Chapter 54

Marley POV

Abby was beside herself when I told her he was coming back to New Zealand.

"Alone," she'd squealed.

"Yes, just Tae," I answered.

"No other members?"

"No Abby, they all have their own lives," I replied, rolling my eyes.

She sighed. "No matter, I'll meet them at the wedding then anyway. In the meantime, I get my BBQ with Tae. OMG, he'll meet Mum and Dad!"

"Mum and Dad will be fine, it's you I'm most concerned about. Please stop talking about weddings, that's far in the future."

"Me? He's already met me? And don't count on waiting that long."

"You met him over video call, for less than 5 minutes. A whole evening of you grilling him and he may turn around and go back to Korea. Especially if you talk about getting married."

"Don't be mean, you know I'll just ask questions to make sure he's right for you."

"He is right for me Abbs, you don't need to worry."

"I always will and I can see how often you smile now. I know you're happy with him but I'm still your big sister." She tried to look stern and that lasted for a full five seconds before she dissolved into giggles. "OK, seriously though, you're travelling together in a campervan? How romantic! But how will you get alone time if Sophia is literally 2 metres away from you at all times."

I had definitely thought about that, especially as we always had a hard time keeping our hands off each other. "We will get creative," I answered.

"Trust me, the amount of times the boys have almost walked in on us. You'll have to learn to be quiet Marley."

"Abby! You're the loud one remember?" My cheeks were flushing but now I was thinking about all the times we had been less than quiet. "It's not like she hasn't been around us before. It will add to the adventure."

"Keep thinking that babes and maybe get a sign that says 'If the van is rocking, don't come knocking," to keep permanently on the outside."

"Yeah because Tae needs to be photographed standing near a van that says something like that," I replied, rolling my eyes at the thought.

"Hmmmm, true," she answered, thinking. "But it would certainly claim him as yours or at least prove he's getting some. Does that bother you?"

"What part," I asked, mind going in lots of directions.

"That he can't shout from the rooftop that he's in love with you, that no-one knows you're the one giving him mind blowing o-"

"Abby!" I cut her off before she could finish her sentence. "Stop! You are so embarrassing! And he's definitely not the only one whose mind is being blown," I whispered, cheeks now bright red.

She threw back her head and laughed, the sound huge, radiating through the whole room. "Sis, I've known that for a long time, it's written allllllll over your face. I'm sure he's incredible, not that I think about him in that way very often, he's all yours. But some of the others, well..." and she cackled while I willed my cheeks to return to a normal colour. "But seriously, does it bother you that you can't be a normal couple in public?"

"Yes," I answered without hesitation. "I don't want to go to award shows or be seen at expensive restaurants with him. I just want to be able to grab a coffee from a roadside vendor while we stroll down the road, holding hands. Or catch a flight anywhere together without it being a huge clandestine thing. It's the only way right now for everyone to be safe and it's the best thing for his job but it is honestly not that fun. Or that part isn't at least."

"Would you give him up though, if all of that got too hard?"

"It's already been hard and we've gotten through it. I can't think about him not being in my world anymore, not being able to touch him. Or to listen to him tell me about his day. I'm in love Abby and it just happens that this love comes with a bunch of things we have to do to be together."

She sighed. "You're going to be OK, I just know it. And I promise, I'll behave when he's here."

My eyebrow raised as I contemplated her words.

"OK, well, I'll try my best. Can I at least ask if Namjoon works out wearing a shirt or without?"

"Invitation revoked. You can't come to the BBQ, I'll make sure mum knows to plan it when you're busy."

"You do know I'd cancel any plans I had, even my wedding anniversary trip away, to meet your Taehyungie?"

"Don't call him that and yes, should I be worried about your marriage," I asked, mostly joking.

"Gawd no, if anything, this is all making it ten times spicier, you don't want to know how many videos of them all I've watched online in the last few months that got me in the mood," she laughed and I grinned at her. She could be more than a little insane but she always, always made me smile.

