JUNGKOOK watched Taehyung with a large smile spread across his face. His mate was tugging him excitedly towards their usual table where most of their friends were sat, minus Namjoon. He noticed how Yoongi and Hoseok were looking at the pair of them in confusion. Last they had heard, him and Tae were not talking to each other, and now they were smiling and holding hands with each other. He was excited to tell them. It would cease the endless teasing.
He remembered when Yoongi and Hoseok had found their mate. It was quite a funny story really. Jimin had been at a club when Yoongi appeared. He had had an argument with his girlfriend at the time – they knew they weren't each other's mates, but were both in need of a relationship so they got together. Both Jimin and Yoongi started talking and before they knew it, they kissed each other and had sex together. Then Jimin had a date with Hoseok the day after, where they also kissed, and then Jimin loses his ability to smell other alphas and omegas.
Hoseok had always told Jungkook that he was the first one Jimin approached, but Yoongi liked to say that he was the first. Jimin had showed up at their house and had seen either one of them and found out that the same thing had happened. Then the other showed up and said the same thing, and the three of them have been going out ever since.
Jungkook liked their story, but he thought his and Taehyung's was better. Maybe he was biased, but who cares? There is way more romance with theirs.
"Jiminie!" Taehyung yelled excitedly, hugging his friend from behind, his arms around his shoulders. Jungkook smiled at him fondly as he moved to stand in front of Yoongi and Hoseok.
"What's going on with you and Taehyung?" Yoongi asked, staring as Taehyung let go of Jimin and made his way to Jungkook, tucking himself under his arm.
"You can call me Tae, Yoongi hyung." Taehyung said, making Jungkook press a kiss to the top of his head.
"Well done, baby, I'm so proud of you." He said. Taehyung hadn't liked being called Tae by anyone he didn't really know. He had said it made him feel weak and pathetic, but Jungkook had told him that it didn't. Yes, it made him sound cute, but it was also a powerful name, especially because it belonged to someone so beautiful. So him letting Yoongi call him Tae was a step in the right direction for him to get over his rape, which Jungkook was so proud of. Tae looked up at him and smiled before leaning the side of his head on his chest.
"Yeah, what's going on, Kook?" Jin asked with a knowing smile on his face.
"So, me and TaeTae, or is it TaeTae and I?" Jungkook frowned. He had never been that good at grammar. "Oh well, we are mates." He said. Hoseok choked on the noodles he was devouring, causing Jimin to panic while Yoongi whacked his back.
"Did you say mates? You're too young, Kook. Still a little boy." Hoseok said, his face still red and straining although he had managed to get the noodles out of his windpipe.
"Hoseok hyung, I'm nineteen. Taehyung's younger, he's still eighteen!" Jungkook protested. "Anyway, at least it happened in a more romantic way than you, Jimin and Yoongi."
Yoongi growled. "Watch it, you brat."
"And don't forget your honorifics!" Jimin added, noodles dangling from his mouth. Yoongi chuckled and kissed him, biting the excess noodles and eating them.
"Hyung! Ew!" Jungkook turned towards Taehyung. "Tae baby, can you get rid of that awful image please?" He asked, looking at his beautiful mate. Taehyung flushed pink and leaned up on his tiptoes to peck Jungkook's lips. Jungkook wasn't too happy with that. "Baby," He whined, making Taehyung giggle and kiss him properly.
"Better?" He asked as he pulled away from the kiss, his lips red and shiny, looking absolutely delectable. Jungkook nodded and licked his lips as Jin cleared his throat to get their attention.
"Are you going to sit down and join us?" Jin asked, raising his eyebrow.
"No, actually, we've finished our classes and so I'm taking my baby out on a date." Jungkook said, squeezing Taehyung's waist. It was then he noticed the wince Taehyung did. He frowned in concern, but decided he would ask Taehyung about it after their date. He might have just fallen, but Jungkook wanted to be sure.
"Okay, have fun. Don't be back too late." Jin said, making Jungkook roll his eyes. Jin was an overprotective older brother, but Jungkook knew it was for the best.
"I won't hyung." Jungkook said with a playful whine before leading Taehyung to his car.
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
TAEHYUNG marvelled at Jungkook's car. Sure, it was like ten years old and a bit battered and scratched, but it was a Mercedes! That was a classy car! He looked around on the inside as Jungkook plugged his phone in to connect it to the radio so they could listen to some music.
"What do you want to listen to, Tae baby?" Jungkook asked, scrolling through his music in his phone. "I have a bit of everything, as well as Spotify, so just tell me a song and I'll play it for you."
"Can we listen to some John Legend please?" Taehyung requested. Jungkook nodded and hit shuffle on the John Legend playlist on Spotify. The first song that came on was 'All of Me'. This was one of Taehyung's favourite songs – it made him feel all warm inside, as if John was actually singing it to him and had written it for him. It made him feel loved, considering everything that had happened to him. He began to softly sing along as Jungkook pulled out of the school's parking lot. Taehyung caught Jungkook's smile out of the corner of his eye. "What?" He asked, curious as to why his mate was smiling so widely.
"Your voice is beautiful." He complimented, making Taehyung blush. "Like you."
"Kookie." Taehyung buried his head in his hands. "Don't, you're making me blush." Jungkook smiled and reached over, taking hold of his hand.
"So, let's stop by your house first and then we'll stop at mine and then we'll go somewhere to eat. Does that sound good?" Jungkook suggested. Taehyung froze. He didn't want Jungkook to see the awfulness that was his family. Hopefully both his parents were out and so wouldn't see them.
"O-Okay." Taehyung nodded. "But can we be quick? I'm hungry." As he spoke, his stomach growled loudly, making Jungkook chuckle and rub his tummy playfully.
"Okay, calm down. We won't take too long, little tummy." He smiled at Taehyung, who blushed even more if that was even possible.
Taehyung typed his address into the GPS and they drove to his house. Taehyung could feel the anxiety building. He couldn't let Jungkook see what his parents did to him. He couldn't make himself a burden to him. He didn't want him to know that his father would hit him every night because he didn't manifest as an alpha, or that his mother would constantly hurl insults at him.
They pulled up to his house and parked in the driveway behind the red Hyundai that belonged to his mother. He gulped. "Jungkook, I don't think I need anything." Taehyung said before they got out the car. He knew there was fear and worry written over his face.
"What, baby? What's wrong?" Jungkook asked. He knew something was up. Taehyung sighed and looked at the house where the front door was opening, and his mother was storming out, dressed in one of her business dresses and a pair of slippers. She had most likely just come home. There was no use leaving now. She had seen him.
"Never mind. I'll be quick. I'll grab some stuff and then get changed at your house." Taehyung said, unbuckling his seat belt and getting out of the car. "You can stay here, I'll just be in and out."
"What if I want to meet your mum, baby?" Jungkook asked.
Taehyung shook his head. "You already have. She knows who you are." He said, opening the door and sliding out. "I'll be back in a second." He shut the door and reluctantly approached his mother, who was ready to start hurling insults and abuse at him.
"And what the fuck do you think you're doing?" His mother yelled at him. His parents were not omegas. His mum was a beta, and his dad an alpha. No omegas in sight in this family. Until him. "I didn't think I would see the disappointment until later. Why aren't you at school? Did you get expelled for fucking some alpha teacher to fill your needy omega desires? You are pathetic!" Taehyung ignored her and continued walking towards his room. "And so he ignores me! You are ungrateful and don't deserve to be here on this planet alive!"
Taehyung shut his door, and wiped his eyes, brushing the tears away. He had to be quick so Jungkook didn't suspect anything. He walked towards his closet and picked out a few outfits because he wanted to look nice for their lunch date but then wanted to change into something more comfy when they went back to Jungkook's house. He grabbed his oversized pale blue hoodie with a pair of shorts for his comfy outfit and some light blue ripped jeans with a white tshirt and a black denim jacket with sheep fur collar. He decided he would get changed at Jungkook's house rather than here. He didn't want to spend any more time in here than he had to.
He packed them into a bag and waited by his door, trying to hear whether or not his mother was waiting for him. He couldn't hear anything so he flung open the door and ran down the stairs and pushed open the front door, going back to a normal speed as he approached the car.
"Taehyung!" His mother shouted after him. "Pathetic slut, where the fuck are you going now?" She began to quickly walk towards him.
