Archive of Our Own

“Are you sure that you can handle that section of the forest, Taehyung?” He hears Jimin speak over the phone, slight worry in his tone. “I can finish up my stuff and help you out, or I can call Hoseok hyung over to you.”

“I’ll be fine, Jimin. Besides, I have my dear Bam and Mina to come along with me,” Taehyung replies, smiling when Bam lets out a soft bark upon hearing his name. “They’ve never let me down.”

“Alright. But call me if anything happens, okay?”

It makes Taehyung laugh at how persistent the other is being. He can’t blame him, though—wolf hunters have grown at a concerning rate over the past few months, and it’s up to him and his coven of watchers to bring them down to keep the wolf species safe.

The existence of wolves has been known for the past few decades. While figuring out a way to live together was no easy feat, humans and wolves have managed to coexist peacefully. With that, the existence of wolf hunters and sellers had gone down at an exponential rate, for the law of wolves being considered a part of society was passed, deeming any form of hunting illegal.

However, in recent years, hunters and sellers alike have been rejuvenating and growing. Leading to an increase in wolf watchers in almost every forest area, which is where the wolves resided.

Kim Taehyung is one of them.

“You worry too much,” Taehyung says after confirming the correct forest path on his map.

“Yah, I’m just trying to look out for my best friend.”

“I know,” He says softly. “I’m coming up near the entrance now, I gotta go.”

Jimin sighs on the other line. “Okay. Keep me updated if you find any of them.”

“Gotcha,” Taehyung confirms before hanging up, turning near a corner, and putting the car in park.

Letting out a breath of his own, he unbuckles his seatbelt and turns back towards where two dobermans sat quietly in the backseats. He smiles and makes a kissing noise at them both. They both try to reach forward to return his kisses, but are unable to, making Taehyung laugh.

“Are you guys ready?”

The one with the light brown coat, Mina, lets out a small yap. Taehyung has had them long enough to recognize it as a yes. He turns back around and shuts off the car's engine, making sure that the keys are securely in his pocket.

The watcher swiftly exits the car, moving to let the dogs out before grabbing his backpack of supplies. He debates picking up his rifle, as he hasn’t needed it in the past jobs he’s done. But one can never be too sure. He mulls it over for a couple more seconds before picking it up in the end, placing the strap securely on his shoulder. With a soft click of his tongue, the two Dobermans immediately move to stand at his sides at the ready.

Checking once more that he has everything he needs, Taehyung walks into the forest, eyes trailing across every surrounding they can see. It’s not a forest he’s unfamiliar with by any means, but this part of the forest is a new area—one he is not familiar with. He has to be extra careful with its inhabitants if it harbors any.

The majority of wolves live happily within human society. However, a minority of them are still very wary of humans and what they’re capable of, opting to keep to themselves in their forest homes. Understanding resides deeply within Taehyung, especially with the abundance of huntsmen and underground black markets of wolves.

After walking for what seemed to be a few minutes now, a noise makes the watcher’s ears twitch. Crunching leaves takes him out of his train of thought, his eyes scanning the current area. At the next sound of yelling and quick footsteps, Taehyung recognizes the situation. It seems he isn’t the only one when the darker colored doberman steps forward with a low growl set in its throat. Based on his reaction, he already picked up the scent of something, and it’s not friendly.

“Go get it, Bam.”

Not needing to be told twice, Bam sets off into a quick trot following the scent further with Taehyung and Mina following closely behind.

☾

The shifted wolf runs past varying trees, unsure if he can even recognize the current route he’s going right now. All that is in his mind is to run. Run as fast as he can away from the hunters so they don’t catch him and use him for whatever they do to every wolf they capture.

He’s near exhaustion, but he can’t stop until he knows he’s far enough to try and hide. The increasing pain he feels in his stomach has been intensifying with every gallop his limbs take, not wanting to know how much of his white fur has been stained with blood.

Just as he’s sure the screaming voices behind him are at enough distance, the wolf takes a quick turn and presses himself close into a small tree hollow. It’s not large enough to fit him entirely, but enough to hide most of him.

“Come out, mutt,” One of the heavily breathing men says. “We just want your help with something. It’ll be very quick.”

As much as he wants to bark out and yell to combat their lies, he knows it’ll be futile. The wolf stays quiet, carefully focusing on controlling his breathing. He hones in on his advanced hearing, taking close note of which hunter is where behind the tree.

It’s then that a sudden increase in additional and new footsteps has the wolf’s body tense up immediately, afraid that he has been found. There are so many thoughts running through the wolf’s mind. So many that he hasn’t yet realized that the adrenaline was slowly wearing off, rendering him close to immobile due to his injuries.

Are there more of them? Did they call in for help?

Even if he tries to make another run for it at this moment, he will be slower than he was previously, allowing the hunters to catch him. He will never begin to think that he will allow those dirty humans to take him away so easily.

Just then, the wolf hears another footstep that is way too close for comfort. He pins his ears back, teeth bared and ready for a snarl at any chance it comes closer. However, he never gets the chance, as a loud voice from afar suddenly breaks through the previous silence.

“Seize!”

It’s quick before anyone even gets the chance to move. There are quick patters of steps, and before the wolf can begin to think once more, screams start to break out. They’re not his own, that he realizes. As he slowly tilts his head to look, he now clearly sees two dogs attacking the men who were chasing him, and another man attacking them, too.

The white wolf observes the sudden newcomers relieve the men of their weapons, surprised at the timing of the current situation. He should get away while they’re all distracted, but as soon as he attempts to get up, his body doesn’t listen to him. Even when he tries again with more force, pain shoots through his stomach and up his spine, making the wolf whimper. He internally curses at his body; he was never meant to get hurt when he went out.

☾

“Jeongguk, are you sure you want to go out alone while shifted?” He hears Seokjin’s worried voice behind him while he’s packing his necessities into his backpack. “You know we’re not opposed to going with you every time.”

Jeongguk resists the urge to sigh out loud. They’ve had this conversation more than once within the past few days when he first brought it up with his hyungs. They were hesitant about the idea at first, as they had usually gone out all together in previous times. But Jeongguk was older, stronger, and could hold his own more than his hyungs think.

It took a few days of pestering them that he was ready to go alone, the day before being the day they had all finally agreed to let him go. Now, today was the day that he would go out and shift on his own.

Carefully putting the last items he needed into his bag, Jeongguk gets up from his bedroom floor and turns to the alpha. 

“I said this before, hyung. I’ll be fine, I can hold my own, you know…you have to let me do something alone for once,” He spoke softly, not wanting to air out his frustration too much.

“As much as I hate to say it, he’s right,” Yoongi said, coming up behind Seokjin. “He won’t stay stuck to us and this pack forever.”

At that, Seokjin lets out a breath, nodding in agreement. “I know, I’m just worried.” He looked at the younger wolf. “I know you can manage. I’m only cautious simply because you’re the only omega wolf shifter in our pack. It’s reasonable for me to be wary like this.”

Jeongguk’s hands fidget with the hem of his shirt, thinking of what to say and how to say it. He never wants to be harsh with them; he really doesn’t. There are times when he doesn’t know how to express his words or feelings properly in a way they understand without increasing their worries—he hates it.

“So, you think I can handle myself around humans, but not around other wolves? You’ve seen me take on alphas bigger and smaller than me in size. Just because I’m an omega doesn’t mean I’ll become weaker in the presence of smelly alpha strangers.” He huffed out his last word, an obvious pout on his lips.

“No, pup, I didn’t mean it like that—”

“It sure sounded like it.” Jeongguk cuts him off, teeth gnawing at his bottom lip.

“Okay, okay,” Namjoon butted in, no doubt listening to their conversation from the doorway. “We all agreed to this, remember? I get that we’re worried for our youngest, but we have to let him do things on his own. As Yoongi said, he won’t stick with us forever.”

Yoongi hummed in accord, looking at Seokjin with a soft gaze. “He can do this, omega or not.”

At that, the oldest wolf let out a sigh with his eyes closed.

“I know. I’m sorry, Jeongguk-ah. You’re our youngest, so it's natural for me to be this protective.”

“I get it, hyung,” Jeongguk responded with a smile. “…Can I get going now?”

“Of course, pup.”

Jeongguk’s smile grew wider, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. He walked out of his room and toward the front door, knowing the others would follow behind him. He opened the door, taking a pleasant whiff of the fresh air before turning back around to face them.

“Don’t worry. Whenever I’m resting, I’ll be sure to send you updates on how I’m doing.”

He planned to be out for a few days, wanting to explore and try things he hadn’t done before. He thinks some time like this would be good for him, and hopefully his hyungs agreed too.

“We trust you.” Namjoon smiled at him, ruffling his already messy hair.

“If you ever need something, we’re here,” Yoongi chimed in, his own small grin on his face.

Jeongguk then turned to Seokjin, who looked a bit less worried compared to earlier. 

“Honestly, you already know how I feel. Just—take care, yeah? I would’ve packaged you some food, but I know you would’ve been adamant about taking that too.” The eldest placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a couple of pats and then pulling away.

That makes him giggle, already feeling light and excited. 

“Thank you, hyung. You guys take care, too, alright? I’ll get going now!” The omega chirped eagerly, adjusting the bag on his shoulder while he turned to walk out the door.

☾

Taehyung’s glad they managed to catch up to the hunters before they had the chance of finding the wolf they were chasing. There weren’t that many huntsmen like he initially thought, so taking them down was easier done than said.

He twists an arm roughly enough that the shoulder pops out of its socket, causing the hunter to scream. Taehyung tries his best to hide his small maniacal smile. He tugs on the arm again to pull the man towards him, lifting his leg to land a kick to his stomach, and another to force him to the ground.

The watcher looks over to the dogs, sees that Mina has just finished biting and tugging on one of the men’s legs—said man who had been begging for her to stop. His eyes scan the current area to make sure the rest of the men were also immobile, and he walks over to a man whom Bam had in his jaws.

His clothes were torn up from the struggle, and he looked increasingly tired the more he tried to remove himself from the doberman. Taehyung’s smile widens just then, crouching down face-to-face with the hunter. After further inspection, he saw that this man was the head of the squad. Perfect.

Signaling Bam to let him go, Taehyung then harshly grips him by the hair. He shoves his head towards Mina, who had already come up beside Taehyung. Not even needing a command, she starts barking loudly in the man’s face, saliva dripping from her mouth and onto his face. Said hunter already looks terrified, and can’t even muster the correct words to beg for them to let him go. All he can do is pathetically wail and screech in fear. It makes Taehyung smile just a bit more.

“If you ever think to hunt in this area, or any area again, this will be the last thing you’ll ever see,” Taehyung speaks roughly, pushing the man’s face so close that Mina could almost bite his nose off. But before she does so, Taehyung yanks his head back and knees him in the face, letting go of the hunter’s hair. “Now get the fuck out of here.”

With the rough release, the cowering huntsman and the others got up to scramble away in terror. Taehyung gets up from his place with a sigh, stretching his neck to get the small kinks out of it. He looks back down when he feels a nose sniffing at his leg. Mina lets out a small whine at seeing the cut across the side of his thigh.

In the process of disarming the hunters, one of them had managed to nick him with a knife. It wasn’t a terrible injury—still hurt like a bitch though—but it wasn’t harsh to the point of needing his immediate attention. He gives a couple of pats to her head, consoling her worries.

“I’m okay, Mina. Nothing I can’t handle.” He smiles down at her. He looks to his other side, now realizing that Bam isn’t with them.

Taehyung looks around and spots the doberman none other than a few feet away. Bam was by a tree to their right, low to the ground, with his ears pinned back to show that he is not a threat. The position gives Taehyung quick notice that the wolf the men were chasing is still here.

He slowly walks over to the tree, and there he sees the wolf. However, his presence isn’t expected with the way the wolf attempts to move backwards with a growl, but only makes a pained noise instead.

Taehyung moves back into a crouch, making sure he is eye-level with the scared wolf. He holds both of his hands up, palms facing it to show he isn’t a threat.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. I promise.” Even with his careful words, the wolf continues to stare at him with hostility. “I know it's hard to believe anything right now, but I’m not one of them.”

Taking a closer look, Taehyung sees small splotches of red tainting across various areas of the wolf’s white fur. With the way the wolf isn’t immediately running away, all Taehyung can assume is that it’s been hurt badly enough to render it unable to move.

