Archive of Our Own ^beta

29 January 2018

When Jeongguk wakes up again, his head feels heavy and his body ache-y, but not as much as when he fell asleep. Taehyung is by his side, already awake and holding his hand. 

He smiles, small, as his thumb swipes over Jeongguk’s hand, gentle. “Hey,” he whispers, “My love. How are you feeling?”

There's worry in his eyes, an edge of anxiety, even if his tone is even. It makes Jeongguk’s heart clench. He swallows before replying, hoping his voice won’t come out too low or too rough. 

“I'm fine,” he says. “Good.” Luckily, he sounds normal, maybe just a little sleepy.

Taehyung's eyebrows furrow and Jeongguk reads the scepticism in his gaze. “You're in a hospital bed, Guk. That's not fine, not good , in my books. Tell me how you're really feeling.”

“I’m still here just for precaution, no? Nothing hurts, really. I'm okay.”

Taehyung insists. “No pain? Anywhere? How's your head? How’s the rest? Can you breathe okay?”  

He’s gone in over-worried mode, and Jeongguk wishes he could lie to him, to reassure him, calm him. But he can’t. He doesn’t lie to Taehyung, and even if he did, Taehyung would probably read right through him. He minimises. “No pain, not really. My head feels a little heavy, and everything feels a little sore… Like when I workout too much, but I’m fine breathing and not… confused. I feel fine.”

Taehyung's lips are pressed together, eyes scrutinising. 

“I'm fine, Tae, promise.”

“Mmh. No headache?”

“No.”

“You let me know if anything changes, okay? It would be quite normal for you to get a headache still.”

Jeongguk smiles. “I will.” 

He hates to know he worried Taehyung. He can imagine it a little too well. If Taehyung felt even half as distressed as Jeongguk did when he found him devastated and drunk over a toilet bowl, then he hurt a lot. Jeongguk’s emotions that night had reached new heights. He’d never felt as terrified and useless, as broken-hearted as that night. He hates that by the look in his eyes he can tell Taehyung didn’t fare much better. He still isn't okay and probably won’t be until Jeongguk is officially out of the woods. He understands, but he hates that it's because of him.

“Baby,” Jeongguk murmurs. He will distract Taehyung from his thoughts. “Since I'm okay and all... Kiss me?”

Taehyung’s brows distend, and his eyes fill with warmth. He smiles wide. “I know what you’re doing.”

“Pleeease.”

“Just one,” Taehyung speaks softly, leaning forward. 

He connects their lips. It's just a small peck, a tiny pressure on his mouth. Jeongguk wants more and he voices as much.

“You need to eat something, my love. And rest.”

“Please. One more.”

“Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk has no intention of backing down. “Taehyung.”

Taehyung sighs, but gives in.

The second kiss is deeper. Taehyung’s plush lips mould around his, soft and warm and sweet, opening him up and tracing the shape of his mouth. 

It's over way too soon, but Taehyung speaks before Jeongguk can protest.

“Food and rest now.” Taehyung leans back and turns to the bedside table next to Jeongguk’s bed. “First, drink,” he orders, thrusting a glass of water to Jeongguk's mouth. His other arm comes to rest on Jeongguk’s back, moving the pillow below him and guiding him into a sitting position.

Jeongguk gulps down the water. 

“This too.” Taehyung produces another glass. “It's Wiggenweld Potion. It’ll strengthen you and make you feel less tired.”

It’s blue-green, and doesn’t smell appetising, but Jeongguk drinks it obediently. Then, he waits while Taehyung calls the Medinurse and food is brought to him. Under Taehyung’s focused gaze, he makes a show of eating everything. He's genuinely hungry and the food is tasty, so it's easy.

“Are you still hungry?” Taehyung asks, moving away the tray and the dishes with a flick of his wand. 

“No, I'm good.”

“Tired?”

“Not really, not yet,” Jeongguk assures him. “Please take a break, Tae. Go get some food.”

Taehyung looks offended at the suggestion. “I'm not going anywhere.”

“You've been here since I woke up.” Actually, if he had to, Jeongguk would bet Taehyung hasn't moved all night. 

“It's not even been an hour, Jeongguk,” he replies, serious. “They're going to come check on you soon, anyway. I'm not leaving.” 

Jeongguk doesn't get a chance to argue back, because the door opens, and Healers Collins and Jenkins come in.

He lets himself be checked over and answers all their questions carefully. They do a thorough job of assessing each part of him that was injured or broken in the fall, touching with their hands and pressing with their wands, moving his limbs and stretching them. As they go, they walk him through each step.  

Throughout the examination, they barely acknowledge Taehyung’s presence, who stands in one corner of the room, arms crossed and posture stiff. He looks annoyed, and the more the Healers touch, the more his eyes fill with dark shadows. Jeongguk doesn't like it.

He was too exhausted the night before to ask for more details on the accident or the pain. Now, he grasps the extent of the risk he ran. The damage the fall did to his body was a lot, but it could have been much worse. He could've not made it out at all. He did, though. There's no point focusing on what could have been now. 

So he smiles, in an effort to look serene for Taehyung and wipe away the worry he reads on his face. When the Healers tell him that he looks good and confirm that he is doing fine, he bows his head and smiles bigger. 

The Healers say that they will keep him under observation for another two days, but if there are no complications, he will be discharged. They order three weeks of rest, no training or flying allowed, and promise that they’ll be back for a check up later. When Taehyung echoes Jeongguk and thanks them, they leave with a curt nod.

