Archive of Our Own

1

Jungkook wakes up in a room that is not his but he recognizes as his own.

The familiar warmth of his best friend surrounds him, a smile forms on his face as he notices Taehyung is cuddling him—legs are entwined with his, one of his arms around his waist while the other rests gently on the back of his neck.

He watches Taehyung, there are light marks on his arms and on his wrist where he bit him before falling asleep. If he was able to blush, a pink glow would be lighting up his cheeks right now—both from shyness and happiness.

It is inevitable for him to remember the moment Taehyung allowed him to bite him to appease the pain of his fangs. The way Taehyung was under him, lying on the bed while waiting for Jungkook to act is engraved in his mind.

Jungkook is weak, truly weak to the sighs Taehyung lets out every time his lips make contact with his skin. Weak to the very few occasions when the wolf whispers he can drink his blood if he wishes—though this always sounds more like is Taehyung the one who is asking for a favor.

Jungkook hasn't drunk his blood yet, though. But still, Taehyung’s skin exhibits marks from the playful bites the vampire made a few hours ago.

He can't deny it, he actually loves marking Taehyung, an indescribable feeling runs through him when he thinks of the ease with which the werewolf allows him to mark him—of course, he knows it's not the same for wolves, since it's not an actual mating mark, but he can't help it. He can't help his mind when he sees the red and purples blossoming in his skin, as if is his body proclaiming it belongs to him. 

Mine.

At least, for now.

Jungkook allows himself to watch him for a few more minutes until Taehyung wakes up. The elder stirs, "come back," he whispers as he makes sure to wrap his arms around Jungkook completely.

"Did you sleep well?"

Jungkook snuggles into the werewolf's chest, welcoming the warmth that is so distinctive to his company. "Hm, best sleep I've had in days."

It's true, Jungkook's day was being terribly stressful until his best friend suggested him to take a break from college—at least for a day, he has said.

And oh well, Jungkook has always been weak when it comes to Taehyung.

"I'm glad."

From outside, the evening light illuminates Taehyung's face. The rays dance on his figure placidly, even the sun is aware of the warmth he radiates.

Jungkook smiles and Taehyung replies with the same warm, soft smile. 

Taehyung caresses his lips, question present in his eyes as Jungkook replies by opening his mouth. Soon, his fingers find themselves caressing his fangs, Jungkook can't help but press minimally, feeling thankful as the pain eases.

"How much longer until your fangs stop growing?"

"It's been six months already, I was told the longest it could last is a year."

For vampires, their fangs don't reach their actual size until they turn twenty, which is when they start to grow.

The growth process could last a couple of months or a whole year, depending on the vampire in question. Jungkook hadn't been very lucky.

"I see, well," Taehyung replaced his fingers with his wrist, offering it to Jungkook who doesn't hesitate before pressing in it, "you have me here until everything gets better."

He knows, there is something bothering him, however. Until now, the marks he painted on his best friend were something not so intimate—just light bites because Jungkook hasn't dared to drink his blood yet.

Taehyung has offered more than once, and Jungkook knows he could ask if he wants to.

But it's never that simple.

Jungkook fears that if he gives in to his desires—desires that have become more persistent as the months have passed—he won't be able to stop the intensity of his feelings. Drinking blood isn't something so intimate or special to all vampires, but Jungkook always knew he would only be able to drink from a mate—or at least, a potential one. He fears that if he drinks from Taehyung, there will be no going back to the way his mind perceives him as his own.

Perhaps, it's a conversation they should have, Jungkook knows Taehyung must be aware of the fact that their relationship is not as platonic as they claim. But a part of him isn't ready yet, he doesn't know if it's fear of rejection or fear of change. And it's easy for him to fall into a spiral of doubt every time his mind dares to visit the subject.

Taehyung's free hand caresses his cheek, anchoring him back. "Are you there?"

"Sorry, I got lost for a moment."

"Hm, I noticed. Do you want to sleep on?" Taehyung flicks his chin, getting a smile to bloom on the vampire's face.

Jungkook isn't sleepy, but going back to sleep with Taehyung surrounding him doesn't sound like a bad idea at all.

"I think a couple of hours of sleep wouldn't hurt at all."

