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chimcess · 1 year

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Birdie Shoppe || pjm (VII)

Pairing: Jimin x Reader Other tags: Werewolf!Jimin, Witch!Reader, Shifter!Reader, Shifter!Jimin, A/B/O Dynamics, Alpha!Jimin Genre: Supernatural!AU, Werewolf!AU, Angst, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Smut, SLOW BURN Word Count: 6.5k+ Synopsis: Within the four realms of Lustra lay the Bangtan forest home to the Foxglove pack of the north and known as the “land of magic.” It is also home to the Birdie, a powerful witch from a cursed bloodline who is one of the sacred guardians of the forest. Y/N is the 123rd Birdie, a young girl who was given her position too early and asked by the goddess herself to fulfil a task none had ever done before- become the Grand Witch of the Foxglove pack. Now a woman, Y/N is revered as the most loved and powerful Birdie of all time, but hiding under the surface is a woman who has to battle between her duty and her heart. Warnings: Long-hair Jimin (yes, this is a warning), heavy emotions, possession, mature language, angst, hurt/comfort, talks of PTSD, anxieties, symptoms of depression, talks of bodily injury, self depreciation, making out, did I say angst?, fluff A/N: Thank you for all of your support! I appreciate each and every one of you so much.

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Looking around the cellar, I found myself unable to move. My brain was still recovering from the shock. Jimin had kissed me. Jimin wanted to kiss me. Where had that come from? What happened? Staring down at the blood soaked floor, I hopped around and fought to break free from the nightgown pooled around me. I needed to see him.

Flying up the stairs, I was disappointed to see the door had been shut. I assumed Jimin had closed it in order to keep Taehyung from waking up. I squawked loudly, flapped my wings, and waited. The door swung open and Jimin quickly came back into the cellar. Surprised, I flew up and jumped back. Jimin shut the cellar door behind him and stared at me from the top of the steps.

I was frustrated. I would never be able to speak with him in this form and it made this all the more difficult. My fears from earlier reared their ugly head at me and I was once again faced with every reason why this should not happen. Whatever high I had been on was lost and replaced with a gut wrenching realization. My feelings were wrong and no matter what Jimin thought was happening could not.

Flying back to the desk, I sat on top of the stack of spell books and waited for the alpha to join me. After a few more seconds of looking at me in silence, Jimin slowly made his way towards me. Sitting in the chair across from me, he took a deep breath before speaking.

“I need to tell you something.”

I continued to stare at him. He looked nervous. I felt sad that his earlier passions were gone once more. Whatever had happened was truly over and I wanted to cry. Everything was going to shit and it was all my fault. If I had just pushed him away we could have avoided whatever this was about to become.

“I haven’t been completely honest with you,” Jimin said.

My heart raced in my tiny chest. It was surreal just how different he could look from second to second. Now, he seemed stoic again. His features were perfectly trained and flat making him seem cold. I braced myself and waited.

“I think showing you might be easier than saying it. It’s difficult to get out, actually.”

He was nervous again. His eyebrows were scrunched together and he nursed his bottom lip between his teeth. Standing, he rubbed his hands on his pants before holding one out for me. I sat on it with ease.

He took us outside and placed me on the grass gently. This was the first night I had not gone out with Patto since the wolves had arrived. I looked around for the little bird but he was nowhere to be found. Brushing off my worries, I looked at Jimin. He was probably with Morla and the rest of the loud mouths. Shiloh had to be there as well.

“First, I would like to apologize for withholding this from you for so long,” Jimin began. “I never knew how to bring it up and you seemed to be happy with how things were going. I never wanted to hurt your feelings.”

Great, I thought, I was getting broken up with before things had even begun. His strange behavior was becoming unsettling. I was not used to seeing Jimin pacing around and rambling. I wanted to reach for him but willed myself to stay where he had left me.

“Okay,” He whispered to himself. “I’m just going to get this over with.”

That stung. Had it taken a kiss for him to realize he was not attracted to me? Did playing with my heart set things into perspective? My thoughts began to spiral once more until I noticed Jimin take a few steps back.

Taking a small breath, he ran for two steps before jumping up. Watching him shift left me awestruck. There was no pain or screams, within one fluid motion he went from a man to a wolf. His clothes shredded around him and I winced. Now he would have no choice but to let me make him something. The thought filled me with a small ounce of joy. Standing before me now was a large, silver wolf.