Once the door closes, Taehyung moves back to his spot and reaches forward to card a hand through Jeongguk’s hair. He drags down, brushing it against his cheek, then leaves it there, thumb caressing his cheekbone in slow strokes. 

“Tae.” Jeongguk raises his palm, offering it. “What's wrong?”

Taehyung intertwines their fingers. “Nothing's wrong, my love. Well–” he scowls at the bed– “Nothing's wrong with me.”

Jeongguk wants to roll his eyes at that. “I meant with them… Don't you like them?”

Taehyung puffs out a laugh. “They don't like me.”

That's difficult to believe. Everyone likes Taehyung, everyone. Rightly so, because Taehyung is nice, and polite, and kind, and gorgeous. Good at his job. One of the youngest Vice-Heads of wings in St. Mungo's history. It doesn't make sense that Healers of his own hospital would dislike him.

“How is that possible, Tae?”

Taehyung licks over his lips, eyes on his moving thumb. “I may have not followed protocol very well yesterday… Or now.”

“What do you mean?”

“We have rules… That I didn't follow. And I was rude.”

Jeongguk's eyebrows rise. “How?”

“It doesn't matter, my love. They adore you, and they're very good, so I know you're going to be looked after well.”

Jeongguk hesitates for a second, then decides to let it go. He has other questions to ask. “When is your next shift? Shouldn't you be getting some rest before?”

“Why are you worrying about me? Worry about yourself.” Taehyung shakes his head, eyes narrowing. “I'm not working for the next few weeks.”

“Why?”

Taehyung leans closer still. The hand that's not connected to Jeongguk's sinks into his hair. He plays with it, tangling it around his fingers and massaging his scalp. “I'm not going back until you're back at work too.”

Jeongguk is astonished. “What? You can't do that, Tae.”

“I can.” Taehyung's eyes are soft. They never leave him. “I did.”

“Taehyung, I'm fine.”

“You very nearly weren't, Jeongguk. I'm taking leave. I already have.”

Jeongguk understands. He can imagine the worry Taehyung must have felt, but this is ridiculous. Jeongguk's fine now, and Taehyung can go back to his routine. “You don't have to though. I'm fine, I'll be fine, you don't need to take tim–”

“I do.”

Jeongguk shifts and sits up, so he can level him with a stare and a serious conversation. “Tae, it’s totally unnecessary.”

Taehyung straightens too, and the hand in Jeongguk’s hair drops to the sheets. “You can fight me all you want, but I'm not going to budge. I've already given my notice.”

“But what ab–”

“Whatever it is you're about to say… It doesn't matter. I'm allowed to take personal leave, for personal matters. It's already been decided. MB has been notified and my patients are in good hands.”

“This is so unnecessary.”

Taehyung chuckles. “Agree to disagree, then.”

Jeongguk stares, examining his face, looking for signs of weakness. He wants to argue more but can tell Taehyung won't hear reason. After a second, he gives up. He huffs and settles back down. Taehyung’s hand is back in his hair immediately. 

Jeongguk moves on to his next question. He wants to know what happened after he was brought in. Unexpectedly, Taehyung blushes. For the first time since Jeongguk woke up, he looks away from him, down to bed covers, bottom lip between his teeth. He sighs loud before filling him in.

He recounts everything he knows, about the accident and its aftermaths, and tells him that there’ll be visitors. Their friends want to come to see him today, as do Manager Klopen, Gamil and Hoseok. 

He blushes again at the mention of his Manager and teammates, then confesses. “I think I fucked up, Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk finds it funny. He struggles to keep his laugh in as he hears the story.

“Don't laugh! I'm pretty sure I outed us! I'm sure Klopen has figured it out… The way he was looking at me…” Taehyung drops his forehead on Jeongguk’s thighs, hands hiding the sides of his face. “I gave us away.”

Jeongguk couldn’t care less. He's been playing with most of his teammates for two years now. He’s learnt to trust them, knows that he can. No matter how many articles have come out and how much they've teased him, they never talk to the press. They’re all protective of each other. 

He pries Taehyung’s hands from his face and links their fingers. “It was bound to happen, Tae. Maybe now they'll finally leave me alone about all the sleeping around dragonshit.”"

“I'm sorry, Guk.” Taehyung speaks against his leg. He squishes his cheek against the covers, peeking up at him with wide eyes.

He makes Jeongguk feel some type of way. Makes him wish they were anywhere else, alone, so he could kiss that look off his face. “Don't be, please.”

It takes a little more reassurance to get rid of the guilt in Taehyung’s eyes.

They spend the morning in pretty much the same position. Taehyung’s attention barely leaves him, hands and eyes on him. The only time he looks away and stops touching him, is when he's forcing him to drink. They talk a little, Jeongguk naps a lot. 

When he wakes in the early afternoon, he finds a pile of letters and a few packages on the bedside table. There are letters from Quidditch friends and acquaintances, teammates and members of the Falcons' secretariat and management offices. One letter is from his parents. They write that they heard about the accident, are worried and hope he's okay. They ask if there were any serious consequences and if he needs them to come over from Korea. 

A few are from their friends. One from Seokjin and one from Namjoon. Both are sweet and kind,  promising to come and visit him, bring him treats and entertainment, keep him company. The letters arrive with small boxes of chocolate and candy. The fact that Seokjin doesn’t joke once in the entire parchment gives Jeongguk another good indication of just how worried he had them all. 

