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"Doie!" Taeyong squeals when he opens the door, then launches himself at his boyfriend with all the enthusiasm of a toddler on a sugar high.
Doyoung has been out all day at a solo photoshoot, meaning they couldn't even text each other, and Taeyong wallowed in self-pity for seven whole hours while the other members kept out of his way. They all know better than to interrupt his angsty mood. But now his boyfriend is back home and Taeyong channels his excitement into a rushed kiss. Doyoung tastes sweet from his lip gloss, and the elder melts into the contact, head swimming in so many 'I love yous', and he soon has to pull away for a breather. The younger takes the opportunity to peck Taeyong's cheek.
"Hello, love." Doyoung finally closes the door, and removes his coat and shoes.
"Can we cuddle?" Taeyong asks, suddenly shy because Johnny saunters past and mocks a kiss with puckered lips.
"Go away, Johnny." Doyoung rolls his eyes, and the American smirks before continuing through into the kitchen. "Of course we can cuddle, Tae. But let me take off my makeup first."
"Don't you usually take it off at the photoshoot?" Taeyong's eyebrows crease into a confused frown. Soft, pink eyeshadow still decorates his boyfriend's eyes. It shimmers as Doyoung leans forward to embrace him, and from up close Taeyong can admire the delicate flicks of eyeliner.
"Yes, but I couldn't wait to come home and see you." Doyoung lets the older nuzzle into his neck, then takes a hold of his hand to guide him to his bedroom. Taeyong immediately buries his face in the sheets and inhales his boyfriend's scent whilst the other gets to work. He hears the bathroom lights click on, the gush of running water, and after too many slow minutes Doyoung reappears, now barefaced. Taeyong's heart leaps at the sight of his boyfriend's natural beauty. He's so lucky to have him.
"I think you look prettier without makeup. You don't need it." Taeyong compliments Doyoung as he wraps his arms around his torso. Doyoung kisses his forehead with a giggle.
"Really?" Taeyong nods fiercely. "Thank you, Tae, sweetheart."
They bask in each other's comfort for a while. The soft aroma of Doyoung's diffusers mix with his subtle perfume and relax Taeyong right through to the bones. The sound of other members clattering about fades to the distance as it barely break through their bubble of warmth. Such moments of tranquillity are always the highlight of any day. There's nothing better than dozing off in each other's arms after hours of dance practice or filming.
"Doie?" Taeyong's small voice suddenly speaks, and the younger hums to show he's listening. "Can we make another blanket fort?"
Doyoung's lips brighten to an enormous grin. He traces his fingers over Taeyong's back and uses his other hand to scratch at the nape of his neck.
"Yes, I would love to." He agrees easily. Taeyong claps his hands in excitement and sits up, startling Doyoung.
"Come on!"
They retrieve the two blankets from Doyoung's drawers, then find four more in Taeyong's wardrobe.
"Can we use your string lights?" Taeyong requests. He bats his eyelids, and Doyoung can't resist the sparkle of his pupils. He smiles with a fond shake of his head, but still unhooks the lights from his bedroom wall and winds them up to avoid any tangles.
The living room is plenty big enough for the task once they shift the coffee table to one side. After that, they just need to arrange the blankets in the same way as always, hooking some over the side of the clothes airer and then the sofa, attaching them with pegs and securing another in place using the table legs. Taeyong dashes out under the cascading purple blanket and disappears into his bedroom, returning swiftly with five pillows squeezed between his arms. He throws them down for Doyoung to rearrange over the floor, then he eagerly sets to work with the lights. He unwinds them all, but falters when he realises that he isn't sure how to hang them up.
"Would you like some help, love?" Doyoung takes the other end and chooses a corner to start from. Whilst he gathers the remaining pegs, Taeyong can only watch in wonder, eyes focussed on Doyoung's slender fingers and defined biceps and tiny waist.
Doyoung ducks out of the fort to plug in the cable and the bulbs light up with a click, but it's not until the younger turns off the main lights that Taeyong can appreciate the full effect. The gentle yellow glow illuminates the mound of blankets and tugs a gasp from his lips . Doyoung reappears inside, and Taeyong reaches out his arms in search of a cuddle.
"Thank you, Doie." He speaks with sincerity.
"The lights are beautiful, aren't they?"
"They're the final touch." Taeyong giggles. Doyoung taps his nose to tease.
"But not as beautiful as you." He replies with a cheeky grin. Taeyong bats him away, his cheeks pink and flustered by the sudden compliment. Doyoung's own face softens under the gentle lights.