He looked a lot like Miles. His fur was fluffy and made him look like an ungroomed dog. He lowered his head before turning to the side. The moonlight illuminated his fur and that was when I saw three large lashes on his side. Stunned, I stood up and hopped closer. There was no way…

Thinking about it, it made more sense for Miles to be Jimin. My wolf was the same color and size, and remembering his voice they sounded similar. I felt embarrassed for not connecting the dots sooner. A part of me probably would have if I had truly wanted to know more about my friend, but I was also fine keeping him a mystery. Knowing that Jimin and I had actively spoken about him together made it difficult to speak. I had said far too much… I was so embarrassed.

“I’m sorry for not telling you,” Jimin said, his voice ringing out in my head.

“I forgive you,” I replied.

I was not upset or angry with him. I could understand why he would want to keep something like this to himself. At the time we had hardly ever spoken and it had to have been shameful to show up at my door in such a poor condition. Still, I could not pretend I did not feel slighted in a way. He knew who I was, he always knew who I was, and still acted innocently. He knew how I had felt about him to some extent and kept his mouth shut. I felt like a fool.

“You seem angry.” I shook my head.

“I’m not angry. I’m hurt.”

Jimin took a few steps toward me. He was slow and deliberate in his moves and I had a feeling he was afraid of scaring me off. I stayed rooted in my spot and tried to calm down. We would speak about this like adults. I refused to run away. Everything had changed and I needed to know what this meant. Why had he kissed me?

“I’m sorry,” He said.

Jimin curled his large body around mine and sighed. The gentle breeze caused my feathers to ruffle awkwardly. Using my beak, I smoothed them out in an attempt to keep myself distracted. I was feeling fidgety.

“I know you said something to me that was very personal without knowing it was me,” He started. “I’m so sorry for taking that choice away from you.”

I looked at him. It was odd how much of him I could see in his eyes. It was times like this where I wished I could stay mad at him, scream and yell, but I knew it would be impossible. He was so sincere and genuine and while it did not make anything that happened okay, I could at the very least move past this. Taking a small breath, I hopped closer to his massive head and nuzzled his nose with the top of my head.

“I’d rather it be you than anyone else,” I replied. “I’m not upset about you knowing my name, or whatever else I might have said. I’m upset that you felt like you had to keep it a secret from me. As if I would have turned you away if I had found out. That’s what hurts me- more than any of those other things.”

“But I lied.”

“Yes,” I replied. “You did.”

“I heard personal things about you without your knowledge.”

“I’m aware.”

Jimin groaned, “Why are you comforting me?”

“Because,” I sighed, nudging myself in between his arm and neck. “I hate seeing that look on your face.”

The both of us got quiet for a while. I enjoyed his warmth and the way his fur tickled my wings. He seemed content to stay like this but I could tell a storm was raging behind his eyes. He was so easy to read when he let his guard down, or had I become so accustomed to him that it was easy? Thinking about the night he cried in my kitchen, I snuggled closer to him. I would rather us talk things out then to see him like that again.

“I…” Jimin said before going silent again.

I waited patiently. My eyes were beginning to close. His warmth and the beating of his heart were the perfect lullaby to lull me to sleep. He smelled so good.

“I want to be completely honest from now on,” He finally said.

I nodded into his chest. Jimin purred at the sensation and curled his body closer to mine. I urged him to keep talking.

“I’ve known for some time now that you mean more to me than anybody else.”

I opened my eyes.

“I felt it for the first time in the forest. Do you remember that? The two of us wandering around trying to get you back home? I had this strange feeling at the time. Of course, now I know it was me wanting to be close to you. I brushed it off. I told myself you were a girl I’d never seen before and that’s why I liked you so much.”

He snorted while shaking his head. The long hairs on his chin got in my eye and I backed away annoyed. Knowing this would be a continued issue, I gave up on the snuggles and perched myself on the top of his head. Jimin did not seem to mind at all.

“During my present ceremony I knew for sure. I felt everything in my body yearning for you and I could do nothing. When I spoke to Hoseok about it he said it was normal, that all of our wolves had the same reaction at first, but when it never went away I knew. I didn’t want to accept it but I knew you were my mate.”