Another letter is signed ‘Jimin and Yoongi’, who promise to come by in the evening with some clothes for Taehyung and some games and books for Jeongguk. Expectedly, one is from Hoseok. He writes what Taehyung already told him: he’s going to visit with Gamil and Manager Klopen and bring him flowers.

Taehyung comments that if all their friends are going to show up with stuff, then Jeongguk won't have space in the room left to breathe. He says it with a sigh, but his voice is fond. Jeongguk is grateful for all of them. 

“I’ll leave the room when they arrive,” Taehyung comments with a nod to Hoseok’s letter. He looks at it with apprehension.

His expression makes Jeongguk smile. He wishes he had witnessed Taehyung getting shy and flustered, giving up more information than he'd wanted to.

Taehyung is never shy. 

“You should stay, Tae, if you'd like. It’ll be fine.”

Taehyung shakes his head. “No, have your time with them, my love. I'll just be around the wing.”

⇜ ⇝

Hoseok makes sure he's walking several steps ahead of Gamil and Manager Klopen when they turn the corridor. He makes sure he's the first one to reach the room so he can knock. He makes sure he's the first to enter, too.

It's not that he thinks there's an actual risk of stumbling into something truly inappropriate. This is a hospital after all–Taehyung's hospital!–and Jeongguk is recovering, and Hoseok did send a warning. But Hoseok knows his friends, knows them well. If they're in the same room, they're touching. It’s a given, which means it’s more than likely he’ll walk in on them kissing, or to find Taehyung asleep across Jeongguk’s bed. It’s just better if he gets to go in first, and, if needed, create a distraction.

He knocks once, bangs the door against the wall and saunters in with a loud, “Hello!”

Jeongguk is sitting up in the hospital bed, Taehyung in a chair next to it. They both stare at him. 

In a few seconds, Hoseok makes an assessment. Jeongguk looks normal, which is a relief. Taehyung looks angry. Their hands are linked, on the bed.

“Hobi,” Taehyung chides. Definitely displeased. “No loud noises. It's a hospital, people are healing. Jeongguk is recovering.”

Hoseok wonders whether he realises he is using the nickname again, or if he doesn't care, or if he thinks Hoseok came alone.

He doesn't get to tease him about it, because Manager Klopen and Gamil walk in. Hoseok wonders if they'll also notice the entwined fingers. “Sorry, Healer Kim,” he emphasises the title. “I brought flowers.”

Taehyung ignores him, attention back on Jeongguk. He stands from the chair he was sitting on and lets go of Jeongguk’s hand. "If you need anything, I'm just wandering outside. I might go grab some food upstairs. Summon me.” 

His tone is gentle, but the words are an order. Jeongguk nods with a small smile. His lips move too, but Hoseok can’t hear nor read what he’s saying.  

Taehyung keeps his eyes on Jeongguk for a second more, as if he's thinking something over, then turns to face the visitors. “Manager Klopen, Mr Gamil, it’s nice to see you again,” he acknowledges with a small nod. “I'd be happy to call Healer Collins or Healer Jenkins for you, if you have any questions.”

Manager Klopen's smirk is tucked into the corner of his mouth. It's small, but it's there.  “Healer Kim. I can't say I'm surprised to find you here.”

Taehyung’s cheeks pinken, and he licks his lips. “Yeah, well…” He concedes with a small gesture of his hand, moving away from the bed.

“Before you leave… What’s your assessment?”

Taehyung glances at Jeongguk. “He’s okay. Tiredness and soreness are as is to be expected in these situations, and there are no new symptoms. Healers Jenkins and Collins want to keep him under observation for two more days, then he’ll be discharged and on mandatory rest for three weeks, depending on progress.” He’s giving them a run down, professional and to the point, but Hoseok knows him well enough to hear the distress in his voice. “They said training can recommence then. I’ll ask for them to drop by, I’m sure they’d want to, so you can discuss with them. I’m not the most qualified person for this type of accident.” 

“That’s alright, thanks. They sent a short update early this morning, and we’ve asked to talk later. Our Mediwizards want to discuss recovery steps with them. I wanted your assessment.” 

Taehyung pauses, looking uncertain. “They’re the best he could have,” he says after a few seconds. “Jeongguk is okay. It seems no physical trace will remain of the injury–” His eyes fill with a hardness that’s very unlike him, any traces of his previous embarrassment gone– “But, he could’ve not been, and then not even Merlin could’ve done anything. He was damn lucky, and we can all be grateful.” 

Manager Klopen thanks him with a nod, and Taehyung excuses himself, closing the door behind him. 

“He’s nicer usually,” Hoseok comments. He’s amused by the attitude, though he shares every bit of the sentiment.

Jeongguk snorts. The sound is familiar and welcome.

Hoseok drops the flowers on the small table in the corner of the room and sits on the edge of Jeongguk’s bed, to give him a proper once-over. Jeongguk looks tired and fragile, propped as he is against the hospital pillows, but there are no other signs of the accident. 

Relief washes over him again. He’s been trying to block the fall out of his mind and not think of the ‘what ifs’. He’s not been very successful. The night before, every time he tried to close his eyes to sleep, the image of Jeongguk plummeting to the ground assaulted him. Seeing Jeongguk alive, conscious and normal-looking eases his mind and heart.

“Kinda fucked me up there, Guk. Big fall. Scared the soul out of me. Of all of us.”

