Sicut et Tibi

Just Me and You

It was just the idea of having her so near the two of them that scared Jungkook most. But he stood up, continuing his work silently while he heard intently.

- Alright, thank you. Are they there?...[...]... Couldn't I just talk to them right now?...[...]... Oh, come on, they can take a break, stretch their legs... For how long have they been studying?...[...]... I think that's enough then, let me talk to them...[...]... Fine. Then let's make it Saturdays, in the morning–...[...]... I'm free the whole morning, just call whenever they want...[...]... Oh, no, you're not making them study on weekends, we had that clear already[...] No. [...] No, Daphne, just because I'm not there anymore doesn't mean you can change the rules. Weekends are for leisure time and that's it, they can sleep however late they want, eat whatever they want, and do whatever they want, and that's not going to change. [...] I couldn't care less. [...] No, I'm sorry but that's the truth, you're taking advantage of my absence and I don't like that. The weekend's rule stays the same and you'll call me tomorrow morning, at whatever time they want, to talk to me. On weekdays-- Wait, wait, on weekdays they'll study just as hard as they've always done, just like you want, alright? Nothing's changing, they're still happy and keeping up with their studies and we're both fine, can we agree on that? ...[...]... Thank you. Now...can I just say a quick hello? Please. [...] Ok, I'll wait. -

The audible smile on Taehyung's tone made Jungkook turn around and look at him having finished placing the last of the books. He had more than five hundred.

Taehyung was leaning against the kitchen counter, his back to the living room, arms crossed over his chest, and an anxious or excited little tick on his foot while he held his phone to his ear. Jungkook walked closer, silently, until Taehyung turned his head to look at him. He smiled softly, letting go of his bottom lip, and extended a hand for him to take.

Jungkook did. Then, the hand pulled him in until he was right against his chest. With one hand, he was still holding the phone while, with the other, he held Jungkook tight to him by the small of his back.

Jungkook hugged him back, realizing that Taehyung needed it, resting his temple on his shoulder and being close enough to hear what was happening on the other side of the line.

- ...Hello? - A girl's voice. Audrey.

- Hello princess. - Taehyung was smiling brightly now, Jungkook could hear it, and it made him smile. He even chuckled with Taehyung when they heard her screaming.

- Daddy! - Jungkook felt like his heart might explode as he felt Taehyung's heartbeat rising with happiness. - Daddy-- Oh, no, no, wait--

- Dad! - A boy's voice. Edward.

- Hello Eddie. - Yes, Taehyung was positively euphoric just by hearing their voices.

- Dad, dad, I finished the book you gave me, you must come back to give me another. -

- And we're running low on vitamin M, daddy, you must come back. -

- Vitamin M? - Jungkook whispered, bewildered. Taehyung was chuckling.

- "Mangos". - He whispered back to Jungkook and then talked on the phone again. - Come on, you both know I'll be back for the holidays, right? -

- But my fruit! -

- The books! -

- Hey, we talked about this. - Taehyung said softly with an endearing smile. - Eddy, we both did the math and I left you just the right amount of books until I came back. If you read them thinking I'll come back quicker that way, you'll be left without any more books to pass your time while you wait for me. Now, Audrey, we also talked about the fruits. -

- But what if we go buy them ourselves? We could–

- No, nononon, no-- no, - Jungkook stifled a chuckle by covering his mouth with Taehyung's shoulder. - No. Did I say no? Must I repeat myself? -

- But daddy, we've made that route with you, we remember--

- Noooooooo, - Jungkook couldn't help but laugh silently now. - I am not allowing you to go to those places by yourselves, I repeat: you can not go there without me, I repeat: Noooooooo. -

- Wait, wait. - Eddy talked now, maybe the phone was on speaker. - Does this mean that if we go by ourselves, you'll come back to punish us? -

There was a silence in which Jungkook was about to crack a rib with how hard he was restraining his laughter.

- I'm going to tell your mother. - A very audible gasp of treason was heard from the other two.

- Oh, that was a low blow, Sir. -

- You have threatened the King with treason, which shall mean imprisonment in the confinements of your study table, Sir. -

The way he played along was so endearing to Jungkook that he almost said "aww" aloud.

- Fine, fine, we won't go. Pardon my attempted treason, oh King almighty. - The three of them laughed, while Jungkook was covering his huge smile with the palm of his hand.

He felt warm inside while Taehyung kept him close thru that whole exchange as his hand rubbed up and down the small of his back. Then he turned his head just a little more so Jungkook could hear their laughs more clearly and the way they were bickering at each other. And then Taehyung leaned back slightly so Jungkook would look up at him, and he was looking down at him with his eyes sparkling with unshed tears of happiness while he held him close and heard his children being happy on the other side of the phone.

