Gossamer, a #taekookau "So now I have to meet him for this stupid fashion show?!" Taehyung groans, "come on! You knew he is my ex-husband! Why would you invite him?!" Hoseok sighs, "he is one of the investors, Tae. We can't possibly not invite him?" Taehyung curses.

- Ex husbands - dom/sub undertone - arranged marriage - angst - morally grey characters - past alcohol abuse - toxic relationships/characters (you are warned. Leave if it's too much for you) - minors are suggested to not read this one

"He is coming here for his sugar baby anyway," Hoseok sits on the bed, eyes on Taehyung, "get over it." Taehyung lies down, reaching for the cigarette case by the bedside table. He lights one and hums to himself. "I just," he sighs, "I promised myself to never see him again."

Hoseok chuckles, "and, you don't have to. It's a huge event. Ignoring a person won't be tough." Taehyung lets out a ring of smoke, humming, "yeah. It won't be tough." His mind takes him back to those days. Those days when ignoring Jeon Jungkook was the most impossible thing.

Forgot another tag - age swap. JK is 4 years older than Tae.

Taehyung is glad for the lights blasting over his face. The lines of photographers all over him, obscuring his view of the others in the room. He crosses his one leg over the other, flashing a blinding smile to overpower those flashes of the cameras. His name echoes around him.

'To the right, just a little left.' 'Here, V, here,' 'please a little to your side,' 'smile at the cameras...' Taehyung ignores all the instructions and poses the way he likes. An easy smile with a tilt of his head. Taehyung nods when Hoseok asks the photographers to leave.

“I am exhausted,” Taehyung sips the champagne, “when can we leave?” Hoseok rolls his eyes, “you know we can't leave right now. We have to wait it out.” Taehyung hums, eyes roaming over the others, “where is mimi?” Hoseok shrugs, “getting ready for the ramp.” Taehyung smiles.

The sudden raise of the murmurs in the room makes him alert of someone important's presence, but Taehyung is hardly bothered. He keeps his eyes on the ramp. But, there is a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something familiar and aching. He looks over to his side.

The first person he sees is a guy. Dressed in rich clothes and accessories. But, Taehyung's experienced eyes scan over the guy to decide, the guy is not rich himself. There is a certain awe in his eyes and smile that screams, 'newbie to this glam world,' to Taehyung.

The guy stops short when he sees Taehyung and suppresses a choking sound when he recognizes Taehyung. Taehyung offers a small smile of acknowledgement. The smile fades just too quickly when his eyes slide over to the man behind the guy. This is the man who belongs in this world.

Hell, Taehyung thinks bitterly, this is the man who owns the glamour world. Jeon Jungkook has that same aura of indifference. His expression is just as blank as it always used to be. Those eyes are on Taehyung and Taehyung swallows. Jungkook's eyes flick away from him.

“Is this our seat?” the guy asks, excitement dripping from his voice. “Yes,” Jungkook's secretary nods, “you are on this one,” she points, “and, sir beside Mr. Kim.” Taehyung forces himself to not react. He forces his muscles to not lock up and freeze. He swallows anyway.

Jungkook unbuttons the one button of his suit and sits down beside Taehyung. Taehyung's eyelids flutter when the scent invades his nostrils. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille. The same perfume he always used. Taehyung digs his nails on his knee, eyes focused ahead of him.

The cameras are blinding again. This time for Jungkook and Taehyung leans on his left, trying to get away from the lenses. He notices how the cameras are trying to capture the two of them. He knows this is an important event for the media. Jungkook and him meeting after years.

Taehyung lets out a sigh of relief when Jungkook's secretary and the staffs of the event ask them to leave. “When's the event starting?” the guy beside Jungkook asks, “soon, right?” Jungkook clicks his tongue, his hand going to rest on the guy's knee, effectively silencing him.

Taehyung finds himself going back years. His mind reeling back to when that hand used to come and rest on his knee. To silence him. To get his attention. To guide him around those prim guests and inquisitive eyes. He cringes at the image of his past self. Just like this guy.

He remembers being starry eyed, new to this world. Letting Jungkook string him around. Letting the man show him off. A naive, little thing. 'A brainless beauty,' as Jungkook's father called him that night. Those words Taehyung still carries with him. A scar, a reminder to self.

'Babydoll.' The name still echoes in his ears. Jungkook's breathy voice calling him that. Those grunts, swear words etched on Taehyung's skin. Those hands leaving marks, pleasure and pain coursing through Taehyung's veins like substances. He was so high on Jungkook. So blind.

'The only person you are here to please is me,' Jungkook's words still plays like an old vinyl in Taehyung's ears, 'the only person you need to please is me. I got you for myself, and no one else matters.' Taehyung twitches on his seat. There is a question he never got to ask.

'If you were the only person I was there to please, then why I wasn't the only one to you?' The question Taehyung knows he will never ask. His self-respect will always hold him back. He will never be able to look at the man and demand that answer. Jungkook never owed it to him.

Taehyung smiles to himself. Self-respect. He learnt that word and how deeply rooted it was in him the day he left Jungkook. That sham of a marriage. The pretence of domesticity. All of it. 'I want a divorce.' 'The papers will be sent to you.' Just two messages ended it all.

“You want something to drink?” Hoseok asks, leaning in, “you look pale.” Taehyung shakes his head, “no. I am fine. I just want to see mimi walk down the ramp before I leave.” Hoseok winces, “we have to stay for the after party, tae. I am sorry.” Taehyung swallows, “oh.”

Taehyung sits through the show and claps the loudest when Jimin walks down the ramp. The supermodel's expression doesn't change but on his way back, Jimin winks at Taehyung from the corner of his eyes. Taehyung smiles wide, watching his best friend disappear behind the curtains.

When the show is done, Taehyung gets up first. He points at the washroom and nods when Hoseok tells him he will wait in the party. “Change your clothes,” Hoseok eyes him, “wear something casual. Then come back. Yeah?” Taehyung sighs, “fine. Just wait for me.”

Taehyung gets out of the party to go to the washroom. When he walks out of the washroom, there stands his guards. To usher him back to the hotel, where he is to change his clothes and join the after party. Taehyung follows them to his car, getting inside to drive back.

He is in his room when the phone buzzes by his bedside. Taehyung ties the robe around himself, ready to slip into his party-wear. He curses and goes to pick up the call. “Good evening, sir. Mr. Jeon is here to meet you,” the receptionist answers him, “shall I send him up?”

