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fated mates— two souls split from the same shooting star destined to find their way back to each other on earth and reunite.
"where is he?", jeongguk roars, and the scent of death treads on his heels as he blasts through the doors of the healing cabin.
his alpha is mighty. beautiful. fierce. swift— like the winds of storm that sweep across the valley in the course of winters. it steals more than it replaces, plunges deeper than it has any rights to reach. it gives wings to the dew on jimin's wildflowers, carries them as they float adrift.
"how badly is he hurt?", he can hear jeongguk ask jisung as he leads him inside, but the curse that he lets out when jimin comes in sight informs him that the answer did no justice to his current predicament. on usual days, his eyes are darker than the blackest coal, but today they flame scarlet.
jimin is known to do that to him sometimes.
"it's just a scratch", he assures even though the proof indicating otherwise lies right in front of him, and forces the tips of his lips into a small smile of comfort, attempting to rise in greeting, but a strong hand stays him, pushing him back down.
"have i ever given you the impression that i am blind? there's a fucking hole in your right arm", jeongguk yells after he has made a quick assessment of his wound, kneeling by his pelt. the room rattles from the loudness, his scent like soft earth after lashings of a violent downpour disseminates in the air, and the healer, hasung, backs away, cowering.
he is surlier than he is on other days.
it is not as bad as he puts it, but for once, jimin wills his mouth shut— the only way to weather this storm and come out alive.
"this wasn't your task, jimin-ssi. i told you to guard the north. why did you come to the western front?"
to prove myself to you.
"the north border was clear", jimin says, too ashamed to speak the whole truth. "i thought you needed reinforcements."
"is this how you intended to help? your white fur was red, jimin. you lost enough blood to stain your whole coat fucking red. you're more of a liability than an asset. what if a rogue had gotten to you before one of us?"
the other wolves have started filing into the cabin to get their minor wounds looked upon, and jimin tries to ignore the wary looks they send their way. it is not like they do not receive dressing downs by jeongguk on the daily— jeongguk is the head of the hunting team of the pack, it's his duty to keep his subordinates in line, which includes jimin, especially if it concerns disobedience during an attack. it is just that they do not expect him to receive it by virtue of being jeongguk's intended mate, and the head alpha's son— more because of the latter than the former— even though jeongguk had declared on his first day itself that as long as he heads the team, jimin would be getting no special treatment.
do not pout, he repeats to himself, not wanting to look exactly like the brat jeongguk thinks him to be. his lips still purse into a tiny beak, brows furrowing petulantly.
"that's not fair. i took out two rogues before i got injured."
the wolves in the room make stealthy attempts to orbit around them to witness the drama unfold. they'd never seen jeongguk display emotions so openly before jimin had become a part of his life, and it explains their obsession with closely observing all their interactions. at this point, jimin doesn't even register it most of the time.
"two rogues are worth risking your life, jimin?", jeongguk asks menacingly, and grips his face between his forefinger and thumb, moving it side to side to examine.
it has been half a year since they've been fated, and jeongguk has never called him without honorifics until now. he almost smiles, before he remembers it is fury that is making him forget propriety, not passion.
"how would you take care of the pack when you can't even take care of yourself?"
despite knowing that he is at fault, it stings, and tears inadvertently spring to his eyes. after living a sheltered life with his doting abeoji for most of his years, he is still getting used to being scolded. the fingers digging into his cheeks push his lips out into a bigger pout, tipping his face up, and though imperceptible, he doesn't miss how jeongguk's gaze has softened.
his alpha's face is sculpted from marble. chiselled. cold. unmoving. admired by many, feared by more. sometimes, it molds like soft, malleable wax for him. rough fingers that drag on his smooth skin, concern laced underneath his harsh words, love hiding behind his thunder, jimin has always adored the pieces that make jeongguk.
"would you have missed me if i were gone, jeongguk-ssi? there would be no one to annoy you", he jokes, though his sulking is far from over. he intends to be difficult for quite a while, in fact.
the graver the situation, the more is his inclination to dilute it with something stupid, and the more is jeongguk's loathing for humour. he has learnt this tid-bit from his fellow hunters, as well as from the source himself. on multiple occasions. he ignores it like every other warning jeongguk gives him.
"no, jimin-ssi. i would have held the biggest celebration this pack has ever seen", he answers, voice suddenly quiet. his dark eyes are lustreless, and like serpents, his thoughts crawl through the crevices, wondering if it was only a joke.
he smiles brightly anyway.
"jimin-ah, it is time for your stitches", hasung interrupts, and he winces at the reminder. he had completely forgotten that his efforts spent in convincing that he'd prefer a scar over stitches have gone to waste.
he dutifully gulps down the potion that is supposed to reduce his pain, though he knows it is going to knock him to unconsciousness until the pain is gone. at this moment, he'll take anything.
the scent of decaying flowers oozes out of his pores, and a crease forms on jeongguk's forehead. they might not be mates yet, but their wolves are linked by fate, and distress traverses between them without obstruction till it dissolves evenly.
"close your eyes and focus your thoughts elsewhere— some place nice and safe", hasung instructs, dabbing on the wound with a liquor soaked cotton to disinfect it.
he screws his eyes shut, focusing on jeongguk instead of the burning pain, but they fly open the next instant, his pulse jumpy, and he forcibly retracts his hand. "just apply some salve on it, for moon goddess' sake! i told you i will manage. wolves have functioned centuries before they invented stitching."
the hand on his thigh tightens in silent reprimand, but he doesn't quit whining, and jeongguk heaves a sigh of exasperation before folding himself beside him on the sliver of unoccupied space on the pelt, most of his body lying on the cold hard floor.
"you'll get blood all over you!", he complains when jeongguk maps his torso for an unhurt place to rest his hand, and soon, he is being cocooned inside a large arm linked with his own, trapped between jeongguk on one side, and the needle on another.
"be good", is all he says, unheeding, and waits for hasung, who has been silently observing, to take his outstretched hand again.
soft breath fans on his neck, the mop of dark hair tickling his cheek as jeongguk noses against his skin with deliberate leisure, and his breath comes in short, shallow gasps. he is remotely aware of the needle that punctures his skin, but it feels as though it's happening in another timeframe. jeongguk scents him gently, delicately, washing away the putrid smell of blood and medicinal liquids, and jimin drowns in the pouring rain, dragging in lungfuls of woods, earth, life.
the needle jabs harder and the sharp sting shoots down his spine. "alpha", he whimpers.