At this, Taehyung settles them back on the bed, making sure Jungkook's head is resting on his shoulder, his lips close to his neck in case the vampire needed to bite him again.

Jungkook's heart flutters at this detail, melting into Taehyung's scent—sweet chocolate, a rather particular scent just like him. 

Jungkook tries to sleep, hoping the next time his thoughts travel over dangerous ground he will be braver so he won't regret his steps.

2

"Where have you been these days?"

Jimin looks worried as he watches him, Jungkook tries to put on his best face because the last thing he wants is to worry others about what is happening to him.

It's bad enough how worried he is.

"At home. I haven't been feeling very well."

Jimin looks even more concerned with this answer. "Does it have to do with your fangs?"

"Kind of," Jungkook starts, but doesn't elaborate.

The truth is, Jungkook himself doesn't know what's exactly happening.

Something has changed since the last time he and Taehyung were together—Jungkook can still clearly remember the wolf's warm presence and how his scent and help anchored him. He would have hoped after his dose of Taehyung things would get better, but now his body craves  more .

What this could mean frightens him.

He can't—nor does he want to— delve into how recently the blood is starting to taste unpleasant, how he almost threw up this morning at the first sip of it. It also doesn't seem to be doing its job, he feels so weak.

He's sure his parents mentioned something about cases like that at some point, something about vampires not being able to consume another blood than their mate's, at least not for the first few months. But it was mentioned only superficially, like those anecdotes that happen to someone far away and you know won't occur to you.

Unfortunately for Jungkook, it seems he is part of those rare cases.

"You know, I'm surprised at how attached you've been to Tae these days, it's even more than before."

"Is there something wrong about it?"

He can't help it, his insecurities are never that strong when other people question the nature of their relationship, and it's not the first time someone has expressed how unusual it is for a vampire and a wolf to be so close. This time, however, it's Jimin. The idea that any of his friends have a negative perspective on them makes him feel weird and almost hurt.

"Of course not!" Jimin quickly replies, noticing his insecure expression, "it's just that you guys have always been close, but since your fangs started growing this closeness seems to have increased. It makes me wonder how you feel about it."

"Well, I haven't really given it much thought. I just know that his company makes me feel better."

Jimin smiles, understanding. His expression looks as if he understands something Jungkook doesn't.

"That's all that matters, then."

"You know,” Jungkook begins, not quite sure why he is talking about this but it seems like he needs to let it out, “the other day another werewolf tried to ask Tae out, though it was the first time one was brave enough to do it in front of me."

"Woah, they're getting bold." Jimin seems to be having fun with the attitude of this person. Jungkook can’t decide if he likes it or not. “Jungkook, my sweet child, you don’t need to worry.” Jimin tries to reason as he notices the vampire's uncomfortable expression, voice soft.

"I guess... Tae rejected him but the uneasy feeling didn't leave my chest in all day."

Jimin understood, of course, since he knows about his not so platonic feelings towards his best friend.

"You know Taehyung is not interested in anyone, well, besides you."

Again, if he could, Jungkook would blush.

"Please stop."

"What? Clearly, the feelings of both of you are mutual, it's you who prefer to keep pinning instead of clearing things up."

"I don't know prefer the pinning, It's just—"

How can you explain it? Doubt, insecurity. It's complicated, and much of this insecurity lies in the fact that Jungkook fears he is not ready for his relationship to change.

"I know Kook, don't worry."

But Jungkook knows Jimin can't understand, that he says it just to soothe him.

After all, even he doesn't fully understand the reasons.

After the conversation about Taehyung with Jimin, Jungkook didn't plan to see him today, but fate seems to have other plans for him.

As he and Jimin were leaving, they crossed paths with the wolf. The reaction was instantaneous—all the stress Jungkook didn't even know he possessed leaves his body to make room for Taehyung's presence.

The three greet each other, and after exchanging a few words Jimin makes up some excuse, telling them he needs to look for Namjoon. It's clear he is lying, but Taehyung doesn't seem to mind even though his expression denotes how amusing he finds the situation. 

As they walk to Jungkook's apartment, they chat about their day, catching up on things that happened while they weren't together.

Jungkook feels content at that moment, thankful that no matter how busy his day is, Taehyung will always be the warm blanket that welcomes him when everything else goes dark and cold.

