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Humans are mundane creatures Namjoon has come to learn over the course of his existence. He’s studied their home galaxy long enough to have concluded this. But as much as humans do not interest him in the slightest, he must visit their planet for closer observation as part of his graduation requirements. His species has advanced significantly over the past centuries and regards their studies of less developed species as part of their success. See what they do wrong and never make their mistakes.
Interstellar surveying. That’s what they call it on Namjoon’s home planet, Mono, one nestled in a galaxy light years away from where humans live.
The job itself is not flashy, not in the least and it is mostly conducted by graduate students who have no other option but to complete it as part of their requirements if they wish to be given formal professions upon the completion of their extensive education. So, the honor of visiting Earth this century as part of their routine assessment falls onto Namjoon’s shoulders. One of the main reasons for this observation is mainly to measure how far humans have come in terms of development since their last official visit, which if you ask Namjoon, cannot be much. It takes them hundreds of years to achieve a thousandth of the progress Namjoon’s species makes in one trip around their ten suns.
Still, Namjoon boards the space shuttle, sleek and invisible to anyone but their species, and wishes his home galaxy a farewell as he heads off for the long journey. It’ll last at most a few hours but even then, how primal, he thinks to himself. He wishes he could’ve visited the same galaxy Yoongi, his classmate is headed towards, where the species there is hostile, at least it provides good entertainment and lets them make use of their weaponry.
Namjoon isn’t expecting much from this observation, thinks that perhaps humans have finally discovered that their planet is not the center of their galaxy and have stopped jailing those trying to teach them the truth of space.
Finally, the planet comes into view and Namjoon pursues his lips as he thinks about where to head. There isn’t a particular place he has in mind or feels drawn beside the large water masses but alas, humans have not yet settled there. Perhaps next time.
He looks at the holographic screen that’s currently displaying the planet and chooses randomly. He only needs to observe for a month at most before he heads back home so he only needs to bear it for so long.
The place he arrives at is chaotic with no sense of direction.
They call them cities; Namjoon faintly remembers as his appearance transforms to fit in. The shuttle is hidden away for the time being as Namjoon ventures out into the city. He catches a glimpse of himself on a reflection surface, now revealing him with ashy, shaggy hair, a dimpled smile, sharp, dragon-like eyes, old creatures that once roamed one of the moons that orbit Namjoon’s home planet, his built is smaller than his normal appearance, and his demeanor, for the most part, is friendly to make him approachable.
He spends the first two days observing and taking mental notes of the city he’s arrived in. The technology here is significantly more developed than previously but humans still pay for necessities such as nourishment, medicine, and housing. How barbaric. Their means of transportation have advanced as well but he notes they are using their planet's irreplaceable resources to fuel them. Seems wasteful, not to mention it’s also polluting their atmosphere. What a shame. Earth is beautiful, housing some of the galaxy’s complex creatures. Namjoon often wonders if Earth would be in better hands in hands of a different species, and wonders what would’ve happened if an aquatic species had become more sentient than humans.
Namjoon is about to explore further when something—someone catches his attention. He turns and finds that it’s a man, a young one at that, currently running down the sidewalk towards a nourishment establishment with a worried expression on his face, a rather lovely face Namjoon must confess. He is a bit stunned at the revelation because he has never found a human so appealing before. Back on his home planet, everyone claims him too picky, constantly berating him for taking so long to take a mate, but it isn’t that he is picky per say, it’s just that no one has caught his eye yet, truth be told.
Oh, the nourishment establishment the man runs to reminds Namjoon of another observation. Humans eat so much overly processed nourishment. Namjoon is amazed at how they manage to live so long. But he pushes that thought to the back of his mind as he follows the pretty human. He feels drawn to them for some reason. Perhaps it will lead to more research, so he follows.
The man leads him to a diner or so the sign on the establishment says. Namjoon walks inside and takes a seat, watching as the man bows in apology to someone and mumbles sorry, hyung! before running to the back.
Interesting.
Namjoon waits for the man to come back out. Where did he go? Should Namjoon go back there and keep…observing?
He wonders what Yoongi would do in this situation. He wishes Yoongi were here, he’d know what to do.
Suddenly, the man returns and this time he’s wearing what appears to be an apron, one that matches some of the humans in the diner. He busies himself carrying plates and asking the other humans what they want to eat as he hurries to scribble it down.
Namjoon finds that strange. The humans can get their own nourishment. Why ask that pretty man to do it for them?
“What can I get you?” Said pretty man suddenly asks Namjoon, managing to catch him off guard for once in his life. So much for apex predatory senses. Namjoon feels his temples heat up. It feels weird, he isn’t used to such a reaction but the man seems to like it if the sound of contentment that leaves him is anything to go by.
Namjoon looks at his apron and finds a name tag pinned to it. Jungkook it reads.
“Jungkook,” Namjoon says, trying out the name on his tongue. He likes it. A lovely name for a human with a lovely face.