"it's alright. it's almost over", jeongguk whispers, pressing a soft kiss above his scent gland where he will bear his mark one day— the day rain will commit to nurturing his wildflowers for a lifetime, and his heart fizzes and bursts with bubbles of euphoria. he nuzzles his cheek against his hair, always striving to be closer to his alpha, and a purr rumbles in his chest.
a cough drags him back to reality.
"um... it is done— my work here is done", hasung mumbles, darting eyes a proof of the scene he witnessed, and his cheeks stain red with embarrassment.
jeongguk rises to sit, assisting him up as well, and his face is more collected than jimin would have liked to see. the hand that rested on his belly encircles his waist now, and his fingers feel empty, suddenly bereft of his alpha's heat.
"i'll remove the stitches in the evening, but don't shift until they completely heal, which may be weeks, or you might tear it again."
"i will have to. the rogues might attack any time, and my team needs—"
"—he won't shift", jeongguk says, cutting him off, and looks decidedly in his direction. "jimin-ssi, you're out of the hunting team."
"you can't do that! my father is still the head alpha if you remember", he protests, though he'd be lying if he said he didn't see it coming. he has heard these words several times, and faced the consequences not once. today seems different though.
"i am the head of the team, and i said you're out."
"but only until i heal", he bargains, figuring that this punishment isn't set in stone, and it would be easier to convince him once he is in a better mood.
the sweet smell of roses floating into the room demands all their attention, and it's only moments before chanhee waits at the door.
jimin looks the other way.
"jeongguk, the rogue has gained consciousness", she informs, and jimin begrudgingly notes that not a single hair on her head is out of place. she stands unharmed, bathed and dressed in a fresh pair of clothes, while jimin marinates on the lone pelt in blood and grime. it makes sense that she's the second in command.
"i am coming", jeongguk responds, nodding solemnly, and the arm holding jimin begins to slip. he misses it already.
he distantly notices hasung and chanhee walk out of the room from the periphery of his vision, and he knows he should send them off with a polite goodbye, at least hasung who deserves more than a thank you for putting up with him, but his attention is taken up by jeongguk, who for some reason is wordlessly staring at him with narrowed eyes. if he'd known his decision to defend the attack on the western border would affect jeongguk so, he would have reconsidered it. he still would have gone through with it, but at least he could ease his heart by saying that he reconsidered.
"will you come to see me again?"
"no", the response comes almost immediately, spoken too casually to miff him. he huffs anyway.
"bring me kimchi jjigae for dinner."
"you'll only be getting porridge this entire week."
"something sweet too, and maybe meat?"
"you shouldn't overexert your body till you've recovered."
"kiss me before you go."
that gives jeongguk a pause, and his eyes flit lower to stare at his lips. he watches him internally debate if he should for a long moment, before finally giving in and indulging him by clasping his chin.
"after being this reckless, do you deserve a kiss, omega?"
"yes", he demands, pursing his lips.
just like the first time they'd kissed, his entire body freezes when their lips collide. his firm lips brush his softly, coaxing his mouth open, and jimin breathes the air in jeongguk's lungs, feels their lips, tongue, souls intertwine. it's heaven— the taste of his alpha's lips, makes jimin want to beg for more, but fated cannot be one until they mate, and chaste kisses are all he gets.
jeongguk rests his forehead on his, and jimin wonders if he's as incapable of opening his eyes to resume this life as he is. his fingers instinctively clutch his shirt, letting his vulnerability show. he has never donned any masks in front of jeongguk.
"it's lonely here. stay by my side tonight?"
jeongguk nods, leaning forward a fraction to reach for his lips again as his thumb runs over his plump lower lip, but something uncertain flashes in his eyes, making him realize he shouldn't.
"take care of yourself", jeongguk rasps against his lips, stern except for the waver in his voice, and pulls back.
a short while after jeongguk has left to question the rogue they captured alive, jimin finally feels the potion kicking in and submits himself to slumber's void.
☽ ☆ ☾☆☽ ☆☾
in their pack, everyone knows everyone.
chances are that, at some point, jimin and jeongguk might even have played together as pups, though he is sure he would have remembered someone as special as him even when young, but then again, jimin barely remembers the night he presented as an omega when he was thirteen, and that's a memory wolves say they never forget.
sickness consumed jimin's adolescence, and he spent years on a bed, sequestered inside his house, being prodded by healers from one pack and another endeavouring to determine the root of his illness, but by no means would he say that he had a bad childhood. his father left no stone unturned in caring for him and colouring his pain with pleasant memories, never letting the illness define who he is or what he is going to be.
when he was fit enough to be out and about, he made many acquaintances, making up for lost time. jeongguk was not one of them. all he heard of him were tales of his infamous romance with an omega, chanhee, and how everybody thought they were fated mates until destiny proved them wrong when they turned of age. it changed nothing for them; afterall it had been years since a wolf had found their fated mate, the concept of waiting for one had become obsolete. so they continued willingly holing up together, away from the rest of the pack, and jimin remembers wishing them well.
until he'd seen jeongguk, that is.
though he had no inkling of the fated bond, jimin had somehow known that they were meant for each other since the very moment he laid eyes on jeongguk, and for days that followed, the alpha barely knew he existed. he was a mere fixture in the periphery of his world, and jimin yearned for a morsel of his attention, like parched soil thirsts for a droplet of water, knowing deep inside that nothing less than a deluge would quench the drought.
jeongguk was the only reason jimin had joined the hunting team. loving him silently when he knew he belonged to another, desiring him in ways that weren't innocent— it should have felt wrong, but it didn't. it still doesn't.
it was a week later during a morning swim with the hunting team in the lake when they'd both realised. he had looked into jeongguk's eyes, found him staring right back at him, and just like that, the bond was formed. no lightning had struck the water, no thunder had cracked across the sky, the earth hadn't stopped on its axis. jimin just knew that his heart beats for this alpha like he knew his own name. surprisingly, everybody else in the lake had said they felt it too.
jeongguk broke off his relationship with chanhee the same day.
it took him three months to end it completely though, and jimin doesn't resent any part of it. would he be able to entrust his heart to an alpha who forgot four years worth of memories in the blink of an eye?