Taehyung grips the receiver tightly, his eyes focused on the ticking clock. It's past eight in the evening. He clears his throat. “No,” Taehyung whispers, “ask him what he wants.” The receptionist sounds uncomfortable, “he won't talk to me, sir.” Taehyung knows that much.

“Tell him to wait by the lobby,” Taehyung murmurs, something crawling up his spine. “I wasn't really seeking permission here, doll.” Taehyung holds back a gasp, “what-” “Tell me your room number,” Jungkook's voice is just as commanding as ever. “Fuck you,” Taehyung hisses.

“I will find your room on my own,” Jungkook's voice is impassive, “and, it won't be good if I have to do that. Yes?” “What do you want?” Taehyung wonders, “we haven't seen each other for six years. You can't possibly have anything-” “Baby doll,” Jungkook murmurs, “room number.”

“It's laughable that you think those words still mean shit to me!” Taehyung says and sits down on the bed because his knees feel weak. The line is silent, but Jungkook didn't hang up. Silent treatment. It always wrecked Taehyung's nerves. He curses, “what do you want?!”

“I can find you,” Jungkook murmurs, “you know very well that I can find you.” Taehyung closes his eyes, “why?” “Room number,” Jungkook answers. Taehyung feels his eyes burn, “why does it have to be always your way?!” “Because, that's the only way for you,” Jungkook whispers.

“I am not telling you my room number,” Taehyung decides, “so, fck you.” Jungkook's chuckle sends a shiver down Taehyung's spine. A type of shiver that is not really fear but anticipation. A sick sense of thrill. “Fine, I was trying to be modest anyway,” Jungkook cuts the call.

Taehyung jumps off the bed to run and struggle himself into his jeans. He snatches his shirt next, hurrying to button it. If one thing he knows about Jeon Jungkook, it's that the man has his ways, and his ways always end up wining. When the doorbell rings, Taehyung expects it.

Taehyung thinks about not opening the door, but his mind takes him back to that one time he did that. He remembers the door broken by Jungkook's guards. The man standing proudly, hands in his pockets and eyes on Taehyung. He does not want to repeat that, so he goes to open it.

His heart beats to his mouth when he sees the man on the other side. Jungkook stands the same. Hands in pockets, eyes on him. Taehyung forces himself to regulate his breathing. “What is it?” Taehyun goes for casual, ends up with a wavering voice. Jungkook stands motionless.

The guards of the man force the door open, and Taehyung is reminded just how defenseless he is against the said man. Jungkook waltzes inside and waits until his guards locked the door behind him. Taehyung glares at the man, blocking his way inside the suite. “What do you want?”

“You need to call Hoseok and tell him you are not coming to the party.” Taehyung blinks, “I am sorry?” Jungkook nods, once, curt, “then, you will pack your bag and come with me.” Taehyung gapes, “seriously, what?!” Jungkook breathes in, as if irked, “I don't repeat myself.”

“Then start now,” Taehyung crosses his arms over his chest, “because, I have no idea what you are saying and what do you mean by this!” Jungkook looks at him, impassive as ever, “you are coming with me,” he instructs, “and, for a few months you are not allowed to leave my side.”

“You are crazy,” Taehyung laughs, “what are you-” Jungkook holds out his phone, flippantly showing Taehyung the screen. Taehyung furrows his brows to read the message there. 'Drop the deal or he will suffer.' Taehyung blinks, “what...?” Jungkook hums, “yeah.”

“No, what is this and how do you know it's about me?!” Taehyung laughs, throwing his hands up in confusion, “they didn't mention me-” “There's no one else in this entire world whose suffering is my problem,” Jungkook snaps, “so, it's you.” Taehyung goes still, “... what?”

Jungkook nods, “pack your bags.” “No!” Taehyung grits his teeth, “you can't come back after six years to tell me whatever that meant with a damn guy hanging from your arm like a candy!” Jungkook sighs, “I didn't have any reason to bother you in these six years. So, I didn't.”

“That's the only clause you had,” Jungkook speaks as if he is stating business facts, “to leave you alone. I did.” Taehyung wants to scream. He hates how Jungkook's words make him feel. “What do you really want, Jungkook?” He says instead, “because, I know my worth to you.”

“I want you to pack your bags,” Jungkook pushes his hands in his pockets again, “I am leaving with you in ten minutes. Either you pack or you come without anything. You choose.” “I choose for you to leave me alone,” Taehyung whispers, “like you did all those years ago.”

“I will,” Jungkook nods, “once the culprit is found.” “Drop the deal,” Taehyung shrugs, “is it one of those drug deals or weapons? Which one?” Jungkook does not answer. Taehyung scoffs. “Still a beauty with no brain to you, huh?” Taehyung chuckles, “get out. I can handle mys-”

“I can't drop the deal,” Jungkook sounds like he would rather not explain but is forced to, “they will know for sure how much value you hold then. I don't know how many are behind this threat, and I need to find them. Send a message that no one messes with me.” Taehyung glares.

“I don't want to go with you-” “I am not asking,” Jungkook shakes his head, “I am telling you. I haven't meddled in your life once since our divorce. I would not come back if it wasn't important. I want nothing in return. Just, come with me. Let me make sure you are safe.”

“I am not going with-” “I have never forced you,” Jungkook steps up to Taehyung, hand reaching to take a hold of Taehyung's elbow, “baby doll. Not once ignored your boundaries. Never crossed a line you drew,” his grip tightens, pulling Taehyung closer, “don't make me start now.”

“I am not going to bring up our past,” Jungkook shakes his head, “I am not holding onto anything. We are way past that. You have a boyfriend, and I am fine in my relationships as I go with them. Just, for god's sake, do this. A few weeks. Maximum. Be rational for once!”

“Call your boyfriend and tell him you are coming with me,” Jungkook instructs, “not a damn hide out. My house. In LA. You can live there, and he can just as well come over.” Taehyung curses, “Yoongi hyung has work. Unlike you, we don't own companies and the underworld.”

“Hey, I am just outside your hotel, what's up?” Yoongi's voice makes Taehyung close his eyes, he swallows and lets out a deep breath. “I have to leave for LA,” Taehyung glares at the guards who are packing his bags for him, “something important came up. Sorry, hyung.”

