Gardens

@Emperor Jongin Jimin gives a faint smile to the old doctor, feeling just as safe with him as he does the gardener. At the question of being okay he shakes his head which he grasps at, an indication that the nighterrors are possible bak.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Jongin was unaware of what was going on with the younger, but he hoped it wouldn't do him harm. That was the last thing he wanted.

Having been asleep, the good doctor rose from his bed, placing his specs on his face sleepily as he answered, blinking a bit in seeing Jimin. "Jimin," The man said, his voice old and worn. "What ever is the matter? Come in my boy, come in." he spoke, knowing full well the story of the younger. "Are you alright?"

@Emperor Jongin Jimin isn't sure where to continue the coversation, and was expecting them to just say their 'goodbyes' and 'goodnights' but that doesn't seem to be the case as his head is lifted and being told he doesn't need to bow, Jimin shakes his head, after all Jongin is the emperor, and it is only natural for Jimin to show his respect. He blinks curiously as Jongin steps closer, and only gets closer, natural instinct, Jimin closes his eyes tightly and uses every inch of his will power not pull away, not wanting to be punished and let's the kiss happen. Jimin didn't move for a bit, and only opens his eyes when hearing the apology. Jimin closes the door.when Jongin leaves, getting ready for bed.

Jimin is forced awake in the middle of the night, his body drenched in a cold sweat and panic settles into his bones. His sage haven has become claustrophobic, enclosing on Jimin as he panics in his escape to get out. Jimin doesn't question himself as he makes his way inside the palace, and knocks on the door of the doctor. When the doctor opens the dplr, he is face to face with a panicked shaking Jimin.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Jongin wasn't expecting Jimin to reach for his hand, squeezing it in part as well and stroking over his hand gently. Smiling, Jongin reached to tuck his fingers under Jimin's chin, tilting him up to look at him once more. "You don't have to bow to me, Jimin..." he said softly, not realizing he'd taken a step closer as he cupped Jimin's cheek, stroking the skin gently. "Forgive me.." The emperor replied, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on Jimin's lips, pulling away and making sure to let go as to not force the other into anything. "I'm sorry I...couldn't resist." he said, chuckling and clearing his throat. "I um...guess I'll be going now." he said, turning to leave.

@Emperor Jongin Jimin blinks at Jongins words, not used to someone wanting to defend and protect him like that. The touch on his face catches him off guard, not used to such a gesture but it is not unwelcomed as Jimin leans just slightly I to the touch, a way of showing he's grateful, and thus a soft smile appears on his face. At the apology, Jimin shakes his head, taking Jongin's hand in his own rough ones and gives it a squeeze as a Thankyou bowing his head in respect.

@Emperor Jongin Min smiles happily that her daddy and mommy are going to play with them, and thus she begins explaining the rules of the game, "the person who is it, will tag you, and once tagged your frozen in your spot until somoene else who is not it, unfreezes you. And loose when the person who is it, freezes everyone." she explains animatedly.

@Gardener Lee Jimin "It doesn't make it right," Jongin replied, looking into Jimin's eyes gently and sighing softly, shaking his head in response. "I don't care if you think it's okay, my children will not disrespect you, or anyone for that matter just because they're different. It's not right, and I won't stand for it." he said, his words firm but gentle in tone. He was sincere with everything he said, unknowing his hand reached out to tenderly touch the boy's face. "You don't deserve that kind of treatment from anyone, and I won't stand for it any longer." he said, gently lowering his hand. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to be so rash."

@Empress Luna Smiling, Jongin nodded and made his way toward his children, petting Krystal's head gently. "Alright dear, we can play." he replied, stroking her head gently and looking at his wife. "You and I both." he replied, looking down at Min. "So tell me how you play this game, I've never heard of freeze tag." he said, tilting his head to the side.

@Emperor Jongin At somepoint, Jimin had ended up falling asleep, only waking up when the old gardener came to get him, the sun was already setting, and he smiles as he stands and head back home with the man. He helps him with preparing for dinner, and cleaning up once they were done eating. Jimin was getting ready for bed, when he hears a knock on the door. Curious, he goes to open it, surprised to see Jongin there, not having heard the man speak to him in sometime. At the apology he gives a soft smile, with a light shake of his head, letting Jongin know that its fine and he's used to such remarks.

