**

"Put your head on my shoulder,"  The soft melody gushed around the room like wind, clasping all that's vacant in its whim. "Hold me in your arms, baby," The song continued, drowning out the breathless moans which filled the study room.

Jeongguk's head lolled back onto Taehyung's wide shoulder, his chest heaving, sheen with sweat. Jeongguk virtuous body was seated on Taehyung's lap, both sitting on the brown armchair in Taehyung's study. Taehyung's hands delicately guided his hips, so Taehyung's cock slipped in and out of Jeongguk in a fluid motion. Taehyung's touch was like a flame to a candle, Jeongguk melted onto him. Like hot wax, his mind hazed with the overwhelming pleasure, his eyes blurred.

It was hot, the air around them significantly thicker, moisture spreading across their tan bodies, their nudity only making the heat rise. Jeongguk's hands were up, fingers fumbling with locks of Taehyung's blonde hair. They were quiet, entranced in the music, in each other. Taehyung kissed his neck, his soft skin pale, moonlike, begging to be bitten.

"Tae-" Jeongguk gasped. "T-Taehyung-" Jeongguk babbled, losing his senses, his power, his self-control. Taehyung's cock pulsated inside of him, slamming into his prostate ever so fluently. Jeongguk cried, arching his back. Taehyung roamed his hands down to his ass, loving how needy his body was, how eager.

"So beautiful." Taehyung murmured the only words in his mind. "My, my beautiful boy."

"Y-yours," Jeongguk whispered, heart beating rapidly, his thoughts circling in the whirlpool of his mind in the midst of his steaming exchange.

"Just a kiss goodnight, maybe," Paul Anka's voice sang from the record player. "You and I will fall in love,"

Love, Jeongguk's eyes opened as Taehyung murmured small praises into the boy's nape. Jeongguk's stomach fluttered in the reprise, the spontaneous notion making his head spin. Taehyung pressed in tightly.

"Come for me, angel," Taehyung whispered, his voice seeming in Jeongguk's head and outside of it, everywhere, circling him, surrounding him, taking over. Jeongguk came in command, quiet but whimpering, ribbons of come spurting out. Taehyung sighed into his ear, grinning.

"God, you're perfect," Taehyung said, and Jeongguk only had to bounce on his cock twice more for the older man to come. Jeongguk heard Taehyung grunt and continued bouncing up his length, making him come harder, tense. Taehyung smacked Jeongguk's thigh to stop him, and then the boy lifted off of the older man and lay on his lap, limp.

"Oh, lamb." Taehyung breathed out as Jeongguk placed his head onto his. "Have I worn you out?"

"You always do," Jeongguk said with a fond smile on his face.

It felt as if months and months had passed when it'd only been a week. Jeongguk gave a rather lame reasoning for his temporary absence to Rosie, who nodded uncaringly and let him be. Jeongguk was noticing how increasingly callous the woman was becoming but didn't say anything to it.

"You might as well live here, Jeongguk," Taehyung whispered, and then smiled at the boy. "Wouldn't that be lovely? Waking up beside you every morning. Pure bliss."

"It really would," Jeongguk said, cheeks reddening slightly. "Though I must admit, there is a solution to this peculiarity," Jeongguk said, smiling. "Let's run away."

"I wish you would've asked me sooner, my love," Taehyung mumbled, brown eyes glancing away. "I wish we were more foolish, daring, younger. I'd had seen a pretty boy like you and ran with your hand in mine in an instant. We could've taken a boat and gone to Greece. Lived our lives pretending to be brothers." Taehyung snickered.

"We can be foolish and daring. We just- we just need to not care." Jeongguk said, words light. "We can leave behind this- this world that dictates who we shall or shan't love."

Taehyung closed his eyes, chuckling. "Baby," Taehyung whispered, and Jeongguk tensed. "Don't speak into the void. You'll lead yourself to disappointment. You know we can't just leave. We have lives, and jobs, and women who we are sworn to in marital grace."

Jeongguk stirred for a second, and then hummed, laying back onto Taehyung's head, closing his eyes. Taehyung wrapped his arms around his bare waist and then sighed. "I wish this was easier too."

"I-I wish I could stay with you all the time, Taehyung. I never want to leave. I've grown fond of you, so-so much." Jeongguk let out, voice small. He didn't know what the feeling in his stomach was, but he was afraid that it was something stronger than fondness.

