Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The only person who could have competed against Yoongi for most overbearing was Jimin and he lived up to the challenge once he found out what had happened.

"Are you an idiot? Why did you let this happen? I can't let you go anywhere."

Taehyung just smiled and sat there quietly as Jimin checked his vitals, confirming the wound wasn't serious, and let the dermal regenerator do its job.

"You!" Jimin pointed at Yoongi. "Why didn't you forbid him from going?"

Normally, Yoongi would entertain Jimin, but today he was silent, gaze steady on Taehyung.

"It's not his fault, and he did try," said Taehyung, touching Jimin's arm. "Denga is the only one you should be mad at."

"Oh, don't worry, I am." Jimin huffed and put his hands on his hips. His expression softened as he looked between Taehyung and Yoongi. "You ding dongs are always getting hurt in the stupidest ways."

"Thanks for taking care of us when we do," said Taehyung. "How are the patients?"

"Doing better after Seokjin and Jin treated them. Got those two off those awful machines. Hyung says the Federation is already asking sketchy questions about them though."

"Yeah," said Taehyung, sighing. "Captain said that they're tempted by the technology too."

"Who wouldn't be," said Jimin. He turned the regenerator off and checked the wound. "Good as new. Now don't get held hostage ever again."

"Not planning on it."

They left the side room and went out to the main lab area. Seokjin and Jin were chatting with the patients still and Hoseok was off to the side running diagnostics on the machines Denga had them on.

"Heard you had an adventure," said Hoseok when they joined him. Jimin had gone off to help Seokjin again.

"Are you going to yell at me too?"

Hoseok smiled and patted Taehyung's arm. "I'm glad you're all right."

"Do we know what these are?" said Yoongi, pointing to the machines.

"Yeah. They're a modification of dialysis machines. Instead of cleaning the blood of impurities, it was filtering out the zytrilon and storing it. Obviously, Denga didn't have the brains to build this kind of technology , so I'm trying to find clues that can point us to who was working with him."

"It could have been an anonymous contract job."

"Could've, yeah, but we need to rule out there isn't someone out there who'll take this over now that Denga's been caught."

Taehyung and Yoongi joined Hoseok in breaking down the machine. It was a while before Namjoon returned with the others, looking worn down. He spoke with RM for a while, both of them furrowing their brows in identical ways.

"How many versions of us do you think exist out there?" said Taehyung.

"I don't want to think about it," said Hoseok, making a sour face. "Gives me an existential crisis."

Taehyung turned to Yoongi, leaning in so only he could hear. "We're together in all of them, right?"

Yoongi tilted his head slightly. "There are too many unknowns for me to come to a probable conclusion on that statement."

"Trying to be romantic with a Vulcan is impossible," said Taehyung, sighing.

"Hyung!" Jungkook came over and grabbed Taehyung in a headlock to peer at his scalp. "Did Jimin fix you?"

"Would you manhandle me like this if you didn't already know?" said Taehyung, twisting out of Jungkook's grip. "What happened?"

Jungkook shrugged. "The real backup came and arrested Denga. Someone very important at Starfleet talked to the Captain, but I don't know what they discussed. We're stuck here indefinitely though since we're witnesses against the Admiral."

"When are they sending them back to the other universe?"

Jungkook's mouth twisted to the side and he glanced across the room at JK. "I don't know. Soon, I guess?" He seemed a bit sad about it.

Taehyung didn't know if he should broach the topic of how quickly Jungkook and JK had grown attached. He was curious, of course, gaze flitting between them and Hoseok and Seokjin, of what actually happened last night. Surely nothing as scandalous as what had been insinuated that morning. But he also couldn't say with confidence that it didn't happen.

"Hey, Jungkook—"

"Taehyung, Jungkook." Namjoon's expression was still quite serious as he called them over. Next to him, RM crossed his arms and looked no better. Taehyung just wanted to know when they could relax. "JK, you too."

"How long would it take you to calculate the jump coordinates back to the other universe?" said Namjoon once they all gathered.

"Not long," said Jungkook and JK nodded in agreement. "Why?"

Namjoon and RM shared a look before the latter spoke. "Denga's no longer a worry, but now we've got the government poking around and we don't think they have much better intentions."

"Holy shit, are we planning a secret escape?" said JK, eyes wide and bright with excitement.

RM smiled. "That's exactly what we're doing."

"We'll pretend to cooperate with the Federation, but start working on those coordinates as soon as possible." He glanced over Jungkook's shoulder. "The ones Denga took seem to be recovering fast. We need to figure out an excuse to get them onto the ship with the crew, but we'll handle that. Just get that calculation done."

"Yes, sir!" Both Jungkook and JK said, looking like kids about to go on their first trip to the moon.

"Are you going to get us kicked out of Starfleet, Captain?" said Taehyung with a smile.

Namjoon sighed, weary, but smiled back. "Just trying to do what my crew would expect from their captain."

After Jungkook and JK ran off, already spitting out equations and theorems like a verbal tennis rally, Namjoon said, "Surprised Yoongi let you take more than two steps away from him."

Taehyung looked over his shoulder and caught Yoongi watching him. Yoongi held his gaze for a moment, then returned to his conversation with Hoseok. "I feel bad for scaring him."

"It's not your fault. If anything, I should've been more careful and noticed something was wrong before we even went."

"No one could have known," said Taehyung, shrugging.

"Well, I know he's being stubborn and pretending like he isn't worried, so I'll let you go back," said Namjoon, patting Taehyung's arm. "Brief them for me?"

Taehyung nodded.

Yoongi watched him walk back and touched Taehyung's arm briefly once he was next to him again. What Taehyung wouldn't give to just be back on their ship, in their cabin, and in bed with nowhere to be. Sometimes the only way they felt better was through touch and it was like an itch under his skin that they couldn't have that right now.

"The excitement continues," Taehyung said instead. "We're somehow going to figure out how to get everyone back onto the ship and leave without telling anyone."

Yoongi hummed. "I expected as much."

"Never a dull moment," said Hoseok. "They should give us extra leave for this."

"Yes, you should celebrate your new relationship with Jungkook and Seokjin," said Yoongi, making Taehyung's eyes widen.

Hoseok's antennae went bright fuchsia, like a beacon in the sterile lab. Across the room, J-Hope noticed immediately and yelled over everyone to ask what was so embarrassing which only made it worse.

Taehyung couldn't help but laugh, spitting a little as he tried to keep it in, holding his hand over his mouth. He turned and hid his face in Yoongi's shoulder, somehow being able to feel the satisfaction emanating off him.

"Leave," said Hoseok, kicking the air between them. "I'm submitting a complaint to Starfleet about being harassed by a superior officer."

Still snickering, Taehyung hugged Yoongi's arm. Everything outside of this room might have been a mess, but at least there was still this, the camaraderie of their crew and how easily he laughed with them, to remind Taehyung why he wouldn't be caught doing anything else.

+

It was a nuisance for all of them to stay in the lab for long. Jin ended up kicking everyone out, ordering them to return to Yoongi's mother's home while he would stay overnight to monitor the patients. J-Hope decided he would stay too just because it felt like he would be third, fourth, even fifth wheeling if he went with everyone else.

