¤ To Build a Home
The Cinematic Orchestra ↲

And I built a home
For you
For me

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"Alright, so I think we need to go to the health aisle."

A few hours following their morning fun, the two boys were walking into a pharmacy near the campus. While they didn't decide any further details regarding sleeping together, both thought it'd be a good idea to be prepared. So, hand-in-hand, Jungkook excitedly pulled Taehyung to purchase everything they'd eventually need.

Entering the store, he found a small basket and looped it over one arm. He hadn't bought any condoms or lube in a long time, so he figured he should stock up as well. In his opinion, when it came to Kim Taehyung, he'd rather have too many supplies than too few.

Jungkook had a feeling they'd be going through them.

To say he was elated at Taehyung's growth would be a major understatement. Not only did they have a very honest - and productive - conversation regarding the more intimate aspects of their relationship, but the elder trusted Jungkook to continue to explore his body. Jungkook never once put a timeline on when he wanted to engage in certain acts with Taehyung; whatever Taehyung was comfortable doing was more than enough. So it came as a shock when the elder wanted to feel Jungkook's mouth on him . . . He was so honored to be able to touch and feel Taehyung that way.

"Why are we in the soap aisle then?" Taehyung asked, eyes scanning the rows of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes.

Jungkook threw a grin over his shoulder as he found what he was looking for. He held up the body wash Taehyung used. "I might have finished your bottle this morning."

The elder gaped at him as he watched Jungkook place three soaps into the basket. "What did you do, apply it like sunscreen? I had so much left in there!"

"Don't blame me for wanting to smell like you. Actually, this is all your fault. If I didn't like you so much, I wouldn't feel the need to have your scent around me."

He turned back to the shelf, preparing to pick up a fourth bottle. But, as he reached his hand out, arms wrapped tightly around his waist from behind.

"You're so cute," Taehyung giggled into his ear. "But you know I like how you smell, too, right?"

Jungkook's hand hesitated, fingers not quite grabbing the item. "Yeah?"

The elder let go of him. "How about this. You can use my stuff when you're over, but still use your own when you're home."

"But," Jungkook countered with a pout, "what about when we're apart?"

"I'll give you one of my sweaters. Then you can cuddle with it."

"Deal," Jungkook agreed with a smile, already thinking of what sweater he wanted. He'd probably end up taking a few.

Taehyung let go of him, hands going into the basket to remove the third bottle of soap. "Come on, baby boy. Let's go get our stuff."

Jungkook laughed, leading them in the right direction. "Someone is a little eager now, isn't he?"

"That's literally the reason we came here in the first place," the elder retorted, playfully nudging his shoulder. "But someone got a little distracted obsessing over how good I smell, didn't he?"

"Touché," Jungkook shook his head. He had the urge to smack Taehyung's ass, though he probably shouldn't do that in public. Especially with two old ladies slowly trailing behind them.

It took a couple minutes to actually locate what Jungkook and Taehyung were looking for. The elder jokingly put random items into their basket, grabbing things like lightbulbs and water filters and sneaking them in. Each time, Jungkook pretended not to see, just to dramatically announce a few seconds later how items magically appeared in the basket. They were having too much fun, their goofy laughs causing people to glare at them pretty often.

"Okay, here we go," Jungkook announced when they finally reached the right section. There were a few rows of everything they'd need.

"Why the hell are there so many brands and types of condoms?" Taehyung asked, staring wide eyed at their selection. "Bare skin, intense, twisted . . . What does twisted even mean?"

"I don't know, but that sounds fun," he replied, picking up a box and dropping it in. "Oh! And there's even a fire and ice one! For warming and tingling sensations."

Taehyung swatted his hand away from that particular box. "Let's warm up to the special ones, okay? Look . . . Here's some normal ones."

Jungkook was preparing to make a joke about warming up to the warming condoms, but he was distracted as Taehyung tossed a random box of lube in the basket.

"Whoa, hold up," he said, fishing out the box. "What type did you grab?"