“That’s me,” Jungkook says, smiling. “What can I get you?” He asks, tapping his writing tool against his temple.
There’s that question again. Honestly, Namjoon isn’t sure. Could he just ask Jungkook the remainder of his questions regarding Earth so he can wrap this observation up? Would Jungkook know if humans have managed to contact a species within their galaxy or beyond? Well, there is that rather antisocial species on the furthest planet in this galaxy, but it’s been centuries since they contacted the rest of the universe. Should Namjoon ask him what a diner is? Why Jungkook is so attractive compared to the rest of the humans on this planet? Perhaps ask him if he has a mate? Now, there’s a good question. Courting must commence somewhere, his kin taught him that when he was still a young, little thing that enjoyed watching comets pass by in the sky.
“Is it your first time here?” Jungkook breaks Namjoon out of his thoughts.
Namjoon, unsure of what to do nods. It is his first time on Earth so he should be honest. He doesn’t want to lie to his future mate after all.
“Maybe I can recommend something?” Jungkook smiles and oh, Namjoon likes that expression of his, a lot!
“Recommend, please,” Namjoon replies, wanting Jungkook to keep smiling.
“Well, first I have to know, are you a picky eater?” Jungkook asks him, expression turning teasing.
Namjoon cocks his head to the side as he thinks about this. He isn’t too particular about what he ingests. Sure, there are times when he would rather not eat reptiloid meat but that’s about it. “No,” Namjoon says, because he will most definitely eat reptiloid meat if Jungkook is the one serving it to him.
Jungkook furrows his eyebrows and nods, scribbling away at his writing device. It seems to be made of the organisms that produce oxygen on this planet. Namjoon can’t help but scrunch his nose at that. Humans are so destructive.
“I will be right back with your food!” Jungkook announces as he departs.
Namjoon frowns at that. Where is Jungkook going? Their conversation was just getting started.
He turns to watch Jungkook move about the diner, refilling cups of clear and brown liquid, taking more orders, and bringing the nourishment to tables. Namjoon doesn’t like it; this job seems harsh on the human body even if Jungkook moves effortlessly.
Jungkook stops at a table and sets the nourishment down, pulling his hand away from the temperature. Namjoon doesn’t like that either, human skin is delicate. Why are they making Jungkook touch that if it could harm him?
“This isn’t what I wanted,” the human at the table groans. “Every time I come here; you guys always get my order wrong.” The human pushes his plate away and glares at Jungkook.
Jungkook’s smile seems to deflate at the human’s anger. “You order this every time and every time that you do, we always remind you that it comes with radish, but you never ask us to remove it.”
The human huffs in offense, as if getting ready to challenge Jungkook. Oh, no, that simply just won’t do. Namjoon zeros in on the human and closes his eyes, letting his real irises break through his false human ones. They shrine, predatory and ready for the killing, piercing through the diner and meeting the angry human’s ones within a second. Namjoon just stares, letting the human silently know that despite his species’ calm demeanor, they do not tolerate violence against mates, much less ones currently being courted. Let the human throw his tantrum as if he’s recently been birthed, if it means so much to him, Namjoon won’t hesitate to slaughter him when he is done.
But the human settles within a minute, hands shaking and beads of sweat lining his forehead. He’s scared. Good, Namjoon thinks to himself, let him be afraid.
“Sir?” Jungkook asks the man, having noticed he fall silent.
“It’s fine,” the human mumbles, voice barely audible.
“Are you sure?” Jungkook insists. “You were pretty upset about the radishes.”
Namjoon narrows his eyes at the human, daring him to argue with Jungkook.
The human seems entranced as he picks up the nourishment and begins to ingest it, hardly even chewing it.
Jungkook says nothing but looks slightly alarmed at the sight. He scurries away and comes back to Namjoon’s table with a plate.
“Here you go, it's one of my favorites,” Jungkook announces, looking oddly shy.
Namjoon is touched. Providing nourishment for a mate is a massive deal on his home planet. He looks down at the food and the utensils, confused as to what he should do next. He doesn’t want to disappoint Jungkook, but he doesn’t recall on how nourishment is consumed here.
“Are you from abroad?” Jungkook asks him, glancing between Namjoon and the utensils. Namjoon only stares at his pretty eyes, big and bright, reminding him of a nebula he passed on his journey here.
Abroad? Is he from abroad? Well, kind of. How did Jungkook figure that out so easily? Is Namjoon’s disguise not well designed?
“That’s alright,” Jungkook reassures him. He picks up the utensils, two silver spikes, and holds them in one hand. “Watch me, okay?”
Namjoon nods eagerly. “I am watching you.”
“Good,” Jungkook giggles, showing Namjoon how to pick up the food. He pretends to bring it to his mouth and ingest it, making Namjoon’s eyes go wide. Jungkook should ingest it all if he wishes, really, anything he desires. “Now, you try.”
