Trusting (KTH)

Chapter 12

Taehyung was so wrapped up in everything that was happening that he might have forgotten to call his parents to give them a heads up. Clara's parents had found out right away from Namjoon and had already called several times to check in on both of them and the boys, trying to figure out how to rework their schedule so they could get back to rejoin Clara sooner.

The company announcement had already gone out when Taehyung's mother called, interrupting the break in their dance rehearsal at the hotel.

"Taehyung-ah! What is going on? Why are there pictures of our grandsons all over the news, and why are they identifying your nanny as the twins' mother? Are you and Clara having problems? Have you been seeing Sooyun?"

"No, mom it isn't like that at all. Just listen for a minute please." He was having a hard time getting a word in edgewise but eventually he was able to communicate the highlights while his mother was taking a breath.

"What do you mean Sooyun put pictures of the boys online? Did Clara tell her that was ok? Why didn't she stop her?"

This was exactly the kind of thing that wasn't working with his parents. Instead of sympathy they immediately blamed Clara for anything that went wrong. Taehyung let out a frustrated sigh.

"Mom, it wasn't Clara's fault. She had no idea this was happening. Sooyun signed a NDA agreement and she broke it. How was Clara supposed to know what Sooyun was doing in private? If anything we should be blaming ourselves. Clara never even met Sooyun before the tour. If you remember correctly we are the ones who interviewed her and selected her."

"But still," his mother interrupted. "She should have known. It's not like she has anything else to keep her busy besides sitting at the hotel all day. You are the one working hard with interviews, concerts, and rehearsals. She should at least be able to take care of the boys correctly."

Taehyung was fuming. He had always been so close to his parents, how could they be like this? It wasn't just that they didn't embrace Clara, but they seemed set on being cruel to her.

"I have to go mom, I'll talk to you later." Taehyung hung up the phone and returned to the rehearsal, glad he hadn't taken the call when Clara was anywhere in the vicinity, not even wanting her to have to listen to half of the conversation.

"I can't believe your parents still haven't come around," Yoongi looked at Taehyung incredulously. "I honestly just don't get it."

"Neither do I Hyung. It's kind of driving me crazy to be honest. I feel like I've tried everything. And it's only a few more weeks before they are flying to the US to see some of our concerts. Clara's not in the best spot right now, I can't imagine what it is going to be like with my parents here."

Yoongi patted him on the back. "You'll figure it out Taehyung-ah. I know it's a mess right now but at least Clara and the boys are close by so you can protect them no matter what happens next."

Taehyung had just a few minutes to stop by the hotel room to see Clara and the twins before he had to go to the stadium to do an initial run through of the concert. When he opened the door he could see Clara sitting in a chair looking out at the view from the window while one of the twins nursed. The other twin was next to her on a blanket on the floor drooling on one hand while he focused on trying to grab his feet with the other hand. Taehyung could have stayed to watch them all day but knew it was going to be a big production to get out of the hotel and to the stadium so he only had a brief moment to check in.

Clara heard Taehyung drawing near and quickly went to cover herself and the little cub at her breast with a blanket.

"Don't worry sweetheart, it's just me. I didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh, thank goodness. Yoonseo stepped out and I wasn't expecting him back so soon. It would have been so embarrassing if he had seen me like this."

Taehyung picked the little tiger up off the floor and the baby immediately began to squeal as Taehyung flew him over his head like an airplane.

"Tae! He just ate, please be careful!"

Taehyung immediately brought the boy down into his arms. "Maybe now isn't the best time for an airplane buddy, it's a good thing mama is watching out for us." He turned and gave Clara a brilliant smile.

"Unfortunately I only have a few minutes before I have to meet security so we can go to the stadium. Is there anything you need before I go?"

"I think we'll be fine. But Tae, please be careful. I'm worried about you. I overheard Yoonseo talking to someone else on security. He was saying that people are swarming the hotel."

"I'll be fine, I promise." Taehyung kissed Clara's head to assure her. "We are used to this and we have the best security in the business. But I'll text you when we get there so you don't have to be anxious, ok?"

"Yes please, I would appreciate that if you could. I don't want to be a bother but everything feels a little out of control right now." Clara could feel the tears pricking at her eyes but she didn't want to burden Taehyung before his concert tonight so she quickly blinked them away.

"Ok, I'll be back late so you'll probably be sleeping. Let Yoonseo know if you need anything. I know he'll be happy to help. I've asked him to sleep in the living room of the suite at least until things settle down. I know that might feel a bit awkward at first, but hopefully it will allow you to rest better ok?"

"Ok. I hope you have a good performance. I can't wait to hear about it." Taehyung leaned over to give Clara a sweet kiss in response. With quick kisses on both of the boys' cheeks he left, closing the door quietly behind him. He wasn't quite ready to be away from the three but at least knowing they would be there waiting when he returned offered a boost. Now they all just had to get through the rest of the day.

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On days like today Taehyung was so thankful that all the members liked Clara and were understanding of his situation. From the moment they tried to leave the hotel things were a mess. Their cars were surrounded with screaming people some of whom were hitting the cars as they passed. Before the concert started a few fans got past a protective fence and surrounded Jimin, bombarding him with questions about the twins while he stood there like a deer in the headlights waiting for security to come and save him. After the concert one of the fans with a backstage pass grabbed Yoongi by the hair while screaming he was lying about the twins. And a couple of the windows of cars that security were driving were broken during the concert.

In short, it was affecting everyone. Taehyung spent most of the day and evening trying to apologize for the mess, but Namjoon would cut him off every time. "This isn't your fault, you don't need to apologize." After everything Clara had been through the boys were willing to tolerate a lot for her, but if anyone stepped out of line or even thought about complaining Namjoon was first to silence them and put them in their place.

In particular Namjoon made sure that all of security understood in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate any criticism or even discussion of the issue. If they had something to say, they would say it to him and him alone. As further support Hobi quickly glared down anyone on staff who ever looked at Taehyung or whispered to another staff member. Both Hobi and Namjoon's tempers were well understood by the staff and nobody wanted to see how far they could push the issue.

This show of support from the members relieved Taehyung of the burden of feeling guilty on top of the overall anxiety he had for Clara and the boys. By the drive home Taehyung found himself in tears, Jimin's arms wrapped around him in an effort to provide some comfort. Everything had just been so much and he knew he had to be strong. But he allowed himself the catharsis of a momentary breakdown, ready to get back to the hotel so he could surround himself with his little family.