Hoseok just smiled, brushing him off and handing his pencil back. "Don't apologise for being cautious. It's what keeps us going nowadays, though art utensils are an interesting choice in weapons. Whatcha drawing anyway?"

"Oh, nothing," Felix shook his head again, pushing away the papers and sitting back a little, the duvet still covering his bare shoulders though he seemed more relaxed now. "Just doodling." 

"This is the hospital," Hoseok said, taking the piece of paper from the bed, swatting the kid's hand away when he tried to snatch it back. Drawn out in sharp graphite, you could easily tell that the building on the paper was the hospital, drawn to perfect detail - right down to all the little people working at the fence and in the field. "Yongbokie, this is incredible! When'd you learn to draw like this?"

"I didn't really," Felix shrugged, finally managing to grab the piece of paper from the man's hands. "It's just something I've always done when I was bored. I kinda stopped for a while when I learned piano, but I've been banned from the one in the lobby now..."

"Well, that's not fair," Hoseok sighed sadly, knowing Baekhyun had cracked down and was restricting everyone connected to Bangtan. Using them more as slaves than residents. "Hey, do you play guitar?"

"A little bit," The boy said after a moment. "Prefer piano though. Learned that first so..."

"Yeah, Yoongs is the same. Calls it his first love," Hoseok chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Binna has a guitar. Little, quirky, pink thing; half-size because she's no taller than a child... But you could borrow it, I'm pretty sure she doesn't even know how to play it. You know, for when you start missing music. It would do the job."

"Thanks, hyung," Felix smiled, giving a nod of agreement.

"Anway," Hoseok said, rubbing the back of his head, looking around the little bedroom, smiling as he started to notice the boy had plastered some of his drawings on the walls. How had he never noticed? "I'm actually meant to be looking for Nayeon. I thought she was with you today."

"She's with Chika," Yongbok shook his head, picking his pencil back up and going back to his sketch. "They were playing school again, Chika made up another lesson but Baekhyunssi said he needed her in the kitchen with Jomei because Jin hyung didn't turn up. So, they had to move to the canteen."

"Thanks, kid," Hoseok nodded, smiling as he turned to leave. "I better go and find 'em."

"Okay, hyung."

"Yongbokie?" 

"Hmm?" The boy hummed, focusing back on his drawing.

"Could I... Keep this?" Hoseok asked, making the boy look up with a frown. 

Looking over his shoulder, Felix saw what the man was looking at. A picture-perfect portrait he had stuck up a few weeks ago, of the Jung siblings.

"Of course," Felix nodded with a warm smile, more than happy to let the man keep the drawing of his sister. "I'm... Honestly not sure why I drew it. Just felt right in the moment. It's yours, hyung."

"Thanks, kiddo. I appreciate it," Hoseok gave the boy a smile, taking the picture off the wall and carefully folding it up, slipping it into his pocket before heading to the door. 

"Oh, while you're at it, hyung," Felix said, making Hoseok turn back with a small smile and a nod. "Could you give this one to Yoongi hyung? I heard he's still here... Again, I got a bit too bored for my own good. I just like drawing everyone happy."

"Of course," Hoseok nodded again, taking the drawing the boy was handing him, grinning when he already knew Yoongi would treasure the gorgeous sketch of him and his husband smiling.

"Thanks, hyung."

"I'll see you later, okay?" Hoseok said, tucking the drawing away with the other one.

"No worries, hyung," The boy waved him off, leaving him to chuckle lightly as he shut the door behind him, wiping his eyes before the tears that formed threatened to slip. 

"Jesus Christ," The man breathed, shaking his head before sighing heavily and looking upwards, murmuring to himself: "God, I fucking miss you, noona..."

After a moment, the man composed himself and began the walk down to the canteen, managing to get there in under five minutes when he remembered Yoongi and Seokjin were waiting for him

"Hey, Chika," The man popped his head through the kitchen window, seeing her and Jomei working hard with the lunch orders. "Don't suppose you know where Nayeon is? She's got me on a wild goose chase, here."

"She's having lunch, Hoseokssi," Chika smiled, pointing through the window, making the man follow her finger to where he saw Nayeon sitting with a bowl of rice and a book in front of her.

"She's definitely Yoongi's," He chuckled, shaking his head at the two's shared love of books. "Thanks, Chika. I'll see you later."

Heading over to the table, Hoseok found his feet coming to an abrupt halt as someone beat him to it.

No one other than Baekhyun sat down next to the little girl, mug of coffee in his hand as he struck up what looked to be small talk.

With an extra step in his walk, Hoseok hurried over, sudden annoyance and protectiveness making him move faster.

"What the hell is this?" He asked sharply as he approached the lunch table, only feeling angrier when Baekhyun shot him a smug smirk. "Nayeonah, you alright, sweetie?"

"I'm okay, oppa," The little girl nodded, taking a spoonful of her rice as she focused on her book, seemingly trying to ignore the man who sat next to her, pouting every time he disrupted her.

"Yeah, we were about to talk about her appa," Baekhyun smiled sweetly, though it only made Hoseok feel sick when he tucked the girl's hair behind her ear. "Me and little Min have never really had a proper catch-up. I have to say, she is wonderful. Nothing like her father at all."

Little Min? Hoseok thought before his eyes turned dark. The man was talking about Taemin.

"Nayeonah, wanna finish your lunch somewhere else?" He asked though he kept his eyes narrowed on the boss, just to catch any reaction given. "Got someone who wants to see you, sweetie."

"Can I bring my book?" The girl asked, looking up at him with her doe-eyes, causing him to smile warmly.

"Of course, sweetie," He nodded, holding his hand out to her, picking up her bowl of food as she grabbed the book. "Come on, I think you're gonna be happy."

"Oppa?" The child looked up as the exited the canteen.

"Yeah, sweetie?"

"Why was Baekhyunnim calling me Litte Min?" Nayeon asked, pouting a little as the man clicked his tongue.

"First of all," Hoseok sighed, shaking his head, trying to think of a way to talk himself out of the awkward question without revealing any of the dark truth. "Don't call him that. That man does not deserve your respect, Nayeonah. And secondly... Well, Min is Yoongi's last name. Min is in Jiminie's name. So, I guess... You're little Min."

"Hmm," The girl hummed thoughtfully as she swung her and Hoseok's arms, before grinning at him. "I think I like that."

"Great..." Hoseok mumbled, not exactly feeling the same way. Yoongi was bound to kill him for the nickname he had just adjusted if he learned who started it. "Here we go, sweetie. Gotta be calm, can you stay calm for me?"

"Mm-hmm," The little girl nodded sweetly as she patiently waited for the man to open the door, though beamed brightly when he did so, seeing who was waiting for her inside.

"Appa!" She shrieked, running across the room, only to be scooped up in Seokjin's arms, to slow her down.

"We've gotta be quieter than that, darling," He chuckled, letting her perch on the bed where he was sitting. "Appa's got a sore head so none of that, alright?"

"No, it's alright," Yoongi chuckled. His bright smile hadn't faded from the second the girl had entered the room and certainly didn't seem to be anytime soon. "God, I've missed you so much, baby girl! Look how grown up you are! Gimme a hug."

The little girl wrapped her arms around the man as he lifted her onto his lap, hugging him tightly, making him think she would never let go.

"God, I've missed you," He mumbled, kissing the top of her hair as his brothers chuckled and watched them with bright smiles.

"Got a present from Yongbok, hyung," Hoseok said, walking over and handing Yoongi the drawing from his pocket when he looked up. "The kid's been hiding a secret talent."

"Fucking hell," Yoongi scoffed as Nayeon shifted off his lap, letting him unfold the paper and look at the drawing. "This is amazing."

"That's what I said," Hoseok nodded, handing Seokjin the other drawing so he could see what they were talking about. "They're plastered all over his wall. He's been busy."

"Jesus... There's so much more to learn about that boy," Yoongi shook his head, scanning the drawing, smiling at every tiny detail. Nayeon nudged him, to get his attention again, and he looked up with soft eyes, chuckling at the little book she was holding in her hands. "Whatcha got, sweetheart?"

The girl showed him the book, her little cheeks turning round as she smiled. 

"Chika's been teaching her to read," Hoseok said, sitting himself down on the edge of Jeonghan's desk. "She's really good. Ain't ya, Nayeonah?"

"Mm-hmm," The girl nodded with pride. "Can I read to you, appa?"

"I'd love that!" Yoongi grinned, showing off his gums as he tugged her a little closer again so she was back on his lap. He was starting to miss reading since Jeonghan had banned him from it for a while, so nothing would have sounded better, even if it was a children's book.

"Nayeonah," Hoseok said, patting the little girl's shoulder to get her attention away from Yoongi for a second. "Only one chapter, then we need to let appa rest. Okay, sweetie?"

"Yes, oppa," Nayeon bobbed her head, making her long bob of hair swish around.

Yoongi just smiled at her warmly, kissing her head as her attention returned to the book, starting to slowly pronounce the words from the pages. Though there were a few clear mistakes and stumbles, it only seemed to be because of difficult pronunciation rather than actually reading.

 Yoongi was blown away by the way she was sounding out each word better than he had heard some teenagers be able to.

"Chika thinks it may be an eidetic memory," Seokjin said quietly, not wanting to interrupt the girl, but noticing the amazing in the man's eyes. "We know someone else... Who certainly had a genius trait, whether it was used for good or bad."

"You're so clever," The man whispered to Nayeon, causing her round cheeks to turn pink. He wasn't about to answer his hyung, not wanting to associate the precious little girl with the monster her biological father was. "So proud of you, baby girl. Growing up so quickly."

"Jin hyung?" Hoseok said, standing up, beckoning the man over to the door. "Can I speak outside for a moment?"

The eldest nodded, following the man out and closing the door behind them.

"She was with Baekhyun," Hoseok said bluntly, making the man's jaw drop.

"What?" Seokjin exclaimed, though his voice remained hushed so he didn't alert Yoongi inside. "What the hell was she doing with him?"

"Well, apparently he called Chika down to do your work because you never turned up," Hoseok said with a slight glare. "Chika was looking after so she had to take her with her. I have no idea what he was talking about but... I'm pretty sure I got there just in time. He's been calling her Little Min."

"Little Min?"

"I had to make up some nonsense because she asked me why," Hoseok sighed, running a hand down her face. "I said it was an amalgamation of Jimin and Yoongi's names, but I'm sure Byun was using it in reference to Taemin. Hyung, if he's..."

"She doesn't seem very fazed," Seokjin shook his head. "Whatever he said, it hasn't shook her or changed any opinions, clearly... Just don't tell Yoongi, okay? That's the last thing he needs to know, right now."

"Hey, guys," A cheery voice came up the hall, Jeonghan being too cheery for his own good as he skipped towards them. "What's going on?"

"Just chatting, Jeonghanssi," Seokjin said, though moved aside so he wasn't blocking the door to the man's bedroom. "Why?"

"Yoongi hasn't done a runner, has he?" The doctor asked, about to open the door when the men shook their heads at him. "Right then..."

"Hey," Yoongi smiled at the doctor as he entered the room, though his attention stayed on his daughter.

"Hey... Hey, little Kimchi. How've ya been? Haven't seen ya today," Jeonghan smiled at the little girl as he walked over, abruptly placing the probe of a thermometer in Yoongi's ear, catching him off guard and making him jump as the little girl nodded.

"What are you doing?" Yoongi asked, frowning at the man when the thermometer beeped, raising an eyebrow when he just shoved the device into his pocket and took his stethoscope from around his neck.

"Breathe in, deep as possible," The doctor instructed, placing the chest piece against the man's back, to which Yoongi rolled his eyes but complied nonetheless. They sat for a moment before the doctor nodded, placing the stethoscope back around his neck and fishing in his pocket for something again. "Open your mouth for me."

"Tell me why," Yoongi said, raising an eyebrow at the doctor, childishly doing the opposite and clenching his jaw when it seemed he wasn't about to get an explanation.

"Just open your mouth, you stubborn bastard," Jeonghan sighed, waving a penlight at the man. 

"Why?" Yoongi asked again, frowning but finally giving in when the doctor simply pulled on his chin.

"I am checking for any obvious sign or any possible sign of infection," Jeonghan said, inspecting the inside of the man's mouth, before letting go of his chin and letting him relax as he checked his eyes. "Any indication at all..."

"Why?" Yoongi asked, hopefully for the last time, staring the doctor down for an answer as he backed up and grabbed his hand, pressing down on each one of his fingertips before looking up and sighing at him. "I thought that's what the antibiotics were for."

"They are and they're working," Jeonghan chuckled, shaking his head a little. "You feeling up to a little road trip?"

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

The field was quiet as Taehyung pulled up. No one was out on the grass, though he spotted Seojoon and Jennie, by the older man's house, chatting quietly.

"Taehyung, go get Jimin inside," Namjoon said, opening the passenger door and hopping out. "I'm gonna go and explain things to Seojoonssi."

"Okay hyung," Taehyung nodded, turning off the engine and jumping out of the vehicle the same way his best friend did.

"And Taehyungah," Namjoon called as the boy went to guide his best friend home, making him stop and turn to him. "You get that gun and bring it straight to me... Along with anything else that could be... You know."

"Will do, hyung," Taehyung nodded sadly, looking back to Jimin, knowing he was listening but pretending not to be. "Come on, chingu. Let's go and find Suga."

"No one trusts me, anymore," The boy mumbled as they walked up to the house, sighing when Taehyung went as far as opening the door for him.

"I trust you," The younger stated firmly, holding his arm over the boy's shoulders. "I also love you, which is why you can go and get me the gun, and I'll give it to hyung. Nothing else needs to happen, I'm not gonna go around collecting everything up and hiding things. This is your house, after all, Tiny."

Jimin just gave a small nod, letting himself in, heading upstairs straight away, not letting himself settle back into the familiar environment as the boy followed him.

Opening the bedroom door, he grabbed his husband's backpack, tossed it in Taehyung's direction and walked over to the cat that was mewling at him, clearly waiting in anticipation for his return.

"Right, I'll get this to hyung," The younger sighed, taking the gun from the bag, practically holding it behind his back so not much attention was drawn to it. "You coming back down? Or are you staying here for a bit?"

"I think I wanna sleep, Tae," Jimin sighed, throwing himself back onto his bed, suddenly realising just how huge it felt without his husband next to him. Pulling Suga into his arms, hoping to quell the loneliness, he just settled back into his pillow and closed his eyes.

"Okay," The younger nodded, smiling softly as the boy rolled over to face away from him. He spotted the mint-green blanket in the corner of the room, draped over Yoongi's so-called reading chair. Grabbing it, he handed it to the boy, before quietly taking his radio from his belt and placing it on the dresser next to him. "Rest well then. I love you, chingu."

"M'sorry I hit you."

"Don't worry about it," Taehyung gave a soft chuckle of dismissal, shaking his head lightly. "To be fair, I did hit you first. Let's just call it even... Hey, d'you want your radio on?"

"No," The boy shook his head against his pillow, more than happy just to listen to his cat purring. "Thank you."

"Alright, Tiny," Taehyung nodded, letting himself out of the room, closing the door quietly before heading downstairs, back out to Namjoon.

"Here, hyung," He said as he walked up to the leader, finding him scouting the fence with Seojoon. 

"Thanks, kid," Namjoon sighed, taking the pistol the boy was handing him, flipping it over in his hand before shoving it in the side pocket of his backpack, that was slung over one shoulder. "Is there anything else? Yoongi was very clear."

"No," Taehyung just shook his head, sure that the bedroom was probably full of things that could cause someone harm if they wanted them to but he decided not to mention any of it. "That's it. Tiny's just having a nap now. He's got the cat with him, so he'll be alright."

"Should he be alone right now?" Namjoon asked, raising a concerned eyebrow at the boy.

"He won't do anything, hyung," Taehyung merely nodded, though he didn't say anything more. Namjoon would just have to accept the fact that he knew Jimin better than anybody and that what he said was true. "Just have some faith in him."

"Tae..." Namjoon sighed, seeing the defensiveness in the boy's eyes. "I know you wanna believe the best but... He hasn't given us much reason to trust him with something like this. Not after last time..."

"He won't do anything," Taehyung just repeated, more firmly, turning on his heel and walking away from the men, heading over to where Jennie was sitting on Seojoon's front porch. 

"You waiting for something?" He asked sharply, walking up to the girl, taking a seat next to her as she just chuckled.

"An explanation, maybe," Jennie shrugged, looking at Namjoon and Seojoon as they returned to pacing the perimeter of the field. "I honestly didn't expect you back this soon. What happened? Was Jeonghan able to help Yoongi?"

"He had to operate," Taehyung said, causing the girl to frown at him. "Yoongi hyung had a brain tumour. It's what caused the headaches, that seizure..."

"So...?"

"He's okay now," Taehyung merely shrugged. "He wasn't able to come back with us but... He'll be alright."

"Right..." Jennie said, clicking her tongue at the very bleak, blunt explanation as she watched Namjoon pace around, occasionally looking over to stare at them. "Christ... It's like we're in the witness protection program. I just can't tell whether we're the ones he's angry at or not."

"He's not angry," Taehyung shook his head, though Jennie was confused at the way he smirked slightly. "He's being serious... He's being Namjoon."

(Not my drawings (I used a photo editor app)  ⬇️But an example of Felix's sketches)

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛 

"How're you doing, Yoongs?" Jeonghan asked from the front seat of the car they had all cramped into, on their way to the hospital, causing the man to groan in response.

Whereas he had been feeling alright, the motion of the car swinging around the unpredictable roads had definitely left the man's stomach queasy. 

Jiyong was just glad Jeonghan had thought about it before they left and made sure the man had something to puke in, otherwise, it would have been all over his lap.

"We're almost there, buddy," Seokjin sighed, moving one hand from the steering wheel to roll down the man's window for him, so he could at least have some fresh air that they actually all needed now. "Just try and have some water."

Jiyong handed Yoongi a bottle but sighed when it was rudely shoved back at him, the man just slouching back and closing his eyes. Seokjin flashed his eyes to the doctor before watching the road again.

"He'll be alright," Jeonghan just said quietly, patting Seokjin's knee as he drove. "Hey... I don't suppose that gigantic eyesore is where we're heading?"

Seokjin let his eyes flicker to where the doctor was pointing, letting out a huge sigh of relief when he saw the huge building, despite it being obvious that the third floor was no longer anything but ash. 

"Yeah," He said, changing gears and direction. "Yeah, that's it. That's the hospital..."

"Go... Go round the back, hyung," A tired mumble came from the back seat, making Seokjin look through the rearview mirror. "The dead hadn't made it round there when we left... Go round the back."

"No," Seokjin shook his head, knowing exactly why his brother wanted to go around the back, and it wasn't just to avoid the dead. "You're not doing that to yourself. We'll go through the gates."

"Whatever..." Yoongi grumbled, not having much fight in him anyway. "Get us killed, I don't care."

"You're starting to get on my nerves, Yoongi," Seokjin said, glaring at the road, getting sick of the man's pessimism. 

"Good," The man just fired back, folding his arms over his chest, causing Jeonghan to scoff, trying to hide his amused smirk from the man next to him. "Then you can just leave me here when you're done."

"Is this still about Jimin not being here?" Seokjin sighed, gripping the steering wheel tight so his annoyance didn't come through in his tone. "Because if it is, I know damn well he would just smack you for acting like this."

"You know what, hyung?" Yoongi said, looking out of his window, tone just as blunt as before as he watched the way they approached the old place they called home. "The gates are blocked. Go round the back."

"Aish, you son of a..." Seokjin muttered as he pulled the car to a stop when he noticed just how close they were getting to the large crowd of dead surrounding the old fence, smacking the steering wheel as Jeonghan chuckled to himself. "Fine! Let's go round the back."

Letting his frustration get the better of him, Seokjin jolted the car, swinging it around in a sharp turn before heading around the back of the hospital.

"That was uncalled for," Jiyong sighed from the back seat as Yoongi grabbed the plastic bag again, rubbing the man's back as he vomited into it loudly.

"I think he knows it was called for," Seokjin shook his head, calming down a little and driving slower before he actually put them in danger. "Cut it with the attitude now, Yoongiyah."

To their surprise though, it seemed Yoongi was right. There wasn't a single dead one in sight as they drove up to the back of the building. It was completely silent like the day they left it.

Seokjin pulled up, just outside the door, frowning around the area as an unsettling feeling washed over him. 

In silence, they climbed out of the car, apart from Yoongi, and they looked at Jeonghan as if they expected him to have a game plan already.

"Right, the sad-sack stays by my side at all times," Jeonghan said, pointing a finger at Yoongi, still slumped in the backseat. The man perked up, peeping around the door. "You can't sit out here for too long, we're going inside. Come on, you guys can go ahead and clear anything in the way. I'm assuming there's a reception, we'll meet you there. We may be a little slow."

"That's the room with the piano, Yoongs," Seokjin said, vaguely remembering the hospital's layout but definitely remembering that one room. "We'll see you soon."

"You coming?" Jeonghan asked, offering Yoongi a hand as he went to stand. 

"I guess I don't have a choice," The man shrugged, letting the doctor guide him as he felt quite weak on his feet. 

"The nausea clearing?" Jeonghan asked, ignoring the way the man rolled his eyes when he wrapped his arm around his waist to support him. 

Yoongi just nodded, staying quiet, though was clearly steering the direction they were walking in. 

"It may just be withdrawal," Jeonghan chuckled though the joke fell flat, causing him to clear his throat. "Where are we going, Yoongi?"

"There's something I've gotta see," Yoongi said, his voice soft but tone low, showing he was serious and nothing was gonna change his mind as he practically pulled the doctor towards the parking lot, near the back entrance of the hospital.

The doctor scanned the area, seeing the dozens of scattered bones and bloodstains. Whatever number of bodies that had been left, you couldn't tell anymore. The only indication was the putrid stench in the air as Yoongi pulled him closer to one specific area.

"Yoongi..." Jeonghan frowned as the man stumbled, dragging him forward with him. "If it's someone you know, maybe it's best not to..."

The man stayed silent, practically dragging him towards the decomposing corpse, nothing more than dusty bones now as the flesh had melted into the concrete. He paused just in front of what was left of the body, staring as flies flew around them, with no emotion in his eyes or disgust from the foul smell filling his nostrils. 

Yoongi knew exactly what he was staring at. The very scene, the area, every tiny detail; right down to the old, orange rust patches on the scattered cars... It had all been permanently scorched into his mind's eye.

Jeonghan was shocked when he spat out a mouthful of saliva on the decaying pile of bones.

"I hope you're rotting in hell." 

That was all Yoongi said before stumbling back, pulling the doctor away as well. 

That's when Jeonghan realised, walking in stunned silence... 

He just met the infamous Lee Taemin...

Or what was left of him.

-

"I really feel like this is something worse," Mrs Kim, Kim Jongdae's grandmother sighed as Hoseok patted her shoulder. "This isn't just a cold, dear. I can handle a cold."

"I'm really sorry, Ahjumoni," Hoseok sighed, handing the woman some more tissues as she spluttered, before crouching down in front of her. 

He had been running the office all morning and couldn't tell you how many times he had been coughed and sneezed on by the residents, yet his warm smile never faded nor did his willingness to help them all.

"There's really not much more I can do. Jeonghan Seonbaenim won't be able to either. This is just a bad case of the flu. All I can suggest is lots of fluids and rest, and I'll personally come and check on you later. How does that sound?"

"You are such a good boy," The woman sighed as she tucked the man's hair behind his ear with a sniffle and a smile. Hoseok just gazed at her with warm eyes, sympathetically. "Just like my Jongdae." 

"Go and get back into bed, Mrs Kim," The man said softly, standing up and offering her his hand. "Drink lots of water and stay warm. I'll be by later to make sure you've had some lunch. Packeted Dak Kalguksu is on the menu."

"Ooh," The woman smiled, coughing into her tissues and wiping her nose. "My favourite."

"Mine too, Mrs Kim," Hoseok smiled, guiding the woman over to the door. "Rest now. I'll bring you some in a bit."

"Thank you, dear," She said, leaving the room, smiling at Jisoo who bowed as she walked past.

"Is that my day done?" Hoseok asked as the young girl entered the office.

"Yep," Jisoo nodded, causing the man to sigh out a reluctant breath of relief. "Lunchtime, which means my shift. You can go and rest, Hoseokssi."

"How I wish that were true... Oh, I suggest wearing a mask, this afternoon," The man said to the girl, who was setting up her station. "I think it may be flu season. Mrs Kim was the fourth one to come in with some pretty bad symptoms."

"Got it, I'll be cautious," Jisoo nodded, giving the man a little wave. "I'll see you later, Hoseokssi."

-

Jeonghan and Yoongi managed to finally find the reception, on the first floor, walking in silence.

"Have they already turned the power on?" Yoongi asked, frowning and squinting away from the dull, flickering lights above them, lighting up the hallway.

"Unless Seokjin's the flash," Jeonghan shook his head, pushing open the huge double doors, finding the two men simply waiting for them. "We have power?"

"Yeah..." Seokjin nodded, his cautious eyes connecting with Yoongi's confused ones. "IS there any possible way we left it on? Because, if we didn't... I'm not a big fan of what that means."

"Wouldn't the generators be drained if we just left it?" Yoongi asked, feeling slightly on edge as he looked around the room. The room where he and his husband got married, the room they were in when they were kicked out... That night that changed everything.

"Yeah," Jeonghan answered, though the question wasn't really aimed at him. "Hospitals only have around one hundred hours of backup fuel. Nowhere near enough to last a year."

"Everyone stay on guard," Jiyong said, to which Seokjin agreed firmly. "We may not be alone. We need to be..."

"Ah, here we go," Jeonghan ignored the man as he caught sight of something, smirking at the giant, plastic map nailed to the wall. "Now, the top floor's a no-go... Where are we...? Ah!"

"Does he realise no one's listening or...?" Yoongi asked Jiyong as the doctor continued to mumble under his breath.

"You know how sharks have to keep swimming or they die?" Jiyong chuckled, taking a seat next to the man as he sat down on the piano bench. "Hanah's the same way with talking."

"Oh?" Yoongi raised an eyebrow at the scientist. "So, how do we shut him up?"

"We don't," Jiyong shook his head softly, sighing. "We just sit and endure it. Trust me, this is better than seeing him angry. You do not want to see Yoon Jeonghan actually angry."

"Dawon, Hoseokie's sister, ran this place," Seokjin said with a sigh, shoving his hands in his jeans pockets as he stood beside the doctor. "You're lucky this is still here. She did everything possible to make this place feel like home. Which meant masses of redecorating."

"Well, you gonna stay here for a bit?" Jeonghan asked, looking over his shoulder to Yoongi, still sat on the piano bench, tinkering with the keys. "'Cause I'm gonna go up to the second floor... Here, radiology. I'll give you a shout when I know it's safe?"

"Sure," Seokjin nodded, patting the doctor's shoulder as he turned to leave the room, before heading over to sit with his brother. 

To anyone else, walking around the dark, dusty hospital by themselves, with the literal smell of death in the air... It would have been unnerving, to say the least.

Jeonghan, on the other hand, whistled as he waltzed up the stairs, wandering around with amazed eyes. After years, he could safely say standing in the hospital, despite how rundown it was, was the closest he had felt to being at home. 

"Dear, God, that's sad," Jeonghan shook his head at himself, surprised by the amount of joy the environment was bringing him. "Get a life..."

His amused mumbled drew quiet as he rounded the corner, his eye lighting up when he saw the sign on the wall, telling him he had reached his destination without any issue.

Well...

"What the...?" He frowned at the sound of footsteps behind him, but as he turned to see who was following him, something cold and hard connected to the side of his head, knocking him straight down onto the floor.

-

"Hey!" Hoseok smiled as he stepped into his room, not even having a second to breathe before arms wrapped around his shoulders, a sweet voice already talking his ear off. "How's your day been? God, going out with Jack is so boring. Tell me something that will restimulate my brain because if I don't hear something exciting in the next ten seconds, I will absolutely die!"

"Hi, jagi," He chuckled, untangling Binna's hands and giving her a gentle shove back. "Give me a moment."

Nothing made him happier, at the end of a long shift, to come back and finding Binna waiting to ramble about everything from the past four hours. 

No one ever gave her a chance, calling her annoying and just leaving her. It was only really Jackson who listened to her wild tales and crazy thoughts, but even he got annoyed after a while.

"How long have you been home?" He asked with a smile, sitting down on the bed and kicking his shoes off.

"A few minutes, literally," Binna chuckled,  sitting down beside him. "Jack wanted to get back before the lunch bell since he was hungry, and apparently the man can't be hungry for more than twenty minutes without turning into a bipolar shithead..."

"Two seconds, babe," Hoseok cut the girl off, giving her lips a quick peck. "I've gotta go for a piss. Then I'll listen about how Jackson's a teenage girl."

"Oh-kay then..." Binna scoffed as the man left the room, watching with a small frown as he quickly rushed over to the bathroom on the other side of the hall.

Locking the door behind him, Hoseok turned to the mirror, running his hand down his face and checking his skin. 

He couldn't explain the way his stomach dropped, the feeling it left him with but he was sure there was only one true reason behind why his head suddenly felt like it was filled with lead.

Turning the tap on, he filled his hands with the cold water, splashing it onto his cheeks before letting out a heavy sigh.

For God's sake...

"Hoseokah?" Binna's voice called, making him look back up at the mirror. A slight knock on the door made him jump, causing him to let out a long breath. "Everything okay, jagi? You're taking a long time. How much do you have to drink to be pissing this long?" 

"Yeah, I wouldn't open that door, babe," Hoseok shook his head, wiping his brow as sweat started to bead on his skin, leaving him feeling lightheaded. 

"Well, I wasn't exactly going to," Binna said, sounding confused as she knocked again. "Is everything okay?"

"No," Hoseok said with a heavy breath, clearing his throat as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, sighing at how pale and clammy his skin was quickly becoming. "No, babe. I don't think so. Can you try and reach Jeonghan on the radio? See if he's in range. Tell him... Tell him..."

"Why?" Binna asked, frowning to herself, tapping on the door again when the man didn't answer. "Hoseok? Tell him what? Jagiya?"

She didn't get an answer, but her heart lept into her throat as she heard a crash from the little bathroom, a loud clattering from behind the door.

"Hoseok!" She called, rapping on the door harder, trying the handle but grumbling when she found the door was locked. "Hoseokah, answer me! What's going on? Hoseok!"

-

Jeonghan groaned as he came around, pushing himself up from the cold floor, squinting as a shadow loomed over him.

"Don't move!" A voice exclaimed, making him blink up to find a gun aimed at his head. 

A young girl, dressed in filthy raggedy clothing, with long dark hair that had clearly grown out from blonde tied back off her face, holding the weapon at arm's length as she stared the man down. 

"Well, this is interesting," Jeonghan scoffed, tilting his head to the side as the gil cocked the gun, her finger lingering on the trigger.

"I said don't move."

Not paying much mind to the young girl, Jeonghan just shook his head, looking around to see just what the hell she had hit him with. Though, when he saw it, thrown down and disregarded by her feet, his stomach flipped.

"Did you just bitch slap me with a soiled bedpan?" He asked, rubbing the side of his head as he sat up properly, grimacing at the very thought. "That's vile, kid. I thought the most disgusting thing would be getting a rimjob off an ol' leper with half a tongue, and yet you hit me in the face with a piss-drinking bedpan?!"

"What? Shut up!" The girl shouted, taking a step forward but taking another step back when the doctor pushed himself to his feet. "God, don't you ever be quiet? Shut up!"

"Sorry. I'm physically incapable, love," Jeonghan scoffed, shaking his head before letting out a long sigh when he saw the gun quivering in her hands. "And my gigantic, pain-in-the-arse mouth will most certainly be what gets me killed one day... But not today. Put the gun down. Don't make a fool of yourself, you'll only miss if you pull the trigger. The kickback will knock you over before anything hits me."

The girl's sharp cat-like eyes remained on him, the gun still pointed in his direction but he wasn't scared of it. 

"Right, well..." He smiled, grabbing his radio from his belt and turning it on. "If it's alright with you, I'm gonna call my friends... Well, they're not my friends, maybe they are, maybe they don't have a choice in the matter... I don't know but I do know they'll cover my arse if I need them to, so I'm gonna give them a shout, okay?"

"No!" The girl shouted though it was too late. The man's finger pressed the button, holding it down, though he held his hands up and raised his eyebrow, allowing the girl time to try and make a move. "Put it down, slowly. Put it down!"

"Alright, darlin'..."

"Who the hell is that?" Jiyong asked, his brow deeply furrowed as he listened, with Seokjin and Yoongi, to Jeonghan on the radio. The female voice was foreign to all of them. "I'm going. The idiot's gonna get himself killed."

"Jiyongnim, wait," Seokjin shook his head, about to go with the man but he was already running down the hall. Taking a brief look at the map on the wall, the man turned back to his brother. "Wait here. Please, Yoongi, just wait."

"Okay, hyung," Yoongi nodded, watching with a sigh as his brother disappeared down the hall, calling after the scientist.

Seokjin chased the man all the way to radiology, almost keeling over when he was brought to an abrupt stop, bumping into Jiyong as they found what mess Jeonghan had caught himself up in.

"What the hell's going on?" He frowned as the room just seemed silent, nobody knowing what to do next. His exclamation only made the girl swing her head around though, her high ponytail whooshing around as she turned to the man in the doorway. "Rosé?"

Chapter Text

"I want you to follow them," Mingyu whispered as the trees whistled around him and his men, his binoculars bringing the car park of Hwaesa into clear view. 

Watching Namjoon hurry his brothers... Jimin, into a car and planning an escape? The whole idea brought a bitter chuckle to his lips.

"Do not lose sight of them, I want to know exactly where they are going."

"They're driving, sir," One of the warriors, by the name of Wonwoo, scoffed. "How the hell are we meant to keep up with them?"

"Just do it!" Mingyu spat, grabbing the man's cloak and pushing him to the other side of the pathway. Wonwoo grabbed hold of one of the other men, when the leader let him go, just to keep his feet flat on the wood. "Go now and you won't lose them. Follow them and do not come back to me until you know exactly where they are staying!"

"What are you going to do?" The man standing on the other side of Mingyu, Hansol, asked. "If we go, you have no cover, sir."

"I don't need cover. Just buy me more time," Mingyu said, his voice husky as he peered up from his hood, his golden, murky eyes shining in the sunlight. "I have a feeling everything is about to go wrong for these people. Very quickly. And when it does, I'll be the one who wins this tricky, little game they've set up."

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

"Get up!" Taehyung's voice came into the little bedroom late in the afternoon, causing Jimin to groan and roll into his pillow, his short nap being rudely disturbed. "Up, up, up! You've been in here for hours, it's getting late. Gotta eat, gotta drink, gotta get some air and... Get changed, maybe. When was the last time you washed?"

"Hmf," Jimin grunted into the duvet, trying to hide but Taehyung just grabbed the covers, pulling it away from him.

 "Please, don't tell me it was before we left."

"Get out," Jimin whined, grabbing his husband's pillow and launching it behind him. 

But the half-arsed attempt at getting the boy to leave only made Taehyung laugh.

"You're lucky, I already filled the tub earlier. Found your shampoo, the lavender one? And it's been so long since I've washed my hair properly. Smells good," The younger chuckled with a pump of his eyebrows, shaking his head as he threw the pillow back. "The water's cold but..."

"Get out!"

Taehyung scoffed, clicking his tongue before stalking over to the bed. In one swift movement, he scooped the boy into his arms, laughing as he squealed and kicked.

"Let me go, Taehyungah, I swear to God!" Jimin squawked but Taehyung didn't give in, just walking into the bathroom and dropping the boy in the bathtub with a splash. "Ah! Sibal!"

"I warned you it was cold," Taehyung shrugged as the boy wiped the water off his face, sending a death glare his way. "Now, clean up. You smell. I'll go and fix you some dinner and then I'm going out."

"Fuck you!" Jimin squeaked as the boy left him to sulk. 

"Yeah, yeah," Taehyung just scoffed, smirking proudly to himself as he walked downstairs.

-

"Joonie hyung!" Taehyung called as he jogged over to the two men, stalking the fence, keeping watch. 

Both Namjoon and Seojoon answered, turning to the younger, though ended up glaring at each other with confusion and a slight feeling of being challenged.

"Namjoonie hyung," Taehyung smirked, catching the elders' expressions. Namjoon nodded happily, but Seojoon just shook his head a fraction, turning back to the fence. "I'm heading out for a bit. Was wondering if you wanted me to search for anything specific while I'm out there."

"Not really," Namjoon shook his head, before giving the boy a thoughtful frown as if he was sussing him out. "Why are you running away? What's happened?"

"Tiny's angry at me so I need to disappear for a bit," Taehyung said with a small shrug. "Me and Jen are gonna go on a run, he should be calm by the time we get back."

"What have you done to piss him off, this time?" Namjoon raised an eyebrow at the boy, but Taehyung just chuckled and shook his head dismissively.

"I threw him in the bath," He said with a wave of his hand. "He was starting to smell. He's having dinner now. Bibim Naengmyeon without all the fixings. There's some for you as well. You too, Seojoon hyung."

"Cheers, buddy," Namjoon smiled, just like Seojoon. "Be careful if you're going out there, though. It'll be dark soon, so don't you dare be gone too long. I'll check on Minie in a bit, make sure he's alright."

"Thanks, hyung," Taehyung smiled, turning to leave before Seojoon called him back. "Hmm?"

"See if you can bring back some nails," Seojoon said, making the boy's brow crinkle in curiosity. "A hammer, maybe. We'll start building this fence up when it's warmer out here. Make sure it's sturdy for the season change."

"I'll have a look around, hyung," Taehyung nodded, his boxy smile still there. "I can't promise anything, but I'll try."

"Yah, dumbarse!" A sharp voice called over the field, causing the boy's shoulders to slump, though the two men chuckled at him. "We going or not?"

"The Queen calls," Taehyung sighed, turning to the mouthy girl and dramatically bowing to her, before giving the two men a short wave and jogging away. 

"The kid's into guys, right?" Seojoon asked as Jennie grabbed the boy's collar and dragged him to the cars when he wasn't walking quickly enough. "That's not what's happening there."

"We're not sure what that kid's into," Namjoon just scoffed, shaking his head. "Whatever's going on, she's in charge. Wanna check the perimeter again?"

"Got nothing better to do," Seojoon shrugged, letting the younger take the lead as they walked around the fence for the third time. "I'll definitely build this ol' thing up at some point, though. It took quite a hit when the dead came up. We need to make sure it holds them back... At least for a little while."

"Sounds like a plan," Namjoon nodded, hand in his pocket as he sighed. "How long have you been here? I mean before Yoongi and Jimin came along. Has the fence always been here?"

"The fence was here when I arrived," Seojoon nodded, tilting his head as he remembered the past. "I came across this place pretty early on, first few months, I think. I wasn't necessarily planning on living my life here until I met Beomgyu. He stumbled up here, just like Nuri did a few months ago, running from the dead. He was in bad shape and I promised to look after him. We've been here ever since."

"So about two-three years?" Namjoon thought as he walked, trying to work out some sort of timeline in his head. "Right? I can't even remember anymore..."

"We were actually leaving," Seojoon said, making the leader pause and turn back to him. "We had packed up, we didn't want to stay here anymore. It was too quiet, too... Safe. It felt off. Like it couldn't be trusted, somehow. But when we found Yoongi and Jimin, we decided to give it another go. Second chance, if you will."

"Why?" Namjoon frowned. "You meet two strangers on the road, and suddenly you want to stick around at home and bring them back with you? I know trust doesn't come that easy and I also know what sort of state those two were in, back then. They certainly didn't give off a very sane appearance, that's for sure."

"Me and Beomie have come across a lot of people. Well, we did, at the start," Seojoon nodded, knowing what the man meant. "People who walked over us, stole from us, hurt us... I swore to Beomgyu that we wouldn't bother with people anymore, that it wasn't worth the hassle so it would just be the two of us. But within fifteen minutes of meeting Yoongi, he had offered us a ride home, food and water. No one does that anymore... I think that was enough of a sign that we could trust him."

"Yoongi's a good man," Namjoon nodded, letting out a soft sigh. "A very good, loyal, trustworthy man. He has his morals, and his opinions, and is very set in his stubborn, even if paranoid, ways. But at the end of the day, the hard truth is... He's probably the most decent out of us all. He's very good at reading people and acting according to what he sees. Nothing goes amiss."

"Is that why he's with Jimin?" Seojoon asked.

"He's with Jimin because he loves that kid with all his heart and soul," Namjoon sighed, letting his shoulders slump slightly. "He has done since the day they met... He loves Jimin no matter what happens, no matter what he does. He stands by him always, and unfortunately, I don't see many others that would at the moment. He brings out a different side of Jimin, a side that not even Taehyung can reach right now. He really is the only one who can keep that boy from completely slipping off the deep end. So, while he's away... Buckle up, because keeping Jimin sane ain't gonna be easy."

-

"This place is so quiet," Jennie sighed with a soft smile, tilting her head back as they walked, soaking in the winter sun. She and Taehyung were walking up a cosy, little town road, looking for any of the small shops that looked like they may still be harbouring anything useful. "You can almost forget all the shit in Seoul."

"Busan never used to be as quiet as this," Taehyung shook his head, nostalgia washing over him as he wandered down the streets. "Everywhere used to be buzzing, groups of people around every corner. Never a dull moment."

"It's quiet now," Jennie said with a little shrug. "I never liked crowded places. I never really liked people, to be fair..."

"That much is clear," Taehyung scoffed, smirking a little when the girl glared at him. "Hey, let's go in here."

"Here?" Jennie frowned, looking at the building the boy had stopped in front of, a small shop. The hanging, wooden sign was coated in a year's worth of dust and cobwebs but it was still readable, Workshop. "What do you need from here?"

"I don't need anything," Taehyung shook his head, banging on the door before stepping back, hoping the shop was empty. "Seojoon hyung wants some supplies to build up the fence. I promised I'd look for some."

"Well..." Jennie nodded, clicking her tongue as the boy's knock got no response. "Seems like it's empty."

"Keep your guard up though," Taehyung nodded, opening the door cautiously, taking his knife from his belt as the girl pulled her - Yoongi's - gun from her holster. "There may be something trapped. Just be careful."

"Yeah, yeah," Jennie scoffed. As if she needed telling to be cautious. Very funny.

Walking into the main room of the workshop, Jennie instantly covered her mouth, coughing as she inspected the crafting tables. The layer of dust on them could have easily been an inch thick.

"You shouldn't be in here long," She said as Taehyung started rummaging around, in the drawers and cupboards, deciding to do the same. "This dust is gonna make your chest bad."

"I'll be fine," Taehyung shook his head though, looking through the drawers of the crafting benches, beaming when he found a mass amount of nail packets. "Jackpot!" 

"Hey. Gimme your inhaler," Jennie said from the other side of the room, making him turn to her with a frown as he filled his backpack with the packets. 

"What?" 

"Hand it over," She said but, as he patted down his pockets and subtly shook his head, she smirked. "... Dumbarse."

"I'm sorry!" He said, holding his hands up. "I just forget, I'm sorry."

"I don't know why you're apologising to me," She clicked her tongue, taking an inhaler out of her pocket and turning to one of the benches. "It's not my life at risk."

"What are you doing?" The boy frowned, quickly rushing over when he heard a loud buzzing sound, shocked when he saw a small battery-powered drill in her hand.

"Still works," She smirked, pumping her eyebrows at him.

"What the hell are you doing?" He asked as she took apart the inhaler, picking the drill back up.

Taehyung watched with curious eyes as the girl drilled a little holder into the plastic, tying the piece of string through it before reassembling the device.

"What is that?" He asked with a quizzical frown. "Why have you mutilated my inhaler?"

"Now, you have zero excuse," Jennie said with a small smirk, placing the string around the boy's neck and tying it. "If you lose it now, it's your problem, dumbarse. Don't keep expecting us to have one in our pocket randomly."

"This was in your pocket," Taehyung raised an eyebrow at her, but she definitely had a point.

"Because I know you," Jennie said, placing her hands on her hips. "I know you're a dumbarse. But seriously, you're on your own now. Gotta learn, Taehyungah."

"Right. I got it, I don't need the lecture," The boy sighed, holding his hand on his hip as the other one fiddled with the device. "Can we get a move on, now?"

"Sure thing," Jennie nodded, brushing her hands off. "And you most definitely do need the lecture."

"Whatever," Taehyung rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he headed towards the door. "Let's just get outta here."

Heading out onto the street, they were hit by the early evening chill, telling them it was time to hurry up.

"Right, one more?" Jennie asked, looking around the street.

"That one," Taehyung pointed to a little house, on the other side of the road. "Then we go home."

"Why that one?" Jennie frowned, but followed the boy nonetheless as he entered the house. "You didn't check if it was empty..."

"You know damn well it's empty," Taehyung shook his head, walking through the shadowy hall, into the living room. "I didn't need to check. Just look around, there may be something worth grabbing."

"Like..." Jennie called, already nosily rummaging through the drawers by the old, dust-covered TV. "These?"

Taehyung slumped down in the armchair, by the window, crossing his legs as the girl handed over a pair of fairly fashionable, probably fairly expensive sunglasses. 

"Yes," The boy smirked, placing the glasses on the tip of his nose, pushing them up before sitting up.

"Looking good, dumbarse," Jennie chuckled as the boy posed, shaking her head at him as put her pair on as well.

"Oh, I know," Taehyung nodded cockily, standing up. "I'm gonna go and look around upstairs. See if there's anything else, maybe we can have a fashion show later." 

"Yeah, like that's gonna happen," The girl scoffed, her voice thick with sarcasm as the boy disappeared.

Taehyung just ignored her as he dashed off up the stairs, turning into the first room he saw from the top of the stairs, a little bedroom, he was instantly drawn to the massive amount of shelves covering nearly the entirety of the side wall. 

It was a small, overly pink and girly bedroom with flowery paintings and boy-band posters, but with the amount of shelves and displays, it looked more like a shrine. 

A shrine to music.

"Oh, shit," He scoffed, amazed by the amount of CDs he was looking at, from all over the decades and genres. "Woah!"

Scanning the titles and artists, he was already planning how to get back on good terms with his best friend, unzipping his backpack and grabbing stack after stack of cases. He knew it didn't even matter what he was grabbing. 

The albums could have topped the charts for months or the artists could have been unheard of. Jimin wouldn't care in the slightest, it was all just music to him and that was the best thing ever.

"No way!" The boy breathed, eyes wide as he noticed one of the cases he grabbed. 

In his hand sat something he had completely forgotten about.

Bangtan Sonyeondan's debut album. The very first out of only three albums he and his brothers managed to create before the world went to shit.

"If you don't forgive me after this, Tiny..." He muttered to himself, shaking his head with a chuckle as he threw it into his bag along with the others and zipped it up, throwing it back over his shoulders as he turned to leave. 

However, once facing the other way, he froze on the spot, suddenly forgetting how to breathe. How to blink. How to swallow.

He hadn't noticed when entering the bedroom, but on the bed, covered in a pretty, pink floral duvet and surrounded by little teddies and stuffies...

A body, putrid skin decaying, buzzing flies swarming...

 The victim, a girl, no older than fourteen he guessed, just left there to rot.

"Hey, what's taking so long?" Jennie asked as she skipped into the bedroom, pausing behind where the boy was frozen. "Taehyungah? ...Oh."

"Someone left her here," Taehyung's voice came out soft, hollow. "They tucked her in and... Left."

Jennie fell silent when her eyes landed on the body of the young, teen girl. Closing her eyes for a second, she took off her glasses and slipped them into her back pocket, slowly stepping closer to the bed and pulling up the duvet, covering the girl's head with it so she could rest in peace.

"There, she can sleep easy, now," Jennie sighed, patting the boy's shoulder and giving him a little nudge towards the door. "Let's head back, it's starting to get dark."

-

"Jiminie oppa?" Nuri's sweet voice came into the living room, where the boy sat quietly with his cat. He knew the girl was in the house, he could hear her clattering around in the kitchen. He just couldn't be asked to kick her out. "I made you tea."

"Tea?" He frowned slightly, though thanked the girl when she handed him the steaming mug.

The warmth felt nice on his palms, even nicer against his bruised cheek since he was still shivering, not yet recovered from the cold bath his so-called best friend forced him to have. Feeling his teeth clattering together made him crave his husband's arms, and that made his head ache and his heart hurt.

"Yeah," Nuri nodded, biting her bottom lip as she sat beside him on the couch. "Jenniessi drank all the cocoa, while you were gone... Taehyungssi said you may need a drink."

"She came into our house?" The boy asked, his frown only deepening as the girl realised she probably shouldn't have told him that.

 "Sorry," She said sheepishly with a small nod. "Me and Beomie tried telling her... But she said she didn't have time for social niceties. Apparently, they went out the window when the world ended... Her words, not mine."

"That's just great," Jimin shook his head, sipping his drink, hissing when Suga stretched out, using his claws to keep a grip on the boy's leg. 

"Are you okay, oppa?" Nuri asked but the boy just brushed her off, pushing the cat off his lap. "I don't mean the kitty... You're cheek... Someone hurt you?"

"I hurt him," Jimin shook his head, unaware of the way the girl's eyes widened with disbelief. 

"But... Are you okay?" Nuri pressed, only really interested in the boy's wellbeing now, not what happened.

"No," Jimin said bluntly but then let out a long, heavy breath. "Yes. Let's drop it now."

"Okay," The girl gave a soft nod, though her eyes stayed trained on the elder as he sipped his tea. "Um... I was thinking, maybe... Do you want to do some gardening? Oppa?"

"Why?" Jimin frowned, his voice sharper than the girl thought it would be, though she decided to let it slide.

"Well, me and Beomie have done his garden. I thought maybe you'd like to do something with yours," She suggested with a little shrug. "There's tons of space out there. You could grow some vegetables, fruits, flowers. And it'll get you out for a bit, in the fresh air... I don't know. It was just an idea."

She watched the boy out of the corner of her eye, as he huffed out a long breath, biting his bottom lip before placing his mug down on the coffee table and turning to her. 

"Okay," He nodded, causing the girl's face to light up. "Yeah, sounds fun... Okay."

"Yay!" Nuri giggled, jumping up from the couch and excitedly grabbing the boy's hand. "Come on then, all the tools and seeds are already out there."

"You weren't gonna let me say no," Jimin scoffed, rubbing the back of his head as she dragged him through the kitchen, into the back garden. "Were you?"

"So, the trowels there," Nuri answered without answering, finally letting go of the boy's hand when they were kneeling on the grass. "Maybe you can dig, I'll plant the seeds. Unless you want to plant, oppa."

"No, go ahead," Jimin sighed, starting to regret his decision as the girl shoved the trowel in his hand, urging him to get started.

"Oh," The girl suddenly stopped, remembering something as she pushed herself up from the ground. "One second, I forgot something. It's in the kitchen."

Jimin just nodded as she disappeared, focusing on digging up the ground, creating a little pile of dirt. He was sure most of them wouldn't grow but he wasn't really bothered. It was nice just being outside for a while.

"Here," Nuri smiled as she came back, a small plant pot in her hands, with what looked like a baby tree growing out of it.

"Is it a fruit tree?" Jimin asked softly, his tone a little lighter as he looked at the tree. "Or blossom, maybe?"

"Seojoon oppa thinks it may be tangerines. It's getting too big for the pot," Nuri sighed, placing the little tree in front of the boy before kneeling down. "Clearly, someone forgot about it... It'll die if it's not replanted. I thought you'd like to take care of it, oppa. Since you said you like fruit."

"'kay," Jimin shrugged, giving a little nod that made the girl smile as he began using the trowel to dig a little hole for the tree.  

"I'm glad you're back, oppa," The girl said after a moment, placing her hand on the boy's slim shoulder as he took the pot, taking the tree with extra care, gently covering the roots with the dirt, getting ready to hand him the watering can. "I really, really missed you. I'm glad you're okay."

"What about Yoongi?" Jimin frowned after a moment, brushing his muddy, little hands off on his jeans, the sharp question catching the girl off guard a little as he turned to her. 

"I'm sorry?"

"What about if Yoongi's okay?" He said again, his soft voice a little firmer this time. "Do you not care?"

"Well, yeah," The girl gave a small nod, saddened by the bleak look in his eyes. "Of course, but..."

"But?" Jimin frowned, his tone showing how offended he felt, though the girl couldn't wrap her head around why.

 What had she said wrong?

"But I care about you."

"Why?" Jimin asked sharply, narrowing his eyes. "Yoongi was really ill, he could have died... And yet you're worried about me? The one who's impossible to kill. No matter how badly everyone seems to want to... It's not fair! You didn't even ask..."

"I'm sorry," The girl lowered her head, trying not to get caught under his glare. She didn't quite understand everything he was rambling about but it was clear it wasn't her place to press. "I'm sorry, I just assumed with you being home, maybe you..."

"Go home, Nuri," Jimin shook his head, taking the watering can away from her, making her look up with confused eyes. "Go home, I don't want you over here again. Go!"

"Oppa?" The girl's lips trembled. Jimin had never acted like this. He had never even glared at her, and yet she felt so small now that he was snapping at her. 

"Leave," Jimin said, pushing himself to his feet and pointing towards the back door. "Just... Leave."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

Yoongi was lost in his own world, eyes closed as soft melodies echoed around him. Songs of distant memories, good and bad, filled his mind as his long, skilful fingers danced over the ivory keys of the piano. 

An air of melancholy surrounded him as each tuneful note tugged at his heart. It felt peaceful and sorrowful at the same time, as he knew he'd have to eventually walk away from the piano and go back to his dark, disturbing life. 

Jeonghan kept his eyes on the man's blank expression, intently focusing as he listened from the doorway. 

He had left Jiyong and Seokjin, to handle the situation at hand, to make sure Yoongi wasn't alone for too long. However, he was not expecting to walk into a one-man concert as he re-entered the reception room. 

Now leaning against the doorframe, arms folded over his chest, he just watched as the man seemed to be in a trance. Yoongi's face showed no indication of what he was feeling or thinking, but the music he was playing portrayed every emotion so clearly that Jeonghan felt himself tear up for a second. 

"What piece is that?" He finally asked softly, making the man look up but not stop playing.

"Mine," Yoongi said, rather bluntly as if he was annoyed he was being interrupted.

"Oh," Jeonghan said, a small smile tugging at his lips. He knew music was a big part of this group's lives, but he never knew Yoongi wrote his own music. "Have any lyrics?"

"It does," The man nodded, closing his eyes again as he tried to block the doctor out, wanting to stay in his own safe, little bubble.

"Sing me some," Jeonghan said with a slightly coaxing tone, not moving from the doorway still.

"I don't sing," Yoongi shook his head, but that wasn't accepted. "Jimin's the singer, Jin hyung, Tae... Not me."

"Then speak it," The doctor said, tilting his head as the man looked down. "Please? I'd like to hear."

Yoongi sighed, though the music never stopped. Not for a single second.

Jeonghan leaned into the room a little more, looking at his feet as the man took in a deep breath. 

"People can be so crafty. In the midst of a series of vague responsibilities, eh-hm," Yoongi cleared his throat, his emotionless mask cracking for a short second, showing Jeonghan a different kind of vulnerable side that took him by surprise, something raw and pained. "We became so sick of each other that we finally became parallel. Although this wasn't the kind of parallel that I wanted..."

"Yoongs?" 

"That's not what it's about," The man shook his head before Jeonghan could jump to conclusions about the meaning behind the lyrics. "I didn't even know 'im when I wrote it, so don't even..."

"Know who?" Jeonghan rose an eyebrow, knowing he was about to get damned to hell but he didn't care, he could only assume he was talking about Jimin. He wanted to know though, he wanted Yoongi to be honest about his feelings. He didn't want him to lie but he didn't get an answer at all, anyway. "Okay. Not like I don't already know... Why are those words on your mind right now, though?" 

"You know that little psych degree you like to pull outta your back pocket, every so often?" The man finally looked up from the piano, the music ceasing abruptly. 

Jeonghan just nodded softly, tapping his foot quietly to fill the sudden tense silence between them. 

"Shove it up your arse." 

"Right," The doctor just chuckled, brushing off the man's overly harsh tone and glare, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Well, now that I'm obviously your favourite person and you're in a cheery mood - shall we get upstairs? Get those scans done?"

"Will it mean going home sooner?" Yoongi asked, but Jeonghan frowned, tilting his head at the way the man's face fell. Almost as if he didn't expect himself to say that. "... Will it... Will it mean getting out of here sooner?"

"We'll be outta here in a few hours," Jeonghan nodded with a small sigh, clicking his tongue. "And I think you could probably go home in a few weeks if you want."

Yoongi just looked up at the doctor, pushing himself away from the bench with a soft sigh. He wasn't even going to let himself think about going home, not when he didn't know if the doctor was being genuine or was just trying to comfort him. It was too much false hope and he felt emotionally drained enough.

"Where's Jin hyung?" He asked as he stumbled over to the door, where the doctor was waiting. "What was all that earlier?"

"New faces," Jeonghan shrugged, carefully wrapping his arm around the man's waist as he saw the tired look in his eyes, not letting him argue as they started walking. "Apparently you and Jinnie know one of the girls."

"One of?" Yoongi frowned, trying desperately to get the elder to let go of him but gave up when it seemed he wasn't winning.

"There are two girls who seem to have been living here," Jeonghan nodded, not aware he was being too vague until Yoongi froze and refused to move until he knew his hyung was safe with these supposed strangers. "It doesn't look like they've had it easy, looking at the state of them. Jinnie and Jiyongie are talking to them, sussing them out. I think they may be coming back with us, though."

"You said I know one of them..."

"Rosé?" Jeonghan said, raising an eyebrow at the man as he just pursed his lips. "You met at a barn? I don't know."

"Oh, God," Yoongi said after a moment, his face lighting up with realisation. "She's... Jennie and Jisoo, she's their sister. Who's this other one?"

"Wow, I don't doubt they'll be coming back with us then," Jeonghan chuckled, giving Yoongi a tug to keep him walking now that he was reassured. "And the other chick... I'm not sure. Certainly an interesting character from what I saw... We'll just have to see."

"I guess so," Yoongi frowned though found himself feeling even more confused. 

