#( wc: 4237 )

[downbad4yoongi]

Capturing Family

For @bangtanwritershq To Begin Again quarter event

Pairing: Jimin x Namjoon

WC:4237

Rating: MA

AU/Genre: marriage au, slice of life, surrogacy

Warnings: implied/referenced homophobia, gay sex

A/N: Written as a slice of life follow up to Closer

Summary: Married four years, Jimin and Namjoon dream of a family. Surrogacy or adoption? The decision weighs heavy. Unwavering support from friends clashes with Jimin's parents' disapproval. A gallery break-in threatens their plans, but their love strengthens. Through challenges, their bond deepens, and with their friends' help, they overcome obstacles and build a beautiful, unique family. A story of love, perseverance, and the power of chosen family.

“Love, we’ve been talking about this for years now. We’re ready,” Namjoon's voice echoes through the quiet park as he takes Jimin's hand in his own.

“But what if we’re not?” Jimin asks, his eyes searching Namjoon's face for reassurance.

“Where is this doubt coming from? You’d be an amazing father, and we have wanted this for years. It’s all coming together; you’ve been at your school for several years, and I have the gallery. It feels like the stars are aligning for us,” Namjoon reassures, the warm summer breeze tousling their hair.

Jimin takes a deep breath and bobs his head a few times. “You’re right. It just feels like a lot all of a sudden.” He holds his hand up, stopping Namjoon from interrupting, “I know it’s not. This is our fourth anniversary after all, but after talking about it for so many years, it just feels…surreal.”

Namjoon gathers Jimin in his arms. “Love, every day feels surreal with you.” Leaning down, Namjoon captures Jimin’s lips with his. They stand there in the middle of the park, surrounded by nature and love.

As they make their way back to their home, a quaint house nestled in a quiet neighborhood, Jimin can't help but feel overwhelmed with happiness and anticipation. Time slips away as Jimin drives them home, their fingers intertwined and hearts full.

Their peaceful sanctuary greets them as they step through the door. The sunlight floods into the open floor plan through large floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the space and highlighting all of Namjoon's beloved plants.

Namjoon's restless fingers wander over Jimin’s form as they make their way through the shared space. A sense of peace settles around them as they enter their bedroom, a place where their love and connection run deep.

After weeks of waiting, they finally have a chance to sit down and discuss their family plans in detail. Their past conversations were merely wishes, but now it's becoming a tangible reality. Jimin plops a thick binder onto Namjoon's lap and snuggles beside him, the warmth of his body filling the space between them.

"What is this?" Namjoon grunts as he feels the weight of the binder on his thighs. The entire Encyclopedia Britannica?"

Jimin giggles and nuzzles closer to his husband. "You're so silly, honey. This is our family plan, or at least the start of it. We have a lot to go over."

Namjoon sets down his coffee and reaches for his camera, snapping a quick candid shot of Jimin before powering off the device. Jimin barely flinches, used to being photographed by now. Their walls are adorned with many such candid moments, and Jimin wouldn't have it any other way.

Pushing aside his amusement, Jimin delves into their discussion. He opens the binder and begins detailing their options.

Surrogacy or adoption?

They both agree on surrogacy.

They spend hours poring over Jimin's meticulously assembled profiles of potential surrogates. After much deliberation, they narrow it down to two women, but the conversation keeps going in circles as neither wants to back down. One woman, 32, is a kindergarten teacher and a mother of two; the other woman is a pediatrics nurse in her late thirties and the mother of one.

Frustrated, Jimin huffs and sighs dramatically before turning to face his handsome husband. "Listen," he says bluntly, "we're using your sperm this time. Let me make the final call."

The passion in Jimin's voice gives Namjoon pause, making him reconsider his stance. After some internal debate, he gives a small nod and concedes. "You're right," he admits, "we both deserve equal say in this process. I'm providing the biological material. You should have the right to choose the bio-mother."

Jimin's shoulders relax as some of the tension from their argument dissipates. "Thank you, honey," he says gratefully, crossing over to Namjoon and wrapping his arms around the taller man. “Let’s set up a meeting with this one,” Jimin decides, pointing to the kindergarten teacher.

Namjoon murmurs reassurances of his love as they hold each other tightly, unwilling to let go. After several minutes, they finally part, lips swollen from lingering kisses.

"Bed?" Jimin suggests with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Mmm, bed," Namjoon agrees with a smile.

Jimin's voice trembles through the phone as he speaks with Namjoon, his tone shrill and panicked. The news he just received is enough to make anyone anxious.

"Can't you give me any more details?" Jimin asks, trying to control the fear building up inside of him.