As Jungkook looked up at him with his hands flat over his chest feeling the drum of his heart, he could see a picture, a vision of what it would be like, the four of them, Taehyung holding him adoringly while they heard the other two laughing in the background. The most beautiful picture he could've ever come up with. And he knew Taehyung could see it too.

- That's it, kids, I said five minutes. - A woman's voice was heard in the distance on the other side of the phone. That must be Daphne. Taehyung's smile turned sad as he looked away, and Jungkook felt tense having her so near. He even stopped breathing for a while for fear that she might hear it.

- But... mom... -

- You'll talk to him tomorrow morning through the computer, there's no reason for you to get sad. Come on, say goodbye to your father. -

- ...ok. - A sad little agreement. - Dad... -

- Yes, Eddie? - Even Taehyung's voice sounded sad.

- At what time can we call you tomorrow? -

- At any time, I'm free the whole morning. -

- ...Seven? -

- Don't you want to sleep in? -

- Nope. -

Taehyung chuckled.

- Ok then, you'll need your mother to help you set up the computer so call me at around eight, that's when she sits down to work. -

- Okokok. See you tomorrow, Dad. Goodbye. - Edward said excitedly.

- Byebye daddy. -

- Byebye Princess, goodbye Eddie, see you tomorrow. Give the phone back to your mother, will you? -

Jungkook became even tenser, and he turned his head away from the phone.

- Yes, Taehyung? - It was her, her voice was... very pretty actually, soft and clear, feminine and stern, right now evoking no particular emotion yet managing to not sound cold.

- Do we have anything else to talk about? - The question was genuine, not of disdain, his voice sounding calm and not at all displeased.

- Hmm... - She thought. It surprised Jungkook to witness this more than civil interaction with two people that supposedly blamed each other for their misery. - No, I think not. Thank you for remembering my working hours, it would surely make everything easier. -

- Of course, you remembered mine, that was the least I could do. - Of course, she called him after his meeting. - Well, goodbye then. -

- Goodbye. - And she hung up the phone. Once she hung up, Taehyung immediately dropped or threw his phone behind him onto the counter so he could hug Jungkook with both arms.

Jungkook hugged him back, just waiting. And then Taehyung took in a deep breath.

- Jungkook. -

- Yes? -

- I'm going to say a lot of things right now so don't take them too seriously, ok? -

Jungkook frowned, concerned for him as he turned his head to press his forehead against his neck.

- Ok. - He whispered and paid close attention.

- I want to disappear. - Jungkook's breathing stopped for a second. - I want to run away with you and never come back. Just the four of us, where no one knows us or cares, away from the city, away from people. I want to go back to my parents... present you to them with a smile as I tell them how I finally found my destined partner and watch how my mother gets happy for me. I want to hug my brother, I want to see my friends again just like before. I want to manage to break away from the law that keeps me away from them and go with you and my kids. - Taehyung sighed, it sounded so tired, but it seemed like he wasn't finished.

- It's just that... Thanks to you, I remembered what being truly happy felt like, and I want it all the time, not just for a while, not just for the short time that I have to talk with my kids or the short time that we have together hidden here in this apartment. I feel like... a wolf who had forgotten what being outside of the cage felt like, and now that I remember, I just want to tear this foul cage apart. - His hold on Jungkook got tighter as his head tilted down to be closer to his.

And Jungkook sighed as he leaned away slightly to look up at him. He had his eyes closed with a displeased expression. The fact that he mentioned everything but Daphne proved that he didn't even want to think about her, and Jungkook knew then that the civil exchange he had heard was part of the cage he was in.

- Do you feel better... telling me all this? - Jungkook asked, wanting to make sure of how he felt, aside from pain. But Taehyung shook his head, the corners of his mouth turning downwards, the happy expression of before completely gone.

- I thought I'd feel better, but I just feel worse admitting all of that out loud. Admitting what I want enlarges the space between me and happiness because I'm wishing for things that... I... can't... -

- Shhhh... - Jungkook tried to soothe him by holding his face gently. - Concentrate on the things you have that make you happy right now in the present. Concentrate on the things that make you smile, and laugh, and love... Concentrate on the beauty of your present. - His voice was as soft as his caresses on Taehyung's cheeks. He just wanted to soothe him, even if he himself couldn't apply his words to himself, he said them so that Taehyung could be free at the moment, even if what he just said had clung to Jungkook's heart like another heavy weight to carry thru sadness, he will say whatever it took to ease Taehyung's agony. And, gratefully, Taehyung's frown eased slowly until it finally cleared, and he opened his eyes.

- I wonder what kind of mistake I would've made if you hadn't been here to calm me down. -

Jungkook smiled through the pain and shook his head.

- Don't think about it. -

Taehyung nodded and looked him in the eyes as he sighed, and as he did so, Jungkook could feel the tension leaving his shoulders.

