**

It had been a week since Veronica had been absent. The weather had gotten warmer and the cold, dull fog of London was turning into a blushing spring. The trees grew greener, its children arose with vivid petals. Coats came off, and people began filling the streets again.

Jeongguk had a blue scarf tied around his eyes, wrists tugging at the other scarlet scarf restraining them to the bed. Jeongguk was naked, writhing on Taehyung's bed, letting out whines and pellets of whimpers.

"My beautiful angel," Jeongguk heard Taehyung's raspy voice say. Taehyung kissed down Jeongguk's bare chest, one hand working in small circles on the inline of his waist while the other thrust two fingers into the boy. Jeongguk bucked his lips, a disappointed mewl leaving his dainty lips upon feeling no friction.

"T-Taehyung-" Jeongguk stammered, moving his head from one side to another, frantic. "Nngh- kiss- k-kiss me-"

"Of course," Taehyung whispered, and pressed their lips together. Jeongguk felt Taehyung's fingers push up further and reach his prostate. Jeongguk preened into the kiss, finally feeling Taehyung's clothed body against his cock. Jeongguk thrust up, embarrassingly needy, wanting nothing more than Taehyung to touch him all over.

Jeongguk had been at Taehyung's for every day in the past week. The moment classes ended, Taehyung picked him up and took him back to his place. Jeongguk went back to his own at times, for short periods. Taehyung always convinced him to stay the night. Jeongguk felt guilt stringing at the bottom of his stomach for being so negligent to Rosie- but she'd been overly busy at the hospital and slept the moment she came back from work. That, however, did little to reduce Jeongguk's remorse.

For today, the sun had set hours past. The moon stood high in the sky, mighty in its approach to seem so meek yet watchful. Taehyung had smirked at Jeongguk upon seeing him and quickly risen his arousal to the thought of being tied up. Jeongguk had done so willingly, or rather, excitedly.

"Baby." Taehyung stated, more factual rather than calling. Taehyung began massaging Jeongguk's prostate with his long fingers, and Jeongguk felt his head fulminate with pleasure as if a fire had been lit in the pit of his stomach. Jeongguk's moans became louder, breath growing shorter. His hands stayed up, tugging on its restraints though he was well aware he wanted them on. Seeing only darkness made him appreciate Taehyung's touch, fingers, voice more.

"Ta-Taehyung." Jeongguk whimpered, biting down on his lip so hard he felt dizzy with blood. "God- p-please-" Jeongguk let out, faint.

Taehyung shushed him softly. "You're beautiful like this," Taehyung said, kissing his chest, seeing how his thighs clenched  and legs lifted involuntarily at the little circles Taehyung made on his prostate. "How fascinating it is to see you so compliant in my hands. You're ready to give me everything," Taehyung said, in awe. "You've let me restrain your senses. You trust me to make love to you, my love?"

"Yes." Jeongguk breathed out. "I enjoy it. I-Immensely. When- when you take control of-of me. Touch me more, please. I crave it." Jeongguk said, lips damp. Taehyung pressed another kiss to his open lips.

Taehyung took his fingers out. He held both sides of his thighs and lifted them up, pushing his cock in rather swiftly. Jeongguk let out cried, his flush reminding Taehyung of the spring. His pale moonlike body squirmed against the sheets as Taehyung fucked him thoroughly.

"I can't imagine how utterly devastating life would've been for you if you hadn't had felt this," Taehyung whispered, smirking above him, looking at his helpless boy who gave in to Taehyung's tough, just whimpering and desperately trying to rub his cock against Taehyung.

 Taehyung saw tears slip past the scarf tied around his head, and kissed them away. He knew he couldn't litter Jeongguk's neck with hickies, even though he wanted to badly. Their wives simply got in the way at times. Taehyung continued fucking Jeongguk, whispering filth into his ear.

Jeongguk came soon, perhaps too. His humiliation was unrepentant, the flush on his cheeks showing the high he felt. Taehyung came soon from that too, enjoying how Jeongguk cried his name in his frail, pretty voice.

Taehyung pulled the condom out and got off the bed to throw it into the bin. He turned back around and took mirth in the sight of Jeongguk naked, back arching, his waist looking smaller than ever in this ankle, thighs squeezing together, knees facing the ceiling. His nimble fingers trembled, and the tears continued to cascade down his cheeks. He moved his head around as if wondering where Taehyung was.

"Taehyung?" Jeongguk asked, fearful of his absence. Taehyung walked closer to the bed.

"Could I photograph this? I'd like to keep it with myself at all times. For the future, perhaps." Taehyung said.

