Tae's POV

I wait in the silence for Kookie's response as Needy Tae grabs his teddy bear and curls in a ball under his corner chair. Why is Kookie not responding? We have had a wonderful day. The only explanation is he does not want to meet my family. Suddenly, I am finding it hard to breath. I turn and move toward my bedroom slowly as Needy Tae tells me to run and burst into tears. I will not do that. I will not be a victim or fall into dramatics. I tell Needy Tae to get off the floor and get in his chair. What the fuck, he ignores me and squeezes his teddy bear tighter.

I feel Kookie take my wrist. Slowly I turn towards him with a lowered head as Needy Tae raises his head as he senses some hope. Before Kookie speaks, I sense, Snippy Tae emerge. Snippy Tae can be brutal and reacts when I'm scared and hurt. I know him well. He is one step before Savage Tae, which Kookie became acquainted with on the flight. Snippy Tae is a protector. If he feels threatened, then Savage Tae will come out. Trust me. No one wants to see Savage Tae. Snippy Tae starts subtle to make his impact. Sarcasm is his weapon of choice.

"Kookie, it's okay. That's a bit fast. Meeting my family so soon. It's not like you said you wanted to be with me forever." Bam and that is Snippy Tae, going in for the gut punch. Which he thinks Kookie deserves because I am scared and hurt.

"Tae that's not fair." His voice trembles as he responds.

"Did you not say that Kookie? Are we not about to talk about how we will make this work? How we can be together long-term!" I bite my lip hard to hold back my hurt.

"Tae, please I'm sorry," Kookie pleads as I avoid his eyes. "I just got s-scared. You know, uh Christmas and family. I want to be with you, I really do. I just freaked out and wasn't sure what to say in the moment."

"How about yes Kookie! Maybe I was wrong...maybe..." I pull Snippy Tae back by his collar because threats are dangerous, and Kookie is being vulnerable with me. I send Snippy Tae to the corner that is becoming quite crowded.

"Tae no! Don't you walk away from this. Baby, please." He takes my hand and pulls me closer as I raise my head slowly and look into his eyes. His eyes always speak his truth. They are sincere and scared. This I know and trust. Honest and confident Tae returns and tells Needy Tae to cut his shit. He gets in his chair and hugs his teddy bear.

"Kookie, I know I'm right about you, but I'm scared too. I'm taking the biggest risk of my life here. I-I don't want to be hurt. I don't think I could survive it. I'm jump off a cliff here. Please don't let me jump alone. I'd be so crushed." He wraps his arms around me and hugs me like his life depends on it.

"Tae, we go over the cliff together. Understand?" He smiles and I squeeze him as if my life also depends on him.

"Kookie, please tell me again, you won't go."

"No Tae, I won't go. Please be patient with me Tae." His voice is strong.

Needy Tae has heard enough and is now setting up his trampoline as Snippy Tae rolls his eye. He can be a very salty bitch.

"Kookie, what happened? Why did you not respond?"

"Tae the Christmas brunch was wonderful. At first, I felt happy seeing all of the families with children but then I-I felt sad. I was reminded of what I lost. I was stuck thinking about those families and losing my parents when you asked about meeting your family. Of course, I want to meet them. I'm a bit scared, but I know I will like them because they are yours."

"Aww, Kookie. Thanks sweetie." Needy Tae is doing triple somersaults now. I hope Kookie allows me to support him to reach out to his father, but it has to be his choice and in his own time. It's Christmas. What time could be better.

"So, what are you waiting for, let's do this video call!" Kookie's excitement and willingness shows in his eyes.

"Okay Kookie. I'll set my laptop up and meet you in the dining room in 15 minutes." I kiss him on his cheek and run to my room bouncing.

Jungkook's POV

I want to meet Tae's family. Why did I hold back like that? He is without a doubt the man of my dreams. I chuckle because I never thought there was such a thing as a man of my dreams. That certainly changed when Tae stepped on that plane. I've hooked-up with guys I've met over the years. Several one-night stands but I haven't done that in years. Just the occasional hook-up with business associations. Not very much talk, because neither was interested. I show up with condoms and lube and we fuck until next time.

Tae has not asked me about my past with other men, but I'll happily tell him. No worries there. I've never been with anyone seriously. There are a few guys that I see routinely for sex only. Sometimes when I travel. I hope he does not judge me too harshly for being such a man slut. I'm done with that way of life. Tae is all I want and need.

I nervously walk to the dining room and there is my little Christmas cutie bending over setting up his laptop. How hot he looks from this angle in his snug well fitted dark pants.

"Kookie, I need the wi-fi code."

"Sure, Tae babe, I have it." I open my phone and pull up the information. I give it to him as he anxiously inputs the information.

"Kookie, you sit here." He then sits next to me. "Kookie, I'll just say you're my friend and we're traveling together. How's that?"

"Tae, I'm your man, right?"

"Teehee. Right Kookie." His smile is big and boxy as he blushes.

"So, Tae, how many will be on this video call?" I ask as I start to feel a bit anxious but excited.

"Kookie, we're a minute late. What was your question?"

"So, who am I meeting Tae babe?"

"My family Kookie. I told you. Teehee." He is vibrating with excitement.

