¤ If There's a Rocket Tie Me to It
Snow Patrol ↲

I said I knew the beat 'cause it matched your own beat
It's become my engine, my own source of heat
The sea between us only amplifies the sound waves
Every hum and echo and crash paints my cave

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

The Art Department loomed before Jungkook, the tall, impressive building a shadow of his past.

There used to be a time, back when Jungkook's life wasn't rooted in responsibility, where he took his education for granted. It always seemed like a given; he'd go to class, live in a dorm room with Jimin, make mistakes and learn from them. He never considered the possibility of not graduating, of not getting the chance to make it as a photographer.

Life was funny that way. It never worked out exactly as you pictured and often put the most unexpected of challenges directly in your path.

And even though a slight twinge of sadness remained over the situation - he was allowed to grieve over giving up his education, after all - he wasn't sure if he'd want to go back to that old life. The person he was before was fine, though he lacked much of the empathy and determination he had now. If Juyeon never got sick, Jungkook never would've learned the importance of family or the value of hard work. He probably would've never even met Taehyung.

Life was funny that way. Oftentimes, new opportunities would present themselves and mold you into the person you were always supposed to be.

And, as Taehyung mentioned over the weekend, Jungkook didn't necessarily have to give up on his dreams. Sure, things wouldn't be as straightforward now. There was no denying that taking classes from seasoned professors and getting an early exposure to the industry would've been a great opportunity. But he still had the ability to practice in his free time, to submit photos to various competitions.

The path forward wasn't as smooth as it could've been, but it was still a path. Jungkook knew full well that he had the ability to navigate the bumps and rough patches.

As long as he continued to work hard and not shy away from challenges, other opportunities would find him. And besides, the hardships he'd known served as a unique perspective when it came to his craft. He saw things in a way not many could; he had the chance to share his personal story with the world.

And he didn't have to do any of this alone.

Jungkook had his family and he had Taehyung. There was his group of friends, people he learned to rely on more and more. He knew that whatever he needed, wherever he wanted to go, there'd be people standing by his side offering up unending support.

So when he walked into the Art Department now, he almost felt renewed. Re-energized and reinvigorated with the knowledge that he could do it. He could succeed despite the obstacles.

He didn't let himself think otherwise.

Somehow, Jungkook managed to convince Namjoon to let him out of work a few minutes early. Despite having his own key to Taehyung's apartment, he wanted to meet the elder outside of his class and surprise him. He'd like to imagine - if he were still enrolled - that they'd walk to their classes hand in hand, meet for lunch, work on homework together. So he tried to bring those experiences to their relationship now.

On his way to Taehyung's classroom, he walked by his old photo of the lake. Seeing this now was like a sign, a confirmation that he needed to chase his dreams. And if he did, one day he might just see his photos in a gallery somewhere, with his name signed at the bottom. Maybe one day he'd end up like the famous photographer Taehyung convinced his parents' friends that he was.

"Jeon Jungkook?"

Jungkook turned around, finding a familiar face coming up to his side. "Professor Lee. Wow, it's been a while."

The young professor smiled, looking genuinely happy to see him again. "You're telling me. I was so saddened to hear my favorite student wouldn't be returning this year. How are you doing? Are you still taking pictures?"

"I'm doing well. I don't take too many pictures anymore, but I'm hoping to get back into it soon."

Professor Lee nodded, shifting his round glasses on his face. "Ah, well I hope you do. You're quite talented, you know. And by the end of my class last year, your portraits were truly stunning."

The professor taught a series of courses at the university, all centered around portrait photography. In his first year, Jungkook took the introductory class as part of his core curriculum, and quickly warmed up to Professor Lee. And while portrait photography wasn't something Jungkook thought was a particular strength of his, he did acknowledge how much his skills improved under the older man's tutelage.

"Thank you, Professor," Jungkook smiled back, bowing his head in respect. "That means a lot to me."

Professor Lee adjusted a bulky looking bag on his shoulder, nodding down a hallway. "Alright, time to head to my next class. See you around, Jungkook."

The professor started walking away when Jungkook thought of something. On purely a gut instinct, he called out. "Oh, wait! Professor!"

The man paused, looking over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

Jungkook walked up to him, wringing his hands together. It was a little nerve-wracking to ask favors of an old professor, but what was the worst that could happen? And besides, there was that adage wise people liked to say.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"I know I'm not a student anymore, so I don't know if this is fair to even ask, but . . . Do you know if there are any photography competitions coming up? If there's a chance for me to put myself back out there, I want to take it."