It was love.

"I'm fond of you as well, my darling," Taehyung reassured, looking up. "I've never met someone so perfect for me. You- you're dazzling. Like a dream. I'm afraid I'll wake up sometimes." Taehyung murmured.

Jeongguk lay against him. "Let's... stay asleep for a little while more," Jeongguk said. Taehyung hummed, holding him tightly.

After a while, they dressed sparsely and cooked food. Jeongguk felt like his cheeks might erupt from how much they burned. Taehyung would wrap his arms around Jeongguk's waist and make a silly comment, and it'd send Jeongguk giggling.

Jeongguk stirred the pot of food and lifted the wooden soon which was filled with the broth. Jeongguk led it to Taehyung's lips, as Taehyung was slotted behind him. Taehyung tasted the broth and then hummed. "Tastes good."

Jeongguk brought the spoon away. Then, Taehyung leaned down and kissed Jeongguk on the lips. Jeongguk smiled into his lips, giggling. Taehyung pulled away and then hummed once more. "Tastes better."

Jeongguk and Taehyung finished preparing their meal and then ate it over an hour, drinking their wine, going slow. Their conversation was as fluid as their drinks, going on and on and never once stopping. Not until they were finished, full of wine and food.

Then Taehyung took him to the bedroom, and they lay down, kissing slowly. Taehyung brushed his thumb in circles over Jeongguk's tummy which was a little more visible after eating the food. Jeongguk whined in embarrassment, but Taehyung kissed his worries away, smiling.

They fell asleep with ease.

The next day Jeongguk left for his own home because he had his assistant job to go to. Taehyung wasn't upset this time, just kissed him dearly, for he had work of his own too. Jeongguk reached home quickly and found it empty. Rosie must've gone to work already.

Jeongguk got ready for work, showered, put on a simple white shirt and black trousers with shoes. He brushed his hair, moisturized, sprayed a little bit of his perfume which's smell he adored. Jeongguk applied lip balm (Taehyung bought him one after he complained about how chapped his lips were getting) and headed to work.

Work felt like it was 19 hours long and yet, somehow, also 3 minutes long.

"Ehm, get the papers next time. Handwrite it, yeah? I can't deal with all this type-writer nonsense." Jeongguk's old, old boss gruffed, voice ragged, clearly from smoking 3 packs a day. Jeongguk nodded.

"Yes sir," Jeongguk said, picking his things up and placing them in his side bag. "You know, in my day, we never had all these advancements-"

Oh god, here comes his tangent. "I'm aware, sir." Jeongguk nodded, giving him a tight-lipped smile. "I must leave now. See you tomorrow." Jeongguk said, and then rushed away and out of the building.

Jeongguk walked out of the building and began walking down the pathway towards his house. While walking, a certain brightly colored boutique caught his attention. It was called 'Pink Wall'. Jeongguk stopped for a second and looked through the window.

In the exhibit, mannequins stood wearing what looked like a flaring poodle skirt, but a little shorter than usual. Must be the new fashion, Jeongguk thought, looking in. One skirt on a mannequin caught his eye. It was pale yellow, with pink roses embroidered on its middle. Jeongguk felt his insides stir.

He didn't know why, but he couldn't stop looking at the skirt, blinking his doe eyes in interest. He found himself leaning in, eyeing the pretty color, the pretty stitching done on it, how pretty it'd look if someone were wearing it. Jeongguk's breath hitched.

He shook his head slightly, turning away. His heart began racing, not liking the absurdly ludicrous thoughts  which were filling his head. His mouth went dry as he walked two steps away from the boutique, but then, he paused.

He thought of Yoongi, from that night, for a split second. His insides eased.  Jeongguk turned to look at the store once more. He took a deep breath, and allowed his impulse to override him, and walked into the store.

Jeongguk walked to that skirt and then ran his fingers down the material. It was wonderfully soft, with some layers underneath, which would give it a good tuft. Jeongguk's breathing fastened, getting anxious.

"Good evening sir." A woman's voice came. Jeongguk turned around in an instant, eyes big, seeing a woman in a white skirt and black shirt. She probably worked there. "Can I help you with anything?"