The adrenaline of the second day had worn off quickly and no one else argued to stay.

Taehyung went to wash up immediately when they returned. A few of the crew members were still loitering in the living room when he crawled under the makeshift covers, ready to sleep for as long as possible.

"Aren't you gonna eat?" said V, peering down at him. He had stolen a couple pieces of fried chicken from the giant batch Jungkook and JK had generated and were in the process of inhaling in the kitchen. There were still crumbs on the corner of his mouth, plainly visible when he sat down next to Taehyung.

"I just want to sleep," said Taehyung, yawning. He pulled the covers up to his shoulder. "Thanks, by the way, for showing up in time and saving us. Me."

V snorted quietly. "Only because if something had happened, we might not have been able to capture that guy."

Taehyung hummed absently and smiled. "Okay."

"Seriously! Jungkook was the only one actually worried."

"Either way," said Taehyung, hitting V's knee lightly. "You saved my life. Probably Yoongi's too."

"Yeah, he was going to risk it all for you back there."

"Yours would probably do the same for you."

V laughed, a little bitter. "That kind of selflessness and martyrdom is still a developing trait in our universe."

"If you think so, you're not looking close enough. You're a good crew, just like us. That means something, no matter where you are or where you all came from."

"Aren't you poetic," said V, but his sarcasm was soft around the edges.

Taehyung smiled, pleased with himself, and closed his eyes. The sounds of the others wandering around, some turning in like him, while Jungkook and JK were still going at the speed of light. Yoongi came over and ran his hand through Taehyung's hair once, then his footsteps faded away.

Before he fell asleep, Taehyung felt someone touch his hair again, but Yoongi's voice was far away deep in conversation with Namjoon. He wanted to see who it was, but drifted off before he even finished the thought.

+

The artificial morning light was just beginning to stream in when Taehyung blinked his eyes open slowly. This time, he was appropriately wrapped up around Yoongi. On his other side, V and Suga were lying on their backs, no parts of them touching at all. It was odd considering how they'd acted only a couple days ago after forcing their way on board the Rising Sun.

With no one around to see them, Taehyung snuggled further with Yoongi and pressed his face against Yoongi's chest. When Yoongi began stirring Taehyung was already there, pushing up to kiss him softly. "Good morning."

Yoongi blinked a few times. "How is your head?"

"Fine." Taehyung kissed Yoongi again.

"We are not alone," said Yoongi, though he didn't stop Taehyung each time he leaned in.

"They're us anyway, so it doesn't count."

"I believe it does," said Yoongi, easing Taehyung away. It earned him a pout, which often did nothing. He got out from under the covers and disappeared down the hall, leaving Taehyung's side cold. He wrapped himself up as much as possible, still sulking when Yoongi passed through again.

Right behind Yoongi were Jungkook and JK, both of them barely awake and holding onto Yoongi's shirt like ducklings being guided around by their mother. They spoke in hushed voices in the kitchen and Taehyung couldn't stand not being able to hear and got up, still bundled tightly, and went to join them.

The shock value of seeing JK draped over Jungkook had already worn off. He still didn't know what to think, but also didn't care enough to pester them about it when his brain was barely awake.

"The coordinates are correct," said Yoongi, scanning through multiple screens of calculations.

"Of course they are," said JK, breaking a pastry in two. Half went into his mouth, the other half he shoved into Jungkook's. "We did them."

"What's the rest of the plan?" said Jungkook, wiping crumbs off his chin. "How do we get the entire crew back on board and make our escape without getting caught?"

"Being caught will be unavoidable," said Yoongi. "The key is to be gone before we can be stopped."

"You don't have a plan, do you?" said JK, smirking. Yoongi stared at him until he cleared his throat and looked away.

Taehyung stood next to Yoongi quietly, pouting a little as he watched JK mess with Jungkook's hair, making his bedhead even worse. It was the kind of public affection he wished he could do, but knew it would only make Yoongi uncomfortable. He usually settled for showering affection on Jimin or Jungkook instead.

So it came as a shock when Yoongi slid his arm around Taehyung and pulled him in to rest his head on Yoongi's shoulder. Across the counter, he met Jungkook's eyes which were as wide open as his, but said nothing just in case it might ruin the moment. He slowly relaxed and rested more of his weight against Yoongi, smiling to himself.

"Can't you guys use your cloaking again?" said Jungkook. "We can pretend that you're all staying behind to cooperate with the Federation and that the Rising Sun will be resuming her five year mission. But you can just sneak on before we leave."

"Would they not expect that?" said JK.

Jungkook shook his head. "I'm sure they're interested in the technology, but it would still take them much longer than a day or two to invent something to detect someone who's hidden. They won't catch you."

"It is a straightforward enough plan," said Yoongi. "We will have warped to a safe distance before they discover your absence."

"Jungkook is a genius," said JK, ruffling Jungkook's hair some more.

"Stop that," said Jungkook, a dusting of pink appearing on his cheeks.

"Jungkook, go wake the others," said Yoongi. "Contact Lieutenant Baekhyun to coordinate hailing all crew to return to the ship."

Jungkook nodded and grabbed another pastry as he wandered off. After he turned the corner, JK crossed his arms and said, "Nicely done, getting him to leave."

"What are your intentions with them?" said Yoongi. "There is no scenario where you stay in the same universe."

"I know," said JK, pursing his lips. "I know and they know. We're not having some whirlwind romance if that's what you're all afraid of."

"Then what are you doing?" said Taehyung, standing up straight again.

"Showing him he would have turned out the same person no matter what. He's as much him as I'm me."

Taehyung glanced at Yoongi and waited for him to speak.

"He will be upset when you part. You may be as well."

"I'm okay with that," said JK, shrugging. "And he'll have them."

Their conversation ended there when Jungkook came back. He was mumbling into a portable hologram communicator and Baekhyun on the other end looked and sounded like he was suffering from a hangover caused by mixing Andorian ale and Orion wine.

"Baekhyun-hyung, did you understand anything I just said?"

"Uh huh," said Baekhyun in a tone that clearly indicated he didn't. There was some background noise and then what was clearly a second voice, deep and rumbly, telling Baekhyun to come back to bed as a hand snaked over his shoulder.

"Hyung, gross!"

That woke Baekhyun up a little. "Gross, what? We're all of age here! Adults have sex sometimes, Ensign."

"Lieutenant," Yoongi said, interrupting. "Is that Officer Chanyeol?"

A second face appeared in the hologram, someone bigger than Baekhyun. It was impossible to miss his ears with their distinctive Vulcan point. "Yoongi! It's been a while since I've seen you."

"What is your purpose on Yorktown?"

"Ah, I came here a little while ago to work in the gravity lab."

"Of course, they would be remiss not to have your expertise," said Yoongi. "May I ask that you send our communications officer back?"

Chanyeol laughed. There was no other word for the noise he let out and there was a smile stretched across his face. It was irrefutable. All the same, Taehyung couldn't help but be shocked at the display of such emotion from a Vulcan. Even more so that Yoongi didn't even seem to be taken aback. "Right now? There's just one thing I still need him for."