Why was the doctor acting so calm after the chaos they heard on the radio? He could have sworn whoever was there was dangerous by the sound of it.

"Right then, Jiyong's gonna be waiting for us if we don't speed up," Jeonghan nodded, trying to walk a little quicker but Yoongi still seemed reluctant. "Come along, Pip. We haven't got all day."

"I'm gonna kill you," Yoongi narrowed his eyes, grimacing at the way the doctor just smirked proudly. It was like he got off on winding people up and it was exasperating. "I swear one day, I'm gonna rip that fucking annoying tongue out and shove it down your throat."

"I'll look forward to it," Jeonghan just grinned, shaking his head before holding his hand out, gesturing to the set of stairs in front of them. "Until then, good Sir..."

-

Seokjin was feeling very uncomfortable by the time Jiyong had left him, alone with the two girls. 

Rosé, he felt a little more at ease with but the woman, who had stormed into the room the second she heard the younger girl and physically dragged the men apart and held them at gun point, was definitely intimidating.

Hwang Dambi. That wasn't going to be a name he forgot anytime soon.

"Who are you?" The younger girl frowned at the man, clearly not recognising the man as he had her, despite starting at him for the last fifteen minutes. "How do you know my name?"

"We met, a few years ago," Seokjin said, sighing as he decided he was going to be stuck there for a while, sliding down the wall. He may as well have been comfortable while waiting. "You let us spend the night at that barn... My brothers were extremely ill, you girls were really helpful. Gave us medication and..."

"Right..." The blonde girl nodded, looking at her hands as they lay in her lap. "That was the night Lisa... That night."

"How were you seperated?" Seokjin asked, almost thoughtlessly, though didn't realise how random his question was until the girl's sharp eyes narrowed at him.

"How'd you know she was seperated from them?" The other woman asked quickly, suddenly on edge, suspicious.

"Um, well..." Seokjin stammered for a moment, biting his lip as the woman stalked closer. "Well, it's just..."

"Just what?" Dambi asked, taking Rosé's hand and pulling her away from the man. "What are you hiding? What do you know?"

"I know where her sisters are," Seokjin scoffed at the sudden insinuations from the protective woman. "That's all. Jennie and Jisoo, they're fine but they think you're dead, Rosé. I could only assume you were all serperated."

"They're alive?" Rosé asked, eyes wide now as her breath caught in her throat, hope rising in her chest and Seokjin just nodded with a warm smile. "Can... A-am I allowed to see them?"

"Well, Jennie's in Busan, at the moment," Seokjin said softly, deciding to just ignore the other woman's bad attitude. "But Jisoo's back at home. Come home with us, we'll take you to her."

-

"So, have you gotten any closer to working this shit out?" Jeonghan asked Jiyong as they sat at the desk, after setting up an MRI for Yoongi. "All this zombie crap?"

"No," Jiyong said shortly, shaking his head as the doctor started the machine, warning Yoongi before hand. "Why?"

"Well, you've been studying so hard. I thought maybe you were closer."

"I haven't been studying that hard, Hanah," Jiyong shook his head again. "We've all been too busy and stressed for anything like that. I haven't had time."

"You had time last night," Jeonghan countered, raising an eyebrow at the scientist. "I heard reading pretty loud, I thought I'd have to come and seperate you and those notebooks, you know."

"Don't be such an idiot," Jiyong sighed, rolling his eyes. "All I've been looking into is how certain people seem to be immune to it. I used to think whatever it is worked similarly to the rabies virus. But being immune... I mean like Jimin and Binna are. Sure, there are cases of natural immunity to lethal viruses and infections but... This is anything but natural, it's not humane. Not earthly. So, no I'm no closer to anything, right now."

"They're not aliens, dude," Jeonghan said with a scoff but Jiyong shook his head at him.

"I'm not saying that," The elder said, sounding exasperated with the doctor. "I've just never encountered anything like this. Not even through my collaborative work with the KDCA..."

"You worked with the KDCA?" Jeonghan asked, taking his eyes off the screen to stare at the scientist, his jaw agape with fake shock. "Dr. Smarty-Pants."

"Can you please, just once, behave like an adult?" Jiyong sighed, rolling his eyes. "For God's sake, Hanah. You're thirty-five years old, act like it."

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Just focus on Yoongi," The scientist gave up on what he was trying to say, especially since the doctor wasn't listening properly anyway. 

"I'd love to," Jeonghan sighed, tapping his fingers against the desk as he waited for the MRI to show any kind of results. "But this thing's old... We're gonna be here a while, me thinks."

"You think Seokjin's okay?" Jiyong asked, looking at the doctor with a curious frown as his attention was finally caught by the pictures starting to appear on the screen.

"Yeah, he'll be fine," Jeonghan waved his hand, tracing the screen with his finger, looking closely until it froze, leaving him to groan in frustration. "Ugh! ... Jinnie? Yeah, they know the girl. He'll be fine."

"If you say so," Jiyong sighed, leaning back into his chair. "It's overheated. Give it a few minutes to cool down and it'll start working again."

"Sorry, Yoongs," Jeonghan apologised through the mic, glad at least that was still working. "Gonna be a little longer. You okay in there?" 

"Fucking peachy," Was the response he got, causing him to chuckle and shake his head, leaning back the way his boss had and spinning in the chair as he fought his boredom. 

"Just hang in there. Have a nap, it'll make time go faster," The doctor suggested after a moment. Jiyong just shook his head as the doctor started to fidget on the swivel chair, going in circles with his knees pulled up to his chest.

"Hanah, sit still," The scientist scolded, reminding the younger that he was meant to be acting professionally now.

"These chairs were specifically made for us ADHD kids, you know?" The doctor stated as he shifted closer to the desk, only stopping because he was dizzy, not because the man had told him to.

"You know damn well that's not true, and you're not a kid," Jiyong shook his head, rolling his eyes. "Just do your job and focus. Remind me again just how the hell you got through med school."

"Patience, my friend," Jeonghan smirked at the man. "Lots and lots of patience. From the teachers, that is. Not me." 

"I'm surprised you didn't force them to fall back onto corporal punishment," The scientist muttered but Jeonghan just laughed at him.

"I'm sure I broke a few of them," The doctor nodded, still smirking cockily. "So... What the fuck has Mingyu created? If you can't work out what's making those kids immune, then what God-forsaken shit has he made? I've seen, with my own eyes, what it's capable of, but he sure ain't using that shit to cure people."

"To make a cure, they need to know what causes immunity," Jiyong said with a tired sigh. "From what you've said abotu what happened, they've cheated. By simply studying the chemical messengers from Jimin's DNA and recreating them... They cheated it, missed out the most important part. So, now they have what they believe to be a cure, but they have no real idea of what it is..."

"Have you two fallen asleep?" Yoongi's voice broke through the men's trains of thought, making Jeonghan jump slightly in his chair before pressing his mic.

"Just a few more minutes, Yoongs," He reassured rather nonchalantly, mindlessly picking up the man's necklace and ring that he was meant to be looking after. He dared not put the jewellery in his pocket, just in case he somehow lost it. Yoongi would definitely kill him, and it wouldn't be a quick, painless experience either. "This thing's slower than an octagenarian with ankle weights. Hang in there."

"I don't know what that means," Yoongi grumbled, making Jiyong chuckle. "Just hurry up. It's really stuffy in here."

"I want to get my hands on what Mingyu's created," Jiyong said after a moment, going back to what he was saying. "I want to study it for myself, I have a lot more experience then those cretins. I could work out why the kid was immune in the first place. I could also work out why the hell Mingyu is desperate to keep recreating it."

"You don't believe he wants to save people?" Jeonghan asked sarcastically, causing the elder to shake his head.

"I do not," Jiyong said with a strained voice. "It's not a cure... It can't be. A vaccine, maybe. But a full on cure? That's got to be impossible. There must be some other kind of insentive, something else he needs from it... Something else he can gain."

Jeonghan just hummed, falling quiet for the first time in hours as he thought. Surely... Surely, Mingyu wasn't still hung up on the fact that Jimin survived all those trials and torture. 

Was that what Mingyu wanted for himself? 

A chance at immortality?

-

"Hoseok, open the fucking door!" Jackson shouted, banging his fist against the bathroom door. Everyone was out, he knew that, but how did he become the person to help these men? "Before I kick it in, come on! ...How long has he been in there?"

"I came and got you the second he stopped answering," Binna said, her voice cracking slightly as her brow bent in worry. "He's overworked, Jack..."

"Jung!" Jackson yelled again, rattling the handle. "Open the door, stop fucking around. You're scaring Binna, dude."

"Hoseokah!" Binna shouted over the man, causing him to look at her and roll his eyes, shaking his head.

"Right, stand back," He sighed, having no choice and, though he would never admit it, he was starting to worry, himself. "I'm gonna kick it in... Move back."

Binna nodded, biting her bottom lip as she stood back a little, watching nervously as Jackson gave the door three firm kicks before it swung open.

A soft groan came from the bathroom as the door hit Hoseok's legs.

Binna pushed Jackson out of the way, sighing sadly as she saw Hoseok slwoly waking up, looking around confused and dazed.

"Oh, jagi," She clicked her tongue, kneeling beside the man and helping him slowly sit up, holding his head still until he had come around a little more. "Slowly, go slow. Jack, he's burning up."

"Yeah, there's about five-six people with the flu, at the moment," Jackson shook his head, scratching his brow. "I take it they all came to you, today, Jung. Talk about the full whammy."

"I'm okay..." Hoseok mumbled as he ran his hands down his face, trying to wipe away the sweat from his brow.

"You're not okay," Binna said sharply, making him glare at her when she took his hand and pinched the back of it. "See? You're dehydrated, Hoseok. We need to get you some water. Jackson, could you...?"

"I ain't running around for him, Moon," Jackson scoffed, folding his arms over his chest. "He's a big boy. He can go and get his own drink."

"You're such a prick," Binna muttered, sighing as she helped Hoseok up off the floor. "Come on, babe. I'll get you some water, you should get in bed."

"I'm fine," The man shook his head again, brushing himself off, though was silently thankful the girl was still kind of holding him steady as his legs felt wobbly. "Don't fuss."

"You're getting into bed, Hoseok," Binna said firmly, almost scolding as she guided him out of the bathroom, Jackson following behind since he wasn't too sure what he was meant to do now.

He'd opened the door, just like she asked... 

"Right," He said as the girl helped Hoseok into bed, before grabbing a bottle of water for him form the nightstand. "I'll be off then? If that's all you needed, Star."

"Thank you," Binna nodded, sighing softly as she went to the door and gave Jackson a hug, genuinely thankful.

"No worries," The man finally gave a small smile, hugging the girl back. "Be grateful you've got this one, Jung. You won't find anyone better."

Binna just gave a soft chuckle, closing the door behind the man, turning back to where Hoseok was laying on his bed. Just as she was about to speak, the radio on the nightstand started to buzz.

"Hoseokssi?" Jisoo's light voice came through, sounding staticy as the man groaned reluctantly.

"Uh-uh," Binna shook her head, grabbing the device before he could. "You go to sleep. I'll deal with this."

"Just gimme it, Jagi," Hoseok sighed, sitting up but Binna shook her head, walking over to the other side of the room, hand on her hip as she answered.

"Hoseok's off the clock. You'll have to talk to me, Jisooyah," She said, causing the man to glare at her for how sharply she spoke. "What's wrong?" 

"I just wasn't sure what to do," The young girl said, her voice sounding hushed as if she didn't want someone to hear her. "All the other residents, I know how to work with, how to advise and help when they're unwell but... How do I help Byun Baekhyunnim?"

-

"How is everything?" Seokjin asked, quickly raising from the plastic chair he was sat in, waiting in the reception with the girls when the three men returned.

Jeonghan patted Yoongi's shoulder, telling him he did well and smiling when he went to sit back at the piano, almost immediately picking up the music from before as if he never left the room.

"Is he okay?" Seokjin asked the doctor, walking over to him and Jiyong, concern in his eyes since they were taking a long time to answer. "Guys?" 

"He's okay," Jeonghan finally nodded with a bright smile, though Yoongi didn't share the happy expression as he focused on the instrument in front of him, once again. "We ran some extra tests as well. Still need to work on that grouchy attitude problem... But physically, I'm not worried at all anymore. He's doing really well. His vision's even improving a little now, so that's a brilliant sign. I think we probably need to get him home to bed now, though. Don't wanna push him too far."

"Yeah, we'll get going. Just give him a few more minutes, being with that piano's good for him." Seokjin nodded, his eyes cautiously trained on his brother, seeing how exhausted he looked now. It had been an extrememly long day for him. "I think the girls are going to come with us." 

"I assumed as much," Jeonghan nodded, his attention being on the two girls, though his brow furrowed curiously when he turned to see what the older woman was staring at with a small, almost flirty smirk on her lips. Turning around, he sighed. "Brace yourself. This should be entertaining."

"What?" Seokjin asked with a frown but caught the woman out of the corner of his eye, walking up to Yoongi and taking a seat next to him on the piano bench. "Oh, good God..."

"You're talented," The woman said with a soft voice, taking a seat next to Yoongi, watching as his fingers continued to dance over the ivory, completely undisturbed.

"I know," Yoongi shrugged, his blunt voice making Dambi raise an eyebrow at him, her smirk growing slightly. Impressive.

"Whatcha playing?" She asked, pressing a few of the keys in front of her, but the sharp notes only caused the man's cat like eyes to glare at her. Almost as if her nonchalance was disrespecting the instrument. "Anything I know?"

"I seriously doubt it," Yoongi shook his head, his jaw tightening when she continued to press the keys, only creating noise rather than music. Not able to sit and listen to it any longer, he placed his big hand over hers, forcing her to quit her attempts. "Please. Just... Stop that."

"Sorry, I'm no player," Dambi sighed, giving the man a small, sheepish smile that he could see right through like glass. His back straightened and he gulped thickly when her hand moved from under his to brush his hair out of his eyes. "Maybe, you could teach me someday. Hmm? Put those talented fingers to use..."

"I'm married," Yoongi glared at the woman, gently swatting her hand away from his cheek. "And I'd prefer it if you kept your hands to yourself, Miss."

"Your wife doesn't need to know anything," Dambi chuckled, placing her hand on his chest, playing with the zip on his leather jacket and making him cringe. "What have you got to lose in this world, hmm?"

"I will be telling him everything," Yoongi said bluntly, taking hold of her hand and pushing it away, standing from the bench. 

The woman's eyes narrowed as her expression fell, almost turning offended as he disappeared into the hall.

"The grumpy, emo vibe wasn't enough?" Jeonghan laughed as he walked up, hands in his pockets. "I've never seen that guy look twice at a woman or anyone. He only has eyes for his husband, trust me. It's like the rest of us don't even exist."

"Shame. He's exactly my type," Dambi shook her head, pursing her lips at the doctor when he cocked an eyebrow at her. "Everyone has a type, Uisa Seonsaengnim. What's yours?"

"You don't stand a chance here, love," Jeonghan chuckled lowly, gently nudging the woman's shoulder. "And even if there was the slightest chance, and there's not... I already have first dibs."

"Ah, so he's your type too," Dambi smirked, raising an eyebrow at the doctor. "Sounds like competition."

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

"I can't believe we're walking!" Taehyung complained, shaking his hair into his face as he huffed. They had been walking for hours and were still pretty far from the field.

"Well, you were the one who wanted to take the scenic route and ran out of gas," Jennie scoffed.

"The sunset was pretty," Taehyung shook his head, pouting a little since the road was a lot darker now, shadows being cast over them from the tall trees. 

"Yeah, well now we have to walk," The girl gave a bitter chuckle, not feeling the detour was justified. "So, you get to avoid Jimin even longer now."

"That was not what I was doing," Taehyung shot back bluntly, though he wasn't believed. The whole reason they went out in the first place was so he could hide from the small boy. "I was just... Giving him his space."

"You were avoiding him," Jennie said raising an eyebrow, knowing damn well she was right. "Not that I blame you or anything, but we really should have been back hours ago. The least you could do is be honest with yourself.

"I'm sorry," He sighed, holding the handles of his backpack, around his shoulders, trying to speed up a little, his mind now filling with thoughts of guilt and slight embarrassment. "I know. I'm sorry..."

"Taehyungah?" Jennie's voice came from behind the boy again, though this time causing his thoughts to fall silent when he heard how suddenly her tone fell flat.

No teasingly condescending tone, no cocky lilt, no insulting nickname...

"What's wr-"

Taehyung's heart dropped into his stomach as he turned, his skin paling as Jennie's petrified eyes priced into him. She was held, restrained by a dark man twice her size, holding her by her neck, knife pressing close to her pulse point.

"Let her go," The boy said, almost whispering as his chest tightened, his eyes flickering between the three, no four, men standing in front of him. There wasn't any fear on the girl's face, but her glistening eyes told a very different story. "Please... Just let her go."

"Tae..." The girl whispered but the cloaked man shook her violently, making her gasp in shock.

"Shut up!" The man spat, looking up from his hood and locking eyes with the boy in front of them. "You know where he is, take us to him."

"Who?" Taehyung asked, his thin lips starting to tremble when he noticed the liquid red stains on the blade, pressing against his friend's throat. 

Tainted weapons. 

"You know damn well who!" The man sneered, causing a chill to travel down the boy's spine. "Take us to Park Jimin. Or I'll kill her right here and now."

"Please!" Taehyung shook his head, his eyes tearing up. He had never seen any form of fear in Jennie's eyes. He had never seen her strong-girl mask crack, she never lost her cool. But now she was silently begging him to help. "Please don't!"

"Take us to the boy!" The man shouted, moving his hand as a threat, pressing the knife closer to the girl's skin. "Now!"

"O-okay..." Taehyung stuttered, his chest tight with panic as he made an impossible choice. "Just... Just don't hurt her."

"Take us to him," The man said firmly, holding the bloodied knife even closer to the girl's throat as she tried to jerk away, seeing the reluctance and hesitation in the boy's stance. She knew Taehyung would never betray Jimin, no matter what he said. 

In this scenario, she was the spare piece. She wouldn't win over Jimin.

 There was no way Taehyung would choose her over Jimin, and she knew that. She had accepted that. She wouldn't expect him to either.

"That's your only option, kid."

"Okay," Taehyung gulped as he quickly held his hands up to try and stop the man from doing anything. His whole body was trembling, his palms sweaty and his mouth dry. 

How was he meant to betray his best friend like this? 

Why was he even agreeing? 

"Okay. I will."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"Slowly, Yoongs," Seokjin said softly as he held his arm around his tired brother's shoulders, guiding his unsteady feet as they followed Jiyong and Jeonghan back through the entrance of Hwaesa, with the new girls following close behind. "I'm proud of you for today. You did well..."

"That patronising tone may work with Tae and Hobi but knock it off," Yoongi grumbled as he shook his head, though Seokjin wasn't fazed. 

Yoongi's snappy attitude now was nothing more than a symptom of his exhaustion, that much could be told by how he was resting his head on his hyung's large shoulder as they walked. To see him leaning into the physical contact rather than squirming away like he normally would, it was obvious the day had dragged on far too long. 

"I'm still proud of you," Seokjin sighed, rubbing his hand up and down the man's arm, letting him know that it was okay to feel so stressed. His hyung wasn't going to leave him. "I'm just glad you're getting better, Yoongs. You can't stop me from caring and worrying. It's my job so deal with it, okay?"

Yoongi just silently nodded, sighing heavily. However, he felt his hyung lean closer and that was too much.

"If you fucking kiss me..."

"I wouldn't dare," Seokjin smiled warmly, simply ignoring the choice of language, chuckling as he rested his cheek on the top of the man's head. "Don't worry." 

"I've been waiting forever," Jackson tiredly greeted the men in the hall, arms angrily folded over his chest, annoyance clear in his eyes. "What the hell took you all so long? Not one of you could respond to the radio?"

"It's not like we were in range," Seokjin said defensively, sighing as Yoongi pushed away from him, not wanting to be cuddled in the presence of the likes of Jackson. 

"Gǒupì," Jackson scoffed, shaking his head. "That's bullshit. Taemin and Dawon went back and forth all the time, you were nowhere near being out of range... It's like the fucking Nineteen-fifty-seven pandemic here and you ignored us all!"

"What are you going on about?" Jeonghan frowned, not-so-subtly stepping back from the man and tugging on Yoongi's arm, so he and Seokjin stood back as well.

"I'm not sick," Jackson glared at the action, feeling a little offended. "But a lot of people are. It's the flu or something, Baekhyun's got it as well, so you can imagine how things have been here."

"How many people have reported symptoms?" Jiyong asked, stepping forward though the two girls stayed far behind them.

"I think we're at ten now. It's most of the oldies on the second floor," Jackson sighed before looking up to Seokjin, locking eyes with him. "Hoseok's got it."

"Is he okay?" Seokjin asked, eyes wide and a sudden hitch in his voice, showing his concern.

"Binna's with him," Jackson just shrugged again. "But hell, did he put up a show?! Had to kick the fucking bathroom door in because he passed out in there."

"Right, Jiyongnim, we need to start quarantining," Jeonghan said, sounding rather abrupt to the others with the extreme plan of action, though the scientist was definitely on the same page. "Separate the strong from the weak. Young and old need to be kept from anyone who is showing symptoms or could be asymptomatic."

"Is Nayeonah okay?" Yoongi asked Jackson, the paternal look in his eyes strong enough to make the man change his mind on dismissing him.

"I'm not sure," He said, shaking his head, but that didn't seem to be a good enough answer for Yoongi. "I don't see her much, so I don't know. Chika hasn't called for anyone, so I can only assume..."

"Assuming isn't good enough!" Yoongi raised his voice, causing Seokjin to place a hand on his shoulder, not letting him get too out of hand. "Why did no one check on her?"

"It could just be the flu," Jeonghan interjected as Yoongi kicked the floor, seeing the frustration coming off the man like steam. "Yoongi, it could just be the flu. It could. I'll make sure she's alright and if she is, for now, it'll be safer to keep you and your daughter separate from others. She's very young and you're very vulnerable."

Dambi's eyes flickered up at that sentence, raising her eyebrow at the doctor and then at Yoongi, not sure how to react to what she had just heard, though she decided not to react at all when Rosé nudged her side.

"When did people start to get sick?" Yoongi asked Jackson, taking in a deep breath through his nose as he waited for the man to respond.

"Well, Hoseok passed out while you were gone," Jackson said, folding his arms over his chest. "I can only assume everyone went to him for advice today and that's why he got the full blow of it. Jisoo reported Byun a few hours ago, but Mrs Kim fell ill last week. You know that, Jeonghanssi. I haven't seen anyone else, myself, but Hoseok was in a bad way..."

"I'll go and see him," Seokjin sighed, about to walk away before Jeonghan placed his hand on his shoulder.

"No, I'll check on him later," The doctor shook his head. "Jiyongnim, after taking Miss Rosie and Dambissi to Jisoo, can you take over for her and do her rounds, please? Report any new cases to me. Jinnie, I want you..."

"That is not my name and I am going to check on my brother," Seokjin shook his head as the scientist led the girls out of the room, his voice shockingly low and gritty, making even Yoongi look at him, slightly intimidated. 

"You need to be on call for Yoongi," Jeonghan said, sounding equally as firm now, though that was even more shocking. 

To not hear a joking lilt in the cheery man's voice was unnerving. Yoongi was sure he had never seen him look challenged before but now it was scary to see. It reminded him of the first time Jimin ever yelled at him when Taemin made his return. It was never easy seeing someone, who was typically happy-go-lucky and known for their positive vibe, show a darker more aggressive side. 

"I have to go and work with these people and he is vulnerable. You need to be the one who can help him for now, help him look after Nayeon. Whatever this is, they cannot catch it and we cannot spread it to them, even if it's something as simple as a cold. Can I rely on you to be helpful here or are you just gonna do what you like and put him at risk?"

"Hyung, just go to Hobi," Yoongi said before Seokjin could answer the offensive question. "Make sure he's alright and let me know later. I can just use the radio, I don't need to be waited on."

"Yoongi..." Jeonghan tried to speak up but the man shot a sharp glare in his direction.

"Just go, hyung," He told Seokjin again, seeing the challenging look on his face and the stubborn look on Jeonghan's. "Seriously, if Hobi's ill, he's gonna want you. He always wants you. Go, it'll be fine."

"Thank you," Seokjin sighed, pulling his brother into a long-lasting hug before heading off down the hall, not sparing Jeonghan another glance.

"Not that I really care or anything," Jackson said as Seokjin tore off, looking at the men left in front of him. "But shouldn't someone start prioritising the man who runs this place?"

"No, I'll check on him later," Jeonghan shook his head, letting out a long breath through his nose, trying not to feel so frustrated. 

Yoongi watched him carefully, narrowing his eyes as he saw the way his nostrils flared with a heavy breath. The bright light that usually glowed in his eyes was slowly starting to look like fire but the doctor kept extinguishing it every time it sparked. 

"Let's make sure we know exactly who's ill and how bad it is, first. Triage, Jackson, that's the best way to go. I'll get to work as soon as I get Yoongi to bed."

"Yeah, Byun's not gonna be happy with that," Jackson shook his head, not liking the picture his thoughts were painting out, of a scenario of the boss being put last. 

"I don't care. Unless that prick-dick is laying on his death bed, taking his last breath," Jeonghan scoffed, shaking his head as he placed his hand on Yoongi's shoulder, pushing him down the hall a little. "He is not entitled to five-star treatment. I have higher priorities and you can feel free to tell him that... Come on, Yoongs. Let's go and check on little Kimchi."

"I'm a higher priority?" Yoongi scoffed as they walked down the hall, heading to the stairs to get to Chika's room. 

"You think you're not?" Jeonghan asked back, shoving his hands in his pockets. "If you remember correctly, I would still be stuck up those trees if I hadn't left with you guys. To me, you always come first." 

"That'll get you killed, one day," Yoongi shook his head, grumbling under his breath. As they started to walk up the stairs, he grabbed the doctor's arm, catching himself as the toe of his boot caught the step and caused him to trip. "Sorry..."

"You alright?" Jeonghan asked, his brow furrowing as he placed his arm around the man's shoulders, guiding him more carefully. "If you wanna wait down here, I can bring Kimchi to you. You don't have to tackle the stairs if you don't feel you can."

"No, I need to see her," Yoongi shook his head, wanting to be the one to greet his daughter. Jeonghan just nodded sympathetically but made sure to keep his eyes on the man, watching him cautiously as he continued up the stairs. 

"On the left," Jeonghan said just as the man was about to turn the wrong way, keeping his arm around his shoulders. The building was new to Yoongi, he hadn't travelled this far. "Just here, buddy."

Yoongi nodded slightly, knocking on the door they stood in front of, rocking on the balls of his feet with his hands in his pockets as they waited.

Before too long, the door opened and Chika popped her head around, smiling instantly when she recognised the guests.

"Yoongisan!" She greeted him warmly, causing the man to smile. "Nayeonah's asleep, you wanna come in?"

"Please," The man nodded, bowing his thanks as she fully opened the door. He felt so grateful to the teen girl, always offering her help when it came to looking after Nayeon, teaching and caring for the child as if she were her own sister. 

Walking over to the small mattress in the corner of the converted room, Yoongi sighed softly, letting himself fall onto it with a little thump, next to his daughter.

"I'll be making sure you two get a better room, soon," Jeonghan told the teen, looking around at the bland walls, the little desk and the plastic chair. You could smell the dust in the air, it was dry and crisp and mixed with the scent of unwanted pests. "I have no idea why you kids were moved up here in the first place."

"It's okay, Sensei," Chika just shook her head, her little smile not fading. She didn't mind the tiny office/bedroom box she and her boyfriend stayed in. In her mind, it was cosy.

"Before we go," Jeonghan said, folding his arms over his chest. "The flu's going round. I think it's the flu, at least, but I think it would be best for you to try and stay here as much as possible. It's breaking out worse than a fourteen-year-old's skin, and I know you're pretty prone to things like this."

"Okay," Chika nodded, thanking the doctor for his advice.

Jeonghan just smiled, looking over his shoulder to see Yoongi, carefully waking his little girl up.

"Hey, baby girl," Yoongi cooed as the girl stirred, shushing softly as he lifted her into his arms, flashing Chika a thankful smile when she gave him Nayeon's teddy to hold onto. "Hey, you're okay."

"Appa..." She mumbled quietly, causing the man to smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist, but remained rather undisturbed. 

"That's it, sweetheart. Appa's gotcha..." He nodded, cuddling his girl, holding her secure as she settled with her head against his shoulder, falling back to sleep. "Thank you, Chika. Not just for today, but all year. Genuinely, thank you."

"It's just nice to have you back, Yoongisan," The girl smiled warmly, slipping into the comfort of her first language a little as she bowed slightly, watching the men go to leave the bedroom. "We've all missed you, I'm glad you're okay." 

"Make sure to keep yourself safe, Chika," Jeonghan said as they walked into the hall. "I'll be round in the morning to make sure everything's still okay."

"Jomeikun will be back soon," The girl nodded, waving them off. "We'll be alright, Sensei. Ja ne."

"Let's get back," Jeonghan said, letting Yoongi lead the way as they headed to his bedroom. "You can have my room for the time being, I'm gonna be busy in the office anyway, now... Yoongs, you want me to take Kimchi?"

"No, she's a'right," Yoongi shook his head, gently adjusting the way the child was sitting on his hip without waking her up, making sure he wouldn't drop her despite his arms beginning to ache. "I've got 'er." 

"Say that again," Jeonghan said, slowing slightly as he narrowed his eyes at the man. "Yoongi. Again."

Though Yoongi was getting better and was certainly heading in the right direction - Jeonghan was still on high alert for anything that could have been a sign of something bad happening, such as slurring his words.

"I'm from Daegu, I have a thick accent," The man sighed, dismissing the doctor's obvious concerns. "And I'm tired... I've got her, I just want to go to bed, now."

"Alright," The doctor sighed, patting the man's shoulder, dropping it since it seemed pressing the subject would only upset him. "Here..."

Yoongi just silently nodded, following the doctor around the corner and down the hall to his room.  Entering the bedroom, he wasted no time laying Nayeon down, tucking her in with her teddy and sitting beside her. 

"I should probably go and check on Baekhyun," Jeonghan sighed, throwing his backpack in the corner, pausing just before the door and turning back to the man. As they walked he had noticed the way Yoongi was starting to close himself off and become quieter. He was starting to show similar signs that the doctor had only ever seen in Jimin when he began to feel low again. "You gonna be okay?"

"Fine," Yoongi nodded shortly, keeping his head down. "Make sure Hobi's okay, please."

"Will do... Yoongs, what's worrying you?" Jeonghan asked as he watched the man's brow furrow every so often before softening when looking back to his sleeping daughter.

"I'm just thinking," Yoongi shook his head softly, looking up to meet the doctor's pressing gaze, feeling his eyes burning into him the longer he took to elaborate. With a sigh, he gave into the silent coaxing. "It's dark out, it's night... I'm worried about Jimin, about being so far from 'im. Not being able to be there in case he panics, or has a nightmare, or seizes, or..."

"It's been a long time," Jeonghan nodded sympathetically. "Since you've been this far apart, I mean. Like - building the Great Wall of China - long time. I'm sure he's fine though, especially with Taehyungah looking after him. I honestly don't think you need to worry."

"But I do worry!" Yoongi exclaimed, though immediately lowered his voice again, realising he was close to waking Nayeon. He knew the doctor was about to tell him to calm down, but the anxiety was smothering him, making his skin crawl as if he was covered in ants from head to toe."I always worry! I can't stop fucking worrying. He's always getting 'imself into trouble and I can't help 'im. We were doing so well, Jimin was doing so well. He was so happy... But now I'm here, how am I meant to know what's going on? Whether he's okay or not? What if something bad happens? The way he panics, the way his anxiety takes over. What if he goes backwards? What if he gets ill again? What if...?"

"Yoongi, this isn't you worrying about Jimin's anxiety," Jeonghan shook his head as the man started rambling. "That's just how it's coming out. These are your fears, your anxieties."

"Yeah, yeah," Yoongi waved his hand, letting his head drop forward as he sighed, leaning on his knees. "I know all of that."

"Sit up, you'll be dizzy," Jeonghan said, not liking the awkward position the man was sitting in. "What do you mean, you know?" 

"Jiminah says that all the time," Yoongi rolled his eyes, sitting up only to lay back on his bed, covering his face with his hands. He couldn't get comfortable at all, the room was getting too hot and he was certain, absolutely sure, something was about to go very, very wrong. "I project it or whatever shit... I get it, okay? Yes, I'm stressed. No, I don't want to be this far away from my husband. I don't know what shit's gonna go down there and I can't help anyone at the moment. I am going to be fucking useless in any situation right now. You have me fucking quarantined, for Christ's sake! What if Mingyu turns up, right now? What if he decides he's not gonna wait any longer and just goes after my husband and kills him while I'm miles away? What the fuck am I gonna do? Huh?!"

"What do you think would help calm you down, Yoongi?" Jeonghan asked with a soft but clear voice, rather unexpectedly, catching Yoongi off guard and making him frown back at him. "I mean, other than the obvious. The others have told me that you're prone to panic attacks and this stress will make you ill again. I don't want that to happen, do you?"  

Yoongi blinked up at the ceiling as he tried to bring some sort of order to his breathing, genuinely having to think for a second as his mind was trying to focus on too many things. He could feel his heart, hitting in an angry rhythm against his ribs as all moisture left his mouth, leaving his throat feeling like sandpaper. He knew that the doctor had just called out the inevitable. He knew he was close to losing it, but his only remedy was about five hours away.

The room remained silent and still as the doctor waited though, simply sighing quietly as Yoongi continued to think, listening carefully to the younger's heavy breaths. 

"Yoongs?" 

"I need a smoke," The man said after a few more moments, not moving apart from fiddling with his necklace, already able to see the doctor's expression without having to look. "That would calm me."

"I'm not getting you cigarettes," Jeonghan clicked his tongue, shaking his head as he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. "You know I'm not. I am, however, going to go and get you something sugary to eat. So just... Try and chill for a moment."

"I'm not hungry," Yoongi said as the doctor went to leave, causing him to give a tired chuckle.

"That's because your blood sugar's low," Jeonghan said bluntly, holding his hands on his hips. Yoongi looked up, his brow furrowed even more profoundly than before. "Yoongi, you haven't eaten since before we left. That was this morning. It's been an incredibly stressful day for you. You're not back to your normal self yet and you won't be for a long time... Your hands are shaking."

"No, they're not," The man said, almost childishly, dropping his necklace and laying his arms to his sides.

"And you're sweating, not to mention incredibly arsey and irritable. Though, I'm starting to think that may just be your personality in general," The doctor continued, causing him to wipe his brow curiously, annoyed when he realised Jeonghan was right. "We've already concluded that your anxiety's through the roof. I'm gonna go and see what I can find, okay? Anything I should avoid, though? I'd rather not have you rip my nuts off because I brought you a box of Pepero sticks."

"Do we actually have Pepero sticks?" Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow, though his eyes remained closed.

"We actually have Pepero sticks," Jeonghan chuckled, smiling softly as the man already seemed to be calming a little. At least he was away from the edge now. "They're probably expired but... I don't see any real risk. Shall I get you some?"

"Bring Nayeon some too," Yoongi nodded, though he was starting to sound a little sleepy now. "For the morning. She deserves a treat."

"I'll see what I can find," Jeonghan nodded before leaving the room, quietly closing the door behind him. 

-

"Hey, Seokjinssi," Binna greeted quietly as the man came into Hoseok's room. 

"You can call me oppa, Binna," The man smiled, taking a seat at Hoseok's desk, looking over to his brother sleeping in bed, with the girl sitting close by his side. "You're with our Hoseokie, you're family now... How has he been?"

"He's slept all afternoon," The girl shrugged with a small sigh, brushing Hoseok's hair behind his ear as he snuggled into his pillow. "His been alright, I guess. The fever hasn't broken yet, that's the only worrying thing."

"Has he been drinking anything?" Seokjin asked, the worry evident in his tone.

"Water," Binna nodded, looking over to the half-empty water bottle on the nightstand that she had filled up three times already. "It needs forcing but he's not being too stubborn. I'd tip it down his throat either way, though."

"Good," Seokjin chuckled quietly. "I'm glad he's got you, kid. Someone like Hoseokie needs someone like you, someone who cares this much and puts up with him at the same time."

"He's just always smiling," The girl said sadly. shaking her head a little. "Always seems so happy. It's hard to see him like this."

"Hoseokie has his moments," Seokjin nodded, not unaware that their ray of sunshine certainly dimmed from time to time. "But he always bounces back, sometimes he just needs a firm hand to tug him through, you know?"

"Yeah," Binna nodded, smiling over to the eldest. "Yeah, I know."

"I'm going to leave you to it, I'll let him sleep and I'll be back in the morning, if that's alright? ...Thank you, Binna," Seokjin smiled as he stood up and paused at the door, turning back to the girl who was sitting by his brother, stroking her fingers through his hair. "For looking after him, taking care of him. Hoseokie's always been the one others go to, to bring them up and make them feel good. It's just really nice to know he's found someone who truly cares for him as well."

-

As Jeonghan returned from the canteen, promised chocolate snacks in hand, he was called to a stop, making him groan internally before reluctantly spinning on his heel.

"Jeonghannim!" Jisoo's voice called up the hall, jogging over, looking rather panicked. "You need to come. Jiyongnim sent me, it's Mrs Kim, Jongdaessi's grandmother, upstairs."

"What's going on?" Jeonghan asked, looking at the box of Pepero sticks in his hand. "I'll be doing rounds in a minute but I've gotta..."

"I don't know... I don't know the term," The girl shook her head, trying to remember all the textbooks the doctor had her studying. "Um... Her fever. Her temperature is over 39 degrees. She's... There's a nosebleed and she's vomiting blood when she coughs, and it won't stop, it's..."

"It's a hemorrhagic fever," Jeonghan said, his tone falling low as his face fell serious. His whole aura turned dark as he looked fearful. "This isn't the flu... Fuck!"

"Uisa Seongsaengnim, what do we do?!" Jisoo begged but the doctor froze, shaking his head and shushing her as he tried to think. 

"Radio Jiyongnim, tell him to get a mask on ASAP," He said as he turned, confusing the girl. Almost as if he was on autopilot, he just knocked on the closest door to him, way too casually, making Jisoo stare at him in disbelief.

"What do you want?" Jackson's disgruntled voice came as he opened the door, clearly being the owner of that room. 

"Get these to Yoongi," Jeonghan said, shoving the chocolate box in the man's hand. "Tell him I can't come back but to radio if he needs anything."

"What?!"

"Just get on with it, Jackson!" Jeonghan ordered, turning on his heel to leave until the man stopped him again.

"The faggot hates me!" Jackson shouted after the doctor, jaw on the floor at the sudden request.

"I could tell you the reason why," Jeonghan scoffed at the man's harsh choice of words, shaking his head as he quickly gestured for Jisoo to lead the way to his office. "But I ain't got time. Take him the chocolate, Jackson."

"I'm serious, the cocksucker will kill me and it'll be your fault!"

"He ain't strong enough but I'll gladly take the credit!" Jeonghan yelled back over his shoulder, disappearing around the corner with the young girl, leaving Jackson to curse under his breath.

There was nothing he could do other than comply, whether he or Yoongi liked it or not. 

"Yoongs?" He said voice strained as he forced himself to be nice when he stepped into the doctor's bedroom. "You awake?"

"Be quiet," Yoongi shushed sharply from the bed, waving the man back out of the room so he didn't wake Nayeon, but he wasn't going anywhere.

"Jeonghan said he can't come back, for whatever reason," Jackson sighed, brushing off the man's tone as he threw the box of chocolate at him. "But he sends this. Don't know when I became messenger boy, but I'm meant to ask if there's anything else you need."

"Do you have anything I could smoke?" Yoongi asked as he placed the box aside, getting a little desperate as his anxiety levels still remained high. Jackson just chuckled at him, rolling his eyes before fishing around in his pocket.

"Doc's banned ya, huh?" He asked with a smirk, taking out a small cardboard box and opening it, tossing a cigarette to Yoongi, along with a lighter, when he sent him a dark glare. 

Stepping out into the hall so Nayeon wasn't disturbed, Yoongi lit the cigarette and handed the lighter back, mumbling a quiet thanks, but Jackson shook his head and gave it back again with the rest of the box. 

"Nah, keep your cancer sticks," He said, scoffing when Yoongi flashed him a confused look, taking a drag and letting it out through his nose. "I'm thinking of quitting, anyway."

-

"Hoseokah," Binna sighed, gently laying her arms around the man's shoulders, cuddling him tight as he began to sob. She had been shaken away by screaming and shouting, words of fault and blame; Hoseok being trapped in some sort of horrific nightmare he couldn't escape from. "Shush, shush. Hoseokah, you're feverish, babe. It was a fever dream. You haven't done anything wrong, you've just been sleeping. Literally all afternoon. Nothing could possibly be your fault right now."

"It... It was... It was my fault," The man spluttered, unable to catch his breath as sweat dripped off of him. Binna had to pull him around, so his legs were hanging off the edge of the bed, making him lean forwards with his head in his hands. "It was... My... My..."

"Nothing is your fault, Jagi. It was a horrible dream, you're alright now," She shook her head, grimacing as he gave into a coughing fit, having to turn her head as he jerked forward with the force.

As the man sounded like he was coughing up a lung, Binna was forced to just sit and wait as he started retching. Grabbing the small plastic bin from beside the desk, she shoved it on his lap before gently rubbing his back, just as the bile fought through his throat and came up into the bin.

She could feel the sweat soaking through his shirt, making her grimace at how hot his skin felt now. Much worse than earlier. 

Making a mental note, she reminded herself to radio the doctor later, fearing this may have been something more than a simple case of influenza.

"I..." Hoseok calmed slightly, still spluttering but too worked up to not talk. He needed to get his words out. "I need... To talk to Yoongi. Now. I have to..."

"What could be so important that you must tell Yoongi, right now?" Binna asked, gently rubbing her hand up and down the man's back as he took shaky breaths, calming down slightly. "Hmm? I'm sure it can't wait till morning, jagi."

"The crash..." Hoseok whispered softly, almost as if he was ashamed of being heard but needed to say it out loud anyway.

"What crash?" Binna asked, shuffling closer to hear him better, brushing his hair behind his ear. 

"I caused the crash," Hoseok mumbled, letting his head fall into his hands as she moved the bin away, his shoulders still trembling. "I caused it... I didn't listen... Jin hyung said to sleep but I decided not to, then we crashed and... And..."

"Was Yoongi hurt?" Binna asked, not fully understanding but trying to guess what the man was trying to admit, without forcing him to actually say it since it seemed too difficult. "Is that why you want to talk to him? Hmm?"

"What if that was..." Hoseok shook his head before sitting up, looking the girl in the eye. "What if I was the one who caused him to be so ill? That first time he hit his head, what if that was...? What if..."

"Slow down, jagi," Binna sighed, rubbing the man's back as he was attacked with another coughing fit, depriving him of air for a moment. "Okay, just slow down... Here."

She handed the man a bottle of water from the nightstand, urging him to drink when he could. 

"Why don't we try the radio?" She asked softly when he started to calm down, sipping the water slowly. "We could radio Yoongi and see if he's still awake. It's better than nothing, isn't it?"

Hoseok nodded slightly, clearing his throat, though the action caused him to cough yet again.

"Once you're calm," Binna nodded, giving the man a soft smile, just rubbing his back until he could breathe easily again. "Alright now?"

As the man nodded again, just slightly, Binna smiled a little wider and grabbed her radio off the nightstand. Messing around with the device for a moment, she finally pressed the little button and the red light shone.

"Yoongissi?" She tried, hoping the man was still awake since it seemed Hoseok would relax without talking to him. "Yoongissi, please answer if you can. Hoseokah needs to talk to you, is that alright?"

"Is he okay?"

Hoseok sat up, sniffling as he held his hand out to the girl the second he heard his hyung's voice.

"Binna, what's going on?" Yoongi's concerned voice came again and Binna urged Hoseok to answer.

"Hyung?" Hoseok stammered into the device, his voice barely there as it came from his raw throat. "H-h-hyung?"

"What's wrong, Hobi?" Yoongi asked, sounding as if he was exhaling heavily and Hoseok could almost tell he had found some cigarettes somewhere. His voice always sounded more gravelly when he smoked. "Talk to me."

"I caused that crash, hyung," Hoseok said, his tone shaky and guilty, as if he was confessing to the worst crime. "It was my fault. Jimin's back never recovered properly, Kook... What if that was what caused your..."

"What the fuck are you going on about?" Yoongi asked sharply, causing Binna's brow to furrow.

 Was this a bad idea? 

Maybe talking to Yoongi wasn't the greatest choice.

"Hyung, I'm sorry!" Hoseok cried, not phased by the man's tone. "It was my fault. I'm sorry..."

"Hobi, calm down, for Christ's sake. Before you start sounding like Jiminah," Yoongi's voice came through, reaching the man's ears with his semi-strict tone. Hoseok took in a deep, shaky breath, nodding to himself as he waited for his brother to speak again. "We don't blame you for anything. I don't blame you for anything. At all. So, calm yourself down, now. Stop being an idiot... Aish. Don't force me to say it, Hobi..."

"Say what?" Hoseok frowned as he coughed again, mirroring Binna's confused pout as they waited again.

"Don't," Yoongi said with a strained tone. "I won't say it. Don't make me."

"Say what, hyung?" Hoseok pressed with a slight sniffle, almost able to hear the man groan, despite his side of the radio staying silent. "Hyung?"

"I love you, Hoseokah," Yoongi's low voice returned after a moment of reluctance, bringing a grin to Binna's lips, though Hoseok slumped back on the bed and sighed heavily into his pillow. "Go to sleep now, don't make me come down there. Binnassi, look after 'im."

-

"I'm really sorry, Jongdae," Jeonghan sighed as he pulled his mask off, following the man who left his grandmother's room, flopping down on the bench outside. "We tried everything..."

"Don't give me the speech," Jongdae cut the doctor off, not wanting to hear it.  "I knew it would happen. She was old, weak. I just wish it could have been less painful for her."

"I know," Jeonghan nodded, placing his hand on the man's shoulder. "But she's not suffering now. There's no more pain or illness."

"Very comforting," The man scoffed, shrugging the doctor's hand off.

"I hate to ask right now," Jiyong said, making the men look up at him. There was sympathy thick in his voice but the answer was important. "But around this building, maybe on this specific floor. Has anyone reported any sort of rodent sightings? Maybe rats, mice, anything?"

"Yeah," Jongdae nodded, frowning at the way the men shared a sharp look. "Halmoni said she saw them all the time. I've never seen any, I never paid any mind to it, but a lot of people have said the same. This isn't exactly the best-kept building, no one bothers to clean up, you know?"

"I'm sure there's some in Chika's room, you could smell the little shits... Literally. Whatcha thinking, Sir?" Jeonghan asked the scientist, seeing the intense, thoughtful look in his eyes.

"Orthohantavirus," Jiyong said, a grit to his tone. "It's spread through rodents, the outbreak started on this floor, and the symptoms add up. This is serious, Jeonghanah. Without treatment, a high percentage of whoever's already infected are gonna..."

"We're not equipped for this," The doctor shook his head, kicking the floor as the very statement made frustration flood his veins.

"You guys performed fucking brain surgery the other week!" Jongdae shouted at the two, who had momentarily forgotten he was there. "What the hell do you mean we aren't equipped? That's bullshit!"

"The other week took up most of our resources," Jiyong said as the doctor began to pace, keeping his eyes locked on him, knowing him too well. "Hanah, take a breath. We're gonna need to go back to that hospital. These people are going to need supportive care. None of that is going to happen if our only doctor is losing his mind... Calm down, we can help them."

"This is all Byun's fault," Jogndae mumbled, his words finally making the doctor's feet come to an abrupt stop. 

"What do you mean?" Jiyong asked, his brow furrowing as he folded his arms over his chest.

"Baekhyun's not taking care of people any more," The man shook his head, his tone turning bitter, his expression sour. "He used to. After Taemin, he was determined to get this place back to how it was, when Dawon was here but... He's just like him now." 

"What changed?" Jeonghan asked with a frown. "What made him such a... A douchebag?"

"He thinks he can have the same power Taemin had," Jongdae said, confusing Jiyong, but Jeonghan had heard more than enough about this Taemin bastard to know what he meant. "He sees himself as him now. He doesn't realise that everyone here respected him a hell of a lot more when he acted like a decent leader. But the more he loses control, the crueller he gets, like the other day with that boy."

"Jimin?" Jeonghan suggested the name to which the man nodded.

"What's worse is he has men like Zhang and Zitao backing his every move," Jongdae sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. "They're just as bad."

"What was the relationship like, between Baekhyun and Taemin?" Jeonghan asked. "How did Taemin treat him? Was there differential treatment? Because I know exactly how that dickhead treated people."

"No one knows what it was truly like and Baekhyun doesn't want them to know," Jongdae said, shaking his head a fraction as he sighed.

"Do you know?"

"Me, Chanyeol, a man called Sehun... A man called Minho, and a woman called Dawon. We knew the truth," Jongdae nodded, looking up as the doctor crouched before him, simply waiting for him to elaborate.

"It was extremely complicated," He said quietly as Jeonghan listened intently, not breaking eye contact. "To everyone else, they were as close as hand and glove. Brothers, partners, an unbreakable force. But none of them know what was happening when Taemin shut that office door..."

"Was there abuse?" Jiyong asked carefully, his tone firm but cautious as he stepped into the conversation.

"You wouldn't believe the half of it."

"It's not my fault your people want to come back with me!" Dawon defended herself as Taemin paced around the room, angrily switching his gaze between the group, deciding who to pounce on. "If you just treated your staff with respect, took care of them..."

"It is none of your fucking business how I treat my staff!" Taemin roared, stalking up to the woman to get in her face, but was shoved back as Woosung stood in front of her, not letting him near. "They put me in charge for a reason! There is a reason you left, Dawon, and that is because I fucking kicked you out! You don't belong here and you certainly can't steal my people!"

"People put you in charge because they're terrified of you!" Dawon shot back, though admittedly cowered behind her boyfriend when the man lunged forward again.

Getting close enough to the doctor, close enough to spit in the woman's face, Taemin's lips curled into a smug smirk.

"As they should be," He sneered, narrowing his dark eyes as she froze. "Fear is the only thing that will keep these retards alive now!"

"And you wonder why they want to leave," Woosung scoffed, shoving the man backwards again when he tried to step closer to the woman. "Back the fuck off, man! Jesus Christ."

Baekhyun sighed silently, having been standing in the doorway of the office, waiting for any instructions his boss threw his way. There were times when he knew Taemin was right, fear was most definitely what kept them all alive... 

But Dawon knew how to respect people, how to have empathy, how to care.

Very lacking traits from his sociopath of a brother.

Out of nowhere, a harsh impact hit the side of his face as he was looking at his feet, knocking him onto the floor with one swing. Letting out a gasp, he didn't even have time to react with the end of Taemin's boot collided with his chest, knocking all the air out of him and immediately forcing a mouthful of blood to fall from his mouth.

"Yah!" Woosung shouted as Taemin beat down the man out of nothing but pure rage. "What the fuck is wrong with you? Byun has nothing to do with this! This is your mess."

"It is not my mess and it's not like you're gonna let me hit her!" Taemin shouted, staggering back from Baekhyun, leaving him to try and scramble away as he pointed a finger at Dawon. "See, Dawonssi? This is what your narcissism and lies cause, so I'm going to continue and when I'm finished, you can apologise to him if you feel the need. Hmm? How does that sound?"

As Dawon fumbled for words, the man just turned his back to her, landing another painful and finishing blow on Baekhyun's back; leaving him a trembling, gasping mess as he stalked out of the office, slamming the door loudly behind him. 

Chapter Text

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

"I'm gonna check on Minie, in a bit," Namjoon said as he and Seojoon walked around the fence of the field. 

The trees were starting to cause a harsh, cold breeze with the wind and the evening was definitely setting in now. The sun had disappeared into the ground, leaving the area a light navy blue while a pale crescent moon began to tear through the skin of the sky.

The leader was unsettled. He had been waiting for Taehyung and Jennie to return, but now he was starting to worry about his eldest dongsaeng being on his own all afternoon.

 "One more lap, then I'll go," He said as if he was making the decision with himself, deciding on what he should do while keeping everyone in mind. "The kid shouldn't be alone too long. I'll come back out soon, though. I'm starting to get a little worried if I'm being honest."

"Yeah, me too," Seojoon agreed with a small nod, his hands safely tucking in the warmth of his jacket pockets. "I'll stay out here and wait for those two. I do need to go and see Beomie soon, though."

"I know," Namjoon said, sighing quietly, knowing the man wanted to go home after the long afternoon of constant perimeter checks. "As I said, one more lap. I'll go and make sure Jimin's got a drink and something to eat, then I'll come back and you can go in."

"Thank you," Seojoon smiled slightly. He was starting to warm a little more to Namjoon the more time went on, but he still stayed cautious with his words.

Taehyung, Jimin and Jennie all treated the man, not only as a brother and friend but as a leader. 

A man in charge, a man in control, and Seojoon wasn't sure if he was ready to let him completely take over the field. His home. 

He wasn't sure he was comfortable with that yet, he didn't know the man well enough. 

Namjoon just nodded, starting to walk again when the elder made the first move, though both abruptly stopped in their tracks when a figure appeared in the trees, only becoming clear as it stormed up past the fence. Past them, completely oblivious to everything around.

"Taehyung?" Seojoon tried to call the boy back but he was already a fair distance away and didn't seem to be stopping for anyone.

"Taehyung? Taehyungah, slow down!" Namjoon frowned, jogging to follow the boy. "Where's Jennie? What's happened? Tae!"

Taehyung ignored the men as he stalked down the field, right towards his best friend's house, only fear and adrenalin pushing his feet into a run. 

He reached the front door of his best friend's house, way too quickly, and it took him a moment to really think about what he was doing before finally twisting the handle and opening the door, heading towards the living room.

Jimin was just quietly sitting on the couch, his fluffy comfort blanket pulled around his shoulders, Suga purring contently in a little ball on his lap as a mug and a book occupied his hands. He looked calmer than when Taehyung left, but there was still a ghost of a pout on his lips, telling the boy he still wasn't truly forgiven.

"I'm still mad at you," Jimin said as he heard the boy sigh, rather sulkily over his steaming cup as he refused to look at the boy, causing him to click his tongue and walk over.

"Tiny," He said, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder and taking the hot mug and book away from him, moving the cat away as well, making Jimin look up with a slightly offended though more confused frown as he crouched in front of him. 

Taking a deep breath, Taehyung stared into his soulmate's eyes, placing all his trust in the smaller. 

"I need you to trust me and do absolutely everything I say... Without question."

"Go and get the kids inside," Namjoon told Seojoon as they stayed by the fence, his voice low as he watched his brothers walk down the field. 

They waited in anticipation, for about five minutes, before Taehyung came back, pulling his best friend along behind him.

Namjoon knew something was wrong, that much could be told by the look of pure guilt in Taehyung's eyes but something told him he couldn't intervene. 

Not yet. 

"Go slowly, don't make a scene," He said to the older man, sounding more and more serious with each hushed word. "Bring me a gun and stay alert. We don't know who's watching."

"Go quicker," Taehyung said softly as he and Jimin walked, keeping his big hands on the elder's small shoulders to keep him close. It wasn't that he didn't trust him to go through with the plan, but he knew if the warriors were to believe he was truly handing Jimin over, he needed it to seem real. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," Jimin just shook his head, his voice blunt and flat as he kept stumbling, unable to keep his balance as the boy continued to roughly push him forward. 

Taehyung just sighed, feeling his chest tighten as the row of cloaked strangers came into view, waiting for them patiently yet not so patiently. 

Gulping quietly, he just straightened his back.

"I love you, Tiny," Taehyung whispered as they walked, keeping his hands firm and pushing him a little harder, though Jimin knew his cold stance was just an act. "You're gonna be okay. Just wait for me... I will come straight back... I'm sorry."

"I know," The older boy whispered back, choking up slightly when they stopped in front of the men, seeing how they pushed a sobbing Jennie forward from behind them.

One man lowered his knife and shoved the girl towards Taehyung, making him realise he had no time to truly apologise to his soulmate. With just as much force, he pushed Jimin towards them, holding his arms open for the girl to fall in.

Taking just a second to push away and check Jennie wasn't injured in any way, just like the deal promised, Taehyung looked back up but Jimin was already gone.

His heart fell into the pit of his stomach and his cheeks turned pale and cold as the men started to disappear without a word, leaving them alone as they left.

"What have you done?" Jennie asked, her voice trembling and weak as Taehyung stood like a statue. "Tae, what have you done?!"

"L-let's just go..." Taehyung shook his head, starting to feel lightheaded with guilt. "We need to get Namjoon. I need to hurry!"

Jennie nodded, though as she went to take the boy's hand to lead him away, he stopped her. Gently wrapping his arm around her waist, he guided her carefully rather than letting her struggle since her legs were as wobbly as jelly.

"Hurry, but don't push yourself," He shook his head, his voice hushed. He didn't know how far away they were from those warriors. "Walk slower. I need them to believe I'm not going back for him. I need them to believe they've won."

"Taehyungah!" Namjoon's harsh voice boomed over the fence as the two walked up to him, though he had no time to ask the frantic questions that were invading his mind.

"Seojoonie hyung, get Jennie home," Taehyung spoke, shaking his head at the leader, silently telling him to wait.

"Where's Jimin?" Namjoon asked, not waiting at all. He couldn't wait, he needed to know exactly what was going on and he needed to know immediately. "Tae, where is Jimin?"

"I can help, Tae," Jennie suggested but the boy shook his head at her, patting her shoulder before pushing her in Seojoon's direction. 

She was still crying, still shaking, still scared. 

He couldn't ask that of her.

"Kim Taehyung, answer me, Goddamnit!" Namjoon shouted, grabbing the boy's shoulder, making him turn and face him.

"We need to go and get him," The boy said, his voice small and shallow in his throat, making Namjoon's frown harden. "Hyung, we've gotta go. We've gotta go now!"

