village

@ß kim taehyung Taehyung was very... Jungkook can't put his finger on the exact words. He seemed irritated yet willing to converse, bothered by him, but kind of anxious at the same time. Just what was going through the betas head? Nevertheless, he found Taehyung's sentiments to be amusing. "It's fun, simple too." Jungkook enjoyed the mundane tasks villagers partook in. It's much better than reading diplomatic books or hearing royals drone on about their vapid lives. "I like to play sports the most. It really burns off a lot of energy. And I love playing games and doing pranks, but there aren't too many people who take kindly to it in my life." There really weren't that many people Jungkook deemed close in this world. His parents were important, of course, but after them... Maybe he could scrounge up a cousin or slightly less distant relative to put on his list. As a prince, it was difficult to make genuine friends since everyone had their reasons for even saying hello. That's where people like Taehyung came in. Jungkook didn't often dine with any villagers, but he found the beta to be perfectly stimulating enough. It was a huge plus that Taehyung had no idea who he was at the start. "I've always heard rumors about village teens going out to egg farms or go cow tipping. Is this true?" Because it's the exact activity a numskull like Jungkook would love to partake in.

@α jeon jungkook Taehyung let out an exasperated groan as he made his way to the sitting area, beating his frustrations into the pillow as he fluffed it before settling down. He was antsy now that he had nothing to occupy himself with in the alpha's presence. His embarrassment still burned beneath his skin, taunting him with his failure to recognize the crowned prince. Truthfully, it wasn't his fault that he had no idea who the other male was. The baker didn't exactly have the privilege of learning about the royals, and he never cared enough to listen to village gossip, so the names used simply flew over his head as he went about his business.

"First of all, please don't come another day. I don't understand why you're so interested in making bread," he huffed as he fiddled with the stray threads on the worn pillow, "Second, my days are spent either in this house baking or making my rounds throughout the village. Not a lot of free time to do things for fun, but I suppose I like to read when I can get my hands on a book. What about you, Jungkook? What does the crowned prince do for fun besides terrorize the villagers?" The alpha was lucky the beta's wolf was settling his nerves so their conversation flowed easier, or else Taehyung was extremely likely to glare a hole in the wall before he bothered to answer any questions asked of him.

@ß kim taehyung Who would have thought that a baker would attract handfuls of interesting people. Then again, Jungkook could see the appeal. He didn't know much about Taehyung yet, but his beauty was apparent and he had that whole manly-tsundere thing going on. The alpha had no intention of wooing a beta he just met an hour ago in the oddest of circumstances, so he wasn't sure why Taehyung held that light glare, flashing it his was from time to time. He must just be pissy because Jungkook was getting along with his mother, yeah, that's probably it. Nevertheless, Jungkook didn't let Taehyung's pokes at his chest get him down. "I'll have to drop by another day to find out how you finish off the bread, probably in the morning." That's when most bakers cooked, he assumed.

The two were shooed from the kitchen and stuck with each other's sole company in no time. Jungkook should be thankful they were both chased out else he'd offer to help with dinner and who knows what kind of mess that could turn into. "So... What do you do for fun?" The prince was up for anything while they waited. It would be at least an hour, no?

@α jeon jungkook Listening to the conversation from his corner of the kitchen, Taehyung scoffed softly to himself upon hearing his mother's invitation, not pleased that Jungkook had even more reason to stay. He grumbled quietly to himself as he went about cleaning the table now that his mother would be making dinner for them. "Oh it's quite alright, dear. I'm used to spontaneity with my son, so it shouldn't have surprised me that I'd find the crowned prince in my home one day. He attracts the most fascinating of people," She mused, thanking the prince for his help as she rose to her feet, and dusted off her dress, "Taehyung, why don't you finish up with the bread really quick. I need the kitchen free of your fretting if I'm going to get anything done." The older woman was waving the poor beta away from where he was furiously scrubbing the table, lips forming a tight-lipped smile as he agreed.

