Archive of Our Own

There was something wonderful about being the middle child.

Not really thought of when it came to responsibilities, able to come and go as he pleased without too many people batting an eyelid, and as Jimin snuck through a hole in the wall at the back of the gardens, he felt so grateful that he was not in Seokjin or Jungkook’s position.

I’m not meant to take care of the throne.

I’m not meant to be babied and looked after.

The middle child is freedom.

I am lucky to have that much.

If his parents knew he ventured into town like this, in the guise of a cloak and hood, a mask up across his mouth like travelers from the deserts sometimes wore, he’d be punished and maybe even locked away, guards at his door, day and night, keeping him in place the way the silent guards did for Jungkook.

Not that Jungkook would ever try to flee.

Sometimes Jimin wondered why the eyes on his baby brother were everywhere and yet never spoken of.

Seokjin never mentioned it.

Maybe Seokjin never noticed.

He doesn’t have the freedom I do, Jimin reminded himself, dirt on his borrowed shoes, ears pinned back into his hair because it was better to be safe than sorry. Seokjin doesn’t have this sort of experience.

He doesn’t know what eyes feel like when they watch your every move, he doesn’t know what it feels like to be followed down a street. So how could he know about the security in their home, put in place to make sure sweet, beautiful Jungkookie doesn’t dash away down the halls, or doesn’t throw himself from his window?

He couldn’t know.

Only I know.

But that doesn’t really mean anything, does it?

Because no one will listen to me, Jimin blended into the crowd easily, in the marketplace, his favourite place in the world to be, an invisible spec along with the hustle and bustle of the townsfolk. No one ever listens to me.

Father turns me away every time I come to his office, Mother cares nothing for anyone except the seamstresses who bring her new garments, and Seokjin scoffs at everything I say, just because he’s older than I am.

And I’m not allowed to say anything to Jungkook, no matter how badly I want it.

It angered him often, how his parents demanded Jungkook be kept in the dark about everything.

About heats, despite Jungkook’s being so late for a rabbit.

About marriage, and what comes after rings and kisses are exchanged.

About… Naga.

Even Jimin couldn’t fight back the shiver when he thought of his youngest brother being married off to the Snake Prince.

Their Father raised them on horrible stories from the very first moment they had comprehension of the world, told them of how Naga can unhinge their jaws and swallow babies and children whole and alive, how their venom paralyzes and leaves victims unable to escape, how they defile other creatures and lay eggs inside them, and how above all else, they’ll never be anything but monsters.

It took Jimin until he was fifteen and doing his own research to discover why his Father carried such a deep hatred — learning that his grandfather and his great grandfather met their ends at the hands of the Snake King and his army decades ago, out there in the red sands, so far away from home.

The hatred was fair.

But his Father was still wrong.

Because from being outside Jimin had met Naga before, had conversed with them on the outskirts of the kingdom and had bought food and silks and treats from them, never sensing any reason to fear despite them knowing he was a rabbit, never feeling like food, like he was being eyed up for an attack.

Not everyone is bad.

Not everyone is good, either, but… Not everyone is bad.

They’re not bad just because they are Naga.

Just as Jimin knew some rabbits were not good, just because they were rabbits.

But that was too deep to think on now, strolling through the busy lanes, stalls set up, the smell of fresh bread and jam hovering in the air teasingly, Jimin sniffing with a hum beneath his mask, at ease in the crowds, like this was where he was meant to be.

He returned the ‘good morning’s thrown his way with a nod and an unseen smile, stopping to make purchases, all tucked away into the hessian bag he’d been gifted by a Naga a few months back. Empty notebooks, fabrics for sewing, small chains of silver that he’d wrap around his ankles later, a little treat for himself to wear alone in his room

There were things he spotted that he wanted to buy for Jungkook, beautiful combs that would suit his dark hair so much, jewelry for his snowy ears and his creamy throat, homemade goods that he knew his baby brother would adore.

Books were piled on tables and shelves that Jimin flicked through lazily, knowing Seokjin would cherish them but knowing any gifts taken back would be questioned without remorse, the rabbit prince knowing this secret had to be kept for now.

I’ll be able to bring home gifts for my brothers one day.

Today will not be it.

A hand suddenly met his own, as Jimin reached for another book.

“Oh, sorry.”

What a deep, sweet voice.

“No, I am,” Jimin replied, glancing up, meeting the gaze of the most handsome man he’d ever seen before in his life. “You were first, I believe.”

The book was picked up with elegant, sunkissed hands, his fingers long, not a blemish in sight, the man smiling as he passed it to Jimin, teeth sharp, eyes dark.

A predator.

A wide brimmed hat kept Jimin from knowing which.

Fuck.

That’s a very, very pretty man.

His hair was dark as well, a symphony of curls around his face, his jaw square and sharp as a blade, tall and broad, lashes long and perfect as they fluttered seductively. He was dressed plainly too, with simple clothes and a simple cape, and as Jimin took the book, he couldn’t help the flush of heat that raced down his spine.

“Thank you,” he managed to utter back, standing a little straighter, taller, trying not to look as affected as he felt, glad for his mask and cape as he held the book in his small, pale hands. “But it’s alright, I wasn’t planning on buying the book, so if you were after it—”

“Oh, do you not like romance stories?”

Is that what it was?

“I was just intrigued by the cover,” the rabbit admitted with a laugh, grazing a thumb across embossed roses and leaves. “I can’t say I’ve ever read a romance story before.”

“This is a good one,” the predator went from intimidating to cute in the blink of an eye, stepping closer and tapping a finger to the hardcover, his mouth rounding off into an excited circle. “It’s about a forbidden love between a witch and an evil king. I won’t spoil the ending, but it’s definitely worth a read. If you like reading, I mean.”

It wasn’t Jimin’s favourite pastime, but he liked the look of joy in this man’s endless gaze.

“Excuse me, ma’am — How much is this book?”

The predator grinned, all those sharp teeth pulling Jimin’s stomach into knots.

“That’ll be eight gold coins,” the elderly rabbit replied, sitting behind a nearby table, the fur of her ears wiry beneath her cloth headwear. “It’s a rare one, I’m afraid.”

Shit.

Jimin pulled the remaining coins from his pocket, counting three gold and a handful of copper. 

The handsome predator stepped in front of Jimin though, taking the book from him, pulling out his own coin pouch, counting out the gold with a grin.

“It’s on me, little rabbit. To thank me, maybe you can take me to eat somewhere nice.”

Rabbit?

How did you know—

“Sure,” Jimin found himself replying though, awed by this stranger's generosity. “T-thank you so much, I know the perfect place. I… really appreciate it a lot.”

The book was paid for by the kind stranger, passing it to Jimin who tucked it carefully away in his bag, between fabrics so that no damage could come to such a precious gift, Jimin using the last of his money to pay for their food at the nearby bakery. The man picked out something filled with strawberries, Jimin opting for his usual honey cream slice.

