Note:

Based mainly on Jumin's Valentine After End VN and mixed a bit with Zen's Valentine After End VN. I HAD to write this because Cheritz been giving too much reference! Why does Zen have to act like the jealous wife in Jumin's VN? |D

Timeline set after Fear and Insecurities and around a year+ after Chapter 9: Christmas Eve

Zen hums a happy tune as he stirs the melted chocolate mix in the pot using a hot waterbath and pours in some wine into the mixture. Chocolate should not be cooked or melt with direct heat, that as much he learns from his previous commercial shoot for the new chocolate line with Merchey's Chocolate. It was a pretty last minute request from the production studio as their primary selected actor couldn't make it for the shoot due to illness. Zen was only considered as a second choice as he was a married celebrity. They managed to wrap up the shoot a week before the intended event date. A married celebrity as an ambassador for Valentine product would not sell, they say but all their stores had a hard time keeping up with the demand ever since they released the product availability and the commercial was aired on the same day. The production team must have overlooked the fact that they are the nation's most beloved couple and the number of their fans who support their relationship tripled ever since the events on their wedding that won their hearts.

Zen have planned of getting one himself but making his own batch homemade chocolate would be more romantic. I hope this will suit his palate more, Zen thought to himself as he lick a taste from the spatula. A sudden blast of noises from the TV broke his mind from wandering further. He hurriedly move towards the living room and Elizabeth 3rd quickly dash under his feet. 'Elizabeth! You goddamn furball!' Apparently, the cat had accidentally turn on the TV while playing on the remote. Zen reaches for the remote and was about to turn it off when the chocolate commercial plays.

Chocolate that's endlessly sweet? Is that really enough? Aren't you curious to taste chocolate for adults? If you want, I can teach you. Slowly, so it never melts in your mouth.

Seriously, what was I thinking saying those lines? Zen heaved a heavy breath as his turn red from embarrassment, cat allergy or both, when he watch the commercial plays again on the screen. Aigoo, just how many times do they plan to keep playing it? They had to retake the shoot many times as the director was not satisfied with the clips. It was only after Jumin's visit to his set unannounced that they finally they got the shot they wanted. Zen denies Jumin had any influence on his acting that day.

He switch off the TV and walk back to the kitchen. He rushed at the sight of the cat playing on his bowl of melted chocolate on the kitchen table. Elly was tipping the bowl off from the counter but Zen managed to catch the bowl in the nick of time. The fall made the chocolate spill a little on his wrist and his shirt. The direct contact with the hot chocolate burn his exposed skin as he rinses off. 'You stupid furball-' Zen was about to hit the cat when he let out a loud sneeze that stop his track. He grab the cat by the crook of its neck as little as contact as possible when his allergies began to worsen. He quickly move the cat to its room and made sure the door is properly closed this time before he dashes off to his room, THEIR room, to look for the first aid kit.

The first aid kit didn't just contain the basics but it also where Zen's allergy medication are kept whenever he accidentally had contact with the furball. It was conveniently placed on top of the drawer that contains all of Elizabeth 3rd play things and collars that's fitted with GPS. Ever since the cat's escapade, Jumin had made sure the cat had its collar on no matter how uncomfortable it made the cat feel. Zen was glad that Jumin didn't throw out the cat. After all, the cat is one of the few memories he had left of his best friend and it would be cruel to just abandon it. Zen was more than willing to compromise with living with the cat in close proximity when he moved in as long as they live in separate quarters.

The penthouse is a few times larger than his previous semi-underground apartment but the place felt too large for a single person to live, at least in Zen's opinion as he's still trying to adjust to his new surroundings. He passes by the large book shelf. It contains many types of encyclopedia and works of non-fiction. Zen has always wondered why that trust fund jerk of his would want to collect all the volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica. But a certain large red book caught his attention. It was the book gifted from Rika once upon a time when Jumin complained of boredom. Jumin has never wanted to finish reading it fearing that he would lost interest, and that his memories of his first few friends fading away. But Zen made him read it before they went to bed. Just a few paragraph per night would suffice. He would make sure Jumin would never forget his first and only best friend. It was only through him that they met, fell in love and got married. Zen chuckled when his mind wandered to the amount of pages they managed to cover. Ever since they started living together, they're barely into the introduction. They were both busy with their respective careers right after the honeymoon so the number of times that they're both home at the same time were very limited.