Jeongguk smiles. “Wasn't really my plan. Had better plans for my day than being stuck here.” He pauses, sighs. “I’m sorry though… About worrying you all.”

Hoseok leans forward to squeeze his shoulders. “Don’t even think it, not your fault.”

“Yeah, Jeon.” Gamil takes a few steps towards the bed. “We’re just glad you’re alive. Was not looking good for a minute. How’re you doin’?”

“I was lucky. I’m fine.”

Before either Hoseok or Gamil can agree, Manager Klopen intervenes. “Lucky doesn’t begin to describe it, Jeon. The Muggles say ‘miracle’ and that’s what it was.” He moves closer too. “The team all wanted to be here, but we thought it’s best to leave the reunion for when you’ll be home. They send their best wishes and want you to know they’ll be sending some stuff over and to your place, to keep you entertained.”

Jeongguk thanks him. He’s smiling kindly, but there’s amusement in his eyes that Hoseok can't place.

“Any questions, before I update you on what the club is doing and thinking?”

“Can you explain what happened? How? And what this mean for the team? I can’t remember anything after seeing the Snitch. Taehyung said the game was stopped and will need to be played again?”

Manager Klopen sighs, a hand dragging over his face and cupping his chin. “We’re not quite sure what happened, most of the team was looking at you. From the pitch we couldn’t see the Snitch, but with the way you were flying it was obvious you were chasing it. For a second it looked like you had it, a second after you were going down. Most of us didn’t see her coming, so we’re not sure yet to what extent it was intentional. The League will evaluate now.” He slips the hand in one of his trousers' pockets. “We’ll only replay it if they decide she wasn’t acting with malicious intentions. If they find she was playing dangerously on purpose and purposely risked your life, then we’ll automatically win the game.”

Jeongguk nods. “Okay. Please keep me updated.”

“Of course,” Gamil assures. 

“If we get the approval from your Healers and our mediwizards, we’ll send reports of the trainings and games, and assessment of tactics and predictions. I would like to keep you informed, to be prepared for when you’re cleared to come back.”

“Thanks.”

“Great.” Manager Klopen points at the chair. “Can I sit?”

Hoseok wants to laugh at his Manager’s antics. This buff, gruff man, who tolerates no dragonshit in his lockerroom and has no patience for nonsense, asking demurely for permission to sit in a small hospital chair because it took him less than a second to pick up on the fact that that chair has been claimed by someone who’s going to be possessive about it.

Jeongguk nods.

Manager Klopen walks around the bed and moves the chair back before sitting on it, so it’s no longer plastered to the bed. “The management and training teams are taking care of the League and the Wasps, together with the legal team.” He leans forward, arms on his knees. “Cirris will take your place in the games until you’re back. The press staff is dealing with reporters and the likes. Do you have anything you’d like them to say on your behalf?”

“No.”

“Okay,” Manager Klopen nods. “That leaves you. Cirris will take your place while you’re recovering, but we’ll want you back playing as soon as you’re given the go ahead. We want you to recover properly though, and take the time you need. If it’s three weeks, it’s three weeks. If it’s more, it’s more. We won’t be taking any risks, and we’ll give you our full support. The club and team want you to know that they are fully behind you and ready to help with whatever you may need.” He presses the tips of his fingers together. “We’ll discuss recovery, physical and mental, with your Healers and follow their suggestions. Savić will get someone to follow you with some physical therapy, everyday from when you’re considered ready to start moving again. They’ll ease you into training too, when it’s time. He also wants to discuss with the Healers finding a Medinurse to help you during the day, at least at the begin–”

“A Medinurse?” Jeongguk cuts him off.

“Yes, someone that can be on hand, with you, help out, and react fast if you start feelin–”

“I don’t need a Medinurse.”

Manager Klopen presses his palms together, then opens them as if to plead. “I know it must seem invasive, and I know you value your privacy, Jeon,” he tries to argue, “but we’d find the right wizard or witch, so you can be com–”

“Yes, it’d be invasive. I probably wouldn't want one in any case, but that’s not what I meant,” Jeongguk interrupts again. He hesitates a split second, then continues. “I don’t need one. I have that support already.”

Manager Klopen stares at him. It’s clear that he doesn’t understand.

Jeongguk glances at Hoseok. Hoseok shrugs and raises his eyebrows, a little unsure and a lot amused. 

“I live with a Healer, Coach,” Jeongguk says, resigned.

Understanding dawns on Manager Klopen’s face, and the knowing smile reappears in the corner of his mouth. “I see.”

Hoseok wonders how much he truly sees. Especially considering all the gossip in the papers.

Jeongguk doesn’t give him more detail.

“He's not specialised in Quidditch and sporting injuries, though.”

Jeongguk's eyes take on a fiery glint. “He's one of the youngest Vice-Heads in St. Mungo's. He's more than qualified.”

“Okay… Though, I think Savić was thinking of somebody that could be there at all times. If h–”

“He's taken leave from work until I'm back on the pitch,” Jeongguk responds. He says it as if it pains him.

Hoseok isn't surprised by the news. Even though it's Jeongguk that's more openly protective of Taehyung, Taehyung is just as fierce about it. 

If Manager Klopen finds it surprising, he doesn't show it. “I think that's an ideal situation then. And the club will be satisfied that you're in good hands.”

Jeongguk shifts on the bed, sitting up straighter. Hoseok instinctevely leans forward in case he needs support and to adjusts the pillows behind him. 

