Chapter Text
A soft exhale flows over the pillow, Jeongguk’s hair falling delicately along the fabric when he moves. Slowly, his mind is coming to, internal clock working against him as he blinks his eyes open against the cracks of light filtering through the bedroom window. Even with the blinds, it’s mildly distracting and he groans in annoyance as he turns away, once again burying himself into the blankets and sheets. Sleep still eludes him, and all he can do is sigh into the pillow, scratching at the back of his undercut. His fingers ran up the shortened hair, tangling in the longer half of his locks when he combed through them. It had been a few weeks since he caved and cut it, the hot weather prompting him to make the decision. He remembers Taehyung gasping when he came home that day, the elder scowling and lamenting over no longer being able to tie ponytails and man buns in his hair. Luckily, his boyfriend fell easily enough for his new look, his penchant for ponytails replaced by running his palm over the undercut because he liked the way it felt. Jeongguk managed to smile at the image, rolling over onto his back and squinting at the clock on his nightstand.
Seven in the morning. Figures he’d wake before his alarm. So, he reached over and shut it off before it blared throughout the room, waking the entire household up in the most unnecessary way. “Ugh.” Jeongguk groaned, dropping his head back down and glancing over to his left, smiling wide when he finds Taehyung still asleep, nestled cozily against his insane amount of pillows and blankets. The sheets were bundled over the elder’s waist, revealing the bare skin of his upper back that tempted Jeongguk to reach over and touch. They were both free of clothing, too eager for a goodnight’s rest after making love to bother with the usual cuddling and pulling on pajamas. Jeongguk could even see the soft blush of marks that littered Taehyung’s neck and shoulder, courtesy of him during their little romp.
Unfortunately, the past few weeks had proved a hectic bunch for them both. With Taehyung ordering his graduation gown, and filing his application and Jeongguk piling up his appointments just to snag this weekend off. He could still feel his carpal tunnel acting up on occasion.
Yesterday had made it all worth it, though. With the entirety of his friday free he got to spend the morning watching Taehyung bounce around the room getting ready for his graduation and then dropping both him and Jimin off while he took his spot in the stands with the rest of their group to cheer them on. There was just something beautiful about observing his boyfriend in the throes of happiness at being free from coursework and late nights hunched over the laptop. Those days were gone, and Jimin and Taehyung had easily snagged jobs in production at the same company. Jeongguk was endlessly proud of them both, but his bias made him even more so towards his boyfriend. To the sweet soul who grinned the entire night through and clung to him with reckless abandon at being free and a full functioning adult with a job that wasn’t part time anymore. Their whole friend group took that night out, enjoying drinks, food and karaoke which eventually led to Jeongguk and Taehyung giggling the whole way home just to tumble into the bed together.
The recent memory made him smile, following the urge to snake his arms around Taehyung too strong to dismiss anymore. He wasn’t keen on waking the other so early, but he fell into that warmth and pulled his love closer to his chest. Try as he might, Jeongguk still became astonished certain mornings waking up next to the elder. It’s not that he ever forgot he was dating Taehyung, far from that, he was simply perplexed at the idea this man still stuck by him. That he could wake up and the first thing he usually sees is that attractive face, puffy and natural in its most vulnerable form. To think it had been a little over six months now since they became official, the thought still provoked a sense of elated surprise in Jeongguk. The plan to take things slow between them worked beautifully, to an extent that is.
Truthfully, Jeongguk could merely breathe a laugh at the initial plan. Slow, was it? To pull back and not rush things or expectations, but Jeongguk couldn’t imagine ever playing by the rules to its absolute core. Even now, as he runs his knuckles over Taehyung’s cheek, he can’t help but realize how foolish the prospect of going slow was for them. They’ve always been anything but that.
Slow meant Taehyung living with Jimin for a mere month before they both realized his belongings and himself stayed over at Jeongguk’s ninety percent of the time. Slow meant Jeongguk and him spending every waking hour together and texting when they weren’t. Slow meant giving in and making love the first few days into a proper relationship because they weren’t capable or restrained enough to keep their hands off each other. Even their first date ventured into intimate territory. What started as a cliche of dinner and a movie, journeyed them to the parlor where Taehyung observed in delight as Jeongguk added the very last touches to his custom design. The location, the colors, the size, all of that was planned that same night and Taehyung fell in love with every detail while Jeongguk fell deeper in love with his smile. How could he possibly let those emotions simmer there? It was impossible to ask of him, and as Taehyung oohed and ahhed over the drawing, the younger could only lean over to kiss him. It was a night in the parlor better left unsaid to Yoongi is all he can remember.
His musings gave him pause in his path along his boyfriend’s body, a waning smile on his lips as he tickled over his neck, the skin temptingly soft against his more calloused fingertips. The movement earned him an audible whine from Taehyung, the elder stirring slightly in his sleep that was becoming more and more disrupted with Jeongguk’s caress. It didn’t stop his path down that lithe figure, and just as Taehyung sucked in a delicate breath, he traced his way down his waist and upper arm, grazing the skin and watching with delight as the sheets fell lower on his frame. To the more sane individuals in the world, or perhaps those with no romantic sense, Jeongguk would likely sound strange when he considered how much he loved Taehyung’s skin. The addiction was pure innocence at its origins, but Jeongguk simply adored how beautiful his boyfriend was. His skin tone was an extravagant tan, decorated by exquisitely small moles here and there and touching him was an experience that transcended all others. The urge alone pegged him forward, fingers dancing across smooth flesh and led over a prominent hip bone he thumbed at for a moment. Thoroughly entertained by his lover, he carried on further, happily exploring every inch he was already acquainted with. Until his hands meet inked skin, the newest artwork that adorned his boyfriend, just like his beauty marks, only this time placed there by his hands.
