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It was supposed to be a busy night at the Rabbit Hole Bar as Taehyung and Jimin both had the closing shift. The pair had been laying on Taehyung’s bed, going over the performance schedule that night. It wasn’t long until they drifted off for a nap.
After about an hour, Taehyung’s eyes fluttered open. He turned to throw his arms around his best friend to wake him up only to find he was no longer beside him. He sat up, rubbing his eyes to focus as he looked around.
“Jimin-ah?” He called out for him. However, there was no answer.
He got up and headed to the kitchen. Then on the counter he found a bag from Granny’s Diner and inside was a grilled cheese sandwich he must have delivered for him. There was a note in the bag. He pulled it out and saw it had Jimin’s writing that said:
“My Angel,
Had to run off early to set up for tonight. Don’t rush over to help. I can get Jungkook to do the heavy lifting so take your time! I’ve got this! Relax, put on some music and enjoy the sandwich!
See you tonight,
Jiminie
P.S. I already had all the fries. Couldn’t let them go soggy! But they were awesome. Sorry!”
The former Prince pouted as he sat down to eat the sandwich. He gazed over the note, disappointed.
However, not over the fries this time. It was a bit odd Jimin didn’t wake him up to have him help out. It was always unexpected when he ordered food for them. Knowing Jimin, he probably didn’t want to disturb his rest as he had been working double time lately. That was one of the things Taehyung loved about him. The little thoughtful things he did warmed his heart every time.
As he continued eating, he couldn’t stop staring at Jimin’s writing where he called him “My Angel”. He felt such warmth within every time he heard Jimin’s voice in his head calling him the sweetest nickname, the name he gave him the first day they met.
However, the meaning had changed over time. Taehyung referred to him the same. He was also his angel, his savior, his… love.
Despite what others felt about the Cheshire Cat, Taehyung was certain that was exactly what he was full of. Love. People rarely saw that side of Jimin. All of his Wonderland friends often referred to him as a menace, a master of mischief, the ultimate flirt and untrustworthy feline that thrived on chaos. However, to Taehyung, that was only a few of his many filters. If only he could tell him he knew the real him… and loved him for it.
Love him? Is that what Taehyung was feeling? Yes, he loved him. He was his best friend, his unlikely counterpart. Who would have thought the Prince of Clubs would be friends with the mischievous shapeshifting spy of the White Queen’s Court? It was simply fate and as Jimin always said, it was serendipity he was the first person he befriended in the Enchanted Forest when he had no idea who he really was. It was no mystery they grew close and not only as roommates and best friends but soulmates.
Soulmates that were often seen bickering but yet, they were rarely seen apart. Taehyung had to catch himself for the few times they weren’t seen together. He simply never had a conversation where he didn’t mention Jimin. Whether it was complaining about him, worrying about him, praising him… it was all the same. Despite living together, it didn’t matter how many times he had seen him that day, Jimin was always on his mind.
Every time he stared into his piercing, aqua gaze, there was always a softness to it compared to when he looked at others. Taehyung had always been a highly observant man. He could catch his gaze all the way across the dark and crowded bar. He had butterflies every time they had those moments. It was hard to ignore such a feeling. He felt his world complete when he was around. He never felt the same way about anyone. Sure, he had a few crushes over the years. However, ever since he met Jimin, he would never be the same.
Was he actually in love with him? Yes. He was certain about that. No matter how many times he tried to deny it himself, that it was merely an attraction to him since that’s the effect he had on others. Of course Jimin was the ultimate flirt and had a few lovers but Taehyung doubted any of them saw Jimin’s true self like he did. His true self was the most beautiful he had ever seen.
Yes, he was in love with him.
Did Jimin feel the same? He showed many signs of that possibility. The way Alice had told him how many times he was caught staring, the little sweet and considerate things he did for him, not only how affectionate he was but the tender touches he gave him. He didn’t seem to treat anyone the same way. Taehyung tried many times to ask him but he feared if he didn’t, their friendship would be ruined for sure. He didn’t know what to do.