Just as he had said before, the remainder of the outside world is what makes everything seem even more difficult. However, Taehyung looked like he felt better now, concentrating on only him. Then he turned his head towards the bookshelf and looked back at Jungkook with a smile.

- Nice work. - He muttered, full of emotion.

Jungkook shook his head with a chuckle as he averted his eyes, and then remembered what he had come up with, the terrible idea that he had to follow. But he needed to know something before that. So, he looked back up at him.

- Did you ask my father if... - Taehyung's smile slowly went away. - You know what? Let's not worry about that right now. Do you want to do something? Or nothing? Would you like to sleep? You barely slept the night before. - Taehyung chuckled as Jungkook went on and on, and Jungkook saw how his eyes looked suddenly down at his lips, and up again at his eyes... and down again... and up again... and he was getting nearer... - We could... maybe... I-I don't know, perhaps... - His eyes closed at Taehyung's closeness, he could feel him so near, feel his lips hovering very close to his own, and yet he hadn't kissed him.

- How do you feel? - He asked, his voice slightly husky as the tip of his nose brushed against his cheek and Jungkook could feel his lips brushing against his chin now. Is he asking about... his physical condition? Jungkook grinned. Is Taehyung asking if he's rested enough? If he feels energetic enough? Taehyung was so insatiable, and Jungkook loved it with his whole being. But the sun was still up, and even if they had done it this morning, he still didn't feel fine enough with it.

- Well, I feel really fine right now. - But a little bit of teasing wouldn't hurt anybody. Jungkook grinned with his eyes still closed as he felt Taehyung's soft chuckle.

- Hm... That's good. So you feel fine? Completely fine? - Taehyung spoke really low and softly right against his cheek and moved in, closer to his lips.

- Mhm. Energetic even. -

Taehyung chuckled right against his lips now, and Jungkok could feel the tingles of it flowing down his spine and to his legs, making him almost bite his lip.

- Good, good... I actually feel well rested... Energetic too. - He muttered and connected their lips very softly to leave a tiny kiss there that sounded so good in Jungkook's ears.

- Mh? Energetic to do what? - Jungkook purred and kissed him again, just as softly, sounding just as good, feeling just as magnificent.

- Mhhh... Whatever you wanna do. - His voice was lower, high on the feeling, and then he kissed him again.

Jungkook knew this was a distraction from that phone call, and he didn't mind it at all. These kisses were so soft and fleeting one after the other that it sent a billion butterflies off on Jungkook's stomach. It just felt so good, these tiny little kisses.

- Really? - Jungkook kissed him again and felt the hum of his answer on his lips. - Whatever I want? - He kissed him again and felt the hum once more. - Well... I want to draw actually. - He said in his normal voice as he leaned away, and saw how Taehyung came down from that high, opening his eyes, confused in every way. Jungkook chuckled. - Sorry love, you thought it was something else? - He taunted him a little and finally Taehyung grinned in disbelief, for then to grab the back of Jungkook's head with one hand and bring him close for a real kiss. - Mh! - Jungkook said in surprise. - ...Mhhh... - And then moaned in delight.

In the end, they settled on the floor of the living room with their backs against the couch. Well, only Taehyung's back was against the couch, Jungkook had his back against Taehyung's chest as he sat between his legs and was hugged by him so they could be even tighter together under the blanket Taehyung had taken with him once he was out of the bathroom with more comfortable clothes.

Jungkook was using his knees to draw on his sketchbook while he heard the low musical sound of Taehyung's voice answering his questions. They were simple questions, easy questions, but nevertheless, the answer was always accompanied by a story that Taehyung tried to tell him in vivid detail. It filled Jungkook's heart to know that Taehyung wanted to tell him every single little thing about what he heard, smelled, felt; not only what he saw but everything that happened around him and within him. Hearing him talking so immensely openly about himself felt like a hug to his heart and soul.

Like he was finally whole at last.

Jungkook took a deep breath with a huge smile as he heard Taehyung chuckling in between stories.

Being with Taehyung like this, calmly, with nothing to distract them, not even sadness, felt extremely peaceful. Here, in the living room, hugging while Jungkook drew and Taehyung told stories, it felt so... right. More than natural, way better and lovelier than a warm sunny day. It felt like his life was supposed to be like this: with Taehyung.

The part of him that still felt scandalized every time he thought about Taehyung as a part of himself he could never be away from, was muffled. It was almost completely extinguished, that little voice in his head that kept reminding him over and over again of the time "Barely one week has passed", "Only six days you've been together", and "Is too soon"... But it wasn't too soon. Even if their meeting was as sudden as their undying attachment, it didn't feel out of the blue, Taehyung didn't feel like a stranger he suddenly fell in love with, Taehyung felt like the other half he was always meant to have. It was indeed sudden for him to find out just how much his heart was capable of feeling only thanks to Taehyung, but it didn't feel wrong nor uncomfortable, it felt... like he could finally breathe properly.

