First Dance

Dogs And Ice Cream

 'Through summer's sun and warmth of love, the tiny bones still grow, with all the splendor of their love and future promises bestowed. Yet winter keeps its presence ever close.'

You arrive at the dog park, and everyone enters through the gate. For such a beautiful day there aren't many here. You are glad about that, but you are still feeling embarrassed. The guys are happy you came with them because they know today will be a happy day for you.

Jimin suddenly turns to you and says, "The ice cream truck is here. Do you want some?"

You smile sweetly at him thinking for a few seconds then say, "Yes, the dark chocolate dip, please. Thanks, Jimin."

He smiles at you before he runs towards the truck parked just outside the gate.

Jungkook runs after him, calling, "Wait! I want to get Bam some doggie ice cream."

Taehyung grins and runs after them both excitedly, saying, "Wait! Me too, me too! Tannie loves ice cream." Yoongi sounds off his machine gun laugh as he quickly follows them to the ice cream truck.

You softly chuckle at the Maknae line and Yoongi. You say to Namjoon, "They are so cute, Jooni." You look up into his soft eyes as he smiles at you.

"That's how they get away with so much." You both laugh, and then he asks, "How are you feeling, baby?"

"I'm fine." 

 You scoot a little close to him on the bench. Tannie comes over and stands with his paws on your knees and his tail wiggling. You giggle and pick him up, and he settles on your lap.

You move your head closer to Tannie and playfully ask him, "Why aren't you out playing with Bam?"

Namjoon laughs and says, "If I were him I'd want to be where he is too, napping in your lap." You can't hold back a giggle as you pet Tannie.

 You tell Namjoon, "One day Jooni you will be holding our little one on your lap." At first, there is fear then sorrow in his eyes and you can tell he is forcing a smile.

You take hold of his hand and bring it to your lips for a kiss and trying to reassure him you remind him, "Baby, the doctor said I was far enough along in the pregnancy to start chemo. Please don't worry."

"I worry because the whole thing scares the shit out of me. I can't believe you put off chemo for three months. That's three months of your life given to cancer."

You place your finger over his lips and remind him again, "Shh, You know I was given a choice. I could start chemo immediately and lose the baby or wait three months to start chemo and have our baby."

With a worried look in his eyes, he says, "Yes, I remember, but after this morning, I'm . . . I'm just so scared I'll lose you both."

"Jooni, we talked so much about this and we made a decision together. I can only get through this with you. I need you."

Just as he starts to speak, the boys are back with ice cream. Bam has come running, knowing what Jungkook has. Tannie is now climbing down from your lap after giving you a doggie kiss.

Jungkook and Taehyung sit on the ground and give Bam and Tannie their little bowls of doggie ice cream. Yoongi wonders off enjoying his ice cream cone in solitude.

Jimin stands before you, looking very concerned as he holds out your ice cream cone, "Are you alright, Hana?" he asks.

You reach out to take the dark-chocolate dipped cone saying, "Yes, I'm fine. Very fine now that I've got my ice cream. Thank you, Jimin."

He's happy he could do that for you and sits with Jungkook and Taehyung while they have their ice cream too.

"Baby, did you want a taste of mine?" you hold it up for Namjoon. "You should have got some too."

He sighs, confessing, "I really don't feel like ice cream today."

You grin mischievously and teasingly ask, "Having morning sickness?"

He fakes shock, "I hope not." 

He looks around the dog park, noticing very few people are here with their dogs today. "Let's walk over to the shade so your ice cream won't melt so fast," he says.

You smile, and he helps you stand. With happiness, you tell him, "Shade and ice cream, what a lovely idea, Jooni."

"Guys, we're going for a walk to rest under that tree."

He points, and they turn to look. Bam takes this opportunity to steal a large bite of Jungkook's ice cream.

"HEY!" Complains Jungkook as everybody else laughs. Bam got the dog's version of brain freeze, and Jungkook tells him, "Serves you right, you ice cream thief." Then he pulls Bam to him and hugs him. "It will go away soon, boy."

You reach the largest tree in the dog park, and Jooni takes off the long-sleeved shirt he wore over his tee. He places it on the ground for you to sit. You look up at him, wondering why he isn't sitting, and inquire, "Jooni?"

As if broken out of a trance, he looks down at you, asking, "What is it, love?"

"Why won't you sit?" You pat the ground beside you, smiling up at him. He turns, looks over at the boys, and starts to sit but stops with one knee on the ground. His hand searched through his pockets, becoming more frantic.

"What are you looking for baby?"

Suddenly he stands and says, "Uh, I'll be right back."

Without waiting for a response, he takes off running to the boys. You watch as he gestures with his hands. He is upset, but you're too far away to hear what he is saying. He keeps patting his pockets, then, frustrated, pushes his hand through his hair, knocking his bucket hat off.

He picks it up and starts laughing. Smiling broadly, Jimin picks up what fell out of the hat and hands it to him.

You giggle, 'That's my Jooni.'