Hearing the word mate made my heart drop. Jimin and I? Mates? The idea was only a fantasy and I worried if I pinched myself I’d wake up and realize I had been dreaming. Hope began to blossom inside of my chest and spread throughout my body. Thank you, Lilith, thank you. I felt the breeze gently caress my head and felt my eyes prickling with tears.

“Coming here has been purely selfish,” Jimin proclaimed. “Sure, Taehyung needs someone in his corner, but truthfully I just used it as an excuse to stay as close to you as I possibly could. I was so worried that you and I would not work. I mean, my pack would have a difficult time understanding it and I know your fears about the future.

“However, I realized, sitting in that cellar, how little I care about any of that. As long as I have you none of it matters anymore. I’d pick you a million times over, and I’m sorry that I ever felt any shame about you and I.”

It was bizarre hearing him speak honestly. Every time I had seen him, except the rare moments when we were alone, he had been so cut off from me. Our world hardly collided and I saw myself as some girl pining over a man who she could never have. I was fine with that. That was something I could live with. This, however, opened up my world to so many possibilities I had never thought could be mine. Imagining my cottage warm and bright, Jimin bringing home our Yule tree with the small children we would have helping him decorate it filled my heart with so much joy. Then I thought of everything we would have to endure in order to make it that far and saddened. That was a future I had no business thinking about when this was so fresh and brand new.

“Was it shame or fear?” I choked out.

Jimin paused thoughtfully.

“When I was younger, I would have to admit it was more shameful. I was shallow and vain then. The more that time went on it had transformed into fear. How could I watch you tear yourself apart for my people and feel anything but pride in you? I’m afraid of what the elders might do to you if they found out.”

“It worries me as well, but they can’t hurt me.” I reasoned.

Jimin scoffed, “You see what they’ve done to Taehyung. Ahn has known him since he was born. If any of them so much as thought of laying a finger on you I’d kill them. I can’t rip my family apart anymore than it already is.”

The small ripple of pleasure that ran through me at the thought of Jimin protecting me was overshadowed by the grief building within me. He said nothing mattered to him, that it would always be me, but I could never ask that of him. He loved his family more than life itself. Our affections were instinctual and second nature, but truly we had hardly known one another. I could not tell you his favorite color or what his dreams were just as he could not pick up my favorite book off of the shelf. We cared for one another but we were practically strangers. I would never in my life give him an ultimatum. Life has too many nuances to get clarity at times.

“I’d never ask you to do that,” I conceded.

“I know,” Jimin whispered in reply. “I just need time to figure out what to do.”

I clicked in response before hopping down his back. Jimin laughed, his body squirming and twitching when my talons grazed his skin. Playfully, I pinched his side gently before floating to the ground below. Jimin let out a high pitched whine of discomfort before shooting me a glare.

“I’ll get you back for that,” He threatened.

“I’m looking forward to it,” I replied.

Hopping around in the grass, I began to think about Litha and how many wonderful things we could do together. If he celebrated Yule, he more than likely celebrated the summer Equinox as well, but I could not be certain. I wondered how differently it might be with my friends and I. It had been a long time since I threw a big party and it would be nice to change the dreary mood around here. Jimin could even meet Wendy and Hyun-Jin. Looking up at the wolf, he stared down at me gently. Deciding I needed to be frank, I stopped my party planning to focus on the two of us.

“I’d like for us to take things slowly,” I started. “There’s a lot happening right now and I’d like to get to know you better. Like you said, you have a family and friends to think about and I need some time to be less… insecure. It may not seem like it, but I can’t fathom you having feelings for me after keeping mine hidden for so long.”

Jimin’s eyes lit up. “You’re giving me a chance?”

I laughed, “Why do you sound so surprised?”

“It’s just that-” He shook his head in disbelief, “-after everything I thought…”

“Thought what?” I joked. “I’d run away screaming? I don’t just let anybody kiss me, you know.”

Jimin ducked his head bashfully.

“I’m deeply sorry about that. I don’t know what came over me.”

I rolled my eyes, “I never said I didn’t like it.”

Jimin huffed, his happiness rolling off of him like waves, before setting his head on his paws.

“Tell me,” He squinted his eyes. “Which would you prefer? Peaches or strawberries?”

Sitting on the ground, I felt my heart swelling. He would truly try and that made whatever hell we would go through later worth it. Looking into his eyes, I was happy to find nothing but care in them. No more heavily guarded stares or coldness. It was just Jimin and that was enough for me.