Jeongguk thanks him. He turns to the Manager. “I don't want–" He pauses, then rephrases. “I would prefer if my living situation… If it wasn't made public or discussed too openly in the club.”

He says everything and nothing at all, but Manager Klopen seems to understand. “It can stay between us and Savić, and we can share a broad update for the press team to use for requests for comment." 

“The team will have questions, though,” Gamil interjects. “And I don't think they should be lied to, they don't deserve it. They care for you, Jeon, and it wouldn't be fair.”

“That's not what I was suggesting. I– We don’t mind if the team knows… The details… They should, of course. They've met him already… So they can know and make their own…” 

“Assumptions?” Hoseok supplies. He finds it funny, how they're talking about Taehyung without ever saying his name. 

“Yeah.”

Gamil agrees to that with a smirk.

“Do you think he'll be okay to talk to Savić too, after we meet with Healers Collins and Jenkins? I’d like them to meet, think it’d be good.”

“Just let me give him a heads up.”

“Okay.”

“Let us know if there is anything else we can do. This is not going to be easy, for you or us." Manager Klopen stands up. 

“Thank you.”

“The team would like to come visit you, once you're back home and completely rested,” Gamil says. “Would that be okay?”

“Yeah.” Jeongguk smiles. “Assumptions are free to be made.”

That gets a snort from Hoseok and a chuckle from Gamil and Manager Klopen.

“I'll leave Gamil and Jung here with you, while I go meet Savić and find the Healers.” Manager Klopen walks around the bed and towards the door. “Can you talk to your Healer?”

Hoseok can tell that Jeongguk is battling embarrassment at that, but he's good at hiding it. It doesn't show on his cheeks when he nods.

Your Healer . 

It's spot on, Hoseok thinks.  

⇜ ⇝

Gamil and Hoseok haven't been gone ten minutes when Taehyung reappears. The moment he walks in, Jeongguk can tell he's been crying. 

“Tae?” He sits up, alarmed.

Taehyung shakes his head. He walks around the bed to sit in the chair and throw his arms around Jeongguk’s middle. He buries his face in the covers pooling in his lap and breathes in harshly. 

When Jeongguk touches his shoulders, he can feel him tremble. “Tae. Tae, baby, what happened?” He's starting to worry. 

Taehyung shakes his head in the sheets one more time. It takes a few more seconds of Jeongguk stroking his back before he finally lifts his head enough to meet Jeongguk’s eyes. There are tears on his eyelashes. 

“Tae,” Jeongguk tries again. His chest is starting to hurt.

Taehyung straightens a little. “Sorry, sorry. I shouldn't be the one crying. I– Just– I saw the fall, Jeongguk. It's the worst thing I've ever seen.” He raises his hands to press them against Jeongguk’s cheeks and bring them closer. “I love you, I love you,” he rushes out, breathless and urgent. “I love you so much.”

The declaration is nothing new, but it's sudden, and it's desperate. It hits Jeongguk straight to the heart, making it clench, then grow. 

“Tae,” he repeats. 

“You have no idea.” Taehyung settles on the bed, scooting up close. Not once does he let go of his hold on Jeongguk’s face. Without warning, he leans forward and presses their mouths together.

Jeongguk breathes into the kiss, relishing the contact, the warmth, the emotion Taehyung is giving him. It's over too soon, but at least Taehyung doesn't move far. He drops his hands on the bed to find Jeongguk’s and intertwine their fingers. 

“It's going to be a struggle to let you play ever again.” 

“Was it that bad?”

“Yeah,” Taehyung exhales loudly.

“I'm sorry you h–”

Taehyung cuts him off, shaking his head quickly and squeezing their hands. “No, no, no, don't you dare say sorry.”

“I'm sorry you cried and are worried.”

Taehyung inhales and exhales heavily. He rubs his thumbs over Jeongguk’s skin. “It's okay, because you're here and you're okay. And it'll be difficult, but for you more than anyone. And for your team, and–” He pauses, dropping his eyes to the bed, or maybe to their linked hands. “But it doesn't matter, okay? How it feels. It doesn’t matter, alright? I– We– We can get over it, I'll work on it. As long as you wanna be on a broomstick, on a pitch, I'll be supporting you. No matter what. I don't want you feeling guilty. I just want you to know that I love you. So much.”

Jeongguk nods. “I get it.” He smiles at the love of his life. “I love you too, Tae.”

Taehyung's smile is a mirror of his own.

“How did you see it?”

“I went up to the tea room for a sandwich and there was a copy of today's Prophet on my table. You're everywhere,” he says bitterly. “The others are just as bad, from different angles.” He squeezes their hands hard.

“I'm fine, baby. I'm fine,” Jeongguk repeats, hoping it'll serve to reassure him. He doesn't know what else to say to make it better.

Taehyung pecks his lips, then his forehead. He lingers there, before kissing his cheek and the corner of his mouth. He makes Jeongguk shiver with each touch.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” He’ll never get tired of saying it back.

Taehyung's lips stretch, and he nods. Jeongguk can still see the wetness in his eyes, but there's a sparkle in them too now. 

“How are you doing? How was the visit?”

Jeongguk sighs. He settles back and shifts against the pillows. “I'm okay, a little tired.” 

“Hungry? Thirsty?”

Jeongguk shakes his head.

“Okay. Did you take the potion?”

“Yes.”

“Good boy.”

It makes Jeongguk laugh. “Tae.”

Taehyung giggles and brushes their lips together. “Tell me about the team, my love.”

