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Jeongguk knew his husband had always considered the number thirteen his lucky number. It wasn’t as if Jimin had no cause to consider this - in fact there were quite a few understandable reasons why Jimin would believe thirteen had brought him the greatest luck.
The number thirteen had shown up in many important dates in his life throughout the years. For one he’d been born on October 13th, just for that reason alone he considered it a lucky number from a very young age. But the number continued to herald life changing moments for him his whole life.
When he was twenty-two he graduated from University on February thirteenth. At twenty-four Jimin landed his dream job at NASA on November thirteenth. Because of this dream job he met Jeongguk, the love of his life - on May thirteenth the following year. Of course they married the next year on June thirteenth.
But just when Jimin believed thirteen was his ultimate number, fate threw a wrench in his entire belief system. Only two months to the date, after their wedding; he and his husband were to be separated for a full thirteen months and he was leaving on August thirteenth. Jeongguk watched helplessly, and with mixed emotions when the flight crew and launch date had been announced.
This was Jeongguk’s dream - everything he had worked for. Jeongguk also knew that Jimin would understand completely, still there was no way to fight the disappointment on both of their faces; especially on Jimin’s when his lucky number was for the first time - not so lucky.
They were still considered Newlyweds and now Jeongguk would be rocketing into outer space on his first mission. His thirteen month mission would include the flight to and from the newest space station and engineering work on said station - that would in the future act as the rendezvous, refuel and rest point for a future mission to Mars.
Every mission into space was full of risks and unknowns, that was why Jimin had a job in the first place; but now this mission would carry his beloved away from him with a possibility of never returning him to his arms again. Still it was Jeongguk’s time to follow his dream and he knew that regardless of his fears Jimin would support him with a full - albeit sad heart.
The night before Jeongguk had to go into quarantine for his flight the two made love to one another all night. Soft, loving, and passionately reminding each other of how much they mean to the other. A reminder too of all they had to fight to get back to just in case this mission went wrong. Jimin whispered ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jeongguk between his sweet moans of pleasure. While Jeongguk sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jimin between their rounds. Both of them knew they would miss the celebrations this year. Jimin cried in his arms, Jeongguk kissed the tears away. They toasted one another with champagne before they fell asleep holding on to each other as if their lives depended on it.
On launch day with a heavy, excited, and nervous heart Jeongguk took his place among the flight crew going over everything on the safety checklist with mission control. The only thing keeping him sane was the familiar and beautiful voice of the Risk Assessment & Mission Crisis Team Leader - who happened to be his husband, Jimin - going over each step over the communications system.
When all was done, the crew began to prepare for countdown and launch. Helmets on, buckled in, comms up; the countdown began. Every person in mission control gave their best wishes for a successful mission to the crew through one voice - the Comms Control Leader. All but one who could not help but break in to give a final word to his one and only.
“I love you, Jeongguk-ah. Come back to me.”
It shouldn’t have been allowed for an official launch but the flight and mission control crews knew these were two of their own, and the love they shared was admired by all who worked with them. They knew first hand the sacrifices of the two men - and so they left it alone. A quiet pause as the rocket engines fired up. And then it came through clear as day for all to hear with no shame.
“I love you too, baby.”
There would be no public promise of return, instead Jeongguk had kissed the words into Jimin’s skin the last night they had been together. The pledge to do his best to return to his beloved’s arms.
As the countdown began it all felt strangely sluggish, the beat of both their hearts seeming to slow down to match. The feeling of their hearts both breaking a little more with each number until they felt shattered.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
And just like that Jeongguk was rocketing into the sky and so far away from the love of his life. A mixed feeling of joy and pain took over his heart and soul, but his head had to stay focused on the goal. His brain locked all the hurt away as he repeated to himself mentally.
‘I’ll see you in thirteen months, baby.’
Time was a tricky mistress. Sometimes when you’re busy she flies too fast when you need her to slow down in order to get all your tasks done. And then, just when you wish she would fly by, she slows to a crawl when you’re at your most vulnerable, needy and lonely; amplifying those feelings into a massive hole of sadness.