Jeongguk shook his head quickly. "N-no. I'll just be going-" Jeongguk stammered, the fear of being exposed worrying him. He headed for the door once more, but then spotted the gorgeous skirt again, and stopped. He brought his thumbnail up to his lips, nibbling on it unconsciously, nervous.

"Are you looking to buy a gift for a lady, sir? Perhaps a wife or sister?" The woman asked. Jeongguk paused.

Oh, what a perfect alibi. "Yes," Jeongguk said, turning around to look at her. "Yes, for- for my... sister, yes." Jeongguk lied through his teeth, giving her a timid smile.

"Of course! I think it's ever so charming when men go out of their way to buy presents like these for their loved ones." She gushed. Jeongguk nodded, thankful that she didn't suspect anything.

"I like that skirt. I mean- I think my sister would like it." Jeongguk said, pointing at the yellow skirt.

The woman hummed. "Yes, it's very fashionable currently." The woman said, grabbing the skirt. "What size would your sister be?"

Jeongguk looked away for a few seconds and then gulped. "Well, um- we-we're twins. So, possible the same size." Jeongguk nodded.

The woman looked at him, confused. "But you don't exactly have a woman's body, sir. It might not be the right fit-"

"My sister doesn't exactly have a woman's body either." Jeongguk laughed. God, what am I doing?? The woman working at the shop laughed uncomfortably for a second and then nodded.

"Alright." She said. She measured Jeongguk's waist rather quickly, and Jeongguk was almost blushing from this. She got the measurements and then found the right skirt. Jeongguk was overly excited when he saw her fold it and place it into a bag neatly.

Jeongguk paid. "I hope your sister likes it." The woman smiled, writing his receipt.

"Oh, she will," Jeongguk said nodding. The woman handed him the packet, and Jeongguk skipped out, gleaming.

Jeongguk went home and hid the packet in the deepest corner of his study room, where Rosie would never find it. Rosie would probably return and hour or two later. So, Jeongguk began reading a book as usual.

He read a few paragraphs but then got bored. His thoughts were far too wildered in the excitement of that skirt. He didn't know why he bought it, in honesty. Wearing it would be far too humiliating for his own self. But, perhaps, at times, he could just stare at the fabric and envision himself wearing it. Or just have it, for a keepsake.

Jeongguk closed his book and then walked to Rosie's dresser, seating himself down on the chair. Jeongguk admired his reflection, eyes glued on the diamond that sparkled. Jeongguk wanted more. He wanted more jewels, perhaps pearls, to cascade on his neck.

Taehyung would get him more jewels, wouldn't he? Maybe if Jeongguk asked kindly. But he shouldn't seem too greedy, that wouldn't be right of him. Oh, the thought of Taehyung buying him all kinds of luxurious things made him giggle.

Jeongguk opened one of the drawers, looking for his lip balm, but instead, saw all of Rosie's makeup. Jeongguk's eyes sparkled, and he took out a circular pink case. He opened it and saw rouge.

He looked at himself in the mirror, and then got a little excited, and took Rosie's brush out. He tapped the brush onto the blush gently, and then brushed it onto his cheeks. Jeongguk saw the pink hue on his cheeks and smiled innocently.

Jeongguk did the same on his other cheek and then placed them down, back in the drawer. Jeongguk found something called 'mascara' and took it out, seeing a small black tip with bristles. Jeongguk assumed it went on his eyelashes, that's what the box read. Jeongguk fluttered them against his lashes, and then looked at himself. Ooh, they were a little longer.

How fun, Jeongguk thought. He could have a whole day of nothing but this. Jeongguk took out his glossy lip balm and put it on his lips, liking the red tint. He applied another layer, and then suddenly heard the bedroom door push open.

"Jeongguk- what are you doing?" Rosie's voice came. Jeongguk dropped the lip gloss in a hurry and turned his head, eyes big.

"N-nothing." Jeongguk stammered, getting up quickly and pushing the drawers close. "What are you doing back so early?"

Rosie, in a morose way, frowned. She walked closer to him, eyeing his face. Jeongguk looked away. "Are you wearing... makeup?"

"No." Jeongguk urged out. "I'm not. I was j-just-"

"W-what are you doing wearing my makeup, Jeongguk?" Rosie asked, eyes big. She looked frightened, almost. Jeongguk shook his head.