He got in the car and shut the door. "Let's go." He said with a smile on his face.
"Are you okay?" Jungkook asked, looking at him carefully. Taehyung nodded and took hold of Jungkook's hand, kissing the back of it.
"I'm perfect." Taehyung replied.
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
JUNGKOOK could tell something was up with Taehyung. He heard his mother shouting at him, but he wasn't sure what she was saying. He had a feeling that Taehyung wincing earlier was related to this. But he didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable, that was the last thing he wanted to do. He was his baby, and he needed to protect him with everything he had.
He drummed his fingers against the steering wheel as they drove along the main road. Taehyung was fiddling with his fingers in his lap, his head swaying slowly with the beat of the music. His curls were kissing the tips of his ears his fringe flopping into his eyes slightly. Jungkook's eyes followed the shape of his face, the careful slope of his nose and the smooth cheekbones, down to the slight pout of his lips and his chin. He was beautiful.
"I can feel you staring." Taehyung said, his voice low. He glanced at Jungkook sideways, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"I can't help it. Your face is too pretty for me not to stare at." Jungkook smirked, as Taehyung blushed and giggled slightly.
"If you keep staring at me and not the road, you won't be able to stare at my pretty face for much longer." Taehyung pointed out. Jungkook pouted slightly, but Tae did have a point. "Are we almost at your house?" He asked, looking out the window. "You don't live with your parents anymore?" He asked as they drove past his old house.
"Oh, um, no." Jungkook felt a pang of sadness in his heart. "They passed away in a car accident a few years ago. I live with Jin, Yoongi and Hoseok hyungs."
"Kookie, I'm so sorry." Taehyung reached over and placed a hand on top of his hand. "They loved you so much. I had no idea. I'm sorry."
Jungkook knew that the second apology was definitely about them not talking for a few years. "Taehyungie, baby, you don't need to apologise anymore for what happened between us." He said, kissing the back of his hand. "It's behind us now. We are each other's present and future. That's all that matters. We can't dwell on the past. Besides, I have forgiven you." He turned the steering wheel to pull into the driveway of his house. "We're here. You coming in?"
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
TAEHYUNG felt awful. Jungkook didn't deserve to have gone through what he had gone through with his parents dying. It was like he was being punished, even though he wasn't in the wrong. His parents were so nice and loved Jungkook with all their heart. The way they died was awful.
Jungkook lead him to a decently sized apartment. "It's only got three bedrooms, but we survive." He said. "I mean, the only people that stay are Jimin and Namjoon, and now hopefully you, but they share with their mates, so we don't really need anymore." Taehyung nodded as he glanced around.
The walls were covered in framed photos of pets, family and friends. There were a few of Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok, and Namjoon and Jin, as well. It was actually quite tidy, which surprised Taehyung. Normally, teenage boys were messy, but everything seemed to be in order. Definitely due to Seokjin, he thought to himself.
His duffel bag brushed against a bruised cut on his shoulder, making him gasp in pain. Jungkook looked over at him concerned. "Baby, what's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing, I must have hit my shoulder on the doorframe when I left my house earlier." He said, not wanting Jungkook to know the real reason. It had been a doorframe, but only because his father had pushed him against it. Jungkook narrowed his eyes at him, making Taehyung gulp. He didn't fully believe him.
"Let me take your bag, baby." Jungkook said, taking the bag from him. The strap brushed against it again, making him wince. "Are you sure you're okay?" He asked. "Baby, you can tell me. I'll protect you, and keep you safe." He said, leading him to his room.
As Jungkook pushed open the door, Taehyung knew that Jin was the one who was tidy. There were clothes strewn on the floor, with used plates and glasses stacked up precariously on the dresser like a dangerous game of Jenga. There was a gaming computer and a desk tucked away in the corner and a large dresser in the middle of the wall opposite the bed. The bed was a large double with simple black and grey sheets.
"Sorry, it's a bit messy." Jungkook flushed a slight red, making Taehyung smile.
"It's okay." Taehyung said with a small smile. Jungkook dropped the bags in the corner before sitting on the bed and pulling Taehyung onto his lap.
"I know you're not telling me something, baby." Jungkook said. "Talk to me please." He begged. Taehyung sighed. He knew he had to tell Jungkook. Maybe he could get him out of there.
"I think it's easier if I just show you." Taehyung said. He took a deep breath before tugging off his shirt, allowing his cuts and bruises and scars to be visible.
Jungkook gasped before running his fingers lightly over the imperfections on his skin. "Baby... What happened to you?"
"I became an Omega." Taehyung said bitterly. "You know, it's funny how you think your parents will love you unconditionally, no matter what, but then they stop over something that's not even in your control."
"Your parents did this to you?!" Jungkook sounded angry. His scent also got stronger, indicating his anger. "That's it. You're not going back there. They're hurting you! Does anyone else know?"
Taehyung shook his head. "You're the first person." He revealed. Jungkook sighed and pulled him closer. Taehyung could feel his heartbeat against his back.
"Thank you for telling me." He said softly. "You know something, baby, you are so beautiful." Taehyung felt warm inside. "All of these are your battle scars, and they make you so much stronger. My brave baby." Jungkook kissed just behind his ear.
"I'll need to get my stuff from the house." Taehyung said, standing up and looking at his boyfriend. He had his arms crossed over his bare chest and stomach to hide them from his view. "Can we still go on our date, though?"
"Of course, we can, baby. And then you can get your stuff tomorrow after school." Jungkook said. He frowned slightly when he saw Taehyung's arms crossed over his body. He took hold of his wrists and pulled them apart, so he was exposed. "Baby, you are so perfect." He said.
Taehyung shook his head. "No, I'm not. I'm covered in scars and bruises. And that's just what you can see. I'm so messed up. How can you even stand to be around me?"
Jungkook stood up and pulled him close. "Because you are my soulmate, my best friend, my one true love. You are beautiful, smart, kind and perfect in my eyes. And I want to help you see that." He said, kissing the top of his head. Taehyung sniffled, resting his forehead against Jungkook's chest. "What did your mother say to you?"
Taehyung took a deep breath and wiped his eyes. Why was he crying so much? "She called me a disappointment." He said. "And then accused me of fucking one of the teachers to fuel my needy omega desires."
Jungkook scoffed. "I'm going to kill her." His scent spiked again, making Taehyung ball up his shirt in his hands.
"No, you can't!" He cried. "Please don't. Just let me get my stuff tomorrow and we never have to see her ever again. I can stay here, right?"
Jungkook was silent for a bit. "Well, I don't know, we might not have enough space..." He said. Taehyung blinked at him. Had he said something wrong? Was it because of his confession to Jungkook? "Baby, I'm joking. Of course, you're staying here. I wouldn't want you anywhere else."
"Thank you." Taehyung nuzzled his head into Jungkook's neck. Jungkook said nothing; he just stroked Taehyung's back and kissed the side of his head. His dark chocolate and cinnamon scent filled his nose, calming his nerves and allowing his heart to stop pounding in his chest.
"You smell so good." Jungkook whispered into his hair. "Like cherries." Taehyung let out a short huff of laughter as he pulled away. "Your lips look like cherries as well, red and plump and ready for me to devour." Jungkook leaned down and kissed Taehyung. It was a playful kiss, but Taehyung's heart still leapt in his chest and his stomach filled with butterflies as it somersaulted inside him. Jungkook tasted like a dark chocolate cinnamon cake, sweet with a hint of darkness. He nipped at Taehyung's lips as he pulled away, his teeth gently pulling at the red flesh.
Taehyung pouted playfully. "You might have just removed all of my lip gloss." He stuck out his bottom lip. "I didn't bring any with me."
"You don't need it baby." Jungkook said, swaying them from side to side. His stomach growled, making Taehyung jump slightly before giggling at how he had been taken aback.
"Hungry?" Taehyung asked. Jungkook nodded. "Then let me go change." He lightly hit Jungkook's chest, making the older mock a glare as he released the smaller omega.
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
JUNGKOOK watched his mate with a small smile playing on his lips. How could someone look so cute yet so achingly hot at the same time? His Tae baby was perfect. He watched as the younger boy bent to open his duffel bag and pull out his clothes. The scars on his back stretched and puckered as his muscles flexed and relaxed.