Glaring at the prince a little when he came over, Taehyung simply opened their oven to slide his tray in, gesturing for Jungkook to do the same. "All that's left is for the bread to rise, but my mother insists we get out of her kitchen, so our baking lesson ends here." He huffed, poking Jungkook's chest in mild annoyance. He knew the other's status as a noble was only half the reason his mother insisted on having the alpha over for dinner. She always did this with anyone that showed up at the house, no matter how annoyed her son got as most of those strangers were there in hopes of courting him, all getting turned away..

@ß kim taehyung "Like I said, I intended to pay for those apples." He'd have to drop by the shop later and refund the shopkeeper. With Taehyung's sweet mother up, Jungkook noticed the huffy beta stormed off and took the water basic with him. Cute. It didn't look like he was seething, so the alpha didn't give him too much attention, especially not when an elder was chatting him up. Her bow was met with Jungkook's own deep one. "Thank you for inviting me into your home. I would have brought a dish had I known this is where the day would take me, and I'd love to join you two for dinner." The prince was all polite smiles as he stood, hands held out towards Mrs. Kim to help her back onto her feet. "My apologies for scaring you into a fainting spell," he chuckles, finding the whole situation amusing as hell.

And Taehyung, oh, his blushing beta baker. Jungkook slides on over to the counter, twinkling orbs trailing over him. "Shall we bake the bread? I want to see the whole process from start to finish." The castle wasn't understaffed in bakers, but Jungkook never got to hang around in the kitchen and watch or try his hand at the craft.

@α jeon jungkook Hardly listening to the alpha, Taehyung focuses on fretting about his mother, lifting her head so he can rest it on his knees while he works on patting her cheeks gently in hopes of waking her up. "Crowned princes stealing from villagers for villagers? Seems too much like a fairytale to be true." He grumbled in response, eyeing the other's hand that was helping fan his mother, the poor omega finally shifting as if she was coming to. He held his breath for a moment as he watched her eyes flutter, only exhaling when her gaze was staring up at his in confusion. The explanation was about to leave his lips when she turned her gaze to their company and scrambled to sit up.

"Kim Taehyung, you didn't tell me you were inviting the crowned prince over." She said slowly, gaze filled with wonder as well as a hint of fear as she smiled pleasantly at the alpha, much to her son's displeasure. The beta glanced between his mother and Jungkook, the crowned prince, with a look mixed with confusion and annoyance. "There's no way this alpha is the crowned prince. He was causing problems in the village and certainly doesn't act like a prince." He huffed, brushing off his hands as he stood with the wash basin and walked, kind of stomped, his way over to the other side of the kitchen. An embarrassed hue was coating his cheeks, but he'd be damned if he allowed Jungkook to even catch a glimpse of that. His inner beta, though, was rolling in amusement, laughing at him for being so oblivious.

His mother, on the other hand, was making peaceful conversation with their guest, now that the initial shock had worn off and she was able to catch her bearings. She stood, offering a hand to the prince, and dipped her head in a bit of a bow of respect. "Welcome to the Kim family home, Prince Jungkook. Would you care to join us for dinner? I'm sure Taehyung has been dying for company that isn't his mother's face."

@ß kim taehyung "That's awful..." Thankfully times had changed. Hearing about Taehyung's dreams had the alpha smiling to himself, nodding as he placed his approved lump of bread into a baking tray. "That's an admirable goal. I'd like to leave this land and travel for a while myself. It's completely understandable; our duties sadly get in the way of our passions." Taehyung was likely kept in town by his mother and the guilt of leaving her alone while Jungkook was bound by the crown.

Chuckling at Taehyung's advice, Jungkook can't help but agree. "I'm usually pretty good from the get go, but I can be rash. I wander through town to get all this impulsiveness out." Better out here when he was faceless than in the castle where his family's reputation was on the line. With hands wiped off and his apron removed, Jungkook catches a sweeter scent entering the bakery. Certainly a woman. Taehyung calls out their location and as Jungkook turns, his curious orbs meet Mrs. Kim's. There as a scream and while Jungkook lurches forward to catch the falling woman, he was too far. A thud follows before Taehyung rishes over, the younger quickly doing the same. "Oh my god, is she alright?" Who was he? The alpha lets out a sympathetic smile, now understanding that Taehyung's mother probably recognized him. "Jeon Jungkook, like I said before. The crowned prince." Prince or not, Jungkook helps fan the Mrs. face.