“How did you know I was a rabbit?” Jimin finally asked as they sat together, on a nearby staircase, tucked around the side of a mostly unused street, nervous to remove his mask and eat, not wanting to get recognised but knowing a predator probably had no idea who he’d be.

“Your smell,” the predator laughed, raising a brow, his hat shading his perfect face from the sun, tearing his treat apart with long fingers for consumption. “You smell like a rabbit.”

“Oh.”

He must be a wolf, maybe.

“Do you live here?”

“Yes,” Jimin replied, lowering the hood of his cape, letting his ears out, his blonde waves, stroking it all back, no longer sweltering beneath fabric. “Do you?”

“No,” teeth ripped into bread, strawberries bursting across his red tongue. “But I’ve been here a few times.”

“Where are you from, then?”

“Reyadni.”

Jimin froze on the spot, trying not to let his eyes grow wide.

“You’re a tiger?”

Sharp teeth.

A knowing smile.

The stranger grinned, tilting his head.

“Is that alright?”

“That’s fine,” Jimin’s heart hammered, feeling his ears twitch as he tried to keep calm. “It’s just… n-not very common that predators are welcomed into rabbit territory.”

“That’s what the hat is for, bunny,” the tiger seemed so nonchalant, even though he knew he was technically infringing on the kingdom’s laws. “But I promise, I’m just here to shop. Please don’t turn me in.”

“I won’t.”

“I appreciate that.”

The pause was awkward, as Jimin pondered what to do.

It was common knowledge that he was engaged to marry a tiger by now, and taking his mask off might prove a mistake, especially if this tiger had any inkling of what the rabbit prince was meant to look like.

Maybe testing the waters was a good idea, because he was starting to get strange looks.

“Not going to eat?”

Jimin swallowed loudly.

“I’m nervous for you to see my face.”

Maybe a lie would trick this man.

“Why? I’m sure it’s a lovely face.”

The rabbit blushed, touched by the words. 

“I’ve been told I sometimes look like the crown prince — I wouldn’t want you trying to turn me in either.”

The snort was cute, the tiger licking cream from his lips.

“I promise, crown-prince-look-alike, your secret is safe with me.”

“Do you even know what the crown prince is said to look like?”

“Nope.”

Hmm.

Maybe my secret is safe with you after all then, Mr. Tiger.

Slowly, he untied the strings of his mask, letting the cloth fall away, sighing in relief, the air so fresh and sweet, feeling sweat cling gently to the curve of his nose and upper lip. 

It scared him though when the tiger’s eyes grew wide, when he looked at Jimin in confusion, the rabbit prince wondering if this was finally the big mistake that would land him in a world of trouble.

You recognise me, don’t you?

You’re going to turn me in, right?

And yet Jimin played pretend, trying not to let his heart race, reaching for his pastry instead.

“What? Never seen a rabbit before?”

“You are so beautiful,” the tiger surprised him, cheeks pink, highlighting dark freckles, the look of awe and adoration turning Jimin bright red himself. “I wasn’t expecting all this from under that flimsy mask. Wow.”

“... I’m just a rabbit.”

“You’re not like any rabbit I’ve ever seen.”

“You don’t live here,” Jimin avoided his gaze, those dark eyes so much more intense with all his cloth armour gone, feeling so exposed in the tiny, quiet alleyway. “I’m sure you haven’t seen many rabbits.”

“There are rabbits in Reyadni too. I’ve seen all kinds of things in my travels.”

Jealous.

“A worldly man, are you?”

I want to travel, and see all kinds of things.

“You could say that.”

The first bite was sweet, Jimin licking his lips, feeling eyes follow where his tongue touched.

“Rabbit, what’s your name?”

“... Mimi. What’s yours?”

“V.”

“That sounds like a fake name.”

“So does yours.”

“Maybe it is.”

“Well, maybe mine is too.”

“Tiger,” Jimin giggled, still eating, slowly and steadily, the thrum of attraction making him feel giddy and sick with the yearning to do something bad. “You are making me nervous.”

“My kind tends to have that effect,” V grinned, sharp teeth, leaning in, Jimin not making a move to back away. “But I don’t eat rabbit, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“...That’s a shame.”

This close, Jimin could smell the stranger well, a deep scent, musky and primal, making Jimin’s thighs clench, trying to fight away the urge to slick.

His failure was obvious, if the purposeful inhale from the predator was an indicator to go by.

“Want me to eat you? That’s a very dangerous thing for a very, very pretty bunny to imply.”

It was going to get dark soon.

This really was dangerous.

Fuck it, who cares.

I’ll make it home before dinner.

I always do.

Sometimes, Jimin came into the town to shop and eat and wander.

But sometimes, Jimin came into town to do all the things he never could under the roof of his own home.

Letting strangers kiss and put their fingers inside him was one of those very activities, but he’d never let a predator take a shot at making him feel good before. It was always travelers, always prey hybrids, faces he would never see again, faces that had no idea who he was. 

He never slept with them either, knowing that he was still a prince despite it all and had to keep his virginity untouched, but sometimes he would giggle over the dinner table when looking at his older brother, and know that at least in one regard, he knew a little more than Seokjin did.

What are you going to do, brother, when your husband wants to touch you between your legs? Squeal? Shout? Laugh like you’re being tickled?

And what about when he wants you to touch his cock and make him feel good? Will you blush bright red and act all offended about it?

I think you will.

I know you will.

“Fuck, you’re so wet,” V murmured against Jimin’s ear, deeper in the alleyway, around a twist and bend where no one would come, hands inside each others pants as Jimin whimpered in pleasure. “Little rabbit, you’re soaking my hand.”

“Be quiet,” Jimin moaned, his fingers barely able to wrap the length of the massive cock hiding beneath the tiger’s clothing. “You’ll get us caught.”

“Sorry,” it was so cute how those sharp teeth were framed by a rectangle smile, V’s eyelids heavy, his lashes long, leaning close and pressing as far into Jimin as he could, swallowing down a choked gasp with a kiss that was too deep for strangers to share. “Don’t want that—”

“I wish you could bite me,” Jimin found himself begging as his orgasm built inside his stomach, kissing back, his touch growing lazy, knees shaking violently as he was pressed against the brick wall. “Wish you could fuck me—”

“I can do whatever you want, Mimi,” the growl in V’s throat terrified Jimin and yet had him wetter than he’d ever been in his life, a writhing mess in talented hands, knowing it would be so hard to return to being touched only by rabbits and mice. “Claim you, take you back to Reyadni, just tell me and I’ll do it.”

It’s getting dark.

Dark.

Fuck.

“I h-have to go,” the climax was right there, so close, his own cock hard and aching, three fingers up his ass and coaxing slick out of him. “I’m sorry, I have to go home—”

“Don’t wanna come first?”

I do, I do.

But, I’ve lost track of time, unfortunately.