The questions he was asking were little ones: what's your favorite color, what's your favorite animal... But the stories that came with the answers told him more and more about who Taehyung was as an individual, and he completely loved them.

His favorite color was green. The green of the leaves on the trees in Korea. Not much in winter since the leaves turn a dark green that, although looks pretty as well, weren't as pretty as they were in spring. The leaves, the colors, the life so vivid after the cold wind that lasted from November till March went away when the sun came back entirely. But spring never lasts as long as Taehyung would like. From April to June and it was done, then summer would arrive with its heavy rains taking with it the majority of the flowers on the trees. Even so, it was still beautiful, the green was still there, a little muddy, a little damp, a little too dry on some days or blurry for the rains on others, but always beautiful. He also told him how autumn used to scare him as a child, how the colors looked pretty but the gray sky looked ominous.

His favorite animal was the gray wolf -funnily enough-. He saw one once when he was up on a tree, it was alone, walking too slowly to be hunting for prey and not hiding to be cowering away from a predator. It was just walking through the forest, just like he himself liked to do. He was little at the time but not little enough to be ignorant about these animals, so he stayed in the tree and just watched it stroll around for a while, thinking it would leave. But it didn't. The wolf had settled right at the base of the tree he was on.

The beautiful part of the story rendered Jungkook speechless: Taehyung started to hum a tune to himself there on the tree, a tune he usually liked to sing along with the wind, and, suddenly, the wolf started howling very softly, so soft it wasn't a howl, but it mimicked the sound he was making. The wolf lay there on the ground with its yellow eyes looking right at Taehyung's as they both "sang" together. And when he returned home just when the sun was about to set, he told his family about what happened, and his father looked at his grandfather with pride in his eyes before he told the table at large "Didn't I tell you all? That my children were one with nature? Now look, here my little one comes with a smile on his face to tell us all how he sang a song from the wind with a gray wolf by his side to the trees all around them."

His favorite number was two. Two children of his father, two children of his own, two best friends by his side until he had to move on, two days to pack it all, two years to move along, two days to fall in love with the one he's destined for. And then he kissed his cheek and tightened his hold around him, warming him up with his love.

Jungkook was in love. He left his sketchbook on the table and leaned back to be fully resting on Taehyung with his forehead against his neck and his hands over Taehyung's on his own chest. And then Taehyung asked him questions too, although it was harder for Jungkook to make them a full story like Taehyung had done since his past hadn't been much of a fairytale, but he answered as best as he could.

He told him about his favorite sport. To everybody else, he says it's boxing, but to Taehyung he told the truth and said it was dancing. He told him about his favorite movie with some difficulty since it was rare for him to watch the telly for long, but he decided it was the last movie that he watched which was "The Imitation Game". He told him his favorite color: Black because in a chromatic circle it was the combination of all the colors. It was the only answer he could give to everyone alike and not lie, the only difference is that he told Taehyung the truth that he liked all the colors and that's why he chose black.

They spent their time like that, the gray sky outside the window beside them going steadily darker with ominous rain while none of them knew nor cared what time it was. Jungkook just cared about how comfortable he was right there in between Taehyung's legs, resting against his chest with his arms around him, covering both with a blanket Taehyung had around his shoulders.

Right now, neither was talking, they were just there in comfortable silence, feeling the other, Jungkook caressing the back of Taehyung's hand with his fingertips while that hand rested over his stomach.

And in one of those caresses, he passed his fingertip over Taehyung's ring finger and got a little surprised at realizing he had never seen Taehyung wearing a wedding ring. So he murmured to him, his head resting over his shoulder.

- Tae. -

- Yes? - He spoke just as softly.

- How come I've never seen you with a ring? -

Taehyung took a deep breath and then answered with his lips brushing against his cheek.

- It burns my skin. - A moment of silence passed through. - Ok, that was a joke, it doesn't actually burn my skin. -

- I know that, Tae. - Jungkook answered, rolling his eyes with a smirk, making Taehyung chuckled lightly.

- I'm... kind of allergic to precious metals or something? I don't feel anything, it's the metal that turns black with time. It happens with every kind of ring she makes me try, gold, silver... they all turn black and the ring has to be cleaned consistently so I just keep it in a small pocket on my briefcase. If anybody asks, I say I don't want to mess it up by turning it black, and I only wear it on special occasions or dinners or with her around and that's it. But in reality, if I really wanted to wear it all the time, I wouldn't care at all that I would have to polish it every night. If only the pair of that ring was on someone... else... -

- Ok, ok, I get it, you can stop now. - Jungkook giggled as he blushed madly and hid his face on Taehyung's neck while the other chuckled and hugged him tightly. - I noticed that you have really beautiful handwriting. - Jungkook commented, but that seemed to have taken Taehyung aback.