He lingered over a petal that curved around Taehyung’s buttocks and down his upper thigh, towards the end of the whole design that stopped above his knee on the side of his leg. The tattoo itself was possibly one of Jeongguk’s largest works, but he was pleasantly surprised when Taehyung adamantly told him he wanted his whole right thigh covered on its side. The request was eagerly followed, and now five sunflowers, varying in size, painted Taehyung’s skin, sewn together by vines and leaves with dreamcatcher weaving in their florets. Each one was colored a brilliant yellow, watercolor effects shaded in because Jeongguk knew they’d be enhanced by Taehyung’s being. His work now lay permanent on his boyfriend, and the pride he felt at that only grew when he traced the pattern of the largest flower on his thigh, the highest one. It’s place was drawn on his upper thigh and flirted over the skin of his backside, but it remained in grey scale, the last of his work to be done and colored, and that was what today was meant for. It was to be their last session for this tattoo, one Jeongguk had started over six months ago now. He couldn’t wait to see it finished in all its glory, and as he tapped his fingers over the sunflower he smiled when a soft sigh came from above.
“Gukkie?”
Jeongguk hummed back in response, dipping down to kiss over the flower and admire how vibrant the colors were across bronzed skin. Beautiful, is all he could muster as an afterthought. Bright and beautiful, two words he’d repeat to himself in order to perfectly describe the man he fell in love with. He could easily recall their previous sessions, all of them forever etched into his heart and precious in their own unique ways. There were four in total over the months, today being the fifth and final, but each one was beloved by Jeongguk because those sessions were what brought them infinitely closer together. Taehyung and him learned to love each other in the right ways over their time in that studio, exchanging random stories, confessing sweet nothings. Chaste kisses and adoring touches were just apart of them, both too eager and blissed out to keep their rapport entirely professional. Truth is, those hours upon hours of tattooing and talking became the foundation of something honest, something meaningful and it was the beginning of an emotional bond that would grow into what it is today. “I’m here, baby.”
Because Jeongguk had learned one factual thing between them over that shared time. And that was he could, in fact, fall even deeper for this man cradled in his arms. That’s not to say it wasn’t a struggle to come to terms with that knowledge. Jeongguk wouldn’t sugar coat their first few months together, because in that time they both had to cultivate a new attitude and grow within themselves and each other as a couple.
Taehyung was the one who struggled a little more in that regard. The elder still held onto lingering guilt, even when Jeongguk asked and he told him he was fine, he knew better. There was no questioning whether his love was real or if he kept regret for their start, because Jeongguk understood how sincere Taehyung felt towards him. But he couldn’t hide the regret he harbored on occasion for hurting someone else in the process. Not from Jeongguk, and there were nights when the younger would wake to find the bed empty, to cross the threshold of their bedroom and find Taehyung sitting on the couch and silently sobbing to himself. It was always a repeat of events, the elder crying and pretending to be okay only to break down and throw himself into Jeongguk’s arms to ease away the pain. Those nights were spent soothing his boyfriend, rubbing his back and kissing his temple and whispering an endless supply of love confessions, dotted with reminders of what they held was still valid in spite of its rocky start.
And it was true.
Jeongguk, though wrong to the majority of the world, could find no fault in ever loving Taehyung. Did that love cost him his family? Of course. He can still hear the ghost of yells from the other side of his phone, insults and disownments screamed at him from both his parents for being the monster they always thought him to be. His voicemail became a timeline of crumbling tolerance and one of pure, unrefined hatred. However, as always, Jeongguk could not bring himself to care. The loss was never felt, because there was never much to lose to begin with. If anything, he just gave his parents and sister the excuse they needed to hate him. Speaking of Jisoo, they never spoke again after that day in the apartment. The strained view they held of each other was laid to rest that day, and Jeongguk knows it’s a hard concept for most to grasp that family can be filled with loathing, but that was his for many years. It’s all he knew and while he technically did lose whatever was left, he had gained far more in his eyes.
Crawling back up the bed, he smiled down at Taehyung, now settled over on his back and staring up through squinting eyes. The elder hummed at him, soft and inviting, but his eyelids wrestled closed again. As if he willed sleep to return at such an early hour. The sight was too endearing, and Jeongguk chuckled at the act, leaning down to press his lips to his cheek, forehead and nose until he was rewarded with that familiar grumpy mumble in the morning light.
“Baby…” Taehyung rasped, tilting his head away and scrunching his nose as if he was annoyed by the affection. But Jeongguk knew he never was, the elder adored being doted on, and Jeongguk was always happy to provide said love to him. It’s the reason he pushes him awake, properly kissing him on the lips this time and cupping that swollen cheek from exhaustion that still plagued Taehyung. Playfully, he squished those cheeks together, laughing when his lips formed a pout that was too adorable for his own good. He attempts to kiss him again, but Taehyung huffed and rolled off to the side from being bothered.
“Come here.”
“No. Tired.”
Jeongguk ignored his protests, dragging him back with minimal effort on his part into his embrace. Taehyung was still grumbling and kicking at his legs but he didn’t miss the small smile the elder held.
God, that smile. If there was one thing he’d never get tired of seeing, it was that smile. Warm and sunny, and maybe he was too transfixed by Taehyung, but he swears the smile he’s blessed with is prettier when it lands on him and only him. Somewhere throughout their relationship, prior to it even being one, Jeongguk had found he fell in love with that smile first before he admitted he loved the man attached to it. The simple gesture made him weak, and it became nearly obsessive how he made sure to keep that precious grin intact for the rest of his life. It’s what made their first months painful to him, knowing when no one was watching, when Taehyung thought he wasn’t watching, that he saw that smile slip into a frown. Jeongguk didn’t care how long it took, but he made a promise to repeat himself every time he saw that sorrow, that Taehyung had nothing to feel guilty about anymore. That they had each other, and in the end of it all, they could only let themselves move on.
Eventually, by the grace of their own determination, they did. Healing took time, but they managed to make it.
They made it.
“Too early.” Betraying his own words, Taehyung sighed in consent to being dragged back into the heat of his boyfriend’s body. Too comfortable in this position to keep up the annoyed facade. “Go back to sleep.” He mumbles, the tone dripping in a sluggish manner, but he nosed under Jeongguk’s chin with his arms steadily wrapping around the man’s neck to bring him closer.
