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In the open hallway, Yoongi discovered that the muffins - that had smelled like toasty spring hot-cross buns - fragrance had dwindled down and the rustic (but somehow sweet) scent of autumn had wafted in through the blowing vents. His stomach rumbled noiselessly and ached for food, and while of course Yoongi didn't at all want to stay here, he still savoured the moments of peace, and although while eating someone was constantly prodding at him, trying to take control and feed him, talk to him, casting him sideways glances to make sure he was eating properly, Yoongi still found himself looking forward to mealtimes. It was the best food he had ever tasted. Better than convenience store noodles and sloppy school-meals, anyone would agree.
Now the trouble for this morning seemed to be over, with no consequences, Yoongi hoped the rest of it went by smoothly with no bumps or turns. So, with food the only thing on his mind, Yoongi was dumbstruck when Jimin's soft fingers curled gently around his wrist, halting him from taking the first step down the grand polished wood staircase.
"Sorry, petal, but I don't think you're steady enough to go down by yourself yet," Jimin said sympathetically. Yoongi was baffled, but humiliation and defiance crept up from his empty stomach at the man's next words.
"I'll have to carry you."
Yoongi released a noise of indignation, breaths coming in faster and with adrenaline-fueled strength, he jerked his wrist from the man's clutch. The hunger pains circling deep inside his gut became embarrassment because no way was he going to let Jimin carry him. With Seokjin and Namjoon not here Yoongi felt braver, and the freedom Jimin had offered him so far felt so sweet on his tongue. He wasn't about to let go of it just yet.
"No," he muttered feebly, eyes shooting down towards the steps just inches away. Through the distant noise of the kitchen vent whistling Yoongi could hear Jeongguk singing. It wasn't a familiar song - then again, he had never had the privilege of listening to music before and after he got taken, unless you counted melodic lullabies and nursery rhymes - but he could tell Jeongguk had a lovely singing voice. It was breathy and honeyed; something you would listen to on a quiet cloudy night.
"I'm sorry, Yoongi, but I can't take any chances. You could slip and hurt yourself very badly." Fingers curled underneath Yoongi's armpits. They were determined but at the same time had a tender feel to them. A wet cry bubbled past Yoongi's lips and he clamped his armpits down as tight as he could, small feet kicking out and willowy arms pushing at the much broader man. However, it wasn't his physical resistance that made Jimin release him, but because he had begun to cry.
Yoongi tried his hardest to stop the tears, but they wouldn't stop falling. Salty tears streaked his cheeks. Yoongi foolishly wondered if his eyeballs were melting at one point because of the abundance of tears. He didn't know why he was so sensitive today, he had cried twice and he hadn't even had breakfast yet.