Jeongguk found his days much like this - and knew Jimin was experiencing the same. Work was an interesting factor for them - they got to hear each other's voices daily; more than most partners of astronauts could say, however it was always all about their tasks to stay on mission.
There were the moments when they were allowed private comms just like the other partners and spouses. But they always seemed too short to convey every single emotion they had to hold back throughout the rest of their communications. Especially given the fact they were mentally always in work mode when on comms. They needed a few minutes every single time to detach themselves from that mentality and remember this was a private communication between spouses.
And then of course there was the lack of daily physical presence that put an extreme weighted loneliness on top of their already broken hearts. To say the dreams they chose was non congruent to the intensity of the way they loved and needed each other was an understatement.
The melancholy often set in for them both in the evening hours. Although to be fair Jeongguk was in space so it was hard to keep track of his days and nights so easily; however he still did his best to keep his work and free time around the same time as Jimin’s schedule. With each evening that passed, Jeongguk could feel Jimin’s sadness growing.
Honestly he was pretty much the same, but being so far from home with a huge responsibility on his shoulders Jeongguk had to fight doubly as hard to let the sadness consume him whole. It was always sweet when Jimin sensed Jeongguk needed a little more love during those private conversations and did his best to flirt and make Jeongguk smile. He would even make up nonsense words as a code to use during ‘official work hours communications’ that would only have a special meaning to them both.
To some extent it did work even on the worst days. It was always funny to see the look of confusion on his fellow astronauts faces when Jimin would just utter something like ‘pumpernickel’ out of nowhere when in the middle of helping them go over uncertainty considerations about their new docking system with the half built space station set to happen in the coming week.
Jeongguk would smile wide knowing that meant ‘I adore you, baby.’ While the rest of the crew remained in the dark. Of course the rest of their mission control team would roll their eyes already used to the couple’s antics. In fact they were all close friends, a group of Korean and Korean - Americans brought in among others from around the globe on this historic International mission endeavor.
Their love of space and science, math and engineering as well as their connection to their home country brought this group of friends together quite easily. Whenever Jimin would say one of these code words, there would always be a groan from Yoongi, or a giggle from Hoseok at the Capcom desk. Namjoon and Seokjin would usually just smile fondly over at the Guidance Procedure desk. And Jimin’s best friend Taehyung - the youngest ever head of Propulsion Engineering would come over and rub Jimin’s back for support.
Knowing the love of his life would commit to such a silly thing to ease his days - and that he had a group of friends who knew exactly what was going on and supported them both was enough to get Jeongguk through anything.
Almost anything.
On Jeongguk’s birthday everything had gone wonderfully. Of course the couple missed each other greatly but they had their private communications session as well as a very public celebration. The entire group of friends set up some champagne inside mission control as the crew on board the shuttle set up fruit juice for themselves.
The whole thing was orchestrated as a public relations stint for the international news media to celebrate the first crew member’s birthday in space since takeoff. Jimin appreciated the fact that through this celebration he got cute photos of Jeongguk swallowing bubbles of red juice floating through the air like a fish gobbling food. He smiled at the photos of his husband pulling a face while munching on probably gross freeze dried seaweed in lieu of the delicious traditional Korean seaweed soup Jimin would have made him for his birthday. The crew themselves got transmitted photos from mission control of the whole staff and their families toasting to them with bubbly golden champagne.
Jimin’s birthday was a completely different experience.
Yesterday afternoon everything had been lovely, Jeongguk had stayed on his personal comms call with his husband a little later than usual in order to wish him an early happy birthday. It was the first one he’d miss in the nearly two years they’d been together. He knew how Jimin loved his birthday, and regretted he’d miss the excited look on his beloved’s face when he opened his gifts. They tried to recreate the feeling over their call but it wasn’t the same.
