"Jeon!" Taehyung called out, ran hastily after the boy with trembling legs, who only seemed more determined to get away once he came to realize he was still being pursued. "Jeongguk! Stop running, for fuck's sake!"

The boy panted as he sped up, something he realized had only proved to be a mistake the minute the tip of his shoe made contact with a sturdy rock, and next thing he knew he was plummeting down face first towards the cold concrete pavement.

Taehyung watched as the boy tripped and landed with a harsh thud on his arm, a shaky exhale leaving him as he caught up to him. "Fuck, Jeon, you alright?" He lowered his knees to the ground at his side, reaching to support Jeongguk below his arms to help him up.

"Don't touch me!" Jeongguk shrieked out, flicking the man's hand away in one panicked movement. Taehyung backed away, blinking back at him as he retreated both hands to his side.

"I'm sorry.." he whispered quietly, lips pressing together, attention focused solely on the boy seated upon the ground. The boy whose eyes began to accumulate tears, ones that slipped down his cheeks without much hesitation. Taehyung continued, "Why are you crying...? Did you hurt yourself?"

Jeongguk sniffled, reaching to wipe furiously at his eyes, cheeks flushed pink as he felt his embarrassment rise. To cry in front of the man he'd wanted to act brave in front of... He felt entirely pathetic.

"N-N-No, meanie. You did... You're the one who-..." He stopped himself and sobbed quietly, looked down at his thighs as he blindly reached his hand to his side to grab the bag that had fallen down with him.

Taehyung bit his lower lip, brows knitted together in concern. "Did he-..." He paused. "I mean, did I... Did I hurt you?" His face became serious, deep voice rumbling gently through the air between them. Jeongguk slowly raised his head at the sound to look at him, lips parting as a hiccup squeaked from his throat.

"You j-just left..." he said quietly. "You left m-me a-alone... Why? Did you have to go fuck Misun or-... Or some other woman? Is a guy not enough for you? Or do you just have fatherly responsibilities now and you don't have time for someone like me..?"

Taehyung sighed under his breath. "Jeongguk... I'm not the father to Misun's kid."

"I'm not stupid, Taehyung. I heard you guys talking."

"She was just telling me how she needed Bangtan's protection. The gang she's in can't offer it to her so she—"

"So now Misun's in a gang too? Who-.. who else is next, huh? Jimin? You're going to tell m-me Jimin's in a gang t-too and I didn't k-know this whole t-time? You talk s-so much shit, Taehyung."

"Jeon — "

"And y-you're so mean... You're s-so so m-m-mean to me and I-.. I n-never know w-why..." Another sniffle, voice becoming shakier. "W-What I did w-wrong or if you just hate me t-that much b-because —— "

Jeongguk was interrupted by large arms wrapping over his numb body, pulling him towards a warm chest. He blinked back the tears at bay and exhaled a soft gasp as Taehyung swaddled him into his embrace, Jeongguk's chin naturally resting itself over the man's broad shoulder. A gentle, mellow feeling began to collect at the base of his stomach, flooding his veins with a dose of calm.

He blinked repeatedly, lips parting open, airy breaths pushing past his teeth, heart clenched tightly because, damn it, being in these arms still felt like coming home. Like he was exactly where he was supposed to be. Like he was safe, as long as Taehyung held him in his snug embrace like this.

Jeongguk immediately quieted down, cheek resting beside the man's neck, eyes gradually falling shut, completely surrendering to Taehyung's hold on him.

"How could I possibly hate you, sweet boy...?" Taehyung's voice plunged shivers over his skin; Jeongguk could quickly feel goosebumps begin to rise on his arms. "Hm..?" he cooed, "My pretty baby... Don't say such things so carelessly like that to me. You'll really upset me."

A sniffle. Jeongguk fluttered his eyes back open and hummed quietly over the male's shoulder, heart rate beginning to come to a steady rhythm. This was all he ever really wanted—to be in Taehyung's arms again.

