#i really took our other thread for them and ran with it hahah

[overnightheartbeats]

He couldn't help the laugh that bubbled in his chest when she mimicked a cat paw. It had to be the only time he was happy when being called a scaredy cat. She was absolutely adorable, it was unfair how quickly he'd fall to his knees for her. Of course, these were all things she didn't know yet. Aaron had not dared tell her yet, maybe the scaredy cat description was accurate. "Your version is alright," he said with a shrug. Again, Lydia was right, but Aaron wasn't looking to give in tonight. This was a healthy debate, one that amused him greatly. "Okay, well I guess when you put it that way, it makes sense. I think my view would change a bit if I worked here, lucky for me, I don't see dead people very often." There was nothing in his life to distort his view, except maybe having Lydia around now. Maybe, he was giving in a bit, but honesty was a big part of these conversations. Wasn't it? "Fair point, or maybe those dead people are just assholes who want to make you work hard for the answers." Whatever happened to not speaking ill of the dead? Clearly, Aaron had forgotten that part.

Still, his ears perked up when she asked him what he believed. That's what made him so happy, how they disagreed and yet, they were always so intrigued with each other's answers and beliefs. Though, somehow, he now felt like he was put on the spot, representing these beliefs almost. A lot of pressure on one guy. "It's pretty simple, I think. Well, it's a mix of things..we believe in the typical heaven, hell." Which, if he went by his catholic standards - he was majorly screwed. However, Aaron was not a devout catholic, mostly believing because his parents do. Isn't that the way things go? "So, of course, we wish they're all up there," he explained, pointing upwards. "But, our culture, we also believe that once we put them to rest, they're allowed to come back to us once a year. Day of the dead, and all that. We make them an altar of sorts, decorate it, add their pictures, and their favorite foods and such. And they visit us, not in the...catching up sense. It's just a way to honor our loved ones, remember them. Maybe it's more for us, than them. I was skeptical some time ago, but it's hard to not believe when your parents hold on to those beliefs so tightly. That, and these customs are so old..feels weird to question them too much." His explanation was beginning to get a little long, he looked over at her once more with a smile, one that said - it's a lot huh? "But, my mom does say that when we don't, you know, get a chance, to put them to rest and such...that's how we get these restless ghosts. That, I hope is not true because I'd hate to see one."

Aaron raised a brow at her reaction, followed by her question. Was she really questioning that, or was she messing with him? He thought the latter, but can never be too sure. "Maggie is definitely not my type. I don't know, she has this look and I can't quite place it. Like she's trouble, and not the good kind." Who would've thought he'd become a bit more observant now? Might be the divorce lenses, if that was even a thing. What else was there to say about her? Unless, Lydia meant something else. "Do you mean my type like..physically? Because the answer's still no, just for the record. Nothing was wrong with Maggie, per say. Just not for him. "But you, on the other hand..well, you're my type for sure." Not entirely accurate. Aaron didn't really have a type to begin with, that question always confused him a bit. "My type, I'd say a woman about 5'4, give or take. Shoulder-length, brown hair. Usually in a ponytail. And she'd have these beautiful brown eyes, though sometimes I swear the light plays me and they look just slightly hazel. Or maybe, I'm blind. I don't imagine you've seen her around?" Of course, Lydia would want to know exact details, down to the amount he'd bet with. His lips formed into a smirk, "why do you ask? You think I'd bet against you? No, I'd never dream of betting against you Lydia." The mention of work had him wondering if that's how it would be for them. It wasn't the worst arrangement, if he was honest. Aaron figured that someone who valued work the way she did would understand when he went away for weeks or months at a time, or when he got pulled into work early in the morning or late at night. Yeah, she'd understand that. It seemed like a stress point for them individually, thinking back to his ex-wife's complaints, but maybe it'd work in some weird way for him and Lydia. "Glad to know there's some job security here, your kindness is duly noted," he teased, his index finger pointing to his temple.