He turns his head to Bam and, with a short click of his tongue, he says, “Bam, go get the bag.” Not needing anything else, the dog already moves into action. He had left his bag of supplies not too far from them, not wanting to get distracted by any weight while they were fighting. Turning back to the wolf, Taehyung takes in a breath, wanting to choose his words carefully.

“My name is Taehyung, and I’m a wolf watcher. It might sound weird, I know, but I’m one of the people who help keep watch of the forests you live in to keep you safe. You may have heard of us, or you may not; that's okay. That's who I am.” It may sound like useless nonsense to know, but Taehyung wants to let the wolf know that being within his vicinity is safe. Giving his name and quick details about what he does seemed like the best thing he could try to do.

After a while, it seems his rambling did work in a way; the wolf looks slightly less tense than before. Its ears are slowly rising from their previous position, no longer pinned back in aggression and hostility.

At just the right time, Bam returns with the bag, its grab handle in his mouth, dropping it beside Taehyung. Taehyung grabs the bag and opens the zipper, looking inside to make sure everything is there. His gaze lands on the wolf once more.

“Will you allow yourself to shift so I can help you? I know you probably have your own bag, and we can get it once you’re healed. For now, you can use the clothes I have here,” He says softly, tilting the bag so the open part is facing the wolf, who looks at it with curiosity.

For a minute or two, the wolf’s eyes shift from Taehyung to Mina, Bam, and the bag, as if he’s mulling over what to do. Taehyung almost thinks that it will end up rejecting his offer, but just before he moves to close the bag, the wolf moves its head down and back up, nodding.

The watcher can’t help the smile that pulls at his lips, happy that his offer of help was accepted. The wolf points its snout to the ground while looking at the bag, motioning Taehyung to leave it in front of him. Taehyung nods, slowly pushing the bag closer.

“I can help, I promise. I’ll turn around to give you privacy.”

With that, Taehyung—and both dobermans, funnily enough—turn around and wait for the wolf to shift back and change. He hears the sound of movement, shifting leaves, and the noise of the zipper of his bag all within the time of a couple of minutes, indicating that the wolf was getting changed.

After everything went quiet again, Taehyung was expecting some signal that he was safe to turn around. Instead, what he didn’t expect was for a small voice to make itself known behind him suddenly.

“Y-You can turn.” It’s soft, quiet, and obviously weak. It surprises Taehyung at how near wobbly the voice is, a sharp and unpleasant feeling passing through his chest.

And when Taehyung does turn, he ends up seeing a boy, very likely to be around the same size and height as him, who is also currently fidgeting with his hands. His hair was a bit long, dark strands reaching his cheeks and covering a part of his eye. The clothes he put on fit nicely and loosely, not too tight so as not to cause any discomfort when removing them. What he didn’t expect, though, was to be met with such a cute boy with big brown eyes that were staring right at him. But maybe this isn’t the time to be really thinking about calling someone cute, though.

He can tell that the boy is still wary of him, especially when Taehyung moves to retrieve his backpack and the boy flinches. He quickly raises one of his open palms again, with the other holding his bag.

“It’s okay,” Taehyung says lowly. His eyes shift down to the clothes hanging loosely on the boy’s torso, quickly seeing blood beginning to seep through. “Shit, you’re hurt badly. Do you think you can get up?”

Looking down at himself and back up at Taehyung, the boy shakes his head with a weak but audible “no.”

Hearing the response, Taehyung sets his bag aside and slowly inches himself forward to him, hands beside him and open.

“May I help? If you can’t get up or walk, I can carry you, but only if you allow me to.”

Listening to the offer, the boy thinks about it for a moment. A mere second passes by, and then it looks like the wolf is making an attempt at getting up by himself. Yet, the effort proves futile, because at the first movement he makes to haul himself up, pain seems to immediately shoot up his body. He plops back down into a place with a whine, now barely moving.

“Let me help you. Please?” Taehying quietly asks, eyebrows furrowed at how in pain the other looked.

There must be enough worry and sincerity in his features, for the other has his wide eyes on Taehyung for more than a second before he slowly looks down at his lap and nods his head.

Relief washes over Taehyung’s body, happy that the other trusts him enough to help. Without trying to startle the boy any more, he inches his body closer.

“This is gonna hurt, but I have to carry you, okay?” Seeing him nod again gave him clearance to close the distance between them a little more. “Do you mind telling me your name?”

The other goes into thought about it, debating whether or not it was okay to. The name isn’t too important to Taehyung; he just thinks it’s more courteous to know rather than constantly referring to him as the ‘wolf’ or ‘boy’ in his head.

Just as Taehyung assumes the other won’t tell him, his soft voice breaks through his thoughts again.

“Jeongguk,” He says it quietly, but it’s enough for Taehyung to hear.

“Jeongguk…” Taehyung lets it roll off his tongue slowly. “It’s a pretty name.”

Jeongguk doesn’t say anything else, only mouthing what seems to be a “Thank you.” The watcher concludes that it’s the end of the current conversation, so he moves to do what he initially planned to.

He gets himself even closer to the other, focusing on his expressions in case he makes a wrong move by accident. Seeing as how it’s not the case—more like Jeongguk is waiting for him to help—Taehyung finally moves to pick him up.

Taehyung places a gentle hand behind the wolf’s back and the other under both of his knees, getting a comfortable and secure hold. He lifts him, causing Jeongguk to let out a string of pained whimpers. Taehyung’s chest slightly aches.

“I know, just hold on a bit more for me.”

Standing up now with the wolf in his arms, Taehyung trails his eyes across the area they are currently in, looking at where he had come from. Courteous of the other’s pain, he carefully jostles the boy in his arms to get a better grip, signalling Bam to pick up his bag before they get going at last.

“My car isn’t far, we can go and get back to my place quickly. I can tend to your wounds properly there.”

Jeongguk relaxes a little in his hold, nodding his head in agreement. Looking around once more to see they weren’t missing anything, Taehyung calls for the dobermans to stay by his side, walking towards his car.

Along the walk to the outside of the forest, Jeongguk finally realizes and feels just how exhausted he and his body truly are. He can’t exactly pinpoint the reason, but he feels like he can fully calm down and relax entirely at this moment. There must be something deeper to it; nevertheless, he’s too tired to dwell on it further. He can already feel his heavy eyelids drooping with sleep.

Before he succumbs to the exhaustion and drifts off, he manages to open his mouth to say one more thing.

“Thank you, Taehyung…” His words are slurred, but he can’t bother to worry too much about it currently.

Jeongguk thinks he hears a response; however, his vision is already blurring, along with his fading hearing, too. He lets his head drop on something comfortable, something with a nice scent. Only able to hear a bit of a response before he caves in to sleep.

“Thank you for letting me help you, Jeongguk.”

☾

When Jeongguk first opens his eyes, he is met with an unfamiliar grey ceiling. His hands bunch up the blanket that he had been thoughtfully covered with, feeling the soft material under his fingertips. It’s nice and soft, just cold enough to make him feel comfortable.

Memories of what had occurred flooded back into his mind. Now fully realizing that the bed he was in could be one of a complete stranger, Jeongguk bolts upright. Pain shoots across his stomach, and the momentary shock he has now turns into agonizing discomfort.

A groan escapes from his lips, and his hand moves to cradle the spot that is aching. Jeongguk looks down to pull away the comfortable covers and lifts a shirt that definitely wasn’t his. The scent of it, and the bed, is slightly familiar, but he can’t think of why.

Seeing his stomach, the wound he had was covered in bandages and no longer bleeding as much as it was before. There are some small patches of red seeping through the bandages, but Jeongguk figures it’s due to him wearing it without a change the entire night. 

Letting the shirt drop back down, he looks around the room. It’s more on the simple side, something Jeongguk tends to like. There isn’t a clutter of too many items, maybe a couple of portraits hung up on the walls here and there. There are two nightstands on each side of the bed, each harboring its own simple lamp. There’s a door to the left side of the bed, most likely to the bathroom. Other than that, there isn’t much to the bedroom, and Jeongguk begins to wonder what the rest of the house looks like.

On perfect timing, the door to the bedroom opens. Jeongguk immediately looks up, tense, forgetting that for a moment he woke up on a bed that wasn’t his, in a room that he didn’t know. However, his second of panic slowly fades away as the man walks into the room.

Taehyung—he remembers his name—walks further inside, holding what looks to be two separate silver trays with items on them. Jeongguk stays in place, big eyes staring at the other man, unsure what to do. The man merely places the trays on the nightstand, then turns to him and carefully sits down on the edge of the bed.

“You’re awake,” Taehyung says softly with a grin. “How are you feeling?”

It clicks now in Jeongguk’s head. The familiar scent of the shirt and bedsheets belonged to Taehyung, the man he had allowed to help him back in the forest. But how exactly did they get here? 

Taehyung must sense his confusion because he lets out a breath before turning more of his body towards him. He leans away to pick up one of the trays holding bandages and other things, now that Jeongguk can see it, and puts it in his lap. He sorts through them as he starts to speak.

“After you let me pick you up, I took us to my car and drove to my home, which is where we are right now.” Taehyung fiddles with something that has liquid in it, and Jeongguk takes a more precise whiff. His nose scrunches, not liking the sharp scent of medicine. “I took you inside and patched you up while you were passed out. You must’ve been out good, because I had to end up giving you stitches.”

It makes Jeongguk almost squeak out. “Stitches?”

“It’s okay. I used a thin thread and your passed-out-self handled it pretty well. I also numbed the area, of course. I didn’t want you to be in any more pain.” Taehyung eases his worries very quickly, and it gives him a strange feeling in his stomach—it’s definitely not his wound. “So, let me ask again: How are you feeling?”

Jeongguk thinks for a bit, allowing himself to feel into every part of his body. He still has a few aches and pains that's for sure, but they’re not as horrid as they were previously, thanks to the man in front of him—who won't stop looking at him with a small smile on his face. Nonetheless, he is feeling at least a bit better, so he voices that much.

“Um…somehwhat.” He looks down at his fidgeting hands once he replies, suddenly shy of looking back into Taehyung’s eyes. “I may have gotten up too fast, and my stomach hurt. I was a little confused when waking up.”

He senses Taehyung’s hand being placed in front of him on the sheets, not close enough to touch, but enough to feel the comforting gesture.

“That’s perfectly understandable. And I’m sorry about my place, my bedroom is really the only area in this house that has a bed, so I thought I’d let you rest here.”

The wolf lifts his head after hearing him, not expecting someone who has helped him to this point to apologize over something like his bed. He shakes his head, unaware of the small pout forming on his lips, nor of Taehyung’s eyes that shift to look at them for a fleeting second.

“No, it's okay. It’s…comfortable. Nice.” 

“That’s relieving to hear.” Now remembering what he came in here for, Taehyung shifts his attention back to the tray in his lap. “I brought you a change of bandages and medicine to help with the healing process, if you let me. Once I’m done, you can have something to eat. I’m not sure what you like, so I got you different options.”

He doesn’t want to think too much about how his chest momentarily flutters at that, feeling warm over how he’s being taken care of.

“Thank you…”

“No need, I’m just happy you let me help you.” He grabs what he needs, gaze shifting back up to the other. “Is it okay if I lift your shirt?”

Jeongguk slowly nods his head, pulling away more of the covers from him for better access. Taehyung is gentle and quick with his touches, not once making Jeongguk uncomfortable. He unwraps the current messy bandage, putting it on the tray. 

“It looks like you jostled the wound a bit, which caused you to bleed a little. But it’s nothing terrible, so don’t worry. I can clean it up.”

He proceeds to grab a cotton ball and lightly dabs a liquid that Jeongguk can’t recognize on it, then carefully swipes it across the outer skin of his wound to remove leftover blood.

Once Taehyung is finished, Jeongguk looks down, mouth opened into a small ‘o’ in wonder. Now, without the blood covering it, he can see the small, thin lines of thread Taehyung was talking about, stitching together what was his large abrasion.

“Those really are stitches,” Jeongguk thinks out loud, surprised at how he could barely see the worst of his injury. Taehyung really did well at taking care of it.

“My handiwork isn’t that bad, right? I’m not a professional, but I know my stuff.” It makes Jeongguk let out a tiny huff, close to a laugh.

