𝐒 𝐌 𝐈 𝐋 𝐄 𝐒 @staylovesmiley - Tumblr Blog

Silent Cry~ Chapter 1

₊˚⊹ᰔ Pairing; Seo Changbin x Fem!reader

₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ Summary; A new law that is passed makes it so all idol groups are required to have either a beta or omega caretaker to help ease the stress of idol life as well as keep the balance of any mix matched packs who lack certain dynamics. What happens when Changbin feels a connection to an omega caretaker assigned to a different group under the same company?

₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ Notes; This is an omegaverse!AU. in this world scents are not a very prevalent characteristic (yes everyone has a “scent” but it’s not like normal omegaverse where they are so specific it’s more just…instinct? Knowing a scent belongs to a specific individual-) but everyone has what they call an “inner wolf” that is a mental manifestation of their sub-gender. Each rank has their own eye-color that shines through whenever their inner wolf is more in control of their actions, they vary depending on the person; Warm tones (crimson, amber, sometimes Coral) for Alphas, Cool tones (Purples, Blues, sometimes Greens) for Omegas, Silver or Gold for Betas

₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ Warnings; omegaverse!au, almost all alpha!straykids, female!reader, poly!pack dynamics (to an extent?), angst, mild violence, mentions of sexual harassment/assault and discrimination, smut, enemies to lovers, she/her pronouns used for reader, Seo Changbin is a simp, jealousy, love triangle, reader is very sassy and stubborn- but honestly I don’t blame her?? Oops~

₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ ₊˚⊹ᰔ Word count; 6.7k

He doesn’t understand why they are here. None of them do. They have been meeting deadlines, preparing for comebacks so far in advance they are most likely set until 2030, and pushing themselves beyond the brink of collapse to keep up with their growing success.

So why exactly has the company called for a meeting with the Stray Kids pack on what was supposed to be a very long and busy day packed with hours of dance practice and studio time? “I’m sure you are all wondering why we’ve called you here.” One of the chairman says from his seat across from the group at the conference table. Chan tries not to scoff at the statement of the obvious and instead gives a slow nod as he holds eye contact with a very cold yet concerned expression. The chairman swallows at the intensity of his stare but continues on anyways. “I’m sure you are all aware of the new laws that have been passed regarding packs that have formed inside of idol groups. Due to these changes we have put in a request for a highly reputable caretaker organization to send in a beta to join you.”

Chan feels his body go ridged. Minho, who as always is sitting to his right, reaches out to give his hand a gentle squeeze where it is braced against his knee. Out of the corner of his eye he sees Changbin’s jaw clench and can feel the discomfort through the pack bond that rattles his members at this revelation. “With all due respect sir, we don’t need a caretaker. The kids and I are doing just fine as we are and I’m afraid adding anyone in, even if they are professionally trained caretakers, could throw off that balance more than help it.” The leader says as he tries his hardest to hold his composure in front of the company hire ups.

The chairman sighs and leans back in his seat, waving for someone else to answer as if he couldn’t be bothered to respond to what Chan thought was a very rational and mature decline of their…offer. Someone quickly steps up from behind the chairman, a beta with long caramel brown hair and glasses that highlight her sharp facial features, the chief operations manager if Chan recalls correctly. “I understand your hesitance, believe me, but this is the law now so we have to comply. We chose a list of the best beta candidates who will be here first thing tomorrow morning for you to meet with and see if a bond forms with the beta and your pack.” The alpha leader raises an eyebrow at that, arms crossing over his chest as he leans back to mirror the chairman’s posture. “And what if we don’t bond with any of the betas you’ve chosen?” The woman sighs, though she is also one of the people forcing this new addition onto them she at least seems to understand where Chan is coming from and how difficult this news must be as she weakly offers up. “Then we will keep searching until we find one that does.” And that seemed to be the end of that.