"Okay, so mom, dad and your two sisters from LA?"

"What?" Tae says and then the screen pop on and there are like twenty people of all ages and diverse types of colorful ethnicities waving and saying hi as Tae beams while I sit there like a deer in headlights.

"Hi Honey! Hi son! Hi Tae-tae! Hey Tae! Hello cousin Tae-tae!" I hear a chorus of chattering voices.

"Hi mom! Hi daddy! Hi Tiana! Hi Fannie! Hi Timothy! Hi Jihoon! Hi Song-Li!" And on and on.

"Merry Christmas! They all cheer and wave making me dizzy. I am terribly nervous as I slide my hands to rest on my lap.

"Tae who's that? Yeah Tae-tae who is that? Several people inquire about who I am. "Tae is that your friend!" There are so many people on the video call I'm not sure where to focus my eyes.

"Everyone this is Kookie, my boyfriend." Suddenly the entire group roars with claps and greetings of Merry Christmas. Slowly my heart starts to warm up.

"Hi Kookie! Hey Kookie! Merry Christmas Kookie! What's up Kookie!"

"He's hot! Very cute!" Several of the young girls say.

"Kookie that's Fannie and Tiana. My little sisters. This is mom and dad. They both wave and Tae goes around and introduces aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. They are joined together across the US.

"You got a job?"

"Dad!" Tae shouts as his mother laughs.

"Tae has never brought anyone to Christmas so we know you must be special Kookie." Tae's mother shares as the family all nods.

"Are you a doctor too like my Tae-tae?"

"Grandma stop it!" Tae shouts.

"We just want to get to know the boy Tae-tae."

"I know grandma, and there will be plenty of time for that when we get to LA." Tae starts to explain.

"Kookie, can you talk?" Tae's dad says with an annoyed expression. I don't think he likes me.

"Of course, he can dad!"

"Kookie, tell us about yourself! How did you meet our Tae-tae?" One of Tae's uncles ask.

"Okay everyone you will all get to meet him soon. As you know we are still stranded in Alaska and hope to see you all in LA in a few days, weather permitting."

"What kind name is Kookie?"

"Daddy! You're making him uncomfortable!"

"Well, Tae we would like to know more about your Kookie. I like his eyes. They are kind." Tae's mother says as she smiles at me. "Kookie what is your full name son?"

I clear my throat and set aside my nerves. "It's Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook and I live in South Korea," I say nervously as I try to steady my voice. I have done many power meetings over the years, but nothing has unnerved me as much as meeting Tae's family. I fear their judgment.

"Daddy, are you Googling him?" Tae questions with frustration.

"What?" Tae's dad says suspiciously as he looks up from his phone.

"Too late. Already did it." Tae's grandmother says as Tae's cheeks take on a soft red blush.

"Grandma! That's rude." Tae face palms himself and shakes his head.

"Ohh, he's rich," Tae's sister Fannie says.

"And CEO of the Jeon Corporation," grandma says as it appears everyone is reading my bio. I feel the back of my neck heat up as my mouth goes dry.

"Everyone, stop it! Put down your phones!" Tae's mom says firmly as the group goes silent. "Kookie deserves respect because our Tae-tae apparently cares about him. Let's show him what kind of family we are. Kind, loving, supportive and how we take care of and respect each other."

"Kookie, I apologize for my family's rudeness." Apparently, Tae's mom's voice carries a lot of weight. "We just love our Tae-tae so much and only want the best for him. Kookie, can you share with us anything you'd like about yourself or you and Tae."

"I hope it's spicy," Tiana Tae's youngest sister says.

"Tiana!"

"Sorry mom."

I swallow hard and then turn and look at Tae as I think what I could possibly share with them. I definitely can't share how we met. But an experience comes to me, and I smile. I immediately know what to share. I think it was the moment I fell in love with Kim Taehyung. I share the moments when Tae, myself and Yeona saved Mr. Min. As I tell the story everyone seems to sit closer to their camera's, and I feel that they are with me. I end my story and the video chat has become quiet. I look over at Tae and his beautiful eyes are filled with tears.

"Kookie that was beautiful. Welcome to our family," Tae's mom says softly.

Everyone, burst into chatter.

"Wow! That was amazing! You guys were that couple's Christmas angels! You're a cool guy Kookie! I like this guy! I think you will be perfect for our Tae-tae." Everyone babbles away as a smile slowly spreads across my face.

"Teehee. Isn't he special?" Tae has the softest most loving expression.

We stay on that call for two hours having fun, laughing, and playing word games. It is the most fun that I've had in my adult life.

Tae's family is full of life. There's so much laughter and joy. It is a connection and closeness that I am unfamiliar with yet crave. I can't wait to spend time with them in person. As I bask in the warmth of this occasion, I know what has been missing from my day. I'm now ready and willing.

"Tae wait here, I want to get something. I'll be right back."

I return in less than 30 seconds with my laptop. I sit it on the table and just look at it as my hands shake. I am unable to open it.

"Kookie what's wrong?"

"Tae will you help me reach out to my father. I-I think it's time, but I'm really scared."

"Of course, I will Kookie. What would you like me to do?"