It annoyed him at how parents could treat their own child like that. His parents were the type of people who would have loved him no matter what – even if one day he decided to get surgery to give himself cat ears or something extreme like that. They would never think of laying a hand on him because of how he presented.
But Taehyung's parents were not. The scars on his back varied from white and red showing how recent they were. Jungkook was angry with himself. How long had this been going on? If he hadn't been so stubborn and tried to get through to Taehyung and reassure him that he wouldn't leave earlier, then maybe he would have been able to get him out of that horrible environment before it got too much for him to handle.
Taehyung threw his clothes onto Jungkook's bed. "Hey, don't mess up my room!" Jungkook whined, making Taehyung wrinkle his nose as he smiled.
"I think it's already messy, Kookie." He observed, pointing at some of stacked plates and cups. "Does Jin hyung not come in here at all?"
"Not really, the sight repulses him." Jungkook laughed, making Taehyung huff and roll his eyes as he pulled on his white tshirt.
"I'm not surprised." Taehyung said unfolding his jeans and shaking them out. "Now close your eyes. I need to change my jeans." Jungkook frowned. He wanted to see his baby's body and worship it, from his head down to his toes. "Kookie, please, close your eyes. I'm not that comfortable with you yet to allow you to see me in my underwear." Jungkook obliged, closing his eyes. He could hear fabric rustling and a small thud.
"Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes still closed.
"Yeah, I'm just clumsy. You can open your eyes now." Taehyung said. Jungkook's eyes fluttered open and he took in the sight in front of him. Taehyung's jeans clung to his legs like a second skin, making Jungkook's mouth drop open.
"Ok, wow." He said. "Wow."
"That's all you can say, Kookie? Wow?" Taehyung teased, making Jungkook growl playfully and reach up to tickle his waist. Taehyung giggled.
"When there is literally a Greek god in front of me, yes, wow is the only thing I can say." Jungkook stood up and looked Taehyung in the eye.
"I'm not a Greek god." Taehyung said. "You are though." He reached up and traced Jungkook's features with his finger.
"If you're not a Greek god then I'm an ant." Jungkook said. "Baby you are so beautiful. I wish you could see that." He hated that his baby didn't love himself.
"I'm working on it. I promise, Kookie." Taehyung said softly. "Can we go eat now? I'm starving."
"Of course baby. Let me just change my top." Jungkook pulled off his black hoodie and walked over to his wardrobe to find something else to put on. When he turned around with a black v-neck tshirt in his hands, he saw Taehyung staring at him, some drool falling from his mouth. "Baby, you're drooling." He said. "Like something you see?"
"You have abs." Taehyung observed. "Like actual abs. Like an actual six pack." Jungkook chuckled.
"You are too cute, little Tae baby." He said, walking over and dropping a kiss to his lips. "Now, let's go eat at the mall. Ramen and kimchi?"
"Yes please." Taehyung nodded, taking hold of Jungkook's hand. Jungkook smiled and kissed his curls. He picked up their jackets and they left the house.
Genre: fluff, angst, romance, smut, Werewolf AU, Bookshop AU
Pairing: alpha!Namjoon x human!Reader
Warning: Mention of blood & rape.
Summary: Sometimes we find by sheer luck what we lost between the pages. The retrieval, however, is not always as fortunate.
Previous part / Masterlist / Next part
The calming aroma of golden pancakes mixed with the tang of bright orange juice and sweetness of freshly cut fruit can even be smelled under the shower regardless of the kitchen being relatively removed from the bathroom. Judging by the scent combination, it is mostly strawberries from the farm just out of town, which always brings back memories of the missing cousin of whom there is still no news up until this very day.
Withal, it is another particular perfume that tries to hide in the background and has only been noticed after having become fully aware of reality once more which makes washing off the returning nightmare, every sliver of it carried off with a drop sliding over tanned skin to the drain, that much harder. Especially since the aftermath seems worse than it has been since a long time, due to a reason that cannot be fathomed yet keeps pressing on a mute part of memory without coming through.
Something happened, but it is not clear what or Instinct is simply confused as it always is after having spent terrible hours in the dark in a semi-aware manner, needing to be cleared up like the rest of the body and mind.
Henceforth, although the essences of dawn normally nullify the hold of the dreadful dream and the abhorrent payoff, around this time of the month it does all but that. Quite to the contrary, thanks to the intruder, it forms an unconscious reminder of the animal within.
The family curse.
Nevertheless, if eyes remain closed and fingers just occupy themselves with washing silver strands and styling them in the hopes of staying put, the day can be started as any other. Begin a new twenty-four hours as a human, as a simple bookseller who lives with his restaurant-owning brother whose girlfriend stays over for at least a week straight once a month for not completely normal reasons. Tess resides with us during that period - customarily pushed to find the solution on the Monday of the third week - to solve Seokjin’s continuous problem with the apparently necessary noise.
To be honest, the same issue is caused by the affected creature inside mostly two to three days after, the tempting natural perfume of a mate already belonging to the real alpha of the Kim brothers not particularly helping whatsoever. In fact, if the rut has not started, it is almost suffocating because it also cruelly reminds of the voluntarily taken on loneliness in favour of being an ordinary individual.
Devoid of the risk of hurting a loved one in a primal craze.
Without Y/N.
Ironically, it so happens to be today that Seokjin is loudly taken out of the game if the zesty yet not overly pungent summery smell drifting in from beneath the bathroom door and leading through the living room to the general hallway is any indication. Henceforth, before the earthly brown wolf can drop any hint of wanting to rush out of the kitchen to open the door and completely abandon the focus on cooking breakfast, a fire hazard nothing to be worried about because continuing the bloodline has priority, bare feet already tread over the mulga floor to the cool clay tiles leading to the front door.
While ignoring the heavy musk to the best ability allows without gagging, slender digits of a grey wolf wearing a disguise decorated with casual jeans and a plain white T-shirt mould around the bronze knob to grant entrance to the mate of the dedicated alpha. Likely it is for the better it is me answering the doorbell because the cook already seemed very eager to turn on his heel to take on the task instead.
Anything for a somewhat tranquil start of the day.
Just one meal without any otherworldly hustle.
‘Please do something about Jin.’ Light eyes stare up into pure chocolate ones in amused surprise, the finger still reached out for the doorbell lowering while a smug smirk forms. ‘By the way, good morning.’
‘I felt the mating mark heat up around five in the morning but figured it wouldn’t be a problem until at least seven. But, just in case, I also set a monthly reminder because getting up early in the morning remains an art I’ll never master.’ The enjoyment of the previously made comment fades from a round face as the lingering negativity not washed away by warm drops unfortunately not filled with oblivion is noticed. Of course, it does not pass under the radar since the she-wolf immediately knows it when something bothers a person or peer, mainly due to working in the medicinal branch related to animals and thus also having to interact with their owners. Not that it is hard to miss in general if one is to go by the melancholy air about a posture that tries to hide the nightmare.
Briefly, eyes show a pop of honey gold, the severe mood bringing out the motherly omega. ‘You had that dream again, didn’t you?’
A nod, confirming the answer without speaking. Although genuine concern clearly comes through in speech, there is nothing that can be done to make the mind stop replaying the corrupted memory.
Nothing ever will be able to do so until sight has been graced with Y/N, alive and well, away from the community hidden within society.
A strange pity comes through in the vet assistant’s attitude, quite unlike the sort normally shown at the mention of what punishment Imagination conjured up during the dusky hours. Somehow that unrecognizable emotion strengthens the sense of something bigger having happened but missing out on the event and being blind to the impact.
Nonetheless, before a word can be spoken about the lingering suspicion - the sole other person available for talking to about personal beast-related problems is the absent psychiatrist who is a barista in his spare time in the bookstore - Seokjin rounds the corner, clearly elated at the sight of the small figure in the entryway.
‘Tess! Talk about timing. We were just about to eat.’ Wiping digits stained with the traces of the preparation of the meal which is now unmistakably beckoning - bitter coffee mixed with the comforting scent of eggs and pancakes alongside that from the seasonal fruits - from the cherrywood dining table, a vapor of musk almost directly nullifies the fresher albeit regardlessly sickeningly nectarous scent emitted by a mate craving their alpha upon coming closer.