Professor Lee regarded him for a moment, eyes giving nothing away. It was an assessing sort of stare, one that spoke of measuring up a person. And as it remained locked on him, Jungkook wondered if he was going to be dismissed or shooed away. However, right when he was about to apologize for even asking, the professor began to rummage around in his bag.

"There is one opportunity that I know of," he began, hand still searching for something. "It's hosted by the university in conjunction with the city's art society. A panel of judges will select five winners who will get to display their photos in a pop-up gallery. Several renowned photographers will be attending, so it's a great opportunity for exposure. The gallery will also be open to the public, so that could help garner future commissions."

This was exactly what Jungkook was looking for, a chance to carve out his future by presenting his work in front of a large audience. A wide smile spread over his lips as he nodded his head in excitement.

But before he could express his enthusiasm, the professor continued. "It's only open to students of the university, but . . . I'll see what I can do there."

"Professor, I can't thank you enough," Jungkook said, already thinking of a few places he could go over the weekend to take some photos. He wanted to capture images of breathtaking sites and show his creativity in terms of landscapes.

"There are just two more pieces of information. It's a portrait contest only and the due date is tomorrow. I'd need your five digitals to submit by noon."

Tomorrow? Portraits?

Professor Lee finally found what he was looking for, some flyer or another, and handed it to Jungkook. "All the information is there, along with my email. Good luck."

The professor left Jungkook standing in the hall, clutching the paper and reading over all the details. Fuck. He probably didn't even stand a chance against the other students, all of whom were more trained than he was. Jungkook didn't even know if he had any portraits ready to go, and even if he did, the images wouldn't come together to form a cohesive collection.

Was it even worth his time to scramble?

Hands wrapped around him from behind before he could further debate it. Taehyung's scent flooded his senses and the security of the elder's arms made him feel at home.

Later. He'd think about the contest later.

"Hi, Kookie," Taehyung said into his ear, his deep voice soothing and familiar. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to pick up my boyfriend after class," Jungkook responded, an immediate smile pulling at his mouth. "Have you seen him around?"

Taehyung hummed, releasing Jungkook and scanning their surroundings. "Nope. Better make a run for it. We can have a little fun and he'll never even have to find out."

Jungkook grabbed his hand, leading the elder from the building. "Are you suggesting that I cheat on my boyfriend?"

"Me?" The elder asked in mock disgust. He placed his free hand over his heart at the accusation. "I'd never. I'm a good boy."

"Yeah, well, good boys don't fuck their boyfriends until they're crippled. It's been three days and only now can I walk normally."

Taehyung swung their linked hands between them, giggling at their conversation. The sound was so endearing that Jungkook just wanted to hear it again and again. Really, he felt that about most sounds the elder made.

"You know, for having all those tattoos and piercings, you really are a big baby. I bet a teddy bear is less of a wimp than you."

Jungkook grinned at him, his eyebrows flicking upwards. "Are you asking to get spanked? Take that back or else you're going to experience my kink real soon."

"At least you finally admit it's your kink," the elder laughed, his eyes both mischievous and amused. "And I regret nothing."

"That's it, someone is getting spanked once we get inside," Jungkook giggled, pulling Taehyung along faster so they were practically running to the apartment.

By the time the boys got there, both were out of breath from laughing and moving so quickly. Jungkook immediately walked into Taehyung's bedroom, leaving the elder to follow along. Once he set his bag on the floor, he sat on the bed with his feet hanging over the edge.

"You're actually serious," Taehyung remarked, tossing his phone onto the nightstand and peering down at him. "You want to spank me?"

Jungkook smirked, a corner of his lips pulling up as he waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "What do you say? Want to give it a try?"

He honestly expected the elder to decline, to make a joke then put Jungkook in his place. But by now he should know - Kim Taehyung was always full of surprises.

"Alright, then."

Jungkook's stomach clenched in excitement as his hands went to Taehyung's pants. With nimble fingers, he unbuttoned and unzipped them in a matter of moments. Soon they were at the elder's ankles, being kicked off and tossed to the side.

"How do you want me?" Taehyung asked, still wearing a sweater and fitted briefs.

"Want you naked, baby," he replied, fingers flicking the band of the elder's underwear. "Then lay down on my lap."

Taehyung licked his lower lip, slipping his hands beneath his briefs and pushing down. After pulling off his shirt, he climbed onto Jungkook's lap, laying down over him and resting his head on the pillows.

Jungkook marveled at his naked boyfriend spread out over him, feeling like the luckiest man alive. He brought his hands to smooth over Taehyung's ass, savoring the feel of the elder's soft skin under his coarse hands. Kneading his flesh lightly, Jungkook warmed up the area and got Taehyung used to the touch.

