Chapter thirty-two
"Mature Progression"

-

Taehyung POV

After my breakdown in front of Jungkook, I got angry for a time, sending myself on the eighteenth thousandth guilt trip of my life.

Of course, that did nothing for me. No matter how badly I wanted to change the past, I couldn't. My rash decision in what I did to Sean to get Luna's revenge proved that. You can't fight shit that's all ready happened.

I pulled myself together, gaining strength from somewhere in the universe.

All I heard was Luna's voice in my head, telling me that we had to be strong, that we could make it through anything. To look how far we've come and grown. I was thankful for it. Now wasn't the time for anger. It was the time to clear my mind and fix shit.

Breaking down did nothing for me but prove me weak. Sure, there was nothing wrong with the occasional bad day, being comforted by someone you loved.

And yeah, maybe all of these new revelations hit me out of nowhere, blindsided me all in one day.

Yes, maybe I just Cranked out like Jason Statham, reacted with the first action to occur to me. I fucking ran with it until I was ragged, in stead of thinking things through.

I know that I can handle pressure. I normally thrive on it, to be honest. It keeps me respectful. Motivated. .

But when the punches are coming from all angles, and you find yourself knocked out cold on the ground, you realize just how important a helmet was in the first place. I wasn't using my brain. I reacted poorly, stirred everything up, involved people I shouldn't have, and basically, had a mid-life crisis. And I'm going on twenty-three fucking years old. Senseless.

When I finally took a second to calm down and evaluate the situation with even the slightest amount of comprehension, I realized that, not only was Luna safe from harm at this moment, but my over-reacting set everything haywire.

I know, everyone that knows me knows, that I'm not happy with the choices I've made in life. Aside from the past four years of random idiotic shit, I realize that fucking Sean up wasn't the best way to deal with the situation. Yes, it felt good when it did. Damn good. But I never thought that he'd resurface... and I should have taken that into consideration. Prepared myself.

The sad thing about all of this though? He hasn't resurfaced. His mother has.

As I stopped to consider his mother, I couldn't help but reassure myself. Though I'm not sure just what she wanted or had to do with anything, I do know that if she fucks with my wife or my son, I will kill her, and fucking smile doing it. Overreacting? Perhaps. Regardless, nothing's happened, and I can't go running around town like a chicken with it's head cut off, chasing ghosts.

No one has done shit. And if they haven't done shit, then neither will I. I'm not going to wake up the dead.

And once I realized this, I noticed that I needed to wake the hell up, grow some damn balls, and handle my business.

*&*#!#$^%$

Jungkook let us borrow his seafoam green, 1967 Shelby Mustang Eleanor, so we didn't have to panic about going into town and being seen.

That was saying something, considering Jungkook hardly lets anyone touch the outside of the car, let alone sit inside of it or take it anywhere. This thing has been his project since he turned fifteen years old. Everything on it, he's practically done himself. It's his pride and joy.

We dropped Doctor Sherber off at the hospital, and then I swung by panda express to get Luna something to eat. Luna and I were lost in our own thoughts, barely speaking to each other. I didn't like it. Silence wasn't good for either of us right now. I just didn't know how to start talking about this. I didn't want to stress her out anymore than I had to.

As we sat at the red light, I turned the left signal on. She stared at the dash for a minute, trying to figure out why we weren't going to Jungkook's. I didn't say anything,

Pulling around the lake, I parked the car, and stared out toward the midnight water. The moon barely showed it's face against the murky cloud coverage. If it weren't for the lights on the stereo, we would be sitting in complete darkness.

I waited for a few moments, watching Luna pick at her food. I knew she was hungry. I needed to clear her thoughts for a minute, so that she would eat.

Taking a deep breath, I cleared my throat and looked down toward my hands in my lap. "Luna," I said hoarsely, my throat raw from all the emotions of the day. "I fucked up."

She nodded, then shrugged her shoulders, "...I think we both did."

"And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I shouldn't have panicked."

"No, Taehyung," she shook her head. "I panicked. I didn't know what to do. I was so happy when we found out about Junho, even with all my stupid mood swings this past month. It took this weight off of my shoulders to know that I was giving you what you wanted - a son. I mean, I know that you said you'd be happy either way, and I believe you, but I knew how badly you wanted him. It was as if God answered my prayers, that this was proof that things were going to be perfect for us... But I should've known. Anytime you think 'perfect', it usually turns bad pretty fast."

"I would have been happy with a girl, Luna," I sighed quietly. "I am sorry that you felt pressure about it. I realize it wasn't something that was my fault, or yours. We were who we had to talk to about this. We were the ones going through it. Of course I'd let you know my thoughts, just as I wanted you to tell me yours. It's just..."

I rubbed my face and shook my head, "My dad was never around. He worked all the time. It was my mom and I, which is fine, because I'm a mama's boy, and I can admit that. But with my dad, I felt like I constantly had to impress him. To show him that his hard work and long hours paid off. Every time we talk, it's always about 'the next step' or 'what's best for my future'. It's never been just a 'Hey son, just wanted to call you and tell you that I loved you'. Never. And I don't want that this time around. I want to do it right. It's crazy, because you cannot predict your child's personality, but I really felt that if I had a son, I could do all of the things that my dad missed out on. Actually show up for his baseball games. Go to PTA's instead of sending a friend to go with your wife. Help him with his homework, teach him to how to play the piano or write a song... Tuck him in at night. I wanted... to be that dad that other boys wanted. The dad that isn't afraid to kiss his son or tell him he loves him."

I scoffed, "Did you know that, out of all of my friends, Ron is the only one that I know that has a dad that tells him he loves him when he calls? None of the other's does. Mine rarely does. I just... I want better for my kid. I know it's stupid, but I really just want to be the person who is much happier playing with his four year old in the little sandbox, then the guy who pushes his child away from him because he feels awkward about hugging him in public. I want my son to know that he's loved more than anything in this entire world. I want him, and any other child I have, to grow up watching their mother and father embrace and hug and touch, and know that it's okay to do that. That it's okay to express feelings and love someone freely. And... That was my first thought when you told me you thought you were pregnant that night in the bathroom. It wasn't a complete panic attack. I was frozen in place because of that image filling my every thought, of all I could change this time around. Which was why I didn't panic when you told me. Which is why I've never panicked over this baby, no matter how young we are, or whatever else. This, my life with you, this life that we're building, is all I've ever wanted."

I didn't know she was crying, until she sniffled and wiped her face. I removed my seatbelt and leaned over, pulling her toward me so that we could hug.

"I want that too," she whispered into my chest. "I lost both of my dads, and I didn't get a chance to love them as much as I wanted. I don't want Junho to grow up without his father. We need you around, Taehyung. You can't go off to jail for what happened with Sean. We need to figure all of this out, so that we can see all these things through, because a life without you is not a life I'll be able to survive. I've done that, I've suffered through that, and I won't be able to do that again."

"I know," I whispered, pages from her medical report flashing through my head. I pushed those thoughts quickly aside. I shouldn't be thinking about that. That person isn't who I married. She's a ghost, just as I was when we were apart. Besides, if Luna ever had a look at my medical records, I'm sure that she wouldn't even have chosen to marry me. Neither of us are who we were then.

She pulled away and shook her head, "I reacted so stupidly about Jane. I shouldn't have. But something inside my mind said, 'protect Junho'. I wasn't thinking about myself or you. All I could think about was that I was his mother, and I had to get away. I couldn't let her or Sean find me, because that meant they'd find Junho. It's really crazy, how my focus isn't about me and you as much as it is for him. Well, I mean, yeah it is, but it's not. I'm not making sense. I love you just as much as I always have, even more, every day. But now, it feels like my brain and my heart grew, and now I love this other little person, just as much, and my focus is him before myself. I used to be afraid of a lot things, like death and whatever, but now... knowing we have someone that is both you and me... if he were here and was okay, I'd be fine leaving the world, because I knew he'd go on living. That's all I want, is for him to be safe. For you to be here, and for him to be safe."

"He will baby," I kissed the side of her head. "He will, and you will, and so will I. We just have to stop overreacting to every little detail. I know this is all new for us, and we're doing all of this out of order. I know how people say a 'life' is supposed to go. Meet a girl, grow up, get a good job, stable life, get engaged, move in together, get married, then have a baby. None of this is happening that way. It rarely does. But then we have all this other shit on top of it, and... I want you to know Luna. I would never change my life. Never pick it apart. It is what it is, and I got the girl, and I have this baby on the way, and I'm going to make it work because it's all I've ever dreamed about having. I'm not going to waste it just because shit didn't go in the order some person said it should go. We both have grown a lot, but we're not done. We have to be mature, and we can't spazz out over something that hasn't happened yet, and things we cannot control."

"I know," she nodded, pulling away and taking a sip of her coke and finally eating a piece of her chicken, "and I agree. But what do we do?"

"We take a step back. We do what we need to protect us," I leaned over and rested both of my hands over my son, now resting safely inside her beautiful stomach, "and we wait to see what happens. We figure out what we can control now, together, and deal with everything else when it comes around... if it comes around."

She smiled and leaned over to me, kissing me on my lips. Of course, I put everything I had into the kiss, but when we pulled away, I shuddered, "Fucking greasy, nasty ass chicken taste."

She laughed for the first time that night, and made a big show of licking her lips before saying, "Mmmm, yummy grease."

I couldn't help but laugh too. It felt good to finally see that.

*&*#!#$^%$^

The next morning, I opened my eyes to find myself still in Jungkook's bedroom, with Luna held tightly in my arms, and Jungkook on the other side of her, and Jennie behind him.

Jungkook and I were getting along much better. I left the whole 'seduction thing' alone for the night. It wasn't nearly as important. Jennie, on the other hand, didn't say anything to me, but she wasn't rude either. She spent most of her time talking to Luna.