Taehyung watches Jungkook smoke, standing by the vast window and keeping an eye on the city beneath him. “Can I meet you now?” Yoongi wonders, “before you leave?” “Of course,” Taehyung hums, “can you wait by the lobby. I will-” “Ask him to come up,” Jungkook speaks, “here.”

Taehyung grits his teeth, “why?” Jungkook looks over at him, impassive eyes focused on Taehyung, “I need to meet him once.” Taehyung glares at the man, “we are dating for just two months. He doesn't know about you or-” Jungkook's lips twitch, “just get him here.”

Taehyung does not expect for Jungkook's guards to grab Yoongi by the neck and force him on his knees. He does not expect them to put a gun on his temple. “What are you doing?!” Taehyung shrieks, “he is my boyfriend!” Jungkook taps the cigarette against the ashtray, observing.

Jungkook walks over to the kneeling man, leans in to grab Yoongi's hair and jerk his head up. Taehyung watches Jungkook blow the smoke out on Yoongi's face, the man watching him without blinking an eye. Taehyung feels his heart race, his throat drying out fast.

Jungkook chuckles, “funny, how a mere photographer doesn't lose his shit when there are more than two guns pointed at his head.” “The only funny thing here is your shit-talk,” Yoongi replies, “as immature as ever.” “Why are you here, Min Yoongi?” Jungkook wonders, “hmm?”

“Not sure what you want to hear,” Yoongi murmurs, “I am dating him.” “You are always hired to kill people,” Jungkook whispers, “you are not going to make me believe-” “I left that path,” Yoongi shrugs, “I am trying to make a living in the right path now.” Jungkook laughs.

Jungkook's grip tightens on Yoongi's hair, “you have a pretty face, Min Yoongi, I would hate to scar it again.” Yoongi's eyes burn, Taehyung shudders when he remembers the elder telling him that the scar down his eye was an accident. “I don't fear you,” Yoongi murmurs.

Jungkook leans in, lips near Yoongi's ear, “you are terrified of me. Who are you kidding?” Yoongi swallows, “I am not here for your doll. I am not a fool to touch what's yours.” Jungkook's eyes are heavy on Yoongi, “why are you here, then?” Yoongi stays quiet. Jungkook sighs.

A cry breaks out of Taehyung's lips when Jungkook shoves Yoongi down on the floor. The sound of Yoongi's head crashing against the tiles is an odd one. Jungkook's boots are right in front of Yoongi's face. “The underdog isn't supposed to have a mouth on him,” Jungkook murmurs.

“You are to open your mouth when I am demanding it,” Jungkook orders, “yes?” “I am here for Park Jimin,” Yoongi coughs, eyes brimming with unshed tears because of the hit his forehead took against the tiles, “there was no other way to get close to him.” Jungkook hums, “why?”

“You know why,” Yoongi sits back on his knees, “I am paid to.” “You used me?” Taehyung whispers, “to get to mimi?” Yoongi looks at Taehyung, “if you are expecting morals from the likes of me, you won't find it here.” Taehyung glares, “I really liked you!” Yoongi stares.

“I wanted to go directly for Jimin, but he doesn't date people like us,” Yoongi's lips curl, “he is too snobby, so I had to somehow enter the circle. His circle is either you or your manager, and your manager talks a mile per second. So, it had to be you.” Taehyung curses.

Jungkook looks at Yoongi with contempt, “who paid you?” Yoongi shrugs, “that you can kill me for. I won't tell.” Jungkook looks at him intently, “I will lock you up. I don't trust you. You will be under my watch until this mess is solved.” Yoongi smirks, “you never succeed.”

Jungkook turns to Taehyung, “now, you have any more reasons to stay here?” Taehyung shakes his head, his eyes glossy, “no,” he curses, “I will change my clothes, and then we can leave.” They both watch Taehyung go to the bedroom, and then Yoongi gets up on his feet.

“Sorry,” Jungkook holds out a tissue, “I used too much force.” “Wonder how that happened for someone as skilled as you,” Yoongi takes the tissue and wipes his lip, “what's the plan next?” Jungkook looks at the closed bedroom door, “taking him out of here. It's getting messy.”

Yoongi nods, “I know. I can't take care of him alone. It's good that you are stepping in.” Jungkook watches Yoongi, “you really like him.” Yoongi tongues his cheek, nodding, “I know. Make sure he is fine. Safe. Otherwise, next time, you will be face-planted on the floor.”

“About Park Jimin,” Jungkook frowns, “he is Taehyung's best friend. If Taehyung goes missing, those people might come for him-” “I can't care less about Park Jimin,” Yoongi wipes his mouth, “his life is not my concern. Won't care a bit. He is a snob and I won't mind him gone.”

“Taehyung is important,” Yoongi murmurs, “I am keeping an eye on him for the last six years and know him up close for two months. I can tell you, you lost a golden chance.” Jungkook watches him, “to keep a few people untainted, you need to let them go, Min Yoongi.”

Yoongi's eyes are observant, “you never make sense to me.” Jungkook chuckles, turning away, “you are still the underdog, and I am the head of the organization, Yoongi. It's good that some things don't make sense to you.” Yoongi watches his boss go and light another cigarette.

“I can't leave just like this,” Taehyung comes out of the room, dressed properly, “I have to talk to Hobi hyung and Jimi-” “Hoseok is already alert,” Jungkook cuts Taehyung's words, “and, Jimin can handle himself.” “No,” Taehyung crosses his arms over his chest, “get him here.”

“If something happens to him, I will never be able to forgive myself.” Jungkook does not budge, “I don't have the time to run your errands.” Taehyung shrugs, “then, I am not going anywhere. Apparently, him and hobi hyung are the only ones I can trust.”

Jungkook watches him, impassive, “call Hoseok.” Taehyung watches one of the guards dial a number and his stomach flips, “no,” his voice comes out frail, “no,” he stumbles, “tell me he doesn't know you. Tell me he has nothing to do with this!” Jungkook does not utter a word.

Taehyung lurches for Jungkook, grasping the collars of his suit, “so, all these jobs I had... all these events... none of this was my own effort paying me off?!” his eyes burn with tears, “all of this. My six years are down the drain?!” “No,” Jungkook murmurs, “they are not.”

“I told him to be around you,” Jungkook speaks matter-of-factly, “when you left, I wasn't sure if anyone will come for you or not, so I just planted him beside you. Along with another,” he thinks of Yoongi, “but, where you are today, is your own work. I got nothing in that.”