@Emperor Jongin Luna nods her head, "thats good. I'm glad they're healthy." she says with a smile. The children smile happily at hearing that their father is going to spend the rest of the evening with them. "Daddy~ play games with us!" Min says, a bright smile on her face as she gently tugs on his arm. "Please daddy? We're playing freeze tag." Krystal speaks up, giving the man her best puppy eyes.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Jongin had been sitting with Luna when he saw Jimin come by, frowning at what his children said in response. "Children, that's enough of that nonsense, not everyone is the same as you." He said, chastising them gently and sighing as he looked in the distance, knowing Jimin was there. He would have to seek him out later, the man focusing on spending time with his family.

Once the rest of the day had gone by, Jongin paid a visit to Jimin, knocking gently on his door and smiling when it was opened. "Hi..I just...wanted to apologize for the way my children behave earlier, that was very rude."

@Empress Luna Jongin had been busy going over a few things and checking on the twins, the babies having began to develop into little toddlers now as the months grew on. It was sweet to see, Jongin having spent about four hours with him after his meeting before heading to the garden to see his other children, greeting them all with a kiss and going to kiss his wife on the cheek. "I've come to spend the rest of the day with you lot, I just saw the twins, they're getting so big, I'll finally be able to bring them so the children can meet them."

@Emperor Jongin Jimin sighs as he wipes the sweat from his brow leaning and stretching his back out as he pulls out the weeds in the vegetable garden, smiling happily as he sees how well, everything is doing making him happy. Hearing the sounds of laughter in the distance, he sees the royal family playing in the distance. He sighs softly, turning away before he is noticed, pulling his hat up and covering himself form their eyes and also the sun. With a basket full of weeds, he stands up, lifting the basket up and turns around giving a soft sigh. He has to make his way over to them, simply to get to where they make compost for the garden. Walking over, he gives a simple nod and a small bow as he passes the family, not missing the way the children speak.

"He's weird isn't he?" Krystal spoke absentmindedly
"Yea, I don't think I ever heard him speak before." It was Sehun.
"Why is it weird?" Woojin asks the older siblings curiously.
"Because people talk and he doesn't" Min speaks up

Jimin sighs to himself, holding his head low, as he makes his way to the pile and tosses the weeds in, and takes a shovel and turns everything in it. Once he was done, he looks over and sees the family still there. There was a shed next to him, leaning against it, and ignoring the family laughter as he looks up at the clouds, stretching his hand out and seeing the long sleeve shirt fall down his arm, revealing the scars permanently there. He quickly brings his arms back to his sides, hiding his body and scars.

@Emperor Jongin Luna smiles happily, it took a lot longer than she thought it would, but her ankle was healed and no longer was she immobile. And so, she was in the garden playing games with her children. Looking over when she hears someone chuckling she looks and sees Jongin there. "Hey there." she says grins walking over to him, kissing his lips. "What are you up to?"

@Emperor Jongin The elder nods his head as he shakes the emperors. "I'll be sure to do just that." He says before standing up, bowing the King before making his way back to the gardens where he sees Jimin water the freshly planted seeds. Calling a break for the other, he fixes them a light snack and explains his meeting with the king, and passes along the message.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Jongin sighed, rubbing his face and shaking his head slowly. "The poor boy..." he said, having the urge to just...go hug him. "I understand. Thank you, for sharing. It brings a new light to the subject, and lets me know where to change." he said, extending his hand to shake the man's while standing to his feet. "Let Jimin know, I'm sorry for being so forward. And if he'll let me...I'd like to try again."

@Emperor Jongin Hoyseob nods his head in agreement, and he also knows just how gentle Jongin is with everyone. "I know, but Jimin doesn't though, so when you mentioned it he probably got scared and thought he may go back to such a place. Just be gentle and very patient with him." The gardener says taking the final sip of his tea. "Not much, mostly in the beginning when he was suffering nighterrors. He still sometimes have the occasional nightmare."