"I'm not. I swear, I j-just- I was just putting on cream, and- I d-don't know. I must've have put- put on the wrong thing or s-something." Jeongguk said hastily, looking down.

Rosie hesitated for a second and then nodded slowly. "Of course. Yes, of course. What else would it be?" Rosie chuckled to herself, turning around.

Jeongguk sighed in relief, seeing her way away. "Why're you home so early?"

Rosie's shoulders tensed, and she gulped. Rosie turned around, hesitant. "Jeongguk I, um- I g-got fired."

"What?" Jeongguk let out, his nervousness washing away. "Why? Why did they-"

"I don't know! They- they just did. They told me to leave and- and- I don't know. I think they're sacking a bunch of the girls off, honestly." Rosie said timidly. "I'm sorry."

Jeongguk sighed. "It's alright. I suppose you could find a job in- in a hospital nearby-"

"Actually, I- um- if-if you don't mind, that is- I was hoping I could join my sisters in Bristol. My eldest sister just had her child, and I wanted to go visit-"

"Yes. Absolutely. You can go." Jeongguk said, rather quickly. "I wouldn't want you to miss such a thing."

"That's very kind of you, thank you," Rosie said, but looked a little affronted by Jeongguk's rather brash response. Jeongguk hummed and then walked out of the room, towards the kitchen.

"Well, I assume you'll still get your pay for this month," Jeongguk said. Rosie looked confused. "What?"

Jeongguk leaned against the counter, waiting by the boiling water. "I mean, if you got fired, the hospital is obligated to pay you the next pay check. Especially when terminated out of warning like this. Y'know, it's really not right to just fire people like this, with no explanation. They only do it so freely because the employees are women. It's unfair."

Rosie blinked. "Oh. Um... I don't think I'll receive the paycheck." Rosie murmured, and then turned away.

"Why not? That legally not allowed, Rosie." Jeongguk chuckled, and then simmered down when he saw Rosie looking away hesitantly. "Rosie? What's wrong?"

Rosie looked at him for a few seconds and then tsked. "J-Jeongguk, I d-didn't get fired." Rosie let out. She tightened her grip on the sofa. "I resigned."

"What?" Jeongguk asked, standing up properly. He walked out of the kitchen. "Why would you do that?"

Rosie gulped. "You've been doing so much work with Taehyung lately, I assumed you've got a job or-or something!" Rosie said. Jeongguk frowned.

"I haven't. I'd tell you if I did. And even if I did get a job, this is something you should discuss with me-" Jeongguk began.

"I don't like it, Jeongguk," Rosie said, abrupt. "I don't like working! I-I've read on it. Psychologically, women are better at work. That's what m-my mum says. And- and none of my sisters work! Nor do any of the girls back at the village." Rosie said quickly.

Jeongguk looked at her in disbelief. "There's a difference, Rosie. You won't have to work once we're financially stable. Currently, we're not-"

"What about Jimin? He's earning less than you are at that pub, isn't he? Yet he-"

"Jimin doesn't have a wife, Rosie! And if he did, she'd probably be working!" Jeongguk snapped, growing angry. He didn't like raising his voice, but currently, he couldn't help it. "I-I don't understand, why would you not talk to me about this? I can't completely support the two of us yet, Rosie."

"You can try, can't you? Men have been doing that for years and years now. Why can't you do it?" Rosie cried, looking timid.

"I-" Jeongguk began, and then gulped. "I don't know! I d-don't know how other men do it, I can't. I want us to b-be stable, and be comfortable at least. That can only happen if we both have jobs! Once- once I finish law school, I'll get a job, and you don't have to work anymore, Rosie. It's that simple-"

 "Don't you feel inferior knowing your wife works because of you?" Rosie asked suddenly. Jeongguk stilled.

Jeongguk couldn't help but let the one part of himself he's hidden from everyone but Taehyung come out. His scared, more feeble side. Jeongguk felt tears rise in his eyes and looked at her. "O-Of course I do. But t-that's how life is, Rosie. I can't h-help-" Jeongguk began, and felt tears fall down.

"And you're crying," Rosie let out in disbelief. Jeongguk felt himself grow defensive, fists tightening. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude but- I just- I d-don't understand you sometimes," Rosie said weakly.

