Chapter 8

"Joo Dantae meet Min Yoongi.  Min Yoongi, this is Dantae.  My ex.”

Yoongi's grip tightened on his glass as he fixed Dantae with a venomous glare.  His initial reaction was to throw a punch - or at the very least his drink - into the other man's face but his instincts (as well as the beseeching looks on both Namjoon and Hoseok's faces) told him that this was neither the time nor place for a physical confrontation.

Reluctantly complying with his friends unspoken wishes, the bodyguard opted to express his displeasure in a different way.  Refusing to bow or offer a handshake to the other Alpha - as would be the expected custom upon being initially introduced - Yoongi instead snaked his free hand around Hoseok’s waist and pulled him tight against his side.  To his surprise and relief there was no obvious objection from the Beta in response to this action.

The disrespect seemed to fly right over the head of Hoseok's clueless ex, who smiled in blissful ignorance.

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Yoongi-ssi.”

 “Wish I could say the same,” replied Yoongi in a flat tone.

There was an awkward pause then the music changed and Hobi cried out a bit too eagerly, “Oh! I love this song!”  He gave Yoongi a forced smile and batted his eyelashes.  “What do you say, babe?  Dance with me?”

Yoongi hadn't spent years doing undercover police work for nothing.  He immediately caught on to the underlying plea for help and without missing a beat he took Hoseok's hand and interlaced their fingers.

“Me?  C’mon, jagiya.  You know what an terrible dancer I am.  I'd only be an embarrassment. Why don’t you, Kookie and Jimin-ah go out there and show all these posers what real dancing looks like, huh?”

He kept his gaze fixed on Hoseok's as he raised their joined hands to his lips and kissed the Beta's knuckles for emphasis.

Jungkook and Jimin seized the opportunity to whisk their friend away from the uncomfortable situation.  The trio quickly  began showing off their moves while Dantae returned to nattering on to an increasingly annoyed Namjoon.

Being surrounded by music and movement immediately helped Hoseok begin to release some of the built up tension inside him and just as he and his friends were beginning to really make their presence known on the dance floor, the DJ segued into P!NK's “So What (I Wanna Start a Fight)” and it took every ounce of self-control that Yoongi possessed to not laugh out loud as he silently thanked the gods of Karma for the song choice.

Na-na-na-na, na-na,

Na-na-na-na na-naI guess I just lost my husband

I don't know where he went

So I'm gonna drink my money

I'm not gonna pay his rent (Nope)

I got a brand new attitude

And I'm gonna wear it tonight

I wanna get in trouble

I wanna start a fight

So, so what?

I'm still a rock star

I got my rock moves

And I don't need you

And guess what?

I'm having more fun

And now that we're done

I'm gonna show you tonight

Jungkook, Hoseok and Jimin immediately began grinding on each other to the beat, much to Yoongi and Namjoon’s delight. The bodyguard took in the proceedings with particular interest as he'd only ever watched the trio perform to set choreography in the studio.  This was the first time he'd ever seen Hoseok cut loose and free style and he found himself enjoying the show immensely.

When it came to the point in the song where Pink growled “Uh…check my flow…” Hoseok locked eyes with Yoongi and mouthed the words before executing a series of hip thrusts that earned him a gummy smile and a raised glass of appreciation from the Alpha.

A flustered Dantae blanched at the spectacle and he gestured furiously towards the dancers as he spluttered, "Namjoon-ah! Doesn’t that bother you?  Watching your mate dance like that in public?"

Namjoon grinned as he waved to the Omega who was clearly having the time of his life.

"Bother me?  ****, no.  I trust my mate.  Besides I know that I’m the endgame for Jimin tonight so I think it’s hot as hell."

An utterly scandalized Dantae then whipped around to confront Yoongi.  "And you?  Are you honestly okay with your Beta behaving like that?"

If looks could kill Yoongi would have been immediately convicted of a capital murder charge with no hope of ever gaining parole.

"First off..." the bodyguard snarled. "Hoseok-ah's not MY anything.  He’s his own person, not a fucking possession.  Anyway, I’m secure enough to let him do whatever makes him feel good."

He returned his attention to the dance floor and sipped his drink as he let the not so subtle insult sink in.

"Besides," he added smugly.   "I agree with Joonie.  It’s hot as hell."

Dantae gave an affronted huff before grabbing Yooshuk's arm and dragging the poor Omega away to a table across the room.  Once the song was over and they saw the coast was clear,  the sweaty and exhausted trio made their way back over to their friends.

A worked up Namjoon pulled Jimin into a passionate embrace while Jungkook spoke briefly to Hoseok who smiled and nodded before the youngest Alpha took off to try and strike up a conversation with a cute little Omega he'd spotted while they'd been dancing.