“Not tired anymore, gorgeous.” His fingers combed through Taehyung’s fringe, pleased with the now brunette locks he loved even more than the blond. If that were even possible. But, the darker tone contrasted well with his features, somehow making the elder appear softer in presence. Especially in the hours of the early morning, with his hair a curled and charming mess on his head. “Come on. We can make breakfast then head to the shop a little earlier.” Jeongguk was technically still on his short vacation, Yoongi had made sure to give him that time, but Taehyung was the exception to his no appointment rule. He should’ve held to his word and kept this weekend for themselves to lounge and visit that new cafe in town, but they agreed today would be perfect to color in that last flower. After all, putting aside other appointments may have been slightly unprofessional, but his boyfriend would come first. “Don’t be lazy, baby. Get up.”
“Mmm...ten more minutes.”
But Jeongguk reached down for his thighs, turning onto his back so Taehyung is forced to recline over him. He thumbs gently at the tattoo there, admiring the greens and yellows that became the epitome of Kim Taehyung. It suited him so well, and Jeongguk was impossibly fond of the person his work painted. Sue him, for being so whipped for this man he never meant to love in the first place. “Don’t be a brat. Get up.”
Taehyung merely chuckles into the skin of his chest, cheek relaxed against it as he tickles his fingertips up Jeongguk’s body and into his hair, where he pets over the undercut. “Good morning to you, too.” He was never the best morning person, but the elder manages a smile towards his boyfriend, lazily glancing up as Jeongguk returns the gesture.
Hands came to rest over Taehyung’s hips, allowing the elder to straddle him as he rose up and stretched the full length of his body. It gave Jeongguk the perfect view of his love on display, and any man would be weak to such a heavenly spectacle. It wasn’t even properly the start of the day and Jeongguk was already gifted with a stroke of fortune. “Damn.” He huffed, marveling at the expanse of naked flesh to travel over. Taehyung’s body always cut a beautiful figure, with curves most women would probably kill for, but the delicate frame just stirred something in Jeongguk, the visuals never leaving him disappointed. Even now, though Taehyung complained about having lost a little more weight over the months, he was perfect in Jeongguk’s eyes. Then again, how could he not be? With those eyelashes that laid divinely over his cheeks, to the strong point of his nose and full lips Jeongguk would never grow tired of kissing. Hell--even his neck was appealing, slender and littered with faint bites he left last night. The fact was, that Taehyung was his love, life and weakness and that was a future for him he never expected. To think someone could be his, someone as perfect as his Taehyung, it blew his mind most days. And he knows his thoughts are teetering on sinful, but Jeongguk can’t stop himself from circling over hip bones and eyeing the half hard length of his love above him. It curves enticingly over his tummy, and Jeongguk has to bite back his groan because he isn’t sure if he wants to stroke him to completion or give him the best blow job he’s ever gotten. “You’ll be the death of me.”
Taehyung looks down at him, a teasing edge to his grin, showing he’s completely aware of the effect he holds. “Is that your way of saying you love me?”
“Poetic, right?”
“So poetic.” He leans down for a quick peck of the lips, laughing when Jeongguk leans in for more. “So, today’s the day?”
“Yeah.” Jeongguk’s affirmation is muffled over his neck, mouthing over fading hickeys as he asks, “You ready for your last session?”
“I am.” Taehyung glances down at his thigh, tilting his head just slightly to make out the finer details of the sunflowers. It was a beautiful piece to look upon, and every chance he got to simply sit back and admire it, he would. To think he could forever flaunt his boyfriend’s artwork, to be the canvas to it, it never ceased to make his heart go bump. “I can’t wait to see it in completion.” He leaned back down, laying his hands over Jeongguk’s chest as he brought their lips together in a languid kiss. Their eyes were half-lidded, drinking in the moment of bliss with their mouths moving in sync with each other. Slow as it was, Jeongguk still groaned into it, palms drifting lower until he could cup Taehyung’s ass in a generous squeeze.
It was insane, to Jeongguk, how desperately he ached for his boyfriend. Frightening, even, because as much as Jeongguk was there for him in nights steeped in past guilt and shame to tend to him, Taehyung was also there for him. Offering kisses and affection when love seemed too intimidating to fall into. It was easy to want it, Jeongguk had learned, because fates be damned he wanted it. But the work it took to keep it, to hold onto it, that was another experience entirely for him to perfect. Jeongguk couldn’t be more grateful for the patience he was afforded by the elder, or the patience they simply gifted each other in order to maintain this relationship.
“I’m going to miss bugging you for hours on end.” Taehyung teases, hovering over the younger’s lips, his fingertips curving down the other’s cheek and jaw.
“I’ll just design you something else, then.”
“Pretty soon I’ll be your only client with that attitude.”
“I see nothing wrong with that.” They share a soft kiss, one Taehyung hums into in delight when teeth nip his pout, even if his witty retort was swallowed by it. He truly didn’t fault the idea of taking up Jeongguk’s time, selfish as it was. Over the months the younger’s work became intensely popular, causing a traffic of clients to come into the parlor and leave Jeongguk near exhausted with his schedule. He even showcased at events for the business, where he gave quick tattoos and advertised for Yoongi. Long story short, Taehyung always expected him to grow this far, having recognized his potential the moment he laid eyes on that sketchbook so long ago. It made him proud, made all their friends proud, but Taehyung even more so when he found his own tattoo in the form of a polaroid in Jeongguk’s portfolio of work.
“Your clients would kill me if I stole you away from them.” Kisses get peppered down his neck, making him close his eyes and nearly forget the conversation they’re having. “Yoongi might, too.”
“He’s too soft for that.”
Yoongi actually was a big old softie, Taehyung had come to learn, just as the younger described the first time. However, they owed him so much for all his support he gave them, far more than they deserved Taehyung believed. “Mmm.” Still, he agreed to the point, knowing Yoongi would never punish him for stealing away one of his best artists. Besides, no one would blame him for wanting to keep Jeongguk to himself when he looked this good beneath him, making it easy for Taehyung to roll his hips along that growing length. Satisfied when he hears Jeongguk’s breath hitch, he becomes bolder, reaching for the other’s hands and setting one palm over his tattoo where he leads the younger’s hand down the expanse of it. Their palms chase one another, moving from the edge of Taehyung’s knee, up his thigh and hips just to stop under a nipple. Jeongguk takes the hint, pad of his thumb rubbing over the hardening bud and watching excitedly as Taehyung rocked against him. “Guk…”
“Hm?”