Jeongguk turned and grabbed his keys, fumbling with them in his hand. He felt like he was going to throw up. "G-go be with your sisters. I'll see you once you're back."

"Jeongguk, d-don't go. Please. Don't leave me alone again," Rosie said faintly.

Jeongguk walked out, closing the door behind him. He ran down the steps and towards Taehyung's house, tears in his eyes. He rushed to his doorstep and knocked on his door hastily, tears pooling in his eyes.

The door opened. Taehyung saw Jeongguk, and his small smile dropped instantly. "What's wrong?" He asked. Jeongguk leaped forward, hugging him tightly. He burst into tears.

"Baby, don't cry, my sweet thing," Taehyung whispered, closing the door behind him. Taehyung hugged Jeongguk back, worried. "Hey, hey, what's wrong?"

"R-Rosie-" Jeongguk tried explaining but began crying into Taehyung's chest like a baby. Taehyung tsked and lifted him up from under his thighs, carrying him into the living room.

"It's okay, you don't have to talk about it if you don't wish to," Taehyung whispered, and then sat down on the couch, the boy on his lap. Jeongguk whimpered, tears running down his cheeks.

"I-I don't like her. I only w-want you." Jeongguk said, a lump in his throat. Taehyung kissed his forehead.

"I feel the same way, little one," Taehyung said, and then kissed his chin. Jeongguk eased into his touch and then sniffled.

"I'm a disappointment of a man," Jeongguk whispered. Taehyung chuckled. "We all are. Don't fret. What they say man is, is far from what man really is." Taehyung said, stroking Jeongguk's cheek. Jeongguk didn't really understand but nodded.

"Hold me forever." Jeongguk pleaded. Taehyung smiled, kissing his cheek. "Gladly."

Taehyung held the boy for tens of minutes, waiting for the boy to stop crying and bubbling out incoherent sentences about his hatred for society in general. Taehyung was sure he heard the boy talking about some yellow skirt in the middle of his whining. Finally, the younger stopped and just looked at Taehyung.

"Y-you're amazing," Jeongguk said.

"Far from it, actually," Taehyung said softly. Jeongguk giggled, hitting his chest lightly.

Both looked at each other closely and pressed their lips together. Soft, tingling, gentle. Taehyung pushed him onto the sofa, pressing him against the arm of it. Jeongguk squeaked into his mouth from the sensation, and Taehyung smiled, fond. He pulled away and kissed his lips again, and once more, and once more. Taehyung then began pressing small kisses to his neck. Jeongguk gripped the man's shoulders, tipping his head back and allowing for Taehyung's touch to consume him.

Jeongguk wrapped his legs around his waist, biting his lip. Taehyung nipped at his neck, sucking at the soft skin. Jeongguk giggled at how Taehyung pinched his waist, and then opened his eyes, wanting to gaze into Taehyung's darker ones.

Jeongguk looked up and then stopped.

"O-oh-" Jeongguk let out, eyes widening. "Taehyung-" Jeongguk said abruptly, pushing Taehyung off him.

Taehyung stumbled back and frowned. He looked to the side and felt every inch of him freeze when he saw Veronica.

Veronica was stood by the entrance of the living room, her eyes wide in disbelief, lips parted. She dropped the suitcase she was holding when the men looked at her. Her eyes were darkened, jaw slack.

"Veronica," Taehyung began. He stood up. Jeongguk got up from the couch himself, his eyes big in worry. Taehyung began walking to her, keeping his composure calm "Look- it isn't- it isn't what you think-"

Veronica was silent. Taehyung walked closer to her, and all Jeongguk could do was watch. She didn't say a word, didn't move an inch. "Let's just talk about this maturely. I'll tell you everything-"

Veronica slapped him across the face.

Jeongguk flinched and widened his eyes, bringing his hand to his lips, clasping them over it. Taehyung stood there, head facing the side from where he got slapped.

Veronica let her eyes lead to Jeongguk slowly. "Get out of my house." She growled lowly. Jeongguk nodded hurriedly, rushing towards the door. He walked past them, but before running out, he gave Taehyung a worried look.

Taehyung was looking down, smirking. Jeongguk's breath hitched in confusion, and he wordlessly ran out, not wanting to make it worse for the man.

Right when he thought things were going to be okay, it came tumbling down.

**