Chapter Text
Summer 2013
The music is loud— some poppy western track by Katy Perry or Lady Gaga blaring as the guests move around on the brightly illuminated dance floor, enjoying the function put on by their two most beloved friends.
It’s been quite some time since they’ve all been able to get together like this. All very aware that life just sometimes passes in a blur and before you know it you’re 70 years of age, sitting on the porch of your house drinking a cup of tea as you watch the world go by.
Although, not quite elderly men just yet, Jeongguk and Taehyung feel as though the past few years have flown by— so much has happened in those ten years, yet it still only feels like yesterday that they confessed their love for one another, and whispered promises of forever.
They’ve had such successful, fruitful years since that fateful day on the farm. True to promise they went on to merge their companies, Jeon-Vante becoming one of the most well known, sought out fashion brands in all of Asia, even now having connections in all the fashion capitals of the world. And if asked, they would both say their ever growing popularity is all thanks to the other, to the ideas and genius that they both bring to the table to allow their company to be as excellent and successful as it is.
Anyone who’s anyone wears either Jeon-Vante clothing or jewellery— and everyone knows it.
It didn’t take too long for their newly formed company to take off. Thankfully both already had a name for themselves, so it was only too easy to expand on that already huge following and support. It didn’t take long for news to spread of Taehyung and Jeongguk’s relationship within the industry and to the general public— no thanks to the money-grabbing good for nothing paparazzi— however, reception couldn’t have gone better. Although worried about how they’d be perceived, they were completely welcomed with open arms within the fashion community and even the backlash from the public wasn’t as severe as they were expecting.
The integration went as smooth as they could have hoped for and it wasn’t long before Taehyung and Jeongguk were working together, creating their first pieces. Within months they got to witness their designs on the runway just like they always dreamed with Taehyung finally able to fulfill his childhood wish of creating his own clothing pieces— Jeongguk even shed proud tears for him at their first showcase.
Just as they promised, the pair really have been unstoppable.
They’ve had so much support from their families too, even Taehyung’s parents came around. It took a few years, but Taehyung feels as though his and his father’s relationship is better than it’s ever been. There’s no pretence between them now, Taehyung feels as though he can be totally transparent and Daehyun accepts him completely.
Their parents sit together at a table near the bar, Eunhae (despite her old age) in their presence, seeming to enjoy the atmosphere judging by the smile that hasn’t left her wrinkled face all evening. It didn’t take too much to convince her to make the trip to Seoul, she said she would do anything for her boys.
No surprise really given her reaction to their announcement. As if the revelation of them finally getting together wasn’t surprising enough, (even though according to her she more or less orchestrated the entire thing since they were teenagers)— the utter shock on her aged face as they walked into the room hand in hand is something Taehyung wishes he could have captured on camera, printed and mounted on the wall. Eunhae caught speechless for once in her life was something of a miracle, but it was nothing compared to the pure joy that overtook her features and the tears that wet her eyes years later as Taehyung showed her his ring adorned hand with tears in his own eyes as she grasped his cheeks between her hands and told him how happy she was for him, for the both of them. It was incomparable to the pride in her gaze as she pulled both boys to her and hugged them into her neck unable to hold back the sobs that broke free, muttering how elated she was, how she knew everything would work out in the end. Even if after she’d calmed down she scolded Jeongguk for keeping it a secret from her and not consulting her even once.
Jeongguk smiles to himself at the memory as he sits alone at a table at the far back quietly contemplating whilst overlooking his guests enjoying themselves. He’s already fairly buzzed from the drinks his friends and family keep congratulating him with (it’s a free bar, but it makes them feel better offering anyway). He thinks about the past 20 years, how their lives have changed so much and what they’ve gone through to get to where they are now. The alcohol in his system has him in the mood to reminisce, but with the good memories, sadly comes the bad.
“Gukkie, why are you pouting?” Taehyung in his suave, bespoke suit sits down, sliding another drink in front of his somewhat solemnly drunk fiancé.
“I just realised this is your second engagement. Like, you’ve already done this all before— this isn’t a shared first for us. I don’t know,” Jeongguk shrugs, “the thought just got to me a little that’s all.”