Not only did Jungkook allow us stay here at his house, and use his bedroom for the night, but also he stayed in the room with me, as a precaution for security. Of course, nothing happened. But it was just another example of how good of a friend he was to me when it boiled down to it.

Avoiding stirring my wife, I reached over and woke him up, told him I had to go the airport, that I'd be back shortly, and to watch out for her. He nodded and threw his arm over her waist.

I quickly redressed, brushed my teeth, grabbed a cup of coffee, and was out the door.

It only took ten minutes to get to the airport. That's what was so great about Jungkook's house. He lived in a nice neighborhood on the very edge of town, close enough for everything in a mere walking distance, but far enough away from all the hustle and bustle. It's what I wanted, for Luna and I.

What I was going to get. But better.

As I waited at the arrival gate, I paced a little, and called Aubrey. She picked up on the first ring. "Hello?"

"Hey. It's me."

"Doc-" she cut herself off, exhaling, "Taehyung... - Gonna take me a while to start using that one - I was waiting on your call. How's Luna feeling?"

"She's doing good. After we dropped you off, I took her to get a bite to eat and we stopped by the lake to take a second to breathe. We didn't discuss too much, other than the fact that we both over-reacted to things that might not be as bad as we originally thought... then we sort of dropped it for the night, and we went back to Jungkook's, and chilled out, just relaxed. I didn't want to stress her out too much with a big conversation concerning all my thoughts. I felt I'd just it rest for the night, sleep on it, regain some strength, and talk to her later today when she wakes up. Collected and calm."

"That's the best way to proceed, I think. Keep her flowing normally. No added stress. Baby Junho can't take that."

"Yeah. I realize I'm calling you at home, and that it's early, and I'm sorry for that. I just wanted to say thank you for hanging out last night and watching over her, and to tell you how sorry I am for all the hell I've caused you. I know you said we'd talk about it at a later time, but... I'm really, extremely sorry, Doctor Sherber. I feel horrible for what I've done, and I know it doesn't excuse any of it, but... I just hope that when you decide what you're going to do with me and my position, that you take into account that I did what I felt I had to do for her. When it comes to Luna, there is no one else that is in focus. I don't care about anything else. I just think her, fix, now, and that's basically it. No matter what it costs, just fix her. I don't realize what I do until after it's done, and sometimes, I wind up regretting my decisions. But I am learning. That's all I can really say, other than I'm sorry I've lost your trust. I... guess I wasn't as good as you thought I was, after all."

She lingered in silence for a few minutes, and if it weren't for her slow breaths, I would have thought she hung up on me. But I didn't rush her. I knew I just piled a ton of shit on her back, and that it wasn't fair to her. I couldn't expect her to just snap her fingers and say, 'Poof, all is forgiven.'

I wouldn't even consider expecting that.

Exhaling loudly, she cleared her throat, "You're right. You're not exactly what I predicted you to be. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything for you, Taehyung. I am disappointed that you felt you couldn't have come me before you reacted the way you did. I honestly believe in my heart that if you would have called me when you were in Colorado and explained the situation, I would have signed my own damn records and fax them over to you. You wouldn't have had to forge my name. I realize that I'm tough on you, just like all other interns and understaff, but I do that because I want you to learn. And what can you learn if all you do is weave around the rules and find your own way? Which was, in this case, incorrect and highly unethical? Nothing."

"I understand," I frowned.

"I really don't know where to go from here, which is why I'm contemplating action. With any other intern, I'd say either banishment or an expanse suspension. The problem is, I like you. You know I like you. So, for now, I'm going to tell you again... We'll discuss your career path at a later time. When my mind is better prepared to handle this situation. Because no matter how much I like you, I still have to do my job. And I don't want you to think that if I let you off with a slap on the wrist, that it will be okay to go behind my back in the future. I'm going to tell you straight-up, Taehyung. I love my patients. I love my staff. But it's still my job, and when you scoot under my feet and do something sneaky, I will stomp on your head. I don't play into any of that. Are we clear?"

"Yes ma'am."

"All right. Now, make sure to give Luna plenty of extra water today. Hydration and rest are key after a stressful event. Keep her feet elevated, make sure no one around her wears her out, and tell her that if she has any problems, to call my cell phone. Understood?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Call me if you need me."

"I will, Doctor Sherber. Thank you."

"And Taehyung?"

"Yes?"

"If I can muster up the willpower to actually call you by your first name outside of work, then I suppose you should address me by mine as well."

I smirked and shook my head, "Sounds good, Aubrey."

"Okay," I heard her smile on the phone. "Talk to you soon."

"Alright, bye."

As soon as I hung up, I saw a man wearing jeans and a collared shirt, coming my way, with a sideways grin and messy hair that matched mine. A sense of relief washed over me, as I opened my arms, and my grandfather slid in them, laughing and patting me on the back, "How's my boy?"

"Much better, now that you're here," I said, rubbing his back and helping him with his luggage, "I am so glad you could make it."

"Please," he smirked as we walked through the doors, toward the parking lot, "you call, I come. It's that simple. You know you're most important to me."

I grinned. That's the one thing I loved the most about him. Whether or not my father was there for me as much as I wanted and needed, I knew my grandfather always would be. "I'm glad I can count on you."

"Always," my grandpa said. "Ahh, it feels good to stretch out my legs. You know how much I hate cramped airplanes. The things I do for my grandson, flying first class instead of taking my own jet. You better feel fucking privileged, ya here?"

"I do, I do," I laughed. "Besides, you're not that much older than me! You had Dad young, he had me young. Hell, you still look like you're in your forties."

"Ha!" He threw his head back, grinning, "The young stewardess on the plan thought so... but my back and my knees don't seem to agree when I wake up in the morning."

"Young stewardess?" I smirked and threw his things in my trunk, "See? Luna tells me I have an 'arrogance problem'. I guess I get it from you."

He grinned, "At least you have the equipment to back it up. Comes with the Kim genes."

"That must be it," I teased. "You're a prick, I can't believe you! Fucking a young girl on a plane."

"Please, like you never did it. I remember when you and I flew to Alaska for winter vac-"

"I never fucked her!" I said, as we climbed in the car. "I swear, I didn't. I was good."

"Mmhmm. That's what she told her friends as we got off the plane too."

"Oh come on! You're such a liar!"

He grinned and adjusted his sunglasses, "You're right. But it would have been funny."

"Yeah. So you say."

He chuckled, "I would have done it. She was over eighteen. It wasn't illegal."

"Grandpa," I sighed. "You haven't changed one damn bit."

"That's why you love me. Now stop your fucking cussing before I wash out your mouth with soap."

I turned over and looked at him, a look of fake astonishment on my face.

He smirked, sticking in a piece of gum in his mouth, "Just kidding."

I loved this man. He made me feel so much better, all ready.

"Now," he said, taking charge. "Here's what we're going to do. No more sulkiness, and I don't want any more tearful phone calls - not that you can't talk to me when you're upset, because you know you can - all right? We're going to fix this shit. We're going to have fun. So cheer the hell up. You're with me now. And your grandpa got you covered."

I really loved this man.

-

Jungkook POV

Let me just say this right off of the bat: I love my friend.

Despite our spats, Taehyung's been my boy for years, buddies through thick and thin.

But since he's not here, and ignoring the whole his fetus being in her belly issue, I would just like to add... Waking up and having Luna being wrapped up inside of my arms is the best fucking feeling ever. Morning wood aside that she accidentally rubbed into once, she just smells so fucking delicious. I swear, my mouth was watering thinking about it... If she was anyone else's girl but Taehyung's, I would be all over her shit right now. Like white on rice. Like jelly on bread. She would be mine.

Oh well. At least I can fantasize.

"Jungkook," a nagging voice grumbled as a face was pushed into my back, reminding me that she and I weren't the only ones in this bed, "you're breathing awfully hard over there. What are you doing?"

"Hush it, Jennie, you're ruining my Luna fantasy," I whispered back.

"You better not be jerking off into her cashmere sweater or anything equally disgusting."

"Shhhhhhhhh," I pressed, motioning for her to go away with my free hand.

"Taehyung would love to know you're dreaming about boinking his pregnant wife."

"Ahh, but look at it this way, I'd be taking her off of his hands for y-"

She nudged me hard, cutting me off, "Don't even say it. I told you, I'm over that."

"'K," I choked, moving my arm slowly from beneath Luna's sleeping frame, "I won't."

She slapped me upside my head as I climbed over her, and I grabbed her arm and yanked her off of the bed, smirking as she fell off, onto my hard floors.

"Damn it, Jungkook," she hissed, trying not to wake up Luna, while she rubbed her hip. "That hurt!"

"That's what you get, you friend abuser."

"Well, you should watch your damn mouth around me!"

"And you shouldn't be so damn defensive!"

"And you should get a life!"

"And you should eat a penis!"

She laid on her back and blew her hair out of her face, staring up at my ceiling, "I'm thinking about turning lesbo. Fuck the men."

"Yeah?" I teased.

"Shut up." Jennie rolled her eyes, "Men are too complicated."

I ignored her, "And it'd be hot to watch you sliding your tongue across some other chicks nipple."

"And they're so irritating when they don't make any fucking sense," she continued, ignoring me too.

"And you going down on someone? It may make my whole life."

She turned her head and looked up at me, turning her voice cute and innocent, "Jungkook... Will you pretty please make me some eggs?"

"If you get your lazy ass up, I'll think about it."

She reached out her hand, batting her lashes.

Exhaling in annoyance, I walked over and pulled her up. "You're such a damn baby."

"I know."

*&$#&&$*

"So," Jennie said, mixing her scrambled eggs up in ketchup, "Long night, huh?"

"Yep. Tell me what the hell you and Taehyung were talking about."

She sighed and shook her head, staring down at her plate, "We weren't so much as talking as we were fighting."

"Why?"