"I-I'm sorry.." he whispered, but Taehyung was quick to stop him before he could continue the words.

"No. I am." He rubbed the boy's back gently while reaching to kiss the tip of Jeongguk's ear. "I shouldn't have left. I'm really sorry, bun..."

Truthfully, Taehyung was unsure what he was even apologizing for. He had no way to tell what it was V had done to him, but feeling sorry towards the boy was something he genuinely wanted to convey to him. The thought alone gave a harsh tug at his heart, and so he had a strong urge to comfort the poor boy.

So he held him tighter; and Jeongguk gripped to Taehyung's jacket, holding him securely to ensure their embrace wouldn't break any time soon.

"Don't leave me again.." he whispered, voice small and timid. Taehyung lowered his head to place a kiss over Jeongguk's cheek this time, though he offered no reply to that.

Instead, he held onto the boy's waist and began to haul his body upwards to get him to stand. Jeongguk complied with the movement, though not without clinging closer to the man.

"You're hurt," Taehyung commented, grabbing the younger's hand and brushing his thumb over a scratched spot on his palm that had begun to bleed a little. Jeongguk looked down at the small wound he hadn't even taken notice of, and bit his lip.

"It's alright... It doesn't hurt," he mumbled, then watched as Taehyung sunk his head, stuck his tongue out and licked over the strip of blood that had emerged from the cut.

Jeongguk's cheeks flushed as Taehyung licked his lips and looked him directly in the eyes. "You sure you're alright?"

The boy gulped and slowly nodded his head, shyly retreating his hand back to his side.

"Good," he poked Jeongguk's soft cheek and grinned a smile that lasted only seconds before he was back to his usual, stagnant expression. "I have to go report a few things to Bangtan now, and... I assume you have class, yeah?"

Jeongguk furiously shook his head and grabbed hold of the man's jacket again. "No, not-... Not right now, so... If you're leaving, I'm going with you."

"Jeon — "

"I'm going with you," the boy repeated, a serious yet concurrently fragile look on his face. Taehyung gazed into his starry eyes and then looked away, a defeated sigh leaving his lips.

"Alright.." He finally caved in to that cute bunny gaze. "But you need to behave once we get there."

Jeongguk gave an obedient nod, a small smile forming at his lips. "Of course. I'll be good, I-... I promise."

※ ※

The boy followed Taehyung down a familiar underground staircase with his hands clasped over the man's arm. He soon came to a sudden realization that he'd walked this exact pathing with Hoseok and Jimin last night, but his head had been too dazed to really make anything of it.

"This is the..." He looked around, gaze settling to the familiar neon sign whose vibrancy seemed diminished under direct sunlight. "The place from the night we met..." He finished his sentence.

"Mm. So you remember," Taehyung said while guiding the boy down towards the entrance, unhooking Jeongguk's hand from his arm only to grab hold of it himself. As they approached the establishment, the two males could already begin to hear the booming vibrations of music coming from the multiple karaoke sessions that had to have been currently in session.

"Yeah, I..." he swallowed his saliva. "What are we doing back here?"

"You could say this is Bangtan's base of sorts. When we need to set up meetings and handle business, this place blends so perfectly into the city that no one would think to look for gang activity down here."

Jeongguk gave a short nod, looking around as they passed the narrow hallway, over the polished floor, and reached the familiar bar and front desk area. "That... actually makes a lot of sense." He gently released his hold on Taehyung's hand and watched the man walk up to the counter to greet Seokjin, who had seemingly been chatting with Yoongi.

"Ah. Good, you're both here," Taehyung took a seat over the stool and signaled for Jeongguk to sit beside him. The younger did just that while giving the two older men a timid smile.

"Hello..." He gave a small wave.

"Oh, it's Jeonggukie," Seokjin gave a welcoming smile, returning the boy's wave. "Good to see you again."

"Hi," Yoongi gave his short reply.