“T-Thought you wanted to get ready?”
“Ten more minutes.”
Taehyung laughs heartily at that, leaning down to kiss the other deeper, but that action is put on hold, interrupted by a soft whine from the edge of their bed. Jeongguk peels one eye open, looking towards the sound and scowling when he sees two beady eyes glaring his way.
“Fucking little cockblock.”
The rivalry between them, Taehyung could spin stories of it, but instead he opts to laugh at the two, noting the mild resentment in Jeongguk’s gaze. Of course, his boyfriend adored their little pup, but it was amusing nonetheless to witness their confrontations. “He’s not.” Taehyung coos, peeling his lips away from the younger who grunts in displeasure. “He just wants to go outside.”
Jeongguk watches him scratch lovingly under that fluffy chin, and he would be unduly envious if not for the fact he was the one to bring another living creature into this apartment. Adopt a dog, he told himself, Taehyung will love it. Love it, he did. Their Pomeranian was meant as an early graduation gift, and the only reason Jeongguk went out of his way to adopt the little runt was due to the striking and manipulative puppy eyes the tiny thing could give. It was no surprise he caved so easily under them when he passed the animal shelter event on his way to work one morning.
“Tannie, yah, stop crying.” Moving off his boyfriend, and completely endeared by Jeongguk’s pout, Taehyung picked up his baby, bouncing the fur ball in his arms and offering to take him out to relieve himself. “I’ll take him to the park right outside.” But the younger waved him off, sighing as he moved from the bed and shoved his pair of sweatpants on, not even minding he was sans underwear.
“I’ll take him, babe. Go ahead and shower.” He ran his fingers through his unruly hair, attempting to tame the strands back down.
Taehyung observed them both, beaming when Jeongguk took the puppy from his hold and glowered, albeit adoringly, at him. Their love-hate relationship was too pleasant to ignore, and while some may look at them and think it was a simple game they played, it truly did cement Taehyung’s reality. Seeing Yeontan and Jeongguk interact reminded him of how far they’ve come. To have endured coming to terms with himself and his choices, to watch Jeongguk learn what it is to be in something so solid as a relationship...it warmed his heart to acknowledge it. A relationship at the end of the day was such a simple concept to behold, but it was one the younger appeared to harbor trouble with. Seeing Jeongguk now, smiling and taking their dog out, it made him bite back his overly amused grin. It made all of their hardships worth it in the end, because his heart never gave up on Jeongguk. Not once. Even when Taehyung held reservations or had bouts of grief from hurting them both, hurting others, he still found his home and comfort in those strong arms of the other. And in those nights, fondled safely into Jeongguk's chest, he couldn’t fathom how he could ever feel wrong for the love they nurtured together.
Of course, he understood the first months for them were turbulent, for lack of a better term. Yet, they weathered one another's behavior with a poise unexpected of two people who found their love through unconventional means. From the nights of crying to Jeongguk’s occasional withdrawn demeanor, they had gone through it all. Truth is, they’ve seen each other at their worst and in the easiest sense that vulnerability had only brought them closer. The truth so evidently built, it’s the basis of what gave Taehyung the chance to hold onto his own strength when life overwhelmed him.
Granted, if he wanted to get technical, the genesis of his revelation came from a single night out months ago. When Yoongi and the others had convinced them to end their hermit nature and enjoy some drinks and dancing down at a club. Taehyung and Jeongguk were close to declining the invite, but for Yoongi’s sake and his birthday courtesy, they agreed. Unfortunately, Taehyung seemed to forget that certain friend’s of Yoongi and Jin had mutual ones with a person he thought he’d never see again. As fate would have it, he ran into Lisa near the bar as he waited for their drinks, Jeongguk having sauntered off towards the bathrooms. He’s more than certain he’s never seen someone’s eyes grow so hateful so swiftly, and the second Taehyung laid his gaze on her she snapped. Her drink flew into his face, dousing his blouse and skin in sticky liquid that smelled stronger than it likely tasted. All he could do was stare blankly at her, knowing deep down the pressure of her enmity was well deserved.
Jeongguk and the others didn’t quite see their interaction that way. He remembers yelling occurring between groups of people, and the scene escalated to beyond Lisa and him rather quickly. Somewhere in the bustle, her boyfriend got involved, and as all things in life go, drinks and anger never mix. Suddenly, harsh words were being exchanged and Jimin and Jeongguk didn’t take to them very kindly and when Taehyung made to stop the argument between them he ended up shoved into the bar by Lisa’s boyfriend. He never fancied himself a violent person, but instinct told him to fight back, only Jeongguk had beat him to the punch. Quite literally, at that. It’s the sole reason their group got kicked out of the club, and he recalls apologizing profusely to Yoongi and their friends, but the elder just patted his back with that same cheshire grin he always wore. Clearly content to move their celebration to his own apartment.
In some strange way, that night helped him, though. While Jeongguk scowled the rest of the time and muttered insults under his breath about the two, dabbing away at his blouse and face to remove the alcohol from his boyfriend, Taehyung just laughed, heartfelt and relieved. Because while he knew he would have done the same thing to anyone who hurt any of his friends the way he hurt Jisoo, he also realized that nothing would make them understand. And, for once, that was okay. To Taehyung it didn’t matter anymore if they cared to listen, or if they wished to hate him and Jeongguk for what they had done, they could continue the rest of their lives holding onto the anger. He no longer wanted to. So let them throw all the drinks they wanted, because he knew Jeongguk would be there to wipe it away. To remind him why he was here in the first place, to make him remember that in all of the bad, he was the good to exist and focus on.
Look forward. An affirmation to live by, and one Jimin had screwed into his head one night when he couldn’t stop crying about how terrible a person he was.
