As the car pulled up in front of a large, imposing building, Taehyung's breath began to pick up and his hands became sweaty; he heard Jeongguk get out of the car but his eyes stayed fixed on the revolving glass doors with golden handles gently spinning as people entered. An abundance of cars was pulling up, all shiny and sleek with chauffeurs scurrying around to open doors and each person stepped out clad in the finest clothing, dripping with diamonds and other expensive jewels. The woman wore the highest heels and had their arms wrapped around whichever burly man they were accompanying. Taehyung wondered just how many of these women had been hired and how many were wives rarely seen by the public.

He was dragged out of his thoughts when the door separating him from the outside swung open and the chauffeur was stood there patiently waiting for him to step out, he could see Jeongguk standing close by also waiting for him while he fixed his silver cuff links and buttoned his blazer. The silver gems adorning the jacket sparkled like stars against the black fabric, they clustered at the bottom and slowly dispersed as they rose. Taehyung timidly stepped out of the car, keeping his gaze trained on the floor to avoid making accidental eye contact with anyone.

Jeongguk coughed awkwardly, he extended his arm for Taehyung to take hesitantly. Taehyung wasn't surprised, he'd prepared himself to play along with the illusion Jeongguk created. The stripper held onto the other's thick bicep as they walked, conscious of the people staring at him like a piece of meat. Did they know who Jeongguk was? Or was it the low neckline Taehyung sported that attracted all that attention? Needless to say, Taehyung hated it. But there was a sad part of him that almost felt at home under the weighted gazes and he caught himself instinctively looking for the nearest pole and stage.

"Master Jeon!" A bright cheery voice carried through the air once the couple stepped into the grand ballroom, a large man with a slightly round stomach who stood a couple of inches shorter than Jeongguk and Taehyung, swaggered up to them, his cheeks were rosy from champagne and his lips stretched into an overly wide smile. His dark eyes blown wide and seemed to grow even further when he saw Taehyung,

"Good evening, Song," Jeongguk greeted respectfully but Taehyung could hear the restraint in his voice, this man wasn't a close friend, probably a mere business partner.

"It's always an honour to see you, Master Jeon, it's been a while," Jeongguk tensed slightly at the title but played it cool, keeping his voice stable and strong,

"You know how it is, always busy,"

The shorter man agreed and the two conversed some more allowing Taehyung to gaze around the room and take in the sheer beauty he was surrounded by. Lining the walls were round tables that could easily seat eight people covered in pearly white table clothes. In the middle of each table was a small vase with a collection of brightly coloured marigolds. The tables were accompanied by a few chairs all angled into the middle of the room, serving as a place for people to rest and converse.

On one side of the room was a giant tropical fish tank filled with fish of all different sizes and every colour you could think of, they swam leisurely between a multitude of various plants and fancy decorations unaffected by the festivities taking place. The space in the middle had been cleared to be used as a dance floor, men and women floated across the pale marble floor and through all the glittering dresses Taehyung could make out a bar at the back of the room; above the dancing was an intricate diamond-cut chandelier that glinted gorgeously in the warm lighting.

"I heard about what happened to Jwa, heard it was one hell of a masterpiece," Taehyung stalled, his vision became blurry and every sound was muffled. He could vaguely hear Song laughing and Jeongguk saying something before he saw the floor moving beneath him, there was a warmth on his back moving him along and Taehyung let it be, wanting to get far away from that name. 'Jwa', all it did was bring back the memories of blood and the horrid cries of pain. Something entered his field of vision blocking his view of the small details in the marble floor.

"V?" the voice was stifled under the blood rushing in his ears, he tried to focus on the voice calling to him and the warmth emanating from his shoulder but his mind was in a total frenzy. All he could see was the image of Jwa lying on his back in a puddle of blood; he could hear his screams so clearly, the blood-curling howl funnelling straight into his ear canal. He felt the warmth on his shoulder slowly move up and down, caressing the bare skin there. Eventually, he realised that the source of heat was Jeongguk's hand, large and slightly rough but still tender and gentle in the way it handled the stripper. ­­

Once he understood that, he started to notice other things like the wall now directly next to them and the hard linoleum of the dance floor had been replaced with dark red carpet. Taehyung felt the warmed metal of his necklace clutched tightly in his palm. He could also now see Jeongguk's dark eyes peering at him, they were full of worry for the older boy and blown wide in what closely looked like fear. Jeongguk's thin lips were moving and Taehyung was able to make out the words, "...okay, you're okay... I got you."