@α jeon jungkook Peeking at the dough the thief was working on, Taehyung couldn't help chuckling softly and shaking his head. The other was certainly trying his hardest, and that was endearing to the beta. Most would have found any way to get out of the situation they were both in. He hummed softly as he thought over the alpha's questions. "Ah, no worries. It happened a long time ago. Humans weren't quite so tolerant of wolves back then," he murmured as he leaned against the table, "If I could become anything I wanted, huh? Not sure what I would do work wise, but I definitely would like to travel the world. My wolf side yearns for the freedom to roam and find a pack. Alas, my duty lies here: as a cursed baker's son." His tone was bittersweet as he dusted his hands off on his apron.

"Pleasure to meet you, Jungkook. A word of advice, though. You might want to work on your first impressions." Taehyung spoke warmly this time around, having let a little of his guard down in order to converse freely without judgment. He moved around the table to survey Jungkook's doughy lump and hummed his approval, motioning for the other to use the spare tray he had set out prior to their cooking lesson. He was about to voice his approval, as well, when he heard the front door being opened and his mother calling for him. "Ah, in the kitchen. There was a mishap with the deliveries today, so I was teaching a guest how to properly make bread. His name is-" He explained as the woman came into view, stopping abruptly as he's interrupted by a shrill noise from his mother, her body soon on the floor.

Flustered, Taehyung rushed to her side with the water basin, using the wash rag to splash some water on her face before he looked accusingly over his shoulder. "Okay, who /are/ you?"

@ß kim taehyung With a semi-lumpy dough ball in hand, Jungkook openly stares at Taehyung's hands. He replicates the beta's movements in a case of 'money see, monkey do,' flour sprinkled onto the counter before he continued to knead away. From then on, Jungkook remained quiet. He's surprised Taehyung spilled his history; he seemed on the guarded side previously. Maybe he just needed a listening ear. "I see... My condolences. If you could become anything you want, what would you be? Or perhaps, would you explore the world?" That idea sounded heavenly. Taehyung was on the serious side of the spectrum yet his wagging tail catches Jungkook's attention, a silent smile spreading across his face. Was Taehyung happy? Jungkook didn't know enough about the guy to claim it was because of their conversation and he had a feeling the wagging would stop if he pointed it out, so he pretends to be blissfully unaware of the furry appendage.

Kim Taehyung. A name of strength matching the beta's. At the request for his own name, Jungkook sends out a wide grin. "Jeon Jungkook." The chances of being recognized were slim if his name didn't register with Taehyung. Nevertheless, the prince finally pat his dough once he kneaded it enough. At least he thought it was enough. "How do I know when it's done? Can I over beat it?"

@α jeon jungkook Relishing in the silence that finally filled his home, Taehyung resumed his usual routine of humming quietly to himself while he worked. He worked with his dough until it was smooth and removed it from the bowl, sprinkling some flour onto the table before slapping the dough onto it and kneading it some more. It was a good way to work out his frustrations from the day as he focused on practically beating up the sticky mass. It also kept his attention from the stranger's wandering gaze that he could feel on him every so often.

"First off, for a thief you're pretty interested in my life," he huffed, chuckling a little as he finishes up with his dough, shaping it to the way he wanted and setting it into a tray specifically designed for loaves (one of the many gifts Taehyung often found on his doorstep from the braver wolves), "Second, I didn't /want/ to become a baker, but I'm not allowed to leave home so the only option is to help out around the house. It's my mother's shop, but she needed the extra help after my father passed. Happy and cute gives you low defenses and with my curse, I need all my defenses." Why he was giving his life story to this stranger, he wasn't sure, but it was nice to finally talk to someone who didn't seem infatuated with this ethereal beauty he was cursed with. It at least made his wolf raise it's head in interest, tail wagging enough to have the beta flustered at its lack of control. "I'm Kim Taehyung, by the way. If you insist on talking to me, I'd like to know your name."