Jeongguk rested his hands over the counter and clasped them firmly, looking up as the three men then began a conversation he couldn't quite understand. Well, he knew it had to do with Bangtan matters, but all the gang talk didn't seem to register easily into his head. At one point, Taehyung cued a finger towards the back staff rooms and looked at Seokjin.

"Speaking of... I need to report an important matter to you, hyung," he spoke with a steady voice, then looked over at Yoongi. "Take care of Jeongguk for me a bit while we're gone, alright?"

Yoongi gave an unbothered nod, and the two Kims proceeded down the hall away from the main establishment for some more privacy.

"Well... what's so important that you need to say it all the way out here?" Seokjin was the first to speak up, hand digging inside the pocket of his trousers while the two reached the last door.

"Actually.." Taehyung bit his lip, "Before that, I... wanted to ask you something."

Seokjin's brow perked up. He pulled a set of keys and began to unlock the secure door. "No, Taehyung, for the millionth time I don't have a lighter."

Taehyung gave a scoff. "No, that's..." He paused. "Shit, actually... I did need one." The two stepped inside. "But no, no that's... not what I meant to ask."

"Then what is it?"

The door shut behind them. The empty room was set up as though some sort of a 'break' room for staff members to get changed or have lunch, but in reality it was mostly used by Bangtan members to store things or discuss gang related topics.

"It's about Jeongguk.." Taehyung looked away while he seated himself upon the small couch that laid pressed against the wall. "Do you have any idea what happened with him and V?"

Seokjin faced away from the younger, his attention now directed towards the coffee machine at the side table. "Ah... Well," he cleared his throat. "Yeah. V put the poor boy under subspace and left him like that to do lord knows what." He grabbed a cup. "Why, is Jeongguk clinging to you?"

Taehyung's eyes enlarged, a frown settling upon his face. "Fuck.." he muttered. "That's what that was."

"He's sensitive right now... Just give him attention and provide gentle physical touch. He should calm down from it soon. Probably a lot sooner if you're the one to do it, since Jimin hugging him all night yesterday didn't seem to completely rid him of those feelings. He feels very insecure about you."

Taehyung tapped his fingers over the top of the couch and sighed. There was a clacking noise of Seokjin preparing the machine for a cup of caffeine, the older male reaching for a second cup over the table.

"Coffee?"

Taehyung leaned back and gazed up at the ceiling. "No thanks."

And before either of them could add anything, there was a sudden knock at the door that had caused both males to turn and watch as the door swung open.

"Are we discussing shit over Acre?" Yoongi peeked his head through before allowing himself to come in, shutting the door behind him.

Taehyung huffed. "I thought I told you to stay with Jeongguk."

"A bartender staff clocked in and started some conversation with him over the topic of mint versus dark chocolate," Yoongi scowled. "I couldn't bear to hear that shit any longer. Besides, I'm a captain of Bangtan so I should be hearing this discussion instead. Whatever it is you guys are talking about, anyway."

The younger narrowed his eyes at his hyung, watching as the man plopped down on a seat across from him.

"Seokjin. Coffee please," Yoongi added.

"You got it," the eldest responded, then looked over his shoulder towards Taehyung. "When did you regain control anyway, Tae? Just today?"

"Yeah," Taehyung sighed again, reaching to rub at his temple. "Well actually V was fronting right before me. No idea what the fuck he was doing, but our morning started with Dot. I remember that, at least."

"Dot?" Yoongi rose a brow.

"He's the mute alter," Seokjin explained, while pouring the freshly brewed coffee over two cups. "I'm surprised he even fronted."

"Well, why haven't I ever met this Dot guy?" Yoongi crossed his arms, feigning annoyance with somewhat of an adoring pout on his lips.

"He's really shy around others," Taehyung blinked. "I suppose he was comfortable today since he saw Namjoon was there. I mean that man is practically my dad."

"Don't call him that," Yoongi chuckled. "If he's your dad then Yerin's your aunt."