it hurt, but he gave them both the space they required, which for chanhee, turned out to be his complete absence. jeongguk respected it, giving him no choice but to comply. on darker days, he curled up on his bed and wondered if he had handed over his heart without any reserves only to be left with a hollow in his chest for the rest of his days.
it rained the first day jeongguk finally called upon his house to court him. he presented him with thick white furs for which he had allegedly spent a fortnight in the wild, and jimin remembers gawking at it with wide eyes, frozen still for several moments. it looked like it had been made from his own hide— a tactical error that jeongguk remains unaware about even now, just like he is unaware that jimin leaving it to soak in the rain that day had been intentional.
their first conversation was under a light drizzle on the damp grass in his inner courtyard. he remembers both of them stumbling and failing to find common ground, remembers the nervousness in jeongguk's eyes before he had cut him off mid sentence to tentatively kiss his lips, how the autumnal shower had suddenly turned torrential, how they had refused to let that separate them until they were only a tangle of bones with wet clothes clinging to their skin and eager lips clinging to each other. others would say it was the fated bond, but according to jimin it was that kiss which sealed his fate. he knew he would sacrifice anything for this alpha.
jeongguk stuck closely by his side when he had joined the team for his first big hunt, and jimin had pointed to him the furry form of a curled up bunny snuggled against a mossy log near the creek. he remembers associating it with his alpha's beautiful face, remembers jeongguk serving it to him for dinner. jeongguk hadn't understood why he looked queasy at the sight, just like he couldn't comprehend why his face fell when he had replaced the wildflowers in his vase with exquisite roses that he brought from the neighbouring pack.
jeongguk's wolf is as black as the feather of a raven, jimin's is as white as freshly fallen snow. jeongguk's presence beams like sunshine, jimin faints when he stands in the sun for too long. their existence is a pair of contradictions, their fated wolves— a paradox, but wildflowers bloom under the sun, and his love thrives on the beauty of their differences.
how much does he love him, jimin asks jeongguk ever so often, on the table during dinner, in the woods during a hunt, on his bed in his arms, and jeongguk always offers him the same question in answer— how is one supposed to quantify love, and so, for jeongguk, jimin builds a unit to measure it and keeps the count to himself— in terms of the fingers threading through his hair, in numbers of kisses on his forehead when jeongguk thinks he is asleep, in efforts spent on a courting gift even when every attempt ends in disaster.
jimin wants his alpha all to himself, wants to acquaint jeongguk with all his shadows and light, wants to be acquainted just as thoroughly in turn. he apprises him of every detail of his thoughts like it is his fundamental duty. jeongguk listens to his relentless rambling patiently unless he is in the middle of kissing him— he still listens though, devoid of options, just impatiently, fidgeting him to hurry and use his tongue for other things, groaning when he starts another topic immediately after.
all noted fated pairs in history have found their mate from as far as another end of the world no later than they turned eighteen, and hence, finding their fated mate at the age of twenty three and twenty one when they'd been right in front of each other's eyes all along is a mystery that eludes their packmates to this day. privately, jimin reasons with jeongguk that the sheer strength of the love in his heart for him would have been beyond the capacity of the frail body of his teen, and jeongguk grimaces every single time he hears this logic.
they're the first fated pair of wolves in the pack, yet no stories are whispered of their love.
☽ ☆ ☾☆☽ ☆☾
when jimin wakes up from his potion induced sleep, he is greeted by the comforting sight of his father. his abeoji has gentle droopy eyes, scent of warm toasted cocoa, and a round face similar to him except for the smattering of wrinkles for which jimin bears more responsibility than senescence. his father is the driving force behind his saner decisions, which today's definitely was not.
he manages to sit up with his back propped against the wall with little difficulty and no assistance, and looks out the window with sleep laden eyes to find the closing rays trickling from the dying embers of a waning sun.
it had been morning when he had fallen asleep.
he vaguely remembers sleeping through hasung removing the bandages and dressing his wound, and checks his right arm with a rabbiting heart to find the stitches gone. he lets out a loud exclaim in relief, consumed by the feeling of a huge weight being lifted off his chest, and plans to have jeongguk compensate him somehow. it's only a few hours before jeongguk returns.
after placing the bag carrying a change of clothes on top of the wooden cabinet, his father nudges his legs aside to perch by his feet on the pelt, and grunts as he lowers himself. there are frequent reminders that he is growing old, and jimin doesn't like it one bit.
"am i in trouble?", he asks playfully, though he knows his impetuous nature is the bane of his father's existence. he needs to get a hold of himself soon for the sake of him.
"you're not, but your alpha is. a rogue escaped because of his carelessness during the attack today", he answers, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening even though his scent remains mellow, and smiles indulgently when jimin frowns. "don't worry. i won't be too harsh with him... but only if you promise to obey his orders the next time."
these ifs and buts always manage their way on to his father's lips when he converses to him about jeongguk. jimin groans, and his father sighs.
"min-ah, you were tasked with the north borders because they are the most secure and the least dangerous. he was looking out for you, but he can't help you if you don't help yourself."
"i want to be essential to the pack... you cannot coddle me forever, abeoji! i told you i am ready to be second in command. why did you ask him to assign me to the north borders in the first place?"
his father ignores him, taking his hand into his own to examine the almost healed cut on his arm instead, and scans the fading bruises elsewhere on his skin. he speaks only when he is satisfied of his recovery.
"i did not. i suggested your name in fact, and the elders backed me as well, but ultimately it was jeongguk's decision. he thought chanhee would be better suited for the position, and since jeongguk is the one who heads the team, i let him choose as he sees fit."
his heart skips a beat. "jeongguk said chanhee is better?"
"not better, better suited, min-ah", his father clarifies, clucking his tongue, and it makes no difference to him. "you know how serious jeongguk is when it comes to the hunting team. he doesn't let personal matters interfere with his duty, and that is exactly how it should be for every wolf."
his alpha is disciplined. principled. unbending. uncontainable. like beams of sunshine that cascade unabashedly down the sky. no effort will work in stopping its trajectory or dilute its strength, one simply has to accept that it cannot be kept out and the only escape is hiding away.
the thousand conversations in which he'd told jeongguk that he wants to be the second in command play out in his mind, and the apparent lack of a definitive answer, the distracting kisses that followed, begin to make sense. there is a sudden weight on his chest, weighing him down when he tries to come up for air, and he feels like he is drowning. jimin has always adored the pieces that make jeongguk. even though, every once in a while, these same pieces break him.
because sometimes, wildflowers wilt under sunshine.