Jeongguk nodded. "Y-yes." Jeongguk said with no hesitation. Taehyung grabbed his black camera with its silver edges and lit a cigarette seamlessly. He stood close to the bed, letting out smoke from his mouth while clicking a photograph of his beauty.

Taehyung placed the camera onto the side and then climbed onto the bed to straddle Jeongguk's narrow hips and undo the scarves around his wrist and eyes. Once they were off, Jeongguk brought his hands to his chest and blinked his wet eyes.

"Beautiful," Taehyung muttered, leaning down and kissing his lips, holding his cigarette loosely in one hand. Jeongguk's tongue fluttered in Taehyung's mouth, and the older pulled away, laying down beside him.

"I shouldn't stay tonight," Jeongguk whispered as Taehyung threw his arm over Jeongguk's waist, killing the remains of his cigarette into the ashtray beside the bed. Taehyung hummed.

"Rubbish. You should stay the night, and you will." Taehyung said, kissing the back of his neck. Jeongguk moved in his arms, and then turned around to face him. Taehyung felt a kiss to his cheek.

"Taehyung," Jeongguk said softly. "I've exchanged less than 5 words to Rosie in more than a week. It's not fair to her." Jeongguk said, and Taehyung opened his eyes.

"Didn't you say she was busy with work?" Taehyung said, and then put his hand on Jeongguk's bare hip. "Don't worry, lamb. It's just one more night-"

"That's what you've been saying every night," Jeongguk said, and then sat up, taking a sharp breath. "We can't just stop our lives and spend every moment together, as much as I'd enjoy it. We can't pretend we're in France." Jeongguk said, looking at him.

Taehyung sat up and watched as Jeongguk got off the bed, the little purple bruises Taehyun's lips had made in Jeongguk's inner thighs gleaming perfectly. Jeongguk picked his pants and slipped them past his legs. Taehyung snickered.

"After everything that happened tonight, don't you think you deserve a little bit of my affection? Darling, I'm only trying to take care of you. I assumed you'd be fazed after our sex-"

"I'm fine, Taehyung. Honestly." Jeongguk said, and then grabbed the trousers which lay on the bed. Jeongguk put them on quickly and then saw Taehyung get up from the bed, only wearing trousers and no shirt, new unlit cigarette in his hand.

Taehyung smirked. "You got me to fuck you and then decided to leave, is it?" Taehyung asked, voice dripping, eyes glinting with a hint of annoyance.

Jeongguk frowned, eyes growing big. "N-no. Why would you say so? You're the one who keeps insisting on us doing such things-"

"Don't act like you don't want it, lamb. Are you going to play innocent, again? It really doesn't suit you anymore," Taehyung whispered, clutching Jeongguk's wrist.

Jeongguk pulled his arm back, looking uncertain. "Are you angered with me? For- for what? For not avoiding my responsibilities and succumbing into this- this affair?" Jeongguk asked, confused. Taehyung looked at him, and then chuckled, dry.

"Are you joking?" Taehyung asked lowly. "Affair? Is that what you think of me?"

"Is that not what we are?" Jeongguk asked back.

"All I'm asking is for you to stay the night, and you're making it seem as if I'm some sort of desperate maiden who won't let you go," Taehyung said, and Jeongguk scoffed, in disbelief.

"You're acting like it, Taehyung! Every night I wasn't here you called me and asked me to come over! You-you haven't even called your wife, and she's been gone a whole week to visit her sick mother!"

"As if you're such a good husband. Do you even know what Rosie enjoys? Do you ask how her work is?" Taehyung snapped, fingers playing with the cigarette.

"Then let me be a good husband! I admit I don't treat Rosie all that well. But I was forced into the marriage, Taehyung. Rosie will never admit to what she did. She convinced my mother than I loved her, and they only told me I was getting married on the morning of my wedding day. I haven't let that anger go, but you-you chose to marry Veronica. At least act like it." Jeongguk said, turning to walk away.

"You want me to act like it?" Taehyung asked, walking closer to him. Jeongguk began walking down the stairs, and Taehyung followed. "Is that what you want, Jeongguk? Because tat would make things highly difficult between you and me, love." Taehyung said roughly, seeing Jeongguk pause by the door, looking at his shoes.

"You know that's not what I mean, Tae-"

"Then don't speak of it." Taehyung growled, grabbing him by his waist, pulling him closer in. "Don't pretend like you're not dependant on my affection," Taehyung whispered against his cheek and then pressed their lips together.