Namjoon had no idea why the boy was so emotional, so shaky, so scared. He didn't even know what was happening, why they took so long to come home, why Jimin was no longer with them.

But that didn't matter.

"Seojoon, go," He said, though the man glared slightly, not liking being ordered around though he knew this was no time to be asserting dominance. "Keep the kids safe. Go!"

"Come on, you're okay," Seojoon finally nodded to Namjoon as he took Jennie's hand and guided her back to his house. He was shocked when Jennie clutched onto him as he held his arm around her shoulders but just held her tighter so she felt safer. "You're alright, kid. You're safe now, let's get you cleaned up and let them deal with the rest."

"They attacked. They held a knife to her throat... She's never been attacked like that," Taehyung told Namjoon as the two walked back. "I couldn't let them hurt her and they wanted Jimin. I know I shouldn't have..."

"Jimin's gonna be okay," Namjoon cut the boy off, hearing the thick guilt in his low voice, starting to realise what kind of deal the boy had made. "He's going to be fine, Tae. Let's just go and get him, okay? Are you ready to fight or...?"

"I'm ready... But you can't fight, hyung," Taehyung reminded the leader, nodding towards his still-healing arm. "What if they overpower you? Hurt you?"

"I can sure as hell still shoot a gun, Taehyungah," Namjoon shook his head, patting the boy's shoulder reassuringly as they picked up the pace, heading off in the direction Taehyung saw the warriors drag his best friend in, grabbing the gun from his holster and loading it. "If we have to kill them, that's what we have to do. Let's just get Minie back safe."

"No matter what," Taehyung nodded with certainty, pulling his own gun from his backpack, before swinging the bag back over his shoulder and starting to run a little faster.

"Stay," One of the cloaked men shouted as they threw Jimin into the back of their van. A huge van similar to the one that took the group to Hwaesa. Jimin stumbled but didn't trip, quick to try to run back out as his entire body was taken over by a need to escape. 

"He said fucking stay, you little runt!" Another of the warriors roared, shoving the boy back with such strength that he went flying into the metal sheet wall, leaving him to crumble into a ball as they slammed the doors shut and disappeared.

Jimin shuddered as he curled up, dread filling every crevice of his mind, taking control of his thoughts. He knew all he had to do was sit and wait.

Taehyung would be back, it would be okay.

But for some reason, the boy just couldn't bring himself to feel reassured by the thought.

"You're stronger than this, yeobo," His husband's voice came into his mind, clear as day, making his shoulders shiver. It was as if Yoongi was right there, close enough to reach out and touch him yet nowhere to be seen at all. "You don't have to take any of their shit. You're stronger than all of them."

Jimin's lips trembled as he held his knees to his chest, rocking back and forth as rushed footsteps could be heard from outside the van. Letting out a shaky breath, he silently agreed with the comforting voice inside his head.

"Fight back," He heard his husband's words, closing his eyes, letting them sink in. "Just fight back... Even if it means getting angry."

Fight back.

He had to fight, it was the only way he was getting out of this.

"Prove it, Jiminssi," An even clearer, familiar voice replaced the last one, making the boy open his eyes and swing his head around. That voice wasn't a memory, but a ghost right beside him.

"Jungkookie?" Jimin frowned, his tears forming but not falling as the maknae stepped closer and knelt by him.

"Prove it," The maknae said, touching the elder's shoulder, making him jump a little with the false contact. "Prove that you are stronger than them. Prove that they have no chance of hurting you... You just have to prove it, hyung."

"Help me," The boy begged as he slipped and fell for the hallucination, biting his lower lip as the maknae looked him in the eye, shaking his head sadly. "Please, Jungkookie. I can't do this..."

"You can," Jungkook said, squeezing the boy's shoulder, giving him a convincing smile, big enough to wrinkle his eyes and show off his bunny teeth. In any other circumstance, the older boy would have giggled. "You don't need my help, or anybody's help. You can do this, hyung. You have to... Now!"

The sharp ending word made Jimin jump, blinking his eyes rapidly when the maknae disappeared from right in front of him. 

Why did he always disappear when he needed him the most?

It wasn't fair!

Jimin wasn't meant to be alone. He couldn't be!

Instead of Jungkook coming back though, Jimin was found shellshocked as two of the cloaked men came back into the van, stalking over to him with their hoods covering the top halves of their faces.

"Now or never, hyung." 

"Fuck off!" Jimin shook his head and gripped his hair, finding the voice of his maknae taunting now. 

If he wasn't going to help, then he could just...

"He's got a damn mouth on him," One of the men scoffed, only walking closer, causing the boy to suck in a sharp breath, hesitantly lifting his head to see the man now crouched beside him, grinning sickeningly at him. 

"Not much else though," The other man said, causing Jimin's wide eyes to flicker, dancing unsteadily between the two. 

"Yeah," The first man nodded, letting out a heavy sigh as he grabbed the boy's arm, able to wrap his entire hand around his slim bicep, making him squirm as he pulled his arms around before pushing him away, leaving him to fall into the metal-sheet wall behind him. "The way Mingyunim described him, I'd have thought he'd at least... I wasn't expecting Mingyunim to be scared of such a weak, little boy. Well, now I'm disappointed."

Mingyu was scared of him?

"He's even scrawnier than that other kid," The second laughed, the sound like nails down a chalkboard, making Jimin cover his ears again as he stayed huddled against the wall. "Remember that little rat? Jeonghan's buddy? What was his name?"

It was like being in school all over again! 

The big, bad bullies had cornered him and were poking fun, threatening and scaring him. And all he could do was sit there and take it, waiting for Taehyung to come and rescue him, like every other time before.

He was not a fighter, he couldn't defend himself against these people. They said it themselves, he was just a weak, little boy.

"Hey, why not hit him or something?" The second man said after a second, his tone still joking but sounding darker now. At least, to Jimin, it did. "See if he'll do that thing."

"What thing?"

"What Mingyu warned us about," The second waved his hand. "I can't remember what he called it. The spaz thing, I don't know. Just do it, we may as well get a little entertainment out of this road trip."

"'m not a spaz," The boy mumbled into his knees when both sets of eyes fell on him. He could feel their stares, but he couldn't run away from them. The first man nudged him and he heard the little chuckle when he flinched away. They were winding him up on purpose, they wanted him to snap. "...Don't."

Twenty-three years old, in the middle of the zombie-fricking apocalypse; living in dystopia and still being picked on the way he was in middle school. 

"Now, now, Junhui," The first said, smirking up at the second, giving Jimin a break from the taunting for a moment. "Let's leave the kid alone. The last thing we need is that husband running in and tearing our heads off."

"Yeah, right," Junhui scoffed, pushing his hood down, revealing his face for the first time as he brushed his shaggy, dark hair back. He didn't look very old, maybe Namjoon and Hoseok's age, Seokjin's age at a push. "That guy couldn't swat a fucking fly if it was dancing in front of his face. Pathetic, waste-of-space faggot..."

"Yah!" Jimin exclaimed sharply, his head shooting up but the first man just shoved him back into the wall with a smirk. 

The outburst gave them all they needed, though.

Now, they knew which buttons to push.

Exactly which trigger to pull.

They just weren't prepared for what would happen if they did pull it.

"Whoa!" The first man said in amazement as Jimin's narrowed eyes glared at him, shining brightly in the shadows of the van as he straightened his back, no longer cowering away. 

Gold streaks glowed and sparked until they took over his irises, the aura sinister around the boy as the man chuckled in shock. 

"Well, ain't they beautiful?!"

"Keep it in ya pants, Soonyoung," Junhui scoffed, shaking his head as the man grabbed the boy's chin, taking a deeper look into his eyes and inspecting the pops of colour. "God, what is taking the others so fucking long? I wanna get out of here."

Jimin tried to squirm away from the direct eye contact, but the man just held his jaw, squishing his cheeks the way Baekhyun had the day before, and stared even harder at him. 

"They're just like Mingyu's," Soonyoung scoffed, turning the boy's head this way and that, trying to see every tiny detail in the colour despite the boy trying to push away from him in discomfort. "Jun, come look at this."

Just like Mingyu's?

What did that mean?

Before the man could step closer, all three jumped on the spot when a loud round of gunfire came from just outside the van.

"For fuck's sake," Junhui muttered, throwing his hood back up as he hurried back out of the van, leaving Jimin alone with the other man.

"You can take him, hyung!" 

Jimin's breath was shaky in his lungs, making his chest feel hollow as his eyes narrowed more. While Soonyoung remained distracted, the boy managed to scramble to his feet, shoving the warrior out of the way harshly and making a run for the back of the van.

"You little shit!" The warrior grumbled, quick to push himself back, grabbing the boy's wrist just before he could jump out onto the road. "No, you fucking don't..."

Throwing the boy into the wall, making the metal sheets rattle loudly, he gave a dark chuckle. Though, he was shocked when Jimin didn't fall. Instead, he launched back at him, trying once again to escape. 

A sharp gasp left the boy's lips as the warrior punched him in the stomach, finally knocking him off his feet with a harsh kick to the back of his knee. 

"You're lucky I'm not allowed to kill you, kid!" Soonyoung said with a pointed finger as a little whimper fell from Jimin's lips, before turning to see what chaos was happening outside.

"Get up!" Jimin heard his maknae scream at him, sounding almost angry as his hands pulled him up from the cold metal floor. "Hyung, you can't let him win!"

With effort, he managed to get back to his feet, stumbling slightly as his eyes unfocused for a second, trying to watch the warrior for any sudden moves.

"Sibal..." The warrior clicked his tongue when he turned back, causing the boy to freeze on the spot. "Well, the boss is just gonna have to deal with it..."

In a flash of a second, Soonyoung had pulled a gun out from under his cloak, aiming it in the direction of the trembling boy. But as Jimin took in a deep breath to brace himself, and the man's finger pressed against the trigger, another shot rang out.

Jimin ducked and the warrior fell forward while making gargled noises, pushing the boy down as he fell underneath him, trapping him as the blood pouring from his throat showered him and pooled around them.

The weight disappeared after a moment and Jimin found himself shivering, his eyes rolling ever so slightly before barely focusing on the figure that was kneeling before him.

"Yoongi?" He frowned, squinting his eyes at the face in front of him as a hand brushed his hair out of his eyes before holding the back of his head, stopping him from moving. 

He was sure the fuzzy figure resembled his husband but he must have been dreaming... 

Right?

"What? No," The man shook his head as he slipped his gun back into its holster, but Jimin still couldn't see anything else. Just his husband. "No, I'm not one of them. I mean I'm not with them. I'm Jihoon, Lee Jihoon... Can you even hear me? Kid?"

"Get outta the way!" A familiar voice shouted, fading out of Jimin's mind as his eyes unfocused.

Taehyung shoved the new man out of the way, not sparing him a single thought as he knelt in front of his best friend, gently lifting his head up off the metal floor. Namjoon could deal with whoever he was.

"Come on, Tiny," He murmured as the boy blinked himself out of the little seizure that came on quickly. Jimin just grabbed his shirt to try and find some support as his vision danced a little. "Come on, chingu, sit up."

"Is he okay?" Namjoon's voice came next as he jumped up, into the back of the van, taken aback by the blood splattered everywhere. "Where is he? Did they hurt him?"

"I don't think so. This isn't his blood... Tiny?" Taehyung helped the dazed boy sit as their hyung knelt beside them, letting him rest his head against his shoulder as he hugged him close. "I'm sorry! I had no choice... I'm so sorry, chingu."

"Who are you people?" The new voice, Jihoon, spoke as he stared at the men with a furrowed brow, hand still clutched around his pistol as if he wasn't sure who to trust now.

"Who are..." Namjoon went to fire back but when he looked over his shoulder, his mouth clamped shut, dumbfounded for a moment. 

The guy was the exact, spitting image of his older brother, it was uncanny, and yet they seemed like exact opposites. Namjoon was shocked.

"Yoongi..." Jimin mumbled into Taehyung's shoulder, still sounding out of it but was loud enough to be heard.

"I told you, I'm not one... I'm not with them! I'm Jihoon," The man shook his head, thoroughly confused. "Why does he keep calling me that? Who the hell is Yoongi?"

"Not important right now," Namjoon shook his head as he looked at the mess of the warrior, blood still spilling out from under his cloak. "We need to do something about these bodies. Make sure no one can find out..."

"Hyung, we need to get Chim back, first," Taehyung shook his head, making Namjoon look back to see him holding his limp best friend against his chest. "He's too quiet, I think he's about to take a turn. We need to clean him up and make sure his tablets are at hand."

"Can you get him home by yourself?" Namjoon asked the boy as he tried to get Jimin to sit up properly. Taehyung nodded silently, giving a sheepish smile when the leader reached out and held the inhaler tied around his neck. "This... This is smart... Yah."

The stranger still lingering behind them looked and held his hands up, eyes sharp as the leader turned to him, gun aimed in his direction.

"Are you a friend... Or foe?"

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

"I think we should get you on fluids, Hoseok," Jeonghan suggested as he sat back, giving Seokjin and Binna a look when the man just groaned and closed his eyes. "This fever clearly doesn't want to break yet and, if you can't keep anything down, you're gonna get dehydrated. Quickly. That's when this thing starts getting dangerous."

"How is everyone else?" Binna asked, glad when Hoseok just nodded at the doctor. "Is there any new cases?"

"Jomei and Chika," Jeonghan nodded sadly as he set up an IV. "Jiyong's upstairs but that makes everyone on the second floor apart from Yongbok. I've moved into a room down here, purely because I need someone to be able to go door to door for those in quarantine. If he goes down... You should be in quarantine, Jin."

"You know that was never going to happen," Seokjin huffed behind his mask, shaking his head as the doctor sent him a scolding glare. "With Yoongi safe, and the others in Busan, my place is right here."

"I shouldn't be relying on an eighteen-year-old to do door service, not by himself," Jeonghan said, still sounding disappointed with the man. "I needed you to be helping him."

"My place is here," Seokjin simply repeated himself, sitting up straight when the doctor gave him a challenging look. "I'm sorry, but you're not gonna change my mind." 

"Well, unfortunately, you're gonna have to leave," Jeonghan said as he left Hoseok to rest after setting up the IV, turning to the man with his arms folded over his chest. "You're coming with me and a few others, back to that hospital. We need supplies, you know your way around."

"Jeonghan..."

"You're coming with us, Seokjin," Jeonghan cut the man off sharply. "I don't do this often but... This is not a request, this is an order. Now, go and get yourself ready. I'm leaving after my rounds."

-

Sitting quietly in Jeonghan's bedroom, Yoongi carefully plaited Nayeon's hair as she sat cross-legged in front of him on the bed, playing with her teddy. 

Her hair was getting long now, almost reaching halfway down her small back, and as she was playing, it kept getting in the way - ultimately leading to her stomping over to Yoongi and sulkily waving a hair tie in his face. 

He had no idea what he was meant to do with the little rubber band, but he tried his best, being extra careful to not pull the silky strands as he pretended to know how to plait. That was definitely more of a Jimin skill, not his.

"Whatcha thinking about, pretty girl?" Yoongi asked when the child huffed, quickly securing the hair tie before placing his hands on her tiny shoulders, making her look up at him with a small pout. "Hmm?"

"Is appa dead?" Nayeon asked in such a casual way, tilting her head to the side as Yoongi was forced to swallow his heart, that had lept into his throat.

"What?" He asked sharply, genuinely needing the question to be repeated for his mind to even begin processing an answer.

"Appa's not here," Nayeon shrugged, a little sad shrug though her voice remained clear. "You two were always together, but he used to be really poorly so, I guessed... Is appa...?"

"No, Nayeonah," Yoongi shook his head, lifting the girl onto his lap. "No. No, Jiminie's just living in Busan right now. You know where that is?"

Nayeon shook her head a little, causing the man to sigh. 

Jimin was really ill when they left. 

Sometimes, just the thought of his husband in such a state still haunted him, so no wonder the girl's mind had come to that conclusion. He couldn't even say her guess wasn't a possibility at one point. He was just glad it never came to that.

"Busan is about four to five hours away," He said, fiddling with the messy plait he had created. "Jiminie lives there now because this place isn't good for him. It scares him, makes him poorly."

"So, that's why you left?" Nayeon asked, swivelling around so she was facing Yoongi, forcing him to stop playing with her hair. Unlike Jimin, it wasn't a habit she was too fond of. 

"Yeah," Yoongi sighed, clicking his tongue, knowing they had all told her otherwise. "Yeah, baby girl. I'm sorry we lied to you."

"Can we live in Busan?" Nayeon asked softly, causing the man to give her a little smile. "If it doesn't scare appa then it can't be scary at all! I wanna be there. I miss appa."

"I do too, sweetheart," Yoongi nodded as he stood, gently lifting her off his lap, feeling a small wave of sadness wash through him as he moved towards the window. "We'll go soon, in a few weeks. I'm sure Jiminie misses his princess too."

Nayeon giggled, having not heard the nickname in over a year. Yoongi just chuckled when her little cheeks pinked up, pushing open the window and pulling the box of cigarettes out of his pocket.

"Just give it a little while," He said, placing the smoke between his teeth and lighting it. "A few weeks. We'll go and see him, okay?"

"Okay, appa," She bobbed her little head, reaching over to grab her book from the nightstand, causing Yoongi to smile proudly as he let the smoke out through his nose. 

A quiet knock on the door made the man look away from the window, feeling confused as he made a start for the door, not expecting any visitors.

"Don't open the door," Jeonghan quickly made Yoongi pause, causing him to slump back against the windowsill. "I'm checking in before I go out. How're you both doing in there? Enjoying my comfy bed?"

"'tis not that comfy, ajeossi," Nayeon answered before Yoongi could open his mouth, causing him to let out a quiet laugh at the sharpness of her words. 

"We're alright, doc," Yoongi said, watching the little girl with amused eyes as she just focused back on her book, taking another drag before blowing the smoke out the window. "How's Hoseok doing?"

"He's still not able to keep anything down," Jeonghan sighed through the door, causing Yoongi's smile to fade. "But we put him on fluids and he seems a bit more stable now. I'm gonna head out with a team, back to that hospital to see what we can bring back. Whatever this is isn't treatable, they just have to ride it out, but I'm hoping we can find something to calm the symptoms. It's dehydration that's becoming the biggest problem right now and I'm running out of IV lines." 

"He's gonna be alright, though?" Yoongi asked, his voice strained as he let the smoke out of his nose again. "Right?"

"He'll be fine, Yoongs," Jeonghan said, sounding like he was trying to be reassuring but the fact that he hadn't cracked a joke for a while told Yoongi he was still in professional mode. Therefore things weren't getting any better out there. "Yoongi... You better not be smoking."

"Of course, I'm not," Yoongi leaned against the window frame as he lied through his teeth, smirking and holding his finger to his lips when the little girl giggled at him. 

"Is he lying to me, Nayeonah?" Jeonghan asked, clearly not trusting the brief pauses in the man's replies. Yoongi raised an eyebrow at the girl, but she just grinned and laughed brightly.

"Yes, ajeossi," She giggled, causing Yoongi's jaw to fall open with an offended gasp, though that only caused her to laugh more. 

Yoongi scoffed, shaking his head as he chuckled, taking another drag. He never expected the girl to lie for him, she was far too honest for that and he wouldn't change that at all. But he was surprised at how quick she was to betray him. 

"For fuck's sake, Yoongi," Jeonghan's annoyed tone came back, though it sounded strained as if he was trying to hold back a long and in-depth health lecture. "You better have that sodding window open, at least." 

"Of course, I have," Yoongi scoffed, offended. "Nayeonah's here, don't be a twat."

"All my hard work..." Jeonghan trailed off, the disappointment thick in his low tone but Yoongi just scoffed. "Right, well... Is there anything you need before I go? I'm not gonna be here for a while so get the requests out now and I'll see what I can do."

"How about something to eat, Jeonghan?" Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow at Nayeon, who nodded back, saying she was hungry. "It's getting a bit late in the day, you know."

"I can send Dambi," The doctor suggested with a chuckle, though Yoongi's eyes turned cold. "I'm sure she'll be more than happy to bring you some lunch, Yoongissi."

"Keep that woman away from me, Jeonghan," The man shook his head, gritting his teeth slightly as the discomfort seeped back in from the previous day. "I mean it."

"I'll send Yongbokah," Jeonghan just laughed at him. "He can be your go-to if you need anything. Will that be acceptable?"

"As long as he doesn't bring me any of that oatmeal shit, he's so obsessed with," Yoongi grumbled, toking on his smoke.

"Oatmeal's yummy, appa," Nayeon commented, causing Yoongi to roll his eyes playfully at her. 

"Well, I can't promise it will be anything much more exciting," Jeonghan sighed. "Our chefs are down, supply runners as well. Everything's being rationed so, you're gonna get what you're given, I'm afraid."

"Well, Nayeon can enjoy it," Yoongi shrugged, giving his little girl a little smirk when she just nodded in agreement. 

"Right, I'll let him know," Jeonghan said after a moment when Yoongi stopped replying. "I've gotta quickly check on Baekhyun and then I'll be going... Is there anything else you need?"

"No, we're fine," Yoongi shook his head, not about to waste his breath on asking whether the man in charge was alright. He wasn't worth his energy or attention.

"Are you sure?" Jeonghan pressed, sounding a little more serious this time, making Yoongi's brow furrow. "I'm gonna be gone quite a while... Are you okay, Yoongi? No dizziness? No nausea?"

"I'm fine, Jeonghan," The man sighed, appreciating the concern but not feeling like it was necessary anymore. "Honestly, I'm fine. Just piss off, now."

"Alright, then," Jeonghan sighed, waiting a moment before speaking again. "Oh, and... Yoongs?" 

"Yeah?" Yoongi raised an eyebrow, waiting for the doctor to talk again, though frowned when it actually took Jeonghan a few minutes to say anything. "You still there?"

"There's, uh... Something out here for ya," The doctor finally responded, though only making the man's brow furrow deeper. "Just wait till I'm gone to open the door, okay?"

"Better bugger off then," Yoongi chuckled as he took a final drag of his smoke, though his laugh didn't quite translate to his tone, not that the doctor was offended. They were used to each other's personalities by now and knew to take everything with a pinch of salt.

Jeonghan didn't even answer, he just drummed on the door rhythmically before leaving the two alone. 

"Stay on the bed, sweetheart," Yoongi said with a sigh as he threw the butt of his cigarette out the window, wafting his hand to dissipate the smoke before moving over to the door. "You haven't eaten yet, you hungry? I'll radio Yongbok, tell 'im to get a move on, hmm?"

"Be nice, appa," The little girl giggled at him as she curled up, cross-legged and rocked while holding her little feet, causing him to scoff at the fact that she was still so much like Jimin. It made him miss his husband even more.

"I'm always nice, cheeky. Grab my radio from the draw and think of what you fancy," He said with a smirk, pulling the door open but was shocked and surprised by what was waiting for him. 

Sitting just outside the door was a stack of about a dozen hardback books, all tied neatly together with butcher's string and a piece of paper tucked on top. Yoongi chuckled lightly, shaking his head and rubbing his brow as he bent down to grab the note. 

It took him a moment to read the doctor's small, uncharacteristically neat handwriting but, ultimately, he was left smiling and rolling his eyes at the words. 

There was no over-the-top joke, no ridiculous nonsensical statements, nothing overly offensive. Just...

𝜤'𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝜶𝒏𝒏𝒆𝓭 𝒚𝞸𝓾 𝒇𝞸𝓻 𝓽𝞸𝞸 𝒍𝞸𝒏𝓰 𝜶𝒏𝓭 𝒚𝞸𝓾 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝓭 𝐬𝞸𝒎𝒆𝓽𝒉𝖎𝒏𝓰 𝓽𝞸 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒚𝞸𝓾𝓻 𝒑𝞸𝐬𝐬𝒆𝐬𝐬𝖎𝒗𝒆-𝞸𝒃𝐬𝒆𝐬𝐬𝖎𝒗𝒆, 𝒑𝜶𝓻𝜶𝒏𝞸𝖎𝓭, 𝒏𝒆𝓾𝓻𝞸𝓽𝖎𝙘, 𝒏𝞸𝓽-𝐬𝞸-𝐬𝒉𝖎𝓽-𝐬𝓽𝜶𝖎𝒏𝒆𝓭 𝒎𝖎𝒏𝓭 𝞸𝙘𝙘𝓾𝒑𝖎𝒆𝓭. 

𝐘𝞸𝓾'𝓻𝒆 𝐬𝓽𝜶𝓻𝓽𝖎𝒏𝓰 𝓽𝞸 𝓰𝞸 𝙘𝓻𝜶ʑ𝒚 𝜶𝒏𝓭 𝜤'𝒎 𝒏𝞸𝓽 𝓽𝓻𝜶𝖎𝒏𝒆𝓭 𝖎𝒏 𝓒𝞸𝒏𝓽𝓻𝞸𝒍𝒍𝖎𝒏𝓰 ℳ𝖎𝒏 𝐘𝞸𝞸𝒏𝓰𝖎 𝒍𝖎𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝒃𝓻𝓸𝓽𝒉𝒆𝓻𝐬 𝜶𝓻𝒆, 𝐬𝞸 𝒆𝒏𝓳𝞸𝒚 𝜶𝒏𝓭 𝓻𝒆𝒍𝜶𝒙. 

𝜤 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝙘𝓽 𝓽𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝜶𝒍𝒍 𝓽𝞸 𝒃𝒆 𝓻𝒆𝜶𝓭 𝒃𝒚 𝓽𝒉𝒆 𝓽𝖎𝒎𝒆 𝜤 𝒍𝒆𝓽 𝒚𝞸𝓾 𝞸𝓾𝓽 𝞸𝒇 𝓽𝒉𝜶𝓽 𝓻𝞸𝞸𝒎 𝐬𝞸 𝓰𝒆𝓽 𝒚𝞸𝓾𝓻 𝜶𝓻𝐬𝒆 𝖎𝒏𝓽𝞸 𝓰𝒆𝜶𝓻 𝜶𝒏𝓭 𝓰𝒆𝓽 𝓻𝒆𝜶𝓭𝖎𝒏𝓰. 

𝓗𝞸𝒑𝒆𝒇𝓾𝒍𝒍𝒚, 𝓽𝒉𝖎𝐬 𝜶𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒍𝞸𝔀𝐬 𝞸𝒗𝒆𝓻 𝐬𝞸𝞸𝒏 𝜶𝒏𝓭 𝒚𝓸𝓾 𝙘𝜶𝒏 𝓰𝒆𝓽 𝒃𝜶𝙘𝒌 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝒉𝜶𝓽 𝒉𝓾𝐬𝒃𝜶𝒏𝓭 𝓸𝒇 𝒚𝓸𝓾𝓻𝐬. 

𝓗𝜶𝒏𝜶𝒉.

-

"This isn't you, Baekhyunah," Minho's voice bounced around the former's head, looking the man in the eye as they stood face to face in the middle of the chaos that had taken over the hospital grounds. Baekhyun just tilted his head, as if he didn't understand... Why was there concern in the man's voice? "You were never like this, bother. You're not a bad man... Why, why did you turn to him?"

"Taemin saved me!" Baekhyun frowned, hurt filling his heart as he thought back to the first few weeks of the world ending. Out of Minho and his brothers, Taemin was the only one who ever had his back. "When you all turned your back on me. Out of the seven of you, including Taeyeon and the kid, he was the only one who didn't treat me like an outsider. You turned your back on me while he held his hand out."

"But look at what he turned into!" Minho shouted, anger filling his veins at the accusation. They never turned on the man, they never turned him away. They just weren't blind to the monster their maknae was becoming. "We weren't against you, we were against him! You have to see why, look around. Look at what he has done!"

"You started all of this!" Baekhyun countered, turning away for just a moment to take down one of the creatures that got too close, almost as if that was the easiest thing in the world for him to do. "If you had just stuck by his side instead of running off with that Dawon-chick..."

"We went with Dawonssi because she was the only one making sense!" Minho argued in his boss's defence. "Taemin was losing his mind! Dawon just wanted to keep us safe..."

"Taemin wanted to keep his daughter safe!" Baekhyun fired back, raising his pistol in Minho's direction but the man wasn't buying into the story he had heard over and over again. Nor was he accepting the tough man facade he was seeing in front of him.

"Bullshit! The kid didn't even know who he was! Taeyeon made sure of that!" Minho shook his head, scoffing in disbelief, not fazed by the man's threatening stance. "None of us knew Nayeon was his daughter, Taeyeon kept her safe by keeping that secret! She made sure that bastard wasn't part of her life! Even before this shit went down. He's nothing, nothing, but an abusive, psychotic fucker who cared about no one! The hard truth is... He's always been like that. We just didn't notice it until this new, cruel world forced us to. He was incapable of caring about us, his family, you."

"He cared about me!" Baekhyun growled, receiving a chorus of roars from the dead due to the sheer volume of his angered voice. Without another moment's thought, he squeezed his trigger tight, aiming in the man's direction.

Minho's knees hit the ground hard as he brought his hand up to his chest. For a moment, he simply frowned as his hand looked red, tears stinging his eyes though he hadn't quite registered why. Looking up, all he saw was the silhouette of the man in front of him, distorted by the bright sun above them.

"How... Man-ny... Times..." Minho gargled out, blood spilling out from the corners of his mouth as he stared up at the barrel of the gun, which was pointed at his head. "...Did he... Have to beat the shit... Out of you for you... To believe that?"

"Take it easy," The doctor's calm voice rang out as Baekhyun shot up in bed, swinging his head around as he tried to get the memories out of his mind. 

He couldn't quite work out why his forehead was wet and cold while it felt like the rest of his body was positively melting, but every inch of him was shaking. 

"It was just a dream," Jeonghan continued, gently pushing the man back until he was lying down again, holding a wet towel over his forehead to try and cool him. "Your temp's at forty-point-five so some delirium is to be expected. I've got you on fluids; just need to keep you as hydrated as possible but you should just stay lying back and try and rest. Don't overexert yourself."

"Why?" Baekhyun croaked, laying his head, swatting the doctor's hand away wiping the sweat off his brow to no avail, just closing his eyes with a groan.

"Why, what?" Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, just giving the man the cloth instead.

"Why are you helping me?"

"Because," Jeonghan sighed, ruffling his hair back as he adjusted his mask that was causing him to sweat. "I'm hoping this will prove to you that you don't have to be insolent, bestial douche-canoe to get other people's respect. You can just be yourself, how you used to be before the world changed everyone for the worse."

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

Taehyung danced around Yoongi's kitchen without a care in the world, whistling happily as he cooked lunch for him and Jimin, who had spent the whole morning being unsociable in bed. 

He knew, in the back of his mind, that Yoongi would have most definitely throttled him for wasting all his hard-searched-for ingredients on a badly cooked meal. But it smelled yummy and he was hungry, so he didn't care.

Using stale noodles, a jar of almost certainly expired black bean paste and some veg he had stolen from Seojoon's garden - he just hoped he could scrape together something that somewhat represented an involuntarily vegetarian version of jjajangmyeon.

"Tae!" He heard his best friend loudly whining from upstairs, causing his lips to pull into an almost cocky smile, bringing his joyful whistling to an end as he finished stirring the noodles. 

Must have woken him up, he thought as he turned the stove off. Oops.

Dishing up the meal and taking a few moments to make the noodles look somewhat presentable, at least to him, he quickly grabbed one of the two pairs of chopsticks from the drawer and headed towards the stairs.

However, just as he was about to climb to the second floor, he was bombarded with a chorus of meows and trills.

"What is it, Suga?" The boy frowned as he reached the landing, giving the insistent calico a nudge with his foot, confused at the fact he was still crying at him without letting up. "What? Go on. Show me."

"Tae?" A voice came before Suga could move, Jimin calling him from the bedroom. Quickly, the calico scurried off and Taehyung followed. 

"Tae?"

"I'm here, buddy," Taehyung reassured his best friend as he entered the quiet bedroom, seeing how Jimin was curled into a ball in the middle of the bed, quickly putting the bowl on the nightstand when the elder started to whine quietly. "Hey, what's going on?"

"Du-dunno..." The boy mumbled back as his best friend sat on the edge of the bed. "Tae..."

Taehyung sighed but smiled at the cat that jumped up and curled beside them. Gently, he placed his hand on Jimin's shoulder but, as he leaned back on the pillow, he felt the wetness of the material and he quickly worked out why the boy seemed so out of it.

"Good job, kitty," He whispered to the calico as he started mewling again.

Suga just meowed softly at him, rubbing his head against the balls of Jimin's feet, showing his concern for his owner.

"It's okay, nibi. I got him," He said softly as he pulled the pillow away with an unfazed expression, rubbing his hands on his jeans before gently patting the boy's shoulder. "Chimmy? You seized, buddy. Hmm?"

"Hmm," Jimin hummed back, mimicking the sound the younger made, popping his head up a little but closing his eyes again when they involuntarily flickered.

"Just take it slow for a moment," Taehyung said, using a quiet voice so he didn't startle the smaller who still seemed postictal, telling the younger he had probably only just come around. "Wanna sit up, ay?"

Carefully, he helped the boy sit up from his awkwardly curled-up position when he nodded, not allowing him to push himself too hard. Jimin just shrugged though, leaning his head against the younger's shoulder.

"Hey, look at me," Taehyung said as the boy shuffled around lethargically, going to cup the boy's still sore cheek but pulling his hand back when Jimin flinched away. "Shit, I forgot. I'm sorry. Just... Just look at me for a second."

Jimin slowly lifted his head, looking at the younger through tiredly narrowed eyes, bottom lip still trembling slightly.

"How many have you had?" Taehyung asked softly, his brow furrowing a little at the dazed, far-away look in the boy's eyes. "Do you know?"

With a little sniff, Jimin just shook his head, shrugging a little as his best friend pulled him into a comforting hug.

"You're alright, chingu," Taehyung sighed, releasing the boy when he went to lie down again, letting him get comfy. 

Looking over to the nightstand, he saw Jimin's boxes of medications strewn around, knowing he had already taken them so he didn't need to ask. 

"I brought you lunch 'cus Joonie hyung said you didn't have breakfast. Apparently, you kicked Nuriyah out again, so she said she's not gonna bother anymore..." The boy said with yet another heavy sigh, shuffling on the bed when Jimin patted the mattress for him to lie down, wanting to curl into his side. Jimin just laid his head on the younger's chest, snuggling close. "Bad night, Chim?"

"Bad life," The smaller mumbled in response, making Taehyung's heart sink.

"Don't think like that," He shook his head, wrapping his arms around the boy as he tiredly nestled against him. "It's not all bad, chingu. It's an okay life, in a really shitty world... But you've got Yoongs, you've got me, the other hyungs... It's not a completely bad life, Tiny."

"Yoongs isn't here," Jimin said quietly as the boy tickled the back of his neck. 

"He will be," Taehyung reassured, clicking his tongue when the boy just hummed at him. "You've just gotta be patient. You know he'll be here soon, just gotta let him get better."

"I miss 'im," He heard the smaller almost whimper, sighing as he offered his hand, knowing he needed something to fiddle with. Jimin just nuzzled closer, playing with his best friend's long fingers absent-mindedly. "I really miss 'im. It hurts, he should be here..."

"I know, buddy," Taehyung said softly, leaning into the pillow under his head and closing his eyes. "There's no worse pain... But it's only been two days. It's not like you've lost him forever. Is it?"

"'m sorry," Jimin whispered, a little shake in his breath making the word longer than it needed to be. He quickly realised why his best friend suddenly sounded a little offended, even if his mind was still slightly frazzled. "Bear, I didn't mean..."

"No, I'm sorry," Taehyung sighed through his nose, shutting his eyes tight as he shook his head. "That was uncalled for. I'm sorry, chingu. I know how much you miss Yoongs. Just... Just don't let it make you ill. You know he's coming back."

"Tae Tae?"

"Hmm?" The younger hummed, looking down as Jimin stopped playing with his fingers and started to look up at his wrists, making his throat close up a little when the boy started to trace the healing scars littered there. "Don't worry about it, chingu. It's nothing."

"Why did you start this again?" The smaller boy asked quietly, pulling Taehyung's arm closer as if to hug him. "I thought you stopped when we became trainees."

"I did," Taehyung sighed, trying to tug his arm back but couldn't seem to break free from the boy's hold. 

"What happened, chingu?" Jimin asked softly, genuine care in his hushed, whispery voice but it made Taehyung feel bad.

You left me. I need you most and you left me.

Well, he certainly couldn't say that... 

What could he say?

"I got lonely," He finally mumbled, his voice failing him as he felt slightly ashamed about the confession but his best friend shocked him, pressing a gentle kiss to the deepest scar on his wrist.

"You don't have to feel lonely," Jimin said softly, letting go of the boy's hand and wrapping his arms around his waist. "Ever again. I promise." 

"Thank you, chingu," Taehyung sighed, hiding his face in the boy's hair when he hugged him properly. 

"Just... No more, okay?" Jimin said, causing the younger to smile a little. "Just talk to me? So we can just work it out together."

"You got it, Tiny," Taehyung nodded and Jimin gave a little chuckle, cuddling his soulmate tighter. "Together."

-

Seojoon had Nuri, Beomgyu and Jennie working hard that afternoon. Using the tools Taehyung had brought back, despite the chaos, to focus on securing the fence as he had originally planned.

While the kids were distracted and everyone was busy, Namjoon took the opportunity to get to know their supposed new friend, away from listening ears. Walking up the field, past the fence, he finally decided to stop walking and turn back to the new man.

"Why are you sitting down?" Namjoon frowned when he looked over his shoulder, seeing the man had already stopped, sitting cross-legged on the grass. 

"You're stupidly tall," Jihoon shrugged with a little scoff, sheltering his eyes with his hand and raising an eyebrow up at the man. "My neck's gonna hurt either way if we're talking, so my arse may as well be comfy."

Namjoon narrowed his eyes at the man for a second. That sense of tone, the blunt words, the brash personality... 

Where had he seen all that before?

"Do you know Jeonghan?!"

"Yoon Jeonghan? Yeah, I know him," Jihoon scoffed, though the subtle smile on his lips took away from the harshness of his tone. "That prick's the human equivalent of a participation award."

"So you are with the Gwahagja?" Namjoon's eyes glinted, his back straightening. "You said you're not."

"I'm not!" Jihoon protested, an offended look painting over his cat-like features. "I haven't been with those bastards in over a year. Ask Jeonghan, if you know him. He'll tell ya, I left before they all turned into sadists."

"So how did you just happen to turn up out here the second they did?" Namjoon pressured, not believing the man's story, therefore not trusting him at all. "I can tell you one thing about me and that I do not deal well with dishonesty." 

"First of all, calm the fuck down," Jihoon scoffed, shaking his head in amusement. "If I wanted to act like them and take you all down when you weren't looking, I'd have already done it... I have lived in the city all year. I had never seen the warriors come down here, let alone actually venture into the countryside. I got curious so I followed them. Sue me."

"You were curious?" Namjoon scoffed in disbelief as he held his hands on his hips. "Well, maybe direct that curiosity to whether or not you think you're gonna help us. Or go back to them."

"I ain't going back there," Jihoon shook his head stubbornly, glaring up at the man. 

"Then tell me," Namjoon said, lowering his tone. "How the hell do we deal with the mess we left back there? If even a whiff of this gets back to Kim Mingyu, and he finds out that we killed all those men, we're screwed."

"Firstly, I never agreed to help you," Jihoon said, raising a challenging eyebrow at the man. "I just said I wasn't with them. And Mingyu doesn't need to know hit. The man's so pea-brained, that he probably can't even remember the names of the ones he sent. It's way too easy to outsmart Mingyu. If it wasn't, I would never have made it out of that mouse trap alive. Take it from me, you've got nothing to worry about."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

The back of the hospital was just as quiet as the men left it, not two days ago. An erie veil of silence fell over the place, almost like a shadow casting over a road in the dead of night.

The air was still, the lack of breeze bringing along a feeling of suffocation and a stench of death only made the sensation worse. It was strong enough to make your eyes water, but Seokjin pulled up nonetheless, not wanting to be on the hospital grounds any more than he did last time. 

"Is this it?" Zitao asked, looking wide-eyed as he stared out the window, but Jongdae and Zhang scoffed, shaking their heads at him. "Whoa!"

"Let's just get this over with, dumbarse," Zhang muttered, opening the car door when Seokjin shut off the engine.

"Right, I wanna be outta here before dark so... Jinnie, you, Zhang and Zitao can group up," Jeonghan ignored them and got straight to business, drawing Seokjin's instant attention as they all climbed out of the car. Clearly, he didn't like that decision but the doctor wasn't changing his mind. "I'll be with Jongdae. We're gonna split up, one group looking for equipment and the other looking for medications."

"All medications were moved upstairs," Seokjin told the doctor as he started to make a plan. "Woosung kept them all locked in his office. The keys will be in Jung Dawon's old office... Hopefully. But I don't think..."

"That's where you guys are going then since you know where to go... You're looking for anything ending in cin, cillin, or zole," Jeonghan said before Seokjin could argue about being paired with the men who left Namjoon. He was just hoping the men were taking note though he knew that Seokjin was the only one he could actually trust. "Cin and cillin spelt with a C. Along with anything ending with vir, they're your antivirals. They're the most important ones but they're probably scarce."

"What are we looking for?" Jongdae asked as the other men started grabbing their bags, getting ready to start searching. 

"We're gonna grab any spare equipment," Jeonghan said, patting the man's shoulder. "Things that I saw last time we were here. This building may have been converted into a living area, but there are things that we can take. Oxygen tanks, IV lines, bags, syringes. Some people are starting to have respiratory issues, so respirators, laryngoscopes, tubes; catheters, ambu bags, cannulas..."

"Can you say any of this in Korean?" Jongdae asked, shaking his head as he tried to understand all of the medical jargon.

"Just... Get yourself ready," Jeonghan sighed, rolling his eyes as he grabbed his own bags. "I'll show you when we get there. Just meet me inside."

"Whatever," Jongdae just shrugged, snatching his backpack out of the backseat and stalking up to the entrance of the hospital. 

"Seokjinssi," Jeonghan called as the rest of the men started to split up and enter the building, causing the man to roll his eyes despite feeling glad the doctor hadn't used a nickname that time. "Here a second."

Jogging over, Seokjin was about to ask what was wrong but stopped when Jeonghan shushed him.

"What's this for?" He frowned as the doctor simply handed him his gun, gesturing for him to hide it quickly.

"Don't let yourself get into danger. I know you don't trust them, I don't either but I trust you," Jeonghan said, causing the man to simply nod in agreement as he shoved the gun into his bag. "If they dip, come back downstairs. Seriously, don't give them the advantage. Just come straight back if you're left on your own, do not put yourself in that position."

"I won't."

-

"Appa!" 

"Nayeonah," Yoongi gave a tired smile over to the bed as he pushed his glasses up from the tip of his nose, raising an eyebrow at Nayeon, who had been rather quiet and distracted up until then. 

He was just starting to doze off in the desk chair, leaning over his book, enjoying how quiet and calm the bedroom was as they waited for Felix. 

"What's up, sweetheart?"

"Hungry," Nayeon whined, cuddling her teddy to her chest and pouting at the man as he sighed, stretching his arms over his head and yawning. 

"I know you are," Yoongi nodded, letting out a little chuckle when the girl just glared at him. With another sigh, he just stood up to sit on the edge of the bed, brushing a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. "You get so grumpy when you're hungry..."

"No. You do," The girl fired back, narrowing her eyes, but Yoongi just gave a warm laugh.

"I guess I do," He admitted with a slightly guilty smile, agreeing that he was probably at fault for the child's slight attitude problem. "Yongbok shouldn't be long, sweetheart. Just be patient." 

"Don't wanna be patient," Nayeon argued, putting her teddy down and crossing her arms over her chest. The corner of Yoongi's lips just quirked upwards, not falling for her grouchy expression. "Hungry, appa!"

"Don't go getting stroppy," He said firmly, though he opened his arms and cuddled the girl when she hopped on his lap. "I've got a headache so let's not sulk, hmm? Gotta be nice to appa, he's getting old." 

"Sorry," Nayeon mumbled sheepishly, hiding her face against the man's neck.

"Ah, it's alright, baby girl," Yoongi just gave a soft chuckle, gently kissing the side of the child's head. "Just try and be a little bit patient, okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you," Yoongi's smile grew as the girl just hugged him tighter in response. "I missed you."

"But I'm right here!" Nayeon's little head popped up and she wrapped her arms around his neck, causing him to chuckle when she laughed at his words. "How can you miss me if I'm here?"

"You are right here," He grinned, rubbing his nose against hers, making her giggle gleefully. "And you're staying right here. I'm never letting you go! You're trapped in a hug forever!"

"Appa!" Nayeon squealed as he began tickling her ribs, making her squirm on his lap, trying to escape. "Appa! No! Stop! Ah!" 

Yoongi just laughed, lifting her off his lap and letting her crawl back onto the bed as they both caught their breath. A little knock on the door made them both calm down a bit and Yoongi let out a sigh of relief when Felix let himself in, waving with his spare hand.

"What took you so long?" Yoongi asked after clearing his throat, but the boy just scoffed at the sharpness of his voice. "I called an hour ago."

"No one's in the kitchen," Felix said, placing a bowl down on the bed and putting a couple of water bottles on the nightstand. "I can't cook. Well, it wouldn't be edible if I cooked. Nayeon likes fruit, so I went outside, to see what's in the garden."

"You purposely went and picked her some fruit?" Yoongi asked, though his frown faded and his tone softened as Felix just turned and nodded, clearly proud of himself. "I guess you're forgiven then."

"Thank you, hyung," Felix beamed, bowing slightly to the elder. 

It always made him happy whenever Yoongi praised him, he was not an easy man to please. 

"Only because you brought tangerines," Yoongi said, shaking his head a little, but his small smirk showed he was just teasing. 

"Yeah, Hobi hyung said you like them," Felix smiled. "They should be ripe, but they only started growing this season so you better check."

"How is Hobi?" Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow at the boy as Nayeon distracted herself, happy she finally had something to eat. "Is he feeling any better?"

"I took Binna noona some lunch and she said he's managed to keep some water down," Felix said, though his low voice fell lower so as to not worry the little girl sat with them. "She said Jeonghannim made the right decision earlier, whatever that meant. I didn't go in, but it sounded like he was up and talking." 

"Good, that's good," Yoongi nodded thoughtfully, clicking his tongue after a moment. "I'll radio them later, check in before Jin hyung gets home."

"Okay. Well, I gotta take Jomei and Chika their lunch," The young boy said, backing up to the door. "They're not gonna be as easy to please. They're surprisingly picky about what they eat."

"That's because they're chefs, Yongbok," Yoongi chuckled, shaking his head when the boy just shrugged. 

"Still," Felix said, opening the door. "Enjoy your fruit."

"Thanks, Yongbok," Yoongi smiled, grabbing one of the water bottles and searching around in his bag, to find a box of painkillers since he had worn himself out playing and his head had begun to hurt again. 

The boy just nodded and bowed, about to leave the room before Yoongi decided to take advantage of his presence, a thought popping into his head. 

"Actually... Wait a sec, Yongbok.," He called the boy back, quickly swallowing a couple of the tablets and capping the bottle again and handing it to his daughter, making Felix tilt his head and frown slightly as he froze in the doorway. "Wait... Nayeonah?"

"Hmm?" She hummed over a mouthful of food, making him chuckle as he neared the bed.

"You gonna be okay with Yongbok for a moment, sweetheart?" Yoongi asked, crouching beside the bed and looking up at the girl, grinning when she cheekily patted the top of his head and nodded while still munching on a strawberry. "Yeah?"

"Yes, appa," She nodded again, not too fazed when he stopped her from lightly tugging on his oddly layered hair, just grabbing a slice of apple to nibble on. "Where're you going?"

"Just for a quick walk," Yoongi smiled, though he could feel Felix's eyes burning through him already. "I'll be back before you know it. Just enjoy your lunch, alright?"

"Mmh-hmm," Nayeon nodded with a sweet smile, tucking into her lunch as Yoongi stood himself up and started collecting his things.

"Hyung, I don't think you should. Jeonghannim was very clear," Felix tried, though only because the doctor had instructed him to protest as much as he possibly could if Yoongi started to get antsy. 

However, the more the man ignored him, the more flustered he got and his Korean suffered the consequences. 

"You're not meant to go outside by yourself yet, in case you fall... If you fall... He said you shouldn't, you know... Leave the room. Room, you shouldn't leave the room... You could catch whatever this is and... You could have a fit... You could, I don't know, be sick..."

"Are you done?" Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow as he shoved his cigarettes into his pocket and grabbed his jacket. 

Nayeon looked amused by the Aussie's thick accent but the foreign words were starting to make his headache worse before the painkillers even had a chance to kick in.

"Hyung, I'm just trying to tell you what Jeonghan said."

"I know," Yoongi nodded as he threw on his jacket, somewhat reassuringly patting the boy's shoulder. "You're doing an outstanding job. Thank you for your concern and effort. But I don't think I'm gonna listen, no matter how often you say 'Jeonghan said...'. Okay?"

"Hyung..."

"I'm not gonna listen," Yoongi said again, causing the boy to sigh and give a small nod. "Just look after Nayeon for me. I'll be back in twenty minutes."

"Oh-kay," Felix nodded again, feeling slightly defeated as the man left the room, not before pinching one of the tangerines out of Nayeon's bowl. 

With another soft sigh, he turned back to Nayeon but she just gave him a little shrug and grinned.

"Appa never listens," She giggled, causing the boy to let out a reluctant, breathy chuckle as he sat himself down on the edge of the bed. "Never changes."

"Let's just hope Chika and Jomei aren't starving."

Yoongi shoved his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket, shivering more than he expected himself to as he wandered down to the main gate. 

His train of thought was messy but he knew for a fact that someone was bound to be on watch. From there, he could make his request and hope for the best. All he wanted was a way to talk to his husband...

He wanted a radio.

Walking to the fence took longer than he thought, leaving him breathless and cold, stumbling over his own feet as he forced himself to keep going. 

You're being stupid, I'm not this important; Jimin's snarky, sassy tone came into his mind as he took a moment to breathe, but that only made him chuckle and push himself further. Seriously, yeobo. Go back to bed before you collapse, for God's sake.

"Aish," Yoongi let out a long sigh, catching the attention of the two men on watch, causing them to turn just as his body began to sway with exhaustion,

"Tiān a," Jackson muttered as he left Chanyeol at their post, by the gate, jogging over and grabbing Yoongi's arm to keep him on his feet. "What the hell are you doing out here? Should you even be out here yet? You don't seem stable enough..."

"I'm fine," Yoongi shook his head, shrugging the man off as he tried to stand straight, but Jackson just sighed and placed his hand on his back as he stumbled. "I'm fine..."

"You should go back inside," Jackson pressed, still unsure why he was even outside. "What do you want, anyway? Certainly not my company."

"I need a radio," Yoongi said, sounding a little breathless as he, once again, shrugged Jackson off. "You got one?"

"You have a radio," Jackson countered, his frown only deepening as he gave up trying to be nice and stepped away. If Yoongi fell, it was on him and his stubbornness. "Why do you need another one?" 

"Mine won't reach Busan," Yoongi said, his voice falling flat when the man let out an obnoxious laugh. "I need to be able to reach Busan. Do you have a radio or not?"

"I'm sure there's a few HAMs somewhere," Chanyeol spoke, turning to the two, placing his rifle down and folding his arms over his chest as he left his post out of curiosity. "You meant to be talking to that lot? Thought they left for a reason."

"Jackson, can you get me a radio or not?" Yoongi asked sharply, ignoring the other man as his eyes narrowed. "Just fucking answer me so I'm not wasting my time. It's freezing out here!"

"I don't know," Jackson shook his head, shrugging but that only pissed Yoongi off, causing him to scoff and start to walk away. "I... For fuck's sake. Yoongiyah! I could... I can ask around. That's the best I can do."

"I need to talk to my husband, Jackson," Yoongi said firmly as he stopped and turned back, though this time the man saw the pleading gleam in his eyes. The desperation. "I need to. I need to know he's okay. Please, just do me this one favour and get me a damn radio."

-

The mood in Jung Dawon's old office felt ugly as the men stood around, silently searching for the keys to the late doctor's room. 

There was something about standing in the office of the woman they all once knew, all once followed and trusted, knowing she was no longer with them. It set the three on edge for very different reasons.

"Where are we meant to be looking?" Zhang asked, turning to Seokjin as the man seemed distracted from the fact they were meant to be searching for the keys to Woosung's office together. 

"Anywhere," Was all Seokjin said, his eyes scanning over the old desk he was standing next to. 

All of Dawon's old notebooks, tools and trinkets were scattered around, next to... A photoframe. A picture Seokjin had seen on the desk many times, the frame holding an image of the Jung family. With a heavy sigh, he slipped his backpack off his shoulders and unzipped it.

"Just keep looking, they've gotta be here somewhere," He said as he took out his spare jacket, throwing his bag on the floor to carefully wrap the frame up in the protective fabric. 

He wanted to take the image back home for Hoseok, the thought in mind that cheering him up may make him feel better. 

At least, he hoped. 

"Let's just find them," Zhang sighed, shaking his head as he nudged Zitao's shoulder, telling him to focus. "The quicker we get at those meds, the quicker we can get back to Byun."

"What about the others?" Zitao frowned, starting to search a few of the cupboards that lined the back of the room.

"Fuck the others."

"You found those keys, yet?" Seokjin asked after a moment, not looking over his shoulder, simply waiting for the man to lie to him or try and cover up for their quiet muttering.

"Yeah," Zhang responded after a beat, slamming a drawer shut and shaking the keys, making them jingle. Seokjin turned back with a dubious frown, seeing his smug expression. "I have. So, let's get moving, shall we?"

"Not so fast," Seokjin shook his head slowly before Zitao had a chance to agree; his brow furrowing deeply as he turned to face the two, folding his arms over his chest. "We're here to get medicines for everyone. If you're planning on grabbing something for Baekhyun and bailing, you can just stay here and I'll go by myself."

"Why would we bail?" Zitao asked, looking confused, though Seokjin's eyes stayed locked on the other man, who now wore a very challenged expression. "We need this stuff as much as everyone else."

"Because that's your thing," Seokjin said bluntly, his eyebrow arching as Zhang scoffed at him. "Isn't it? Leave a man behind when things go south?"

"Are you really still harping on about this?" Zhang let out a breathy, chuckle, tongue in cheek as he shook his head. "Seriously? Get over it, man."

"Get over it? Get over the way you left my brother for dead?" Seokjin frowned, feeling deeply offended when the man just nodded at him as if he were a child, asking a dumb question. 

"I saved my men, I didn't have time to go back for Namjoon. It is as simple as that," Zhang said with a deep sigh, ignoring the way Zitao tilted his head at him, not remembering the situation playing out exactly that way. "Don't act like you wouldn't have done the exact same thing if it was you guys."

"I would not have left someone for dead!" Seokjin fired back with a raised long, pointed finger, but Zhang just scoffed in disbelief. "Never! Only an arsehole would leave someone when it takes five minutes to run back and help!"

"We didn't have five sodding minutes!" Zhang shook his head, sneering in disdain. "Certainly not to waste on him. I really wish you would stop acting like you guys are above every-"

"Yah!" Zitao shouted over the two, making them fall silent and darkly glare at him. "Who even cares anymore? It was weeks ago, maybe we should all just fucking..."

Before the man could finish what he was ranting about, a loud cracking came from above, making them all shift their attention as they all looked up.

"Get down!" Seokjin screamed as the cracks became prominent, running through the ash-stained ceiling in each and every direction.

But the men didn't have time to react as the remains of the burned-out third floor came crashing through the plaster and boards, knocking them all to the floor in a suffocating cloud of dust.

-

Smoke mixed with Yoongi's misty breath as he remained stood outside, waiting by the fence for Jackson, enduring the cold because he refused to move until he had a radio in his hand.

Once the very idea of having the option to talk to his husband entered his mind, he was not willing to drop it.

Though it felt like hours and Yoongi was sure Felix would be pissed at him when he got back, Jackson returned not fifteen minutes later, holding a very hopeful-looking device in his hand.

"Right... Apparently, Baekhyun has repeaters and stations set up," Jackson said as he handed Yoongi a slightly bigger radio than his own. "They're for his men only when they go on their runs, so I had to pull a few strings with some guys I knew through Dawon. This should connect if you know the right frequency, but they don't know if it'll reach as far as Busan. You can only try."

"Thank you!" Yoongi nodded, throwing his cigarette on the ground and stomping on it as he snatched the radio away, fiddling with it instantly. "Thank you, Jackson. I mean it. Thank you."

"Yeah, yeah," Jackson just waved his hand, wafting the man's gratitude away. "You turn into mush when that brat's involved. It's disgusting... I'm leaving before you start crying."

"Jiminah?" Yoongi clicked the radio on and spoke as Jackson left him alone, the device shaky in his hand as his eyes closed with hope. "Park Jiminah?"

God, how he wished his husband would answer. 

Or even Namjoon, or Taehyung. 

Just someone who could put him in contact with Jimin. 

"Yeobo, it's me. Yoonie. Can you answer me, baby boy?"

The next few minutes felt like a lifetime to the man, the anticipation almost enough to kill him as he held his breath. His heart began racing though nothing had happened yet, making him feel jittery and fluttery as if he was bouncing on the spot. 

The wind blew against him as a chill filled the outside air, making him shiver but nothing could move him. Not until he got a response. Yoongi was stuck, frozen to the spot until that one, special, little voice set him free.

And then, after so long...

"Yeobo?" Jimin's soft voice came through the device, making the man's heart leap in his chest as he grabbed the metal fence out of excitement. "Hello? Yoonie?"

"Hey, you," Yoongi's lips pulled into a wide smile, from ear to ear, as his eyes watered at the sound of his husband's voice. Two days, two years - it made no difference when they were so far apart. "Are you okay, beautiful?"

"Yoonie?" Jimin's voice came back shaky and full of static, like the audio from a broken television. "Yoon... Can't... Are you there?"

"I'm here, angel," Yoongi nodded, walking past the fence a little bit, trying to find a strong point in the signal. "Can you hear me? Give me a second... Is that better?"

"Yoonie?" The response seemed weaker, further away. "Yoon... I miss... Are you feeling... H... Hello?"