Without warning, he brought one hand down abruptly, a loud smacking noise filling the room. Taehyung gasped out in shock, turning to look back at Jungkook.

"What? That too hard for you, baby?" Jungkook asked, hand soothing the reddening skin of his ass.

Taehyung chuckled, eyes darkening as he took in Jungkook. "Not at all. Just wanted to watch you get off by spanking me."

"You think this is going to get me off?"

"I can feel your dick," Taehyung answered, purposely rubbing himself down on his lap. "Feels a bit hard to me."

Jungkook spanked him again, causing a small moan to leave Taehyung's mouth this time. "Seems to me like you're enjoying this, Tae. Should we see how many spanks it takes for you to come?"

"Smacking my ass alone won't do it, Kookie," the elder chuckled, rolling his eyes even as Jungkook spanked him again. "It's fun, but I think it's more of your kink."

"Then let's make it more fun for you. Reach over and hand me the lube from the nightstand."

Taehyung bit down on his lip, a dark gleam clouding his eyes, as he turned to the drawer. He quickly located the bottle and tossed it over his shoulder, with Jungkook catching it easily.

As he opened the bottle, clear gel squeezing onto his fingers, he realized he almost forgot to tell Taehyung something. "You and I are going on a date tomorrow. During lunch."

"A Wednesday lunch date?" Taehyung asked, settling his head onto the pillows once more. "That sounds nice."

Jungkook laughed, wondering if the elder would think that when he announced where they were going. He finished smearing the lube over his fingers and set the bottle aside. "I made us an appointment to get tested for STDs and STIs. There's this rapid testing clinic that'll give us results in like thirty minutes."

Taehyung gasped as Jungkook pushed a finger in. "How romantic."

"It will be when we don't have to deal with condoms," Jungkook said happily, getting excited just picturing it.

He continued working his finger, stimulating Taehyung until he was releasing small moans. With his free hand, he spanked down on the elder's ass, a loud sound that matched Taehyung's deep whimper.

"Bet you like this more now, huh?" Jungkook teased, watching his boyfriend wiggle around on his lap. "Bet you want me to -"

A shrill ringing pierced their bubble, breaking the sensual vibe of the room. Jungkook looked around for the source of their interruption, finding Taehyung's phone lit up on the nightstand.

"Ignore it," he said to the elder, continuing the movements of his finger. "Whoever it is can wait."

Taehyung grabbed his phone and looked at the caller ID, letting out an incredulous laugh. "It's your mom."

"An even better reason to ignore it," Jungkook said, adding a second finger.

"Ah, fuck . . . What if something's wrong? Did she try calling you?"

"I don't know, I'm a little preoccupied at the moment to check," Jungkook laughed, wiggling his fingers for emphasis.

Taehyung tried smacking his hand away but to no avail. "I'm answering. Just - fuck - stop moving!"

Jungkook stilled his hand, wearing a devilish smirk that the elder couldn't see. Never in his life did he ever think he'd be fingering his boyfriend while talking to his mom. There was a first for everything, it seemed.

"Jiho, hi," Taehyung answered, voice a little rough. He took a calming breath as Jungkook's mother spoke, trying to regain his composure. " . . . Yeah, I'm with him. Hold on, I'll put him on speaker."

Taehyung tapped his screen and held out his hand.

"Hey, Mom," Jungkook said, very slowly moving his hand. Taehyung shot him a death glare, though that didn't stop him from rolling his hips. "What's up?"

"Hi, sweetie. This is more of a question for Tae . . . Okay, less of a question and more of a huge favor. But Thursday afternoon, Juyeon has a check in at her doctor's. Kook is working and I have to pick up Jaewoo from the airport -"

"Wait, Dad is coming home?" Jungkook interrupted, a little concerned at the sudden announcement. His father hadn't been home in months due to the laborious nature of his job, so a small prick of fear began tingling along his spine. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, yes. He's managed to get a few days off because of his promotion," she hastily explained, putting Jungkook's worries at ease. "But anyway, I won't be able to take Juyeon. So I wanted to see if there was any possibility that'd you be able to take her, Tae?"

"Of course, happy to help," Taehyung offered graciously, hips stilling their movements. "Just text me the details."

Jungkook noted how the elder stopped moving and froze the pushes and pulls of his own hand. It felt weird to do this on the phone with his mother and besides, she kind of ruined the whole mood now.

Jiho sighed in relief. "Thanks so much, Tae, I can't tell you how much that helps. And then I'll expect you to stay for dinner to properly meet Jaewoo, okay?"

