Taehyung rushed down the hallways of the ship and found Lavender sitting beside Jimin by the engine room. She was crying, face burrowed in her hands as she let out sobs. Jimin had a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Hey- he- he didn't mean to do that. It was just a dumb prank, Lav. I'm sure of it," Jimin said softly, and Lav sniffled, hands coming down, light purple tears rushing down her eyes.

"B-but it was so mean a-and... made me look so dumb," Lav said in a small voice, and Taehyung walked up to her, gulping.

"I-I'm so sorry, Lav," Taehyung stammered.

"I'm really really sorry. I swear Jungkook thought he was being funny. He clearly wasn't. He can be a real asshole sometimes," Taehyung said. Jimin frowned.

"Um- no. Lav, Jungkook's nice. He's just going through some stuff right now-" Jimin started, and Taehyung scoffed.

"He's always going through stuff," Taehyung mumbled.

"Okay, and?? You've been a real jackass to him lately too if you haven't noticed," Jimin snapped, and Taehyung rose his eyebrow.

"That doesn't give him the right to do that shit to Lav!" Taehyung snapped back, and Jimin stilled. He saw Lav looking up at Taehyung with glimmering eyes and hummed.

"Okay. I'm gonna go. See you guys tomorrow morning." Jimin mumbled, turning around to walk away.

"Hey- I-I'm so sorry about that," Taehyung whispered, crouching down to face Lav, who was sitting on the floor.

"Don't worry about it. I feel bad for making you eat those things," Lav giggled, and Jimin heard Taehyung let out a soft chuckle. "But- i-is Jungkook okay? Jimin said he was going through things... a-and that you've been mean to him?"

Taehyung didn't reply in time, so Lav continued. "He said you two were dating... is that true?"

"He said what?" Taehyung let out, and Lav nodded. "Yeah. He said you guys have been together for a long time. Why didn't you tell me, Tae?"

Taehyung's throat went dry, and his hands balled into fists. "L-Lav... he's lying. We- we were together for a really short time I swear-"

"It's okay," Lav said softly. "I-I just thought you'd tell me this stuff..."

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Don't get mad at me, please." Taehyung said, and Lav giggled.

"Oh, silly! Have I ever gotten mad? But no- I'm just a little tired! It's been a long day. I'm gonna go sleep in Mr. Yoongi's room. He's a very nice man. Goodnight." Lav said, kissing Taehyung lightly on the cheek, and then walking away.

The moment Taehyung turned around, Jimin was standing there, eyebrows furrowed. "What're you hiding?"

"Nothing."

"Are you and Lav dating?"

Taehyung didn't respond.

"What happened on that ship, Kim?" Jimin snapped, and Taehyung kept quiet.

"Fine. Be that way. But I know you're hiding something. And I also know that you owe Lav something and that's why you're acting like that," Jimin whispered angrily, probing Taehyung's chest with his finger, and then turning around to walk away. Taehyung just gulped nervously.

Jimin walked away, and Taehyung took a deep breath and walked towards the rooms. His eyes widened when he saw Jin walking out of his room, holding Jungkook bridal style. Jungkook seemed to be asleep in his arms, and Taehyung's breath hitched.

He saw Yoongi walk up to Jin. "Put him in the infirmary for now. You seem tired, I'll look at him tomorrow morning." Yoongi said in a hushed tone, and Jin nodded. Both looked exhausted.

"What happened?" Taehyung asked in confusion, and Yoongi looked at him, and Taehyung almost saw a look of annoyance.

"Right. As if you care," Yoongi snickered, looking back at Jungkook. Jin sighed.

"He fell asleep on the floor in his room, and he's really fatigued and just- he-he's not doing too well," Jin explained the best that he could, and Taehyung walked up to him.

"You look really tired. Let me carry him," Taehyung said, and Jin took a step back, almost protective.

"No offense, Tae, but I think you should keep your distance," Jin said, and Yoongi hummed.

"Yeah. God forbid he do something slightly dumb and you shout at him so badly that he get another panic attack. Oh, wait," Yoongi grumbled, and Taehyung looked at him.

"He- he got a panic attack?" Taehyung asked, and Jin nodded. "Something like it. I know you were mad at him, and what he did wasn't right- but please don't yell at him that much that it makes him not breathe." Jin said, sounding a little irked himself.

"I didn't realize," Taehyung said dryly, and Yoongi looked annoyed, so he just turned around and went back to his and Hoseok's room. "Jin, let me take him to the infirmary. You need sleep."

Jin looked hesitant, and Jungkook looked uncomfortable in his arms, so Jin sighed.

"Fine, here, take him. Put him in the infirmary." Jin said, and Taehyung rushed up to him and took Jungkook in his arms.