The hologram only showed them from the waist up, but that was more than enough to see Chanyeol's hand slipping down out of sight. Baekhyun's sudden nervous laughter didn't make it any better.

"Okay, I'll be there soon! Bye!" Baekhyun's hologram became shaky before he ended the feed.

Jungkook set the communicator down with his face scrunched up.

"Vulcans can laugh?" said JK. "Suga-hyung only glares at people."

"Chanyeol's mother is human," said Yoongi. "He was raised on Earth."

"You should laugh like that sometimes," said Taehyung, nudging Yoongi's side.

At first, Yoongi didn't give a response, but then he faced Taehyung and...smiled. Or what Taehyung thought was a smile, but could also be described as a grimace. It was boxy and showed too much teeth and was over before Taehyung could even blink.

"Holy shit," said Taehyung, certain that he was going to throw up rainbows at any moment. "That was the most adorable thing I've ever seen. Do it again."

The tips of Yoongi's ears turned a faint green. "Jungkook, did you not wake everyone? I will have to do it myself." He walked out in a haste and ignored Taehyung calling after him.

"Come back here! I'm your husband! Show me again!"

"I love romance," said Jungkook.

JK's expression soured this time. "This universe is fucking weird."

+

By the afternoon, all of the crew had returned to the ship. Namjoon, Yoongi, and RM had met with the Federation leaders in the morning, proposing their fake plan, and received no pushback.

Their alternate universe selves snuck on in small groups, each responsible for escorting a patient or two. Taehyung lingered in the docking bay with Namjoon and Yoongi, doing his best to conceal his nerves. It wasn't until the boarding doors had all been closed and the engines turned on, the ship coming to life around them, that Taehyung relaxed somewhat.

But he could tell they were all a bit tense as Hoseok and Jungkook navigated the ship out of the bay and into the infinity of space.

They had just left the limit of Yorktown's orbit when Jungkook's panel beeped. "Uh, Captain? I think we're being followed. Chased?"

"Guess they found out," said Namjoon, standing from the Captain's chair. "Hoseok, let's speed it up a bit maybe."

"Yes, sir."

"Captain, we're being hailed by Yorktown command," said Baekhyun. "It's the Federation council."

"Ignore it," said Namjoon.

"You want me to hang up on the Federation?"

Namjoon smiled. "Don't say it like you won't enjoy it, Lieutenant."

The radar on Jungkook's screen showed a squadron of a dozen fighter ships closing in on them. Suddenly, two warning phasers shot past them and the viewing screen flickered, the image of the Federation leader appearing.

"Captain, this is an order to return to Yorktown immediately."

"Apologies, General. We have an appointment we really can't be late for."

"This is treason!"

"We received permission to embark this morning."

"Five seconds to warp sir," said Hoseok.

"Captain! Do not make us use force."

"Thank you for Yorktown's hospitality, General," said Namjoon, settling in his chair. "We'll see you in a few years."

The video feed disappeared as the warp core spun up and Taehyung smiled as Hoseok pushed down the throttle. The emptiness of space stretched out like a rubber band before snapping and just like that, Yorktown disappeared behind them.

+

They warped to an empty quadrant a few light years away. There, they would prep the jump drive with the coordinates Jungkook and JK devised.

"Are you going to miss us?"

Taehyung was back in Engineering and had finished a triple walk-through of the jump drive. V had shown up at the end and they both watched as Jungkook and JK uploaded their calculations and ran them through some simulations.

"I might," said Taehyung, fine with admitting it. He smiled a little. "Are you?"

V snorted. "Don't flatter yourself."

Even though it hadn't been long, Taehyung could tell that was a lie. But he kept quiet and later, as they made their way up to the bridge, Taehyung looped his arm through V's to tease him and didn't hear a single complaint.

Namjoon was speaking with RM on the bridge when they stepped off the lift. "Your ship should be in the same place, correct?"

"I hope so," said RM. "Guess the crew could've committed mutiny and taken the ship."

Namjoon squeezed RM's shoulder. "They wouldn't do that to a captain like you."

"Is that reassurance or you're just complimenting yourself?"

"Why not both?" Namjoon turned around. "Gentlemen, how are we looking?"

"All systems green sir," said Hoseok while Jungkook gave a little salute.

Taehyung thought about how they had gone through this script just a few days ago, still oblivious to what awaited them. Now, he just laughed, even as the pull of the jump twisted up his insides, when next to him V said, "Oh fuck, I'm gonna hurl."

Once everything righted itself again, they looked out into nothingness.

"Ensign," said Namjoon and Jungkook's fingers flew over the control panel.

"The readings are all correct," said Jungkook. "This is exactly where we were last time."

RM stepped closer to the main viewing port, the lines of his jaw tensing. Then, the words they had all been hoping for.

"Captain RM," said Baekhyun, a smile apparent in the lilt of his voice. The fabric of space shimmered before them, revealing what could have easily been mistaken as a reflection of their ship. "The ISS Rising Sun says welcome home."

+

Normally, allowing the entire crew down time at the beginning of a five-year mission would be irresponsible, but after the whirlwind of the past few days, Namjoon had deemed it deserved.

Knowing the Federation was likely looking for them in their home universe, they opted to stay in the mirrorverse for a little while. The rest of the crew on their respective ships had the opportunity to meet their alternate selves if they wanted to and, at the insistence of V and J-Hope, they held a party.

"Of course you're coming," said Taehyung, changing into plainclothes. He sifted through the closet for an outfit for Yoongi, tossing him an all black set of slacks and a button up. Yoongi didn't own anything except black. He, however, had opted for a deep red shirt. "It's a celebration. We saved a whole universe."

"We did not save a universe," said Yoongi, though he dutifully put on the clothes Taehyung had given him. "Neither this universe or ours were ever in danger."

"Semantics," said Taehyung, pressing his lips to Yoongi's when he saw the telltale twitch of his brow indicating Yoongi was about to correct him. "Let's go before I rip those clothes off you. Forgot how hot you look both in and out of uniform."

Yoongi's only acknowledgment of the comment was the slight purse of his mouth.

Everyone had been told to gather on the main observation deck. When they arrived, the room was almost full already. The lights were low and the music loud. The glass which ran from the floor all the way over their heads was programmed to display a starburst galaxy, saturated in pink and purple.

Jimin and his double were behind the open bar, serving up drinks as if it were their day job. Taehyung led Yoongi through the crowd and squeezed into an opening, flagging the other Jimin down since he was closest.

"Bartender's pick!" said Taehyung, to which Jimin grinned and flashed him a wink, immediately pulling out a clear, unlabeled bottle. He could smell it the second Jimin poured out a shot.

"You should not have that," said Yoongi, looking a bit peeved he had to raise his voice to be heard. "It is too strong."

Taehyung's alcohol tolerance was weak, especially when it came to alien liquor. "I won't die from one drink," he said, feeling like if there was any opportune moment to be a little reckless it was now.