On their way back to the practice room to try and get in as much dance rehearsal as they could before their scheduled time in the studio, Hyunjin whined dramatically as he clung to his mate’s back while the younger was attempting to soothe him with gentle scratches to his scalp. “This is so unfair! We don’t need a beta- we don’t need anyone but each other! Seriously- who does the company think they are forcing us to add another member like this?!” As the enter the room Seungmin gives a slight shrug and begins doing his stretches near the back wall. “They aren’t going to be a new member, whoever they are. Sure the goal is for them to eventually join the pack but essentially it will be like having a live in staff member. I don’t think it’ll be so bad once we get used to it…” Han scoffed at that, ruffling Seungmin’s hair until the slightly younger alpha swatted his hands away. “Such wise words from Minnie as always! I think it could be fun, when you think about it- like having a maid!” Minho glared at the younger and gave a little slap to his ass in passing by on his way to curl up in his own mate’s embrace. “Not a maid- I swear to god Han Jisung if you slack off on your chores expecting our caretaker to clean up after you it will be tissues for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” Chan stifled his laughter at Han’s mortified reaction by nuzzling his face into Minho’s hair, enjoying the scent of the new shampoo he had purchased not long ago as his mate preened at the affection.

Changbin was uncharacteristically quiet, leaning against the wall as he stared at his reflection in the mirror across the room but it seemed like he wasn’t even really looking at himself but instead zoning out into his own little world. “Bin? You good over there?” The leader called out after observing the second oldest alpha from his spot on the couch. Seemingly shaken from his thoughts, Changbin gave a bashful nod and a short smile. “Yeah, hyung. Just…thinking, I guess-“ Seungmin snorted, never one to miss out on an opportunity to goad his elder, called out. “Don’t hurt yourself, Seo Changbin.” “Yah!” What ensued was a lot of chaos that ended with Changbin chasing Seungmin around the room until he was successfully put into a headlock, but not after bumping into and knocking down Hyunjin and Jeongin as the mated pair were helping each other with their stretches.

God have mercy on whoever it is that ends up joining their pack, Chan thinks with fondness as he carefully extracts himself from his mate to go pry his members off of each other.

Another day another conference room, Changbin thinks bitterly as the all stand in a uniform line just waiting for the group of beta caretakers the company has picked for them to interview to join them. The anticipation building leaves the alpha feeling nauseous, like he maybe should have rethought the protein heavy breakfast he had scarfed down before heading over to the company on what was supposed to be one of their very few days off. His inner wolf paces, like it’s waiting to defend his territory or something and it sets his whole being on edge. Han, who stands beside him, must notice this as he feels the younger alpha nudge his side gently. “Yah, take a deep breath hyung- they aren’t even here yet and you’re acting like you’re about to throw up or maul them at first glance….or both-“ He lets out a ragged sigh, nodding slowly but gives a warm smile to the younger. “Thanks, Hannie. I’ll be okay.”

Just then, the handle of the door turns and his body stiffens again. All eyes land on the door to the conference room as it opens to reveal not a group of betas…but a single omega carrying a clipboard and a canvas tote bag over her shoulder. She doesn’t seem to notice them as she quickly closes the door behind her but when she eventually turns to face them her eyes grow wide and Changbin feels like all the air has been forcibly punched from his lungs. His wolf practically howls as she looks around the pack before clearing her throat. “Oh um…hi- I’m sorry I think I may have the wrong room? I got turned around I’m looking for-“ God, she sounds so sweet. Her voice is something he wants to record and put in a track so he can listen to it on repeat over and over again. Is this what love at first sight feels like? No- it’s not that…it’s something deeper. As he feels himself moving forward to approach the omega, someone opens the door behind her cutting off her explanation of why she is there and not their group of potential caretakers. “There you are! We thought you may have gotten lost. Come, the girls are just this way very excited to meet you.” Changbin recognizes him, it’s Itzy’s manager and he feels as if his blood turns to ice in his veins watching the omega leave with him and the door close behind them.