“It looks good. Almost like I was never stabbed at all.”

For a moment, it’s silent. Taehyung breaks it by releasing a deep sigh.

“This was never supposed to happen to you.” His voice is solemn, but not pitiful.

The watcher swiftly moves to grab another medicinal item, thicker in consistency. He squeezes a decent amount onto his finger, then begins applying it directly to the stitched injury. The sudden feeling makes Jeongguk hiss, with Taehyung mumbling an apology. Happy with the amount, Taehyung grabs the new roll of bandages, scooting himself closer to the other in order to wrap it correctly. As Taehyung is wrapping the newly fresh bandage around him, Jeongguk opens his mouth to speak.

“No, it wasn’t. But I guess I should’ve been more careful.”

Ripping off the end of the bandage and securing the rest of it around Jeongguk’s torso, Taehyung lets the shirt fall back into its original place, takes the tray away, and puts it back on the nightstand. 

“How did you end up getting chased and hurt by them in the first place?” Taehyung inquires right when he faces him again.

Jeongguk shifts a little in his current place, tucking his calves under his thighs. 

“My hyungs were always with me whenever I went out and shifted. But for once, I wanted to go alone, to experience things on my own. It was just my eldest hyung that was worried, only because I’m an omega.” Jeongguk recalls it all too clearly; the emotions he felt during that conversation resurfacing a little.

“You’re an omega wolf?”

“Yes. You know what they are?”

Taehyung nods. “I have vague knowledge, it’s nothing I’m not familiar with.” 

Jeongguk hums, finding it easier that he won't have to explain those details.

“Yeah, so…I managed to convince them, and I went out. I was just hanging by a creek to get a drink when they snuck up on me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I should’ve been more careful.”

“Still. You’re allowed to roam freely in the forest you live in without having to be careful because of humans like them.”

The wolf nods. He doesn’t think he’s ever remembered a time when he could roam freely without being cautious of humans around his home.

“Jeongguk…” Taehyung begins, pausing when the aforementioned meets his eyes once more. “If it’s alright with you, I’d like for you to stay here until your wound heals. I could take you back home, but I doubt we’d make it without being vulnerable due to the possibility of your home being far from the forest’s entrance.”

Taehyung does make a point. His house with his hyungs is in the deeper side of the forest, and the time to get there is coming close to thirty minutes on his paws. He can’t imagine how much longer it would take if Taehyung took him there on foot, on top of his injury.

As much as he’s still wary about the whole situation, Jeongguk can agree that attempting to go home in this state would be dangerous. And while the back of his head is constantly warning him about being close to this human, there’s something about him that just doesn't want to make him pull away. It also doesn’t help that he wants to surround himself with Taehyung’s scent more than he’s willing to loudly admit.

“I can stay,” Jeongguk replies softly. “If you let me.”

“Of course I will.”

Now, with that part of the conversation finished, Taehyung focuses his attention back on the food.

“Here, eat some breakfast.”

Jeongguk looks at the tray and back at Taehyung. He doesn’t doubt that the wolf is hungry; however, there’s an unreadable expression on his face.

“What's wrong?” Taehyung asks. Jeongguk looks back down at the tray of food, bottom lip between his teeth.

“I've never really eaten in bed before…”

And then it clicks for Taehyung.

“Ah, would you like to eat in the living room then? I'm not sure about placing you on harder surfaces, but the couch should be just fine.”

Thinking about it, Jeongguk nods his head to agree, “Yes, that'd be fine.”

Moving to get up from the bed, Taehyung grabs the tray with the breakfast foods. 

“I'll be right back, okay? Don't try getting up by yourself.”

Normally, Jeongguk would argue, but given his current state, he just hums in acknowledgement. Taehyung is gone for a few seconds, then comes right back into the room, standing near the side of the bed.

“I hope you don't mind me carrying you again. I know you could probably try to walk on your own with some help, but I'm just being careful.”

And normally, too much coddling would make Jeongguk recoil. But somehow at this moment, he doesn't feel any of the sort. He simply nods, a small warm feeling rising in his chest. He pushes more of the covers away from him, trying to scoot his body closer to the edge of the bed.

As if it were so easy and he weighed nothing, Taehyung picked him up in the same way he did before, getting a firm and comfortable grip around the other, already moving out of the room.

Am I not heavy? Jeongguk wants to ask.

“Not really. I’ve trained a lot to get my strength up so I could fight,” Taehyung says. 

Oops, looks like he said it out loud.

Noticing his reaction, Taehyung lets out a warm chuckle. Jeongguk feels his neck warm up in the slightest, embarrassed with his lack of brain-to-mouth correlation.

The wolf looks around now that he's able to see more of the house, trying not to strain his neck too much. It is the same as the bedroom in a way, with a few paintings and portraits hung here and there. Some splashes of colors mixed in, but not a lot. Jeongguk deems it comfortable, very well lived in, and decorated.

Finally, rounding the couch, Taehyung places Jeongguk down as gently as he did picking him up. He picks up and places a small tray table in front of him, and then places the tray with the breakfast on it.

“I need to go do something really quick, but you can go ahead and eat. I'll be right back, okay?”

Jeongguk nods with a hum, picking up the utensils as he looks at what to try first, stomach already churning with hunger. Before the other man leaves the room, Jeongguk remembers something and looks up.

“Thank you again, really. Even with my wariness of humans.”

“I’d help even if you tried to kill me,” Taehyung responds over his shoulder, exiting the living room.

Jeongguk doesn’t know why his heart flutters. 

Later on, the wolf finds out that Taehyung went out to search for his bag with the help of his dobermans—who were previously staying at a friend's place—and brought it back intact. He gave it to Jeongguk to make sure everything was still inside it, especially his phone. After checking that everything was still there, he let out a sigh of relief, thanking Taehyung many more times for getting his belongings back to him.

Luckily enough, his phone wasn’t entirely dead when he turned it on, looking through it to see if he missed anything important. However, none of his hyungs had contacted him yet, so there was no reason for panic. Still, he felt like he should update them on how he’s doing, very much avoiding what had happened to him. He wouldn’t want their worries to increase tenfold if he ever dared to mention injuries, hunters, and how a human offered to help him—nor how he easily accepted the help and is currently staying a couple of days at his house.

But that would be a conversation for another day. For now, he sends a quick message to their group chat saying he’s alive and well, and leaves it at that.

☾

With the number of times his chest has fluttered with any sweet or caring action Taehyung has done for him, Jeongguk thinks he might be going crazy. Even with three days already passed, Taehyung still offers to carry him wherever he needs to go, minus his bathroom needs, for which Taehyung gives him plenty of privacy. He doesn’t miss how Taehyung stays by the door, though, in case Jeongguk needs his help.

The wolf almost finds it adorable for Taehyung to idle near the bathroom door, thinking he won’t be heard. But Jeongguk hears him anyway with his enhanced hearing, and finds the gesture all the more sweet. He can guess it’s due to the other being older than him, so doing these things for Jeongguk feels natural.

Finding out that Taehyung was indeed older than Jeongguk was nothing too surprising. Jeongguk had already figured that the man who helped him was of an older age; he just didn't expect that much. It’s not like he minded, though, the conversation being one that makes his ears feel warm any chance he remembers it.

“Oh, right. How old are you, Jeongguk?” Taehyung asked him during dinner the day before, placing his portion in front of him on the tray table.

They have, weirdly and quickly, grown accustomed to eating any chance they get in the living room, despite it only being the second day. That with Taehyung being very comfortable at carrying Jeongguk to help him get around.

They did try to see if Jeongguk could walk on his own, but the first step he tried to take only brought him additional pain. Taehyung was fast at his side, offering him support before placing him back on the couch. So walking around on his own was a no for now, but somehow, Jeongguk wasn’t bothered by it.

Taehyung’s scent was nice, very much so. It was kind to his nose, too. Not too musky, or too soft—a perfect middle that makes Jeongguk’s insides tingle any time he gets a whiff of it around the house.

He almost wishes he could get his scent closer without weirding the other out. He was human afterall, there’s no doubt he wasn’t used to wolf customs and needs, especially an omega’s.

“I’m twenty-three,” Jeongguk responds, mouth around a fork.

Taehyung smiled. “I’m twenty-seven.”

“You’re my hyung,” Jeongguk said, a little surprised at the gap.

“You don’t have to refer to me as that, though. I don't mind.”

Jeongguk shook his head, swallowing his food before opening his mouth.

“N-No, it's okay. Taehyungie hyung…”

“Okay, Jeonggukie.”

Jeongguk feels another genuine smile pulling at his lips.

Even if he wanted to try for longer, the omega inside him has grown strangely restless. Especially during times like right now, where Taehyung has opted to put on a show for both of them to watch on the couch, he has to resist reaching out or even laying his head on the other’s shoulder. The human’s soft scent is close, but not close enough for the omega to feel satisfied.

Jeongguk can’t understand why his omega is currently like this, giving him urges to do things that he never would’ve even thought of doing in the presence of his packmates. His ears heat up in embarrassment; luckily, Taehyung doesn’t realize, invested in the contents of the show.

His internal dilemma lasts long until it’s time for Taehyung to take him to bed. Just as the older man puts the covers on him and turns to leave, the panic of losing the pungent scent in him settles so deeply that he reaches out a hand and grasps Taehyung’s wrist, who turns back with furrowed eyebrows.

Now, seeing Jeongguk’s facial expression, Taehyung’s front fully faces him, and he crouches to be at eye level with the wolf.

“Is something wrong?” Taehyung inquires, lifting his free hand to tuck a strand of hair behind Jeongguk’s ear. He tries not to think too hard about how warm his touch is.

“I…” Now that he’s faced with it because of his actions, the omega didn’t know how to work his mouth.

It seems to further increase Taehyung’s worries.

“Are you in pain?”

The younger man shakes his head, eyes clearly avoiding Taehyung’s gaze. Taehyung waits for an additional response, but after receiving none of the sort, he inhales and lets out a deep breath. With his free hand again, he hovers his fingers on Jeongguk’s jaw. Not quite touching, but letting the other know that it’s there.

“Darling, can you look at me?”

Jeongguk can immediately feel his heart stutter. His breath hitches for a mere second, leaving him wondering if it was loud enough for Taehyung to hear. He feels the featherly touch on his jaw turn more confident, lightly lifting his head to meet the other’s eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

Shaking his head once more, Jeongguk nibbles at his bottom lip, fingers fidgeting with the sheet under him.

“I just…” He starts, briefly wondering how he can ask Taehyung to stay with him without audibly saying that he likes the way he smells. How embarrassing. 

“You said before that this is the only room in your house that has an actual bed.”

Taehyung hums to confirm. “Yes, it is.”

“So…where are you sleeping then? If I'm sleeping here?”

“The couch is fine for me, as long as you’re comfortable.”

Jeongguk shakes his head again, and it gives Taehyung a small bit of confusion.

“No?”

“I uhm—” He’s reminded of how he still has a hold on the older man’s wrist, yet he doesn’t want to let go. “It would be more comfortable…here. In your own room?”

“But I obviously don’t want you to sleep on the couch—” Jeongguk tugs on his wrist, cutting him off.

“Not what I meant.”

“Then?” Taehyung gets up from his crouched position, now sitting on the edge of the bed. “Tell me, baby.”

He avoids the new pet name at the moment, not wanting to freak Taehyung out more if he ends up whining because of it. But god does he hope Taehyung uses it again.

“I want you to sleep here instead of the couch.” Jeongguk finally musters up, gaining confidence to look up at the others’ eyes. “Stay with me. Please?”

Taehyung’s previous worries wash away at the statement, his own heart skipping a beat for a reason he can’t yet understand. He wrings his wrist out of the omega’s hold, easing his quick stress by taking his hand into his.

“You want me to stay here with you?” The boy nods. “Just for today or…”

“The next days too,” he responds a little quieter. Taehyung feels utterly endeared.

“Aren’t you adorable…”

This time, Jeongguk breaks out into a full-blown blush, cheeks heating up in a way he didn’t know they could. He wants to look away; however, Taehyung’s gentle hold on his jaw prevents him from doing so.

“Of course I’ll stay with you, since you asked so nicely.”