Taehyung scrunched his nose, leaning closer to see. "I don't know, it just said lube so I took it."

Upon inspecting the item, Jungkook let out a loud laugh. Taehyung peered at him expectantly, waiting for an explanation on why this type was so comical.

"Who knew you were so kinky, baby? This is a couple's one . . . Two different lubes that create intense effects when put together." He raised his eyebrows, loving the intrigued expression on the elder's face. "I suggest we get one without fanfare though."

He eyed the selection and found two different types, holding them up for the elder to see. "One is water-based and the other is silicone-based. The first one is fine, but you have to apply it often since it's so absorbent. The silicone one lasts longer and supposedly feels better."

After a few more minutes explaining all the differences, Jungkook placed the two types of lubes into the basket. Then he added two more of everything they were planning to buy.

"You expect us to be going at it like bunnies?" Taehyung smirked, hand scavenging through their bounty. "Someone thinks he's going to be getting lucky quite often apparently."

"Oh, hush. I know you can't get enough of me, baby."

They headed to purchase all of their items after that, piling the boxes of condoms and lube and other goods before an unsuspecting teenaged cashier. Warmth rushed to Jungkook's cheeks as he realized he probably went a little overboard, but he wasn't putting anything back now. When it came time to pay, the elder swiftly pulled out his credit card and slid it through the machine.

"My parents always say they give me everything I've ever wanted, so this one's on them," Taehyung explained, a mischievous grin lighting up his face.

"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Kim for blessing our sex lives," he joked, earning a playful eye roll from the elder.

They each took a bag and proceeded out of the store, hands linked and swinging between them. The sun was high overhead, making Taehyung's skin look golden. Jungkook wasn't looking where he was going, too distracted by Taehyung's beauty, and crashed directly into someone.

The impact took him by surprise and he tripped backwards, dropping the bag as he caught his balance. But he was even more surprised by who he ran into.

"Either you two are sleeping together or you're opening your own online sex shop."

Jungkook found Jimin picking up the fallen bag, pushing the scattered items back into it. Hoseok and Yoongi were standing behind him, arms around each other's waists as they laughed at the scene.

"Our Taehyung is all grown up," Hoseok sniffed, wiping away an invisible tear. "First he gets a boyfriend and now he's playing between the sheets. I'm so proud."

Taehyung waved his hand, pushing aside the comments. "What are you guys up to?"

"It's really last minute, but Hoseok and I were invited to perform at this dance show," Jimin explained, rolling his ankles until a series of cracks sounded.

Hoseok nodded in affirmation. "One of my student's parents is a donor to this influential dance school. She saw Jimin and me teaching her son and asked if we'd like to dance at their fundraiser tonight."

"I'm being pulled along for boyfriend and friend duties," Yoongi intoned, nodding his head in Hoseok's and Jimin's direction. "Hey . . . You two should join me. Come along for moral support."

"Yeah!" Jimin explained. "Hoseok and I'd love your support."

"I meant support for me," Yoongi muttered under his breath, earning glares from Jimin and Hoseok.

That sounded fun - and Jungkook wanted to be there for his friends - though all he could think of were the supplies in his hands and putting them to good use.

Taehyung turned to Jungkook with a big smile, bright and only slightly apologetic. "We wouldn't miss it. What are the details?"

It was the right decision, Jungkook knew. He could be patient. He was patient. There was no rush to break open their supplies as soon as they bought them.

Hoseok provided them with more information, covering where the show was held and what time it started. Admission was free with a donation and there was no set dress code. While the event was aimed at raising funds for the charity, it was also open to the public so more people could be exposed to dance as an art form.

"Do you know what would be nice?" The elder asked once they understood more about the event. "Inviting your mom and sister. If you think they'd like that, of course. And if Juyeon is up for it."

How it was possible to love Taehyung anymore than he already did was beyond Jungkook. But he did. And with each passing day, there was always something else making his feelings even stronger for the elder. Maybe he just never realized the limitless love one could have for another. Experiencing it now . . . It still took his breath away.