"I miss you too, baby," Yoongi just nodded, biting his lip, trying to work out what the boy was saying despite none of the words really adding up. "I miss you so much. I'm alright. Are you staying safe?"

"It... Not... I'm..." The man shook his head, feeling frustrated but the signal only got worse, no matter what he tried. "Safe... Yoon, I want..."

"Yeobo?" Yoongi frowned, tapping the device to try and stop the static, but to no avail. "Y-yeobo? I can't understand you. Wait a second... Jiminah, you there?"

"Yoon...? ... Can't... Hello?"

"Jiminie," Yoongi sighed, knowing he was pushing his luck with the connection. Closing his eyes, he willed himself to be satisfied with the little bit of communication, rather than feeling heartbroken that it was over. "Jiminie, if you can... If you can hear me, I love you, my angel. Jiminie?"

"Yoon..."

"I love you, Yeobo," Yoongi breathed, letting his finger release the button for the last time, every fibre of his being hoping his husband had heard him. "I miss you so, so much."

Chapter Text

Sir, we had to kill the radio lines,"  One  of the remaining warriors said as they stood in a  line, in  Mingyu's office. "There was an attempt at communication, so a few of us are investigating the connection."

"Who was on the line?" Mingyu asked, looking up from his desk with a sharp frown, his golden eyes sparkling as they glinted.

"The initial attempt came from Seoul, Min Yoongi, we believe,"  The warrior  said, though it was clear he was being overly cautious with his words. The warriors were low on manpower since Mingyu sent the majority of them after Park Jimin. "And the boy responded, Sir."

"Do we know where they are?"

"We're still trying to work that out, Sir,"  One  of the other warriors shook his head. "It's proving to be difficult. It wasn't a strong connection in the first place."

"If the boy's not in Seoul, we can find him later," Mingyu said, his voice low and gritty. "But  these  people will just get in the way. We need to remove all obstacles before searching, so close in on the building. We'll move out  tonight but  first, we go to Hwaesa and kill everyone on sight."

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

"Yoonie?" Jimin frowned, his lips trembling as he tried to work out what he had done wrong, whether he pressed the wrong button or something that caused his husband's voice to be cut off. "Yoon? I can't hear you... Hello?"

"Ji-... Yeobo... You can hear... Love..."

"Yoongi?" The boy shook his head as he pushed Suga off his lap and ran out of the house, out onto the front porch for a better signal, now pressing all the buttons. 

Trying everything to hear his husband's voice again. 

Just once more. 

"Yoongi! Come on... Baby? Can you hear me? Hello?" He almost begged the device to answer him, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he refused to stop trying. "No, no, no... Yeobo? Please talk to me!"

"Stay here," Namjoon told Jihoon, who he had refused to take his eyes off since he arrived, leaving him next to the fence as he walked over to where his dongsaeng was shouting at his radio. "I'll be back."

"I thought I wasn't meant to leave your side!" The man yelled down the field, but the leader ignored him, simply walking over to his brother who was still pacing back and forth about on his front porch.

"Minie?" The leader called as he walked up to the couple's house, a bounce quickly adding to his step when the boy came to an abrupt halt, swaying slightly on the spot as if he had forgotten he had stopped walking.

"Hey, hey, hey," Namjoon quickly caught the boy's shoulder before he fell off the front steps once he reached him, holding him until he could straighten himself up. "Steady, buddy. Just stand still for a second. Were you looking for Tae?"

"Th-the... The radio..." Jimin mumbled, lifting his tired-looking eyes from his radio to the elder. "It..."

"Did it not work?" Namjoon frowned, confused when the boy started fiddling with the buttons and notches. Of course, it wouldn't have been working if he was messing around with the frequency. "Who were you trying to get hold of? Min?"

"Yoon," Jimin said in a soft voice, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he tried to wrap his head around it. "Yoonie... I was talking to..."

"Yoongi's way out of range, buddy," Namjoon shook his head softly, simply coming to the conclusion that maybe that little seizure wasn't the boy's first. Or his last, by the look of things. 

Slowly shaking his head, Jimin looked up at his hyung, but his eyes were distant, not focusing properly as his lips moved in the shape of words.

Namjoon sighed, cursing under his breath as he manoeuvred the boy, sitting him down on the steps behind him, so he didn't fall over. Moving slowly, he just crouched down and laid his arm around Jimin's small frame, holding him in a loose hug until he came around again, letting him rest his head against his shoulder.

"I heard him," The boy spoke, not lifting his head, but hearing his voice made Namjoon move back a little. "I spoke to him... Yoonie called."

"But we're out of range, Jimin," Namjoon said. "The radio wouldn't reach-"

"But I spoke to him!" Jimin protested, finally lifting his head, his voice becoming squeaky. "I was trying to..."

"It's getting a bit chilly out here, isn't it?" Namjoon smiled softly, deciding changing the subject may help Jimin calm down a bit. He just gave the boy a soft nod when he looked up and made eye contact. "Why not go back inside and try to relax, hmm? Maybe just get some rest. You really need to sleep, Minie. Don'tcha think, hmm?" 

As a breeze blew threw his short hair, Jimin started to come around and slowly focused on the man in front of him.

"You... Do you think I'm crazy" Jimin weakly asked, his lips trembling slightly. "Hyung?"

Namjoon's smile disappeared immediately at the boy's quiet voice.

"Do you? Think I'm crazy?" Jimin repeated, his tone a little firmer this time as he stared at his hyung for an honest answer.

"Not at all, Jiminah," Namjoon sighed as he sat up, giving the boy some space as he started to squirm on the spot, clearly becoming flustered. "Not at..."

"You do! You think I'm crazy," Jimin scoffed, shaking his head as his shoulders trembled with annoyance. "I'm not imagining it. I'm not crazy."

"I'm not saying that," Namjoon shook his head, a heavy feeling in his chest. "I'm saying you have had a very long few days and I think it's messing with your head, a little bit. You're definitely tired, but you're not letting yourself recover from what happened with those warriors."

"I tried to tell Yoonie," Jimin let out a small sigh, hiding his mouth behind his hands. "What happened... It was cut off before I could tell him-"

"Jiminah, you didn't talk to Yoongi," Namjoon closed his eyes, taking a deep breath but the boy was already giving him a strong, offended glare. "There is no way that little radio can reach Seoul. You didn't talk to him."

"I did!" Jimin shouted, holding the radio out again, almost as if showing the man the device would prove it. "I did, I talked to..."

"I think we should take this away," Namjoon sighed, giving the boy sad eyes as he carefully pried the radio out of his little hand. "Just for a little while, Minie. Until your head clears a bit, hmm?"

"But I'm not..." Jimin stared at his hyung with wide, shocked eyes, shaking his head from side to side as he reached to snatch the radio back only to be held back. "Hyung, I'm not... I'm not making it up, Yoonie called. He did. He spoke... It wasn't clear but he..."

"Slow down," Namjoon said, putting the radio on the ground behind him and firmly placing his hand on the boy's shoulder as his eyes suddenly unfocused like a camera lens once again, pushing him back until he was sitting up straight. "Before you make this worse. Do I have to call Tae over? Min?"  

"M-moni..."

"I'm gonna call Tae," Namjoon just sighed as the boy let his head fall into his hands. "This is getting silly, Jimin. Yoongi hyung said you weren't having more than two small ones a day. That was your fourth and it's not even evening... You had three yesterday, as well."

Grabbing the boy's radio from behind him, he clicked his tongue as he reset the frequency since it had been messed with in Jimin's attempts to reconnect it to Seoul. 

"Taehyungah," He said, clearing his throat as he kept his eyes focused on the smaller boy, who was just quietly crying now. "I need you to come over to Min's, please."

"I'm on my way, hyung," Taehyung responded without missing a beat.

"Gimme my radio," Jimin mumbled, looking up with watery eyes and trembling lips. "Give it back."

"I'm going to keep hold of it for a while," Namjoon shook his head, putting the radio back on the ground, moving it from the boy's reach. "It's making you sick, Minie. You can have it back when..."

"I am not a fucking child!" Jimin shrieked as his tears slipped over, causing the leader to straighten his back, giving him a firm look. "Give me it back! Let me talk to my husband, Namjoon!"

"Drop the tone," Namjoon said lowly, a slight scolding warning as his eyes narrowed a little. "I know you're not feeling well, Jiminah, but you do not shout at me like that."

The little sparkle of gold in the boy's irises did nothing to make the leader back down, not fazing him in the slightest. 

"Give me it."

"No."

"Give me the radio."

"I won't, Jimin," Namjoon said, causing a rush of anger to fill the boy's entire body, making him push himself up off the ground. The leader just stood as well. He had never been intimidated by the kid, and he wasn't about to be either. "Go inside and wait for Taehyung. You are too old to be throwing these kinds of tantrums. Go."

"What's going on?" Taehyung's voice asked as he jogged over, sensing the tension between the two immediately and it made him feel extremely awkward. "Chimmy? Hyung?"

"Fuck both of you!" Jimin exclaimed, turning on his heel and rushing off inside, leaving the boy shocked and confused as he stared at the leader for an explanation.

"Well, I know I did nothing to deserve it this time!" Taehyung frowned as Namjoon just sighed, tiredly. He had been in the garden with Beomgyu and Nuri, planting more vegetables and fruits that were sustainable in the cold weather, so he knew the outburst couldn't have been his fault. "What's upset him?"

"He's just had three of those small seizures in a row," Namjoon clicked his tongue, sinking back down onto the front porch, running his hand down his face as he tried to calm down. 

"Right..." Taehyung's brow just furrowed deeper, knowing that wasn't the full story. "But what upset him?"

"He's hearing things again, Tae," Namjoon said lowly, causing the boy's brow to furrow further. He thought Jimin was doing really well that morning, starting to settle down again, so this was strange to hear. "I don't know whether his meds aren't working properly, or the other day was just too much... But I think we need to stop leaving him on his own for so long. He always kicks off like this when he's been alone."

"He was fine earlier," Taehyung shook his head, still not understanding. "Joking, laughing, singing... This couldn't have come out of nowhere. What triggered him?"

"I don't know," Namjoon shook his head, sighting into his hands in exasperation. "But I am not dealing with that attitude. I won't have him shouting at me, the way he did, Tae. It's not on. He's not four years old, he's an adult and he needs to start acting like one."

"Please tell me you didn't say that to him," Taehyung shot his eyes at his hyung, pursing his lips. "Hyung, you've known him for years! You know how insulting that is; you know he's not able to think like that."

"Stop enabling it, Taehyungah!" Namjoon said, biting his tongue so he didn't get too annoyed at his dongsaengs speaking so sharply to him. "It's just gonna make it worse. He needs to grow up and stop throwing tantrums. He needs to let us help him if he's feeling this way, not use it as an excuse to snap our heads off all the time."

"You sound like Baekhyun," Taehyung scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets and turning to find his best friend. "And that is what makes Jimin ill. He needs people on his side, not fricking against him."

"I am on his side, Tae," Namjoon called but the boy just ignored him, heading into Jimin's house. "Otherwise, I wouldn't fucking be here!" 

Sitting on the sofa, Suga in his arms, Jimin made no movement as Taehyung entered the living room with a quiet sigh.

"Tiny?" 

Jimin just let his cat go, watching as the calico waltzed out of the room before looking up at his soulmate with teary, apologetic eyes.

"What happened, chingu?" Taehyung asked softly, sitting next to the boy on the couch. "I thought we were gonna start talking about these things, together."

"Yoongi called," Jimin almost whispered, making Taehyung frown before he corrected his judgy expression. "He radioed... It was cut off." 

"You sure it was him?" Taehyung asked but Jimin glared, not ready to have this argument again. "I'm just asking, Chim."

"I know my husband's voice," Jimin said in a strong yet quiet tone.

Taehyung just nodded, deciding not to question him again, but that wasn't enough to prove to the smaller that he believed him. 

Pushing the younger away, Jimin just curled himself up on the couch, yelling his frustrations into the cushion.

"I'm not crazy!" Jimin sobbed, drenching the pillow with angry tears, causing the boy to sigh sadly. "I'm not! I swear..."

Using a little force, Taehyung uncurled the boy, literally lifting him up until he was sitting by his side again. Wrapping his arms around his best friend tightly, he just rocked him until he stopped shouting the same three words in his ear.

"I know you're not," Taehyung whispered, feeling offended himself that Namjoon had made Jimin feel this way. Intentionally or not, it wasn't fair. "I know, Chim. You're not and you never were."

"Yoongi called, Tae," Jimin cried, desperate to be believed. "He did! I spoke to him, I swear I did. 'm not lying, 'm not crazy!"

"I believe you, Tiny," Taehyung said softly, genuinely meaning it. Despite Jimin's struggles and unstable history, through the pure devastation of not being trusted or believed, he knew he wasn't making it up. "I know you're telling the truth. I believe you."

"I want my radio back," The smaller whimpered against the younger's shoulder. "I wanna talk to Yoon again. If I... I could..."

"I'll get mine," Taehyung sighed, gently lifting the boy's chin when he heard the dip in his tone, recognising the signs of a small seizure in a heartbeat. "Just calm down for a second, let this pass and I'll let you have my one. Joon hyung doesn't have to know."

"I don't know what's happening," Jimin mumbled after a quiet moment, nuzzling closer to his best friend. "Why... So many?"

"I'm not sure, buddy," Taehyung said, the corner of his lips quirking thoughtfully. "It seems like it's just stress. I'm gonna go and get my radio, you go and get your stereo, okay? We'll boil the kettle, put some music on, chill out and you can try and reach Yoongs again. Yeah?"

"Okay," Jimin nodded sadly, sitting himself up to let the younger move away.

"Just be careful with the stairs. Go slow," Taehyung said, patting the boy's shoulder before leaving him and heading out of the house. 

The winter-damaged grass crunched under Taehyung's boots as he headed back to the field. Crossing paths with Namjoon, he ignored the way his brother was asking questions of concern, just heading back to the crop patch he was working at earlier.

"You lost something?" Jennie asked as he walked up, seemingly searching for something. There was a hesitant vibe around the boy, making her quirk an eyebrow in curiosity.

"My radio," Taehyung said, his face lighting up a little when he saw the device on the patch of mud, grabbing it and waving it in the girl's direction as he turned on his heel to leave.

"Everything okay?" She asked as he walked past, glancing in Namjoon's direction briefly before giving Taehyung her attention again. "Lion-O seems to be having fun. What's his problem, this time?"

"He just won't listen," Taehyung shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh. "When Joon hyung decides something, nothing will change his mind. Even if he's wrong... And this time, he's wrong."

"Right..." Jennie just nodded slowly, still not able to understand the boy's cryptic sentences at times. "So, you're... Going back home?"

"Yeah," Taehyung nodded, rubbing the nape of his neck. "Jimin needs me, so I'm calling it a day here. Is... That alright?" 

"Yeah, we were just finishing up anyway," Jennie shrugged, nodding over to where Nuri and Beomgyu were starting to pack up their gardening tools. "You still got that necklace, I see."

"Never take it off," Taehyung nodded, a small smile creeping onto his lips as he reached up to hold the inhaler that still hung from his neck. "I'm too scared to... I've gotta get off."

Jennie just clicked her tongue when he spun and walked away again, without any more than a short shrug, causing her to chuckle at his quirkiness.

"Making big statements in the fashion world, dumbarse!" She called after him, making him turn on his heel with a smirk, walking backwards.

"Somethings never change. Creating trends at the end of the world is the reason I'm still alive, baby."

Chapter Text

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

The whole hospital groaned from the strain of holding up the collapsed top floor. 

Jeonghan and Jongdae froze on the spot, having to drop everything and cover their heads as dust rained like snow.

"What the fuck...?" Jeonghan gasped, coughing back out the mouthful of dry paint and plaster the action drew in. "Who the fuck has a rocket launcher?!"

"Doc?" Jongdae called the man, sounding distressed, but Jeonghan was still trying to understand why cracks were travelling through the old, crusty yellow-white ceiling. "Jeonghanssi, I... I can't see!"

"You can see fine," The doctor brushed him off, still looking upwards, following the lines in the paint.

"No, I can't! There's fucking dust..." Jongdae exclaimed, causing him to sigh and look over his shoulder, just to see him rubbing his eyes viciously. 

"Well, stop that, for starters," Jeonghan shook his head, grabbing the man's hands and making him jump. "Before you really do blind yourself. Let me find my bag. Just hold on."

Grabbing his backpack, the doctor pulled out his water bottle.

"Here, tilt your head up," He said, pushing Jongdae's chin up, and pouring some of the water onto his face. "Stay still..."

"Stay still?" The man scoffed, squirming as Jeognhan held his head still, gently massaging the tops of his eyelids. "Whatever, just hurry the fuck u-"

Sharply cutting him off, the doctor's palm slapped his cheek, causing his eyes to spring open in shock.

"What the fuck was that for?" He roared, holding his stinging cheek.

Jeonghan just shook his head and moved back to his bag, grabbing everything he was forced to drop before.

"You were being dramatic," The doctor gave a bitter chuckle, causing the man's brow to furrow sulkily. "I've wanted to do that to one of you, for quite a while. Hell, you may be a nicer person now."

"You're such a dick!"

"You're making me hard," Jeonghan said, clicking his tongue and shaking his head at him. "Stop flirting and collect your shit. If that was the third floor, we need to think about getting out of here pretty soon. Won't be long till the second one goes as well."

"Wait a second," Jongdae frowned, pushing his wet fringe off his forehead and reaching for his bag. "We're on the first floor..."

"Yeah?"

"That would have been the third floor," Jongdae said, waiting for the fact to click with the doctor. 

Which it did... 

A few seconds later.

"Oh, fuck!" Jeonghan exclaimed, throwing his bag over his shoulders and darting out of the room. "Seokjinah!"

Seokjin could barely breathe. Not only was the dust in the air choking him and clogging up his throat, but the gigantic wooden beam that had him pinned to the floor was stopping in from taking in a breath big enough to stop his head spinning.

"The fuck?!" An agitated voice screeched, causing the man to groan as he tried to wiggle away from the wood crushing his torso. "What the hell just happened?"

"Is... Are you guys okay?" A small, more fearful-sounding voice came. "Zhang? Seokjinssi?"

"I'm good," Zhang answered first, and Seokjin heard some shuffling around. "Can you get out?"

"I'm stuck," Seokjin answered, but the question wasn't for him.

"I... I think so," Zitao answered shakily as he crawled out of the crumbled debris. "Seokjinssi?"

"Zitao, help me up," Zhang called before Seokjin had time to answer, again. "Get this fucking thing off of me!"

"I... Can't move!" Seokjin said once again, his voice sharper, sounding more panicked as he realised he genuinely couldn't shake himself free. But the two men were too caught up helping each other to pay him any mind. "Jesus, I can't breathe..."

"Everyone still alive?" A voice shouted into the room, a relieving voice that made Seokjin stop struggling and just lay his head back with a shallow sigh. 

Jeonghan and Jondae ran in, assessing the room before running to the men's aid.

"You hear me, Jinnie?" Jeonghan asked, climbing over the debris to secure the man's head against the floor. Giving the man's cheek a little slap, he waited for his response. "Hmm?"

"Call me that... One more time..." Seokjin gritted his teeth in annoyance, but the doctor just smirked at him. "Get this thing off me! I can't breathe."

"Good to see you're still here, brother," The doctor said with a small smile, tapping his cheek before getting up. Giving the wood one look, he knew this wasn't gonna be as easy as just picking it up. "Just hold tight, try and relax your shoulders as much as possible."

"How exactly am I meant to do that?" Seokjin glared, still shimmying, though gave up in the end since he just wasn't getting anywhere.

"Jongdae, be a lamb and help me with this, would ya?" Jeonghan called the man over, the beam being too heavy to lift by himself. As the man ran over, they both hooked their arms under the wood. "Right, on three... Careful, don't hurt him. One... Two... Three."

Straining loudly, the men managed to heave the beam off of Seokjin, who groaned as he was relieved from the pressure.

"Move, Jin!" Jeonghan said, reminding him he was free now, causing him to scramble and crawl away. Just in time as the men dropped the beam back down, making the whole building creak. "C-come here. Lemme see if you're alright."

"I'm okay," Seokjin shook his head as he backed away, brushing the dust off his clothes, looking more and more flustered.

"Let me make sure you're okay," Jeonghan tried, stepping closer to the distressed man but paused when Seokjin backed off, clearly way too shaken. "Seokjinssi, your ribs could be fractured. You said you couldn't breathe so I'm worried..."

"I'm okay!" The man said, his voice louder, firmer. Jeonghan just nodded reluctantly and held his hands up, turning his attention to the others so Seokjin could have some space to compose himself in his own time.

"Right... Can everyone still feel everything?" He asked, staring at the men, waiting for them to answer. "Nothing's fallen off? We've all still got our dicks?"

When a series of unamused glares landed in his direction, the doctor just chuckled, clapping his hands together.

"Then let's finish this shit up. Grab everything and let's skedaddle. I'm starving now."

-

The large radio remained still in Yoongi's hand as he took in a shaky breath. He hadn't moved an inch, he couldn't. He wanted to hear his boy's voice...

Again.

Once more.

The little bit of communication wasn't enough. No matter how much he tried to fool himself.

He just stayed, standing in the cold, waiting to see if that special voice would miraculously come back and speak to him.

The icy, outside air was starting to turn foggy, making it difficult to see to the bottom of the road, leaving a veil of mist casting mystery over the rest of the building grounds.

Yoongi just sighed, staring into it, soaking it in and getting lost in it. He couldn't really describe the hollow feeling in his chest, the emptiness that filled his entire body, the mindless thoughts of loneliness and worry. He could just stand still and stew in it as it all took over. 

"Who are you waiting for, hyung?" A low but soft voice asked, making the man jump, but not as much as the small tug he felt on his jeans.

"What are you two doing out here?" Yoongi asked as he looked at Nayeon with a shocked expression before it shifted into a glare intended for Felix.

"You said twenty minutes, hyung," Felix said, tilting his head a little as Yoongi slipped his jacket off and wrapped it around the little girl, lifting her up into his arms so she could sit on his hip. "It's been over an hour... Is everything okay?"  

"I... Uh..." Yoongi frowned, shocked at how quickly time had passed by. He was sure it had only been five minutes, but as Nayeon reached for the radio in his hand, he realised his fingers were frozen and red, contrasting against her tiny honey hands. "I... Spoke to Jiminie."

"Appa?" Nayeon asked, suddenly excited as she bounced in Yoongi's arms, but Felix frowned in confusion.

"How?" He asked.

"Is he coming home?" Nayeon asked, causing Yoongi to sigh and regret being honest as he was bombarded with questions. "Will appa be here soon?"

"No, sweetheart," He shook his head softly, giving her a sad little smile that he couldn't hide. "He's not. But he's okay, we'll go to him soon. When Uncle Hobi's better, yeah? He misses you."

Nayeon just gave a small nod, but Yoongi frowned at the way her attention was no longer on him, but rather on the fence they were standing near.

"You alright, baby girl?" He asked, bouncing a little to get her attention again but she didn't look at him. Instead, she just raised a tiny finger to point towards the road.

"Is that Jeonghannim?" Felix asked as he stepped closer, seeing the headlights that had caught the child's eye. "Are they back already?"

"No," Yoongi shook his head, his grasp on his daughter tightening as he backed away from the fence. He didn't know what car the group had taken to the hospital, but he knew it wasn't one of the Gwahagja vans. "No, get inside. Now!"

"But who is it-"

"Just go, Yongbok," Yoongi said, rushing past, not having time to explain the possible threat to the simple-minded teen.

"Go where?" Felix frowned, following the man through the halls, struggling to keep Yoongi's attention for more than two seconds at a time as he tried to work out what to do. "Hyung, where are you going?!"

Instead of getting a verbal response, Felix got an answer when they turned the corner, knocking on the last door in that hall. But Yoongi didn't wait, just pushing the door open quickly, maybe even rudely.

"Yoongissi? Jesus!" Binna jolted as he hurried Nayeon in, quickly moving from Hoseok's side as he slept unpeacefully, though he stirred slightly at her loud voice; and grabbed a pair of masks, that Jeonghan had provided but she refused to wear. "Are you stupid? Why the hell would guys come in here?"

"Jagiya..." Hoseok's quiet mumbled voice came from the depths of his pillow. Yoongi looked over as he groaned and lifted his head with tired yet scolding eyes. "What's going on, hyung? ...You're panicking."

"I... Don't have time. Nayeonah, put this on, sweetheart," Yoongi shook his head, helping the little girl put the mask on, though it was way too big on her, before handing the other one to Felix. "Yongbokah... I've gotta go. Can you guys please just look after Nayeon? Please?"

"She can't be in here, Yoongissi," Binna said with a soft frown, but the man wasn't in the mood to be patient.

"She's okay, jagi," Hoseok shushed, giving Yoongi a small nod, trying to wave him out before he got annoyed at Binna. "Just... Be careful, hyung. Whatever's going on, be careful."

"Fine..." Binna finally and reluctantly agreed when she picked up the hints Hoseok was giving her, to cool off a bit, looking back to Yoongi with her arms folded across her chest. "But don't do anything stupid, you hear me? Don't make her lose a parent to idiocy, she's already almost lost you two. Too many times."

There was a tone to her voice that made Yoongi narrow his eyes for a second, trying to work out why she was telling him this. He hardly ever spoke to the young woman, why was she giving him parenting tips?

"Yongbok," Yoongi decided to just nod at the woman, rather than say anything before heading back into the hall. "Here a second... Now."

Felix quickly skipped after the man, only to be brought to a stop right outside the door, causing him to frown deeply.

"You stay here with her and Hoseok," Yoongi said, causing Felix to shake his head in panic. "You and Binna keep them here and, if it comes to it, you defend this room with your life. Do you understand me?"

"Hyung..."

"Do you understand me, Yongbok? That is my daughter in there, I need to know you understand. You know?" Yoongi repeated, using his very limited knowledge of the English language to get his point across loud and clear. "Felix, you know? Under... Under-understand? Me? Yes?"

Felix stood like a statue for a few seconds, blinking at the man dumbly before nodding his head. 

"Y-yes, sir," He finally nodded, causing Yoongi to pat his shoulder thankfully. "Understood."

That was good enough for the older man, who spun on his heel and disappeared down the corridor.

Felix just walked back into the little bedroom, chuckling nervously and rubbing the back of his neck when the three looked at him with wide, confused eyes.

"Hi."

-

Yoongi ran to the courtyard, well went as fast as he could, only to be greeted by the sight of the rest of the residents following the lead of Jackson and Chanyeol, grabbing their rifles, melee weapons and ammo.

He wasn't sure when the two became best friends, or when they both decided they were military-trained and competent enough to lead something as big as a raid defence... But he was just glad someone was doing something.

"Yoongi!" A voice shouted from a distance, bringing Yoongi out of his overpowering yet dull train of thought. He turned to face the source, being greeted by Jackson, who was suddenly standing next to him, shoving a pistol into one of his hands and a box of ammo in the other. "Here. We don't know who that is but I think you're gonna need it."

"Thank you," Yoongi replied bluntly, looking at the van that was still heading in their direction slowly. Almost as if the driver was taunting them.

"I guess we should go and find out, hmm?" Yoongi said, making a reckless start for the gate, causing Jackson to grab his wrist and glint his eyes at him.

"Where do you think you're going?" He questioned, not letting go despite the man clearly trying to make him vanish with his glare.

"I'm going down there..." Yoongi said, tugging his arm, trying to get the man to let him go. "There's no time Jackson, get off of me!"

"You aren't ready to even be out here. You think I'm putting my arse on the line when the others get back, letting you act like an idiot out here?"

"It's not gonna matter if we're all fucking dead," Yoongi spat, seeing the instant change of expression on the man in front of him. "Is it?"

With a frustrated sigh, Jackson released his grip and ran to the gate and Yoongi followed, stumbling alongside.

"No! No!" Chanyeol's strong voice shouted at everyone, making them all freeze on the spot as the sound of the engine grew nearer. "Get back! Now!" 

Some ran back, some covered their head, and some simply yelled in shock.

Yoongi just stood, awe-stricken as the van kept coming forward without mercy.

 His wide eyes remained focused on the hooded driver, seeing how he swung the door open and barrel rolled out onto the grass, leaving the van to murder the big gates surrounding the community.

The sound of metal grating along concrete was painful, deafening but Yoongi didn't have a chance to find out what had happened.

He fell back, tumbling onto the ground only to find Jackson was the one who yanked him away, making him lose sight of the warrior disappearing like a shadow and leaving them with the mess he had just caused.

Dust clouded around them, creating a fog-like appearance in the outside area.

"What did I say?!" Jackson yelled, hitting the man's shoulder as he moved back, no longer willing to cover his arse. "Whatever man... Is everyone else alright?"

"Is anyone injured?" Chanyeol called out to the rest of the community, receiving a lot of varied responses. 

"Oh... Jesus.." Yoongi gasped as he stepped a little closer, through the dust to assess the broken gate. If it wasn't fixed then the dead could waltz right in and that was something the weakened community couldn't handle.

His attention turned to the van, that everyone was gathering around, weapons aimed at it ready for what could possibly be harboured in there.

Yoongi had seen this before, back at the hospital.

Well....

Some of it. 

That time though, he, unfortunately, was on the colliding side of the gate.

As he stepped closer, he felt an urge of distrust to make sure the van was empty...

"Seriously?" Yoongi asked sharply, annoyed that Jackson had grabbed his wrist again.

"What did I just say?" Jackson scoffed, shaking his head. "Stay back. Let us handle this."

Yoongi just huffed, kicking the ground as Jackson went forward, approaching the van with Chanyeol.

The two men nodded at each other, raising heavy rifles and aiming them at the back door of the van.

"On my signal," Chanyeol said as everyone else held their breath. Jackson just nodded and reached for the door handle. "Three..."

Yoongi watched in torturous, familiar anticipation. 

"Two..."

Jackson's hand grabbed the handle tightly. 

"One."

The handle slowly turned, and the sound of the latch clicking had Yoongi holding his gun up, cocking it.

"Now!" 

Jackson swung the door open, his gun raised again as he quick-stepped back but...

The van was empty. Devoid of life, death, traps. There was just nothing.

"Bastards just wasted a van," Jackson frowned, letting his gun drop as he turned to Chanyeol. "What the fuck was the point?"

"To make us vulnerable," Yoongi murmured, clearing his throat before looking at the men. "Gate's down,  it's what happened remember? Baekhyun at the hospital."

"They're weakening our defences."

Nayeon peered out of the bedroom window, watching on as she saw the men inspect the random, very big van.

Her appa looked scared, sad... It made her sad. 

 Her doe-like eyes darted around the courtyard until they followed up the road.

As she looked around, her simple curiosity died. A piercing scream left her mouth.

She was immediately scooped up into Felix's arms as she covered her watery eyes.

The teen boy took one, quick look out the window, and his face paled instantly as he threw the curtains shut and backed into the middle of the room.

"What's going on?" Binna asked, worry in her voice as the child started crying loudly.

"Appa!" Nayeon screamed, wriggling to get out of the boy's arms. "The monsters will get him!"

"Yongbok, bring her here," Felix heard a quiet sigh, making him turn with a frown, though he grimaced every time the child yelled in his ear "Before you drop her. Here, come on."

Felix sighed as he gave in, carefully lowering the girl to the floor before she jumped out of his arms.

"Jagi, could you get me a mask?" Hoseok asked Binna, silently but gently telling Nayeon to wait before jumping up to hug him. 

"You shouldn't," Binna said softly but gave a small smile and handed the man a mask. He heard the disappointed tone and felt it within himself as well.

Nonetheless, he put the mask on and beckoned the little girl over. He was cautious, not to get too close, giving the child a loose hug just to calm her fears before shuffling back on the bed.

"Appa will be alright, sweetie," The man said as Nayeon sniffled, his voice still croaky as he gently patted the girl's shoulder. "Come on, now. He's one of the strongest, bravest, smartest men I know. Don't you worry about him, now. There's no need. The monsters don't stand a chance against Min Yoongi."

-

Yoongi swung his head around, squinting over to the bedroom window, just to see the curtains being thrown shut. However, hearing his baby girl scream was currently the least of his worries. Especially when a new sound started to fill the air.

"It must have been the van," Chanyeol said, basically rephrasing what Yoongi was trying to say before as noise filled the air. The sounds of something wicked and inhuman. "It must have drawn the dead!"

"Everyone get ready to fight!" Jackson instructed as the sounds got closer, growling and hissing, the stench of death closing in on them. 

Everyone assumed positions but Yoongi was confused. Usually, if the dead were heading near, they'd be there already. They usually run at the living, ready to attack with all they had. 

Usually.

Why was time suddenly moving so slowly?

Stepping a little closer to the road, he peered down but suddenly felt his throat close as bile rose. 

In front of him, leading the dead...

There was a face.

A face he wasn't ready to see again... 

Ever again.

A face that brought up possibly worse memories than the name Lee Taemin...

Kim Mingyu was walking right towards him, just a few paces in front of the largest horde the men had ever seen.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me..."

Not pausing for a second, Mingyu simply raised his arms, a dark smirk bending his lips as the bright spark of gold showed beneath his hood. 

In a flash, his arms lowered, leaving the people of Hwaesa in awe as he vanished behind the dead, who charged forward at his command.

"What the fuck is this guy's deal?" Jackson scoffed, shaking his head in shock as Yoongi grabbed his arm and dragged him back as the dead charged at them. "Binna can't do that!"

"Neither can Jimin," Yoongi said, still pulling the man backwards, gesturing for the other residents to fall back as well. "Something's not right. Let's get back, come on!"

Instead of backing away though, Jackson just started shooting, leaving Yoongi to his own devices as he ran to cover other men. As he said, he wasn't covering his arse anymore.

"Shit," Yoongi mumbled, fumbling with his gun, making sure it was loaded. However, the increasing volume from the dead made his head spin, his hands shake, and his breathing falter. 

The pistol clattered to the ground as the man shook his head, trying to make everything stop spinning around him. Dizziness made bile rise in his throat once again and his legs grew unsteady.

It didn't take long for one of the vile-smelling creatures to grab him, forcing him to the ground as he tripped, losing his balance and his glasses as the dead one flailed at him.

"Ah, you fucker!" Yoongi grumbled, pushing against the dead that was on top of him, squinting through the blurriness, grimacing at the ringing in his ears. "Get the fuck... Ugh!"

As he struggled and pushed, squirming away from the snapping jaws by his face, he was left to splutter as a waterfall of warm blood splashed all over him, practically waterboarding him until the corpse was dragged away.

"Off your arse, sugar," A strong yet calm voice filled Yoongi's ears, overpowering the ringing and bringing him back to his senses enough to wipe his face as much as possible. 

Searching with outstretched arms and finding his glasses, he felt them being placed into his hands so he put them back on and squinted through the now broken lenses. To his surprise though, in front of him was a small hand. Hwang Dambi stood there, waiting for him to accept the help.

"What are you doing out here?" Yoongi asked as she threw down the random piece of tree she had used to bash in the creature's skull; a little dazed and still nauseated by the feeling of the blood sticking to him, but the woman just chuckled and curled her fingers.

"Earning my keep... You shouldn't be out here, from what I've been told," She said when he finally grabbed her hand, helping him off the ground. Swiftly slipping her arm around his waist, she managed to keep the man on his feet. "Come on. We've gotta get out of here... What way-"

Before she could finish and Yoongi could answer - the familiar hum of the old engine in Jeonghan's Mustang zoomed past. 

"Just go!" Yoongi yelled to Dambi, seeing how the car circled to a stop, his brother being the first to jump out and start fighting alongside Jeonghan. "Go, help with holding back the dead. I need to help them!"

Seokjin was so lost in simply defending himself from the dead, taking down creature by creature, that he was jolted back into reality when something grabbed his wrist, dragging him backwards. He didn't even have time to comprehend the fact that someone had just hit him in the face, stunning him completely, causing him to stumble and lose his balance for a moment.

In less than a second the dead had swarmed him once again, but Seokjin couldn't work it out...

They weren't attacking, just standing, holding him hostage for something... Worse.

A short whistle made the snarling stop, but Seokjin clenched his eyes tightly shut, expecting to be ripped apart but he wasn't. 

The dead just moved back, creating a path as a tall shadow of a man walked closer.

The dead had never backed down from a target before but Kim Mingyu had just controlled them with a click of his fingers. 

"Now, now... I want you to myself," The hooded warrior laughed, cracking his knuckles and stalking up to the bewildered man, his aura blacker than night as he pounced.

The man let out a shockingly loud yell as he was tackled to the ground, falling onto his back and hitting the concrete harshly; pushing against the warrior but Mingyu's teeth only sunk further into his shoulder as he tried to escape, the fact alone shaking him to his core.

"What the hell are you?!" Seokjin exclaimed, face contorting in agony as his skin was torn under his shirt but Mingyu finally let go, being roughly yanked away from the man by a set of very angry hands.

"Yah!" Yoongi called, turning Mingyu around and giving him a swift shove, sending him falling back.

"Oh-ho, You... Bastard" Mingyu chuckled as he looked at the man. He pushed himself up, watching with amused and interested eyes as the man tried to stand in a defensive position, but failed to keep his balance, stumbling all over the place. "Struggling to stand?"

Yoongi didn't entertain him with an answer, stepping forward while raising his fist but Mingyu just scoffed, ducking at the attempt and throwing a punch in the weaker man's direction, directly to his gut. 

The man retched hard, keeling over as the warrior kicked the back of his legs, making him fall down onto his knees. A distinct screech of pain escaped his gritted teeth as a fist tangled in his hair, yanking his head back with such force it made his neck burn.

"Fucker!" He spat, straining as the warrior overpowered him completely, the corners of his vision turning black as he used all his strength to fight back. 

It was only when Mingyu was yanked back, releasing Yoongi from his grip, that the man managed to take in a breath. 

Yoongi felt someone's hands on his face, but they felt gentle unlike Mingyu's. Soft, tending to him, carefully cupping the back of his head... But only for a second.

After a moment, he was left, trying to recover by himself.

"You dare fucking touch him!" Jeonghan screamed, shoving Mingyu back onto the ground, giving Yoongi the chance to dash away to get assistance, "You ever...!"

"Oh, how the mighty have fallen," Mingyu scoffed as he pushed himself up, brushing himself off and wiping Seokjin's blood from his lips. "I'm disappointed in you, Doctor Yoon."

"Oh, bite me!" Jeonghan spat but that just caused Mingyu to let out a dark chuckle, his golden eyes jutting over to where Seokjin had caught up with Yoongi. "What the fuck have you done to yourself, Kim? What the hell is all this shit?"

"Evolution."

"You're playing God!" Jeonghan scoffed, staring the man in the eye as they circled each other like prey.

"It's just natural selection at this point," The warrior scoffed, shaking his head, his bloodstained teeth baring when the doctor just stared at him, dumbfounded.

"There's nothing natural about what you've done," Jeonghan said, his voice falling flat. "About what you've done to yourself, to others... This isn't right, Mingyu!"

"Yet, you used to be on board," Mingyu pointed out sharply. "Working alongside us. Yet, you just walked away. Did you ever get anything from that, hmm? Or was it just another wasted effort, Hanah?"

"I worked with you when I thought you were looking for a cure!" Jeonghan shook his head, feeling utterly devastated that it was ever thought he was on Mingyu's side. "I wanted to help people. That's why I left, to help with the hurt and pain that you caused!"

"You left because you didn't have Jihoonah there to back you and cover up every little mistake," Mingyu corrected him, making his offended jaw clamp shut. "You left as a favour to your dick, nothing else. Though, I still can't see that you got anywhere. Chasing after a married man, for Christ's sake. It's just like Jihoon all over again... You're never fucking wanted are you, Hanah?"

"Hyung?" Yoongi stumbled over to his brother, taking one look at his bloodstained shirt and was seething once again.

"I'm okay," Seokjin shook his head, seeing the panic and dread fill the man's eyes like tears, holding his hands out to him. Tilting the man's head to see if he was badly hurt, he sighed, wiping away some of the dried blood before giving him a hug. A Seokjin hug. "I'm fine, Yoongi. Seriously, don't worry."

"But what... What if...?" Yoongi stuttered, awful thoughts filling his head. Memories of others who turned from something as simple as a bite. Memories of Jungkook. "Hyung, what if you...?"

"I'm not worried," Seokjin shook his head and stepped back, hissing as he pushed down and put pressure on his shoulder, causing Yoongi to glare grimly at him. "I'm not, Yoongiyah. I've seen you and Jimin share enough saliva to drown out a swimming pool. I don't think this thing can be spread that way, do you?"

"Hyung..." Yoongi sniffed, still unsteady as he took his hyung's hand, but was forced to turn around when he heard someone yelling.

Someone who he had never heard raise his voice before.

"Poor, sad Doctor Hanah," Mingyu taunted, making the doctor's cheeks burn as his teeth gritted to a breaking point. "That heart's always chasing after someone you can't have... Isn't it? Always pining for the ones who will never love you back."

"It wasn't like that with Jihoon!" Jeonghan shouted, frozen on the spot with... What?

Embarrassment?

Shame?

Guilt?

"What about Aecha?" Mingyu sneered as he stepped closer, getting way too far under the man's skin, making him itch and burn and squirm uncomfortably. "Or Minsoo? So much love to give and yet no one seems to want it... I wonder why, Uisa seonsaengnim."

As Jeonghan tried to fathom what had just been thrown at him, he didn't realise how the warrior had stalked up to him. Nor did he have the space in his mind to shield himself from the punch thrown in his direction, knocking him to the ground.

"You'll always just be the help, Hanah!" Mingyu's voice bounced around the doctor's head like an echo screaming all his worst fears at him. "Just an instrument to be toyed with... That's all these men want, that's all Yoongi wants. You think you'll ever be anything more?"

A kick landed swiftly on his back, making him try and curl away from him.

"Anything..."

Another kick.

"More than...."

Another blow.

"Nothing?!"

Crouching down, Mingyu started into the doctor's watery eyes, smirking with a sense of accomplishment that was dripping out of every pore.

"Nothing but spit on their shoe."

Jeonghan just laid there, emotionally numb but with physical pain searing all over his body. 

His mind trying to tell him that it was all lies. That someone out there, somewhere, who did need him. Want him. Love him... 

But then again... Maybe Mingyu was right.

The warrior circled the man like a vulture, disgusted at the weak picture of someone he once thought to be strong... 

The man lying before him curled up, trying to hide himself. Seems it was all just attitude in the end.

"Pathetic."

Mingu raised his foot up, one swift stomp and he could wash his hands clean of the embarrassment.

But a shot rang out.

A sound that caused silence to fall over the worn battlefield as the remaining dead were taken down. 

Jeonghan flinched as the man fell away with a yell, even more so at the large yet cold hand landing firmly on his shivering, trembling shoulder.

"You're wrong," Min Yoongi's strong, though faint voice came. The man's clear exhaustion was evident, though not being allowed to take over until he got out a closing statement. Mingyu just writhed, fighting himself to get up, though was quickly losing blood from the new wound on his abdomen, created by the man's sharp shooting. "Kim Mingyu, you could never be more wrong. This is a family. Jeonghan is part of that family. He always will be loved here. 

 You just don't see it because you don't know how that feels. The only pathetic one here is you. A waste of a man with nothing, filling the gap in his life with a delusion of being better than everyone. You're not better than everyone, you're not better than anyone... Accept it."

Silence fell once more and the warrior stopped fighting. Giving in, accepting it.

Everyone just stared, breathless and worn out, in awe as Yoongi knelt beside the doctor again, letting his head hang low.

"Save him," Yoongi said, patting Jeonghan's shoulder softly, giving him a small nod when he peeped up from his fetal position. "It doesn't get to be that easy, for any of us. He needs to pay, but not this way."

Pushing himself off the ground, Yoongi stumbled away, only for his wrist to be caught in his brother's large hand. 

Seokjin knew the younger was done now, drained completely. He couldn't just let him walk away after something like that.

"Take a breath," He said lowly, holding his arm around his brother's shoulders, pulling him close to his side as his legs finally grew weak again, causing him to stumble. "You did good, just... Breathe."

"Let's finish this!" Jackson yelled as Yoongi just nodded at his hyung, deciding to take over since the leading voice was starting to fade. "Clear it all up. Let's dispose of these bastards."

With those words, the crowd dissipated, leaving the small ground to watch as Jeonghan reluctantly crawled over to the warrior, getting to work quicker than any of them expected him to.

"It's done," Jackson nodded, looking at the men, letting out a worn-out sigh. "We just need to finish it now."

"Yeah," Jeonghan said tiredly, shaking his head as he glared down at Mingyu's limp body, moving one hand to press his fingers to the bastard's pulse point, sure the adequate pulsation made him feel sick. "I think that's more than enough for one day. This was productive, but let's wrap it up... Please."

"Hey, Yoongs? Yoongi," Seokjin frowned, holding the man firmer as he swayed and fell, catching him before he hit the ground and gently lowering him down instead. Fanning his brother with his hand, he just sighed when he got no reaction, looking over to the doctor. "Time to go inside..."

"Welcome back," Yoongi woke to the familiar voice of the doctor, causing his sudden onset of panic to simmer for a moment. Jeonghan sat on the edge of the bed Yoongi had previously spent weeks in, with a soft smile as the man squinted his eyes open, carefully taking his hand and holding his fingertips to his wrist. "Thought you were thinking of checking out, for a moment there. Though, after all that, I think we all could have done with a two-day nap..."

Jeonghan found himself shocked though, as he was pulled forward. 

The man's arms clutched around his torso, only tightening with every passing second. With a quiet sigh, he gently placed his hand over the back of the man's head, holding him against his shoulder as his other arm wrapped around him in a secure hug.

"It's all over, Yoongs," The doctor sighed, feeling the man's shoulders tremble. Turning, he pressed his nose against the younger's hair, hugging him tighter as he took a sharp breath. "It's over now... It's done."

"Is he...?"

"Jackson and Jongdae are watching him like a hawk," The doctor said, clicking his tongue when the man didn't ease up, so he just continued to hold him safe. "I kept him stable as you asked... But there's no way he can get up and hurt anyone. All the others are dead."

"I... Just..."

"You need someone who can comfort you properly, Yoongs," Jeonghan said quietly, though still made no movement until the younger was ready. "Let me go and I'll find someone else." 

"Jin hyung?"

"I'll get him," Jeonghan nodded, smiling a little. "He's fine. There's no change. Mingyu can't infect anyone, so we've learned, though it was interesting that he tried... I've put Jinnie on some antibiotics anyway but, he'll be fine. Shall I go and get him?"

"Where's Nayeonah?" Yoongi shuddered, causing the doctor to let out a deep breath and close his eyes, knowing he was trapped in that hug until Yoongi said so. "Jeonghan... Is she...?"

"Jiyongnim's with her," Jeonghan said with a soft nod, though the man caught the change of tone in his voice. "It seems he took over from Felix when he found out they were with Hoseok... I guess it was too much responsibility for the kid. Not that that's your fault, mind you. Jiyongnim said he was freaking out for a while... But Kimchi? She's got the sniffles and she's a little bit warm, but that's all. He's keeping an eye on her. This kind of virus spreads quickly, but it hasn't hit her as hard as I thought it would. Don't worry. We've got medicine now."

"You're gonna look after her," Yoongi gave a small nod, making the request a firm statement that Jeonghan lightly chuckled at. It was the same request Jimin made for his husband before he went home.

"Of course, I am," The doctor nodded, finally giving the man a little push, making him move back. "Now, rest. I'm gonna go and get your brother. He'll be better company while I try and find you some new glasses. Those ones are more fucked than a Playboy Blondie. You can't wear them anymore." 

"Thank you, hyung," Yoongi almost whispered as he laid back down on his pillow, making the doctor pause in the doorway and turn back with a small smile.

"Well, you said it, Yoongs," Jeonghan sighed, looking at the man with a warm smile but saddened eyes. "We're family, right?"

"Jeonghan hyung?" Yoongi called the man back just before he could leave. "Are you okay?"

"Apart from being psychologically raped sideways with the backwards bargepole that is Kim Mingyu?" Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, though his lips softened into a small smirk. A convincing one, one he had mastered over his lifetime. "I got used to his torment a long time ago. I'm alright. I'm always alright."

"Don't ever get used to it," Yoongi shook his head, closing his eyes with a sigh. "That means you've let him win. Don't accept it."

Chapter Text

Day Of The Outbreak...

" Another day, another life saved," Yoon Jeonghan beamed as he skipped down the hallway of the hospital, where he had been working his way up for the past ten years. "I hope you were all paying attention in there. Watching miracles happen right before your eyes is not something you can see every day."

"Don't go getting cocky, Doctor Yoon," The chief of surgery said as he stopped the surgeon in his tracks, only just catching what he was telling his students. There was a small glint in his eyes telling Jeonghan that he wasn't really joking, having spent the entirety of the day shift having to listen to the doctor bragging about his successes to everyone he walked past and getting rather sick of it now. "That's how mistakes are made. You may be one of the best now, but one day you're going to seriously screw up and God forbid, you actually kill someone. Maybe start acting like a professional before you or one of your students end up in a courtroom."

Jeonghan fell silent as the Chief reprimanded him so loudly, the group of residents behind him looking at one another with shocked murmurs.

The doctor just inhaled sharply before exhaling calmly.

"Maybe..." Jeonghan nodded, clicking his tongue as he sighed in thought. "It's not like my paycheck would cover all their arses. Right, Hangyeolnim?"

The Chief's face grew red with frustration, like a wrinkled, old cherry; though he was used to the attitude of the man he had tutored since he was an irritating, hyperactive first year.

"Thin ice, Yoon. You're on very thin ice," He said bitterly after a moment, turning and walking away, shaking his head.

Jeonghan just scoffed as he turned back to his little group of residents.

"What?"

"Why would you do that?" One of the man's students asked, gobsmacked by the surgeon's attitude. "That was the Chief! You can't talk to him like that..."

"Calm down," Jeonghan chuckled lightly, waving his fingers playfully while wiggling his eyebrows. "Hundred-million-won hands... Now, go. There's a trauma in the ER, the first one there gets to scrub in. Go! Go! Go!"

As the residents scurried off, Jeonghan chuckled and strolled away. Only to be quickly interrupted by a buzzing in his pocket, however. At first, he reached in, expecting his pager to be going off, but instead, his phone was ringing.

Rather than letting his eyes see the caller ID, he took advantage of not being called somewhere for a few seconds and answered quickly.

"Doctor Yoon speaking," He said, all chirpy like usual.

"Could.. you come home please?" A weary, youthful voice on the other side said, taking him aback with how shaky it sounded.

"Whose this?" Jeonghan asked with a frown before checking the caller ID.

The name and number belonged to his younger brother.

"Oh shit. Hi, buddy," He chuckled. "I'm not meant to be answering. What's going on?"

"Please... Can you come home?" Jihan asked again, sounding more fearful.

"Um... Well... I'm at work, kiddo. I can come over for dinner later if Eomma wants. Has she made her G imbap?" Jeonghan chuckled again, though with a hint of nervousness that came from hearing his brother's trembling voice.

"Please, hyung... Eomma isn't feeling well."

Jeonghan's playful persona dimmed down, his brow furrowing as he pulled his phone back to check the time. It had just gone five in the afternoon.

"Not well?" He asked with concern in his tone."She was fine when I called her, this morning. What's wrong?"

"We... We went to Tongin Market... A-and this... Th-this lunatic pounced on me. Eomma managed to pull him off but..." Jihan's speech started to slur, quiet hiccups breaking up with words.

"Woah, woah, hey," Jeonghan cut off the teen's mumbling, making him gasp and fall silent. "Take a breath, kiddo. Were either of you hurt? Have you called the police?"

"N-no, eomma wouldn't let me," The boy said, causing the doctor to sigh. Of course, their mother was being as stubborn as always. "I think he hurt her though. She went to bed when we got home, she's too quiet, hyung... Hyung..."

"She's probably just in shock, Hannie," Jeonghan tried to be reassuring but wasn't quite getting through to his panicked dongsaeng. "You too. Could you just put eomma on the phone? I'll talk to her but I gotta be quick." 

Jeonghan could hear rushed scurrying and rustling on the other end of the phone, only having to wait a few minutes or so before his brother's voice came back.

He could hear Jihan tearing up as he tried to get his eomma's attention, and anticipation started to bubble in his gut.

"Jihan?"

There was no response. 

Just indecipherable murmurs on the line, causing him to pace the hall as he forced himself to wait nervously.

"Jihanah, talk to me," The doctor finally snapped a little, causing staff from the nurses' station to shoot him odd looks. He just gave an awkward wave before hurriedly heading down the other end of the hall. "Kid, just pick the phone back up. Jesus Christ."

"Hyung! Eomma won't wake up! I tried shaking her, but she won't wake!" Jihan tearfully yelled down the phone, causing the doctor to wince at the rise in volume. "Hyung, what do I do?"

"Okay, I need you to tell me, is her breathing okay? You should be able to hear her," Jeonghan asked, his free hand fidgeting with his pager, which surprisingly hadn't gone off yet. " Is eomma burning up?"

"It's really, r-really loud, it's worse than before," Jihan spoke after a moment. "Hyung, I don't think she can breathe. She's really hot now!"

"Damnit, Jihan," Jeonghan sighed, running a hand down his face as he tried to think of what to do. "You should have called an ambulance!"

"I tried!" The teen shouted at him, making him jump. "Eight times! The lines are jammed! That's why I called you, hyung!"

"Right, I'm gonna hang up," Jeonghan said, feet tapping nervously. "You're gonna keep calling an ambulance, don't stop trying until you get through, okay?"

"Are you coming home?"

"Yeah," Jeonghan nodded, letting out a long, heavy breath. "Yeah, I'll figure something out. Just stay with eomma and don't stop calling, Jihan. Understand?"

"Okay, hyung," The boy responded after a moment, hiccuping sharply. "Just hurry."

Jeonghan just nodded again to himself, hanging up the call and looking around, looking for someone who would cover his arse while he ditched his shift.

"Ganhosanim!" Jeonghan called as a woman passed him, reaching out to get her attention but not grabbing her. "Can you do me a favour?"

"Yes, Uisa seonsaengnim?" The older nurse, with greying hair and petite wrinkled features, asked, pausing to give the man a moment of her very limited time. 

Jeonghan was liked around the hospital, having been there so long. His bubbly personality and eccentricities always had the nurses' station laughing, so Nurse Park was worried to see him looking so flustered.

"What's wrong, Jeonghanah?" She asked, worry overpowering professionalism when the doctor started flipping his phone in his hand repetitively. "You asked for my help, tell me how to."

"Could you please ask Seo Hangyeolnim to sign me off for the rest of the night?" Jeonghan asked, looking up at the nurse, silently pleading with her to convince the chief for him. "I need to go home. It's my eomma... She's... And my brother's panicking, I need to..."

"Family emergency?" Nurse Park asked with a sympathetic smile, causing the man to nod. With a soft sigh, she just patted the doctor's shoulder. "I'll talk to him for you. Just expect a call for an explanation later, okay?"

"Thank you, thank you, Ganhosanim, thank you," Jeonghan took the woman's hand, shaking it as he bent into a deep bow, before letting go and dashing off down the corridor. 

"What is it this time?" The Chief asked as he walked up behind the nurse, watching as the young surgeon ran, almost knocking a few people over in the process.

"Family emergency," Nurse Park sighed with a warm smile. "Give the boy a break, Hangyeolnim. He's good at what he does and will be the one running for Chief, one day. He just needs gentle reminders to stay focused sometimes, to keep him on the right path. Give him tonight and reprimand him in the morning. Just don't be too harsh."

Jeonghan sped out of the car park in his old Mustang, passed on from his late father. Flooring it out of the hospital grounds, he narrowly avoided a few collisions but was shocked at just how jam-packed the roads were.

"What the fuck is wrong with all of you crackheads?" He yelled, smacking his steering wheel as he finally managed to get moving again. However, as he shot up the road, it was only behind him that he caught the luminous rims of the police car he had sped past. "Oh, fuck... Shit. Idiot, Yoon, fucking idiot... No, don't follow me... Can't stop, won't stop. Just ticket me later."

He squirmed and fished his phone out of his pocket, despite driving like a maniac, fiddling until he found his call log, dialling the most recent number. He had already broken one road law, what's one more?

"Hyung?" Jihan's voice answered the call almost immediately but cut out almost just as quickly. "Sorry... Tried... Phones are bad... Home?"

"Yeah, I'm on my way, buddy," Jeonghan said, eyes locked on the road but was almost side-swept by another racing vehicle. "Arsehole! ...Jihan, I'm stuck in sodding traffic but I'm on my way. Just talk to me. Is eomma okay?"

"She's just laying there..." Jihan's shock overrode his tears, he was starting to struggle for breath. Jeonghan was sure he had never heard the kid sound so distressed.

"I'm almost there! Just give me a couple more minutes... Oh, balls!" 

Jeonghan swerved his car as an ambulance soared past, causing him to almost spin off the road. Luckily, he quickly regained control but had to drop his mobile in the process.

"Well... Almost died," The doctor scoffed, shaking his head as he let out a long breath. He wasn't even sure where his phone was now, so he just whizzed down the road, refusing to be cut off again. 

It took another twenty minutes before Jeonghan managed to get to his eomma's house, which should have only been ten minutes away. Driving up onto the driveway, not parking properly but not caring either, he hopped out of the vehicle and ran up to the front door.

"Jihan!" He called, quickly glancing at the front window, expecting Jihan to be waiting but only seeing an empty living room.

"Jihanah? Eomma?" He shouted into the seemingly empty house, leaving the door open behind him and he headed towards the stairs.

"Hyung!" A scream came from the master bedroom. It didn't seem like it was calling for attention though. Not with how fearful it sounded. "Help me!"

Jeonghan raced up the stairs at the sound of his brother's pleas, running into the bedroom only to be met with a sight that made him feel sick and outraged at the same time.

His mother had pounced on his teen brother, making inhuman noises as her snapping jaw inched closer, drooling and snarling in the boy's face. 

"What the fuck?!"

Without hesitation, he grabbed the woman's wrists, fighting to get her away from his maknae. Managing to get a firm grip, he had no choice but to throw his mother to the ground as his brother ran out of the room. 