Namjoon is slightly alarmed because truth be told, he wasn’t watching Jungkook’s hands, too busy watching his lovely face. “Try it?” He repeats, trying to decipher what Jungkook wants.
“Here,” Jungkook says, carefully reaching for Namjoon’s hand.
Namjoon doesn’t hesitate to thrust the hand at Jungkook to do as he pleases with it. Really, he can have it, Namjoon will produce another one in no time.
Jungkook looks slightly alarmed at the display. He laughs. “You’re a little weird but aren’t we all,” he confesses, helping Namjoon’s hand hold the spikes.
Oh, Namjoon is enamored at this display of kinship. This must be a good sign because Jungkook has yet to help another human here hold spikes. Namjoon must be courting him correctly if this is happening.
“Now, you try it,” Jungkook exclaims, taking his hands back and leaving Namjoon longing for his touch.
Namjoon looks down at his hands that hold the spikes and copies the movement. There isn’t much he can’t learn immediately and within a second, he’s using the spikes as if he’s known forever.
Jungkook looks impressed, softly clapping at the display. “That was so good!” He expresses. “You did great. It usually takes foreigners a while before they manage to learn how to use chopsticks.”
Namjoon did great. He marks that down for when he is evaluated for his research back home.
“Now, I’m starting to think you were just flirting with me,” Jungkook confesses as he watches Namjoon ingest the nourishment. Said nourishment is…different, not bad but certainly not what Namjoon is used to.
“Flirting?” Namjoon repeats, confused and trying to scan his internal database, provided by a small chip implant he received as a kit, and searches for the meaning. It only takes a second, to compare it to a similar meaning on his home planet. He gasps before nodding. Yes, yes, he is most definitely flirting, most definitely laying down the groundwork for a courtship between them!
Jungkook pouts at Namjoon’s enthusiasm. “Well, it’s a good thing you’re cute.”
He leaves Namjoon alone when more humans fill the diner. Namjoon doesn’t like that, he wants Jungkook to come back and teach him more words. Besides, he doesn’t like these humans, some smell disgusting, clearly interested in Jungkook. The only peace of mind Namjoon has is that Jungkook does not smell interested, irritated more than anything which soothes his desire to blast the room to pieces. He mustn’t! It would be a direct violation of his home planet's code, do not under any circumstances interfere with the observing planet’s development.
Namjoon finishes the nourishment and perks up when Jungkook comes back over with a receipt. Namjoon picks it up and scrutinizes it. There’s writing on it from a computer, it cannot be human, and humans do not write this standardized. That’s right, humans pay for nourishment, how primitive. Time could be better spent improving and advancing.
“It was nice to meet you,” Jungkook admits. “But I didn’t get your name.”
“Namjoon,” Namjoon is quick to supply.
“Namjoon,” Jungkook repeats it over a few times, as if trying it out on his tongue. “I like it, it’s different.” And with that, he’s off to serve another table of noisy humans.
Namjoon watches him go, feeling disappointment bubble in him at the distance between them now. Courting is simply not for the weak-hearted, he fears. He throws money on the table, not entirely sure how much but surely it must be enough, as he’s observed several humans do but stops when he sees something human scribbled onto the back of the receipt.
Jungkook
| ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶ |
id: jjkbun
Namjoon can’t seem to comprehend what is happening. What does this mean? ID to what? For what? Is he missing something?
He turns slightly to the left when he overhears a table a few meters away whispering about him. They might as well be screaming because Namjoon’s sensitive hearing picks it all up.
“Jungkook gave that guy his contact info!”
“No, way, are you serious? Him?!”
“Why not me?”
He practically runs out of the diner with the receipt clutched tight in his hand. He goes back to his shuttle to rest, he only requires a small amount compared to humans, but it’s been a long day, meeting his future mate and learning what flirting is.
Namjoon eventually figures out what he needs to do to message Jungkook. It’s a bit tedious, having to go out and buy a communication device. What do they call them again? Smartphones? He doesn’t understand what’s so smart about them, they’re practically prehistoric. But if it means he can communicate with Jungkook, then so be it.
He spends the next couple of days traveling on his shuttle and observing. He travels to different countries and accidentally scares the shit out of humans there when he flashes his natural eyes. Still, he cannot be helped. He visits various science and space museums, and institutes where technological advances are kept, and they are disappointing but not surprising. He continues talking to Jungkook through the communication device, learning more about him, his likes, and dislikes.
The more Namjoon learns about Jungkook, the harder he falls for the human. Jungkook is very talkative, which works in Namjoon’s favor. He wants to know everything about his future mate.
The only downside to Earth is all the staring Namjoon receives. It's mostly from humans around Namjoon’s disguise’s age. They’re clearly sexually interested in him, but Namjoon doesn’t care, if anything, their scents are appalling to him.
He reaches out to Yoongi for advice on courting, considering his senior already has a mate and knows the ropes. Yoongi gives him more than enough guidance, so Namjoon sets off to try and woo Jungkook.
