Work Text:
Jungkook didn’t fear being alone, per se. He was young and fit and capable of fending for himself. He found a good condo in Seoul that he adored, a big and comfortable place that he was happy to call home.
But even then, it was just him alone in the sizeable apartment. He had his good friends over every so often, but that didn’t change the fact that he still felt lonely in his home.
He worked late nights and early mornings, which made it impossible for him to get a dog like he’s always wanted to. For company, and for some sort of protection: capable and fit as he was, he still lived alone and the thought was slightly unnerving.
When he brought up his concern with his friend, the man quickly lit up. “You should get a hybrid! They can take care of themselves and could make you feel safer,” Hoseok exclaimed, taking a sip of his drink as he beamed at his friend.
“It’s not a bad idea,” Namjoon agreed, “I first got Jiminie cause I was lonely and Jinnie soon after so Jiminie wasn’t lonely,” he chuckled drunkenly.
Namjoon had two hybrids of his own–Jimin and Seokjin–while Hoseok lived with his hybrid, Yoongi.
Jungkook knew the hybrids quite well and knew that they made great friends with him, and great partners to his human friends. The thought never crossed his mind to get a hybrid himself, but he trusted his friend’s word and their experiences.
“You could even take the hybrid with ya to work if you wanted to, just hide their tail or whatnot and they’re human! No one would know,” Namjoon said excitedly as he took a swig from his bottle.
Perhaps it was the alcohol in his system that made him immediately agree and set up an appointment for the hybrid adoption centre that instant, or maybe it was simply the fact that he didn’t want to spend another night alone.
~~
When Jungkook awoke with a pounding hangover headache, he wasn’t expecting a notification reminding him of an appointment in just half an hour at his nearby hybrid adoption centre.
He groaned at the memory of his drunken self–not for having an appointment, no, he still supported that decision and was somewhat excited about it, but rather, that he picked an appointment so early . 11 AM was far too early to have an appointment anywhere–especially with something as important as adopting a hybrid.
A hybrid was a full human being and they deserved much more than a hungover, half-asleep mess of man when they were being adopted.
He couldn’t correct last night’s drunken mistakes, but he could at least freshen up and seem somewhat presentable. A quick shower and quick breakfast at least made him look like he didn’t roll out of bed and down the street.
After getting ready as much as possible given the short time frame at an outright ridiculous time of the morning, Jungkook took a deep breath before entering the centre.
Jungkook knew of the centre’s strong reputation–given that his hybrid friends were all adopted from there and spoke well of the place, at least in regards to how well hybrid centres could be. And he just hoped that their reputation kept up and could help to find him a suitable companion.
“Welcome, sir!” A cheery voice called as the employee emerged from a ‘staff only’ door. “Do you have an appointment with us today?”
“Oh, um, yes, name is Jeon Jungkook?” he stumbled out, surprised by the employee’s sunny and upbeat attitude.
“Right on time Mr. Jeon! Thank you for coming to Seoul’s Hybrid Adoption Agency. It says here on your file that you’re looking for a predator hybrid, is that right?” They asked as they grabbed a tablet which must have contained Jungkook’s information.
Now, Jungkook didn’t exactly recall putting any of his preferences in regards to the type of hybrid that he was looking for. But if he was looking for some sort of protection, then he supposed his drunken mind made a good choice by selecting predators (unless that decision was out of familiarity, with the hybrids he knew well all being predators themselves).
“Yes, that’s correct,” he said.
“Well, most predators that we have are all dog hybrids of every breed you could imagine. Unfortunately, we don’t have many others left. The only exotic predator we have is a single tiger. Did you know which type of predator you’re leaning towards?” The employee asked, continuing to read off the tablet, only looking up to gauge the customer’s reaction.
Jungkook was caught up on a single word that they had said. “A… tiger?”
Exotic hybrids–ranging from polar bears to tigers to even sugar gliders–were a rare thing and heavily sought after, with people spending billions of won to get their hands on one of them. And it was even more uncommon to see one in a public adoption agency.
“Ah yes,” the employee cleared their throat, “he’s been returned a few times time by various owners for various reasons.”
Puzzled, Jungkook raised an eyebrow as he tried to comprehend the situation. He’d never even seen a tiger hybrid, nonetheless had the option to adopt one. “What reasons?” he asked, to feed his curiosity.
“In summary, his previous owners weren’t pleased by his behaviour, saying that he didn’t act like a typical exotic hybrid personality.”
Jungkook had to hold back a laugh. He had no clue about what a tiger hybrid was “supposed to act like”, and it wouldn’t hinder his choice at all.
Intrigued, he asked the employee if he could see this tiger hybrid.
They were surprised by the man’s interest but complied nonetheless and lead him down to the man’s cage.
Jungkook couldn’t believe what he was seeing before him, locked away behind iron bars.
