pastel [3]

fifty two

Third Person point of view

The longer the two of them laid together the more Jungkook realised the depth of the torture Taehyung had endured. Now staring down at the bloodied face of the blonde boy, he couldn't help wasting what little hydration was left in his body to cry incessantly. The monster had marked him almost everywhere in some way, face and neck painted in the traumatic experience. Upon seeing the scabbed bite marks Jungkook pulled Taehyung in closer, trembling lips pressed to his hair to try and communicate the empathetic sorrow he felt.

"I'm so sorry, you don't deserve this," he breathed into the strands of hair, fingers caressing each divot in his skin. "I'm going to make him pay." Was the more silent part he murmured, not even letting Taehyung hear it as he pulled away to further inspect for injuries.

Each touch along his body was reassured with gentle kisses on his forehead, Jungkook murmuring soft affirmations to keep him grounded in the present and not fall into the memories. It was hard to see in the dark but when Jungkook let his hand trail over Taehyung's body he felt another one in the centre of his chest. It wasn't deep but the placement of it meant every time Taehyung breathed it would aggravate the area. 

Jungkook couldn't even begin to explore the psychological wounds that would surely drown Taehyung. "We need to clean these, Tae," Murmured Jungkook, grazing his arms meditatively. "Do you mind if I remove your shirt?" Taehyung barely managed a nod, shifting against the arms holding him safe so that the remains of his clothing could be removed. "Dae is going to use some salt water to clean them okay? I'm not going anywhere, but it's going to hurt."

The feverish distress in Taehyung's soul settled when he felt his brother's arms wrapping around him to steady his upper body whilst Jungkook held his waist to keep him upright. It felt embarrassing having two people hold him so tenderly - treating him like ceramic ready to shatter at the slightest shift. Maybe he was broken already, and they were just holding him together.

"Stay still Taehyungie. This is going to sting quite a bit." Taehyung clenched his jaw, which was painful in itself, but had to keep his eyes open for it was agonising to close them. Jungkook was gripping him tightly for comfort and security but it played no help, the moment Taehyung felt the water seep into his wounds he let out a distressed scream.

"Please... stop!" His teeth chattered as he spoke, the cool air seeping into his bones.

"Taehyung I can't. If you don't treat these soon, they'll get infected. Then you'll die no matter what happens." The mention of death sent the blonde boy to silence. As he turned to look towards where Sungjoon and Yugyeom were happily and casually talking. Like they hadn't just threatened to murder two people after a span of two hours.

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"What... do I do?" The now freezing boy uttered whilst Jungkook wrapped himself around him so they were inseparable. He was curled up in his love's lap, knees brought to his chest and back pressed to Jungkook's front. Every part of him was wrapped in the safety of the other's arms, lips never leaving his skin in a chastely sweet reminder that he was there. Taehyung knew what Jungkook was doing, trying to rewire his mind to not feel so agonised by the simplest touch. With Jungkook his mind never went there, certain in the belief that this boy would never hurt him.

"You'll do nothing but say the words Taehyung. Daehyun and I are going to work this out, okay?" The okay was more of a forced command than a question. His tone was stern, intense yet nurturing. "Good." Jungkook suddenly whistled behind him, getting the attention of Daehyun who had been setting up a way for them to keep track of the time.

"Don't whistle for my attention. I'm not a dog." Jungkook chuckled, shifting himself so he was sitting more comfortably. Keeping Taehyung in his arms.

"But you answered, no?" Daehyun shot the younger a glare. But didn't say anything. He sat down a few metres away. Just enough so that they weren't too close. But could still see each other.