Jungkook curled up in an instant, hands reaching Taehyung's shirt subconsciously and head tucked into the crevice of Taehyung's neck. Taehyung nodded to Jin, who looked at them in a melancholy way.

Taehyung carried Jungkook through the hallways and through the control room into the medical room. Taehyung walked into the dark room and placed Jungkook onto the bed, but the moment he did, Jungkook drifted a little in his sleep and stayed sitting upright. He opened his eyes.

"T-Taehyungie," Jungkook squeaked ever so softly, and Taehyung's darkened eyes loomed over him, hands on his waist.

Taehyung was quiet, so Jungkook reached forward, holding his shoulders tightly and resting his head on his shoulder.

"I-I'm sorry," Jungkook let out softly, and Taehyung gulped, hands leaving Jungkook's waist. "I'm sorry I d-did that- I'm sorry I was mean to you about the soulmate thing, I-I'm sorry about being mean to Lav," Jungkook squeaked, and then looked up at him.

"Please, T-Tae," Jungkook whispered, eyes big. "W-why're you being s-so... mean to me?"

Taehyung was silent. Jungkook looked sad with the lack of response. "Say s-something, please Taehyungie-"

"Don't do this, Jungkook. You need to sleep." Taehyung whispered, and Jungkook frowned a little, and fuck, his big doll-like eyes stared up at Taehyung like he was his whole world.

"I-I don't know what happened," Jungkook said, and then pulled away to look down.

"Y-you were so nice. So kind, so... so loving." Jungkook whispered, feeling pathetic, voice barely coherent. "A-and then- and t-then she came around and you-" Jungkook started, looking at him. "You changed."

"Jungkook-"

"I-I'm sorry I couldn't be enough. I'm sorry- b-but Taehyungie-" Jungkook squeaked, grabbing his shirt. "It h-hurts so much, Tae," Jungkook whispered. "I c-couldn't breathe- I n-need you to l-love me b-back- please-"

"Jungkook stop," Taehyung snapped, pushing him away. Jungkook's eyes widened. "Just- stop it. I can't- I can't do this." Taehyung said, and Jungkook looked down, fingers clasping around the bedsheet.

"Why?" Jungkook let out faintly, voice wavering. "W-why did you c-call me baby when you first saw me in the ship for the f-first time?"

Taehyung froze. His mouth went dry.

No answer. Jungkook turned around, lying down on the bed and facing the other way. The pain returned. The pain he got every time Taehyung neglected him or did something bad to him. The pain which was interlinked with them being soulmates.

"J-Jungkook-" Taehyung stammered, and then gulped, seeing the boy's body shaking lightly. "You're- you're cold." He said, and Jungkook continued looking the other way.

"Here-" Taehyung said softly, and then unbuttoned his shirt and laid it across Jungkook.

Jungkook felt his pain lessen at the gesture, in fact, he felt his body relax a little.

"Goodnight," Taehyung said, and then walked out of the room, Jungkook drifted off to sleep.

-

"Something's up with Taehyung."

"I agree. Did y'all SEE that fuckin' green shirt he was wearing the other day? I mean, what was that about?"

"No Hoseok- I mean, something bad is up with him. He's been so rude to Jungkook, been acting strange with Lav, and, on top of of that, he wore that ugly green shirt the other day, and phew, what the fuck was that-" Jimin said, and everyone nodded in agreement.

"C'mon people. Let's lay down some theories. Taehyung and Lav are dating." Yoongi said.

"But Taehyung called Jungkook baby when he first saw him on the ship. Shit don't add up..." Jin trailed and then gasped. "Lav's a weird alien and she's CONTROLLING Tae-"

"Oh my god, no. I agree with Yoongi. I think Lav and Tae are together. He's acting really weird around her and really seems to care about her." Namjoon said.

"Or- or, get this; Lav's secretly evil and she's MANIPULATING Taehyung into hating Jungkook-"

"Jin where the fuck are you getting these weird ass theories from? Damn- anyways. We need to do something." Jimin said.

"Well, you guys are in luck," Hoseok said, and then took out a little button shaped chip.

"Because I just made a lie detector last night when I was bored."

"Ugh, his mind," Yoongi said, kissing Hoseok on the cheek.

"Are you suggesting we put this on Lavender to find out what her intentions are and to see what evil bitchy shit she's trying to pull-"

"Lavender's not evil! For fuck's sake! She's the nicest person I've ever met like ever." Jimin said, and then looked at Hoseok. "That said- we're gonna put that chip on Taehyung, tie him down, and then ask him questions."

"Is this fair? Like... is this really our place? It's not really our business..."

"Shut up boring bitch. Yes, it's our business when it's fucking up the atmosphere of the ship! Everyone's being so aggy!" Jimin snapped, and then the door of the dining room opened and Lavender walked in.

