[yoongi/jungkook] ; little star

[starrystarrynight]

"Okay, Kook--left foot first. That’s right, now the other…”

Yoongi slips the bright blue sock on the small foot in his lap, watching the little one’s toes wriggling about in clear excitement. He manages to secure the sock in place despite the restlessness, weeks of practice and painstaking routine now firmly under his belt. Next come the shirts--really, only five acceptable options as far as Jungkook is concerned--and today, just like every day, Yoongi splays them out on the ground for him to pick. Nevermind that there’s several nice outfits in the drawer, including a really cute matching set Jimin gifted them when Jungkook turned a month old. The bunny simply took a couple sniffs of the new clothing before ignoring its existence altogether, fighting against Yoongi’s attempts to have him wear it whenever Jimin came by for a visit. Well, fighting in the way of unhappy little squeals and scrambling to hide under his bed, curled in a stubborn little ball.

He doesn’t like change, Yoongi sighed by way of apology.

He doesn’t like clothes that weren’t bought by you, Jimin had laughed.

Both are probably true. Then again, it hadn’t always been that way.

Yoongi remembers when dressing Jungkook used to be wonderfully simple. When he could fit inside the palm of his hand, a bit of fluff nestled in his curled fingers. He was such a tiny thing, so small Yoongi could feel the thump of his heartbeat with his pinky, and the pad of his thumb was the only brush needed to smooth down his soft white ears. Yoongi had fallen hopelessly, immediately for the adorable creature. The moment those big brown eyes locked onto his, he may as well have owned Yoongi, signed off instantly on his paperwork instead of the other way around.

It’s amazing what even a couple months can do, Yoongi muses, as he glances over the toddler-sized T-shirts. Everyone had told him as much, but it still takes him aback, just how quickly Jungkook is growing. It was one thing having Jungkook in a playpen in his apartment at first, his body too small and frail to truly explore his environment, but now it’s as if every day there’s a new mission, a new adventure to take on. Climb up the kitchen table and check out those weird plastic bags. Nibble on all the electrical cords in the living room. Pull Yoongi’s sweatshirts from the closet hangers and make a giant nest. He’s active, unabashed, so curious about everything, and Yoongi learned the hard way (after some partially-chewed on slippers) to bunny-proof the place. He knows it’s only temporary though, given the way Jungkook’s hybrid nature means rapid maturity--because he’s getting smarter, too. Seeing more. Learning more. And, for the most part, listening to Yoongi more.

“Kook-ah,” Yoongi calls to get his attention back, picking up the wriggling child so he can plop all of him down in his lap instead. Jungkook always settles better when he’s held, and even though there’s those nagging voices in his head (usually Jimin’s) telling him he’s only spoiling the bunny, Yoongi can’t just ignore his own instincts either. Just wants to take care of his baby. Wants to take care of Jungkook like this while he still can.

"What shirt do you want to wear to the store today?"

Comments

[toughkookie]

jungkook has never once felt as though he was missing out on anything. everything that he's ever done, the pace with which he's started to explore the world and everything in it with yoongi by his side has been nothing short of absolutely perfect from the very beginning. jungkook has always felt safe, has never once had a reason to doubt that he was, to think that yoongi would ever place him in any situation that was any less than entirely okay. he's placed all of his trust into the older man so effortlessly. he's happy, doesn't think that he could possibly be happier, and those are thoughts that run through his little mind every single day, more than once a day, because how could he ever be anything less than completely and totally satisfied, always?

that goes especially at a time like this. especially whenever yoongi understands exactly what it is that he's saying, what he wants to say, wants to get at. yoongi just knows. he always knows, and it fills jungkook up with that familiar warmth every single time. it makes something in him relax, knowing that yoongi can read him, that he doesn't have to worry, doesn't have to get frustrated with the way that he can't communicate how yoongi can just yet, doesn't know how to convince his mouth to move and form the words that he hears, understands, always soaks in on a daily basis. it's hard sometimes, but yoongi makes it easy. yoongi eases even any potential for jungkook to feel anything less than that happiness when he's smiling like that, an instant reassurance, moving into their familiar routine so effortlessly. jungkook is comforted by it, just like he always is, just like he's comforted by being placed up on the platform with yoongi still close enough to protect him.