"Because... I haven't seen him in five weeks, I haven't been able to know what is going on with him... All I knew was what I didn't know, and I was angry for not knowing, angry that he was shutting me out of his life. I understand he's married and has a baby and a job and more responsibilities. But he has to understand that I've been with him practically since I was born, and it's always been me and him facing the world, even when we were in high school and he and Luna were together. He'd still make time for me, still have Jennie and Taehyung only days... He can't expect me to go from number one to number three with pure ease and comfort. Yes, I'm willing to do it, because I understand why Luna and the baby come first. That's not even a question. But he has to show that he's still wanting me to be somewhere on his list of priorities, and he hasn't. No phone calls. No texts. Nothing. Hasta la vista, best friend. You've been dutifully replaced."

"Come on, Taehyung never said that."

"Five weeks Jungkook. That's what he's doing, even if he's not saying it."

"You need to talk to him."

"He doesn't want to listen."

"You don't either!"

"Whatever."

"You need to be honest with him, Jennie. No bullshit. No more."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Like hell you don't," I scoffed. "I've never been blind. I may be idiotic with girls, but not when it comes to you. I've known you almost as long as Taehyung has, and in case you forgot, I was there with the two of you, too. We're the three amigos, and he knows that just as you and I do. Point is; I'm not blind. I knew how you felt, I know how you feel now, and I know what you're dealing with."

She shook her head, "I'm fine."

"You're in denial. I love you to death, but you need to wake up and face this shit."

"Jungkook, let's just not talk about this. You don't know what I'm feeling. You're not me."

"Jennie. I'm going to tell Taehyung that you told me what happened. It may not be today, but he will know that I know."

"Why? I told you in private! Why would you tell him that you know?"

"Because! Someone has to get you to talk about this shit! And if it's not you, then it's going to be me."

"No!"'

"Yes!"

"Jungkook, no!"

"Je-"

The front door swung open, and Taehyung and his very young looking grandfather walked in, lugging bags. I motioned for her to hold on for a minute, and ran over to help them with his stuff.

"Thanks, Jeon," His grandpa laughed, slapping me on the back. "Nice house you've got here."

"It works for me," I smirked, pushing his stuff into a spare bedroom, "Make yourself comfortable."

"We can't stay long," Taehyung said as I met him in the hall. "Got more errands to run. I Just wanted to drop his stuff off and check on Luna."

"She's still asleep."

He nodded, and I followed him into the bedroom.

Luna was on her side, crashed out, curled up into the fetal position, hugging a pillow that stretched across her swollen chest and between her legs. I was never washing the damn pillow again.

"Hey my angel," Taehyung whispered, rubbing her stomach and kissing the side of her head. "Love you."

She stirred a bit, nuzzling into a pillow.

He smiled gently and then moved down, kissing the side of her stomach, "Love you too."

I watched in silence as he rubbed it for a few more moments, then slid his hand up to her wrist, and started watching his watch.

"Are you checking her pulse?"

He nodded.

"Taehyung, you worry too much."

He stayed silent, until he apparently found what he was looking for, then kissed her face a few more times, and left the room without another word.

"What time do you think you're going to be back?"

"Not too long. I've got my cell. Call me if you need anything."

"All right, see ya."

He closed the door behind him and his grandpa, without saying anything to Jennie.

I glared at her as I walked back into the kitchen, "You two need to grow up."

"Like you're one to talk."

"Please. I have spats with my friends, yes. But I don't do this whole high school bullshit. I may freak out, but then I recognize my responsibilities, and I make it right. You on the other hand... You and Taehyung are two peas in a damn pod."

"Which is why when we fight, it sucks."

"Which is why, again, you both need to grow up."

-

Jimin POV

As soon as I woke up, I slipped on some boxers, brushed my teeth, and strolled my happy ass into Yoona's stepmom's kitchen, searching for the delcious smell that sparked the interest of my nose.

Sausage biscuits and gravy, and a mountain of eggs. Couldn't go wrong there.

My morning was quickly ruined when I found my father, eating at the counter, while she stood on the opposite side drinking coffee, and Yoona was in booty shorts and a tank top cooking.

Eying my father down, I walked behind Yoona to cover her ass, which he appeared to be ogling. He smirked and looked at his food.

Scoffing, I shook my head and turned around, to give her a kiss on her neck.

"Mornin'," she said, too cheery for a weekday. "Want some?"

"I always want some but I don't think you're-"

"I meant breakfast."

"I know," I grinned, nudging her playfully. "Get your mind out of the gutter. Yes, I'd love some. Thanks."

"No problem. Take a seat, I'll make it for you."

After giving her stepmom a quick hug, I rounded the counter and took a seat next to my dad. He took another look at me, then shook his head, face disapproving.

"Good morning to you too," I muttered.

"It's almost eleven."

"And?"

"It's not really morning anymore, Jimin."

Ignoring him, I took a drink of the coffee that she graciously poured for me.

I winked at her, and she winked back. "Thanks mom."

"Welcome baby. Luna called for you about an hour ago."

"Okay."

"What does she want, anyway?" Yoona asked as she placed a full plate in front of me.

"None of your business," I said jokingly. "She wants you to know, she'll call you."

"Or you can just tell me."

"Nice try."

"Ugh, Jimin, you know I hate secrets."

"They're not all lies."

"Stop avoiding and tell me."

"Nothing for you to worry your pretty head about. Just friend stuff."

"I'm a friend!"

"Yoona," I laughed, swallowing a piece of my food, "I swear, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

She walked away, muttering, "I should have spit in your eggs."

"Still woulda ate it."

"And stomped on your sausage."

"Mmm," I called out, "Love it when you're feisty in the mornings."

Dad scoffed, sipping his coffee, "You haven't changed one bit. Cat calling still, I see."

"I don't have to cat call, Father," I slapped his back, much too hard. "I get laid. There's a difference. You should try it sometime."

"Some of us have responsibilities."

"Ohhh, we all have responsibilities," I replied. "Some just know how to handle it in large quantities and still give themselves the chance to have fun, while others... just shut down, become robotic, cruel, and bitter."

"I hope you're not referring to me."

"I most certainly am."

"One of these days, someone is going to straighten you out young man. I see a rude awakening coming your way."

"There's nothing wrong with me or my life, besides my absent, cold-hearted father. I'm sure my mother rolls in her gave every single time she sees the way you look at me, acting all high and mighty. With all due respect to Luna's mom, but if things didn't happen that we cannot control, you'd be just another shadow behind a different person."

He shook his head and stood up from the chair, leaving his shit on the counter, "Thank you for breakfast. I can see I am no longer welcome."

I waved bye to him as he walked out, and no one said a word. Both girls knew he was an ass.

Then Yoona's stepmom slapped me on the head playfully with a dish towel, "You need to not let him get to you, Jimin. He does it because he can. He's not like that with anybody else."

"The man is a disgrace."

"He doesn't know how to handle you."

"Yeah, well, that's because he was never around. If I didn't have you to look after me most of those years, I'd be laying in a gutter somewhere."

"Well, you know I didn't mind one bit, so don't ever doubt yourself. You're a good man. I see the potential in you. Look at all you've accomplished."

I smiled genuinely at her, "Thanks."

"Besides," she sighed, washing the dishes. "You may be hot-headed and stubborn, but I know when a person is loving or not. Passionate. Respectable. And you, Jimin, are all of those things. So don't let anyone or anything make you believe different, do you understand me?"

"Yes mom."

"Okay. Eat up."

"Okay. Yoona, you coming to eat?"

"Yeah, give me a second! Jesus, Park!"

I smirked at her stepmom.

She returned it.

-

Jennie POV

"Hey, Jennie," Luna's scratch voice sounded, as she came out on Jungkook's back porch.

"Hey."

"What are you doing out here?"

"Just thinking. Drinking some tea. Want some?"

"No, not yet. Thanks though."

"Did you sleep ok?"

She snickered and nodded, closing her eyes to let the sun hit her face, "I felt protected, to say the least, thanks to the three of you, along with Taehyung's concern."

"I only went there because Jungkook has the best bed."

"It was comfortable."

"Yes."

"So Yoongi told me that you and him called it quits."

I nodded, picking at the hem of my shirt, "We did. Well, I did. He sort of agreed."

She looked over at me, squinting, "What happened?"

I shrugged, "Circumstances were all against us. I love him. I really do. I'm happy with what we shared, and I'll never forget it. But... I feel really lost right now, and there's no sense in dragging him through a maze where I don't even know how to find my own way out yet."

"Maybe you two could find a way out together? He's a good guy, Jennie. I know he grew feelings for you."

"I know he did," I sighed. "But the problem is, we rushed into things. Just as Jungkook and Yoona did. The cabin, the setting, the comforts, the escape from real life... all that fell into place, creating this wonderful fantasy for all of us. But the truth is, real life comes back, and nothing seems to work as well. The fantasy lets you down."

"It doesn't have to."

"It does. Despite his feelings for me, I know that there is no way possible for Yoongi to get over all of his feelings for you. He pined over you for almost four years. That says something. And it doesn't matter what you're thinking, because I'll tell you, you're wrong if you think otherwise. He didn't lose his feelings for you, just because he was angry at what you and Taehyung did. Just as I didn't lose my feelings for-" I cut myself off abruptly, and shook my head quickly. "…someone else either."

"Someone like Taehyung?"

Frowning, I nodded.

She nodded back, and looked away, toward the large tree in front of us, "I remember that day we got into the accident. Before that, actually. Yoona and I woke you up, and you were in Taehyung's bed. We wanted you to go grocery shopping with us, do you remember? ...We all started talking about boys while we got ready, and... I remember Yoona asking you about the two of you. And you frowned. You kept telling us that you knew Taehyung didn't see you that way, and we kept telling you that you were wrong. I believed that you were wrong, even though it hurt to believe that. I know you never admitted to me personally that you were in love with him, but I still knew. I'm... really sorry, that I stole him from you. That wasn't right. I mean, I know you and Yoongi did your thing or whatever, but that wasn't until after he and I called our quits... I knew how you felt about Taehyung, and I swooped right in there. I'm really sorry, Jennie."