First thing is first, a mate must provide in more ways than one. So, he does what any rational being would do, he acquires a home, in the form of an apartment, which makes him feel as if he’s packed into a crate with other humans, but it seems like the norm here. He makes sure it is stocked with what he needs, and he invites Jungkook over for—what humans call a date. He can definitely date Jungkook, really, it has to be one hundred times easier than when he had to go off planet and collect asteroid pieces for community service.
Jungkook seems surprised and ecstatic at the invitation and Namjoon cannot help but growl in excitement but quickly he stops himself because he has come to learn that humans do not growl. The last thing he wants to do is scare Jungkook away.
He walks into the kitchen and looks down at the appliances and ingredients for jajangmyeon, a dish Jungkook has proclaimed time and time again through their communication to be one of his favorites. It didn’t look particularly difficult when Namjoon researched it on his own database but on his home planet, there are androids who prepare nourishment, here on Earth, humans still prepare their own nourishment, something he failed to consider.
“Frustrating,” Namjoon huffs as he glares down at the appliances. They aren’t voice activated nor work with motion sensors.
Suddenly, an idea pops into his head. Ah, he knows what to do. Jungkook has been sending him links to videos, links that take him to a place where humans post millions of videos doing the most mundane things. Surely one human has posted how to make jajangmyeon with appliances like this.
He’s in luck because thousands of videos come up. Perfect. He gets to work, frowning because he has to roll the sleeves of his clothing up his forearms. Really, human clothing is so frustrating, how do humans get anything done, he does not know.
The first step, he has to cut the vegetation. It should be easy enough, considering he’s quite literally cut samples from multiple moons in his home galaxy. What is a few vegetation in comparison to that? The human in the video cuts everything into small pieces with a blade, it looks simple enough, but Namjoon soon finds out he cannot cut with this device. He could pull out one of his own blades from home but surely, the vegetation might combust under the force of the substance.
He growls again, feeling put out. How is he supposed to impress Jungkook like this? Well, he figures he can skip this step and move onto the flesh. It also requires cutting but it might be easier. The flesh humans consume comes from their own animals, which seems cruel. Sure, Namjoon’s species are predatory, and they don’t hesitate to kill when threatened but they surely don’t go out and eat their enemies. The flesh feels strange, very tender but a little slimy, making him furrow his eyebrows. He gets to cutting, accidentally slicing his finger but the wound closes almost immediately.
Now, it's time to turn on the appliance to make the nourishment edible. Humans are fragile, they cannot consume most things raw and require them to be flamed so Namjoon will do just that in hopes that Jungkook does not get ill. He turns the dial on the appliance to the highest setting and waits.
He gives it enough time and tosses the flesh in. Suddenly, the flesh begins to sizzle, making oil jump out of the cooking device and onto his skin. If he were human, this would hurt but he feels nothing, just annoyance.
Whatever, he supposes this is cooking and lets it happen while he starts on the next step. He throws in the vegetation he cut up earlier and observes as the sizzling intensifies and a loud alarm begins to resonate throughout his apartment.
“Annoying,” Namjoon growls, swiping two fingers at the alarm and destroying the batteries inside. “Good riddance.” Humans and their strange customs, really, what pleasure is there from having such a dreadful beeping play while one prepares their nourishment for their prospective mate?
Wait.
What if Jungkook likes the beeping? Has Namjoon made a mistake by destroying it? He hopes not. Mating with humans is so complicated. He’s going to need a vacation to the farthest part of the universe away from these strange customs. Perhaps he will visit Seokjin, an old friend who now resides in that province.
Namjoon resumes watching the video with his normal eyes to best observe, looking with an intensity that would make a human cower at the sight of his eyes. What do humans call it again? The uncanny valley?
He adds oil and the required paste, only intensifying the smoke coming off the nourishment now. The human in the video is currently mashing it with a utensil so he grabs one as well and starts mixing it, adding in water. He adds the remaining items and can’t help but snarl at the nourishment. It looks horrid, nothing like the human’s version on the video.
Maybe it’ll get better once he adds the noodles. He turns another dial on the stove and fills a cooking utensil with water and waits for it to bubble. It takes forever, this would be instantaneous at home. Regardless, he adds the noodles and hopes for the best.
His hearing picks up his doorbell ringing, letting him know Jungkook has arrived.
First things first, he changes his eyes back to their usual human disguise and walks over to let Jungkook in.
“Jungkook,” Namjoon greets him, frowning when he sees the alarmed expression on Jungkook’s face. “I missed you.”
“Namjoon!” Jungkook gasps, dropping the bag in his hold onto the floor. “Your stove is on fire!”
Namjoon turns around and sees that is very much the case. “I was cooking,” he explains, not the least bit concerned.
Jungkook runs inside and grabs what he can to help him remove the pots and pans from the stove. “Oh my god,” Jungkook exhales once he’s managed to get the situation under control. “What? You—what were you doing!?” He asks, clutching at his chest as he looks at Namjoon.