there isn't much time wasted at all, because as soon as jungkook is plopped down he's already scooting closer, absolutely needing to be as close as he possibly can to everything that he's trying to see. because it never gets old, because it doesn't matter if it's the same route, the same scenery, everything just the same as it was the last time that they took the train to the store, and the time before that. jungkook is every bit as fascinated, big eyes open wide, hands pressed against the glass of the window to help in the task of keeping him steady while he takes it all in. sometimes it feels like his eyes just can't move fast enough, can't focus enough to look at everything properly, to explore as much as he wants to even like this, from his safe little spot right here with yoongi like this. but it doesn't stop him from enjoying it to his fullest, definitely doesn't stop him from pointing out different things that he wants yoongi to take notice of with accompanying little sounds - that big tree that he likes so much, the building with the shiny advertisement on the side, or just the view in and of itself, anything at all. jungkook looks away only for the occasional tip of his head back, enough to see yoongi, to make sure that he's looking too, that he can see, that he's paying attention to the things that jungkook wants to share with him. and he's content to do just that, to fall into their familiar style of back and forth until the chime and announcement of their stop comes over the speaker, gets his ears twitching and those big eyes turning to yoongi again in recognition, because they've done this enough times for him to know what it means, even if he isn't always quite done with riding the train just yet.

[starrystarrynight]

Like always, Yoongi pays attention to everything Jungkook wants him to notice, following the direction of his chubby little fingers as they reach out and point and draw on the window. It doesn't take much to appease the child, usually just a nod of acknowledgement or some reiteration of mm, that's the big tree you like, Kook to totally satisfy him. And just like that, the little bunny happily turns back around, only to come back for another round of show and tell seconds later. Fondness warms Yoongi's chest, a familiar feeling by now as he watches Jungkook take in everything his big eyes can muster. All too soon they fixate on him instead, ears twitching curiously as understanding flashes across his face. They've done this so many times it's no wonder Jungkook recognizes the name of their stop, instantly perks up. It's also Yoongi's cue to scoop him right back into his arms.

"Time to help Yoongi with some shopping, okay?" He bounces Jungkook in his arms a little, already placating whatever small disappointment might linger after getting off the train. It's usually easy enough to remind Jungkook of the real reason for the trip, a reason that becomes much more apparent when they get closer to the grocery store, and Jungkook's nose begins to twitch at all the pleasant smells. Still holding him close to his chest, Yoongi strides through the automatic doors and goes straight for the shopping carts. Even before Jungkook came into the picture this was his usual spot, his usual routine. The only difference is the fact that he spends far more time in the produce aisle than he ever thought to before and can accurately distinguish lettuce from cabbage--an important life skill, given the excitable little bunny now plopped at the top of his cart.

Yoongi makes sure to buckle Jungkook in securely in the seat so there's absolutely no chance of him squirming his way out. Another lesson he's learned the hard way--because when it came to fruits and vegetables, Jungkook had no shame about crawling his way closer to the food by any means necessary. It nearly gave Yoongi a heart attack the first time Jungkook nearly toppled his way out of the cart, all in an attempt to grab a long carrot stick when Yoongi's back was turned. Now he doesn't take those chances. Doesn't mess around at all when it comes to Jungkook's safety. "Still have the shopping list?" he asks once Jungkook's nice and settled, softly ruffling his hair.