Hoseok made a point of sidling up next to Yoongi when he got back to the table.  Keeping his eyes on Dantae, the bodyguard deliberately made a production of snuggling up to the Beta who leaned against him and whispered, "Thanks for your help before.  I really appreciate all of you not making a scene in front of everyone here.  I... I just didn't want to deal with that tonight."

Yoongi rested his chin on Hoseok's shoulder, placing his lips near the Beta's ear to try and keep the conversation private.  "No worries.  Although I must admit to feeling a bit short changed that none of us got to punch the idiot."

"Yeah, well...now you know how I feel most days," sighed the Beta, still breathless from his exertion on the dance floor.  "So...do you think he bought it? The thing between us, I mean."

"Oh, he bought it alright," nodded Yoongi.  "Hook, line and sinker."

“Was it too much?”

“Oh, I believe your little show on the dance floor had the desired effect on Dipshit Dantae.  I even got reprimanded for allowing my Beta to cavort in public.”

Yoongi smirked as he deliberately ran his free hand up and down Hobi’s arm while staring over the Beta's shoulder at his ex.

"Really?" snorted Hoseok.

"Yep. Don't worry.  I let him know - in no uncertain terms -  what I thought of his arcane views. Personally I think you should've pushed the envelope even further."

Hoseok tipped his head to one side as he picked a piece of fluff from Yoongi's jacket.

"Interesting.  I'm always game for some constructive feedback.  Do tell - in what ways could I have improved my performance?"

“Well, you made the cake.  You should probably ice it,” Yoongi said as he conspicuously adjusted the choker around Hobi's neck.

“What does that mean, exactly?”

The bodyguard set down his drink before resting both hands on Hoseok's waist.

“Do you trust me?”

The Beta stared into Yoongi's eyes for a brief moment then nodded.

“I’m beginning to.”

“Alright.  Then kiss me.”

Hoseok almost choked on his drink as his eyebrows shot up to his forehead.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

“Are you serious?”

“Sure,” Yoongi said with a casual shrug.  "Of course it's entirely up to you but I've done plenty of undercover jobs before and I've been placed in far more compromising positions than this.  You aren't going to break me or anything."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Hoseok quipped before quickly downing the remainder of  his cocktail and setting the glass aside.  “Right.  Kissing.  Okay.  So...how would you want to do this?”

“However you want.  This is your party so I'll let you lead.” Checking to ensure they still had an audience, Yoongi moved one hand so it rested on top of Hobi's faded mating mark.  "Should probably make it a good show, though."

Hosoek nodded as he wrapped both hands around the back of Yoongi's neck. Gently tugging the Alpha towards him he whispered,  “Fine, but just remember  – you asked for this.”

Yoongi was indeed forced to remind himself that this was all for show as soon as their lips met.  The kiss, which started soft and slow, quickly turned long, hard and deep under Hoseok's control.

The Alpha leaned into the sensation, savoring the sweet taste of  the Beta's drink on his tongue and he realized - no matter what happened between the two of them in the future - that he would forever associate the taste of Long Island Iced Tea with Hoseok.

The moment seemed to last both a split second and at the same time an eternity, however they were soon forced to break apart at the sound of Namjoon's voice announcing that he and Jimin were leaving.  The Alpha threw a handful of bills onto the table to cover their tab then grabbed his smiling mate's hand as they made a mad dash for the nearest side exit.

Yoongi looked conflicted as he struggled to catch his breath. "I probably need to..."

"...Make sure he and Jimin get to their car okay.  I get it.  Go.  I'm probably going to leave as well," assured Hoseok.

"Meet me outside?"  Yoongi called back as he began jogging after Jimin and Namjoon.

"I'll be right behind you.  Just gonna grab Jimin's jacket."

Hoseok motioned towards the garment that the little Omega had apparently slipped out of during the heated make-out session with his mate.

A few moments later the Beta caught up with Yoongi outside the building. He chuckled as he heard the bodyguard shout after Namjoon to text him as soon as they were safely inside their apartment.

"And I mean it, Joonie or I swear I will show up at your place to check on you myself and I'll ruin your mood quicker than a phone call from Jimin's Great Aunt, got it?"

Namjoon called back hasty assurances as he and Jimin jumped into their car and tore out of the parking lot, leaving Yoongi shaking his head.

"Ah...young love..."

He turned to find a bemused Hoseok standing behind him wearing Jimin's jacket.

"Thank you, Hoseok-ah.  It was good of you to grab that.  As worked up as they were I'm surprised that's the only article of clothing that got left behind."

The Beta grinned as he struck a dramatic pose to show off how well the garment fit him.

"This?  Of course.  Couldn't leave this behind.  It's an Yves St Laurent original.  Probably cost Joonie a bundle and it really would break Jimin-ah's heart to lose it."

"Well, I'm sure when he realizes he left it behind that he'll appreciate you rescuing it."

Yoongi looked around then asked,  "Where's the pup?"