@Gardener Lee Jimin Jongin sat quietly as the story began to be told, his hand placed over his mouth as he perched to listen. And once the story was over...his blood boiled in anger. Jimin seemed so quiet and frail and gentle...how could someone do that to him. "That's terrible...even I don't do that to my concubines..." The king breathed, sighing softly as he did so. He looked at the gardener, shaking his head. "I can't imagine how terrified he must have been...it makes me want to protect him all the more now." he said softly. "He's never spoken to you before, has you?" Jongin asked, his gaze gentle as he did so.

@Emperor Jongin "Its more like, you have to know if you want to pursue him." he says leaning back a bit. "I found Jimin on the way back from the store, I was ordering seeds for the new vegetable garden going in when I saw him. He was just laying there, honestly I thought he was dead with how skinny he was. It looked like he hadn't eaten in years. But he was somehow alive, and burning up. My conscious wouldn't let me leave him after that so I found the doctor to help. Not only was Jimin malnourished, but he was also scarred, as if he was whipped continuously, bruises covering his arms, neck, feet, face...when the doctor tried to do a thorough examination, he freaked and run, took me the whole the day to find him and coax him back to he can at least get over the fever. I don't know what exactly happened to him, but by his reaction, and the way he was found, its obvious he is traumatized by something, and I honestly think he may have been someone slave or pet at one point." he sighs softly, letting the heavy story sink in.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Jongin was a bit taken back when Hoyseob began talking about the note, a little worried by what the other would say...but when he didn't act surprised, the king relaxed, leaning back into his chair. "That's good to know, i did worry very much about the nature of the last time we saw each other." He worried a bit about what the other meant, sharing his story, and frankly he didn't want to pry if Jimin didn't want him knowing. "Is it okay for me to know this?"

@Emperor Jongin Hoyseob smiles when the King enters and the two sit at the table as a maid comes over with serving them tea. "Its good to see you as well your Highness." he greets him properly with words. At the mention of Jimin he hums softly, "Jimin will be okay, don't worry about him. And thankyou, I nearly taught him everything I know." he says taking another sip. "But, I do need to tell you though." he sighs, setting the cup down. "I had to read your note for Jimin, since he isn't able to do so himself, and to tell you the little bit I know about Jimin's story."

@Gardener Lee Jimin Jongin was...surprised to say the least, having been told the head gardener wanting a meeting with him. Of course he accepted and had the man meet him in the parlor, walking in and giving a slight nod of head. "Hoyseob, it's good to see you again." he greets, sitting down in the chair opposite him and giving the man his full attention. "To what do I owe the meeting?" Asked the emperor, tilting his head as he waited to hear what the man had to say. "I do hope Jimin is alright, I stay away for his sake, but the gardens are beautiful."

@Emperor Jongin Jimin didn't leave the room for a couple days, only moving when when the elder man brought food up or to use the restroom but that was it. Ont he third day, Jimin does some small work around the house, and the fourth day he work in the back of the gardens, farthest away from the Palace. On the fifth day, he is called by the elder man, telling him he has a letter. Taking a break, he lets the elder read and when asked what to do, he shakes his head followed by a shoulder shrug before standing up and getting back to work.

Hoyeob sighs as he watches the boy walk back into the garden and works, as he stands up and makes his own way to the Palace. He figures if Jongin wants to pursue something with Jimin, then he has a right to know a bit about the boy. So being escorted to the tea parlor he waits patiently for the King to arrive, and once he does he stands and bows deeply in greeting to the man.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Despite the others efforts, Jongin noticed his shift, beginning to look worried as he did so. "Jimin, are you alright?" He asked, watching him closely as he sees the panic wash over the other's face. "I didn't mean to be so forward, Jimin- wait!" Jongin called, ultimately letting the boy go and sighing as he stood in the tea room alone. Maybe he'd been too quick...maybe he shouldn't have been so bold with his words. He felt terrible for upsetting the other, frowning deeply and rubbing the back of his head. "Perhaps my feelings aren't right..." he mused, sitting back down at his chair and sipping his tea. Waiting a few days, Jongin sent a note to Jimin to apologize, not wanting to go near him for fear of startling him again. He wrote swift and sealed it, ordering it to be taken to the boy.