Namjoon frowns. That’s the place where one of the most vital human organs is located. Is Jungkook in pain? “What’s wrong? Are you ill?”
Jungkook shakes his head and laughs. “No, I’m fine, you on the other hand. You almost burned your apartment building to the ground. Why didn’t your smoke alarm go off?”
“My what?” Namjoon asks, tilting his head in confusion. “Smoke alarm?”
“You know,” Jungkook says, waving his hands in the air. “It goes beep, beep, beep when there’s a fire or smoke.”
Namjoon’s lips part in understanding. “The annoying buzzing,” he acknowledges.
“Do they not have those when you’re from?” Jungkook asks. “Where exactly are you from again?”
“Abroad,” Namjoon answers, not exactly sure if he can explain where his home is to a human. “Far away,” he helpfully supplies.
“What were you trying to cook?” Jungkook asks him as he inspects the burnt mess, he took off the stove.
“Jajangmyeon, your favorite,” Namjoon explains, feeling that flustered, hot feeling on his temples again. What is that feeling?
Jungkook's eyes go wide, and his scent is full of adoration. “Really?” He asks as if in disbelief.
Namjoon nods. “Yes, of course. You said you liked jajangmyeon so I made it for our date tonight. I want to make you happy.”
Jungkook blushes this time and Namjoon is a little enthralled by the sight. He doesn’t particularly like that on his face, but it looks lovely on Jungkook’s. What a gorgeous human, really, the prettiest being in the entire universe.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Jungkook admits. “It’s only our first date, I don’t want to pressure you.”
Namjoon is about to tell him it is no pressure at all, really, maybe stressful because he clearly cannot make human nourishment, but that’s beside the point. His guard is activated when Jungkook makes a distressed noise and rushes over to the door. Namjoon only relaxes when he sees Jungkook pick up the bag he dropped.
“Oh, no,” Jungkook whines, picking up the bag and peeking inside. “I brought over some of my favorite snacks for you to try and I dropped them.”
He looks defeated and Namjoon does not like that. He walks over and reaches inside, trying to tear into the excessive packaging. He isn’t sure how to ingest any of this but for Jungkook, he will try. He consumes the first thing whole, hardly chewing it and swallowing it. “This is good.” Well, honestly, it doesn’t taste like anything in particular, but Jungkook brought it, so he loves it. Next, he opens a bag of small yellow tubes and begins to ingest them, forgetting for a moment that humans do not consume nourishment this quickly.
“Namjoon!” Jungkook stops him from consuming the snacks. “You’re going to choke.”
Namjoon is startled by Jungkook taking the bag away. Is this not what he wanted, for Namjoon to consume what he brought? “I’m confused,” he decides to be upfront with Jungkook because this is, after all, someone he wishes to mate one day.
“You’re eating too quickly,” Jungkook explains, smiling at Namjoon’s expression. “Sorry, you just scared me, I thought you were going to choke.” He sets the bag on the counter and looks around the room. Suddenly, his face lights up. “Hey, let’s go out to eat, my treat.”
Namjoon’s eyes light up, quite literally. So, the courting has not been unsuccessful. “Let’s go!” He announces, intertwining his hand with Jungkook’s warm one and leading the way.
“Hey,” Jungkook protests, glancing back at Namjoon’s apartment. “You didn’t lock your door!”
“Is that common here?” He asks, pushing the button for the contraption to come and take them down.
Jungkook nods, looking concerned. “Yes! You have to make sure you lock your door.” He gets closer to Namjoon until they’re only a few inches apart. “Not everyone is trustworthy here, Namjoon, you have to be careful.”
Namjoon thinks about it, tries to imagine a human overpowering him, and can’t seem to grasp that thought. Human weapons do not compare to Namjoon’s. Besides, he has learned through observation that most humans attack when they are enraged and that seems to cloud their vision. Namjoon can also be enraged but the emotion only enhances his capabilities. “I will be careful,” he says despite that, not wanting Jungkook to worry about him. “You as well.”
Jungkook smiles. “Me too,” he promises, leading them into the contraption that takes them to the ground floor.
Namjoon extends his stay on Earth. One month is simply not enough time to get to know Jungkook. He thinks maybe a millennium might be a start. There is so much to learn about Jungkook, and Namjoon soaks it up to the best of his abilities. He has a photographic memory, meaning he never forgets anything, which is helpful in this situation.
Jungkook enjoys painting Namjoon comes to learn. He watches with focused eyes as Jungkook moves a utensil he dips in paint back and forth. It is truly mesmerizing to watch a blank canvas become what Jungkook calls art. Really, Jungkook is so talented. It makes Namjoon wonder why his species stopped doing things like this. Painting is relaxing and lets one explore their inventiveness. He lets Jungkook paint him millions of paintings, and lets Jungkook hang them in his apartment even if the residency is temporary.