Although they were a bit sad the night had ended well, Jimin left work a little earlier to get some rest and relaxation at a spa - one of his gifts from Jeongguk left behind. He knew his sweet man would be pampered like he deserved and imagined him going to sleep with a divine smile on his face. That happy image in his mind got Jeongguk through his own downbeat thoughts.
As Jeongguk rested himself no one imagined what lay ahead for the day that was usually such a blessing to them both. The day Jeongguk always said was his own blessing because his husband blessed the earth that day. Without it Jimin would not be in his life. But when he woke within a few hours he realized his blessings had run out.
The new docking system was malfunctioning, the shuttle had crashed; lightly due to the low speed, but still crashed into the space station having caused a bit of damage. Repair to the shell of the craft and a solution was needed for another attempt at docking. Before they lost their window of opportunity.
With this worrisome news, Jimin’s day would definitely go to shit. They all knew it. The number thirteen was beginning to doom Jimin instead of bringing him hope. The frantic pace and mass of bodies inside mission control created a nearly unwelcome atmosphere. Still with a steady voice that hid his absolute panic, the shuttle crew heard Jimin reiterating the steps of the solution they’d gone over that morning. Someone needed to manually crank the new docking bay mechanics into place. While their chief engineer had to go on a spacewalk to repair damage to the outside of the shell.
This was the true cause of all the fear and nerves in Jimin’s tone. The entire crew heard this and did their best to ignore it. It was Jeongguk who had to go outside of the shuttle, anytime an astronaut had to go out into space unplanned was a risk. Although Jimin stayed steady working with the rest of the crew he kept checking in with Yoongi and Hoseok who were keeping comms open with Jeongguk to make sure his husband was safe.
Jeongguk could hear the tone in his voice whenever he would check in. His mind on the task, his heart breaking for his sweet man, who was worried about his well being. Jeongguk couldn’t even find the energy to worry about himself when he was so focused on repairing the minor damage, and making sure he baby was holding up well.
‘What a shitty birthday. I’m so sorry, baby, next year will be better, I promise,” he also vowed to himself
“Few more welds”, Jeongguk’s voice carried over the main comms board.
“Ultrasonic Stir in working order?,” Jimin switched over to ask.
It was Jimin’s job to ask, but there was a deep personal emotion in his tone. Jeongguk heard it bleeding into every word of such a simple question.
“Affirmative.”
Jeongguk answered that one word in his sweetest lilting tone. The one he rarely used around anyone but Jimin - the one all of mission control could now hear and he didn’t care one single bit. Not if it kept his love calm.
“Clear,” Mission Commander Epps’ voice came through. “Docking Bay fully operational”
There was a round of applause through the room, but everyone knew Jimin was still holding his breath. Taehyung came over to hug him tight, while Namjoon gave him a tight lipped smile.
“He’s got this, Jimin-ah,” Namjoon whispered.
“No one does this faster than that hard headed man,” Jin teased. “Do you remember his times in the trials?”
Jimin just nodded.
“Clear,” Jeongguk’s voice loud and sure over the comms.
Jimin took his first deep breath of the day.
Once Jeongguk was safely on board the applause returned and the order was given to begin the docking sequence.
“I love you”, Jimin mumbled through his sobs.
The soup he had ordered from their favorite Korean restaurant lay forgotten on the table as Jimin only had his mind on his husband's blessed safety.
“I love you so much, baby. So much,” Jeongguk felt his heart breaking at not being there to hold Jimin.
“I was so scared.”
“I was too, and worried about you.”
“About me,” Jimin sounded incredulous. “I wasn’t the one floating in space trying to weld some shitty metal together.”
“Shitty metal? C’mon baby, have faith in our team. I do.”
“I only have faith in you.”
“Then believe me when I say it was nothing,” Jeongguk soothed.
“Fine, whatever. I hate my fucking birthday,” Jimin stated, his tone cold.
“No you don’t,” Jeongguk challenged.
“Okay then I refuse to claim the number thirteen any longer, it’s given me nothing but shit lately.”
Jimin was being a bit of a hard headed brat, but Jeongguk understood.