"Hello... does anyone know where Taehyung is?" Lav asked softly, and Jimin was about to answer, but Jin grabbed his arm.

"Don't tell her, what if she tries to murder him, and-"

"He's probably in the control room," Jimin said, and Lav smiled. "Thank you Park Jimin!" She said brightly and then turned around to walk away.

"Nope. Okay, I see what Jin means. She's weird." Yoongi said, and Jimin frowned. "What?!"

"No one's that nice." Yoongi said, and Jin high fived him.

"You guys are just mean and rude and should drown as ASAP as possible." Jimin snapped, and Namjoon rose his eyebrow. "Um, that doesn't make sense-"

"Shut up. Okay, let's gather Taehyung and Jungkook in this room in like five minutes and fucking deck this shit out." Jimin said, and Hoseok sighed.

"What does that mean please speak normally for once."

"We'll bring Taehyung and Jungkook into this room and put the chip on Taehyung and then fucking deck this shit out-"

"No-"

"Okay! Go!" Jimin said, and then ran out of the room.

-

"Come with me."

"No."

"Stop being stubborn."

"I don't even know you!"

"Shut up, Jungkook." Namjoon snapped, and then grabbed Jungkook and lifted him up, throwing him over his shoulder.

Jungkook let out a weird sound. Namjoon stopped in his steps. "Did you just moan?"

"Ignore it please."

Namjoon rolled his eyes and walked to the lounge. Jungkook hit Namjoon's back, whining. "Where are we going? Is- is this a surprise party for me? Oh my god- wait, is it? EEK! Wait! Don't tell me! Or- wait do tell me, or-"

"Shut up, Jungkook. It's not a surprise party." Namjoon snapped, slapping Jungkook's ass.

Jungkook frowned. He felt himself get carried into the lounge and then dropped to the floor. Jungkook shoved Namjoon jokingly and then turned around and halted.

Taehyung was stood there talking to Yoongi.

"O-oh-" Jungkook let out, and Taehyung turned to look at him, along with the other guys. "I-I'm sorry-" Jungkook started, taking a step back. "N-Namjoon brought me here, Taehyung. I swear." Jungkook said quickly, and Yoongi frowned.

"What?" Yoongi asked, and Jungkook looked down, fumbling with his fingers. "Taehyung told me to stay away from him..."

Yoongi looked at Taehyung in annoyance, and Taehyung sighed. "I didn't- it doesn't matter," Taehyung mumbled, and then turned and walked towards the window. Jungkook looked at Taehyung longingly and sat down on the couch, confused.

"What's going on? Is this a surprise party for me? Oh my god! Is it? Wait- don't tell me-" Lav's voice came, and Jimin dragged her into the room and then closed the door from behind. Everyone was in the lounge now.

"Let's get it," Jin said, and Taehyung, Jungkook, and Lav looked confused.

"Sit down, Tae," Jimin said, and Taehyung rose his eyebrow. "Okay..." Taehyung trailed suspiciously and then sat down on the wooden chair in the middle of the room. The moment he did, Hoseok grabbed his arms from behind and tied him to the chair.

"Woah! Hey- what the fuck-"

"The chip! Quickly!" Hoseok said, and Namjoon rushed forward and put it on Taehyung's forehead. Taehyung frowned. "What the fuck is going on?!"

Lav giggled. "Oh my gosh, what's this fun game?" Lav asked excitedly, and Jin and Yoongi looked at each other. Evil, Jin mouthed, and Yoongi nodded.

Taehyung sat there angrily, tied to the chair. "What is this? Please don't be what I think it is.." Taehyung trailed, and Jungkook looked confused too.

"It is what you think it is, Kim Taehyung. Your doom." Yoongi said, and Taehyung looked down.

"Fine. But if you're going to gangbang me, I just have to say one thing. Can Jin go first-"

"What the fuck? What? No- we- we've put you on a lie detector. Why's that the first thing that came to your head??" Jimin asked, and Taehyung looked up, eyes widened.

"And why the fuck am I first?" Jin asked a little horrified.

"Lie detector?!" Taehyung shouted, and Yoongi sat down next to him, wearing a fedora.

"What's your name?" Yoongi asked.

"Your mom." Taehyung snapped, and then his entire body turned blue. "He's lying," Hoseok said, and everyone's eyes widened.

"What the fuck kind of machine- okay. Um. Where's your mother from?" Jimin asked, and Taehyung looked at his blue arms and gulped.

"Jupiter," Taehyung said, and his body turned back to his tan skin color.

"If he lies, he turns blue. If he tells the truth, he stays normal."

"Got it. Taehyung! Are Hoseok's shoes ugly?" Namjoon asked.