Taehyung gets up and rounds the bed, lifting the covers and getting into the opposite side from Jeongguk, who stares with warmth in his cheeks that weren’t willing to go down. Jeongguk carefully turns his body to face the other, unsurprised to find him looking back. He nuzzles his face into the pillow under his head, subtly taking in the scent that’s begun to fade because of him.

“Thank you.” He mumbles.

“You don’t need to thank me for everything I give you, baby.” There it is again. “You say the word, and I’ll do it.”

It makes Jeongguk nearly wilt, melting under the covers.

“You’re just so kind.”

A hand reaches out to hold his own again, a thumb lightly caressing his knuckles.

“You deserve it.”

Jeongguk doesn’t know when he falls asleep, too content with how the situation turned out. As he’s fading, he can vaguely feel the way his body inches closer to the warmth radiating from Taehyung’s body, letting out a joyful purr with the contact.

The next morning, Jeongguk wakes up in an empty bed. He doesn't know if it's due to his increasingly worrying attachment or not, but he feels a little sad over it. The omega wonders if Taehyung actually stayed the entire night.

He sits up in bed and then stills after hearing some noise. The bedroom door is open, and he can hear the sound of two different voices, one he can recognize as Taehyung’s. However unsure about the second one.

At the moment, he decides to stay in bed and listen to the conversation.

“Taehyung,” an unfamiliar voice starts. “Are you sure about keeping him here this long? Don't they usually have pack families? What if they worry and try to come find him? You know they have a keen sense of smell.”

Jeongguk's ears then perk; the conversation was actually about him.

“I already said it was fine, Jimin. Jeongguk told me he contacted them about his well-being so they wouldn't worry. Besides, he’d planned to be out for a few days, so him staying here isn't that suspicious.”

Taehyung sounded distressed. And it’s something Jeongguk's omega whimpers at not without reason. He doesn't like the older man upset, and he’s witnessed a few instances of them these past four days of his stay.

The man, Jimin, he now recognizes, lets out a deep sigh.

“Still, we don't really know how it is with these wolves. Especially ones with packmates that live in these forests,” The man pauses, doing what sounds like he’s taking a drink, before continuing. “We drive away the hunters, possibly spilling blood here and there, help the wolves whether they like it or not, and go on our way. It's probably because I don't understand, but you could have taken him to an emergency center made for them. Why did you take him back here?”

He knows he's not supposed to, but Jeongguk wants to desperately get out of bed and walk out there. His omega isn’t settling, and he recognizes now that it means he wants Taehyung close. He wants his scent close. Now that he’s gotten a taste of what it feels like to have Taehyung next to him, Jeongguk wants more.

“I could've,” Taehyung softly speaks, something else laced in his tone that Jeongguk can't figure out. “But my house was closer, and he was bleeding out, Jimin. What else was I supposed to do?”

“He would’ve made it either way; they all have. They're strong,” Jimin replies. “You know I’ll always gladly take care of Bam and Mina for you whenever you need a break, but…Why did you let him stay?”

There's a moment of silence, and Jeongguk nearly feels like he can't breathe with how long he waits for Taehyung to respond.

“It…felt different,” It’s said in a way that's close to a whisper, causing the wolf to up his hearing to listen properly. “Even if he looked scared, recoiled from me and my offer to help. There was still something, something in those blue eyes that looked like he wanted me to help, even if I was human.”

That triggered something in Jeongguk. Even with pain shooting up his stomach and spine, the omega quickly got up from the bed, using anything and everything around him to help him steady himself. He leans almost his entire body on the wall as he walks out of the room, trudging through the hall until he sees both men still in conversation.

“You know Hoseok Hyung's situation was similar to this one. Why are you pestering me about this?” Taehyung has his eyebrows furrowed, arms crossed over his chest.

“Hoseokie hyung’s situation was different, and you know that,” Jimin responds, eyebrows raised from the sudden topic change, drink forgotten in his hand.

“Oh, was it? Cause I’m pretty sure it lies pretty on par with what happened a few days ago.”

“Taehyung—I know you’re upset. I understand because Hoseok is one of them and he also works with us, but there's no need to bring him up—“

“There is when we accepted him, and he accepted us as family. So why can’t I help Jeongguk and choose to accept him too?” The other interjects.

“This isn’t about you accepting him or him accepting you. You’re letting him stay here when there could be a risk of his pack family finding you out, you can’t—“

It's just when an additional spike of pain in his abdomen makes him whimper, those two pairs of heads immediately turn over to him, the conversation put on halt. Taehyung's eyes widen instantly, seeing who it is, turning his body towards the younger and practically jogging over to him with open arms.

“Jeongguk? Hey, what are you doing out of bed? Aren't you in pain?”

And oh, Jeongguk can smell him more clearly now. He didn’t care that his stomach was screaming at him from jostling the wound, the pure bliss he receives from being near his hyung’s scent overpowers any sort of pain.

When Taehyung is in front of him, the omega pushes himself off the wall he was supporting himself on, letting his body fall into the other man’s arms. He wraps his own arms around Taehyung’s shoulders, fingers immediately gripping onto his shirt.

“Taehyungie,” Jeongguk says with a pout, trying to get close to the other.

“Whoa, easy. I’ve got you.” The older man sweetly speaks into his ear, not sounding the least bit bothered about a man practically throwing himself into his arms. He welcomes him warmly, careful arms circling Jeongguk’s waist. He resists the urge to purr.

Finally being in his arms, Jeongguk empties any sort of thoughts or feelings from his mind. He nuzzles his nose into the older man’s neck, teeth suddenly aching. The omega within him is constantly repeating only one word ever since Taehyung’s arms came around him.

Mine.

Yes, it sounds right. It sounds so utterly and perfectly right that he unconsciously tightens his hold around Taehyung.

The sudden and abrupt shift has Jeongguk fail to realize the way his eyes shift colors for a mere second, adoring his eyes with baby blue. He fails to notice his scent change, turning more pungent and sweet, coating the air with his claim.

☾

Jeongguk is bored. It’s not that staying in Taehyung’s house is boring per se. More so, staying in Taehyung’s house while Taehyung wasn’t there was boring. He’d been healing quite well within the past few days, the process speeding up due to his wolf nature. He can walk around by himself now with little to no struggle, occasionally using anything around him for support.

Don’t get him wrong, Jeongguk’s happy he’s healing. However, it would mean that it was time for him to go home soon. After a couple of days, he missed his hyungs; he really did. Yet the indescribable connection and utter attachment he’s conscribed with Taehyung is nothing like he’s ever felt before.

Even now, it feels like he might go crazy to the point of shifting and howling around the house like a madman, with how much his chest aches from Taehyung’s absence. He’s finished a movie he barely had any interest in starting, but did anyway just to pass the time. But even so, it didn’t ease the ache. The watcher said he wouldn’t be gone for too long, only going to the store to restock on groceries since he wasn’t used to feeding for two in his home.

Taehyung has cooked him meals every day since his first night here, and Jeongguk has savored and eaten every single portion served to him. The older man knew how to cook, which Jeongguk could acknowledge. As much as the omega loved to cook for his hyungs and friends, being cared for and fed this way never felt so refreshing. Taehyung never asked him if he liked the food or not, or if there were any critiques Jeongguk had about his food; he just let the wolf eat in contentment.

It left Jeongguk wondering if he could have the chance to make something for him, too. He should ask Taehyung when he comes back, positive that the older one will accept it with no complaints.

Speaking of Taehyung, Jeongguk’s ears immediately perk at hearing keys jamming into the doorknob. He gets up too fast for his body’s liking, biting down a wince while he speeds over to the front door. He tries to wait patiently, he really does. Yet as soon as the door opens and Taehyung comes into view, the omega lunges at him.

With a surprised reaction and an “oof,” Taehyung reciprocates the hug endearingly with a chuckle, leaving his lips.

“Well, hi there. Did you miss me?”

“You took a while.” Jeongguk huffs into his hair. “Even waited for you so we could start the show I wanted to watch.”

“Aren’t you just a sweetheart?” Taehyung murmurs close to his ear. The omega almost wishes he could place a peck on his cheek. But he doesn’t voice it out. “Give me a few minutes so I can put the groceries away. Then I’ll join you with the hot chocolate you asked for, hm?”

Reluctant to pull away, Jeongguk steps closer with a tighter hold, blocking a whimper from escaping his throat. He presses his nose close to the juncture of Taehyung’s throat. He knows there’s no scent gland there, but it’s comforting nonetheless.

He almost shivers when Taehyung softly caresses his sides, questioning what was wrong. The omega only presses closer, fingers playing with the hair on the other’s nape.

“What is it, darling?”

“Nothing just…”

“Is it…your omega thing?”

“Mm.”

“Okay. Take all the time you need.” 

Just like that. He didn’t need to explain further or even elaborate. Taehyung just accepted and allowed him to do as he pleased. Frankly, Jeongguk doesn’t know what he did in his previous life to meet someone understanding and caring like Taehyung. He only wishes that this point in his life wouldn't be a fleeting one.

Jeongguk hopes Taehyung can’t feel the way his heart begins to palpitate strongly within his chest.

When they finally separate, Taehyung endearingly nudges his fingers under the omega’s chin before finishing his previous tasks. It's not long after that he comes back with the hot chocolate he promised, with Jeongguk eager to take a sip of the warm substance.

With Taehyung now next to him, Jeongguk cuddles closely to his side, ignoring the way his face warms up when the other wraps his arm around his shoulders. They start the show that way, with Jeongguk fully laying his head on Taehyung’s shoulder once he finishes his hot chocolate, body warm and satiated.

He tries to ignore the specific looming feeling and thoughts over him. Ignores the nasty feeling in his chest when the thought of being able to go home passes by him. It’s inevitable, that he knows. Nonetheless, he attempts to ignore it as much as he can, opting to enjoy his time with his Taehyung.

☾

There’s not much to pack. After all, Jeongguk had been borrowing Taehyung’s clothes for the past week. He’s been staring at his closed backpack for a couple of minutes by now, knowing that right when he picks it up, his time with Taehyung will really be over.

His momental slump is broken when he feels a soft hand rest on his lower back. Jeongguk looks back to see the man who was kind enough to show him the care and gentle ways a human can really be. Making him attached in more ways than one—and he couldn’t even begin to list them. The omega turns around with a sad smile forming on his face, the reality of everything settling deep inside him.

“You have everything?”

“I wanted to ask…” Jeongguk begins, reaching for his bag and slowly unzipping it. “I don’t know if this is weird or not, but—can I take some of your clothes? The ones that smell like you, preferably.”

How could Taehyung ever say no?

“Go take what you need. I’ll be right here when you’re ready to go.”

Oh, how Jeongguk has come to love the way his stomach does somersaults at Taehyung’s words. He wishes he could hear his voice forever.

Not wanting to take too much time, Jeongguk quickly goes into the bedroom, sorting through the laundry Taehyung has worn. He tells himself not to be too picky; however, he still wants to take the clothes that have the most pungent scent. That way, the smell of Taehyung won't disperse quickly while he’s rubbing his nose into them. The omega comes back after confirming his picks, folding and tucking them into his bag, and closing the zipper.

“Ready to go?” Taehyung asks him, keys twirling in his hand.

Jeongguk can only nod.

The older man doesn't ask or let the omega say anything; he opts to sling Jeongguk’s bag over his shoulder before exiting the house. It flattered the younger one, seeing that Taehyung would take any chance to be sweet with him. Even if it’s just carrying his bag for him. If it makes Jeongguk a sucker for liking it, then sue him.

The drive to the forest was quiet, but not awkward. Sometime along the beginning of the drive, their hands found each other and interlaced, staying put throughout the rest of the journey. The entrance to the forest wasn’t hard to find, with Taehyung mapping out the route with ease.

Up until then, it was now Jeongguk’s time to lead the way. With the older man still quietly offering to carry his bag, Jeongguk leads them through the trees, hands tightly laced together. The walk was quiet, like the drive, all the more peaceful. Jeongguk never thought he would be walking through his home with his hand tightly clasped with another’s. He’s coming to enjoy all of his firsts lately.

With many minutes passing by, the omega can finally see the path leading up to his home, a sense of relief making its way into him. It's short-lived, however, as tiny bits of dread crawl their way into his chest. Both walk up to the front door, with Taehyung staying back as Jeongguk takes the initiative of knocking on the door—admitted lightly.