“Changbin what- what has gotten into you?” Chan calls out in concern and it’s just then that he registers he has quite literally fallen to his knees in despair watching this omega leave his presence. “Your eyes- hey, Binnie? You with us?” Minho says, now crouched in front of him waving his hand carefully in front of his face. His eyes…he’s sure with how present his wolf is right now in the forefront of his mind that they are a striking scarlet red. “Yeah I’m…I’m here-“ he says as he blinks a few times before allowing Jeongin and Chan to help him rise up from where he had collapsed. “What was all that about?” The youngest questions just as their manager enters the room with a clipboard of his own. “Alright guys! Ready to meet your new potential caretakers?”

Immediately Changbin is shaking his head causing all attention to fall on him, as if his members were not already watching him closely after his small outburst. “No, we already have a caretaker. That omega who was just in here.” Their manager looks confused as he glances down at his clipboard, flipping through a few pages before shaking his head. “I’m not sure what you mean- there aren’t any omegas lined up for you all to meet today.” Changbin growls lightly but a firm hand on his back from the pack alpha calms him instantly. “She just left with Itzy’s manager. That’s our caretaker. She’s ours.” Everyone gawks openly at the statement, Felix sputtering a bit as he answers. “Dude what are you on about- we already don’t need or want a beta caretaker but now you are saying you want an omega?” The other omegas in their group nod, Minho even crossing his arms over his chest to show his disapproval as pack luna. “I only say what I mean, Lix. She’s ours, I just…I can feel it- I know it. Just trust me?”

Their manager clears his throat, holding up a hand as if to ask permission to speak. “Changbin- that omega is already assigned to another group. Surely if it’s an omega caretaker you want we can look into-“ “No! It’s her or no one. She’s our caretaker. I’m sure you can find someone else to take her place with Itzy…but she is ours.” Chan frowns, his hand coming to rest on the younger alpha’s shoulder as he turns him so they are face to face. “Bin…you’re really serious about this, huh?” Changbin nods furiously, eyes still shining scarlet and the pack alpha lets out a resigned sigh before giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Okay. I get it…” Chan turns to their manager, much to the chagrin of the rest of his pack, and gives him an apologetic smile. “Please, if you could have that caretaker assigned to our pack instead we would be greatly appreciative.” The manager lets out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand as he backs towards the door. “I’ll uh…I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime why don’t you all just go home and pack up your things? A van will be there to take you to the new house so you can all settle in before the caretaker arrives.”

Ah, yes. That was something else they had been informed of…instead of living separately in dorms like they were currently, the eight- or well, nine of them would be living in a large house on the outskirts of town to help them feel more like an adjusted pack. It was one of the perks of this new arrangement, actually, considering their current living situation had the mated pairs completely split up from one another and resulted in most of the pack trying to cram into one dorm or another during times when they wanted or needed to all be together for comfort. Having a larger space where they could all be together was another part of the new law for idol packs and one they were excited to take advantage of.

The room is cold, so cold in fact that you contemplate pulling your puffer jacket back on as you wait anxiously for the instructions on your new assignment in one of the many offices in JYPE. It’s strange though, this office doesn’t have any memorabilia you would think it should. The group you had met with a week prior was lovely and you felt that you could grow fond of the girls you were assigned to easily. Though they already had some omegas in the group you felt that their lack of a Luna among the pack caused the omegas to feel a little lost and insecure of their inner wolves. It wasn’t that you anticipated becoming that role for them, but rather felt you could show them confidence and help whoever it was meant to be come to their full potential. It really did seem like a perfect fit, even if something in the back of your mind was nagging at you regarding the assignment. Your mind kept playing back to eight men standing dumbfounded in a line and a flash of a scarlet red gaze that left you feeling a bit dizzy as you were ushered back into the hallway and down to the appropriate conference room you had meant to return to after a quick bathroom break before your meeting with the Itzy pack had begun.