Zen took off his shirt and threw it in the laundry basket, leaving the apron on with only his shorts after he's done wrapping his burnt wrist and took some pills for his cat allergy. He went back to the kitchen and sighed at its messy condition. He stirs the chocolate to see if it's still in liquid form before pouring them into the casts and place them in the freezer to solidify it.

He pick up the call when the phone rang.

Jumin: It's me, Hyun. I called to hear how you were doing.

Zen: Hey, babe. I'm fine.

Jumin: I'm relieved to hear your voice.

Zen: How is it over there?

Jumin: Hectic as usual. I'm sorry that I didn't call ever since I left.

Zen: Babe, it's alright. When are you-

Jumin: Hyun, hold on for a sec. Yes? I thought that deal was finalized yesterday? It must not have been delivered properly then. Oh well. I'll have to give it to Mr. Kim myself.

Zen: Jumin?

Jumin: Nothing for you to worry about. Just something for work. Damn... I hoped I wouldn't be bothered today. But alas, the company needs me to take care of some things. This project was approved by at least five people already, but there's still an issue. This can only mean that something's wrong with the middle system. I did get concerned when my father picked the new head of R&D without thorough verification. ..

Zen: Babe, do you know what day is today?

Jumin: Of course. Today's the general board meeting. If the meeting ends in time and we finalize plans fo next year, I won't be as stressed. If communication issues come up like just now... I won't even want to imagine how delayed things will get. Just a sec. What is it now? I'll review that contract later so leave it there. I barely have time to rest today. I was hoping to avoid this... I think I have to go. Things will be quite hectic. I'll call you later.

Jumin hung up before Zen could say anything. Then, his phone rang again signaling an incoming message. It was from Jumin. The message was nothing more than his usual long reminders to take care of himself, to call the in-house service should he needed anything, to be more careful whenever he's out and the list goes on. 'Jumin, did you even realize what day is today? You promised to be home, you liar.' Zen mumbled to himself as he hug his knee when he lie on the bed. The extra large king sized bed felt empty lately.

-Flashback-

Four days ago, Jumin made a surprise visit to Zen's shooting location. The director decided for the production to take a break when he noticed Zen couldn't concentrate much on his acting when his spouse was there. Zen hurriedly left to his private changing room where Jumin was waiting as the director sighed at the scene and commented 'Such blissful newlywed vibe...'

'Now this is a rare sight of you to visit me on set.' Zen exclaims as he allow himself to be embraced by his beloved which he gladly returns the affection. Jumin whispered 'Hyun... My love...' Zen pulls away a little so they're facing each other again, still locked in embrace and asks 'What is it?' Zen didn't like it when Jumin sighed. 'My business trip has been extended. I'll be gone for at least four days, but it might be longer.' Zen furrowed his brows 'You're going to be away that long?' Another heavy sigh. 'Yes. I have a final meeting with a client and I'll have to inspect the site myself at least. I have to visit several locations too so traveling alone will take quite a while. Still, I'll try to take care of everything in four days.'

Four days... Zen pondered as he glances over the calendar on the table before he speaks again. 'You have to come to back in four days, okay? And the production is about to wrap up by tomorrow so I'll wait for you at home.' Jumin smiled at the approval and buried his face on Zen's shoulder. 'I can't handle it. It would be nice if we could go together but I don't want to make you suffer with my intense schedule and since you have a career of your own. I'm sorry I have to leave you by yourself for so long. I wish I didn't have to but I have no choice. I hoped to avoid situations where we'd have to be apart as much as possible but I have to be there for things to be carried out so I have no choice.'