Jeongguk starts retelling the conversation with Manager Klopen, Gamil and Hoseok. There's a lot to fill Taehyung in on. 

⇜ ⇝

Jeongguk is sitting on the edge of the bed, tying his sneakers, when a short, plump witch barges in. She’s middle-aged, with long black hair, and she’s wearing the white robe he knows are for Medinurses. She walks straight in, wand in hand and rolls of parchment hovering behind her.

“Goodmorning, Mr Jeon,” she says. “I’m Mrs Whites. I’m the Head Medinurse for Artefact Accidents.” She smiles, and her tone is kind, but Jeongguk can tell right away that this is not someone to mess with. “I’ll be the one helping you get back home. How're you doin'?”

“Good morning.” Jeongguk stands up. “I'm good, thank you. Ready to go home.”

She nods. “I'm sure you are.” Her gaze shifts to the bed and then the side table. Jeongguk assumes she's taking in the stuff they've set on it, ready to take home. 

“I apologise we didn't meet earlier, but I'm afraid it's a very busy time. I wanted to come by now to introduce myself, a little before the leaving time, as I will also be doing your final check.”

Jeongguk shakes his head and smiles back. She seems nice. “I understand. Thank you very much.”

Mrs Whites rests a hand on her hip. “Where's the personal Auror?”

For a second, Jeongguk is confused. He doesn't have security. The team does, when they move together, but none of them have personal Auror details, and he hopes he'll never need to. He starts to explain that, gets as far as ‘I don't’ before he catches the amused twinkle in her eyes and, oh , oooh , realises what she means. He cuts himself off and fights the heat that threatens to assail him. He doesn’t like the comment, doesn’t know what the witch is implying, or trying to. 

She picks up on his diffidence. “I’m just teasing, Mr Jeon.” She smiles wider and gestures with her wand. The papers behind her rattle. “I’ll be back in an hour, as agreed. If you need anything before then, let me know.”  She makes to leave.

“Did you need to talk to him?”

“No, no.” She shakes her head. “I suppose he’ll want to be here when we do the last checkup, and I’m sure he’ll be.”

Jeongguk nods. 

She takes a step towards the door, then halts and turns back to face him. She presses her lips together, seemingly considering what to say. “I didn't mean to overstep or be inconsiderate, Mr Jeon. We were just taken aback by Healer Kim's protectiveness towards you.”

Jeongguk’s only response is another nod. He doesn't have anything to say. Mrs Whites’ comment was out of place.

She gives him a final small smile and leaves. 

To pass time, Jeongguk goes through their bags again. Taehyung has already taken most of the gifts back to their home, but the clothes and games and books that Jimin and the others have been bringing are still here. Taehyung packed everything earlier, before going upstairs to check on his patients and colleagues one last time. 

It's not long before he's back. He walks up to Jeongguk with a big smile. “Hey. Nearly ready?” He reaches for his waist.

Jeongguk leans back on the bed. “So ready.” He can't wait to leave and be home. He wants to sleep in their bed, with Taehyung next to him.

Taehyung moulds his hands around his hips, gently rubbing his thumb on the skin under Jeonggk’s t-shirt. He presses a kiss to Jeongguk’s temple. “There is someone that would like to meet you, if you feel up for it.”

Jeongguk holds his arms. “Who?”

“Thomas, my colleague. He asked me this morning. He's heard a lot about you and the others, and is curious to 'meet at least one of my friends',” Taehyung quotes with his fingers. They go back to Jeongguk immediately after.

Jeongguk's heard plenty about him. They trained together, and Taehyung likes and respects him a lot. “Does he know?”

Taehyung sighs. “He doesn't, but I'm sure he has his suspicions. You arrived and I take leave… Apparently I've never taken extraordinary leave before.”

“Mrs Whites came by and called you my personal Auror.”

Taehyung's smile drops. “What?!”

His stupefied expression melts Jeongguk’s heart. It's so cute. “Yeah, everybody seems very fascinated with your behaviour.”

“That's so inappropriate. It's none of her business…” Taehyung frowns, indignant.

“Yeah.” Jeongguk chuckles. “I didn't like it. I think she realised, she kinda apologised.”

“I would hope so!” Taehyung closes his eyes and shakes his head. “It's weird… She's strict, but usually, she's nice.”

“‘S not like she wasn’t nice, just… Invasive I guess.” Jeongguk shrugs. “Anyway, I'm happy to meet him.”

Taehyung's smile comes back in full force. “Okay.” He leans forward with a quick kiss to his lips. “But only for a few minutes. I don't want him to tire you.”

Jeongguk resists the urge to roll his eyes. He’s fine, has slept and rested for three days, but Taehyung is still overly careful. 

“Come in,” Taehyung says to the door.

“Thanks!” A man wearing lime-green robes, wand sticking out of a front pocket, appears. He's smiling, eyes landing on Jeongguk. 

Taehyung sits on the edge of the bed next to him. Jeongguk misses the warmth of his touch. “Thomas.” Taehyung points to him. “This is Jeongguk.” The hand moves towards Thomas. “Jeongguk, this is Thomas, you’ve heard of him.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jeongguk leans forward to offer his hand.

Thomas shakes it. “I’m very happy to meet you.” A little crease appears between his eyebrows. “I'm sorry about what happened on the field. I'm glad to hear you're doing well. You're an incredible player.”

“Thanks.” Jeongguk bows his head. “I'm fine now.”

“Luckily,” Taehyung adds, stressing the word.