"No."

Taehyung turned blue.

"Yo what the fuck," Hoseok said sadly, and Jimin giggled.

"Yes! This is great. Okay, Jungkook, Lav, come here." Jimin said, and Lav bounced over to them, while Jungkook rushed up to him quickly as well, both looking with big eyes.

"This isn't any of your business, Park. Stop-" Taehyung started, and Jimin grinned at him.

"Taehyung, are you dating Lavender?" Jimin asked, and Jungkook gulped, and Taehyung licked his drying lips.

"No," Taehyung said, he turned back to normal skin tone. Lavender looked confused.

"Do you like Lavender? More than friends?" Jin asked, and Taehyung looked a little annoyed, a little upset.

"I'm not answering," Taehyung mumbled tight-lipped. Jungkook's heart faltered.

"Do you like Lav-"

"I'm not answering!"

"Taehyung, would you date Lavender?" Jimin asked loudly, and Taehyung looked at him with annoyance.

"Yes! Yes, I would!" Taehyung snapped in annoyance, and Jungkook's breath hitched.

Taehyung turned blue.

"Oh," Lavender let out, and Taehyung gulped. He looked at his skin and gulped.

"Tae. Did something bad happen on that ship?" Namjoon asked, and Taehyung shook his head.

"Use words," Hoseok said, and Taehyung gulped.

"No." He said. He remained blue.

"Don't lie, Tae. Did something bad happen on that ship?"

"Yes. Something really bad happened on the ship. Why don't you tell them, Taehyungie?" Lavender asked and the boys all looked at her. Taehyung shook his head.

"Don't, Lav," Taehyung said, and Lavender frowned. Taehyung saw her frowning for the first time.

"If you don't tell them then I will!" Lavender humphed, stomping her foot. She turned to face the boys. "Taehyung and I met after 3 days of him being captured. They threw us into the same jail cell." Lavender explained, and the boys nodded. "He was sick."

"Sick?" Jungkook asked, and Taehyung looked down. Lavender nodded. "Very very sick. He looked pale, his lips were turning silver. He looked terrible. I asked him what's wrong," Lavender said, and the boys nodded. Taehyung shook his head.

"Lav don't, seriously-"

"He said he had a soulmate," Lav said, and Jungkook's ears perked up, eyes growing big. "He said there was someone who he was so deeply in love with, being so far away from them was killing him," Lav said, and Taehyung continued looking down, facial expression unreadable.

Jungkook looked at Taehyung. "He said he didn't know if his soulmate was dead or alive. He said he didn't know if he'd ever see his soulmate again."

"He said every day, every hour, every second he went without his soulmate killed him from the inside. Until the 8th day." Lav said, and then gulped. "Until he was so close to death, he couldn't breathe, couldn't speak, couldn't see."

Taehyung had tears in his eyes, looking away. "He was going to die. I knew it." Lav said, and then put her hand on Taehyung's shoulders. "Thankfully, the women on my planet secrete special tears which heal people. So I cried until all my tears were on Taehyung, and I healed him."

"Y-you healed him?" Jimin asked in a soft voice, and Lav nodded, looking at him.

"Yeah. I saved him from dying."

"So I owe her." Taehyung let out, voice raspy. The boys looked at him. "S-she got sick after saving me. I owe her so much- a-and-" Taehyung trailed, sniffling. "I t-thought Lav had feelings for me... so I thought it would just be rude if I didn't return those feelings."

Lav's eyes softened, and she looked down. "Y-you didn't have to do that, Tae," Lav said softly, sounding a little... upset?

"Why were you so mean to me?" Jungkook asked finally, his voice sounding weak, coming out from behind. Taehyung looked up at him.

"B-because the only way I could get the pain to go away was if I didn't think of you. If I didn't talk about you. If I pretended you never existed in the first place," Taehyung said, and Jungkook looked close to tears. "I-I d-didn't think I'd e-ever get to see you guys again. I t-thought... I thought I'd never get to-"

Jungkook walked closer to him. "So you-" Jungkook started, reaching down and cupping his hands on Taehyung's face. "-y-you started distancing yourself from me so the pain wouldn't come back?"

"I-I almost mastered it," Taehyung said weakly, looking up at him. "I almost mastered having no pain and pretending you weren't there. B-but- seeing you again that day on the ship," Taehyung said, voice soft, faint. "I j-just couldn't help," Taehyung said, and Jungkook reached down until he was practically on Taehyung's lap, their faces so close, their lips so close.

"So you-" Jungkook said again, tears rising in his eyes. "D-do you love me?"

Taehyung didn't answer, and Jungkook reached forward, lips tracing Taehyung's cheek. "D-do you still love me? Or you don't feel t-that anymore?"