HERMAPHRODITE

▪️▪️▪️CH. 26▪️▪️▪️

Arriving back home at the mansion, Kookie was quickly ensconced in the lounge room, much to his chagrin. Taehyung fetched his bag and sorted through it, putting the items back where they belonged and tossing the soiled clothing into the laundry hamper.

With everything back in its usual place he made a cup of hot chocolate for himself and grabbed a carton of banana milk for Jungkook and carried the drinks through to the lounge where his lover sat flicking through the various channels, trying to find something to alleviate his boredom.

"Hey," Tae said quietly as he offered Kook his drink.

The pregnant man's eyes lit up and he took the offered milk, sipping at it greedily, eyes closing in bliss.

"God, I love you, Bear."

Taehyung chuckled and sat down next to his partner. "You only love me for the banana milk," he replied.

"Well, there are the S'mores bars as well."

"So that means my wonderfully toned body, great hot looks, sizable assets and the way I make love to you doesn't come into the picture?"

Tae did his best to look hurt; but failed.

"Well..." Kookie cocked his head as if thinking about Tae's words. "I suppose they are a bonus, but the S'mores and banana milk are definitely top of the list." Kookie gave Tae a teasing look.

"I knew it," said Tae in a falsetto voice, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead in a mock faint. "He only stays with me for the banana milk and S'mores. All this time I thought it was my body and the sex."

Jungkook laughed and gave Taehyung a friendly punch to the shoulder. Tae responded by putting his arm around Kook and drawing him close, feathering kisses across his lover's cheek.

"I've missed you, Bunny," Taehyung murmured softly.

"Missed you too, bear," Jungkook replied as he snuggled deeper into the offered embrace.

"You really scared me, Kookie. I thought... I thought I'd lost both you and the baby."

There was a definite hitch to Tae's voice and Jungkook quickly took both their drinks and put them on the table before wrapping his arms completely around Tae and holding him close.

Tae tucked his head under Kookie's chin, winding his arms around his waist and holding on for dear life. Now that his lover was home and safe he could give in to the emotions that had been festering beneath the surface.

"I'm sorry, Bear. I didn't mean to scare you. I promise to take good care of myself from now on. I'll do exactly what Jimin has said and I won't do anything at all that will endanger this child or me. I love you, hyungie and you had better come back safe to me."

The tears that ran down Tae's face slowed a little and he hugged Jungkook closer, grateful for the contact. He opted not to say anything for the moment, rather to just sit there in the warmth of his partner's arms.

The silence stretched on but neither man cared, they were comfortable with it, words weren't needed, they both understood just how much this episode had affected both of them and they were equally as grateful to have come through it with the minimal damage that they had.

▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️

The sun began to set and the room darkened when they finally pulled apart. Taehyung scrubbed at his cheeks. Jungkook smiled. They had both needed that. Just to hold and be held, it had restored a sense of peace to them both. Kookie's stomach rumbled loudly.