Though you told yourself the only reason you were thinking of them now was due to the countless pictures of the pack you had stumbled upon lining the walls of the office you were guided into after arriving in the lobby some moments ago. Just as you were giving up hope that this would be a quick glance over scheduling and information you would need to move into the pack home the door swung open and a different manager than the other day entered bashfully before taking his seat at the desk across from you. “I’m so sorry for the delay, Miss…?” “Oh, you can call me Blue. All of us caretakers at my organization go by a pseudonym of sorts, like a nickname? I know it seems impersonal but it’s just to make the transition period with packs easier as a nickname is easier to remember most of the time.” The manager gives a warm smile at that, reaching over the desk to shake your hand. “Well it’s very nice to meet you, Blue. I look forward to working with you. So…I’m sure your organization has made you aware of the changes, I have a folder here with the kids’ schedules as well as introduction pages with their subgenders and little details that may help you along the way…they were a bit hesitant to have a caretaker so we worried they may not open up so easily and wanted to help things go as smoothly as possible for you.”

You feel your eyebrows furrow as the manager quickly flips through the pages in the folder and you noticed there are a lot more than you were expecting considering the group you met was only five girls. Still, even with your silence he continues. “There is also a list of all the staff and their contacts in the back if you end up needing to get in contact with any of us.” Closing the folder, he quickly scribbles something on a post it note and sticks it to the front of the thin plastic folder before sliding it all forwards for you to take. “There is the address to the pack home, along with the key code. The members should all still be at their schedules now so it will give you time to settle in before the chaos erupts.” Your eyes widen, hands tightening their grip where you take the information handed to you and carefully pull it into your arms. “Um- thank you? I guess I should get going then to get a head start…” With a short goodbye and mutual gratitude exchanged you head back down to the lobby and out to your car parked along the street with all of your belongings packed away waiting for this new adventure to start.

You had been studying to be a pack caretaker for years, since your high school days really, but your organization scouted you right out of college. They helped to hone your knowledge and trained you in more hands on ways that your studies couldn’t teach you and before you knew it you had been sent your first ever assignment. Sure, you had always imagined you’d be sent to join a more traditional pack but with new laws came new opportunities in your line of work it seemed. You were quick to program the address, your new address, into the gps before heading out. The whole drive you still had this nagging feeling that something just wasn’t adding up. From the office to the words from the manager, even the contents of the folder you managed to get a glimpse of seemed off to what you had been preparing for.

It isn’t until you are on the outskirts of the city, parked in front of a very luxurious looking modern home that you pick up the folder from your passenger seat and decide to give it a more thorough read. Upon learning of its contents you feel as if the world is somehow playing a cruel prank on you. There must be some kind of mix up, that’s the only logical explanation you can come to as you read out loud to yourself, not the information for five member girl group Itzy with members who’s collective ages are so close to or the same as your own, but information for the eight member boy group Stray Kids who have some members near your age but some that feel much older even though it’s realistically only a few years difference. This was not what you signed up for…

With shaking hands you pull your phone from your bag and send a quick text to your own supervisor, asking if there was some sort of mistake made but you receive a response back that you really should check your email more often. She informs you that there was a last minute change to your assignment and that you had been personally requested by this pack to be their caretaker. That didn’t make any sense…why would someone request you specifically when you don’t even have any sort of reputation yet in the business? Still, you take a deep shaky breath before gathering your emotions and proceeding to be as professional as you can under the circumstances. You climb carefully out of the car and slide the folder given to you into your tote bag before gathering your duffle and rolling suitcase from the trunk of your car.