Jeongguk let out a sound of abrupt confusion through the kiss, feeling Taehyung trying to press his tongue into the younger's mouth. Jeongguk pulled away quickly, letting out an entangled breath, looking at Taehyung with discomposure. Taehyung began kissing his neck, wrapping his arms around his waist.

"W-what are you-" Jeongguk stammered while Taehyung's hands traveled lower to his ass. "Tae-Taehyung-" Jeongguk said, feeling Taehyung holding him oh so tightly. "Taehyung!" Jeongguk said sharply, pushing Taehyung off him.

"What's wrong with y-you?" Jeongguk said, frowning. Taehyung looked shocked and confused by himself as well. "I can't spend every fucking night with you, Taehyung!"

Taehyung gulped, and Jeongguk put his shoes on quickly, grabbing his coat. Taehyung looked desperate, afraid, eyes wide in a forlorn sense of fear. "D-don't go, please." Taehyung said, soft.

"I'm not staying here with you, not now." Jeongguk said. Jeongguk reached for the door and Taehyung grabbed his arm.

"I'm sorry- I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so aggressive. I r-really am sorry, just stay one night. One last night, I swear- I promise you can leave a-after-" Taehyung stammered, looking as if trying his hardest to keep his composure. "Please, just-"

"Taehyung." Jeongguk said softly, eyes big in worry. "Get some sleep, please. Call Veronica, maybe. I'm sorry. I'll see you later." Jeongguk said, and then opened his door and walked out, closing it quickly.

Taehyung looked at the door with wide eyes, the realization of his poignantly pathetic words hitting him. How- how desperate and adhesive he sounded. Exactly what he resented. And here he though Jeongguk was the one who was clingy.

Taehyung left the doorway, walking back to his bedroom, hands trembling ever so lightly. Taehyung went for the telephone hung to the wall and lifted it to his ear, ringing a number. The tone rang a few times, and then Taehyung heard a soft sigh.

"You've finally decided to call me?" Veronica's voice came.

"I just wanted  to ask if your mother's gotten any better." Taehyung said, hearing coughing behind Veronica.

There was a small silence. "She hasn't. Doctors say it's terminal. I might have to stay longer than I intended to."

"That's alright." Taehyung said. "I can come too, if you'd like. I'm sure it can be fearful, seeing your own mother so-"

"I don't need your help, Taehyung. Don't pity me." Veronica said, and Taehyung paused for a split second and then huffed out a cold snicker. "Right. Of course. Goodbye." Taehyung muttered, not letting her respond and cutting the phone call.

Taehyung walked to his bed, laying down, placing the unused cigarette on the table. He felt his heart pacing fast, stomach contorting within itself, his head spinning. Taehyung lay down on his bed, gripping a cushion quickly, laying down. Taehyung took deep breaths, closing his eyes. He thought of Jeongguk.

All he could think of was how upset Jeongguk looked before he left. Taehyung closed his eyes tighter, wishing he was holding Jeongguk in his arms.

*

The next morning, Jeongguk made breakfast and milk tea for Rosie. He'd returned the night before, but she hadn't been awake. He woke up before her and made her breakfast. She woke up at 8 in the morning, already dressed for work, hurrying to the kitchen as she did every day. Upon seeing Jeongguk, she paused. "Oh, you're here today."

Jeongguk chuckled. "Um, yes. The work with Taehyung's firm finished." Jeongguk said, and then smiled. "I've made you breakfast."

"O-oh. That's rather sweet of you, thank you." Rosie said softly, and Jeongguk picked up a tray and carried it to the dining table, placing it down. He was about to pour the tea into a small cup, but she rushed up to him.

"You needn't do all that. I'll do it. You've done more than enough, please! Thank you." Rosie said, kissing his cheek. Jeongguk tsked.

"Don't worry, Rosie. I've just-" Jeongguk began, but Rosie took the pot of tea from his hands. "Please! Don't do all of this for me, it's embarrassing." Rosie stammered in honesty, and Jeongguk let the pot go from his hands, looking uncertain.

"You're- you're a man, you really mustn't do such housework. I could have done it." Rosie said, and Jeongguk frowned.

"I'm simply cooking for my wife. You could be more appreciative of the fact," Jeongguk muttered, and Rosie looked at him.

"Why? Do- do I not cook well? Oh goodness, is- is my cooking not good? I knew being a nurse was a bad idea. I haven't made a good meal for a while, have I?" Rosie went on, scared. Jeongguk shook his head.

"No no, I-I meant- I only did it to repay you-"

"Repay me? I haven't done anything. If anything, I should repay you." Rosie said, stumped.

