Chapter 23 - Banana Milk or Gummy Snakes

Marley POV

It took a long time for the smile to leave my face after he'd gone, my hand resting on my lips. He'd been grinning as the door closed and I leaned on the wall for support. Being called beautiful, the way his mouth moved over the word and his eyes smiled, had sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach and I felt almost like I was in a trance as I walked over to the sofa and fell into it. This sparked of new love, not wanting to leave each others side and I was loving the feeling, excited to think of possibilities.

Looking at the time I realised I had quite a few hours and no reason to stay in the hotel. I needed some fresh air so I packed my laptop and went to explore the neighbourhood, hoping to find a cafe where I could grab a hot drink and get some work done. If I got through enough, I wouldn't need to do anything else the rest of the time we were together and that sounded like something I was very much looking forward to. The next two days were almost free of BTS schedule so we could concentrate on us. It felt like things were building quickly and I paused at the thought of what might come. Was I ready for whatever that looked like?

10 minutes later I was settled in a nearby cafe, having ordered my hot chocolate and opened my laptop, tucking myself away in a corner near the window. I plugged music into my ears, a playlist of Tae singing. It felt differently listening to it while his lips were still fresh on mine and I smiled to myself at that secret thought.

I was soon absorbed in my work, music soft in the background, his voice smooth and silky. Positioned so I could watch those going by outside, the cafe was fairly steady but quiet. It was mid afternoon and most people were at work or study so when three young women entered the cafe, grabbing a table near me and collapsing into chairs with a commotion, I couldn't help but look up at the noise before glancing back at my screen. Not thinking much of it, I carried on until I heard a huge laugh during a music break and the word Bangtan, realising they were ARMY.

I immediately turned my music to mute and unashamedly eavesdropped as they continued laughing and talking.

"Have you picked what you're going to wear?"

"I haven't but something that gets me noticed. In a huge crowd, we have to do something to stand out."

"We're practically in nosebleed seats so they won't see us and anyway, they probably have girlfriends."

"Jimin is saving himself for me," one said dramatically while the others laughed.

"Kookie is so gorgeous, I am definitely looking forward to seeing him in Pied Piper. They better do a close up," said another.

"Oh, they need to do a close up of the whole vocal line for that one," the last said and I noticed her Tata keyring, feeling an instant stab of something in the pit of my stomach.

"You stand the most chance of any of us," they said, turning to her. "At least you can speak more than just a few words of Korean. When V comes your way, you can declare your undying love for him and ride off into the sunset together."

She flicked her long ebony hair. "Well, when that happens, I'll be sure to ask if we can triple date. Imagine, us and the maknae line, that would be all my dreams coming true."

They all laughed and then sighed. "If only," the Jungkook stan continued. "Can you even imagine who will be the lucky ones to actually kiss them. I wonder what JK tastes like."

"I'm guessing some kind of food," the Jimin stan answered with a grin. "Maybe banana milk?"

"Tae, mmmmm, he is going to smell like sex and taste like me."

"Oh, you're shameless," they both giggled at her response.

I frowned, not liking where this conversation was going at all. Picking up my phone, I text him.

Marley

Missing you xx

I put the phone back down, deciding it would be best for my sanity if I tuned them out and went to turn the music back on but then I stopped as I heard the next comment.

"I saw online that they're staying at the Marriott, I wonder if we would see any of them if we waited outside?"

"Or snuck inside, can you imagine?!"

"I can definitely imagine."

My heart was beating a little at the thought they knew where the band was staying, it felt so obtrusive, especially the thought of the conversation they had been having only a minute earlier. My phone beeped and I picked it up, grateful for the timing.

TaeTae

Missing you too. I am getting a lot of teasing from the members because I can't stop smiling though. What are you doing? xx

Marley

I'm in a coffee shop listening to some ARMY talk about you guys

TaeTae

Oh? What are they saying?

Marley

You don't want to know, are your ears turning red?

TaeTae

Only you can do that to me xx

His words brought a smile to my face and I watched them out the corner of my eye, aware they were harmless and I was probably just overreacting in the moment. To be fair, it was the kind of conversation my friends and I would've once had about a band we liked so I understood even if I didn't like it .

Marley

Ditto. I'm heading back to the hotel now to get ready. See you soon

TaeTae

Be safe xx

I packed up my laptop, deciding I'd done enough until I got back home in a few days. As I walked past the group of women, I stopped and flashed a finger heart. Speaking to the Jungkook fan I said, "I'm pretty sure Kookie tastes of gummy snakes."

She squeaked, "ARMY?"

"Absolutely," I replied. "Going to the concert tonight?"

"Oh yes," they gushed, "can't wait!"

"Have you been to a concert before?"

"None of us have, first time."

"I've only been to one but I have to say, it was life changing for me."

They all breathed out, various expressions of bliss on their face. "Oh my goodness ARMY, this is going to be the best day."

"Well, have fun tonight," and I walked away, dying to tell them that actually, Taehyung tasted of watermelon lipbalm.

When was back at the hotel, I called mum to check in on Sophia and was relieved to hear everything was going well. Knowing she was having a great time meant I could relax a little more.