☽ ☆ ☾☆☽ ☆☾
they are to be mated on the full moon of next month.
on the occasion of announcement of their mating ceremony, jeongguk got him a bouquet tonight, consisting of fresh, white wildflowers that smell of him. they're his favourite. he wonders if he knows, or he picked them simply because they sprout like weeds beside the lake.
a dozen instructions following the removal of his stitches and a bath violating half of those instructions later, jimin had been in the process of tidying up the room before he leaves for his cabin when jeongguk had shown up. he had informed him of their mating ceremony, handed him the flowers, and it has been quiet ever since.
"i am sorry for this morning. i shouldn't have been so harsh with you in front of everyone. i'll apologize to you once again before the team", he says, finally breaking the silence, "i know you followed instincts, but i hope you realise that what you did today was dangerous and warrants consequences, jimin-ssi. i think staying off the team for the next two months would be adequate."
the night casts an almost disturbingly calm silence upon them as jeongguk observes him with wide, eager eyes, waiting for something. jimin doesn't know what to say.
'it is okay?'
is it okay that his alpha gives him flowers in his hands, and thorns in his mind?
he places the bouquet on top of the cabinet, and kneels on the floor to dust and roll up the pelt.
"does it still hurt?", jeongguk asks with his head cocked and face troubled.
jimin remembers the flare of pride in his eyes when he'd walked into the room and found the wound gone. jeongguk respects strength, and being weak is all jimin has known for most of his life.
"not much", he answers, carrying the pelt tucked under his arm to place it inside the lowest drawer.
jeongguk has collected the damp clothes strewn across the room into a neat little stack, and he picks it up and deposits it in the discarded pile beside the cabinet, distinctly aware of jeongguk shadowing him, but his breath still hitches in his throat when he feels him pressing up against his back. light fingers graze his flesh, leaving goosebumps in their wake, and warm breath ghosts above the shell of his ear.
"really doesn't hurt anywhere, baby?", he asks, and jimin has to grip the edge of the cabinet to stay standing on his feet, suddenly weak in the knees.
it's always like this. jeongguk calls him baby, and he instinctively comes undone— it is reflex, one he has spent innumerable nights in training to hone. there is a wet kiss on his nape, whispered words that tickle.
"i tried coming early to you, but extracting anything from the rogue proved more difficult than we anticipated, and then i got caught up in the meeting with the head alpha."
the scent of rain calls to him, and he turns around to appease a sudden yearning within him to get a look at him. his alpha's face is tired, dim after the painfully long day, but he is the light of jimin's life, and this simply won't do.
"you don't have to explain. i assumed you must have been busy", he says softly, brushing the hair away from his forehead. "did you eat?"
"no", jeongguk replies, drawing back. "you said we'll have dinner together."
"oh." in a way he did say that, he supposes.
"and since it's late, you can stay with me tonight", he suggests passively, but it's framed like a hopeful question.
his eyes widen in surprise. they've laid before on the same bed, but never spent an entire night together, and it's more shocking that the offer came from jeongguk's lips and not his own.
"yes", he answers, watching his every little nod wipe the uncertainty from his doe eyes. "i can do that."
the walk to jeongguk's house is long, and jimin notices the blooms piercing the grass lining the path to mark the changing of the seasons, world transitioning from frosty white to striking shades. the chill in the air feels relentless nonetheless.
"are you happy with the announcement?", jeongguk asks.
"i am."
"i thought you'd like a spring ceremony."
"i do prefer spring over summer. thank you for preponing it."
"how was your day? did something... change after i left?"
"it was alright", he replies with a shrug, guessing that sleeping all day would hardly make for an engaging conversation.
"did you not like the flowers?"
he stills, a gasp on his lips on remembering the forgotten bouquet at the healing cabin, and takes a tentative step back. "i am so sorry. i'll go get them."
jeongguk grabs his wrist, stopping him with a light shake of his head. "don't worry about it. i will get you more. wildflowers are your favourite, right?"
he nods, a little apologetic, and a little grateful. the large hand around his wrist doesn't let go, instead it slips lower to tentatively wrap around his fingers, and without another word, they resume walking. he looks to his right where the lake has begun, and he knows that if he pushes himself up on the tip of his toes, the lights of jeongguk's cabin beyond the lake will come into view, but what kickstarts his heart on usual days barely causes a flutter tonight.
once they are inside the cabin, there is a moment's pause in which he takes in the house he has been in countless times before, but within a split second the air shifts, and wild electricity whips between them in jolts. turbulence is all he smells as jeongguk inches closer, towering over him, and he swallows heavily, caught in the whirlwind. for long moments, jimin breathes jeongguk.
"you are here", he whispers in relief, and jimin wonders where else would he be if not with him.
he watches jeongguk's hands flex by his side, but they do not reach for his waist where they belong, nor does he connect their lips. jeongguk rakes his eyes over him from head to toe, scanning every inch of his skin, and the intensity of his gaze is so heavy, jimin stumbles back, only to be caged against the door. he gasps, his hips instinctively rocking forward, and something heavy presses into his belly. this time, they both gasp.
"my baby", jeongguk whispers, hoarse voice causing wetness to trickle out, and jeongguk's nostrils flare. lust and control battle on his face, and it's jimin who gets caught in the wildfire, always in the wrong place, always defeated. jeongguk hangs his head and screws his eyes shut, expression pained. "a month more."
it takes jeongguk a moment to collect himself, and even when he has regained control, jimin has never seen him so dishevelled before.