"I think they'd like that," Jungkook said at last, swallowing the lump of emotion in his throat. "I'll give them a call now."

"Let them know we'll pick them up," Taehyung instructed before Jungkook broke away from the group. "And if it's okay, I can just sleep over your place tonight."

Right. So definitely nothing happening later on. But that was okay. Jungkook had patience.

He nodded and placed a quick call to his mother, taking a few steps away from his friends. Once he got her on the line, he explained the details of the event and pitched why he thought they should join him and Taehyung. Juyeon hadn't been out of the house in a long time and his mother deserved a special treat. It didn't take much convincing for her to agree; both she and Juyeon were thrilled.

During the entirety of the call, Jungkook kept his gaze locked on his boyfriend, watching the way he smiled and laughed. Happiness was such a good look on Taehyung, and Jungkook knew he'd do anything to always make that man as happy as possible. But as he intently studied Taehyung, the elder's expression shifted into one more troubled as Yoongi leaned close to his ear. Taehyung ran a hand through his hair, nodding his head as Yoongi continued speaking.

Knots formed in Jungkook's stomach from seeing the elder this way. He knew he shouldn't immediately assume the worst, but after the events of last night, he couldn't help but worry. He appreciated the length the elder went to in order to help him and his family - even if that way was a little misguided - but he never wanted Taehyung to suffer at his expense.

He hung up from his mother and rejoined the group, hand instantly wrapping around Taehyung's lean waist. The way the elder melted into Jungkook's embrace made him feel slightly better, though the apprehension still lingered.

"Alright, we'll see you guys in a few hours," Taehyung announced, tugging Jungkook forward. "Jimin, Hoseok . . . If we don't see you before your performances, break a leg."

"He doesn't mean that literally," Jungkook said conspiratorially, a teasing smile playing at his lips.

Taehyung stuck his tongue out at him, eyes twinkling with joy once more. "Obviously I don't mean that literally, silly."

Jungkook squeezed his hand. "Oh, I'm silly now -?"

"You two are so in love, it's sickening," Yoongi groaned in mock annoyance.

Hoseok rolled his eyes, hand searching until it found his boyfriend's. "You were the exact same way. Still are."

They said their goodbyes, with Taehyung and Jungkook going back to the elder's apartment. After putting away some of the items - the rest were put in a separate bag to take to Jungkook's house - they quickly cleaned themselves up and got dressed.

Taehyung agreed to lend him some clothes after Jungkook spent the walk back begging to borrow an outfit. There was no set dress code for the performance, so they didn't have to wear anything formal. But, given his opportunity to raid Taehyung's closet, Jungkook wanted to choose some sleek - and somewhat matching - clothes for them both.

For himself, he found a turquoise silk button down which he paired with his black slacks from last night's party. Then, to his utter delight, he found a similar shirt for Taehyung. Except this one was a blend of blue and gold, with a scattering of delicate rhinestones stitched in multiple clusters.

"You're putting me in this?" Taehyung gaped, holding the button down away from him like it was infected. "For a charity dance show? I'm not some world famous pop star who can wear whatever he wants, Kookie."

Jungkook giggled, buttoning his own shirt up his chest. When he went to fasten the cuffs, he was surprised to find blue rhinestones there as well. He admired the sleeves, watching as the light made them shine bright.

"Dressed like this, people might just think we are." He decided to leave the cuffs undone. "And besides, all those sparkles will match the sparkles in your eyes."

"You're so full of it," Taehyung informed him, buttoning up his shirt despite his huffing.

"Full of love."

The two bantered for the remainder of the time it took to get ready, flirting and teasing and playing. After about thirty minutes, they made their way to Taehyung's car to pick up Jiho and Juyeon.

Jungkook wanted to ask why Taehyung looked so worried when talking to Yoongi earlier. He was going to bring it up when they were getting ready, though they were having so much fun that he didn't want to spoil their mood. Maybe it'd be best to wait until later anyway so they could enjoy their outing in peace.