“Baby,” he rests his hand on the younger’s knee, leans closer to him, “this is the only one that matters, ok? This is the only one that means something.” Taehyung kisses Jeongguk on the cheek, trying to reassuring him, but the latter isn’t convinced.
“You could have been married with a wife, Tae, you could have had kids by now.”
“But I’m not, ok? And I- I don’t. And it doesn’t matter,” Taehyung grabs Jeongguk who’s looking at his lap by the back of the neck, squeezing comfortingly, “I’m in love with you, I live in an amazing appartment with you and we have two furry children waiting for us at home. This is enough for me. You are more than enough for me, baby.
Plus look how happy Hana is, hmm?” Taehyung gestures to a very pregnant Hana who’s sat at another table, laughing with her husband and son, “we literally went to Heesung’s 5th birthday party last month. She asked us to be his godparents. Hana and I are such good friends now, Gukkie. It’s honestly so weird to even imagine we could have been anything else.”
Jeongguk just nods, but he still doesn’t raise his head.
“Besides,” Taehyung continues, smiling, “this is the first time anyone’s asked me to marry them. This is a big first for me, Jeonggukie. This means so much to me. You mean the absolute world to me, baby.” He tilts Jeongguk’s head by his chin, planting a soft but quick meaningful kiss to his lips. The spotlights in the venue just catch Taehyung’s beautiful green gemstone banded ring perfectly, the clear center diamond sparkling out over their guests on the dance floor.
It had been a project Jeongguk had spent months on— in secret of course. It had been difficult keeping it quiet given that they share mostly every aspect of their work life together, but entrusting the task with a very small group of his colleagues, Jeongguk managed to get the job done. He’d known for a long time that he wanted to propose to Taehyung, it was evident from the very start that they were meant for each other, meant to be together forever, but marriage was never really on the cards— still isn’t really— but he wanted to gift Taehyung something as a promise, not that he needed validation, but given their 10 years together, Jeongguk wanted to do something special.
So yes, he did design and make a ring for his boyfriend, used his learned knowledge (that Taehyung taught him) to create a beautiful piece that suited his now fiancé completely. He didn’t want to create something too flashy, and had to reign himself in when the elaborate ideas surfaced in his mind. Although he knows Taehyung can be ostentatious sometimes, he knew his boyfriend would want something wearable, something simple and timeless. But Jeongguk didn’t want the ring to be something easily imitable either, something typically engagement-y. That’s why he opted for the 2 carat emerald cut diamond to sit in the centre of a rhodium plated ring, with smaller imperial jade stones studded around it (so ok, maybe it’s a little ostentatious) but it fits Taehyung’s finger beautifully and looks like it’s always belonged there. Suits the man perfectly, just the right amount of elegance while still showing wealth but without shoving it in your face, exactly how Taehyung is.
The man just about sobbed when he saw it, the conflicting feelings of being so proud of Jeongguk for creating such a breathtaking piece of jewellery, but also being so incredibly taken aback by the proposal. It wasn’t a standard ‘will you marry me’, Jeongguk had put a lot of thought into his words, asked Taehyung to be his forever without explicitly asking him to marry— knowing that’s not possible in their country, will unlikely ever be possible. But the ring stood as an oath from him, his word to always be by Taehyung’s side no matter what. Wedding vows without being wedding vows, and Taehyung could only well-up as his boyfriend still made a big deal out of getting on one knee on the dewy ground of their favourite place— the waterfall, a perfect, fitting backdrop to their precious, secretive moment.
“I think you still need to make it up to me, though.” Jeongguk pouts, remembering why he was mad in the first place, putting on his best puppy dog eyes (which work quite well considering the size of them to begin with, and Taehyung has and always will be weak for them).
“Oh, make it up to you, huh?” Taehyung raises a teasing eye, seeing Jeongguk’s resolve weaken judging by the beginning of a smirk at the corners of his mouth.
“Mhmm” the younger faux sulks.
“Well… how about when we get home,” Taehyung leans forward, whispers into his ear, “I show you just how much this little ass means to me yeah?”