"Sounds good! See you soon," the elder responded, sounding genuinely excited to meet Jungkook's dad.

That put a smile on Jungkook's face. He was truly eager to introduce his boyfriend to his father, and knew the two would get along great. Taehyung already spoke to him a few times over video chat, so they had a good starting point for when they met in person.

"Bye, Mom," Jungkook said at last, slowly removing his fingers from Taehyung. His thoughts were full of his family, and he didn't think he'd be able to properly take care of Taehyung now.

"Bye, boys." She hung up, leaving Taehyung to toss the phone on the bed.

There was a moment of silence as both Jungkook and Taehyung just remained still, recovering from their abrupt interruption and deciding what to do next.

"My mother is such a cockblocker," Jungkook reflected, rubbing soothing patterns over Taehyung's butt. "I'd say she up and ruined the mood."

Taehyung laughed, looking over his shoulder with a lopsided grin. "Yeah, she did a bit. And now I have lube up my ass for nothing."

"Want a bubble bath?" Jungkook offered, lightly dragging his nails up and down Taehyung's spine. "I'll go get it ready for you."

"You're the best."

A short while later and Taehyung was soaking in the tub, Jungkook sitting next to him on the bathroom floor. The elder offered to make room for him, but Jungkook wanted to fiddle around on his camera. He was hoping to find some saved pictures to submit for the contest.

"Don't tell me you're going to take nudes of me," the elder warned, hands strategically moving bubbles in front of his lower half.

"When I take nudes of you, I'm going to do it tastefully. Artistically. Maybe I'll even weave flowers through your hair," Jungkook smiled at him, half-joking, half-serious.

"Someone's presumptuous. What makes you think I'll let you take naked pictures of me?"

Jungkook aimed the camera at Taehyung, not really positioning the shot correctly, and pressed down on the shutter release button. The camera clicked and a smiling picture of Taehyung appeared on the display screen.

"You better delete that," the elder said, arm dripping water as he reached out for Jungkook. The big smile he wore somehow stretched even wider, making his eyes turn into little crescents.

Jungkook clutched the camera to his chest, giggling as he swatted Taehyung's hand away. "I'm not deleting it! You look so happy and cute with all the bubbles. I'm keeping this for my private collection."

"Oh, yes. Your infamous private collection. When will I get to see those images?" The elder asked, resting his forearms over the side of the tub. Small droplets of water dripped onto Jungkook's leg, though he didn't mind.

Jungkook set his camera in his lap, leaning forward and pecking Taehyung's lips. "You'll see them when I have an entire room to hang them up in, just like your art room."

"I can share my art room," the elder announced, letting an arm dangle off the tub so he could hold Jungkook's knee.

"That art room of yours has no open space. You'd have to take down some naked drawings of me to make room," he retorted, doubting Taehyung would want to do that. He was too obsessed with staring at his nude body to take his beloved sketches off the wall.

Taehyung rose out of the tub slightly, bending down to capture Jungkook's lips with his own. He kissed him softly, their lips gliding over each other's effortlessly. "I can make a few concessions."

Jungkook smiled against his mouth. That reminded him of what his mother said a couple weeks ago - how relationships took hard work, but compromises and concessions were worth it when you were with the one you loved.

And he loved Taehyung more than anything. The elder was his heart and soul, his muse and inspiration.

Jungkook pulled up the picture he took of Taehyung again, looking between it and the beautiful human in front of him. There was so much life, presence, and emotion. So many feelings that emoted themselves from the picture and into Jungkook's heart.

So if the contest required a collection of portraits, why not tell a story through Taehyung? After all, portrait photography wasn't meant to be his story. Landscapes, sure. He could apply his own unique perspective for those sorts of photos. But when working with a live subject and capturing their faces, you were also capturing their individualistic stories and journeys.

And he wanted to tell Taehyung's.

"I ran into one of my old professors today," he started, meeting the elder's gaze. "He told me about a contest for portrait photography. Five photos that need to be submitted by tomorrow. And five winners will get to show their work in a gallery."

Taehyung beamed at him, his wet and pruney hand reaching out to stroke Jungkook's arm. "That's amazing, Kook. Do you know what you're going to submit?"

Jungkook studied Taehyung's face, brainstorming which angles would be the best to capture. He also liked the idea of staying in the tub - utilizing the water, he could get some really cool shots.

"Oh, boy. You're thinking of using me," Taehyung realized, brows furrowing as he got lost in thought. "Do you have any portraits of me outside of the ones on your phone?"

Jungkook raised his camera, pressing the shutter release button without really aiming. "Now I do."