“I’d have to say peaches,” I replied.

“Why?”

Amused, I looked toward the empty bushes along the side of the cottage. A few weeks ago they had huge, juicy strawberries growing on every vine. I made countless deserts and sent so many to my friends, and yet still had too many to use. Jimin followed my eyes and hummed in recognition.

“Peaches aren’t as available to me. Jin always begs me to make him this convoluted, extremely difficult to make cake whenever he finds them at the market.”

“I’m not a fan of either,” Jimin giggled. “Well, they’re not my favorite, I should say. I’m more of a blueberry man.”

“You know,” I looked at him. “I made a great blueberry cake.”

“Now you’re speaking my language,” He joked.

And the two of us sat up talking about our favorite fruits, desserts, and foods. It was different, talking about such mundane things with Jimin. It was also strange to find out that we had very little in common when it came to most things. He loved sweet food while I was a big fan of sour candies, and I loved vanilla while he craved chocolate like no other. The more he spoke the more he reminded me of Jin and I liked it more than I thought I would. He was playful and funny, but unlike the witch, he never took it overboard. It was nice talking with him. Almost as easy as breathing.

The cottage felt lighter now. Jimin spoke more often and laughed with Taehyung. He liked helping me cook even if he had no idea what he was doing. Vegan cooking was a far cry from his typical diet and I knew he was struggling to keep up. I enjoyed our mornings going over my various cookbooks together. Taehyung never helped but he always ate plenty to make up for it. Like seemed to be going forward even with the threat of Foxglove looming over our heads.

Delinah had come to tell me she heard dark whispers going around the forest. The pack had grown impatient with their runaway and wanted to come and collect him themselves. Morla had said Chief Ahn alluded to coming along with the rest of the elders and the battle happening in my clearing. Taehyung and Jimin had not reacted well to the news, and their time at the cottage had slowly become less and less. Washing mushrooms for dinner, I worried over what could happen if they decided to come here.

The wolves had no idea what they were doing coming here. Things lurked in these woods, things far more dangerous than them, and it was concerning how little any of them seemed to care about it. The Birdies had kept them at bay for the most part, and Aldara had all but scared them into hiding, but the forest knew things had changed. I was not my aunt and my magic was fickle. There was no telling what could happen if a group of wolves were out in the open and vulnerable. There would be nothing I could do to help them either. My magic was too weak and help would never arrive fast enough.

I did not want to talk with the boys about this. It was a fear that only plagued my mind and the Quietus had been gone for so long I doubted they were truly a threat. Still, I had learned to rely on my instincts after the fire. Something within me refused to let the thought go and that meant something. It always did.

Shiloh read off the next step of the recipe but I hardly heard her. I did not need her help to make this mushroom stew. I had done it more times than I could count but the owl enjoyed feeling helpful. Taking out a baking sheet, I began tearing apart the mushrooms and laid them out on the pan. Sprinkling them with oil, I placed them on my stove. Flicking my wrist, I asked the wall clock to remind me to take them out in 35 minutes. The clock chimed in reply.

“Where’s your mind?” Shiloh asked.

Dazed, I shook my head. “What?”

“You’re not here today. What’s going on? Is it about what Delinah said?”

I nodded.

“Don’t worry your pretty head about that,” Shiloh sighed. Flying onto my shoulder, the barn owl rubbed her head against my cheek. I pet her back in reply. I appreciated her comfort. “Everything is going to be alright.”

But I knew they weren’t. The knot twisting in my stomach told me that nothing was going to be alright. My fears for Taehyung grew. This forest was frightful, yes, but the only threat here would be Namjoon. My heart broke at the thought that I was feeling grief for him before he had been hurt. Oh, God, Taehyung…

Clutching my chest, I allowed a few tears slip out before a chill creeped up my spine. Gasping loudly, I flinched away. Shiloh flew up, my jerking causing her to lose balance. I heard my name being called but I was already far away.

“Y/N!” The wind screamed.

“What’s going on? What’s happening?” I cried.

“Listen to me,” I had never spoken to this person before. “You’ll have to make a choice. You’ll know what to do.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t have enough time. Please, just listen!”