"You're biting your lip," Taehyung observed, eyebrows drawn together. "What's wrong?"

"Keep your eyes on the road," he replied, waiting until the elder moved his focus back in front of him. "And I don't know if there's anything wrong, really."

"Well, why don't you tell me anyway. I'm a great listener, you know."

Jungkook chuckled, knowing this fact was true. But even still, he didn't want to pry. He didn't want to invade Taehyung's privacy.

"Come on, Kookie. Talk to me." The elder extended his hand, patting Jungkook's thigh until he grasped it.

"Okay . . . And you don't have to answer this if you don't want to. But I saw you talking to Yoongi earlier. You looked unsettled."

A soft hum sounded from Taehyung, a sound Jungkook couldn't quite decipher. Did he unintentionally trigger bad memories?

"I can tell you're freaking out," the elder stated, a little bit of humor coloring his voice, "but don't. I'll figure everything out."

That didn't sound good. "What do you need to figure out?"

There was a slight pause as Taehyung inhaled deeply. "My father isn't exactly pleased with me right now. According to Yoongi, he hunted him down after we left last night. Demanded to know where I was and was muttering on about how privileged and spoiled I was."

Jungkook soaked that in, his fears coming true. Now he was concerned that Taehyung's family would pull funding for his tuition, and the elder wouldn't be able to graduate in a couple of months. If that happened, what would Taehyung do?

"It'll be okay, Kookie," Taehyung said softly, squeezing his hand. "I'll figure something out. If they cut me off, then they cut me off. Good riddance. I'll get a job and a loan and stay with Jin or something."

"You'd stay with me," Jungkook responded resolutely. "I'd take care of you. You wouldn't be in it all alone."

And he would. He knew without a doubt that if anything ever happened to Taehyung, there was nothing anyone could do to stop Jungkook from helping him. Taehyung was an essential part of who Jungkook was, just like his mother, father, and sister. He'd go to the ends of the earth to protect him.

"Kook?"

Jungkook looked over at Taehyung, raising his hand to brush through the elder's hair. "Yeah, baby?"

"Wherever I am . . . whether that be at my apartment, your house, a cardboard box . . . If I'm with you, I know I'll be okay. You've become my home, you know."

If they weren't driving, Jungkook would be all over Taehyung, kissing him and hugging him until he could kiss and hug no more. But since they were in a moving vehicle and couldn't really do either of those things safely, he resolved to kissing Taehyung's knuckles sofly.

"You're my home, too, Tae. You and my family . . . That's all I need in life. I'm already the wealthiest man." He was being sappy and his eyes were burning with unshed tears, though he didn't mind. It was all worth it for the unbridled happiness he felt in this moment.

He hoped he could always feel this way.

They arrived at his house shortly after, deciding to go inside and drop off their bags. Jungkook picked up both duffels - one Taehyung's for the evening and the other his own - and put one on each shoulder. Luckily, they'd already tucked away their boxes of supplies into his bag so his mother or nosey sister wouldn't see.

Jungkook knew Juyeon would never let him live it down if she saw him with condoms and lube.

"Tae!" Juyeon called out when the two boys walked into the house. She ran into the front room, his mother not far behind. "Wow, you two have on more rhinestones than a pageant queen's crown. Are you guys starting a trend or something?"

"Your brother picked out these shirts," Taehyung informed her, a warm smile on his face as he ruffled her hair.

"Hey, they were in your closet!" Jungkook defended, pointing at the elder. "If you didn't like them, why'd you have them?"

"If I told you I was a competitive ice skater, would you believe me?" The elder smirked, turning his eyes on Jungkook. "Rhinestones are all the rage in that sport."

It unnerved Jungkook that he didn't know this fact. "Wait . . . Really? How come you've never said anything?"

Taehyung laughed, shaking his head as he rejoined his side. "I'm joking, Kook. You're so gullible. I bought these on a whim. I thought the colors were pretty."

"You're pretty," Jungkook smiled, not caring that he was in front of his mother and sister. He slung his arm around the elder's neck, mouth pulling into an even wider grin.