"Please, my love, it would be best if you came in person," Namjoon responds calmly, hoping to ease his husband's nerves.

Jimin lets out a frustrated laugh. "Fine. I'll call in a substitute and be there as soon as possible."

Namjoon barely has time to convey his love before the line goes dead. He takes a deep breath, trying to convince himself that everything will be okay. Jimin must be scared and overwhelmed, he reasons, which explains why he ended the call without their usual exchange of affection.

Within an hour, Jimin rushes into Picture This, Namjoon's gallery that’s located in the bustling downtown area. "I'm here! I made it!" he exclaims, out of breath and disheveled.

Namjoon excuses himself from speaking with a detective and meets his husband halfway across the moderate space. The contrast between them is evident - Namjoon exudes calmness while Jimin is frazzled and restless, his brown locks sticking up in all directions from running his hands through them repeatedly.

When Jimin received the call from Namjoon about the break-in at his gallery, it felt like the ground had disappeared beneath his feet. His mind immediately went to worst-case scenarios, and all he could think about was the safety of his loved one. So when their bodies collide, Jimin can't help but run his hands over Namjoon's broad frame in reassurance. He knows Namjoon is physically unharmed but needs to feel it for himself. He couldn't imagine life without him.

"I'm fine, love. Really. I wasn't here when it happened," Namjoon reassures him.

Gradually, the words pierce through Jimin's foggy mind, and he collapses against Namjoon, resting his head on his chest. "I know. I know you are, but how about emotionally? This gallery is your pride and joy."

A pained smile tugs at Namjoon's lips as he responds, "I'm still processing, but it will be okay." He rubs Jimin's shoulders comfortingly. "Let me finish up with these detectives, and then we can go home and discuss our next steps." With a quick peck on the lips, Namjoon turns to face the tall and imposing detective, leaving Jimin to survey the damage left behind.

Covering his mouth with a hand, Jimin's heart breaks for Namjoon as he takes in the chaos and destruction caused by the robbers. Priceless prints have been slashed to pieces, glass shards litter the floor, and equipment has either been stolen or smashed on the newly polished concrete.

Jimin immediately sends a text to their friends, updating them on what has happened before Namjoon leads him out of the gallery. He runs a soothing hand over Namjoon's back as they make their way to their small SUV parked behind the building.

The drive back home is silent except for the sound of their soft exhales as Jimin navigates them through traffic. When they arrive, they both drop their keys on the entryway table and kick off their shoes before collapsing onto each other on the cozy sunken couch - a focal point of their living room.

“Love,” Namjoon whispers, his voice soft and soothing as his fingers trace patterns on Jimin's back.

“Honey,” Jimin responds, snuggling into their tangled embrace. “I don’t know where to even start…”

“It’s okay, love. I'm here for you,” Namjoon reassures him, reaching over to grab the laptop from the coffee table.

With a few expert clicks, Namjoon has the insurance claim page open and is logging in to start the process.

But then, Jimin suddenly goes still next to him. “Love, what is it?” Namjoon asks with concern.

Jimin's eyes are glued to the screen in front of them. “Why wasn't the policy renewed?” he says, his voice shaking. “It's saying right here that our coverage lapsed.” Panic rises in his chest. “This won't be covered...”

Namjoon's heart sinks as he leans closer to the computer screen, scanning the information. "Okay... this isn't ideal," he mutters to himself. "But that's why we have savings."

“Joon,” Jimin speaks up again, his voice small and vulnerable. “The savings are for our baby...”

Namjoon's stomach drops at the thought of not being able to access their savings for such an emergency. He immediately starts brainstorming alternative solutions. “Yes, of course. We can't touch that money. What if we ask your parents for help?”

But instead of relief or agreement, Jimin stiffens beside him. “That's not an option,” he says firmly, shutting down any further discussion.

Namjoon is taken aback by this sudden change in attitude from his usually open and communicative husband. Worried now, he furrows his brow and reaches out to rub circles on Jimin's back in an attempt to comfort him.

“Jimin, please talk to me,” he pleads softly.

Taking a deep breath, Jimin finally turns to face Namjoon. Tears are welling up in his eyes as he speaks. “My parents... they weren't supportive of our decision to adopt or use a surrogate.”

Namjoon's heart sinks as he listens to Jimin's words, trying to make sense of it all. “But I thought they were okay with us starting a family?”

The tears start rolling down Jimin's cheeks now, and he looks away, unable to meet Namjoon's gaze. “They said it was fine because they thought we would change our minds. And their exact words were, 'Realize how abnormal it would be for a child to have two fathers'."