“No it hasn’t. It’s just challenging us. Once again it brought me my other dream, and I know this is your dream too. Don’t deny that, baby, we both wanted a big mission.”
“Why are you so calm?”, Jimin sighed. “I want to be mad at the world, but I can’t be because everything in this world brought you into my life.”
There was another defeated sigh over the comms and Jeongguk knew he won this battle.
“I’m only calm because I have you waiting for me at home. I have to get through this.”
“Come back well, my love,” Jimin whispered.
“I promise. Happy birthday, baby. Now eat your soup before your mom blames me for all her struggles through the coming year," Jeongguk teased.
Jimin sniffled a little before letting out a giggle as the comms shut down for the night.
With each month on the space station the tasks grew massive and sometimes more risky. Their private time together grew limited. Jeongguk wasn’t sure if he should believe his crewmates that he was lucky to at least hear his husband’s voice daily over official communications channels. To him it felt like torture.
Although he understood their point of view since they had even less communication with their spouses and families; he wasn’t sure how to explain that having the voice of his husband in his ear every day but in a clear professional capacity only made him feel even further away from him. The forced detached and cold tone in Jimin’s voice made his heart ache even more than not being able to talk to him at all.
Of course with all new endeavors and unknown factors emergencies will happen. There had been at least three more incidents in the first four months on board the space station. Emergencies Jimin had to calmly assess and find solutions for, and Jeongguk had to risk his life and health for. Situations in which they both had to hide their anxiety and fear to keep the other calm. Moments that felt like an eternity of massive stress and pain, but whereas normal people could express this to their partner - they both had to lock it away to get their jobs done.
With this melancholia came a weird unspoken agreement to limit their private comms sessions. Only about two since the last incident in which Jeongguk had to attach himself to the anchor outside the station and let his core strength and gravity do its work to get him onto the other side of a massive solar sail. A moment in which Jimin felt himself stop breathing and imagined his heart stuttering to a halt.
Each day the icy feeling crawled further up Jeongguk’s spine as he felt his love spiraling, and his own loneliness growing to consume him. He was missing so much. He couldn’t blame Jimin for pulling away for his own sanity It was in the eighth month of the mission when Jeongguk received a formal request for a private comms session with Taehyung. His fear spiked and inside him making his blood run colder than it did when out in open space.
“The two year anniversary of the day you guys met is coming up.”
Tae tried to sound encouraging but failed. Jeongguk could see right through it.
“Yep,” Jeongguk sighed sadly.
“And your first wedding anniversary,” Tae hadn’t even attempted to hide the sad sound in his tone that time.
“Yeah and he’s spending it without me,” Jeongguk growled, clearly mad at himself.
“You’re spending it without him too. Don’t make this about him only. I know you need him just as much as he needs you. Don’t put this only on yourself, Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk just made a ‘hmph’ sound of agreement.
“It’s partially why he’s staying away, he’s trying to make this easier on you, so you don’t hear how dejected he sounds. I already know that’s why you’re staying away too. You guys are so silly. Always wanting to protect the other so much, yet hurting yourselves in the process.”
“Tae, I just..”
“I know. Believe me I know how much you want to take the hurt away, but don’t do this to yourself either. If you need him, tell him that. You know how stubborn he gets.”
“Yeah I know, I’m sorry” Jeongguk answered - his tone apologetic.
“Don’t apologize. You’re stubborn too, you’re both ridiculous - I swear you’re going to give me premature grey hair”
They both laughed together for a few moments.
“Anyway - down to the real business. I have an idea for a way you can make it all up to one another.”
Taehyung's tone changed to that mischievous one they all feared, because they knew he was up to something. However this time Jeongguk knew it would be for a good reason.
“Alright - hit me with it,” Jeongguk smiled his first real smile in months.
“So I’ve been planning and I got the guys working on it with me. If all goes as planned you land September thirteenth and have to go through your medical checkups. You should have just enough time to recover for what I have planned.”
“Will it make my Jimin smile?,” Jeongguk’s tone was soft, the way it always seemed to be when he worried about his husband.