- Do... Do you really think so? I... Daphne has always said it's awful, I never thought– Be-Because it's hard to read, not because she actually thinks it's... but, well, I never... I never let anybody see it in case they also thought it was awful so... Do you actually like it? Or you're just pitying me. - He chuckled, but Jungkook didn't even grin.

He straightened up, leaning his shoulder against Taehyung's chest to look him in the eyes, which stopped his grin.

- It is the most beautiful handwriting I've ever seen, not only because it looks very pretty but also because it's hard to read. Yes, it's hard to read, and for me, I say it makes it even more beautiful because it means that only you would be able to fully understand what you wrote, which would make your handwriting a part of yourself that only the closest people to you can decipher. - He finished softly and then raised a hand to his cheek to caress, while Taehyung looked at him with the eyes of a man who was delighted to be in love with the person he was looking at.

They stayed holding the other for a little while longer until they saw the light of the corridor outside being lit from below the front door, which told them it was dark enough to eat. Taehyung came up with this and Jungkook just went along with a laugh, he knew he was just making excuses to eat already. So Jungkook just stayed laying on the couch caterpillar-style in the blanket and getting high on Taehyung's scent while the other went to the kitchen to turn on the light of the living room and get the food.

As he lay there, Jungkook reminisced on their whole day. The good, the bad, the ugly, the scary, the lovely, and the very very ~good~... He stayed remembering that last one a little longer than necessary and oh lord Taehyung had no idea what the darkness would bestow upon him now that Jungkook was fully comfortable to let himself be wild. He also felt way -if not incredibly- better than how he was this morning. He felt awake and full of energy. Energetic indeed.

Taehyung turned on the yellow light of the dining room which illuminated the living room just enough to create an intimate feeling.

He leaned up a little on his elbows to look over the arm of the couch to see Taehyung rounding the kitchen counter to walk towards him, making him smile. And his smile just went bigger and bigger the closer Taehyung got to the living room.

- My goodness, look at that smiiiiile. - Taehyung said, delighted, with his own huge boxy smile as his eyes couldn't look away from Jungkook. He left the paper bag on the coffee table and knelt on the floor so his face was right beside Jungkook's. - I love your smile. - He murmured lovingly.

- And I love yours. - He crooned softly, and then closed the distance to give him a sweet kiss.

They sat down and started eating their caesar salad when Jungkook thought he couldn't prolong the wait any longer.

- Ok, let's talk about something a little bit more serious before the night ends. -

Taehyung looked up from his plate with wide eyes and a full mouth. It would look endearing if his expression wasn't one of "not wanting to talk about something sad".

He swallowed and asked with caution,

- About what exactly? -

If it came to Jungkook, he would just not talk about any of this, but they had to talk about it because they had characters to play outside this apartment and an uninformed character could put the whole credibility of the play at risk.

- Did you talk to my father? - He started with the most important one, and Taehyung sighed.

- Yes, I did. It wasn't like I was asking for his permission, I was just informing him of "the plan I had" so... he's informed. - He played around with his salad for a second.

- Why the long face? What happened? -

- Well, it's just that... - He sighed again and looked up, but not at Jungkook. - He didn't necessarily agree on the plan, if anything he was trying to tell me how it was of no use and how it wasn't my problem to bear and... a lot of other awful things. But I stood my ground, I told him that I was taking this personally due to something that happened in my past. A total lie, but it worked. He praised me. - Taehyung shrugged and kept on eating, looking very unhappy at whatever he had remembered. But Jungkook was nodding, avoiding the jab about how his father thought him a problem to bear and how it was of no use to try and straighten him up.

- That was very good, Tae. Coming up with that story, a drive to your character to make its actions more believable, very nice indeed. - Taehyung nodded, realizing that his words made everything seem easier to bear, and then he looked up at Jungkook to give him a soft smile. They kept eating for a while until Taehyung drew his attention back from his own thoughts.

- Do you have another question? -

- Yeah. - He thought for a second longer, giving Taehyung time to fill his mouth. - Ok, so, I concluded–... Well, it wasn't a conclusion, it was more of an idea that made a lot of sense. - Taehyung frowned and paid more attention now, making him somewhat nervous. - Ummm, well, you know how everyone outside has the idea that you are the teacher that wants to put my troubling self straight, right? - Taehyung nodded slowly. - And you know how we have been able to be in here for long periods because everyone on the outside thinks that you are lecturing me or something? - Taehyung nodded slowly again, his frown deepening. - Well... I chose to stay here... and they all know I chose to stay here, so that could make them think I don't hate you or that we are actually becoming friends or at least friendly, so the tale about how I'm a troublemaker that's being lectured doesn't really work anymore because... I chose to stay here, with you, and I haven't done anything bad since I started to come up here. Do you know where I'm getting at? -

- I... think so, but I don't want it to be what I think it is. - He said low, frowning and concentrated, looking like he didn't want to hear what came next. Jungkook couldn't blame him, he also didn't like the idea.