A wide smile broke out on his lips with her request. For her? There were many things he'd do for her, even now..so early in their time together. "Y por qué no los dos?" He found it so amusing, how his Spanish was something she wanted to hear again. "No sabía que te gustaba el español." I didn't know you liked Spanish. Now, he was just teasing. "Didn't know you were charmed by the language, remind me to speak it more often." English had become his primary language so long ago, that his native language had been reduced to something listed on his resume and a language strictly used at home. A brow quickly raised at her explanation, right. She did that, how'd he forget it? Aaron was never one to be careful about his words, thinking what to say ahead of time or which word went best in the sentence. But, this sounded like something that'd get him in trouble one day. "English is not my first language?" He offered, attempting to joke with her. "Fair enough, I could've said that. Let me rephrase, you are one of the few. Look at you, doing more for me than my countless years in school." It was impossible to wipe the smile from his face, especially when she linked her arm with his and complimented him. "Stop, you'll make me blush." His gaze would constantly move back to her, captivated by her and how she was talking about work. It might not make sense, but she looked so cute - passionately describing what was happening. Impossible to not smile. "Seriously? That's horrible, why wouldn't he consider alternatives? Isn't that better?" Or was it the whole..having an open and shut case? Aaron wasn't too well-versed in her field, but he'd been in enough legal drama sets to recognize some things. Whether they were true was another thing. "I'm sure you'll prove him wrong though. Then he'll look like an idiot. What's your plan so far?" It'd be rude not to, so he waved a goodbye to Maggie on the way out and opened the door for Lydia. "My day, definitely not as exciting as yours. I may have a new gig soon, I received the script and it looks fairly easy. Nothing too crazy." Like the time he broke his arm right before they wrapped filming the stunts. It was all fun and part of the job, but he'd hate to injure himself and be out of the game for some time. It'd be difficult to see her that way.

Finding a spot that was open this late was not too difficult, when you ditched the reservations and the fancier service. A random pizza place with a menu you could barely read, it was perfect. "A little different than what we planned, but hopefully the pizza is to your standards."

"Okay, scaredy cat," Lydia teased, emphasising on the phrase for added effect. And simply because she knew his reaction would entertain her to no end. She very much enjoyed pushing his buttons, or at the very least, trying to. Aaron made it so easy. She even lifted her hand up, bending her fingers slightly to mimic a paw, or claws. To rub it in that little more, she even mouthed 'meow' at him, nibbling her lower lip to conceal her laughter. At the ridiculousness of the conversation. "I like my version better." And it was the correct one, even if he refused to give in to her. She liked that about him - she couldn't scare him into submission. Not that she waltzed around doing that... it was one of those things she couldn't help. Maybe she had a case of resting bitch face. "Of course, I don't... look at where I work-" she pointed out casually, gesturing around them. Lydia liked they didn't agree on absolutely everything- it provided opportunities to bounce around debates. Plus it meant things between them never got boring. And above all, they still respected each other despite their difference of opinion. She enjoyed hearing what he had to say, even if she did poke fun at him a lot. "Unless I experience something to make me change my mind then I'll stick with a no. I mean... I work with dead people all the time. A lot of the time they die in a brutal way. You'd think if there was life after death or whatever that they'd try and find a way to tell me. Would make my job a lot simpler, that's for sure," she said with a quiet laugh. In a peculiar way, she found it quite...sweet. That he believed in it. Out of curiosity, she asked, "Enlighten me: what do you think happens then? What do you believe?"

His reaction to the Lydia/Aaron/Maggie sandwich cracked her up. Lydia even had to cover her mouth with her hand to stop herself from bursting into a fit of laughter right then and there. So, Maggie wasn't his type? "Maggie's not your type but I am then?" she teased, unable to resist because even though it should have already been obvious considering they were heading out together. How could she resist? He mentioned Maggie but not her which implied that. And again, it was already obvious - but it was a bit of fun and teasing and Lydia loved to seize every opportunity, just to see his face. "What exactly is your type?" She figured it was a fair question... and she lowkey wanted to know, no point in beating around the bush. "Who would you put your bet on, Aaron?" she asked with feigned sweetness and a look that said 'choose your answer wisely.' She already knew what the answer would be but Lydia being Lydia, always asked the important questions. Even if she already knew. "Oh, but think of the redundancy payout!" Did that mean he was quite happy to continue to come and remind her when she was running late for yet another one of their plans because of work getting in the way? A patient man - a rare species. Very few and far between, borderline extinct. Lydia knew she would have to try harder to remember to tear herself away from work. Because surely sooner or later he would tire of that - in fact, she was surprised he hadn't already been pissed off with her because today wasn't the first time either. She needed to meet him halfway eventually though she wouldn't admit that out loud. "I could never. Consider your job safe and secure, on a tight leash. See? I can be nice sometimes."