@ß kim taehyung Jungkook never turned away from learning a new skill, especially if it was something common folk were able to do. Curious as ever, the alpha is left staring at each basket Taehyung brought as fingers carelessly knot the apron behind his back. "He would certainly be thrown in prison. I assure you." Jungkook spoke absentmindedly, more focused on the ingredients placed before him. Taehyung didn't seem to know who he was and he'd like to keep it that way. No special treatment, no kissing up, just a normal person.

Doing as told, Jungkook gets to mixing flour, margarine, water, whatever his potential friend gave him. Slow and steady, he tells himself. It might seem out of place for the situation, but Jungkook was quietly bouncing in excitement. The mundane task of mixing and taking instruction pleased him. Dark orbs occasionally snapped over to Taehyung's bowl to make sure his lump of dough matched the baker's. After the flour was well combined with the sticky mass, he opted to use his hands and continue kneading the ingredients together. "So... What made you become a baker? I always imagined bakers were happy and cute. You are... a bit sharper." As in venomous and with jagged edges. "Is it a family trade?" Taehyung also smelled of a beta, so it's less likely that he'd own a bakery all on his own. Perhaps he's mated and was merely coerced into the business by his blushing omega.

@α jeon jungkook "Well, I didn't expect some thief on the streets to know how to bake bread. Obviously, I'm going to teach you." Taehyung retorted as he moved around the kitchen, fetching two clean aprons from the hooks near the front door and tossing one to his unfortunate company. He discarded his old apron, now sullied with dirt, into the wash basket and traded it for the new one he had just grabbed, tying his hair back with the same bandanna from earlier. He turned to find the stranger finally uncloaked, yet his gaze remained unimpressed. "Hurry up before I change my mind and take you back to the shopkeeper myself."

He cleaned off the table from whatever his mother had been doing while he was out making the deliveries, and he placed a few bowls onto the wooden surface, filling the contents with the ingredients needed to make bread. "How haughty you are for a thief. Aren't you aware that those who steal are the ones who get punished? It's not the ones who go after the thief. Plus, even if the shopkeeper were to get into trouble, karma exists and will come for you anyway," he fixed the other male with a look, lips drawn in a tight line, "It was a move. Now, mix these ingredients carefully until the dough is smooth. We don't want clumps or it won't rise right." As he explained, he demonstrated with his own bowl, gaze focused on his task as he started off mixing with a spoon and removed the spoon once it go too sticky so he could use his hands.

@ß kim taehyung Punk. Now that got Jungkook's attention. Would the baker have really helped him? Somehow, Jungkook can't believe that someone would do him a solid when he was dressed as a normal person. And yet he was proven wrong not just by words, but also through Taehyung's actions as his hand was snatched up and tugged every which way. There was a brilliant sense of adventure and risk twining into their escape through the town and alleyways. It all quelled Jungkook's caged self.

Once safe behind closed doors, Jungkook does as told and washes his hands in the chilly basin of water. A soft hiss from the chill shivering up his arms and down his spine can be heard before he dries them on his cloak. Bread making? "Uh, I don't really know how..." This wasn't any average skill, should he know how to do this? Still, Jungkook slowly removes his dark cloak and hangs it up to dry. With his face on display, Jungkook is a bit nervous and awfully quiet with how he stands beside Taehyung. What he didn't expect was a lecture, though, he honestly deserved a beating for his actions. "Imbecile-" The derogatory term has Jungkook flaring up into his usual feisty self. This was the personality he couldn't play into at the castle. This is why he can out into town to unleash his pent up energy and play around. "That guy was gonna beat me up and then regret it and probably get thrown in jail for it. I did him a favor." If only Taehyung knew the whole story. "But alright, I admit throwing you in the way was a move. Anyway... What do you want me to do?" Hands press onto the counter, waiting for bread commands.