Despite already having a conversation with his hyungs the day prior over the phone about what actually and truthfully happened, Jeongguk is still cautious. He holds Taehyung’s hand tightly, standing in front of him to act as a sort of shield. 

“It’ll be okay.” Taehyung tries to soothe him from behind, thumb caressing his knuckles.

He knows it will, but they’ve never had a human come this close in their vicinity. Jeongguk can’t quite tell what can occur as soon as the hyungs open the door.

When they do, there are three different types of reactions that Jeongguk can’t focus on them all. There’s Seokjin, who’s immediately in front of him, checking his physical condition. There’s Namjoon who hovers beside him, doing the same as Seokjin but not quite touching. And Yoongi, who stays back and observes the scene that is occurring.

And when their attention shifts from Jeongguk to the man behind him, Jeongguk’s brain quickly goes into protection mode. He’s in front of Taehyung before any of the others even try to get close to him, his hands grabbing at whatever material the older man had on just to have a hold of him.

“No,” He immediately says. Not giving room for any argument they might start about Taehyung for being there. 

Seokjin looks surprised, shocked even, with the way one of their own is easily willing to protect a human.

 “No? Jeongguk he’s—”

“The one who was the kindest out of all the humans and saved me,” Jeongguk cuts him off, eyes straight and firm. “We talked about this over the phone. You will be nice to him.”

“Alright, I’m sorry,” Seokjin responds, rapidly dropping the topic. He looks over the omega’s shoulder, making eye contact with Taehyung. “Thank you for aiding him until he was healed again.”

Taehyung, sweet and kind, smiles at him with a nod. “It’s never a problem.”

Leaving it there, the eldest wolf turns back to Jeongguk. “Let’s get you inside and settled.”

“Let me at least say goodbye first.” Jeongguk quickly pipes up before he’s tugged inside the house. Receiving no complaint, the omega turns around and walks to the human.

“You know this isn’t an actual goodbye, right?” Jeongguk mumbles to him, pout prominent on his lips. Taehyung has to hold back his laugh.

“I know. You have my number for a reason now,” Taehyung smiles tenderly at him, taking hold of both of the younger’s hands. “I’ll say it again, you are free to message me or call me anytime you want. There is no limit. I promise I’ll always answer you.”

“Good.” He feels reassured. It doesn’t stop his pout from deepening, though. “And this won't be the last time we see each other, right?”

“Of course not.”

Jeongguk nods, eyes wandering around, as if he’s thinking of other things to say.

“They’re waiting for you,” Taehyung utters, throwing a quick glance to the three wolves that were idly standing a couple of steps away from them.

The omega looks back into his eyes, and something else is conveyed in his eyes that Taehyung thinks he recognizes. Devotion, adoration…possibly both. Maybe more.

“I’ll miss you,” The younger of the two mumbles out, keeping his voice steady in his attempt to push away the strong feeling of dissonance in his chest. “I already miss you.”

With a coo, Taehyung lifts a hand, tucking a loose strand behind the omega’s ear. Using the same hand, he delicately cradles his jaw. They have been initiating more contact like this, but it still doesn’t stop the younger’s cheeks from heating up every time it happens. 

“You’re free to come over to me whenever you like. You can even call me to pick you up, too. I’m not opposed to anything you want.”

“You promise?”

“Darling,” Taehyung says, thumb softly sliding back and forth on Jeongguk’s warming cheek. “I’d do anything you asked me to, no questions.”

Jeongguk squeezes the other’s hand in his grip in unspeakable confirmation. For the entire close end of his stay, the omega initially believed that Taehyung treated him so tenderly and attentively simply due to feeling obligated to. Yet with the way Tahyung never strained away from his touches, and the way he accepted them so openly with a certain look in his eyes, Jeongguk just may believe he feels the same way too. But, he can’t ask such a question out in the open with his hyungs behind him.

They’re broken out of their momentary bubble once they realize they’d been taking a fair amount of time just talking to each other. Jeongguk chews on his bottom lip at the realization, figuring out that the sight of him being so up close and personal with a human comes off as a shock to the alpha wolves standing right behind him. With another comforting squeeze to Taehyung’s hand, he lets go, despite his omega whining for him not to.

Taking his bag from Taehyung and sliding it over his own shoulder, Jeongguk contemplates one more thing. His inner omega practically keens at the idea, and he figures his hole has already dug itself deep enough with the way the others are watching their every move.

Before turning around and going inside, the omega stands on his tippy toes for a mere second while he wraps his arms tightly around Taehyung’s neck, pulling him close into a hug. There is no surprise from Taehyung, who happily returns the hug with his own arms looping around his torso, hands splayed at the small of his back.

“You didn’t say it back,” The younger complains, a hint of whine in his tone.

“Oh?”

“I said I’ll miss you,” Jeongguk repeats, dust of pink coating his ears, making him look even more endearing than ever to Taehyung.

Deciding not to tease him for now, Taehyung pulls him a little closer, a soft hand rubbing up and down his back. He avoids the pointed stares they’re receiving, trying his best to set his eyes elsewhere.

“I’ll miss you too, baby,” He whispers it nice and sweetly to Jeongguk's ear, lips so daringly close that if he turned his head, he could kiss him.

Jeongguk beats him to it, though, for he presses his own lips to Taehyung’s cheek. Not a kiss, but not a quick peck either, just a soft touch. Now, it’s his turn to utterly burst into flames. His cheeks suddenly feel warm, and he believes that his stomach is currently doing all kinds of flips and twists. The omega in question only releases a cute and light laugh, already taking note of Taehyung’s reaction.

Reluctantly, Taehyung pulls away, Jeongguk hesitantly following after him. His reaction is what he expects; he's nibbling on his bottom lip, eyes not meeting Taehyung’s. However, there’s a hint of mischief whenever their eyes do meet, and it makes Taehyung want to pinch his side.

“Alright, go already, you little minx.” He says instead. Jeongguk only giggles more. Taehyung wishes he could hear it every day.

“I’ll text you later to make sure you got home safe!” The omega shouts over his shoulder as the other wolves usher him inside with care.

Taehyung could only hum with an endeared chuckle of his own coming out, not turning away before he sees the door close behind his back. The omega was indeed correct. Taehyung already misses him, too. He still pushes himself to turn around and walk away; nonetheless, content with how everything has turned out.

Everything is fine now. 

Yet, it’s not until a few hours later…

“What do you mean he won't allow us in his nest?” Seokjin questions, confusion filling his features.

“I mean that he will literally growl and snap at you if you dare to get close to him. He’s half shifted too. His ears and tail are out,” Namjoon replies, his own wave of confusion etching into his expression. “His eyes tend to go blue when someone he doesn’t want comes near him.”

“I don't understand. His heat wasn’t supposed to come around for another month. What could have happened?”

All three alphas currently in the living room were unbelievably puzzled. Just a few hours ago, they enjoyed lunch together, happy that Jeongguk was safe and back home. Soon after, the omega had said that he felt unsteady, excusing himself to go to his room. Knowing that he was missing the human that took care of him for the past week, the alphas let him, figuring that this was only a fleeting moment of attachment. It will go away soon.

It didn’t seem to remove itself in its entirety, however. Around when it was time for dinner, Namjoon volunteered to go fetch Jeongguk, who had stayed in his room since lunchtime. What they didn’t expect to happen was for a sudden loud and feisty growl to come out from the omega’s room, with Namjoon stumbling out in bewilderment.

After assessing the situation, they realized that the omega had created a nest all those hours while he was in his room. The sudden and strong smell of an omega in heat hit their noses once Namjoon had opened his door. This was no regular heat, they deduced, for Jeongguk was never one to be aggressive and snap at anyone who would come close to his nest or him. Especially his packmates, with whom he spent almost his entire life.

Yoongi steps close to them, placing his hands on both Namjoon and Seokjin’s shoulders. There's a knowing expression on his face, the type of expression that happens when he already has something figured out. It's also the type of expression neither Namjoon nor Seokjin will like once he opens his mouth.

“I may have an inkling, and I realized it a few hours ago, actually. But I know neither of you is gonna like it.” Yoongi states, leveling them with a stern look.

“What do you mean?” Namjoon questions.

Not beating around the bush, the alpha comes right out with it.

“Jeongguk imprinted on the human.”

It’s like a branch was stepped on during a moment of silence, and soon after that, oncoming noises would further ensue.

“What?!” Both Seokjin and Namjoon respond simultaneously.

“When?” Seokjin starts, beginning to pace the room. His thumb and pointer finger are toying with his bottom lip, tugging and pinching, trying to make sense of what the other had said.

“Considering our biology…” Namjoon starts, piecing his own thoughts together. “It might’ve been in the forest…or when he first woke up in that human’s home. It might’ve just not kicked in yet because of how we feel about humans.”

Yoongi hums, offering his input. “So then, with Jeongguk spending more time with him, that protective mask faded away. Leaving room for that attachment and adoration to grow.”

“And spending that long together…” Namjoon furrows his eyebrows. “The sudden separation must have triggered it.”

It all makes more sense now. With Jeongguk’s eyes drifting to his phone screen here and there during lunch, to his inability to sit still, standing up from the table, taking a few steps, and sitting back down. There was also the need to beeline towards his room once he was finished with his food, looking restless and in some sort of a hurry.

“Oh, Jeonggukie…” Seokjin mutters out with a sigh, his hand dropping to his side.

“We have to contact the human,” Yoongi declares, eyeing both of them in a way that meant no exceptions. “If Jeongguk did imprint on him, the only way to keep him from going feral is if he comes here and stays with him.”

He knows they’re all wary of the idea, but considering the circumstances, they had to.

“Where is his phone?”

With eyes shifting about, it’s spotted instantly on the living room table. The password is not a secret to any of them, so unlocking the phone is easy. They quickly find the human’s contact, ‘Taehyungie <3,’ and press the call button.

Taehyung thought it wouldn’t be long until he came face-to-face once again with the omega’s house. He just…well, he didn’t expect it to be on the same day he dropped him off. But after receiving the call from someone who wasn’t Jeongguk and had the situation mapped out for him, he knew he had to get there as fast as possible.

Walking up to the door, he knocks on it, not even waiting for a mere second before the door bursts open. His eyes widen for a millisecond before schooling back his expression, allowing them to usher him inside. They swiftly lead him to what he can concur is Jeongguk’s room, standing idly by the door as they look at him with expectant gazes.

Taehyung gnaws on his lip, suddenly feeling nervous.

“He…really won’t let you in?” He asks, and he can already tell by their dejected faces that it was true. 

“It’s very likely that he’ll only want you.” The one who earlier introduced himself as Yoongi confirms. “We’ll risk getting bitten if we try again.”

“Okay,” Taehyung mutters. It’ll be fine. It’ll be just like how he first met the omega, in a way. This time, he knows it’s Jeongguk, so his need to be careful increases tenfold.

“If anything does happen, though, we’ll help take care of it,” Namjoon speaks up. The warmth of his voice helps soothe Taehyung’s nerves.

Taking a breath in, Taehyung slowly opens the door, peaking his head inside. He can feel the close presence of the others behind him, watching in case of any situation that may happen.

The omega looks to be distracted, too busy fixing up a side of what appears to be his nest—the nest the alpha’s talked to him about over the phone. He thinks it’s a good time to put himself further into the room, keeping a close eye on Jeongguk’s rugged motions.

However, at the sound of a particular step Taehyung takes, the omega perks up, eyes quickly fading into a glowing baby blue. With the thought of another intruder coming close to his personal space and nest, Jeongguk poses for a growl, teeth and dropped canines bared and ready to bite at any given moment. Taehyung raises his hands, palms open just like that night in the woods, cautiously stepping closer.

It doesn’t happen, though. For when Taehyung gets close enough for his scent to be recognized, the omega’s body language shifts drastically, it’s almost whiplash. Jeongguk’s fluffy ears pin up from their previous position, his glowing blue eyes fading as his features gain clarity, bared teeth hiding away. Then, in the smallest and most fragile voice Taehyung has heard him speak yet, he says:

“Taehyungie hyung?”

Taehyung holds back his sigh of relief, and he can sense the alphas behind him do it too.

“It’s me, baby.”