Anyone else would probably have been furious but V was not, smiling and pulling his fingers from Jimin’s puffy hole, a gentle kiss before backing away, strapping himself back into his trousers with hands that dripped with slick.

“Don’t forget to read that book,” the parting was bittersweet, Jimin fumbling frantically to get himself pulled together, the back of his thighs wet and sticky. “And when you finish… maybe you can think of me.”

“I will,” Jimin kissed him one last time, knowing this would be the first and only time they’d probably ever cross paths. “Come visit me again.”

“I’ll try, pretty rabbit. I promise.”

It was nightfall as Jimin wiggled beneath the hole in the back wall, abandoning his cloak and his mask in the hidden box that he shoved beneath a shrub, his body aching with desperation and frustration at the fact he’d gotten so carried away, pleasure unfulfilled, taking the abandoned servant hallways all the way back to his room.

No one knew of them anymore except himself it seemed, the map he’d stolen from his Father’s study a useful thing, Jimin knowing the palace front and back and inside out in ways that not even studious Seokjin knew, avoiding the gaze of anyone who could catch wind of the prince’s unruly expeditions.

There was water in his bath from the morning, freezing cold but Jimin washed himself regardless, scrubbing the slick from his legs in a hurry, his hands, his face, his arms, the scent of the town from his hair, the taste of tiger on his tongue, drying off and changing, his bag with his new purchases tucked away beneath his silken pillows.

Dinner was so boring, up until Seokjin broke the silence.

“I’m… to meet my future husband tomorrow.”

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow??

“Oh? Here, in the palace? Or…?”

Seokjin looked at Jimin as if he was stupid, and Jimin had to mentally remind himself that none of them had ever left the palace before, so of course it was going to be here. 

Jungkook just looked sick to the stomach, and for that, Jimin understood well.

Seokjin getting married is the first stepping stone towards our own fates.

At least Seokjin has it easy though.

Jimin found it fun to tease his brother, about how Wolf Prince Namjoon was supposedly very handsome, even bringing up the thing about how wolves knot just to watch Seokjin choke on his salad, not even sure if that was truth or just bizarre rumors but knowing it would make Seokjin blush all the same. 

The tables were turned when Seokjin seemed knowledgeable too though, a surprise Jimin hadn’t expected at all.

“You’re not going to be able to run away when the tiger prince breeds you either,” He teased back, Jimin feeling his eyes bulge wide, red staining his cheeks, heart thrumming in uncertainty and terror. “Don’t you know? They’ve got barbs, aaaall up their cocks, and it’s gonna hurt like hell.”

A lie.

Surely that’s a lie??

I didn’t feel anything like that today, when my hands were in the pants of that handsome tiger—

“Hyungie would never lie to you, Jiminie~”

The mood changed quickly, as Jungkook questioned the genitals of his own future mate.

Do not say a word, Seokjin’s gaze was like a threat, a knife at Jimin’s throat. You know we cannot say a word.

I hate this.

I hate this so much.

Going to Seokjin’s room that night, after dinner and after everyone was in bed, Jimin came prepared for a fight. Wanted his brother to understand that keeping Jungkook in the dark was wrong, wanted his brother to understand that on a much deeper level, something was wrong, and that all the chatter he’d heard out and about needed to be spoken of now, no matter if Seokjin questioned where he got the information from.

Naga aren’t always monsters.

But, the Royal Family are.

Why else would they send Jungkook there, hyung?

The Snake King ate our grandfather and our great-grandfather, right before our own Father’s eyes.

If we give them Jungkook, they will eat him too.

Then Father can finally gather his forces, and start and finish a war.

“You’re wrong,” But Seokjin was starting to cry, and Jimin knew that Seokjin knew that nothing about this arrangement was for the sake of unity at all. “No matter how far he would go for revenge, he would never send Jungkookie there as a sacrifice.”

It was nice to finally be taken seriously, as Seokjin promised to find a solution somehow, and then they exchanged playful ‘goodnight’s with the reminder of cock barbs imprinted on Jimin’s mind, Seokjin all but blushing to death as Jimin wished him luck with his future husband come morning.

That reminder followed Jimin back to his room, into his bed sheets, too confused to even consider reading the new book hiding beneath his pillow, opting to just lay there and ponder on what his older brother had said at the dinner table.

Barbs.

Barbs?

Surely not.

But wolves had knots for breeding their mates, and snakes had two cocks and even sometimes laid eggs, so maybe barbs weren’t outside the realm of possibility for Jimin’s future husband, curious and now a bit terrified, wondering if it was a mistake holding onto his virginity, to never know the pleasure of a cock inside him that wasn’t sharp and cruel.

And yet despite it all Jimin was still frustrated from the day, from those long fingers inside him and that perfect mouth against him, naked in his bed and melting into the sheets, touching himself where it burned like a fever, pinching his own nipples with a whine as he remembered the handsome stranger that smiled into their kisses.

He was a tiger.

They don’t seem too scary.

Seokjin must be lying.

He’s lying because he’s scared for tomorrow, and just wanted to put the fear in me as well.

Jimin touched himself until he came on his own fingers, wishing it was his handsome stranger instead of his tiny hands, and promised himself in his sleepy daze that he’d read the novel tomorrow to distract from whatever hilarity would most likely transpire from Seokjin’s meeting with Prince Namjoon.

Unfortunately, all chaos broke loose before Jimin could even fetch the book from beneath his pillows the next day, when he heard Jungkook wailing loudly from down the hallways.

His heat had finally come, very, very late, and very, very painful.

This was not the thing for Jimin to deal with, did his best to calm down his poor baby, but Jungkook thrashed and writhed and ruined his sheets with his slick, screaming into his pillow because of course no one had fucking been allowed to explain this all to him.

Seokjin needs to do this.

I won’t get in trouble for this, it needs to be him.

It was very unstandable, the cold shoulder from poor, cute Jungkookie, lasting days and days until Seokjin’s wedding was planned and they knew he’d soon be leaving them for the wolven kingdom. The silence probably would have lasted even longer if not for that, Seokjin nervous and secretly smitten, Jungkook sobbing in his arms finally, about how much they would miss him.

“I’ll be back for Jimin’s wedding, bunny,” Seokjin held his tears in well, the three brothers embracing for a big hug the night before Seokjin’s marriage to Prince Namjoon. “You won’t even notice I’m gone.”

My wedding.

That’s right, I’m next.

I wonder when I’ll get to meet my betrothed.

Because Seokjin met Namjoon first and then they got married soon after, so Jimin assumed it would be the same for him, a nice meeting with this Tiger Prince Taehyung, a week or so to prepare everything.

It wasn’t the same though, Jimin realised, watching the housemaids and servants rush around and ready the ballroom, the way they’d done for Seokjin, not so long ago.

“You will meet the prince today,” his Father spoke down to him in his office, Jimin awakened and summoned while still in his nightgown. “And then you’ll be wed tomorrow.”

You bastard.

“And what if I don’t like him?”