@α jeon jungkook Again. Taehyung found himself on the ground again, and now his cheeks were beginning to burn with his frustration as he held his own aching head. He slowly stood up, extending a hand to the stranger only to drag him up so they were face to face. "Listen here, you little punk," he huffed, briefly pausing to brush his hair out of his eyes, "I was getting ready to help you out when you decided to run. You're lucky the shopkeeper is some dumb human or your would have been found already. Now come on. You're going to come with me so you can hide until he's given up his search." Releasing the other man's cloak, the beta snatched his hand instead and begun leading the way to his home at the end of the village, a ways off from everyone. He poked his head around the corner of the alley to make sure that it was clear before dashing down the street with the thief. Was he crazy? Perhaps, but this may also be the excitement in his life that he needed to calm his wolf a little more.

Taking the long way home, Taehyung made sure to utilize every alley he could before he finally felt safe to bring the stranger out into the open, walking across the road to his quaint home. "Make sure you wash up in the basin. Water's from this morning, though, so it's going to be cold." He mumbled as he moved to do the same, hissing a little as he gently washed out the wounds on his hands. He'd need to bandage them for sure, not wanting to risk the possibility of infection. Once he was patched up enough, he turned his steely gaze back to the thief, brows furrowed in thought. "Take that cloak off. You're going to help me remake the bread loaves that were ruined due to your rash actions. Honestly, what imbecile runs from a shopkeeper and uses someone else as his means of escape? Have you lost your mind?"

@ß kim taehyung (it's okay <333 I'll try to tell you when I reply on your wall if it helps o u o )

Jungkook swore he'd pay that baker guy back for all the bread regardless if a single loaf hit the floor. Him and the shopkeeper too, he just needed to return later on and perhaps make an anonymous donation as to not get pummeled by either one. The alpha had grown up in luxury and that meant people kissing up to him for no reason other than his reputation. He hated it more than thievery. He'd rather run now and fix the issue later than have his cloak ripped away and punches delivered before the peasants realized who he was and in turn begged for mercy. Jungkook wished he could shed his own skin even now.

Sprinting through the marketplace, Jungkook could still hear that gruff shopkeeper barreling after him and yelling for someone to stop him. Better wiggle off his trail. Jungkook lacked knowledge of where exactly these alleyways connected, but he's already ducking into them before his two brain cells could spark. Left, right, right, hm, left?? Just as he was beginning to understand how lost he was, his sprinting legs turned a corner and brought him crashing head first into someone. Down the pair went into the dirt, Jungkook falling atop the poor stranger. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry." The hushed words come tumbling out, big eyes snagging on the beta's face- Ah, the baker? What's he doing here? Unless... They cornered him! Jungkook snaps up, lips zipped and a hand atop his pounding head. Must have bumped it on the way down. "I- Sorry for the bread. I'll make it up to you." Despite being a town troublemaker, Jungkook did feel guilty for shoving the guy as harshly as he did. It was merely to distract the shopkeeper, not to hurt Taehyung in the process.

@α jeon jungkook ( dafkjadh;kjagioj i would have responded sooner but this got lost in my notifs, cries )

Blinking in confusion at the entire scenario, Taehyung was about to offer to pay for the obviously frazzled looking man when the shopkeeper had already spotted the incident. The moment the poor beta raised his hand to help rectify the situation, his other arm was suddenly jerked upward and his bread basket was out of his hand. He scrambled to catch the item, only just barely gathering the majority of its contents before he found himself being shoved aside, knees and his free hand painfully meeting the dirt road.

He bit back a warning growl as he straightened himself up, deciding to not bother with human shopkeeper and choosing to instead leave with a snarky response, "That loaf is yours by the way." Kicking the one loaf that had taken refuge on the ground, Taehyung took his time maneuvering through the streets and into an alleyway that he sensed would bring the accidental thief right back to him. It was only a matter of time before he gave the irresponsible man a piece of his mind. The beta was always rational when it came to his arguments, but being rudely used and shoved aside twice was taking his rationality with it.