He came to New Zealand after the announcement of their hiatus, after the promotions, after the chaos died down, sliding into arrivals late at night to no waiting crowds. I hadn't greeted him there, instead, stayed at home for the car to deliver him to me. No security travelled with him although it was lined up here in case it was needed, meeting him at the airport just in case but we both hoped we'd be able to lay low and just enjoy the last few months until he had to enlist. I'd opened the door to his hat and mask, eyes shining above it and pulled him into the entrance, kissing our hellos as the door closed behind him. We didn't make it to the bedroom, too caught up in the touch of each other again after the months apart. Instead, he held my weight as my legs shook, back firm against the wall, showing we missed each other with much more than just our words as he said my name, over and over against my skin.

We'd planned to spend a few days together before launching into our travels. Time for him to meet the family and just enjoy the places I knew I wanted to show him near my home before we went further afield. Abby's long awaited BBQ was set for two days after he arrived and we walked up the pathway to my parents house, Sophia running ahead through the open door as Tae stalled a little, adjusting his clothing so he looked presentable, nerves evident. I had to laugh. He could perform in a stadium full of fans but this, meeting my family, was causing him to be nervous.

"You were nervous meeting my friends and family too," he said, quietly as I paused a moment to give him time to settle before we walked into the house. Turning into his arms, I looked up at him, admiring the curve of his lips, where they currently twisted anxiously together.

"I was and it all went well, just like this will."

"It is a big deal to me," he said. "I love you and I want them to know that."

"I've told them how I feel, how we feel Tae. They want to see the person who makes me smile, not to grill you about who you are and why we're together. Apart from maybe Abby, but you've met her."

His eyebrows show up at the mention of my sister and he laughed. "Yes, that brief introduction gave me a view into what she might be like. Should I be worried?"

"Definitely," I laughed and he rolled his eyes, not sure if I was serious or not.

My parents greeted us both as we walked into the house, Tae attempting to let go of my hand, unsure if it was polite or not and me not letting him, holding tight. Mum swept me into a hug, then did the same to Tae, greeting him with a warm smile. Dad shook his hand firmly with a "hello young man," which is about as much as you'd get out of my dad when you met him. He was a quiet, gentle man, devoted to his family and few of words. But I could see him eyeing us both up while introductions were made, smiling when he looked between us. Sophia was the one who made everything clear, throwing herself at TaeTae, demanding to be picked up so she could show him around and the ease of their relationship was evident. My family were all devoted to Sophia and the fact she was a fan of Tae already was a win in their books.

"We come with salad," I said, holding the bowl out.

"And meat," Tae finished, indicating the bag in his hand.

"I'll take both of those, thank you love," she said, giving him a smile as he handed over the bag, making sure she was holding it before he let go, always attentive. "Marley, do you want to help me set up in the garden and the men can come out soon." She gave dad a look and he rolled his eyes, obviously a conversation had been had previously and this was part of it. Tae looked a little fidgety at the thought he'd be left alone with my dad so soon but I grabbed some drinks, handing one to them both, squeezing his hand again for a moment before I followed mum out, blowing Tae a kiss as I did.

KTH POV

Marley had disappeared with her mother into the backyard and I was left alone in the living area with her father, bonding over drinks. I was very nervous, unsure of what to say to the man whose daughter had my whole heart, especially when he had barely spoken so far.

"So, you live in Korea?"

"Ah yes, I do travel a lot but that is my home," I said, holding the bottle tightly in my hand as I answered, trying not to stumble over my words. English had become easy with Marley but then we understood so much about each other and I wasn't sure I could be as clear with everyone else. "I enjoyed having Marley and Sophia come to visit."

"Yes, I heard it had lots of ups and downs," her Appa said, furrowing his brows.

I assumed he meant the photos and the death threats, at least I hoped there weren't more I didn't know about.

"It wasn't exactly how I wanted it to go, my world is not an easy one on those I love but it is very important to me that they were safe and we did our best to keep it that way."

His eyebrows went up when I said 'those I love' and I knew I had to convey how I felt about Marley while I had the chance. Putting the bottle down on the side table, I rubbed my hands, attempting to hold my emotions together while I spoke.

"Sir, I really do love Marley. I know we haven't known each other very long and a lot of that we have been apart but she has my heart, it very much belongs just to her."