Taehyung trembles, “Jimin,” he swallows, tears brimming in his eyes, “he is someone I met in this industry. He is my best friend,” his tears topple over the rim of his eyes, “tell me you didn't... that he isn't one of-” “No,” Jungkook denies, “he doesn't know me. At all.”

“Exactly how crowded is your organization that you spare this many people to spy on your dolls?” Taehyung wonders, “how many?” Jungkook buttons his suit, eyes sharp on Taehyung, “I might have had many affairs, but I got married only once. If I remember correctly.”

“As if those vows meant shit to you,” Taehyung goes to turn away and stops because of the grip on his wrist. “I never cheated on you,” Jungkook's mask of indifference has a crack, the simmering anger and frustration seeps out, “I think you undermined your effects on me there.”

Taehyung's stomach flips, “let me go.” Jungkook does, “did six years ago.” The businessman turns on his boots to go and talk to one of the guards. While they converse, Taehyung calls Jimin over. His eyes find Yoongi at the corner of the room, smoking. Taehyung feels furious.

---- The sound of the slap rings in the room. While Taehyung grabs Jimin by his waist, Jungkook merely bites down on his lower lip. Yoongi stands there, face red where Jimin slapped him. “People like you are the disgrace on this society!” Jimin shouts, “you as$hole!”

Yoongi glares at Jungkook who coughs, turning his attention on Taehyung who is struggling to hold Jimin back. “You are so cheap!” Jimin shouts, trying to break out of Taehyung's hold, “to use Tae for money! How-” “It's my job,” Yoongi answers, “I get paid for it.”

“You good for nothing as$hole!” Jimin throws a kick, clawing at Taehyung's arms, “find a better job then!” “Okay, as much as I am enjoying this,” Jungkook gets up from the couch, “we need to move.” “I am coming with Tae,” Jimin demands, “I don't trust you people!”

“My contract with the company ended,” Jimin shrugs, “I have some time off. I will follow Tae. I am not trusting any one of you around him!” Yoongi arches a brow, “you think you are capable of protecting him on your own?” “Well,” Jungkook sighs, “he can cause a ruckus.”

“He is the son of Mr. Park. The politician in Korea,” Jungkook nods at Yoongi, “if something happens to him, shit will be stirred. Unlike Taehyung, who has no one looking after him.” “I am looking after him,” Jimin glares, “he got me!” Jungkook eyes Jimin with a nod, “I know.”

Jungkook looks over at where Hoseok is, “we three will fly out to LA,” he looks at his wristwatch, “you clean up the mess here and come to the house. Soon.” “Get rid of him,” Jimin sneers at Yoongi, “filth of the street!” Yoongi's eyes flash with anger, he doesn't utter a word.

Jungkook watches Hoseok lead Taehyung and Jimin to the lift. “When everything is done here, you come with Hoseok too,” Jungkook turns to Yoongi, “I have work for you.” Yoongi nods, “this time I don't want money as the payment.” Jungkook arches a brow, “then, what do you want?”

“I want you to clean up my records and turn a blind eye towards whatever happens to Jimin.” Jungkook breathes out, “he is none of my business. As long as his father doesn't come for me.” Yoongi shakes his head, “he won't.” Jungkook pats Yoongi's shoulder, “do whatever.”

- It will be a drabble. I SWEAR TO UNICORN! - If you want to support me, here's my kofi, it would mean a lot : ko-fi.com/aamyungv

Taehyung remembers this house in LA. He visited it twice. His eyes scan the place and he feels nauseous. “You are to leave the house with my guards, if ever,” Jungkook points his cigarette at Taehyung, “there are servants waiting for you. Anything you need-” Taehyung storms in.

The inside is the same too. Taehyung eyes the decorations and follows the corridors with muscle memories. He feels like he is seeing that 20 years old Taehyung through his eyes again. First time stepping inside these corridors, awestruck, following Jungkook like a lost puppy.

He takes a turn and sees the living room. The east side of the room has a floor to ceiling glass. His insides crawl when he recalls Jungkook pressing him up against that glass, their mouths hungry on each other. Kisses leading to so much more. God, he was so stupid.

He wants to turn to Jungkook and demand to know how many. How many 'dolls' of his remember that place like he does. How many dolls of his know how the master bedroom's mattress feels on their back. How the carpet is so lush under his knees. Who else knows about this house...

“Your room is the same,” Jungkook points, voice holding nothing, “if you remember.” “I do,” Taehyung murmurs, eyeing the place, “count it as my curse. I remember everything about you.” Jungkook is quiet for a second, then he hums, “a curse, indeed. I hoped you would forget.”

Taehyung ignores those words, “where is Jimin's room?” Jungkook shrugs, “he will stay on the top floor,” the man goes and flicks the ash of his cigarette in the ashtray, “I don't like strangers in my space.” Taehyung scoffs, “some things never change.” Jungkook hums.

Taehyung hesitates, looking at the corridor that will lead him to his room and back at the man who is unbuttoning his suit jacket. “How long before you catch whoever it is that's threatening me?” Taehyung wonders, “I can't stay here for months. I have work to go back to.”

“I don't need too long,” Jungkook drops the cigarette in the ashtray, turning to face Taehyung, “my men are already on it.” Taehyung gives a curt nod, his eyes following Jungkook's movements as the businessman takes off his jacket. That crispy white shirt tailored to perfection.

The tattoo, the outline of that snake, makes something coil in the pit of Taehyung's stomach. The snarling python with its fangs exposed stare at him. As if ready to lurch through the material of the shirt. Taehyung remembers tracing the ink of that tattoo, with lips, nails…

'Why a snake?' he had asked one night, Jungkook sitting at the edge of his bed, his back to Taehyung. 'To remind myself,' the man had sad, looking over his shoulder at Taehyung. 'Of what?' Jungkook's eyes were hooded, veiled almost, 'that everyone is a snake in disguise.'

'You lose your footing, they poison you,' Jungkook's smile was crude that night. Taehyung was foolish. Twenty and foolish. He had swallowed, leaning up on his elbows to pull the man to himself. 'I would never,' he had said, lips ghosting over Jungkook's, 'I would never.'

Taehyung shivers when he recalls how Jungkook had reached with his left hand. The arm that had the rest of the tattoo. The snake wrapped around his arm. Its tail wrapped around Jungkook's wrist. The man had wrapped his hand around Taehyung's throat. Not tightly, but there.