The drinks Jimin slid over were in two tumblers, the liquid inside a pale blue. The smell of alcohol had all but disappeared when Taehyung gave it a sniff and was replaced by something sweet and floral.

"You have my guarantee that you'll have a great time after drinking that," said the other Jimin. "But you might not remember it!"

Taehyung gave a small cheers to him, then handed Yoongi his glass and clinked it. "We're off duty so let me see my husband drunk tonight."

Yoongi said nothing, but took a sip out of his glass. His face was still neutral after, so Taehyung drank his without caution only to cough as it went down. It was good, but strong enough to make his sinuses burn.

"You will regret this," said Yoongi, but Taehyung waved his concerns off even as his eyes watered.

"Come on," said Taehyung, grabbing Yoongi's hand again to go find somewhere to sit. It was impossible to tell if the crew members they passed were from their ship or the other, especially in the dim lighting. He just smiled and said hi to everyone regardless as they squeezed their way across the floor.

"Hey, you!"

Taehyung stopped, searching their surroundings before he landed on V waving at them from a booth off to the side. He brightened and pulled Yoongi along, taking a deep breath once they were finally out of the crowd. V was dressed similar to him, though his shirt was left unbuttoned far lower than Taehyung's, but next to him was Suga who was in a black leather jacket and had his hair styled back. But what was most striking was it was now blonde.

"Wow," said Taehyung, falling into the empty spot next to them. He stared for a bit, then turned to Yoongi. "Let's make you look like that."

Yoongi stared back and the very subtle twitch of his nose told Taehyung he was a bit offended. "You have been satisfied with my physical appearance up until now."

"Yeah, but up until now I didn't know you looked like that blonde." Out the corner of his eye, Taehyung caught Suga smirking.

"Careful, you don't want a jealous Vulcan." V stole Taehyung's drink and took a sip, but had almost the exact same reaction, making a grossed out face as he coughed. "What the fuck is that?"

"I told your Jimin to make us whatever he wanted."

"Glad to know the past few days wasn't life threatening enough for you."

Taehyung sat back and placed his arm behind Yoongi. Looking out onto the floor was like a scene out of the clubs on some of the vacation planets he'd gone to during his time at Starfleet. Some of the younger crew members were clearly apprehensive about letting go in front of their superior officers, but others had no issues letting their guards down.

The drink other Jimin made never went down easier. He stuck his tongue out each time he took a sip, sometimes holding his breath to try and taste less of it though that only made the burn worse. But it was strong and loosened him up quickly, his face growing warm, everything around him taking on a soft glow, and he stuck even closer to Yoongi like he wanted to melt right into him.

Yoongi had nearly finished his glass, his face also flushed, and he smiled when Taehyung clung to him.

"You're smiling," said Taehyung, wonder coloring his voice. He smiled back and tipped his head against Yoongi's. "Are you drunk?" He giggled. "I am."

"I am moderately inebriated," said Yoongi. He did not avoid it when Taehyung planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

"Did you just thank me for kissing you?" said Taehyung, becoming more elated with each passing second.

"Yes. You gave me something so it is appropriate for me to express gratitude."

Taehyung barely kept himself from squealing and cupped Yoongi's face, shaking it back and forth. "You're so cute I'm gonna die."

"How long are you two going to be like this? It's disgusting."

Taehyung turned and scowled at V. "Shut your mouth, we're adorable."

Suga snorted and V rolled his eyes, though Taehyung counted it as a win that they didn't deny his claim.

Taehyung turned his attention to people watching. He leaned into Yoongi again and scanned the dance floor, finding J-Hope pulling off moves which seemed to defy gravity. Other Jimin had abandoned the bar, it seemed, since he was now dragging a reluctant RM behind him. If he was anywhere near as capable as their Jimin, Taehyung laughed to himself imagining the trouble RM was in.

In the middle of the crowd, the sudden glint of Jungkook's titanium arm under the flashing red lights was hard to miss. What was shocking though was who he was dancing with. The music was bass heavy, but Jungkook was moving to a much slower rhythm. JK's arms were around his waist and they were pressed close together, eyes closed. The both of them were sandwiched between Hoseok and Seokjin, all four of them moving together lazily. All the glimpses that fed into Taehyung's suspicion that something had developed between them had taken a backseat to the chaos and danger they'd been in. This was the first real confirmation and Taehyung felt a little like he was intruding, watching the way Hoseok pressed his face against the curve of Jungkook's neck and how Seokjin tipped JK's chin up so their eyes could meet.

"Are you wondering what it's like?" V had moved closer and was watching them too. "Getting involved with someone who looks exactly like you? Who is you."

Taehyung frowned. "Are you trying to get me to do the same? I'm not curious."

"Are you sure?" V laughed and grabbed Taehyung's hand, pulling him up. "I'll bring your husband right back," he said to Yoongi before tugging Taehyung into the crowd.

It was hot and Taehyung bumped into a few people before V stopped and pulled him in close. "Haven't I been warning you? I'm not through with you yet." His hands were a warm weight on Taehyung's waist as he led Taehyung to move with the thump of the bass.

Taehyung, maybe in his inebriation, didn't get the urge to tell V he was being ridiculous and run away. In the end, they were the same person. It was easy to imagine himself turning out exactly like V had the circumstances in his own universe been different. These mirror versions of all of them weren't trusting of strangers for good reason, but Taehyung could not find a reason to claim they had any less integrity than his own crew.

If there was anything he was uncomfortable with, it was embarrassment for having the vanity to think that V was attractive. The disheveled look worked too well on him with his long hair and the cavalier way he carried himself. Suga had a similar air to him, though a bit more elite spy than rogue space cowboy.

So Taehyung went with it, sliding his arms over V's shoulders as he relaxed and moved with the music. He thought about V's words and wondered what V saw in him, what kind of allure he had that would catch the attention of someone like V.

It was easy to get caught up in the moment, the adrenaline still thrumming in him of the past few days on top of the alcohol lowering his guard. He didn't care about anything but enjoying himself, even if it was with another version of himself. So he let himself be pulled even closer, let V's hands touch his waist, his back, to sink into his hair as one song blended into another. He liked the way V looked at him, his eyes dark and heavy, liked that it seemed like V wanted him. He tilted his head to the side easily to allow V access to nose along the collar of his shirt and shivered as V's breath left goosebumps in its wake.

It was only when V raised his head again and leaned in that Taehyung wedged a hand between them. "I'm still married."

V snorted. "We can solve that." He led Taehyung back to the booth where Yoongi and Suga had moved closer to speak.

When Yoongi watched them approach, Taehyung felt like he'd been caught red-handed doing something terrible. But when they stopped in front of him, Yoongi touched his hand briefly without hesitation.

"We're leaving," said V and Suga quirked his brow.

"We are?"

Yoongi looked to Taehyung who had lost the confidence being in the crowd had given him. He shrugged and tensed when V slid a hand around his waist.

"Well?" said V, smirking as he perched his chin on Taehyung's shoulder. "Are we leaving?"

"Not to do anything," said Taehyung, rushed. He stopped abruptly when V laughed.