Once in front of the building Jungkook lives in, Taehyung hugs him goodbye, "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" 

"Hm." Jungkook presses his nose against Taehyung's neck, silently asking a question that the older man recognized easily. 

Jungkook doesn't usually bite Taehyung in public, but the weight of the day is taking its toll on him and after all, there's no one else there, Jungkook reasons. He will allow himself to have this,  just for today .

Taehyung nods, his scent becoming slightly more intense, Jungkook swears one day he's going to explode for how much he loves it.

When Jungkook presses his fangs into the elder's neck, he makes sure not to put too much pressure—just enough for his instincts to calm, for the storm in them to recede a little, allowing a glimpse of sunshine.

Because that is Taehyung for him—the main star in his solar system.

Where Jungkook came from a species associated with coldness, Taehyung was the opposite. And how grateful he is for how they complement each other.

When they part, Taehyung cups his face in his hands, thumbs stroking his cheeks, and kisses his forehead, "good night Kookie."

Jungkook can only whisper a short farewell back, already missing him.

3

Jungkook hadn't expected to find himself shivering with cold in Taehyung's apartment.

God, he isn't even supposed to feel cold.

"Wait here," Taehyung instructs as he heads to his room, but not before taking off the sweater he's wearing to put it on Jungkook, it's not going to work out very well, Jungkook wants to say but he isn’t going to belittle his best friend's attempts.

He feels so ashamed right now, frustrated his system betrayed him when his day was going so well.

Not too long ago, they were on the terrace of the building, enjoying the safe intimacy the space provided. 

There was a comforting silence as they gazed at the sky, and for a moment Jungkook allowed himself to imagine what it would be like to have these moments together with Taehyung forever. He was lying on the ground and then began to feel strangely dizzy. Jungkook tried to stand up, which he now knows was a terrible idea and only caused him to nearly fade to the ground.

Luckily for him, Taehyung was quick and was able to steady him, holding him in his arms.

"Here," back at the wolf's apartment, Taehyung was covering Jungkook with some blankets, trying to combat the cold that seems to make the vampire shiver.

Jungkook can't believe how psychically weak he is right now.

"Thank you."

"Do you know what happened?"

Jungkook contemplates for a moment whether to answer or not. The blood he tried to drink had been so unpleasant it was impossible for him to consume it, ignoring this wasn't as good an idea as he thought at the time.

A part of him can't help but take in Taehyung's scent, how sweet it's always been—how sweet it would be to allow himself to crave in.

He ignores those thoughts so he can focus on the question. It shouldn't cost as much as it does, though.

There's no point in keeping this from Tae, he decides, so he explains what has been happening to him. He begins with the moment when the blood stopped tasting good, how little by little it began to leave a bitter taste in his mouth until today when it was simply impossible to consume it even though he hasn't fed for days.

His friend's face quickly becomes stained with worry. Taehyung takes a moment to assimilate the information, makes that gesture Jungkook knows all too well—in which he appears to be organizing his words, looking for the best way he can offer help or comfort.

"Maybe," Taehyung starts, tone calmer than Jungkook would have expected, "maybe you need fresh blood?"

Oh.

"What?"

"Don't judge me, okay? I have no idea about this but maybe you've been consuming those blood bags for too long and they're not as efficient as, you know, consuming it from someone?"

It is not exactly what is happening, but it is really surprising how Taehyung doesn't see it as something odd. How instead of being shocked he manages to think of the most reasonable conclusion.

It shouldn't be that simple, Taehyung shouldn't pick up the solution so easily—at least, part of it—, but Jungkook should have expected such a response from Taehyung, who is always understanding and insightful.

So, here goes nothing.

"Actually,” Jungkook initiates, carefully watching Taehyung's reaction, “my body no longer receives another type of blood because it thinks it has found... a potential mate." He whispers these last words, knowing how obvious it is what he's implying.

Taehyung takes a pause then, his gaze seeks Jungkook's, and when it meets it, Jungkook doesn't see in his eyes the questions and doubts he expected to see—the ones he knows he has,—no. Taehyung's eyes shine with certainty and conviction.

"Potential mate?"