Ruby colours for a split second normally identical eyes, indicating actually having an appetite for a whole other type of sustenance yet wanting to keep up airs of normalcy for a defect pack member. Though it is well-meant, it does nothing in the way of feeling any more human than when going straight to the point and leaving the waiting meal for what it is.
Again irises change to a shade of crimson out of warning when briefly locking gazes, the instinct to protect especially against the attempted claim - or so it might feel like despite the lack of desire to actually do so - of another on the beloved moving the transformation instead of something personal. Judgment or conflict is never in place when real nature shows itself because, either intentionally or not, during this period of fertile madness Jin is not the overly caring sibling who makes cringingly bad jokes.
He is the very personification of the curse, the powerful and proud alpha.
The accomplished one, worthy of the old pure blood flowing through the veins.
Albeit a portrayal tainted by the endeavour to control it in favour of the brother who cannot cope with what becomes the other so incredibly well. The outcast who has never gained any sort of mastery over the second savage persona even after five years of hard training, discipline and medicines to repress primal urges once a month and put the overall bloodthirsty demon to as deep a slumber as possible.
All to no avail.
Still a failure after all.
A disgrace to the ancient Kim pack.
A low growl unintentionally escaping when putting an arm around shoulders reaching the height of the middle of the broad chest, the chef at home leads Tess to the dining room. Making sure all the while to steer her just outside the reach of another child of the moon, as the poets would say.
But there is nothing poetic about this story.
In spite of the underlying sentiment of rivalry in the current behaviour, there is no competition in vying for attention since a mark formed by pale pink ragged flesh, the wound has never truly healed, on the shoulder blade is the foundation for an unbreakable bond. Furthermore, the sole thing which has ever been wanted from the sibling’s partner is a listening ear and advice shaped by the greater knowledge about humanity, which has been cultivated by daily contact on a personal level with those unlike us. The latter, in particular, offers the comfort Seokjin at times cannot give due to not really having a sense of what it is like hating the image reflected in the mirror, resulting in mostly sitting on a nearby surface and fulfil the role of an absent deaf man.
Fortunately, the small girl does understand, though acceptance of the condition came soon after being mated by the same wolf who caused the radical shift in persona. It was a reckless decision, made on no other grounds than finally having the individual who has been held dear all this time as a part of the pack as an equal in terms of nature, regardless of thus adding credibility to the rumours about the illegal activities that have supposedly kept the bloodline alive.
Perhaps part of the accusations are true since not every relative, still walking the earth or concealed beneath its surface in eternal rest, has had to endure the curse from the moment of birth. Nevertheless, all of them have forgotten at a certain point what living is like by simply going day by day without any supernatural powers or being similar to any other little piece of existence strolling the pavement.
What it is like to be normal.
This type of ignorance was the reason for moving in with the brown-haired chef alongside the man’s recognition the current environment was everything but healthy, pushing the choice a bit under the mirage of unconsciously doing so to keep up appearances for parents unapproving of any wolf unlike them. Certainly of dishonouring mongrels running amok, though they have not found out up until this very day the youngest son is one.
Breakfast passes in silence devoid of the comfortable atmosphere normally hanging in the air, even during the week wherein getting proper rest is pretty much impossible for each affected party because of various reasons. Eyes try to remain focused on the stack of golden pancakes dribbled over with honey which softens the bitter taste of the daily espresso, but thoughts keep drifting off to the images repeating themselves through the night and the nagging feeling of overlooking something significant. The latter especially applies this morning thanks to Tess’s weird expression earlier regardless of the fact it might not be related to the suspicion whatsoever.
‘Namjoon, are you- Babe, please, not yet.’ In place of opting for eating, the alpha across the table has begun softly nibbling on the mating mark on the side of a pale neck while purring, clearly wanting to retreat to the bedroom as fast as possible. However, the beloved obviously has another idea as a laborious push puts distance between a heated body aching with sensual craving and the one reacting to it but trying to hold off to make sure the third wheel is not dismissed without further notice. ‘Are you alright?’
Appetite entirely subsides as the gleaming polished metal fork is put down beside the half-filled plate, only one pancake having been touched at all. With an air of casualty to mask the growing sense of concern, the inquiry is answered. ‘Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like this is the first time it happened. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.’
‘He hasn’t told you, has he?’ The eyes of the smaller brown she-wolf soften before becoming fierce when turning to Jin, the stern sentiment flowing over in speech. ‘You said you’d talk to him.’
‘I forgot, dear.’ A shaking exhale betrays the inner fight for control, wanting to surrender to Primality already yet aware that the apparently important subject at hand needs to be discussed. ‘I didn’t want to trouble him and you know he can’t help it.’
‘Told me what? What’s going on?’ As has been the case from the moment of moving in with the older sibling, certain details have remained hidden out of the belief it would only benefit the care for a monster desperately and comically trying to play pretend at being human. Notwithstanding, the concealment has never continued over a longer period of time since aroused suspicions pushed the urge to gain answers despite their potential ugliness.
And it does so again right now, wanting to hear the true tale, aching to know about the damage.
Because, judging by the knot forming in the gut, the beast within has reigned supreme again in spite of the efforts to tame it.
I took the pills. But why can I remember a different taste of blood so vividly then? It was delicious. Human. I haven’t... I’m not a monster. The medication should have done its job and Jin would never take me to a place where people would be when I’m... not myself. I must be wrong. I have to be. But it was so so good.
‘Are you going to do it or shall I?’ The intonation of the vet assistant suggests a severe approach to the pressing topic is about to be taken and, apparently, by her since no reply comes from the barely sensible alpha. An almost inaudible resigning sigh escapes lips before softening the gaze turning towards the discombobulated and gradually getting more gravely agonized demonic bookseller. ‘Joon, do you remember where you were on the last full moon, two weeks ago?’
‘Why do you ask? I was in the woods, far away from the town.’ Nothing was different from the normal procedure on rough amnesiac nights, going to the remote forest in the distant valley about an hour and a half to two hours drive away from home after having made the necessary preparations.
Thus far there has been no obvious trigger for the discomfort making the body shift nervously from side to side on the chair, the ministrations ever so scarcely noticeable though the sharp animalistic senses belonging to the present company clearly pick up on the unrest. However, neither of the couple seems to have eased as well as the talk carries on. In fact, it can be said each party is only growing more restless in the face of reaching an outcome that cannot be evaded.
With a new question, though, it is nevertheless tried. ‘Did you take your medicines?’
At the discovery of the futility of the long hours of supervision and training, a final resort to medicinal treatment was taken after extensive research on effects and risks with Hoseok and Jin. The former dove deep into the archives and is the sole person with knowledge about how to make the non-lethal pills, which have been helpful in the attempts of becoming more like the man who is aspired to be like since they suppress the rutting symptoms to a bearable and manageable degree. Though still having to retreat from society for a hurtful long irregular week, the pain of being unmated alongside the haphazard transformations would have been grander were it not for the repressing concoction of wolfsbane and silver, just enough to keep the beast within sedated.
Such an untamable creature had not been dealt with since the last similarly powerful children of the moon had been eradicated by the end of the 17th century, all of them ticking time-bombs about to explode and betray the well-concealed kin and peers to the public. Henceforth, albeit bittersweet, multiple alphas, betas and omegas who were present during the executions were relieved that the secret remained in spite of not directly showing it in the direct light of the demise of faces both known and foreign.
Later on, as science developed and the belief in werewolves transformed into a mental disease called “lycanthropy”, renegade wolves were sent to asylums like Lambeth by family members in hopes of the doctors being able to help at least a bit in the transformation of an inherently savage nature. However, as with every form of progress, details were missing in the earliest versions of research, thus causing failures from which others might learn. Hence is why treatment regularly failed, ending in death either by an overdose on the mixture of poison taken today in a lesser amount as an anaesthetic or the syringe.
That was the fate for those who were given a chance at endeavouring, or were, rather, forced to change but still had help. Yet there were also the madhouses specifically designed for execution where most of the Oldbloods, ancient werewolf families like the Kims, sent their uncontrollable relatives for they were the true dangers to the civilization that were dealt with more cruelly in the past.
Far beyond redemption.
Like me.
Fortunately, with the extreme rareness of the condition nowadays and the mental institutions gradually closing, a sole one is left active to extract death punishment on order of The High Council, the organisation consisting of the heads of every Oldblood family and its branches which discusses issues like ongoing affairs and crimes against the race. Otherwise, they have become another fragment of the past obscured by human history while some remember the truth behind the story and fear the last living remnant.