I felt hands grabbing my face and holding it. It was numbingly cold and my senses were overwhelmed with the smell of mint. My knees had given out but I did not feel the impact. It was as if I were underwater.

“A sacrifice will be made and you’ll be the judge,” The wind whispered. “Your choices are important, Y/N-”

I could feel the warmth returning to my fingertips and my breathing became more normal. The dazed I had been trapped in was gone and I was aware of the cottage again. I could make out Shiloh’s silhouette on the kitchen island and smell the mushrooms cooking.

“I’m sorry,” The wind whispered and then it was gone.

Gasping, I shot up and looked around. I had fallen. The clock was ringing loudly and Shiloh called my name wearily. It was something we had both grown used to over the years, but it still caught us off guard. It had been a long time since I had zoned out like that. Shaking, I began to stand. The wolves were still not back. I told the clock to stop and the ringing ceased. I could feel the tears staining my cheeks but ignored them. Taking a large breath, I took the mushrooms out of the oven and went back to making the stew.

“Are you alright?” Shiloh asked.

I nodded but chose not to speak. I did not trust my voice not to waver. Whatever that was, I would keep it to myself. No one needed to know about the voice or its warnings. It was clear that this was my battle and I would have to figure it out by myself. Silently crying to myself, I placed a large pot over the open flame of my stove and added oil, sautéing onions, and throwing in the seasons and garlic I had to the side after they had gone translucent. On autopilot, I kept to myself while Shiloh hesitantly restarted telling me the recipe. This time, I appreciated it and listened carefully. My brain was far too scrambled to think about anything properly.

The wolves made it back just as I was adding the cornstarch to begin creating the gravy for the stew. This was one of my favorite recipes and Aldara made it often. Thinking of her only made my heart ache even more. I wish she were here and could tell me what to do. Why had she never come to me? Taehyung’s boisterous laughter lightened up the house and Shiloh flew to him. They were unable to speak but she loved his energy. I had to admit having Kim Taehyung around was a blessing in disguise. He never failed to make things not as bad as they seemed. Plastering on a smile, I turned to my friends.

“Just in time. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Glancing at Jimin, I could tell he knew something was wrong. He always did. Still, I smiled at him. I saw his eyebrows scrunch up and he came to my side. Ignoring him, I made myself busy by getting bowls and silverware ready. The stew bubbled and thickened. Shiloh reminded me to add miso to the broth and I thanked her under my breath. Placing a large dollop in the pot, I stirred until it dissolved and went back to setting the table. Jimin watched me from beside the stove wordlessly. Taehyung continued to talk vibrantly about what they had done today.

“Jimin’s impossible to train with,” Taehyung complained jokingly. “He’s too good.”

Forcing a laugh, I grabbed bread that was going stale and placed it on the center of the table. I preferred something chewy with this stew and it needed to be used.

“Or you’re just that bad,” I replied.

“Who’s side are you on?” Taehyung whined, coming to sit at the table.

“Jimin’s, of course.”

Taehyung had noticed our relationship. While he never explicitly said it, I could see it in his eyes. He was far more observant than I had originally given him credit for and I stopped trying to hide my affections. No one ever commented on it, not even Shiloh, but we were all aware something was happening. Neither of us had said the truth and I planned to keep it that way until we were both ready for that step. Stealing a look at Shiloh, I knew I would need to tell her soon.

“Not even trying to hide your bias anymore, huh?” Taehyung jokes, a wicked grin on his face.

Flustered, I scoffed and ran a hand down my apron. Taehyung’s grin grew even wider and I turned my back to him. Jimin had not moved from his spot. Picking up the heavy pot, I carried it to the table and scooped bowls for the three of us. Jimin slowly made his way over and sat down. His eyes stayed trained on my face but I continued ignoring him. It would be nearly impossible to lie if he asked me what was the matter and I did not have the heart to tell him. We had never even discussed this part of my life and it would be difficult to explain.

“Stop being such a baby and eat.”

The three of us ate in relative silence. Taehyung still spoke and I engaged, but he knew something was off. Jimin did not utter a single word the entire time we sat there. My mind continued to wander and I hardly registered Shiloh’s voice telling me she was going out for the night. I appreciated her giving me the space I so desperately wanted. I finished first, cleaned off my plate, and locked myself in my room until sunset.