"Eomma, it's me!" Jeonghan exclaimed as his mother lunged at him, instantly turning her unexplained rage in his direction. "It's Jeonghan! What is going on?"

Pushing away, he got a glimpse of the woman and he just didn't recognise her anymore.

Her once warm brown eyes were now bloodshot and cloudy, a murky gold shade that just seemed sinister in his eyes. Her breathing was erratic, snarling and spitting like a rabid dog as she tried to rip her son apart with her teeth.

"Jihan, outside!" He yelled to his brother, shoving the woman back and running to the door, having to slam it as she charged at them both. Everything about the situation felt so wrong, so sickening, but his educated mind was trying to throw logical reasons at him. Explanations that just didn't sit right within his gut. "It's... It's gotta be... Get outside now!"

"Eomma!"

"Get out, Jihan!" Jeonghan shouted, grabbing his brother's arm and dragging him out of the house, just as the bedroom door slammed open and the snarling behind them grew louder. "We can't help. Go, I'll call the police. Go!"

"But..."

"Go! Get to the car, now!"

Jeonghan slammed the front door shut, shoving his brother towards his car without another thought, jumping into the driver's seat.

"E-eomma," Jihan stuttered, having trouble catching his breath as he hopped in the passenger seat, not having any time to shut the door as Jeonghan already had the engine on and was tearing away from the house. "We can't leave her like that, hyung! We have to help."

"I'm getting you somewhere first and I'll call the police," Jeonghan shook his head, shifting gears to go even faster. He had already been caught speeding, why care now?  "We can't help her like that. We'll go back to the hospital and sort things out from there. Are you hurt?"

"What's going on?!" The boy sobbed, tears streaming down his cheeks as sweat started to bead on his forehead, peering out the window as if he was expecting their mother to be chasing after them. "What's wrong with her?"

"I don't know, Jihan. I've never seen her like that but I don't think it was your fault. Did she hurt you?" Jeonghan asked again, really just wanting his brother to answer his question.

"S-she... She..." Jihan stuttered, almost as if he was unable to say anything as sweat started to drip off of him. "Hyung, she bit me. Eomma bit me!"

"What?!"

"My shoulder..." Jeonghan took his eyes off the road, just in time to see his brother pull his hand away from his shoulder, now covered in blood. "Hyung, it hurts."

"C-can you push down on it?" The doctor tried to instruct but wasn't able to do much when he had to swing around all the people who had seemingly forgotten how to drive. "I know it hurts, kiddo, but try to push on it. There's..."

Rummaging in the glove box, blindly, he managed to grab a rag and throw it to his brother.

"There. Use that," He said, guiding the boy's hand back to his shoulder. "Bite your tongue and push down, we're gonna go to the hospital. You just have to bear with me, this traffic is ridiculous."

"Hyung, look out!"

Jeonghan swerved the car harshly, causing the boy to heavily fall into the passenger door as a small convoy of police cars whizzed past them. 

"Fucking dildos!" He shouted, hitting the steering wheel. But that's when he saw, out of the corner of his eye, his brother didn't sit back up. "Jihannie, watch your neck, kiddie. Sit up, now."

Jihan remained motionless though, silent.  

"Hey, Hannie! Wake up," Jeonghan shook the boy's arm, looking away from the packed road for a second to see him groggily look up at him. "Hey, that's it. Stay with me, buddy. Wide awake, now. Just talk to hyung."

"Don't... Don't feel good," The teen boy murmured, taking in shaky gasps as he rolled the window down. "Hyung, think I'm gonna..."

"Out the window, kid," The doctor said, almost sternly. "Not all over my car."

"Slow du..." Jihan cut himself off, letting his head hang out the window as vomit erupted from his throat. "Slow down!"

"I can't," Jeonghan shook his head, having to stick to the flow of the traffic, though felt bad when the car lunged and jumped with each start and go. "We'll be there soon, just bear with me." 

Bearing with was all well and good but, once the doctor hit the main road, all vehicles hit a complete standstill. 

For hours. 

"Right, get out," Jeonghan finally lost his patience, not able to sit and stare at the clogged-up road for another second. "Jihannah?"

Giving the boy's arm a shake to wake him up, he sighed at how groggy his maknae was. 

"W-where we going?" The boy asked with a gritty voice, his throat drying up quickly.

"Come on, get out," The doctor said, taking his keys and opening his door. "An ambulance just passed, it couldn't have gotten far in this. I'll carry you to it, come on." 

"I-I-I can't..." The boy shook his head, but it only made him dizzy. Jeonghan jumped out of the vehicle to run around the other side, pulling the passenger door open just as the boy slumped over.

"Oh, woah, I gotcha," He said, grabbing the boy, holding him up before he fell out of the car. Jihan grabbed him, gripping on as he tried to scramble away. "Easy, kid. You're not ten years old anymore, gotta stand up. Help me out a little."

"H-hyung!" Jihan gasped, his breathing becoming heavy, scaring the doctor with how loud his throat was starting to rattle as he became worked up and hysterical. 

Jeonghan was shocked when he started to realise just how badly his brother was burning up. He could feel the heat in the boy's skin through his jacket, burning. It was a deadly developing fever and the doctor could tell just from contact. 

"Jesus."

The boy couldn't talk anymore, his throat was too raw. 

The only sounds coming out were muted coughs as his lungs spasmed. Jeonghan found himself grimacing, trying to hold his brother as sturdy as possible as he vomited all over him, blood splattering on his scrubs.

"Just let it out," He said, keeping the teen on his feet and holding him in a firm hug, though he kept his eyes scanning the road for any kind of help he could call on. "It's alright, just lean into me. Trust me, I've been covered in worse. Just let it out. When you're calm, I'm gonna peg down that ambulance, even if I have to pull my career card. You're gonna be just fine, kiddo..."

The man kept trying to comfort his brother but, the longer they stood there, the heavier the boy got.

"Jihan?" He asked, propping the boy up slightly, placing his fingers under his chin and lifting his head. 

Wiping the dark-coloured blood from his lips, Jeonghan found himself with the urge to vomit since he felt no sign of the kid breathing.

"No, no, Jihanah," Jeonghan mumbled to himself, panic rising in his chest as the boy's head fell limply backwards, just hanging. "Jihan! ...Help! Somebody help me!"

Screeching for assistance was no use... 

Not when everyone else on the road was experiencing their own crisis at the same time. 

Screaming and crying could be heard in every direction, the sound of nothing but pure devastation filling the cold, evening air as sirens sounded and helicopters flew overhead.

"Come on, you stupid, old bastard!" Jeonghan shouted at himself, forcing himself to think clearly while hugging his brother close to his chest. 

Jihan wasn't breathing anymore, he wasn't fighting back. 

J eonghan mentally cursed himself, why wasn't he acting appropriately? 

Why wasn't he helping? 

Why was he just standing there like an idiot? 

He was screaming for help, yelling his vocal cords raw, but why wasn't he helping? 

Why was he just letting his brother die in his arms? 

Jihan was dying...

No.

He was dead.

Was he?

"Jihannie?" Jeonghan frowned, blinking away hot tears as that breathy rattle entered his ears once more. His brother shuffled in his arms, making raspy noises as he lifted his head. "Hannie?"

Jeonghan gasped, shoving the teen away harshly when they locked eyes. 

Jihan's irises were murky, a dirty gold colour... Just like their eomma's. 

His jaw started snapping, mouth drooling as he growled, lunged, and attacked the man in front of him.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Jeonghan yelled, shoving the boy back repeatedly, but not really making any effort to stop his attempts at lunging. "Jihan, what the fuck? What is going on? Stop it!"

Jihan didn't stop though, he only got stronger until his older brother was practically wrestling him to avoid being bitten.

"Stop it!" Jeonghan shouted again, giving the boy another harsh shove.

But the sound that came next made the doctor retch, as the boy's head smacked against the corner of the car door. The crack was so loud, so distinctive, so... 

Horrific.

"No, no, no..." Jeonghan shook his head in horror as the boy crumbled to the ground, silent once again. Kneeling beside him, he pulled his brother's head to rest on his lap, but paled when he found his hands quickly covered in warm blood. "No... No, no, fuck... No! Fuck! Help! Somebody help me!"

He kept yelling and, though he had lost track of time as the sun disappeared completely and all the streetlights came on, someone finally answered his prayers.

"My name's Kwon Jiyong," The stranger rushed to introduce himself, crouching down, assessing what he could in the dim light. "What's yours? Hey, I'm medically trained. You need to tell me what happened."

"I-I killed him..." Jeonghan stuttered, his hands shaking as the man pulled his little brother away from him. "I killed my brother..."

"You're a med student?" The man asked as he looked at the man's soiled scrubs, but Jeonghan shook his head hard.

"Trauma surgeon," He said weakly, staring down at his brother, tears still unable to fall.

"Then you know there's nothing we can do, son," The man sighed, cautiously but firmly putting his hands under the doctor's shoulders, lifting him to his feet. "I don't know what's going on right now, but let's just make sure we don't end up in the same position."

𝓢𝓔𝓞𝓤𝓛

Eighteen Days Later...

"Alright, Kimchi," Jeonghan chuckled when Nayeon pouted dramatically at him, looking very sulky and fed up, indeed as he put his thermometer back in his pocket. "I'd say you're doing just fine. So, appa... Your turn?"

"Never call me that. And I don't think so," Yoongi shook his head, taking a seat on the bed next to the sleepy little girl, declining the doctor's offer for a health check. He offered, every single time he came to check on the child, and still got a resounding no each time. "As long as Nayeon's okay, you've done your job."

"You can keep being stubborn, but I'm gonna keep offering."

"Is there nothing more you can do for her?" Yoongi asked, ignoring the doctor as he focused on the little girl sulking beside him. He hated seeing his little girl seem so sad, in so much discomfort. "It's been weeks."

"I'm not a paediatrician, Yoongs," Jeonghan sighed, shaking his head a little and taking a seat at his desk. Yoongi just clicked his tongue, giving Nayeon a sympathetic smile as she curled by his side, pulling her blanket up to keep her warm as she nestled herself in the hood of the man's hoodie that she was wearing. "I can treat the symptoms but, like everyone else, we've just gotta ride it out. She's had medicine, she's drinking well and enjoyed her breakfast earlier... It's just your job to handle the rest. Be a father."

Yoongi was at a loss though, especially when Nayeon whined, yawned and held her arms out to him, in need of a hug. He truly didn't know what to do, how to help, or if he was going to make things worse for her. So, in the end, he just went with his gut.

"Oh, sleepy girl," He just cooed softly, lifting the child onto his lap, reaching over and grabbing her book off the nightstand. "Let's just try and read a few chapters, hmm? Where'd we get to?"

"Chapter seven," The girl mumbled, settling against the man as he cuddled her and started to flip through the short book.

"Wow, we're almost finished then," Yoongi let out a little chuckle, that made the girl giggle and give a tired nod. 

Adjusting his glasses, he leaned back and began to read as Nayeon cuddled up to his chest. 

He couldn't say he was happy to admit his vision was no better than the little, eighty-year-old woman who used to live on the second floor. He was just internally grateful Jongdae had let him inherit the glasses.

"You're a natural," Jeonghan said softly after a moment, causing the man's eyes to flicker to him for a moment before going back to the book. But he saw the small, proud smile that made Yoongi's lips curl, and that made him happy.

A while passed quietly, peacefully, comfortably. 

Everyone was calm and somewhat happy as the door knocked, opening slowly until Felix stepped in and bowed his head.

"I brought lunch," The boy said with a small smile, holding a tray with two bowls of plain rice and a new water bottle. "Didn't think you'd want much but Hyung told me to bring something."

"Thanks, Yongbokah," Yoongi thanked, flashing Jeonghan a glance, who just shrugged and leaned back into his chair. "Hey, Yongbokah. Do you think you could read to Nayeon for a bit?"

"Oh, yeah," The teen nodded with a shrug and a warm smile. "Sure. What're we reading?"

Yoongi handed him the book as he sat up, getting off the bed.

"Stay with Yongbokah, okay?" He said softly to the little girl, pressing a light kiss to her warm forehead, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I'm gonna go outside and talk to Jeonghan for a moment, but I'll be right back."

"Are you going to have one of those smelly things again?" Nayeon asked, pouting at the man, but he just chuckled at how quickly she had sussed him out. 

His box of cigarettes was most definitely burning a hole in his pocket, and that was definitely what he was going to step outside for.

"You're too clever for your own good, miss," He laughed gently as he tapped her nose, making her giggle. Shaking his head a little, he stood up and tucked her in with the blanket again. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Tell Yongbok if you get thirsty again, okay?"

"Okay, appa," Nayeon nodded, but just rolled over, hiding in her pillow. 

"Doc?" Yoongi raised an eyebrow at the man, receiving the same look in return as he gestured towards the door.

"I'm not gonna talk to you if you're puffing cancer," Jeonghan said as they stepped outside, already wearing his scolding expression Yoongi had become very familiar with.

"Yes, you are," Yoongi said, pulling the box out of his pocket, shutting the bedroom door so they could have some privacy and didn't disturb the two inside.

"At least go and wash your... Hands," Jeonghan was about to say, but Yoongi had already placed the cigarette between his lips, causing him to bite his tongue and clench his jaw. "I'm gonna stop helping you."

"You mean you're finally gonna get off my back," Yoongi rephrased bluntly, lighting the smoke as the doctor clicked his tongue. 

"I wanna know where you keep getting them," Jeonghan said, unable to keep the disappointment out of his voice. 

"Why would I give away my only source?" Yoongi asked with a raised eyebrow and a harsh scoff, letting out a puff of smoke. "Seriously... At least Jiminie has the decency to just be rude, get grumpy for twenty minutes and then drop it. You just go on and on and on. Let it go."

"Why are you even smoking?"

"Is Nayeon gonna be okay?" Yoongi answered with a question, causing the doctor to sigh, forcing him to drop the topic. 

"Yeah, she'll be fine... She's drinking well," Jeonghan said, folding his arms over his chest. "She's not dehydrated. That's the most important thing. Her temperature will go down when her body's ready, it's just fighting the virus still."

"Jimin had the flu when he was her age," Yoongi shook his head, taking another drag of smoke, but Jeonghan saw the way his hand shook. "The high temperature was what started his seizures. They didn't stop. What if...?"

"That's not what's going on, Yoongs," The doctor cut the man off, his tone now reassuring. "If this fever was going to be dangerous, it would have caused adverse effects weeks ago. It's nowhere near as high as it was and her energy levels are going up now. She's just grumpy and that's normal. This worry you're feeling, that panicky feeling... That's normal as well."

"It's not normal."

"Of course, it is," Jeonghan scoffed, not fazed by the man's glare. "It's just part of being a parent... Unless you're about to tell me something else is bothering you."

The younger man just shrugged, opening his mouth to speak before shaking his head with a second though, causing Jeonghan to sigh in understanding.

"It's okay to say you're scared, Yoongi. You can admit it, not push it onto something else."

"It's just, I... I almost..." Yoongi scoffed at himself, shaking his head at how pathetic he sounded, taking a drag of smoke as he kicked the ground before trying again with a stronger voice. "I could've died, Jeonghan."

"But you didn't. Mingyu's not an issue anymore and your health..."

"I could've died," Yoongi repeated, looking the doctor in the eye as he let out the smoke in his lungs. "I could've died, very fuckin' easily, and my husband wouldn't've ever known. My daughter would've been stuck here alone and... I could've died."

Jeonghan let out a sad-sounding sigh, shaking his head and looking down, causing Yoongi to frown.

"What?" He asked, but the doctor just clicked his tongue.

"Your language skills are impeccable."

"I'm going home, Jeonghan," Yoongi said, narrowing his eyes as his arms folded over his chest after stubbing out his cigarette and throwing it on the ground without a care. "I'm not waiting any longer, I can't. I have no idea what's even going on down there."

"You think you're ready?" Jeonghan asked, but only made Yoongi's stare turn into a harsh glare once again.

"Are you not listening to me?!" 

"Are you ready to tell Jimin that you're holding Mingyu prisoner?" Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, causing the man's jaw to fall open, trying to think up some response but failing. "That you didn't just... Kill the man that tortured him?"

"Jimin doesn't need to know either way," Yoongi shook his head, become more restless, taking another cigarette and lighting it without a thought.

"So, he just lives in fear of this man wandering around, able to pounce at any time?"

"What are you doing?" Yoongi asked sharply, staring the doctor in the eye. "Why are you trying to screw with me? What's the goal?"

"There's no goal," Jeonghan said with a sigh. "I'm just making sure you truly know what you're doing, Yoongi."

"Well, I don't," The younger shook his head, snapping. "I don't have a sodding clue! I just know I need to go home."

"Why the sudden urgency?" Jeonghan asked with a little frown. "We can't go anywhere until Hoseok's feeling better, anyway. You know that... Why do you have to be driving to Busan right now, this second?"

"Because!" Yoongi kicked the floor again, like a child on the verge of a tantrum, when his cigarette went out. Instead of lighting it again though, he just threw it somewhere beside them. "I keep thinking! I think something's..."

"What's with the shouting?" A voice came from the end of the hall, making the men look over.

"Hyung," Yoongi breathed a sigh of relief, forgetting what he was about to say, jogging over and pulling Seokjin into a hug. 

"Hey," Seokjin smiled, but clicked his tongue, shaking his head a little. "Aish."

Ever since the day of Mingyu's attack, Yoongi still hadn't forgotten what happened to his brother and he was sure he never would. However, due to his worries and paranoia being present even over two weeks later, Seokjin found the man almost acting clingy. 

Very out of character, very... Not Yoongi-like.  

"Jeonghanssi, when you were rattling around in his brain, are you sure you didn't break something?" Seokjin teased, pushing the man back after giving into the hug for a moment.

"Glad you're in a good mood," Yoongi grumbled, rolling his eyes. 

"We've cleared out the kitchen. Every order's been completed and everyone's got something," Seokjin nodded, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets. "Yongbokie's brought yours, right?"

"Yeah, he's in there with Nayeon."

"So, everyone's been fed?" Jeonghan asked, to which Seokjin simply nodded. "Good, that's one less thing to worry about. I think Jackson's taking a group out later, to restock supplies. I'm gonna go and try and talk to Baekhyun about something, but I'll be back later to check on Kimchi. Okay?"

"Are you gonna...?"

"Yeah, Yoongs," Jeonghan nodded, hearing the edge of the man's voice, knowing he was relying on him to get them home soon. But they couldn't go anywhere without deciding what they were going to do with Kim Mingyu. "We'll sort something out. Let me go and talk to the knob knocker and I'll catch you guys up, later."

"Alright," Seokjin nodded, giving a little wave as the doctor nodded, smiled awkwardly and left.

"Are you okay, hyung?" Yoongi asked as Jeonghan walked away, turning back and hugging his brother again, causing him to chuckle.

"Of course, I am... Come on, honey," Seokjin said, rubbing his hand up and down the man's back, letting out a deep breath. It was clear it was going to take Yoongi a long time to feel like himself again. "Come on, get off me, now. Nayeon's going to be missing you."

Yoongi rested his forehead against the man's shoulder, sighing at the warmth, before reluctantly letting go and nodding.

Though the bite healed, and no infection set in at all, the man's scarred skin remained hot to the touch. Similar to the heat in the scars that tarnished Jimin's body.

The horrific change sitting dormant, just below the surface of the skin.

-

Jackson tapped, tapped, tapped again but there was no answer from Binna and Hoseok's bedroom. He sighed, rolling his eyes as he reached for the handle. 

He had just been swapping places with Chanyeol, keeping an eye on Mingyu, when Binna had radioed him; she made such a specific lunch order that he had to cook it himself, which was not necessarily in his skillset. Yet, she wasn't answering the door now.

As he let himself in the small room, he sighed, realising why. 

Binna was curled up on the floor, against the bed, smiling softly with her head resting against the mattress and hand holding her boyfriend's as they both slept peacefully. 

"Hey," He whispered, stepping in and placing the bowl of steaming soup he was carrying on the nightstand, gently giving the girl's shoulder a shake. "Star? Hey." 

Binna's brow furrowed a little, but her eyelids fluttered open, revealing her sleepy, honey eyes.

"Jack?"

"Hey," Jackson chuckled softly, brushing the girl's hair back as she sat up and stretched, quickly wrapping herself up in her shawl due to the low temperature of the room. "I brought your soup... You tired?"

The girl just rubbed her eyes as she pushed herself up onto the edge of the bed, pouting a little as she sleepily looked around the room, causing Jackson to smirk in amusement.

"What time is it?" She asked, blinking before looking at the man.

"Ten minutes after you radioed," Jackson just laughed, patting the top of her head as she nodded groggily. "Don't let that get cold. I'll see you later."

"Jack?"

"Yeah?" The man paused in the doorway, sighing when he had to walk back over as the girl raised her arms, asking for a hug. "You're needy. Clingy. Annoying."

"I know," Binna just shrugged, happy when the man gave her a reluctant yet warm hug. "Thank you." 

"Get a grip, girl," Jackson scoffed, shaking his head as he headed back over to the door, but sent her a teasing smirk over his shoulder. 

"You're not annoying," A sleepy mumble came from behind Binna as the door closed, causing her to chuckle and turn to Hoseok.

"Thank you, jagi," She scoffed, knowing that she was most definitely annoying at times, but she was okay with that. She knew she never meant anything bad, even if others did find her irritating. 

"What's that smell?" Hoseok asked, rubbing his sore eyes, sitting himself up as she reached over for the bowl of soup.

"Chicken noodle," Binna said with an almost proud smile. "You should try to eat. You didn't, yesterday."

"I don't think that's a good idea," The man shook his head, the smell making him feel hungry but nauseated at the same time. 

"Just try," She tried to coax, taking a spoonful of soup and holding it up. "Please?"

Hoseok just stared at her blankly, raising an eyebrow.

"Too childish?" She asked, placing the spoon back into the bowl.

He nodded, but opened his mouth nonetheless, making the girl smile and go back to feeding him.

"Is it okay?" She asked, moving the spoon closer to him, allowing him to slurp the contents. "Not too hot?"

"It's nice," Hoseok smiled softly, nodding again.

"Good. Seokjinssi said it's your favourite," She smiled, retrieving another spoonful of soup.

"Mmh... This doesn't feel right, jagi," Hoseok groaned after the third spoon, shaking his head a little as his hand went to soothe his tummy which grumbled loudly. 

"Just go slowly, let it settle... At least you're looking better, got your colour back," Binna chuckled lightly, holding another spoonful up after a moment, smirking when he just slurped it with a pout, clearly hungry despite being worried, which was more than understandable. "Honestly. You looked like death."

"Yeah, because I felt like it," Hoseok sulked, though Binna could tell he was most definitely enjoying being pampered. That much could be told from the pink blush on his cheeks every time she refilled the spoon. "Thank you, jagi."

"Just remember, you owe me," The girl joked warmly, tucking the man's hair behind his ear and kissing his temple. "Big time, Hoseok who is someone." 

-

A knock on his office door had Baekhyun grumbling in annoyance, cursing as he told the guest to enter. A hand waved around the door, making him roll his eyes.

"Just come in, Yoon," He sighed, tapping the ash away from his cigarette as the doctor walked in with his hands in his pockets.

"Was that really that easy?" Jeonghan asked, sitting in the chair on the opposite side of the man's desk.

"You're the only idiot currently up and walking around," Baekhyun shrugged, taking a drag of his smoke and exhaling it in the doctor's direction, making him grimace. "Just a matter of deduction. What do you want?"

"What is it with you guys?" Jeonghan muttered, wafting the smoke away from his face with a wave of his hand, acting rather dramatic about it. "I came to check on you. I've been doing rounds."

"I'm fine," Baekhyun said, though he was admittedly still not feeling great. He had only just gotten back into his office, that day, and already felt overwhelmed and exhausted. "What do you actually want?"

"Yoongi wants to leave," Jeonghan sighed, deciding not to beat around the bush, considering the mood the boss was in. Over the weeks, after everything that happened, Baekhyun had been remarkably civil and helpful, but that didn't mean he wasn't still an arsehole. "But I can't let them go anywhere until we're certain they'd be safe."

"What's this... What's this got to do with me?" Baekhyun frowned, coughing as he tapped his cigarette again.

"If the group leaves, I leave," Jeonghan said. "A few others as well, I'm sure. So what happens with our favourite Josef Mengele wannabe, in the garage?"

"I thought Jackson was dealing with that," Baekhyun said, tilting his head as the doctor shrugged.

"He's keeping guard with Jongdae. But what happens, long-term?"

"Why do you care?" Baekhyun scoffed. "Just kill the bastard... Oh, wait..."

"Yoongi doesn't want him dead," Jeonghan shook his head, knowing deep down that he agreed with the boss but he also knew that they all had to be on the same page.

"Then why the hell come here and ask me?" Baekhyun asked, having already expected his opinion to be ignored either way. "You guys seem to like doing whatever you want anyway... I don't have the strength or the fucks to give you any more. Do what you like."

"You know we can't just kill him," Jeonghan sighed, rolling his eyes a little when the man started choking on the smoke he was forcing himself to inhale. "You... You know there are better ways to deal with things. You don't have to act like Taemin this time..."

"Thin Ice, Yoon," Baekhyun said with a pointed finger and sharp eyes, still coughing a little as he tried to calm down. "Very thin fucking ice."

"Yeah," Jeonghan gave a half-hearted chuckle, shaking his head a fraction. "I've been told that from time to time."

"So, let me get this straight," Baekhyun said, teeth gritted, sitting himself up. "You want to leave, head off to Busan, while expecting me to keep the prick prisoner here. Feeding him, keeping him alive... While you, what? Forget about him?"

"Let Jiyongnim handle him," Jeonghan said with a small shrug. "You won't have to do anything. Just let Jiyongnim do his work, then let him decide what to do. But let me get Yoongi far away before anything." 

"Fine," The boss said, his voice harsh and cold. "Just go, then... Go and live happily. I really just... Don't care anymore, Jeonghan. I really don't."

-

A few hours. 

That was all it took, from the moment Jeonghan told Yoongi that they could leave that evening, to get everyone grouped up and outside in the lowering, afternoon sun. Yoongi had completely taken over, rounding up everyone who wanted to leave Hwaesa.

And now, the group that decided they wanted to go were packing up two cars. Jeonghan had already stated he was driving one, Binna said she was happy to drive the other. 

"Are you sure you don't mind me coming along?" Felix asked Seokjin, feeling suddenly out of place as everyone seemed to know what they were doing. 

Whereas Chika and Jomei felt comfortable staying at Hwaesa, he wanted to stay close to the men who took him under their wings, looked after and protected him for so long. 

"I can stay here... If it would make things easier."

"Don't be ridiculous. Just get in the car, kid," Seokjin chuckled, patting the boy's shoulder and pushing him towards one of the cars. "You'll be with Hoseokie and Binna. I need you to keep an eye on him for me while I keep that lunatic under control. Can you do that?"

"Yeah, sure," Felix nodded, laughing when he looked over to Yoongi, still dashing around. "I'll make sure he's okay."

"Thanks, Yongbokie," Seokjin smiled and ruffled the kid's hair, leaving him to it as he went to try and make Yoongi slow down.

"You're going to be okay," Jackson sighed, hugging Binna tight, not sure if he was ready to let her get in the car or not. "Otherwise I'm gonna be knocking someone's head in."

"Don't threaten him," Binna chuckled, looking up to see the tall man glaring darkly in Hoseok's direction. "Leave him alone. And don't forget I was the one who saved your arse for an entire year." 

"Yeah, yeah," Jackson sighed as he ruffled the girl's short bob of hair, eyes narrowed sharply still in Hoseok's direction, silently warning him. "I swear to God, Jung, I mean it. You look after her."

"You know I will," Hoseok nodded, pushing himself away from the car, stumbling over to shake the man's hand. "She'll be more likely keeping me safe. But nothing will happen to her."

"Come on, you," Binna smiled, taking Hoseok's hand instead, not letting Jackson have the satisfaction. "Get in the car, it's too cold standing around."

"I'll find out what Mingyu's planning, Hanah," Jiyong reassured as Jeonghan got ready to leave. "I promise you, I will work it out. Now, go. Before Yoongi tries to drive. I wouldn't trust him behind a wheel right now, he's too excited."

"Right, yeah," The doctor chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck as he turned, seeing Yoongi packing the car, working at warp speed to get everyone ready.

"Take care, Hanah."

"Be careful," Jeonghan told the scientist, his voice serious, lined with concern that made the older man sigh. "Please, be careful. Don't let Mingyu..."

"It'll be okay," Jiyong said, pulling the doctor into a hug, just to be extra reassuring. "I promise. Just... Forget about it now. Wash your hands clean of all of it. Go, they're waiting for you."

"Be safe."

"Go."

Jeonghan scoffed as Jiyong shoved him in the direction of the car, where Yoongi and Seokjin were waiting for him.

"How're we holding up?" He asked, climbing into the driver's seat, looking at Seokjin in the passenger seat before looking back to where Nayeon and Yoongi were waiting anxiously.

"Is this a good idea?" Yoongi's quiet voice murmured, making the older men frown at him. There was a new tone of anxiety in his voice, a new fear. "Are we going to get there safely?"

"You think we're going to be followed?" Seokjin asked softly, looking at his brother with concerned eyes.

"Mingyu's not going anywhere, Yoongs," Jeonghan said, side-eyeing Seokjin to make sure he agreed with what he was saying. "He can't follow us, he can't even walk. We're safe now, you're safe now."

"Just focus on seeing Chimmy again, Yoongs," Seokjin smiled through the mirror, to his brother, seeing his grim expression ease with the name being said. "That's all you have to think about now."

"So... Are we all ready?" Jeonghan asked, adjusting the rearview mirror, grinning subtly when he caught the clear glee now in Yoongi's eyes as he nodded. Sharing a brief, knowing look with Seokjin, he just chuckled and turned the engine on.

"Appa," Nayeon whined quietly as the vehicle rumbled, unsettling her again, causing Yoongi to sigh sympathetically.

"Have a sleep, sweetheart," he said as he held her secure on his lap, while Jeonghan pulled away, trying to quell the anxious excitement in his chest to stay calm for her. "We'll be with Jiminie, soon."

-

Hwasa had become infamous with certain people, due to one room in the entire building. The hell that was the dark, damp garage. 

That's where Mingyu was, chained up like an animal due to Jackson's suggestions.

That's where he had been spending his days, under the watchful eyes of Jiyong, Jongdae and Jackson; being kept cuffed to the wall, unable to move at all. 

Just left to rot while they watched.

"Jongdae?" Jiyong's voice entered the hall, where the man was on guard, by the garage entrance. "Brought him some dinner."

"Why are we keeping this guy alive?" Jongdae asked as the scientist walked up with a tray of food and a bottle of water. "Is he really worth it?"

"Unfortunately, right now?" Jiyong sighed. "Yeah, he is. A lot can come from having him here. Just unlock the door please, let me do my work."

"At your own risk..." The man scoffed, unlocking the door, letting him into the dimly lit, damp-smelling garage. 

"Here," Jiyong said, his voice restricted and strained as he approached the paper-thin mattress in the corner, putting the tray down at arm's length in front of Mingyu.  

The warrior lifted his head slowly, his tiredly narrowed, golden eyes landing upon the scientist before looking down at the bowl of plain rice.

"Riveting," He murmured as Jiyong backed away, pulling an old plastic chair from the corner to sit in front of him. "Thank you... Was there something else, Jiyongssi?"

"What have you done to yourself, Mingyu?" Jiyong sighed, sounding genuinely sad, looking at the man he once knew with a grim expression. "This person in front of me isn't even human anymore... Why?"

"Why not?" Mingyu asked, the blunt casual tone of his words catching the scientist off guard. "Who wouldn't want power in a world like this?"

"You don't have power, though," Jiyong shook his head. "You're just one of them, a monster, another dead one. But... How? How did you...?"

"How did I do this?"

Jiyong found himself nodding dumbly, but that only caused the captured warrior to laugh at him. A breathy, gritty chuckle that sent a shiver down his spine.

"Do you know what surprised me most, Jiyongssi?" Mingyu asked, his glowing eyes turning dark, like the dimming of a light as the scientist stared at him, waiting for him to continue. "Just how easy it was to get to this point. After that girl, years ago. Park Jimin, Seungkwan... Seungkwan. It all just became so easy."

"It wasn't easy. Who helped you?" Jiyong asked, dread filling his gut as the man smirked, shaking his head. "You didn't do this alone, Mingyu. No one was running my unit when I left, no one there was capable... Who the hell did this to you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Mingyu gave a smug scoff, narrowing his sparkling eyes at the scientist. "Actually... I think you're able to work that one out by yourself."

"Just tell me one thing..." Jiyong said, not taking his eyes off the man for a second, trying to sense if he was lying at all. "Is Boo Seungkwan dead?"

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

"Why are all your magazines foreign?" Taehyung asked sulkily as he leaned back against the couch in Jimin's living room, flipping through an English magazine as music played softly through the radio on the coffee table.

"They're not, that one's Joonie hyung's," Jimin chuckled, shaking his head as he continued to pet Suga, who had made himself perfectly comfortable on his lap and didn't seem to want to move any time soon. "He left it here earlier."

"Well, it's giving me a headache," Taehyung grumbled, continuing to scan the pages nonetheless, winding himself up out of boredom.

"Join the club," Jimin's eyebrows pumped as he sighed, rubbing his forehead. He had started feeling dizzy a while ago but, for some reason, it was just getting worse, making his vision dance a little.

"Hmm?" Taehyung frowned, sending the boy a questioning look, but Jimin just shrugged so he dropped it.

"Um, I'm gonna go get some water," Jimin said softly after a minute or so, pushing himself and Suga off the couch, squinting slightly to keep the floor looking straight. "You want anything?"

"Nah, I'm good," Taehyung shook his head, throwing the magazine on the coffee table, quirking his lips in thought as he watched the boy walk over to the kitchen. "You good?"

"Just great," The boy held a thumbs-up up over his shoulder, not convincing the younger but giving him just enough to make him back off. 

Taehyung just rolled his eyes and sighed, shaking his head a little as Suga hopped onto his lap.

"What're we gonna do with him, Syub Syub?" He asked, running his hand down the cat's back, causing him to stretch out with a yawn. "Stubborn bastard, can't help him at all."

"Uh, Tae... Can we turn the music down?" 

The younger looked up to see his best friend coming back into the room. But Jimin had paused in the doorway, looking as if he was going to kneel down, slowly lowering himself to the floor while hanging his head low.

"Hey," Taehyung jumped up with a little frown, quickly stepping over to help the boy, nearly tripping over the cat as he did so. "Gone dizzy? Chim?" 

"Need to... Sit down."

"Can you make it back to the couch?"

Jimin shook his head, leaning forward more with a shaky breath. Taehyung just nodded with a soft sigh, reaching over and grabbing a cushion off the couch.

"Lay yourself down then," He said, giving the boy the cushion and guiding him with a firm hand on the shoulder. "I'll move the table."

"Music," The elder reminded as the coffee table creaked backwards. The music playing quietly through his radio felt too loud as his mind spun in circles. It needed to stop. "Tae..."

"I'm on it, chingu," Taehyung sighed, gently patting the boy's shoulder as he laid himself down, making sure the pillow was beneath his head before going over to turn the radio off. As he turned back, he saw Suga curling beside Jimin, nuzzling against his arm. "Good job, kitty. You know what to do... Jiminie, I'm gonna go get your tablets, just in case, buddy. You'll be alright for a minute, yeah?"

"Mmm," Jimin didn't really answer but Taehyung nodded anyway, knowing he'd be alright for a moment. 

He ran up the stairs, leaving the boy with the cat, quickly skipping into the main bedroom and rummaging around in the drawers. Finding the box, he just nodded at himself with a short sigh and a smile, heading back downstairs.

But as he reached the landing, he could hear his soulmate struggling more. More than he thought he would be.

"Shit," Taehyung muttered, quickly running down the stairs, rushing to his best friend's side, rolling him off of his back as he began to convulse. Suga hopped up, curling beside the older boy, mewling quietly as he rubbed his head against the boy's tensed fist. "Careful, Syub... Hey, Tiny. I'm back. I'm here."

Sitting cross-legged behind the boy, Taehyung sighed and ran a hand through the elder's hair, trying to soothe him. 

"What're we thinking, chingu?" He asked, though wasn't expecting an answer as he opened the box of tablets. The boy was too far into the seizure. The convulsions were harsh and Jimin's breathing was gargled and noisy as his back pushed against Taehyung's knees. "Shall we have one? This is a nasty one, hmm? ...Yeah, I think we're gonna have one."

It took a little bit of force since Jimin's jaw had locked, but very carefully and cautiously, Taehyung managed to help the boy take his tablet, holding his head up a little just to be extra sure he wasn't going to choke.

Once the boy's breathing eased a little and he stopped spluttering, Taehyung laid his head back down, letting his calm in his own time while remaining close enough to ease him through the rest of the seizure.

"Let it work, chingu," Taehyung sighed softly, gently rubbing his hand up and down the boy's arm as his eyes casually ran over the label on the box of tablets. "You're doing well, buddy. Let the kitty help..."

As he killed the few moments, reading the box, Taehyung realised he had just stumbled over the reason behind why his best friend was struggling so much again. This wasn't just stress...

"Jiminah... Oh, shit!"

Though he nor anyone knew the exact date anymore, he knew the world had stopped running for a long time. He knew it had been years. He knew that the date printed on the cardboard box was... Old.

"Shit... Shit, shit, shit," He grumbled shaking his head, giving his best friend a concerned glance as he started to calm down nonetheless, breathing heavily into the cushion beneath him. "Yoongi hyung's gonna kill us, Tiny."

Chapter Text

On The Road To Busan...

"They shouldn't be long, jagi," Binna sighed, gently rubbing Hoseok's back, grimacing at the raw sound of vomiting and the way the smell made her own stomach feel queasy. "Just... Take it easy... Easy, Hoseok."

The small group had been stuck on the side of the road, for hours, as Jeonghan and Seokjin tried to find them some more fuel. It was their third stop since they left, and the sun was starting to sink, the air becoming much cooler than before.

"Jesus Christ," The young woman muttered as Hoseok crumbled down on the ground, his knees giving in after his second round of puking. Sitting down beside him, avoiding the mess in front, she just handed him a water bottle while dabbing his sweaty forehead. "I thought this had passed... We shouldn't have left, you weren't ready."

"Yoongi needs to... To get to Busan..." Hoseok stuttered, clearing his mouth out before sipping the water, sighing as it soothed his raw throat. 

"Screw what Yoongi needs," Binna shook her head, pouting a little as the man tried to  roll his eyes at her. Placing the back of her hand on his forehead, she flinched back, making a noise of sympathy. "You're starting to burn up, again. Go like this any longer and we'll be looking at dehydration... Again. You weren't ready to get out of bed, let alone travel" 

"I'll be fine, jagi," Hoseok shook his head, though he had to clear his mouth out again, coughing harshly. That's when Binna's concerned eyes narrowed into a sharp glare as she bit her bottom lip.

"Hoseok... That's blood."

"I-I'm fine..."

"You are not fine," Binna said firmly, pushing herself up, shocking the man with just how broken her voice sounded. Her hands gently cupped his pale cheeks, looking into his pallid eyes and she sighed, kissing his forehead before stepping back. "Stay here. I'm gonna find that radio, tell that doctor he needs to come back."

"Don't shout at anyone, jagi," Hoseok hoarsely called but she was already halfway to the car.  "Binna? ...Sibal."

Yoongi watched as the woman paced back and forth with the radio, having a conversation through that and with the young Aussie at the same time.

"Appa?"

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" He asked softly, looking over his shoulder to see Nayeon shuffling closer in the backseat of their car. 

"Tired," Nayeon mumbled, climbing up on his lap with his help, cuddling closer but whimpering quietly as she couldn't get comfy. She was still a little bit warm but much better than when they left, having slept most of the journey.

"I know... Can you try some water?" Yoongi asked, grabbing his water bottle, trying to coax the girl but she turned green at the thought, shaking her head and whining more. 

He just sighed tiredly, letting her squirm off his lap again, onto the backseat, attempting to make herself comfortable by curling up into a ball under his big, winter coat. He could hear her crying and it made his heart sink. 

"Nayeonah... I'm really trying, baby girl, I am. But I need you to help me out a little bit, just tell me what you want."

The little girl poked her head out from under the jacket, making little shaky sounds, almost as if she was shivering.

"'m hungry..." She finally whispered when her cries faded away, holding her hand out to the man. "Really hungry."

"Of course, you are," Yoongi let out a sigh of relief, honestly glad it was something that could be solved so simply. 

He was thankful, though he didn't really know what that said about him, that Nayeon was so clever and articulate. He was thankful she was able to tell him maturely because he still had no idea how to truly care for a child. He was always scared about making things worse or doing the wrong thing, but Nayeon always made it easier for him.

"I'm gonna find you something to eat, okay?" He said softly, gently squeezing her tiny hand before tucking it back under the coat so she could stay warm. "Give me a second, sweetheart. I'll see what we've got." 

Nayeon just nodded, hiding under the coat again as he shut the door, heading to the boot. 

Their stuff was tossed around, all in a mess and Yoongi didn't know what bag held what but he just grabbed them and started searching.

"We've got some almonds, crisps... Stale crisps," Yoongi said, trailing off, finally finding and rummaging through the bag of packeted snacks they had, deciding to let the girl choose what she wanted. "Or do you fancy something sweet, darling? Ppopgi? Pepero?"

"Jeonghanssi!" Binna grumbled, rolling her eyes as she was answered with nothing but static from the old radio. "Seokjinssi? Can someone please answer me? ...This is ridiculous."

"Jagi, just relax," Hoseok said as he stumbled over, though it had admittedly taken him a good few minutes to even stand back up. "They'll be back soon, there's no need to stress yourself out."

"I don't understand why he won't just answer me," Binna exclaimed, feeling pissed off at being ignored, throwing the radio back through the open car window. Hoseok just sighed, moving the device off the seat and sitting down. "It's just rude!"

"You're gonna give yourself a migraine," Hoseok said, but the girl just returned to pacing around the cars. "...You're gonna give me a migraine."

"Is noona alright?" Felix asked from the back seat and Hoseok just let out a small, half-hearted chuckle.

"Beats me, kid."

Stropily stomping back and forth, debating whether or not to go and search for the two men, Binna started stressing out. They had been on the side of the road for way too long now, Hoseok was getting worse and the evening was coming quick. Not to mention, heading down the road, through the trees...

"Yoongi!" She hissed, waving her hands to get his attention. "Dead!"

The man frowned, peering over his shoulder. It took less than a second for his paranoia to kick in, taking over all of his senses as he pressed the trunk of the car closed, as quietly as he possibly could before swiftly making his way back to Nayeon, hoping not to draw too much attention.

"Appa?" Nayeon frowned as the door was pulled open, expecting something to eat but instead, Yoongi was holding out empty hands for her to grab.

"Quiet, sweetheart," Yoongi hushed, quickly lifting the girl out of the car. "Gonna go to the other car, quickly."

"Why? What's...?" Nayeon was confused, huddling into the man's arms, jarred by the way he started to run. Peeking over his shoulder, her doe-eyes went wide and she squeaked. "Appa, monsters!"

"Shush, shush, shush," Yoongi hushed, holding her girl's head against his shoulder so she didn't see the hoard of rotting corpses heading in their direction. "Quiet, sweetheart. Trust appa."

"What's going on?" Felix asked as he ran up to the car but was quickly shushed.

"Yoongs, what's happening?" Hoseok asked as the man opened the backdoor, sitting Nayeon down. "Hyung?"

"Stay here with her," Yoongi said, not answering properly. "Yongbok. Get ready!"

"Appa?" Nayeon called as the adults started to rush around, feeling lost and scared until Yoongi appeared at the other door and opened it. "Appa?"

"You're gonna be just fine, sweetheart. Just... Do not open this door, understand?" Yoongi knelt down, pressing a quick kiss to the child's forehead when she nodded but held onto his coat, not letting him move. "Be brave, sweetheart. Just close your eyes and stay here with Hobi, okay? I'm gonna go and get rid of the monsters... You've gotta let me go, baby girl. I'll come back. I always come back." 

"Appa..."

"I'll come back," He said, kissing the girl's head once more before forcing himself away, slamming the door shut before heading back to the other car.

Rummaging around in the vehicle, painfully aware of the growling creeping closer with every second he wasted, he grabbed the first metal tool his hand found. However, he found himself having to take a sharp breath as he stared at the crowbar he held, forcing himself to remember how to use the weapon he had grown unfamiliar with.

"Yongbok!" He yelled, getting the boy's attention. "Come on!"

"Let me help!" Hoseok protested, trying to get up while reaching for his knife in the glove box as the others braced themselves for the attack. 

"No. Get back in the car, Jagi," Binna said, pushing the man back into his seat with a little force and taking the knife instead. "Just protect Nayeonah. We've got this."

"Binna... Binna!" Hoseok called after her, but she was already out of sight, leaving him to crumble back into his chair with nothing to do but fear the worst. "Shit..."

Binna had been surrounded instantly, as had the other two, by an impenetrable swarm. The crowd of death was made up of easily two, maybe three dozen walking corpses.

The girl's knife had been knocked out of her hand twice and she hadn't even killed one, stuck holding it back as she tried to get her weapon back, but the dead one had kicked it out of reach.

The sight was vile, causing bile to rise in her throat as the dead tackled her. The burning sensation made her gag, but she couldn't do anything to help herself as the creature continued to push and attack. Her arms were beginning to ache, along with her chest and she knew it was winning. 

Losing focus, she stumbled back, trying desperately to hold the creature back but it easily overpowered her petite frame. She lost her balance way too easily, instantly trapped and a snapping jaw closed in on her. 

Though, it wasn't much of a fight. Not when she squeezed her eyes shut, only catching a glimpse of the branch swinging in front of her.

Blood splattered, warm and sticky all over her shirt as the creature fell on top of her, head no longer intact. The corpse crushed the air out of her lungs, drowning her in a stench not even the strongest of stomachs could handle. It took all her might to shove it away, but the feeling of the visceral fluid covering her body was almost too much. 

"Hey! Over here!" She heard as she managed to catch her breath, causing her to look up in time to see Felix throwing the branch away and waving his hands at the dead, distracting them. " Come on, you tossers! Leave her alone! Follow me! Shit... "

The creatures charged after the boy, snarling and growling as they unsteadily chased him down, giving Binna the time to compose herself, but Hoseok could see her from the car. He knew she was struggling.

"Oh, fuck me dead! " Felix exclaimed, immediately turning to run from the dead, giving Hoseok the chance he had been staring out the window, waiting for. "No, no, no... Bugger!"

As soon as the dead moved away, Hoseok jumped out of the car, slamming the door shut to keep Nayeon safe before trying... Trying to rush to Binna.

Random gunfire helped keep the dead distracted and heading in the opposite direction, but it took Hoseok a moment to realise where they came from. 

The road became soaked in gasoline as Jeonghan dropped the jerrycans they had returned with, whipping his gun from his belt and firing instantly as Seokjin ran to Yoongi's aid, who was more surrounded than Binna had been.

"Binna!" Hoseok called, coughing harshly as he rushed over, grabbing the girl's wrist as she went for her knife.  "Stop. Baby, stop. L-let them... Let them handle it."

Felix tripped back, the dead hot on his heels. He was starting to regret his brave act, stumbling towards the car. Just about to grab the handle, wanting to hide in the vehicle, he was slammed into it by rough hands. 

A deafening alarm went off as he struggled, too stunned to hold the creature back, only bringing the rest of the dead in his direction.

"Oh, bollocks!" He exclaimed, pushing back three or four by himself, straining against the weight. He could feel the sweat dripping down his forehead, soaking through his shirt, but the drool flying from the rotten bastard's mouth was so much worse. 

"Hold on!" Seokjin yelled, causing the boy to look up through bulging eyes.

The man was killing the dead, creating a gap, trying to get to him but it wasn't until Jeonghan shot the creature pinning him down that Felix collapsed to the ground.

"Easy kid,"  Seokjin's strong hands pulled the boy up as the snarling and growling died into the sound of the car alarm, quickly brushing him off as Jeonghan continued shooting the dead that were starting to surround the others.

"Alright, kid, you're alright," The man said, trying to hold the boy while moving towards the car, desperate to turn the alarm off but struggling as Felix clung to him. 

"Kill that sodding alarm!"  Jeonghan shouted, still shooting the last of the dead with Yoongi's help in clearing them. 

"I'm trying!" Seokjin yelled back, shaking his head as he had to physically pull the boy's hands from his shirt, pushing him back just slightly to get to the alarm. 

"For the love of steaming hell," Jeonghan muttered, heading over himself once all the corpses were where they belonged, dead. Throwing the car door, he slammed and crashed around until the group were left in complete silence, the only sound around them being their heavy breaths as adrenaline began to fail them. 

"Fuck!" Yoongi was first to exclaim, breaking the tension with anger, tossing his crowbar far, far away. "Jesus fucking Christ!"

"Just calm down, Yoongs," Seokjin shook his head, still holding the teen boy close, not allowed to let go of him yet. "It's done. Calm down."

"Jagi," Hoseok sighed as Binna swayed on the spot, gently tugging her closer, making sure they were close enough to the car since they both needed to sit down now. Binna's feet tripped but she only fell against his chest. "It's just one of your blackouts. Take a moment."

"I... I-I..." The girl hiccuped, lifting her head from the man's chest and cringing slightly. "I stink."

"Get in," Hoseok sighed as he nodded to the car, unable to disagree; gently side-hugging the girl and handing her bag over from the footwell. "I'll cover the window, just get a clean shirt on, jagi."

Binna just thanked him and climbed into the backseat, whipping off the soiled shirt before rushing to get a new one on, already feeling better to get the scent off her. 

As she did her buttons up, she softly smiled over her shoulder, feeling Hoseok gently tugging her messy, shoulder-length hair into a ponytail for her, tying it in place with a rubber band from her bag.

"Better?" He asked as she turned, brushing her fringe out of her eyes. Binna just clicked her tongue, shaking her head as she went to dab the sweat off his forehead with her sleeve. She could feel him trembling terribly, simply by sitting next to him. "I'm alright, jagi. Are you?"

Just as she was about to answer, a small tap on her shoulder made her jump and turn.

"Are you alright?" Nayeon's little voice asked, reminding the two that she was sitting there with them. "Eonnie? Oppa?"

"We're okay, sweetie," Binna gave her a little smile. "Just wait for your appa, okay? You never got those snacks, did you?"

"Hey," Seokjin had to very quickly give the young boy all his attention again, catching his worst as he started pacing around, mumbling under his breath. Every attempt he made to talk though, was all foreign to the man. 

It reminded the elder of the early days when the world first broke down when Hoseok was in constant fear of every little thing around. He used to panic every time they had to fight the dead and it took him months to get used to it. 

Felix had been behind walls for over a year, it had been a long time since he had been face-to-face with the dead.

"Hey, hey," He said, grabbing the boy's shoulders, forcing him to stand in front of him. "Right, just stand still. Slow it down, Yongbok. You did it, it's over. We're safe now... Yongbok, I can't understand you, kid."

"Binna was about to have a liquid laugh and they thought I was tryna play tiggie or something..." Felix shook his head, pushing the man away and leaning over, palms on his knees as he tried to calm down but his mind was in overdrive. "I'm such an... I didn't know what else to do, though. It's not like I'm good at actually killing the wankers..."

"You okay, you okay, Yongbok," Seokjin finally sighed, using his badly broken English to calm the boy still trembling beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder and crouching in front of him to make sure he was listening. "No... No more danger. Safe, yes? Yongbok, safe. We... Keep safe. Protect, hmm? All good. No problem, good job... Aish. Where's Namjoon when you need him, ay?"

"Y-your English is alright," Felix shook his head, letting out a shaky breath and releasing the man. "Better than Yoongi hyung's... Thank you. Thank you, hyung."

"I try my best, kid," Seokjin just chuckled, patting the boy's shoulder. "Go and sit with Nayeon. Make sure she's alright for us."

"Let's just fill the cars and get out of here," Binna's quiet voice came from the front of the vehicle, reflecting just how worn out everyone was now. "Felix, could you find Nayeon something to eat? ...Where's the fuel?"

"Um..."

There was a sound as the whole group fell silent, almost like a snarl that sent shivers down everyone's spine until they realised who made it.

"Here we go," Hoseok muttered to himself, shaking his head, but Yoongi had already lost it.

"What do we do now?" The man screeched, gesturing to the stains on the road, the empty cans that had been kicked around. "Go back and get some more?"

"There is no more," Jeonghan said, raising an eyebrow when he found himself caught under the wrath of Yoongi's death glare. "We were lucky to get that. Everything else was as dry as a dog's anus in the Sahara. There's nothing left..."

"There's got to be another station around here somewhere. We just need to spend a little longer and search around," Seokjin tried to quickly suggest ideas, knowing what was about to happen, but it was too late. 

The detonator had been pressed, the bomb was about to go off, and it was time to take cover.

"You're an idiot."

"I'm sorry?" Jeonghan scoffed, confused as to why Yoongi's anger was directed at him. Though, thinking back, all of them had seen he was the one who dropped the cans.

"You're a fucking idiot!" Yoongi shouted. His face was almost turning red with frustration as the doctor just stood and frowned, not understanding. He just sneered, backing up to the closest car and slamming his fist down on the roof. "What the hell are we meant to do now?" 

"Why are you shouting at me?"

"Because you're the one who dropped the fucking fuel!" 

"Was I meant to just let the dead rip you apart?" Jeonghan gave a harsh laugh. "What? You want me to just stand back while they overpowered y'all?"

"Fuck you!" Yoongi shouted, kicking the car door and making it slam loudly. 

"Yoongs, that's not gonna help anything," Hoseok sighed tiredly as he slumped in the backseat, no longer having the energy to stand, letting his head fall into his hands as Yoongi continued banging and crashing around, opting to repeatedly slam the car door. 

"Then why don't you get off your fucking arse and do something?!" Yoongi stalked up to the man with clenched fists. "Massive fucking help you were, Hoseok!"

Hoseok just shook his head, clicking his tongue as Yoongi stomped over, only to be stopped and held back by Seokjin, but Binna was already on the defensive.

"Some nerve you've got, shouting at him," She said, standing in front of Hoseok, but just behind Seokjin. "Hoseok did get up, he did try so don't you dare raise your fists at him! If you stopped for a second and tried to..."

"Leave it, Jagi," Hoseok sighed, taking the girl's hand and giving her a small smile to cut her off. "We're used to this. Leave him, he won't do anything. It's just hot air."

"He can't treat you like that!" Binna said, sounding frustrated but Hoseok just kept his weak smile. "I won't let someone raise their hand to you, Hoseok."

"He's never hurt any of us," The man said reassuringly, squeezing her hand to tell her to calm down. He couldn't stop the quiet chuckle that escaped when he realised she was starting to sound like his sister. "Trust me, there's been a lot of threats over the years, but Yoongi's never physically, purposefully hurt any of us. His temper is powerful, unpredictable and sometimes seems like a hurricane, but don't underestimate his moral integrity, jagi."

"Just let him get on with it," Seokjin sighed as Yoongi went back to the door, keeping a close eye on the little girl, who was still with Felix, making sure she wasn't scared by the noise. "This was a long time coming... Don't break my car, Min Yoongi! Go and destroy a tree or something." 

"It's not your fucking car!" Yoongi sneered, slamming the door once more before storming off, kicking the empty jerrycans out of the way. 

"Yah!" Seokjin scolded, but couldn't be bothered to take it any further. 

As he said, the kick-off was a long time coming. He had sensed it brewing for a few days.  Yoongi had been acting so out of character but this... 

This was the most Yoongi-like he had acted in months.  

Out of nowhere, a thick branch went flying, causing Seokjin and Hoseok to duck, and Binna to jump out of the way with a squeak.

"Yoongi, bloody hell!" Jeonghan shouted as the man stumbled back, cursing under his breath. "Calm the hell down. For the love of baby Jesus, before you knock someone out."

"Do not!" Yoongi yelled with a pointed, accusing finger as his voice went low and gritty. He was almost roaring now and it caused the doctor to stand and stare in shock. "Do not tell me to calm down! What the hell are we meant to do now?"

"We'll work it out, we'll probably walk. I don't know, we'll sort it. Just... Just look at me," Jeonghan said firmly, not letting the man push him away, grabbing his wrist as he went to stalk off again. "Just slow down. You need to calm down, before you..."

"I'm fine," Yoongi tried but he could already feel Seokjin and Hoseok staring in his direction. "I'm alright, I'm fine!"

"Jeonghanssi," Seokjin called, walking over, shaking his head at the doctor to get him to leave the man alone. The last thing Yoongi needed was to be caged in. "Give him some space."

"He's gonna hurt himself," Jeonghan said, sighing in defeat as Yoongi snatched his hand away, heading over to kick the tree.

"Have you ever seen Yoongi kick off like this?" Seokjin asked with a raised eyebrow, nodding when Jeonghan just shook his head. "It hasn't happened for a while but he needs this. He needs to get angry and you need to let him. This is as Yoongi as it gets."

"He's never acted like this before," Jeonghan frowned but Seokjin just scoffed.

"No," Hoseok said, causing the two to look over to him. "You just haven't seen it before, seonbaenim."

"Hey, can someone calm Yoongi hyung down?" A voice called from the other car, Felix leaning out with a slightly frustrated expression. Seokjin sighed, nodding when he saw Nayeon's scared eyes.

"Yoongs, come with me..." He called tiredly, heading over to where the man was still mid-tantrum. "Come on."

"I'm fine!" Yoongi protested as the man placed a hand on his shoulder, getting him to walk away.

"I know, but you're scaring Nayeon," Seokjin said with a hushed voice, knowing that was the last thing the younger wanted to do. "Come with hyung, we'll find something you can break."

"I just want to get to Jiminie," The others heard Yoongi's almost pathetic-sounding voice as they walked away. Sympathetic sighs were let out, but tensions were still high.

"I know," Seokjin nodded, hugging the man closer to his side, guiding him to the trees so he could have some privacy, knowing he was about to cry. "I know you do, honey. Just hold on a little bit, it won't be long now."