[toughkookie]

jungkook is old enough now that he isn't quite as sensitive to the way that the train ride stops, not like he was the first few times, when he would whine and complain and fight to try and stay on longer. he just never gets enough of it, could easily ride the train for hours if yoongi would let him, eagerly soaking up every single thing that there is to see, hear, smell, or at least as much as his little senses can pick up on now. he still isn't done with it. if he had his way, he always tends to want more of most things. but he also knows why they have to leave, he has the practice and the memory to piece it together even without needing yoongi's help.

the help doesn't hurt, though. jungkook allows himself to be scooped up, holds onto yoongi in return just like he always does, any hint of even the slightest disappointment disappearing with the sound of his voice and the feeling of being held and bounced slightly in his arms, more than enough to soothe him. jungkook likely would have been content to simply lay against yoongi's chest, letting the warmth and rhythm of it lull him to sleep if there wasn't so much else going on, so many other things to focus on the closer that they get to the grocery store.

it's all familiar by now. familiar, but still exciting enough to keep jungkook perked up and at attention, still trying to take in absolutely everything all at once. he doesn't fight being plopped into the cart, either. instead he just stays still enough for yoongi to make sure that he gets buckled in as securely as possible. once that's done, though, he can't help wiggling around a little, especially whenever yoongi asks that question and jungkook remembers. of course he still has the list, still clutched securely in his fingers and he holds it up, presents it proudly with a wide smile for yoongi to take, feeling all kinds of important. it's nice, though, for his hands to be free, free to point at and try to reach for anything that catches his eye, no matter whether its new or not. jungkook is all wide eyes and curious little noises, his feet kicking back and forth to help curb some of his excited energy as he points out colorful packages, any food that looks remotely like a carrot, anything at all with a bunny printed on it. and every time he still looks up at yoongi, still wants (and expects) his attention whenever he points out something, anything at all, because he wants to show it all to yoongi, wants to make sure that he gets to see it, too.

[starrystarrynight]

Right on cue, Jungkook produces the shopping list as if it's something precious, important enough to have his big eyes sparkling with excitement. It's always endearing, how seriously he takes his little task, but Yoongi appreciates it nonetheless. With another smile and pet to his ears, Yoongi takes the small piece of paper and brings it closer, despite knowing exactly what's written on it. The same foods every week, the same meals to make. What's more crucial to have are the coupons--safely tucked away in his back pocket, because he still has his hands full enough with Jungkook to even think about carrying around a bag.

Plucking out the clipped coupons, Yoongi begins perusing the deals he had circled earlier in the week, matching it up with the grocery list. Only, what should have taken a moment becomes something else when he realizes something is off--he didn't bring everything from home. He was so sure that he had a coupon for buying baby carrots, that it was this weekend. As much as he flips through the pages he doesn't see the deal anywhere, Yoongi's eyebrows furrowing in concentration and frustration as he double checks the dates just to be sure. Strange. He's never messed up before.

Of course, his focus is so squarely on the ad in front of him that for once, he doesn't even notice the squirming going on in the cart. Usually his focus is on Jungkook by default, without him even thinking about it, but right now all the little bun's attempts to get his attention back go unanswered.

[toughkookie]

jungkook gets a little caught up in it at first, just the way that he always does. all of the sights, sounds, smells are just overwhelming, but luckily it isn't too much for him anymore. luckily it's a pleasant kind of overwhelming, the kind that just sparks his curiosity, has him trying to look everywhere all at once, nose and ears twitching curiously with every single new thing that comes his way. even just taking it all in again is an adventure, getting used to it, noticing familiar packages, drinking in the feeling of being out and about, of other people making their way around the store as well, doing their own shopping.

their routine is always the same. it's because of this that jungkook knows exactly what's happening, always knows exactly what's happening, because the stability is what seems to keep him and yoongi both in check more often than not. that's why jungkook knows that once he hands over the shopping list, yoongi well check the coupons. and once he checks the coupons, even while he checks them, he'll look at what jungkook points out, will pay attention and see all of the amazing, exciting things that jungkook wants him to see.