- So, see this: I'm no longer a troublemaker and you're beginning to be my friend. My father wouldn't see I must be up here for long since being taught is more important than having fun and since you would be my friend instead of only my strict teacher he would maybe think it would be weird for me to be up here for long. So to avoid that, the next week–

- Let me stop you right there. - Taehyung stretched a hand to touch his arm, he looked concerned now. - You are not telling me that you're going to get in trouble on purpose just to keep up the act of a troublemaker, are you? - He warned him full of concern. And Jungkook could just purse his lips.

- That's exactly what I'm going to do, actually. -

- Jungkook... - Taehyung left his meal on the coffee table and turned around in his seat to face him.

- No. - He left his own plate on the table as well, cutting Taehyung off on whatever he was going to say.

- We can come up with something different. -

- We can't. Don't you think I would rather do something else? Do I really seem the type to want to be a troublemaker? I'm saying this is the only way because this is the only way to keep up the act that old man already knows. If we change the labels too quickly he'll get startled and pay much more attention than necessary. He thinks I'm a problem that can't be fixed, Tae, if you come at him and tell him how we're already friends in less than a week, he'll probably think you're on my side, which would completely cut off any attempt at getting into his inner circle. And that's a thing you most certainly have to do so he would stop any kind of monitoring he has on your tail because, if you don't remember, he has stationed people outside your classroom. You remember now? That's the kind of man he is. So you have to get in his inner circle to get out of that ring of vigilance, only like that would he let you be. And you get in there by being just like him, so you have to keep up the act of "strict teacher" with me. -

He tried to explain it as calmly as possible but Taehyung's frown just made him want to push his point a little harder until he ended up having a frown of his own. But it left the moment Taehyung gave up and sighed.

- I know you're right, Kook. I know you know him better, I know your ideas have never yet been wrong... but I also know that you won't like to do any of it and I wouldn't like to even see you try being bad because I would know that the whole time you're making a ruckus you would be hating everything you're doing. That's why I hate this idea. Because of how much it would hurt you. It would put all the attention onto you and that pressure... I don't want you carrying it all by yourself when we can try to come up with another idea. Maybe we can... Maybe I can... I... - Taehyung didn't have anything under his sleeve and that was making him look more and more agonized as he stared at Jungkook, maybe thinking of how bad he looked the day he had his fight with Tom.

Wait a minute... Tom.

- What if it doesn't have to be a full-on problem? - Taehyung lit up in hope at his words. - What if it's all staged? Just something for my father to see, or just to know that you caught me and stopped me from fighting Tom? And that could go on like that for a while, you stopping me, taking me here to lecture me... What do you say? -

- Anything to make it easier for you. - Taehyung said in relief this time, the corners of his mouth turning up at last.

- Perfect, so that's settled then. I'll see if I can talk to Tom about it. -

Taehyung stopped in the act of grabbing his salad and clicked his tongue but then continued to reach for his plate.

- Anything to make it easier for you. Anything. Anything. - He muttered to himself over and over again, probably hating the idea of Tom in any way, shape, or form.

But Jungkook felt more relieved now with a plan forming in his head while he reached for his own salad. They were almost about to finish it when Taehyung spoke again.

- Any more questions of the sort? -

Jungkook was brought up short because there were questions, there were a lot of them, but these were terrible questions of the deep sort and he didn't know if Taehyung wanted to go thru the one he had burning in his mind at the moment when he'll have to talk to her tomorrow morning. However, it is a very important question, and he's been refusing to ask it since the moment he found out he was married.

- Jungkook, what is it? Is it that bad? - He realized he had been staring off with a frown and hastily put his almost empty plate on the table.

- Well... It is a little too... mmh... deep? Absolutely important, yes, but I think it might be a little too harsh to talk about. Although I don't know that, maybe I'm worrying over nothing or I'm... I'm overthinking a... fantasy? I... - He looked down and shook his head, saying all of this aloud was way more difficult than he thought, putting feelings into words has always been hard to do but saying them out loud was making him overthink what he had been overthinking already.

- Jungkook, - Taehyung left his empty plate on the table and moved closer to him, to grab his chin gently and make him look up at him. He was concerned. - What is it? If it's important, you should ask me, no matter how painful you might think it is. -

Jungkook took in a deep breath. He was scared of asking this, he realized that now, he was afraid of what the answer would be, he was afraid that it'll hurt Taehyung in any way, he was afraid that talking about so serious things so early could perhaps shatter something. He believed in Taehyung's love, but what if he realizes it's easier for Jungkook if he left?