He hopes Taehyung gets it, that he gets there is no one else in the world for Jungkook but him. There is no way he hasn't noticed Jungkook's feelings, they are so loud that sometimes they seem to stun everyone around.

So, he nods.

For a moment, Taehyung stands up, he stops— and with him, time— and Jungkook fears he's got it all wrong, that maybe they weren't always on the same page as he believed all this time. But then, Taehyung is extending his arm, wrist inches from his lips. When Jungkook looks up, he can see the determination remaining in Taehyung's eyes. 

He doesn't ask before he places his lips on Taehyung's wrist, nor when his fangs extend and finally pierce the skin—he doesn't need to.

He can feel the slight tremor that runs through Taehyung's body when he first drinks the blood, he immerses himself in the reactions of his body, in the taste, all of this becoming extremely addictive.

There are thousands of sensations rushing through Jungkook's body at this moment—from the strength returning to him to his heart almost beating again as he feels  whole .

He keeps drinking until Taehyung is almost shaking, in those few minutes his pulse has become almost erratic and his already addictive aroma is even sweeter than it was. He decides to stop, then, surprised by the whine that leaves Taehyungs lips. His friend is blushing, avoiding his gaze when Jungkook looks at him questioningly. 

This is new, he thinks.

"Better?"

"Much better."

The cold passes, and it feels so right that it was Taehyung who melted the frost. After all, it has always been Taehyung who brings warmth to his life.

Minutes later, both are lying on the couch, legs tangled while Jungkook traces the marks left on Taehyung's neck with his fingers. He feels giddy now, and maybe a little silly. 

He’s starting to fall asleep when Taehyung asks,

"So, a potential mate?"

Jungkook is not going to deny it— there’s no point in lying. He nods once again.

“Okay, that's perfect.” Taehyung replies and nothing more is needed for Jungkook to know that his friend knows what this means. And more importantly, that he has accepted it. He has accepted Jungkook.

That night, Jungkook stays over at Taehyung's apartment, the two exchange confessions under the sheets, confirming the feelings they both suspected were there many years ago.

“I think I always knew,” Taehyung states, “but you’re so precious I didn’t want to rush. I wanted to treasure every moment, even the waiting was something worth celebrating when it comes to you."

4

"But you know, I think you need to start looking for new companies, experimenting, and finding something more... suitable."

Jungkook can't believe what he's hearing, The worst thing is that Minho seems to be very serious, without noticing how disrespectful he is being. Or maybe, he knows and he simply doesn't care. 

After leaving class, one of his classmates approached him, Jungkook didn't want to be rude even though he needed to see Taehyung, so he decided that listening to him for a few minutes wouldn't cause any trouble.

Of course, he was wrong.

Minho started the conversation by mentioning an art exhibition that had recently come to town, Jungkook quickly recognized it because he had also seen the advertisements. In fact, he is planning to invite Taehyung.

He was already imagining the expression of happiness he would display. However, what seemed to be an innocent chat about common tastes quickly turned into Minho asking him if he would like to go on a date with him. Of course, Jungkook tried to refuse, but the vampire didn't seem to take the rejection very well.

That's how they were here, with Jungkook trying not to explode while the other continued to insult Taehyung, insinuating he's not a  suitable  companion for him.

"I know vampires and werewolves can mate but it's kind of weird don't you think?"

Mating.

That's a subject Jungkook had only allowed himself to fantasize about on rare occasions, a hidden longing, those you visit at night before you fall asleep. Jungkook won't let anyone tarnish something so precious to him. Something so precious that even he hadn't allowed himself to embrace.

Jungkook is used to comments of doubt and questioning regarding their relationship, but no one has ever dared to touch such a sensitive topic.

Right there, he decides he’s had enough.

"Listen," he starts, trying to breathe, "I don't know how many more times I need to tell you I'm not interested for you to get the message but," he is actually pissed, "Taehyung may be different from us, but he understands very well about basic respect and consent."

Minho said nothing, looking totally surprised by his words as if he hadn't expected them. 

"So, if you excuse me." Jungkook finishes, giving no chance for a response as he walks away.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Taehyung finds him when Jungkook least expects it.