jungkook notices the first time that his attempt at getting yoongi's attention goes unanswered. he notices the second time, notices the third time and by then it's enough to get to him. it's enough to have him feeling a little impatient, edging on desperate for yoongi's attention just on principle, because, simply put, he just isn't used to not having it. but even that isn't too much, it's manageable enough that jungkook can somehow keep it all contained (or so he thinks). but that's all before he sees something new, something exciting, something he's sure he's never ever noticed before in his entire life. jungkook doesn't have any idea what it is, not really anyway. all he knows is that it's a familiar shade of orange, some kind of liquid something in a bottle with a picture of a carrot on the front and he wants to show yoongi, yoongi has to see this, he needs to. jungkook tries to catch his attention with some more pointed wiggling, sounds somewhere between calling for him and whining but nothing seems to work. jungkook doesn't know what to do. suddenly it seems like everything he can feel, everything he can focus on centers around yoongi and how much he wants him to see this, how much he's suddenly just craving his attention in general.

jungkook doesn't know where it comes from. he doesn't know how it happens, doesn't know why, doesn't know much of anything except that one second he's straining for yoongi's attention, and the next his mouth is falling open to make room for something else, a noise that's entirely different - a little voice calling out something like "nyoongi!"

[starrystarrynight]

Yoongi, of course, doesn't see what Jungkook is pointing at. He doesn't see what's got him so worked up, he doesn't see that expectant, frustrated little expression, and he doesn't see the need for attention. Still puzzling over the coupons, the only thing that pulls Yoongi away, completely halting all other thoughts, is the high-pitched, soft little voice calling his name. From someone close by. Blinking for a second, Yoongi feels everything hit him all at once, like the air's suddenly left his body.

"Oh my god--"

It's strange, because even though Yoongi's never heard the voice before, he knows exactly who it belongs to. It's as instantly familiar to him as baby feet wobbling on hardwood floors and curious nose twitches and that small patch of body heat against his chest when the two fall asleep together on the couch. This voice, those words, belong to Jungkook. Who just said Yoongi's name in the most adorable way he can hardly stand it. Who just said his name at all. Holy shit.

"Kook, you said your first word, you're such a good boy," Yoongi coos excitedly, scooping Jungkook out of his seat again because he just has to pull the little bun closer, has to hold him. It feels like he's never smiled this much in his entire life, grin stretched wide across his face, proud eyes only for Jungkook. He would reach for his camera to document all this, but the happiness bubbling up inside his chest isn't making him think straight. And, if he's being completely honest, there's a lot of relief there as well. Yoongi tried not to be concerned about the fact that Jungkook wasn't really vocalizing at the typical rate for others his age, tried not to spend too much time thinking about when this milestone might come--if it would ever come--when he has a perfectly healthy, happy bunny in all other aspects. Jimin and Jin both reassured him there was nothing wrong with Jungkook, but Yoongi already knew that--as far as he's concerned, the innocent, precious little bundle in his arms has no faults at all. It was a worry that was harder to express, the worry of Jungkook not experiencing life to the fullest extent, the worry of it somehow being Yoongi's fault.

"Can you say my name again? Hm?" He gives Jungkook another encouraging little bounce, trying not to put too much pressure on the bun while also trying not to explode with just so fucking ecstatic he is, right there in the middle of the grocery store.

[toughkookie]

jungkook probably looks every bit as confused as he feels, a little bit blank, a little startled at the sound that he just made even though he was obviously the one who did it. he knows what it was, he's heard enough people around him say yoongi's name to recognize it, to understand it, even if he's never said it himself until now. even if he's never said anything. maybe it was just waiting there, simmering under the surface, looking for a chance to jump out when jungkook wasn't thinking too hard about it, when it was all instinct, when he was worked up enough to just let it happen without having any real idea at all of how he did it.

