A/N: Next chapter is big, so this one is the calm before the storm. More importantly: I've already written and edited the next chapter. Expect another update within a day 💜

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓢𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓘𝓷 ˚｡➶˚┊

The first thing she heard was screaming.

She snapped awake, and she found the source of the screams immediately. A sweating, panting Jimin was next to her. His bare chest glistened in the dim light of his room. Y/n rested her hand on his shoulder, and he jumped and went to fight back. When he saw it was her, his terror turned to sorrow.

"Y/n," he mumbled, collapsing into her arms. She shushed him, kissing the top of his head and rocking him back and forth. His head was on her chest, soft sobs wrenched from his throat.

They stayed like that for five minutes. She stroked his damp hair and let him cry on her. She was wearing one of his tunics, the fabric flowing down to her thighs and covering her lower half.

He pulled back and whispered several apologies, but she brushed off each one, kissing him to shut him up. They ended up falling back in bed with her on top of him, still kissing. It went like that for another minute before she pulled back.

"Emperor?" she asked, and he sniffled before nodding. She hated seeing his swollen lips and puffy eyes. It didn't help that his nose was covered with snot that trailed down to his cheeks.

She grabbed onto the sleeves of the tunic, wiping his face and ridding him of snot and tears. He closed his eyes and let her work, but he still heaved. She placed her hand on his chest and helped him breathe. One breath in, another out. One at a time. She demonstrated, and he got through it not long after.

"Thank you," he muttered, kissing her one more time.

She shook the comment off. "Want to talk about it?"

"Same thing as always. The Emperor took me back. He found me and took me back to the castle."

She stroked his hair, laying down and motioning for him to curl up with her. He did, positioning himself so he still laid on her chest. She wrapped her arms around him and made sure to tangle her legs with his.

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I'm sorry you have to deal with this." He opened his mouth, but she placed her finger on his lips. "And don't say 'it's fine'. You know it's not."

"But there's nothing I can do about it, so I'm accepting it. I'm learning to live with it. That's all I can do, right?"

"I'm not sure. My nightmares are always the same, they've never changed since I was young."

"I'm stuck like this for a while," he said with a chuckle, but there was no humor in it. He stayed quiet for a minute. "We were here, in our room."

"Our?" she asked in a soft tone, continuing to stroke his hair.

He only seemed confused. "What else would I call it?" She knew smiling in a moment like this was inappropriate, but she couldn't help it. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No, of course not." She placed her hands on his cheeks and pecked his lips. "Continue. What happened in our room?" She knew she'd never get tired of saying it.

"We were here, at night. Just relaxing and kissing. Jungkook came in and started yelling about the Emperor... about Namjoon. We got caught. We had to run before they killed us all. The house got burned to the ground, and the Emperor was leading the charge. You got injured. I had to carry you and I thought I was fast enough but-" He broke off, Y/n shushing him, but he continued anyway. "You died in my arms."

"It was a dream," she said, coming a bit closer. "I'm right here. I'm in your arms, alive."

"You died in my arms," he repeated, his voice cracking. "I didn't want to move after that. I just... I held you while the Emperor came for me. He took me. He took me away from you."

She didn't know what to say. He clung to her tighter, and she accepted his embrace. They cuddled and focused on breathing. He calmed himself, no more tears flowing down his face. Jimin pressed his lips against her head, keeping both his arms around her.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"For what?"

"For waking you."

"Why would you be sorry? You know I love waking up next to you. I'm the one who should be sorry. You deal with all this, and I don't know what more I can do to help."

"You help," he was quick to say, cupping her face with his hands. "You help me. If I woke up without you here..."

"You would've actually thought I was dead?"

"Exactly." He paused to kiss her. She didn't care how chapped his lips were. "Can you promise me something?"

"What is it?"

"Can you promise me you won't leave me alone?" he asked in a murmur. "I never got it."

"Got what?"

"Why you're scared of being alone. I never understood why. Solitude was always my best friend. When I was alone, it meant no one was hurting me. But now..." He stroked her hair. It almost seemed like he wanted to kiss her again. "Even if we're mad at each other, let's promise never to leave one another alone."

"I can promise that," she said, softly smiling. "Do you think we'll keep our promise?"

"Obviously. We're too horny to keep our hands off each other-"

"Park Jimin!"

He laughed, and she froze up when she heard squeaky sounds. His nose scrunched up with his eyes, and his gorgeous eye smile showed itself to her. Some stray locks of his hair fell in his face and hid his beautiful grin. She brushed them back, holding her hands on his face afterwards.