Zen calls out to him. 'Babe, it's alright. We talked about this before right? Besides, this is not the first time you'll be leaving me alone. Although it's a little longer this time...' 'Hyun, please don't make that face. You're making it harder for me to leave you.' Zen smirked that his tactic is working. 'If that's the case, then you don't have to go for that trip anymore.' 'Please know that you are always my utmost priority. A man who is swayed by emotions and ignores all his responsibilities doesn't deserve a partner like you... Wherever I go, I'll do my best for both of us and our future family.' Zen jests 'Are you mocking me in your mid sentence?' 'I dare not. I love you. Our bodies may be apart but our hearts are always together... Remember that we are always one.'

Zen was not quite himself when Jumin left to the airport after that.

-End Flashback-

Zen rolls on the bed as he wallow in self pity in what it seems to take forever before he decided that enough is enough. He went back into the kitchen and took out the frozen chocolate and places them in box. He then decorates it with a ribbon as he finishes it with some final touches. He took out his phone and press on the speed dial which immediately connects to the number. But the call went into voice messaging after a few rings. Zen tries again and again until he hears the front door open.

'I'm back, my love. Whew... It's hard to walk with all the things I'm carrying. I almost drop a few. Oh, Driver Kim. Yes. Leave them there. Thank you. Hmm? Why do I have ten missed calls? They're all from Hyun...'

'Welcome home, babe. I thought you wouldn't come home today.' Jumin looks up to find a very a annoyed attractive albino man wearing only a pink apron and a shorts pants, who is clutching hard on the phone, almost breaking it into half. Jumin was trying to be oblivious, says ' Oh? Is it because of what I said on the phone earlier? I wanted to make sure I finalized everything before coming back. Everyone was being quite slow so I was annoyed. Not spending today with you would have been a tragedy. I couldn't let that happen. I missed you so much.' Zen, clearly getting more annoyed, says 'I missed you too. Yes, it would have been a real tragedy if you've come home any later. The front page of the news tomorrow will either feature the death of a corporate heir or our major divorce case.' Jumin tries to explain himself 'Hyun, please understand. I was very unhappy the whole day about not being able to be with you. That's why I sounded slightly annoyed earlier.'

Zen gave up trying to argue as he realized that he should be more understanding of his husband's plight. His eyes wandered to the pile of wrapped boxes of various sizes on the floor and asks 'Why are you getting so much gifts for? Christmas was already over 2 months ago.' Jumin grabs one of the closest gift and places it on Zen's hands. 'They're gifts from me to you, Hyun.' 'Babe, we've talked about this too. I don't need any pf all these extravagant stuff.' Jumin insisted. 'But only on occasions, right? Please let me spoil you once in awhile. I am so relieved that I have no financial difficulties. Nothing would be more tragic than not being able to purchase presents for you for financial reasons.'

Zen buts in. 'Are you mocking me again? Well, I'm sorry that I'm not earning enough.' Jumin apologizes. 'I'm sorry, that didn't come out as I intended. I wanted to purchase more but I thought only to get the best of the best. There are dozens of gifts that I have to eliminate from the list. There are only so many boxes that a man can hold with his two arms so I had no choice. I hope you are happy with them. All these presents have my heart in them.'

Zen gave in. 'I have prepared something for you too. Wait here.' He places the gift to the nearest available spot before dashing into the kitchen. A loud scream prompted Jumin to run into the kitchen to find Zen almost in tears and melted chocolate on his finger. Jumin was immediately by his side and asks 'Hyun, what's wrong?' Zen explains 'I placed the chocolate too near to the heater and now it's all melted... I'm so sorry that it had turn out this way...' 'Are these chocolates for me?' Zen nodded and says 'I made them myself...' Jumin smiled softly. 'You're doing more than enough by being by my side...'