He thought of confiding in Jungkook, the former White Rabbit as he knew him the longest. However, he was certain he would attempt to talk him out of even telling him. He warned him about him many times already. That wouldn’t do. He didn’t know him like he did.
There was only one person he knew that was likely to have been through the same dilemma. The White Queen of the Rabbit Hole herself, Alice. He remembered her mentioning the Hatter was her soulmate and eventually fell in love. But how? He had to know the whole story and he had to tell her. She knew he and Jimin were like two peas in a pod as she often joked when she asked where each other’s half were. He had to see her.
After finishing his lunch, a puff of golden smoke covered him as he magically teleported himself, ending up outside the Hatter’s home. He knocked on the door and moments later, Alice was there to greet him with a smile.
“Taehyung! This is a surprise. Come in!” She led him inside.
He began biting his nails, fidgeting a bit. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Not at all… and stop biting your nails, Tae.” She gave him a slight glare.
“Sorry…” The former Prince placed his hands behind his back. It was a habit he still had to work on but it had gotten much worse lately.
Alice led him to the potions room where something sweet was brewing. “I was just working on a blend before I head to work. We can head over together.”
The former White Queen was quite focused on this particular brew as she began searching the potions table for something. The Prince furrowed his brows as he watched her gliding back and forth from the potions table to the supply cupboard. Before he would utter another word, she began speaking to herself.
“... Oh heavens, where is it?... Ah, I must have left it upstairs in Grace’s room.” She turned to Taehyung. “I’m sorry, I gotta look for something upstairs but I’ll be right back!”
Taehyung let out a small sigh with a grin before watching her run up the stairs. Whatever he wanted to talk to her about had to wait for a few more moments. He understood how hard she worked on making her teas. Wherever it was, it smelled heavenly with his favorite fruit filling the air. It smelled of strawberries. A very strong scent at that. He was immediately drawn to it and found a cup sitting on the potions table. It must have been another one of Alice’s delicious tea blends and of sweet strawberries, nevertheless. Perhaps, she would appreciate him testing this particular brew out for her. He just had to try it.
He brought the cup to his lips, already hypnotized by the scent and took a sip. It was the sweetest, smoothest strawberry tea he had ever tasted. Then a feeling of warmth and relaxation filled him. He couldn’t wait to tell the White Queen how this was her best brew to date. Drinking more, he felt more and more at ease.
After drinking the last drop, his mind turned hazy, a sense of euphoria he had never felt before. He remembered why he was there. He wanted to tell Jimin how much in love with him he was. However, there was also a strong feeling of desire that filled him as well. Taehyung’s eyes were suddenly filled with an intense longing for his best friend. He had to see him at once!
In a second, Taehyung teleported himself to the Rabbit Hole where he was sure to find Jimin. He had to tell him how much he wanted him. Needed him. Desired him. The bar was not crowded yet but the moment he spotted Jimin cleaning up the bar top, he stormed his way over with an intense, burning gaze. Taehyung was clearly under a spell, full of pure desire, focusing solely on his best friend.
Jimin beamed as he saw Taehyung approaching him. “TaeTae! Hey! I didn’t expect you to be here until…Mmf!”
Jimin’s lips were immediately muffled by his best friend’s lips pressed against his. Taehyung wrapped his arms tightly around Jimin’s waist as he kissed him, pinning him against the bar. Surprised was an understatement to the former Cheshire Cat.
What was this? This was usually his move! How did Taehyung beat him to it? Was he drunk? Was he getting him back for leaving him while they were cuddling? Was he punishing him for stealing his favorite vanilla lip balm? Was this a joke?
Was… why is he such an amazing kisser? He couldn’t stop the questions popping up in his head. For the first time ever, the usually flirtatious former feline was the one blushing. Thank goodness his station was in the darker part of the bar.
