Trusting (KTH)

Chapter 42

When Dr. Park returned an hour later Taehyung was still sleeping and Clara was watching over him, holding one of his big hands in both her little hands.

"He's hardly stirred." Clara reported.

Dr. Park wasn't surprised but hoped within the next hour or two he'd begin to wake more. The doctor had already administered a pain killer and hoped that medication, partnered with aggressive hydration, would provide what was required to get him through the concert tonight.

As promised, Dr. Park also checked on Clara, monitoring her blood pressure and heart rate, listening to her heart and lungs, and recording her weight.

"Clara, your blood pressure is quite low, much lower than I've seen before. Are you feeling faint?"

Clara assured the doctor that she felt ok but the doctor already knew the cause of the issue.

"I've heard you haven't been doing the best keeping up with eating, is that right?"

Clara could only nod in acknowledgement. One thing she had discovered while touring with Taehyung was that there really were no secrets among the whole team.

"Do you have a plan to address it or do you need my help? I worry for your own health if you aren't eating enough."

Clara promised the doctor she would fix it although she wasn't quite sure how. Just the idea of bringing a room service tray into her room made her lose her appetite.

"I'll be back in another couple hours to check in on Taehyung again. You look tired too, maybe you should get some rest?" The doctor really was quite anxious for Clara having heard everything she was going through from one of the managers.

"I'll be fine, I just want to watch over Tae for now. I can always take a nap later."

Dr. Park gave her a gentle smile and with a small bow excused himself.

When Taehyung woke up about an hour later he wasn't sure what was happening at first. Looking to his left he saw Clara slumped onto the bed while sitting in a chair, her hands gently holding his. To his right an IV was inserted in his arm.

Memories of the previous night came flooding back. He'd gone to Jimin's room to seek solace in a friend but ended up drowning his sorrows in what was clearly far too much liquor. He couldn't even remember how much he'd had by the time all was said and done.

But to see Clara next to him now was a surprise. He knew she was furious with him and had been generally avoiding him. They hadn't had the opportunity to talk things through yet...

wait...

they were supposed to meet up to try to work things out this morning!

Taehyung was kicking himself knowing he'd both missed the opportunity to try to make some progress on their issues and had burdened everyone with his excessive drinking instead. He really wasn't being a model husband, father, or friend.

At the same time Clara was once again by his side. That was...unexpected to say the least. He didn't remember much after passing out on Jimin's bed but there were a few flashes that came to him. Clara gently rubbing his back and telling him it would be ok. Clara promising to stay by his side so he could rest. And a distinct memory of Clara gently caressing his chest with her hands, softly massaging him as he drifted in and out.

Taehyung found his way out of bed and unhooked the IV bag, which by now had run relatively dry. He returned to the opposite side of the bed, carefully pulling Clara up into his arms and then settling her on the bed where he had recently laid. From there he took her spot in the chair and held her hand, the same tender way she had been holding his.

Just pressing their hands together felt like a relief. He missed her gentle physical affection and touch so much, especially while he was hurting. A few times he leaned forward and pressed soft kisses to her temple, overcome with a need to be close but still wanting to respect her desire for some space.

Taehyung had lost track of time when Dr. Park arrived. "Oh, Taehyung-ah, I see you are awake now. How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good considering. Thanks for helping me out Dr. Park. I'm not sure what came over me last night."

Dr. Park gave a fatherly smile. "I know it's been tough but I don't recommend you repeat this anytime soon." He couldn't help but notice Clara sleeping where Taehyung had been only a few hours earlier. Rather than saying anything, Dr. Park just motioned toward Clara by inclining his head.

Taehyung blushed, "I found her sleeping in the chair next to me. I know how hard being pregnant with the twins was on her body so I wanted to make sure she was comfortable."

Dr. Park offered a knowing smile. "You know Taehyung-ah, Clara refused to leave your side after Jimin dropped you off with her parents. As usual her gentle care really shined through. Even when we offered to take care of things she insisted that she stay with you. I know it's been difficult but I think it was a good sign that things are going to work out. You and Clara will always return to each other like magnets when the other is truly in distress. I wish your path was easier right now, but I want to assure you that I don't think anything can ever truly come between you."

Taehyung sat up straighter as his words sunk in. "You can't know how much it means to me to hear you say that Dr. Park. It really has been frustrating and I've worried Clara was going to give up on me. On us."

Taehyung considered for a moment. "Honestly, that fear has been making me grasp her tighter and tighter in my grip, terrified that if I let her have even a little bit of space she'll fly away. Now I'm thinking maybe that isn't the right approach. It's just hard being here on tour. I feel like I barely have control over my own life, and I'm starting to think that clutching Clara increasingly closer is helping any of us"

There was a long pause before Taehyung continued. "I guess I just need more time to figure things out. Loving Clara and the boys is easy. Being a good husband and father isn't always as simple as just loving them."

Dr. Park patted his shoulder. "I have confidence in both of you, but if I can give one piece of advice it is this. You need to talk to each other and really listen. I think you'll discover that your big goals are the same: having a safe and happy family together. Everything else is just details."

"Thanks Dr. Park. I'll do that. And thanks again for taking care of me this morning. I'm sorry to make you have to do that. I'll do better next time."

With a small bow Dr. Park left Taehyung so they both could get ready for the day, no matter what it brought.