A nod assures the reply to the pharmaceutical question, fairly certain if not entirely of having done nothing to stray from normal protocol. ‘Yes.’
But the short comment is taken with a grain of salt, motherly doubt coming through in the tone of the reaction. Although the alpha’s girlfriend means well - always taking care of not only the beloved boyfriend but also his brother in whom a sort of peer was found at the first meeting - the careful approach serves the irritation building up at being kept in the dark about something clearly gone wrong. ‘Are you sure?’
I did silence the voice of the wolf. But, the prey was delicious, the flesh was so tender despite the muscle. No, I took the pills. The hunt was certainly worth the trouble. No, there was nothing but sheep’s blood in the end.
But if that is the reality of the issue, then remembering should not end at the empty abyss forming part of the memory gap. ‘I think I did.’ Quick glances are shared between the omega and the mate on the adjacent seat, who manages to - albeit temporarily yet impressively - repress every primal desire to pick up on the mental war being waged across the table in the eyes of a haunted soul which has finally found the key to the reason for the nagging feeling of ignorance. Guilt mixes with fear and self-loathing into a dangerous concoction that mostly follows the image of having killed Y/N, unable to stop the creature from devouring her.
The sole grace which is sometimes granted is that the woman who was to become the wife of a bookseller is not raped before the crimson flows richly.
But this time around there is no redemption.
Only pure agony.
Gaze averts from the amiable company to the cherrywood surface of the table, trembling fists filled with inward hatred underneath. This should not be happening, been left behind long ago. This cannot end with death in a clinical environment if the building and reasoned assumption proves truthful. ‘What have I done?’
I should be better than this, be more in control of myself. This isn’t me, some murderous beast. I’ve never wanted to be like this. But... I am... and it has cost me my wife and now even myself. Why can’t I remember?
Seokjin proves to be the one to take the lead in breaking the news, pausing every so often to remain calm and composed, for as far as that is possible when the rut is tainting each aspect of common sense. ‘One of my employees, Jungkook, is hospitalized. He was camping with his girlfriend in the woods and was attacked by a rabid animal.’
Pause, taking a moment to clutch an arm around the stinging pain in the nether regions, the body sick of having to wait to procreate and wanting to start a family right this instance.
Continue, regret distorting a steady voice.
‘I went by during visiting hours last week for further investigation, ask a few questions, but he was barely conscious. Pumped full with morphine, fortunately, because a quick look under the sheets told me enough about the wound on his hip. Not a pretty sight and the pain can only be fathomed. However, he kept anxiously mumbling about a monster black as night with red eyes. I tried to make sense of it without thinking of you, Joon, I really did.’
Pause, trying to suppress a familiar potion of anger and inward hatred that has been drunk many times before by a bookseller.
Continue, a sliver of panic seeping in.
‘Later, as I was about to return home, I came across Hoseok in the hallway, worried just as much as I was. He, too, asked me the same questions we asked you because he said the woods where Jungkook was found were the place where we go on full moons.’ A hush befalls the room as the information is pieced together and sinks in. ‘I know I fucked up big time and for that, I am tremendously sorry. Jungkook just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, but you also know what this means. It is merely a matter of time before they find out and can use this against you, against our family. I know I am guilty of the crime of turning as well, but the rabidness inside will deliver you to the end of the line. I don’t want to lose my baby brother.’
‘Serves me right because I should be punished for the mistake, not our family. This is not worth losing ground over.’ For with the loss of honour, comes the loss of power. And that is not a burden to be placed upon the people who unintentionally failed in raising a second heir.
‘Namjoon...’
I’m sorry I failed you, Y/N. I know I should be apologetic to Jin, but it’s you who has kept me going all this time, let me anticipate a reunion. I’m sorry, baby. For everything. For never having been nor have the potential to be the right man if human at all. For being me.
None of us says it, but right across from amber and ruby eyes sits a disgrace unfit to ever lead the pack nor rule the territory in its name.
A lunatic that not even an asylum can save.
A dead man whose hands should have tied the noose already a long time ago.
the lingering taste of salt by forheart ( 3/3 | M | 18k)
main pairing: seokjin/yoongi
Yoongi is not like any Omega in the capital. He's not soft, he's not submissive, he's obstinate, hates luxuries, and would rather hide in his room than attend a party. No one understands how such a wolf is the Prince's fiancee.
Seokjin chose him, that's all that matters to Yoongi.
admin: i truly loved the way yoonjin’s dynamic was written.
Summary: A bit of background information on alpha, beta and omega dynamics
Prologue
Alphas: Alphas are generally dominant and able to impregnate Omegas. Male Alphas usually have a knot when aroused.
Betas: Betas are subordinate to Alphas and may or may not be able to impregnate Omegas. Betas are often presented as having 'normal' human anatomy, with none of the special attributes of Alphas or Omegas, and are peacemakers between Alphas and Omegas.
Omegas: Omegas are generally lowest on the hierarchy. Male Omegas are self-lubricating and have the ability to become pregnant, sometimes referred to as being bred or mated. Omegas are often considered the most fragile of the hierarchy, with frailer bodies and painful presentations. Male omegas are especially subject to fertility issues, miscarriages, and difficult pregnancies.
Anatomy: For reference, male and female betas are representative of what are, in this universe, cis males and females. Therefore, a male beta has a penis, external testicles, and an anus, while a female beta has a clitoris, a vulva and vagina, ovaries, a uterus, and an anus
The only anatomical difference between male alphas and male betas is that male alphas have at the base of their penis a bulbus glandis, which expands during intercourse, locking the alpha inside their partner. The bulbus glandis is colloquially referred to as the 'knot'.
Male omegas are the most alien to us, as they have two sets of reproductive organs: both 'male' and 'female' organs are present. Male omegas do have a penis and testicles, but they are small and often incorrectly referred to as 'vestigial'. Their testicles rarely descend fully, and generally settle just caudal to the inguinal canal. Instead of an anus or vulva, male omegas possess a cloaca, which then subdivides into the vaginal and rectal canals. Both the vaginal canal and the rectal canal have a valve which prevents them from opening at the same time. In male omegas, it is the testicles and 'male' organs that are underdeveloped, rather than the uterus and ovaries. Both urine and semen are expelled through the urethra in the penis.
Mating: Alpha and Omega lovers may form pair-bonds (often involving mating bites) with a special connection with telepathic or empathetic qualities. Paired Alphas may be jealous and possessive of their mate, while the Omega may become submissive. Omegas may go into heat and need to have sex; this may be the only time Omegas are fertile. The Alpha equivalent is known as a rut.
Manifestation: Manifestation is essentially puberty, during which an individual's secondary gender begins to affect them biologically and induces the production of hormones and pheromones.
Omegas tend to manifest slightly later than alphas, around 15 or 16. Alphas tend to manifest around 14 or 15. The change is marked by increased pheromone production and sensitivity, and omega manifestation is often heralded by their first heat, though not necessarily. Beta manifestation is often mistaken for no manifestation at all, as it is much more subtle and is often only noticed by the betas themselves, as they become more sensitive to the scents of those around them. Registration of sex is required within a week (or, for omegas, six weeks) of manifestation.
JUNGKOOK noticed that Taehyung was smiling when he arrived at school the morning after their heartfelt conversation and kiss. He wasn't exactly sure of what was going on between him and Taehyung, but he knew that it felt right when they were together, like Taehyung was the missing puzzle piece of his life and that he was finally completed when Taehyung was around. They had arrived first out of the group since Jungkook had stayed over at Taehyung's house last night since the boy had not been in the right mindset to be left alone.
"Kookie!" Taehyung giggled as he hugged him tight. Jungkook instantly felt a warmth flood through his body that sparked with electricity. It felt nice. It felt right. Taehyung was smiling his boxy smile when he pulled away. There was a pang in his heart. He hadn't realised how much he had missed this Tae.
"Hey TaeTae." Jungkook replied, stroking the boy's hair, making Taehyung lean into the gesture and hum in content, his eyes closed. Jungkook could tell that Taehyung had placed his full trust in him, which is why he was acting like this. But he also knew that as soon as Hoseok or Jin or Yoongi arrived, this would disappear and Taehyung would go back to being cold and withdrawn. Taehyung looked up at him, slightly confused.