“Yeah?” Jeongguk all but sighs out, “What are you gonna do?”
“Gonna start off by removing that plug you got stuffed in there, pull it out nice and slow, maybe play with it a bit, tease you until you’re begging me to take it out and stuff you with my cock instead.” He feels Jeongguk’s adam’s apple bob as he gulps at Taehyung’s words.
“I-I don’t beg” Jeongguk breathes unevenly.
“Oh, no?”
“Nuh-uh.” The younger shakes his head defiantly.
“Funny, I could have sworn it was my fiancé pleading with me the other night to ‘ngh, fuck Taehyung… harder, please please, ahh shit please mmn’” he whines into Jeongguk’s ear, pleased with himself at the way the younger grips harshly onto the glass in his hand.
“Maybe if you fucked me right in the first place, I wouldn’t have to ask, hmm?” Jeongguk acts brave, but Taehyung knows he’s crumbling, can tell by the tightness in his voice.
“You’re being a brat, baby,” he starts kissing down Jeongguk’s neck. Truthfully, the youngers words are getting to him too, “can’t wait to get you home and get my buried treasure.” His words make Jeongguk laugh, because after all this time Taehyung still remembers Jeongguk’s remark about his asshole being the ‘x’ that marks the spot, and now with the jewel plugged into it, he supposes it’s ironically true.
Jeongguk’s hands grip the table as he flushes with how Taehyung’s kissing him still, how the older strokes at the inside of his thigh under the table, just short of where he wants his touch the most. He turns his head, capturing his fiancé’s lips in his, desperate just for a little taste.
The kiss is a lot sloppier than the previous, no longer closed mouthed, short and sweet. They kiss languidly in their own little bubble in the corner of the room, enjoying their moment together that they haven’t had the opportunity to share all night (due to doing their duty socialising).
Jeongguk licks into Taehyung’s mouth, the older groaning at the feel. He’s been kissing Jeongguk for 10 years, and yet every time he still feels those butterflies in his tummy, still craves him just as much as he did that first day. He captures Jeongguk’s tongue between his teeth sucking at it as he brings the younger’s lips back to his own, continuing to kiss him messily.
“Do you think anyone would notice if we slipped away?” Jeongguk sighs airily.
“Jeongguk, I’m not gonna fuck you at a party with our families present” Taehyung snorts.
“Tch, you’ve gotten old.”
“Hah, I’m literally only 16 months older than you. If I’m old then so are you.”
“C’mon, Tae. Just a quick blow or something, it’ll be quick I promise.” Jeongguk whines, kissing Taehyung’s neck as his wandering hand begins to trail up his thigh.
“Baby, you and I both know it wont be quick. I won’t be able to just stop at a blow job and you know it,” Taehyung speaks low between them, the deep timbre of his voice sending shivers down Jeongguk, the way it always does. “Once I get you naked I’ll wanna take my sweet time with you, wanna open you up nice and slow, have you begging for my cock by the end of it. And I can’t do that in some shitty bathroom stall now can I?”
Jeongguk just scowls because he knows Taehyung is right.
“Ugh, I hate you.” He huffs as he sits back in his chair, arms folded across his chest. “I’m even more turned on now.”
“Good, I want you wet and dripping for me,” Taehyung lightly flicks under his chin, teasingly biting at his earlobe as he pulls away, “Go take a walk outside to cool yourself off or something, baby.”
Jeongguk pouts indignant as he scurries away, pulling his suit jacket a lot lower over his crotch as he goes.
“God, if you two are finally done eye-fucking each other now—“
“Jimin, we weren’t eye-fucking each other” Taehyung smiles into his whiskey.
“Pfft, Tae I thought I was gonna have to orchestrate a mass eviction of the place before you bent him over the table and started fucking him right then and there!”
“Shh, Jimin” Taehyung glances around sheepishly as he tries his hardest not to laugh at his friends dramaticism.
“What’s wrong with him anyway? He looked upset about something” his best friend asks, sitting down.
“He’s mad I won’t fuck him in the toilets.”
“Tae!” Jimin spits out his drink, not used to this type of open conversation as the lovebirds tend to keep their love life somewhat private.