“Jisoo leaving you and kicking you both out, that is deserved. You never allowing yourself to be happy again, isn’t.”
And with those words, and Jeongguk’s presence, eventually Taehyung learned to stop apologizing for being truly, irrevocably happy.
His memories become fogged, the images of Jeongguk kissing his forehead after cleaning him up, now replaced by the reality of two hands cupping his waist from behind. It makes Taehyung smile, now soaked and warm under the shower head spraying down at him--at them. Casually, he leans back into the embrace, finding solace in their wet skin meeting intimately between. “Hi.” He greets, closing his eyes when lips kiss along his shoulder in response. Jeongguk begins to turn him around under the water, both of them blinking away the droplets before they meet in the middle to press their mouths together in a languishing manner. It’s rhythmic after that, the way Taehyung attracts his full attention, the way the elder moves his fingers across shoulders and inked skin that begs to be admired. He traces down the new one on Jeongguk’s neck, a portrait of Medusa Yoongi made for him. It’s beautiful, detailed, and he can’t help but wonder how the rest of the world can view art like this and believe it degrading.
“Did you miss me?” Jeongguk asks, trailing his mouth along the juncture of Taehyung’s neck, letting the elder take his sweet time in memorizing his tattoos all over again.
“You were gone for ten minutes, max.” But Taehyung still smiles. The answer is yes, of course he did. How can he not when every single minute is plagued by thoughts of the other? It baffles him sometimes, but Taehyung stopped questioning how his love for a single person could be this strong long ago. Now he just lets himself fall deeper by the day, enamored by his boyfriend with his cute smile and broody disposition. That trait never left him, but that somehow made Taehyung feel more special when he was one of the few privy to the real Jeongguk behind the stoic mask.
“Yeah,” The younger breathes against his ear, and Taehyung is sure he can feel the smile on his lips. “But, did you?”
Yes, he wants to say, but that’s too easy. So, he ignores the question for a moment, reaching for the body wash on their shower rack and lathering some up between his palms. Gently, he works the soap into his boyfriend’s skin, moving down his shoulders and over his back where he knows all his discomfort travels. The younger spends far too much time hunched over working on clients, its bound to happen every now and then, and Taehyung doesn’t mind working the knots out of his muscles. “Maybe.” He offers after a time, fingertips ghosting over heated flesh and he stops when he comes to Jeongguk’s left pec, a smile tugging at his lips when he sees the newest tattoo there. Once again, inked by Yoongi’s hands, but the design was entirely Taehyung’s. Unintentional, of course, he was no artist. He just happened to coo over his love one morning, watching Jeongguk snore and bury himself into the bed and he couldn’t stop himself from leaving a cheesy post-it note on the nightstand for him to wake up to. It was a simple doodle of flowers, terribly scribbled in unison and above that a tiny ‘I love you’ written. To say he was surprised when Jeongguk showed up the next day after work with the doodle copied on his chest would be an understatement. Taehyung laughed fondly over it for hours that night, because for all his artistic talent-or lack of, Yoongi managed to make it look impossibly cute on his boyfriend’s chest.
“Only maybe?” Jeongguk huffs into his neck, one hand traversing the expanse of his naked back and squeezing his ass in retaliation. It only makes Taehyung squirm in a fit of giggles, finally giving in and mouthing a quick, “Always.” in response.
Sometimes Jeongguk needs a little validation, and while Taehyung is happy to give it to him, the answer he gave also rang true. Their relationship was fiercely intimate in the most primal of senses. Some would deem them too clingy or dependent on one another, but it worked for them, they believed. To experience such a profound closeness to a single person, where being apart became unbearable even for a second, that was their love. One neither had ever known before and the rest of the world be damned, they would refuse to let it go or see any part of it be painted negatively.
That’s not to say it didn’t throw them off balance occasionally. Taehyung would find himself staring at him, overwhelmed by how much he ached and yearned for Jeongguk. So much so it took his breath away and left that anxious weight in his chest, ready to be nursed by the love of the man he would always wrap himself around and refuse to let go of. Jeongguk, of course, never minded. If Taehyung had learned something about the other in a new relationship setting, it was that Jeongguk loved intensely. With every shred of his soul that even simple actions like holding hands became immensely deep-seated in emotions. With past relationships, those gestures felt more habitual than profound, but with Jeongguk it became a measured touch. Provoked by a caress purposely strung in chords of adoration and devotion, leaving both men to sink into each other. Taehyung had become acutely aware of it all, and couldn’t stop himself from grinning ear to ear. Even when they received perplexed or disapproving stares from the public, he didn’t find it in himself to care. Of course, there were still the few who looked down upon two men holding hands or kissing, and though Taehyung was new to such a dynamic, he couldn’t fathom why they’d care.
Jeongguk, however, simply held his hand through such ignorance. Going so far as to scowl back and frighten would-be hecklers off. It wasn’t helped by the intimidating appearance of his boyfriend, completely inked, pierced and glaring. Taehyung just laughed in those scenarios, knowing South Korean society wasn’t too keen on tattooed individuals still, thinking them part of gangs or the like. If anything, that made him love Jeongguk more, because the man was always so unapologetically himself.
“That feels good.” Jeongguk suddenly groans, closing his eyes and tilting his neck back to let the elder knead at his nape. He was going to need the energy the massage brought on, especially with coloring in the last portions of Taehyung’s tattoo. That would take a couple of hours to finish and perfect. “Fuck--right there.”
“You’re like Tannie when I scratch behind his ears.” Taehyung chuckles.
It makes the younger scoff in mock offense, moving his neck from side to side when Taehyung finishes. “Except,” He says, grabbing for the shampoo and washing through both their hair, only taking the time to spike up Taehyung’s with a smirk. “You give him way more attention than me.”