Taehyung opened his mouth to interject, but Jungkook wanted to share his thoughts first. "I want to take five pictures of you with five different expressions. Amusement. Despair. Anger, maybe. Love and happiness. And I'm thinking we stay here, in the tub. The water could provide some different effects, helping to convey these emotions."

It was quiet save for the lapping of water as Taehyung moved his legs around. His face remained neutral as he thought it over.

"All people will see of you is from your shoulders up," he added, worried that Taehyung wouldn't go for the idea if he thought it involved nudity.

But Taehyung smiled, leaning back into the tub and propping his arms behind his head. "Tell me how you want me."

"Really? You'll help me out?" Jungkook asked, gripping his camera tightly.

"Kookie, of course. I'd do anything for you. Come on, you have to know that," Taehyung remarked, his lips pulling into a frown. "You do know that, right?"

And Jungkook did. He really did. So he quickly stood, leaning over the tub and pressing a soft kiss to the elder's forehead. "I know, Tae. Thank you."

Taehyung's frown dissipated and his smile easily returned. His hands moved through the water, evening out the bubbles. "So . . . Snap away, Mr. Photographer."

"I quite like the sound of that," Jungkook grinned, hooking the camera strap over his head so he could be hands-free. He wiggled off his pants, leaving him in just an oversized shirt and boxers.

Taehyung's eyes trailed over his exposed legs, focusing particularly long on his thighs. "Do all photographers undress for their subjects? Is that how professionalism works nowadays?"

"That's how it works when the photographer is dating his subject," Jungkook laughed, carefully stepping into the tub. "You get access to the behind the scenes process."

He hovered over the elder, looking down with his camera in hand. Taehyung stared back at him, eyes trusting and absolutely, utterly, completely in love.

And that love was all for Jungkook.

"Let's get started, then."

They spent the next hour taking multiple pictures from all different angles. Jungkook had Taehyung half immersed in the water, head thrown back with wet hair, peering over the side of the tub. He took way more than necessary, having so much fun working with the elder this way. It was a really goofy photography session, with Jungkook ending up drenched by the end of it all. But that was okay. It was all worth it.

After the shots were taken, Jungkook spent hours working on Taehyung's computer. He had a difficult time selecting the images he wanted to use, and ended up editing ten very different pictures. Taehyung gave advice of his own along the way, which was immensely appreciated and helpful. Even though the elder didn't work in portrait photography, his specialty was still in portraits. He had beneficial comments on each picture, and after three hours, Jungkook had his top five finished.

Now, dressed in dry pajamas, Jungkook was settled in between Taehyung's legs, computer on his lap. All that was left to do was email them to Professor Lee. He had the draft all set up, the images attached and ready to go. He just needed to press send.

"I wish I had more time to perfect these," he lamented, fingers hovering over the keyboard.

"For such a short amount of time, you created some stunning pictures, love," Taehyung said, nuzzling into Jungkook's shoulder from behind. "Granted, you had a handsome subject to take photos of, so that made it all the easier, but -"

"Oh, yeah? Please continue."

"But," the elder emphasized, drawing out the word, "you would have excelled regardless. You are so talented."

The words soothed over a bit of Jungkook's nerves and he sent off the pictures. He waited a few moments before checking to make sure the pictures went through, then set the computer aside.

"Thank you for everything, baby," he said, running his hands up and over the elder's arms. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Taehyung pressed a kiss to his head, wrapping his arms tighter around his waist. "You could have, but I'm glad I was able to help. It makes it more special."

Jungkook smiled in agreement, resting his head on Taehyung's shoulder and looking back at him. "Now that I've taken pictures of you naked in a tub, can I take pictures of you naked on a bed?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe isn't a no," Jungkook responded, eyebrows wiggling up and down on his forehead.

"Also isn't a yes," the elder retorted with an eye roll. "But . . . Maybe."

Jungkook closed his eyes, exhaustion from all the work overcoming him. "That maybe sounds a hell of a lot like a yes."

Taehyung carded his fingers through his hair, softly rubbing at Jungkook's temples. "Yeah. It does."

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《

So many things I loved about this chapter, but most of all, I really liked how JK is getting back into photography. It can be so difficult to put ourselves out there and take risks, but we don't know what the outcome will be unless we try.

As an FYI, I added an update section to my profile bio! I don't want to be annoying you guys with announcements if I determine I do need a break, so I'll keep this section current with the next time Take on Me will be updated. I'll probably modify this each day around 6pm EST, since by that time I'll know if a chapter is ready or not.

I hope everyone has a fantastic day today! If anyone has any fun quarantine activities, let me know - I need some inspiration!