- Jungkook. My love, ask me. You're scaring me right now, tell me, please. -

He was worrying him, he was frightening him, he had to tell him, he had to.

- I don't want to. - He whispered, he had been so desperate to hush his thoughts that he ended up talking out loud. But it was the truth.

Taehyung shook his head.

- No, tell me. I can see that you're afraid of what the answer might be but, my Love, my Angel, haven't I proven my devotion to you? You think I could ever hurt you? -

- Not on purpose, you wouldn't. - He whispered again.

- My sweet, sweet, Jungkook, you can ask me. -

Those eyes, those stars, Jungkook couldn't look at them and deny what they were begging of him.

He took a deep breath that still felt feeble, and tried to talk without stopping himself.

- You talk of us far away, somewhere hidden. And you say you're sure it's not only a dream, that you're sure it's going to happen, that you're sure you'll have a plan. But... - He couldn't, he stopped, it was too soon to be asking any of this, to be asking him if he had anything planned already. It has only been less than a week, he can't have really believed Taehyung had given it any serious thought.

- Are you perhaps worrying that I wasn't being honest? - Taehyung said low and serious. Then he moved his hand from Jungkook's chin to hold the side of his neck, right when Jungkook shook his head.

- No, no, I just... I've never doubted your honesty, it's always clear in your eyes, it's just that... - He couldn't explain further and it was maddening, it was frustrating. Maybe Taehyung had realized this because he tried to guess again.

- I know. You wanted to ask if I've given any serious thought to my master plan and you were afraid I would say that I haven't because it's only been a week, and I correct? -

Jungkook sighed.

- Yes. - God, he knows him so well, how could it have been only one week?

- Jungkook, - Taehyung surprised him when a smile made its way slowly over his lovely face. - I can't believe you forgot how little I care about the time when I'm with you. - He chuckled, freeing Jungkook of any tension he had. - A week. Yes, it's been a week, and what? It's love. Feelings know nothing about time. And I know that people who are driven mostly by their emotions are somewhat volatile, but we aren't like that, this wasn't a volatile decision, this was something we just couldn't stop. This is no infatuation, this is not a game to me or just a fantasy I wanted to come true, this is life, this is love, you are the other half of me, you are the one I can't live without, you are the one, the only, it's you. -

- I've been thinking of ways to destroy that lawsuit that keeps me away from my family since the day I knew about it. In the years that preceded, I lost courage, of course, but there were moments with her or just things that happened in that house that would set me off and I would run to the computer to read and read how to get out of there with full custody of my children and off to my parents, but the thing that always stopped me was... i-it was... - He stopped himself short suddenly, and Jungkook noticed some panic in his eyes that wasn't there a second ago.

- What? What stopped you? - Taehyung looked like he didn't want to tell him. - Come on, I told you, didn't I? -

Taehyung took a moment, but then he nodded.

- She... She would do something that would just leave me thinking that she needed me to be there, and so I would just spiral down again and think "I would never be able to win against her parents anyway", "if they find out what I wanted to do, they would skin me alive", "The kids need a mother", and there were all these other things that would just make me succumb once more and just do whatever I was told. But I got you now. - He smiled once more. - I finally found my strength and my goal has never been clearer. Before, I was only driven by anger and sadness, but now, I'm driven by the longing of living with you somewhere only we know so we could be free. The part about my kids is a little bit difficult to think about since I don't really know how they would feel if "mom and dad get divorced" and all of that. But for me, I will live with you in our paradise, and we'll be happy no matter what. -

- Now, that's the goal, but what's my plan, you might ask. I'll tell you what my plan is, I plan to sit down and talk seriously with you about it because I know for a fact that you would come up with something way better than me, and also because it's your future as well, and I would never want to mess it up, only beautify it. - He smiled lovingly. - So, whenever you want to, we'll sit down and talk business. -

Jungkook threw himself at Taehyung who caught him around the waist with a laugh. He sat down on his lap and hugged him really tight around the neck, his own smile so big he was about to tear up with happiness. Jungkook felt like the luckiest guy in the whole world. He felt blessed. In his head there were only the words "Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving him to me, thank you" to no God in particular, just to anybody who would listen. He has never felt more grateful in his life, but he did have a lot to be grateful for.

He leaned back enough to look him in the eyes, those beautiful eyes of his, and kissed his smiling lips. It was soft and sweet, while a hand of his brushed the back of Taehyung's hair and the other held his face close to his. He could feel Taehyung's hands on his waist slide to his back, one stayed there while the other went up towards the nape of his neck, and Jungkook sighed before very slowly parting away, leaving his hands on Taehyung's shoulders, close to his neck.

- Another question? - Taehyung asked, his voice deeper, his eyes slightly mischievous.

A shudder went down Jungkook's spine while he felt Taehyung's hand descending from his neck to the small of his back beside the other hand. He had to swallow to think hard if he indeed had anything else to talk about or they could just...