It wasn’t long before Jimin began kissing him back, chuckling against his lips. Taehyung wasn’t saying a word as he continued to kiss him. And suddenly it grew quite passionate. Jimin immediately melted into the kiss, wrapping his arms around him as he began to moan against his mouth. Whatever got into his best friend, he couldn’t complain. If this was his new way to greet his roommate, it would be a welcomed change.
When Jimin was able to pull away for a moment, he couldn’t help but gaze into Taehyung’s eyes, filled with love and desire for him. However, when he saw him stare back with the same intensity, Jimin’s heart began to pound and his body let out a shiver. For the first time, he was speechless… flustered, even. It wasn’t a joke after all.
Before Jimin could say another word, Taehyung’s lips crashed into his, kissing him with much more fervor than before. He didn’t care if the few patrons in the bar happened to see them. It would be a good show for them anyway, he thought. Perhaps they could continue this in the wine cellar for some privacy.
Unfortunately, as enjoyable as it would be to fool around at work with his best friend, it was time to get back to setting up for the night. Jimin tried to pull away again, anticipating to resume this roommate with benefits makeout session later. But was it a roommate with benefits thing? The way he stared at him, the way Jimin’s heart was pounding in his chest for him, he could no longer deny it.
He was in love and had already been for a while but he wasn’t so sure until he finally kissed him. However, he had to be certain it was real.
The moment he pulled away to ask what had gotten into him, Taehyung’s lips were now on Jimin’s neck, planting wet kisses followed by a few love bites. Taehyung didn’t answer, moaning softly against his skin. Jimin let out a slight whimper, followed by quite the loud moan as it felt so heavenly. He couldn’t contain himself as his hand grasped Taehyung’s nape and made its way up to his dark locks, tugging it lightly.
Taehyung’s lips trailed more kisses to his jawline before capturing his lips once again. It didn’t look like Taehyung cared about going to the wine cellar. He had to have him there.
“Ohh, Taehyung-ah…” Jimin purred against his lips with a smirk between kisses. “I’ve… never seen you this way…” Taehyung pulled away for a moment, gazing at his true love in such a daze before his lips made their way back to his neck yet again.
Jimin’s aqua eyes rolled to the back of his head, pure desire filling him. Taehyung was driving him insane. He could no longer hold back how much he desired him just as much, wrapping a leg around him as his hips responded to his body pressed against him. As much as he wanted to transport themselves back to the apartment for a bit of fun, the evening rush was about to start.
He purred into his ear. “Mm, My Angel... We really need to get back to work… Taehyung-ah?”
However, Taehyung’s grip on him did not loosen. He held on to him even tighter. Jimin immediately sensed something wasn’t right. This wasn’t like him at all. He bit his lip, struggling to resist his wonderful kisses. But then it suddenly hit. Taehyung’s sudden boldness while he didn’t say a word, there was only one explanation.
He was under a spell.
Jimin’s heart sank at the realization. Now to break free from his strong grip to find what could be causing this. He had to call the White Queen in hopes she had something to break the spell. Though, did he really want it broken?
Jimin rolled his eyes as he realized Taehyung wasn’t going to let him go anytime soon. In between kisses from his neck to his lips, Jimin began shifting a few steps to the side trying to make his way to the phone to call Alice. He didn’t care if the situation looked odd, a place like Storybrooke should be used to it by now.
Meanwhile at the Hatter’s mansion, Alice had finally found the bottle she was looking for as she made her way back downstairs. However, she discovered Taehyung was nowhere to be found. She called out for him but there was no answer. Then she glanced down at her potions table at the cup where she was letting the potion set… but it was empty. The former White Queen panicked, fearing the worst.
The Prince was nowhere to be found and they were to head to work together. It was likely Taehyung had mistaken the potion for one of her teas and remembering there was an essence of magical strawberries as the main ingredient, his favorite fruit. She had no doubt he had accidentally taken the potion, drinking the entire contents.