“You’re such a baby.” He smiles, and Jeongguk can’t help but pull him closer, kissing away those giggles that seem endless. “You know,” Taehyung runs his fingers down his chest. “We didn’t get to finish out there.” And Jeongguk loves this, loves the confidence he hears in his boyfriend’s words and body language. Over the months he watched Taehyung grow more assured in his newfound sexuality, becoming more comfortable with a man and expressing his desires a little more easily than he did before. Not that Jeongguk didn’t adore making the elder blush with more profane talk, but it was inspiring to see him no longer a nervous mess when he wanted certain things in bed. Taehyung was past being shy to take the lead, often even pushing Jeongguk down and riding him until his thighs ached. It was simply sexy to see him grow into himself, his budding sexuality that hit him later in life than most but it was astounding nonetheless to witness.
“Are you propositioning me?” Jeongguk helps him wash out the shampoo, enamored by the beads of water that collect around his collar bones. He dips down to kiss some away, tickling his fingertips down his nape and towards the dimples of his back.
“Yes.” Taehyung shamelessly admits, one hand snaking between their bodies and curling around the younger’s length. The warmth of his palm is more than welcomed, and it doesn’t take long for him to stroke his boyfriend to complete hardness, leaving Jeongguk groaning where he nibbled on the skin of his throat.
“Prep?” Gasping from the caress of Taehyung thumbing over the head of his cock, he nuzzled into him, only moving away when he feels his lover’s hand release him. Taehyung makes a show of it, having the nerve to lick away the precum dripping down his wrist and Jeongguk nearly growls at the sight.
“Don’t need it.” Last night was enough for him to still feel the ghost of the stretch, his body near trembling with the desire to feel it all over again. He reaches over to the rack, pulling the lube free that seems to be a regular item they keep in here now. Ever since Jeongguk and him got worked up and the younger had to run out to the nightstand for some, only to nearly trip on the slick tiles. Sex related injuries weren’t something they were too fond to be after.
Popping the cap open, Taehyung takes it upon himself to pour it over Jeongguk’s cock, stroking it up his length and palming at his balls just to hear his breath catch in his throat. He became rather fond of teasing the younger, loving the effect he had on him and watching Jeongguk become a mess in his hands. There was something sweet in riling him up, right until he took over again and fucked Taehyung hard just like he came to love. “ ‘m ready for you, Gukkie.” He purrs, turning around and bracing himself on the shower wall as he presents his ass to Jeongguk.
The younger has to bite his lip, fighting down the audible groan building up from the view. Instead he shuffles forward, both hands gripping at Taehyung’s ass and spreading his cheeks just so he can slide his cock between them. It’s a teasing sensation, the friction of his hard length rubbing along the sensitive rim, and it makes the elder moan, eagerly pushing back against him to gain more attention than this.
“Guk.”
“I know, baby.” Leaning closer, Jeongguk takes mercy and wastes no more time. He enters him slowly, both men groaning in satisfaction when their bodies connect so thoroughly. His pace is gradual, working them both up into a fit of heated bliss that leaves Taehyung moaning and writhing over the cold tiles. The contrast to his skin is overwhelming, but he pleads for more, wanting the younger to pound into him until words become a strangled mess of incoherency.
“F-Faster, baby. Please, Guk-fuck.”
Jeongguk obliges the request, kissing between his shoulder blades and lifting one of Taehyung’s thighs to angle his thrusts deeper. He knows he’s hitting his prostate good, can hear it in the break of his boyfriend’s voice when he moans or gasps and it propels him to fuck harder, giving it his all even if this romp isn’t meant to last as long as their normal sessions in the sheets. “Baby...Tae, baby, fuck you feel so damn good around me.” He rubs his thumb along his lover’s tattoo, forcing his eyes open through the ecstasy stealing his body just to admire the patches of sunflowers on his honey skin. “I love you.” He whispers, because sometimes the sentiment is hard to keep locked inside, even during sex. “Fuck-I love you so much.” The sound of their skin slapping reverberates off the walls, creating a lewd atmosphere they drown in and Taehyung just keens back in response, cheek squished against the tiles and sliding back and forth in one spot. His mouth remains parted, panting into the shower and he just barely manages to tilt his head back for a kiss.
“L-Love you...love you, Gukkie.” He breathes it across Jeongguk’s lips, both high on their impending orgasms and they aren’t sure who releases first, but the cacophony of moans is enough to ring in their ears forever.
“Fuck…” Jeongguk rests into him, the water having gone cold long ago, but neither mind it too much. Not when their bodies are still pulsing with endorphins and the buzz keeps them sated and warm. “So,” He gently pulls out, tugging them back under the water and washing their sweaty bodies off before moving them outside to dry off. “Dinner tonight, new cafe?”
“I love how you ask me that directly after sex.” Taehyung scolds, albeit warmly, as he wrestles the towel into his hair.
“I’ve already wined and dined you, let me have this.”
Chuckling, Taehyung just hums in answer, moving over to the bed to relax for a second as Jeongguk dresses behind him. The younger is pulling on his red flannel, buttoning up the front and Taehyung realizes how wonderfully domestic they’ve become to each other. “Date night it is then. I was missing our outings alone together.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
*
“Go faster.” Taehyung playfully kicked at his boyfriend’s thighs, arms wrapped safely about his neck as he got piggy backed to the parlor from their car. He tried not to laugh too intensely when Jeongguk scoffed at him, trying hard to be endearing when he rests his chin over his shoulder and kisses his cheek. “Please?”
“Yesterday was leg day, baby. My fucking muscles are sore, you want faster, get off me and walk.” Despite his words, Jeongguk still tossed him a little higher on his back when he felt like he was slipping. Taehyung just pursed his lips, opting to remain there and let Jeongguk do all the work. He moved to readjust the beret on his head, relaxing into the younger’s grasp and poking at his cheeks just to annoy him.
“Tae.” Jeongguk warned, but as always he let him get away with such childish behavior. They finally came to the front of the shop, entering Euphoria and the bell dinged loudly to announce their arrival.
“Didn’t I give you vacation?” Yoongi came walking from the back of the parlor, holding a stencil in his gloved hands in preparation for a tattoo.
“Yes.” After depositing Taehyung on the front couch, he went to pat his hyung on the back, looking down at the design and raising his eyebrows when he saw numerous Disney characters there. “I’m just finishing up Tae’s coloring today. Who is this-”
Yoongi shrugs his hand off, rolling his eyes at the obvious nosiness. “For someone.”