The house is empty when you finally will yourself to bring your things up the front porch and let yourself inside using the key code provided, just as the manager said it would be. You slip your shoes off at the entrance, careful to make sure they are put aside and out of the way before venturing further inside to look around. Not having been given any instructions on which room would belong to you, so you rely on scents to tell you which of the closed doors hold rooms behind them that have already been claimed prior to your arrival. You walk past every room on the main floor with no luck before climbing the stairs to the second floor where the second door to the right is void of any scent and just for extra confirmation you give a light knock, despite knowing no one is home, before gently pushing the door open to reveal a very simple room with a bed free of any linens or blankets, just two bare pillows, a small desk by the window and a dresser with four large and two small drawers. There is also a small bedside table and a lamp, which you assume came with the house furnishings, but it will have to do until you get your first payment for the job and can get something more your style. With a small sigh you close the door behind yourself and get to work unpacking your few belongings, realizing you don’t have any bedding you let out a little groan of annoyance and pull out your phone from your back pocket. A quick search shows there is a shopping center nearby that should have what you need at least to last until you can afford something better.

You pull out the folder and take a quick look over the pack’s schedule to confirm when they will be arriving back and head out after only managing to unpack your duffle and half of the contents of your suitcase. The trip to the store is rather short and successful with a pair of plain cream colored linens with little red roses you thought would be cute and a simple quilt you saw was on sale and looked like it would be warm and comforting. On your drive back to the house rain begins pouring down and you let out another little grunt of annoyance, feeling like absolute nothing can go your way today, and before long you are walking up the front steps only to hear the loud sound of laughter and quick banter from behind the front door. You slowly enter the key code before pushing it open, gaining the attention of two omegas and an alpha who are in the lounge sprawled across the different seating options. Well- one omega is sprawled, while the other is curled comfortably into the alpha’s side and you watch as the later’s grip tightens around his shoulders before realizing who it was entering their home. “Oh, hi! You’re our new caretaker, right?” The alpha stands, approaching with his hand outstretched and a friendly smile. You hesitate, but only due to your hands being full of your new bedding. Dropping the bags to the ground by your feet you finish slipping off your shoes before walking up to take the hand offered to you. “Yes, it seems as though that’s the case…I’m Blue, though I assume you already know that considering the organization said you asked for me by name.” The alpha seemed a little confused but quickly regained his composure as he shook your hand. “It’s nice to officially meet you, Blue. My name is Chan, or Chris. Whichever you prefer, doesn’t really matter. I’m the pack alpha so if any of the kids are giving you a hard time just come get me.”

You give the alpha, Chan, a playful smile before raising an eyebrow as you take your hand back to cross your arms over your chest. “And what if you’re the one giving me a hard time, hm?” Then, the omega he was previously entangled with on the sofa rises and makes his way over. “Then I guess you’d better find me. Hi, Minho. I’m the luna, it’s very nice to have you.” You give a little giggle at the way Chan glares at Minho while the omega simply smiles at him smugly. You can tell there is no heat behind the actions as the alpha’s eyes are softer than the inside of a chocolate lava cake and their scents combine in a way that lets you know they are a mated pair. “Thank you for having me.” Your eyes wander to the omega stretched across the love seat but when you meet his gaze he is quick to turn away shyly. “That’s Felix, he’s usually not so aloof but he’s currently pouting since Minho told him he shouldn’t overwhelm you on your first day here.”

You raise an eyebrow at the leader’s words, head tilting curiously. “Overwhelm me…how?” Chan chuckles while Minho shoots a warning stare to where the presumably younger omega is slowly sitting up in his seat. “Felix is very, ah- hands on? Loves physical touch. I’ll admit, we weren’t all very keen on the idea of having a caretaker but once getting used to the idea he’s been a bit too excited to meet you. Minho was worried he’d tackle you on sight and drag you into his nest for a cuddle but we weren’t sure if that was something you would be comfortable with.” Just then, Felix shot up with arms folded and a cute pout on his lips. “Yah! I know boundaries- I’m just like that with you guys cause we’re pack…I would have been polite and asked first before physical affection with her.” You can’t help but coo, making your way over to the other omega with outstretched arms. “Hi Felix, I’m Blue. I get the idea that you may be a hugger over a handshake kinda guy?” His face brightens at that, toothy grin on full display before you are embraced in a tight hug that almost knocks the wind out of your lungs but instead just leaves you laughing into golden blonde hair. As he pulls away, Felix remarks “Oh! You’re a really good hugger- are all caretakers good huggers?” Giving him another laugh you shrug, shaking your head lightly. “Not really sure, if I’m honest. I mean- all the ones I’ve met have been? But I don’t think it’s like…part of the job description?”