“It’s all good, it’s for this new role playing— edging thing we’re trying out.”
Jimin’s eyes bug out of his head, “I did NOT need to know that.”
“Oh shut up Jimin-ah, I know way more about the female anatomy than I’d like to, that I was very much told against my will no thanks to you.”
Jimin snorts “I mean, when you put it like that.”
“When you’re in a long, comitted relationship, sometimes you have to think of things to spice up your sex life. Something you’d know nothing about.” Taehyung takes a sip of his drink, smirking at the offence on his friend’s face. “Tell me, how long has it been exactly Jimin?”
And Jimin just scowls at him, because he knows that Taehyung knows he’s been going through a bit of a dry spell.
“Eight months.”
“Aww, Jiminie hasn’t gotten any for eight months, how sad.” Taehyung fake pouts, puppy dog eyes on full display as he mocks his friend.
“You’re an ass.” Jimin huffs, taking another slow sip of his drink.
“At least I’m getting ass.”
“Wow, so that’s really how you’re going to refer to your fiancé, huh?”
“Oh hush, you’re just jealous.”
“You’re right, I am,” Jimin mock sniffs, “my right arm muscles are getting too big, Tae. My dick has almost forgotten how it feels to be warm and wet inside—“
“Aright that’s enough.” Taehyung grimaces as he shuts up a cackling Jimin next to him.
“Woah, who’s that?” Jimin blurts as he whips his head up, a brunette by the bar catching his eye. “That guy speaking with Jeongguk’s friend, Namjoon and Hobi-hyung.”
“Oh, you mean Yoongi-hyung?”
“That’s Yoongi?!” Jimin balks, “your friend from America, Yoongi? He looks nothing like his profile picture, what the hell.”
Taehyung just snorts at his gobsmacked friend, “yeah it’s pretty old now I guess, I keep telling him to update it but he doesn’t really care.”
“Shit. Taehyung you didn’t tell me he was hot.” Jimin’s subtle lip bite as he observes the older doesn’t go unnoticed.
“For god’s sake Jimin, you’re like a bitch in heat” he shakes his head, laughing.
“Yeah well it’s been ages Tae, help your best pal out pleaaaaaase” Jimin begs as he squeezes Taehyung’s shirt sleeve shaking his arm.
“Fine,” Taehyung snorts as he downs the rest of his whiskey, “you asked for it… Yoongi!” The younger calls across the room, the man in question lifting his head, waving as Taehyung beckons him over.
“Omg Tae, I’m not ready. What the hell. How do I look?” Jimin begins rubbing the creases out of his shirt, runs his hand through his hair flustered.
“You look ugly as usual, just go with it.”
Jimin swipes his friend across the arm just as the handsome stranger from across the room reaches them. He’s a similar height to himself, Jimin notices, but instead of having short, dyed blonde hair like his own, Yoongi sports his very natural, luscious, wavy dark locks with sweeping bangs. Jimin would be lying if he said he wasn’t a sucker for long haired men. And bonus points for this guy in front of him having the cutest smile.
“Yoongi, this is Jimin, one of my oldest friends,” Taehyung says, gesturing to the fiddling idiot next to him, “and Jimin, this is Yoongi, my very good friend from America.”
“Nice to neet you, Yoongi-ssi. I- I mean…”
Yoongi snorts, endeared by Jimin’s nervous demeanour, “It’s nice to meet you too, Jimin.” He extends a hand which Jimin takes timidly.
“You know Jimin, Yoongi is actually a music producer. He’s thinking about relocating to Korea next year.” Taehyung supplies helpfully.
“Oh really? That’s great Yoongi-ssi. You must be really good to be a successful producer in America, I’d love to hear what you’ve created some time.” Taehyung is sure Jimin is twirling his metaphorical hair around his finger right now judging by the look on his face.
“Uh, yeah sure. I’ll get Taehyung to send you a playlist” the older shrugs.
“Umm, Jimin is a vet, Yoongi. How cool is that? You love cats right?”