"Soon enough, we'll free New Theon. We'll never have to worry about being alone again."

"What will happen when we win?"

"When," she repeated, rubbing her thumbs back and forth on his soft skin. "I like the optimism. When we win, we'll form a better New Theon. First we'll build more farms in every district. The ones we've been building in the outskirts have worked, but they're not perfect. We'll need the resources of the castle to make them better. After we solve the most pressing issues, we'll revamp the currency system and create new jobs and opportunities. Maybe even build academies in every district."

"And the leaders?"

"We'll have an election. We're not falling down the same path the Emperor did. All it takes is one bad leader to destroy a thriving nation. We won't do that. We'll connect with Moros, we'll reconnect with the Islands to make it more than a vacation spot."

"What about the Exodus Caves?" Jimin asked, and Y/n stiffened.

The Exodus Caves used to be a myth parents told their children to keep them from misbehaving. The tale went like this: the Exodus Caves were home to monsters worse than any Bassa. If a child misbehaved, their parents would send them there. Maybe a little harsh, but it kept kids in line.

"The Emperor's Navy guards it. That's down south, too far for us to go. Let's worry about the flagship and Mount Moros first."

"We don't know if anyone lives in the caves, they used to be a myth until the navy confirmed their existence," Jimin replied. "I've never been allowed to go. Namjoon went once on a mission to retrieve potential ores. He didn't make it far. As soon as he hit land, he heard screaming and crying. Like it was... cursed. Haunted."

"Looks like the old storytellers were onto something."

He chuckled. "Maybe one day I'll add to those stories." He paused, scooting a bit closer. "I listened to what you said, about being ambidextrous."

Her eyes jumped. "Did you write a story?"

"It's a draft, but yeah. I wrote it about-"

"Show me show me show me show me show me-"

"Princess," he said, giggling. She had never heard him giggle before, but the sound was just as beautiful as the rest of him. "I wrote five pages."

"That's better than four pages."

He went to rebuttal, but he stopped. "I hate that you're not wrong."

"Show me," she repeated, dragging out the last syllable until he caved. He got up and went to the corner of the room, peeling back a faulty floorboard and picking up a few sheets of paper.

"Kastor gave them to me. Apparently he's always had paper, he just didn't know what to do with it. That old bastard doesn't even realize how valuable paper is," Jimin said with a snicker, sitting on the edge of the bed. She sat up with him, placing her chin on his shoulder and hugging him from behind. "It's about this girl. She's very rash, makes bold decisions spontaneously. Tends to speak before thinking. Kinda stupid sometimes-"

"Is this book about me?" she asked in a deadpan voice.

He turned and strained his neck so he could peck her lips. "Obviously."

"Nice to know how much you care-"

"But she's also the most determined woman out there," he interrupted, keeping his eyes on her as best he could. "She has a chipped tooth that irritates her lips." As if on instinct, Y/n rubbed her lower lip, right over the scratch mark she sometimes got. "She never gives up on people. Even when the situation is dire, she helps people up. She never leaves anyone behind. She hates the ocean and being alone, but she loves exploring and discovering parts of the world and herself she didn't know she needed. And how can I forget her love of snacks? She loves them so much she leaves the wrappers on the table when she's done eating."

"I do not," she mumbled, Jimin pecking her lips again.

"And she picked up her friend's habit of fiddling with his fingers when he's nervous." Her mind instantly thought of Taehyung. "She loves winter and jumping in the snow. When she was a kid, she made a mini snowman and stomped on it, pretending to be the big bad ice queen."

She didn't realize she was tearing up until she sniffled. "When did I tell you that?"

He smiled. "She has an unhealthy obsession with soup and cheese. She always double knots her shoes and tucks her laces in to make sure she doesn't trip, but she ends up tripping anyway. She loves tattoos but is too scared of the pain and needle to get one. And she's the most gorgeous woman in her world, but she doesn't realize it."

She almost sobbed. "She sounds pretty cool. I think I'd like her."

"Oh and how could I forget the most important part? She has a dashingly handsome lover who charms her every time he smiles. And he's totally over six feet tall-"

"Jimin," she interrupted with a laugh, Jimin laughing with her. "Let me read it, I want to see the dashingly handsome lover."

"The dashingly handsome lover could always come to you," he said, placing the papers down and shifting back. He held her waist before kissing her. Y/n kissed back, sliding up on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck as they went further. They banged their teeth off each other's, causing them to groan and pull back.