Of course, it's always been like that when it comes to them. Jungkook would laugh if it weren't for the bitter taste from a moment ago still hasn't fully passed.

He doesn’t care, doesn't even waste a second before throwing himself into his best friend's arms, inhaling his scent—god, he is getting obsessed, he's sure not even actual chocolate smells that good.

Taehyung embraces him, his hands resting on his back as he gently caresses it, Jungkook submerged in its aroma, lips grazing his neck, "did something happen? you smell bitter."

Jungkook laughs lightly as Taehyung leaves small kisses on his face and inhales before asking, "Tae, do you think it's absurd that we're so close?"

Taehyung does not get offended, does not react badly, and does not push Jungkook away, in fact, he pulls him closer.

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone keeps asking me why I am always by your side."

"Hm, I see," Taehyung's voice is calm and serene, as if the insults towards him don't bother him at all, "what do you think?"

"Me?"

Taehyung nods, waiting for Jungkook to continue.

"I don't care about what other people think."

"Then that's enough," Taehyung replies easily, caressing one of his cheeks before kissing his forehead. "Don't you think?”

And maybe, maybe Taehyung is right, Jungkook thinks. Or maybe the anger and pain should last a little longer, but Jungkook can't afford this while Taehyung is holding his face so gently.

The truth is, Jungkook is sure Taehyung will never cease to surprise him for the better, the maturity with which he deals with this issue always surprises him and makes his love grow even more when this already seemed impossible.

"Yeah, I don't need anyone else."

"Me neither."

And just like that, everything they needed to express is there. 

Jungkook truly can't believe he spent so much time fearing for the future of their relationship.

After all, being together with Taehyung has always been the easiest and most natural thing in his life.

5

"If you could make a wish, what would you wish for?" Taehyung asks as he looks up at the starry sky.

Jungkook is still looking at the stars, looking for the moon, and even though it was Taehyung's idea to go out stargazing he can feel the wolf's gaze on him.

Jungkook allows himself to enjoy the attention, something he has always appreciated from his boyfriend, how willing he is to give him all his irrevocable attention. 

Tonight, Jungkook and his friends decided to meet at Namjoon's house, all opining in unison that it was necessary to spend time together to make amends for the little time their respective semesters left them.

It had been a pleasant evening, one that reminded Jungkook how true it is when they say that friends are the family you choose.

At some point in the night, Taehyung asked him to accompany him. Jungkook looked at the others for a moment, they were all wasted, Namjoon and Jin had disappeared, while Jimin, Yoongi, and Hoseok had somehow managed to make themselves fit on the couch, with Yoongi wrapping his arms around them both profusely, which should be more complicated considering how small his friend is.

Jungkook smiles, yeah, this is his family. 

Would you like to see the stars with me?  Taehyung had asked, and Jungkook took his hand, as always determined to follow him wherever he goes.

Jungkook takes another moment to reflect on Taehyung's question.

There is something nostalgic about the act of giving himself the time to observe the sky. It's like a reminder that he can still allow himself to appreciate the simplest things—those things that you take for granted, that are immovable.

A wish.

What could he ask for?

For the first time in a long time, he feels he has everything he wants.

When he expresses this, Taehyung's smile is sweet, Jungkook allows himself to get lost in it as the wolf whispers between kisses, “me too, since you’re here.”

Jungkook can't help himself as he lightly bites Taehyung's lip, quickly tasting the blood he feels from it. He can feel Taehyung's smile against his lips and hear the little declarations of love he whispers between kisses.

For a long time, Jungkook had always thought that love requires a step of bravery— the dare to cross the bridge out of your comfort zone, to give the encounter to the other person. He always feared he wasn't brave enough, he was afraid Taehyung would be left waiting because of it. Taehyung, well, it seems like he decided long ago it was worth it to cross the bridge on his own.

Jungkook is grateful Taehyung was brave when he couldn't, and promises himself from now on, he would be brave too.

+1

The thing with Jungkook is, Taehyung reflects, that he has never expected the vampire to express that he reciprocates his feelings to be determined to love him all his life—as long as Jungkook allows it, he'll be there.

He has been in love with Jungkook since he can remember, and he's convinced even in the moments he doesn't remember—when his soul was just energy floating in the universe,—it somehow loved Jungkook's soul as well.