I pondered her thoughts for a moment. I wasn't sure where this conversation would lead.

"Can't really steal what I never had," I said, shaking my head.

"You had more than you thought, I'm sure."

I looked at her.

She didn't look away. She wasn't acting angry either. Not bitter, or jealous, or any of those things.

Just sad... for me. Like she knew what I was dealing with.

"You know," she continued. "when you and I had that tiff around New Year's, I was so upset with you, thinking you stole Yoongi, that you connived behind my back... But truthfully, I did it before you did. And I was worse. I woke up Taehyung in the middle of the night while my boyfriend was in the room right next door, with a connecting bathroom, and asked…begged… him to make love to me. And he wasn't sure at first, but I pushed it, and he did, and I got pregnant. Even though the pregnancy was not planned, I am the worse kind of home wrecker, when you get right down to it."

"You and Taehyung always had it for each other. He never saw anyone else but you, Luna."

"Bullshit," she answered quickly. Sternly.

I looked over at her, furrowing my brows.

"You know it's bullshit, Jennie. Even in high school, he looked over at you sometimes, and this grin came across his face, and he just lit up. You two were best friends, and you still are. And when he and I broke up, he had you. He depended on you. In fact, if it weren't for you, I'd be scared to imagine where Taehyung would be right now. How bad he'd be. ...But you were there. And during those years when I was gone and he and I were done, you two moved in together. Slept together in the same bed, on and off. Did every damn thing together. Any woman in their right mind would see how easy it could be to fall in love with Taehyung Kim... But you, you had every single reason in the world for doing so. I don't blame you one bit for loving him the way that you do, Jennie."

I wiped my tears and looked over at her, swallowing hard, "You don't?"

"No," she shook her head. "And I knew it all along. But Taehyung... he's blind. He'd never see it. He only sees what he wants."

"That's because all he saw was you."

"I'm sorry for that," she frowned. "I really am. I know you feel awkward talking to me about it... but as a woman, I really understand the pain that you are dealing with. It's hard to be in love with somebody for years and they never know... But, it's even harder, seeing them with someone else, wondering what that person has that you don't have. Why he won't let you make him happy. Waiting for him to open his eyes and see it. See all the magic in the air, all the could be's, would be's, should be's. Trust me... I get it."

"I just... I feel so stupid," I sobbed, covering my face. "I keep telling myself to let it go, to move on. To have him in my life in any way I can get him, because life without him would be miserable... But then I just keep thinking back. I fantasized that we'd go to the cabin, he'd push Yeri away, and he'd finally open his eyes to me and my feelings... And we were right fucking there. And then you came back in out of nowhere, and I felt that threat immediately. I tried to fight for his attention. But... I just wished he would have seen how much I loved him, and never judged him. I would have done ANYTHING for him. He's been the man in my life, this constant shining star, brightening up my worst days, just as I have been for him. It's always been Taehyung and I, despite you lingering in the darkness of his mind."

I swallowed bitterly, "I thought one day, I'd just make it all better. Fully heal him. I just wished he would have given me a chance... And I know this is God awful, for me to say, with you being his love, his wife, his baby's mother, and I HATE MYSELF for all of this, but... I can't help the way that I feel. I'm sorry. I wish I could! Trust me, I've tried."

I inhaled deep, flashes hitting me in the face, "I've tried drinking it out, screwing it out, punching it out... Screaming it out... Cutting out this stupid pain, these damn feelings... I've tried throwing it up. Nothing fucking works. Nothing takes him away from me. And when Yoongi came along, yes, I fell for him. With Yoongi, Taehyung kind of became my blind spot. I knew Taehyung was there, but I couldn't see him as much with Yoongi being there, in the way... Yoongi made me feel beautiful and worthy of someone's time... and I REALLY DID love him for that... But in the back of my mind, my heart was breaking, and all I thought was, 'Why can't Taehyung see me like this?'. Isn't that fucking awful? I've lied and lied and lied some more to myself, but there is no use. It never changed shit."

"And then I came back home, to Taehyung and my place, and you were here, and though I knew you two were together, I really saw for the first time just how much I lost, with you being in OUR house... I just couldn't do it anymore. I lost it, and I broke down, and I tried to push Yoongi away but he wouldn't let me. But I just couldn't do it, I couldn't pretend... There were times when I saw Yoongi for who he was, but then there were other times when I just wished he was my Taehyung, my best friend instead. I just wanted to see him. I know I sound stupid and foolish and selfish, but this has been boiling up for fucking YEARS now, and... It all got ripped from under my feet. It all happened so damn fast... And I tried to be happy for myself. I AM happy for you two. I'm glad he has what he's always wanted, that he found you again... But there's still this part of me that just doesn't get it. That's still aching. That's still numb. I support you two and I love you like my sister, but no one can really tell me to stop feeling anymore than I can try to tell myself... And like I've said. I've tried. But I just cannot stop loving him the way that I do, and it's not fair to anyone. I know this. And it's why I hate myself all the more-"

My voice was cut off, and someone pulled me to them, hugging me tight.

It was Luna.

I'd expected her to be mad, but she wasn't. She was comforting me.

I cried into her shoulder, "I'm just so lost. I don't have any place in this world. I feel so alone. I don't know who to be without him, and it's not fair to you and I hate mys-"

"Shhh, Jennie," Luna said, crying with me as she rubbed my back. "stop saying you hate yourself. I don't hate you for this. I'm happy you're finally talking about it... And I know the pain that I held inside when Taehyung and I were not together, so I cannot imagine what you're heart is feeling like right now... For me, knowing that I had loved and lost him was hard enough... Unbearable even. But you didn't have him the way that you wanted him, and in a way, that's always worse... Wondering what could have been... What should have been said. Wishing for another chance... I'm so sorry that you're feeling this way, and I wish I could take this pain away from you... and not even for myself, I don't want you to think that. I don't want you to think that I want you to get over this, so I can go on living this happy fantasy life with my husband. That isn't the reason."

"I'm a woman," she continued. "and I know how hard it is to love someone, but love someone else even more... To look into one man's eyes and see another man's. It's hard. And it's heartbreaking. And all you do is wonder and ache and bash your brains out, trying to put together this puzzle... but you never can. It's always difficult. I'm so sorry baby. I'm so sorry that you're hurting right now."

I nodded, clutching to her, my tears soiling her shirt, "I thought you'd be so mad at me. Everyone would be so mad at me for what I'm feeling. Some of them are. They don't fucking get it-"

"How can I be mad when I've been through the exact same thing?" she sobbed. "How fair would that be? I've never been one to judge about this... I understand why women flock to Taehyung. I can't stand it, but I get it. But you, you're different, Jennie. You're his goddamn sunshine, for crying out loud! We were at this souvenir shop in the Maldives and all he kept doing was pick things up and saying, 'Jennie would love this', or 'Jennie would think this is so funny'. He does this all the time, and he doesn't even realize it! We'll be in I-Hop and he'll tell me what you order. At the movies and he'll tell me how you like your nachos. At home watching tv, and he'll tell me what shows you cannot live without. Trust me. I get it. And I want you to know, you and I love the same man for both similar, yet very different reasons. And I know it's hard for you to share him, but I want you to know, it's hard for me to share him too. He's got you up on a pedestal, just as you think he's got me up on one."

"But what do we do?" I cried. "What do I do? You two are married, and he's happy, and you've got a baby on the way, and I'd never, fucking ever try to destroy that! I'd never get in the way of that. I just want to forget about this, for someone to tell Jesus Christ himself to come out here, open my brain up, and pull out every damn emotion I carry for Taehyung, so that I can move on from this! Why can't I just move on?! I want to, trust me! I want to see you two happy without feeling bitter! I want-"

"Because you've got years of emotions and feelings built up, Jennie," she responded. "And four MAJOR years, where you two grew up together, in college. All he had was you, and all you had was him. That's a lot of damn time to get over, especially being secretly in love the entire time and harboring your feelings."

"But it's not fair to you, for another woman to be in love with your husband."

"And it's not fair to you, for his ex-girlfriend to come in, steal him away, and get pregnant either. I knew what I did was wrong."

"It's what he wanted," I scoffed, pulling away and rubbing my face. "It would have happened, whether you went into his room and got pregnant or not. He never saw m-"

"I think he did, Jennie," she whispered. "I don't think he'll ever admit it, but... I think he saw you like that. He had to have."

I looked over at her, frowning.

She smiled softly, "The pool. Yoongi and I were in the pool with everyone else. You were sad, sitting on the edge. I saw him swim over, and stand between your legs, and wrap his arms around you and hold onto you for dear life. You both looked so damn sad, so heartbroken, over each other. Those type of feelings, those raw emotions... They're not just friend feelings, Jennie. If he ever thought that, then he was lying to himself."

Swallowing hard, I exhaled and shook my head, "But he chose to share his life with you."

"I know. He chose to marry me, yes. To be in love with me, and to have a family with me... But I know he wants you to be in his life just as much as you've always been. He won't be happy if he had to go on without you being there. I know he'd be miserable. He wants you around, alway-"

"I can't do that," I shook my head. "It wouldn't be fair to me, if he asked me to do that."

"I know," she sniffled, wiping her eyes. "You should talk to him about this. Get it all out in the open."

"I can't. I don't want to see the awkward look of disappointment in his eyes, Luna. I don't want to upset him."

"You won't."

I shook my head.

She leaned forward, rubbing my knee, "Jennie. I'm giving you permission to tell my husband that you're still in love with him. Take the opportunity. Please."

I bit my lip, pulling on my hair, "I can't."

"You'll regret it if you don't," she exhaled. "Believe me, I know."