They go hiking which is similar to the exploration Namjoon’s species conducts on newly discovered plants. Although, the objective is different since where they hike has already been discovered. Still, Namjoon does not mind because it means he gets to spend more time with Jungkook. Certainly, does not mind when they make it to the top of the trial and Jungkook kisses him.
Namjoon freezes as the press of their lips. Sure, kissing exists back home but it is a bit outdated. There are different ways of showing affection that are not this. He must not respond quickly enough because Jungkook is pulling away, looking mortified.
“I’m sorry,” Jungkook apologizes, clutching at his red cheeks. “I thought, well, it was time? This is our fifth date.” He looks away. “I’m so sorry.”
Namjoon breaks out of his trance and goes over to Jungkook, gently placing a hand on his waist. “No, no, I liked it, you just surprised me,” he confesses. “You’re so lovely to look at, to be around, I didn’t think you were going to kiss me.”
Jungkook exhales and turns around. “What?” He whispers. “Why wouldn’t I kiss you?” He asks, hesitantly reaching for Namjoon’s hand. “You’re amazing, sometimes, I can hardly believe you’re real.”
“I’m real,” Namjoon reassures Jungkook, and it makes him smile which is an amazing outcome.
“I know,” Jungkook says. “I can’t believe I get to date you.”
“Date me all you would like,” Namjoon practically begs. He gives Jungkook’s waist a soft squeeze and pulls him closer. “Can I kiss you?”
Jungkook scrunches his nose. “You don’t have to ask, Namjoon, you can just kiss me.”
When Namjoon was headed to this galaxy, he passed by a nebula when he’d first arrived, it was beautiful, massive, and simply stunning. The Carina Nebula, humans call it. He’d been enthralled at the sight of it, not having expected to see such a spectacle here. He’d foolishly thought that would be the highlight of his trip but no, he’d been wrong, terribly wrong, because this, kissing Jungkook, having met the beautiful human, by far is the best part.
Namjoon kisses him with care, with love, trying to convey every emotion in his body. He hesitates and perhaps, Jungkook mistakes it for nervousness because he smiles against the kiss. Namjoon doesn’t mind because seeing Jungkook content is worth everything. Jungkook is soft and warm against his lips, a happy weight in his arms, and his scent is refreshing, truly something out of Namjoon’s fantasies. Maybe everyone back home was correct, Namjoon is picky because he doesn’t think he’s ever seen a being as beautiful as Jungkook, as caring, as sweet, as friendly, as loveable.
The night is falling as they part, making them both look up at the night sky. The stars are hardly visible, even at night, even with how much pollution there is on Earth. Jungkook has mentioned a few times that were a few places on Earth where the stars are visible and Namjoon longs to see them. As much fun as he’s having courting Jungkook, he misses home, he misses his kin, and friends. But he is happy here with Jungkook who is currently leaning against him and pointing out the constellations, enthusiastically going on and on about the story behind each one of them.
Namjoon does not understand the logic behind these stories, but he listens to every word, not hesitating to wrap his arms around Jungkook and hold him close.
If there is a habit besides loving Jungkook that Namjoon has picked up, it is reading and collecting plants. Reading is considered ancient on Namjoon’s home planet since technology has advanced so much and so quickly, never stopping so Namjoon has truly never gotten to experience what it is like to hold books. It is interesting, he finds that he likes it and once Jungkook catches wind of this, he makes sure to provide Namjoon with all of his favorites and Namjoon doesn’t hesitate to read all of them. He sleeps at most half an hour a night, so he spends the rest of the night reading, preparing himself to tell Jungkook all his favorite parts, what he didn’t like, and what he thought could’ve been better. Jungkook lights up every time, making Namjoon become even more enamored with him.
Namjoon has also found he likes plants. Plants are familiar to him, he has plants at home, although, those plants are sentient and often loud about their wants, these plants are quiet and don’t require much. He likes that, enjoys watering them, and putting them in the sun.
“You’re doing so good with them,” Jungkook praises him as he watches Namjoon water the plants.
“They’re easy to care for,” Namjoon says, turning to look over his shoulder and smile at Jungkook. “They don’t need much from me.”
Jungkook hums. “Well, you’d be surprised at how difficult it is for some people to keep them alive.” He reaches a hand forward and touches one of the leaves. “I think this little guy is my favorite.”
“Yeah?” Namjoon asks. “Why is that?” And how can Jungkook tell the plant is male? Perhaps Namjoon is getting rusty and needs to spend more time observing the world around him. Yoongi would be disappointed. He makes a note to bring it to Yoongi when they speak later this week. Yoongi has already returned home. He’s constantly asking Namjoon how things are going with his human, and asks how the courting is going.
“Because,” Jungkook says, reaching over to caress Namjoon’s cheek. “We bought him together at the market.”
Oh, it’s going well, Namjoon thinks to himself, very well. But there is a lingering question in the back of his mind. Will Jungkook agree to officially become his mate and follow Namjoon back home? Namjoon doesn’t think he could leave the human behind at this point, he’s become attached. He knows he must bring it up eventually but for the time being, he’s going to let himself enjoy these small moments with Jungkook.
