Fallen (Taekook)

CH 18 - Time

It had been three years since the six angels gathered in Taehyung's apartment. In the time since, Jungkook and Taehyung continued to fall impossibly deeper in love. While the threat of a possible trial still hung in the background of their thoughts, most days they were blissfully living their lives with each other.

Jimin lived with the happy couple for a year while Nila, his leopard cub, continued growing. Once she was ready to hunt on her own, Jimin said his farewell to his best friend and favorite human. He stayed a few more weeks in Korea with Nila, making sure she would be ok on her own in the DMZ. He then joined Yoongi in Congo where war and deforestation were taking a devastating toll on the mountain gorillas. Jimin made a point to stop back off in Korea at least a couple times a year to visit his bestie, and Taehyung occasionally visited him in Africa, trying to help calm tensions that frequently broke into battles.

Jin and Hobi both visited the couple frequently throughout the three years. Jin made a point to stop by at least every few months to check on Jungkook, as the two had grown very close. Hobi visited at least 3 or 4 times a year to spend time with Taehyung. Hobi was worried that after the trial, he wouldn't be allowed to visit his good friend.

Whenever any of the other angels showed up Yeonjun stayed with Soobin to eliminate his boyfriend's unending questions. Yeonjun still believed that the angels were in fact vampires, or at least some other kind of supernatural being. Though after living with Taehyung for several years now, he felt perfectly comfortable with him and never worried about being unsafe.

The two young humans were still in college, developing their natural abilities. During his third year, Yeonjun had a solo performance that opened up new opportunities. The school's showcase was attended by representatives from several music production companies. Yeonjun was approached by several large companies representing well-known idol groups. After meeting with each company, he accepted an intern position at Big Hit working with one of their main choreographers and occasionally appearing as a back-up dancer in music videos.

Meanwhile, Jungkook was progressing with his art work and was becoming a very accomplished modern artist. His work had been shown at the university's bi-annual exhibit each year, and that fall one of his paintings was purchased for use on an idol group's album cover. Taehyung couldn't have been prouder when he saw a billboard featuring Jungkook's art piece. He took a photo, had it enlarged, and proudly displayed it on his fireplace mantel.

Jungkook and Yeonjun 'had just finished their fall semester and only had one more to go before graduation. Jungkook and Taehyung decided to go out and celebrate the beginning of winter break and Jungkook's recent art success. Christmas was just two weeks away and they were looking forward to being able to spend the time together. Yeonjun had gone with Soobin's family on a ski trip, so Jungkook and Taehyung were going to have the place all to themselves.

The two lovers went out to a fancy restaurant for a date night. Taehyung ordered a nice bottle of champagne to celebrate and the two were feeling good. Taehyung reached across the table and ran his fingers through Jungkook's hair. "I really like your natural black hair." Jungkook's eyes widened a little, and he leaned into Tae's hand. "Not to say I didn't enjoy the other colors. I just think you look even more amazing now."

Jungkook had an amused look on his face, "I was thinking about dying it purple for next semester." He watched as Tae's smile twitched slightly. "That is unless you don't want me to."

Taehyung continued caressing Jungkook's hair, "Baby, you can pull off any color. But why don't you let your hair recover before bleaching it again?"

Reaching over to grab Taehyung's hand and planting a kiss in the center of his palm, Jungkook smiled contentedly. "For you, I can stay natural at least until spring break. But then I'm going purple for graduation."

Taehyung poured them both some more champagne and then raised a glass. "A toast to your final semester." They clinked glasses and took a sip. "Have I told you lately how proud I am of you? I always knew you had talent, but your latest paintings have left me breathless." Taehyung smiled broadly at his love.

Sometimes, Jungkook couldn't believe how lucky he was to have this wonderfully supportive boyfriend. His heart swelled when Taehyung looked at him in that way. Jungkook was anxious to get Tae back home and show him how much he appreciated him in return. "Baby, why don't we head back home so I can show you how much I love you?"

Nodding to the waiter, Taehyung signaled for their check so the two lovers could leave. On the ride back to their apartment, Jungkook kept a hand on Taehyung's thigh. His caresses were getting closer to driving Taehyung to distraction with each passing minute. In the elevator the two shared a passionate kiss. Both of their bodies were fully alert to the possibilities that awaited just a few steps away in the privacy of their apartment.

Taehyung fumbled for the keys as he felt Jungkook's body pressed up behind him. Before he could get the key in the lock, the door swung open. With a grim look on his face, Jin stood in the doorway looking between the two lovers. He pulled them both inside, and was just able to get some words out, "I'm sorry but It's time," before Taehyung was notified that the trial was to begin immediately.

Jungkook clung to Taehyung, as if trying to keep him there. He already had tears streaming down his face. Taehyung was clearly shocked, but remained calm as he tried to dry Jungkook's tears. "It's going to be ok, baby. We're going to be ok, no matter what happens." Taehyung felt his body being pulled out towards the balcony, and Jungkook continued grasping his hands and sobbing.

Jin wrapped his arms around Jungkook and said, "You have to let him go, Jungkookie."

Nodding in agreement, Taehyung pressed his lips to Jungkook's hands. "I'll be back soon. You can be strong for me Kookie, right?"

With tears continuing to fall from his eyes, Jungkook fell to his knees. He watched as Taehyung was pulled up to the heavens. Jin leaned down and picked the young man up, pulling Jungkook into his arms. "I'm here for you, Jungkookie. I'll be here as long as it takes."

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