He blinked a few times as I spoke, not making eye contact before he turned to look at me. "I believe you. I know she cares very deeply for you and you know she has had a big loss. Will you take care of her, of them? Sophia is very important in this too."

"Sophia is the most beautiful child, I am very attached to her already and love that she wants me to put her to bed, read her books, be part of her life in all the little things too. I am devoted to them both."

"Well good then, as long as you love them both, that's what I needed to hear."

Taking a breath, I seized the moment, glancing at the doorway, seeing through the large kitchen window that Marley was still outside. Quickly kneeling down, I placed my hands on the ground in formal position, adopting the keunjeol in front of him feeling more nervous than I realised now that I was here. Keeping my head to the ground for a few moments, my bow deep and low, I raised my head a little as I spoke, his eyes confused at what I was doing. I was just doing what I knew was right as I tried not to rush my words. "I am so deeply in love with Marley that I would like to, in the future, when the time is right, ask her to be my wife. I don't know when I will be back next in New Zealand to ask you and I wanted to do it in person but do I have your permission to ask her, when the time is right?" My voice sounded shaky to me, the words not flowing as easily as I'd like as I sat back on my heels, palms feeling sweaty as I wiped them lightly on my knees.

"Stand up son," he answered quietly, reaching his hand down to help me off the ground, keeping my hand firmly in his as I scrambled to my feet. "I don't know much about your culture but I can see in your eyes that you love her and anyone who takes the time to express that in the way you just did, has my thanks and my blessing. Marley and Sophia deserve the world, when the time is right, we will be happy to have you join our family." He finally let go of my hand and then, pulled me in for a quick hug, patting my back a few times before stepping away, attempting to conceal his emotions as he did, clearing his throat and I could tell how much his daughter and granddaughter meant to him my smile enormous at his acceptance.

Marley walked in at that moment, grinning then her smile dropped a little as she took in her father and I standing together in the middle of the lounge, Appa wiping at the corner of his eye. "Everything OK dad," she asked, concerned.

"Yes darling, just something in my eye," he said as he walked past us both, resting his hand briefly on my shoulder, placing a kiss on the top of her head as he left the room.

Turning to me with a questioning look, I shrugged my shoulders at her. "Something in his eye," I repeated and grabbed her hand as we went to share the BBQ food together with the people she loved.

Marley POV

The BBQ had gone well, Sophia running around with her cousins, Abby being, mostly, on her best behaviour. At least after she'd shrieked loudly and wrapped Tae into a huge hug upon meeting him properly for the first time. "I know a whooolllllllee lot about you," she said with a grin and his cheeks went bright red before he pursed his lips together, attempting to hold in his laughter as her husband James dragged her away.

"A whoooollllleeee lot," he asked, whispering into my ear.

"She knows enough to know you make me very happy, in all ways," I whispered back and he dropped his head, burying his face in my back, waiting for his colour to return to normal while my shoulders shook a little in silent laughter.

We'd eaten outside, the atmosphere relaxed and although they didn't grill him, all my family asked questions that showed they wanted to know more about who he was and where he had come from. Tae seemed to relax as the evening went on, occasionally I helped him find the right word but he held his own in a language that wasn't the easiest for him and I couldn't help but stare at him as he spoke, marvelling at how amazing he was.

As the darkness of the night set in and we lit the fire pit, grabbing a sweater to keep us warm as we sat around it's glow, Tae pulled me towards him and I sat on his lap, wrapped in his arms. My parents exchanged a look, not noticed by Tae as he pressed his face into my neck but I could see them both smiling, more than pleased to see how happy and comfortable we were together. Abby noticed too and said something softly to James, leaning close to him, causing a slight blush to his cheeks as they looked into each others eyes. It seemed romance was in the air, the freshness of Summer washing over us all.

Leaving at the end of the night with promises to come again before he flew out, I knew all of my family were approving and Tae had won over yet more people into his circle of admirers.

"They're all wonderful," he said, carrying a sleeping Sophia towards the car, having hugged and waved them all off at the door.

