Guardian

17

Jimin held Namjoon close for a long time, throughout the questioning and the trip to the police station. The police let him, and Namjoon didn't protest, snuggling against Jimin and purring as hard as he could.

It was clear Jimin felt guilty, for what Namjoon didn't know. Jeohoon had been sick since he was a child, since he decided Namjoon was the perfect target for his animosity. It had nothing to do with Jimin at all.

But Jimin didn't seem to get that. And it worried Namjoon. He wanted Jimin to be happy. He wanted him to smile.

He didn't like this crumpled-up expression Jimin wore.

When they got home, Jimin searched the house top to bottom, checking closets and beneath furniture, then locked all the doors and closed the blinds, sighing and flopping onto the couch. Namjoon pressed a paw to his chest, stretching up to touch noses with him, and Jimin huffed, petting his head gently.

"Sorry about all that," he said.

Namjoon hopped off of his lap and shifted, coughing a bit at the sudden weight of his human frame.

"Namjoon--"

"Not your fault," Namjoon grumbled, reaching out and pulling Jimin into his arms. "Stop blaming yourself."

Jimin let out a shaky sigh, leaning into him, and Namjoon leaned back until Jimin was lying on top of him, listening quietly as Jimin struggled to control his breathing.

"It's not your fault," he repeated.

"But I didn't lock the door," Jimin said. "If I'd locked it--"
"It doesn't matter anymore," Namjoon said, barely noticing the difference in spacing between his words as they became smoother, easier to say. "You came back. I'm safe. And I gave him a couple cuts to remember, besides."

Jimin laughed wetly, scooting up and snuggling into Namjoon's chest. "You sure did," he said. "Y-you looked kind of funny, clinging to his head like that..."

"Did I?" Namjoon asked, shifting his arms to Jimin's waist.

Jimin nodded, rising slightly on his arms to look down at Namjoon. "You were so brave," he said, running a hand down the side of Namjoon's face. "What changed?"
"Got mad at him," Namjoon chuckled. "He was in your house without permission, trying to yank me out from under the bed. He was asking for it."

Jimin nodded, laughing again and dropping his head onto Namjoon's chest. "And then I called the police on him... I almost feel sorry for the guy."
"Don't," Namjoon said sulkily, pulling Jimin a little closer. "He made his choice. It's not our responsibility anymore."

"The court system would beg to differ," Jimin groaned. "But whatever you say."

Namjoon snorted, resting his head against the arm of the couch and blinking slowly at Jimin. Jimin hummed, propping his head up again, and watched him repeat the action.

"What does that mean?"
"Huh?"

"The blinking," Jimin said. "You're always doing it at me. What does it mean?"

"Oh, uh-- nothing," Namjoon said quickly, but his face warmed, betraying him.

"Tell me," Jimin huffed, wrapping his arms around Namjoon's waist. "I wanna know!"

Namjoon's face grew warmer, and he sighed, bringing his hands up to cover his face.

"What is it?" Jimin asked, his voice softening as he took in Namjoon's embarrassment.

"Means you're special," Namjoon said, almost too softly to hear.

"Means I'm what?"

"You're special!" Namjoon said, making Jimin flinch. "You're special. To me. I mean--"

Jimin pulled his hands away from his face, and Namjoon squeezed his eyes shut.

"Namjoon," Jimin cooed. "C'mon. Look at me."

Reluctantly, Namjoon opened his eyes, and Jimin smiled at him, leaning forward.

"Is this a confession?"

Namjoon's face couldn't have gotten any redder. For a moment, he floundered-- not sure if he was ready, if he really knew, if it was wise to admit it, then nodded, swallowing.

"You're special to me," he repeated.

Jimin cooed, letting go of Namjoon's hands to cradle his face instead. "Well, guess what?" he said softly, leaning in.

"What?" Namjoon asked.

"You're special to me too," Jimin said, so close Namjoon felt their noses brush. "More special than anyone else I've ever known." And he kissed him. 

I felt?? shy?? Writing this?? 

I hope you like it...