"I know it, too."

"Okay," she rubbed my back. "I'll go to him, I'll talk to him. See what's going on in his mind."

"Thank you."

She nodded and stood up, "...For what its worth, Jennie, I owe you my life, and his life, and even Junho's life. You saved him when I couldn't Jennie, and I owe you everything in that. Thank you. And I really am sorry that your heart aching is repayment. But I swear to you, I love him more than my own life and I'll never hurt him. I really want you to know this. How much he means to me. Because he's everything."

I looked up at her, into her chestnut eyes, and felt numb. "Trust me, I know. I know how much he means to you. I see it in his eyes, every time he even thinks of you. Just as I see it on your face right now." My heart felt like it was breaking, shattering, all over again. "Which is why I need to figure out how to let him go."

"Don't rush it, Jennie," she said softly, wiping more tears from her eyes. I didn't even know she was crying with me still. "...Take it one step at a time. Don't go making any rash decisions, because in the long run, it only causes more pain. Trust me. I know. I've done it."

"Okay," I whispered.

"Okay. I'll be inside if you need me."

"Thanks," I nodded.

After she closed the door behind her, I snorted, shaking my head. I was angry at myself. I couldn't believe I just had that conversation with her of all people. Admitted to her, all of that shit.

And worse, I couldn't believe it was her that made it all make sense. Luna didn't make me feel crazy for feeling the way that I did. Luna... His wife.

My life just became more fucked up than usual.

-

Taehyung POV

My grandpa took a sip of his Starbuck's and eyed me speculatively.

I chuckled, shaking my head, objects under my left arm, "What?"

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes."

"Because you don't have to."

"I know."

"I mean it, Son."

"I know you do. But I cannot keep taking hand-out's. It's not in my nature. If I can do something myself, I'm going to do it. No matter what it costs."

"This is a big deal."

"Junho is a bigger deal. I want what's best for him."

"But this is your baby, and I know how much you lo-."

"Junho is my baby. Luna is my baby."

"This is your other baby."

I laughed and patted him on the back, "It's fine. It's material bullshit. I want to do this. Let's just do it."

Clearing his throat, he nodded, and stuck his hands in his pockets, "As you wish."

He followed me into the tall building once again, and the man we'd been speaking to for the last hour reached his hand out, "Got everything you needed?"

"I believe so," I shook his hand.

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you. I'm sure it will go fast."

I smirked, taking one last look, "I bet it will. Thanks again, from the both of us."

"It's been a pleasure, Mister Kim. Let us know if you need anything."

"Will do. Take care."

As we climbed inside the car, my grandpa exhaled, running his hands across his jeans, "How do you feel?"

I shrugged, backing up, "Not sure. Nothing's hit me just yet."

"It will when you drive away."

"Well," I said, turning out into the street, "not if what I'm driving toward is something better."

He smirked, messing up my hair, "That's the way to look at it."

He leaned forward, turning on the radio, "Come on, let's get some music up in this thing. Time to celebrate."

"Oh dear God. Are you seriously going to put it on that?"

"Come on," he shouted, throwing his head back, "this is hip. All the cool kids are doing it!"

"Kids, not adults."

"This is the shit."

"It's old shit. Besides. You're too old to be looking like a thug."

"Puh-lease. This is the player nod. Come on," he bobbed his head, clapping his hands together, "do the player nod."

"I don't know how," I said through my teeth, tempted to sink lower in the seat while still driving. I didn't, but I was tempted.

"Sure you do! You're a pimp! We know you were a pimp at one point! Come on, do the player nod. I know you still got it. Do it! Like this! Do it like this!"

"Oh fuck me," I chuckled, passing a mini-van on my right.

"That's the player slogan."

"Shut up!" I laughed, shaking my head. "You're fucking crazy, going through some mid-life crisis bullshit."

"No, I'm just living it up!"

"You're going to give yourself a heart attack, moving around like that!"

"Hell no, I get a lot of exercise! Between working and meetings and all the beautiful ladies, my heart is healthy."

"What about the whiskey and the cigars? Are those good for you too?" I teased with a smile.

"Yes. Don't let anyone else tell you different, either."

I threw my head back and laughed as we stopped at the next red light, "You are a crazy motherfucker, do you know that?"

"Yes."

Inhaling, I looked over at him, and genuinely smiled, "Thanks. For coming here on short notice. For spending the day with me, and for helping Luna and I out. For cheering me up."

He smirked, the same way I do, and leaned his head back on the seat, finally relaxing. "Anytime."

*&*#!#$^%$^

While we waited on the bank to clear out a little, we decided to swing into a little shop I saw down the street.

"What are we doing? Picking up Tupperware?"

"Get a sense of humor," I teased. "I saw some cool things in here a while back, and I wanted to find something for Luna and I."

"Like what?" he chuckled. "Cockroaches?"

"Come on. Lower yourself down to the little people. We're cool."

"I like my five star hotels, thank you very much..." He looked around, inhaling, "...this place is actually not bad."

"Told you."

"So what are we looking for?"

"I saw some of these bracelet type things... I want to get one for Luna."

"She into the material bullshit, like the type you just sold?"

"No," I smirked. "It doesn't cost much though. I know she'll like it."

"What is it?" He followed me around the store for a few moments, and then I finally spotted it.

I sped up, going toward the table, and swooped it up in it's plastic, "This."

He looked at it, puzzled, then up into my eyes. "What is it?"

"Look."

"A cord?"

"A bracelet."

"Friendship bracelets?"

I smirked, and picked up a different package, "These are friendship bracelets." I sat it back down. "But these ones here are leather cords. They're unisex, so either can wear them. Actually, this is something Jennie would wear... I'll get this one for Jennie. But this one, this is love. I can get one that matches. Give this to my Luna."

"It's black, not red. Black means death."

"I thought you were hip. Black is the new red, or so Jennie told me once."

"So black means love?" he said, scratching his head.

"I guess. See, this one has two huge knots. Two people, two knots. I get it. It's love."

"Like a dominating love? Because it's leather?"

I shrugged, "I'm totally bullshitting you. I don't know if black means red and red means love or not, but I'm pretending it does, that way I can wear one too. So I'm going to get this one for Luna and I..." I browsed through them, then picked up a purple and green one, "and this one for Jennie and I... since they're colored and the two knots here are just fasteners, not as powerful, like on the black ones... I'll give her this one, and I'll take the green one... I'll give it to her whenever we start talking again."

"Why aren't you two talking? And aren't you going to get one for Jeon?"

"I don't think he would like the idea of me buying a bracelet for him."

"True. That'd be weird." He followed me to the cash register, "So, what's the beef with you and Jennie?"

"She's all over the place. I know she's having a hard time and she wants me to be there for her, but I can't. I have other priorities."

"No priorities are too high to avoid your friends."

"She'll get over it. It's not like I'm shutting us down, but I have some adjustments to make, and I can't be babysitting her while I do it."

"That's really harsh," he scoffed. "I know you don't mean it the way you're saying it. Even I'm not that much of an ass, Taehyung."

"I'm just tired," I shrugged, paying the lady. "I don't know what I mean. It's all confusing. I love Jennie more than anyone else in this world, besides Luna and Junho. She's in the third spot. But she needs to figure out what it is that she wants."

"Like you?"

I glared at him.

He shrugged, opening the door for me, and we walked out onto the sidewalk, "I've known the girl since she was a baby, Taehyung. So have you. Talk to her and find out what is going on."

"Have you ever thought that maybe she needs to figure it out for herself?"

"Going cold turkey on your friendship may not be the best way to get that point across to her."

"Yeah, yeah," I mumbled, as we jogged the crowded street, into the bank, "let's drop it. More important things to deal with now."

-

Yoona POV

"Mom!"

Silence.

"Mom!"

...More silence.

"Mom, mom, mom!"

...Still nothing.

"MOM!"

"WHAT?!" She came running down the hall, to find me on the couch, holding the laptop. She exhaled, holding the dish towel over her heart, "Yoona! Don't do that, you scared me."

"Sorry. Where's Jimin?"

"He went to meet his father. Said it was important."

"Ugh," I scoffed, growing angry. "He didn't even tell me he was leaving. What an ass."

"That ass didn't want to wake you up from your nap," she said, twisting back toward the kitchen. "Said you had a long week."

"Yeah," I frowned. "I did."

"What's going on with you?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Been upset lately."

"Unhappy?"

"Not unhappy, necessarily. I'm in love, and that's wonderful... but everything else in my life seems to be shit. Everyone else is out there, doing stuff. When Jimin is at work, I'm bored, and all I do is wait until he comes home so I have someone to talk to and love on."

"You don't think Jimin likes taking care of you?"

"No, I know he does. But I don't like it. I'm just so tired of always being looked after. First you guys, then Luna, now Jimin. I feel like I need to do something with my life, but I just don't know what the fuck it is that I am supposed to be doing!"

She came back in, gave me a glass of lemon tea, sat across from me, and propped her feet up on the footstool, "So. Let's talk. Tell me. What interests you?"

I shrugged nonchalantly.

"You went to college for business management and marketing, with a minor in professional photography. I know how much you love pictures. I know how you dreamed about being a high class photographer... Why haven't you looked into renting out a building here? Starting your own photography business?"

"Takes money to start renting. I don't have money."

"We've got money."

"My money."

"You have money. You know you do. You've been saving since you were twelve."

I frowned, rubbing my arm nervously, "I'm too afraid to spend it unless I know it's a good investment."

"Business can be very good."

"But if it fails, then I have no one to blame but myself. And I'll be broke."

She sighed, "I know you don't like to think about it, but you know Ron took care of you and Luna where money is concerned. Why not turn it into something positive?"

"I can't take dad's money," I whispered. "It wouldn't be right."

She laughed, rubbing her stomach, "You took your father's money all the time when he was here. What's the difference?"

"Now he can't argue with me about giving it to me."