"you must be hungry. wait in my room till i set the table", he orders before spinning on his heels, turning again midway to tell him that it might take a little time, and jimin nods even though he has already marched inside.
he stands in the midst of rain and wildflowers, breathing in the lingering mix till it subsides, and makes his way up the stairs to jeongguk's room. his alpha's cabin is the most beautiful home in the whole pack. it's decorated in shades of white and golden— everything from the furniture down to the detailing, and ever since day one, he has been utterly enraptured by the thought of it becoming his home soon. jeongguk says that jimin is the reason behind these colours, but it's only a joke because the cabin has been this way since before they became fated.
with nothing to do on the bed except for staring at the walls, his eyes wander to the cupboards, but he stops himself. he has been down this road before. the first time he'd sifted through jeongguk's things, he'd been starry eyed, expecting to find a cute detail about his newly fated wolf, but he'd only discovered heartbreak. not one thing inside the drawer he'd chosen had belonged to his alpha.
he wonders what is taking jeongguk so long, but stays put. a glinting object peeking out from the bedside table catches his fancy, and maybe he has not learnt his lesson as well as he had thought because it's in his hand within the next minute. he twirls it between his fingers— the golden butterfly clip that he had lost during the harvest festival on the night he saw jeongguk for the first time. he didn't know that it had ended up with the alpha.
the clip brings forth a flood of memories from that night. he remembers being reduced to a nervous mess when the scent of rain had awashed his senses, how he had been blushing and distractedly fiddling with his clip throughout the evening until it had eventually dislodged and fallen off somewhere. maybe, it is coincidence that it managed to land somewhere near jeongguk, or fate. he also remembers the feeling he went home with that night— of wanting someone you cannot have, and compares it with having only a piece of someone you want.
the faint voice of jeongguk summoning him for dinner sounds from the hall, and he hurriedly puts the clip in its rightful place.
since the better part of his day was spent inside a lone room, for a change of scenery, jeongguk has made arrangements for them to eat at the pier that stretches into the lake. jimin follows behind as he leads them down the shorter path through the backdoor, peering at his empty hands and pondering where the food is until the pier comes to view.
an array of candles have been lit along both ends of the wooden boards to supplement the pallid light of the moon, and a feast has been laid out on a blanket spread in the center. his steps feel lighter, like he's gliding above the surface, carried forward by a fuzzy joy.
"you made kimchi jjigae, pork and custard", he wonders out loud after settling down.
"you asked me to", jeongguk answers simply as takes his seat opposite to him, as if denying his request was never a choice, like it's a part of his duty.
the food is delicious, made more so by the thought and effort put into it. he tastes everything deliberately slowly on his tongue, then gulps it down in haste, unsure how he wants this meal to go, unsure how he feels, till his stomach is full and the bowls empty. his heart bubbles with love, and also incoherent words, boiling to break free.
"is something wrong?"
he clamps his lips, and shakes his head determinedly.
jeongguk shifts closer, engulfs his hand with his own. "why are you so quiet? what are you thinking?"
his body is shaking with the need to spill, and he blurts a string of words. "a lot of fated mates end up breaking their bond or taking their own life to set themselves free."
a flash of surprise courses through jeongguk's face, and he looks at him cluelessly. "that's... unfortunate. did you hear someone's story that upset you?"
the breeze sweeps his dark hair, midnight locks against a midnight sky, and a constellation of stars bespeckle behind him like a halo, the glorious moon his crown, but the reflection in the clear water of the lake trembles as jimin brews trouble in the symphony between them and nature.
"i was thinking that... it's not too late in case you want to— we aren't mated yet."
jeongguk's spine straightens up like a rod, face ashen. "where is this coming from?"
"i am sorry— i shouldn't have said that."
"but you really meant it, didn't you?", jeongguk insists, rising to sit on his haunches, and gulps undecidedly. "with the attacks from the rogues, and the harsh winter, a lot of things have been happening in the pack lately, and i have been occupied a lot. i am sorry if i was inattentive or if i did something that upset you."
"you didn't do anything—", he answers instinctively, but tracks back, steeling himself. "you did upset me... you lied", he admits weakly, fingernails digging into his palm.
a furrow appears between jeongguk's brows, hands squeezing his. "about what?"
"before we were fated, you told me that i have great potential, but when given the choice, you did not choose me to be your second in command— i do not want you to hand me anything, but at least give me what i deserve... unless you think that i am incompetent."
"i don't think you're incompetent at all. i think you're very skilled, which is why i proposed to the head alpha to build another team that you can lead."
"i do not want to lead another team! i want to be second to you."
jeongguk's face softens, but the scrutiny in his gaze is analysing him.
"jimin, is this about chanhee?", he asks, each word uttered painfully slowly.
he hangs his head, overcome by a wave of shame, and it's only a second before jeongguk cups his face, raising it to his.
"there's nothing between me and her", he says, looking into his eyes with sincerity.
he nods rapidly. "i know that. i swear i do, but i— it's just that i am never your voluntary choice."
"you're my only choice", jeongguk replies, a note of helplessness seeping into his voice. "i love you. only you."
"you love me because you've been forced by fate."
"no!", jeongguk protests vehemently, and the strength of his disagreement vibrates through his core. "i got the opportunity to love you because of fate. i fell in love with you because of you."
"oh jeongguk", he mumbles wetly, burying his head on his neck while his hands fist on his shirt to tether him, and the tears that spring to his eyes are pathetic. at this point, they're more from being overwhelmed by the sea of his own fluctuant emotions than anything else.
jeongguk pulls him into an embrace, and as his body is engulfed by his alpha's downpour, their fated bond undulates gently.
"i want special treatment. i am your omega, and i want special treatment from you. even a little would be fine", he demands into his neck, sniffling, uncaring if he sounds like a petulant child throwing a fit. he expects jeongguk to understand. if he doesn't, who else will?
"you do get special treatment. it just means different things for us both. for you, it's being the second in command, and for me, it's giving you the safest position in every arrangement."
his tears cease, sticking where they are on his face, and he pulls away to look at him with wide, curious eyes.
"did you hear about the rogue that escaped today because of my mistake?", jeongguk asks, suddenly straying.
he wipes at his wet cheeks, nodding. "i did."
"if it had happened last year, i wouldn't have forgiven myself for it, but today... i didn't care about it one bit. all i could think about was that you were in the healing cabin, injured. when i saw you in the field, baby, my heart stopped. i was terrified. i was— i couldn't breathe", he says, his eyes impassioned, and he gazes straight into his soul, voice dropping as if it's an occult confession, "i didn't give a shit about the rogue that escaped today. i went after the one that hurt you.
"with chanhee, i could lead by her side, do my duties without hindrance... when you're on the field, every moment, my mind is focused on where you are. i don't think about the pack, i think about you because if it comes to choose, i wouldn't protect the pack, i would protect you."
he strokes his cheek tenderly, and jimin dissolves at his touch. surrounded by gentle currents, gentle breeze, and a gentle alpha, he feels that the seasons might be changing after all.