Blinking his eyes multiple times, Jeongguk can finally see that yes, Taehyung is actually here. He is fully here, body and scent and all, and he doesn’t have to rely on being satiated by his clothes anymore. Tears spring to his eyes as he trudges through his nest to get to the edge of it, hands thrown out to try and grab Taehyung.

“Taehyungie…” He whimpers out, with Taehyung’s heart on the brink of shattering at how upset and disconsolate he sounded.

He comes closer, close enough to when he’s right on the edge of the bed, the omega springs up and circles his arms around the older man’s torso. Taehyung could only cradle Jeongguk’s head near him, fingers threading through his soft and fluffy hair, consoling. 

“I’m here.”

When Jeongguk lets go, he grabs onto Taehyung’s arms and tugs, nearly causing him to stumble. Not getting the immediate reaction he wanted, the omega huffs and pulls again, only a little lighter.

“Come inside,” Jeongguk manages out, pout prominent on his face. “Be in my nest with me.”

“I—” Taehyung pauses, looking back at the older men who were still by the doorway and then at Jeongguk. “Do you want me to?”

“Yes. Please,” The omega nearly begs, hands not releasing their hold of him. “Please. I need you. I want Taehyungie.”

Again, he could never say no to Jeongguk. Why would he say no to such a sweet and pretty boy like Jeongguk in the first place? He nods his head, letting the omega now eagerly tug him into his nest. He positions himself however Jeongguk wants him to. He ends up on his back with half of a Jeongguk snuggling close into his side, nose tucked under his jaw. His pretty, white, and fluffy tail wags behind him, happy at having Taehyung next to him.

They settle that way comfortably, with Taehyung giving the omega the time he needs to calm down. It doesn’t take long, feeling in real time how Jeongguk’s body slackens against his, small purrs of satisfaction being heard.

Taehyung thinks he hears the sound of a door softly closing. The other inhabitants of the house remove themselves as an audience, giving them some privacy, which Taehyung appreciated.

“Is it to your liking?” It’s shyly spoken, almost nervous. It draws Taehyung’s attention back to the cutie in his arms. The omega is asking him about his nest and how his nest looks to Taehyung. 

It was indeed soft and comfortable, despite having a mix of clothes and blankets. His eyes caught sight of his own clothing in the mix, the same clothes he had given to Jeongguk hours before dropping him off at home.

The older man hums, the deep sound of it rumbling in his chest that Jeongguk can feel the remnants of it. “It’s perfect. You made it so pretty and comfortable.”

The praise definitely causes Jeongguk to melt more in his hold. Taehyung will have to keep this fact in mind for future use.

“Thank you.”

It’s like there's a rapid shift soon after, completely different from mere seconds ago. Jeongguk sits up from his position and throws his leg over Taehyung, sitting on his lap with his knees barricading his hips. Taehyung isn’t given much time to react before Jeongguk leans down, coming face-to-face with him.

“You’re mine, okay?” He says it as a matter of fact, giving no room to argue or deny. It fills the older man with a need to bite him from cuteness aggression. “No one else’s.”

“Yes, darling. I’m yours,” He complies easily, no reason to refute his baby for anything.

“And so am I. I’m yours too.”

By now, Taehyung has given up trying to tone down the number of butterflies that keep swirling in the pit of his stomach. His hands slide up the sides of Jeongguk's thighs, giving them a firm squeeze before continuing up and staying in place on his waist.

“God, you’re so cute. Yes, baby, you’re mine too.”

It’s as if he’s realizing his actions, Jeongguk’s shyness returns, dropping his head down and hiding his face in the juncture of Taehyung's neck and shoulder. It’s so adorable in the way the older man can feel the heat radiating off the omega’s cheeks, proving how bashful he is. Then, Jeongguk mumbles something, but due to his being tucked in his neck, Taehyung can’t decipher it properly. He leans back to get a good view of Jeongguk's face.

“What was that?”

Managing to gain enough courage, the omega leans further back, giving his attention to the man under him. He licks his lips, biting at his bottom one before letting go, and opens his mouth.

“I, uhm…would Hyung be weirded out if I asked for a kiss?”

“Why would that weird me out?”

“I’ve been wanting to ever since I was staying with you, but I never asked or tried in case you wouldn’t like it.” Jeongguk expresses, lower lip unable to stop itself from jutting out. Taehyung can’t fight the way his eyes immediately lock on them.

“Did you think I wouldn’t feel the same way?”

The omega nods slowly. Fingers toying with a loose thread on the older man’s shirt.

“Oh, baby. I’ve probably been feeling the same way for as long as you have.”

Before the omega can even respond, Taehyung cups his face with his hands. He tugs him down, placing feather-like pecks to his forehead, nose, and both cheeks. He pulls away, reveling in how Jeongguk looks at him with wide but want-filled eyes.

“I’d love to kiss you.” Taehyung huskily says, wanting more as well.

That gives Jeongguk all the confidence he needs. He surges down, capturing Taehyung’s lips on a soft, but passionate kiss. As if he’s been waiting, craving it for so long. The omega’s lips are soft, melting into Taehyung’s in euphoria. He almost wants to whimper at how good it feels, how good it feels for Taehyung’s hand to come back down to his waist, holding him in a firm grip.

He whimpers once the older man tilts his head, deepening the kiss between them. Taehyung easily swallows down his noises, turning Jeongguk on with just the simplicity of it. He almost wonders if Taehyung can hear just how fast his heart is beating in his chest, overwhelmed by the entirety of what’s happening, but in such a good way that it makes him want more.

When they pull away to catch their breath, Taehyung doesn’t miss the way Jeongguk almost chases his lips, wanting more. He laughs endearingly, caressing the omega’s sides to give him something else to focus on. Once he deems it good enough, he nudges Jeongguk to look at him.

Taehyung leans in again for one more kiss. It’s shorter and sweeter, allowing the feeling to linger between them. The omega lets out a purr, tucking his face back into Taehyung’s neck. He inhales the alluring scent with delight, nosing him here and there, trying to scent him in his own way.

“You smell so good, please smell this way forever.”

Taehyung chuckles. “I can certainly try, darling, but no promises.”

He chuckles again when Jeongguk levels him with a squint paired with a pout, tugging him down by the nape and erasing it from his lips with a soft and savoring kiss.

☾

The next time Taehyung opens his door, he doesn’t expect to be nearly tackled to the ground by none other than Jeongguk. He can’t say he didn’t expect this, though, since their last close moments together occurred when he got called over because Jeongguk sprung into a surprise heat because of him. He ended up staying for as long as Jeongguk needed, mostly until his heat subsided, which wasn't too long.

The omega constantly craved his attention and touch, spending most of their time cuddling in his nest. It’s not like they were strangers to touching. These types of close touches, however, felt more intimate. Way more intimate. Taehyung liked them too much, and he believed Jeongguk did too.

However, it’d been nearly two weeks since that happened, with Taehyung needing to take a job and Jeongguk having to explain the embarrassing revelations that were imprinting on him. They’ve messaged, called, and facetimed here and there whenever the older had the time after work, his tired body being put at ease at seeing and hearing the omega on the phone.

He isn’t too surprised by the way Jeongguk decided to come see him, as he had been expressing how much he missed him and disliked his absence in more ways than one during their FaceTime calls.

He gladly returns the younger one’s embrace, tucking his nose into the omega's shoulder, delighting in the soft and floral aroma. He places a gentle kiss on his shoulder before pulling away, taking Jeongguk’s hand, and guiding him to sit down on the living room couch.

As soon as Taehyung sits down, Jeongguk instead takes the liberty of plopping himself directly onto his lap, wiggling to get himself comfortable. Taehyung levels him with an amused stare, hands naturally finding themselves on the sides of the omega’s thighs.

“Aren’t you clingy today.”

“Missed hyung so much,” Jeongguk pouts, fingers toying with the singular earring on Taehyung’s ear.

“Show me how much you missed me then.”

And Jeongguk doesn’t need to be told twice. He leans in, taking Taehyung’s lips into his. The older man lets out a deep chuckle, hands sliding up to grab the omega’s waist as he kisses back with the same energy. They kiss comfortably like that for a decent stretch of time, with Taehyung fulfilling his need to touch Jeongguk more. His hands slide under Jeongguk’s sweater, mapping out the soft skin of his sides with his fingertips.

The younger lets out a surprised mewl at the contact, skin buzzing under the touch. Taehyung hums in question, separating from the kiss, avoiding the urge to lick up the string of saliva that connects them.

“What’s gotten you so worked up today, hm?”

“During my heat, I tried my best to hold back so I wouldn’t scare you away. The cuddles and kisses were so good, but I just—” Jeongguk comments, hands grabbing at Taehyung’s wrists to keep them where they are. Touching him and feeling his skin. “I couldn’t help but think of you so much after it. The calls and messages were so sweet and fulfilling, but I missed your touch so much that I had to come see you by myself.”

“You couldn’t scare me away, baby,” Taehyung speaks tenderly, indulging the omega and allowing his fingertips to trace the soft skin of Jeongguk’s sides. He tries to disregard the warmth of arousal in the pit of his stomach, but Jeongguk just won’t stop squirming in his lap. “I missed your touch, too.”

“Really?” Jeongguk squirms even more in his lap, arms looping around his shoulders. “If I told you to lie down now, would you?”

Without an answer, Taehyung obliges. He keeps a firm hold of Jeongguk’s hips as he lies flat on the couch, taking him along with him. The younger one doesn’t waste another breath, capturing Taehyung's lips with his, letting his full body drop and lie on top of Taehyung. The older man doesn’t mind, taking this chance to glide his hands to the other’s back, lifting more of his sweater to expose more skin. 

“Your skin is so warm,” The older one comments, letting his blunt nails faintly scratch up and down Jeongguk’s back. Jeongguk suppresses a shiver when goosebumps shoot up his spine.

He lets out a wobbly breath, breaking from Taehyung’s lips to leave a trail of kisses leading down to his neck. Jeongguk can feel how close and warm the other’s body is. If he even tried shifting his hips once they’d collide with the ones under him. Instead, the omega focuses on leaving small kisses and nips on Taehyung’s skin, preening with joy when he hears the other hitch his breath at the action. When a hand on Jeongguk’s back suddenly dips lower, he can’t help but arch, a low moan in his throat.

It’s then Taehyung realizes where this is leading to when he accidentally lifts one of his legs from the reaction, nudging in between Jeongguk’s thighs that causes his hips to twitch at the contact, a surprised whimper leaving his lips. Taehyung can feel the omega begin to rut his hips against his thigh, eager for more. And while Taehyung, too, is fixated on wanting to do much more, he needs to make sure this is what Jeongguk wants.

“Wait, baby–” Taehyung stops the younger one, pulling away to look at his face, not putting thought to Jeongguk whining from the loss of contact. “Are you sure?”

Now, having a good look at the omega, Taehyung sees how far gone he already is. His eyes, even if in the slightest, are glazed over. Teeth nibble and toy at his glimmering bottom lip, body squirming on top of him in eagerness to resume what they were doing. Jeongguk lets out a huff after catching on that Taehyung won’t indulge further unless he answers. His fingers fiddle with Taehyung’s hair, adjusting himself.

“I already imprinted on you, Taehyungie hyung. I’ve never been more sure.” Before Jeongguk can move his head back down and resume kissing his neck, he halts, suddenly looking self-conscious. “Are…are you sure? I’m not doing anything you don’t want to do, right?”

It almost makes Taehyung melt. Both of his hands move to stroke Jeongguk’s sides, still unable to get used to just how soft his skin is. He prevents the corners of his lips from lifting in a smirk when the omega shudders at the feeling of his hands. “Oh, darling. You know I’ll give you anything. Yes, I’m sure.”

This time, Taehyung definitely melts when Jeongguk visibly brightens at his words, shifting side to side on top of him.

“Then…please touch me?”

He gives his sides a tentative squeeze. “Since you asked so nicely.”

It's quick, the way Taehyung flips their positions, with Jeongguk now under him. Jeongguk gasps a little at the show of strength, ears heating up on their own accord. He recovers, though, reaching up and pulling Taehyung back into a kiss with a small nibble to his bottom lip. They fight a bit that way, shifting between biting and kissing, soon letting their tongues mingle into the mix.