“Ohh no. This is not good.” Alice muttered to herself, regretting not warning him about it. It could have had a curious effect on those with Wonderland magic as Taehyung was nowhere to be found. She was about to find out. Luckily, she had the antidote she was looking for. Now to find him and give it to him. There was only one place she could think he would go after drinking such a concoction.
Teleporting herself to the Rabbit Hole, Alice asked around the bar if anyone had seen Taehyung and sure thing, she found him right where she feared he would be. All over the former Cheshire Cat.
“A little help… Your Majesty?” Jimin’s face was a dark shade of pink as Taehyung’s hands were wandering all over him, holding him firmly. Of course, Jimin was not putting up much of a fight but he didn’t wish to make it seem like he was the one taking advantage of his best friend.
Seeing Jimin flustered for the first time, Alice couldn’t help but hold in a chuckle as she took the antidote over to the couple. She struggled to get Taehyung’s attention as his lips were quite busy all over the former feline. The moment he lifted his head to take a breath, Alice opened the bottle in front of his face, the yellow smoke rising for him to take a whiff. She closed the bottle immediately as Taehyung pulled away from Jimin at last, his mind in a fog.
As Taehyung was taking a moment to gain composure, Jimin stared at him quite stunned.
He stuttered, “I… I’m gonna take a break.”
“Yeah… go ahead.” Alice nodded, observing Taehyung who didn’t seem to realize what was happening. She noticed Jimin practically ran out of the bar.
Taehyung’s eyes were still shut as he was slowly coming back to his senses.
“You alright there, buddy?” Alice placed a gentle hand on Taehyung’s shoulder.
“What happened?” The former Prince’s dark eyes gazed at her, confusion on his features.
She bit her lip, suppressing her chuckle. “You don’t remember?”
He shook his head before glancing around. “How did we get here?”
“You transported yourself after visiting me… How about we talk more over there?” She let out a small sigh before leading him over to a booth to sit down.
Taehyung held his head before bringing his fingers to his lips as it was feeling quite swollen, with a sweet taste of strawberries and vanilla lingering. It was a curious feeling indeed. He gazed at Alice across from him, her features full of concern. He did not like it one bit.
“What? Did something bad happen?”
Alice replied a bit sheepishly. “Not really? Amusing, yes, but not bad! Depending how you look at it…”
Taehyung rolled his eyes. “Your Majesty, what is it?”
“That ‘tea’ you drank when you came to see me? It was… a potion.”
His eyes widened as he panicked. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t know! I thought it was one of your delicious teas and… What does it do?? OH MY GOD I’M GONNA DIE!”
“NO!” Alice exclaimed but calmed herself as she reached out to hold Taehyung’s hand to calm him as well. “Nothing like that. It was supposed to be a relaxing, serotonin boosting concoction and it seemed to have a rather curious effect on you…”
“Okay?” Taehyung took a deep breath of relief. Relaxing and mood boosting potion. Not a problem, right? He reassured himself. Perhaps it made him forgetful.
The woman gazed at him for a moment, deep in thought. Wondering if it was possible he wanted to confide in her about his feelings for a certain former Wonderland feline. She had to ask before she told him exactly what he did.
“So, what did you want to talk about when you came to the house?”
“Just wanted to ask you a few things...” Taehyung’s cheeks grew a bit crimson. “Your time in Wonderland and… mostly, when did you realize you were in love with the Hatter? You grew up together, right?”
Alice couldn’t contain her smile as she nodded. “Yeah, we’ve been best friends since we were children and went on many adventures together. It took quite a long time for us to admit it to ourselves but it was there all along. And pardon me for being a bit corny but I knew we were soulmates from the beginning. I just didn’t realize how in love I was with him until I knew how much he truly meant to me.”
“Soulmates…” Taehyung couldn’t help but grin when he heard her say such a word. He was known to set up his friends, finding their own soulmates. He had that special magical ability after all. However, he never thought he would know the feeling until he spent more time with his best friend and roommate. It was more than an attraction to Jimin that drew him in, but simply the way he made him feel. Yes, Jimin was the ultimate flirt and didn’t have a problem getting attention, he could have anyone he wanted. But it felt much more different for him. The way Jimin actually made him feel special. It was the small things they did for each other, the way he felt so at ease with him even when they both were doing practically nothing. His day wasn’t complete without them bickering, laughing together, or holding his hand even for just a second.