"She asked where you were at bedtime but then, when I said you were on an aeroplane and would be home in a few days she said "oh, mummy is with TaeTae."

"She doesn't miss anything that girl."

"She is just like you when you were little. Are you having fun?"

"It's pretty relaxed so far, I'm going to a concert tonight and then the next few days will be insightful I'm sure."

"Marley, it's going to be wonderful, do enjoy it."

"I will mum. Honestly though, I feel like this could be something and I'm really scared."

"It will all work out, whatever happens. You've already taken the step to go see him, I'm sure he's grateful you've travelled to be with him."

I smiled thinking of all the kisses and touches, knowing they wouldn't be the last. "He's expressing he is glad to see me for sure. Well, tell Bug I love her and I'll be home soon," and I clicked off, heading to my suitcase to choose what to wear.

Standing on the side of stage this time was different. The buzz felt the same, energy from the crowd chanting loudly was spilling all around us but this time, I felt so much more connected to what was going on. When I'd arrived in the dressing room, his face had lit up and looking around at all the people, he'd indicated with his head to follow as he got up and left the room. Round the corner, into an empty door nook, he'd kissed me hello and the afternoon of missing him was poured out in our embrace, brief in case someone stumbled upon us.

"Well hello," I'd breathed, once he'd let me go and I got a look at his first stage outfit. I don't think I could ever get over him dressed all in white, there was an ethereal look about him which didn't match at all with the intensity I had sometimes seen. He definitely had a duality, the aura he portrayed varying so much depending on his mood and what he was doing and I loved it all. I was captivated again and momentarily overwhelmed by the fact that those lips were mine to kiss.

"The afternoon was too long," he said, pressing another light kiss before walking me back to the dressing room, dropping my hand as we got there in case there were people he didn't know. He sat in the makeup chair to have it retouched and I smiled to myself. I never thought I'd fall for a guy who wore makeup. Matty had always had facial hair and wore clothes that fit the rock style music he played. No eyeshadow in sight. Tae was flawless, with and without makeup, keeping his face so smooth that I always wanted to run my hand along his jawline. The makeup was part of his job, he definitely didn't need it but I didn't mind either way.

Jungkook had finished getting ready and walked over to say hello, looking like another white angel and moving with the fluidity of silk. "Marley, I'm sad you didn't bring Sophia with you on this trip. She's a doll."

"Oh well, yes, but I thought it might be good to have some time without her here."

"I can imagine," he replied with a grin.

Jungkook was raising his eyebrows at Tae, saying something with his eyes, a kind of silent conversation going on that I wasn't privvy too. The smirk on JKs face made it pretty obvious what he was getting at though so I added, "There are just some things kids shouldn't be around for, right Tae?"

He cleared his throat, looking between us, his eyes hooded as he played along for a moment. "Oh that's for sure jagiya." And then he punched JK on the arm. "You need to stop Jungkookie."

"Sorry hyung, I couldn't help it. Your smile today, you can understand why I would jump to, well, yes, I'll be leaving you to it," as he backed away from Tae's stare, a teasing look still in his eyes.

"They are idiots," he said by way of an apology as he rolled his eyes.

"You don't need to worry Tae, talk like that doesn't bother me."

"When I say the members know everything about each other, there are some things we keep to ourselves," and he winked. "That is unless you're Jimin and feel the need to overshare everything."

I'd walked with them out to the starting area backstage; members, staff, security all ready for it to begin. I was given the option to watch from the front in a VIP area but decided I liked this better. It made me feel closer to him, knowing he'd be coming off the stage and past me throughout the evening, now knowing which side of the stage to stand on.

And now, I was watching as the crowd chanted at full volume and the members were all standing ready to take their first position, having done their group cheer. Tae looked up and locked eyes with me, his expression schooled so no-one taking photos out the back could interpret anything from his face but he quickly placed an M on his check as he adjusted the mic before smiling as he looked away. And then the music began and my heart pumped with pride as I watched V begin to do what he was created to do on stage.

He was whisked away straight after the concert, to film something for an upcoming segment and a car was ready to take me back to the hotel so I didn't have to wait.

I was half asleep, half scrolling on my phone when I heard the door close softly behind him as Tae let himself into my suite. He walked quietly, the half glow of the bedside light catching him as he entered the bedroom. "Ah, I wasn't sure you'd still be awake," he said, flopping on the bed next to me, reaching over to press a kiss to my lips before resting comfortably on the pillow next to me. Why did that feel so natural already? "Sorry, I was longer than I thought I'd be. After our recording, I went back to my room to shower and change."

"It's totally fine," I answered, the sleepy feeling now gone. I wanted to skootch over and snuggle against him but I still felt somehow hesitant. Which was weird as we kissed each other hello and goodbye now, so why did that intimacy feel OK and not this? My mouth twisted as I considered this and he looked at me, reaching for my hand, linking our fingers. "Come closer," he said, solving that problem and I snuggled into the crook of his arm as he rested it around me. "Did you enjoy the concert?"

