Fallen (Taekook)

CH 17 - Chan

Jungkook got up to see what was taking Hobi so long and audibly gasped when he saw Chan at the door. His reaction caused Taehyung to jump to his feet and then the others followed to see, except Yoongi who just shrugged and kept drinking his wine.

Namjoon had not seen his former co-worker in a very long time. He and Chan used to be good friends, as both of them worked closely in the beginning. It wasn't until it became clear they were competing for the lead angel position that their friendship began to fray. It was Chan's jealousy over Namjoon seemingly being preferred by Him that led to his downfall. The last time Namjoon was visiting Earth, he had a somewhat friendly chat with his former friend. However, those were different times. The lead angel and the fallen one stared at each other as the others watched.

Taehyung spoke up, "Chan, come in. I don't want to disturb my neighbors. Say your peace and then please leave." He walked over and placed himself between Jungkook and Chan, as if to protect his love from what might happen.

Chan walked in and they all stood in the living room staring at each other. Yoongi decided to come see what was going on. A smirk grew on his face as he decided it might be worth sticking around to watch, glancing between Joon and Chan. "If only I had some popcorn," he jokingly thought to himself.

Namjoon cleared his throat and spoke up, "Chan, it's been a a few years." It had been around a hundred years, but who was counting? There was a tense silence for another minute as the two continued staring at each other. "What can we help you with?"

Chan broke his gaze from Namjoon and looked over at Taehyung and his human lover. Chan had figured out awhile ago what was going on with those two and had a good idea where that would lead. "I was going to ask what you all are doing here, but I think I already know."

Jin went over and stood beside Joon, as if he would protect him from any troubles that Chan might cause. Jin had been there after Chan had fallen all those eons ago, and knew how his fall had caused Joon much grief. Jin stared at the fallen angel and stated flatly, "This is none of your business, Chan. You shouldn't be here. You've caused enough problems already, and there is nothing you can do to help."

"Me?" Chan played the innocent. After his fall, he had become bitter and wanted to inflict as much damage as he could. At the time Chan was the first and only fallen angel. He had been ejected from heaven, and all of his friends had turned their backs on him. So of course he lashed out by trying to mess up the paradise that He had created for these new creatures. Though Chan had an idea of the destruction that humans could cause if given a taste of free will, even in his wildest imagination he never would have guessed how far things could have spun out of control. He stared back at Jin and replied, "It seems to me that I'm the only one here with actual experience that could help."

Namjoon sighed in response and shook his head. "You may think you know what's going on, but you can't really understand. And in fact, in some ways ..." He trailed off thinking before continuing, "Actually in many ways, you're the cause of the problems we're here to discuss. Unless you're here to atone, you are not wanted, and as Jin said, you should leave."

The tension in the room was thick. Taehyung held Jungkook's hand and could feel him shivering. He was about to ask Chan to leave, when Chan turned his focus to Taehyung and the frightened human behind him. "Despite what you all think, I am not here to cause trouble," Chan stated. Glancing over at Namjoon and Jin he continued, "But I'm also not here to atone for my past deeds." His gaze settled back to Taehyung, "I want you to know that I am here for you, if you need to talk. You know how to find me."

Jimin grew angry over the way Chan spoke to his friend. It was as if he knew exactly what was going to happen and how the trial would be decided. Jimin wanted to believe that there was a chance for Taehyung to be acquitted, and so his anger boiled over. "How dare you presume to know anything about what Taehyung is going though. He doesn't need advice from you or any of your kind!"

Yoongi pulled Jimin to him and wrapped his arms around his trembling love. He focused his gaze on Chan and said, "You've had your say. Just leave."

They all watched as Chan glanced between each of them. Settling his eyes on Taehyung one last time, he seemed satisfied as he got a very subtle nod from the angel. Without another word, he turned and left. The tension in the room immediately began to deflate with the fallen angel's retreat. The seven of them fell onto the sofas and collectively sighed.

"He's so annoying. Him and his minions," Jimin huffed. Yoongi wrapped an arm around Jimin and pulled him closer, smiling as he smelled his lover's hair. He peppered Jimin's neck with soft kisses and smiled as he felt him relax.

Hobi nodded his head as he looked around at his friends. "It's like he enjoys causing problems wherever he goes."

Jungkook was sitting next to Taehyung, holding his hand. He could feel that Tae was still tense, and he used his thumb to stroke circles on his love's hand, even though he was still rattled as well. Jungkook was surprised when Tae spoke up in defense of Chan. "For a change, he was actually trying to help. You guys know as well as me that Chan is not all bad."

Namjoon's jaw clenched at Taehyung's words. In his mind, he was thinking that things here were worse than he expected. If Taehyung was willing to take advice from the fallen angel, there was probably not much he could do to help him out. It was just a matter of time before He made his displeasure known. Namjoon stood up suddenly, causing the others to jump. "There's nothing more to be said. I've told you of your charges. You've seen others' trials and know what to expect. Prepare as best you can."

Jin stood up with him and asked, "Will you come home with me for a bit or do you need to return to heaven immediately?" He stared into Namjoon's eyes, sensing his love's distaste over this whole situation. Jin thought that perhaps if he talked some more with Joon, he might be able to get some more intel that could eventually help Taehyung. Not to mention that it had been several months since they had any time together.

Namjoon turned to his love and nodded. "I can't stay long, but yes I can stop by so we can catch up." He smiled softly at Jin who had visibly brightened knowing that he was going to get some alone time with the lead angel. Namjoon turned back to Taehyung and his smile faltered. The young human was wrapped around the angel caressing his sides, and it was clear that the two truly loved each other. "This is not going to end well," Namjoon thought to himself. He plastered a smile to his face and said his farewell. "It was good seeing all of you. Please keep up the good works, despite all of the problems out there. We do what we can, right?" He watched as the other angels nodded and felt somewhat placated.

Jin went around the room and hugged his friends. When he got to his new friend, he lifted the young man up and swung him around. "It was so good to meet you, Jungkookie. I'll come back and visit more often." He let the human down and tossled his hair once more. "Taehyungie, I'll be in touch." The two angels nodded at each other and smiled.

Jin walked back to Namjoon and held his hand. The two glanced one more time at their friends before turning towards the balcony. They walked out and immediately flew off, leaving the other five to their own thoughts.

It was quiet in the living room for a minute until Jungkook spoke up, "I'm going to miss him." He had grown fond of Jin during the previous week. Realizing that his words could be misconstrued he added, "And Namjoon seems nice too. Though maybe he should loosen up some." Jungkook smiled softly, but then stifled a yawn.

Taehyung pulled the young man onto his lap and hugged him tightly. "Joon's just doing his job. He has a lot of responsibility." He kissed the young man's cheek and turned to his fellow angels. "I hope you all can stay longer. You're welcome for as long as you want. But for now, I am taking this gorgeous man to bed." He stood up, carrying the now embarrassed younger man in his arms and walked to his bedroom. The sound of the two lovers giggling could be heard down the hallway.

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