About to ask him what that meant, Lydia let out an, "Ah," when he repeated it in English. "That sounded nicer the first time. Say it again? For me?" Everything sounded better in a language that wasn't English, to be fair. Or maybe she just liked the sound of whatever came out of his mouth. Not that she'd explicitly statet that though. "Nice save. Cute. However, you simply used the word 'could' which implies that whilst yes, I could be one of those people, it doesn't mean I am one of those people. Or else you would've told me that already," she pointed out like it was completely normal to pick apart sentences the way she did. It was a terrible habit, amongst her many other bad habits, one that tended to get on other people's nerves from time to time. It was natural for her, she couldn't stop herself. Lydia gave him another smile when he opened the door for her, mentally noting how gentlemanly the simple act was. One she appreciated, nonetheless. "Thank youuu," she said in a singsong voice, waiting for him to come out and close the door. Linking her arm with his, she set off down the corridor. "You mean you're not already dressed up? You could've fooled me..." Lydia grinned at him, honestly thinking he looked lovely the way he was. "Thank you for clarifying. I did wonder." Surprise momentarily flickered across her features. Sure, Aaron did say she could never bore him...But he was actually taking interest in her work? Why that felt so foreign to her, she couldn't quite articulate even to herself. Yet still, she felt a flash of warmth course through her. "Ugh, just this one case in particular. I feel like we're so close. There is just something that doesn't sit right. I feel it in my gut but I have no proof. The detective on the case is a bit of a dick who won't consider alternatives... so I am doing my best to prove him wrong before the idiot sends his team out to someone who may potentially be innocent. If they find them, that is." She explained, rolling her eyes at the thought. "Tell me about your day?"

[bubbleteatae]

Christmas with Taehyung

25 Days of Christmas Challenge 

Prompt: Day 23 - Driving Home for Christmas Day 24 - Going to Bed Christmas Eve Day 25 - Waking up Christmas Morning

Authors note - This is very late, but it’s finally the last in my 25 Days of Christmas with Taehyung!

I’ve written the interactions with Taehyung’s family in English, and obviously they would speak Korean. I don’t speak Korean, so it was much easier for me to write something that flowed if it was in English. But just pretend that it’s translated from a Korean conversation hahah :) 

Also, if you haven’t read Day 1 and Day 2 yet, I suggest reading those first, as they are linked to this ending :)

Masterlist

“This is the last of it” I announced to Taehyung as I passed him two large containers of food to put in the boot of the car, along with our suitcases and a box full of presents. It was the morning of Christmas Eve, and finally time to drive the 3 and a half hours to Taehyung’s family home for Christmas.

We did a final check on the house, as Taehyung scooped up Yeontan and we made our way to the car. Taehyung strapped Tannie into his harness in the back seat, while I jumped in the front, turning around and cooing at the small pup.

“You excited to go for a ride Tan?” I stated in a cute voice, causing him to start wagging his tail.

Taehyung petted the tiny dogs head with his large hand “we’ll make plenty of stops for you too.”

I turned back around to clip my seatbelt on as Taehyung climbed into the drivers side. He pulled across his own seatbelt and started the car before turning to me and smiling.

“What?” I laughed.

“Nothing” he beamed “I’m just excited to go home with you.”

“We’ll see if you still feeling like that after three hours in the car with me and my obnoxious singing!”

As if on cue, Yeontan barked.

“At least we know someone is” I laughed, turning to rub Yeontan under the chin.

Taehyung turned his head to look out the rear window, placing his tanned arm on the head rest behind me. The sight still causing me to swoon.

It wasn’t long into the drive before I picked up Taehyung’s phone connected to his radio, and scrolled through Spotify. I grinned at him once Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) started playing through the speakers.

“The snow’s coming down” I sang loudly.

“Christmas, I’m watching it fall” Taehyung joined in, just as loud.

“Christmas, lot’s of people around. Christmas, baby please come home” we sang together.

I looked over at my boyfriend, admiring how the morning sun lit up his dark skin and the way his cheeks hid under his sunglasses when he laughed, wondering how it was possible to fall more in love with a person each day.

                                                         ***

“You okay? You’ve gone really quiet” Taehyung observed as we drove through his hometown. 

“Hmm? I’m fine” I smiled back, fiddling with a thread on my knitted jumper.

Taehyung glanced towards me and raised his brows, not buying my answer.

I sighed. “I guess I’m still a bit nervous visiting your family.. they’re wonderful! And so welcoming! But sometimes I worry that they’ll come to think I’m not right for you.. I don’t know..”

I immediately felt his hand reach to grab mine and squeeze it. “I already told you, they adore you. And if they didn’t it wouldn’t change how I feel about you. I wish you could see how much people love you.” Taehyung brought my hand to his lips, placing a quick kiss against the back of it before resting our joined hands back on the center console.

I couldn’t help but smile at how he spoke to me. I was still a little anxious, but Taehyung being right beside put my jittery tummy at ease.

The car finally pulled onto a long, stone driveway leading up to a picturesque country home. Taehyung turned off the engine and immediately squeezed both my hands, giving me a reassuring smile before we stepped out of the car and walked up to the front door.

Without hesitation, Taehyung wrapped his knuckles on the wooden door before opening it.

“Annyeong!” He shouted, slightly crouching as Yeontan squirmed out of Taehyung’s arms and ran into the house. I could hear rushing footsteps follow in reply, 

“Taehyung!” His mother greeted as she emerged from the kitchen, pulling the towering boy into a hug.

