Your Eyes Tell

Epilogue : Silver

11 months later, NYE.

"Who's a good boy, Tannie? Who's a good boy? Yes, you're right! It's you. You're the best boy."

Taehyung grinned as he heard Jungkook playing with Yeontan in the living room while he was putting on the finishing touches of his outfit. He pushed the back of the earring into place, and gave himself a once over in the mirror, pleased with the outcome.

The same as the previous year, his ears were adorned with his favourite Chanel earrings, and his Rolex was snug on his wrist. Instead of the Hermes suit, he wore a black Louis Vuitton suit, his trousers were slim and the jacket double breasted and embossed, his shoes a matching black Louis Vuitton loafer. His shirt was red silk, and the contrast between the black of his hair and suit and the bold red of his shirt pleased Taehyung.

"You spoil him too much," Taehyung heard Jimin scold Jungkook. "He's going to get fat."

Taehyung walked out of the bedroom and saw Jungkook ignoring Jimin and feeding Yeontan treats.

"He is looking a little plump," Taehyung said, announcing his presence to his oblivious boyfriend and best friend.

Jungkook looked a little sheepish before his eyes widened as he took in Taehyung's appearance, and Jimin wolf-whistled at him.

"Damn, Taehyung. Looking good," Jimin grinned.

Jungkook stood and walked over to kiss his cheek and wrap an arm around him.

"You look stunning," he murmured.

Taehyung felt warm at their compliments. Jungkook looked as handsome as ever in his all black Tom Ford ensemble, and Jimin looked ethereal in his Chanel, a gift that Taehyung had spared no expense for as a thank-you for everything that Jimin had done for him over the last seven years, particularly the last year.

After his accident, Taehyung had a few months of rehab to attend to, and so moving to Oregon was indefinitely put off. He didn't go back to his job at the library, nor the art gallery, and he was unsure what to do. For the first time in his life, he had no plan. But Jimin had convinced him that another year in San Francisco wasn't going to hurt, and Jungkook was more than happy that he decided to stay - but he also made it clear that wherever Taehyung went, so would he.

Things moved both fast and slow with Jungkook. With the lies and secrecy removed from their relationship, Taehyung felt free to be completely himself. His was constantly worried about their future, but Jungkook wanted him to live in the present, and how could he argue? It had been an awkward and amusing conversation that they had with Namjoon after he'd been released from hospital. It had taken a few days for Jungkook to accept that Taehyung had once dated his father, but as both Taehyung and Namjoon explained, it was in the distant past, another lifetime ago.

Jungkook asked if they wanted to live together, but Taehyung had declined. They loved each other, and Taehyung was committed to this relationship, but he was still fighting his own insecurities and fears at all times. Understanding that Taehyung needed a place where he felt safe and comfortable to escape to when he needed, Jungkook hadn't pushed the idea. But that didn't mean Taehyung didn't spend as much time at Jungkook's as he did in his own apartment.

Recently, he was beginning to think it was time for him to let go of some things that held him back. The fear of moving in together wasn't completely rational, he knew. He could always keep his apartment as an escape if he needed. It was something he might speak to Jungkook about in the new year.

"I think we should get going," Taehyung said, checking the time. "It's getting late."

Jimin handed Jungkook his overcoat and Taehyung walked over to the coatrack to grab his own. They were headed to the Palace Hotel, the same place Jungkook and Taehyung had met a year ago. This year, Jimin wasn't performing, so they were all heading over together. Seokjin had ensured that they had a suite for the night, so there was no issue in Jungkook driving them over and indulging in drinking.

Jungkook had secured them a table, and invited his family and Yoongi to come as well. Taehyung found that he was actually looking forward to his birthday this year. Perhaps it was because he wouldn't be celebrating alone.

As he passed the mirror on the wall on his way out, Taehyung paused. He took a few steps back and peered into the glass, wondering if he was seeing things.

Slowly, his hand raised to his hair, and he plucked out a single strand. He stared at it between his fingers, shifting it slightly this way and that to catch the light, and his breath caught.

"Tae, you coming?" He heard Jungkook call from the door.

"Yes," Taehyung called back, still staring at the hair.

"Everything okay?" Jungkook asked, appearing at the end of the short hall.

"Yes," Taehyung breathed.

He looked up back into the mirror and smiled, then smiled wider when he saw the beginning of creases at the corner of his eyes. He lowered his hand and place the hair on the table beneath the mirror.

"Everything is perfect," he said.

He kissed Jungkook at the door and smiled brightly, overcome with happiness.

"I love you," Taehyung whispered against Jungkook's lips.

The hair he'd plucked was silver.

He was ageing.