Not long after, Taehyung's clarity snapped back with full force. He shrugged off Jeongguk's hand carefully, hoping he wouldn't anger the young heir. Silence fell between them, both unsure of how to move forward. Taehyung inwardly berated himself for allowing Jeongguk close again,

"How are you feeling?" Jeongguk asked quietly, ducking his head a fraction so that he could look directly into the other's eyes despite there only being a couple of centimetres between them. Taehyung huffed,

"I'm fine," Taehyung knew that Jeongguk didn't believe him. However, he also recognised that if Jeongguk hadn't removed him from that situation and stayed with him until he calmed down, things could have turned out much worse. Jeongguk smiled encouragingly, his front teeth poking out slightly. An unwelcome wave of adoration hit Taehyung, he struggled to look away from the bunny-like expression, finding it too soft to belong on Jeongguk's face.

"I'm sorry, but we're going to have to go back in there," Taehyung looked around, not recognising the long corridor they stood within, it dawned on him that Jeongguk had escorted him away from the other attendees. He nodded at Jeongguk's words and allowed his feet to carry him back into the bright lights and fake smiles.

The pair made their way slowly around all the guests, Jeongguk politely greeting each person with a professional smile but not once did he stray far from Taehyung's side. The elder mostly kept quiet and only spoke when necessary, allowing Jeongguk to take the lead and steer the conversation. Although his jaw would twitch and his eyes darken whenever he caught one of the multiple pairs of eyes still staring at Taehyung.

~

Namjoon watched the pair carefully when they re-entered the ballroom. Noted the stress in Jeongguk's features and the lack of life in V's eyes. Seokjin was speaking beside him though neither paid much attention to what was said, more interested in the sudden shift in dynamic before them.

"Does Yoongi hyung know what happened between them? He was there last night," Namjoon interrupted Seokjin casually.

"He mentioned something about Jeongguk being an idiot and V reacting badly but refused to say any more," Seokjin sighed and placed his drink on the bar behind him. "I worry for them Joon, I love Guk and I've grown fond of V," a large hand settled on Namjoon's forearm.

"You shouldn't let people hear you speak so casually of Jeongguk,"

"No one's listening," Seokjin scoffed, gently tugging Namjoon away from the stool he perched on. Namjoon went easily, playing dumb to entertain the elder. "Come dance with me,"

"I don't dance,"

"You did once, on the night we met. I remember it well, you were drunk and depressed but oh so willing to let your hair down for me," Seokjin reminisced while trailing his fingertips over the muscle in Namjoon's arms. Namjoon chuckled but still planted his feet firmly, he would not dance.

"Jeongguk is becoming distracted, he's too focused on V," Namjoon mused, he brushed away another one of Seokjin's playful advances with a smile. It's a strange relationship he has with the elder but one he enjoys.

"He's twenty, let him live a little before he takes his father's place," Seokjin was quick to pick up the slight anxiety in Namjoon's words. He smiled and Namjoon took solace in the warmth it gifted him. Seokjin departed then, going off alone to dance and flirt.

~

It was just gone seven and a bright voice called to them from within the crowd, Jeongguk and Taehyung had just paused a conversation with Seokjin and Namjoon to get some drinks when a young male made his way towards them, he was shorter than the both of them yet held himself as if he was the tallest and strongest man in the room. His fiery red hair may have looked childish on someone else but on him, it enhanced the authority in his stance. A warm smile was stretched across his porcelain face which completely juxtaposed everything from the shoulders down. Taehyung felt as if he should be intimidated but could only register an overwhelming sense of welcome from the man.

For the first time since they had stepped back into the ballroom, Jeongguk stepped away from him. Much to Taehyung's surprise, he encircled his arms tightly around the other man's shoulders in a friendly hug. Jeongguk's features seemed to brighten when he pulled back; no longer looking stiff and professional as he had the whole night so far. "Jimin hyung!" Jeongguk exclaimed, Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, given name basis? This cheerful man must be another one of Jeongguk's trusted friends. "It's been too long, where have you been?"