He had pushes Taehyung down on the bed, head on the pillow. Those eyes are intense under the moonlight cascading down from the window. The elder had leaned in until their lips were almost on one another. 'You promise,' Jungkook murmured, 'baby doll?' Taehyung had nodded, 'yes.'

There was a cruel smile on Jungkook's lips then. His eyes wandering over Taehyung's face. 'Pretty face, empty vows, you are made of everything the snake represents, doll,' he had got up from the bed, 'good night.' Taehyung stares at the bed now, seeing himself lying there.

Taehyung sits on the bed now, feeling what that twenty years old Taehyung felt. A sense of betrayal. A sense of reminder that he is nothing. Another face in a vast sea of others. Just another pretty face. He snorts now, thinking, how Jungkook never shared a room with him.

He never gave an excuse for that. It was simple. 'I don't like sharing my space with others,' Jungkook had said, 'even after the wedding, it's not going to change. My routine is also too erratic. You don't need to be disturbed.' Taehyung flops on his back, eyes on the ceiling.

The real reason was simple. Jungkook didn't trust him. Jungkook doesn't trust anyone. Sleep makes a person vulnerable. The most vulnerable state of mind. He didn't trust Taehyung enough to let him be there. What if Taehyung tried to kill him or anything.

Taehyung hates how those memories resurface. It's like Jungkook opened the pandora's box all over again, and the Taehyung's box doesn't have hope in it. Instead, it has memories. Memories that keep him going and kill him every day simultaneously.

He closes his eyes, forcing himself to calm down and try to catch some sleep. He is not sure when he really falls asleep. The sound of the knock wakes him up. He looks down to see a maid by the door. She smiles at him, hands clasped in front of her. “Good evening, sir.”

Taehyung sits up, “good evening...?” he looks at the window and curses when he is met with darkness. “The chef wants to know what would you like to eat?” she asks, “he would make anything you want.” Taehyung blinks, “just ask Jungkook. I don't care.” The girl hesitates.

“Sir is dining out with his partner,” she looks apprehensive, “they would not be back tonight. So…” Taehyung suddenly remembers the guy from Paris. Right. Jungkook's partner. “Uhh, just make anything,” Taehyung shrugs, “tell the chef to make whatever they prefer.”

Taehyung goes to the closet, finding his clothes neatly hung. He picks out a T-shirt and jogger before going to take a shower. He comes down the stairs to the living room to see the chef in the kitchen. Taehyung freezes when he sees Yoongi there too.

“Shit, don't burn it!” the chef, Taehyung assumes, curses, “Yoongi!” Yoongi rolls his eyes, “chill, will you? I know how to handle myself in the kitchen.” The chef rolls his eyes, turning to face the oven, “just get out of my hair.” Yoongi hops onto the counter, “nope.”

“Jin hyung?” Taehyung whispers, “you...” his voice comes out tight, “you passed your exams?” Those wide eyes find him, and Jin freezes for a second before the man is nodding. An achingly familiar yet distant smile forming on that handsome face. “A certified chef now,” he says.

Taehyung takes those last two steps to come and stand by the counter. His eyes on the man. “You don't work as his personal guard anymore?” Jin shakes his head, “got tired of the smell of blood and gunpowders,” he shrugs, “so, here I am.” Taehyung nods, “I see.”

Taehyung forces a smile on his lips, “how is Joon hyung?” Jin's smile dims a little, “alive,” he goes back to stirring the pot, “with Jungkook right now as we speak.” Taehyung eyes Yoongi, “why are you here?” Yoongi swallows, looking uncomfortable, “I,” he pauses...

“What do you mean?” Jin gives Taehyung a confused smile, “Yoongi is Jungkook's sniper. He is one in the circle. During the one year you knew us,” Jin shrugs, “he was overseas for a project. That's why you didn't meet him.” The room is too quiet. Taehyung blinks at Yoongi.

“You know each other?” Taehyung whispers, demands from Yoongi, “so, all that crap in that suite... it was all an elaborate drama?” Yoongi glares at Jin and then looks at Taehyung, “we had to do it,” he begs almost, “you won't agree to come here otherwise-” Taehyung seethes...

“So, all that was just pretence?!” Taehyung shouts, “no one is coming for Jimin?! What's next?! No one is coming for me too?!” he takes a step back, voice rising, “what is this?! What are you all planning? Where is Jimin?” Yoongi hops off the counter, “Tae, listen to me-”

“Where is Jimin?!” Taehyung screams, “what did you do to him?!” Yoongi curses, “nothing! He is in his room on the floor above this!” he holds his hands up, “it was all boss' plan. I just played a character-” “This is not a damn film!” Taehyung shouts, “it's my life!”

“You are playing with my life!” Taehyung screams, his frustration seeping out of him in waves, “where is your boss?! Call him! I need answers! I want to know who gave him the right to play me like this?!” he slams his hand on the counter, “call him! Yoongi! I swear, call him!”

“He went for an important deal,” Yoongi tries again, “it's very important-” Taehyung turns to Jin, “call him! Call him!” Taehyung keeps his voice down this time, “call him before I do something,” he points a finger at the two of them, “call him right now!” Jin bends to it.

Taehyung snatches the phone from Jin's hand and holds it against his ear. “Jin?” Jungkook sounds confused. “Come here right now,” Taehyung chews out, “we need to talk!” Jungkook is quiet for a moment, then he sighs, “what's wrong?” Taehyung hisses, “everything! Come home!”

Jungkook hums, “well, I can't,” he sounds bored, “I am-” “I will do something,” Taehyung threatens, “I swear, Jungkook-” Jungkook's chuckle is breathy, “my guards are shadowing you. Even from yourself. You can't do shit. I will be back tomorrow. We will talk then. Now, behave.”

“First, I am not your doll anymore,” Taehyung glares at the tiles, “second, don't underestimate me. I need answers and I need you to be here in an hour. I don't care how you make it possible, do. It's not me begging, Jungkook,” Taehyung growls, “it's me telling you.”

“It took you six years to grow a mouth on you, doll,” Jungkook observes. Taehyung snorts, “no,” he closes his eyes, “it took me six years to finally use it against you. Back then, like a stupid, I didn't want to.” The line is quiet, then Jungkook sighs, “what a shame.”