“Abso-fucking-lutely, and you too” Taehyung shouted causing another round of laughter.
“Then I’m on board, let’s do it.”
Even with Taehyung’s prodding, things remained the same for a few weeks. They both ignored the anniversary of the day they met, choosing not to make a big deal out of it. Their friends seemed to sense they may need a little more time to settle their emotions. However everyone knew there was no way they’d be able to ignore their one year wedding anniversary. No, both of them were far too sentimental and Jeongguk was a super romantic at heart. Something in their silly routine to remain professional was definitely about to break.
On the morning of June thirteenth, Jeongguk received the request for a private comms meeting with his beloved that evening. It seemed the flowers had arrived. Jeongguk had set it up as soon as he learned he’d be leaving for space. A little over nine months in advance he set it up to have Jimin’s favorite types of flowers; set up in a huge arrangement; to arrive exactly at 7:00 am on the morning of their one year anniversary.
When the request came through Jeongguk breathed a sigh of relief and sent a message back to Jimin. An agreement to their private session and an encoded message that was just for his husband. To everyone else it simply said ‘pumpernickel and buttered rye toast’ - of course to them it meant ‘I adore you, baby. And I miss you, always.’
“I’m sorry, love”
“I’m sorry, baby”
They spoke immediately at the same time as soon as the comms connected - the delay in the connection meant nothing to their synchronization when it came to each other’s feelings. Both of them realized they’d messed up by not truly communicating for this long. They could hear the sniffles and tears. Even though they were both crying badly they still sent small videos and photos that came up after a few minutes.
“I missed you so much,” Jimin sobbed.
“I missed you too, and I’m sorry we haven’t been able to talk and have our special days,” Jeongguk’s tearful tone matched that of his husband.
“No, it’s okay my love. I truly understand. I just - I thought you not hearing my sadness would help. Instead I just put a damned wall up between us,” Jimin cried out louder.
“No, baby. You didn’t do this alone, I did it too. I thought I was hurting you - between all the risks, the way I’m so distracted, and how lonely I sound; I was scared I was going to push your limits. I’m stupid,” Jeongguk plead.
“You’re not stupid,” Jimin sniffled. “ - you’re the chief engineer on an international space mission to help build a space station that will become a way-station for future missions to Mars. You’re a fucking genius.”
They both heard the playful yet totally serious affronted sound in Jimin’s tone among his sniffles and tears. How dare Jeongguk call himself stupid. The conflicting tones were too much to ignore and soon the pair fell into giggles.
“You’re so cute, Jimin hyung,” Jeongguk laughed through his tears.
“Only for you, Jeongguk-ah.”
“We both know that’s not true. You’re cute to everyone,” Jeongguk corrected sweetly, knowing Jimin was about to protest he continued. “But to me you’re the cutest.”
“Yes,” Jimin sighed happily. “Only for you.”
“Yes, and I’m only for you, baby.”
Something about the actual distance and the recent emotional distance had them needing to remind them that their love only belonged to the other. There was a pause when neither said a word and just listened to the giggles and breaths of the other. A peace after the storm of their own making.
Jimin broke the silence first.
“Happy anniversary, my love. Even though it’s been an odd first year, less than two months together and the rest you’ve been off the planet, I still wouldn’t change a thing.”
Again there was a pause as if both men were calling Jimin out on his bullshit.
“Okay I mean that’s a lie, I’d change the fact that we decided to stop talking. But I do promise you, Jeongguk-ah I would not change you leaving. I know this is your dream and it’s been mine to assist such a mission. I promise, even though I miss you, I would never take that from you.”
“I know, baby,” Jeongguk whispered reverently. “I know you would never.”
“Never,” Jimin vowed.
“Happy anniversary, Jimin hyung. You know you are literally my world. When I look out at Earth all I think is ‘that’s where my heart is’. I swear if there were a way to have you with me and still be on this mission I’d find it.”
“I am with you. Always. I’m so sorry I made you feel like I wasn’t here.”