"i am not as impenetrable as you think i am", he confesses gently, bringing their foreheads together, and jimin dives forward to kiss him.
when their mouths meet, he tastes salvation on his lips. his mouth parts, coaxing jeongguk's tongue inside, and the kiss deepens till it consumes them both in its flames. jeongguk clasps his face in his palms, and he winds his arms behind his neck, fingers threading through his hair to pull him closer. hard muscles press up against his body, but it doesn't offer relief to the fire that burns. he craves for contact.
"touch me", he pleads, feeling like his skin might explode if his alpha's hands aren't on it this very instant, and licks his lips when he receives an uncertain look, pleading again with desperation in his eyes. "please."
the husky whisper breaks jeongguk's resolve, and soon, his hands are stealing under his shirt. they run over his sides, feeling the delicate pattern of his ribs, and when they journey inwards to brush against his nipples, his head kicks back in ecstasy. his breath comes out in disjointed gasps as he rolls his nipple between his thumb and forefinger, and jeongguk growls at the loss of his mouth, prompting him to reconnect their lips.
jeongguk fondles his tender nipples till they ache, and he uselessly arches in search of more, whimpering as he fists his shirt to pull him to himself. his hands grope at his hard chest, and he gasps when it doesn't give.
"you're so big, so sexy", he pants, and jeongguk swallows the words from his tongue.
"you're so little. will you break under your alpha?", he rasps, twisting his fingers, and his nipples pucker into rosy buds.
his hands trail down his back and slide down his hips, sneaking inside his trousers. electricity runs underneath his skin when his fingers span over his ass. they squeeze, hard, and he shivers as slick gushes out of his hole, coating his long fingers.
all of a sudden, jeongguk rips himself away with a grunt of pain, and jimin pants in confusion before realisation sinks in. their fated bond has signalled its limits once again, reminding them that until they mate, this is as far as they can come— fingers, but jimin wants lips. tongue. cock.
"please, alpha", he begs.
"you know we can't", jeongguk rasps in warning, his irises alternating between crimson and black. "it will hurt."
jimin leans back, bracing himself on his hands behind him, and spreads his legs, offering himself up to be devoured.
"want you", he says, and jeongguk eyes the dark, wet patch where his slick has pooled on his thighs. they've toed this line before, and it brings pain every single time, resulting in him coming to his own touch after he's home, but not tonight, he decides. he can take pain tonight. "it hurts now, alpha. i feel like i've been set on fire."
jeongguk crawls to him with a predatory gleam in his eyes, hovering over him before laying him down and pinning his hands above his head. his face looms over his for several intense second, red eyes boring into his, and jimin rocks his hips up, moaning when their hips touch.
"why do you torture us both, omega?", he hisses against his lips, and jimin rises to kiss him, only to be denied.
jeongguk draws back, and he wants to drag him right back, but the grip around his hand tightens, rendering him immobile. his whine dies down when he feels a hand on the buttons of his trousers, and he stills, heart beating out of his chest. jeongguk moves down his body, and he watches with bated breath as his fingers slide under his waistband to maneuver him out of his trousers. his hands fly to offer him assistance, desperate to get it off before jeongguk changes his mind, but he is ordered to stay in place.
"don't move a single inch. your alpha will take care of you", he promises, tracing his fingers along his calves, and jimin's heart races in anticipation. strong hands separate his knees wider, and he can hear his breath stop when he sees his exposed hole.
"you're so wet, baby. you're glistening", he murmurs in admiration, greedy eyes raking in the sight, and long fingers drag down the sensitive skin of his inner thighs. "every inch of you deserves poetry."
jimin knows how enticing he must look with his face flushed, heavy-lidded golden eyes, hands above his head, knees spread, and ass leaking. the forbidden fruit, ripe, served his for the taking. he wants jeongguk to have a taste, wants to be devoured till his juices drip down his chin, till there's nothing of him left behind.
he stares at jeongguk pushing himself in between his legs and jumps when he feels his mouth on his knee. he trails a path of wet kisses up his leg, scorching his skin the higher he moves, and his lips brand verses on his thighs.
"i dream of this."
jeongguk's lips pause abruptly, and there is an interested, knowing look on his face. "what do you see?"
"you above me. inside me." his hole clenches at the confession, and slick pours out in rivulets, landing down with a wet plop. a scarlet blush blooms on his face.
jeongguk kisses the soft, sensitive skin of the crease where his thigh meets his hip, and his toes curl. "do i fuck you good?"
"so good", he admits, jerking when he licks a fat stripe across his perinium. "they started before— ah— before we became fated. i have always wanted you so much, alpha. it's why i stared at you in the lake the day our bond formed. i was leaking the second i saw you bare."
"baby?", jeongguk calls, his fingers spanning beneath his asscheeks to pull them apart and reveal him completely. warm, moist breath fans on his drenched hole, and jimin shakily rises until he can see the red eyes fixed on him. "wasn't i staring at you too?"
it knocks the breath out of his chest, and he jolts when he feels his hot tongue on his hole, head falling back as he grips the blanket. jeongguk laves uninhibited at the scent of sweet wildflowers clinging to his skin, and it drips like nectar for him.
"you w-wanted me?", he gasps, fisting his hands in his hair and pulling on it to lift his head up.
slick coats his chin, and his dark eyes have taken a frenzied look. jimin burns under his gaze. "no sane man could resist you when you showed up everyday looking like that. i had to physically restrain myself from gouging out the eyes of every alpha who looked your way."
he bites his cheek, hard, and jimin whimpers. his tongue fucks inside his hole in a wild rhythm, and the wet squelch of his slick has him keening.
"mine", he growls, curling his tongue, and jimin writhes, body coiling with tension. "say it."
"yours", he admits brokenly, and feels himself tightening unbearably for a beat before he screams in rapture as he splinters into a million pieces, his cum and slick making a mess on jeongguk's face, his wildflowers scattering in jeongguk's storm.
their fated bond rocks with tremors like aftershocks following an earthquake. it starts as a series of slow, squeezing spasms that travel up his torso, but builds into pain the strength of a thousand heats. his empty hole clenches painfully around nothing, and he throbs with need.