"You work now too, Rosie. You deserve a meal cooked from someone from time to time," Jeongguk said lightly, giving her a small smile. Rosie still looked a little doubtful.

"My father never cooked for my mother." Rosie said in a tethered tone.

"Your- your father and I are different people." Jeongguk said, as if obvious. Rosie nodded, sitting down. Jeongguk let out a breath and then turned to walk away towards the couches.

Jeongguk saw a photograph on the coffee table and lifted it up. "My sister sent it. It's from her new home. Isn't it splendid? She says living in Bristol's quite nice, actually." Rosie chirped.

Rosie had 3 sisters. Two older, one younger. They were all married before she was. Jeongguk looked at the picture. It was two of Rosie's older sisters standing in front of a fireplace with their husbands. Jeongguk hummed.

Their husbands were built, buff men. One with slicked black hair and a mustache, and the other with clean blonde hair. They were the perfect domestic family. With tall picket fences and wives that didn't work. One of the sisters was pregnant. One of the husbands was a police officer, and the other a mechanic. Both quite successful in those fields. They were manly, older, strong, both had gone to war when they were younger.

Jeongguk looked at Rosie. "Do you wish you were like your sisters at times?"

"Quite often," Rosie said softly, and Jeongguk hummed, looking away.

He kept the photograph down and then unknowingly put his fingers to his dry lips. "Do you have any chapstick? My lips are quite dry." Jeongguk said. Rosie stilled, looking at him. Jeongguk turned to look at her and then saw her giving him an odd look.

"Um. Yes- there's one in my purse." Rosie mumbled. Jeongguk reached for her purse which was on the sofa, rummaged through it, and then found the lip balm which was shaped like any other lipstick. Jeongguk opened the cap of it and found the small mirror stuck to the wall beside the kitchen.

Jeongguk applied the lip balm slowly, watching how he looked while applying it to his bottom lip, and then smoothly coating his top lip with it. He stopped and then pressed his lips together for a second and looked at himself, and then noticed the slight pink tint to the balm.

Jeongguk applied another layer, tilting his head and seeing the pretty glossy pink color, and how it contrasted to his pale skin. Jeongguk applied another coat, the tint only growing more vivid, making his lips look pinker. Jeongguk was ready to apply another, when;

"I don't think you had to do it so many times. Once is enough." Rosie said from the dinner table. Jeongguk brought the tube away and hummed, closing it with the cap and then placing it into Rosie's purse.

Jeongguk brushed his hair to the side, still looking at the mirror. He played with the diamond on his necklace and thought of Taehyung, and how sad he'd looked when Jeongguk left. His eyes, which are usually so dark and intimidating, looked puppy-like. Jeongguk let out a small sigh to himself, and then stopped fondling the gem between his fingers.

"Don't you think silver looks- oh?" Jeongguk stopped, seeing Rosie up and grabbing her purse, heading for the door. "You're leaving so quick? I thought work didn't begin by 9." Jeongguk asked.

"I've decided to go early today." Rosie grumbled. Jeongguk looked confused. She never got upset like this.

"Rosie is everything alright?" Jeongguk asked, and Rosie looked at her from the door.

"Can't you be like other men?" Rosie blurted out in annoyance, eyebrows furrowed. Jeongguk stilled, taken aback by this sudden statement.

Jeongguk stood by the sofa, and Rosie gulped. "I've just- I-I've just spoken so brashly to you and you don't even raise your voice. I know you've always been rather quiet, but don't- don't you wish to be manly sometimes?"

Jeongguk felt affronted, a little offended, by these words. He'd never been manly. He knew this. He knew this because the boys at his school always hurt him and called him named because of it. He knew this because he always got called maidenly or cowardly by his male counterparts. Of course he wishes he could be manly. All the time.

Jeongguk looked at her. He looked hurt. Rosie let out a sharp breath. "I-I'm sorry." Rosie whispered, looking down. She closed her eyes. "I'm r-really sorry. I didn't mean to say all of that. I just- d-didn't get proper sleep last night."

Jeongguk nodded, hand unconsciously going up to fondle with the small diamond hung to his neck. Rosie looked at him. Jeongguk was looking away. "A-alright. You might as well go to work early, it might rain soon." Jeongguk said, words soft.

Rosie nodded and turned around to walk out. Jeongguk sat down on the sofa, tears threatening to spill from his brown eyes. Jeongguk didn't think Rosie, who knew him during school and saw him getting picked on by other older boys almost every week, still had all of that to say. Her perspective was valid, Jeongguk understood that. But it still hurt.

**