"I'm sure he would if he could," she smiled. "But you know he'd end up giving it to you when all is said and done."

I shook my head, swallowing hard, "It wouldn't be right. What if I failed? His money would be lost."

"If you tried your absolute hardest and did what you're supposed to be doing with it, then I don't see how anything would be considered lost. I don't get how you could be a failure. You need to get your glass half full, honey. The first thing about running any type of business is confidence. Showing someone that they need your project. I know you know how to do that."

I bit my lip and kept my eyes toward the ground. "I don't know."

"Sure you do. You know, and I know you do. I guarantee, that if I walk over to where you are right now and flip open that laptop, there's some type of photography blog on there. Am I right?"

I met her eyes.

She smiled, "Thought so."

Growling, I fiddled with a piece of my hair, "I just feel like I'm at a stand-still in life. I want things I never wanted before, and I'm scared of everything else."

"What do you want, that you never wanted before?"

"Love, for one thing," I answered, too quickly. "Jimin."

"You've got him."

"I know I do. I'm thankful for that."

"But then why..."

I looked over at her again.

She studied my eyes for a second, then it all made sense. "Oh. Ohhh..." She nodded slowly, smile on her face, "I see. Honey, that comes after you fall in love."

"I know. I know," I growled, growing agitated with myself. "I don't know why I want these things, suddenly! Marriage, babies, those things weren't like a must-have on my list! I mean, yes, I've always wanted to be a mom, one day, when I'm ready... But now, every time I see Jimin and feel how I feel when he's around me, I just want more of it. And I know, if I told him, I'd fucking freak him out. He's younger than me. He's got this great career, and all of these things he's worked so hard for! Why on earth would I be like, 'Hey Jimin, I want us to have a baby too. Everyone else is jumping on the bandwagon, why can't we?'. Yeah fucking right."

"Yoona," she smirked. "You don't want a baby just because your sister is having one, do you?"

I shook my head, "No. But I do see her with it, and it makes me want one more. But I want to feel complete, the way a mother does. I want to know that someone loves me unconditionally. I want to love someone else unconditionally! I want... everything, now, and I get so damn frustrated when I don't have it."

"You know how I feel about priorities, and where your sister lacked in that area, so I'm not going to go there... Though I do see much improvement in her life since Taehyung has been back in it, I cannot lie about wishing they did a move-in together, then a long engagement, then marriage, and then a baby. But, by any account, she is not you, and you do not have her life. You have your own, and you make it what you want. You want photography? Go get it! You want your own business, and to one day work in a high fashion magazine? Do it! You want to marry Jimin Park and have a baby, the more the merrier. All I ask is that you put your heart into your thoughts before you make the decision, then do whatever it takes, once the decision has been made."

I thought about what she said for a few moments.

She sounded so mature. More than any other time we talked.

"Did you know that Jimin has been the only constant in my life, besides Luna? He's been my friend, even when he and Luna were hanging out more when we were back in school. He never once judged me, or hurt me. NEVER. I just wished I would have opened my eyes to the thought of him before I actually did... We grew so close, so fast... I never knew he thought about me the way I thought about him though. It's crazy, but I feel almost like I'm hypnotized. I mean, I'll be cleaning the house and I'll be thinking of him, just watching time tick away, until he can finally get off work. I miss him, all the damn time, and I am not a clingy person! I have my own life, my own priorities, my own thoughts... But I seriously fucking miss him when he's away. Because he's my best friend and my boyfriend, so... I mean... it's like two people go away when he leaves, and two people come back, when he comes home to me."

She smiled, running her hands through her short hair, "You will figure it out, baby. It sounds to me like you've got a good thing going with Jimin. You know you have my approval, I love him to pieces. If you want to take the next step, then maybe you should be the one to bring it up to him?"

"What, like propose?"

"Why not?"

"Because that makes a woman look desperate?"

She laughed, "Only if the woman wants to look desperate, Yoona. There is nothing wrong with a strong woman going after what she wants."

"I want it all," I scoffed bitterly.

There was a silence in the room suddenly.

I didn't like it.

I always felt the need to fill it.

Our eyes focused on each other's for a moment.

Just focused.

Then, she leaned forward, and her expression was filled with passion, and love.

She smiled at me, and calmly said, "Then go get it all."

-

Jungkook POV

"Yo, Jennie," I shouted, tossing a football in the air as I entered the living room. I found her sitting behind the coffee table, playing some card game. "What the fuck is this shit?"

"A deck of cards?"

"This music, smartass."

"'Forever rain by RM. Why?"

"It's depressing as fuck."

"Well ...I'm in a depressed mood. I can turn it down, I didn't realize it was up that loud. I'm really sorry, Jungkook."

"It's not. I didn't hear it until I went toward the kitchen. But still." I studied her eyes, focused intently toward the coffee table.

She was sad again. Shit.

Walking around, I squeezed in between the coffee table and the couch, and sat on the floor beside her, "Wanna talk about it?"

She nodded slowly.

"Okay..."

She inhaled, running her chipped, black polished nail across the edge of the coffee table, "I told Luna that I still had feelings for Taehyung today."

Deep breath. "Really? I'm proud of you, for saying it out loud... How'd she take it?"

"She still loves me... She wasn't jealous, and she didn't try to knock my head off."

"That's always good," I chuckled. "You're a tiny girl. Without a head, you'd all but disappear."

She half-smiled, still staring at the cards, "I wouldn't have blamed her if she did though. If our roles were reversed, and I was his wife... I'd knock her head off if she told me she had feelings for him still."

"Maybe she understands your situation?" I shrugged. "...It wasn't too long ago that I remember talking to her back in the cabin, about her being with one person and wanting another too."

"Yeah," Jennie scoffed. "The same two people. Yoongi gets the fucked up, broken pieces of both sticks, while Taehyung had two women battling over him."

"Yoongi involved himself with two broken people. What could he have expected, truthfully? A happy, bliss-free relationship? I think not."

"Still... it wasn't fair to him. From me, or Luna... the more and more I think about it, the more upset I get with myself. There I was, judging Luna, knowing she was going to hurt Yoongi like she hurt Taehyung at one time... and then I end up doing the same damn thing to Yoongi. What gave me the right?"

"You didn't know you were going to hurt Yoongi."

"How do you know?"

"Because. You wanted to move on from Taehyung. I think you've wanted that for a while. To just be his best friend. I think you thought that Yoongi was a good place to start... But truthfully, it doesn't matter if Yoongi was fucking George Clooney. Once your heart has made up it's mind, it's fucking done. It sucks, I know, but that's the way it goes."

"It's so easy to be blinded..." she whispered. "We push ourselves and push ourselves, until we almost believe what we want to believe. Then reality comes back, and it's hard. You know, Kook. You did it with Yoona."

"I did," I replied. "And it's still rough. I think I forced myself to tell her I loved her back, because I wanted to love someone back. I wanted what everyone else had... But in truth, I'm not sure I even know how to love a girl. I love all of them but the ones I'm actually with."

"I think you're capable of love, Jungkook. Your heart is so big... Really. You do a lot more good than you think. Your dumb, sometimes... but you're also really, really good." She leaned over, putting the side of her head on my shoulder, "I wish that all of us could figure this out."

"Hey. We're talking. This is a huge step for all of us. You finally talking about your feelings. Me accepting that I'm a fucking idiot when it comes to women, and I need to figure out what I'm doing... I mean, Taehyung's out, taking care of business, instead of shoving drugs up his nose until the problems magically go away. Luna's got a baby in her stomach, a ring on her finger, and she didn't take your head off when you told her how she felt. Yoongi bowed out gracefully when it came to both you and her, and he's still kind, and doing whatever it takes to help out when he can. Yoona and Jimin are off doing whatever the fuck it is that they're doing... but they're still together, which shocks the hell out of me, but still. We're all progressing."

"We're maturing?"

"Yeah," I smirked. "Maturing. I like it."

She stuck her index finger on my right dimple and giggled, finally, "I love this one. It's my favorite."

I could smell alcohol on her breath. Whiskey. She raided my damn cabinet again.

"Why is this one your favorite today?" I asked her.

"Because it makes me happier than anything else right now."

"My dimple?"

"Yes. Women love dimples, Kookie. We're drawn to them. An ugly man could have dimples, and that would at least score him a drink purchase."

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and squeezed her tight, "I'm glad it makes you happy, Jennie. And thanks for the ugly man tip. That'll boost my confidence. The next time a pretty girl ignores my antics, I'll just flash her the right dimple, and see if she'll let me buy her a drink."

"She will," She replied, then frowned slightly, and looked to the floor, "I wisssh that someone would see me as pretty."

"Oh, Jennie. You're always pretty, no matter what."

"Whatever."

"You are. But your smiles are what makes you stand out to me. I don't want you to lose any of them."

"I know. I'm trying, but it's hard. I feel like... the entire world forgot about me. Like... I'm better off secluded."

"You're not. I know, I for one, would be pissed if you left me. Taehyung too."

"Maybe it'd be for the besssst."

"Stop saying shit like that. You can't think like that, Jennie. If you do, then these demons around you win."

She thought for a moment, shaking her head, leaning most of her weight into my side, "Maybe the demons aren't around me. Maybe they're inside of me. Maybe I'm fucked up and need an exorcism."

"No. All you need is to surround yourself with love and hope."

"And where the hell am I going to find love or hope, as if either of those really exist for me. Maybe other people, but not me."

"Yes they do."

"How do you know?"

"Because I have hope for you. And I love you. You're my buddy, J."

"Pssshhh. I'm your buddy?" She scoffed, swinging her hands around in defeat, after taking a sip of the barely there whiskey bottle, "I'm everyone's fucking buddy. Brad, Frankie, Andy... All of them boyfriends at one point. All of them declare they'd rather have friendship in the end. And where are they today, huh? Out fucking better women... Yoongi, same difference. I broke up with him, but in the end, he agreed that friendship would be better for me right now."