Hoseok laughed.  "He's in there trying to get the phone number of that cute little number that kept bumping into him on the dance floor."

"Good luck," snorted Yoongi.  "He's gonna need it."

"Why do you say that?"

Yoongi waggled his eyebrows. "Because I saw her girlfriend enjoying the show from the other side of the room.  I think he may be barking up the wrong tree."

Hoseok gave a knowing wink.  "Well...Jungkook likes all kinds of trees so that isn't a problem.  But if he gets turned down it's okay.  It wouldn't be the first time.  He's dealt with rejection before.  He'll be fine."

Yoongi nodded and the pair waited in silence for a moment until the Alpha cleared his throat and asked,  “So...Need a ride?”

Hoseok shook his head and held up his phone.

“No, thanks.  I appreciate the offer but I’ve already ordered a taxi. It should be here soon.”

“Okay.”

Yoongi remained standing on the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets, staring up at the night sky.

Hoseok glanced around a few times then asked, “Um...no offense but...why are you still here?  You have your own car, right?”

The Alpha looked at him as if the answer was obvious.

“I'm waiting for the taxi.  I have to make sure my date gets home safely.”

The Beta tried hide a shy smile.  It didn't work.

“Really? Why would you do that?”

Yoongi bowed at the waist.

“Because, despite popular opinion to the contrary, I'm a gentleman.”

Hoseok gave the Alpha an amused look but didn’t comment other than offering a polite, “Thank you.”

“For what?  For not being a **** and leaving you waiting out here by yourself?”

“Well, that and for playing along in there," admitted Hoseok as he tipped his head back towards the nightclub.   "I honestly didn’t plan on putting you in that situation or letting things go that far.  I - I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”

Yoongi waved dismissively.

“Like I said before, not a problem.  It was actually kinda fun watching your asshole of an ex squirm.”

“I probably shouldn’t feel good about that…but I do.”

“Nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, if you ever find yourself in need of another stand-in, pseudo-boyfriend to rub in his face let me know.  If my schedule allows I’d be happy to oblige.”

Hoseok smiled as he adjusted Jimin's jacket tighter around him.

“I don't know.  The next time I might insist that you dance with me.”

Yoongi merely shrugged at the idea.

“Who knows?  The next time I might drink enough to agree.”

Just then the cab pulled up and Yoongi gallantly stepped forward to open the door for Hoseok.

The Beta grinned and bowed in response.  “Why, thank you, hyung…Who knows?  I may just take you up on that offer one day.”

Yoongi smirked as he helped Hoseok into the car then leaned into the passenger compartment.

“So, I’m finally hyung now, am I?”

The Beta rolled his eyes as he reached for the car door.

“For the time being.  It’s only a trial basis though.  Try not to **** it up.”

The Alpha gave a sharp salute as he stepped back onto the curb.

“I’ll certainly give it my best shot.  You sure you're okay to get home by yourself?"

"I'll be fine.  I didn't have that much to drink.  Thanks for asking though.  Will you be at the studio on Monday?"

"I don't know yet.  I'll have to wait to hear from Namjoon-ah tomorrow, I suppose.  I still think they need someone but that's their call to make."

"Okay.  Well...in case I don't see you for a while, thank you again for your help tonight, Min Yoongi."

"You're more than welcome, Jung Hoseok. Anytime."

Just as the Alpha closed the car door and watched as the taxi drive away,  his phone pinged with a note from Namjoon saying they'd reached the apartment and were safe and sound.  The bodyguard breathed a sigh of relief then sauntered back to his own vehicle, trying to remember if he had the ingredients for Long Island Iced Tea in his liquor cabinet at home.

Xxxx

A few hours later Yoongi was torn from a deep sleep by an urgent text from Namjoon begging him get to his place ASAP.

Glad that he decided to remain sober last night, it took less than fifteen minutes before Yoongi was tearing into the parking garage of Namjoon's building.

He didn't waste time waiting on the lift, instead opting to sprint up the stairs to the apartment where he found Namjoon, Jimin and Jungkook standing in the kitchen, all visibly upset. Jimin had obviously been crying and the smell of distressed Omega almost knocked the bodyguard off his feet.

"What the hell, Joonie?  What's going on that requires dragging me out of bed at zero dark thirty?"

Namjoon kept one arm firmly wrapped around his distraught mate as he answered.

"When I woke up I checked my phone and found a ransom request and proof of life message regarding Jimin."

Yoongi's brow scrunched in confusion.

“What the **** are you talking about? Jimin is standing right here.”

The Omega began sobbing into his mate's chest as Namjoon turned the phone to face Yoongi.

The bodyguard immediately felt as if he'd been kicked in the gut when he saw the proof of life photo that Namjoon had received was of a bound and gagged Hoseok wearing the same clothes he'd been wearing when he left the club.

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