Just as you feel the nerves you had over this last minute change of plans wash over you and leave your mind, another alpha comes from one of the downstairs bedrooms and gives a loud huff as he passes by. “God, you guys are being so loud in here it’s impossible to get a nap in even over all the peaceful rain.” Chan frowns and Minho thumps the back of his head as he passes. “Seungmin! Be nice, our caretaker is here.” The young alpha turns to face you, giving you a look over before shrugging and making his way into the kitchen. Suddenly you feel like your whole body is resting on pins and needles and you are so focused on the overall shift in the energy of the room you don’t notice that even more people have came out to the lounge and are approaching to get in their own greetings. First of the newcomers is Han, giving you a small high five after you share names and gives a very suspicious promise that he won’t make you clean up after him all the time which earns a glare from their Luna sending the alpha to hide being Felix while the young omega simply laughs as his cowardice before turning to comfort him. Next are Hyunjin and Jeongin, a tall and very beautiful omega who clings to his alpha like baby koala and continuously peppers kisses to his cheeks even while said alpha is introducing himself to you. The room feels impossibly full considering both how spacious it is and the open concept the lounge, dining room, and kitchen have. Just when you thought it couldn’t get more crowded the last member of the pack comes barreling in from a room at the far end of the house in only a pair of gym shorts and a black tank top. Your eyes widen as you instantly remember bright scarlet eyes and the dizzying feeling from that first encounter returns. “Hi! My names Changbin. I uh…I can’t wait to get to know you, beautiful-“ you instantly cut off his flirtation, taking a step back to provide some distance and hopefully help the pounding in your head and chest. “Blue, please call me Blue. Just Blue.” If the alpha was phased by the rejection he doesn’t show it, simply giving you a warm smile and a nod. “Okay, just Blue…Hope you’re settling in okay?” You hear a scoff coming from the kitchen where Seungmin is trying to act like he isn’t paying attention, and suddenly you feel a wave of nausea come rolling over you. “Um- yeah I just need to finish unpacking..” Changbin perks up even more at that, stepping forward to grab the bags you had abandoned by the door. “Oh, I can help if you’d like? Might make things go faster-“ “I got it!” You shout, possibly a bit too loud and a bit too desperately as you snatch the bags from him and practically race up the stairs to the safety of your new room. You don’t want to imagine his face after you left, you don’t want to know how any of them reacted to your outburst, you want to get the hell out of this assignment and back to the pack you were originally supposed to join.

You pull your phone from your pocket you fire off an email with a formal request of a reassignment, hands shaking as you can’t quite get the email to send fast enough. Once you read the confirmation that the request has been submitted you feel like you can finally breathe again but not long after the feeling of nausea and dread comes back as a follow up email sits in your inbox informing you that your request has been waitlisted with no real timeframe of if or when it will be approved. You let out a groan as you flop back against your bare mattress, laying frozen for what feels like hours and must be as you ignore two different knocks at the door with the announcement of dinner and another from Chan asking if you’re okay which you luckily are able to muster a somewhat convincing response to before you are once again left alone with only your thoughts and the sound of heavy rainfall outside.