"Of course not," said V, his lips grazing Taehyung's ear. Yoongi had not let his eyes stray from them even a moment, for once truly unreadable. "I don't know what obscene things you're thinking. It's just to go somewhere quiet."

"We may go to our quarters," said Yoongi, standing. He grabbed Taehyung by the elbow and led him toward the exit. He did not look to see if V and Suga followed, but when they stopped for the lift, Taehyung felt a hand run through the back of his hair and turned to see V draped lazily — shamelessly — against Suga, hip cocked.

Under the harsh corridor lights, it was easy to see the thin sheen of sweat which had built up in a room stifling with everyone's body heat. Suga's hair stuck to his face, falling in his eyes. Taehyung forced himself to look away only to focus on V's sharp collarbones, completely exposed.

Yoongi's hand tightened around his as if he knew exactly the thoughts running through Taehyung's head.

The walk to their room was surprisingly quiet. Taehyung thought V would at least be chattering away, but he didn't hear a peep. The silence made his own thoughts too loud. What were they doing, really? Had his judgment been knocked off-kilter just because of Jungkook and JK? There was no such as a normal reaction to confronting a different version of yourself, but this was still ridiculous, wasn't it?

The hydraulic whoosh of the doors opening startled Taehyung and he smiled sheepishly when Yoongi looked at him.

"Nice place," said V, walking around and having no trouble poking around all their things. Suga stayed where he was, but looked around, gaze lingering on a portrait of Yoongi with his family. It wasn't as candid as the one from the home they stayed in on Yorktown, but it was still easy to gather a sense of warmth from it.

Yoongi gave Taehyung a glass of water, probably knowing a headache was already forming from having such a strong drink so quickly earlier. Taehyung smiled and sat on the couch with him, sipping at it and staring at the floor.

Suga shed his leather jacket. "You look like a frightened animal," he said to Taehyung. "A deer surrounded by wolves."

It took a second for Taehyung to process the observation that he was the only one nervous. He looked at Yoongi, who he realized had been steadfast the entire evening. That's right, it would have been out of character for him to not have figured out a way to understand all this. Logic always prevailed.

Taehyung's eyes widened when Suga came and sat on Yoongi's other side, leaving no space between them.

"What do you want?" said Suga. Yoongi's hand was resting on his thigh and Suga reached out, running his finger over the back of it, but kept his eyes on Taehyung.

"You're going to make the guy faint," said V, but didn't actually care about Taehyung's state of mind since he came over and situated himself right in Taehyung's lap. "Drink your water."

Taehyung didn't. He could barely remember to breathe. V's face softened and he almost came off affectionate.

"Stop looking like we're actually going to eat you," he said, crossing his arms. "Do you want us to leave?"

Taehyung shook his head.

"Use your words, Lieutenant Commander."

Yoongi touched Taehyung's hand. "You will not be judged for what you want, even if you think it strange."

Trust Yoongi to know all of Taehyung's worries. He found it easier to speak to Yoongi for now. "You won't be mad? Am I weird?"

Yoongi shook his head. "There is no precedence for this. No normal or abnormal."

Taehyung thought about it, then downed the rest of his water and set the glass down none too gently on the side table.

V laughed a bit. "Can't believe there's a version of me out there this cute," he said, flicking his finger under Taehyung's chin. "Are you going to let me kiss you now?"

Taehyung was flustered again at the bluntness, but recovered quickly and stared at V's face, then at his mouth. V, watching it all, licked his lips. Despite Yoongi's reassurance, Taehyung did still find all of this a special breed of strange, but could accept it for what it was. This time he didn't stop V when he leaned in. In fact, Taehyung was the one who became impatient and jolted forward at the last second, meeting V in the middle.

It was like kissing anyone. Taehyung didn't know what he had expected, but the only thing which told Taehyung he was kissing a replica of himself was his own knowledge. If anything, the novelty of it was more in the fact that he hadn't kissed anyone except for Yoongi for years and the feeling of someone's lips against his was jarring.

There was slight hesitation from both of them at first, lips pressed together chastely, then V made a noise in his throat and grabbed the back of Taehyung's neck, diving back in and kissing Taehyung like he was starving for it.

V's tongue forced its way into Taehyung's mouth. It was all Taehyung could do just to keep up, V's weight pressing him back against the sofa. His hands settled on V's waist as they kissed, feeling how V was leaner than him, his muscles shifting under Taehyung's palms. V tugged on Taehyung's bottom lip between his teeth as he pulled away, leaving one more kiss to soothe the ache. Taehyung stopped himself from seeking more, but now that the dam had broken, he wanted everything, all of it, so badly.

It pleased him to see V catching his breath, his lips shiny and full. There was mischief in his eyes that Taehyung hadn't seen before and it loosened the worry that had wound tight in Taehyung's chest. He smiled, then laughed softly, closing his eyes as he dropped his head back. V leaned forward and said into his ear, "I think you'll want to keep watching this next part."

Taehyung looked at V, who tilted his head to the side. He turned and locked gazes with Yoongi who was staring at him, quiet and motionless. But it was not Yoongi who held his attention, not when Suga was there, chin resting on Yoongi's shoulder, his eyes dark and dangerous. Taehyung's breath hitched as he watched Suga raise Yoongi's hand, knowing what Suga was about to do but not believing it was actually going to happen. His doubt crumbled like a house of cards when Suga took Yoongi's middle finger into his mouth, replaced by a heat in his gut that would have knocked him off his feet had he been standing.

If it had been anyone else doing this to Yoongi, Taehyung would hate it. He would be hurt and betrayed, but this wasn't just anyone. Suga sucked on Yoongi's finger leisurely, as if it bored him, but the way Yoongi's face tensed told Taehyung it was anything but an afterthought. He wanted to see more, so quickly addicted to being able to watch Yoongi in ways he usually wouldn't be able to.

Taehyung surged forward and kissed Yoongi, unable to contain himself. He both heard and felt Yoongi's sharp inhale as well as the tension in his body when he braced a hand on Yoongi's thigh. He pulled back with a smile, then locked eyes with Suga and said quietly, "Suga-hyung."

Suga's eyes widened, faltering for just a split second but it was enough for Taehyung to take Yoongi's hand away only to guide two fingers back into Suga's mouth. There were audible reactions from all three of them and Taehyung grinned, so pleased he felt like he was floating.

"It's always the ones who seem innocent," said V, pulling Taehyung back to him. He slid off and copied the way Suga and Yoongi were sitting, settling in behind Taehyung. His hands snuck up and unbuttoned Taehyung's shirt, letting it fall open as he smoothed his palms over Taehyung's chest and stomach. His hands were warm and it was almost relaxing. Taehyung was satisfied even if they just went this far, to have V touch him like this while he watched Suga chip away at Yoongi's composure.

"I was so disappointed when we first saw you," said V, lips brushing Taehyung's jaw, "thinking we had to make enemies of someone so pretty."

Taehyung leaned his weight back fully and grinned. "I'm too cute to resist though," he said, whining when V pinched his side.

"Don't flatter yourself. You just ended up not being the enemies we were looking for."