I had locked myself away for days before Jimin came knocking on my door. I did not want to leave my bed. I knew things were escalating, just as I knew I could do nothing to stop it, but the spirit’s voice never left my head. Things rested on my shoulder, things I had no control over or idea what they could be, and I would have to make a choice. A sacrifice. Head aching, I rolled over and closed my eyes. I wished I was alone with no one else here, but I could hear laughing and talking in the other room and knew that was not possible.

I had been thinking of Sol a lot during this time. She had to be in agony in Foxglove, and though Taehyung tried his best to stay bright and positive, every now and then I could see his eyes gloss over. They could feel one another. After they bonded they would be able to speak without opening their mouths. It was an incredible thing, a wolf’s love, but it did nothing but rip my heart in two. I haven't felt this powerless in a long time.

The knock was light, gentle, and Jimin was soft when he asked if he could come in. Perking my ears, I could hear nothing else in the cottage. Still, I did not open my mouth. I did not deserve Park Jimin’s condolences right now. In fact, I was not sure if I even wanted them. He spoke again and reassured me that we were alone, that Taehyung had gone out for a walk and Shiloh had gone with him. It would be just the two of us. Finally, after a few minutes of begging, I told him to come in.

I stayed wrapped up in my blankets with my back facing the door. I felt small and thoughts of Aldara kept invading my train of thought. Shiloh had always said I would live with what happened that night for the rest of my life but I never believed her. I was 13 and believed I knew the way the world worked, but in my grief I thought I would die from the pain and sorrow. Nothing felt right anymore and I did not know how to pick up the pieces. However, time heals most and I was able to get back to living. Now, I could tell her she was right. That unbridled pain was something I would never forget and it seems everything would lead back to it. Even now, the thought of Sol had Aldara’s face popping in my head. The bed dipped and a warm hand touched my shoulder.

“I know something is bothering you,” Jimin started. “I won’t ask what or why it’s got you like this, but know I’m here for you.”

I said nothing. What was there to say? We were closer than we had been in days and yet he still felt so far away. Everybody did. I had stopped responding to Yoongi’s letters and had not even written Wendy telling her I was happy she was home. My world was at a standstill and I was the one who had to kick it back into orbit. The only problem was I had no idea how. What choice? What sacrifice?

“Birdie,” Jimin called. When I did not respond after a few minutes, he spoke again. ��Y/N. Look at me.”

Unable to stop myself, I rolled over and faced him. I loved the way he said my name and I wanted him to say it again. Jimin looked as worried as I thought he would and his fingers came up to graze my swollen cheeks. Everything was going to fall apart soon and I hoped he would make it out of the carnage. A sacrifice…

Eyes widening, I quickly unwrapped my hand and placed it on his. He caressed my cheek and I allowed myself to lean into it. What if he would be my sacrifice? Would I have to let him go? In doing so would that save everyone? My eyes watered as I looked at his beautiful face and I found myself reaching out for him. If that would be what I had to do then I would make sure I held him for as long as I could.

Jimin reached me in the middle and hugged me tightly. Violent sobs wracked through my body and I held onto him for dear life. Sniffling, I leaned back and smashed our lips together. I needed to feel him all over me. Jimin kissed me back with the same passion and pressed me closer to him. My heart pounded and I ran my hands through his hair. Jimin held me by the nape of my neck and nibbled on my bottom lip.

Whimpering, I continued to cry and chase after him. If the world ended tomorrow then we only had tonight. With this single thought guiding me, my hands slid down his back and back up his front. My fingers twisted his shirt and yanked him forward. Jimin did not budge but laid me back down. Towering over me, he sucked my tongue into his mouth before kissing my chin and jawline. Shaking, I started to pull at the buttons on the shirt that I had made him. Jimin’s large hand engulfed mine. Stopping my movement, I looked up at him and was surprised to see concern.

“We’re not doing that,” He said, voice husky and strained. “You’re far too upset.”

Opening my mouth to protest, I stopped when I realized he was right. I could still feel myself crying, the hole in my chest just as large as when he first walked in, and nothing was going to stop it. I was doing this in a rushed panic instead of love. Nodding, I buried my head in his neck and sighed.

“I’m sorry,” My voice cracked.

“Don’t be,” He cooed, scooping me in his arms and laying beside me.