Think, think, Jungkook thought very hard. And finally realized.

- Tomorrow. - That was the first thing that came out of his mouth, but Taehyung nodded in understanding.

- I'll see my kids at eight in the morning and that's all I have on schedule, what about you? - Jungkook looked up as he reorganized some things in his head. Tomorrow was his "fixing day" and that would take about an hour, and with his friends they had agreed before they came here that Saturday they would study together in the morning so... "Fixing" could be from seven till eight and then at eight he'll meet his friends.

- I'd agreed on meeting with my friends to study. - He looked down at Taehyung again, who had been looking down at his neck while he thought. Another little shudder. - And... Well, we'll meet at eight and I think we'll finish at eleven or something? -

- Then, have lunch with them. - Taehyung decided with a nod and shook his head slowly when Jungkook gave a little pout. - No, Kooky, they've been way too worried since yesterday night, give them more time with you tomorrow. We'll meet when you're finished, there's no rush. - He caressed the curve of his waist with one hand up and down. Jungkook sighed, defeated by the truth.

- Fine. I didn't think we would be able to buy all of it tomorrow anyway. - He shrugged and Taehyung chuckled, his hands continuing their caressing on Jungkook's waist, following the curve of it up and down, slowly, feeling it. Jungkook looked down at Taehyung's hands and, with a mischievous little smile, watched just how good his hands looked on him, then looked back up. Taehyung had been staring at him intently with darkening eyes.

- Look, I know what this looks like, ok? - He chuckled low, already looking turned on. Jungkook giggled and nodded, watching how he swallowed and averted his eyes, his hands stopping on his hips. - But at any time you can just say no, you know that right? - He looked back up at Jungkook, a little worried in his eyes, but Jungkook went on grinning. - I just, I don't want what happened this morning to happen again. I... was a... total... I should've never... I mean... - He couldn't talk properly, but his words only filled Jungkook with endearment. He caressed the sides of his neck with his fingertips and made him look straight into his eyes.

- First of all, you did nothing wrong this morning, it was actually... - He came closer to his ear and purred. - ...really good. - Taehyung shuddered and he leaned back again, but just a little, the tips of their noses almost brushing. - And second of all, if ever I wanted to stop you, I know how, and I'm completely confident that you will stop. And also, this goes both ways, you can stop me too. -

Taehyung chuckled this time, his hands going to his thighs and caressing them slowly, making him close his eyes for a moment.

- I actually have the suspicion that you're way better at controlling yourself than me. - He murmured and then tilted his head, his eyes half-closed and hands caressing his thighs, arousing him.

Jungkook grinned mischievously.

- That's only because I don't exactly know how I am when I completely lose it, unlike you who've done it at least with yourself. - His eyes trailed down and stared at Taehyung's hands on him. So good, so incredibly good. Then he looked back up at his neck where his own hands were and caressed his way down the sides of it with his nails, making Taehyung close his eyes slowly.

- Oh, so let me get this straight, - Taehyung murmured, eyes closed and enjoying. - what I'm hearing is that you haven't completely lost it? - He slowly opened his eyes halfway with a smirk on his lips. Jungkook shuddered at the sight and the feeling of Taehyung's nails over his skin, under the shirt. - Let me try again then. And again, and again... - His lips got nearer to his ear and Jungkook's eyes closed, heat overflowing. - Let me make you lose it, over and over again, until you know exactly what it feels like when you're completely under. -

Jungkook whimpered, nails digging on skin in a rush of adrenaline making Taehyung moan low in his ear.

- Very well then, I'll let you. - Jungkook answered in a whisper, a grin on his lips as a breathless chuckle left his fluttering stomach. - With two conditions. -

Taehyung leaned back just enough to make eye contact. He was half grinding.

- Mh? Tell me then, I can't wait. - He murmured, the palms of his hands going up and down Jungkook's back under the shirt, making him bite his lips for a moment.

- First, turn the light off. -

Taehyung's grin widened and his hands went to his waist.

- Alright. And the second? - Jungkook grinned and neared Taehyung's ear for the last time, a hand over his shoulder, while the other made its way slowly down.

- I have a lot of pent-up energy and a frustrated desire for something so this is the second condition for tonight, - He could feel Taehyung shuddering slightly as his hand went lower and lower.

- Tell me. Tell me now. - He begged in a whisper.

Jungkook chuckled.

- I'll start with you, and I'll make you lose it completely. - He heard Taehyung's mouth opening in a silent gasp, and then his hand reached his crotch and grabbed it hard.

- Ahhh... - Taehyung moaned with a shudder, head tilting back, hips jolting upwards. Jungkook leaned back just enough to witness his beautiful aroused expression before Taehyung straightened his head again and looked at him fiercely. - Alright... -

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