"Me? I've been all over the country running errands for your father," Jimin responded cheerily, the way in which the two spoke was so familiar and comfortable. Even more so than when Jeongguk spoke with Seokjin, Namjoon or Yoongi. Taehyung moved closer to Jeongguk, feeling vulnerable without the close proximity still. "Oh? I see you've made a new friend Gukkie," Jimin eyed Taehyung although his eyes displayed neither hunger nor malice within them, only curiosity and friendliness. It shocked Taehyung that someone could look at him like that.

"Mm, this is V, I met him not too long ago and he's been living with me,"

"Oh really?" Jimin laughed raising an eyebrow incredulously and the pair burst into laughter. Taehyung could feel that there was a joke somewhere in the interaction, but he didn't have the context to pick up on it. "So, V, how's Jeonggukkie been treating you? Hmm?" Despite the sincerity in Jimin's words, Taehyung's heart picked up. His hands shook remembering all he's been through. Jeongguk stepped nearer, it reminded Taehyung who was in charge. There was no chance for him to be honest, could never speak ill of Jeongguk no matter how much he trusted the ears that listened.

"He's been very kind and welcoming, Sir," Taehyung answered with what he hoped was a calm voice and tilted his head out of respect. Jimin tapped his chin to make him look up, Taehyung resisted the urge to recoil at the unfamiliar touch, his body confused by the lack of sexual connotations behind it.

"You don't have to be so formal around me V, treat me as a friend," Jimin urged gently. Taehyung couldn't help himself when a smile crept onto his lips, it nearly hurt for it had been so long since he expressed joy. Deep down he knew that Jimin was just being nice and Taehyung shouldn't trust him but Taehyung was lonely. The only friend he had was Seokjin but now there was another. It had been a long time since he'd called anyone a friend let alone two. "And you don't have to lie to me either, I know Jeongguk can be a little shit at times," Jimin giggled but Taehyung froze up at the insult, fearing what Jeongguk's reaction be until he too sniggered although awkwardly.

As the three continued to talk Taehyung noticed Jimin repeatedly glancing somewhere over Taehyung's shoulder. Taehyung turned, peering through the people milling around and greeting each other over drinks. At the edge of the crowd, half-hidden in shadow, he spotted Yoongi stood alone. Jimin was sporting a slight flush once Taehyung turned back. Taehyung kept his questions close to his chest and let the conversation move forward until a loud voice cut through the air.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," A tall, well-built man stood on stage. There were faint lines etched into his face showing he had a good few years behind him despite looking so robust still. From where they stood Taehyung couldn't see his features in great detail, but no one could deny the striking resemblance between him and Jeongguk.

Taehyung quickly grasped who was stood on stage. Jeongguk's father. The man's dark eye's swept over the crowd before settling on Taehyung and Jeongguk, more specifically the sparse space between them. His face appeared kind, but his eyes were cold and calculating making Taehyung gulp and turn his gaze down. He shuffled restlessly, noticing that Jeongguk was unperturbed by the hard stare analysing them.

Suddenly, Taehyung heard hands clapping all around him; he'd been so focused on avoiding eye contact with Jeongguk's father that he'd entirely missed what he said. Taehyung stood there wide-eyed and lost until Jimin whispered in his ear that food was about to be served.

He'd expected Jimin to sit with them seeing how close he was to Jeongguk, and so was surprised when he moved away towards a table in the middle of the elegant dining hall they entered. Jeongguk leads him through the tables covered in pure white satin, laid with sparkling golden cutlery and crystal glasses polished so intensely Taehyung's clear reflection stared back at him. They approached a long table with five beautifully carved chairs, unlike the rest of the tables; they had plush maroon cushioning that looked fit for a king.