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

Jimin's back garden was beginning to look like the inside of a greenhouse, with the amount of planting and floriculture he and Taehyung had been doing. 

Since Nuri came up with the idea of gardening, Taehyung joined in too and now the boys had a side of the garden each, growing and replanting whatever they thought they could. Whereas the younger's side was full of different herbs and edible plants, Jimin's took a pretty sight, full of flowers and hopefully growing fruit plants. 

Sitting in the afternoon sun was nice, despite the cool breeze that was slowly becoming icy again, but Taehyung didn't miss a chance to make sure his best friend was okay. 

Since the previous day, realising what was going on with Jimin's medications, Taehyung hadn't left him alone. He even slept on Yoongi's side of their bed, that night, not that he'd ever admit that to his soulmate's husband.

They made the decision together that Jimin wouldn't take the tablets anymore, in fear that the old age of them may bring the risk of toxicity.

Jimin seemed to be okay though, acting like his usual chirpy self, but Taehyung had certainly recognised little differences that went amiss with the others. Little differences that maybe not even Jimin could feel, but he knew straight away.

"Did we make the right choice?" He asked as he took the boy's little hand from the watering can he was using to tend to his plants, sighing as he felt the small tremors already starting to shake through him. 

Jimin just frowned at him for a moment, pouting a little before simply shrugging.

"You mean... Did you make the right choice?" The older boy muttered before letting his expression soften when Taehyung held onto his hand, squeezing his cold fingers. "I didn't really get a say. Did I?" 

"I don't want you to get ill, Tiny. But maybe..."

"You know best, Bear," Jimin shook his head,  causing Taehyung to sigh yet again. "I just listen."

"It's getting late. I should go, make sure Namjoonie hyung's alright. Make sure he's got something to eat, or you know he'll forget," Taehyung said after a moment. "But if you want..."

"Just go," Jimin said, taking his hand back and grabbing his watering can again. "I'm almost done."

"Okay, Tiny... Oh, wait," Taehyung said, just about to push himself off the ground before remembering something. Rummaging in his pocket with one hand, he took Jimin's hand again with the other. "Here. I found them last night, in Seojoonie hyung's room."

"What were you doing in Seojoonie hyung's room?" Jimin asked with a little frown as the boy took out a packet, ripping it open with his teeth before taking out a teabag-looking item and shaking it viciously.

"Not important. Don't get cold, okay?" Taehyung said with a small smile, placing the little disposable warmer in the boy's shaky hand and closing his fingers around it. "The wind's picking up. Go inside if it gets too much."

"I'll be alright," Jimin said, brushing the younger off a little. "I just wanna make sure these flowers are okay, for when Yoonie comes home. It's too cold, they're dying."

"They'll be fine, Chim," Taehyung chuckled, using the boy's shoulders as leverage as he stood up. Along with all of the younger's plants and things, Jimin had been growing a little bed of various flowers, hoping they'd grow before his husband came home.  "Don't worry about them. Worry about you. Yoongi hyung would much rather the flowers freeze than you, you know that."

"Yeah..."

"I'll see you in a bit, Tiny," Taehyung smiled, patting the boy's head, ruffling his hair as he made a start for the backdoor.

"Bear?" Jimin called, causing the boy to turn back when he reached the door. "When will Yoon be back?"

"Soon," Taehyung said, giving the boy a reassuring nod as he repeated the same answer he always gave to the boy's daily, nearly hourly question. "Soon, Chim. Soon."

-

"Hyung, I brought lunch," Taehyung called across the field, handing out two sandwiches wrapped in foil to Namjoon and Seojoon.

"Cheers, buddy," Namjoon smiled, backing away from their defensive fence, taking his sandwich and patting the boy's shoulder thankfully. "Where have you been?"

"With Chimmy."

"Is Jimin alright?" Seojoon asked, making Taehyung raise an eyebrow at Namjoon for not being the one to ask first. "Haven't seen the kid for a few days. Not properly anyway."

"He's just staying near the house," Taehyung said, rubbing the back of his head. "Keeping warm."

Jimin had told him not to say anything but... Surely, he had to. Right?

"Is he still not talking to me?" Namjoon asked, though Taehyung couldn't quite tell what emotion was leading his words. Guilt, shame, annoyance, ridicule?

"Of course, he's not," Taehyung shook his head, trying not to scoff at the elder. "You called him a child. Told him he was making things up. Why would he want to talk to you?" 

"I never called him a child," Namjoon said, rolling his eyes a little. He was the third person Jimin had completely shut out since they got back, Nuri and Jennie being the first two for annoying him or simply being in the way. "And it was two weeks ago. I told him he had to grow up and by prolonging this, he's just proving he hasn't."

"He's... Just leave him alone, hyung," Taehyung sighed, still finding himself keeping his mouth shut even though he knew he could bring an end to all the tension if he just told the leader what was happening. "He just wants his husband to come home, you can understand why he's moody."

"To be fair, Taehyungah," Seojoon said softly, though was slightly taken aback by the boy's defensive glance. "He's not doing himself any favours, locking himself away and shutting people out, one by one. Why don't you try and talk him into coming back out of the house? Before he shuts you out as well."

"I think he's planning on spending some time with Beomie. He said something about dancing."

"They're not back yet, kiddo," Seojoon said, shaking his head a little. The younger two had gone on a run with Jennie, so they could learn ways to stay safe outside their little field. Taehyung had wanted to go with them, but he didn't want to leave Jimin. "I was gonna go and drive around in a bit if they're not back soon."

"It looks like you won't have to waste the fuel, Seojoonssi," Namjoon said, nodding over to the distant road as the two looked over, seeing a group of figures walking up.

"There's too many..." Taehyung shook his head, squinting his eyes a little, definitely seeing more than three people walking up to their home. "Hyung, that's not them!"

"Stand guard," Seojoon said, grabbing his binoculars from by the fence. The other two stood silently as he looked, anticipation running through them. "Oh... Oh, shit."

"What?" Namjoon hissed, seconds away from snatching the binoculars until Taehyung yelled out.

"Jin hyung!"

Jeonghan and Seokjin had led the group, from that road where they were attacked, all through the night, to the field in Busan. 

Yoongi had given directions to the best of his ability but between looking after Nayeon and Hoseok, being exhausted and stressed, they arrived by trial and error. Had they been more focused, they probably wouldn't have had to walk all night and all morning.

"Oh, my God!" Felix exclaimed, taking off into a run as they looked up the field, spotting Taehyung and sprinting in his direction. The others just scoffed, unsure where he had his energy but they didn't stop him. 

Taking their time, they walked up to the fence, relief washing through them as Namjoon and Seojoon met them.

"Get down," Seokjin chuckled, bending his knees to let Hoseok ease himself to the ground. He had piggy-backed the younger man all morning, and his back was definitely paying the price. "Just stand still for a moment, buddy. Binna?"

"I got him," Binna smiled, holding Hoseok's hand, staying close by his side as he regained his balance.

"Binna? Hope?" Yoongi called from behind, making her hide the way she rolled her eyes before turning.  "Can you just keep an eye on Nayeon? Just for ten minutes? Please?"

"Go," Binna nodded with a sigh, scratching her brow tiredly, sensing the rush and deciding not to get in the way. "Go on, we've got her."

"Thank you!" Yoongi bowed before going, a few extra steps making it way too easy for him to trip, but he didn't care.

"Tae... Taehyungah... Tae?" He tried, almost hopping on the spot as he interrupted Taehyung and Felix, placing a shaky hand on the boy's shoulder and making him turn to him with a warm smile. "Taehyung! Where is he? Jiminie."

"Back garden, hyung," Taehyung said with a gesturing nod, showing off his teeth as he grinned at his hyung's clear buzz of excitement. He was so glad to see Yoongi looking so well, so healthy again. "Gardening. He's got a tangerine tree growing 'specially for you. But, hyung, you should know..."

"Yoongs, do you want me to...?" Jeonghan was about to ask over Taehyung, but the man whizzed past them, causing him to let out a deep breath as he watched him run into the distance. "Don't go so fast! Don't... Wear yourself out again."

"Let him go," Seokjin said, walking past the doctor, patting his shoulder as he headed to Taehyung, who rushed to him with open arms. "Hey, honey!"

"I missed you!" Taehyung exclaimed as the man pulled him into a hug, shocked and baffled by the fact the rest of his family was finally there with them. 

"I missed you too," Seokjin chuckled, hugging the boy tight until he felt something hard pressing against his chest, causing him to push the boy back. "What's... What's this?"

"Jennie came up with it," Taehyung smiled as the man held his inhaler necklace, looking highly impressed. "I knew you'd like it."

"It's smart, as long as you wear it... How has everyone been?" Seokjin asked, sighing and pulling the kid back into another hug,

"Um... Okay, but... You need to sort Namjoonie hyung out," Taehyung said, stepping back to see the man frowning at him.

"What do you mean?" Seokjin asked, looking over to where the man was standing by the fence with Seojoon, seemingly keeping an eye out for something that simply wasn't coming.

"This is all he ever does," Taehyung shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Walks back and forth, on watch. I haven't seen him come into the house since we got here. Not for longer than five minutes at least. I honestly don't know when or if he sleeps, hyung. And he's been getting angry really easily, he snapped at Chim the other day. Called him a child, told me I was just enabling it and not helping... I don't know what's wrong with him."

"I'll go talk to him," Seokjin let out a heavy breath, shaking his head. "Give me a while, I'll make sure he's behaving himself."

"Hyung, he can't talk to Chimmy like that. They haven't spoken properly since."

"I know, Tae," The elder nodded, sighing. "I know, I'll talk to him. Find out what's going on."

"He'll snap at you," Taehyung said, but Seokjin just waved him off, knowing exactly how to deal with their leader.

"Kim Namjoon!" 

"Hyung," The man smiled, turning from the fence, his expression softening greatly as he went to meet the man, but found himself shocked when the elder held him back rather than going in for a hug. 

"Hold up," Seokjin stopped the man, narrowing his eyes as he looked Namjoon up and down, starting to realise what Taehyung was on about. 

The leader stood there, a confused frown bending his brow, but Seokjin was more interested in the way it looked like he hadn't changed his clothes in a week, or bathed. His patchy facial hair, sunken cheeks and dark eyebags showed he certainly hadn't slept. Seokjin didn't even want to know whether he was eating or not.

"Hyung?"

"I am not saying hello to you until you've washed," The elder shook his head, pointing over his shoulder to the houses behind them. "I'm sure one of those houses has a shower. You need to use it."

"I'm fine, hyung," Namjoon said, about to protest but he just didn't get a chance.

"Go," Seokjin said, pushing the man away from the fence, taking his weapons from his belt and throwing them behind them as he shoved him towards the houses. "You need to eat, bathe, shave, sleep..."

"I don't need to do anything," Namjoon started to protest but Seokjin was having none of it.

"I've already had to deal with Yoongi, yesterday," The eldest sighed, rolling his eyes. "So, please, don't you start as well. Just get in the house. I'm getting sick of you brats."

"Yah. You don't get to just turn up and start..." 

"Don't say no to hyung," Seokjin scoffed, cutting the younger off as he threw his arm over his shoulders. "Get your filthy butt into a bath, right now!"

"For the last time, Namjoonssi," A voice travelled up the field as Seokjin and Namjoon walked past, making the others on the field turn with small frowns. "I will not be kept hostage in that shed. Give me a damned job or just let me... Wait... What in the damned hell are you doing here?"

Jeonghan felt the blood drain from his cheeks as Jihoon stood in front of him, frozen to the spot and at a complete loss for words as the shorter man walked closer.

"H-how?" The doctor stuttered, oblivious to the way the others frowned at him. "You're... You're meant to be dead!"

-

Yoongi's feet moved faster than his brain could process, excitement flowing through him, replacing the extreme anger from before but keeping the adrenaline pumping strongly through his veins. His legs ached from walking for miles and miles and miles, but nothing could stop him from taking off into a sprint.

Running up to his old house and throwing the door open, taking less than seconds to reach the kitchen and the back garden, he froze and gasped at the doorway.

His heart fluttered, but he kept quiet, wanting to spare a few moments to just simply admire the small boy sitting cross-legged, swamped in an oversized hoodie that he recognised to be one of his own as he sang softly, watering the plants around him.

Hearing Jimin, his Jimin, sing after all those weeks made his heart swell, growing larger and larger in his chest until he was sure he was going to burst out of pure giddiness.

"There better be a tangerine growing there for me," He finally said with an amused voice, making Jimin jump out of his own little world as he watered the baby tree, causing the quiet humming to end.

"Well, there probably won't be fruit for years but..."

After a moment of thought, Jimin stopped for a second, brow furrowing as he heard Taehyung, still out on the field...

Wait...

He knew that voice. He definitely knew that random, deep, velvety voice coming from right behind him.

"Y-yeobo?" The boy gasped as he spun around and dropped his watering can, mouth open in shock and eyes wide as saucers as his husband stood there, dressed in his usual dirty jeans and leather jacket, arms folded over his chest and a cocky smirk tugging at his thin lips as glasses sat crookedly at the tip of his nose. "Yoonie!"

"Hey, you!" Yoongi chuckled, holding the boy tight as he flung himself at him, lifting him up and keeping him flush against his chest as he wrapped his legs around his waist, burying his face in the crook of his neck and breathing in his scent, instantly feeling at home. "Oh, my beautiful, precious boy! ...God, I've missed you!"

"Yoonie!" Jimin exclaimed, tightening his arms around his husband, feeling so excited to have Yoongi back home that he couldn't even get his words out. "Yoon!"

"So. Fucking. Much!" Yoongi grinned and spun on the spot, Jimin still tangled around him giggling gleefully, planting kiss after kiss on the boy's plump lips with each word. "God, I love you! So much..."

"Yoon," Jimin breathed, not letting go of his husband, but just leaning back slightly in his arms. His big smile shrunk a little as he just stared into the man's bright eyes, releasing just a little to gently cup Yoongi's face in his small, muddy hands. "Are you...here? Is this real?"

"This is real, baby boy," Yoongi nodded, leaning in to capture the boy's lips again. "This is real. I'm home, and I'm staying."

"You're real?" Jimin whispered, almost as if he needed the elder to repeat himself to believe him. "You're really real..."

"I'm real," Yoongi sighed, resting his forehead against the boy's, pressing their noses together. "We're all home, darling. I'm home... What can I do to make you believe me? Hmm?"

"I spoke... We talked..."

"On the radio?" Yoongi's brow furrowed slightly as he tilted his head, looking deep into the boy's eyes. "Mmh-hmm. We did."

"That..." Jimin's voice went high, quiet, unsure. "That was real? Joonie hyung thought... Thought I was just... Too tired."

"I radioed you, yeobo," Yoongi said, kissing the tip of the boy's nose as he lowered him to the ground, his arms growing tired of holding up the adult male. "It was hard to talk, wasn't it? But we managed to speak a little. You didn't imagine that."

"I was gonna try and radio you back," Jimin said, resting his forehead against the man's shoulder. "I was gonna... I didn't have my radio... So I couldn't."

"But..." Yoongi started but shut his mouth, rephrasing what he was about to say so it didn't come across like his husband was confusing him. Maybe it was just because he was pausing so much, talking slower than usual, but the elder felt like things weren't quite adding together. "Where did the radio go?"

Jimin peeped up, seeing how his husband was frowning at him, causing his cheeks to burn and him to look back down again.

"Jiminie?"

"Joon... Namjoonie hyung took it," Jimin sighed, shaking his head a little. "He thought... I imagined it, so he took it away so I couldn't make myself... Sick with it."

"I'll talk to him," Yoongi said softly, placing his fingers under the boy's chin, tilting his head so he could kiss him again. What he really wanted to say was that Namjoon was fucking ridiculous, but instead, he bit his tongue. "But you didn't imagine it. Okay? So, any worries about that mind playing tricks on you again, you can let them go. Okay?"

"I love you," Jimin whispered, eyes watery but the soft show of emotion brought a smile back to the elder's lips as he completely melted at the way the younger pouted at him. "I missed you, baby."

"I missed you too, beautiful," Yoongi just sighed, kissing his husband once again before moving back slightly, taking his hands and giving them a tight squeeze. "Hey. Do you think you might want to come and see Nayeonah?"

"Nayeonah?" Jimin's brows furrowed, a shaky breath leaving his lips and Yoongi knew that was the first time in over a year he had heard that name. It was going to take some time to register. "Nayeon, is she...? Would she want...?"

"She never stops talking about you, baby," Yoongi reassured, seeing the uncertainty in his eyes. "We can go see her, she's waiting... Only if you're ready to, yeobo. But she does miss you."

"O-okay," Jimin nodded after a short moment, looking up with a seemingly excited smile. "Okay, yeah. Let's go see her."

"Just tell me, though," Yoongi said, resting his forehead against the boy's. 

Though Jimin was smiling and seemed to have settled more with the fact that Yoongi was home again, the elder still couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. The last time he had seen his husband, he put his brothers on suicide watch. He wanted to know how long that had to last, whether his husband was truly feeling like himself or not. 

"Are you okay, angel?"

"Just glad you're okay," Jimin nodded softly, closing his eyes as the elder chuckled warmly, wrapping his arms around him again. "I'm glad you're home. I just... Missed you so much. Too much."

"Let's go and see Nayeonah," Yoongi suggested, smiling at his boy, hearing the little squeak in his voice, knowing emotional tears weren't too far behind. "Hmm? Come on. She's talked about you, every single day."

"Has she?" Jimin asked, holding his husband's hand tight as he followed him out of the house, onto the field. "Really?"

Yoongi just nodded, chuckling lightly as he squeezed the boy's hand, pointing over her shoulder. Jimin's head whipped around, but a big grin came to his lips as Hoseok caught his eye and gave a slight wave.

"Come on, baby," Yoongi laughed, nudging the boy forward, knowing that the two had missed each other. "Go see him."

"You're looking well," Hoseok observed with a warm smile as the couple came closer, his eyes on the younger of the two.

"You're not," Jimin pouted at the man, worried by how pale and worn-out he seemed. "Hobi?"

"I'm alright, Chimmy," Hoseok shook his head, chuckling lightly though his smile turned sad when the boy stepped closer for a hug. "Mmm... Not right now, Jiminie. That's not your best idea."

"Oh?"

"Don't want the flu, baby," Yoongi sighed, wrapping an arm around the boy's waist, hugging him since Hoseok was reluctant to. 

"Trust me, honey. You don't want this."

"Are you okay though, hyung?" Jimin asked, his voice going high as he didn't have enough information to stop him from worrying, but the men went quiet and Hoseok just nodded.

"A lot of people got sick," Binna was the one to speak up, answering Jimin's unspoken questions while the two men were trying to keep him in the dark about how bad things had got back in Hwaesa. "Hoseok got it the worst, and a lot of people followed, but Jeonghannim managed to keep heads above water. He's a very good doctor."

"Yeah," Jimin nodded, taking hold of his husband's hand that was resting on his hip, turning to smile at the man. "Yeah, he is... I need to talk to him later. Need to thank 'im, talk to 'im. Hmm, yeobo? I should see him... Hmm?"

"Hmm," Yoongi hummed back, letting his head bob when the boy's did, simply agreeing with him. "Later, baby. He can wait." 

"I'll talk to him, later," Jimin said and Yoongi just nodded again, biting his tongue, stopping himself from telling the boy he was being repetitive. "Thank 'im, for how he helped you, you know? And Hobi."

"When did your accent get so strong, Chimmy?" Hoseok asked with a little frown as the boy trailed off, but he missed Yoongi's expression almost mirroring his question. "The Busan air's getting to you a bit."

The elder didn't think it was a change of accent though, more a constant slur in the boy's words, but he still didn't say anything. 

"Hmm, kiddo?"

"'m just tired," Jimin shook his head. "Didn't sleep well last night, that's all."

"No, neither did we," Binna said, sympathetically, giving the boy a soft smile before looking up at Hoseok. "We need to find somewhere for you to lie down."

"You can sleep at ours, Hobi hyung," Jimin offered, to which Hoseok sighed thankfully but shook his head.

"No, you need to rest," Binna said before the man could even begin to protest, causing him to click his tongue and shut his mouth again. "Come on. You need to drink something as well."

"You can't fight her, Hobi," Yoongi smirked, keeping his arm snaked around his husband's waist. "You just have to give in to the stubbornness, you won't win."

"You're talking about me," Jimin mumbled, causing the elder's smirk to grow.

"I am," Yoongi nodded, kissing the side of the boy's head. "You're most definitely the boss... Go lay down, Hobi... I'm... I'm sorry about yesterday."

"Yesterday?" Hoseok raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips quirking as he shook his head. He knew why Yoongi was apologising, but it wasn't necessary. "I don't know what you're talking about, hyung."

"I do," Binna said, though, causing a pink shade to paint over Yoongi's cheeks, guilt washing over him as she pointed her finger before ushering Hoseok away. "Don't do it again, Yoongissi."

"What's that about?" Jimin asked, looking to his husband as the other two walked away, concerned by just how solemn his expression was. "What did you do, yeobo?"

"Hey, pretty girl!" Yoongi smiled, deliberately ignoring the boy's question and distracting him with the fact that Nayeon was walking over to them.

"Appa?" Nayeon's doe eyes widened as did Jimin's, almost in sync, childlike sparks lighting up both of their faces. 

The boy dropped his husband's hand, running over immediately, causing the girl to giggle and squeal as he lifted her up into his arms, cuddling her tight. 

Yoongi bit his tongue, reminding himself he didn't need to tell Jimin to be careful. Jimin was one of the most gentle, loving, careful and cautious people he had ever met. No, he was. And Nayeon's smile, which was glowing brighter than it had in weeks, proved that. 

"What's the matter?" Jimin asked when the girl let out a thoughtful hum, seeing how her happy expression slipped into an almost grumpy-looking pout. "Princess?"

The name caught the girl off guard but not enough to distract her from her train of thought, leaving her to squirm until Jimin gently lowered her to the grass. 

Turning and walking over to where Yoongi was watching them, Nayeon pouted and held her hands out to him.

"What's wrong, baby girl?" Yoongi asked, crouching down to the child's level but looking over her shoulder to his husband, trying to work out if Jimin's eyes showed sadness or concern, or something else. "Hmm? You've missed Jiminie."

"I forgot my teddy," Nayeon whined, causing the man to tilt his head for a second before letting out a little chuckle.

"Well, go and get it then, sweetheart," Yoongi smiled, shaking his head lightly as the girl sighed heavily and stomped back over to the stack of backpacks. "Bless 'er..."

"She seems..." Jimin observed as he watched Nayeon stroppily search the bags, ultimately having to ask Taehyung for help. "Is she okay?"

"She hasn't been well either," Yoongi sighed, letting his hand rest on the boy's hip. "The symptoms have gone now, but it's left her feeling awful. That sickness, it spread like wildfire. She was with Hope for less than two hours..."

"Why was she with Hobi?" The younger asked, looking up at his husband, brow furrowing. "Where were you...?"

"That's..." Yoongi was about to talk but stopped himself, shaking his head and looking at his boy with a soft smile. "That's a story for another day."

"Why?" Jimin pressed but the elder's eyes turned sad, so he backed off, squeezing Yoongi's hand when he felt the tremble that shook through him. In a split second, the man looked scared. "No. You're not ready... That's okay, yeobo. Th-that's okay."

"I just can't," Yoongi shook his head, letting out a shaky breath that smoothed out when the boy cuddled him close. "I just know I really needed this. You."

"You got me," Jimin gave a little smile, letting his little hands rest on the man's shoulders as he hid his face in his neck. "Yeobo..."

"I know," Yoongi breathed, nodding slowly. "I know. I'm just glad I'm home."

"Nayeon?" Jimin asked after a moment, lifting his head again. "She had what Hobi has?"

"Yeah, but she didn't get it as bad. She was okay, baby," Yoongi said softly, ruffling the back of the boy's hair, seeing the worry in his eyes. "I promise."

"But if there was a fever..." Jimin shook his head, making the man drop his hand. "How long did it last? Did she manage to stay hydrated? She could still..."

"Jiminie," The elder sighed, pressing his nose to the boy's temple, knowing what thoughts were running through his mind. "She's not you, darling. Jeonghan got her better and she's alright now. Just grumpy, a little sulky. There's nothing to worry about anymore though, okay?"

"What about Hobi?" Jimin asked, making eye contact, catching the way Yoongi sighed and gave a fraction of a shrug.

"He'll be okay," The elder said after a moment, nodding his head to convince himself. "Hobi's always okay, just give him time."

Jimin just nodded, sighing heavily as he smiled at Nayeon, walking back to them.

"Jiminie?" Yoongi's voice made him look back, taking his hand gently. "Are you cold, baby? You're shaking."

"I'm okay," Jimin smiled, shaking his head, letting the smile spread into a grin again as NAyeon waved her teddy to show him.

"Appa?" 

"Yes?" Jimin asked, crouching down to the girls's level, just sitting cross-legged on the grass while Yoongi stayed close behind. "What's up?"

"Appa had a tantrum, earlier," Nayeon said with a small, subtle smirk but Yoongi patted her head gently, silently telling her not to be cheeky. 

Jimin seemed to find the mental picture funny though, giggling under his breath at the random bit of gossip from the child, leaning his head against Yoongi's thigh as he peered up at him.

"What happened, yeobo?" He asked, smiling as the man crouched down with them. 

"We... Ran out of fuel," Yoongi admitted, brushing the boy's hair behind his ear, just admiring the pretty face in front of him. "Got stuck with the dead."

"And you panicked."

"A little, yeah," Yoongi just sighed, nodding his head, but Jimin's small hand cupped his cheek and he leaned in for a kiss which was immediately returned. "God, I've missed you."

"Now, let's talk... Why are you crying?" Jihoon's voice caught the doctor off guard as he sat down on the grass next to him. With a sigh, Jeonghan wiped his eyes, shaking his head, denying everything though he hadn't even been accused yet. "Hyung? I leave you for two minutes and it looks like you've just been through a therapy session, talking about your childhood."

"I'm not crying," Jeonghan sighed, though he let his eyes fall back in the couple's direction, a small smile tugging at his lips as Yoongi hugged his husband and daughter once again. It was the happiest Jeonghan had ever seen him before, and he wasn't sure how it made him feel. "I'm not crying. Where'd you get that shit from? Dramatic fucking fruitcake."

"You know, you're usually very articulate, hyung," Jihoon chuckled, putting his arm over the doctor's shoulders. "You're usually impressive with your words. But you forget all of the Korean language when you start lying."

"I'm not lying."

"You just called me a dramatic fruitcake," Jihoon scoffed, not believing a word no matter how hard Jeonghan protested. "You didn't even bother trying. You're slipping, doc, and you're lying to me. Why?"

"I've learned recently," Jeonghan said, leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees as Jihoon settled back on the grass. "Something I should have learned a long time ago, Woozi."

"And what's that?"

"God has a terrific, wicked sense of humour," The doctor sighed, letting his heart ache, letting himself get washed away by the sensation as he took in Yoongi's devastating grin, his overwhelming happiness that was radiating off him for miles. "He's hilarious..."

"Hyung?"

"Hmm?"

"You're a shit liar." 

Jeonghan just looked over his shoulder at him, letting out a shaky breath.

"A really shit liar," Jihoon shook his head, throwing his arms around the man, pulling him into his side while roughly ruffling his hair. "It's good to have you back, hyung. I missed ya."

Chapter Text

𝓑𝓤𝓢𝓐𝓝

Jimin stumbled down the stairs from his bedroom, having woken up that evening from a nap that Yoongi had suggested before dinner when he noticed the events of the day becoming a bit too draining for him.

 Still sleepy, he wandered over to the oak dining table in the kitchen, eyes still half closed and unfocused to even realise how crowded the little room was, everyone clearly having grouped up into cliques and lingering as dinner was taken care of by Seojoon and Seokjin.

"I'm sitting there, kid," Jihoon said, just as he found a chair to claim, catching him out the corner of his eye as he spread out a few candles to light. 

"Okay..." Jimin mumbled tiredly, giving a little nod.

"No, you're not," Jeonghan sighed as he walked over, placing his hand on Jimin's shoulder just as he was about to move. "Ignore him, honey. It's your house. Jihoonah, we'll sit over there."

"I don't want to sit in one of those crappy things!" 

"Deal with it. You don't live here," Jeonghan said, firmly shaking his head, pointing to where Jennie and Beomgyu placed a few dusty camping chairs in any spare space around the table, with the help of Felix and Nuri. They had been rotting in the old shed and smelt damp. Not very comforting, to say the least.

The groups had all spent the afternoon hours getting to know each other, but that hadn't made them any more comfortable with being together. 

"Since when were you such a people pleaser?" Jihoon just scoffed, shaking his head as he continued to light up the table.

"Um... What're you doing?" A voice appeared behind Jihoon as he lit a few more candles. "We can't have candles."

"It's pitch black in here, mate," Jihoon said, though he knew he was exaggerating as the kitchen was still light enough to walk around safely. However, when he turned to see Taehyung blowing his candles out as quickly as he was lighting them, annoyance started to bubble up. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Firstly, there's a pet cat... Somewhere around here," Taehyung stated matter of factly, blowing out the last candle. "Secondly, a young child now lives here. And thirdly, Jiminah lives here. The place will be burnt down in minutes because they'll get knocked over, especially if Namjoonie hyung comes back."

"So, what then, kid?" Jihoon asked, folding his arms over his chest, but the boy mirrored his cocky pose. "We all sit in the dark? I was going for a tavern-style..."

"There are battery lanterns in the shed," Taehyung shrugged. "Go and get them. Just be thankful I told you about the candles."

"Why?" Jihoon asked, now suddenly sounding rather cautious, but Taehyung shrugged again and left him to it, going to take a seat at the dining table. "Sounds intriguing, whatever it is..."

"What are we talking about?" Taehyung asked as he sank into the spare seat, next to Jennie. It seemed he had walked into something awkward as the girl looked almost annoyed, and the kids around them looked confused. 

"There's a new girl at Hwaesa," Felix said. "I can't remember her name but she knew Jisoo eonnie... Hey, she knew Yoongi hyung, maybe she knows you."

"You know what he's talking about?" Taehyung asked Jennie, only receiving a silent nod in response. "Care to share?"

"He's talking about Chaeyoung," Jennie sighed, rolling her eyes a little. "Rosé."

"The blonde girl?" Taehyung asked, vivid memories flashing in his mind of one specific night. Not necessarily good ones, ones that made his chest ache. "At the barn, that night... When we... I... She's alive?"

"Apparently."

"Well, are you gonna go back?" Taehyung asked bluntly, though with genuine curiosity in his tone. "We'd understand if you do. I can ask hyung to spare one of the cars."

"Maybe," Jennie shrugged, tapping her fingers against the table in thought. "Not yet, but soon. She's been dead two years, she can stay dead a few more days."

"Woah," Taehyung's brow furrowed, shocked by the girl's bitter words. He didn't know how the girls became separated, he never got the full story, but that sounded harsh even if something bad did go down. "Down, girl. Easy now."

"I'm not in the mood, Taehyungah," The girl said bitterly, her harsh tone actually making the boy miss his rude nickname. "Just drop it."

"Yeah, you need caffeine, and luckily this is Yoongi's house and he used to prioritize that shit, so I'm gonna make you the strongest coffee you've ever had in your life," Taehyung said, rolling his eyes a little as he pushed himself away from the table again. "Anyone else want one?"

"I'll have a cuppa," Felix said, taken aback when Taehyung turned to him and stopped, raising an eyebrow. "...Please."

"A what?" Taehyung tilted his head, waiting for the boy to realise and reorder his drink in Korean.

"Coffee, please, hyung," Felix said after a beat, letting his shoulders slump as Taehyung just chuckled and accepted, walking away.

"You'll get there," Jennie said, nudging the boy. "Out of practice, hmm?"

"I just... Forget they can't understand," Felix shook his head, sighing quietly but Jennie nodded in understanding and patted his shoulder. "Chris always understood."

"What are you guys talking about?" Nuri asked across the table, pouting at the two after being left out of the conversation. "Let's be inclusive here."

"I think you've outdone yourself, hyung," Taehyung chuckled as he walked over to the counter, grabbing a few mugs from the overhead cupboard and a jar of coffee, along with Jimin's tea bags when he saw them. He noticed the boy was starting to look miserable, sitting quietly by himself, so maybe a hot drink would cheer him up a bit. "Well done, it smells delicious."

"Well, Seojoonssi suggested the meals," Seokjin smiled as he prepared the ingredients for the meal he had been working hard on. "And I think we deserve something special, don't you?"

"It's been a while since we've cooked anything decent," Seojoon commented with a small shrug. "And we've got to use up that veg before the winter kills it."

"Does anyone want a drink?" Taehyung asked, pointing to the stove. "Is there any space for the kettle?"

"Go ahead, kid," Seojoon smiled, moving over his frying pan so there was enough room on the stove. "I'm good, though. Thank you."

"Hyung?"

"I'm okay, thank you. But make sure you make Yoongs one," Seokjin said, chopping more of the vegetables as Taehyung filled the kettle from the water keg, by the back door. "You'll never hear the end of it if everyone else has one and he doesn't."

"Where is he?" Taehyung asked, grabbing an extra mug. 

"I think he's taken Nayeon upstairs, to bed."

"Well, he's got about five minutes before Chim clings to someone like velcro again," Taehyung said, though there was a light, teasing lilt to his voice. "I love Tiny and all, but... I don't want it to be me."

"I'm sure he won't stay away long," Seokjin just chuckled. "Now, get those drinks done and get out of my way. I need to plate up before people starve to death."

"Sorry," The boy hurried, trying to work quickly, but Seokjin just laughed at him.

The elder nudged his side after a moment when a series of thuds came down the stairs.

"Told you so," Seokjin joked as Yoongi walked over, though was closely followed.

"That's just creepy," Taehyung said rather loudly as he abandoned his drinks for a moment, causing all eyes to fall to the door just as Yoongi walked through the kitchen door, and Jihoon walked up behind him with lanterns in hand. 

"And awkward..." Seokjin added to the boy's comment as the two men looked at each other, frowning and looking the other up and down as if trying to work something out.

"You're the guy they've been comparing me to," Jihoon's face finally lit up, holding his hand out for the man to shake, though he looked at everyone else in the kitchen when Yoongi refused the gesture. "Am I really that handsome? Is this a mirror?"

A few snarky chuckles came from the audience as Yoongi just stood there, blankly staring at the man as he started posing as if he were in front of a vanity mirror, confused as to how he was meant to be reacting to the nonsense. 

However, one comment made the grin hop from Jihoon to Yoongi, instantly.

"No, no you're not," The soft voice came, making Yoongi smile brightly as he headed over to his husband, who was staring like the rest of them.

"Hey, you," Yoongi said as he walked into the kitchen, ignoring the others and taking a seat next to his husband at the dining table, placing a hand on the small of his back as he grinned back at him. "I missed you."

"You were upstairs for ten minutes," Jimin teased but shuffled his chair closer to the man's, glad to be near someone again. "How's Nayeon?"

"She's in the spare room, settled straight away so we may have to decorate it for her," Yoongi said as he smiled, unable nor wanting to take his eyes off the boy, just wanting to admire him for the rest of time. "You're gorgeous."

"You're gorgeous," Jimin giggled, especially when the elder just pumped his eyebrows and tilted his head, possibly in agreement, maybe in dismissal.

"You're both disgusting," A voice came from behind them, Taehyung cringing hard. "I haven't missed this at all. Here's your tea. Hyung, coffee."

"Thanks, chingu," Jimin laughed, but Taehyung brushed him off with a joking scoff and patted his shoulder before going to sit on the other side of the table.

"Since when do you drink tea?" Yoongi asked with a scoff, lifting Jimin's mug to sniff it out of curiosity, intrigued by the floral scent wafting to his nostrils. "What is this?"

"Tae suggested it," Jimin shrugged, keeping his words vague, but that only piqued the elder's curiosity more. "'tis valerian and chamomile. He's been reading a new book and has gotten really into growing different plants, for some reason... 'tis calming, helps me sleep."

"Have you been feeling anxious again?" Yoongi asked with a little frown, thinking back to how shaky the boy was outside and thinking maybe his anxiety had been playing up, but Jimin shook his head, taking his mug back.

"Nope, just tastes nice," He smiled sweetly, causing Yoongi to chuckle. "Maybe you should try some, so you don't throw any more tantrums."

"Cheeky," The elder smirked, nudging the boy, making him giggle. "So, that's it? I'm home for a few hours and now you're gonna start teasing?"

"No," Jimin shook his head, still grinning. "I'll give you a few more hours. Welcome home, baby."

"But I just knew I had to leave. That Mingyu prick... God..." Jihoon's endless rambling started to trail off as he noticed Jeonghan hadn't been listening to him at all. He was way too distracted by the couple, across the table. "Well, since they're more interesting... Hyung, why are you listening so intently?"

"Jimin's drinking tea," Jeonghan said quietly, keeping his eyes on the couple but he could feel Jihoon staring at him with quizzical eyes. 

"So?"

"The kid's basically twelve years old, in his head. He never drinks tea, much less something like valerian tea. It's always hot chocolate."

"So?" Jihoon frowned with a shrug, not sharing the man's intellect and therefore not understanding his point. "He's just getting one of his five-a-day."

"Firstly, it's a herb, you plank," Jeonghan scoffed, tearing his gaze away to glare at the younger. "And he's epileptic. Valerian has sedative effects, anti-convulsant traits... But he's already got meds for it. I was giving him them, myself, at one point. That tea he's drinking will only make them stronger. But with what he's on, with the chamomile as well...? He should be asleep. It should all be interacting, having a much stronger sedative effect."

"You're speaking jibberish," Jihoon muttered, already having lost interest. "Ignore them, hyung. You have much better things to be thinking about... Like how great that food smells. Who's cooking? Which one of the newbies is that?"

"You're the newbie here," Jeonghan reminded, though nodded as Seokjin walked over to the table with a tray of plates in hand. "These guys are family, don'tcha know?"

"Wow," Jihoon jeered with a chuckle. "You said that with the bitterness of a teenage girl." 

"Do you want to die?" Jeonghan warned, glaring at the younger, already sick of him but also so happy with being teased to such an extent. He had missed the kid, sorely.

"Food's ready!" Seojoon called as he handed out plates of food, making the kids at the table cheer. Seokjin and he had taken on the task of cooking dinner for the group, taking great advantage of the variety of of vegetables Taehyung had been taking great care of. 

"Spicy for Yoongissi, non-spicy for Jiminie," Seokjin's voice came from behind, making Yoongi turn, though Jimin shyly kept his head down as the atmosphere in the room became louder and overbearing. "What's up, kiddo? You can swap if you want, it was just a suggestion."

"No, no, 'tis fine. There's just... A lot of people here," Jimin just shrugged a little, earning a sympathetic smile from his husband and Seokjin put down the plates of food.

Jimin grabbed his hyung's wrist as he went to back away. Seokjin jumped slightly before chuckling at the way the boy looked directly up, tilting his head back to see him.

"I've missed you, honey," The elder smiled, laying his arms over the boy's shoulders, hugging him tight from behind like he was silently requesting and kissing the top of his head. "You're doing good... I'm gonna go and check on Namjoonah, make sure he's eating as well, wherever he's got to. You two enjoy, now."

"Thank you, hyung," Yoongi said, smiling back as the man nodded at him. They both knew what he meant by his sincere tone, and it wasn't the food.

"Just enjoy and relax," Seokjin smiled warmly, patting the man's shoulder. "You're home now, like you wanted."

Yoongi nodded, watching over his shoulder as his hyung left the room, before sighing and turning back to his husband. Gently taking the boy's hand, free from chopsticks, he tugged it upwards and kissed along his knuckles.

Jimin just giggled, his cheeks pinking up slightly as he shook his head at the elder, who was just goofily staring at him.

"You and Tae have been busy," Yoongi said after a moment, blinking himself out of the daze. "It's all botanical and shit out there, with the flowers and all."

"Botanical?" Jimin's eyebrow raised as his lips tugged into a little smirk. "That's a big word for you, isn't it?"

"I was wondering when you were gonna start being a brat," Yoongi clicked his tongue, though his smile was warm and amused. He was savouring every second of it, all the teasing and giggling, everything he had painfully missed over the month. "It looks pretty out there, baby. Nice work."

"Yeah, I was growing some for you," Jimin nodded, talking quietly over a mouthful of food. "Flowers... But that didn't work out."

"How come?" Yoongi asked. From what he saw, the whole back garden was full of different flowers and plants, growing well.

"They haven't even opened yet, it's too cold," Jimin said with a little pout, pushing his food around his plate. "I wanted it to be a surprise since you said... Remember that time, when we did that thing. The TMI thing when we debuted... When you said rose mallows are your favourite?"

"I remember," Yoongi scoffed at the way the faded memory sprang back with colour, dusty and unclear from the days before the world died. "I mean, I forgot I said that but... Yeah, I remember. What's the problem, though?"

"I mean..." Jimin's cheeks flushed as he bit back a giggle. "I'm not saying you got home too soon, but... Those ones haven't..."

"You wanted those ones to grow," Yoongi laughed at how adorable his boy was, pressing a kiss to his temple when he nodded. "You're ridiculous. I love you... So, do you want me to go back for a few days? Come home in a week or something?"

"I don't ever want you to leave again. I won't let you leave my sight," Jimin shook his head, going back to his dinner, picking his chopsticks back up only to be stopped by his husband.

"What's going on, Jiminie?" Yoongi asked quietly when he looked up with questioning eyes, rubbing his thumb over the back of the boy's hand, his amused smile fading as he felt just how shaky he was. The tremors seemed to be getting worse, travelling up his arms, but Jimin seemed to be unbothered by it. "What's this about? You know you can tell me if this is too much; if you're anxious, just tell me."

Jimin looked back at the man, biting the inside of his cheek, but his excuse was hand-served to him way too easily, not having to lie but just having to look past Yoongi's shoulder.

"Yoon," Jimin frowned and nodded to the doorway, causing his husband to whip his head around. "Nayeonah?"

"Wha...? Hey, baby girl," Yoongi hopped out of his seat as soon as he saw the teary child in the doorway, sniffling while holding her hands out to him. Lifting her onto his hip, he sighed as she held onto him tight. "What's up, kiddo? Why're we crying?"

"D-d-didn't know where you were," The girl whimpered, her little lips pouting as Yoongi sighed heavily. It dawned on him right then and there, Nayeon had never been left alone at nighttime. She always had someone with her. "Thought you were coming back but you didn't."

"Shit..." The man muttered, looking over to his husband, who was watching them with worried eyes. Softly, Jimin just gave him a small, reassuring nod. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. Let's go back to bed... I'll be back in a minute, yeobo."

"Goodnight, Princess," Jimin gave Nayeon a little wave but it wasn't acknowledged when the room grew loud again and the girl hid her face against Yoongi's shoulder. With a sigh, he looked around the table when Yoongi headed upstairs, spotting his best friend. "Bear?"

Taehyung answered straight away, leaving his own conversation to glance over at the older boy, but Jimin just frowned at him, shaking his head a little. 

"Guys, can we keep the noise down?" He called to the rest of the group, mainly looking at where Jeonghan and Jihoon were, before looking back to Felix, next to him. "Let's not forget we've got a little kid trying to sleep upstairs."

He looked back to Jimin, giving a thumbs up. Jimin whispered a genuine thank you, causing the younger to smile and wink before going back to talking.

"Here we go," Yoongi sighed as he walked into the little spare room, Nayeon still clinging tight to him. "You gonna let go, sweetheart?"

"'kay," The little girl shrugged, releasing the man as he sat her down on the bed.

"Comfy?" Yoongi asked, smiling warmly as he pulled the large duvet up, but Nayeon shook her head and remained sitting. "No?"

"Don't wanna sleep."

"Well, do you wanna drink, hmm?" Yoongi asked with a small frown, but again, Nayeon shook her head. "Want to read? You like reading, there's loads of books in the other room."

"Can you tell me a story?" Nayeon asked grumpily as she still refused to lie down, not wanting to go to bed in case Yoongi left again. "I don't wanna read."

"You want me to read?" Yoongi suggested as he tucked her in nonetheless, but she shook her head, causing him to frown. "What kind of story do you want then, sweetheart?"

"Make one up," Nayeon shrugged a little and Yoongi wasn't even sure what she had said, for a moment.

"Yeah," He finally gave a soft chuckle, shaking his head a little. "Now that we're here, I think that's definitely more of a Jiminie job. Maybe he could sing instead, I know you missed that..."

"I want you to tell a story, appa," Nayeon shook her head, taking hold of the man's giant hand.

"O-okay, um... You'll have to give me a moment," Yoongi stuttered, trying to think on the spot for a story to tell, but he didn't really have many ideas. He wasn't good at this kind of thing. "I guess, uh... There was a man, um... He used to... I don't know... He, um..."

"Where did the man live?" Nayeon asked, helping move Yoongi on from his stammering, probing for an actual story. "Were there monsters?"

"There doesn't have to be monsters in every story, sweetheart."

"But are there any in the man's story?"

"Um, no," Yoongi shook his head, an idea slowly painting a picture in his mind.

"Then what is there?" Nayeon frowned, causing a small smile to tug at the man's lips.

"An angel."

"An angel?" Nayeon gasped, her eyes lighting up as she finally settled into her bed, comfortable and ready to listen. "A pretty angel?"

"Very pretty," Yoongi chuckled, nodding his head as he brushed her hair off her face. "The prettiest."

"How did the man meet the angel?" 

"He was, uh... It was when the world became cold and lonely, he was living in a very dark, scary place," Yoongi sighed, biting his lip for a second before shaking his head. "He had been there for a very long time and... I guess he actually thought he'd be stuck there forever but, just as he got desperate and was going to try and escape... That's when the angel came... And shared his light, I guess."

"So, the angel helped the man out of the dark place?" The little girl asked, a small frown on her face, though it softened when Yoongi nodded. "With its light... What happened then? Did they become friends?"

"Something like that," Yoongi let out a soft chuckle, nodding again as his smile grew. "The man fell in love with the angel... Well, he finally admitted to loving the angel, after a long time, and he swore to protect the angel, even if it meant he got hurt instead. Even if it meant not being able to have happiness or joy, at least the angel would be safe. That was all that mattered to the man, that was the only important thing."

"Why?" Nayeon asked, a little frown forming as she couldn't quite grasp the concept of selflessness, but Yoongi just sighed and smiled at her.

"Do you know what happens when angels get hurt?" He asked and Nayeon shook her head. "They lose their light, and then the rest of us lose hope. We'd get lost because they wouldn't be able to guide us, and the whole world would be dark and scary."

"So... Angels make the world better?" Nayeon asked, causing Yoongi to nod. "The world's safer with them?"

"It definitely is, sweetheart."

"So, what happened to the angel?" Nayeon asked, now enthralled in the story, her wide eyes locked on the man, listening intently. "Was it hurt or did the man keep it safe?"

"Well, the angel was... Was hurt," Yoongi sighed, the guilt straining his heart becoming evident in his tone and Nayeon's eyes turned sad. "Many times. I guess you could say the man failed because the angel lost its light. The man didn't keep it safe, no matter how hard he tried."

"That's sad," Nayeon said, her voice dimming slightly before she looked back to Yoongi and made a thoughtful sound. "But... What did you do? To help the angel get its light back."

"Me?" Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow at the girl, caught off guard. "I never said anything about me."

"You're the man, right?" Nayeon asked as if she didn't need an answer, causing him to let out a chuckle of disbelief. "And appa's the angel... Right? You always try to keep him safe, and he looks after you. And appa got really poorly, so maybe that was when his light went out."

"You're too clever," Yoongi shook his head with a scoff. "Way too clever."

"So, how did you help?"

"I... Brought him away from the dark place," Yoongi sighed, looking back at the girl. "I brought him here, so it wasn't as scary. Wasn't as dark. So, he was safe."

"And now his light's back."

"I hope so, baby girl. I really hope so," Yoongi nodded, standing himself with a huff, carefully tucking the girl in bed. "It's been a long time coming. Now, are you going to get some sleep?"

"Okay," The little girl nodded but Yoongi could see one last question, lingering behind her eyes, so he simply waited for her to say it. "So... If you look after me, are you an angel too, appa?"

"No, sweetheart," Yoongi shook his head softly, leaning down to kiss the girl's forehead, tucking her in. "I'll always keep you safe, but I'm certainly no angel."

-

"Room service," Seokjin called, knocking on the doorframe of Seojoon's living room, tray in hand as he waited for Namjoon to acknowledge him. "Now that you've cleaned up, you need to eat."

"You didn't have to," The younger man said with a sigh as he placed his book on the sofa, clicking his tongue as his hyung walked in and placed the tray on his lap. "What is all this?"

"They're having a dinner party next door," Seokjin said with a shrug, taking away the book so Namjoon had no choice but to tuck into his dinner. "I knew if I didn't bring you something, you wouldn't eat. So... You've got oi muchim. Sorry, the kids took the non-spicy option... Lightweights."

"Which was?"

"Gaji bokkeum," Seokjin said, knowing that the man would have probably chosen that as well, given the choice. "Seojoonssi's got an impressive field of produce out there. Reminded me of what we had at that warehouse, that Taehyungie and Hoseokie managed..."

"Hmm," The younger huffed, though he clearly wasn't open to taking a trip down memory lane.

"But hey," Seokjin took the hint, quickly going back to what he was originally going to say. "At least you've got some lovely, flavourful water to wash this down with. Fresh from the creek."

"Riveting," Namjoon gave half a chuckle, just to satisfy the man but Seokjin took it. "Thanks, hyung."

"Don't mention it," Seokjin said with a warm smile, watching as the younger started to eat. "Now... What's going on? Why are you hiding from everyone?"

"I'm just staying out of the way," Namjoon just shrugged, though his glum expression from before had softened greatly as he actually started to enjoy his meal. It had been a long time since he had a warm meal, as he always kept himself too occupied and busy with being on guard to join the rest for meals. "I don't think they'd be very pleased over there, if I joined."

"Why say that?" Seokjin frowned. "I know I'm glad to be back with a-... With you guys."

"I haven't been allowed in that house for two weeks, hyung," Namjoon shook his head with a sigh, looking at his brother. "Not since Jimin started being petty."

"Jimin's been in the best mood I've seen him in, in ages," Seokjin's frown only deepened. "He's a little overwhelmed at the moment but... What happened between you two? It's not like either of you to fight, especially not with each other."

"Yeah, well, I'm sure Taehyungah's already given Yoongi a rundown of what happened. I'm surprised he hasn't told you yet," Namjoon shook his head again, scoffing quietly. "Did they actually speak on the radio? The other week?"

"Yoongi and Jimin?" Seokjin frowned but started to realise what may have happened when Namjoon just nodded, seeing the subtle but still present guilt in his eyes as he spoke. "Yeah, Yoongi got hold of one of Baekhyun's HAMs. He said it wasn't a great connection but he did get through for a moment, before... Well, yeah."

"Shit," The younger mumbled, telling Seokjin he was right in his assumptions, going off when Taehyung told him the leader told Jimin he was imagining things. "Yeah, I'm not going over, hyung."

"Just come and talk to them," The elder said, clicking his tongue. "Explain yourself. I am sure you had good reasons to not believe Jiminie. I do understand why you wouldn't."

"I can't be dealing with Yoongi tonight."

"Fine... Alright then, keep sulking," Seokjin sighed, knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere when Namjoon was being this stubborn. Clapping his hands, he stood himself up, shaking his head as the younger just settled back onto the couch, just to make a point. "Keep pretending that you, Kim Namjoon, are scared of the likes of Yoongi... Hyung will be here to talk when you're done."

-

Yoongi sighed, walking back into the kitchen tiredly, glad when the waft of food hit his nose again. He'd be definitely lying if he said he wasn't hungry but, even then, eating couldn't be his top priority. Not when it looked like this whole dinner party situation was starting to become stressful.

"Hey you," He smiled, sitting back down in his seat, placing his hand on the small of Jimin's back to get his attention. "Hey... Is it too loud in here, yeobo?"

Jimin didn't answer, but a loud chorus of laughter from the kids' end of the table had him hanging his head low, covering one of his ears while holding tight to his chopsticks.

"Jiminie... Do you want to step outside, beautiful?" Yoongi asked softly, noticing his glossy eyes as he stared at his half-empty plate. 

Well... Through it.

His eyes narrowed slightly, seeing how the boy's chopsticks were about to fall out of his tensely twitching hand, so he subtly took them, placing them on the plate before holding his hand and gently massaging his palm with his thumb so he wouldn't get a cramp.

"You're doing good," He whispered, pressing his lips to the boy's temple, gently easing his other hand down to the table. Though he certainly hadn't missed Jimin's seizures, he wasn't too shocked to see one so soon. The boy must have been overwhelmed in the full house, Yoongi knew he was. "I'll kick all these people out later, it's still our house. Your house. Just tough it out a little longer, yeobo. Hmm?"

"Mmmh-hmm," Jimin hummed back after a moment, making the elder smile in relief and kiss his head again. He finally blinked at the man, giving a sheepish smile. "Sorry."

"Are you okay?" Yoongi asked softly, pressing his nose to the boy's, causing a pink blush to paint his cheeks. "Is this too much?"

"Chim."

Jimin pulled back and looked over the table with a small frown, shrinking back a little when he caught Taehyung's eyes burning into him. He shook his head a little, but the younger kept staring, raising an eyebrow at him.

"What's going on, yeobo?" Yoongi asked quietly, interrupting the friends' telepathic conversation. "Jiminie?"

"Nothing, baby," Jimin turned back with a transparent smile, kissing the man's lips before picking his chopsticks back up and returning to his dinner. "This is really nice, you should finish yours. Jinnie hyung did good."

"That's because it's all he ever does now," Yoongi chuckled, ruffling the hair at the back of the boy's neck before giving in and going back to his own plate of food. Though he let his eyes flicker over to Taehyung, scepticism still filling his mind, the boy was already wrapped back up in conversation with the younger ones around the table. "Jiminie?"

"Hmm?" The boy hummed over a mouthful of food, looking up at the man with full cheeks, making him laugh.

"You'd tell me if something's wrong, right? I'm not missing anything... Right?"

"Like what?" Jimin asked, gulping the mouthful down to tilt his head at the man, but Yoongi just shook his head, smiling warmly at him.

"Never mind."

"Taehyungah?" Jeonghan leaned around Jihoon, who hadn't stopped chatting even though he was basically talking to himself. "What's going on?" 

"Whatcha mean?" Taehyung frowned, following where the doctor nodded, seeing Jimin and Yoongi talking with their faces less than an inch apart again. "They're just happy to be back together, let them be gross for a while."

"I mean, what's going with Jimin?" Jeonghan shook his head, noticing instantly as the boy's expression fell into something that could mistaken as guilt. "Something's off, and I ain't fooled. The kid's no tea drinker."

"I..." The boy stammered, shaking his head a little, not sure what to say. "He'll have to tell you, uisa seonsaengnim. I can't tell you before he tells Yoongi hyung."

"Does it involve me?" Jeonghan asked, exhaling a long breath, and Taehyung nodded as the man slipped into his doctor voice.

"Possibly."

-

Seokjin sighed as he reentered the other house, quickly closing the door behind him so the cold outside air couldn't get in. He was just about ready to settle and finally have his own dinner, but there was one more person he had to check on.

"Hoseokie?" He smiled as he walked into the living room, glad to see the two were seemed calmer than everyone else.

"Hey, hyung," Hoseok croaked slightly from the couch. "They're clearing up in there, where have you been?"

"Aish, cleaning up before I even have a bite. Little shits..."

"I'm sure you don't have to rush," Binna shook her head, catching the man's quiet grumbles of annoyance. 

"Everything alright?" The man asked as he sat next to his brother, seeing how the girl was fanning herself with a random magazine, pacing by the window. "Open the window if it's too hot in here."

"I'm alright," Binna brushed him off with a soft shake of her head, but Hoseok chuckled lightly at her.

"She's not good with spice, hyung," He told the older man. "That food was way too hot for her."

"Ah, sorry."

"Not to worry," Binna shook her head again, grabbing her bottle of water and sipping the drink, trying to subtly wipe the sweat from her brow. "I'm alright, the meal was nice."

"And did you manage to eat anything?" Seokjin asked Hoseok, sighing when the man just shook his head. "I told you to try something out of the snack bag. You need to eat, Hoseokie, or you're just gonna feel worse."

"His throat's too raw," Binna said as she came to crouch in front of the couch, causing Seokjin to smile softly. He had seen this before with Yoongi and Jimin, and clearly, these two were in the talking for each other phase. Instead of saying anything though, he just pressed his hand to his brother's forehead. "I told Jeonghan earlier. With all that vomiting, I think he's torn it somehow."

"Well, you're cooler," Seokjin said, moving his hand back, patting his shoulder but sighing when he just slumped into his side for a hug. "I think you're going to be okay, honey. You just should have been resting rather than travelling around. But you'll certainly sleep well tonight, after yesterday, so hopefully that helps."

"Where?" Binna asked, making the man look up to her, though he was more preoccupied with propping the sleepy Hoseok up so he didn't hurt his neck. "There's two houses here and, last time I counted, there's fifteen of us. I can't see anyone already living here letting us bunk up with them. And Hoseok isn't sleeping in a shed like this."

"I know he isn't. I'll talk to Namjoon. I'm new here, just like you guys. I doubt Yoongi and Jimin are gonna want us sticking around. At least for tonight. But, I'm sure next door will be a bit more welcoming. I'll explain, okay? We'll sort it out."

"Jiminie's already said we can sleep here," Hoseok sighed, remembering the boy's generous offer from earlier. 

"Yeah, I think Yoongi's kicking everyone out after dinner," Seokjin said with a sigh, shaking his head a little. "Jiminie's too overwhelmed. Which is understandable, considering he's lived in an empty house for over a month. He needs the space... Plus, you need a bed, Hoseokie. Somewhere you can properly rest."

"Y-you could s-s-stay at ours," A quiet, soft voice came, making the three look over the back of the couch to see Beomgyu pausing on his way to the bathroom. "We have my room. You can s-sta-stay there if you like."

"That wouldn't mess you around?" Seokjin asked, but the boy just shook his head.