Slowly, Namjoon begins trying to ask Jungkook to officially become his mate. It is difficult, however, because he and Jungkook are completely different species. Namjoon has found that here on Earth, humans marry, and it is their version of mating. It seems less intimate than mating, but Namjoon can understand why humans do it. Every species seeks companionship, it is not a surprise that humans are no different.
But how does a human even propose marriage? Namjoon searches on his communication device—his smartphone and watches videos, reads articles, and searches forums. Sometimes, humans buy rings, get down on one knee, and pop the question. Although that seems strange, something like that would be looked at as strange back home. Namjoon’s species typically consummate their courtship in private, it is a very intimate affair, there is a mating mark, exchange of scents, and declarations of love. It is not for the world to see. He doesn’t want to propose in public, he doesn’t want to share Jungkook with the world. Well, only if that’s what Jungkook wanted, then Namjoon would but only then.
He cannot ask Yoongi for advice since his mate is also from Mono, so it is useless. Although, he can ask Seokjin who has a mate from a different planet. Seokjin provides some solid advice, slowly ease Jungkook into the idea, ask him what he thinks of space, if he thinks their relationship is one that will last, and lastly, ask him if he would be willing to mate. Namjoon can do this.
Namjoon can clearly not do this because he ends up blurting out the word just a few days later. “Mate?” He asks Jungkook out loud that afternoon when he is at the diner yet again.
Jungkook gives him a funny look as he refills Namjoon’s cup with a brown liquid that steams out from how hot it is. “Mate?” Jungkook repeats, trying to figure out the word. “We can only milk and creamer here, babe, you know that.”
Namjoon shakes his head but doesn’t elaborate further. He must do this according to plan.
The opportunity comes sooner than he expects. He and Jungkook are laying together in bed one night, enjoying each other’s company. Namjoon loves nights like this, where he can sleep for a while and enjoy Jungkook for the rest of the evening, loves watching him sleep peacefully and running his hands through Jungkook’s hair to help comfort him.
Jungkook isn’t asleep yet, his heart rate is still normal, but his eyes are closed as he lays against Namjoon’s chest.
“What are you dreaming of?” Namjoon asks him, running a finger over the slope of Jungkook’s nose.
Jungkook smiles but keeps his eyes closed. “My dreams?”
“Tell me,” Namjoon begs, swiping his thumb over the curve of Jungkook’s smile. He knows humans dream when they sleep, vividly, sometimes they dream of what they fear, what they miss, what they love, and what they long for. Namjoon would love to know what Jungkook dreams of.
Jungkook hums as he thinks. “You’ll laugh if I tell you.”
Namjoon frowns. He would never do such a thing. “I would never,” he promises, trying his best to sound as sincere as possible.
Jungkook’s eyes flutter open, and he turns around to lean his chin on Namjoon’s chest. He looks up at Namjoon from there and it makes Namjoon fill to the brim with love and adoration. “Well,” Jungkook whispers, nibbling at his bottom lip. “I dream of seeing the stars one day where they’re visible in the sky, I dream of space, of what’s out there, the unknown.” He sighs. “I told you my university degree is in aero physics,” he reminds Namjoon.
Namjoon nods as if he could ever forget one thing about Namjoon. “With a minor in art, you love art.”
“I love art,” Jungkook agrees. “I love space as well.” He hesitates for a moment before he speaks again. “But most of all, I—I love you, Namjoon.”
Namjoon cocks his head to the side. “You love me?” He almost doesn’t believe it.
“I do,” Jungkook mumbles, turning to hide his face away. “I love you so much.”
Namjoon gently cups Jungkook’s face and tilts it back to face him. “Hey,” he whispers. “I love you too, so much.”
Jungkook’s lips part in surprise at the confession. “You mean it?”
“I mean it,” Namjoon promises. “At this point, I don’t think life is worth living without you.” And he means every word of it, he’s been on Earth for almost six months at this point for one reason only, Jungkook. He loves Jungkook so much. Jungkook has shown him so much, reading, plants, hiking, that humans are certainly not mundane, anything but that really. He doesn’t think he’s ever felt this content, yes, he misses home, but he also loves being with Jungkook. He hopes that one day, those two things can be combined. And he has known about Jungkook’s fascination with space for a while now but wasn’t aware of how profound it ran. He’d assumed it was like that for every human, but he has come to learn that that is far from the case. He smiles at the thought of showing Jungkook things he only dreams of now, showing him the galaxies, the stars, the nebulas—everything his heart desires. “Thank you,” he says. “Thank you for sharing your dreams with me.”
Jungkook smiles, looking absolutely enamored. “Always.”
“I want to take you star gazing,” Namjoon tells Jungkook. “I want to show you the stars.” It’s a start but he wants to make Jungkook happy.
“Are you serious?” Jungkook asks him from where he’s currently watering Namjoon’s plants. Jungkook has practically moved in with him at this point. “You want to take me?”