"I think so," I answered, leaning against the door frame of the car as he carefully put her in her carseat, stepping back so I could buckle her in. He was still hesitant to do some things but at other times he stepped in with Sophia, encouraging her to eat her food when she wanted to get down to play, being her pillow when she was getting sleepy, wiping her face when she was covered in food. All very domestic, all very easy but not overstepping my role as her parent, just sliding in beside me when I wanted help. Exactly what I needed him to do and what I could see him always doing when I thought ahead to our life together.

We appreciated the home comforts the next few days, especially a proper full sized bed, before we headed out in the campervan, going into the bedroom and shutting the door as soon as Sophia was asleep each night. There were only so many times we could share a look or lightly touch each other during the day in passing, sneaking a kiss here and there before we were already in flames by her bedtime and we made the most of those nights, knowing the campervan would be a different kind of adventure.

There was one place I wanted to go back to with him before we left the next day to travel so I took him there while Sophia was at preschool and he smiled as we pulled up, both of us remembering the day that felt like so long ago. We started walking before I realised we might want something to sit on and he jogged back to the car to get a picnic rug for us. As he walked back towards me again, just like he did on our first date nine months ago, I realised the time had gone so fast and the next 20 months would fly by too giving me hope I would be able to cope with us being apart. As he strode to me, this time I wasn't nervous in the same way. This time I knew the man that walked towards me, that belonged to me and I loved him.

"This has to be one of my favourite places," he said as we reached for my hand, walking to our first picnic spot, dropping the blanket to the ground as we stopped.

"It gives me butterflies to remember how I felt that day. I was still a little overwhelmed by what life had thrown at me the year before and then here you were, strolling into my life when I needed you the most."

"This park will always be a beautiful reminder of our first date," he said, pulling me so my back was against his chest, armed wrapped around my waist.

"Do you know, it's not a park? I don't think I ever told you that day, but this all used to be houses, hundreds of them, stretching in all directions. All these little glades of trees were peoples backyards, there were fences separating them, all gone now, torn down after earthquakes broke the houses apart. They decided to keep this land as reserve and not build on it, at least until they can find a way to build here safely again."

"How long ago," he asked, resting his head on my shoulder.

"The earthquakes? About 10 years ago now. I came here often after Matty died as it was always quiet and although it had been a place of destruction, it was now peaceful and that somehow gave me hope."

"Just think, out of something so hard, all this beauty continued to grow," he said, indicating the trees and plants flowering around us, no-one tending them but still flourishing on their own.

"I think that is what drew me here. All the plants that survived even after the people had moved on. I wasn't ready to move on when I came to sit here alone but when we had our picnic here together, it banished a little more of the pain and now, I feel even more peaceful."

He turned me around in his arms so we could be pressed closer together.

"Why is it that every place I go with you that has had sad memories, you take those away? You take away the sadness," wondering at the hold he had on me, the way he helped fix things inside me without even trying.

"It's been so easy with you, I don't have to try to love you. It just comes naturally," he answered kissing me deeply and with his words, my heart accepted those truths. That he really did love me, that it was just this easy between us and even though his world wasn't easy, it didn't matter because the light in our eyes when we looked at each other pushed away the darkness for us both.

KTH POV

All I could do was kiss her, tell her with my lips how I felt while I tried to find words. "One day I want you to be mine forever, one day I'll ask you, when the time is right for us both. This would be a beautiful place for that, it has some wonderful memories but I think you and I both know we want to wait a little longer," I whispered into her ear. She nodded leaning back into my chest.

"I do have the future in mind Tae, our future. These rings we share, the promises we've made with them, with our words, with our bodies, it's enough for now."

She wrapped her arms around my neck and we kissed again, fresh air surrounding us, trees encasing us, free from prying eyes. And it felt liberating to be able to do that without worrying about people seeing. I could breathe here.

I wanted to drop to my knee then. I had permission from her father but I knew it was still too soon and I wanted her to be sure. She was comfortable with what we were now and we often talked so easily about the future but when I did propose, I wanted it to be done with the full assurance that we were both 100% ready to move on together as a family. And I was willing to wait, for as long as that was until we knew we never wanted to be apart again.

So we let the breeze wrap around us, surrendering to the feelings our lips gave each other as they danced together, light as they glided across the surface of our mouths, content to live in this beautiful moment.

**Only one chapter left which will come this weekend, thank you so, so, so much for reading!**