---- Jungkook comes home in half an hour. Taehyung watches how the man flicks his wrist at Jin and Yoongi. They silently leave. Taehyung sits on the couch, following the man with his eyes. “What was so important that you had to cut short my meeting like this?” Jungkook wonders.

Taehyung crosses his one leg over the other, glaring at the elder, “Yoongi and you work together.” Jungkook scoffs, “no. He works for me. Under me.” “Same difference,” Taehyung shrugs. Jungkook arches a brow, “not really.” Taehyung gets up, frustrated, “that's not the point!”

“Why did you lie about him being there for Jimin and all that shit?” Taehyung demands, “why was all that necessary?” “I had to cut your only thread off, so you follow me here,” Jungkook shrugs, “also, he had to lie to get closer to you. To keep an eye on you.” Taehyung stares.

“And, you see nothing wrong in it?” Taehyung demands, “nothing at all?” Jungkook pushes his hands in his pockets, eyes unwavering on Taehyung, “it was to keep you safe.” “But, it was wrong!” Taehyung feels frustrated. Jungkook shrugs, “those moral values mean shit to me.”

“I needed you safe. I needed someone planted in your circle. Close to you. So, I did,” Jungkook stares at Taehyung, “that's the only right thing to me. You, alive.” Taehyung's hands ball beside him, “why won't I be alive?!” “You were my husband,” Jungkook says matter-of-factly.

“That's a big deal,” Jungkook shrugs, “people are after you. I had to make sure-” “Why would they care when you and me, both know, our marriage was nothing but a sham!” Taehyung seethes, “tell me!” Jungkook pauses, his expression clouding, “well,” he is quiet then...

“Well?!” Taehyung demands. Jungkook's jaw hardens, “Jeon Jungkook got married once. Someone got him to do it, it's a huge deal. No one knows how we were behind the closed doors. They think we were in love.” Taehyung laughs, “sorry, love? Everyone knows you are incapable of it!”

“I can't change others' views,” Jungkook turns away, going to the bar at the corner of the living room, “so, this was the only way to me.” Taehyung walks up to the man, “you are not even going to apologize?! For what you did?” His voice carries too much emotion. Taehyung knows.

Jungkook stares at him, those eyes shift on Taehyung's face. Taehyung swallows down the painful lump that clogs his throat. “Won't apologize for how you treated me?” Taehyung asks, demands, “a simple sorry,” he whispers, “I waited for a simple sorry. Do I not deserve that?”

“I didn't deserve a proposal,” Taehyung whispers, “just an offer. Wedding based on salary,” he laughs, “then a divorce over text. Every time I opened my mouth, you fed me either money or lies. Don't you think I deserve an apology?” Jungkook watches him, immobile, unyielding.

“What?” Taehyung laughs, delirious, “are you going to tell me we were a business relationship? Colleagues?” “We were,” Jungkook mutters, “you were hired.” “For sex and pretence,” Taehyung nods, “I know. I know I should feel grateful that you saved me that night. I am.”

“I am grateful that you saved me from that darkness,” Taehyung whispers, “I will forever be grateful for that night. But, still,” he watches Jungkook, “I am a person. I am a human being. It hurts-” “I am sorry,” Jungkook murmurs, “for not treating you right. I am sorry.”

Taehyung swallows, “for what?” he demands, “there are too many…” “For not knowing how to treat someone like you,” Jungkook murmurs, looking down at the glass as he pours the whiskey, “I thought I own you. I saved you,” he frowns, “I gave you shelter. I thought that was enough.”

“It was not enough,” Taehyung whispers. Jungkook meets his eyes, nods, “it was not enough,” he takes a sip of the whiskey, “I didn't know better.” Taehyung grips the edge of the counter, “you were spoilt rotten. You were so spoilt!” Jungkook hums, “rotten. That's me.”

“You wanted sunshine, rainbows,” Jungkook's lips twitch, there is something achingly painful in that hint of a smile, “I was darkness. I couldn't afford it. I can't afford it. So, when you asked for that divorce, I finally saw the chance to give you just that. Freedom.”

“I never apologized because I never saw anything wrong in how I treated you,” Jungkook sighs, “because, in my life, I thought that's normal. That's how everyone treats each other. Lies, betrayal, hurt…” he frowns, “those are normal to me. Apparently, they are not in real world.”

Taehyung feels drained, he looks down at his own hands, “that's all I ever wanted.” There is a silence they both know is too fragile. One wrong word and it will break into pieces. Taehyung's throat bobs, “I am sorry about your dad,” he does not look at the man, “you loved him.”

“Losing him must have-” “I killed him,” Jungkook takes a large gulp of the whiskey, “no need for condolences.” The shudder that runs down Taehyung's spine is of satisfaction. He feels sick the next moment for feeling that way. “What?!” he cannot hold back his shock.

Jungkook pours himself another glass of whiskey, nods, “yeah.” “You,” Taehyung is lost for words, “the only person you loved, cared for, was your father!” Jungkook's eyes snap to him, and Taehyung sees the storm in those irises. It brews, dark, darker. Jungkook looks deadly.

The sardonic smile Jungkook offers makes something freeze in Taehyung. “Yeah,” Jungkook empties the glass of whiskey in one go, “I loved him,” those eyes travel over Taehyung's shoulder, Jungkook looks lost in thoughts, “blindly.” Taehyung frowns, “why... then why?”

“He refused to retire,” Jungkook says, eyes on the glass in his hand, “I wanted to be the head of the organization. That's all.” Taehyung blinks, “for power? For just that?” Jungkook's eyes never find him, he nods, “yeah.” Taehyung feels his heart squeeze in his chest.

“You don't value anything, anyone,” Taehyung takes a step back, disbelief clear in his voice, “you just care about yourself and your profits, losses. God, he was not a good man, but he treasured you! You killed him just for this organization?!” Jungkook watches him, face blank.

Taehyung's face contorts, “you don't care for anything and anyone. Just you and your power and your money. You are still the same-” “I am never going to change,” Jungkook acknowledges, “I love my work. I enjoy being in power. I like how easy life is with power and money.”

“If you were expecting my redemption arc, that will never happen,” Jungkook chuckles, “devil never becomes an angel. He doesn't want to. I don't want to. I also don't care what you think of me. So, your words and your values, they all mean shit to me. They always will.”