"Kookie, something weird happened to me today." Taehyung confessed, playing with one of Jungkook's hands. Jungkook instantly felt worried. Had something bad happened? Had he almost been hurt? "I can't smell anyone's scents but yours." He said. "I think something's wrong with me."
Jungkook frowned. He had heard of this happening before, but he could not remember what the cause of it was. He hoped it wasn't bad. He couldn't bear losing Tae again. "I'm sure it's nothing, Tae. But we'll go to the doctor after school if you want? I'll ask Jin and see if he's heard of this, okay? But don't worry about it. We'll figure it out." He said reassuringly. Taehyung nodded and turned his head as he saw Jimin's car pull into the parking lot. He jumped away with Jungkook and his smile disappeared, back to his usual cold stare.
Jungkook bit his lip as he saw Jimin climb out of the car with Yoongi and Hoseok following behind. He knew Taehyung would go back to this, but it still hurt him to see Taehyung too scared to show his emotions. As the three approached, Jungkook noticed the dark bruises littered on Jimin's exposed neck and collarbone, and Yoongi's dishevelled hair. No, they didn't. He hoped they didn't. Ew no. He did not need that mental image in his brain.
But what confused him the most was how he never caught their scents. Maybe he had given Taehyung whatever bug he had or vice versa. Maybe it was a bug that was transmitted by kissing. His heart skipped a beat in panic. What was happening to them?
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
TAEHYUNG knew that Jimin could tell something was wrong with him. And he also knew that Jimin was going to confront him about what happened with Jungkook the night before. And he really didn't want to talk about that with him. But maybe he could ask him about not being able to pick up any scents apart from one. Thankfully he was still in class so he could think about what twisted truth he was going to tell Jimin about last night. He couldn't say they kissed. That would be bad. Maybe he should just say they talked everything out and are back to being friends?
But he couldn't dwell on that anymore because the bell rang signalling the end of the class. Taehyung quickly got up and walked out of the classroom, allowing his long legs to carry him as swiftly as possible away from the ignorance of those young alphas. He forgot that Jimin was shorter than him and found it harder to keep up.
"Yah!" He heard the older boy yell from behind him. "Kim Taehyung!" He stopped and allowed Jimin to catch up to him. He chuckled as he saw the angry midget storming over to him. "I hate you for that! You left me in the throng of ignorance."
Taehyung couldn't help but keep laughing. There was funny angry Jimin and then scary angry Jimin. He knew he should probably stop laughing so that he wouldn't cause the scary angry, but he couldn't stop himself. "I'd like to see you try, midget." He said, patting Jimin's head. "Have fun attacking my kneecaps."
Jimin's face darkened, his eyes becoming filled with anger as he glared at Taehyung. Scary angry Jimin had appeared. With his jaw set, Jimin reached up and grabbed Taehyung's ear, dragging him to the nearest empty classroom.
"Ow! Stop! Jimin that hurts!" Taehyung yelped making Jimin huff and let go of his ear before shutting the door.
"It's hyung to you, you brat!" Jimin said, flicking the side of his head. Taehyung winced at the sharp pain that shot through his temple but he decided not to annoy Jimin any further.
"Sorry hyung." He said as he sat on top of one of the desks. "And I'm not going to bow in front of you begging for forgiveness. Not if you want to know what happened last night." Jimin's anger quickly dissipated out of his body and he jumped up on the desk next to Taehyung.
Taehyung thought if he had a tail it would be wagging at a thousand times a minute he looked so excited. "What happened? Did you fight him? Beat his ass? Oh please tell me you beat his ass!" Jimin said, staring at Taehyung with his eyes shining with excitement and glee.
"No. I didn't fight him or beat his ass." Taehyung shook his head before pushing the curls out of his face. "We just talking a bit and settled everything between us. He knows what happened to me and he said that he's going to protect me."
"Jeon Jungkook said he was going to protect you?!" Jimin was shocked.
Taehyung nodded his head. "Mhm. And he also said he was going to help me get in check with my emotions so I'm not cold around everyone all the time."
"Oh," Jimin pouted his lips as he thought for a second. "Are you sure it was Jungkook who said that?"
Taehyung nodded. "But the weirdest thing happened to me this morning."
"Weird?!" Jimin looked worried now, his eyes wide. "Bad weird? Good weird? A weird so good it's bad? A sexual weird? What type of weird? Tell me come on!"
Taehyung closed his eyes and shook his head in disbelief. God, Jimin could be so impatient. Sometimes it was just so ridiculous. "I can't smell anyone's scents anymore. Just Jungkook's. Weird right?"
Jimin jumped up and took a step back. "That's not weird. Do you seriously not know what that means?" Taehyung shook his head, confused to where Jimin was going with this. "How do you not know? You two kissed last night, didn't you?"
"How did you know that? Were you spying on me again? Jimin, I swear to God -"
"No, no. I didn't. But seriously, how do you not know? Were you not listening in omega classes?"
"You know I stopped listening after the incident. So tell me what it means!"
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
JUNGKOOK saw Taehyung getting dragged into an empty classroom and wondered if he should go and rescue him from the small midget. But Jin appeared after seeing his text asking him to see him at lunch as they needed to talk.
Jin was like Jungkook's older brother. He was the one who looked after him after Jungkook's parents passed away in a car accident. He knew he could talk to Jin about anything.
"Kook, what's wrong?" Jin asked, jogging up to the younger.
"I needed to talk to you about something. So last night me and Tae smoothed things over, and we may have kissed." Jungkook began, making Jin gasp.
"You two kissed? Is it now awkward between you two? Do you need my help to fix it?" Jin asked quickly, taking Jungkook by the shoulders and shaking him slightly.
"Hyung, let me finish!" Jungkook said seriously. "This morning Taehyung told me that he couldn't pick up anyone's scents but mine. And then the same thing happened to me. What's going on with us? Is it some sort of disease?" Jungkook asked, worried.
"Ah. I am familiar with this. It has happened to me, Hoseok, Yoongi, Namjoon and Jimin." Jin said. Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
"Is it some sort of manifestation thing?" Jungkook asked.
"You could say that." Jin shrugged. "But do you seriously not know? We got taught about this in seventh grade, Kook." Jungkook tried to think back that far but he never really listened in his classes back then. It was a surprise he even passed and made it into high school.
"Please just tell me, Jin hyung. I'm worried." Jungkook said.
"Okay, Kook. But you really need to listen more in class." Jin said, making Jungkook huff and make a noise in frustration and impatience. "You and Taehyung are mates."
JUNGKOOK watched as the smaller boy stormed out of the cafeteria. What had just happened? No omega had ever dared to kick him and punch him before. He cupped his cheek, already feeling it starting to bruise.
"Nice going, jerk." Jimin spat, turning around to see if his friend needed him to come after him, but Taehyung had disappeared out of the school. Jungkook ducked his head in shame. Maybe he had gone too far.
"Jimin, did something happen to Taehyung?" Yoongi asked. He was able to recognise when someone had been abused – he knew from previous experience. Jungkook gulped. He had never known Taehyung to go through anything when they were friends, unless he didn't tell him.
Jimin looked at Namjoon and they seemed to be having a silent conversation with each other. Namjoon shrugged while nodding his head and Jimin nodded in agreement. "About a year ago, something really bad happened to Taehyung and it changed him. He used to be innocent, bubbly, kind, but then the incident happened and he became cold and withdrawn to anyone apart from me and Joonie hyung since we were the only ones there to look after him."
Jungkook suddenly felt awful. How could he have done that? He needed to go and apologise straight away. He stepped away from the table, shaking his head. "I have to go. I need to go. Jimin, where does he live?"
Jimin paused, looking unwilling to give Jungkook the address. "How do I know you're not going to hurt him again?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at the young alpha.
"Jiminie, baby boy, let Kook go. He probably just wants to apologise." Hoseok said, hugging his mate close.
"Okay fine." Jimin obliged, giving Jungkook the address. Jungkook thanked him and raced out of the school, ignoring the shouts of the receptionist after him.
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
TAEHYUNG was putting away his coat and shoes when he heard his doorbell ring. He walked over to the intercom and saw that it was Jungkook. He huffed. What could he want? He really did not want to face him right now, but maybe his coming here was a good thing?