“What you like has no relevance,” his Father drawled, flicking through papers, not giving Jimin even a glance. 

“It does to me .”

Defiance was both Jimin’s greatest gift and biggest flaw, and his Father hated it more than anything.

“If I let you do what you liked, you’d be in the town alley right now, spreading your legs for commoners.”

He froze on the spot, paralyzed in fear.

No.

No, I was careful—

“You think I didn’t know? You think I’d be stupid enough to let YOU , of all my children, venture anywhere without eyes on you?”

Terror pounded through his blood like poison, Jimin still, quiet, his Father still not looking at him.

“I—”

But… I’m still to meet the prince?

“Go and get ready,” and this time Jimin obeyed without argument, racing out of the room as tears stung his waterlines. “Make sure to dress in something proper.”

So Jimin did as he was told, silent as his maids dressed him and brushed his golden waves, ribbons tied around his ears like an angel, his soft fur spritzed with perfume, a ruffled collar buttoned up tight around his throat. His pants were tight and pinched at his legs, the belt strapped around his waist might as well have been a corset, but when it came time to leave and be escorted to his fate, he couldn’t deny he looked the way he should.

A rabbit bride-to-be, sweet and innocent and pretty.

Proper.

Time to go and fool this prince, I suppose.

As he walked with the guard sent for him, Jimin tried to recall all he knew about Tiger Prince Taehyung.

There wasn’t much gossip in the palace nor in town, a surprise for Jimin as royalty was talked about more often than anything else, and Jimin had a knack for finding out all sorts of strange information, keeping it to himself like fun little presents.

Funny things like how his own Father had to buy medicine to help with erectile dysfunction, something he would absolutely be sharing with Seokjin at the next possible chance.

Scary things, like the whispers carried in from the orange sands, travelers from the Land of Snakes murmuring things of war and weapons, food being stockpiled, soldiers being trained. 

But Tiger Prince Taehyung…

Nothing much at all.

The youngest of the King’s children, so far from the throne that people almost didn’t regard him a prince at all, and the realization came like lightning as Jimin walked down the stairs, nervous but ready, guided towards the greenhouses on the other side of the palace.

That’s why my Father barely blinked an eye.

Who cares if a rabbit whore marries a prince that’ll never take a seat on his own bloodline’s throne?

This is just for an alliance and nothing more.

A prince that far down the line of succession is not someone my Father would deem worthy of my virginity, so why would it matter how pure I am or not? Letting me run amok kept me here for the arrangement — no doubt he knew if he’d stopped me, I’d just have run away instead.

His father was there, dressed handsomely, eyeing Jimin with a scrutinizing glare, ready to lead him into the greenhouses, the gold and glass doors pulled open for them.

“Be silent,” the warning was hissed, his Father linking their arms together, Jimin going tense with disgust. “Not a word unless you are spoken to first.”

Ugh.

“Yes, Father.”

I’ll do my best, to fool this prince for you.

A beautiful woman was waiting at the decorated tea table instead though, sipping from a porcelain cup, long hair cascading down her back in elegant waves. She looked mature, slight creasing beneath her eyes as she smiled and stood gracefully, a polite bow, Jimin returning it nervously.

Who… is this?

“Princess Taehee,” the King sounded displeased, but he bowed all the same too, not letting Jimin go just yet. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“I’m sure,” she purred back, her ears cute, braided hair wrapped around the furry tufts, teeth sharp as she smiled, Jimin shivering as he remembered his tiger from the markets. “Thank you for the hospitality, my King.”

“Did your Father not care to make the journey?”

Ah, Father is angry that a woman is taking charge here.

Of course.

“Father is nearing his nineties,” the beautiful princess laughed, her gown of lavender silk, mockery in her sharp eyes. “Had he tried to make the journey, there would be a new Tiger King on the throne unfortunately. A King that may not have been so keen on following through this arrangement — My older brother barely knows the latter half of his siblings, so I’m sure Taehyung’s engagement would be the last thing on his mind.”

Oho.

This woman is spicy.

I like her.

“I see,” Father replied coldly, bristling at Jimin’s side. “We shall count your company as the highest blessing then.”

“Wonderful, you have my gratitude for the kind praise,” she smirked, a beauty spot twinkling in the corner of upturned lips “So on that note, my King, would you accompany me for a stroll in the gardens? My brother is rather shy, I’d hate to put him before you and see him crumble with nerves. Taehyungie very much wants to make a good impression on his pretty little bride, so he’s taken to the greenhouse depths to calm himself down.”

Nervous?

How cute.

Jimin almost cooed himself, but his Father’s discomfort was a distraction, having to hold in his laughter instead as this beautiful tiger bossed the King around like he was a servant.

“I would like to oversee their interactions,” the older rabbit tried to argue, the princess’s eyes sharpening like blades, standing tall, tilting her head. 

“I’m not sure I like the implication,” was bitten back at him, restrained but purposeful rage boiling beneath warm, sunkissed skin. “Are my brother and your son not well into their adult years? Do they require babysitting in order to familiarize them with each other before tomorrow’s ceremony?”

I’m in love with this woman, I think.

“Or, are you implying that my brother is a savage , who would somehow defile your beautiful, prized princeling?”

“A walk in the gardens sounds splendid,” the King conceded, letting Jimin go, doing the right thing and offering his arm to the princess instead. “I’m sure my son can host Prince Taehyung well in our absence.”

“He looks like a very smart rabbit,” Princess Taehee winked at him, when his Father started to lead her away. “I’m sure he’ll charm my brother easily.”

Once Jimin was left alone, he entertained the idea of running away.

Back to his room, upstairs, maybe even to the markets to hide and live out his days as a commoner rabbit with a stall full of treats for travelers to buy. Maybe he’d even meet that handsome tiger again and go all the way next time, get fucked and let it hurt, get scratched up without the worries of his Father beating him for his lustful ways.

Prince Taehyung sounded wimpy.

Too scared to meet his Father, hiding away somewhere in the expanse of the greenhouse, and Jimin sighed, beginning his wander to find this hidden prince, wondering what his husband-to-be would look like, if he’d carry any traits from his gorgeous sister.

That would be nice.

But the Tiger King had many children with many different wives, and maybe the youngest prince was alone in his bloodline, no full-blooded relations to any of his siblings, maybe missing out on the honeyed skin and dark hair like Princess Taehee which wouldn’t surprise Jimin at all.

 Round another corner of ferns and flowers, Jimin felt a tingle up his spine.

Where is he?

Another tingle, skin crawling, like he was being watched.

“P-prince Taehyung?”

“Crown-prince-look-alike,” a voice replied, low and deep and sinking right to the bottom of Jimin’s stomach like a rock, coming from right behind him, against his earlobe, Jimin spinning on his heels in surprise. “We meet again.”

The shock almost plummeted the rabbit to the ground.

It was him.

The tiger from the markets.

His tiger.