"alpha, hurts", he whines, watching jeongguk doubled over with the same pain, and crawls on all fours till he is seated on his lap. jeongguk's painfully swollen cock presses against his hole, and he screws his eyes shut. his scent glands burn as if ignited.
jeongguk folds his hands around him, engulfing him within his arms, and his body sings with the need to unite. jimin noses along the column of his neck where rain smells the strongest, and scents him to give and take comfort.
jeongguk groans, and he aches.
"mate. wanna mate", he mumbles, and sinks his teeth into his skin, but jeongguk shakes him off gently, cupping his face and tilting it away.
sweat dots his flesh, and muscles strain under the pain. "be strong, omega, we can wait. you w-want the mating ceremony."
"no", he denies vehemently, delirious out of his mind. "you are all i want. i cannot wait, mate me now, alpha please."
he bares his neck to submit, and his unmarked skin taunts him. when nothing happens, rejection mists around him, and he cries out a pitiful whine.
"alpha doesn't want me?", he asks tearfully, unfounded doubts tearing his insides apart, and jeongguk looks at him like he carries the world in his eyes.
he is struggling just as he is, he burns just as he does.
"i want you more than anything else", he whispers against his neck, and his tongue pokes out to lave at his flesh. petrichor bursts out of his pores to soothe his nerves. "i want to breathe you in my lungs. i want to possess your soul."
"mark me then. make me yours", he begs.
his body vibrates, gasps drawn out from deep within as he nips, nibbles, tease, bite and the pressure increases until it has peaked. he urges him on with moans and sighs, squirming restlessly to beg for his ultimate reward. sweet, sweet wildflowers clog the air when his teeth pierce his scent gland, marking him as his forever, and jimin burrows into his neck to cling closer, biting him back.
their bond glows between them like a visible, tangible thing, its luminescence intensifying as the feeling of belonging settles in his heart and every other pain that isn't desire subsides. the sky erupts into a million shooting stars, and love rains like stardust on his skin.
"my omega", jeongguk declares with reverence, and he quivers at the possessive tone, arousal burning in the pit of his belly.
his alpha. his mate. finally his.
jeongguk looks at him like he wants to devour him, and jimin aches with the need to present, to be finally united mind, body and soul. electricity crackles when red eyes meet golden. jeongguk lifts him off of himself by his waist, and he clings, reluctant to part, but the growl building in jeongguk's throat has him whimpering in submission.
"need to claim you, omega", he grunts, fingers territorial when they dig into his waist, and he nods furiously, agreeing with his whole heart.
"need you inside", he chokes out, and wiggles miserably, causing a wave of slick to collect on his thighs.
"i know, baby, but have to rid us of these clothes first."
the sound of fabric ripping sends tingles down his spine as jeongguk shucks everything off, and jimin follows. clothes fly off in all directions, sending empty bowls rolling into the water and knocking out the candles. jimin doesn't care if the pier sets on fire and takes him down when it caves in. his eyes are focused between jeongguk's leg.
his alpha is huge.
his thick, engorged cock juts out from the dark nest of curls in his pelvis, its girth the size of jimin's dainty wrist. a white drop of liquid pearls from the slit on the flushed, red tip, and jimin gulps as his eyes track along a vein runs on the underside.
he won't fit inside. jimin will break.
or maybe, he will mold jimin around himself till his walls take the shape of his cock, the only one he'll ever take.
"present yourself to your alpha", he orders.
his limbs automatically comply as he braces himself on his hands and knees, and his pink hole flutters, dripping with slick as jeongguk looms closer and kneels behind him. his body is solid and heavy, the weight delicious on top of him as he lowers himself to mount him, his hard chest flush against his back, and the heat radiating from his body causes a thin film of perspiration to exist between them, the distinct scent of musk getting him even hotter.
a strangled noise erupts from his lips when jeongguk slowly rubs his cock over his slicked crack, getting it wet, then he presses the blunt head against his hole and feeds it to him agonizingly slow, making sure he feels every hard inch of him.
"you're so tight. you were made for my cock", he grunts and jimin keens, arching to seat him deeper.
his walls stretch to accomodate his thick cock, and his insides overflow with jeongguk as he feels him everywhere. heat coming off of the muscles flexing above him melts his skin, and his brain short-circuits, relinquishing control to the sensations flooding his body.
jeongguk experimentally bucks his hips, and the drag of his cock against his taut walls make him moan.
"alpha, please", he mewls, not knowing for what.
jeongguk grinds against his ass, slamming his hips back and forth, and begins pounding him at a rough pace that has him gasping to catch his breath, a staccato of ahs spilling from his lips. every forceful snap of his hips pushes his cock deeper inside and propels his whole body forward inch by inch, and the folds of the blanket bunch uncomfortably underneath his palms until one strong snap pushes his hands on to the hard wood of the pier.
jeongguk fucks him with single-minded assiduity, all his strength zoning in on splitting him open on his cock, and even incoherent babble seems beyond him at the moment as his lips remain parted in a silent cry. the friction gives way for splinters to catch on his palm, and his hands give out, causing him to fall to the hard wood, cheek pressed against the edge of the blanket. trickles of slick leak from his momentarily empty hole, rolling down his thighs, and he lifts his ass up to spear himself again on his cock.
his eyes roll back as jeongguk resumes pounding into him without mercy, and his bones go limp like jelly, spine only kept upright because of jeongguk's arm looped around his middle to keep him from sagging down. he feels his knees buckle, skin raw and abused much like his palms, and jeongguk straightens behind him to keep him in place by grabbing his pelvis as he sets an explicitly brutal pace. drool drips down his chin as his tongue lolls out, and he is reduced to only a warm hole for jeongguk to use and fuck into.
"mine", jeongguk declares possessively, an animalistic gruffness beneath his voice, and he throws his head back to bare his neck in submission, accepting his mate's claim, screaming when jeongguk bites his shoulder. "mine to take. mine to breed", he chants near his ear, leaving bleeding indentations of his teeth to vouch for his every claim. "will inject my scent into your veins, omega. will have you swollen full of my pups round the year, so everyone knows who owns you, who fucks you every night."
it sends him hurtling over the edge, and he bucks his hips, shooting long white ropes of cum as his muscles jerk endlessly. jeongguk fucks him through his orgasm, fingers digging into his ass to drag him up while his face stays pressed against the wood.
the base of his cock begins to swell inside him, stretching his rim painfully, and he feels him deep within his abdomen when his pace falters as he comes with a loud groan. his cock twitches, and bursts of thick, hot cum unload inside him, filling up his greedy hole. his walls clench around him, milking his cock for every last drop and pumping it inwards until his belly bulges with his alpha's seed. his knot presses against his prostrate, throbbing, and it sends jerks of pleasure up his spine. he is so so full, his distended abdomen close to bursting.
jeongguk's hand caresses the imprint of his cock on his belly, but then it slides lower down his hips, and his breath catches in his throat when it wraps around his cock that had been untouched until now and has swollen with arousal once again.