Jumin eyes at the chocolate on Zen's finger and had an idea to cheer him up. 'What were you thinking when you shot that commercial?' Zen was confused as he had shot many commercials lately. 'Which commercial?' 'The one's been airing on the TV lately of course. Something about chocolate and maturity?' 'Ah, that. I'll show you guys what maturity tastes like! Something like that?' Jumin lifted Zen's fingers close to his own mouth and licks on the chocolate. 'Is that really all you think about?' Zen blushed at the notion and smirked. 'Oh ho... Are you sulking? Hmmm... At first, I just thought of it as work... but later on, I started thinking about you... The director kept on wanting more takes. He said he wasn't feeling it. I ate so much chocolate that day. I kinda got anxious about how many boxes of chocolates I'll have to eat. It was pretty frustrating as he just kept saying that he wasn't feeling it without giving me specific directions. So in the end, I just had to think of you to exude irresistable sexiness and the director loved it. My point is, everything went well thanks to you babe.'

Jumin smiled and asks 'does the me in your imagination did this?' Jumin pushes Zen against the counter as he connects their lips for a hungry kiss. Jumin adds on 'I'm sorry that I got jealous easily even when you were just thinking about me.' Zen noticed the fatigue in him. 'Babe, you must be tired...' Jumin sighed again. 'I tried to hide it so you wouldn't worry but I suppose my acting is too poor to fool you.' Zen chuckled 'You can't fool me. I'm a professional actor, remember?' Jumin couldn't agree more. 'Yes you are. I took the earliest flight this morning. Now that I'm seeing your face... the fatigue is all just rushing in. Perhaps it's because I feel relieved... Now that I'm with you, I really feel at home. God... I need to take a break, with you at our home. Hyun, we're married. We don't need to put up pretenses and work to prove our love. You're my haven. My home will never be complete without you.'

Zen corrects him 'It won't be home without the two of us together, Jumin. I really miss you when you were gone...' Jumin replied 'I really miss you too. I want to make up for the four days and the many days before that when we were apart. I'm so glad I can spend Valentine's Day with you. It's our first Valentine's Day as a married couple. Thank you for waiting for me, my love... Should we celebrate now?'

Zen asks 'So how does the chocolate taste? Does it satisfy your palate?' Jumin feign a thinking expression. 'Hmm, I might need to taste more before I could answer that. I could taste some wine in it...' 'I used some of your unfinished bottle of wine. Almost anything tastes better with wine for you.' 'It seems like you know your husband's taste very well.' Zen feeling cheeky, dips two of his fingers into the melted chocolate and spreads them over his body under the apron. He goads him 'Of course, I'm your wife. Try tasting them on me then.' There was a flicker of fire in Jumin's eyes. 'You know, I've been holding back for some time now. But seeing you welcoming me home in apron and teasing me with chocolates on your irresistible body... It felt like we're newlyweds again. There's only so much a man could handle. I feel like claiming you right here, right now.' Red hue ran across the paler man's face. 'I'm sorry for being demanding but I sort of want to do it here too...' Jumin smirks again. 'Maybe we can do one round here and the rest in the bedroom?' Zen accepts the challenge. 'Sounds like a good plan.' Jumin tugs on Zen's shorts. 'But first, we need to get rid of your pants. It sort of killed off some of the vibes when you're supposed to be completely naked under the apron.' Zen pushes himself up to sit on top the kitchen counter as Jumin pulls away his pants. 'Says the man who couldn't hold himself back.' 'Well, it takes two to tango.' 'Babe... I know I hardly say these words to you because unlike to the public, I really meant it when it comes to you. Happy Valentine's day. I love you.' Jumin couldn't stop himself grinning from ear to ear. 'I meant it each and every time I express my affections as well. Happy Valentine's day, my love. I love you too. 'They connect their lips again to engage in an intense kiss which lead to oh-so-many-wonderful things.

End note: Yes, I'm being mean to Elizabeth 3rd because I'm not a cat person. |D

Please leave a review/comment. Thank you for reading! Happy Valentine's day! :D