@ß kim taehyung (it's very aladdin and I love it <3)

Jungkook was ed. Still unaware that he had just robbed a shop owner, the cloaked prince shined out smiles at the children who ran off with their newfound snacks. The voice calling out to him was met with a set of Jungkook's big eyes, curious as he blinked in mild confusion. He had every intention of paying, hands instantly reaching for his coins. The color seems to drain from his face at the realization that he must have forgotten his money at home. Jungkook wasn't a thief, but he wasn't about to reveal his identity for special treatment either. What options did that leave him with?

Brows furrow as he leans in a little closer to the baker, "Can I ask you for a few coins? I assure you I'll repay you soon." Jungkook knew he was probably being crazy and that it's unlikely things would end well when a gruff man barked at him, "Not going to pay for those apples? You think I wouldn't notice!" . . . Distraction time. He was being rash, impulsive, and definitely a little when the prince's hand flew up, smacking the bread basket out of Taehyung's hand and straight into the shop owner's fuming face. "Sorry!" Feet bolted in the other direction as fast as they could. He could hear angry yells from behind him as he pushed through the marketplace crowd, apologies littering his trail for shoving people aside.

@α jeon jungkook ( starters are always rough, but i love it boo just like i love you uwu. also this is giving me lowkey Aladdin vibes )

Up at dawn as per usual, Taehyung spent his morning preparing the dough for the day's product of bread, humming a soft tune his mother used to sing to him as a child as he worked. The dew that had gathered on the window pane began making its way down the fogged glass, stealing the young man's attention briefly while he tied his apron around his waist. Next, a bandanna was wrapped around the top of his head, tying at the nape of his neck, so his hair would be out of the way as he worked.

Hair free, apron covered in flower, and basket of bread in hand, the beta found himself doing the runs that day, delivering the bread other shop owners had ordered this morning while the remainder of the freshly baked product was sold at his mother's shop. Nothing like staying in the family business, he mused thoughtfully to himself with the faintest tones of bitterness. It wasn't that he minded his work, but the carefree nature of his wolf always yearned for the freedom to roam, find his own place among the wolves of this world. Yet, it was his curse that kept him grounded, feet chained to this village. A curse that made his parents too cautious to let him go find his own pack like every other wolf his age. While the other werewolves found their mates, he was stuck in his marriage to bread begging for divorce because he was gaining weight, but not in the way he wanted.

Huffing softly to himself, Taehyung paused as a hooded figure moved into his line of sight, lips parting in surprised curiosity. He watched the scene before him, wondering if he should intervene what looked like theft, or let the deed continue as it was obviously for the kids. "Excuse me, sir. Pardon me for interrupting, but this shopkeeper can be quite...unpleasant."

@ß kim taehyung (coughs starters but it'll get better soon)

Today marks the anniversary of Jeon Jungkook's birth. It's his least favorite day because it also signifies the date of his fate as a crowned prince. Royalty was sought after by hundreds throughout the village. If only they knew what pressure it truly brought onto his shoulders. That's why he drapes dark cloaks onto himself and runs wild like any wolf should. Wandering the streets had to be Jungkook's favorite pastime. While he couldn't cause too much trouble in terms of crime, he's always one to stir up the town. They called him a menace. The term brought great pleasure to Jungkook since they didn't call him prince when he was cloaked and hidden.

Considering it was his birthday, Jungkook decided he would head into town and have a celebration of his own before tonight's festivities. The prince was expected to appear with his family once the sun vanished, probably cut a slice of cake in front of the peasants and appear reserved. Yeah, that's so not Jungkook. Instead, he's browsing a fruit market, a dark hood up with a scarf wrapped just under his nose to cover his stunning features. One thing he hated about the marketplace were the starved kids loitering around, hoping and praying that someone would drop a piece of bread so they could snatch it up and run. Today he'd change that. The alpha plucks an pair of apples off a cart and holds it out towards a group of outcast children. Their big, shiny eyes stared up in disbelief before Jungkook's own turned into crescents as he shook the fruit towards them to take. If only he realized he had forgotten his coin bag at home.