The first thing to come out of Jimin’s trembling lips was a nervous laugh, covered quickly by his hands.

“How… How can this be?”

The tiger laughed too, all sharp teeth, dark eyes, his hair no longer hidden by a hat, wild curls springing out from around small, cute, ears. 

“Trust me, I am just as surprised as you are.”

“You’re… Not V. You’re Taehyung?”

“That’s correct.”

“I knew that was a fake name!”

“Obviously, pretty bunny.”

The praise made him blush, Jimin stepping away, suddenly ashamed.

“Are… you going to cancel the engagement? Now that you know?”

“Cancel the engagement?” Taehyung frowned, his garments fitted and perfect, so much different from his attire in the marketplace. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I let you touch me,” Jimin lowered his voice, shaking in all his finery, the ruffled lace around his throat itching like a burn. “That’s… not how a prince is meant to act.”

“I let you touch me too,” Taehyung’s name suited him, the more Jimin studied the tiger, falling into the name and the role of the prince so well that Jimin mentally scolded himself from not having known the first time they met. “Are you going to call off the engagement as well?”

“I don’t have a say.”

“Well, neither do I.”

The pause was awkward, Jimin swallowing loudly, not daring to blink as Taehyung stared him down with a gaze so heavy it almost had the rabbit’s knees folding.

“Is that why you run away to the markets?”

“Yes,” Jimin replied, standing still, trying to calm down his racing heart. “I’m not the important son — I could get away with it.”

Or so I thought.

“You are important,” Taehyung murmured, a soft rage simmering beneath his perfect face. “And you should be allowed your freedom.”

“That’s not something we can have.”

Me, Seokjin, Jungkookie.

We will never be able to make our own choices.

“You don’t have to marry me.”

“I do,” he fought back, clenching fists at his sides. “So if you don’t want to marry me, you’ll have to be the one to say it.”

Taehyung smiled sadly.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the day we met.”

Jimin scoffed, despite his furious blush.

“I’m sure you say that to every rabbit that has had the pleasure of your company.”

“A pleasure, was it? Ah, I’m glad.”

Smirking suited the tiger far more than sadness.

“Don’t be lewd.”

“It’s a little hard not to be when I remember how tight you were around my fingers, Mimi.”

The tiger prince giggled as Jimin gasped and fought to press his hands across that handsome smile, the two entangled, Jimin pink in the face and sweating beneath his silks and laces.

“Be quiet! Do you want to get in trouble?”

“Trouble?” Taehyung licked at Jimin’s hand the way a naughty pet would, the smaller prince trying not to screech in disgust. “We’re meant to be married — if anything, getting caught would just hurry the ceremony along before either of us try and fuck someone else.”

“You are not very princely, did you know that?”

“I’m barely a prince, so it fits, don’t you think?”

Taehyung was still holding Jimin by the wrists, tugging him lightly, pulling him closer and Jimin didn’t object even though it was so wrong to be doing this under his Father’s roof.

Felt good though.

Like the same way sneaking out felt good.

“Why were you in town that day?”

“Shopping,” Taehyung replied, his scent clean and sweet, like lavender bathwater and yet something else that had Jimin’s thighs clenching. “I told you.”

“Princes can’t just travel to a foreign land and shop.”

“They can if they’re 9th in the line for the throne. Well, technically, I’m 14th in line if you count my older sibling’s children… but the 9th has a good ring to it so I’ll hold onto it for now.”

“You have eight older siblings?”

“I do indeed.”

“Do you get along with them?”

“I’ve barely met them all,” it was nice to be so close to Taehyung, seeing small ears wiggle in luscious brown waves. “I don’t live at the castle, and I don’t visit often.”

“So, what do you do then?”

“Roam,” the tiger hummed, tilting his head, not letting Jimin break their gaze. “Go to new places. Sometimes touch pretty rabbits between their legs until they run away back to their palaces.”

“Are you trying to make me jealous?”

“Perhaps. Is it working?”

“You’re supposed to come to me as a virgin,” Jimin teased, rolling his eyes and yet not pulling himself from Taehyung’s hands. “Isn’t that the deal with these sorts of agreements?”

“Is that something you care about? Because I don’t.”

“You don’t?”

“Not at all.”

Now Jimin pulled away, a shard of pain in his chest, irritated and just a bit angry, trying to hide it well.

“What a mistake it was holding onto my innocence for you then — should have given it away to the first predator who wanted it.”

The Tiger Prince finally wore an expression that wasn’t smug or knowing, and Jimin adored the way gorgeous features clouded over with mortification.

“You’re… a virgin?”

“Of course I am.”

Spluttering, Taehyung reached out again, only to be slapped away.

“But you took my fingers so easily, and you kissed me first—”

“That’s different.”

“Pretty bunny,” Taehyung cooed, so close, so much closer than he was allowed, Jimin letting him but still refusing to meet his eyes. “You are a much better prince than I am.”

“I never wanted to be.”

“I’m sure.”

“I wanted to fuck one of my guards, it nearly happened too—”

“Mimi—”

“But I needed to keep it for my wedding so I only let him watch me play, and then he got assigned somewhere else—”

“Are you trying to make me jealous now?”

“Is it working?”

“Obviously,” the tiger growled, a low rumble, the sound like a pulse against Jimin’s back as he was pulled into a tight embrace. “I told you I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you since that day, and you want to tease me like this? What a cruel bunny.”

“You shouldn’t be touching me like this.”

“Why?”

“You’re touching me as if we aren’t strangers.”

“We aren’t strangers,” teeth against his ear, biting gently into sandy fur. “We bought each other gifts, we kissed and you said you wanted me to fuck you… I think that at least makes us friends.”

The shudder was violent, and slick started to gather and spill as Jimin did his best to remain composed.

“I did want you to fuck me.”

“Not anymore?”

Tremble, tremble, tremble.

Jimin refused to answer.

“You’re saying you didn’t think of me too? My feelings are hurt.”

Of course I have, Jimin wanted to reply, but the push and pull was too much fun, and Prince Taehyung’s slight pining was winning the rabbit over.

“What will happen once we get married?”

“Whatever you want to happen will happen,” Taehyung whispered, his words pure and aching with truth. “Have you thought about what you want?”

“I want many things.”

“Tell me about them.”

Jimin felt a smile break out across his lips, reminded of the marketplace, of kissing Taehyung there against brick walls and grinning into their wrongdoings. 

“Now that I’m put on the spot, I… I don’t really remember what they are.”

“Maybe we can figure it out together.”

“Maybe.”

“Jimin,” he sounded so serious suddenly, the fluff of Jimin’s tail quivering against Taehyung’s stomach as they shared such an intimate moment together, in between ferns and flowers, the sunlight kissing everything with gold. “Even without having met the way we did in the market, without having seen your portrait on the way in and realising you were that lovely market boy — I came here with the intention to make my future bride happy, and that’s been my plan since the day I knew I was betrothed to you.”

