Finest Jin

Return

"This is the part I hate." SeokJin grabbed my hand and sighed, steeling himself for the big push through the crowd as we disembarked from the plane. We came nervously down the gangplank and turned into the terminal. 

"Jungkook!" The strapping youth was all smiles, waiting excitedly for us at the gates. "What are you doing here?" 

He hugged us both, his warm scent smelling of home. 

"Came to welcome you both home properly." He grinned at me over his arm that was embracing his hyung. "SeokJinnie, Noona." I gladly took my hug next. Kookie gave me a proper squeeze, then grinned mischievously as he kissed the top of my head, mocking my height. 

"Punk." I gave him a playful punch to the gut. He doubled over in fake pain. Jin caught my eye and shook his head. JK scooped up my carry-on bag, and Jins', and led us off at a rapid pace towards the exit. 

"How was your trip? Have fun? Bring us any souvenirs? Did you miss us? You missed us, didn't you?"  Jins' almond eyes creased smaller. 

"You seem nervous...overly talkative...Kookie, what are you up to?"

"Nothing at all." This was said with a sweep of the arm holding open the doors where Namjoon and Yoongi stood, each with a babe in arms. We both gasped and Jungkook beamed. 

"Oh my gosh! Hi! Hello, my sweet babies!" I couldn't resist the urge to lean down and kiss the chubby cheeked girl in Joons' arms. "Hello, Namjoon. How are you?" 

He passed me the baby, wrapping us both into a hug. 

"Welcome home, Noona." His expression was melted butter as he gazed at my daughter. "She likes me, I think. And I like being an uncle." I kissed his cheek, smiling at the blush that followed. 

"Of course she does. Best uncle ever." I turned to see Jin taking his son from Yoongi. Once relieved of the baby, Yoongi crossed his arms and shot me a dirty look. I laughed, offering an apologetic hug. 

"And you, Yoongi-Ah...Swaggiest uncle ever." His face was scrunched in consideration before accepting with a nod. 

"I'll take it." He opened his arms, adding a dramatic "come now" gesture with his fingers. Like a king summoning a servant. I laughed as I obeyed. 

"So, are we ready?" The six of us turned back to the handsome man paused now before the final set of doors. The last divider between us and the public. We could hear the buzz of the crowd now, a steady, excited murmur that bespoke big energy. It raised the hair on the back of my neck.

Jin looked down at the child in his arms, then glanced at me and the child I held. I saw a flash of fear. 

"Why would you...? What were you thinking?" 

Namjoon smiled. He had assumed the mantle of "RM" now and was prepared to be the guiding force in this situation. 

"It's okay, Jin-Hyung. This has been months in planning. It will be safe." Even now, bodyguards were flanking us, discreetly moving into a circle around us. The idyllic fairytale had ended. We were about to get a brutal awakening trying to get two infants safely through a mob. SeokJin was slowly shaking his head. He didn't agree with this plan but had chosen to bite his tongue. I decided to follow suit. He had spent a lifetime learning to trust his leader. I now needed to do the same. 

"Hyung, this is Respectful ARMY. Remember? We have been working on this a long time. No phones or cameras in the front row. No movement. No loud noises." Jungkook looked to Suga and RM for support. All had shifted into performer persona. 

"They were good when we came in." Suga noted. Jin nodded. 

"It's our ARMY. This is a new beginning. They trusted that we would deliver as we promised. We have to extend trust to them too." Jin reached over to run his fingers over his daughters' cheeks, then reached up to touch mine. I could practically read his thoughts. In his eyes, the vision of Jimin being swallowed by a murderous crowd was dancing through his thoughts... He took a deep breath.