Taehyung fell silent. "Oh...Gross."

"Exactly." Yoongi's smirk widened, and he turned to grab the cup of coffee Seokjin soon handed him, uttering a quiet 'thank you' before blowing over the hot beverage. "So why's his name Dot anyway?"

"Namjoon named him," Seokjin grinned, settling down beside Taehyung on the opposite side of the couch. "Since he doesn't talk verbally he said he reminds him of the 'dot, dot, dot' punctuation as in... When no one says anything."

Taehyung piped in. "That man was probably reading too many comics at the time."

"Dotie likes his name regardless."

"Uh huh."

"Hm. So he's the one who does sign language and shit, huh?" Yoongi looked over at Taehyung. "Then, uh, teach me a little Korean Sign Language sometime, yeah?"

Taehyung lifted one leg to place his ankle over his other thigh. "You're outta luck. I know zero KSL."

"What? Aren't you supposedly fluent?"

"Dot is. I, myself, don't know any sign language," Taehyung rubbed his finger over his bottom lip and watched as the other male's mouth formed an 'o' shape.

"Ah right... That's how that works.." Yoongi said under his breath before taking a leisurely sip of his coffee.

There was a silence in the room, and then Taehyung spoke up abruptly, his words having emerged seemingly from nowhere. "Oh right. Did you guys know? Misun's pregnant."

Both men nearly choked on their caffeinated drink, spilling the liquid back into the cup and turning to look at the youngest with wide eyes.

"I'm sorry, what?" Seokjin let out with a dropped jaw.

Taehyung clicked his tongue and chuckled softly at their comical reactions. "Yeah. She, um.. Requested Bangtan's protection." His eyes were on Yoongi again. "So I told her I'd recommend Yoongi for the job."

"Me?" The man raised his brow. "You want me to babysit a pregnant Misun? For fuck's sake, just being around her usual self is tiring enough."

Seokjin glanced between the two. "Uh, who the fuck is the father?"

"To be announced," Taehyung sucked on his teeth, then looked up when the other two said nothing and merely stared directly at him. "What?"

"It's you, isn't it."

"It's definitely Tae."

Taehyung scoffed. "It's not me."

"Who else would it be?"

"Some dude from Namida, maybe?" he groaned. "I don't fucking know, I mean, why do you assume it's a Bangtan member?"

Seokjin shrugged. "She spends a lot of time here."

"Then maybe it's you, hyung."

The eldest laughed loudly in squeaky chuckles. "Shit, that's funny," he wiped at his fake tears. "If only I was interested in pussy."

Yoongi narrowed his eyes at the older and lowered his cup to his lap. "Anyway, I suppose I can take on the job for now. We can't leave her on her own, after all."

Taehyung cracked a grin. "Awesome. I'll let her know soon."

※ ※

The three men strolled down the hall on their way back to Abyss' front lobby, the rowdiness of the neighboring rooms beginning to pump through the walls.

Taehyung turned quickly towards the bar area where he saw one of the bartenders behind the counter, a rather concerned look on his face. He followed the guy's line of sight to spot Jeongguk leaned over the table, slamming a glass cup while burping out something incoherent.

"What the fuck is..." Taehyung dashed forward, appearing by the boy's side and landing a gentle hand to his back. "Jeon? Are you alright?"

Jeongguk lifted his gaze to meet Taehyung's, a perky smile immediately forming on his lips. "H~Hyung! Hey, you're- you're back!" He reached his arms out and wrapped them over the older, pulling him into a hug.

"Jesus, what did you feed the kid?" Seokjin showed up behind the counter, pointing a finger accusingly at the bartender.

"Really, I only gave him a bottle of vodka since he insisted on pouring it himself, but... the poor thing didn't realize vodka shouldn't have the same portions as a glass of beer.." The man replied sheepishly. "I didn't think he'd be a lightweight either.."