The man was absolutely ethereal, easily the most captivating person that he had ever laid his eyes on. Despite being dressed in a dirty, badly-fitting short-sleeved t-shirt that was almost falling off the man’s shoulders, none of that took away from just how angelic he was.
Two round and fluffy ears poked out of his red hair, with a long and equally fluffy tail wrapped around his legs. His fur was, as one might expect, orange, black, and white with beautiful stripes, and he looked up at Jungkook with rather intimidating, piercing eyes, carefully watching the two humans closely.
The tiger’s gaze trailed up Jungkook’s body until he had locked eyes with him. Either Jungkook was hallucinating or he saw the hybrid’s expression soften when he looked up at him.
“Kim Taehyung, tiger hybrid, 26 years old, suitable for adoption and fits your profile,” the employee informed, looking over at the potential adopter. “I can set up a meeting room for you if you’d like to talk to him and make a decision from there,” they asked the human.
“If he’d like to as well,” Jungkook nodded, wanting to have the hybrid’s say in every step of the process. He was still human, after all, and he should be treated as such.
He tried to ignore how the hybrid shot his head up at the statement, eyes widening.
The employee hesitated but reluctantly agreed. They turned to look at the hybrid, asking if it was okay to meet the potential adopter in a private room, and the tiger was quick to agree.
Unlocking the hybrid’s cage, the employee stood between the two and guided them both towards a meeting room.
“He has no history of aggression towards humans, so I don’t see the need for any restraints so long as you’re comfortable with that, Mr. Jeon,” the employee said.
“That’ll be fine,” the human quickly agreed, thinking it would be ridiculous to have the poor hybrid restrained when he was just trying to have a normal conversation with him.
“Very well, I’ll leave you two to talk amongst yourselves. Please come and see me whenever you come to a decision,” the employee bowed as they left, closing the door behind them.
~~
Jungkook stuck out his hand, feeling so very awkward. “Um, hi, my name’s Jungkook.”
“I’m Taehyung!” the tiger beamed, flashing him a wide and boxy smile. “They said you were looking for a predator hybrid?” he asked, tone bright and cheery.
“Ah yes that’s right, I just get nervous living alone,” Jungkook explained, although his reasoning sounded dumb even to his own ears. “Not like I have some mortal enemies who want to kill me or anything. Some people may want my business information but I’m not worried about that. Just, it’s just lonely sometimes,” he admitted, “and it would be hard with my job to get a dog or cat or anything so I figured a hybrid would be good…”
But Taehyung didn’t react the way that Jungkook was expecting him to. Rather, the hybrid just beamed even brighter. “Hybrid’s a good idea then,” he agreed, “can protect you while not being so much of a pet.”
Jungkook grinned at the man’s words, glad to see the man standing up for himself as a person–that he wasn’t just some animal to be tied up and act pretty for gawking eyes. (Which, now that he thought about it, maybe what the employee meant by not being alike other exotic hybrids–he refused to be some show pet.)
“Not a pet? What do you think of more of a… partnership?” he proposed, hoping that the tiger would see what he was offering. No pet and owner uneven power dynamic, no master and servant inequality, just two, equal partners with mutual benefit. Providing a home and food in return for protection.
The tiger grinned in response, “I’d like that,” he admitted, “A big, strong predator like me and a cute little human like you,” the man rested his chin on his hand, tilting his head as he looked over at the potential adopter. He smiled, tail slowly swishing behind him with interest.
Jungkook choked on his own saliva at the hybrid’s bluntness, coughing as he broke eye contact with the man.
Taehyung chuckled with a deep voice, grinning even brighter at him.
“Would you, um, be okay with me adopting you?” Jungkook asked, pounding his chest as he continued to try to clear his throat.
The tiger nodded quickly and confidently as if there was no doubt in his mind. “I’d be honoured, pretty little human.”
Jungkook tried to convince himself that he wasn’t a blushing mess.
~~
After their meeting, Jungkook quickly and happily followed the adoption centre employee’s directions on how to fill out any and all forms for the adoption of the hybrid.
It was a long and intensive process; several forms, ID verification, and even a background check to ensure that Jungkook was a safe and suitable adopter for the hybrid. After everything was cleared, all that was left was a method of payment.
Offering his black credit card to the employee, the human signed off the final papers.
The employee looked over the forms and ensured the payment went through before they smiled brightly. “Thank you for your purchase, sir,” they bowed to him, “please collar your hybrid before your exit. Have a wonderful day.”
Jungkook nodded, taking the collar that was sitting on the desk. He turned to the hybrid, offering the collar up so he could put it on himself if he so wished.
Taehyung, however, refused the man’s offer. Instead, he lowered himself, he craned his neck up, offering for the human to put the collar–a traditional sign of ownership , even if they agreed on a partnership–on his neck.