“Hey…” Alice noticed the dreamy gaze in the man’s eyes and smirked. “Anyone you have the same feelings for by any chance? Perhaps… your roommate?”
The dark haired man gaped at her. “How… how did you know? You see us fight all the time and… is it that obvious?”
“Actually, I had suspicions. Even before the curse broke, I sensed a special bond between you two. I’ve never seen Jiminie get close to anyone and the way you stare at him when he’s not looking, yes. You are a little obvious. I didn’t know when you’d finally tell him, or rather show him, until… ,” she paused, biting her lip for a moment before she continued, “You accidentally drank the potion. Apparently that mixture has a rather extreme effect on us with Wonderland magic, amplifying its properties tenfold so it acted as a love potion of some sort. Well, more like an aphrodisiac. It brought out your deepest and most intense desires for someone… you’re truly in love with.”
“You mean to tell me that I came early to work to see Jimin-ah and… oh no.” Taehyung buried his now scarlet face in his hand. That explained the lingering taste of Jimin’s vanilla lip balm he stole from him and the swollen feeling on his lips. He wanted to bury himself deep into the earth and cry. This was definitely not the way he wanted to admit how much in love he was with his best friend.
Then remembering how Jimin took off so quickly as the spell wore off, he felt an ache in his chest. Looking up at the former White Queen, he groaned.
“That’s why he ran off so fast. He must hate me so much right now!”
“I doubt it.” Alice couldn’t help but grin. She was certain her old Wonderland friend felt the same way about the Prince as she continued. “He seemed shocked for sure but you’ve also seemed to have taken his breath away. I’ve never seen anyone get him all flustered before. Perhaps, you should explain yourself when he gets back. This might be the time to tell him.”
Confess his love for his best friend? Taehyung couldn’t imagine being the one to do it. What if he didn’t feel the same? He wouldn’t forgive himself for ruining their friendship. However, it also killed him inside, keeping such things repressed. Sooner or later he would have to face him anyway. It was now or never.
Taehyung got up and took a deep breath. “I’m not waiting for him to get back. I’ll do it now. Wish me luck.”
Alice gave him a reassuring grin with a nod.
Taehyung hesitated for a moment. “But how about the night rush…”
“I’ll handle it!” She gave him a light shove with a chuckle. “I believe in you, Taehyung. Go get him!”
Hearing those words gave him the courage he needed. He made his way out of the bar and knowing Jimin, he didn’t just take a break for a breath of fresh air. There was only one place he knew he would be if he needed to let off some steam. Making his way over to their apartment building across the street, he went up the staircase toward the roof. As he had expected, there was music playing and Jimin was there practicing one of his dance routines.
Taehyung silently watched him for a moment, in awe of his talent. He was always so mesmerizing to watch. He never grew tired of watching him dance.
Jimin was so immersed in his routine, he didn’t notice his best friend watching him. Once the song was over, catching his breath, he heard Taehyung’s voice behind him.
“Have I told you you’re the coolest performer I’ve ever seen?” His warm smile never wavered as he gazed at him fondly.
For once, Jimin was at a loss for words staring back at his best friend for a moment. Taehyung was back to his old self again but the way he looked at him, it seemed much more intense than when he was under some spell.
“Shouldn’t you be starting your shift now?” He picked up his phone to pause the song that played next.
Taehyung ignored the question and decided to cut to the chase. “Look, I’m sorry about what happened back there. I accidentally took one of Alice’s potions and it had a somewhat unique effect on me.”
“Yeah, I figured.” Jimin tried not to sound offended. He had no idea why he let a simple mistake bother him. He was certain Taehyung regretted his actions. He was embarrassed for even letting it get to him. They were only best friends. Nothing more, right?