Again, Jeongguk has to fight the urge to lift his eyes to Merlin. “Luckily,” he repeats.  His tone betrays his endeared exasperation and Taehyung pinches him for it. Jeongguk turns to him and they exchange a look that says it all.

“Yeah,” Thomas agrees. “I'd have to agree with Tae, you were lucky.”

“Thank you!” Taehyung says hauntingly. 

Jeongguk doesn't bother explaining that it's not that he doesn't agree, but it's that Taehyung worries too much. “Would you like to sit?” he asks, pointing at Taehyung’s chair on the other side of the bed.

“Thanks.” Thomas Accios it and moves closer to them. “Will you have to,” he sits down, “take a break? I suppose so?”

“Yes, three weeks, and then the Healers will decide.”

Thomas tilts his head. “I'm really sorry… But I have to say… Maybe this way the Cannons will have a shot at the Championship.”

“That's your team?”

“Ye.” Thomas grins. “It's been a while since we last won it.”

Jeongguk nods. It's true, though the team isn't bad. It is great, but their current players' skills aren’t a match for the Falcons’. He’s heard rumours about the team's locker rooms not being very welcoming. If they’re true, it may be a contributing factor to the unsatisfying performance.

“Your team is amazing, I'll give it to you, so your victories are totally deserved.” Thomas smirks. “I'm just a tiny bit jealous.”

Jeongguk snorts, and Taehyung chuckles. “He wants to come to a game,” he says.

Thomas looks at him with amused eyes. “It's mostly for the people watching the game though…” His tone is teasing.

Taehyung snorts. 

Jeongguk guesses that the exchange must be an inside joke he's not privy to.

“Actually, the reason I wanted to meet you,” Thomas shifts in his chair, “is not because of your talent on a broom. I would like to hear your embarrassing stories on Taehyung. Like, how was he at Hogwarts?”

Taehyung lets out a choked-sounding chuckle.

It’s cute that Thomas wants his teasing material against Taehyung, but he doesn’t have much to share. Even if he did, he isn’t too sure he would. “Pretty much the same as now.” Jeongguk shrugs. 

“Really?” Thomas looks disappointed. “Nothing embarrassing? No dirt?”

“He’s not really embarrassing…” Jeongguk feels a little bad for not having anything to share. There is one thing he could say. “But I’ll tell you this…”

Thomas’ eyes shine. 

“Everybody always thinks he’s such a goody two-shoes, but I got in more trouble in my life because of Taehyung than by myself.”

“Hey!” Taehyung pinches his side in protest while Thomas chuckles.

Jeongguk doesn’t need to look at Taehyung to know he’s pouting. He hears it in his whine.

“Tell me more!” Thomas begs.

“He can’t,” Taehyung says, smug. “He doesn’t want to incriminate himself.”

Or I do not want to openly say that it was always because I love you. 

Thomas ignores Taehyung and looks straight at Jeongguk. “One story, please.”

“Sorry.” Jeongguk shrugs.

Thomas scoffs. “I may not like you anymore.”

It makes both Taehyung and Jeongguk laugh. 

“Between us… I’m actually not that surprised now…” Thomas leans back in his seat. “He caused quite the upheaval here this week.”

“I did not,” Taehyung denies.

“You broke every protocol we have!”

Jeongguk turns to Taehyung, curious. He had mentioned something of the sort but Jeongguk hadn't taken it seriously, convinced Taehyung was exaggerating.

“It’s dragonshit,” Taehyung declares, crossing his arms over his chest and not quite meeting his eyes. “Some shit some ancient wizard with his marbles in the wrong place decided.”

Jeongguk gives up. “What happened?” he asks Thomas.

It’s obvious that Thomas is having the time of his life. He takes his time, bringing his knees together, one over the other, and leaning further back. “Well…” He makes a dramatic pause, a glint in his eyes. “Healer Kim is well known in this hospital for his dedication to the job. He’s good, of course, he’s polite, he's nice and…And, apparently, he’s ‘dreamy’.” He lets the word hover in the air.

The statement isn’t surprising. Never one day in his life has Jeongguk been naive about what people must think when they are in Taehyung’s vicinity. 

Taehyung scoffs and tries to speak.

Thomas doesn’t let him. “As I was saying… The perfect Healer But then… Well… In the past three days, he's–” he puts a finger up, as if ready to count– “barged into the room of a patient, a patient that isn’t his, in a ward that isn’t his, on a floor that isn't his. And , what's more, a sensitive case… A famous wizard!”

Taehyung tries to interrupt again, yet fails.

“Then,” Thomas continues, raising more fingers, “He refused to leave, even as two–not one, but two !–very senior Healers worked on the patient, was rude to them, was rude to the Medinurse in attendance, to the ward's Head Medinurse. And then, continued to refuse to leave even though Article 1306 of the St Mungo’s Protocol for Great Healers clearly states that ‘visitors of magical beings and creatures of age, being healed at St Mungo’s hospital, are not allowed to outstay their allocated visit time, nor stay overnight’," he recites.

“It's dragonshit.” Taehyung gets in while Thomas catches his breath.

“It's not dragonshit and you know it,” Thomas argues. “Anyways, then, he proceeded to do the most un-Healer Kim thing ever: take leave for undetermined time! A shock, truly. Healer Kim hasn't taken personal leave ever in his career. I mean, clearly, Healer Kim is not who I, we thought he was." He finishes with an inflated sigh.