“Eomma!” His boxy smile and squinted eyes showed how happy Taehyung was to be home.

Taehyung managed to grab the box of food from my hands just before his mother pulled me into a hug. “Y/N, ahh it’s wonderful to see you again dear!”

“You too” I smiled, hugging her back, all my anxiousness disappearing. 

“Come inside, we need more hands in the kitchen to help prepare the food for tomorrow!” his mother urged, pulling us both through the hallway.

Taehyung and I glance towards each other and smiled - happy to be home.

Later that night

After an afternoon of preparing tomorrows meal, eating, and family board games, I was sat with Taehyung’s family in the warm living room, the tv playing in the background. My back was resting against my boyfriends shoulder as I listened to his family catch up on each other’s lives.

I could feel my eyes getting heavy as a result of the long drive and busy afternoon, and barely noticed myself beginning to drift into a light sleep. I faintly heard Taehyung’s voice utter my name and feel his body move as he chuckled.

“I think it’s time the two of us went to bed, this ones already fast asleep” I heard him say as he rubbed his hand up and down my arm.

It wasn’t until I felt movement that I reluctantly opened my eyes to Taehyung’s face, my arms draped over his neck as he carried me upstairs to his room.

“Hey sleeping beauty” he winked, laughing softly.

“I fell asleep” I admitted, before realising I had done so while socialising with his family. “I need to apologise to your parents”

“It’s fine” he smiled “they could see how tired you were. Besides, they’re happy you feel comfortable around them.”

I nodded sleepily as Taehyung sat me down on his bed, quickly changing into my pjs. I heard the tiny feet of Yeontan making his way into the room, and jumping up on the bed. He circled around himself before deciding on the spot at the end of the bed. Freshly changed into his own pyjamas, Taehyung crawled into bed and pressed his body against my own to create warmth.

I wrapped my arm around his tummy, pressing my head against his side, instantly sighing at his presence. “Goodnight Tae.”

“Goodnight my love” he replied, kissing the top of my head.

The next morning

I awoke to unfamilar surroundings, with a familiar arm clung around my waist. It took me a moment to register we were back in Taehyung’s family home and Christmas morning had finally come. It was the one morning I could never sleep in as I turned to face a sleeping Taehyung, lips slightly parted and pouting.

He must have felt me stir, causing him to grumble and slowly open his eyes to meet my own.

“Merry Christmas” I smiled, voice hoarse from hours of sleep.

“Merry Christmas jagi” he replied deeply, pressing his forehead to my own.

“Ah” Taehyung suddenly said, causing me to jump as he pulled away. He sat up from the bed as he looked for something in his bedside draw, his caramel skin and toned back on full display.

He handled me a small package, neatly wrapped in ribbon.

“Tae” I smiled.

“It’s your last advent present”

I couldn’t help but giggle, looking up at him in confusion “you do know you only have to go up to 24 days for advent, love.”

“I know” he smiled bashfully. “But this is a special one, and I wanted to give it to you on Christmas Day.”

I sat up on all fours, leaning over to kiss his lips softly “thank you” I smiled, as I began to gently unwrap his gesture.

I disregarded the fancy paper, revealing Taehyung’s gift. I held in my hands the cutest pair of baby booties and a confused look on my face. “Wha- Tae?”

He laughed, rubbing his hand through his messy bed hair.

“Did I miss something? You know I’m not pregnant..?” I laughed.

“No, I know!” He giggled. Taehyung took one of the boots from my hands and began to fiddle with it. “Remember when we went Christmas shopping and we saw all those children meeting Santa?”

I nodded at the fond memory.

“And I said I couldn’t wait to start a family with you. I wanted to show you that I meant that. And we will always have something to remember this moment.” He kept his gaze focused on the small boot, smiling shyly and cheeks slightly blushed.

I placed my hand on the side of his face, bringing his eyes to focus on mine.

“God dammit I love you so much, Kim Taehyung” I laughed as my eyes blurred from warm tears. I reached out for his hand, lacing our fingers together. “And I can’t wait to start a family with you.”

Without saying anything Taehyung immediately pulled me into a hug, singing as he pressed his lips onto the skin of my shoulder. “And I love you endlessly, Y/N Y/L/N”.

He pulled back to reveal a smirk, and whispered in his deep voice “but don’t make me wait too long” he winked, causing my lower abdomen to stir and my cheeks to flush. 

We were brought back to reality hearing the sounds of Taehyung’s family waking up, unable to contain their excitement of Christmas Day.

“We should probably join them” I spoke almost in a whisper, still transfixed by my boyfriends gesture.

“I guess you’re right” he smiled shyly, gently moving the strands of hair falling over my eyes.”Merry Christmas, Y/N” 

I learned over, pressing a soft kiss against his parted lips. “Merry Christmas, Tae.”