"I can jus-s-st... I can bunk with S-s-s-... With hyung," Beomgyu shrugged, though Seokjin caught the way his cheeks flushed every time he stumbled over his words. "He won't mind."

"Is... Is it okay if we go over now?" Binna asked, catching Hoseok in the corner of her eye, falling asleep against his brother. "So he can settle down?"

"Yeah," The boy nodded with a little shrug. "S-sure... Go ahead, the doors-s-sop-open."

"Thank you," Binna smiled, looking back to the two on the couch. "Seokjinssi, could you go with him? I wanna talk to Jeonghanssi about something, quickly."

"Is everything okay?" Hoseok asked hoarsly, his eyes peeping opening but the girl just smiled and nodded. 

"Yeah," She said, taking his hand and kissing the back of it. "Go and get in bed, I'll be there in a few."

-

"Thank you, hyung," Taehyung smiled as he collected the plates from around the table. The kids had moved next door as the evening slowly came into the night, leaving the house quiet and calm again. "Dinner was delicious."

"No worries, honey," Seokjin said with a warm smile as he cleaned up the stove. After taking Hoseok to bed, he had just managed to come in and finally eat his own dinner before his plate was cleaned up. "Make sure to thank Seojoonssi though, he suggested it all."

"Where did you learn to cook?" Jeonghan asked as he took a few dishes to clean, wanting to help out rather than stand around since Jihoon had already buggered off after eating. 

"I guess I've always just... Done it," Seokjin shrugged, not really knowing how to answer. "Bumonim taught me when I was young, it became a hobby. Not to mention I had to cook for these brats, back when we were working."

"Jinnie hyung actually owns a restaurant," Taehyung butted in, bringing over the remaining plates before getting started on refilling people's water bottles. 

"I doubt it's still standing, kid," Seokjin chuckled, but when Jeonghan pressed on, he just shrugged. "Me and my hyung planned it for a long time, we finally managed to open it but I had to let him take over. I was way too busy."

"Still, that's damn impressive though," Jeonghan said. "I wouldn't stop bragging about that if I were you."

"You don't stop bragging anyway, Jeonghannim," Taehyung reminded, causing the doctor to laugh and agree.

"Jeonghanssi?" Binna called from the doorway, catching the doctor's attention. "Could I talk to you for a moment?"

"Is it Hoseok?" Jeonghan asked, dropping the plates into the bucket of water, raising an eyebrow at the girl as he dried his hands off. 

"No, no, nothing like that," Binna shook her head. "Just wanted a moment to speak... Privately, please."

"Yeah," Jeonghan nodded, though his brow furrowed, sensing an off tone to the girl's usually chirpy voice. "Yeah, sure. Let's go outside."

"Are you guys gonna be okay, tonight?" Seokjin asked, turning to Yoongi after finishing off the cleaning up, following him into the living room.

"I think we're gonna be fine," Yoongi nodded, about to smile over his shoulder only to realise Jimin wasn't there even though he thought he was following. "When he works out what he's doing."

"Just needs time to settle down," Taehyung said, emerging from the kitchen in time to catch what the two were saying. "He's getting some water."

"You enjoy being home, Yoongs," Seokjin said, patting the man's shoulder. "I'm gonna go back and check on Hoseokie."

"Thank you, hyung," Yoongi nodded, giving his brother a quick hug, that lasted longer than he wanted when Seokjin kept hold of him for a while. "Goodnight."

"Sleep well, guys," Seokjin smiled, giving Taehyung a hug as Yoongi escaped to sit on the sofa. "I'll be next door."

"See you in the morning, hyung," Taehyung said as he went to sit by Yoongi, and the man returned the words before leaving the three in peace. "Well... That was a long evening. Hey, Tiny."

"Jiminie?" Yoongi looked over but was was quick to his feet when he heard a quiet thud, seeing how the boy had randomly sat himself down on the floor rather than entered the room. 

"Hyung, it's okay," Taehyung said as the man went over to crouch in front of his husband, in the doorway. "This has been happening a lot. He just needs to sit down. You don't need to panic." 

"I'm not panicking," Yoongi clicked his tongue as he carefully placed his hand on the back of Jimin's neck, making sure he had the support if he needed it as his face went completely blank. "I'm just making sure he doesn't hurt himself."

"He won't," Taehyung shook his head, sighing as he looked over to the stairs, smiling a little when Suga skipped down, letting out quiet meows with each step. "Just let this one do his job."

"I wondered where he'd got to," Yoongi sighed, running his hand up the cat's back as he walked up to curl on Jimin's lap. "Have you been looking after my boy? Hmm, you little shit?"

Suga merely mewled, almost grumpily as he nuzzled against Jimin's hand, getting the boy's attention a little. 

Yoongi just scoffed, astounded that even the cat felt he was doing a better job than him. Though, maybe Suga was right about that.

"You back, Jiminie?" The man asked as the boy shuffled into a cross-legged position, cuddling the cat close to his chest. "Jiminie?"

"Mmm-hmm."

"Has it gone away yet?" The man asked softly, his expression softening as the boy's hand started to pet the cat, smiling at him when he just quietly nodded. "Well done, yeobo."

"Yoon, did Jungkookie come back with you guys?" The boy mumbled, his brow furrowing as his squinted eyes focused on his husband. "When you came home? I... Didn't see him."

"Chimmy..." Taehyung sighed, rolling his eyes a little but Jimin just kept his eyes on his husband.

"It hasn't gone away yet, has it?" Yoongi sighed, gently ruffling the back of the boy's hair when his words made his frown deepen. 

How come this one memory could never stick? 

Why did it always come back to this? 

"Baby... How are we still at square one?"

"Don't say that," Taehyung said, his voice sounding sharp and catching the man off guard enough to frown in his direction. It was clear to Yoongi that the maknae's name had triggered emotions, but his annoyance took him aback. "Give him a little credit. He was doing fine without you breathing down his neck."

"Yah!" 

"It's just... That tea makes him sleepy," The boy sighed tiredly, shaking his head at the man's glare and taking a seat on the couch. "It makes the confusion worse but the seizures easier. That's all it is." 

"Surely it doesn't confuse him like this," Yoongi frowned but the younger shook his head again.

"It doesn't... Usually. It's been getting better."

Yoongi turned back to his husband, choosing to ignore the bitter blame beneath the boy's words, not letting himself feel too... 

What? 

Offended?

"It's been a long day," He said, clicking his tongue and pinning any tensions down to people being worn out, giving Jimin's small hand a little squeeze when he blinked at him. "I think I wanna go bed. What about you, yeobo?"

"Hmm?" Jimin hummed, his expression softening, his eyes becoming clearer as if the cloud of confusion had dissipated. "What's that?"

"Bed," Yoongi smiled warmly, brushing the boy's hair behind his ear. "Whatcha think?"

"If you want to," Jimin nodded, smiling a little when the elder nodded back.

"Can you get up?" Yoongi asked, offering his help but the gesture was dismissed as Jimin just shrugged him off, moved the cat off his lap and awkwardly pushed himself up to his feet. "Okay then..."

"You okay, Tiny?" Taehyung asked as Jimin just quietly walked over to the couch, lingering there for a while before running his hand through his hair.

"Yeah," The boy nodded, looking to Taehyung before looking over to Yoongi, tilting his head a little as he realised they were both staring at him. "What's wrong? Did I do something?"

"You're crazy," Taehyung just scoffed, reaching over the back of the couch, squeezing the elder's hand. Yoongi wasn't too sure what washed through him when he heard that, but he knew the strong emotion was cancelled out when Jimin simply laughed at it. "Completely and utterly insane. I love you, Tiny."

"Love you, bear," Jimin chuckled, squeezing the boy's hand back before smiling at his husband. "Wanna go bed, yeobo? You look tired."

"Y-yeah," Yoongi nodded, though Taehyung caught his dumbfounded expression. 

"Are you okay?" Jimin frowned, dropping his friend's hand as worry filled him, going over when Yoongi didn't answer. Hugging the man's waist and laying his head on his shoulder, he suddenly felt bad. "Yeobo? What's wrong?"

"Go with it," Taehyung said, shrugging at his hyung as he slowly started to hug his husband back, still unable to think of what to say. "You're the one who made a fuss, hyung."

"I'm okay," Yoongi said, rather tersely, before forcing his voice to fall lower, into that purr that was reserved for his husband as he leant down to his ear. "Shall we go get some sleep, yeobo? I think it's time, hmm?"

"Yeah," Jimin nodded, loosening his side of the hug just to peck the man's lips. "You're getting grumpy, yeobo. You get really grumpy when you're tired."

Yoongi just scoffed, shaking his head a little as he nudged the boy in the direction of the stairs. His mind travelled back to when Nayeon basically told him the same thing...

Was he the one making something out of nothing, here?

Was he the one being an arse, blowing things out of proportion?

Was he just missing something?

"I'm gonna stay here, Chimmy," Taehyung called to his best friend as they headed to the stairs. "In case... I'm gonna sleep on the couch and steal Suga for the night. Need something to keep me warm."

"Make sure to feed him. He can have leftovers," Jimin said with a pointed finger, taking his husband's hand and dragging him to the stairs before Taehyung answered. "Look after him for me."

-

"So, how may I help?" Jeonghan asked as he stood outside Seojoon's house, on the porch, watching while Binna paced back and forth, shivering in the cold evening air. "Preferably before we both freeze, love. What's wrong?"

"How long has Hoseok been ill, now?" Binna asked, clearly but randomly.

"I'm sorry?"

"How long has he been sick?" She tersely asked again, making the doctor think for a moment.

"Easily three weeks now, maybe four," Jeonghan said with a small shrug. "But he's getting better now. Slowly but surely, I wouldn't worry too, too..."

"Four weeks?" Binna asked, her voice so soft he could hardly hear her. "So, a month?"

"Getting on, yeah."

"That's what I thought," The girl nodded, folding her arms over her chest, hiding her hands under her shawl as she sighed.

"What's wrong, hun?" Jeonghan asked as the girl became quiet. "I can't help if I don't know. Give me some sort of context..."

"I'm late."

"To where?" Jeonghan frowned but, when the girl turned to him and rolled her eyes, a lightbulb shined. "O-oh... Late, late."

"I don't know exactly, but it's certainly late," The girl nodded, her voice sounding shaky, almost fearful. "Jeonghanssi... I can't... In this world, if I'm..."

"Let's not panic," The doctor shook his head, cutting her off but taking her aback with his warm, easy tone. "Just wait until something's confirmed, okay? It could be stress. It could be anaemia, from those poxy rations we had to go on. It could be anything. Try not to jump to conclusions. You just have to find out for sure."

"How?"

"Yoongi said there's a pharmacy near here," Jeonghan sighed. "I know these guys have raided most of the medications but... I'm sure pregnancy tests aren't in very high demand, right now."

-

"I'm honestly not sure what I've missed most," Yoongi chuckled as he finally settled in the huge, familiar bed after all those weeks, smiling brightly as his husband curled beside him. "You or this bed. I forgot how comfy this thing is!"

"Well, I can tell you there's only one correct answer to that," Jimin clicked his tongue, reaching up to run his fingers through the man's hair, though Yoongi was left frowning when he pulled his hand back abruptly. His little fingers had brushed over the raised, healed scar on the back of his husband's head and he instantly panicked, fearing he had hurt the elder. "I'm sorry, I d-didn't mean to. I hope I didn't... I'm sorry..."

"It's okay, darling," Yoongi sighed softly, still giving the boy a warm smile as he grasped his hand and gently tugged it back towards his hair so he could continue fiddling. Jimin smiled up at him, almost sadly as he stroked through his hair, feeling how that back was so much shorter than the front. "It's okay, it doesn't hurt anymore. Everything's alright now, you don't have to worry."

Jimin just nodded, leaning closer until his head was lying on the elder's chest and his arms were curled around his waist. Yoongi sighed contently until he properly wrapped his arms around the boy and pulled him closer.

"Feeling a bit better, now?"

"Mm-hmm," Jimin nodded, snuggling close. "Just needed bed, I think. Was getting tired."

Yoongi just chuckled, kissing the top of the boy's hair. That was when the realisation properly hit him. The fact that his boy was back in his arms, finally. The thought, the feeling, had tears stinging his eyes.

"I've got you," He whispered into the boy's hair, holding him tighter as his chest clenched with overwhelming emotion. "I've got my boy again..."

"Stop crying," Jimin lilted, nuzzling closer, rubbing his nose to the man's shoulder. "Softie."

Yoongi laughed, shaking his head with a sniffle. This was what he needed, what he had missed most. Just the fact that his husband could have him grinning like an idiot, no matter what. He could make him forget everything bad, scary and painful, just by holding him. He made him feel safe and loved.

"I'm glad you're home, baby," Jimin said after a moment, lifting his head and pushing himself up a little, so he was hovering over the man. "I'm glad you're okay. Don't ever get... Don't ever be sick again, okay?"

"Jiminie..."

"Promise me."

"...I promise."

"I'm gonna get you a helmet," The boy said, finally pulling back with a sigh. "So you can't hit your head again. We're not doing that, ever again."

"You know what?" Yoongi chuckled, brushing his thumb over the boy's soft cheek. "I'm not against that."

"You don't have a choice."

"Oh, I know," Yoongi sighed with a grin, putting his hands on the boy's hips and kissing his lips again. But as he went to pull back, Jimin resisted, holding his face in his hands as he deepened the kiss more. "Jiminie..."

"I love you," The boy whispered as he leaned down, peppering kisses over the man's face, moving until he was straddling his waist.

"I love you too, baby," Yoongi smiled, feeling warm and tingly as the younger's fingers gently tangled in his hair again.

He couldn't put into words just how happy he was at that moment, just having his husband so close again, being able to hold and kiss and love him.

✳️"Jiminie... J-Jiminie, slow down," Yoongi tried gently, softly pushing against the boy's shoulders to get him to sit up a little when he started to kiss his jaw before moving back to his lips. "Slow down, yeobo. Wait a moment."

"Why?" Jimin asked, not stopping the kiss, just talking over the man's lips.

"Jiminie... We've made our jokes, baby," Yoongi breathed as he pulled back from the boy's eager lips, eyes wide, already breathless. "B-but you've never shown any actual interest. You've never been well enough; never truly been ready. Are you... Are you sure?"

"Two years, Yoonie," Jimin shook his head, leaning back into the kiss. "Married two years."

"But you need to be sure, darling," Yoongi sighed as the boy's lips attached to his neck. "I don't care how long we've been together. You need to be ready for this. You need to be honest because you've always been too nervous. You've never been well enough and I'm never gonna rush you..."

"Stop fussing. I'm ready, yeobo," Jimin smiled, sitting up a little to look the man directly in the eye. "I love you, so much. I want this, I want you."

"I love you," Yoongi breathed, his lips settling into a loving smile as the boy giggled and made him lift his arms, pulling his shirt off. "My gorgeous boy."

A melodic little laugh left the younger's mouth as Yoongi shuffled and flipped them over, so he was leaning over his small frame.

"So beautiful," The elder sighed, gently coaxing the boy out of his shirt, leaning down to press a soft kiss to the warm, jagged, pink scar on his shoulder before trailing up his neck, pecking along his jawline. "So precious."

"Yoonie..." Jimin's voice came out as a whisper, only to be cut off as the man kissed his lips, gently gnawing on the bottom one, making him gasp.

"Tell me to stop," Yoongi said lowly when the boy's breathing became unsteady, though he didn't move away. "You tell me to stop at any moment if you need to. If it gets too much, say the word and I'll listen, baby."

Of course, Yoongi was being cautious. As his hands trailed down the boy's body, his fingers grazing over every inch of honey skin they passed, a line was crossed that they had never even approached before.

They had messed around, come close but... Never this far.

Jimin didn't say anything though. He just let his eyes flutter closed as the fire in the man's fingertips sent sparks to every nerve within, setting him ablaze. Yoongi's fingers danced around the hem of his underwear, tapping musical patterns on his hipbones and, after a moment, he opened his eyes.

"I love you," Yoongi whispered, kissing the boy's lips again, looking so far into his eyes Jimin could have sworn he was reading his mind, searching for any worries or doubts.

"I love you too," The boy murmured back, though his body shivered as the man's palm laid over the scar on his side, making him jolt underneath him. "Yoon..."

"I love you," Yoongi said again, pecking the boy's cheek, leaving his hand flat against his abdomen until he calmed again. "I will never treat you like those others did, I will never hurt you in any way. You are precious to me, you are my world, Park Jimin."

"J-just kiss me," Jimin shook his head, tugging his hands into the man's hair, tugging him back to capture his lips again. Lost in the heat, the intensity, the passion - a wave of nervous excitement washed over him as Yoongi managed to skillfully strip the both of them.

"God, you're perfect," The elder sighed heavily, resting his forehead against Jimin's as they settled with the fact this was the closest their bodies had ever been.

"You're perfect," Jimin let out a soft giggle, causing the man to grin at him. The younger's long, thick eyelashes batted as he peeped up at his husband, suddenly turning bashful, feeling his cheeks turn hot as the elder set his body on fire with just his touch.

"Jiminah," Yoongi just let out a breathy chuckle, watching as the boy blushed, adoring the way his eyes had disappeared and how his hand had come down to hide his shy smile. "You beautiful, adorable boy. God..."

Pressing soft kisses to both of the boy's eyelids, he waited for him to come back into the room a little bit, before reconnecting their lips once again.

"Thank you," He whispered in the boy's ear as he leaned in. "For making me the happiest man on Earth."

Chapter Text

"What's got you so happy?" Jeonghan asked, frowning at Yoongi's goofy grin as he danced around the kitchen, cooking up whatever meal he was making for breakfast. 

It was early in the morning, the sun only just appearing over the trees. Everyone else was fast asleep and unaware of the world around them, apart from the two in the kitchen. 

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile like that..." The doctor continued as the man continued to bounce around. "I'm thinking we need to file a missing person's report. You are not Min Yoongi."

"It's been two years," Yoongi said, filling a plate with food before placing it in front of the doctor on the table, leaning on his elbows as he grinned. His tone was almost sing-songy as his eyes remained glossed over with glee. Jeonghan was beginning to question potential drug use due to the drastic personality change. "After two fucking years!"

"What?" Jeonghan asked, his frown only deepening as the man just chuckled, smirking at him before plating the rest of the food up for everyone else, when they decided to wake up. "Yoongi? After two years... What?"

"Two years." The man just smiled as the doctor just stared at the small plate of Kongnamool. "Coffee?"

"Please," Jeonghan scoffed, leaning back in his seat as he watched the man dance around again. "I like this side of you. Better than the snappy, snarky dickarse back in Seoul." 

"Slightly hurtful," Yoongi said as he filled the old pot with water before going back, putting it on the stove. "But thank you, I guess."

"Definitely better than who used to snap our heads off all the time," Jeonghan continued with a small smirk. "Better than the douche with..."

"You're pushing it. There's breakfast on the side, Taehyungah," Yoongi said, hearing the boy walking in from the living room, which was slowly becoming his bedroom. "Do you want a drink? I'm making some."

Taehyung froze in the doorway, jaw hanging as his head tilted and frowned, running a hand through tangled hair. Looking over to Jeonghan questioningly, he pointed a finger at his brother.

"Don't ask me, kid," The doctor scoffed, shaking his head as he took a mouthful of food. "He could've found some shrooms in the garden to nibble on, for all I know."

"That would be the only explanation," Taehyung nodded, going to take a seat at the dining table. All the camping chairs, from the night before, had been stacked in the corner, leaving a damp smell in the room kitchen that everyone seemed able to ignore. "I feel like I woke up in the matrix."

"Why can't a man just be happy in the morning?" Yoongi complained, causing the other two to chuckle at him.

"They can," Jeonghan said, shaking his head in amusement.

"But you can't, hyung," Taehyung added, causing Yoongi to click his tongue. "All the time I've known you, you've never been a morning person. I think you've actually threatened to murder me a few times, for waking you up. You used that exact word before..."

"Do you want a drink or not, you punk?" 

"Yes, please, hyung," Taehyung nodded, though smiled as his best friend walked into the kitchen. 

"Have a good night, Tiny?" He asked, receiving a thumbs up from the tired-looking boy, chuckling at his half-closed eyes and fluffy, tangled hair. "Looks like you did."

"Hey you," Yoongi stopped Jimin as he went to walk past, laughing as he pulled him back by the wrist and took a proper look at him. Puffy, sleepy eyes, even puffier cheeks all hidden by his hair. "Aigo, what a mess."

"Very funny," Jimin mumbled, though his eyes vanished into a smile as Yoongi raked his fingers through his messy bed hair, trying to tame it a little. "Let me go."

"Not yet," Yoongi said, still trying to smooth down the boy's hair before holding his chin between his fingertips, deeply kissing his lips for a moment before sighing. "Alright, go on. I'll make you a drink and bring breakfast over. Go, get comfy."

"You gonna sit down and spoon-feed him as well, Yoongissi?" Jeonghan asked with a chuckle, causing the man to glare over his shoulder at him. "Give him a bib? The pampering's on another level, this morning." 

"If he wants me to spoon-feed him," Yoongi shrugged as he finished off the drinks, earning a loud laugh from Taehyung but only because he saw the way his best friend's cheeks turned pink with embarrassment at the thought.

"He can feed himself," Jimin said, shaking his head as his husband brought over a plate of food and a mug of steaming cocoa, before handing the other men their drinks. "Thank you... We ran out of this."

"I brought some with me, from their canteen," Yoongi chuckled as the boy breathed in the sweet steam coming from the mug. "Never say I don't spoil you."

"We know you spoil him," Jeonghan said as Jimin giggled, shaking his head at the two. "But this morning is particularly vomit-inducing."

"I haven't seen hyung this happy since..." Taehyung started before narrowing his eyes at his best friend as if he were trying to work out his darkest secrets. "Since you proposed to him."

"Wait, it was you who popped the question, Jiminah?" Jeonghan asked, looking over to the boy, who just nodded with a bright smile. "Huh. I always assumed it was the other way around..."

"Oh my God!" Taehyung suddenly shouted as he aimed pointed fingers at both men, his eyes wide as he mentally worked it out like finishing a jigsaw puzzle. "You fucked!"

The boy's abrupt words caused Jeonghan to almost spit out his mouthful of breakfast back onto his plate, which had Jimin scowling at him. Yoongi let out a loud scoff over his mug of coffee, but the statement still left Jeonghan frozen in uncomfortable shock. 

"Jesus Christ, it took you long enough!"

"Not so loud," Yoongi said, though he couldn't quite disguise the way his lips curled. "Nayeon's still sleeping. I don't need her waking to this conversation, thank you."

"We don't need to talk about it," Jimin said with a shrug, giving Yoongi a cool glance, subtly tilting his head in the doctor's direction. "Do we?"

"No," Yoongi shook his head, giving the boy a knowing smile, understanding and agreeing the invasion of privacy was too much, though felt he may have brought it on himself. "No, we don't. It's none of you guys' business, anyway."

"Good morning, good morning, good morning!" A chirpy voice entered the kitchen, causing the men to frown as Jihoon turned up out of nowhere, making them question whether or not they had heard the front door. "How are we all, this fine day?"

"Who let you in my house?" Yoongi asked, all amusement and lightness disappearing from his tone as his words fell sharp.

"Everyone just walks in when they want, now," Jimin said quietly as Yoongi was ignored, shuffling his chair slightly as Jihoon grabbed a plate from the side and took the seat next to him.

"That's gonna be changing," Yoongi said, raising an eyebrow as the man just made himself comfortable at the table. "The door has a lock, yeobo. It is okay to use it, you know?"

"Sorry," The boy said with a small pout, sipping his drink but Yoongi just clicked his tongue, giving him a warm smile. "I didn't think to, I didn't think I had to..."

"Who cooked this?" Jihoon asked over a mouthful, looking at Jeonghan though his obnoxiously loud voice caused Jimin to fall quiet and continue sipping his cocoa, not bothering to try and talk over him. "It's not quite as good as that guy's, last night."

"Come in unannounced, help yourself to what's not yours, and insult my cooking," Yoongi said bitterly, half tempted to take the plate away from the man, but decided not to let himself act as childish. "I think you have two minutes before I..."

"Yoongi," Jeonghan sighed, cutting off the threat that was about to come. "Play nice."

"Play nice?" Yoongi scoffed, putting his mug down on the side and straightening his back. "You want me to play nice?"

"Yoonie," Jimin's voice made him soften though, causing him to look over to the small boy who was shaking his head at him. "Too tired. Not today, please."

"And these are the men you stuck yourself with, hyung," Jihoon gave a little chuckle, clicking his tongue at Jeonghan, who was glaring at him with disapproval. "You don't make life easy for yourself, do you? Always helping the strays and weirdos."

"Get out of my house," Yoongi said, his voice suddenly harsh, cold. It didn't take long but he had run out of patience.

"Show me a lease," Jihoon just scoffed, shaking his head as he finished off his unsatisfactory breakfast. "Your fucking house... Aigo."

"Woozi," Jeonghan said lowly, giving the man a warning look only to be challenged with a smirk. "Watch your mouth before you start wishing your abeoji wore a condom... Yoongi, I wanna hit that pharmacy today, care giving me directions?"

"I'll just take you. Once I've seen Nayeon and made sure she's eaten," Yoongi gave a short nod, though his eyes remained narrowed with annoyance. "And when I know someone's gonna be looking after her..."

A short silence filled the kitchen as Jimin and Jeonghan followed Yoongi's gaze to Taehyung, who was shovelling his breakfast into his mouth, staying well out of the tension.

"Me?" He asked, looking up when he felt them all staring at him, voice muffled by the food he tried to stop falling out of his mouth.

"Yes, you, you tramp," Yoongi said as Jeonghan laughed, shaking his head at his dongsaeng. "Though, I think she'd be better at looking after you." 

"Yoonie?" Jimin's voice piped up, causing the man to look over with a small smile until he saw the slightly offended look in the younger's eyes. "Wouldn't she be okay with me?"

"Hmm?" The man frowned but Jimin's expression only became sadder, making confusion bubble up. "Whatcha mean?"

"I could look after Nayeon," Jimin said, but his voice was quieter now as all eyes fell on him. Did they not believe him? "I wouldn't let anything happen to her... Could I not look after her?"

"I mean," Yoongi started, folding his arms over his chest. "I mean... Of course, you could. I know you could. I just thought you'd want to come with me."

"Oh..." The boy's mouth gaped a little as he realised he had taken everything the wrong way, his mind was being irrational as always. Yoongi didn't think he was incapable, he just wanted to spend more time with him after being separated for so long.

"You really think he was willing to let you out of his sight so soon?" Jeonghan joked, but Yoongi noticed something in his tone now, something that the others didn't didn't pick up on. 

It wasn't as light and teasing as it normally was; there was something cool and almost bitter about it. And that made Yoongi shake his head, gritting his teeth slightly.

The only issue was that Jihoon caught it as well, and he caught the man's reaction to it, causing him to narrow his eyes slightly as he watched the scene continue. 

"Did you want to come, angel?" Yoongi said, deliberately shifting his voice and words to a certain level, just to tell the doctor exactly where he stood. "It's entirely up to you."

"Maybe," Jimin gave a little shrug, visibly deep in thought as he contemplated the options. "I don't know..."

"Our road trips tend to be rather entertaining," Jeonghan said as he tried to lighten the atmosphere he feared he had unintentionally brought down, raising an eyebrow, but Yoongi just shook his head and left his attempts moot. "You always know how to season them with some spice. Don'tcha, Yoongs?"

"Shut the hell up," Yoongi just scoffed, finishing off the dregs of his coffee before washing out his mug.

"What is this?" Jihoon asked, finding it too challenging to stay quiet. If Yoongi wasn't willing to play, he certainly was. "Some weird trio shit? In bed, does it just turn into Piggy Dickie in the middle or..."

He was cut off suddenly, by the scraping of chair legs against wood as Jimin shoved himself away from the table.

"Tiny, don't..." Taehyung tried, reaching out to stop his best friend from running off, but it was too late.

"Jiminie!" Yoongi shouted as the boy ran out of the room with his hand over his mouth, hiding his red cheeks, but he was left shocked as quick footsteps went up the stairs and a door slammed. "Damnit..."

"Did I say something wrong?" Jihoon asked, his lips ever so subtly turning upwards as Yoongi rushed after his husband. Jeonghan just glared at him, reaching over the table and harshly smacking him, multiple times before he jumped out of his chair and escaped. "Ah, ah, ah! ...Aish, you prick! You could have just said yes."

Yoongi grumbled as he headed up the stairs, shaking his head and gritting his teeth as he reached the landing, only to be stopped abruptly on the top step as Nayeon glared sulkily at him.

"Did we wake you, sweetheart?" He sighed as the girl stood there with her arms crossed. She just nodded, little brow furrowed as she turned to look at the shut bathroom door. "Is that where Jiminie went?"

And Nayeon nodded, causing Yoongi to sigh and open his arm. She grumpily stomped over, but that only caused him to chuckle as she cuddled him.

"You hungry?" Yoongi asked softly.

"Yeah," The girl nodded again, though he already knew that was going to be her answer. She was always hungry.

"Go on downstairs then, sweetheart. Taehyungah's down there. Just ask him and he'll get you some breakfast, I'll be there in a moment," He smiled, giving the girl a little nudge and smile as she smiled back and skipped downstairs, before knocking on the bathroom door a couple of times. "You alright in there, yeobo?"

"Fine," Jimin's quiet voice came back after a moment. But the strain didn't go amiss to the man, though he couldn't quite tell what was wrong. "'m fine, go away."

The boy's voice sounded croaky, weak as if he was crying maybe...

"Can I get you anything?" Yoongi asked with a worried frown, folding his arms over his chest as he leaned against the door. "Jiminie?"

"C-can you tell them to leave?" Jimin asked shakily, causing Yoongi's frown to deepen, his concern only growing.

"Jeonghan?" He asked, trying the handle of the door but sighing when he found it was locked. not that he was really surprised. "Jiminie? Just ignore them, honey. You know that idiot doesn't have a clue..."

"'tis not that. Just..." 

Yoongi tried the handle again as his husband's words became muffled and it seemed like he was mumbling to himself. It almost sounded like chanting, but he couldn't make out what the boy was saying. 

"Jiminie, let me in," The man tried, though he knew the boy simply wouldn't open the door. "Please?"

"No," The boy responded, but not with the response Yoongi wanted, causing him to sigh again. "Just... Go away. Please?"

"O-okay," Yoongi closed his eyes, leaning his head against the door for a moment. He tested his luck, pulling the handle one last time but still, it didn't open. "Okay, baby. Come back down when you're ready."

Reluctantly, he dragged himself back downstairs and back into the kitchen, but he was glad to see Nayeon was tucking into a plate of food.

"Thanks, Tae," He said with a soft smile as he took a seat next to the little girl, happy that she seemed to be enjoying the food.

"No worries, hyung," The boy said with a shrug. "I got more, hope you don't mind. I was starving."

"It's alright. Help yourself, clearly it can't be that bad," Yoongi said, clicking his tongue. "Where did that prick go, anyway?"

"Taehyung kicked him out," Jeonghan said, chuckling when Nayeon hit the man's arm for swearing. "Put a restraining order in place and everything."

"You did?" Yoongi raised an eyebrow at the boy, who just shrugged again.

"He was getting on my nerves," He said, still nibbling on his breakfast. "So, I just told him to get lost. You don't need to scream and shout to get people to piss off, hyung."

"Oppa!" Nayeon scolded, causing Yoongi to chuckle.

"You've been spending way too much time with Jinnie," He laughed, ruffling the girl's hair. "I'm gonna be going out for a bit later, sweetheart, and I think Jiminie's gonna be coming with me. Are you gonna be okay, hanging out with Tae for a while?"

"Mmh-hmm," Nayeon nodded, smiling up at the man. "Okay."

"I can bring you back a present," Yoongi said as he fixed her hair, surprised that she seemed so okay with being left alone for the day again. "Yeah? If you want."

"If you want, you don't have to," The little girl nodded, still not sounding too fazed. "Just be safe, appa. Don't get hurt out there. Be careful with the monsters."

"We'll be okay, sweetheart," Yoongi said, though his smile had fallen into a little frown. It always shocked him, every time he heard Nayeon speak so maturely. Sometimes, he had to remind himself the girl was only six years old. "We'll be just fine. Pinky promise?"

The little girl giggled as the man held his pinky out to her, linking with hers when she nodded with a smile.

"Good girl," He chuckled, kissing the top of her head when she went back to her food. Looking up, he sighed as he made eye contact with Jeonghan, who was surprisingly quiet and acting out of character. "If we're going, then go and get yourself ready. I'll sort out the car."

"I'll go and see if Binna's ready," The doctor nodded, finishing off his mug of coffee before pushing himself away from the table.

"Binna?" 

"Yeah, she wants to come along," Jeonghan nodded, catching Yoongi's confused glance, though wasn't about to elaborate too much. "I'm guessing to pick up a few things for Hoseokah." 

"Okay, well just go and get ready," Yoongi sighed, rolling his eyes a little. "We'll get going when I've spoken to Jiminie."

-

Yoongi was waiting by his front door, sitting on the porch steps and tapping his foot as he watched Jeonghan and Binna getting a car ready.

"Why is he here?" He asked, nodding over to Jihoon when Jeonghan frowned at him. "He's not invited."

"Trust me," Jeonghan shook his head, stopping the man from kicking off quickly. "It's better if I keep an eye on him."

"I promise I'll behave," Jihoon said, his tone so irksome that Yoongi wanted to punch him in the face right then and there.

"Just get in the car," Jeonghan told him with a glare, pushing him towards the vehicle. "Stop winding him up, I won't be able to stop him if he decides to invert your ribcage or some shit."

Yoongi gritted his teeth, rolling his eyes as he tried to simmer. The small hand he felt on his shoulder certainly helped.

"Hey, you," He immediately tried to calm himself to smile as he pushed himself up, giving Jimin's hand a little squeeze as he stood next to him and cuddled his arm. Whatever happened in the bathroom had left the boy feeling vulnerable, that much could be told from how clingy he had turned. "Everything alright, now?"

"Mm-hmm," Jimin nodded and rested his head against the elder's shoulder, watching as Jeonghan and the others packed up a car. "I guess we're just gonna go then."

"You don't have to if you don't want to. I'm not gonna drag you out if you'd rather stay here," Yoongi said with a warm chuckle, able to see the clear hesitation in the boy's eyes, no matter how hard he tried to cover it. "I just think it'll do you good, getting outta the house for a bit."

"What about Nayeon?" Jimin asked, his quiet tone giving away how unsure he was feeling about the trip. "Shouldn't at least one of us be here?" 

"She'll be okay, she actually likes having some alone time to read or draw," Yoongi reassured, giving the boy's hand another squeeze. "She and Yongbokie are best friends now, as well. So if Tae acts like Tae and gets distracted, you know she'll be fine. We won't be gone long, either. I think Doc just wants to scout out the pharmacy, find some things for Hobi, and stock up on some supplies. You know what he's like."

"O-okay," Jimin gave a little nod, causing his husband's lips to pull into a proud smile. Throughout the entire year that they were in Busan together, Jimin never left the field, so to hear that he was willing to was amazing. "Do... Do I need to bring anything?"

"Um... No?" Yoongi said, thinking for a moment if there was anything they may have needed. "No, I don't think so. If anything goes down, we'll handle it. I'll handle it, baby. Maybe bring your tablets, just in case. Tae said you haven't been having a great time." 

"Tae's silly. 'm okay," The boy shrugged, letting go of the man's hand to hold the handles of his backpack over his shoulders. "But... Yeah, they're already in my bag."

"You coming with us, Jiminah?" Jeonghan called as he walked over.

"Yeah," The boy nodded, though stayed close to his husband, still feeling unsure. "I think so."

"Coolio," Jeonghan merely said as they walked towards the car, stopping to look at Yoongi. "Keys."

"I'm sorry?" Yoongi frowned at the doctor, holding his hand out to him. 

"Keys," Jeonghan said again, curling his fingers. "You're still not driving, so give me the keys. Just tell me where to go."

"I ain't driving," Yoongi shook his head, brow still furrowed as he rummaged in his jacket pocket, pulling the keys out. "Jimin is."

"I am?" Jimin asked, making him pause and look up with a frown.

"You want to?" Yoongi asked as the boy looked taken aback by the suggestion, reminding himself of how long it must have been since Jimin got the chance to do something like that. "I'm still banned, but I'd rather have you behind the wheel if I can't be."

"Do you really want me to drive, though?" Jimin asked, tilting his head to the side, but Yoongi just shrugged and nudged him towards the driver's side of the car.

"You still remember how, right?" The man chuckled, handing him the keys, patting his back lightly. 

"Um, Yoongs," Jeonghan's voice came, making the two hesitate for different reasons. "I... I don't think that's your best idea, mate. No offence, Jiminie."

"Why?" Yoongi asked with a soft scoff. "I'll be in the front with him; it's my car, my say... Jimin's a good driver."

"I believe that. And any other time," Jeonghan said, sparing the other two a soft glance as they waited. "But... We don't have time today if we get into... In case we stall or go off-road or... Crash."

"Maybe he has a point, yeobo," Jimin said quietly, about to hand the keys back but the man shook his head. "It's not exactly a smart decision."

Yoongi had never heard the doctor struggle so much to get his words out, he wanted to know what was making him suddenly so reluctant to trust him.

"If he has a problem, he can take his own car," He said, kissing the side of his husband's head before getting into the passenger side of the vehicle, leaving the rest to decide for themselves.

"I think that's what we're gonna do," Jeonghan said as the two got into the car, heard but also ignored by Yoongi. Turning to where Binna and Jihoon were still waiting to be told what to do, he sighed. "We'll take the other car."

"Why?" Binna asked with a frown. "Surely, that's a waste of fuel."

"I don't exactly feel comfortable putting you in the car if Jimin's behind the wheel, love," Jeonghan shook his head though felt better when Binna just gave him a knowing nod. "Come on, it's better this way anyway. Otherwise, it's gonna be a however-long journey, full of Yoongi bitching. I can't cope with that again."

-

"You're doing well, yeobo. Really well, you can relax," Yoongi said, looking at the hyperfocused boy, seeing how his knuckles were practically white from gripping the steering wheel too hard. 

They had been in the car for what felt like fifteen minutes, maybe a little longer, travelling down the abandoned roads. Jihoon was driving the other car, following close behind while Jeonghan played the role of a backseat driver, leaving Binna with the thought of: was it even worth it?

It was hard to tell in recent days, but Yoongi was sure the pharmacy wasn't much further, especially if the journey continued being as peaceful as it had been.

"When was the last time you drove?" He asked, hoping a little small talk would help his husband relax, though it ended up doing the opposite.

Jimin thought for a moment, locking his eyes on the road as he drifted into his memories. Memories that hadn't been touched for months, collecting dust in the back of his mind.

At first, he wasn't sure of the last time he was behind a wheel. He was about to say he couldn't remember. That was before the events flashed in front of his eyes like an old stop-motion movie.

Being back on that beach, how dark it was that night, how awful he felt.

The dream. 

The dream that had him questioning everything from surviving to his marriage to his place in the group entirely.

Talking to Taehyung and Jungkook's sharp words. 

The reality check. 

He could hear it all, word for word.

The car he took, the roads he chose, the second he spun off into the trees.

Where he woke up...

"Jesus!" Yoongi exclaimed as the car came to an abrupt stop, throwing them both forwards. It was such a sudden movement that it made his neck burn and he had to shake his head to focus again.

Cursing under his breath before he could stop himself, palms pushing against the dashboard, he mentally berated himself for not putting his seatbelt on like his husband had.

An obnoxious sound of a horn came from behind, causing him to curse Jihoon, driving the other car, glaring through the rearview mirror.

"Fucking idiot!" He grumbled, shaking his head as he saw Jeonghan smacking the man, getting him to ease off on the horn.

"I'm sorry!" Jimin's flustered voice came, bringing his attention back to what just happened. "I'm sorry... I'm..."

"Oh, no. Not you, baby. I didn't mean you," He said, going to take the boy's hands that had come up to seemingly protect his ears from the horn, seeing his eyes tightly squeezed shut. 

"Don't!" Jimin flinched back though as Yoongi's fingertips brushed his wrist, making the man frown as he recoiled from his touch.

"Okay..." Yoongi said with a long breath, giving the boy a second before trying again. However, when Jimin tried to push him away again, he decided not to let him. "Hey, hey, none of that. Jiminie, stop that. It's okay. Everyone's alright."

"I-I didn't mean to," The boy stuttered as the man squeezed his hands, giving him something to ground him as he continued to shake his head. "I'm sorry, I didn't... I don't know how-"

"It's alright, no one got hurt," Yoongi reassured, relieved when Jimin finally stopped pushing against his hands and held onto them tightly. "Everyone's okay. Shall we just try again, hmm? It's really no big deal, babe."

"O-okay," Jimin nodded, though it was clear how unsure he was. Looking up at his husband, the worry in his eyes almost flooded the rest of his expression. "Is... Did you... Is your head okay?"

"I'm fine," Yoongi sighed, clicking his tongue when the boy continued to stare at him, not quite believing him. "I promise, I'm okay. I haven't had any real problems for weeks, baby. Shall we get going?"

"Sorry," The boy shook his head and then nodded, letting go of the elder's hand to start driving again. "Yeah, sorry, um..."

"It's okay," Yoongi said with another long sigh, placing his hand over the boy's on the hand brake, giving him another reassuring smile. "Put it in neutral and, when you're ready, just go again."

"I'm sorry," Jimin repeated for the millionth time, still flustered as he tried to restart the engine, but Yoongi stopped him for a second. 

"Stop saying that," The elder said, clicking his tongue, rubbing his thumb over the boy's knuckles. "We've got all day, just relax..."

"They're waiting on me," Jimin shook his head as he nodded to the car behind them, sounding increasingly annoyed at himself.

"Who cares?" Yoongi sighed, looking through the rearview mirror and seeing Jihoon's less-than-patient expression. "Ignore them. It's not like they're gonna get anywhere without us so they'll just have to wait. Take a deep breath, yeobo." 

"I shouldn't be driving, Yoonie," The younger said, his voice as shaky as his hands as he gave up on the engine that wasn't complying with him. "Yoon, I can't... This is dangerous, I should... I need to..."

"Okay. Get out," Yoongi said as the boy worked himself up, his voice soft but firm at the same time as he opened his door, gesturing for the boy to do the same. "Out, come on. You need some air."

"Yoon..."

"Come on," Yoongi ordered again through the window, only sounding stricter despite his words remaining gentle, shocking the boy into simply obeying. Stepping out of the car, Jimin found himself being pulled into a hug almost immediately. "Well done. Now, come on, calm down for me. Deep breaths."

"I can't drive, Yoon..." Jimin repeated into the man's neck, trembling all over as the man sighed, holding him tight still. "I can't... He was right."

"That's okay," Yoongi whispered in his ear as the doors to the other car opened and closed, though he ignored Jeonghan waltzing over. "It's okay. You tried, and you did well. You're only out of practice, so just calm down now." 

"I'm such an idiot! That was dangerous, Yoongi..."

"Jiminah, stop," Yoongi shook his head, pushing the boy back to look at him, cupping his cheeks in his hands to make him make eye contact. "You stalled, babe. You didn't go off-road, you didn't hit a tree, you didn't flip us over... You stalled. No one was in danger and no one got hurt. You need to take a few deep breaths now and do not let me hear you call yourself an idiot again."

"But I..."

"Don't," Yoongi cut the boy off again, causing his mouth to snap shut and his eyes to turn glassy. "I didn't come home to listen to you bully yourself, Jiminah. That's enough. "

"What's going on?" Jeonghan asked, stepping closer. At first, he was listening but, hearing Yoongi speaking so sharply and directly to his husband? That was something he had never witnessed before. "Is everything okay?"

"Your guy can drive them while you drive us, right?" Yoongi said, letting Jimin slump back into his arms, simply sighing as he shook against him, taking quiet but unsteady breaths. "Or are you gonna let me?"

"You're not driving, Yoongs," Jeonghan shook his head, sighing lowly before rolling his eyes. "I'll drive you guys. They can keep going... What happened?"

"Just... An accident," Yoongi said, gently rubbing his hand up and down Jimin's back. "That's all. He just stalled. It wasn't his fault."

"I never said it was," Jeonghan said, holding his hands up as the man's tone came across defensive. "No one's hurt though?"

"No, just shaken," Yoongi shook his head, having to hug his husband tighter when Jihoon beeped his horn again and made him jump. "So, get that prick to cut it the hell out! Why did you even bring him?"

"Just get in the car," Jeonghan rolled his eyes, waving at Jihoon, telling him to knock it off and gesturing that he was going to drive with them. "And chill out a bit. Jesus."

"Come on," Yoongi sighed, pushing Jimin back just a little to nudge him towards the backseat. Grabbing the door for him, he just waited for the boy to slump into the seat before going around the other side.

"Right, let's get out of here," Jeonghan sighed, clicking the engine on as soon as he sat down, finding the keys had been left there, before waving out of the window to motion to the others to follow. "Where am I heading, Yoongi?"

"Just keep heading straight, I'll tell you from there," Yoongi sighed, though wasn't really focused on the doctor, not when sensing how quiet his husband was being now. Though Jimin was a pretty quiet kid, this kind of quiet felt wrong. "Okay now, yeobo? We'll be there soon."

Laying his head back against his seat as the car started moving again, Jimin groaned, shaking his head and tangling his hand in his hair as he let out a sound of annoyance.

"None of that," Yoongi sighed, taking the boy's hand and lowering it to his lap to stop him from pulling on the strands. "You always do that when you're annoyed. Stop."

"I fucked it up," The boy wiggled his hand out of the man's grasp, about to lean forwards before Yoongi stopped him.

"No one's pissed off with you, baby," The man shook his head, laying his arm over the boy's shoulders, tugging him closer until his head was resting against his shoulder. "Now, take advantage of not having to stress now. Talk to me."

"About what?" Jimin asked, shuffling into the middle seat, burying his head in the crook of the man's neck as he secured him in his arms. There was just something that made him feel so safe, being back in his husband's arms.

"About why you're so shaky," Yoongi said as he leaned close, breathing into the boy's hair, his voice hushed as if he already knew Jimin wouldn't want Jeonghan involved. "It's like you've been freezing cold since I got home. You haven't stopped, are you starting to feel ill?"

"'m okay, don't worry about me," Jimin gave a little shrug, settling into the feeling of Yoongi playing with his hair, until the action stopped abruptly and the man's hand just rested over his shoulder. "Yeobo?"

"I don't like it when you lie to me," Yoongi said as he stared out the window, unwilling to see the hurt expression he knew his words would cause. "You know that, yet you've been doing it since I got back... So, I guess I just can't talk to you."

"Yeobo..." Jimin tried but Yoongi didn't respond. His arm remained comforting over the younger's shoulders, but he didn't even look back at him. "Yoonie?"

Jeonghan watched subtly through the rearview mirror. Though he had a lot to say, a lot... He knew he had to remain quiet now, he knew he couldn't interrupt. Instead, he was waiting for the man to give in. To turn back to his husband and show some sympathy. But Yoongi's expression remained cold.

"I'm sorry," Jimin's soft voice came, causing Yoongi to swallow thickly but he didn't give in. He wasn't going to be lied to. "I'm... Sorry." 

The words were almost whimpered as the boy moved back over to the window, giving the elder space, leaving a painful tension in the car.

"What way are we going, Yoongi?" Jeonghan asked after a moment of deafening silence, clearing his throat slightly to hide how awkward he was starting to feel. "I'm gonna get lost pretty quickly."

"You can just pull over for a minute," The man said, making the two look at him with confused frowns. "I need to walk for a bit." 

"Yoongi, we've only just started moving again," Jeonghan shook his head, thinking back to the very reason they were on the supply run in the first place. "It's not fair on the other two."

"Then get there yourself," Yoongi said sharply, though his voice surprisingly remained low. As if he was very well aware of the damage that would be caused by losing his temper at that moment. He knew exactly who it would hurt and why, so he did everything in his power to control himself. "But let me out. I need a smoke."

"Yoongi..."

"Do not..." Yoongi cut the doctor off before he could lecture. "Don't. Just let me outta the car. Now."

"Yes, Your Royal Dick-ness," Jeonghan muttered, pulling the car over, obviously much to Jihoon's annoyance as the horn returned. "Glad to see the afterglow lasted."

Yoongi didn't entertain him with a response, jumping out of the car as soon as it stopped moving, though he shut the door quietly before pulling his packet of smokes from his pocket. 

Jeonghan sighed, shaking his head as he rubbed the back of his neck. His leg jigged as he cringed, knowing his words were harsh.

Regretting his attitude, he threw the door open and jumped out.

"Hey, Yoongs. Wait, I'm..."

It didn't matter though, as the man had already disappeared into the trees.

Cursing under his breath, the doctor tried to chuckle it off, but that didn't help at all.

"What's going on?" Jihoon called from the other car, causing the doctor to turn on his heel.

"Personal choice of emotional intervention," Jeonghan said with a roll of his eyes. "Just wait in the car, he'll be back soon."

"Nah," Jihoon shook his head, though, jumping out of the vehicle and shutting the door with force. "I'm gonna take a piss."

Jeonghan just sighed, kicking the muddy road beneath his feet. His breath was misty in front of him as he pulled the hood of his jacket up, feeling pissed off at being stuck in the cold and even more pissed off that he was stuck waiting for Yoongi even though the man had made himself very clear. Clear where everyone stood now that the whole group was back together.

Even though they all knew damn well, no matter what, he was still expected to...

"What way did Yoonie go?" A small voice asked from behind him. Turning, he saw Jimin leaning against the back door of the car, looking at him with a worried frown as he waited for an answer.

"He went into the trees, probably to break something. That's what he did last time," Jeonghan said, leaning against the car the way the boy was, letting his bitter train of thought go. "How long have you been off your tablets, Jiminie?"

"What?" Jimin asked, lips in a little o shape as the doctor just raised an eyebrow at him.

"You heard me," Jeonghan said, though his tone was softer than his words. "How long?"

"Three days," Jimin said meekly, giving in to the fact that the doctor already knew. Whether Taehyung told him or not, he knew and there was no escaping this conversation. "They were expired, they weren't working. I think it was making things worse a-and Tae said t-to..."

"I don't you to justify yourself, kid. You can make your own decisions," Jeonghan sighed, gently patting the boy's shoulder before taking his hand and holding it in his, watching closely. "You know this will get worse before it gets better, right? The withdrawal."

"Hmm?" Jimin frowned at the sudden label, pulling his hand away and tugging at his sleeves.

"The tremors, shaking," Jeonghan said, taking in the boy's appearance and already spotting signs of things getting worse. "The confusion, I know you keep having trouble talking. The cognitive challenges. It's all pretty obvious to a trained eye... You were on those meds for, what, ten-twelve years?"

"Give or take. Different ones every few years but all... Smiliar. I don't really remember not being on anything."

"It'll be bad," The doctor said, his voice calm as Jimin just nodded sadly, already aware. "I'm here for you, though. When we get home, I would like to discuss it, if you're okay with that. Yoongi doesn't have to be involved. I just wanna talk about the epilepsy, the meds, frequency of seizures. How bad things may be once the withdrawal's subsided. Can you tell me one thing now, though?"

"Hmm?"

"Why are you so dead set on trying to hide it from Yoongi?" The doctor asked, not so careful with the question but definitely cautious with his tone. "In the next few days, you're not gonna be able to hide it, honey. Why won't you speak to him now, so he can be there for you later?"

"Because," Jimin started but fell quiet when he caught the doctor's eye, shrinking back a little. "He's gonna... He'll think I'm... Going crazy again. I don't want him to... If I am, if that happens again." 

"He won't ever think that, Jiminah."

"But I hurt him, Jeonghannim. You know I did," Jimin shook his head, hiding his face in his hands as he took a deep breath. "I hurt him so much, I was awful to him, hurt him so bad and I... I just don't want to put him through that again. It's not fair."

"Jiminah, are you seeing things again?" Jeonghan asked almost too casually after hearing the worry, making the boy shiver more than the winter air around them could. "Hearing those voices? Have any of those bad dreams like before?"

"I... Don't know," Jimin said, looking at the doctor, his lips pushing out into a small pout as he found he was genuinely unsure. "I don't... Think so? For a while, I thought, maybe. I don't sleep, I can't sleep and Namjoonie hyung thought it was coming back... But I don't know."

"That can also be part of the withdrawal, Jiminah," The doctor sighed again, the cogs in his educated brain already turning, trying to find solutions. "It may not be the psychosis coming back. Hallucinations can be associated with the kinds of medications you were on... You have to start being very honest with me, okay? I can help you through it, but I want to avoid worsening the PTSD at all costs if we can. I'm sure you do too, hmm?"

"Mm-hmm," Jimin nodded with certainty, but couldn't bring himself to say anything. "I... Mm-hmm."

"This, the trouble talking," Jeonghan said, circling his finger at the boy, seeing the subtle sparkle of bafflement every time his voice decided to fail him. "It's okay, normal. It will be the meds, or lack of in this case. The shift of being on and off them can cause weakening of muscles. For you, in your throat-"

"I know..." The boy nodded again, cutting off the familiar medical babble and looking at his hands, fiddling with his ring. "What it is... 'tis never been this bad, though. Maybe in school but, not like this."

"It'll pass," Jeonghan said, eyeing the piece of jewellery, smiling softly and clicking his tongue. "Unfortunately, there's no other way though, just gotta go through it."

"I know," Jimin said quietly, though it was clear he didn't like the hand he had been dealt, yet again.

"We've got you through worse, hmm?" Jeonghan gave him a little smile. Jimin just nodded but was grateful when the doctor saw straight through it and pulled him into a comforting, reassuring hug. "You're a strong kid. This is gonna be a piece of cake."

"A doughnut," Jimin giggled, almost shyly when Jeonghan pulled back and chuckled.

"Surprised you remember that," The doctor laughed, patting the younger's shoulder, gently nudging him to turn around as he spotted Yoongi walking back, emerging from the trees looking a lot more at ease than before. "Go and hug your husband, now. Go on, you have no idea the torturous hell he put us all through to get back to you."

"Thank you, Jeonghannim," Jimin said, briefly looking over to his husband before back to the doctor. His voice fell a little, deeper than his typical tenor lilt, making the doctor shudder as his words came across more genuine and emotional. "For looking after Yoongi. For helping him. For everything."

"I was just... Doing my job," Jeonghan sighed, his eyes softening as the words left his lips, his voice dipping ever so slightly before he cleared his throat. "That's all, Jiminah. It's nothing I wouldn't have done for anyone else."

"No. It was, I know it was," The boy shook his head, giving the doctor a small smile that left him unsure of what to say. "I know. But thank you, anyway. Could... Can you go and talk to him?"

"Me?" Jeonghan frowned, starting to shake his head but Jimin's gaze stopped him.

"Please?" Jimin asked, his voice soft and quiet but not begging, not desperate. Something about it made the doctor feel like he was being handed an opportunity. "He listens to you, even if he doesn't want to, he does. He doesn't want to talk to me. I'm gonna sit in the car, I'm cold."

"He does want to talk to you, Jiminah," The doctor said, sighing as the boy just got back into the backseat of the car. "That's the whole point, but you won't talk back..."

The door closed calmly but shut the doctor out entirely, leaving him to click his tongue and turn back to where Yoongi was now watching him with a furrowed brow.

"Am I the only one who doesn't know what's going on?" The man asked, exhaling his last puff of smoke as he threw the butt of his cigarette on the ground, stomping it out and folding his arms over his chest. "Am I seriously the only one he won't tell?!"

"He didn't tell me," Jeonghan shook his head, moving away from the car. "I worked it out, it's not like he wanted me to."

"So..." Yoongi tilted his head, making the doctor frown. "Tell me."

"I can't, Yoongi. You know I can't."

"He's my husband."

"So believe he'll tell you when he's ready," Jeonghan said, looking over to where Jihoon had returned to waiting in the other car, looking like he was about to drive off alone. "Come on, we should get moving."

The drive to the pharmacy was full of silence and tension, an awkwardness that didn't dissipate until they arrived at their destination, in front of the building. As soon as Jeonghan had turned off the engine, Yoongi grabbed his bag and jumped out of the car.

"So, what's the plan?" Jihoon asked as he walked over from the other car, quickly shoving his hands in his pockets to protect them since the winter air had become nippy and rather uncomfortable as the day went on.

"Um, storm it?" Jeonghan said, rubbing the back of his head as he smirked at Yoongi, but was met with an unamused expression. "Oh, lighten up."

"It's just a pharmacy, not a bank," Jihoon said, sounding just as chirpy as always, which only worsened Yoongi's already bad mood. "Let's just go in."

"No," Yoongi shook his head as he dropped his bag on the ground, crouching down to fish out his knife. "We need to check first, make sure there's nothing in there. I haven't been here in a long time."

"It's probably empty," Jihoon clicked his tongue, folding his arms over his chest as the man seemed to be gearing himself up for war, grabbing different supplies from his backpack. "I think we could just walk in. No need to be paranoid..."

"You wanna go in?" Yoongi asked sharply as Jeonghan winced at Jihoon's choice of words. "Hmm? Be my guest, I hope you get ripped apart."

"I'm just saying you're being fucking paranoid," Jihoon scoffed, about to hold his hands up and give in until Yoongi stood himself up and started to stalk over.

"Stop it," Jeonghan sighed, grabbing Yoongi's arm, pulling him away before he could launch. He was already fed up with the back and forth, and they had been there less than five minutes. "This bitching either needs to end now or it needs to get a hell of a lot more exciting. Either kill each other now and have done with it, or put your dicks back in your pants and stop playing I'm bigger than you!"

"There's no game here, hyung," Jihoon chuckled as Yoongi roughly shoved the doctor off and went back to his bag. "I'm pretty sure we all know who's bigger."

"Yoongi's right," Jeonghan said, deciding to talk over the man's attempts at childishly carrying things on. "We need to be careful, so we will be careful. We'll do a thorough search, make sure it's empty and then see if there's anything worth taking."

"Whatever," Jihoon said with a shrug, waving his hand as he went back to his assigned car.

"Yoongi," Jeonghan called, turning to the man who glared at him. "Calm the fuck down. Can't you tell yet that it's a waste of air?"