"I'm starting to think we're too aggressive," she mumbled against his lips.

"Maybe just a little," he replied with a chuckle, giving her a peck while his hand got lost in her hair.

"You're distracting me. I want to read it."

"It's more of a diary than a story. I'm writing one page every day. I'll stop when I hit a year, then I'll make it my own little book of memories. All my raw thoughts in one place."

She sighed. "The therapists from Topside told you to do it."

He flashed her a charming smile. "The therapists from Topside told me to do it."

"So you didn't actually listen to me?"

His smile widened. "Nope."

She got off him, Jimin laughing the whole time. She laid back down and watched him put the papers back where they belonged. Soon enough, he was pulling her up against his chest. They cuddled. Like always, Jimin kissed the top of her head multiple times. She almost fell asleep, but Jimin tapped her back to get her attention.

"What is it?" she asked in a sleepy tone.

"Can you say it again?" he said, his voice soft and gentle. "The promise. I just... want to make sure I heard you."

She smiled against his chest, slipping closer to unconsciousness. "I'll never leave you alone. I promise."

And then, she fell asleep in his arms.

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚˚｡➶˚┊

"Moros is trying to contact us."

Y/n froze, peeking back at the rebel who spoke. His name was Valor, one of the grunts who worked in the outskirts. The rebellion was growing more by the day to the point where there were no loyalists near them. The closest loyalist factions were in the City. Vigilantes lived in the City, executing rebels, often publicly, and never receiving punishment from the Emperor. But why would they?

"How do you know?" Y/n asked.

"We have agents all over New Theon. They said they picked up a Moros representative. A big one, too."

"Anyone I would know?"

"Not you."

Y/n sighed and got up. Her leg throbbed, but this was far too important. She was near the end of Flerry, relaxing by the lake. It was strange, really. She hated water, mostly the ocean, but she found the lake calming. It reflected the glistening moonlight, the trees surrounding her blowing in the gentle winds as Mismas flickered a glowing cyan from their bodies.

The end of Flerry was rebel territory. There was a rebel tent not far from her, housing over a dozen of them. For the safety of the higher-ups, no lower-level rebels knew the location of the main home.

"Stay here. I'll be back in fifteen at most," she said, Valor dipping his head. His shaggy, long black hair fell in his face and covered his dark skin. She gave his shoulder an appreciative squeeze as she left.

She went back to the main home, double-checking to ensure no one followed her. When she entered, Jimin was sitting with Kastor, sharing a drink and eating a snack she didn't recognize. A type of honey chip that was so crunchy she could hear their chews from the doorway.

"Commander," she said, Jimin snapping his head up at that. "I need you."

"Wouldn't be the first time I heard that line," Jimin said. Kastor smacked him for that. "Ow. Fine, I'm going, I'm going."

Jimin snatched his flask from the older man's hands, tucking it in his back pocket and following Y/n outside. The cold air hit her, winter creeping in. There were no clouds in the sky, which meant no snow, but she knew it'd come soon.

"What's the problem?" he asked.

"Apparently our rebellion found a Moros representative. A big one. Someone you'd know."

"Me? I haven't spoken to anyone from Moros in months. Not since the summit."

"According to my source, you know them. Don't ask me, ask him when you see him," she said, leading him to where Valor was. The same man was waiting near the lake, picking his head up and approaching the two.

"Commander Park," Valor said, Jimin dipping his head in greeting. "I'm a rebel living in the outskirts with a few friends of yours."

"I don't have friends."

"Pretty sure he means my friends," Y/n said, Jimin chuckling.

"Alright, I'll bite. Why did you want to see me?"

"Commander Shawman is in the City. He said he's willing to talk to you about the state of the rebellion, but only you. We'll leave now-"

"No," Y/n interrupted, Jimin whipping around at that. She held her hand up before he could speak. "You, the most recognizable face in New Theon, going to the City, the most populated place in New Theon, to go find a potential ally? Not worth it. He needs to come to us."

"Not possible. He's there under the Emperor's orders. He's only allowed in New Theon thanks to the Emperor wanting to improve relations. If he leaves, they'll notice in an hour tops. They'll track him with Hellsirs and lead him right to your base."

"Make it a spot we'll never meet in again. Somewhere out in the middle of nowhere. What about the Rocklands?"