“No. I’m sorry, baby.”
“We’re ridiculous, aren’t we?” Jimin giggled.
“Yeah, we are.”
Their giggles, sweet conversation, and vows of love continued until their time was up. However this time they returned to their duties with a new determination to fight the hopeless feeling that had nearly conquered them. They would never abandon each other again, even if they thought they were doing it for the good of the other.
Once again time showed herself to be a fickle chatelaine dragging some days and speeding others. Always at odds with the days you’d wish for more time and the days you wished would pass by fast. The stresses of space on Jeongguk’s body and mind became more prevalent, and it was up to Jimin to help keep him grounded in hope and reality. It was a task Jimin took seriously always being there to guide his beloved through his toughest moments.
The pair had kept their promise faithfully, even on their worst days to keep the contact open more often. To speak up about everything worrying and bothering them. To cry together and laugh together, no matter what. And in all honesty though it hurt to hear the pain of their husband it also brought a feeling of normalcy to their experience; even though there was nothing truly normal about their current situation.
The crew only had a few minor emergencies on the space station after that, and each time Jimin’s heart flew into his throat and choked him with fear. Each time he cried to Jeongguk privately, and each time Jeongguk soothed him the best he could from so far away.
Soon it was time for the crew to leave the space station and head back to earth. On this journey they hit their one year mark in space with a small celebration on the shuttle. Once again there was a public broadcast with toasts of juice for the crew and champagne at mission control.
Not too long after Jeongguk had his second birthday in space, but this time the celebration was much smaller and private. Just the five close friends and Jimin on private comms, chatting away and keeping Jeongguk laughing the entire time.
Being the scientifically minded group they were, there was an excited discussion about the upcoming re-entry and landing. The risks involved caused Jimin and Jeongguk to grow quiet. When Namjoon noticed it brought too much tension to the celebration he quickly looked to Seokjin for help. Of course their eldest friend’s jovial nature was easy, he made some crass jokes about how horny the couple had to be and the laughter returned - leaving Jimin red in the face, and Yoongi rolling his eyes in mock disgust.
In the early morning hours of September thirteenth the crew on board the shuttle began their re-entry to earth. There were technical words, worried hearts and tension so thick you could cut it with a knife in mission control that morning. And then it all went silent while comms went down.
Jimin was silent the entire time, there was nothing he could do now. He’d have to wait hoping every precaution he went over with the crew was still embedded in their minds. Knowing at that moment his love would be feeling some of the most intense heat he’d ever experienced in his life. Knowing that anything could go wrong at any given moment. He paced, and pulled at his finger joints - the whole time keeping his ear trained for any voice or sound coming from the shuttle. The silence in the room grew into something eerie.
A chill ran throughout Jimin’s body, and his heart felt like it stuttered in his chest a few times. His stomach flipped, as he forced himself to take deep breaths. In his mind Jimin called out to his husband, hoping there was some way for him to feel every word.
‘I love you, Jeongguk-ah. Please come back to me. Please be okay. You are my world, my heart, my universe. Come back to me, love.’
Like magic the Comms lit up and Commander Epps voice rang through the room loud and clear.
“Mission control, are we clear through for landing?”
The response was instant
“Affirmative, you are clear for landing.”
As the shuttle touched down safely the cheers throughout the room roared to the loudest Jimin had ever heard. His heart finally slowed to a decent rate, and his jitters stopped shaking his body. Jimin’s entire being felt on the verge of collapse. Hoseok quickly grabbed a chair and made sure Jimin himself also had a safe landing.
His love was back. Perhaps thirteen still held luck for Jimin, it brought his husband back safely
Being on the same planet and still having to wait to see each other was an almost new type of torture. Jeongguk was finally cleared by his doctors after hours of tests, and released into the arms of his waiting husband.
It was so hard for Jimin to not just hold on and squeeze tight, but his husband’s body was still so weak from his long journey and ordeal. He’d have to wait for that, but kisses were always welcome. With the most carefully gentle touch, Jimin cradled Jeongguk’s jaw in his hands and guided their mouths together. When their lips touched for the first time in over a year the feeling felt brighter to Jeongguk than any star he’d seen in space. His baby was in his arms and holding him up and kissing him with a soft passion.