Heat flushes across Namjoon’s skin as anger and hurt course through Namjoon as he processes this information. "How could they even say something like that? You know what? Screw them. We don't need their approval or their money. We'll figure this out together, just the two of us." He squeezes Jimin's hand tightly, determined to find a way to rebuild their gallery and make their dreams of having a family come true on their own terms.

Jimin holds onto Namjoon's hand tightly, feeling a mix of emotions swirling in his stomach. "It's not just about the money," he whispers softly. "I know we can make it work, but I don't want to sacrifice our happiness for it. We deserve to have a family and give them the best life possible." Tears well up in Jimin's eyes again, but he quickly wipes them away before they can fall.

"I'm sorry, love," he says, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. Namjoon pulls him close into his embrace, holding him tightly against his chest as they snuggle into the soft couch cushions. He runs a soothing hand through Jimin's hair and presses gentle kisses to his forehead.

"It's okay, baby," Namjoon murmurs, his voice filled with emotion. "We have time." He looks deep into Jimin's eyes, his gaze filled with unwavering determination. "And we will make it happen for us. For our family.”

At the park, Taehyung carefully sets down his takeout box and spreads out a soft, checkered blanket for them all to sit on. The gentle breeze rustles the leaves in the trees above, carrying with it the sweet scent of freshly mown grass and blooming flowers. Taehyung settles down next to Jin and picks up a pair of elegant chopsticks, twirling them between his fingers with practiced ease.

As Jin hands Taehyung a plate laden with fried chicken, kimchi jeon, and mandu, he asks, "Where are y'all in reopening the gallery?"

Namjoon nods along, watching Jin and Yoongi dish out the food onto their own plates.

"We actually finished yesterday and plan to fully reopen next week."

Hoseok does a little happy dance, clapping his hands together in excitement. "That's fantastic! Are we going to have a little celebratory party?"

"Of course!" Jin eagerly chimes in. "I can bring the champagne."

"And Yoongi can create a playlist-," Hoseok starts before being interrupted by Jimin.

"Whoa, let's slow down," Jimin interjects, holding up a hand to pause Hoseok's eager planning. "We're not going to do some extravagant shindig."

Taehyung scoffs playfully, "It's not an extravagant party. It's just a small to medium celebration, you know, with some string lights, light appetizers, champagne, and maybe some decorations."

Jimin's nostrils flare in frustration as he replies, "We don't have the time for that, okay? We are trying to save-" He pauses abruptly and sends Namjoon an imploring look.

Namjoon calmly rests a soothing hand on Jimin's knee and whispers, "It's okay. Go ahead and tell them."

Yoongi swallows his mouthful of chicken before asking curiously, "Tell us what?"

Jimin lets out a sigh and traces the back of Namjoon's hand before intertwining their fingers. "We don't have the time for that because Joonie and I are starting a family."

The chopsticks with a piece of kimchi jeon clatter out of Taehyung's hand as his eyes widen at the unexpected announcement. Jin acts quickly and snags Taehyung's plate just in time before he launches himself at Jimin in excitement.

Yoongi winces at Taehyung's high-pitched squeal.

"Really? Why didn't you tell me?" Taehyung blurts out in a rush, wrapping himself tightly around Jimin.

Jimin rubs Taehyung's back soothingly before attempting to untangle their limbs gently.

"Tae, let him breathe," Namjoon urges with a small smile.

Taehyung gives one last squeeze before pulling back. "Sorry, I'm just so happy for you and Jiminie."

Jimin smiles fondly. "I know, Tae. We didn't say anything because the incident at the gallery kind of delayed things. We had to use the money we set aside for the surrogacy process to fix what was destroyed."

Their friends exchange concerned looks before turning back to them. "What happened?" Yoongi asks with furrowed brows.

Namjoon's head dips down slightly as he replies, "The insurance policy on the gallery had lapsed. So we ended up having to cover the damages and repairs out of our own pockets." He squeezes Jimin's hand supportively before continuing, "We had actually decided on our anniversary to start the process, but we had to shift our plans due to unforeseen expenses. Now we're ready to get back on track."

Jimin nods in agreement. "It wasn't the ideal situation, especially since we had been saving for years for this moment. But we made it work - I started tutoring kids after school let out, and Namjoon took on more commissions. And now, here we are, meeting with an agency on Monday."

Tae lets out a small whimper of distress. "Why didn't you come to us? We could have helped you."

Jimin reaches out to his soulmate, softly cupping his cheek. "Oh, my sweet Tae. I guess we just didn't want to burden you."

A loud, caustic guffaw suddenly interrupts their conversation, drawing their attention across the small circle. Jin sits there looking outraged. "How dare you keep something like this from us!"