You spend quite a while laying there, letting your already swimming mind overflow as you start to wonder why in the first place such a pack would even need a caretaker. They seemed well established, both a pack alpha and luna who are a mated pair at that, besides Seungmin’s slight attitude problem towards a newcomer they seem to be pretty emotionally stable as well from the profiles you skimmed through, almost all of which listed how they use their own roles in the pack to care for and support each other. Feeling at a loss for a reasonable explanation you finally push yourself off of the mattress and begin actually putting on the bedding you had purchased before moving on to finish unpacking. Even though you have a reassignment request pending you have no idea how long that will take so it’s better to just get things somewhat organized for the time you will be spending there.

Just as you are folding and putting away the last of your clothes your stomach growls so loud it makes you jump slightly, hand coming to rest across your midsection as you glance over at the door. Surely everyone would be asleep by now and you have a chance to go down and make somewhat of a meal in peace…the clock on your phone says it’s a quarter past two in the morning and that alone causes you to wonder how long exactly you had been laying there overthinking the situation you’re in.

With a deep breath you carefully exit your room and make your way down the stairs towards the kitchen. What you weren’t expecting was to see the door at the end of the hall open wide and the lights still on. Curiosity gets the better of you as you tip toe down the hall to see Chan slumped over his desk with a pair of bulky headphones on, completely absorbed in whatever it is he is working on with notebooks strewn about and his laptop screen casting a blue glow across tired features. You sigh, shaking your head as you make your way to your original destination. You try your best to be quiet as you cook up something simple and separate it between two plates once it’s finished, carefully balancing both on one arm as the other cradles two bottles of water to your chest. You’re not sure what exactly gave you the feeling, but you just knew deep down that the pack alpha had not eaten or had a sip of water in a while and that was unacceptable in your book. Sure, you may be hoping for a reassignment soon but in the meantime you are this pack’s caretaker and this is part of your job. Caring.

You make your way back down the hall on the first floor and give as good of a knock as you can to the open door with your hands as full as they are. You aren’t sure how he even heard it with his headphones still on but Chan quickly slides them to hang around the back of his neck while turning his attention to whoever it was who had come to disturb him, that someone being you. “Oh, Blue! Didn’t think you’d still be up this late. Everything okay?” His voice seems heavy with concern, no doubt a result of your earlier freak out and it causes you to wince a bit internally. “No, everything is not okay. How long have you been up working?” The alpha gives a wince of his own at that, chuckling in embarrassment as he sets the headphones down on the desk. “Uh- all night, I’m afraid…sorry- did I wake you?” You just shake your head at that, setting one of the plates in front of him along with a bottle of water before taking a seat on the floor beside the desk with your own plate in your lap. “No. Got hungry and saw you were still up, so I figured you might be hungry as well. Eat.” Chan looks back and forth from the food, to his laptop, to you. “In just a second? I’m really close to finishing-“ “Eat.” You cut him off, not even looking up as you begin taking a bite off your own plate before uncapping your water bottle for a sip. Chan sighs, shaking his head with an amused smile as he starts eating at your insistence.

The both of you eat in silence for a while, your eyes glancing up every so often to make sure he is actually taking a break and eating his food like you told him to. You feel your curiosity start to overcome you again after you finish your plate and set it aside. “How come you are up working this late? I’ve read your schedules you have a pretty early start in the morning.” You watch as he smiles sheepishly, swallowing the bite he had taken before answering. “Well…I have sleep apnea and with that I guess I’ve developed some insomniac tendencies? So it just makes sense to try and be productive if I can’t sleep…” Giving him a little nod of understanding, you take another sip from your water. “And the door? Do you always sleep with it open or..?” You trail off a bit, not really sure what you are insinuating but he gives a little shrug. “Well not exactly- it’s usually just cracked but I want the kids to know that I’m always available if they need me…so I guess technically yes? My door is pretty much always open to some extent.”