"It was so fun. You're amazing on stage, you look like you're having the best time. I still like you as Kim Taehyung more though. The bare face, the long talks into the night. The kissing," I finished with a grin.

"Oh you like this part?" he asked, placing a kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. I turned my face to fully look at him, staring at his eyes. They were beautiful, I was sucked into their dark cocoa depth.

"I like all of you," I replied, meaning it. He felt comfortable to be with, like relaxing with your favourite book.

He stared at me, the cutest smile on his face and not for the first time, I felt like I could be falling in love. The way the smile lit up his eyes, the way those eyes were looking at me. I felt warm and my heart was healing just being with him. He was making me happier than I had been in a long time.

Stretching up to him, I placed a soft kiss on his lips and his hand came up to stroke my face.

"I'm having the best time with you Marley, like we've known each other forever." He carefully pulled me near, stretching his body out next to mine so we were pressed up close and my heart beat a little bit faster.

I had my robe on over a short PJ set, not brave enough yet to wear any of the new lingerie that I had picked for night time. He eyed the robe, copying his movements of the morning, carefully running his thumb inside the lapel. When he felt the satin of my PJs he stopped and made a show of opening the robe slightly to take a look at what was under. "Cute," he said with a smirk. "I like soft clothes like that. On and off the body."

His flirty comment and touch pulled a smile from my mouth. "Your flirt game is strong. Are you like that with all of the ladies?"

He smiled back, continuing to finger the satin of my PJs as I tried not to be distracted by his hands. "V can easily flirt on stage. Taehyung hasn't had as much experience as you'd think."

"You're doing very well then," I replied, leaning into his touch, living in the moment.

He gently kissed my mouth over and over, each like a balm to my soul, perfect and tender. I could feel myself responding as his fingers left a trail down my body, instinctively moving closer to each other.

And then, our kisses became more heated, his tongue tracing my lip as he lightly pushed the robe from my shoulders, running his hands down the PJs and settling them on my waist. He trailed his lips down from my ear to my collarbone, soft kisses flowing like silk and my mouth gaped at the small electric shocks each gave. Then he was back to my mouth and we rolled over, naturally twisting our legs together to hold each other close as he ended up looking down at me. I swallowed and focused on his eyes, seeing a soft intensity that was beautiful as his eyebrow lifted. He was being a gentleman, asking a question, giving me an out before anything went further as I felt his chest rise and fall quickly against mine. The trouble was, I still didn't know how much I was ready for. But seeing him look at me that way was doing all sorts of things to my soul, not to mention my body.

Running my fingers through his hair, I slowly kissed him, pouring all my emotions into each one, feeling him breathe into our shared moment as I answered him with my lips, happy to see where this went for now. His fingers gently and naturally found their way under my PJ top, across my stomach and up my sides as the moment intensified. The caresses sent jolts through me as his fingers grazed the underside of my breast, his eyes finding mine to see if it was OK.

And it was OK, more than OK so I nodded as his hands roamed, sending darts through to my core, our kisses so heated I felt like fire was erupting in my stomach. He was making me feel things I'd only felt with one other and it was overwhelming, my breathing uneven as I felt like I was close to losing control.

Even though I wanted to go further, I had to take a moment, to slow things down for just a little longer as it was all hurtling towards things that couldn't be taken back and I didn't want to regret that. I ran my hand down his arm, resting it on his wrist where I stroked it lightly, sending a small signal that he could hopefully read without words.

He understood straight away, stilling his movements, gently pressing his forehead to mine to slow down his breathing and I spoke softly. "This doesn't mean not at all. Or that I'm not attracted to you and want more. I really, really have some strong feelings for you. I just need a little bit longer to sort this out in my head."

He took my hand and kissed my palm, resting his head against mine as I snuggled into his neck. "I'm fine with what you need Marley. And just so you know, I have really, really strong feelings for you too." He placed the sweetest, gentle kiss on my lips, soft as a breeze and I felt instantly calm, loving that he always made me feel that way.

Closing my eyes, I sunk into the embrace as our breathing slowed and synced and he wrapped me in close, tucking us both under the covers. My last thoughts as I drifted into a contented sleep were of Tae, of his touches and understanding, of where it was going in our next few days together.

KTH POV

As I felt her drift into sleep, eyelashes tickling my neck, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. All my pent up feelings had come out in our kisses. They'd been building since we met, each step of our time together so far flowing naturally from the one before. And tonight, the feelings that always come with concerts were flying around, adding energy to the moments. When she allowed me to touch her body, I felt like my insides were churning even as my fingertips drew a line of flames across her skin. Marley was someone to explore and each part of her was making me feel things.

Now, looking down at her as she curled up next to me in sleep, I felt a strong desire to protect her. And I meant it when I said I was fine with whatever she needed although, clearly, I was ready for things to go further, my body still settling after the heat of earlier.

I wouldn't push her though. You can't measure loss in days or months and I couldn't fully understand what she was going through but I wanted to try. Because she was worth it.

I wrapped myself around her, her skin warm, the coconut scent of it wafting over me as I closed my eyes and hooked my leg over hers. Definitely worth it.

**I know, I know, sorry but we're really close though...**