one second, he's calling out to yoongi, calling out his name in a desperate hope to finally grab his attention. the next second he's being scooped up out of the cart, getting all of that attention and then some all at once, everything yoongi suddenly surrounding him in the best possible way. he's hit with all of it, the happiness on yoongi's face, in his voice, the feeling of being close to him and the familiar comfort of his scent when he is, all of the things that are good and nice are washing over him so completely that, honestly, that's all it takes for the desperation to settle. he's satisfied enough now that he has that attention, now that yoongi is praising him, cooing over him, giving him that kind of attention that he craves, that he's so used to, that he's absolutely certain he could never, ever do without.

and, just like that, the fact that he just said yoongi's name, that he just spoke, that he just did something so completely and utterly amazing in yoongi's eyes just flies out the window entirely. once jungkook is satisfied with the closeness, once he feels content again in that he's wiggling around a bit in yoongi's hold, just enough so that he can point to those amazing, wonderful bottles of something new that he wanted yoongi to see so badly, that he still wants him to see. the question, the coaxing flies over his head in favor of big, eager eyes, the way that a more familiar little sound leaves his throat, urgent, letting yoongi know exactly what it is that he wants in a way that he knows without a doubt he'll understand.

[starrystarrynight]

So maybe Yoongi's a little caught up. Maybe this isn't exactly the Kodak moment he wants it to be, and maybe it's a little too unrealistic to expect Jungkook to just come out and say his name again when everything about the moment was completely spontaneous. When it's obvious the bunny doesn't really understand what happened to him, if his big, blank eyes and startled expression are anything to go by. It's as if his mouth worked too fast for the rest of him to comprehend, not even actively trying to say Yoongi's name. But he did. He did, he actually spoke, said something loud and clear and Yoongi doesn't really know how to address the excitement and pride continuing to bubble up the more he plays the scene over again in his head. Trying to remember exactly how Jungkook sounded, how he worked through the syllables, and how fucking adorable was his pronunciation?

And then, just as quickly, Jungkook seems to revert back to his usual self, wriggling about impatiently in Yoongi's arms and reaching out his arms toward something further down the aisle, using body language instead of talking to communicate. The moment Yoongi hears those urgent little sounds--bunny sounds--something in him deflates slightly. It isn't disappointment exactly, because he's never been disappointed in Jungkook, but it leaves behind a bit of longing Yoongi firmly tries to push away. Again, what did he expect? Just because Jungkook said his first word out of the blue doesn't mean he's capable of using language comfortably now, certainly doesn't mean he'll say whatever Yoongi wants just because he asks him to. This is all still so new for him. He still has so much growing left to do. Yoongi reminds himself that he has to be patient with him. Forcing the maturation process won't do Jungkook any good, won't make him feel any more safe or loved. All he can do is support the bun no matter what, and along the way help him get to the point where he'll be able to fully express all his thoughts, feelings, wants.

For now, all Jungkook's wants seem to be wrapped up in whatever's got his undivided attention, whatever he apparently wants Yoongi to see too. It's then that Yoongi realizes rather dumbly why Jungkook even spoke up at all--carrot juice. Specifically, carrot juice that Yoongi was rudely ignoring. He supposes he should have known carrots would be involved--Jungkook rarely gets this worked up about anything else. Shaking his head in amusement, Yoongi settles the baby bun on his hip and dutifully brings their shopping cart closer to the bottles of bright orange juices on display. There's more, of course, reds and greens and purples, but the oranges certainly look the nicest to Yoongi, especially with the cute carrot logo on the front. They're kid-sized, maybe a little big still for Jungkook's hands, but that doesn't stop Yoongi from plucking one out of the shelf and offering it to the other to investigate. "It's carrot juice, Kook. You drink it instead of eating it. See?" He points out the little straw attached to the bottle. "Should we take some home with us?"

