Little Space

big for months

A few months had passed and Yoongi was beginning to get extremely worried. Since that day with everyone watching Jimin, he hadn't slipped back into his headspace. Yoongi loved spending time with the big Jimin, but once in awhile the headspace is good for him. It was good for Yoongi too, since he was able to focus on nothing but his Jimin. The younger had never gone more than a few weeks without going into it, and now it's been months.

Jimin had recently gotten a job as a dance instructor where Yoongi was a producer. He worked almost the same hours as Yoongi, so they could spend time together when they were both off of work. Jimin taught other kids to dance and Yoongi knew it had to be at least a little stressful. Handling all those kids and trying to get their bodies to move in a certain way, in sync? Yoongi couldn't even imagine.

Yoongi had started considering asking Jimin if he wanted to be little. His only problem was Jimin usually liked to slip into it on his own terms. Yoongi had forced him into it only that one time and he had been on the verge of it anyway. Yoongi wondered if he could force it again. Jimin had seemed to be a little antsy lately. It would help them both a lot.

"Hey, Jiminie?" Yoongi asked. Jimin was watching TV on the opposite end of the couch from Yoongi. His socked feet were under Yoongi's thighs, trying to warm up his toes in their chilly apartment.

"Hm?" he answered, keeping his eyes on the screen.

Yoongi sat up and moved closer to Jimin. Jimin glanced at him curiously. Yoongi lifted his hand and ran it through Jimin's hair, moving his bangs from his face. He pinched Jimin's cheek lightly. Jimin raised his eyebrows.

"Hyung, what?"

"Shh, baby," Yoongi whispered with a smile.

He poked Jimin's lips with a finger and kissed his cheek. Yoongi stood up and moved to another area in the room. Jimin kept a close eye on him. The elder picked up the blue elephant and handed it to Jimin. He took it hesitantly.

Yoongi went into the kitchen, leaving a confused Jimin on the couch. He filled a sippy cup with some apple juice and brought it back to the living room. He handed it to Jimin. Yoongi patted Jimin's hair once it was in his hands.

"What's this for, hyung?" Jimin asked. He was starting to feel uncomfortable. He pulled his knees to his chest and pouted.

"You're just such a good boy, baby," Yoongi tried.

Jimin just looked down at the items in his hands.

"Do you wanna draw? We could go get ice cream or something? Candy?" Yoongi held out his hands and gave Jimin a hopeful smile.

Jimin didn't respond. He just slowly placed the elephant and cup on the coffee table. He returned his hands to his lap, looking down.

"Baby?" Yoongi asked. His face had quickly fallen from a smile.

Jimin shook his head. He avoided eye contact.

"Baby boy, are you okay?"

Jimin gave Yoongi a sad look. "Don't — I'm not — Hyung..."

Yoongi turned away for a second, gaining a bit of confidence before returning his gaze to Jimin. "What's wrong?"

Jimin shrugged and looked down again. He leaned back against the couch.

"No, no, no, Jiminie. You don't get to brush me off." Yoongi moved closer to him and pulled Jimin's head against his chest. He rubbed his back lightly and played with his hair.

"I dunno, hyung," Jimin muttered.

"You know you can tell me. You know I won't judge you or anything. So why won't you tell me?" Yoongi asked. He kissed Jimin's head softly. "You haven't gone into your headspace in months. Why?"

Jimin swallowed nervously and cleared his throat. "I just... I dunno. I feel like maybe... I shouldn't be such a burden or... I don't know," Jimin mumbled. "You just, all you guys watch over me so often and I feel like... Like I'm forcing you to..."

Yoongi kept petting Jimin's hair as he talked, comforting him. He wanted Jimin to get everything out before he stopped him. Yoongi kissed his temple gently, closing his eyes.

"And maybe everyone thinks I'm weird or something and... and that's why you guys take care of me. Like, 'oh, he's a burden. Let's pamper him because we feel bad' type thing. I dunno." Jimin sighed and closed his eyes, snuggling into Yoongi's chest.

"Jimin-ah?" Yoongi said. Jimin nodded his head softly to let Yoongi know he was listening. "You know you're being silly, right? I love you, as does everyone else. You have no reason to feel like this. I'm so sorry you do."

Jimin shrugged once more.

Yoongi smiled. "Jin hyung and Namjoon-ah? They treat you like their own child. From the way they look at each other when with you, I'm surprised they haven't gotten a kid yet. They love you so much."

Jimin kept quiet and fiddled with his fingers.

"Hoseokie is so in love with you, little or big. I don't know how you haven't tired of him yet. That guy is a walking ray of giggles and sunshine. I'd kick him out if seeing you didn't make him so happy."

Jimin laughed quietly. "You love him too," he whispered. Yoongi grumbled.

"And those two brats, Jungkook-ah and Taehyungie. Jungkook-ah won't even let you run around. He keeps you in his freakin' lap because he's so protective of you. Why would he do that if he didn't love you?"

Jimin was smiling softly now. He hid his face against Yoongi's chest.

"Taehyung-ah. You know how much that brat loves kids. He's got a best friend that's also a kid sometimes? It must be heaven for him. Someone that laughs at his weird antics and slips into a beautiful little headspace? Damn. Lucky fucker."

Jimin burst into laughter. Once he stopped laughing, Yoongi continued with a smile.

"How long have we been together? Years? Wouldn't I have left if I didn't love every single part of you? I know I say I love you a lot. No matter how much I say it, it doesn't invalidate the meaning. I love you. Okay?"

Jimin sat up. He hugged Yoongi gently and kissed him. "I love you, too."

"Good. I need someone to put up with my grumpy self."

Jimin giggled and placed his head back on Yoongi's chest. "Thank you, hyung." Yoongi just kissed him and continued playing with his hair.