It was sweet but hypocritical, Jimin huffing out a sad laugh.

“If that was your plan since betrothal, then you shouldn’t have kissed me in the markets.”

“Actually, you kissed me.”

“Well, you should have said you were betrothed.”

“And you should have too.”

Shit.

“The happiness I planned to provide was just that, my Prince — Happiness. Happiness means different things to different people. Maybe you would have been content with money, with another lover, with the freedom to travel, with staying here with your family… Maybe you’d even want me, and we could spend time falling in love and doing anything that makes us smile.”

That sounded too good to be true.

Too easy.

“That sounds impossible.”

“Nothing is impossible. Did you know Taehee has a harem of female lovers? And her husband has been in a relationship with his childhood sweetheart for over a decade? They do whatever they want and they’re happy, so it’s not impossible for you and I to do the same.”

There was no reason to doubt him so Jimin found himself relaxing in strong arms, letting himself be held, a kiss pressed between his lopped ears in such a sweet, domestic way.

“What is Reyadni like?”

“Warm,” Taehyung answered, spinning Jimin around to face him. “And busy, but everyone is friendly and the food is better than anything you can imagine.”

“Are there markets there?”

“Of course.”

“Would you take me?”

“Absolutely.”

Heavy lashes fanned across the tigers cheeks as he blinked and smiled, so contagious that Jimin couldn’t resist a grin himself. 

“I still can’t believe it’s you.”

“Guess that means you thought of me too then, right?”

Cheeky.

Jimin replied against his lips.

“Obviously.”

It was meant to be a soft kiss, chaste and cute and something to convey that Jimin was happy to be reunited, but the grumble in Taehyung’s chest made him quiver and pant, digging little hands into rich fabrics, the two of them refusing to break or let go.

Kissing in here was dangerous, the threat of getting caught making fear curdle in Jimin’s chest, ebbed away with surges of arousal as warm palms cupped his cheeks, deepening the kiss, Taehyung’s rough tongue licking whimpers from the rabbit prince.

“Trouble,” Jimin whimpered, yet not finding the strength to stop. “Wait—”

“Just one more, bunny,” the tiger growled, his eyes now dark and dangerous, eyeing Jimin up like the prey he was. “One more kiss to see me through the torture of tonight’s wait.”

Tonight’s wait.

Because tomorrow, we will be married.

And then we can do anything we want.

I saved myself for this, for you.

“I don’t want to wait.”

Touched Taehyung over his clothes, cupped at his cock and kissed him sweetly.

“I don’t want to be married with my virginity.”

Taehyung groaned, bucking his hips into Jimin’s palm.

“Want you to take it from me tonight, so we can be equal.”

“Meet me tonight then,” Taehyung murmured, keeping his hands to himself because riling the rabbit up would make a mess that they both knew couldn’t be ignored. “We can finish what we started.”

“Where are you staying?”

“The guest wing in your palace,” and that made sense because of course his Father would be hospitable for royalty, close to the throne or not. “I’m sure I’ll be under lock and key though.”

“I know secret passages — I’ll come find you.”

“And what if you get caught, pretty bunny?”

One last kiss, last squeeze at his big cock, and Jimin let go, a smile splitting his pretty lips apart.

“The danger is half the fun, Prince Taehyung.”

They made it seem as if the stroll in the greenhouse had been tame and uneventful, the King and Princess Taehee returning, a knowing look from the woman as Jimin bowed to greet her once again. They parted wearing their princely facades, and as Jimin was questioned by his Father on the way back towards his room, he was already planning tonight.

The halls he’d take, the guards that were assigned, the best places to hide and what he’d say if he did manage to get caught. Not that it would matter because they were to be married the next day anyways, but it could prove scandalous if word got out that Jimin gave his virginity up before he was meant to, possibly tarnishing their family for the sake of slight rebellion.

It will be fine though, he thought as he was abandoned in his chambers, his Father in a bad mood, Jimin waiting for his departure before running down the halls to visit his poor, lonely Jungkookie. 

It will be fine, he thought as he jumped onto Jungkook’s bed and told the cute rabbit how he and Taehyung were soulmates because he believed it to be true, keeping most hidden but letting Jungkook know he was happy, that Taehyung made him laugh and that the tiger was so, so handsome.

It will be fine.

Fine.

Fine.

But then it was late, dark outside his window and Jimin was a trembling wreck, staring at himself in the mirror of his vanity set, washed and bare and working up the courage to make the journey to the other side of the palace.

He was barefooted, a silken night robe tied tight around his waist, and any more clothing would have looked suspicious to any guards, Jimin ready with a handful of lies at his disposal.

I couldn’t sleep, I was going to the library to read.

I miss my brother Seokjin, I’m wandering to stop myself from crying until he arrives in the morning.

I’m scared to be married, I wanted to talk to Princess Taehee about what to expect.

They all seemed good and plausible, things that no guard could rightfully interrogate Jimin over.

And yet still, he trembled nervously.

Maybe it wasn’t the fear of being caught though, that had Jimin’s hands fumbling with his door, glancing out through the crack, left and right, left and right before seeing the hallway was clear of night patrol.

Maybe it was other things.

Things like letting someone finally take his virginity.

He’d thought about it with that guard, all those years ago, but had reigned himself in and just touched himself instead, the guard a handsome rabbit made bright red as he’d stood against the door and stared on, basically salivating on the floor at the sight of Jimin in heat.

There were boys from the markets too, ones that Jimin had let touch him the way Taehyung had done, hands in his pants, sometimes even dropping to their knees and licking the slick from Jimin’s ass, things that felt good but also didn’t really count, the urge to be mated never as overpowering until he’d been with Taehyung out there in the streets.

I wanted him to mate me, bite me, breed me, fuck me, I almost let him do it all.

Should have let him do it all.

Would have saved me from sneaking around like this.

Footsteps coming from around the corner gave him pause though, paralyzed, pressing up against the wall, his room too far to sprint back towards without making a sound.

Taehyung rounding the hallway was a sight he’d not expected.

“Go,” the tiger whispered with a gesture, dashing towards him, grinning, his hair wild, Jimin holding in all his giggles at the sight of the disheveled looking prince. “My sister can only occupy the guards for so long.”

“I was on my way.”

“You were taking too long.”

“How do you even know where my chambers are?”

“It was a good guess,” Taehyung laughed, an arm around Jimin’s waist, Jimin guiding him towards his doorway with haste. “Also, I might have watched you when you left the greenhouse.”

“Stalker.”

“Yes, yes, hurry now Mimi, this stalker does not want to be on the end of a guard’s sword tonight.”

“Okay~”

No one was by his door, which was pulled opened and then locked in a matter of seconds, Jimin on Taehyung like he was set free from restraints, kissing at him and clawing at his own bed clothes, Taehyung gasping with surprise, using his strong arms to pull the rabbit from the ground.

“My goodness, this is a different bunny from the greenhouse excursion.”