Taehyung smirks at the way Jeongguk wraps his legs around him, not subtle in the way he tugs him close to grind up on him. The omega whimpers prettily into his mouth at the friction, cock hard in the confines of his jeans. He pulls away once more, despite Jeongguk’s whines of complaint.

“Do you want to continue here or should I take you to the bedroom?”

Jeongguk thinks. The couch is nice, but only because he’s a little impatient. If he eases his impatience for now, the bedroom is a better choice. Especially when it’s the place where Taehyung’s scent is most prominent. And god does he love Taehyung’s scent.

“Bedroom.”

“Alright, hold tight then.”

Taehyung gets up from the couch, not prompting Jeongguk to do anything as he’s already picking him up in his arms. The older one’s hands get a good grip under his thighs, for which the omega uses this chance to wrap his legs around Taehyung’s torso and cross his ankles.

“You haven’t done this in a while.” Jeongguk giggles, securing his hold on Taehyung’s shoulders as the older man steps towards the bedroom.

“You like it when I carry you?”

Jeongguk hums, pulling at the collar of Taehyung’s shirt. “Yes, a lot. You’re so strong, hyung.”

“I’ll make sure to do it more, then.”

The omega lets out another giggle at that, expressing his clear enjoyment of being carried around. 

Once they reach the room, Taehyung sets the omega down on the bed. He doesn’t get a chance to look anywhere else due to Jeongguk immediately tugging him into bed as well, hovering over him. 

“Well, isn’t this familiar?” Taehyung comments, referring back to when the omega needily tugged him into his nest.

Jeongguk merely lets out a shy laugh at the memory. His hands slide up to the older man’s shoulders, eyes looking up at him in a way that conveys need. Taehyung leans down to kiss him, but their lips don't connect when the omega begins scooting back on the bed. Taehyung follows him, their lips grazing but not fully meeting. Teasing. 

Once Jeongguk’s head finally lies back on a pillow, the older man takes the chance of locking their lips together without delay. The omega’s hands slide up further, fingers tangling and lightly pulling Taehyung’s hair, eliciting a groan from him.

Jeongguk’s body could only burn hotter, his face warming up when he feels more slick leaking out of him—dampening his underwear further. He knows a human’s sense of smell isn’t as strong as wolves', yet he still wonders if the other can catch the scent of his slick. 

It doesn’t help him in the slightest when Taehyung takes it upon himself to fully settle in between the omega’s already open and ready legs. He holds back his want of grinding up, but his body reacts anyway when Taehyung pulls away from his lips to kiss a slow and agonizing line down the side of his neck.

Taehyung’s teeth and mouth graze over what is Jeongguk’s sweet spot—for the omega’s back arches as soon as he makes contact. The feeling is so, so good. He brings his arms down to the other's hips and pulls them toward his own. His mind turns even more fuzzy with how Taehyung follows him easily with no complaint, clothed crotches meeting in a friction that's too delicious to ignore.

He believes he lets out his loudest moan yet when the older takes the initiative instead. His hands take a secure hold of Jeongguk’s waist to pin him down on the bed, rolling his hips into him, which has the omega feeling his clothed cock close to where his body needs him the most.

“Taehyungie—” Jeongguk whimpers, trying desperately to meet the other’s grinds despite being held down. “So good.”

“You sound so fucking pretty,” Taehyung rumbles into his ear, his deepening voice making the omega’s insides vibrate to near every corner of his body. “Keep making these noises for me.”

“Clothes off, please. Take them off,” The omega begs, grabbing the hem of Taehyung’s shirt and lifting it. He tries to take it off himself but fails, a frustrated pout forming.

“Yeah, yeah. I got you, baby.”

The older man sits up from his place, swiftly removing his shirt and tossing it aside. He smirks, angling his hips and moving them in a way that creates a faux thrust into Jeongguk’s own. Jeongguk’s breath catches in his throat, covering half of his face with the back of his hand.

“Don’t tease…”

“I’m sorry. I just love seeing the reactions on your pretty face.”

Taehyung comes back down, removes the hand from the omega's face, and presses a kiss to his reddening cheek. His hands slide down Jeongguk’s sides, fingers taking hold of the bottom of the sweater. 

“Want yours off?” He asks.

Jeongguk can only hum, staring back into Taehyung's eyes with deep intent. The older man gives him a grin as he pulls the sweater up and off him as well. He tosses it somewhere nearby, not bothering to look where he aims—for his eyes are focused on something else entirely. 

“Look at you.” He mumbles, gaze traveling across Jeongguk’s upper body from top to bottom. 

Taehyung’s sultry voice only makes the omega's face burn further. He turns his head away, arms attempting to cross over his chest to hide. The older only tuts, taking hold of his wrists and pulling them away. He pins them beside the omega’s head, staring down with such an intense gaze that Jeongguk has to look.

“How are you feeling, darling?”

“Good…” Jeongguk musters through a hazy mind. “Want more.”

Eyes darkening, Taehyung’s hands slowly trailed down Jeongguk’s sides, stopping at the waistband of his pants. “Whatever you want.”

Jeongguk’s hands bunch the sheets under him, nodding with an audible enough “Yes” to permit Taehyung to take them off. The other man does so, sliding them down the omega’s legs with ease, also tossing them away without so much as a glance.

With a reactionful jerk of his legs at feeling the faintest touch of Taehyung’s hands on them, Jeongguk releases a quivering breath. His body feels so utterly and embarrassingly sensitive, and the older one has barely touched him. Jeongguk arches his back with the feathery touch on his thighs once more, the owner’s fingertips lightly tracing up and down. Teasing. Fleeting.

A chuckle rings out. 

“Does it feel good when I touch you like this?”

Jeongguk mewls, letting his head lol back against the soft blanket under him. “Yes…Feels good.”

“I’m glad,” Taehyung responds, smirking when a little too close touch near the other’s groin rewards him with another gasp. “Someone as pretty and soft as you deserves a full time of attention and unraveling.”

The aforementioned leans down, placing a chaste kiss on the inside of the omega’s thigh, trailing a few more before reaching the hem of his boxers and pulling away. Taehyung’s fingers hook over the elastic of them as he begins sliding them down the omega’s legs. Once they’re fully off, he turns back to Jeongguk and places a caring hand on his knee.

With eyes peering down the omega’s body, Taehyung takes in the view of his leaking cock. It’s beading read at the tip, occasional precum dripping from it and onto his stomach. His entrance is not that far off, glistening with slick. Forcing himself to look away from the enchanting sight, Taehyung’s eyes shift to Jeongguk.

“I’m gonna prep you just to be safe, okay?”

“You don’t need to do too much…” Jeongguk speaks above a whisper, face red with embarrassment. “I got impatient and did it myself before I arrived.”

The confession causes the cock in Taehyung’s sweats to stir, precum wetting the front of his already soaked underwear. Surprise never ceases to come with Jeongguk involved, but Taehyung wouldn’t have it any other way.

“What am I gonna do with you?”

“Touch me.”

“At least let me have the pleasure of fingering you a bit here, mm?” He huskily asks, not subtle when he puts his hand on Jeongguk’s inner thigh. So close to his slick, dripping hole.

“You’re so fucking wet. All that kissing and grinding really gets you off, doesn’t it, baby? Does Hyung turn you on that much?”

Even with his face now hidden behind his arm, the omega nods with a tiny mewl. Taehyung curses under his breath when his legs spread a little more in front of him, presenting.

“Words, my sweet.” Taehyung’s hand inches closer, thumb pulling at a cheek to expose more of the omega’s hole—watching as a line of slick dribbles out.

“Y-Yes…” Jeongguk stutters out, hole puckering at the sensation. “Hyung turns me on so much. Need you so badly.”

He moves his head away from his arm, encapsulating just how much he needs it with his face. Jeongguk’s eyes are half-lidded, mouth parted open, and panting. He looked as if beauty and sin reincarnated into one. Deciding not to keep the omega waiting any further, Taehyung leans over to his bedside drawer to open it and grab the bottle of lube.

“I know you’re practically soaking, baby, but one could never be too careful.”

“It’s okay…I kind of like it messy.”

“You never cease to amaze me, darling. Get comfy, hm? I won’t take too long with this.”

Doing as he said, Jeongguk shifts, consciously trying to press his hips closer to Taehyung’s. Taehyung smiles, opening the lube and squeezing out a decent amount. He rubs the substance between his fingers to warm it. Once he deems it a good temperature, Taehyung settles nicely between Jeongguk’s legs. He sets his free hand under the soft, meaty flesh of his thigh in a firm grip. 

His lubed finger then teases around the rim of the omega’s hole, reveling in how he gasps at the touch. When the first finger finally pushes in, Jeongguk’s needy whimpers arise at having something to fill him.

“Another one…” The omega pleads, the needy little thing jutting his hips to grind onto Taehyung’s hand.

Taehyung can only indulge him, cock aching in the confines of his sweats, seeing just how pliant Jeongguk is being. Taking anything the older man is giving him. He pulls his hand back, rubbing his second finger on Jeongguk’s rim. The omega moans when Taehyung then thrusts both fingers into him with ease. 

The omega completely gets off on how the other’s hands feel. They had always felt so confident and secure whenever they were wrapped around his waist or caressing down his sides. They were slim, longer, and bigger than his own, reaching inside him farther than he ever could imagine doing with his own. Jeongguk loved it. Loved the way the older man’s fingers felt inside him. His cock on his stomach couldn't help but twitch at the thought of how Taehyung would feel inside of him.

He’s taken out of his full mind of thoughts when Taehyung slowly starts thrusting his fingers in and out, eyes fixated on Jeongguk’s expression. He’s unable to control his noises with the way he’s letting out small whimpers every time Taehyung’s fingers go back inside of him, thrusting faster than before. 

With the quickening pace, Taehyung begins curling his fingers up along with each thrust, causing the omega to loll his head to the side, unable to contain the whimper that comes out of him. One specific curl has Taehyung’s fingertips press against the bundle of nerves, making pleasure spike and burn along his lower back. Jeongguk’s mouth opens in a drawn-out moan with his legs threatening to close—being denied rightfully so with Taehyung’s firm hand on his thigh.

When the older man thrusts his fingers in again and hits his prostate once more, the omega breaks out into a fit of whines. His hips lift from the bed in a quiver, head thrown back against the pillow. Taehyung continues his ministrations, tips of his fingers nearly abusing the omega’s prostate. He doesn’t stop, causing Jeongguk to release a cry with a shaking hand coming down in between his legs to try and hold Taehyung’s wrist still.

“A-Ah—that’s enough. I don’t wanna cum like that,” Jeongguk babbles out, voice teetering on the edge of a sob. “Want you.”

“Okay, baby.”

Taehyung moves to pull his fingers out, not before he sneakily curls his fingers once more, drinking up the way Jeongguk’s legs shake with a cry leaving his pretty lips. The omega looks at him with a glare, non-threatening at all when it’s combined with spit-slickened lips and a face that looks on the brink of being fucked out. Taehyung coos.

“Hyung…”

“Couldn’t resist.” The older man apologizes by gently patting his thigh. 

“So mean.”

Removing both his sweats and underwear in one go, not wanting to take up any more time, Taehyung grabs the bottle of lube again before discarding it. He opts to directly put it on his hard and aching cock, hissing slightly at the cold temperature of it. Taehyung strokes himself, lathering the lube all around. He glances at the omega, who is set on gawking at him touch himself, lips parted with nothing coming out. Jeongguk stares for a long while until he finally manages to work his mouth to say words.

“Fuck, you’re so big,” Jeongguk exasperates, repeating a mantra in his head to prevent him from wrapping his hand around his own cock. “I knew you were the right one.”

“Oh? Is this all you wanted me for then?”

Jeongguk huffs, tugging the other down by his nape. “You know that’s not what I meant. But I’m definitely gonna suck you off next time.”

“Yeah,” Taehyung whispers, leaning down into the kiss as he wraps the other’s legs around his torso. He presses the head of his cock against Jeongguk’s sopping wet hole. Pushing, but not quite breaking through, teasing. “I figured, baby.”

Right then, he pushes a little more so the head of his cock finally goes in and catches on Jeongguk’s rim. A small, quiet gasp breaks out into the air, following it up with a whimper. The hands around Taehyung’s shoulders grip them tighter, fingernails digging in and creating creasants into his skin.