"Oh, get married already," Juyeon interjected, rolling her eyes. "And do it soon. I want Tae to be my brother, too."

Jungkook coughed in shock, though Taehyung simply laughed.

"Alright, Juyeon," his mother said gently, trying to contain her own amusement. "Go pick out a jacket."

Juyeon saluted their mother before turning to Tae. She grabbed his hand, pulling him away from Jungkook. "Come help me, TaeTae."

Taehyung let go of Jungkook, giving him an apologetic smile. "Be right back, Kookie. Try not to miss me too much."

His boyfriend and sister proceeded down the hall and into Juyeon's room, soft but unintelligible chatter leaking through the door. Jungkook shook his head and sat next to his mother, tossing his head back against the couch.

"I haven't seen you this happy in a long time," she said, leaning her elbow against the back of the couch. "Not even since before Juyeon got sick."

He turned his head, meeting her gaze full on. "I really love him, Mom. More than I thought possible."

She smiled knowingly at him, her eyes turning reminiscent. "That's how you know you found the right person, Kookie. Each day, your heart grows just a little more."

"Is that how you feel with Dad?"

"That's exactly how I feel with him. And even though we've been apart for so long now, we find ways to make it seem like we're still together under one roof. Relationships take work, you need to put in effort and make compromises. But if you're with the right person, concessions and hard work are always worth it."

"I see where Juyeon gets her wisdom," he joked, thinking how similar his sister was to his mother sometimes. But she was also so similar to his father, too. "Why didn't I get any of the good qualities from you or Dad?"

"You've gotten a lot of good qualities from your Dad and me. But do you want to know my favorite one you inherited from the both of us?" She leaned forward in a teasing sort of excitement.

"Humor me."

His mother patted his arm. "You got our big hearts, capable of big love. And I think Taehyung's heart matches yours."

Jungkook knew she was right. Taehyung had the biggest heart of all.

Almost like he was summoned, the elder came gliding back into the room, a bouncy Juyeon two steps behind him.

"Tae, show Kookie your newest accessory," his sister ordered, hands on her hips as she stared up at him.

Taehyung sat down next to Jungkook, sitting so close their thighs were pressed together. He moved back his hair, revealing his ear.

"Kim Taehyung, how have I never realized you have your ears pierced?" He asked in shock, taking in the white teardrop earring dangling from his lobe. "Oh, god . . . Please tell me you had this piercing and Juyeon didn't just stick a needle through your ear."

Taehyung barked out a laugh as Jungkook flicked the earring. "Yes, I've had this for years. I haven't put in anything for a while now. I like it, though. Do you?"

"I love it," he answered honestly. If they were alone he'd say how fucking sexy he looked, though he doubted his family would appreciate that. "Did you know I have -"

"Like seven piercings?" Taehyung finished for him. "Yeah. I know."

Jungkook scrunched his nose. "I have more than seven, though I've lost count. Should I put some in so we're really matching?"

Taehyung nodded his head, his eyes sparkling just like his shirt. "Yes, please."

"Alright, baby." Jungkook laughed, getting up and heading to his room. He picked up their bags, bringing them with him so everything would be set up later.

And as he slipped some silver hoops into his ears, he couldn't help smiling again. He'd truly never been so happy.

And Kim Taehyung was to thank for that.

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《

This was such a fluffy, happy, and domestic chapter. Also some important bits that will be referenced in later chapters, but that's all I'm saying for now!

Also, I loved reading through all the comments yesterday about thoughts on who is gonna top first! All the different opinions and perspectives were really cool. I guess all I can say is stay tuned 😜

And putting a fair warning out there . . . I may need an extra day to write/plan out the next couple of chapters. I don't want to get off my daily updating schedule, but it's possible the next chapters are going to be longer than before. So there is a slight possibility there may not be an update tomorrow . . . I can post on my profile if that'll be the case. Just want to make sure everything is absolutely PERFECT before I publish, so I hope you guys understand if that's what happens!!