“Uh yeah, they’re great?” Yoongi swiftly pulls Taehyung to the side a little, “Taehyung, what are you doing?”
“What?” Taehyung’s eyes widen at the suspicious, sudden change to English.
“Dont think I cant see what you’re trying to do. And by the way you’re doing a terrible job.”
Taehyung just looks changrined as he turns back to smile sheepishly at Jimin who just stares at them both owlishly, having absolutely no idea what’s going on.
“It’s funny, because Yoongi hyung’s got such a good Korean accent, like the dialect he’s learnt from his parents— that you’d never think he was American.” Taehyung attempts to change the subject.
“Oh my god, say something for me in English!”
Yoongi internally eyerolls at Jimin’s request.
“Yah— Taehyung, why did you have to mention it!”
“I didn’t book any entertainment for my party, Hyung. I needed something” he teases.
“Do I look like a party clown to you?” He’s met with nothing but a straight faced Taehyung. “Aish, you disrespectful little—“
“Yoongi-ssi,” Jimin bats his eyes, drawing the older’s attention “will you tell me something in English, please?”
And who is Yoongi to deny a pretty boy’s request.
“Fine” he sighs, a slight pink tint on his face. “Jimin, I’ve seen rats in the streets of New York bigger than you.”
Taehyung snorts while Jimin just looks at Yoongi in awe.
“What did he say, Tae?” Jimin whacks his friend, goofy smile on his face and dreamy eyes unmoving from the beautiful, mesmerising boy with black long bangs in front of him.
“He said ‘it’s been really nice meeting you, Jimin.’”
“Aww that’s so sweet. It’s been lovely meeting you too, Yoongi-ssi.” Jimin smiles coyly, running his hand through his coiffed hair.
Yoongi just laughs, “you can just call me Yoongi, or hyung. Whichever you prefer— I’m not really used to formalities.”
“Oh. Ok, Hyung” Jimin blushes. “Do you want to dance, maybe?”
“Fuck no” he grimaces. And from the side he sees Taehyung giving him a stern look. “But uhh, I’m just about to get myself a drink if you want me to get you something?”
Jimin’s forlorn look changes immediately into a smile as he takes up the offer and asks for whatever Yoongi is having, sighing whistfully as he watches the older walk towards the bar.
“Jimin, you do know Yoongi drinks whiskey, right? You don’t even like whiskey.” Taehyung points out.
“Ugh, I dont even care Tae. I’d drink that man’s piss if he offered it to me.” Jimin practically drools as he eyes Yoongi’s retreating form, maybe or maybe not focus on his peachy ass as he goes.
“Jimin— that’s actually disgusting. What’s the matter with you? I really do wonder why I’m your friend sometimes.” Taehyung truly doesn’t know whether to laugh or be disgusted.
“God, it’s that dirty ass New York accent i’m telling you, I want him to speak English into my asshole.”
“Jimin!” Taehyung snorts at his best friend’s behaviour, although secretly he would totally love it if his two favourite people got together. He watches fondly as his long time friend follows his newest love interest to the bar, the two instantly picking up where they left off, as expected.
Taehyung goes to find his own when he feels a pair of cold hands slide around his waist, a chin hooking over his shoulder. The comforting, citrus scent engulfing him instantly calms him. “Hi baby” he says, resting his head back into Jeongguk’s embrace.
“My love,” Jeongguk greets as he places a gentle kiss onto his fiancé’s cheek, “our moms just cornered me on my way back in, they’re insisting we have a first dance.”
Taehyung can’t help the slow grin that etches itself onto his face because those women are insatiable.
“I told them this isn’t a wedding,” Jeongguk continues, tightening his arms around Taehyung’s waist, “but you know what they’re like, they said we should take our chance because we don’t know if we’ll ever get a real one.”
Taehyung turns around in his arms at the sudden lilt to Jeongguk’s voice, a very subtle shift in his facial expression tells the older all he needs to know. He leans in, placing a soft, slow kiss to his love’s lips.
“I think that’s a great idea, baby. Let’s show these oldies how to bust a move, hmm?”