Taehyung hummed and stretched his arms overhead. He brought them down behind V's head, playing with his hair. Suga was undoing Yoongi's shirt now and he caught Taehyung's eyes, hand hovering over Yoongi's pants after, waiting for Taehyung's cue.

There was already a flush covering Yoongi's face down to his chest. His eyes were closed as Suga took his fingers deeper, all the way to the knuckle. Taehyung nodded, an easy decision, and watched Suga unfasten Yoongi's slacks and slip his hand inside.

"Did you know that you would like watching so much?" said V, hooking his hands against Taehyung's stomach. "I wonder what other filthy things you're into and you just never had a chance to find out."

Taehyung tilted his head easily to give V space to kiss and mouth at his neck. Yoongi was visibly losing the fight to keep his resolve. Taehyung had never seen him so affected from so little and was greedy for more. He considered V's words and said the first thing that came to mind. "I want to be watched too. I want you to watch us."

V snorted. "You have a once in a lifetime chance to mess around with yourself, but in the end you still just want him."

Taehyung shot V a sulky look and sat up, leaning into Yoongi's bubble. "He's my husband," he said, like the reason was obvious. It should have been. "Of course it's him."

Yoongi opened his eyes and Taehyung beamed when their eyes met. Taehyung eased Suga's hand away and pulled his fingers from Suga's mouth. Taehyung was about to ask if being watched was okay when Yoongi reached for his pants, undoing them with efficiency that would impress any Vulcan. But with Taehyung it just made him laugh, falling onto his back in V's lap so Yoongi could tug them off. Above him, V smiled. A genuine one that unexpectedly left Taehyung a little heartbroken for reasons he didn't know.

Yoongi got up and returned before Taehyung even realized. He sat in the middle, shirt and pants open, and pulled Taehyung to straddle his lap.

"Be gentle with me," said Taehyung with a small grin and a wink. But Yoongi had always been that way with him. He hugged Yoongi's shoulders and arched back when Yoongi's fingers sank into him. He couldn't remember if they were the same ones Suga had in his mouth, didn't know if he would be able to handle it if the answer were yes.

Even though he knew they were being watched, it was still startling to turn his head and see V staring intently at them. It made Taehyung impatient for more and he nudged Yoongi's hand away and lowered himself until he was flush with Yoongi's hips. It sent a thrill through him, how Yoongi watched him from below, how Suga and V were right there with them. He kissed Yoongi as he moved, wondering if Yoongi was able to give him this just how far he was willing to go if Taehyung only asked.

As far as Taehyung would go for him, he imagined.

When Taehyung's legs grew tired, he simply settled in Yoongi's lap and rocked back and forth. When was the last time they were able to have time like this? The circumstances he could have never predicted, but all things considered, there were much worse positions to be in.

"Look at this face."

Taehyung blinked open his eyes. V was very close, seeming so nonchalant, as if he weren't watching two people have sex right before him.

"You're this happy to be watched?"

Taehyung smiled and closed the distance between them, kissing V slowly. Behind him he heard Yoongi and Suga do the same.

"Enough," said V as they broke apart. He licked his lips. "This is the tamest voyeurism I've ever seen."

"Have you seen many?" said Suga.

"I have imagined many," said V, grinning. He ran his hand down Taehyung's back, stopping just short of where Taehyung and Yoongi met. "Show me what this well-raised Vulcan is capable of."

They switched so Taehyung could rest. He leaned over the back of the sofa and Yoongi kneeled behind him, kissing the dip between his shoulder blades as he pressed back in. Yoongi's hands held his hips firmly and the years of him cataloguing every inch of Taehyung's body, learning every secret and string to pull, left Taehyung a whimpering mess in moments. Taehyung dug his fingers into the cushion as Yoongi took him apart, unforgiving and relentless, until he tensed up with a gasp and finally fell to pieces.

Yoongi pulled away and took care of himself quietly as Taehyung went boneless, face resting against his arm, and before long his breath hitched and he spilled against Taehyung's flushed skin.

"Was that satisfactory?" said Yoongi and V chuckled.

"You're smart, you can use context clues."

Taehyung whined at how hot he was and squirmed until he wrestled his shirt off, leaving himself completely naked. He was the only one, but didn't care. Yoongi cleaned him up just in time for him to slide to the floor, sinking to his knees between V's legs. He could see the surprise barely hidden on V's face and smiled, his hands busy with V's pants.

"You take care of Suga-hyung," said Taehyung to Yoongi, mouth parting on reflex when he finally got V out of the confines of his underwear. It looked exactly like his own, but he was fascinated anyway being able to study it from this angle, this close up.

Once Taehyung sated his curiosity, he took V into his mouth without warning. V made a cut off noise and his thighs tensed on either side of Taehyung, hands grabbing onto Taehyung's shoulders. Taehyung knew he was good at this. A few times, when he really took his time, he even got Yoongi to moan out loud and counted each time as one of his life's greatest achievements.

When Taehyung imagined how they must look, he and Yoongi on their knees like this, it seemed like something out of the twilight zone. That wasn't too far off, he supposed. He wondered, looking up at V as he took him deeper, what they were thinking. If this was really what they meant to happen from the beginning once they learned Namjoon's crew wasn't a threat.

It was strange, actually, the way V and Suga treated them after they rescued those the Admiral had kidnapped. It was as if they saw them as people to protect and they had, swooping in at the last moment, but Taehyung didn't think a couple days of proximity could do that. He didn't know if he could ask about it, what else they saw in him and Yoongi.

It was a conversation to be considered later. V moved his hands to Taehyung's head, cradling Taehyung's cheek and making him look up. Taehyung drew back and used his tongue more, pleased when V shuddered. He watched V's composure start to crumble and doubled his efforts, listening to the sounds of Yoongi next to him show how little gag reflex he had.

V cursed and grabbed Suga's shirt, pulling roughly as he leaned over and crushed their mouths together. Taehyung didn't remember much now of what they had walked into that first day, but it wasn't anything like what he saw now. Back there it had just been for show, to mess with Yoongi and Taehyung, but this was something real. He thought about V insisting he and Suga were simply friends with benefits and wondered if everyone kissed their fuck buddies with such desperation and want.

V broke the kiss and dropped his head to Suga's shoulder, breathing in deeply. His hair fell into his eyes, but Taehyung still caught his pressing gaze and held it as he lowered his mouth again, this time as deep as he could bear it. His throat burned and his eyes watered, but he reveled in the desperate moan V let out.

"Come."

It took a moment for Taehyung to realize it hadn't been Yoongi who spoke since he was still very preoccupied. Suga pulled V's head up by his hair, V wincing but saying nothing. He was trembling noticeably, eyes heavy, and Taehyung thought they were going to kiss again, but they just stared at each other until V tensed up and spilled into Taehyung's mouth. Taehyung cleaned him off with small, kitten licks and tucked him back in.

It didn't take much longer for Suga to follow. He was much quieter about it and Yoongi's mouth was barely even messy when he sat up. Taehyung kissed him, soft and sweet, smiling when he drew back.