"alpha, can't", he sobs, the flicks of his wrist at the base of his sensitive cock causing tears to spill from his eyes. his cock has been completely wrenched empty during the course of their fucking, not a drop of seed remains, and every touch borders on pain and pleasure, making him cry because of overstimulation.
jeongguk noses along his neck, whispering encouragement on his skin, and tugs roughly at his cock till he is pushed beyond the precipice for the third time tonight. his orgasm wracks through his body, pulsing around his knot as he cums dry, and he collapses.
"took me so well, my little omega", jeongguk praises as he maneuvers them to lie down on the messy blanket reeking of slick and cum, and after connecting their lips for a sloppy kiss, they curl up against each other with jeongguk's hand wound protectively over his belly.
they are locked in place for hours together even as the birds begin to trill, keeping vigil in the pre dawn darkness, and the morning chill causes goosebumps to break out on his flesh.
"alpha?", he purrs, voice drowsy, and jeongguk nuzzles to soothe him, presumably mistaking his tiredness for distress. "i think you broke me. i can't feel my legs."
he hears a slight huff from behind him, and snuggles closer, tilting his face to ask for a kiss on his cheek. "thank moon goddess that i don't have anything to do for weeks."
for a few moments, there's absolute silence, neither words nor kisses.
"actually, jimin-ssi, you are to join the hunting team after a fortnight."
he turns in surprise, accidentally pulling on the knot, and jeongguk winces in pain. he stays still for the second it takes to adjust, waiting for jeongguk to explain, but he doesn't.
there is a sheepish expression on his face, and after a little prodding, he finally gives in. "your punishment was decided to be only a fortnight. i thought you would bargain and get it down, so i started with two months."
it's so ridiculous and so him, that a loud bark of laughter breaks free from his chest, and before he knows it, tears have pooled in his eyes. the bond wraps around him comfortingly as he sniffles, suddenly emotional.
"you know me", he utters wetly, tone coloured in disbelief and wonder. "you really, truly know me."
"i do", jeongguk replies, finally awarding him the kiss on his cheek he had been asking for, and many more. "how can i not? our souls have been carved from the same star."
golden flames lick the sky as dawn breaks, painting them both warmly. distant noises indicate that the pack is waking up and would be heading to the lake soon to begin their day, but he makes no motion of getting up, instead pushes his ass snugly against jeongguk's deflating knot, feeling the flaccid cock come to life within his walls.
when morning comes, he wants everyone to see his alpha's cock buried inside him, to know that they are one forever.
jeongguk isn't opposed to the idea.
"why are there a hundred posies on my front lawn, jimin-ssi?", jeongguk demands, a question he'd never thought he would have to ask, but his omega rarely does anything usual.
jimin grins at him in answer, pink cheeks bunching prettily under crescent eyes. perched upon the grass under the streaming sunlight, bearing his mark on his neck, he shines more radiantly than the golden butterfly clip on his hair.
he doesn't remember returning the clip back to jimin.
jeongguk had always thought himself to be impenetrable, but the night of the harvest festival when he had seen jimin for the first time, it had taken only a moment for jimin to sink his roots inside him, prompting him to keep the fallen clip instead of returning it, and now, he grows in his heart.
after the flowers have been arranged in a line, jimin explains that he is here to hand him an agenda for their wedding in which he has listed all the chores that need to be done, and the hours assigned to complete each have been scribbled against them.
it's more effort than he has shown in the hunting team till date.
there is still no explicable reason for admitting jimin to the hunting team, just like there is no rationale behind painting his cabin white and golden like a wolf possessed hours after he first saw jimin shift into his wolf. jeongguk has known since day one that jimin has no real interest in the team, but he is as incapable of turning him away as he had been on the first day jimin joined, so he is waiting it out till he realises it on his own. he is sure that he will. eventually.
"only a month's left, jeongguk-ssi. there are a lot of things that need to be discussed!", jimin calls, and he moves to sit beside him, running his eyes over the list as jimin points each one out.
his omega talks all the time— no amount of persuasion or perseverance to shut him up will work until he has gotten it all out of his chest, and jeongguk listens because his silence is worse than death.
"five hours to decide the flower arrangement?"
"well, it's spring, so there are a lot of options!"
"and three hours to decide the guest list? what is to decide? the whole pack will be invited, jimin-ah."
dainty toes dig into soft slippers, uprooting the grass underneath.
"oh. okay fine. so we can move straight to the seating arrangement."
seven hours. he sighs. there's no getting out of it.
"alright, come over for dinner after i return from hunting. we will work it out then." his eyes fall on his empty finger where he'd slid his family heirloom ring this morning after he had fucked him again. "jimin-ssi, where is your ring?"
jimin smooths the petals of the sample flowers in an abrupt attempt to avoid his eyes. "i thought it might get lost if i wear it all the time, so for safekeeping—"
"—you didn't like it, did you?"
there is a pause, followed by a tiny shake of his head while he peeks at him from under his lashes, and jeongguk can't help but smile indulgently.
"you select the design, i'll weld you a new one", he offers, surging forward to kiss him on his lips, and when he pulls back, there is a dreamy smile on jimin's face.
it's heaven— the prospect of a life with his mate.
as jimin elucidates in great detail why it's important to seat unmated omegas as far away as possible from mothers with alpha sons, jeongguk gazes at him, wondering how did he get this lucky.
his omega is delicate. strong. beautiful. resilient. like the wildflowers flourishing in the bitter winters and summer droughts alike. a golden butterfly sits on his head, for it is impossible to not mistake him for a blossom, flapping its wings in jeongguk's winds, and he watches mesmerized. while his sunshine cleaves cracks in arid land and dries streams to a trickle, his omega smiles once, and the wildflowers bloom.