"Shall I get my laptop so we can watch a movie?" Doyoung offers. While he's gone, Taeyong pouts and curls up to try to retain some warmth. Barely a minute passes, but it feels like an eternity after having spent the whole day alone already. His boyfriend wriggles back into position in Taeyong's arms, with not only his laptop but two hoodies and an extra blanket as well.
"You're so thoughtful, baby." Taeyong pulls the hoodie over his head, and when Doyoung looks back from the laptop he lets out a chuckle at a stray tuft of hair that pokes up. "What?" Taeyong's puzzlement elicits another laugh that exagerrates his pout, and Doyoung's laughter.
"Your hair looks funny." Doyoung smooths it back into place, before deciding to leave his hands tangled in his hair. The dark strands have regained their silkiness thanks to not being bleached for several months. Doyoung's fingers are tender and know exactly how to massage his scalp and where to stop to scratch a little, as though petting a kitten. Taeyong keens into the touch. He lets out a content sigh in time with the leaps of his heart. The blanket is wrapped around their bodies to provide extra comfort and the movie begins.
They breathe in unison, Taeyong resting on Doyoung's shoulders with the younger holding him tight. After a matter of minutes, their fingers intertwine as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Which, to them, it is. Physical intimacy, embraced by the most important person in their life, is absolute bliss. Time stops for this moment to last as long as possible.
"I love you." Taeyong utters as he ghosts his lips over Doyoung's neck. His words fade, snatched by the next sigh that escapes his lips, but they receive no reply. Seconds pass, so Taeyong looks up at his boyfriend. "Doie?"
The younger stares straight ahead. His blurry gaze seems to be directed at the blankets above the laptop. He blinks, and turns to look down at his boyfriend as though he only just snapped out of a deep daydream.
"Taeyong..." He breathes out, voice so quiet that even the air around them seems to lean in to make out the word.
"What's wrong?" Taeyong frowns. "You're worrying me." He nudges his head into Doyoung's shoulder.
The younger fumbles around his pocket. Taeyong's forehead creases in confusion.
"Nothing is wrong, sweetheart." He pecks Taeyong's forehead. "I love you, too. So fucking much." His voice catches in his throat and he has to look away to collect his emotions while Taeyong follows the turn of his head with rising concern.
"Doyoung-ah?" Taeyong's voice turns more serious. Doyoung takes a hold of his hand again and his brain almost short-circuits from panic. "Tell me what's wrong. Why are you about to cry?" He leans over to hit pause on the movie. It's only some cheesy romcom they've both seen countless times already and the silence tugs the blankets closer, the air thickening with tension. Doyoung is quick to shake his head.
"No, don't worry, Tae. Nothing is wrong. In fact, I feel amazing right now, here with you." Doyoung speaks, still quiet. "I'm just... gathering my thoughts." Taeyong bites his lips and squeezes his hand to wait for Doyoung to continue. He wants to blurt out his own thoughts and question what is troubling his boyfriend, but he holds it all back to respect the younger.
"Taeyong. I love you so much, do you hear me?" Taeyong nods, no hesitation needed. Doyoung takes a deep breath. "I don't know what I would do without you, honestly. You've brightened up my life so much. You've helped me countless times in this crazy journey called being an idol. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side." He opens his palm to reveal a gold ring embellished with a band of delicate jewels. It's now Taeyong's turn to fight back tears. He doesn't breathe as Doyoung slides it onto his finger. It's a perfect fit. The ring was made to hug Taeyong's finger.
"This ring is to show my commitment to you. To our relationship. And I promise," Doyoung wraps both of his hands around Taeyong's own, as though sealing the ring onto his boyfriend's finger. "I promise that, when I can, I will marry you Lee Taeyong." The younger finally looks into Taeyong's eyes, which are already spilling tears down his cheeks. Doyoung tries to wipe them away with a shaky thumb.
"Don't cry." He reassures. Taeyong lets out a sob.
"Doyoung..." He struggles to form a sentence through the emotions choking his throat and clouding his mind. "Yes. Yes. Yes!" He chants through the tears. "I love you, Doie." Doyoung embraces him into his chest and Taeyong can feel how the younger's shoulders relax in relief.
"I love you more, baby." Doyoung strokes the back of Taeyong's head until the elder pulls away. He examines the ring. The jewels glisten in the light and the shade of gold compliments the complexion of his skin. He vows to never take it off.
"It's so beautiful." He beams at Doyoung. "Thank you. Thank you so much. When it's allowed, we'll be the first couple the wedding bells ring for." Taeyong giggles between his sobs. His mind is so overwhelmed with adoration for his boyfriend.
Their lips unite to dance through the familiar routine, the ring shining brighter from all the love that seeps between their hearts.