“Someone?” Jeongguk questions, following Yoongi into the public studios with Taehyung trailing shortly behind. They come to the clearing, both blinking in surprise when they see their friend on the chair, sleeve rolled up and beaming with excitement.
“Hoseok?”
“Tae!! Guk!” He waves animatedly, grinning so wide it was a strange contrast to the grumpy artist laying the Disney sleeve design over his arm.
It had been a few months since Hoseok finally returned to the country from studying dance abroad in the states. Taehyung can even recall the day Jimin and him found out he’d be returning to them, and they both rushed to the airport with ridiculous amount of gifts and signs to celebrate his return. The poor man, they nearly jumped him in the corridor in their happiness. But in true Hoseok fashion, he took it all in stride, happily opening his arms to them both and mumbling about how much he missed them as well. After all, there was so much to catch up on and well--a lot had changed in the recent months. Much to Taehyung’s surprise and gratitude, Hoseok had just smiled earnestly and hugged him close when he spilled the news about him and Jisoo. There was no sign of judgement, something both his friends should have looked at him with and he’d completely understand, but they never did. For some fortunate reason, he was blessed with people who unconditionally wanted his happiness to be the priority. Yet another reason he was able to move forward in his life in spite of his mistakes. It was also another joyous revelation to see them both warm to Jeongguk rather quickly, and amicably. They even grew to merge their friend groups, the seven of them now seemingly inseparable.
And, another important update, Taehyung had found that Hoseok and Yoongi began spending more time together. Jeongguk and him had their suspicions, but they never pried too much into their affairs. Yoongi was notoriously private with such matters and on the rare instance they had the nerve to mention anything, he need only glare and they’d both shut up about the topic for good.
“You’re getting a tattoo?” Jeongguk interrupted, looking at his elder place the stencil over his upper arm. Hoseok only grinned wider at them, using his free hand to point at Yoongi and his freshly shaven arm where the stencil was laid.
“Yep! Disney sleeve, like I’ve always wanted. I was always too scared to trust anyone enough to give me one, though. Until, I met this talented man.”
Taehyung tries not to openly coo when he sees the small blush on Yoongi’s cheeks. “How come you didn’t tell me? We’re supposed to be best friends, you dick.” He feigned offense, watching Hoseok open his mouth but close it immediately when another presence entered the studio. Jimin came walking from the bathrooms, waving his hand when he saw the couple having joined them. Taehyung realized this was becoming a norm for them, these three were practically inseparable these days. For a long while it had been Jimin becoming best friends with Yoongi, the elder’s attraction easily morphing from interest to something deeply platonic that Taehyung might’ve been jealous of if he wasn’t so happy to see everyone together.
“Hey guys.” Jimin slapped Jeongguk along his back in greeting, moving by him to hug Taehyung before taking the open seat by Hoseok.
“You knew about this?” Pouting, and enduring the teasing chuckles of his friends, Taehyung motioned between the three of them with curiosity.
“He told me last night when we all went out, so don’t worry, I’m not that special. These two just like to keep secrets.” Jimin snuck a glance at Yoongi and Hoseok, a knowing look in his eyes when he found them startling quiet, even though Hoseok still smiled softly to himself.
Jeongguk smirked at the scene, never believing he’d see Yoongi be reduced to a pining mess. Whatever was going on between them, he wouldn’t pry, but he was over the moon for his elders. They were wonderful people, supportive in ways he never expected and all he could do was give some of that support back in the form of letting them go about it naturally. So, he turned from his friends and boyfriend, letting Taehyung converse longer with them while he greeted the other two artists, Jooheon and Matthew on the way to his private studio. He set up the inks and gun, already practiced at the routine he built here. Working at Euphoria proved an easy guidance for him, and while he never felt out of place to begin with, if he considered day one to now it was all relatively calm. He likes to believe he molded naturally into the swing of things, especially where Taehyung was concerned. All the sessions they spent in his studio were some of the most comfortable for him, including those that ended in them both crying from endless talks about themselves and where their relationship would go. Ever since then, the intimacy of this room felt different--felt right.
Perhaps, it was due to the fact he adored his boyfriend’s mindless chatter, even about the most mundane of topics. Most of the time, Jeongguk preferred to focus on his designs instead of the client’s conversation, only adding to the discussion if he could feel how nervous they were. Talking people through their tattoos helped, but with Taehyung he was far too endeared to be annoyed by any of his musings. That deep voice of his was pleasant to fall under, and Jeongguk was certain his boyfriend could read the label off the ink ingredients and he’d listen intently with a smile.
“Jeongguk!”
He glances up to see Jin poking his head into the room, Namjoon right behind him and conversing with the others outside. “You guys, too? Is there some reunion we didn’t know about?” It comes out annoyed, but they both know he doesn’t mean anything by it. Jeongguk’s come to enjoy their gatherings, and it’s possibly-no is, the most family he’s ever really had in his life.
“Sort of.” Jin smiles. “We’re having a get together at my place tonight. I’m making dinner, so bring drinks and snacks.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“Round two of graduation celebration.” Bouncing excitedly at the door, he gestures to the others outside. “Only us seven, though.” Almost comically, he gives an easy thumbs up before running off, not even waiting for a confirmation from Jeongguk. The younger merely rolls his eyes and breathes a sigh, rolling on his nitrile gloves and just as he’s thinking about his date night being somewhat ruined, he hears that soothing timber of a voice behind him.
“So much for date night, huh?” He’s grinning, though, not too bothered with their plans being trampled by their friends.
“If I have to take a vacation to make up for all the ones we’ve missed, I will.”
Taehyung laughs, moving towards the open counter and placing his bag over it, observing his boyfriend set everything up so they can finish this today. “Maybe we should take an actual vacation.”
“Yeah?”
“Mmhm. Just the two of us.”
“Just the two of us?” Jeongguk comes from around the client chair in his studio, smirking as he lifts Taehyung’s chin to kiss him on the lips. “That does sound nice.” He says, waiting for a response that never comes when Yoongi has the audacity to interrupt their little moment. That vacation was starting to sound more agreeable by the minute.