That’s when it hits you…this pack is in desperate need of a caretaker. Not because of their dynamics as a pack, lack of support or camaraderie, but because they spend so much time focusing on caring for the pack that they are neglecting their own personal needs. Sure, they are helping each other so it’s not like there is one person slipping through the cracks but there is a certain level of selfcare you can’t get from an outsider looking in. This is what you are here for, to teach them it’s okay to be a little selfish and care for themselves. Your presence can provide them a safety net of sorts that will allow them to take breaks from taking care of others to taking care of themselves because you will be there to pick up the slack so to speak. With a newfound confidence that you are in-fact needed and there is a job to be done here, you take the dirty dishes with one hand while the other gently gives a pat to Chan’s head causing him to chuckle and playfully swat it away. “Try to get some rest soon, okay? Now that your belly’s full it should be a bit easier.” He smiles at that, nodding a bit as he reaches for his headphones. Just as you are about to leave he turns to you and calls out. “Thanks, by the way…for the food- and the company.” It’s your turn to give him a nod before making your way to the kitchen. You’re quick to wash the dirty dishes and set them on the drying rack before making your way back to your room to finally get some sleep of your own, not noticing that the entire time since you had exited your room to go and make dinner for just yourself in the beginning, someone has been watching from the shadows.

Changbin lingers just a little while longer in the upstairs hall after your door had closed, making sure you really were settling in for the night as his wolf felt an intense need to know you were safe before it would let him rest. Earlier when he had heard your door opening, his room being conveniently just next to yours, he had shot up from his slumber like a jack-in-the-box wound too tight to the point of popping out and had carefully observed you make your way through the silence of the late night hours. Looking back now as he laid down in his bed for the second time that evening he pulled his pillow over his face and groaned in embarrassment. If you had managed to catch him there, lurking, god he would have seemed like such a creep! He was there watching from the banister as you made your way downstairs, had crept down while you were cooking to watch from the edge of the dining room where the dim light over the stove top you had turned on wouldn’t cast over him, and even stood outside in the hall as you talked with Chan…

Changbin cursed to himself as he rolled over onto his side, still not fully grasping why it was his wolf was so captivated by you. He needed to get a hold of whatever it was soon before he made an absolute fool of himself like he had earlier offering to help you unpack. He was still beating himself up over that and how it seemed to make you uncomfortable. You were a stranger, after all. Even worse is he was a stranger to you…of course you wouldn’t want his help unpacking, nor would you need it considering how little you had brought with you. Yes- he knew he shouldn’t have but when he noticed your scent in the home upon their arrival the first thing he did was rush up to the previously empty room and when he noticed you were no longer there he couldn’t help but take a quick peek at the lone suitcase and empty duffle bag you had brought with you. It wasn’t like he snooped through your things exactly, but it still made him feel guilty that he was in your space without permission even just observing your belongings.

Regardless of what had happened in the past week since he had first laid eyes on you, Changbin was determined to control his wolf and get to know you better in hopes of figuring out what exactly it was about you that his canine counterpart was so enamored by.

author’s note; soooo technically this is a new fic but technically it’s also noooot?? Considering i plotted this whole first chapter out back when the fic was first teased back in January- also i wanna give a quick breakdown of the pack dynamics cause it’s a little different than what ive written before for omegaverse- yes it is poly pack dynamics meaning everyone x everyone to an extent~ HOWEVER there are mates pairs meaning that there is a deeper connection between those pairs it’s kind of a soulmate thing? True mates and all that shiiitt doesn’t mean the boys don’t love each other any less just means they are on a special wavelength with their mate- pairs are as follows; Chan and Minho, Jeongin and Hyunjin, and Han and Felix leaving Seungmin and Changbin as the unmated alphas of the pack~ if you have any questions please feel free to ask as I know this universe is so different from my other omegaverse works! Speaking of omegaverse~ new chapters of Escape and Going Dumb are in the works so please look forward to those (hopefully) soon!!

taglist; @chancloud8 @iknow-uknow-leeknow @mavischerry @vampkittenb82 @pizzalove5000 @motheraiya55 @linospetsitter @orithyia-eriphyle @stellasays45

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

𝐒 𝐌 𝐈 𝐋 𝐄 𝐒