Taehyung stepped closer to him with a sigh. “I’m sorry I took advantage of you and don’t want magic to ruin our friendship.”
However, Jimin couldn’t help but agonize over his kisses. He could still taste the sweetness of strawberries from Taehyung’s lips. After all that flirting they did back and forth, he wanted to avoid such a situation in fear of how he actually felt about him. He couldn’t deny the chemistry they had between them as if they were, heavens forbid, soulmates. And soulmates in love nevertheless.
“Hey, apology accepted.” Jimin glanced up at him with a small grin, hoping to shrug it off as if it were not a big deal. It was only a mistake and they would never speak of it again. However, he struggled avoiding his gaze. The way Taehyung was looking at him was difficult to ignore. He wasn’t done apologizing yet.
“No, that’s not all…” Taehyung shook his head and stepped even closer to Jimin, noticing he was avoiding eye contact with him. This wouldn’t do.
“Hey, look at me.” He said softly. Jimin let out a deep sigh and finally turned his head to meet his warm gaze. He wanted to melt. Taehyung noticed how bothered his friend really was. Perhaps the kiss really did mean something to him. There was only one way to find out.
“Jimin-ah…” Taehyung began as he took his hand. They held hands many times before but this time felt much more different. It was finally time to tell him.
“I’ve already told you before that I liked you the most and I wasn’t joking. The reason that Alice’s potion had such an effect on me wasn’t only because of my Wonderland magic. It ended up bringing out my deepest and most desperate desires for… “ He paused, gazing into Jimin’s sparkling aqua eyes before he finally admitted, “...my one True Love.”
True love. Jimin’s heart began racing and it wasn’t from dancing. A lump crept up his throat before he gulped, gazing up at Taehyung.
“You love me?” He struggled to hold back tears as his eyes began to well up.
Taehyung gave him a soft smile. “Yeah but you’re more than my love. You’re my angel, my soulmate and I can’t imagine living without you. I guess it took accidentally drinking a potion to realize that now…”
Jimin was silent. This worried Taehyung for a bit as he let out a sigh. “Jimin-ah, please say something.”
He let out a deep sigh, letting a tear fall before he finally replied. “I love you too and I feel the same but…”
“But what?” Taehyung couldn’t contain his smile hearing him say those words, taking a gentle hand to wipe the tear rolling down Jimin’s cheek. However, he frowned when Jimin looked away.
“I don’t know if I can do this. Taehyung, you deserve all the love in the world and I’d do anything for you but I’m no good for you!”
“How can you say that? You’re my best friend in the whole world!”
“What if you change your mind? What if this soulmate thing is bullshit? What if love isn’t real?”
“Jimin-ah…”
“I’m a terrible person! I’ve done so many terrible things I don’t deserve you!”
“Jimin-ah…”
“What if you fall out of love with me? What if I disappoint you? What if…”
Taehyung let out a deep sigh and smirked before wrapping his arm around his waist, pulling him to press his lips against his, shutting him up immediately.
Jimin melted into the kiss as it was much more tender and softer than when Taehyung kissed him under that love spell. He wrapped his arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.
Taehyung couldn’t help but grin as he kissed him. It was his first real kiss. It wasn’t long before they started lifting off the ground, hovering a few inches off the air. As topsy-turvy their magic was in Storybrooke, one thing was for certain, theirs combined was enough for them to fly. And without the need for pixie dust, nevertheless.
Jimin pulled away for a moment as he chuckled softly, noticing them floating together. Taehyung couldn’t take his eyes off him, a boxy grin spreading across his face. He wasn’t at all surprised. The only thing certain he was about his magic is that Jimin was truly his. It wasn’t long before Jimin pressed his lips against his again.
Taehyung pulled away for a moment, smirking against his lips. “You’re gonna be late for work again, my love.”
“Shut up.” Jimin chuckled against his lips before giving his side a small poke as he continued kissing him.
My love. He really liked the sound of that.