Namjoon nods. “Where would you want to go if we went?” He would take Jungkook anywhere and currency is no issue, he has more than enough. “The day of your birth is coming up, correct? Let’s go celebrate it by star gazing.”
Jungkook looks at him in disbelief. “Okay,” he agrees, smiling.
They decide to go to The Atacama Desert, Chile where it is said to have the best star gazing. The whole ordeal is strange, but Namjoon bears it because he loves Jungkook and wants to make him happy. They have to take a prehistoric shuttle to their destination and the journey lasts longer than Namjoon’s did to arrive at Earth. It’s roughly twenty-five hours and the only reason Namjoon manages to make it through the flight is because Jungkook falls asleep against his shoulder. Namjoon wishes they could’ve just taken his shuttle, the journey would’ve been shorter, and comfier for that matter. But alas, he cannot show Jungkook his shuttle just yet, perhaps soon.
They arrive finally and after settling into their accommodation and Jungkook reassuring Namjoon over and over that he is well rested, they head off. Their destination is beautiful to put it simply, every star is visible in the sky at night since no city lights or pollution interfere. The sky is dark and clean, letting them gaze to their hearts' content.
Jungkook is enamored as he stares and Namjoon cannot help but look back at him, at how the stars are reflected in his eyes. Jungkook is so beautiful, so lovely, Namjoon feels incredibly lucky to have met him.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” Jungkook confesses, still gazing as if hypnotized. “I never thought I would get the opportunity to see this.” He tries to take photographs but sadly, cameras on Earth are nowhere near as advanced to be able to capture the stars, not yet at least, Namjoon has faith that in the distant future, that will change.
“You wanted to see your dreams,” Namjoon reminds him. “So, I brought you.”
“I did,” Jungkook agrees, smiling as he overlooks the desert. It is cold here, but Namjoon does not feel it although he knows Jungkook does, so he has made sure to bundle the human in warm clothing, some he enhanced with his own technology to keep him nice and warm. Jungkook looks cute, with his nose pink from the cold and his smile blinding, it rivals the stars, truly.
“Jungkook,” Namjoon says, turning to face him from where they stand on the peak of a cliff to get the best view. “I want to be with you,” he confesses. “Now and forever.”
Jungkook’s eyes go wide as he watches Namjoon speak, his scent revealing anticipation and excitement, letting Namjoon know he is not making a mistake.
“But I must confess something,” Namjoon admits as the stars move around them. “My home is far from here, very far, and I want to take you there, show you the rest of your dreams but I fear you might be opposed.” He centers himself for a moment before continuing. “My home is not on this planet, Jungkook, I thought I had made that obvious but a dear friend of mine mentioned to me that I might not have.” He gently reaches for Jungkook’s hand. “It is far, very far but it is lovely, there is so much to see, to observe, to learn.”
Jungkook swallows and his heartbeat intensifies. “Namjoon,” he whispers, and his breath is visible in the night due to the cold. “I…I want that, but I’m scared” he confesses. “But I want to see it, I want you to take me there.” He smiles, although it is shaky. “So, please, show me, show me my dreams.”
Namjoon’s lips part in surprise. “I promise to make you happy, to give you anything you long for, let it be galaxies, take you to see meteor showers, nebulas, anything, you name it, I will take you.”
Jungkook looks away at the sky before he turns back. “Okay,” he says. “Show me, then, show me the universe.”
“You’re not afraid?”
Jungkook shakes his head, although he is a little hesitant. “If I was afraid, I would’ve ran the day I met you and I swear your eyes changed when the man argued with me about his radishes and you left me well beyond the total of your tab. That was strange but it somehow also felt right. It didn’t scare me, somehow, it only pulled me in further. In a way, I’ve always seen us as two stars about to collide.”
“To create a supernova?” Namjoon supplies.
Jungkook nods, looking enamored and excited all at once. “A supernova.” He reaches forward with his hand and caresses Namjoon’s face. “You—you’re not human, are you?”
Namjoon shakes his head slowly. “No,” he confesses. “Does that scare you?”
“Would you think I’m insane if I said it doesn’t?” Jungkook huffs but his hands are shaking.
Namjoon leans his head into Jungkook’s touch. “Never, I love you, I would never think you’re insane.” He blinks once to reveal his real eyes, bright and piercing in the night, almost as bright as the stars in the sky. “Come home with me then.”
Jungkook sucks in a breath and slowly runs his fingers up to hover over Namjoon’s eyelids, intrigued but just as equally frightened. “You won’t hurt me?”
Namjoon shakes his head. “I think I would sooner die than hurt you, you’re my love, my mate.” He closes his eyes and lets Jungkook’s fingers gently graze his eyelids.
“You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met, Namjoon,” Jungkook whispers, coming closer. “But I like that about you, more than I should, so please,” he begs, caressing Namjoon’s face more. “Lead me into the light and take me home.”
Namjoon doesn’t hesitate.