"Jimin,
I am deeply sorry for offending or hurting you in any way with my words, please forgive me. But I did mean what I said, I care for you. I understand if you wish not to see me again, or if you don't respond to my advance, but know you always have a place here at the palace and with me if you choose to take it.
-Jongin"

@Emperor Jongin Jimin sips his tea quietly as the two fall into silence and Jimin doesn't mind it, prefers it almost but then Jongin begins to speak. Hearing the confession, Jimin has to set the cup down before he drops it, hiding his trembling hands under the table so the other couldn't see. Jimin's mind begins to panic, needing to find a way to escape before he gets into more dangerous territory. So Jimin, simply shakes his head, and like always doesn't say anything as he stands up and bows deeply before making his escape out of the room. It was rude, can even get him in a lot of trouble but at the moment, he could not allow the conversation to continue as he makes his way out of the castle and back to the gardens and goes to his home. Seeing the old gardener there, Jimin gives a small shake of his head before climbing a small ladder/staircase to the attic that provides as his room. The cabin was tiny, made for one person and with no where else to sleep, they made the attic Jimin's room, where he crawls into his bed and into a fetal position.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Even in this moment Jongin wanted to know why the other couldn't talk. He had tried to ask around, but every person said that he'd been mute since he'd come to the palace, Jimin had never spoken a single word to anyone. Deep down Jongin knew there was more to this story, sipping his tea as he looked over at Jimin. "You've been on my mind a lot lately, Jimin," he said, looking at the boy with curious intent. "You're such a handsome young man, and in recent days I've been thinking about you in a way that I normally would resolve for one of the girls here in the palace. I've never met someone like you, but you're just...I don't know, you're special. I'd like to know you more privately...especially the reason why you don't speak."

@Emperor Jongin As she watches the other leave, Jimin resumes his work, finishing up in the evening when he hears his name being called for dinner. The next couple of days went by without interruption, Jimin doing work in the garden and even finishes with planting the seeds and watering everything. He smiles as he feels accomplished is decides on a snack as he makes his way back to the cabin he resides in. However he was stopped when he hears someone from the main house calling for him and telling him the King requests Jimin's presence. He blinks and nods and goes back into the shack and put on the few clean clothes he has left, cleaning his hands and face of dirt and sweat and follows the maid into the house. Bowing in greets, he sits down when he is told, trying to calm the building nerves in his system, simply nodding along when the king speaks about the weather and garden.

@Gardener Lee Jimin "Good," Jongin said softly, a smile gracing his features. He wanted to get to know this boy, to know more about him and to be close to him. There was something about him...something he couldn't quite figure out, that he wanted to know, and hopefully explore a little more. A few days later Jongin invited Jimin for tea, lounging in the sun room, and greeted the boy as he walked in. "Good to see you again." He spoke, gesturing to the seat. "Come, sit." he said, leaning back in his chair. "I take it you've had a good day. It's beautiful outside, the garden is lovely as always." he mused, sipping his tea.

@Emperor Jongin Jimin wasn't sure how else to explain, but it seems he didn't need to as the king understood what it was he has been trying to say. At the compliment he gives a soft smile and bows his head in thanks, but being told to spend time with the king away from the garden his eyes widen in hesitation. He was confused as to why the king would want to spend time with a mere gardener who can't even speak. Being stood up, he hears what sounds like beginning, and Jimin isn't able to quite say no, he's the king afterall, so reluctantly he simply nods his head to agree to tea.

@Gardener Lee Jimin Even if Jongin understood what the boy was saying...something in him told him that he wasn't telling him the truth, tilting his head as he gazed at the other. "Oh, I see," he mused, looking closely at Jimin and pausing as he did. "You're a very handsome young man, Jimin. I'd like to spend time with you someday, away from the garden." Jongin said, giving his shoulder a pat. "You may not say much, but you intrigue me." Said Jongin, standing to his feet and having Jimin stand as well. "Have tea with me sometime. Just the two of us." he said, almost as if he was begging the other. He knew there was something more there, he wanted to hear the other talk to him. "Please?"