“Fuck you,” Taehyung tells him. His indignation is difficult to take seriously, when his words carry no bitterness. 

Jeongguk turns to level him with a stare. He tucks the love pouring out of him into a small smile in the corner of his mouth. Bad behaviour should not be rewarded.

Taehyung stares back, defiant. “I wasn't leaving you.”

There's no way that Jeongguk can contain his adoration at that. He reaches out between them to press the tips of his fingers to Taehyung’s. 

“I wasn't that rude. Just a little.”

Jeongguk turns his palm on the bed for Taehyung to curl his hand around it. “Will you get into trouble?”

“I doubt it,” Taehyung says. “It’s not really fair but… I’m a Vice-Head, and my friends are famous… And I get the impression everybody figured that this is a special situation… I’ll be fine.”

Jeongguk interlaces their fingers. There’s so much he wants to say, from how unnecessary it was to how grateful he is and how in love he is. It’s nothing that he hasn’t said dozens of times the past few days. 

“May I ask a personal question?” Thomas pipes up.

They both turn their attention to him. “You can try,” Taehyung responds.

“Do you pay the magazines off?”

“What?”

“You know, so they don’t write about you?”

“Write about what?” Taehyung asks. There’s a smirk on his lips that says he knows exactly what Thomas is alluding to but won’t give in easily. 

Thomas raises his eyebrows. “Do you really want me to spell it out?”

“No clue what you’re talking about.”

Jeongguk snickers. 

“Okay, then.” Thomas straightens in his chair and leans forward. “Do you pay the Prophet off so they don’t write about your relationship?”

Taehyung glances at Jeongguk, who shrugs, because there’s nothing else to do. 

“No, we don’t. They just don’t know.”

“How?”

“No idea,” Taehyung says. “But we don’t mind. It’s easier this way.”

“The journalists that interview me, they never ask me to confirm any of the rumours. So we let them be,” Jeongguk adds. “It’s annoying, but it’s best for Taehyung’s peace.”

Taehyung squeezes his fingers. 

“That’s unbelievable.” Thomas shakes his head. “Even before these past few days, I had my suspicions… I don’t know if you realise, but when you say his name,” he points to Jeongguk, “it’s different. You’re... Reverential… And you get this smile…”

Jeongguk’s heart flips and inflates in his chest. Taehyung looks unbothered.

“I don’t know if you know you do it… But you’ve never said anything and I’ve never heard anyone say anything. Nobody talks about it, it’s not really my business… And it took me a while to pick up on it, but then… Made me wonder, you know? It’s obvious though, looking at you two now… How does anybody that sees you together not realise?”

“Not that many people see us together.”

“You do realise the whole hospital probably figured it out, right?”

“Well… Not everyone, but even if they have… Patient-Healer principle so…” Taehyung smiles. 

Thomas snorts. He lets a few seconds go by, and then: “Can I ask another question?”

“Go ahead,” Taehyung sighs. 

“How long?”

“How long what?” Taehyung asks. 

Thomas rolls his eyes. “How long have you been together?”

“Since Hogwarts.”

Thomas doesn’t seem surprised. “I thought so.”

Neither Jeongguk nor Taehyung comment. Jeongguk is happy for Taehyung to share as much as he wishes, and Taehyung doesn’t seem to want to make it easy.

“You’re very very cute,” Thomas states.

It makes Jeongguk smile, but Taehyung snorts. “Thanks.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.”

“Not a secret,” Jeongguk says. “But thank you.”

“I would like some details though.”

Taehyung laughs. “We’ll see about that.”

“I’m just saying… Next break we’re on together, instead of discussing the latest research on Ague, we could be talking about this.”

Taehyung shakes his head slowly. “This is my special thing.”

Jeongguk wants to melt into him, pull him close and never let go. It’s difficult to refrain. 

“Wow, okay.” Thomas puts his hands up. “You’re gone gone.” 

Taehyung doesn’t say anything. 

“I’ll try hard next time.” Thomas stands up. “I’m gonna let you be for now, don’t wanna tire you out before the last check up.”

How many over-preoccupied healers is he surrounded by?

“It was truly a pleasure to meet you.” Thomas puts his arm forward. “I hope your recovery goes smoothly and we can meet again soon.”

Jeongguk lets Taehyung’s hand go to shake Thomas’. “Same here, and thank you.”

“Great, then. We’ll have to organise dinner, and we can talk Quidditch.”

“Sounds good.” Jeongguk nods.

“And maybe I can get you to give me some dirt on this guy.”

Jeongguk laughs. 

Thomas and Taehyung’s hand shake is far less formal, accompanied by a shoulder pat. “Will miss you around here, Tae, but make sure to rest too.”

“Will do.”

“See you soon,” Thomas waves by the door before slipping out. 

“So.” Taehyung licks his lips after a beat of silence. “That went well.”

Jeongguk can finally pull him towards himself and wrap his arms around him. “He’s cool.”

“Yeah.”

Jeongguk touches his cheek, meeting Taehyung’s dark eyes. “You didn’t have to break the rules for me.”

Taehyung smiles cheekily. “I’d argue the opposite.”

“Thank you for being here.”

Taehyung’s eyes shine, filled with the same emotion Jeongguk can feel reverberating inside him. “There’s no other place for me. I love you.” 

Jeongguk leans forward and brings their mouths together, slowly, gently. 

“I’m gonna go get Mrs Whites,” Taehyung says when they break apart. “Let’s get you home, my love.”