Jeongguk was home. Finally home.
It took nearly a month of rest and relaxation. Of rehab visits, doctor visits, loads of vitamins, and the care of his husband for Jeongguk to even feel close to normal again. Sadly he’d not been able to worship Jimin’s body properly the way Jimin had his, but that would all change soon. No more one way pleasure Jimin using his mouth and hands on him, no more sitting back and watching Jimin have to pleasure himself to completion. Not after the night ahead.
Taehyung’s plan was finally going into action, the past month sneaking to their apartment at lunch when Jimin was at work under the guise of checking on Jeongguk for him. The pair of friends planned every detail of the party, Jimin would have the best birthday celebration ever.
On the evening of October thirteenth, Jimin had no idea what was in store for him when he’d agreed to going out to dinner with his husband. He constantly worried it wasn’t enough time for Jeongguk to have gained all his strength yet, but that was just a worry. Jeongguk felt perfect and he was going to make this night perfect for the both of them.
When they entered his favorite restaurant the first clue that had Jimin feeling something was up was that the place was empty - no customers. When they entered further and he began to see decorations, friends and family everywhere was when he knew what was going on.
In every corner of the restaurant there was a different theme. Four birthday themes for each one the both of them missed, and Jimin’s current one , and two anniversary themes, one for the day they met, and one for their missed first wedding anniversary. There were sparkles, and lights, and banners everywhere all elegant and matching but clearly dividing the space to show this was several celebrations rolled into one mass party.
Jimin’s favorite flowers adorned every table, there were champagne glass towers with buckets filled with chilled champagne bottles for the guests, a massive six tiered cake where each layer was made of different filling and decoration representing each celebration they missed. Everyone they knew and loved - family and friends were there, even those who flew in from Korea - were there smiling at the two lovers with the biggest grins.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAYS”
“HAPPY ANNIVERSARIES”
The cheers rang out loud in unison, carrying throughout the crowd.
“WE LOVE YOU!”
Jeongguk pulled Jimin into his hold and gripped his waist tighter, Jimin’s back pressed to his chest, he felt his husband shake as the sobs of joy escaped from him. Jeongguk felt his own tears join them.
A sweet whisper in his ear, making Jimin’s heart burst with love.
“I love you so much, baby.”
“I love you too,” Jimin turned in his arms hiding his tear stricken face in Jeongguk’s chest
They swayed together as music began to play. Their wedding song. The chorus of ‘awws’ made the big smile break across their faces, as Jimin finally looked up and found the doe eyes waiting for him.
They danced together, sipped too much champagne - which Jeongguk was so happy he was finally able to have again. Ate all the delicious food until their stomachs felt beyond full. Chatted and laughed with family and friends, danced and drank some more - toasting themselves and their loved ones. Taehyung got special cheers from the couple and the crowd.
It seemed like they were truly able to fit every last drop of joy from every celebration missed over the past thirteen months into one evening. But perhaps this was just because the two were so happy to have their husband back - close to them.
When the party was over - with full and joyous hearts the two returned home finally able to love one another right. They spent the entire night making love to one another. Exploring each other’s bodies and feeding each other’s souls. Each one taking their love to ecstasy and then the other returning the favor bringing their beloved to even higher pleasurable heights.
They worshipped each other's mind, heart, body and soul for hours and hours. Resting in between, but never stopping until their bodies finally gave out. They slept peacefully together for a full thirteen hours, waking the next evening. Only all they did was clean themselves, have some leftover cake and champagne, and return to each other's arms to kiss and cuddle and please each other some more.
Jeongguk and Jimin even being the scientific minded, space loving realists they are - knew they were holding their whole world, their whole galaxy, their whole universe in their arms. No cosmos would ever compare, no matter how beautiful. Nothing was as exquisitely breathtaking as their husband.