"You don't have to stay down there," said V, pushing Taehyung's hair back. His cheeks were still flushed and Taehyung thought he was kind of cute to look at.

Yoongi got up and disappeared to the washroom. Taehyung crawled onto the couch again, squeezing V into the middle. V pulled him in for a kiss, surprisingly gentle, like a thank you. Yoongi came back with clean underwear for Taehyung, but also the bottle of Vulcan wine he kept for special occasions.

Suga raised his eyebrow when he saw it. "You should be saving that."

"I have saved it," said Yoongi, pouring them all a glass. "If this is not an occasion for it, then there will never be one."

The four of them weren't able to all fit on the couch, so Taehyung grabbed a couple blankets and sat with Yoongi on the floor. Vulcan wine had a kick to it, but it didn't make Taehyung cringe the way most alcohol did. It helped warm Taehyung up even if the blankets and Yoongi's body heat were more than enough. He thought it might be a little awkward after what they'd just done, but it felt no different than a night in with their friends.

"What will you do now?" said Taehyung. "All that searching and work is done."

V shrugged, glancing at Suga. "There's always something else, even if we don't know it yet."

"We may explore continuing the research Denga was doing under our own terms now that we know your universe does not have the same technology," said Suga. "A gesture of gratitude."

"It would be well received by the scientific and medical communities," Yoongi said. His shirt was still open and Taehyung poked at his stomach.

"We really need to book that vacation. You're going to become so pale you turn transparent."

"I assure you that would be impossible."

"Did you get a chance to talk to your mom about why she wants you to stop by Vulcan?"

Yoongi shook his head.

"What does any Vulcan parent call their adult child back for?" Suga said. "Except to discuss your pon farr."

Yoongi stayed quiet, but didn't meet Taehyung's eyes, which meant he had the same suspicion.

It wasn't a secret to Taehyung, what pon farr was. Every seven years, a Vulcan would be reduced to primal urges to mate and there were dire consequences if they couldn't. Yoongi had been honest with him about it when they became serious enough to discuss marriage, but he supposed talking about something which wouldn't affect them for years was different than when the real thing arrived.

"You weren't going to tell me to go with you even though it's about that?" said Taehyung.

"It is still some time away," said Yoongi, sighing quietly. "I know what my mother wants to discuss. She is concerned it will not be safe for you."

Taehyung frowned. "Why wouldn't she want me to hear about that?"

Yoongi hesitated, which happened so rarely that it was clearly a bad sign.

"Because she is going to suggest to him to not involve you," said Suga, unperturbed when Yoongi stared at him, his gaze sharp and cold.

"Is that true?" said Taehyung.

Yoongi took a slow, deep breath, expression softening when he turned to Taehyung. "Yes, it is my suspicion she will argue against you being there. She is being logical, knowing how violent it can be. It is out of care."

"How is that logical?" said Taehyung, eyes growing wide. "If I'm not there, you'll die!"

"There are other options."

"Like what? Fighting to the death? Meditating your way out of it?" Taehyung rolled his eyes. "You're terrible at meditating!"

"A human telling a Vulcan he is poor at meditating," said Suga, obviously amused.

"You have interjected your opinions enough for tonight," said Yoongi. He placed his hand on Taehyung's. "May we discuss this later?"

But Taehyung didn't make it to Chief Engineering Officer purely on booksmart. There were only three ways to end a Vulcan's pon farr. The last option, the one that he had always expected to fulfill, was for a Vulcan to mate with someone until their fever broke. If he was going to be told he couldn't, that only left one, ironically, logical conclusion.

"Why?" said Taehyung, unable to hide the hurt in his voice. He had never been good at it. "You don't want anyone around when you tell me you're going to sleep with someone else?"

The spot above the bridge of Yoongi's nose wrinkled. "Taehyung."

Taehyung stood up and went to the closet, pulling on whatever was within reach. He refused to make eye contact even when Yoongi said his name again and left their quarters. There were only a couple places he went when he needed to think. Usually when he was upset, Yoongi was where he automatically headed. He was never upset at Yoongi and couldn't remember the last time they even had a serious disagreement.

One of the smaller observation decks also had an anti-gravity garden and Taehyung found it the most calming out of anywhere on the ship. It was somewhat out of the way too, so there were never many people here. Tonight it was empty since everyone was at the party.

He knew he shouldn't have left like that. Yoongi wasn't the sort of person who would be so callous and had always treated Taehyung like he was the most precious thing in the universe. He loved Taehyung in his own quintessentially Yoongi ways which often left Taehyung brimming with warm and fuzzy feelings.

It irritated him that he actually understood where Yoongi's mother was coming from. There was still very little information available about the act of pon farr and what Yoongi had told him years ago was minimal at best. But he knew even in the best of cases the risk of injury was not insignificant and that was for Vulcans who had a higher tolerance for pain and superhuman strength. Taehyung would be like a ragdoll to Yoongi.

Still.

The fact that Yoongi didn't immediately argue against his mother's wishes hurt. Even imagining for a second Yoongi going through his pon farr with a stranger was too much. Yoongi should have just lied to him. He wasn't capable of it, but he still should have tried.

"You're right where he said you'd be." V appeared next to Taehyung and leaned against the deck railing. The anti-gravity garden floated in a dome before them, the infinite drowning void of space the backdrop. One of the plants was a set of pink and purple vines with the ability to sense the presence of sentient beings, knowing when it was being admired, and perked up to show off its best angles. It awoke now, the vines curling up and swayed in the air as if they were dancing. "Didn't expect to see you two fight."

"It's not a fight," Taehyung mumbled, even though it clearly was.

"He didn't say he was going to agree to it, you know."

Taehyung pouted. "He's considering it though. He didn't say he definitely wasn't going to do it either."

"I think if you told him you didn't want him sleeping with some random Vulcan — which would be stupid of him because no one else is going to be better than us in bed — he won't do it. You have that going for you in your universe."

Taehyung could read between the lines. "And in yours? If Yoongi has his pon farr soon, won't Suga too?"

V's laugh was quiet and sardonic. "What about him? He's obviously just going to fuck whoever they chose for his mate."

"You could, you know, offer."

V rubbed his face. "Yeah? Then what? I confess and he decides he's also in love with me and we live happily ever after?"

Taehyung bit his lip. "Was that an admission?"

V braced his hands on the railing, head hung between his arms. "It doesn't matter."

"Of course it does."

"Look, I know we've been chummy the past few days with a multiverse crisis, working together and saving the world and all that bullshit. But this universe is still full of people who aren't like RM, who won't think twice about leveraging every single weakness you have to get what they want. What you and him have? That doesn't work around here. Not if you both want to stay alive as long as possible."

"Shouldn't he at least know? That you have feelings?"

"Come on, don't embarrass me. You know he knows. He's a Vulcan, and he's him. Yours and mine, you know they're not stupid." V looked out across the garden and when he spoke again it was a fragile sound Taehyung wanted to shelter in his palms. "Not saying it is how I protect him."

Taehyung didn't think about it when he moved closer and leaned his head on V's shoulder, linking their arms together too. He didn't know if they would ever see each other again. It was unlikely and if this was the only time V would ever be able to allow someone to know how he felt, Taehyung would comfort him as much as he could.