Both Jimin and Namjoon are taken aback at Jin's sudden shift in tone, his voice now laced with heat and frustration. They can feel the tension rising in the room as he continues to speak.

"Do you honestly believe that anything you could ask of us would ever be considered a burden?" Jin's voice softens, his eyes searching theirs for understanding, "We care about both of you so deeply. None of us would ever see you as a burden."

Jimin's eyes start to well up with tears, knowing deep down that Jin's words are rational and true. He lets out a shaky breath before speaking, "I know that logically, but..." Namjoon places a comforting hand on Jimin's back as he struggles to find the words.

"We didn't want to impose or be seen as some charity case," Namjoon finally speaks, voicing their shared fear.

Jin growls in frustration, "How could you even think that? We love you two. You've become family to each other, and we only want to help you expand your family further." He crosses his arms over his chest in exasperation. "The nerve of not coming to us right away."

Yoongi nods in agreement, "Jin is right, Jimin-ah. We're here for you always. And personally, I would be honored to be a part of the process."

Namjoon glances at Jimin, who's nervously worrying his lower lip, both of them feeling properly admonished by Jin's words. "You're right. We would love your support as we navigate this journey."

Jin straightens up with a roll of his eyes. "Well, duh. That's what family is for."

The morning of their meeting with the surrogacy agency arrives. Jimin wakes up to the faint smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sweet sound of birds chirping outside his bedroom window. His heart is already pounding in his chest as he pads into the kitchen, still in his pajamas, to find Namjoon pouring himself a cup. They exchange tired smiles but don't say anything as they both sip their coffee in silence, lost in their own thoughts. After a few minutes, Namjoon gently places his hand on top of Jimin's, stopping him from fidgeting with his mug. Their fingers lace together, and they squeeze lightly before Namjoon pulls him into a warm hug from behind.

Jimin leans into it gratefully, feeling Namjoon's heartbeat steady beneath his ear. He closes his eyes, basking in his partner's comfort—a mix of soap, coffee, and warm skin. He can almost feel the palpable distress emanating from Namjoon as he kisses the top of Jimin's head softly.

"Hey," he whispers, "it's going to be okay." Namjoon’s lips brush the shell of Jimin’s ear before pressing another kiss just underneath it.

He continues to trail kisses down the smaller man’s neck, nudging the collar of his sleep shirt aside to maintain contact. A shiver racks up Jimin’s spine as his head lolls to the side, leaning even further into his husband’s hold. A hum resonates through Jimin’s chest as thick fingers settle on his hips before pushing under the large sleep shirt to trail up his chest.

“Need a distraction?” Namjoon’s voice is huskily in his ear, sending goosebumps down Jimin’s spine.

Jimin whimpers, shivering in anticipation, “Namjoon,” he protests weakly. “We have to leave soon.” He can’t help the way his hips roll back a little into Namjoon, seeking more.

Namjoon chuckles in response, trailing his lips back up to Jimin’s ear and sucking gently on the lobe. Jimin moans, his eyes sliding shut as his hand comes up to grip the counter for support. “We have time.” Namjoon presses a lingering kiss to Jimin’s neck before spinning the smaller man around to face him. Pressing their foreheads together as they both catch their breaths, their heartbeats syncing.

Jimin opens his eyes to find Namjoon staring at him with so much love and affection it takes his breath away. “I love you,” he whispers, his voice thick with adoration.

Surging forward together, their lips connect. Jimin’s arms wind around his love’s shoulders, pulling their bodies flush together. The kitchen fills with the sound of their lips smacking together as Namjoon backs Jimin into the counter. His hands slide down to cup Jimin’s ass, giving it a squeeze.

Jimin gasps, opening up to Namjoon, their tongues twisting together. Moaning as Namjoon’s hands cup the back of Jimin’s thighs and lift him onto the countertop. Their mouths move seamlessly together.

Namjoon angles his hips so their erections grind together. Jimin whines into the kiss, gripping Namjoon’s shoulders desperately as he grinds down on his husband’s hard length. Namjoon moans, clutching at Jimin’s thighs, his control rapidly slipping.

Jimin’s fingers start pulling at Namjoon’s shirt, tugging it up and off of him. Namjoon breaks the kiss slightly, panting as he helps Jimin undress him. Their lips part and come back together repeatedly as they discard their clothes, pooling them on the floor with a carelessness they usually don’t have in the morning.

Namjoon lifts Jimin again, setting him back on the countertop, legs hanging over his forearms. A devious glint in his eyes as he presses their hard lengths together, grinding against each other.

