Healing (KTH, featuring KNJ)

Chapter 38

They were still catching their breath when Taehyung began to feel wet tears dripping on his chest.

"Oh no, my angel, are you ok? Did I hurt you?" He gently repositioned them so they were facing each other side by side. Here he could more easily check on her.

Clara continued to hide her face in his chest while just barely shaking her head no.

Taehyung continued to rhythmically rub up and down her back attempting to calm her. They just had such a beautiful moment. Was she having second thoughts?

"Sweetheart, please tell me what is wrong. Did I do something wrong?" Then he softened to a whisper, "Please say something".

Clara wiped her tears away and scooted away a bit so she could see Taehyung's beautiful and warm eyes. "When I was in college I lost my parents. At that time I thought I would always be without a family. But then I gained Namsoo's family, and now you. It feels like more than I expected or deserve."

"Clara" Taehyung interrupted. "Let me make something clear. It is not more than you deserve, it is less than you deserve. And if I need to I'll spend my whole life trying to make you understand that you truly deserve only happiness."

Clara returned a small smile. "Thank you for loving me so fiercely. But I wasn't quite done. So be quiet." Clara said teasingly as she gave Taehyung's chest a gentle slap. "I also think it is really hitting me that you will never meet my parents, and they will never meet you. I don't think about it too often, but what we are doing is a big thing, and I wish they were here to see it."

"Well baby girl, I guess I'm surprised to learn you are such an exhibitionist. You wanted your parents to see what we just did? I'm not sure that would be very comfortable, but if you want to try out having people watch, I guess I'd be up for it." Taehyung teased her and started to laugh.

"Taehyung!" Clara glared while trying to hold back her own laughter. "You truly are totally hopeless."

"I know, that is why I need you. Now come back over here to keep me warm so I can get a good night's sleep."

Clara continued to glare but did slide closer, snuggling into his arms and allowing peaceful rest to overtake her.

Taehyung had woken up first and simply delighted in holding Clara in his arms, their warm naked flesh pressed tight together. He knew today was the first of many days to enjoy this experience and he was elated. At that moment he was convinced they should sleep nude every night, if only to enjoy more skin to skin contact even while sleeping. He filed it away as something to bring up at the right moment.

He was considering getting up to spoil her with breakfast in bed, but he found himself struggling to actually convince himself that it was a good idea to leave the comfort of her soft bed and covers. Every time he started to build up any resolve, a small concern of waking her up rose to the front of his mind. He justified continuing to lounge and serve as her pillow as a personal favor to the sleeping girl.

After nearly an hour of staring at her lush lips and puffy cheeks, while listening to her soft breathing, Clara finally began to stir. Taehyung slightly loosened his grip, allowing her some space to stretch, but as soon as he saw her eyes begin to open he quickly pulled her back tight, relishing the feel of her melting into him as comfortably when she was awake as she did when she was asleep.

"Good morning beautiful" he quietly hummed to her. "Are you ready for our big day today?"

Clara lazily smiled in return and shook her head yes, continuing to stretch a bit.

"While I'd love to spend this morning recreating the fun we had last night, your parents sent me a note and said they would be here in an hour to see us. So we should get up and prepare for their arrival. How about I order breakfast to be delivered, and then we can shower up?"

"OK, that sounds good" Clara softly replied, showing no signs of being willing to actually get out of bed.

After ordering their food, Taehyung gently encouraged Clara to leave the bed, growing confused when she hesitated. "What's wrong sweetheart?" He asked, holding out a hand to help her up.

"Um, I just...I'm not wearing any clothes right now."

Huffing a small laugh, Taehyung was quick to respond. "And you won't be while we are in the shower together either, so I wouldn't worry too much." Then crouching down to eye level he brushed back her hair. "Clara, I think every part of you is beautiful. You don't need to be shy in front of me. But if it would make you more comfortable I promise not to stare or say anything, ok?"

"Ok" Clara quietly replied while avoiding eye contact.

Eventually relenting and releasing the covers, Clara followed Taehyung into the bathroom where he was checking the temperature of the shower. After finding a temperature he liked, he ushered Clara in and then came in behind her. Jokingly he grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Now Clara, I know it will be hard for you to restrain yourself, but we really do need to just wash up quickly this morning. Can you promise to keep your hands to yourself?"

Covering her hands with her face, Clara began to turn a dark shade of red while Taehyung laughed. "I'll go ahead and take that as a yes."

Taehyung did offer to wash Clara's hair which she gratefully accepted. Then he offered to continue to wash the rest of her while he was at it, which she politely declined. She still sometimes felt overwhelmed by Taehyung's affection, but thankfully he always seemed to pick up on her discomfort relatively easily so he knew when to back off.

Quickly rinsing off they stepped out to dry off. Taehyung threw on his clothes from yesterday realizing he didn't have anything else to change into, and went to collect the breakfast delivery. Clara took a bit more time to dry her hair and get dressed, but soon followed after Taehyung, drawn by the smell of the food he was setting on the table. She was looking forward to seeing what the day would bring, knowing at the end she'd be married to the man she loved.