“If what I want doesn't happen, I make it happen,” Jungkook tilts his head, “if I need something, I work and get it. I don't care about society's rules. Cowards make them to hide their impotence. I don't need to follow them. So, yes, doll, I am shit and you and I both know it.”

a/n - this is me warning you all, lmao. There will be no redemption arc where jk changes and becomes a civil businessman. lmao, he won't leave this underworld. I am not writing that. So, you can still stop reading. Don't expect a redemption arc. Also, keep the tags in mind. x

Taehyung swallows, “I know. Knew it six years ago, and that's why I left.” Jungkook agrees, “I would like you to keep that in mind. I am not a good guy, and I am not about to turn into one. So, keep your values to yourself. I won't act on them.” He rounds the counter to leave.

Taehyung lets out a deep breath, “if no one matters to you, then why am I here and why are you trying to protect me?” The man stops on his track. His shoulders taut. Taehyung watches Jungkook hesitate before he turns to look at Taehyung, slowly walking up to him.

Jungkook's eyes are icy, “I owe you a simple life,” his voice carries a sense of warmth that makes Taehyung shiver, “I owe you a normal life where you meet someone normal and fall in love and adopt babies and live a normal life.” Taehyung remembers his own words. He said those.

“I owe you that safety, that security,” Jungkook lifts his hand, reaching for Taehyung's cheek, but he stops himself, “I thought by saving you that night, I did enough. Didn't realize, I was just as ruthless as those men in that brothel. I was no better to you. I was worse.”

“I got you out of one hell to throw you into the pit of another,” Jungkook looks away, “there was no noble purpose in my doings that night either. I just,” he grits his teeth, “I wanted you. Blindly. I didn't save you. I fought to have you. For myself. Only for myself.”

“I was mesmerized,” Jungkook's eyes wander, “with you. I wanted to touch, feel, ruin you by myself,” his voice is gravelly, he is too close to Taehyung, “and, I did. I had you in every way possible.” Taehyung hates how heat coils in his stomach. He thinks he is just as ruined.

Jungkook's hand curls into a fist, “and, I still wanted more.” Taehyung swallows, goosebumps all over his skin, “more...?” Jungkook chuckles, “you really believed my lies that I wanted to marry you, so dad gets off my back? He didn't give a fuck if I married or not. In fact+

“He wanted me to stay single, have flings here and there,” Jungkook shrugs, “he hated me for being so invested in you. He hated you, thinking you are ruining me. In a sense, you were,” Jungkook snorts, “I was in you more than I was in the business. I admit.” Taehyung feels hot.

“Do you even remember the places I took you to?” Jungkook snorts, “around the world?” Taehyung does not answer. It's clear that Jungkook knows. “We were too wrapped in each other to give a damn about the places,” Jungkook combs his hair back, “it was ruinous. I was ruinous.”

“So, when you said you want to leave, I agreed,” Jungkook breathes out, shoulders dropping, “because I realized, you need someone to love you. You wanted someone whose life wasn't a rollercoaster ride. I realized, I would never be that person. I can't. So, I want you to have it.”

“And, if for that I have to manipulate the flow of time, I will try to do even that,” Jungkook nods, determined, “6 years aren't enough to untangle the cobweb that's my life, and you fell into it. But, I will not stop until I have cleared your path for you to really be free.”

“That is why I need to do this,” Jungkook nods, “let me.” Taehyung hugs himself, suddenly feeling cold, “I wished you would change. There was a time when I blindly believed I could change you.” Jungkook's lips twitch with no humour, “you can't. I don't want to change.”

“It's only in fiction where an anti-hero changes and things go back to fine,” Jungkook hums, “I was born in this mud. If I leave, I will lose my powers and I will be defenseless. I can't protect myself or you. I will be useless then. As simple as that.” Taehyung nods, "I know."

“So,” Jungkook shrugs, “I am sorry that I planted two of my men around you, but I had no other choices. I have too many enemies and I didn't want them to find you. Someone did anyway,” he clicks his tongue against his cheek, “but, I will sort it out. Don't worry.”

“So,” Taehyung whispers slowly, “in these past six years, you knew the people I dated? Slept with...?” Jungkook nods, “yes.” Taehyung's eyes widen, “where are they?!” his face heats up when Jungkook arches a brow, “I mean, they are alive, right?!” Jungkook laughs, “yes? Why?”

“You are friends with some of them still,” Jungkook shrugs, “why would I interfere in your sex life or love life? That's none of my business?” Taehyung breathes out, nodding to himself, “right.” Jungkook sighs, “I don't unnecessarily kill people. I don't enjoy the paperwork.”

“That's the thing you don't enjoy?!” Taehyung gapes, “out of everything else?!” Jungkook shrugs, “yeah? I mean, making fake death certificates, throwing money at open mouths to keep them shut. It's tiresome.” Taehyung curses, “I forgot how full of yourself you are!”

“Good,” Jungkook nods, “it's for the best that you don't remember me. It's good.” There is that hollow feeling in Taehyung. He feels sick for that abyss. He hates how nothing fills that abyss. No one fades that darkness. He nods, eyes on Jungkook's face. “It's good. Yes.”

“I will go now,” Jungkook jerks his head towards the door, “forgive Yoongi if you have it in you. He was just doing his job.” Taehyung looks away, “right.” Jungkook takes a step back, “good night, babydol-” he stops himself, tongue rolling around his cheek, “Taehyung.”

The stupidest question blurts out of Taehyung and he instantly regrets it. “Do you call your other f'cks babydoll too?” The question makes no sense, and Taehyung hates how vulnerable that sounds out and voiced. He hates himself for even wanting that answer. Jungkook is quiet.

“Ignore I asked that,” Taehyung frowns, turning on his unstable feet to rush and go back to his room. Jungkook watches how fast Taehyung disappears down the corridor. He stands in the living room. Alone. “No, I don't,” he whispers to himself, sighs, then he leaves the flat.

----- “You look beaten,” Namjoon observes, “go home, sir. I will finish these files. We will get the culprit soon. Hoseok is working too. Jin just dropped by to say you haven't been there in four days!” Jungkook scrolls on his laptop, eyes fixed there, “he is there.”

“So?” Namjoon frowns, “it's your apartment.” Jungkook curses, looking at his second in command, “seeing him brings back that 24 years old Jungkook. Apparently, I still want him. Physically.” Namjoon blinks, “you realized it after seeing him?” Jungkook glares at Namjoon.