He paused before letting him in. Did he really feel mentally strong to put himself through this right now? How did he even have his address? Jimin. So he must be here for a good reason. There would be no way that Jimin would let him otherwise. He pushed the button before going to put on the kettle, needing a cup of tea to soothe his nerves.
Jungkook knocked on the door as the kettle finished boiling, making Taehyung freeze in his steps. He took a few deep breaths before regaining his confident persona and opening the door.
"Come to punish me again?" Taehyung asked, arching an eyebrow. Jungkook gulped and shook his head, looking down at his feet in shame. "Then what are you doing here?"
"Tae, I'm so sorry." Jungkook began.
"Don't call me Tae, that's not my name anymore." Taehyung said shortly, letting Jungkook come into the apartment. Jungkook frowned at this.
"Why not? You used to love being called that." Jungkook asked as Taehyung led him into the sitting room.
"Just not me anymore." Taehyung shrugged. He gestured to the sofa. "You can sit. Do you want something to drink?" He offered. Might as well be a good host – someone had to have the high ground here, and it definitely was not going to be Jungkook. After a few moments, he realised that Jungkook had not replied to him. "Jungkook." He turned around and saw that he had his face buried in his hands. "Jungkook, what's going on?"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Jungkook asked. Taehyung was surprised. They hadn't spoken to each other in a few years, so why would he? "I know we stopped being friends, but Tae, sorry Taehyung, I still care about you. I love you, Taehyung." Taehyung blinked. "And I know I wasn't there for you then, but I am now. And I want you to know you can talk to me. It's hurt you so bad, you've changed yourself because of it, but I want to help you. So please, just talk to me." Taehyung was silent. He never knew that Jungkook still felt that way, especially since he had treated him so badly and basically ignored him.
Taehyung sniffled, feeling tears starting to well up in his eyes. He felt awful. How could he abandon someone who cared about him as much as Jungkook? Yes, Jimin and Namjoon did care about him, but they had mates who took up the majority of their time. Taehyung sometimes felt like he came as the minority in their group.
It was weird. He hadn't cried since the incident. He wasn't sure whether he wanted Jungkook to see him cry. Jungkook was crying in front of him, so surely if he trusted him enough to do that, Taehyung could trust him with the same thing? He decided he could.
"Jungkook." Taehyung made his way over to his friend? Could he call him that now? Jungkook looked up and saw Taehyung was crying.
"Taehyung..." He pulled him by the wrist and onto his lap. He paused and removed his hands, allowing Taehyung to move off if he wanted to, but he didn't. He liked this contact. It helped calm him down a bit. "Do you want to tell me what happened to you? You can take your time?"
Taehyung closed his eyes, more tears falling as he thought back to what had happened to him. "I..." He took a deep breath. "Just over a year ago I was walking to school. I used to walk alone since I was trusting and thought that nothing bad could ever happen to me if I was positive." He scoffed and sniffed, wiping his eyes. "Turns out I was wrong." Jungkook pulled him close in a hug, rubbing his back to calm him down as Taehyung was straddling his lap. "There was a man, I can still remember his face clearly. He said his dog was sick and he needed help. I should have known when he led me off the path. I should have run away then, but I didn't. I then asked him what his dog was called. He said he didn't have one. That's when I knew. I tried to run, but he was too strong. He chased me down and drugged me and then he -" Taehyung let out a loud sob. "He raped me. I couldn't fight back. I couldn't even move because of the drug he gave me. I just had to lie there and take it like some sex toy for him to use. And then he knotted me. Thankfully I wasn't in heat, but still. He left to get some heat inducers and that's when I called Jimin." Taehyung explained.
"Taehyung, oh my God. That's horrible. No one should ever have to go through that." Jungkook said, pulling the boy away to look him in the eye. "You should never have had to go through that. I should have been there for you."
Taehyung looked at his friend. "I'm sorry I ignored you. I was so scared, I just didn't want to disappoint you. I didn't know whether or not you would ignore me because I manifested as an omega and not an alpha. We had plans to be alphas together and I ruined them." He sounded insecure. He knew he did. He could see it in Jungkook's face. He could also see the sympathy and forgiveness.
"Taehyung, I don't blame you. You must have been so scared. But you have to know this. You could never, never disappoint me!" Jungkook reached up and wiped away the tears from Taehyung's face. "You complete me. Without you I feel like half a person."
"Then why were you so angry at me?" Taehyung asked, his voice small.
Jungkook took a deep breath. "Because I was annoyed. Annoyed at how you ignored me. I thought you didn't like me, or thought I wasn't good enough. But now that I know the real reason I understand." He said. "I think it must just have been my alpha pride. And also maybe how you are so strong-willed and confident and so unlike any other omega I have ever met. I think it scared me. But it's all right now. You have a reason for it, and it is not your fault." Taehyung looked down at Jungkook, seeing him properly for the first time.
His jawline had become more chiselled and he had grown into his nose. He had grown muscles and his thighs had thickened. Taehyung could feel the muscles under him. Jungkook was so handsome. And he smelled so good. Like dark chocolate and cinnamon. His eyes had got bigger. Taehyung could feel himself getting lost in them more the longer he stared. They were a beautiful dark brown. And his lips. They were pink and pouty, perfect for kissing.
Taehyung blinked. Why was he thinking about kissing Jungkook? He cleared his throat and pulled away slightly. Jungkook was watching him carefully, his hands wrapped around his waist. "Tae?" He asked, noticing his friend's slight change in emotion. Taehyung hummed in response. "Thank you for telling me that. I know it must have been hard." Tae nodded. "I'll protect you now. I promise." He said firmly, making Tae smile. "You don't have to be so aware of your emotions anymore. I'll help you get back to who you want to be."
"Thank you Jungkook." Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jungkook's neck and hugged him. He could feel the tension building between them, but it wasn't bad tension. It was like everything surrounding them had melted away and that all of his senses were homed in on his chocolate and cinnamon scent, the feel of him, and his face.
He didn't know what overcame him but before he knew it, he was kissing Jungkook. And Jungkook was kissing back, his lips moulding perfectly to Taehyung's as if they were made to fit against each other like two pieces of a puzzle. Taehyung was surprised. Jungkook was a really good kisser. He knew exactly how much pressure to apply to make shivers go down Tae's back. His hands were still holding his waist, his fingers fanned out over his back.
They pulled away, breathing hard to catch their breath. The lack of oxygen was what made the kiss end, otherwise they would have continued for ever. Jungkook was staring up at Taehyung, his lips red and swollen. Taehyung could feel heat building in his cheeks, completely sure that they were bright red.
"Wow." Was all Jungkook could say. "You're a good kisser, Tae." Taehyung felt his blush grow even more, making Jungkook chuckle. "Cute." He said.
"You're a good kisser too, Kookie." Taehyung giggled. "Thank you for being here for me. I know I can rely on you for everything." As Taehyung said this he knew that he could and he felt it from the bottom of his heart.
Summary: We find out what happened to Taehyung to make him so wary of alphas
Warnings: Rape, abuse
Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5
AN: This chapter gets quite dark and can trigger some people so if you need to you can just skip. Let me know what you think and if you want to be added on to the tag list.
TAEHYUNG'S breathing sped up and his vision became blurry. It was like the incident that happened to him just over a year ago. His body froze and he stopped fighting, being taken over by the fear and pain he felt from his flashback.
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
It was a day just like any day. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and cloudless. It was perfect. But little did Taehyung know his whole life was about to change. He had just turned 17 at the time and had finally finished manifesting as an omega. He still didn't like who he was, but he had accepted it and was learning to love himself just the way he was.
He was walking to school to meet up with his friends Jimin and Namjoon. They were in their penultimate year of high school. Their parents had sent them all to a pretentious omega high school that taught them how to act and how to treat their alphas and betas. Taehyung followed the classes, allowing his innocence and sweetness to shine through; something he had suppressed for a while, deeming it to be uncharacteristic for a future alpha.
But little did he know that this kindness and innocence would cause him to face the biggest hurdle in his life – one he was still struggling to get over. His phone buzzed, signalling he had a message. He checked and saw it was Jimin who was asking where he was. Jimin got worried easily. Taehyung always walked to school and would not let him pick him up. This is something Taehyung knew Jimin hated – he always lectured the younger to always be on high alert while he walked as he never knew who was lurking, and as he was an omega, that made him easy prey to any predators that could be lurking.