~

Jeongguk chuckled when he heard V sigh in relief once he sat down; he's not surprised for how long the day had been for them both, more so for V. Seeing V in such a state of panic earlier frightened him and was something he desperately wanted to avoid in the future. The snake of guilt had reared its head once more as Jeongguk tried to calm V, unable to offer much support after his actions the previous night. The dancer came into Jeongguk's life damaged and so far, the heir had only succeeded in breaking him further. He noticed how V stayed close the rest of the evening and had been more than happy to protect him and keep V out of the spotlight as much as he could with all the lustrous eyes glued to him. A part of Jeongguk enjoyed V's dependency on him, though he would never admit that out loud. Jeongguk had greatly appreciated the presence of Namjoon, Seokjin and Jimin who he knew would step in and help V should he ever not be by his side, even Yoongi staying on the edge of the room and refusing to mingle gave him some peace of mind. It was also something for V to enjoy, these were men he trusted with his life and he hoped one day that V would do the same, he knew that V needed people other than himself in his life but in this world of guns, drugs, sex and violence friends were hard to come by. However, Jeongguk saw how quickly Jimin had coaxed a smile from V which prompted him to discreetly ask Jimin to train V in self-defence. Any other man wouldn't be allowed to dream of such a task, to be alone in a room with V in such an intimate setting required an immense amount of trust.

As everyone took their seats Jeongguk spotted Song sitting at one of the closest tables, he'd strategically placed his chair so that he had a direct view of the head table. To innocent eyes, they would see this as a sign of respect towards his superiors. but Jeongguk knew where his eyes were trained. Jeongguk's jaw ticked and he swung his right arm over the back of V's chair possessively. He watched Song intently until the man's eyes slid to his own, the pair stared at each other until Song smiled and tipped his head before talking with those sat with him. Satisfied, Jeongguk sat back but his arm remained wrapped around V's chair as a sign to anyone else who dared stare at what was his.

Eventually, the food was brought out on large golden platters and the room settled into quiet conversations whilst they ate. Jeongguk watched V nervously push his food around with his fork, raising small bites to his mouth now and then, "Why aren't you eating?" he spoke lowly,

"I am," V fired back without making eye contact, Jeongguk didn't reply but kept his gaze on the side of V's face until the other sighed and turned towards him. "I shouldn't be sat here, everyone is staring at me," Jeongguk barely resisted the strange urge to brush his knuckles across V's cheekbone.

"They're staring because you're beautiful," he responded carefully,

"They're staring because I'm a stri- "

"They don't know who you are and it's going to stay that way, you're safe with me V," V gulped but didn't respond. "Eat up, you haven't eaten since lunch and that was hours ago, we've still got a long night ahead of us," V turned back to his food and began scooping it into his mouth.

Halfway through dessert Jeongguk's father stood up, it was a simple action that carried no dramatics but an immediate hush blanketed the room and all heads turned to him,

"I think it's safe to say tonight has been a success so far, I hope my son has enjoyed his birthday," V choked on his saliva, Jeongguk chuckled when he turned to him with wide eyes. Jeongguk simply rubbed his shoulder and turned back to his father who was congratulating him and hoping for a wonderful year to come – the usual. His father sat down indicating Jeongguk's turn to speak, he stood tall and surveyed the room before speaking, his friends were all smiling warmly at him and some of the women stared hungrily at his body but most looked at him with reserved respect.

He caught Song staring at V again but he couldn't do anything when everyone was expecting him to give a speech. Jeongguk found speeches pointless if they didn't have an end goal, he thought they were especially pointless in situations when he was supposed to be the one receiving all the praise.

~

The night was coming to a close, finally, guests began to filter out through the doorway and back into their flashy cars. Song was one of the last people to leave but not before approaching Jeongguk and deliberately standing as close to V as possible when they spoke. Jeongguk sent V over towards Namjoon who stood near the bar at the first available opportunity. Not so kindly, Jeongguk reminded Song who V belonged to before moving away as well.

He let his shoulders sag and smile drop as soon as the very last guest left the room, he needed to get home and sleep. Tomorrow he was going to visit his mother since she declined the invitation to the party just as she had every year prior. His mother was a very private woman with little patience and so detested small talk with people that held no use to her. The young man had been considering bringing V along and was still undecided but that could wait. He quickly guided V outside and into the back of his Maybach. Jeongguk noticed V fiddling with his hands and being generally fidgety, "You can relax now, there's no one watching," he reassured, V gave a tight-lipped smile and turned to stare out at the city lights rushing past them.