"For fuck's sake.." Taehyung muttered, placing a hand over the younger's heated skin, which had only caused Jeongguk to giggle at the contact, his eyes drooping as an endearing smile formed on his lips.

"D-Daddy..." He dragged the word out, eyes sparkling up at the older. "You- You look sooo handsome again today..." He grasped onto Taehyung's jacket. "Can I-... Can you give me a kiss...?"

Taehyung's hands settled to the younger's shoulders, slightly amused that a drunk Jeongguk wasn't embarrassed to call him such a nickname out in public like this. Although he could almost feel the disgusted expressions on his hyungs' faces behind him.

"Baby, please..." He spoke gently, giving light rubs at the side of Jeongguk's neck. "You're drunk off your ass, so... let's get you home, yeah? Be good, darling. Okay? You told me you'd behave."

Jeongguk's brows lowered while he processed what the older had said, face contorting as a defensive pout formed at his lips.

"Whaaat? Whyy? I'm g-good... I'm a real good b-boy, right?" He slurred his words, looking around the room from Seokjin, towards the bartender and finally to Yoongi. His gaze then settled back to Taehyung, who was running his long fingers through his hair. He hiccuped, "Aren't I, d-daddy? I'm good." He grabbed onto Taehyung's shoulders again and stood from his seat, pushing the other backwards. Backwards, backwards, before slowly sinking to his knees, palm reaching to rest over the man's crotch area. "Yeah... I'm a good boy. I-I can even prove it right n-now, m-mhm... I'll suck you off real g-good, daddy."

There were startled gasps as everyone watched the drunken boy with sheer horror, in fear that he'd carry out inappropriate behavior in public. Naturally, Seokjin was quick to cut in on the scene, "— Tae, please stop him..!"

Taehyung stood there, lowered his head to look down at the boy who was on his knees for him, and glanced at said boy's hand that remained over his clothed groin. He thrusted his hips forward, letting his crotch press further into Jeongguk's palm. "Yeah, baby?" His deep voice rumbled past the air around them. "You'd be a good boy for daddy and take care of me just like that, hm? In front of everyone?" He said with an amused smirk, which had only riled up more anxiety into the ones watching them.

"Kim fucking Taehyung, I swear!" Seokjin shrieked from where he stood a few feet away. "Get that boy somewhere else now!"

Taehyung laughed loudly, his hand coming to grab Jeongguk's and clasp it firmly while he pried it away. "Relax, I was only joking." He lowered himself and grabbed hold of the boy's chin. "C'mon Jeon, get up now, hm?" He pecked Jeongguk's nose. "Can you get up for me?"

The younger stared at Taehyung with large doe eyes and gave a cute nod in silence. He made a clumsy attempt at standing back up and soon stabilized himself once the older helped him.

"Seokjin... can you take him home for me please?" Taehyung spoke, guiding Jeongguk's arm around his shoulder for support.

The younger quickly frowned. "What...? N-No, come... You come with me..."

Taehyung shook his head immediately. "No, darling."

"W-Why? I want you to take me home."

There was a long silence while Taehyung glanced at his two hyungs, the distinct sounds of mixing karaoke audio emitting from the rooms at a distance to cover the lull in the air. Eventually, Taehyung gave his answer.

"He can't-... Uhm, I can't know where you live, Jeongguk."

"But w-why not?"

"I just can't."

Jeongguk quickly moved to wrap his arms over Taehyung again, clinging to him in a hug. "If i-it's not you taking me, t-then I'm not going home."

Taehyung's gaze settled on Seokjin again, who was giving him a rather worried look. The eldest mouthed something silently, followed by some basic gestures, and Taehyung narrowed his eyes before letting off a quiet sigh.

"Alright.." he mumbled beside the boy's ear, hand coming to pat at his back. "Then is it alright if I take you to mine while you sober up?"

Jeongguk nodded furiously, face pressed against Taehyung's chest. The older chuckled softly at the cute sight.

"Okay, baby. Let's go, hm?"

✱