"Ma'am, with all due respect, by the time he gets to the Rocklands, the Hellsirs would have bit his ass off. They're four times faster than us. Even if he could get to Flerry or some unknown place in an hour, the Hellsirs will track him and eat him for breakfast, and that's assuming they don't pick up your scent and hunt you down too."

"Y/n, it's fine," Jimin said. She went to protest, but he kept talking. "I know my way around the City. We'll wear disguises and go in and out. It'll take a few hours at most."

"This is too dangerous and you know it. If even one thing goes wrong, you're exposed. We can't save you from the Emperor."

"I know. I'll be careful. You know I will." He turned back to Valor. "What's the plan?"

"A small group of us will go to the City and escort you to his location. We'll sneak in, give you two a proper meeting, then sneak out. We're bringing hackers with us to help with the cameras. They're keeping a camera on Shawman at all times. We need to disable it."

"That's why they know where he is all the time," Y/n mumbled, Valor nodding.

"We only got to speak to him thanks to a hacker taking out the cameras. We won't get that lucky all the time. We need to do this meeting, discuss the best way to help the rebellion, and move out. How's that sound?"

"I'm ready. I'll go gather my weapons," Jimin said. "Meet here when?"

"Give me an hour to get my folks. Make sure you wear something that'll hide your weapons." Jimin agreed. They went their separate ways.

Y/n and Jimin silently walked back home, Y/n limping here and there. When they got back, they entered their room, him taking off his shirt. She admired the ink on his back, ignoring all the scars on his skin. He put on a thick tunic and a chestplate, throwing a cloak on over it to hide his sword, the armor, and his bow and quiver.

"Did you stop to think about this?" Y/n asked, Jimin continuing to get ready instead of answer her. He grabbed a mask and put it on, pulling the hood of the cloak over his head. Seeing as it was night, he'd blend in well with the environment. Still, her heart skyrocketed inside her. "Jimin." He ignored her again. He tied his shoes, put on gloves, and fastened a utility belt around his thin waist. He put extra knives inside, letting the cloak cover them. "Park Jimin."

That finally got his attention. "What?"

"Did you stop to think about this? Going into the City as the most wanted criminal in New Theon's history? Sounds like a wonderful idea, right?"

"You know I have to."

"Not like this," she said, coming closer. "We could've come up with another plan. A plan to sneak him out-"

"And go where? The City itself is over an hour walk long. I'd have to go to the City anyway. You're the one who desperately wanted to meet Moros, Y/n. This is the best plan, and I think you know that, you just don't want to admit it."

"It doesn't matter-"

"Why don't you want me to do this?" he asked, facing her. She could barely see his eyes from behind the hood.

"I told you, it's dangerous-"

"Why."

She put her hands on her waist as if it'd make her seem strong. She trembled anyway. "I can't lose you," she whispered.

He stepped closer, placing his gloved hand on her cheek and rubbing his thumb across her skin. "I'm the best fighter in New Theon, and I won't be alone. Don't worry about me."

"I will anyway."

He pulled down his mask and took off his hood so she could see his face. "Look at me." She did. "I'm not going anywhere."

"But what if you do?" she asked, Jimin kissing her forehead before kissing her lips. He didn't pull back for what felt like years. In reality, it had to have been only a few seconds.

"Here," he said, taking out his flask and handing it to her. "Now you know I'll come running back." He paused. "Wait." He snatched it back, taking a swig from it before giving it to her. "Okay, there. I'll come running."

She managed to crack a smile at that. "Will you leave Shadow here too?"

"Of course, it'd be foolish to bring a giant Leeka into the City. Plus, I know you like her."

"I like her more than you like your hair."

He winced, but she saw the amusement in his eyes. "Hey now, let's not push it."

Jimin met her eyes. She wondered if he could see the distraught hiding there. Seeing as he brought her into an embrace, she guessed he did. They quietly hugged for a minute before he stroked her hair.

"I'm coming back. A few hours at most. I'll be back before sunrise. How about this, we'll watch it together?"

"Okay," she replied in a murmur, pulling back.

For the next half an hour, they stayed close, counting down the minutes until he had to leave. When he did, he put his mask and hood back on, heading to the front door while Y/n followed behind him. He opened it, Y/n wishing she could go with, but she knew two higher-ups in the City would be even more dangerous than one.

"Jimin," she said, him turning back. "Come back to me."

He nodded. And then, he left.

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓢𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓘𝓷 ˚｡➶˚┊

A/N: On a scale of 1-10, how in love are Jimin and Y/n?