[toughkookie]

just like with a lot of other things, jungkook is honestly oblivious. he's oblivious to the fact that yoongi wanted him to speak up again, oblivious to just how much of a big deal that it is, oblivious tot he fact that the milestone he just accidentally launched himself across was something so important, so relieving to the older man. right now, for jungkook, everything is just wonderfully simple. he got yoongi's attention, yoongi is holding him, yoongi is listening to him and finally, finally noticing exactly what jungkook has been trying to show him for what feels like an hour, at least. maybe even more than that.

jungkook's arms are still outstretched towards the interesting, inviting bottles, making a grabbing motion towards them even when yoongi is walking closer, knows what it is that he wants, stopping them right in front of the display and reaching out to pick up one of them. it's only then that jungkook lets his arms drop instead, eyes big and focused intently on the bottle that yoongi is now holding, ears perked up, tilted forward and twitching curiously, excitedly. it takes a moment for jungkook to begin his own exploration of the whole thing, first leaning in enough to sniff at the bottle before reaching out for it properly, taking it from yoongi in both of his little hands, just managing to get a decent handle on it. there's something like wonder in his expression as he looks at it, something else new to see, to explore, something so exciting that jungkook can't really help himself.

still, though, he listens. he hears yoongi's explanation, even as his eyes are still on the bottle he's now holding, the ear closes to yoongi twitching slightly again as he takes it in. carrot juice. carrots to drink. jungkook thinks that it sounds amazing and they should definitely have some, so he's nodding eagerly, enthusiastically as soon as the question leaves yoongi's lips. maybe it's objectively a little bit ridiculous, the kind of worked up that jungkook gets over something so simple, the overpowering sort of happiness that swells inside of him just because of something like this. but it's there, and he can't help it. he can't do much but let it happen, holding the bottle close to his chest, looking up at yoongi again with those big eyes that quickly scrunch up with the force of his smile, of his happiness.

[starrystarrynight]

Jungkook is never shy about feeling good, unable to contain every bit of joy that radiates out from the tips of his fluffy ears and his small, inquisitive fingers and the cute little slope of his nose and his fluttering tail. Big emotions are that much bigger for the small bunny, and while sometimes it's less positive things--Jungkook's intense anxiety over Yoongi stepping out of the apartment without him, even to go check his mailbox, or his teary discomfort whenever he accidentally hurtles himself into small cuts or bruises, sniffling until he's taken care of--most of the time, thankfully, Yoongi gets to see the other like this. And watching the happiness grow within Jungkook, spilling out onto his expression, makes something take shape inside Yoongi as well. The bunny's already carved out a space for himself snug inside Yoongi's chest, but his happiness has quite easily become the priority over Yoongi's whether the older man has realized it or not.

Yoongi smiles back at the baby bun in his arms, gentle and indulgent over how fucking adorable his Kook is. Whatever not-disappointment that had been lingering in the background is long gone now, all thanks to the scrunch of the other's little nose, the way his eyes crinkle and become half moons. Yoongi would do anything in his power to keep Jungkook looking like that, feeling like that--and right now that power has manifested into the authority to buy a shit ton of carrot juices. After checking over the ingredients--thankfully, it's literally just carrots, without any other crap--Yoongi grabs a few packs to put into the cart. He lets Jungkook hold onto his own bottle because there's no reason why he shouldn't have it. Besides, it'll keep his restless hands occupied.

With that in mind, Yoongi unwraps the little straw and pokes it into the foil covering the lid of the bottle, guiding Jungkook's mouth closer to the strange new object. Once he gets the hang of it and is happily drinking, Yoongi shifts him back to the shopping cart and whisks him off. The rest of the trip passes smoothly, and with Jungkook preoccupied Yoongi's able to get through his shopping list a little quicker than usual, without the usual distractions and pauses. The cashier who rings them up every Saturday smiles warmly at the familiar pair as Yoongi dumps out enough fruits and vegetables to probably feed a small army. "He's just growing up so big," she says fondly, before offering a small, colorfully wrapped bit of candy to the bun. Yoongi allows the little treats since they're only once a week, since they're so tiny, and besides, he's in far too indulgent a mood at the moment to deny Jungkook anything.