"And then I go after the one person I really want, no matter what cost, but he goes and gets a girl knocked up the same fucking night we almost had sex for the second time, and then he hates her, then he loves her, then he hates her, then he loves her and marries her, and he's my best friend by the way. I kiss him, we get to almost third damn base, and fuck me if my life sucks, because he stops us. Life goes on. We already know Yoongi. Skip to you. I kiss you, and you stop us too."

I laughed, rubbing my face with my left hand, while I kept her up with my right, "I stopped because Taehyung would have my ass if you and I had sex, Jennie."

"I wanted to!"

"I know, I did too, but I don't know if our reasons were the same, and it'd be really shitty if-"

"Besides, why should Taehyung care what the hell I do with my life? He's not my boyfriend, ya know? He never wanted to be. But he thinks he still has this high and mighty right to dictate to me, tell me how I should live my life? What the fuck is his problem? Who does he think he is?"

"I don't know. I never understood how Tae could say he didn't have feelings like that for you, when, honestly, you're right. It doesn't make sense to me either."

"Thank you," she bumped my chin with the top of the bottle by accident, "Sorry."

I took it out of her hands, and pretended I took a sip so she wouldn't get upset with me, "'S okay. But you do the same thing with him. You dictate how he lives his life."

"Well, that's because I can admit my feelings."

"You did then. You haven't lately."

"I'm sure he knows."

"Don't bet on it. Taehyung's fucking got tunnel vision and shit. He sees what he wants."

She scoffed, "Yeah. I know."

"I will tell you, Jennie. I think he's happy with Luna."

"I know," she frowned. "And I get it. But Jungkook... Do you think they'd be married right now if she hadn't gotten pregnant?"

I shrugged, rubbing her back with my free hand, "Can't tell you. But I do know that they are married, so there's no point in playing the what if card on it."

"I know," she frowned. "I'm sorry. I told Luna earlier that I wished Jesus himself would come down here and take out all my feelings for Taehyung. Just make it all disappear. I don't know why He's not listening to me."

"Maybe he is listening, but he's waiting for you to make a decision."

"I'd rather have him just come down here and do it for me."

I chuckled, and held the top of her head with my palm, "Ohhh, Jennie. Don't we all."

-

Luna POV

I sat in the hallway around the corner from Jungkook's living room, and listened to the conversation that continued.

I couldn't help but spy. I was worried for Jennie.

It's crazy to think about how much my heart ached at her thoughts. And what was sadder, I almost wished, for a very quick second, that Taehyung and I didn't get back together, just so she could be happy and get the man she wants. I know how crazy it sounded, even to myself. And I know I'd never give him up.

But I seriously thought about it. With anyone else, there'd be no thoughts. But she was his best friend. And she was hurting. And I know that what I did was wrong, and it made me feel awful when I thought about it. I didn't even realize the truth, until it came out to her. It was like, she was confessing all of her demons, and then mine came out, right along with hers.

We bared our hearts with no boundaries.

I've found myself wishing that people could be cloned. Or that I could split him in half, and give a part to her.

Yes, I wanted him to myself. But with her... I think I'd sacrifice.

Shit. I think I'm losing my mind. I know I'd never give him up again.

There was a knock, and then the front door swung open, revealing Taehyung and his grandpa.

I quickly stood up, and our eyes met, then a smile turned into a frown, once he twisted, and noticed Jungkook and Jennie, with tears in Jennie's eyes, and a bottle in Jungkook's hands.

I saw the anger before he even spoke. "Jesus, Jungkook ! What the hell is this shit!"

Jungkook quickly stood up, stunned look on his face.

Jennie laughed a little, then followed in suit, slowly standing, "Ohhh, Taehyung. What's the big deal? Really?"

Taehyung stepped toward her, looked her up and down, "You're drunk."

"And?"

"And you shouldn't be. Not with your problems."

"Who are you to tell me what I should be doing? You don't have time for me, remember? This is of no importance to you!"

"Is that why you're doing this? To prove something to me?!"

"No! I'm doing it because I want to! The world doesn't revolve around you, Taehyung," she scoffed, swaying a bit. "Besides! This is Jungkook's house, not yours! You can't tell me how to act in his house."

Taehyung walked closer, jerking her by her arm, toward him, "This may be Jungkook's house, Jennie, but you live with me. I am the one who gets yelled at, whenever something is wrong with you! Hell, even you yell at me when something is wrong with you. So this definitely fucking concerns me, where my best friend is, and what the fuck she is doing!"

"Oh, now I'm your best friend again? Now?! I thought I was childish and immature? I thought you were above me, now that you've got your wife and your baby on the way?"

"I never said I was above you!"

She stepped forward, pushing him back, hard on his chest, "You said everything but that, you little chicken shit! You meant it! Don't fucking stand there and lie to me!"

"Don't push me, Jennie."

She did it again, "Why not? Are my hands below you too?" Again.

"Quit it," he sneered.

Jungkook stepped forward and hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her into his chest.

She quickly started kicking, until he put her down.

Then she was right back in front of , and she was seething mad, "How can you just decide that you're better than me, huh? Do you have any idea how much that fucking hurt?! Yes, I may be going through something right now, I admit it! But you'd been going through something for almost four damn years, and I never once, ONCE, said that I was too good to help you! I never once turned my fucking back on you! Never once said that I had more important shit to deal with! And this is how you repay me?! Fuck you, Taehyung."

"Fuck me?"

"YES! FUCK YOU. I don't know how you can call yourself my best friend now. You've obviously lost the damn meaning of the word!"

"Oh please, Jennie, spare me."

She didn't step down, "You think I'm nothing now, isn't that it? Your feelings, your everything. It's all changed. You're thinking it, I see it in the anger on your face, in your eyes. You look at me differently."

"I don't look at you differently, Jennie, but I want you to GROW UP and FACE RESPONSIBILITY."

"Face responsibility?! Really. You're going to preach to me about this shit?! Just because a cow hides behind a tree to cover his spots, that doesn't make him any less of a cow, Taehyung. You're a cow. You're hiding behind Luna, behind this baby. You've still got four years of drama that you're hiding! Face responsibility? You can't talk to me unless you do it too, and you're not!"

"Yes I am," he said through his teeth. "You don't know it yet, but trust me. Revelations are flying at me left right and center, and I'm trying really hard to deal with my shadows, just as much as the next person, and then some. I love you to death Jennie, you know I do. I worry about you, every day. I wouldn't be standing here, fighting with you, if I didn't give a shit! Not two months ago, I was down on the floor with you, next to the toilet, ready to put my whole future up my nose because I love you so damn much. Remember? You fail, I fail. It still goes. But I've got a family now, and despite my concern for you, I have to get things straightened out with them first. I took a vow to protect them. To shelter them. To love them, unconditionally. That's what I plan to do. I can't help who I piss off in the long run, because my family is what matters the most."

She wiped her face with the back of her arm, her hands shaking, her body quivering. "But... what about me?" she asked weakly. "What about all the promises that you've made to me, to my family? To your family? The same ones that I made to them about you? We'd always be there, we'd always protect each other. No matter what. And you're ditching me."

"I'm not ditching you, I never said th-"

"Yes you did! Last night, you did."

Taehyung remained calm, as I stepped behind him, and rubbed his back, "No, Jennie, I said that I had to go take care of something more important than having a fight with you! Look. We're gonna disagree. We're gonna fight. We know too much shit about each other not to. But me, standing here, fighting with you about your drinking and shit... This should tell you how much I still care about you. How much I love you. Because I do. So fucking much, J. I mean it."

The tears poured from her eyes, and she wiped them away, smudging her eyeliner. She nodded, then shook her head, and looked to the ground. When she finally spoke again, her voice was so low, that it broke me in half, "I know... I just... I really wish that you'd love me the way that I love you... " She whimpered, her hand clutching her covered wrist, "...Then you might know how it feels to be me, because right now... This really sucks."

Taehyung froze stiff in front of my hands.

Jennie scoffed, shaking her head. She looked up, her chin quivering, and met my eyes, "I'm sorry, Luna."

"It's okay," I whispered, rubbing Taehyung's back soothingly. "It needed to be said."

I felt Taehyung start to tremble, and felt his hidden fear. He didn't know what to say.

She looked up at him, water in her eyes, sad expression.

He looked back, his expression a mirror of hers.

Then they both just walked away, in opposite directions.

I frowned to Jungkook, and he frowned back. That conversation didn't go as well as I had planned.

*&*#!#$^%$^

After allowing everyone an hour or so to calm down, I saw Taehyung's grandpa go in with Jennie, and I decided to check on Taehyung.

I tapped my knuckles on the door, and found him sitting on the side of the bed, head cradled, fingers in his hair.

"Taehyung," I whispered from the doorway. "Can I come in?"

He popped his head up and nodded, holding his left hand out to me.

I came toward him and took it, and he pulled me in, resting his forehead on my pooching belly. Exhaling, he shook his head slightly, "I'm so sorry that you had to hear that, Baby."

"Don't be sorry," I replied quietly. "I told her to tell you how she felt."

Immediately, his head popped up, and his eyes widened, "What? Why would you tell her that, Luna?"

"Because it's the truth," I said, running my fingers through his bronzed locks. I kept my voice calm as I kissed his head, "Taehyung... She's hurting. She's your best friend, and she's hurting, and she chose to actually confide in someone, and that person ended up being me of all people. And I know if she were any other person, especially someone like Aimee, I wouldn't have thought two seconds before I knocked her on her ass. But it's Jennie, and when she looked up at me this morning... I saw my own reflection in her eyes. I mean, I really saw it. All her pain, all her hurt and confusion... that was me, while you were away."