“Joonie,” Jimin whines, biting his lip as their friction increases. His nails dig into the countertop as he is teased.

Namjoon pulls back just enough to look into Jimin’s eyes before grasping his chin and bringing their lips together again. Their tongues tangle in a slow-burning dance that is further stoked by their desperation for release. Both moan into the kiss as they rock together on the countertop, pants and groans filling the kitchen.

“Baby,” Jimin whines, “I need more…please.”

With his voice rumbling out, dripping with desire for the man in his arms, Namjoon pulls away a little, reaching for a drawer by the sink. He hushes Jimin gently as the other man whimpers at the loss of touch. Namjoon quickly steps back into Jimin’s arms with one of the small bottles of lube they keep stashed around their home.

Their lips collide once again, urgency and passion fueling their kiss. Namjoon's fingers grasp the lube bottle, uncapping it with a heated determination before coating his fingertips in the slick substance. Without breaking the kiss, he trails his lubed-up fingers between Jimin's spread legs, causing him to moan and suck on Namjoon's thick lower lip even harder.

Namjoon works a finger with skilled precision inside Jimin, who arches his back and keens in pleasure. Jimin can't help but nip at Namjoon's lip before leaning back on his hands and watching intently as Namjoon expertly stretches him open. Soon, Jimin is laid out on the counter, writhing and moaning uncontrollably as Namjoon drives three fingers deep inside him, sending waves of ecstasy coursing through his body.

Namjoon's fingers dig deep into Jimin's flesh, eliciting waves of pleasure as he hits that spot inside him. With a final powerful thrust, Namjoon pulls away, leaving Jimin whining in desperate need of more. In a frenzy, Namjoon slicks up his throbbing cock and drags Jimin upright, kissing him deeply.

As their lips collide, Namjoon guides Jimin's hands to grip him tightly as he spreads his legs wide. With a primal growl, Namjoon enters Jimin with force, watching in awe as his husband’s thick cock stretches his tight hole to its limits. Sweat glistens on their foreheads as they both pant heavily from the intense pleasure coursing through their bodies.

With one of Jimin's legs hooked over his strong arm and the other draped across his firm hip, Namjoon thrusts into him with purpose and force. Jimin's body responds eagerly, aching for more of Namjoon's skilled touch. He clings onto his lover, his fingers digging into his back as each powerful thrust hits him in just the right spot. Jimin can feel himself teetering on the edge, his entire body quivering with anticipation.

"Do you think you can come untouched for me?" Namjoon's deep, raspy voice sends shivers down Jimin's spine, intensifying the pleasure he's already feeling. "Show me how much you want it, baby. Come just like this."

With Namjoon's words urging him on, Jimin lets go and gives in to the intense pleasure building inside of him. His body trembles and quakes as he reaches his peak, unable to hold back any longer under Namjoon's skilled touch. Their bodies move together in perfect harmony, reaching new heights of ecstasy together.

Namjoon's fingers dig into Jimin's skin, leaving red marks in their wake as he yanks him closer. Their bodies collide with a force that sends them both tumbling over the edge, cries of pleasure escaping their lips as they reach their peak together. Jimin trembles with each thrust of Namjoon's cock, his insides filled with a thick heat that spreads through his body. Their chests coated with evidence of Jimin’s desire. The sensation is overwhelming, waves of pleasure crashing over him as he surrenders to the intense pleasure of their love-making.

Breathless and entwined, they take a moment to catch their breath before reality comes crashing back. "We're going to be late," pants Jimin, his chest heaving as he speaks.

Namjoon's hand rubs soothingly along Jimin's hip, the sensation calming him as their lips meet in a final rush of pleasure. With a soft groan, Namjoon pulls out of Jimin, both men feeling sticky and satisfied. Helping Jimin down from the counter, Namjoon rushes him off to the shower, eager to wash away any traces of their passionate encounter.

Returning to the kitchen, Namjoon quickly cleans up their mess with practiced efficiency. Several minutes later, the kitchen is sanitized, and Namjoon joins Jimin in the shower. He takes over washing his husband's body, reveling in their intimate closeness. A gentle smile graces his lips as Jimin returns the favor.

After a thorough cleansing and refreshing shower, the couple steps out of the steamy bathroom to dress for their looming life-changing meeting. The air feels charged with anticipation as they prepare for what lies ahead.

"Ready?" Namjoon asks, extending his hand to Jimin. A smile lights up his face, radiating warmth and assurance.

Jimin’s heart flutters at the sight, and he gladly takes Namjoon's offered hand, intertwining their fingers comfortably. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this, husband."