Out here, the oppressive silence made everyone vulnerable. Taehyung listened to each broken exhale from V and let them get swallowed up into the endless void.

+

Yoongi came to find them a while later. They were sitting on the floor watching the vine plant sway, pressing up against the glass whenever Taehyung or V would extend their hands. Yoongi sat next to Taehyung and took his hand.

V glanced over and stood up, dusting off his pants. "I'm going to turn in," he said and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Don't forget to say goodbye tomorrow, I guess."

Taehyung smiled and watched V's back until he disappeared around the corner.

Yoongi continued to stay quiet, though slowly stroked the side of Taehyung's hand with his thumb.

"Aren't you going to ask me what we talked about?" said Taehyung after a while.

"Your conversations with others are yours," said Yoongi, looking down when Taehyung interlaced their fingers. "I apologize for not being completely forthcoming about what my mother is proposing."

"No, I get it," said Taehyung, sighing. "I shouldn't have reacted like that and assumed you were going to go ahead with it."

"I will not take another partner for it," said Yoongi, squeezing Taehyung's hand. "We will find a different way."

"You should let me stay with you," said Taehyung. "You wouldn't hurt me."

Yoongi raised his other hand to Taehyung's face. Taehyung leaned into his palm, nuzzling it. "You do not know that for sure."

"I do know," said Taehyung, knocking his head against Yoongi's gently. "Aren't I your t'hy'la?"

Yoongi's gaze softened and he kissed the corner of Taehyung's mouth. "Always."

"Then I'll be fine," said Taehyung, releasing Yoongi's hand so he could hug Yoongi's shoulders instead. "You'll take care of me the way you always have."

Yoongi cupped Taehyung's face with both hands and kissed him properly, lingering as he pressed his mouth to Taehyung's top lip, then bottom. It had the inside of Taehyung warm and glowing, keeping his eyes closed even when Yoongi finally pulled away, a smile automatically appearing.

"I love you," said Taehyung softly.

"And I, you."

It was late, but they sat for a while longer, watching the plants turn in for the night, vines and tendrils curling in on themselves like cats under the sun. Taehyung knew Yoongi was still worried, but that was something he could alleviate with time. It was the least he could do for the most important person in his life, a life where he could look at Yoongi and tell him so, a privilege he would hold dear for as long as he would be allowed.

+

It was strange how they had gotten used to the presence of their alternate selves so easily that to say goodbye seemed bittersweet. Jungkook went around the room hugging and lifting everyone, even RM who showed a flicker of surprise before it softened into affection. Taehyung had expected his goodbye with JK to be more reluctant, but it was nothing like that. Jungkook bounded up to JK and hugged him and the two immediately put their heads together, talking quietly but excitedly about something that Taehyung assumed was up to no good.

"Hey, did you hear about the communication thingy those two built last night?" said V. His hair was more unkempt than usual and it shouldn't have come off attractive, but Taehyung thought maybe last night's events changed his perception and judgment. This morning, without the alcohol making him brave, he woke up and had immediately tried to hide against Yoongi's chest. He had complained about showing his face, but Yoongi had pointed out that he would regret it if he didn't bid everyone goodbye and he had promised anyhow.

If V was feeling shy about their activities, which Taehyung highly doubted, he didn't show it. Taehyung didn't even know if he imagined it, seeing V's gaze drop to his mouth for a split second before he had spoken.

"What thing?"

"I haven't seen it personally, but they claim they figured out a way to communicate even when you go back."

"Excuse me?" Namjoon appeared behind V, brows scrunched in confusion. "Who did what?"

V pointed to Jungkook and JK who were laughing hysterically at something now. Namjoon called out to them and they both looked over, wide-eyed as if they were children caught red-handed trying to steal cake.

"What's this I hear about you two working on something without telling anyone?" said Namjoon once they were within earshot. "Especially since we're about to leave."

Jungkook's face was blank before his mouth made a small 'o' in realization. "Our communications device," he said, brightening. "We were talking about how the jump drive worked and how if it could transport large matter to a different universe then there definitely should be a way to also send sound."

"I mean, all you really need to do is just figure out a way to prevent a gravitational singularity event, right?" said JK. Taehyung looked around to see if anyone else thought there was anything 'just' about preventing singularities, but it seemed only him. "Quantum field theory says if you're able to create negative space to cancel out ordinary matter, you can keep a link open, so we ran a few calculations and put together a prototype that should generate just enough negative matter to transmit sound waves."

They all remained quiet when JK stopped talking. Jungkook looked at them like perhaps they were slow and just didn't get it. "He means we can keep in contact with each other!"

Namjoon cupped his hands over his nose and mouth, the same way Taehyung's father used to do when Taehyung or his siblings got into trouble. "Did you just describe to me a wormhole? You're going to open a wormhole on my ship?"

It was terrifying how quickly Jungkook and JK changed their expressions to look innocent and pleading. "A small one," said Jungkook, pouting. "Teeny tiny."

Taehyung leaned over to whisper in Yoongi's ear. "Is anyone going to point out how these two literally invented the next generation of communications technology in just one night?"

"I do not think it would be good for Namjoon's health to call attention to a multiverse history-making breakthrough at this moment. He seems overwhelmed still by the wormhole."

Namjoon did look a bit pale. JK called RM over to tell him as well, presumably with the expectation that RM would tell Namjoon it wasn't a big deal.

But RM donned the same stupefied look and said to Namjoon, "Are they going to create wormholes on our ships? Our ships."

JK threw his arms up. "It's just a small one!"

Taehyung found himself smiling. He didn't know if V and Suga would want to speak to them again, but he liked knowing the option was there. V caught his eye and his smile grew, resulting in V throwing him a perplexed look before walking away.

"He will come around," said Yoongi, brushing his knuckles against Taehyung's. "It is impossible for anyone to stay away from you."

"You don't have to butter me up. We're already married."

"I do not understand how butter is related to this."

Taehyung pressed his lips together. "That's a joke, right? I know you always claim Vulcans don't joke, but that was clearly one. It was terrible, just so you know."

Yoongi ignored him and said, "There is Jin and J-Hope, we should finish saying goodbye." He wandered off without waiting for a reply. As he approached them, J-Hope's antennae went from a dull blue to a deep, royal purple. For friendship, Hoseok had explained before.

That was what they all were now — friends. It would be remiss to not accept with sincerity when handed such an opportunity by the universes. Yoongi would argue with Taehyung that fate wasn't real, that things didn't happen for a higher purpose, and Taehyung would even agree to a certain extent.

But the universe was vast and most of it still unknown. Whatever lay beyond it, whether their own or another's, was even more unfathomable. In the end, what was nature versus nurture, fate versus agency, was unimportant as the existence of all of them was insignificant. Millions and billions of years from now, what happened here would be long forgotten, but the drowning darkness of space would still be constant and uncaring.

And they would be the dust of dead stars, drifting alone in the soundless void until the fabric of time gathered them all to shine brightly together once more.