I was grateful to have him. He was everything I could ever want and more, and he proved once again why I loved him. Snuggling closer to him, I sighed in relief and let myself cry. Jimin whispered sweet nothings into the air and held me closely waiting for me to calm down.

“I’m afraid,” I finally said.

“I know, amica,” He replied. “So am I.”

He did not understand what frightened me but I knew we were both scared, so did it really matter? The need to tell him was on the tip of my tongue but I kept my mouth shut. Every decision I made now would affect everyone and dragging Jimin into it would only further complicate matters. When the forest speaks to me, I listen. Something I never did as a child. Fresh tears came to my eyes and soaked through Jimin’s shirt.

“Tell me a story,” Jimin suddenly demanded.

Laughing, I rubbed my face and held him tighter. I was thankful he was trying to get my mind off things. Still, something in me told me I should tell him a particular story. A story that on one but Shiloh, Lilith, and myself knew. Sobering up, I got very quiet as I thought. Now was not a good time for that one. We were both in desperate need of a pick-me-up.

“You first,” I finally landed on.

Jimin rarely talked about himself. He always said it was because there was not much to say but I found it hard to believe. Everyone had their own story and this was one that fascinated me the most. Fully expecting him to deflect, I began searching my own mind for a fun story to tell even if I was not in the mood for it.

“When I was around fifteen, or sixteen,” Jimin started. Caught off guard, I looked up at his face. From this angle, I could not see him very well but still kept my eyes on his chin and neck. “-I got into a fight with my little brother.”

I smiled, “What for?”

“He had told our mother that I had gotten into a fight. It was the truth, I had, indeed, fought with Hoseok that morning, but we agreed not to tell mom. Well, he had anyway. So, I got in trouble and ended up beating him up late that night while our mom was in bed.”

He paused and started again.

“I didn’t feel bad at the time but Jihyun did not speak to me much after that. He always avoided me and never liked to spend time with me. It took a few months but I finally realized that I had hurt his feelings, and he only spoke to our mom because she already knew. Hoseok’s older sister had gone to her furious about the whole thing.

“Still, I was too prideful to just apologize. I made up with Hoseok before my own brother,” Jimin stopped speaking and took a deep breath. It must be emotional to talk about his family right now. I rubbed gentle circles on his chest. “I thought we’d never be close again. Then, the moon festival started and Jihyun had told one of his friends that he was interested in a girl but no one really knew who it was. I found him later that night blindfolded and sitting by a large rock by the town gates.

“We spoke for the first time in forever and he told me it was one of the human girls that lived on the farmland right outside of the village. I was surprised but then I thought of you and it was less strange. He’s the first person I ever told about you- the only person, in fact.”

“Where’s the fun part?” I whispered, enthralled.

Jimin’s brother knew about us? It was a strange thought but one that filled me with deep pleasure. I could only hope he had kept that information to himself during these trying times. Then again, if he were anything like his brother then it was not something I needed to worry about.

“I’m getting to that,” He laughed. “Well, after our talk I convinced him to take off the blindfold. It’s a tradition that boys wear a blindfold and wait for the girls to find them. I never did it and told him if he knew he liked someone then it was pointless. We snuck off to the farms to find the girl he liked. He knew exactly which house was hers and we threw rocks at her window to get her attention.

“She wasn’t really prepared to see us standing there. After a lot of convincing, we managed to talk her into sneaking out with us to enjoy the festival. I’d never seen Jihyun like that before and I knew they would get together in the end. After that night, my brother and I were closer than before and I helped our mother except Callisto after my brother’s present ceremony. They’re good together and our family is large and happy.”

Jimin turned to his side and gazed down at me. His eyes looked lighter today and it brought me joy. I could hear Taehyung’s loud voice beginning to approach the cottage and smiled despite myself. That boy was something else.

“I know my family will love you no matter what. My brother and his wife will fight for us, as will my mother, and my friends. Hoseok would rip Foxglove apart if he thought you were in trouble. You are loved, little bird. We will make it through this- together.”

Sealing his promise with a kiss, I found it easier to breathe again. I would not sacrifice him for the world. Lilith would never ask that of me and neither would the forest. I had been too good to it for it to treat me that way. Still, the warnings of the wind stuck with me. If it was not Jimin it would be somebody else. That thought alone kept my smile from reaching my eyes as the guilt coursing through me made it nearly impossible to meet his soft gaze.

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