He's sure his soul traveled all over the universe to make sure to meet him in this life.

And since they met, something in both of them instantly made sense, something inside Taehyung whispered he had found his partner in crime.

They've always been like that.

Their friendship has never been just a friendship—this, at least, is something Taehyung thinks he's sure of. They are both used to each other's orbit, to the beats and rhythms of each other's melodies.

Perhaps, that's why Taehyung has never felt the need to push Jungkook to make their friendship something more. Deep down, he knows he will always be the person Jungkook looks to when he needs to find his north again.

He knows sometimes it's hard for Jungkook, that sometimes others are judgmental because they think Taehyung isn't right for him, and although Jungkook has never been guided by those opinions, they still cause him pain from time to time, he knows.

His sweet baby has never spoken to him about it, though.

Jungkook, caring and sweet Jungkook, never expresses the pain these words cause him.

That's why Taehyung couldn't help but be surprised when Jungkook asked him about it, his almost teary eyes asking for reassurance. Taehyung's ached so hard for him that day.

From that day on, Taehyung promised himself that he would try even harder to show Jungkook that they didn't need anyone's approval to be together, that the important thing was how much good they did for each other.

Besides, luckily for them, they had understanding and supportive friends.

Friends who at the moment are not being very helpful as they watched in amazement at the hickeys on Taehyung's neck and collarbones.

"Are you telling us our precious Jungkook did that?" Hoseok asks, sounding genuinely puzzled. It's inevitable for Taehyung to feel some amusement.

"Yoongi, say something!" Jimin demands.

"What? I was about to give him a piece of my mind for cheating on Jungkook but since it was Jungkook who gave him those I don't need to worry." Yoongi stated as if it was the simplest thing.

"Please, it's impossible for Taehyung to cheat on Jungkook. Even before all of this, his devotion is so strong he was being loyal to him even though he wasn't his boyfriend." Hoseok reasons, making them all laugh.

"You won't even try to deny it?" asks Yoongi.

"Why should I? It's the truth." Taehyung just shrugs, almost laughing at the situation.

Everyone else sighs, pretending to be exhausted of him. Taehyung isn't bothered by it, he knows that deep down they feel happy for him.

It's like everything has changed and at the same time, everything remains the same.

Taehyung is used to waiting for Jungkook outside his classes, and to the smile that appears on the vampire's face when he sees him.

What he is not used to, however, is the press of his lips, to the sighs Jungkook lets out when Taehyung kisses that spot on his neck behind his ear that Taehyung has discovered recently, manages to make him shiver.

What is familiar remains familiar, and Taehyung inhales Jungkook's scent with delight.

Vampires aren't supposed to smell to anything in particular but Jungkook is different. The vampire has a faint, gentle scent of cinnamon, and Taehyung is so used to that scent. For him, it smells like comfort and safe places.

Of course, he knows that the fact that he could smell Jungkook wherever he goes meant something deeper, the werewolves and vampires don't have the same concepts regarding mates. 

It is possible for different species to mate, of course. But still, there is a difference in customs and rituals between them, which sometimes creates some confusion.

It has never been a problem for him, though.

Therefore, he never mentions anything, not wanting to scare or impose on Jungkook. If at some point, the vampire decides to accept him, Taehyung wants it to be because it's his decision and not because he feels forced to do so.

If there is one thing Taehyung was not prepared for, it certainly is having Jungkook breathless and glowing expectantly under him.

This is the best view he has ever had in his life, without any doubt. 

"Tae?"

"Sorry, I think I kind of panicked. You're so precious you seem unreal."

"Yeah? It's not the first time we kiss, though."

"I know, but every time I got to have you I feel like I'm dreaming again. It wouldn't be a surprise, actually."

Jungkook giggles.

"Tae, come here."

"Okay, okay."

So, Taehyung kisses him again, and again, and he thinks it's a miracle he's still breathing when he feels Jungkook's legs around his waist.

Right there, he feels certain they will always be together, always partners in crime.

Taehyung always knew he would be by Jungkook's side forever, but the fact that the vampire chose him, that he wants him like this too, gives him a sense of immense happiness and gratitude.

After all, the most important experiences will always be the paths they are willing to navigate together.