“No funny business in my shop.”
They can hear the others snickering, staring into the room and being nosy as usual. For the eldests in the group, they were truly the more teasing and immature of the bunch sometimes. He can’t even begin to recall the number of times Taehyung and him have been teased for their disgustingly adorable relationship, as the others put it. From something as simple as being referred to as teenagers in love, to being asked when their wedding was. Having to remind his hyungs that gay marriage wasn’t even legal here was the worst part of it, not that the law would stop him. Politics be damned, Jeongguk would propose one day even if it had to be purely symbolic. “Yeah, yeah. Fuck off, all of you.” He waved to them sarcastically, launching the door closed and returning his attention to his boyfriend, leaning against the counter and stifling his laughter.
“To think we have to deal with all of them tonight, again.” How lucky they are, Taehyung thinks, because in spite of his words he doesn’t mean anything by it. He’s more than happy to enjoy their company and bask in the glow of his life.
“How fun.” Jeongguk retorts, kicking his stool towards the chair and motioning for Taehyung to come closer. “You ready, baby?” He knows Taehyung isn’t a huge fan of the process, and his pain tolerance was shit compared to Jeongguk’s but he had to be proud of his love for taking all these sessions like a champ. It wasn’t an easy task to sit or lay for hours as a needle stabs you hundreds of times, and the area around his thigh was particularly sensitive to begin with. The scabbing in the healing process made it worse, and the itching that followed even more so. Jeongguk was always thorough in giving after care instructions to his clients, both written and verbal just to knock it into their heads. It’s an entirely different story when said client happens to be your boyfriend and comes home with you. So, Jeongguk had to take it upon himself to nurse the wound over the weeks of healing, often bathing the area, and applying the bactine spray to keep it properly clean. Taehyung, thankfully, was the type to soak up all affection and subsequent doting that took place and Jeongguk was whipped enough to give it to him.
“Yes. Be gentle.” The elder jokes, moving to unbuckle his belt because the stripping down was routine to him now.
“I’m always gentle.” Rolling up his flannel sleeves, Jeongguk moved towards him, offering his aid in removing said clothing even if that was completely unnecessary. Taehyung didn’t mind at all, and he was grateful for the help because this was where the nerves kicked in. The first time Jeongguk started this tattoo, he nearly ripped his boyfriend’s hand off with how tight he was gripping at it. He likes to think he’s gotten better, but judging by the way Jeongguk cradled his hand by the end of the sessions, he wasn’t. Still, seeing the rolled up sleeves was a nice distraction, it let Taehyung admire the tattoos on Jeongguk’s wrists and forearms while he worked on him.
“Okay.” He breathed, sitting down on the chair and reclining back as he let Jeongguk remove his pants and briefs down to his knees. The last sunflower that needed coloring laid just over the curve of his ass and thigh, and it was the largest one in the design. Taehyung wasn’t looking forward to the initial pain, and he hoped it began to numb after a few minutes like the others had. Coloring in was always iffy, though, and he swore his next tattoo would be pure black line work. At least, he got to watch his boyfriend work his magic. That was always something mind-blowing to witness.
“Should’ve let Yoongi color this in.” Jeongguk worked on sanitizing the area, sneaking in a generous squeeze to the supple flesh of his ass before patting the design. “You’re too distracting like this.”
“Be professional, Guk.” Swatting at the wandering hands, he smiles, not really minding being fondled by the hot artist in the room. “Besides, we both know you’d just get jealous.” He winks down at him, trying not to laugh too much when the other scoffs, busying himself with putting the ink cap in the gun.
“Would not.”
Details, details, was all Taehyung could think. Knowing that statement was a tad untrue. Over their sessions they learned the smaller traits each held, ones they couldn’t or didn’t have time to process when this was nothing more than an affair. In that time, Taehyung had learned his boyfriend retained a mild jealous streak in him, nothing overly destructive or obsessive, but more along the lines of ridiculously endearing. It took a client walking by his private room one day, tailing his own artist when he happened to glance into the crack of the door as Jeongguk took a picture of Taehyung’s thigh for his portfolio. He remembers that client blushing and staring a little too intently at him, and the next thing he knew Jeongguk was glaring back as he slowly closed the door. Needless to say, he teased the younger relentlessly for days to come.
“Would to.”
“Shut up, gorgeous.” Jeongguk smirked up at him, grabbing his gun and nodding towards Taehyung for the go ahead. His only confirmation is that familiar boxy grin staring down at him, making his heart swoon almost pathetically for the man in his chair. He knows this won’t technically be the last time Taehyung would be in this room or this chair, his boyfriend had expressed a desire for getting more work done by him, but this moment was still bittersweet to Jeongguk. This would be the last session for this particular design of his, a story--their story, told in ink that was longer and richer than anyone would’ve ever expected. From the beginning of mere attraction, both budding and unknown, to the heart of love being shared and a heartbreak of wanting someone you can’t have...to now. Each spot of ink was proof they both made it. That in the end of turmoil and love, they could heal and have each other. Jeongguk, now internally weeping for them in joy, slid his stool closer to the ethereal man he was lucky enough to call his. With one last nod to his boyfriend in preparation, he took needle to skin, feeling the other tense under his palms but soon enough relaxing back into the chair that would be his home for the next few hours.
All that is heard is the buzz of the tattoo gun, Jeongguk focused on the yellow painting pretty skin he only wanted to kiss for years to come. The hue was vibrant, lively and beautiful and in it he saw Taehyung. Through his enamored musings, a hand comes down to his, the free one that was splayed over the curve of his lover’s buttocks. It gives a squeeze to his gloved hand, and it is in that touch Jeongguk knows they don’t need words. He can feel it.
I love you.
And Jeongguk thinks he read somewhere long ago that sunflowers symbolize adoration, and the memory hits him rather hard. Because when he glances up at Taehyung, the elder’s eyes closed and pretty smile on his lips, he can’t help but realize how accurate that is.