“Oh, fuck.” The omega moans, head tilting back. His hair is haloed around the pillow so prettily. “Please.”

“I got you, darling,” Taehyung’s sultry voice echoes into his ear, reverberating throughout his entire body and back up to his dazed headed brain.

He secures his hands on Jeongguk’s hips in a comforting grip, easing the omega to relax his body. He carefully pushes himself more inside, mindful not to hurt the other—despite how wet he is. Small, convenient twitches of the omega’s body can be felt the more Taehyung drives himself inside. Taehyung digs his face into Jeongguk’s neck, kissing and sucking another mark into his skin. Jeongguk tilts his head to bar his neck for more access, unable to keep his noises at bay. Not like Taehyung minded at all.

With another slow push, the older man finally bottoms out, his hips flush with the omega’s. One of Jeongguk’s hands drops from Taehyung’s shoulder, fingers clutching at the dark sheets under him. Taehyung slides his hands up from Jeongguk’s hips, trying to caress every inch of his body to soothe, feeling the way his skin twitches at his touch. His thighs, waist, stomach, and everything else. It was almost sickeningly hot with how the omega’s body was flushed with pink.

Coming face-to-face with him again, Jeongguk looks up at Taehyung with lust-filled eyes, looking like he was on the edge of begging him for more. With an inhale through his nose, Jeongguk closes his eyes, taking his time adjusting to feel how delectable the older feels inside him, filling him just like he wanted and needed. His eyes roll to the back of his head when he feels Taehyung shift, jostling the cock inside of him.

The exhale of his breath turns into a whimper, hands moving to hold onto the other’s biceps. He opens his eyes, meeting Taehyung’s. His expression is unreadable, but also not at the same time. The omega can see how pent-up Taehyung is with his eyebrows almost knit together, and jaw clenched—as if he’s holding himself back. Now, Jeongguk can’t have that, can he?

“You’re thick too. You’re filling me so good.”

Taehyung’s jaw unclenches at that. Good. 

“I appreciate the compliment. You feel so tight and warm, so good.” Taehyung expresses how good it is by rolling his hips, making Jeongguk bite his lip.

Feeling a hand cup his cheek, Taehyung hums in question at the gesture. Jeongguk’s thumb strokes along his cheekbone, pulling him close to place a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

“You can move, Taehyungie hyung.”

With a hum, the older one fully captures the omega’s lips into his own, swallowing down any noise he makes. The first pull back of Taehyung’s hips is slow and almost agonizing to Jeongguk that he nearly thinks the other will fully pull out. His thoughts are then forced to stop, the older man thrusting back in before he has time to process. The omega’s mouth opens wide with a mewl, head knocking back against the pillow.

“What a good puppy, taking it so well.”

The sentence does irreversible damage to Jeongguk's thought process. His face goes red as he brings an arm up to hide himself in embarrassment at how much more slick it caused him to leak out. Making everything messier. 

“Hm? Why are you hiding, baby?’

“D-Don’t…” He tries to say, his own moan cutting him off from a particular thrust. “You can’t say it like that.”

Another thrust. Another whine.

“Why not?”

The omega opens his mouth to answer, but is cut off by the snap of Taehyung’s hips increasing slightly, a moan getting forced out from his throat.

“Do you like it too much?” the older man asks.

When he doesn’t answer, Taehyung slows down. He presses his hips so they’re entirely connected with Jeongguk’s, cock angled in a way that has the head push against his prostate just right. The omega arches his back against the bed, thighs jerking in their place around Taehyung’s torso. He tries to answer, he really does, but his mind is so fuzzy and warbled that all he can let out is babbles and whines.

“Speak up.” It's low, deep. It’s as if he’s being commanded. And Jeongguk can’t help but submit.

“Y-Yes, I like it,” The omega stutters out, blush high and bright on his cheeks.

“That’s my good boy.” That earns him multiple whimpers while increasing his pace. He looks down, taking in the view that is his cock going in and out of Jeongguk’s dripping entrance.

His eyes then trail up Jeongguk’s body. Taehyung takes a visual note of how beautiful the omega looks under him. Pretty soft hair haloed around his head on the pillow, arms beside his head holding the sheets, possibly harder than he already is, and legs spread before him. So much room for him to do as he wished.

“More. Please more.” The omega begs, fingers gripping the blanket under him so tight his knuckles are practically white. 

Taehyung switches his hand placements after a while, holding the back of Jeongguk’s thighs and spreading them even wider. The angle allows him to go deeper, making tears spring to the omega’s eyes.

Taehyung is filling him in every inch and corner Jeongguk has to offer, so much to the point that he doesn’t think he’ll last for long. His thighs are jiggling each time the other’s hips connect with his. The younger’s body moves forward and back with every thrust Taehyung gives him.

Jeongguk is unable to contain the cry that spills from his spit-slicked lips, his head tilting back with pleasure. The tears that filled the boy’s eyes spilled over, trickling down his red and hot cheeks. It felt so good. The thickness and shape of Taehyung’s cock fill his insides and hit every sweet spot so well that he’s very close to being driven insane. He can already feel the swirling warmth low in his stomach, more precum pooling on his stomach. More slick seeping from his hole.

When the feeling gets more intense, the omega whimpers, his head lolling to one side. He attempts to speak, but it ends up turning into an incoherent mumble due to a particularly deep thrust. Taehyung notices, coming down between the others’ legs to place a trail of kisses on his neck.

“What is it, baby?” Taehyung asks in between kisses, sucking the spot that's so close to his scent gland.

The angle makes the elder go in slightly deeper, causing Jungkook to clench tightly around him. He sniffles with a wobbly whine, hands finally letting go of the bed and wrapping his arms around Taehyung’s back.

“W-Wanna come.”

“My baby wants release?” Taehyung speaks against his ear, making Jeongguk shiver and realize just how progressively deeper his voice has gotten. Raspy. Affected.

“I do,” The omega almost cries out, getting desperate. “I really do.”

“Don’t worry, precious,” The older one says, bringing his arms around Jeongguk’s shoulders to hold him close. Their bodies press more flush against each other, feeling the way the omega’s cock is trapped between them. Feeling the way his cock twitches, wet and leaking at the tip. “Hyung will make you cum.”

He continues his pace, keeping the same momentum. Jeongguk, shaking, is all but a fit of pants and whimpers. 

Now, he can practically feel how sensitive Jeongguk is. His hole is spasming more frequently on his cock, his legs shaking after each thrust, and his body squirming.

“So fucking pretty.” Taehyung moans into his ear.

A mewl slips from the omega’s lips at the feeling at the tip of Taehyung’s cock hitting his prostate again, the delicious bundle of nerves receiving more constant stimulation than before. It makes the warmth in his stomach swirl once again with more intensity, begging for release.

Jeongguk’s head feels so hazy that all he can do is take and moan, and repeat, desperate for Taehyung to keep going until he comes. He attempts to speak out his pleas and wants, yet all that comes out are incoherent mumbles and pretty little ah-ahs after every thrust.

Taehyung feels Jeongguk move his head, nosing at the other's jaw, inhaling the scent that’s intensified by body heat and sweat. He absolutely loves it. The older man cradles the back of the omega’s head as his thrusts start to turn sloppy, the taste of his own fiery release swirling in the pits of his stomach.

“Close?” Taehyung questions with a groan, moving his head to lock his lips with the younger one’s in a chaste kiss—unable to keep it connected with how heavy they’re both breathing.

Jeongguk shakily nods, panting into his mouth. “Yeah.”

“Yeah?”

The omega lets out a sob. “Please…”

Sneaking his hand in between their bodies, Taehyung takes hold of Jeongguk’s flushed cock. He jerks him off in pace with his thrusts, occasionally letting his thumb swipe across the slit at the tip of his cock. The omega whimpers at the contact, completely trembling in his arms now. Taehyung can tell Jeongguk is close with the way his hips are bucking up into his hand, feeling the overwhelming pleasure of getting both places stimulated at once.

“Come for me.” That’s all it takes. Jeongguk’s body immediately locks up at the command, nails scratching down Taehyung's back so harshly that it makes him groan from the pain and pleasure of it. He comes with a loud moan, spilling all over Taehyung’s hand and their stomachs. “That’s it. Breathe.”

“Inside…” Jeongguk whines, begging, wrapping his legs around Taehyung’s torso tighter. Not allowing him to pull away, even if he tried. “Come inside me.”

“Fuck.” 

It doesn’t take long for him to follow. Taehyung thrusts his hips a couple more times before pressing deep inside the omega and spilling everything inside him. Jeongguk lolls his head back at the warm sensation of being filled, so close to the feeling of being bred—maybe he’ll mention that for another time. 

They stay that way in each other's arms, both catching their breath and coming down from their highs. Jeongguk pulls Taehyung into a kiss, lips meeting lazily and tiredly, uncaring of making it perfect. He can finally relax, unhooking his legs from the other’s torso, hands cupping Taehyung’s cheeks as they separate. He can feel himself blush with the deepness of Taehyung’s gaze, looking down at him like he’s the most precious thing in the world. It makes him giggle, pulling the older man down and placing a soft peck to his lips, making Taehyung laugh too.

Now, with the air cooling them down and the remnants of cum sticking to their bodies, Taehyung carefully pulls out despite Jeongguk’s whines of complaint. He soothes him by running his hands along his thighs, pressing a soft kiss to one of his knees.

“It's alright, puppy. Let me clean us up, okay?”

Jeongguk sighs. “I already miss you inside me.”

Taehyung grins with a chuckle. “Of course you do.”

He quickly retreats to the bathroom to grab a small towel, dampening it with warm water. When he comes back, he can see Jeongguk curled on his side, eyes closed, with a look of contentment caressing his soft features. The older man puts a knee on the bed, helping Jeongguk open his legs so he can clean up his stomach and between his thighs with care.

The omega merely lets out soft purrs, taking a favorable liking to being cared for after what they’d just done. Once finished, Taehyung takes the towel along with their clothes and puts them in an empty laundry basket. He steps over to his walk-in closet and picks up extra pairs of clothes for both of them.

Coming back to the bed, the omega had sat up. His attention immediately shifts to Taehyung, raising his arms and making grabby hands towards him to come closer. Finding him utterly adorable, Taehyung rushes to sit back on the bed, letting the omega tug him close with a kiss.

“Here, let me put these on you, and then we can cuddle for as long as you want.” Taehyung leans back and presents the clothes to Jeongguk. The omega nods and moves to sit still, letting the older man dress him.

When they’re both changed into a comfortable set of clothes and back in the comforting embrace of new, fresh bedsheets and each other, a small question of interest piques Taehyung’s mind as he’s combing his fingers through the sleepy omega’s hair.

“Baby?”

“Mm?” Jeongguk tiredly answers.

“After that time…your heat, I mean, did your packmates say anything about me?”

“Nothing bad. I made sure of that,” Jeongguk nearly huffs it out, working hard to make sure his hyungs liked Taehyung. They should and they will, because Taehyung is his now, and he’s not going to let him go. “But that aside, they were grateful you helped me. They still have their gripes about humans, but I think they warmed up to you a little. I’m assuming they’re trying to figure out a way to ask you to join us for dinner sometime.”

“Mm, I wouldn’t say no. It’d be nice to have dinner with you and your family.”

Jeongguk’s cheeks redden, still unable to fathom how Taehyung is so willing to do almost anything for him. It’s not good for his heart. “Oh, that makes me happy, hyung.”

Taehyung smiles, chest filling with such an inexplicable warmth he doesn't know what to do with. He presses a soft kiss to Jeongguk’s temple, holding him close.

“Then did you ever figure out when exactly you imprinted on me? And why?”

“Not really, no. Namjoon hyung did make a good point on how it was probably when I first woke up in your house since it was surrounded by your scent,” Jeongguk hums, thinking back to the conversation he had with this hyungs once his heat was over. 

“As for why, with our biology and whatnot, imprinting happens because our inner wolf feels a deep and emotional attraction right at the start,” Jeongguk finished with a nod and a hum, eyes then brightening like he’s thought of something. “So…”

“So?”

Jeongguk eyes him, a cheeky smile on his lips. He taps his chin as he pretends to think of what to say, shifting his hand at the last minute and poking Taehyung’s cheek.

“I guess you could say it was my love at first…imprint?”

Taehyung just kisses him again to shut him up.