"And yes, it sucks that she's in love with you, but like I told her, I don't blame her for a second. She has more reason then all these other girls. She's had you since she was what, three? Four? And then, when you and I split, you asked her to move in with you. To be there for you, every single day. To go to the games, and bowling, the movies, on vacations, everywhere. You confided in her, things you'd never tell anyone else. And she to you. And through that, she fell deeper for you, and I honestly don't blame her for doing that. I would have done it too. You don't realize the power, this effect, this pull you have on women. I do, but you've never noticed it. Yes, you're arrogant and yes you can be an ass, but you can also be so damn sweet, and romantic, and thoughtful, and you wear your heart on your sleeve, and that makes us all want you more."

"You've hated life sometimes, Taehyung, and we've all had trials, but... You know who you are. Deep down inside, you know it, and that's admirable. None of us, no one that I can think of besides you, and maybe Jimin, really knows who they are in this scenario. You've got a great career, a Porsche, a condo... You've got a loving mother who raised you to respect a woman... You've surrounded yourself with these friends, who at times may be reckless and idiotic, but also would do anything you ask them to do, because they know you'd do the same for them. Sean is the perfect example. Your friends put their freedom on the line to help you with that... Any woman would fall in love with you, for all of these things..."

I lifted his chin, and smiled down to him, "And the sexy? Well those are just a hefty, hefty bonus."

He smiled, despite himself, and ran his hands along my hips, "What about my sexual appetite?"

I grinned, "An even better bonus."

He inhaled, leaned forward, lifted my shirt, and kissed my stomach a few times. "Thank you, Baby. For... Being the better person than I just was. I'd spent all day, showing myself how cool and collected I could be, how grown up I was, and then I still fight with Jennie."

"Taehyung, grown ups have fights. You and I, we're going to have fights. Probably some bad ones, knowing us. People who fight, that's a sign that they care. Like you said, if you didn't give a shit about her, you wouldn't be putting up the effort of having a fight. But you love her, and you want her well. There's nothing wrong with fighting for that."

He nodded, hugging my waist tight, "It all makes more sense when you say it."

"That's what I'm here for. Remember our vows? You pick me up, and I pick you up. We're a team."

He smiled and tugged my hand a bit, "We are. Will you sit down with me?"

I nodded.

He pulled something plastic out of his pocket, and ripped the package open with his perfect white teeth. Then he deposited a black, leather cord, double knotted bracelet in my palm, and clutched the other one in his hand. "For you."

I tilted my head, fiddling with it, "Thank you... What is it?"

"Just something else that we have in common," he smirked, brushing my hair off my shoulder. "You wear one, and I wear one too... No one really sees our necklaces, and I cannot wear mine in the O.R. because of the silver and the babies, but... This, I can wear anywhere. And people will see it, and they'll know I'm linked to you."

Biting my lip, I slid it on my wrist and adjusted it, "I love it. Thank you so much. I'm not going to take it off."

"Me neither," he smiled. "I got different ones, for me and Jennie. But I will wait a while before I give it to her."

"Yeah," I rubbed his back. "So... Where do we go from here?"

"Well, first I wanted to talk to you about something... And then I wanted to show you something."

"Okay..." My heart started to beat really fast when our eyes connected.

He smiled reassuringly, "I've been doing a lot of thinking, and... I think that you and I, we need some help. As I've told you before, I don't regret how my life has been for one second, because it brought you to me, and that's what matters the most, but... There's still a lot of things we need to sort out..." He looked up at me, his emerald green eyes sending shudders down my spine, "Luna, I have a confession to make."

"What is it?"

He licked his lips and grabbed my hands, holding them between his, "I... read your medical file... I know I shouldn't have, but I was trying to see if there was a rape kit ordered, so I could find some information about Sean's location, just in case... and I couldn't stop myself. I read about your... breakdown... and... "

He closed his eyes once I pulled my head back a bit, so he wouldn't have to look at my stunned expression anymore, "I just really worry about you. I worry about me too. I reacted so damn poorly yesterday, and so did you, and we can't keep doing that. We have to stay strong. We have to be strong, and we cannot do that if we keep ignoring our pasts."

Shivering, I ignored the pain in my chest and my bouncing knees, and looked him dead in the eyes, "...What do we have to do?"

"I think we need therapy. The both of us."

"Oh."

"We can go together," he said really fast. "And we can support each other. And we can work out our problems there, then leave them at the door, and go home to our baby and our life together. We don't have to fight about it when we get there, we can just be our normal selves at home, but... I really think we'll start to feel ourselves change for the better, as time goes by. And we both need to let go of these things. I know I have a lot of guilt, and I've made a lot of mistakes, and I'm willing to sit there and talk about it all in front of you, despite my utter terror that you may leave me when you find out... I just want us to really get stronger. Better than ever. I really believe that it's for the best, but I want you with me."

He exhaled, and caressed my arm, "What do you think?"

I shrugged, trying to get my brain to process things.

Taehyung remained silent, and let me ponder for a while.

And ponder, I did. For ten minutes straight. In silence.

"Okay," I whispered eventually, tugging on his fingers. "I think you're right. Let's do it."

"Really?" he asked.

I nodded, smiling, "Really. We need it. We need to deal with it, and we need to move on."

"Yes!" He said, pulling me into a deep hug. "Yes, yes, yes! Luna! Thank you so much!"

He started kissing all over my face, and the inside of my hands and wrists, then my face again, "Yes. Thank you, thank you, thank you. God I love you so damn much!"

Giggling, I pulled him into a kiss, and we fell sideways onto the bed.

Out of habit, our hands started roaming into the back of each other's shirts, but then he quickly jerked his face away from mine, "Wait! Jungkook's bed. Can't do this here."

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right," I said panting, kissing him again.

"Baby," he smiled as I attacked his mouth. "Baby... This is.. Jungkook's bed... and I .. really want to show you something."

"What? Show me."

He pulled my face away and looked me in the eyes. "Come outside."

"Okay..."

He pulled me up and led me through the house, then covered my eyes before he led me to the pavement. He called for his grandpa, who was sitting on the couch, and he quickly popped up and followed us out.

"Wh-Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

"Did you kill Jungkook and hang him up on the basketball hoop or something?"

"Yeah. You've totally got me."

"Then what then?"

"A few more steps..."

"Come on."

"Hold your horses."

"My horses don't want to be held."

"Here we go," he uncovered my eyes quickly, "Ta-da!"

I stared at the silver car for a few seconds, and furrowed my brows, "You went and got the Mercedes?"

"Yes."

"That's cool," I said, with a slight disappointment. "I mean... I've missed it and I'm glad you got it back, but I've seen it before."

He smirked and turned me toward him, "What did we come to Kook's in last night?"

"The Porshe."

"And what is there?"

"The Mercedes."

"Get it?"

"...Not at all."

He groaned, bending back a bit, then he snapped forward and clutched my arms, "I sold it."

"You sold what?"

"My Carerra."

"What?!" I squealed, hand over heart. "Why?! That thing had hardly any miles on it!"

"I know, that's why I sold it."

"Taehyung?! Why would you sell that car?"

His grandpa cleared his throat, and handed me a stack of papers, held together by a paper clip.

"What's this?" I asked, fingering through them.

Taehyung rubbed my back and smiled, "I sold the car to get the money for a down payment on the house you wanted."

I dropped the papers and looked at him, "WHAT?"

He smirked, "That covers the down payment and the inspection and closing costs, and my generous grandfather here agreed to front us the money we need to get into the house in two weeks. Only on the condition that, in a couple of years, he allows me to pay him back the money he's lent me up front with the money that I will be making through the Children's Hospital. Also, though it's in our names, he had to do a mutual co-sign. Which means, in one year, with no penalties, his name will fall off of the mortgage, and then it'll be just ours. He can remove it earlier, depending on, like I said, how we make our payments. That way, we don't have to go through any more bank bullshit."

I couldn't think of anything to say. My mind was a complete blank.

"And," he said, rocking us from side to side, "The house was vacant... Ready to go. I spoke with Lauren, the Realtor, and the owners agreed that if I hand them the money today - which I've done - then not only are we moved to the top, but that they'd take our offer immediately, and as soon as we sign these papers, then it's ours."

"Ours?"

"All ours," he exhaled smoothly.

"Ours..." I said, shaking my head. "Ours... Ours..."

"Mmhmm."

I looked over at him, trying to figure out how to respond to this.

"Yesterday, all I could think about was running away to Jamaica with you and this baby... That everything in my life was about to be ruined... And now, you're telling me that you sold the Carerra and that you bought a freakin' house? Our house? My, my, m-my dream house?!"

He smirked, "That's what I'm telling you."

"Are you shitting me right now?"

"Nope," he replied, popping the 'p'.

"Taehyung," I said, feeling overwhelmed.

"Yes, my love?"

I looked at him, shaking my head, smiling like a baboon.

He tilted his head forward, waiting for me.

"WE HAVE A HOUSE!" I screamed, jumping in his arms and laughing.

He bounced me up and down a few times, then hugged me to his chest tightly, "Yes baby. We have a house."

"Oh my God!" I cried, throwing my legs around him, completely forgetting Victor until I noticed he was laughing his ass off at my reaction. "We have a house?! We have a house?!"

"We have a house," he repeated calmly. "And we're going to have security in our house, besides just the gate... Actual physical people. Grandpa's arranging it all for us."

"Ohh," I exhaled, kissing all over his neck. "My life couldn't get any better than this!"

He laughed, spinning me around, "Are you excited?"

"Yes!"

"Do you want to go see it tomorrow morning?"

"YES!"

"Okay. Sign those damn papers, we'll take it up to the Realtor's office tomorrow, and see if we can't snag the keys."

"Taehyung," I said, rubbing his cheeks and kissing all over his mouth, "I'm so happy. I'm so damn happy!"

He pulled back a bit, and smiled down at me, keeping me in his arms, "That's all I want you to be."

And I was.

I really, really was.

At last.