Namjoon deadpans, “no, but, you seriously realized it after seeing him?” Jungkook goes back to his laptop, matching the fingerprints with their records, “get back to work, Namjoon.” They both startle when Yoongi storms inside the office, seething. “You are late,” Namjoon says.

“I showed up,” Yoongi growls, “count your blessings.” Namjoon holds his hands up, “whatever it is, I am sorry,” he turns to Jungkook with wide eyes. Jungkook stares at his first in command, “what's wrong?” Yoongi paces the room, “I will kill him.” Namjoon and Jungkook groan.

“No, really, I am very serious!” Yoongi comes to slam his hands on the table, glaring at Jungkook, “today, he sat down on the table, my table, took my plate of breakfast and placed it onto the floor. Saying, a filth like me should know my place, which is not beside him!”

“What did you do then?” Jungkook wonders, biting back his laugh. “Took his plate and poured it out for Holly,” Yoongi shrugs, “told him, if he is going to be a bitch, then I would rather feed his food to Holly.” Namjoon chokes on thin air, and Jungkook stares.

“You are old,” Jungkook shakes his head, “you are old.” Yoongi shrugs, “you and me are the same age. I know. Why?” “I meant, grow up!” Jungkook curses, “I fear one day you will come in and say you killed him or something!” “Count on it,” Yoongi points a finger at Jungkook.

Namjoon shakes his head, “anyway, did we find anything?” Yoongi hums, “Hoba found the sender of the message finally. We can give her a visit tonight.” “Her?” Jungkook frowns. Yoongi nods, “she is a college student. It was her phone from where the message came.”

Jungkook thinks to himself, “who is it and why is she after Taehyung?” Namjoon makes a face, “maybe she is just the front? Someone can easily steal a phone, send a message and delete. No?” Jungkook hums, “well, whatever it is. Let's see. Tonight.”

“Taehyung and I talked,” Yoongi sits down, leaning back on his chair, “he said, he forgave me for what I did. He still thinks I should have come clean to him, but he forgave me.” Jungkook nods, “he doesn't like holding onto grudges. He is too good for his own good.”

Yoongi watches Jungkook, playing with the paperweight on the table, “you will never tell him, right?” Jungkook ignores those eyes, focused on his laptop, “tell him what?” Yoongi sighs, shares a look with Namjoon, “you know what.” Jungkook finally looks up at Yoongi.

“People clarify themselves with an intension,” Jungkook gives Yoongi a pointed look, “I don't see why I need to tell him anything.” “He thinks you cheated on him,” Namjoon murmurs, “more than once. All those photos, those proofs your dad planted… he thinks they are real.”

“The old man wanted me to focus,” Jungkook snorts, “take my business seriously. I did,” his smile turns sour and then evaporates to leave behind a chilling seriousness, “took it serious enough to get rid of him,” he looks at the other two, “I don't think Taehyung needs to know.”

“He moved past it all,” Jungkook waves his hand, “I don't think dragging him back to the past is necessary.” “You were his first everything,” Yoongi leans on the table, “you left him scarred like that. He will forever look back and feel insecure. You should clear it out!”

Jungkook gives him a hollow smile, “if that's the only reason he looks back and thinks of me, a selfish part of me wants to let it be.” Yoongi's throat bobs, eyes fixed on Jungkook. “Give him better memories,” Namjoon offers, “let him look forward to you than look back on you.”

“No,” Jungkook goes back to the laptop, “he needs to look forward to a bright future. I can't offer that. I can just let him be, and I choose that.” He holds his hand up when Yoongi and Namjoon try to say something. “Focus on the case,” Jungkook points, “that's all.”

----- Taehyung hears the unsteady footsteps and frowns. He looks at the clock and gets out of the bed when he sees it's past two in the morning. After wrapping the robe over his nightsuit, he walks out of the room. Sleep flies from his eyes when he sees Jungkook.

What makes him gasp is the blood on Jungkook's crinkled white shirt. The blood flows from the right side of the chest. There is a burnt circle. Bullet wound. He hurries, “what-” “I am bandaged,” Jungkook offers, voice strained, “just, didn't get to change the shirt.”

Taehyung watches the man slowly walk towards the couch. He looks exhausted. “What happened?” Taehyung asks, watching Jungkook drop on the couch. Jungkook leans back against the couch, legs spreading comfortably. He winces when his shoulder moves a little. “Got shot.”

“Yeah, no shit!” Taehyung deadpans, his heart racing a mile per minute. Jungkook opens one eye, looks at Taehyung, “the sarcasm isn't helping.” Taehyung walks up to him, “what do you want me to do?” “Nothing,” Jungkook shrugs, “not the first shot. Not the last, either.”

“Go to sleep, I will be fine,” Jungkook starts to unbutton his shirt, “I have handled worse.” “I know!” Taehyung curses, “if you are forgetting, I was married to you for a year!” Jungkook's fingers miss a button, he goes back to it, “right. I try to forget that.”

“Yeah,” Taehyung hugs himself, “me too.” The silence stretches. Jungkook focuses on the shirt, shrugging out of it. Taehyung can't help himself. His eyes wander over to the man. He traces those scars he knows and catalogues the new ones. There are so many.

Jungkook groans, throwing the shirt on the floor and lazily unbuttoning his trousers. “What are you doing?” Taehyung looks away, voice thin. Jungkook arches a brow, “the waistband digs on my hips,” then he realizes what Taehyung meant, “I am not getting naked. God!”

“No energy left to get it up,” Jungkook curses, “also, lost blood, so, nothing is rushing in that department for tonight.” Taehyung feels his face heat up, he curses, “why do you have to be a brut about everything?!” Jungkook's lips twitch, “was being honest.”

“Go and sleep,” Jungkook squirms, getting comfortable on the couch, “I will be out of your hair in an hour or so.” Taehyung frowns, turning to face the elder, “where are you going in this state?” Jungkook closes his eyes, throat bobbing, “got a lead. We have to follow it.”

“You are not going anywhere!” Taehyung walks up to Jungkook in urgency, “you are not moving an inch from this couch tonight!” Jungkook opens his eyes, looking at Taehyung, “who would stop me?” Taehyung takes the challenge, “I will.” Jungkook stares at him, gaze heavy, “yeah?”

“Try and I will-” Taehyung gasps when Jungkook's leg goes around his. The elder slams the back of Taehyung's knees with his foot, and Taehyung topples over him. In a quick motion, Jungkook takes a hold of Taehyung's throat and rolls their position. “You will?” he wonders.