"He's a fucking waste of air," Yoongi shook his head, snatching his back up, about to storm off. Though, as he turned, he stopped abruptly as Jimin was standing there, waiting for him.

"Are we going in?" The boy asked, his voice soft and shy. Almost as if he wasn't even sure if he was allowed to ask.

"Me and Yoongi will go in," Jeonghan nodded as Yoongi let out a long breath to calm himself down. "Jihoonah will come with us."

"I want you to stay here with Binna," Yoongi said, taking Jimin's hand to stop himself from reacting to the doctor's last comment. He knew he wouldn't get angry if he was holding Jimin's hand, but he wasn't aware of just how tight his grip was. "Let us handle it... Okay?"

Jimin looked at him with a worried frown, trying to shimmy his wrist out of his firm grasp, but stopped when Yoongi just pulled his hand up and kissed his ring. Almost as a message, dismissing the last hour or so, but it fell silent on the younger's ringing ears. 

"I'll call when it's safe. Just wait here for me," The man said, though found himself tugging the boy a little closer and cupping his cheek as he noticed how glossy his eyes were, how distant his gaze was. "Oh, yeobo..."

"Yoongs, are you coming or not?" Jeonghan asked impatiently, but Yoongi just waved him off, keeping direct eye contact with his husband as he stared blankly. "It's your idea, mate."

"Binna," Yoongi called, though never dropped his gaze, just keeping the boy's head supported in his hands as the girl walked over. "Can you just stay with Jiminie for a minute while I go with them?"

"Yeah, of course," Binna nodded as she walked over, surprising the man by taking her shawl from around her shoulders and wrapping it around the small boy's. "We'll be okay. Won't we, little buddy?"

"He should come back in a moment," Yoongi said as he gently rubbed his thumbs over the boy's cheekbones with a sigh, relieved when he started to blink in reaction to the feeling, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "That's it, yeobo... Just sit him down and keep squeezing his hand, getting him to respond as much as you can. I won't be long but just shout, okay?"

"He'll be fine, Yoongissi," Binna said with a warm smile, nodding again when Yoongi kissed his husband's forehead again before stepping back, trusting her with him. "I promise. Just, be quick."

"His tablets should be in his bag," The man said as he went to walk, but not going anywhere before sharing that vital piece of information. "If he needs them..."

"Hoseok taught me a few things, Yoongissi," Binna softly sighed, gently guiding Jimin back to the car, steadying him when he stumbled. "Go on. We'll be fine."

The Pharmacy was dim, with light only being provided from the doorway as the windows had previously been boarded up. The aisles smelt like something foul as Yoongi reluctantly followed the two men inside. 

The thick silence in the air was broken by three audible clicks, coming from flashlights. Dust particles floated through the beams, drying out the men's airways.

Each shelf had been left in a mess, with knocked-over products ravaged and scattered around, all covered with light cobwebbing and a thin layer of dust.

Some shelves had been smashed, some painted red, all stained with the stench of something rotten.

"Go up each aisle," Jeonghan whispered, shining his light upon the leftmost lane, nodding to the other two to go the other way. "Be careful. Stay quiet."

Yoongi directed his attention to the end of the middle aisle as Jihoon to the right.

The building seemed quiet enough to be assumed safe, but Yoongi was definitely still on edge. And that wasn't helped when a soft sound of rattling came from behind him, making him leap on the spot.

A small empty pill bottle was rolling his way, making him grip his knife tighter as he crept to the corner, taking no chances, about to face whatever was waiting there.

Jeonghan flinched back in complete shock as he saw the knife being raised.

"Jesus Christ!" He shouted, grabbing Yoongi's wrist and shoving him back before he realised it was him. "What was the hell was that?"

"I thought you were one of the dead, you clumsy fuck," Yoongi aggressively whispered back, letting out a heavy breath as he held his head in his hands. "You scared the shit out of me!"

"That's a fantastic apology, Yoongi!"

"You guys okay Jihoon appeared around the corner with a confused look, his voice at a normal volume.

"Yeah, your aisle clean?" Jeonghan asked, clearing his throat to speak in a normal voice.

"Yeah," Jihoon nodded, though his brow furrowed as he tried to work out why Yoongi still seemed so worked up.

"Let's just have a quick look around, and we can grab the other two," Jeonghan sighed, causing the two to nod and go in separate directions to see if there was anything that caught their eye.

"Any chance these will still be good?" Yoongi asked, holding up a few bottles of electrolyte drinks that had been hidden away at the back, waving them at the doctor as he turned.

"I don't see why not if they're still sealed," Jihoon said with a little shrug, though he wasn't asked. "They'll do that boy of yours good."

"Take one for Hoseok as well, it'll do him good to get some decent hydration," Jeonghan said when Yoongi kept staring at him, clearly not accepting the other man's response. "As he said, if they're sealed, they're fine."

"That's what I was thinking," Yoongi nodded, putting a few of the bottles in his bag.

"Oh, hello," The doctor suddenly chirped, causing the other two to look, wondering what he had found. "Well, you'll certainly come in handy."

"Whatcha got?" Jihoon asked, walking over to where Jeonghan was collecting up little plastic bottles.

"Activated Charcoal. Naloxone. Sodium thiosulfate, nitrate," The doctor said, shoving the collection into his bag. "The amount of herbs and shit those kids are playing around with, it won't be long until something wrong gets ingested. It'll be smart to stock up on things like this, keep idiocy to a minimum."

"Maybe I should give them a crash course," Jihoon said, nodding in agreement that it wouldn't be long. "Teach 'em what's what. Make sure no one's poisoning themselves."

"What do you know about it?" Yoongi scoffed, but Jihoon just smirked.

"I'm a medical herbalist. Admittedly,  a little rusty but it's still kinda where I shine."

"It's his thing," Jeonghan said, catching Yoongi's unamused glare. "Though he makes it seem more impressive than it is. He and Jiyong always made substitute remedies while living the tree life. To be fair though, even trained in modern medicine and having scientific biases for obvious reasons I won't name, even I have to say he knows his way around botanicals."

"How're you feeling?" Binna asked as she sat down in the backseat of Yoongi's car, handing Jimin a water bottle. "Any better?"

"I feel like crap," Jimin shook his head, though mumbled a thank you as he took the bottle.

"Woah," Binna scoffed, looking at the boy with an almost impressed expression. "Honesty. That's new."

"I... I'm... Sorry," Jimin's instantly dimmed, suddenly shrinking but the girl shook her head, waving away all the words he was about to say.

"No, it's good," She said, though her genuine words made the boy's cheeks turn pink. "We should all be more honest with each other. I'm just surprised it was me who got to witness it from you... But, is there anything I can do to help you feel a bit better?"

"Not... Not unless you can turn back time, maybe two or three years," The boy shrugged, causing the girl to let out a quiet laugh.

"And give up Hoseok?" She said with a smile, but the boy let out a breathy chuckle, giving another little shrug. "No, I think he's worth staying where I am."

"Yeah, Yoonie as well."

"Can I ask you something, Jiminah?" Binna asked, causing the boy to tilt his head and frown.

"Yeah," He nodded, though his brow remained knitted together. "If you want to. I'm... No good at giving advice or anything, though."

"No, no, it's nothing like that," Binna said, causing the boy to frown at her, caught off guard by just how grave her tone was. "Just, have you ever been so... Terrified of something being true, that you can't bring yourself to say it out loud? Not to the person you trust most. Not even when you're alone?"

"Yes," Jimin breathed, his voice lacking volume but the word loud enough to be heard for miles. 

"Yeah, me too," Binna said softly, nodding her head as she tapped her foot, biting her bottom lip. "Can I tell you?"

"Me? Why me?"

"Because you have no reason to listen," Binna gave a light chuckle, looking at the boy over her shoulder, smiling warmly though her eyes watered. "So, if you really wanted to... You could just walk away the second I start talking and nothing would come of it. It wouldn't matter either way."

The girl had a point, though her words went over the boy's head as he found himself blanking on most of them. That didn't stop him from giving her a soft nod, with an even softer expression.

"You can tell me," He said quietly, even going as far as to comfortingly take the girl's hand. An action Binna couldn't see as anything other than possibly the truest sign of trust the timid boy could give.  "I'll listen. I won't lecture or judge, or anything... You can talk."

A short silence filled the car as a cold wind whistled behind the windows, masking the long breath the young woman let out.

"I... I've hurt a lot of people, Jiminah," She said after a moment of psyching herself up, watching the boy's face for any sort of reaction or anxiety, but he just remained still, staring at the back of the driver's seat and waiting for her to continue. "People I never even knew, and people I knew. Being out in this world, alone... It's makes you do things. Things you wouldn't have even imagined.

  Before meeting Jackson... I stayed with other groups, other people but, none of them ever helped me. I had to lie to them to keep myself safe; steal food and water so I could survive. They always turned out to be the same anyway, every person for themself... I had to hurt and kill people before they killed me.

  I never wanted to. I never meant to hurt people. Two years ago, the very idea of actually killing someone... It wouldn't have even made it into my nightmares, it just wasn't on the cards. I was never meant to... I'm not a bad person. And now the world's given me... Jesus. If I'm given a second chance, to prove I'm not a bad person...

  If I actually get that chance, I'm taking it with both hands.  I have to, and I can't... I can't fuck it up. You know?"

"I know," Jimin nodded, the words coming out in a little squeak, making the girl look at him, brows furrowed slightly.

"You do?"

"I... Got my maknae killed," Jimin whispered, the words spilling over his lips without control, washed out by emotion and guilt until they were out in the open, branding him with shame. "And then I killed him again, just so he couldn't hurt the others... I can't make up for it. I won't ever get that chance... Not when he won't leave me alone."

"Jesus, my lungs feel like the sodding inside of a full-arse vacuum," Jeonghan complained as the men emerged from the building, after about twenty minutes of being perfectly sure it was safe. He was forcing a cough to punctuate his whining and Yoongi grimaced at how dramatic he was acting.

"Is it really necessary you comment on every little thing?" 

"You guys took your time," Binna's voice came from where she was sitting on the pavement, waiting by the cars, catching the men's attention.

"We didn't take that long," Jihoon said but the girl just scoffed at him, shaking her head.

"Where's Jimin?" Yoongi asked her as he looked at both cars, panic creeping in slightly as it seemed the vehicles were empty.

"Laying down, he is in there. He's having a nap, Yoongissi," The girl told him with a little chuckle, causing him to frown which caused her to sigh. "He's been asleep for the past fifteen minutes, so I left him to rest. He clearly needed to."

"It wasn't a cluster was it?" Yoongi asked, worry lacing through each word. "That seizure, it didn't escalate?"

"No, no, it only lasted a few seconds and we just got talking for a bit. He, um, he told me about Jungkook," Binna said, placing her hand on the man's arm as he went to walk over to the car. "About what... How it all happened. I think saying it took a lot out of him."

"That's because he's never said it out loud before," Yoongi said, a shocked expression painting over his face. "I didn't even think he remembered. He always- No, never mind, I'm gonna check on him."

"You two can stay out here, if you want to, Yoongs," Jeonghan said as the man walked off. "We won't stay long."

"I'll see what Jiminie wants to do," Yoongi said over his shoulder, shaking his head. "It's up to him."

"Are we safe to go in?" Binna asked as Jeonghan watched Yoongi get back into the car, nodding towards the building behind them.

"Huh? Yeah," He said with a quiet sigh, seeing the man gently lifting his sleeping husband so he could rest more comfortably against his lap. Tearing his eyes away, he smiled at the girl and nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, it's safe. Come on, let's get you sorted out."

"Wakey, wakey," Yoongi's low voice purred as Jimin blinked around the car, waking to the feeling of his hair being brushed through, realising his head was resting against the man's lap. "That seemed like a good nap, hmm?"

"Hmm..." Jimin mumbled, nestling his head against the man's thigh, placing his hand on his knee and snuggling closer before wondering why he felt uncomfortable.

"Binna said you managed to get a lot off your chest," Yoongi said, brushing the boy's hair out of his eyes, waiting until he was ready to talk back. "Feeling a bit better, now?"

Waking up a bit more, Jimin suddenly jolted, sitting himself up quickly only to find Yoongi's hands on his shoulders to slow him.

"Easy, yeobo," Yoongi frowned as the boy whipped his head around, clearly trying to work out where he was. "Jesus, you were out... Jiminie? We're in the car, yeobo."

"Hmm?" The boy hummed but Yoongi could see in his eyes, he wasn't quite awake yet. It was almost as if he was in a trance, in a daze and it wasn't long until he fell unresponsive yet again.

Sadness gnawed at Yoongi's heart as his husband stared through him, causing him to bite the inside of his cheek and let out a long, heavy breath through his nose.

"You're okay," He whispered to the younger, shuffling closer to hold him in his arms, sighing as Jimin's chin rested heavily on his shoulder. It only took a few more seconds before he felt the boy's hands on his back, the loose hug being returned. "Alright, darling. Take your time. Don't worry, you're safe." 

"I love you," The boy mumbled, causing the elder to smile a little and cuddle him tighter, closer.

"I love you too, darling," Yoongi nodded, though his previous feelings still crept up, making him close his eyes. Something was wrong, he could just tell. But he wanted Jimin to be honest with him. "Are you ready to move or do you need a little longer?" 

"I'm okay," Jimin shook his head, sitting himself up a little. "I think, I just..."

"It's been at least a year since you've been on a run like this. If it's too much, if you want to go home," Yoongi started, about to suggest just leaving the others to it since they knew their way back now. Jimin shook his head, though, giving him a small smile.

"I'm okay," Jimin said again, leaning into the man's palm as he cupped his cheek. "It's just this dizziness... It won't go."

"Gimme a second. Here," Yoongi said as he moved back, grabbing one of the drink bottles from his bag, that he had dropped in the footwell, and handing it to the pale boy. "Maybe you're just a little dehydrated. We haven't had anything since this morning. That should help, hmm?"

"Thank you," Jimin smiled and Yoongi just nodded, zipping up his bag. 

"You ready?" The elder asked, throwing his bag over his shoulders as the boy sipped his drink. Jimin nodded, capping the bottle and taking the man's hand as he offered it, helping him out of the car. "If that drink helps, I'll grab the rest. There's a few more in there. Let's go see."

"Yoongs, how well are things stocked up, back home?" Jeonghan asked as soon as the couple entered the pharmacy, though he kept his voice down, just so they were sure they wouldn't draw any unwanted attention. "First aid kit, wise. Have you got many supplies?" 

"Glad you've settled in then," Yoongi scoffed, shaking his head as he threw his bag on the ground and headed over to check the shelves for anything that he thought would be useful. "I'd just grab whatever you can. There are so many people there now. It was different when it was just the five of us. Things'll start running out quickly." 

"I should have stocked up before we left," Jeonghan said with a sigh, wandering off and muttering to himself about stealing Baekhyun's supplies.

"Have you got enough?" Yoongi asked Jimin as he threw a few random things into his bag, catching him off guard since he was just lingering by the entrance. "Tablets. I can get them to divert into the next town before we go home. I know where I could possibly find some if you're running low."

"No," Jimin shook his head, giving a small smile when the man looked over his shoulder to him. "No, I'm okay. I... Don't need any."

"Okay," Yoongi nodded, returning the smile softly before going back to scanning the shelves. 

Jimin shivered, pulling his sleeves through from under his jacket, to cover his hands as he looked around the dusty pharmacy. 

The atmosphere of the building already had him on edge, the way they were all keeping as quiet as possible as if something could jump around the corner at any time, attack them and leave them for dead. 

"Yoonie?"

"Hmm?" Yoongi turned from the shelf, raising an eyebrow as the boy rocked on his heels. "What's wrong?"

"...Thank you," Was all Jimin could bring himself to say, though his throat quickly closed up. He was frustrated when his words froze in his mind but, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't spit the rest out.

But Yoongi just smiled softly and held out his hand. 

"Come on, baby," He said, curling his fingers and nodding reassuringly when Jimin stopped hesitating and grabbed his hand. Immediately, he swapped from holding the younger's hand to wrapping his arm around his waist, cuddling him to his side. "You know I love you."

"I love you, too," Jimin almost sighed in relief, placing his hand on the man's chest as he kissed the side of his head, melting into the elder as he realised he wasn't as angry as his mind was telling him. The shift he felt, the change he was terrified of earlier, wasn't real after all. "We... We can talk later. If you want."

Chapter Text

"What's going on?" Yoongi asked sleepily from the backseat as he felt the car stop moving, lifting his head from resting on his husband's, who remained comfortably snuggled up to his side, fast asleep on his shoulder. "We're not home yet, don't stop."

"We're out of fuel," Jeonghan shook his head as he turned off the engine, though let out an exasperated chuckle when he heard the engine of the other car catching up behind them, spluttering like an overworked racehorse. 

If he was being honest, he was surprised their fuel had lasted that long, but he was still frustrated that it wasn't able to get them a few more miles closer to home. 

"Sounds like they are too. We've got to stop and work out what to do. But we may have to walk, Yoongs. I don't think there are any stations nearby."

"It's raining," Yoongi pointed out, his cat eyes tiredly landing on the rearview mirror as if the sheets of water slashing against the windscreen weren't obvious to the doctor. "You've lost it if you think we're walking."

"Any other suggestions?" Jeonghan asked, raising an eyebrow as he met the mirror, though he wasn't exactly fond of wandering around without real direction, lost in the evening winter rain either. "I'm all ears. I wanna be home by dark as well."

"Jimin's not going out there," Yoongi shook his head, subconsciously hugging his boy closer as the doctor rolled his eyes. "You know the danger it would put him in, so don't start calling me possessive or whatever bullshit word you use."

"I wasn't gonna say anything," Jeonghan scoffed, but Yoongi just clicked his tongue.

"That was exactly what you were gonna say. We're not walking," The younger said bitterly, dropping eye contact to let the doctor know that was final. "Work something else out. I'm not forcing him out there."

"I guess I'll talk to Jihoonah, then," Jeonghan sighed, turning off the engine and getting out of the car, sounding frustrated. "Just go back to sleep for a bit. You weren't getting on my nerves then."

The door shut behind the doctor as he walked away, but not in time to stop the harsh chill that filled the car. Yoongi's teeth clinked and began to chatter as he shuffled to warm up, though his movement only caused his husband to stir.

"Hey, pretty," He just smiled with a soft sigh as Jimin fidgeted against him; resting his head back down and closing his eyes, kissing the top of the boy's hair as he huddled closer and laid a dainty arm over his waist. "You still sleepy too?"

"Hmm," Jimin hummed, nodding against the man's shoulder and cuddling him tighter. "You're warm."

"I'm glad you think so," Yoongi chuckled, pressing his cheek to the boy's hair, still not feeling particularly warm since Jeonghan had opened the door, but was happy that his boy felt comfortable. 

Jimin just nuzzled his nose against his husband's chest, making little mumbling noises as he tried to work out how he could get as close as possible without sitting on the man's lap. 

"You're such a child," The elder tittered, letting the boy figure out whatever he was trying to do, amused by simply watching. "Clingy, needy... How do I put up with you?"

"Divorce me if you don't like it," The boy muttered flatly, holding onto his husband the way a koala would hug a tree as he kicked his feet up onto the backseat, seemingly settling finally. "Remember you said yes. You never had to love me."

"Aish," Yoongi clicked his tongue, shaking his head as he ran his fingers through the smaller's hair. While the words fit the boy's typical pattern of teasing, his tone fell flat and the usual tells were non-existent, leaving the elder to think maybe he wasn't joking. "Don't say such awful things. I'll always love you. You're just... Very cuddly, right now. More than usual."

"'m fine," Jimin said, his voice still light and feathery. He was already anticipating the elder's question, but no longer had the energy to get defensive. "Just tired. Kinda wanna go home. I miss Suga. And Bear."

"Bear? You miss Tae?" Yoongi scoffed, raising an eyebrow as he tilted his head, looking down at his husband who just nodded sullenly. "Right, hmm... Jiminie?"

"Hmm."

"Are you with me, yeobo?" Yoongi frowned, trying to work out what was going through the boy's head. If he was sad, worried, unsettled... "Here? Right now?"

"Think so," Jimin nodded softly, causing the man to sigh. 

Though, the elder couldn't say he believed him, especially when Jeonghan rapped on the window and the boy remained unfazed, just in a dreamy daze. Any other time, he would have at the very least flinched but... Nothing.

Yoongi narrowed his eyes as the doctor backed away again, waving him out of the car. Looking down at his husband, he shook his head a little and clicked his tongue. 

"Stay here, sleepy boy," He said softly as he lifted his arm, letting the half-asleep younger out of their little cuddle, giving him a quick kiss as he reluctantly sat up. "Don't get out. Just stay in the warm, I'll be back in a moment."

"'kay," Jimin just nodded, pulling his sleeves over his hands, shivering from the breeze that blew in when the elder opened the door. "Don't get too cold."

"How far out are we?" Jihoon was asking Jeonghan as Yoongi walked over. It seemed Binna was doing the same as Jimin, just staying in her car and avoiding the rain. "Would it really take that long to walk?"

"It could take hours," Yoongi immediately butted in, knowing where their conversation was heading and not happy that the doctor had so quickly dismissed his past worries. "We wouldn't get back until the middle of the night. I don't know about you bastards but I don't have the energy for that. Jimin doesn't, I doubt Binna does."

"We'd get back quicker than if we waste time looking for a station, Yoongs," Jeonghan said, admittedly agreeing with Jihoon that it would just be easier to walk. Even if they did find a station, there's was no guarantee they'd find fuel. "Binna's already said she doesn't mind walking, she's just waiting for someone to decide. You'd be fine walking as well, so don't be dramatic. If it's Jiminah you're actually worried about though, he can survive a few hours in the rain. It won't kill him."

Looking over though, Yoongi met his eye, and Jeonghan let out a long breath through his nose. The man's expression showed nothing but concern, care, love... Such a deep, protective love.

"It won't kill him, Yoongi," The doctor shook his head, though his tone was much softer now, almost trying to convince the man of that fact. "I am telling you. All we have to do is get home; the sooner we walk, the sooner we can just get back in the warm and go to bed. Jimin'll be fine as long as we don't take too long, he won't even get sick. So, how about we just get going, hmm?"

"You've already decided then," Yoongi said bitterly after a moment of silently glaring, gritting his teeth as his eyes narrowed into slits. "You've already decided so why even bother calling me over?"

"You do have a say, Yoongi."

"Clearly, I don't!" Yoongi scoffed, shaking his head as he turned his back to the men. "Fine! Let's just get a move on, if we're going. Come on! Let's go! ...This is fucking ridiculous."

"Does the dude realise he has the mood swings of a schizo?" Jihoon asked as Yoongi stomped back over to the car, folding his arms over his chest and raising an eyebrow at the doctor. "A completely delusional, paranoid schizo?"

"Give him a break," Jeonghan just sighed, rolling his eyes before wiping the rain from his face. "Just go and get the bags. When you learn the backstory, you get to have commentary. Until then, shut up. I can't do this if you're gonna be squabbling like teenagers every step of the way."

"Jiminah?" Yoongi called, pulling the younger's door open and crouching down to his level, glad to see he seemed more awake. "Looks like we're walking, babe."

"In this?" Jimin frowned as he pouted, pointing to the outside, where drizzly rain was causing a thick blanket of fog over the darkening road. The very sight sent a chill up his spine. "Seriously?"

Yoongi just sighed and nodded sadly. He knew, in the eyes of the others, it looked like Jimin was being awkward and petty about being in the rain, but he knew the boy was genuinely worried about getting cold. He was too, especially after how badly it affected the small boy, the last time they were caught in the rain.

"You just have to stay close to me, okay?" Yoongi said as Jimin sighed and got out of the car, pulling him close and making sure his jacket was done up properly. "Where're your sleeves? Pull your sleeves down."

"Yoonie, I'm okay," Jimin said softly, knowing the man was only doing his best, but he didn't exactly feel like he was going about it the right way by pulling his long sleeves over his hands and flipping his collar upwards. "Yoon, 'tis okay, I'm okay... Please stop fussing, please."

"We can stop, whenever you want," Yoongi shook his head, holding the boy's hands and ensuring he had taken every precaution to keep him warm. "We can take as many breaks as you need. You just let me know, okay? Just say the words..."

"Yoongi! Am I allowed to be worried about you?" Jimin asked rather sharply as he squeezed the man's hands, making him slow down. 

"You were asleep, five minutes ago," The elder sighed, not able to dismiss just how tired the boy still looked. "You've been having seizures on and off, all day. I know you're not well and I don't want you out in the rain, yeobo."

"Who said I'm not well?" Jimin frowned, though his expression fell cold when he followed the man's questioning gaze to Jeonghan. "Well, he's not... I'm... He..."

"Don't, angel. Now's not the time," Yoongi sighed, shaking his head, deciding not to give the boy a chance to lie this time. "We'll talk when we get home. Let's just get home first, yeah?"

"Okay," Jimin just nodded with a sigh, a little pout forming when Yoongi kissed his forehead, almost to thank him.

"Get your bag, baby," The elder said, his low voice making the boy shiver, but the familiarity of the gritty tone made him feel calmer than he probably should have been. "I'll carry it for you."

"I can carry it," Jimin shook his head, turning to the car and reaching for his backpack, but pouted when Yoongi beat him to it anyway.

"I know," The man let out a soft chuckle, throwing the bag over his shoulders before grabbing his own. "But I want to. Come on, let's go, yeobo."

"I guess we're going," Jihoon said as Jeonghan and Binna were collecting their gear, pointing to where the couple had already taken off down the road. 

"I guess we are," Jeonghan sighed, shaking his head a little, throwing his arm over Binna's shoulders and making her smile. "We better keep up with them. I wouldn't put it past the grumpy bastard to leave us behind."

"Is he even going the right way?" Jihoon asked as they walked up, but kept a safe distance behind the two.

"I wouldn't question him, even if he isn't," Jeonghan sighed before shaking his head. "I'm sure he know's what he's doing, just... Leave him to it."

"Yeobo," Jimin's voice brought the man out of his silent and frustrated train of thought he found himself lost in as he took lead, making him jump when he not-so-subtly grabbed his hand. "S-slow down."

"Hmm?" Yoongi hummed, frowning at the way the boy was suddenly, rigidly keeping his eyes straight, walking stiffly by his side. "What's wrong?"

Looking over the boy's shoulder, he caught sight of Jihoon and Jeonghan, being followed by Binna;  suddenly feeling awkward under the shorter man's piercing yet seemingly curious stare.

"Does the new guy make you feel uncomfortable too?" Yoongi asked quietly, already knowing the answer when Jimin held onto his hand tighter. 

"He reminds me of..." The boy trailed off, watching as his feet splashed in the puddles with every step. "Of..."

"Can you say it?" Yoongi pressed gently. If Jimin couldn't say the name, he knew exactly who he was talking about, but this time that wasn't the case. "Hmm?"

"Mingyu," Jimin shook his head, spitting the name out like a mouthful of scorching hot peppers, even having to cough and splutter after. 

"You brave, brave boy," His husband whispered close to his ear, holding a protective arm around his waist and pulling him close as he tried to slow his stuttering breath. "So, so brave. So proud of you."

"Th-that was... That hurt," Jimin mumbled, still walking but turning more into his husband's side, trying desperately to not let the shivery, jittery feeling grow into something he couldn't control.

"I'm really fucking proud of you," The man sighed, kissing Jimin's wet hair and cuddling him tight. It was obvious the boy was fighting panic, but he was doing so well. "So, incredibly brave."

If only Yoongi could say the same for himself though, as the name hit him harder than he thought, forcing him to remember the owner of that name was merely waiting for him someday. His heart was beating so hard at the thought, it seemed to be planning an escape from his chest, but he kept up a stoic facade. 

"You know he won't touch you," He said, his voice still hushed but his words deadly serious now as he swallowed the ever-increasing lump in his throat. For a moment, he forgot that they were talking about Jihoon, not the abomination he left back in Seoul. "I won't let him anywhere near you. I pro-"

"Don't," Jimin interrupted mid-word, shaking his head when Yoongi just frowned at him. "Don't let him turn you into a liar."

"You have every right not to trust him, yeobo," Yoongi said, looking deep into the boy's eyes before sighing. "Every right... But please, trust me."

"I do trust you," Jimin said, taking a moment to kiss the man's lips. "I always trust you."

"I won't let him hurt you, Jiminah," Yoongi said when the boy pulled away, wiping his glasses to try and see out of them a little clearer, though they only smeared and Jimin finally let out a little musical laugh.

Taking the glasses, the smaller unzipped his coat and dried off the lenses with a semi-dry part of his t-shirt, taking great care and making sure they were clean before placing them back on the tip of the man's nose and kissing him again.

"I won't let anyone hurt you," Yoongi mentally told himself though he never opened his mouth, sighing heavily, simply watching the boy as he retook his hand and focused on the road. He had said it all along, but Jimin was far too precious for the world.

It didn't take long for the sun to completely sink into the ground, especially with the stop-start pattern the group were following. They had been walking a little over an hour, though the ten-fifteen minute breaks they kept having to take were making the journey a lot longer than it had to be. 

At the very least though, the roads were clear and safe. The only stress the group were facing was the power struggle between Yoongi and Jihoon.

"I still think, if you're determind to take us straight, we should cut through the trees," Jihoon said for the second time as Yoongi continued to march on. "We'd have more cover, more protection. Not to mention being..."

"I've already told you!" Yoongi cut him off, shaking his head and refusing to turn back to see whether or not they were following. He could sense his husband just behind him, and if he was being honest, that was all he really cared about. "It's too dangerous. We don't know what's out there. So, we follow the road so we know what's around us."  

"Don't tell me you're scared of the dead," Jihoon scoffed, but his words rubbed the leader the wrong way entirely.

"No," Yoongi stated, very bluntly, finally looking over his shoulder. "No, I'm scared of the living."

"Jihoon, Yoongi's right," Jeonghan finally said, though Binna backed him up with a silent nod, also agreeing. "We have no idea who could be playing hide and seek in the shadows. We need to stay on the open road, so nothing can sneak attack us."

"Yoon... Yoonie," Jimin quietly spoke up as Jihoon scoffed and kicked the ground. Taking his husband's hand to make him look at him, he let out a shivery breath. "C-can we take a-another break? Pl-please?"

"Yeah," Yoongi nodded with a little frown, wiping his face to see the boy clearly. Jimin's quivering plump lips were pale while his hair dripped, leaving his face wet and cold. His eyes were focusing in and out, causing the elder to step closer, put his arm around his shoulders and pull him to his side, in the hope the close contact would warm them both up. "Yeah, yeah, of course... Guys, we're stopping anyway."

"For God's sake. This is the fourth time! ...No, you want to follow the road? Then let's just keep going," Jihoon complained, continuing to stomp off down the dark road, but having to stumble back when Jeonghan grabbed the collar of his jacket and pulled him to a stop "What? What could it possibly be, now? We're all wet, cold, tired. Why does that brat get special treatment and not us?"

 "I'm gonna kill him, I'm gonna fucking..." Yoongi muttered as he closed his eyes, letting himself simmer before giving his boy's hand a reassuring squeeze, but he was too frustrated to muster a smile. 

"Now you've done it," Jeonghan sighed, rolling his eyes as he let the man go with a shove, knowing he wouldn't be able to do anything to stop Yoongi from kicking off. Not after how he had seen him lose it, last time.

"Call him that again!" Yoongi growled, finger pointed at Jihoon as he stalked over, only to be pushed and held back by a fed-up Jeonghan, who was getting very sick of playing referee. "I dare you... Insult him again."

"Oh, come on," Jihoon scoffed, shaking his head at the way the man's nostrils flared. "That was hardly an insult. Maybe if the toddler tantrums stopped, and we were allowed to just go home without delay..."

"He's not throwing a tantrum!" Yoongi exclaimed, feeling himself warm up through anger alone. "He's exhausted!"

"We all are!" Jihoon yelled back, making Jeonghan gulp with the volume of his frustrated voice. "Has the shit got you so tightly wrapped around his little finger that it's choking you? That you can't actually comprehend the fact other people exist?!"

"Jihoonah," Jeonghan's strong voice cut between the two, not giving Yoongi a chance to think of a response, not that he was able to anyway. "That's enough. Back off... Now."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I strike a nerve?"

"Tell me, are you ill?" Yoongi asked sharply, causing the man to scoff and shake his head. "Are you hypersensitive to the cold?"

"If he's that fucking delicate, why the hell did you bring him out here?" Jihoon retorted, but Yoongi just let out a bitter snicker, biting his tongue. 

Fists clenching at his sides, he marched forwards, past the point of being filled with rage.

"Yoongissi!" Binna called from behind though, sounding just as exasperated as the doctor, making Yoongi freeze mere steps away from Jihoon. "If you'd stop arguing, you'd realise Jimin's sat down."

"What?" Yoongi turned with a frown, only to see that she was right and his husband had sat himself down in the middle of the road, similarly to how he had in the living room, the night before.

"Oh, great," Jihoon scoffed, dramatically throwing his head back to face the rain as the man jogged back. "We don't have time for this! We all are..."

"You're courting disaster," Jeonghan said to the man, nudging his shoulder to make him shut up. "Pissing up Yoongi's tree is one thing. Do not start on Jimin, whatever you do... Just stop it, now."

"Why?" Jihoon scoffed, shrugging the doctor's hand off. "He special or something?"

"Something like that."

"H-hey, you," Yoongi sighed as he crouched, taking the boy's little hands only to feel they were frozen under his soaking sleeves. "What're you doing down here?"

"Tired..." The boy mumbled as the elder carefully rolled the cuffs up over his jacket. Uncovering his hands, Yoongi lifted them to his lips and breathed into them, hoping to warm them up before they turned to ice. 

"Still? Hmm?" Yoongi asked softly, giving the boy a sympathetic smile as he huffed hot air onto his cold hands. The slight warmth made Jimin blink, looking at the man with a little confused frown. 

"Does that help, hmm? D'you like that?" The elder smiled again, finding the little reactions rather adorable, albeit deeply saddening. The boy's fingers wiggled when he blew on them again, causing him to lean in and kiss his forehead. 

"Yoongs, if he's responsive, we should really keep moving," Jeonghan suggested but got shut down immediately, making him just give up straight away. "It's gonna start getting dangerous soon, that's all."

"You really do choose the most convenient places, baby," Yoongi just smiled at his boy, chuckling softly as Jimin just watched him intently with curious eyes, intrigued by the warm air coming from his lips and hitting his palms. "It's okay, darling. You'll be back in a moment, it'll pass."

"When did the dissociation start?" Jeonghan asked as the man continued to comfort his husband, but Yoongi's confused look took him aback. Did he not know? "He's dissociating, Yoongs. It's a new thing, right?"

"Disso-what?" Yoongi frowned, though he didn't turn away from his husband. Though he had to admit that Jimin's odd little seizures were unusual, he didn't think it was anything worth the doctor's concern. In his eyes, the little events seemed to be getting better and certainly seemed easier to manage than the convulsive ones. "I don't know what that means, doc."

"Well, he's not lucid, to put it simply," Jeonghan said with a little shrug, watching the small boy closely as he slowly seemed to start focusing again. "I don't think these episodes are because of his epilepsy, more his PTSD." 

"That's a thing?" Yoongi asked, finally looking over his boy's shoulder to stare the doctor in the eye.

"Comorbities can happen," The doctor nodded, but the man was worried by the fact that he sounded so serious. Over the last month or so, he had learned to fear Jeonghan's professional voice. "Especially considering his history. It can easily be linked to not taking his medica-"

The group fell quiet as the doctor snapped his mouth shut, almost comedically covering it with his hand just so he certainly couldn't finish that sentence, but he didn't get away with it as he hoped.

"I'm sorry?" Yoongi raised an eyebrow, wiping his wet hair away from his face as he sat up straight. But the doctor was already retreating, suddenly deadly silent for the first time since Yoongi had known him. 

"No, no, no, you loud-mouthed son of a bitch! You do not get to stop talking now!" 

"Yoongi," Binna went to grab the man's wrist as he pushed himself up and stalked over, forcing her to stay with the small boy, who was watching the whole scene play out in pure confusion. "Yoongissi, stay with Jimin. He needs..."

"Jeonghan!" The man roared in the doctor's direction. Jihoon tried standing between them but Jeonghan just shook his head at him, placing his hand on his shoulder to make him back down. "You run your fucking mouth all the time, spouting nonsense, thinking you're all that, but you choose to shut up now?"

"He chose to come off them, Yoongi!" The doctor finally snapped back, the man's yelling taking his last nerve and shredding it. "I wasn't told dick-diddly-fucking-squat! The only reason I know is because the kid's shaking like an old Volkswagen filled with drying-out hippies. I'm trained to see the subtle signs, hear through the lies; late Saturday nights in the ER, filled with addicts in denial..."

"Do not put him in that category!" 

"I'm not, I'm just saying!" Jeonghan threw his head back in exasperation, fists clenched so hard in his coat pockets that he was sure his nails were cutting into his palms. "But it is withdrawal. And he made the decision, himself, to come off them. If anyone else played a hand in convincing him, it was Taehyung, so I'm really not sure why you're coming for my head!"

"You should have told me!" Yoongi shouted, causing the doctor's eyes to roll once again. "You had no right to try and keep this from me. If he..."

"Yoongissi! Jimin needs you!" Binna's sharp voice came, making the man fall silent with guilt. "For someone ranting and raving about how he needs protecting, you're really not doing a good job at paying attention to him!"

"W-what?" Yoongi's angry expression instantly fell into one of deep concern when he turned, seeing the girl trying to wake his husband up. 

Whether he had passed out, or just gave into the exhaustion and fallen asleep, the elder wasn't sure but he knew Jimin couldn't sleep in the middle of the road.

"Hey," The man's voice broke into a much softer tone as he quickly crouched in front of the boy, carefully uncurling and guiding him back into a sitting position with Binna's help. "Hey, hey, hey. We can't sleep out here, baby. We've gotta get home, first..."

"Yoon..." Jimin mumbled as the man wiped his wet hair out of his face before lifting his hands, getting him to wrap his arms around his broad shoulders. "Can't w-walk... Hurts, can't go anymore."

"Shush, shush, I know," Yoongi just nodded, making sure the exhausted boy was holding onto him before hooking his arm under his legs, swiftly lifting him up off the wet concrete. "I gotcha, just hold on tight. I'm gonna get you home, okay?"

"Yoongi," Jeonghan tried to slow the man down, but it seemed he had already made up his mind to abandon them as he hurried past. "Yoongs, don't..."

"Go your own fucking way, I don't care," Yoongi shook his head, walking straight past the doctor, keeping his husband secure in his arms. "I'm getting him home."

"That's all it took?" Jihoon scoffed as Jeonghan kicked the puddles with a snarl of defeat. "Seriously? Why didn't anyone call the kid a brat an hour ago?!"

"I wouldn't be so proud of yourself," Binna muttered, going to follow Yoongi but suddenly stopped in her tracks, a certain sound of rustling leaves making her ears tingle and a chill travel down her spine. "Do you guys hear that?" 

"Yoon-" Jeonghan went to call the man to a stop, until Jihoon stood up on tip-toes and clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Shut up," The shorter man hissed, as the doctor's eyes went wide, but he didn't let go as he dragged the elder back. "You're gonna get us all killed!" 

"Back up!" Binna whisper-yelled as she crouched slightly, gesturing for the men to follow her. "This way. Come on!"

Yoongi was fully unaware, too preoccupied with keeping his eye on his husband to realise the others had disappeared and he was walking a thin line between ignorance and idiocy, ingnoring the world around him. 

That was until the dead finally made themselves known and forced him to freeze on the spot, crawling out from the trees on the sides of the road and becoming louder and more threatening. 

"Fuck!" He exclaimed, quickly spinning on his heel, only to find he was on his own, with his husband half-asleep in his aching arms. "Shit, shit, shit..."

As the dead started to surround them, growling, snarling, and spitting in Yoongi's direction - he felt his head spin, fear turning into a dizzy haze as he tried to work out the safest way out of the deadly situation he was stuck in. 

"Put me down," Jimin mumbled quietly, wriggling a little to get the man to let him go, but Yoongi couldn't take his eyes off of the rotten, soaked creatures crawling up to him. "Yoonie?"

 Just as the boy tried to shuffle again, and Yoongi was about to obey; a cold hand landed on the elder's ankle, gripping hard as frayed fingernails snagged at the hem of his jeans, making him jump into action. 

Jimin still in his arms, holding on for dear life, he ran backwards until it was safe to turn and sprint down the dark road.

"Trees," He felt Jimin's hot breath against his neck, the single making him look around for an escape from the now overflowed road. "Just hide."

"Hold on," Yoongi said as he just nodded, mostly to himself. "Don't let go!"

He started to move faster than he was sure he ever had, into the trees, down the ditch that lined the side of the road. Sure he was going quick enough, he thought he wouldn't have to go very far, until...

Foot catching a stray tree root, Yoongi found himself not sprinting forwards but flying forwards, rolling down the hill without any ability of stopping himself until he forcefully hit the bottom.

A sharp gasp fell from the younger boy's lips as he rolled out of his husband's arms, his torso hitting the base of a tree, winding him but stopping him from falling any further down. Yoongi hitting him from behind and forcing his further into the tree was just adding insult to injury though. 

"F-fuck," The elder huffed, catching his breath unevenly, not fully aware of just how much he was crushing the tiny boy until little hands gave him a rough shove. "God..."

"Get off!" A whine came from next to him, but Yoongi couldn't bring himself to move for a moment, leaving Jimin to try and scramble away. 

It took a few seconds for the elder to actually just lay in the mud, blinking upwards until it dawned on him what had happened, that they had fallen. He had fallen. The dead were still coming for them, he could hear them. But now, he was stuck, frozen, unable to see without his glasses and his husband was no longer holding onto him.

"J-Ji-Jiminah!" Yoongi called desperately as he groggily sat up, his hands stretched out before him as he fumbled on the uneven ground. "Jimin, I can't... I... I can't see... W-where - Where are you...?"

"Yoon," A soft voice came from in front of him; a fuzzy, pale face appeared in front of him as his hands were grabbed. "Yoonie, I-I-I'm here."

"Are you hurt? I-I can't see. Are you okay?" Yoongi shook his head as his husband gently wiped the rain off his face, though to no avail as it poured down on them. "Jimin, my glasses. I can't..."

"I got you," Jimin said, his voice hushed as he shushed the man, wrapping his arms around him tight. "Just... Just sit, wait. 'tis too dark... Wait."

"It's too dangerous..."

"I'm here," Jimin shook his head. The two words reminded Yoongi; reminded him of the superpower his husband seemed to possess, but they also reminded him of how Kim Mingyu acted. "We'll find your glasses."

"Jiminie," Yoongi's voice shook as the boy's face came into focus, due to how close they were. He could see him shivering, struggling to stay calm for his sake. "You're t-too cold. T-take my jacket, darling. Just t-take it..."

"Keep it on," The boy shook his head but pulled the man closer, whispering to remind the elder to stay quiet.

"But you can't..."

"You're s-s-shivering," Jimin said shakily, holding his husband closer again, keeping him both near and safe simultaneously. "K-keep it on."

"Ji-" Yoongi went to protest more as he came to his senses, noticing the dynamic was shifting and not liking it, but he froze again when Jimin's pointer finger pressed against his lips to make him be quiet. 

The growling from the road grew closer again, the rustling and shuffling travelling down the ditch, seconds away.

"I-I'll lead... I can lead them away," Jimin stuttered, about to push himself up but Yoongi was already shaking his head, reaching out to find the boy's hand. "I'll get them away from you. You can run..."

"Don't you dare," The elder spat, wrapping his fingers around Jimin's slim wrist as he went to walk. "You're unarmed. Don't be so stu- ...Don't put yourself in danger."

"I wouldn't be in... danger!" Jimin snapped but the raise in his voice didn't come from annoyance.

  No, he jumped out of his skin as the roar of an engine screeched up the road, behind him.

He let out a shrill scream when Yoongi dragged him back down, not giving him a chance to realise how his ankles twisted funny as he fell, making him duck his head down as they were showered in a blinding light.

"I'm sorry," Yoongi whispered in the boy's ear as he collapsed heavily against him, clearly not expecting to be yanked around. 

The man wasn't taking any chances though, wrapping his arms around the shivering boy and covering him as the dead staggered closer. But a dark, more stable figure came dashing down the hill as well, straight towards them.

"Down, down, get down," Yoongi said, keeping his voice hushed as he held his boy's head against his chest, tightly protected as the stranger came closer. 

Though, to Yoongi's surprise, the figure just stalked up to the dead closing in, and started to kill them. 

One by one, stabbing a knife into their skulls and throwing them into the wet mud until the surrounding area was left deafeningly silent, only broken by the sound of the rain splashing down on the tree leaves.

"Yoongiyah!" A voice shouted as the shadowy figure jogged over to them. 

"Hyung?"

"Oh, Jiminah, Yoongiyah... Jesus. Thank God, it's you two. I thought I saw someone... I couldn't tell."

"Hyung?" Yoongi's eyes squinted as a big hand held his shoulder, the silhouette of his brother becoming clearer, making relief wash through him like a tidal wave. "Hyung! H-hyung, I can't see! Jimin... J-Jimin needs t-to get out-t-ta the rain."

"Where are your glasses?" Seokjin frowned, wiping the rain off his face before looking around, hoping they'd just be lying around somewhere. "Yoongi, where...?"

"I don't know!" The man shouted, almost frantically, only to be shushed by the elder. "Hyung..."

"Alright, alright... Get Jimin to the car," Seokjin said, trying to keep his voice low so he sounded calm, but he could tell just how stressed the two were from how badly they were shaking, though they could have easily been hypothermic as well. "Go on, I'm going to look for them. Just get to the car, go."

"G-g-got'em," A tiny voice was almost missed over the downpour of rain, but it came just close enough to Yoongi's ear to catch his attention. Jimin wiggled slightly until he could reach around the elder, spotting the glasses not too far from where they intially fell.

"Got'em?" Yoongi shivered, helping his boy sit up as he crawled back and seated his now muddy glasses back on his nose. Instead of verbally thanking him, he cupped the younger's cheeks and kissed him deeply, though shivered again when he felt just how cold Jimin's skin was. 

"Let's get out of the rain," Seokjin said, pulling the two back into reality, holding his hands out to them after slipping his knife into his belt. "Come on, before more of those bastards come."

"Come on, baby boy," Yoongi said, letting his hyung help Jimin first, making sure to keep a tight hold on his hips as Seokjin pulled him up. "Okay? You fell hard, did I hurt you?"

"Are you hurt, Chimmy?" Seokjin asked, holding the boy steady as Yoongi pushed himself up. The boy just shook his head, but both the men could see how sluggish he had turned, not quite able to believe him but didn't press. "Alright, honey. Let's just get out of here. Yoongs?"

"I'm coming, go," Yoongi nodded as he stumbled, trying to stand and follow, still feeling a little dizzy adjusting to his glasses again. However, he would never admit how grateful he was when his hyung grabbed his muddy hand to keep him close as well as they climbed back up to the road. 

Only Seokjin would have known to do that, to provide that older brother comfort, to ignore the man's strong image and look after him anyway.

"Get in," Seokjin said, pulling the backdoor open, quickly ushering the two into the vehicle as he scanned the road, making sure nothing was about to sneak up on them. "Quickly, guys. Come on."

"We're in, we're in!" Yoongi exclaimed, sounding almost panicky now, even though they were out of danger. He reached for the door, but Seokjin had already shut it, so he turn his attention to his husband instead. "Are you okay, yeobo?"

"It...it... I'm..." Jimin tried to get his words out, but his loud shivering and chattering jaw finished his sentence for him.

"I-I know," Yoongi nodded, throwing his bags in the footwell and shrugging off his dripping coat, before pulling the boy into his arms. Though, he wasn't sure how much help hugging him would be, considering he was still soaked as well. "I know, baby. Just hold on."

"Who's colder?" Seokjin asked, slamming his door closed and shrugging his dripping wet coat off, throwing it into the passenger seat before pulling off his hoodie.

"Jimin," Yoongi said quickly before the younger could even comprehend the question, rubbing his hands up and down the boy's arms to start warming him up, though the rough movement only made the boy whine and try to move away. "J-Jimin is. Can we get the h-heating on?"

"Yeah, yeah, of course. Just, get this on him," Seokjin nodded, throwing the hoodie back to the man, before putting the heater. Fuel or no fuel, it didn't matter when they were all about to freeze to death. 

"Here, yeobo," Yoongi said, helping the boy out of his cold jacket as Seokjin started up the engine properly. "Get that wet shirt off, put this on."

"Where are the others, Yoongi?" Seokjin asked as the man practically forced his husband into the hoodie since the younger was weakly arguing that he should wear it. "We need to go and get them."

"We were separated," Yoongi shook his head, sighing as Jimin finally calmed himself down and laid his head on his lap, curling up into a ball next to him. Gently stroking his fingers through the boy's wet hair, he just clicked his tongue. "There's a chance they could have found my pitstop. I always kept some supplies there, just in case I got stuck on runs, but..."

"Yoonie?" Jimin mumbled, sluggishly turning his head and looking up at the elder. Though, as Yoongi looked down, his warm smile fell immediately into a look of concern and panic. "I feel dizzy. 'm... 'm... Hmm."

"Hey," He frowned with worry, using his wet sleeve to carefully wipe away the blood that was trickling from the boy's nose, instantly concerned and confused as to what had caused it to start. "Hey, what's happening, baby?"

"What's going on?" Seokjin asked from the front seat, though tried to keep his attention on the slippery road. "Yoongs?"

"His nose is bleeding," Yoongi said as Jimin started whimpering and trying to wipe his face, trying to work out what was happening. Quietly, he cooed, slowly propping the boy up while still trying to clean his nose and lips for him. "Jiminie, is your head hurting, baby? Is it a sei-...?"

Just before Yoongi could finish his sentence, Jimin's eyes rolled upwards with a louder whimper until only the whites showed as his back seized up, causing him to strain against the man's lap.

"O-okay. Hyung, he's seizing," Yoongi stuttered as the boy's breathing quickly became noisy. It took some strength, trying to roll the boy somewhat onto his side considering the tension that had taken over all of his muscles. "Goddamnit, this is not the time... Hyung! Hyung, it's a bad one!"

"Calm down, Yoongi," Seokjin said, his voice firm but not harsh, just instructive. His eyes flickered to the mirror just as Jimin started to convulse in the backseat, making him grimace. "Stay calm for him, make sure he can at least breathe. Where are his tablets? Do you have any?"

"I d-don't, I don't. He doesn't have any," Yoongi shook his head, having to secure his husband against his lap so he didn't fall into the seats in front of them, though he couldn't quite reach over to be able to lift his legs up onto the seat, leaving the boy in an awkwardly bent position as his fists started to beat against his chest. "I've got you, yeobo. You're gonna be okay... Shit."

"Do I need to pull over?" Seokjin asked, watching cautiously through the rearview mirror, grimacing every time Jimin made little snotty sounds as he tried to breathe. Yoongi didn't answer though, actively ignoring him for a few moments, which annoyed him a little.

"Yoongi, do I need to pull over?"

"H-he's calming," Yoongi shook his head, relief washing through him like a tidal wave when the boy's fists slowly unclenched, the hitting against his chest relenting. "No, he's calming. Just keep going."

"Right, we'll find the others..."

"We need to get back," Yoongi shook his head but his hyung gave him a firm, disapproving look. "Without his tablets... I don't know what that nosebleed was..."

"We're going to find the others, Yoongi," Seokjin repeated sternly, making the man narrow his eyes, both ready to start shouting to get their point across.

"We don't have time!"

"We have to, Yoongi!"

"Why?!"

"Because the last time I found one of you and left the others, Lee Taemin happened!" The man yelled back, making Yoongi flinch and shrink into his seat. "I'm not doing it again! We are going to find the others before anything happens to them!"

The name left a bitter taste in the icy air, causing spare words to get clogged up in the men's throats and eyes to lock on different points but never meeting. 

Only little, muted gurgles broke through the tension, causing Yoongi to be the first to snap out of his annoyed daze.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Yoongi cooed, smoothing Jimin's wet hair down as yellow saliva slipped down his cheek and onto his lap. The warm feeling on his jeans made him cringe but he shook his head, choosing to ignore the vomit. "It's okay, baby boy. Just let it out, don't try to fight it."

"Do you have any water? For when he wakes up?" Seokjin asked, though his words provoked worry in Yoongi's mind. "He's going to need to wash his mouth out, Yoongs... Yoongiyah?"

"He'll wake up," The man said with a little nod as he stroked over Jimin's cheekbone to try and soothe him, though his voice was quiet as if he was just reassuring himself. "Um... No. No, I don't have water."

"Can you reach the bag, under the passenger seat?"

"I-I'll get it in a second," Yoongi said, seeing the bag out the corner of his eye, but not wanting to jar Jimin in any way.

"Just keep him calm for now," Seokjin sighed. "We'll find Jeonghan. Could you try giving me some directions, here?" 

"This is a mess," Yoongi shook his head, too distracted to hear the request. His voice cracked as he supported the boy's head, trying to clean the blood, vomit and drool that had now smeared over his little face in the struggle. Jimin's little hands tried to swat him away as he turned, not wanting the fuss or attention, but Yoongi knew he couldn't just leave it. "Shush, let me help, baby. You're okay, I ain't hurting you... Jesus Christ. Hyung, that's never happened in a seizure before."

"Which is why we need to find Jeonghan," Seokjin tried to press the fact that they needed to find the others, but the importance of that didn't seem to be hitting the younger. "He'll be able to tell you what's going on. Please, can you give me some directions, Yoongiyah?"

"I-I'm sure they'll be at that shack by now," Yoongi said shakily, trying to calm himself down to think. "I think that's the direction they ran in. It's a bit further north."

"Then we'll go there," Seokjin nodded, trusting himself to pick up the speed a little more despite the rain getting heavier. "Even if they're not there, you two can stay while I go back out. Either way, we'll find them."

-

"Seems safe enough," Jihoon sighed, still breathless from running, just like the other two as he slumped against the wall of the little wooden shack they were seeking shelter in. "Looks occupied though. Someone lives here, hyung."

"It's Yoongi's," Jeonghan shook his head, rain droplets flying from his hair as he did so. "He said he had a place not too far away. This must be it."

"I wonder if there's any food around," Jihoon thought out loud, scratching the side of his head as he sat back up, looking around for somewhere to start searching. "I'm starving now."

"I'm gonna go look for them," Jeonghan said, throwing his bag down, not needing it. The second they ran, the second Jihoon forced his hand, guilt had been gnawing at every fiber of his being. "They could be in danger. I'll be back, just..."

"Don't be an idiot, hyung," Jihoon said harshly, causing the doctor to glare in his direction. "If this is that prick's place, then this'll be where he's heading. So don't get yourself killed for him, he can find his own way. Just help me look for some sodding food."

Deciding she had had enough of the two men, Binna kept herself at the back of the room, sitting in the corner. She threw down her bag, whipped off her coat and thanked God her shawl was still as dry and warm as ever. 

Rummaging in her bag, a little cardbox caught her eye, causing her to sigh. Shaking her head, she pushed it to the side and grabbed her radio instead, quickly turning it on.

"Hoseokah?" She asked after clicking down the little button, holding the device with both hands and closing her eyes as she hoped the man hadn't gone to sleep yet. "Hoseok, I really need to hear someone who isn't these two idiots. Please, jagi... Just answer me."

"Binna, you might not get a connection because of the rain, love," Jeonghan sighed, pausing from where he was reluctantly helping Jihoon to turn to the girl, taking in her lonely expression and feeling even worse. "Try and wait. We won't be here long."

"Jagi?" Hoseok's voice came back through the device despite the doctor's words, before Binna could do anything but let out a breath of relief, and the doctor gave a small nod and decided to have a further look in the cupboards. "Where are you?  It's late. Tell me you're safe."

"We're in a little shed, thing," Binna said, frowning around the little wooden shack as Jihoon lit some lanterns to illuminate the place. "Um, a shack?" 

"A shack?"

"Looks like Yoongi kept this place well stocked. There's emergency supplies," Jeonghan said as he rummaged around some of the bags, that had been subtly stacked in the cupboard, hidden away. 

There were packets of snacks in one, bottles of water, and basic first aid items in another. In one, he found some spare clothes which he threw to the other two. 

"H-holy shit!" Jihoon exclaimed from the back of the room, where he had started nosily searching. Stepping back from the old, broken refrigerator, he grinned over at the doctor. "Look at this bad boy!"

"Be careful with that," Jeonghan warned as the man held up a sawed-off shotgun, waving and playfully aiming it. "That thing's been hidden for a reason, so do not mess with it, put it back. Yoongi's a very prepared man, he doesn't take any chances. So, don't fuck around with his stuff."

"Says the bastard wearing his clothes," Jihoon scoffed, throwing the gun back into the fridge, making Jeonghan cringe with his carelessness.

"Binna, are you safe?" Hoseok's voice cut through the men's back and forth, bringing the girl's attention back to the device in her hand, as she grabbed one of the old shirts the doctor had thrown over, to dry her hair off. "Binna?"

"Yeah," Binna nodded, blinking herself back into focus, reminding herself that the radio wasn't a mobile phone and she had to actively answer rather than just talk. "Y-yeah. Yeah, I think it may have been Yoongi's hideout. We're safe."

"Is Jin hyung with you?" Hoseok asked, making the girl frown at the other men. "I sent him to find you, is he there yet?"

Just before the girl could answer, just as she was shaking her head, a deafening banging rapped around the shack. 

All three jumped on the spot, almost going through the ceiling as the banging got louder and louder, sickening growling mixing with the terrifying ruckus.

"Everybody stay silent," Jeonghan hissed as he crouched down, into a defensive position and motioned for Jihoon to do the same. "Not a word..."

"Binna!" Hoseok called again, though the device was muffled as the girl tried to silence it. "Is Jin hyung with...?"

Chapter Text

"Everybody stay  silent ," Jeonghan hissed as he crouched down, into a defensive  position and  motioned for Jihoon to do the same. "Not a word..."

" Binna !" Hoseok called again, though the device was muffled as the girl tried to silence it. " Is Jin hyung with ...?"