Taehyung giggled and quickly typed out a message that told his best friend that he was a few minutes away and that he shouldn't worry. He didn't feel at risk. If anything, he felt safest when he was walking along this path. It was pretty, being bordered with oak and willow trees and small shrubs. He could hear the small critters that made their homes in the branches and leaves and burrows scurrying around, most likely looking for food, causing little crunches and snaps to resonate through the silence of his surroundings. It calmed him. A small breeze blew through the trees, ruffling his curls and sending a small shiver down his spine.
Then there was a loud crunch, like a twig being snapped underfoot. He looked down and saw that he hadn't caused the sound. He froze and stiffened, waiting to hear the sound again. He cautiously turned to look behind him but saw that there was nothing behind him. It must have just been a deer. He continued walking, except it was a bit faster this time. He should have run. He should have known that no deer was heavy enough to make a sound that loud. He should have called someone. He shouldn't have ignored it.
A few moments later there was a second crunch, that was a bit louder this time and sounded like it was a bit closer. Taehyung jumped at the unexpected sound and turned around, catching a shadowy shape darting behind one of the trees. Something was following him. He gulped and turned around, now speed-walking to the end of the path. That was his biggest mistake. All of a sudden, he heard footsteps approaching him. They were hurried as if they were in a rush.
"Excuse me." There was a voice. Taehyung stopped, his senses flooding with the scent of this alpha – he couldn't really describe it, but he knew it was something he did not like. He turned around and saw that it was a man who looked to be in his mid-twenties. "Sorry to bother you, but it's my dog. He's being sick but I'm too far from the car to carry him back. Can you help me please?"
Taehyung knew in the back of his mind that there was not a car park anywhere near the path, but he thought that maybe the man had parked his car along the street and was just hoping not to get a ticket, or maybe he had some deal with the police that allowed him to park there even though it wasn't really a legalised car park. What he did next, he would always regret for the rest of his life.
"Of course, I'll help you. Just lead me to him." Taehyung obliged. He always loved animals and hated to see any of them in pain. He always had to help them, no matter what they were. It was just his personality. And he thought the man looked quite trustworthy.
"Thank you so much. Just follow me." He led Taehyung through some trees and away from the path, winding around from left to right so much that he became disorientated. But that was all part of the plan.
"So what's your dog's name?" Taehyung asked looking at the stranger. The man was wearing a worn faded black hoodie and some jeans with a pair of combat boots.
The man frowned as he looked back at him. "What dog?" He asked, looking confused as to where Taehyung had got that idea from. An alarm went off in Taehyung's brain. He had to get away now.
Taehyung pulled out his phone to check the time. He pocketed again. "L-look, I'm really sorry, but I have to go. I'm going to be late for school." He said nervously, backing away slightly. The man turned to face him and started slowly advancing, a sinister smirk on his face.
"Leaving so soon? You've only just got here. Let's have some fun." The man reached out to grab at Taehyung, but he dodged and turned away, sprinting back in the direction he hoped the path was in. He wove in and out of the trees, ducking and skirting around branches, jumping over fallen logs and small shrubs, hoping to get out and find some help.
Alas, his hopes were crushed. The man was faster and stronger than him, being able to catch up in a few seconds. The man took hold of him by the waist and held a cloth to his face, making him breathe in the sickly-sweet aroma of the drugs that had been poured on to it. Taehyung had tears streaming down his face as he felt himself lose control of all the muscles in his body, forcing him to be pliant in the man's hands. The man picked him up and carried him further back into the trees.
"There all pretty and perfect for me to fill with my pups. The perfect omega." The man growled into his ear as he began to under the boy's jeans. Taehyung wanted to kick him, push him away but he couldn't. He tried to scream, but they were so far in the woods that no one would be able to hear him. He sobbed harder as the man pinned him against a tree and pushed apart his ass cheeks to expose his hole. "So pretty for me." The man whispered as he pushed his penis against his hole, breaching him.
Taehyung yelled out in pain, his mouth unable to form proper words. He could feel himself ripping apart. The man began moving inside him, increasing the pain even more. He hated this – he felt so dirty and used. But there was nothing that Taehyung could do apart from take it. The man had been clever – too clever.
After what felt like decades, the man groaned and ceased his movements before pulling out and dropping Taehyung on the ground. He grabbed hold of his hair and pulled him up so his face was level with his penis. Taehyung cried even more as he saw how bloody it was. "Clean it." The man demanded, forcing it into Taehyung's mouth. Taehyung gagged at the taste – metallic and musty. He hated it. It was pushed further into his mouth until it hit the back of his throat, making him choke at the intrusion. It wasn't long before a salty substance spilled into his mouth. The man quickly pulled out and kept a hand over his mouth. "Swallow." He demanded, also covering his nose so he couldn't breathe. Taehyung grimaced at the taste before choking it down.
The man chuckled and let go of his head, letting him fall against the ground again, hitting the floor with a thump. "Thank you for being such a good slut for me." The man crooned. "I'll be back later with some heat inducers so then I can properly breed you." He walked away leaving Taehyung naked from the waist down on a dirty blanket.
He blinked as tears continued to fall. He knew he would never be the same again – he couldn't. He was too trusting and kind. He had to be cold and cut off from everyone so that this could never happen again, and even if it did, he would be able to get out of the situation. He had to be able to protect his friends against this. He had to become stronger physically and mentally.
He began to gain control of his muscles and pushed himself to sit up against the tree. He pulled out his phone and called the only person he wanted to see him like this. The only person he could deal with seeing him like this. Jimin.
He pressed the call button before holding it against his ear, sniffling every now and then. "TaeTae, what's wrong?" Jimin picked up immediately, having been worrying about his friend since he was almost an hour late for school. "Where are you?" Taehyung sniffled again and hiccupped. "Tae, are you crying?" He sounded worried. "Tae, love, what happened? Tell me where you are."
"Jimin, please, I'm scared." Taehyung sobbed. "T-there was a m-man, an a-alpha, and he u-used me." He cried.
"Shit, Tae, okay, I'm coming. I've got your location on my GPS. I'm coming just stay right where you are. I'll come get you and take you somewhere safe. Just stay on the phone with me. I'll be five minutes." Taehyung could hear Jimin running to his car and then the revving of his engine as he sped to the woods. "Okay, I'm here, how far are you from the path?"
"I-I don't know. H-he carried me away and pinned me up against a tree and then he -" Taehyung broke off, feeling too disgusting to say what had happened.
"What did he do?" Jimin asked calmly, pushing through the trees. "I've found your backpack." He added.
"I don't want to say." Taehyung sniffed. "And I'm close to my backpack." He froze, hearing feet breaking branches on the ground. "Jimin?"
"Yeah?" Jimin asked. Taehyung could feel his heart rate pick up. He was going to be sick. The man couldn't have come back that quickly.
"Please say that's you." Taehyung's voice was small and quiet. He was terrified. He did not want to go through that again.
"Wait I hear you." Jimin hung up the phone and ran towards his friend. "Oh, Tae." He helped the boy up and helped him dress himself before noticing the blood stains on the blanket. "Oh no. Tae, I'm so sorry." Jimin pulled his best friend into a hug, noticing how the boy relaxed and melted into his touch. "Let's get you out of here and to a doctor."
"No, no doctor." Taehyung shook his head, scared that he would be called a liar and that they would not believe him. "I don't need one."
"Tae, you are bleeding. Please." Jimin begged. "We'll go to one together, your parents don't even need to know. It will be our secret. Mine, yours and Namjoon's." Taehyung tensed up before relaxing again.
"Where is Joon?" Taehyung asked, noticing that Jimin was actually alone.
"He's waiting in the car." Jimin replied. "Come on, let's go before that disgusting excuse for an alpha comes back." It was then Taehyung vowed he would never trust another alpha ever again if they acted how this man had acted. It was then Taehyung lost that innocent and kind part of himself.
☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆
TAEHYUNG'S face darkened as he raised up his leg and kicked Jungkook in the dick. "I said get off me!" He shouted. Jungkook backed off, holding himself in pain. Taehyung felt everyone in the cafeteria staring at what had just happened. "Don't ever touch me again!" He punched Jungkook in the face before turning on his heel and storming out of the room.