“Kiss me back,” Jimin begged for him, wriggling and writhing, carried across to his massive bed. “You smell so nice.”

“So do you,” Taehyung dropped Jimin into his mattress, climbing on top of him with a growl, licking into Jimin’s needy mouth as Jimin’s nerves fled and left him eager, tearing at Taehyung’s pants. “I can’t get over how beautiful you are.”

Finally getting Taehyung’s pants down, exposed properly, his cock hard and proud and standing to attention, Jimin laughed, relieved.

“Please tell me you’re not laughing at my dick.”

“My brother tried to scare me before he was wed to the wolf prince,” Jimin dragged his hand down the length, fingers barely wrapping around it. “Said tigers had barbs on their cocks. I knew he was lying.”

“...We do, Jimin. Did you not know?”

“...What?”

“They only appear during breeding, I usually just pull out so they can’t, uh… happen.”

Panic flooded Jimin, but curiosity lingered too, his chest heaving, panting, his grip on Taehyung’s cock not as confident as before.

“Please explain.”

“If we have sex,” Taehyung blushed for what must have been the first time since Jimin had met him, embarrassed to be explaining his biology. “If I don’t pull out before climax… the barbs push through my skin and make it so neither of us can escape the breeding.”

“Does that hurt??”

“For me? Or you?”

“... Both?”

“It doesn’t hurt me,” the tiger looked nervous, as if Jimin was seconds away from changing his mind. “But I don’t know what it would feel like for you. Or anyone in that position. I’ve never done that to someone before.”

“Why are they even there?”

“It’s for making sure female tigers get pregnant,” Taehyung laughed, averting his eyes. “Biology makes them like putting up a fight — only the best and strongest partners can keep them down for a breeding.”

“Sounds… violent.”

“I’ve heard it can be.”

“And you’ve never?”

“No.”

“But surely you want to, right?”

“...”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“It would be nice to finish inside someone,” Taehyung mumbled, his eyes softening, a tilt of a smile in the corner of his sensual lips. “But not at the cost of hurting the person I’m trying to make feel good. Doesn’t seem like a fair trade.”

“Maybe it’ll be easier with me,” Jimin added, pulling the tiger back down for more kisses, wrapping his legs around a strong waist, Taehyung groaning loudly. “Because I get so wet.”

“I… d-don’t think it works like that.”

“Let’s try it out and see.”

“Sounds like a good way to scare you out of our wedding.”

“Don’t underestimate me,” the rabbit snapped his teeth down on Taehyung’s lower lip, getting a delicious growl in return. “I don’t mind some pain.”

“That almost sounds like a challenge, little prince.”

“Maybe it is.”

“You’re on, then.”

“Bring it, tiger.”

Jimin was experienced with the lead up, the kissing and the touching, hands working Taehyung’s length firm and slow, pinned beneath the bigger man in the sheets of his virgin bed. He sucked on Taehyung’s tongue, groaned and felt a hand sink between his thighs, and when familiar fingers pushed inside after so long without them, Jimin shuddered and felt slick drench everything.

“ Fuck ,” Taehyung snarled, a bead of sweat running down his tanned throat. “Almost forgot how wet you get down here.”

“All rabbits are like this,” Jimin mewled, wanting to be naked, trying to untie his night robe. “Didn’t you know?”

“Never been with a rabbit before.”

That made Jimin happier than he could even put into words, spreading his legs instead, rolling his hips on Taehyung’s hand, desperate to get on with the lovemaking. 

“I’ll be your first then, just like you’ll be mine.”

Taehyung smiled, a big rectangular grin, pressing his fingers in deeper and deeper, Jimin arching off the silk sheets with a breathy whimper.

“I think we might be soulmates, crown-prince-look-alike.”

I think you might be right, Jimin wanted to reply, but he was coming without warning, a squeal and a jolt, arms wrapped tight around Taehyung’s shoulders, his own mess splattering between them.

The tiger was panting at the sight of it all, the rumble back in his chest, growling, growling, and the sight of Jimin’s pleasure splashed up his stomach and chest must have snapped the restraint inside of him, eyes sharpening, teeth bared, his tail flickering behind him like a predator ready to pounce.

“ Rabbit .”

Tears welled in Jimin’s eyes, overwhelmed with the pleasure still rocking through his shaking body, his ears splayed out across the linens, a terrified arousal like electricity in his blood just from the way Taehyung stared him down.

“You’re so pretty.”

His robe was peeled away, untied with slick-stained fingers and slipped from his limp form, arms and legs pliant as Taehyung spread him wide, pulling at his hips to raise them from the mattress. Like this, finally naked and wet and about to take his first cock, the sight of Taehyung’s length made him shiver, wondering how on earth it was ever going to fit.

If it would hurt.

If the barbs would tear up his insides.

Maybe I should have waited for tomorrow, for Seokjin to arrive.

He could tell me about wolves and knots.

Maybe it’s the same.

Maybe—

All thoughts fled as he was finally made full.

Taehyung was gentle considering the glint in his eye, the glint of a hungry predator that wanted to eat, pushing into Jimin with restrained hesitation, nails sinking into the soft flesh of his waist. It felt strange and Jimin’s toes curled with the intrusion, panting, eyes wide, watching veins pulse in Taehyung’s tense arms. 

Full.

I’m getting so full—

But true fullness was Taehyung bottoming out, fully sheathed inside as Jimin whimpered uncontrollably, the tiger ducking his head down and kissing at Jimin’s chest, nipping his skin and dragging a tongue across his nipple as if to distract the bunny from the loss of his virginity. 

“So tight,” Taehyung rasped, and maybe all the attention was a distraction for him too. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay,” little fingers ran their way through waves and curls, patting back little ears, feeling them wiggle and twitch as he scratched carefully around them. 

“Does it hurt?”

Jimin laughed, clenching himself around Taehyung’s cock.

“Not yet.”

“We don’t have to—”

“Yes,” Jimin locked his legs around Taehyung with a grip that had the other wheezing, demanding and determined to see this all through until the end. “We do. I want it.”

Their kiss was wet, all tongue and lust and excitement. 

“I’ve thought about this for so long,” Taehyung finally started to move, tail tickling around Jimin’s knees, rolling himself back and forth slowly, Jimin’s eyes rolling in tandem as he adjusted to everything fast. “Since we met, since I gave you that book and kissed you in that alley—”

“Still haven’t read it,” Jimin mewled, his own ears twitching, stomach burning with need. “I’m sorry—”

“Let’s read it together, after we marry—”

“Yes—”

They held hands as they made love, Jimin thrilled at how good it felt and how he knew his Father would be so angry if he ever found out, an unwed prince giving away his innocence to a predator, slicking up and moaning like a paid whore. 

Taehyung looked so handsome too, his honey skin now flushed with pinks, his hair damp with the sweat of hard work, and Jimin hoped they could travel together lots once they were wed, and fuck in all the difference places the world had to offer.