Jeongguk can’t help but snort at his fiancé’s words, grateful for how Taehyung always just knows how and when to lift his mood. He takes a step back, extending his hand towards the older, “Kim Taehyung, the love of my existence, may I have this dance?”
“Jeon Jeongguk, the man of my dreams in every reality, yes you may.”
Jeongguk huffs out a laugh as he pulls his fiancé in, wrapping his arms around the older’s waist to keep him close, their smiles practically touching. The track playing isn’t really well suited to slow dancing, but they make it work, uncaring of how out of place or silly they may look— they’re in their own world anyway. That is until the mood shifts and the slow notes and dulcet tones of Enrique Iglesias’ ‘Hero’ make their way through the speakers.
A little confused at the song choice, although not entirely mad, the pair look toward the DJ booth where Kim Seokjin is laughing, slapping his leg at the frowns on their faces. Jeongguk shakes his head, the wide grin never leaving his face as he decides to just take it into his stride, whispering into his love’s ear,
“Now, would you die for the one you loved?
Hold me in your arms tonight”
Taehyung shivers, having always loved Jeongguk’s voice. Even more so when he’s humming lightly to him early morning as he strokes his arm or chest absentmindedly, or when he’s whispering breathily into his ear in moments of passion, making Taehyung feel every bit as loved as he knows Jeongguk feels. Taehyung loves every version of his love’s voice, could listen to him forever.
“I’m sorry we can’t get married officially, baby.” Jeongguk kisses him gently on the cheek.
“I know, it’s ok, my love.” Taehyung gives the same answer every time the topic comes up ‘it’s ok’, but in reality he knows it eats Jeongguk up inside. The younger may not let on, but Taehyung can see how the talk of marriage and weddings often dims the usual spark that Jeongguk carries in those irises. Whenever they’ve attended their friends or colleagues ceremonies, as happy as Jungkook is for them, Taehyung notices the way his smile doesn’t always reach his eyes or how his words sometimes fall flat. The reminder has him pulling his fiancé just that bit closer, rests his chin on Jeongguk’s shoulder as they continue to rock back and forth on the spot.
“You know, maybe we can go to Vegas and get one of those Elvis impersonators to marry us instead.” Jeongguk jokes. But Taehyung hears the insecurity, and the hidden hope behind those funny words. It makes him all the more endeared, albeit protective of the man in front of him. He wishes he could give him the world, but unfortunately the world isn’t progressive enough yet to allow it.
“Our names are merged together in our company, baby. I see us everywhere; on every clothing tag, every poster, billboard, magazine… we come as a pair and everyone knows it. It’s no secret that we’re one of the strongest twosomes in the industry. Jeon-Vante is everywhere, and every time I see our names it reminds me just how far we’ve come and how much you mean to me, and honestly, that’s more than enough for me.”
Moved by his fiancé’s words, Jeongguk moves in to place a soft, simple kiss against his lips.
“But one day”
Taehyung smiles against him, “Yes, Jeonggukie. One day…”
They music builds and they barely get chance to dramatically sing the chorus to one another when the track abruptly stops and they see Seokjin escorted from the corner of the room by Namjoon who’s bowing apologetically at the DJ. They briefly catch his eyes and their older friend just nods at them, a small grin on his face.
They turn to each other, shrugging their shoulders confusedly when another slow, soft melody begins to play. They smile, recognising this one instantly. It’s as if Namjoon just knew they felt an attachment to it. They’d never really discussed first dance options, but they know without a doubt this would be on the list.
Taehyung comfortably leans in closer, laying his head on Jeongguk’s shoulder as they sway from side to side, the dance floor now clearing for the couple to truly have their moment.
The soothing notes of ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ continue to fill their ears as the pair sway, embracing each other as they close their eyes and just take it all in. It’s not hard to imagine how it would feel if this was genuinely their wedding, where in another, alternate universe the world is more accepting of love, where love can be given and taken a lot more freely, where love doesn’t need to be hidden or isn’t looked down upon. And if for those three minutes, surrounded by those they love and who accept them for all that they are, Jeongguk and Taehyung transport themselves into that other reality, then the hardships, trials and growth over the past 10 years have been worth it.
So, so worth it.