We were meant to meet that day in the markets.

We are soulmates, I know it, I know it, I know it.

“Jimin,” his name sounded so perfect, falling from those gorgeous lips. “I’m so close—”

The fear was back, the fear of the pain.

But Taehyung deserved to feel good too.

“It’s okay,” he kissed and reassured, locked his thighs tighter and clenched around Taehyung’s big cock desperately. “Breed me, mate me, I want it—”

The cute gasp that left Taehyung’s mouth as he came was something Jimin would cherish forever, along with the sight of tiny ears folding down into wild hair, eyebrows scrunched up, drool glistening on Taehyung’s tongue as he did all he could not to bite.

And then the pain came, and Jimin’s entire body seized up.

Sharp prickling from inside him, feeling the barbs make their presence known, his hips jerking away but unable to pull off even an inch.

Oh, this is what he meant.

They’re pinning us together so Taehyung can finish properly.

The tiger was still coming, Jimin feeling it gush into him, so much that he was surprised his belly wasn’t swollen, rubbing Taehyung’s back in reassurance, trying his best not to move so that the barbs didn’t tug and pull.

Fighting against this would be impossible, would be so, so painful, but laying there and accepting Taehyung’s breeding almost felt… good.

Pleasurable.

Maybe Jimin was a little sick to feel that way, but it was like a claim of sorts, held together and made one by the barbs, like they were fabrics joined together by sewing pins. 

“Sorry,” Taehyung mumbled, still as a statue, all muscle tense as he let sweat drip from his chin. 

“Don’t be sorry,” Jimin tried to hide the wince as he shifted Taehyung to kiss, cupping his sharp jaw and pressing sweetness to dry lips, Taehyung reciprocating with a low growl. “Doesn’t hurt at all.”

“That’s because you’re not fighting to get away.”

“That’s because I don’t want to get away.”

Taehyung giggled cutely, relief flooding through his perfect face.

“You’re lovely, Mimi.”

“As are you,” Jimin whispered, wishing this night wouldn’t end and yet knowing it had to so everything good could happen. “My soon-to-be-husband.”

“Not soon enough.”

“Such a cute tiger.”

“And you’re a naughty little rabbit.”

“I’m sure I’ll get more naughty with more practice,” Jimin purred, scratching back at Taehyung’s furry ears again, loving how they wiggled and flattened out. “And you’ll be wishing you married a sweet bunny, like my little brother instead.”

The mention of Jungkook darkened Taehyung’s face, and Jimin caught the flicker of guilt in brown eyes, chasing it quickly.

“He’s marrying the Snake Prince… isn’t he?”

“Yes,” Jimin swallowed loudly, Taehyung finally softening, no longer prickling at Jimin’s insides. “He is.”

The silence was uncomfortable, and Jimin couldn’t bear it.

“Do you know something?”

“I’ve been to their land,” Taehyung continued, voice hushed, sitting up as Jimin followed, the two wrapping their gowns back around their naked shoulders. “They’re… preparing for something. Something bad.”

“They’re preparing for war,” Jimin added, relieved that the gossip he’d heard hadn’t been fabricated, and yet now scared that Jungkook was in more danger than he’d thought possible. “I don’t trust whatever arrangement my Father has made with them, but there is nothing I can do.”

“He should come with us,” Taehyung murmured under his breath, as if keeping a secret from the world. “And live in Reyadni, far, far away from it all.”

That was a nice idea.

But it was impossible.

“My brother Seokjin said he would try and fix this,” Jimin continued, having faith in Seokjin and his promises, the way tears gathered in his eyes the night before he was supposed to meet Namjoon. “I know Jungkook will be safe, I know they won’t hurt him.”

Taehyung nodded, but he didn’t look like he believed it.

“Whatever it comes to, I’ll be by your side. Whatever it comes to, Mimi.”

“Thank you, Taehyung.”

Watching as his tiger got dressed and snuck out of his room before dawnbreak was sight for sure, last kisses before they’d be woken to get ready for the ceremony, Jimin tired, his thighs sore and his insides aching, giggling as Taehyung dashed off down the hallways, sneaking back into bed, the sheets warm from where Taehyung had been.

They couldn’t stop smiling as they were wed, Jungkook and Seokjin in the front with tears in their eyes, and seeing Seokjin’s happiness with his wolf gave Jimin hope for the future, hand-in-hand with his tiger, kissing him with a giggle as they were bound together in marriage for everyone to see.

“You look so happy,” Seokjin hugged Jimin that day, the celebrations underway, everyone feasting and dancing and having a good time, even shy Jungkook taking up Princess Taehee’s offer for a dance. “I hope he treats you well, Jimi.”

“Oh, I’m sure he will. Are you happy with Namjoon, out there in the woods?”

Seokjin blushed, and Jimin didn’t miss the sight of light scarring on his neck, just hidden beneath silk ruffles, the older rabbit clearing his throat.

“I am. You should come visit one day. Jungkookie too. Maybe… he will like it so much, he’ll plan to stay a while.”

Jimin understood.

“Is… that the plan, then?”

Seokjin nodded, squeezing Jimin’s hand.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing,” Seokjin promised, kissing Jimin’s forehead. “Just enjoy your wedding and your time with Taehyung, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

“I’ve missed you.”

“And I’ve missed you too.”

“Come dance with me,” Jimin called for Jungkook once Seokjin left to share wine with Namjoon, pulling his little brother into a close embrace, Jungkook wine-flushed, his white ears floppy and cute. “I want to dance with my baby brother.”

“Jiminie,” Jungkook whined, holding tight, clumsy on his feet. “Prince Taehyung is h-handsome.”

“Isn’t he just?”

“D-do you think Prince Hoseok will be too?”

Jimin cooed, spinning Jungkook in his arms.

“I do.”

Jungkook’s eyes were glassy, his lips bright, cheeks flushed, and yet he looked so… sad.

“Will he be my soulmate, like you and Taehyung a-and Seokjin and Namjoon?”

I can’t lie to him.

But… I don’t feel like I am wrong about this either.

“I think destiny awaits you,” Jimin whispered, stroking Jungkook’s white fur. “I think everything will be okay.”

“Okay,” Jungkook was tired, was too drunk, needed to go to bed soon and hopefully have a dreamless sleep. “Then I won’t be t-too scared.”

“Good bunny.”

He and Taehyung made love again that night, again in the morning before they were to leave for Reyadni, and as they climbed into the carriage, all Jimin’s packed belongings tied to the back, he kissed Taehyung and felt his tiger beam with happiness.

“Everything is going to be perfect, Jimin.”

“I know,” Jimin smiled, believing it with his entire heart. “I know.”

“Especially for Jungkook.”

Jimin didn’t doubt that either.

“I know.”

“So don’t worry about anything.”

“I won’t.”

Hand-in-hand, off to live in the life Jimin had always wanted.

Thank you, Taehyung.

Because of you, I know.

Everything is going to be alright.