The human paused, hesitating as his hands, holding the collar, hovered over the hybrid’s neck. “No owning, just partners?” he asked, not wanting to accidentally instigate some master-pet dynamic between the two.
“Just partners,” Taehyung agreed, eyes shimmering with hope and joy as he smiled excitedly at the human.
Nodding with a smile of his own, Jungkook carefully clasped the collar around the hybrid’s neck.
Hearing the clasp of his collar, Taehyung looked up with trusting eyes.
“Let’s go home, Taehyung-ah.”
~~~~
The human drove him, slower and perhaps safer than he normally would, but now he had precious cargo in the vehicle.
Said precious cargo was looking out of the window, eyes sparkling with amazement as he watched the soaring skyscrapers go past, tail flicking along with the music that was playing somewhat softly.
“Do we live up there?” he asked, wonder in each of his words.
Jungkook’s heart melted, finding the hybrid even more adorable than before, further cementing that he was a perfect hybrid for him. “Not those buildings specifically but, yeah, something like that on one of the highest floors. You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”
Taehyung quickly shook his head, “Not at all, but none of my owners never lived up so high.”
After a few minutes, and building up the courage to tell him about himself, Jungkook turned the music down until it was almost inaudible, and started on his story. “I know I mentioned this before, but I was hoping to get a hybrid to keep me company?” Though, he panicked when he realized what that sounded like. “Nothing sexual! That’s not what I meant… I’m just nervous to be alone, is all. ”
“Don’t worry, Jungkookie,” the hybrid said. “I’ll be able to protect you and keep you company no matter what. You’ve got a big and strong and scary tiger now!” he grinned with a bright and boxy smile, displaying his sharp, predatory fangs.
The human chuckled, relieved. Relieved to have someone to keep him company in his big and lonely condo, and relieved that it was someone as seemingly bright and cheery as Taehyung.
Though, even if the tiger referred to himself as scary, he just couldn’t see it. He didn’t seem threatening in the slightest, even if he definitely did seem, as per his own words, big and strong. Despite his clothing not fitting well, it didn’t hide his fit–and dare he say–buff build.
The hybrid could definitely fulfill his promise of protecting him if need be.
“I feel safer already,” Jungkook teased.
The hybrid snorted in response, tail swirling up from the seat and wrapping around the tiger’s thigh.
When Jungkook was leading Taehyung up to his condo, the hybrid was looking around with wonder in his eyes.
The human was watched carefully as he put his key in the elevator.
The poor thing seemed completely lost, albeit fascinated, about whatever Jungkook was doing.
Taehyung nearly fell over when the elevator first started to move up, causing the human to hold back an amused chuckle.
Narrowing his eyes, the tiger playfully raised up his tail and smacked the human with enough force to make him stumble over.
When Jungkook tried to, equally as playfully, push the hybrid over, it seemed futile. The man stood perfectly still, not affected by the human’s struggle in the slightest. He chuckled deeply in response, a wicked smirk on his face as the human pushed against him will all his might. “You’re a cute little human,” he laughed.
Jungkook’s cheeks burned as he leaned will his full weight onto the hybrid, who stood perfectly still, completely unaffected.
He struggled and failed, to push the hybrid over for the rest of the elevator ride.
The aforementioned tiger just smiled in amusement all the while.
When the elevator dinged and the doors opened, the human staggered out first, stumbling to his feet as he cleared his throat.
Taehyung, hands in his pockets, smirked, tail swooshing behind him with curiosity.
“Well then um, welcome home Taehyung-ah! Please, make yourself at home, I can show you around if you’d like,” Jungkook exclaimed, voice full of flustered anxiety. He was trying to convince himself that he was, in fact, not flustered during any interaction with a certain attractive and confident tiger hybrid.
What was leaving his mind at the moment, however, was that hybrids had superior senses in comparison to their fully human counterparts. Senses that could so easily detect a lie, even if Jungkook was a poor enough liar to be able to tell without it.
But the hybrid went along with the human’s act to save the poor man any (further) flustered embarrassment, taking in the tour as Jungkook walked about the condo. Knowing the terrain better, enough to comfortably navigate around, he grew more confident that he’d be able to do his job well.
He could protect his adopter, and his territory, with confidence.
And it didn’t take long for the tiger hybrid to get comfortable there, or with Jungkook. Neither would shy away from a cuddle during a movie. Jungkook would offer some pats and cuddles and ear scratches, as Taehyung would happily accept each stroke with a happy chuff.
It was a couple of weeks later, with the human resting against the hybrid’s chest as the duo lay on their–shared–bed, some show playing on the TV that neither was paying particular attention to.
Jungkook was too distracted for any dumb show, too focused on the man that he was leaning on. He learned that the hybrid seemed to love cuddles, or, more specifically, any physical contact in general. That he loved to have Jungkook in his arms, chuffing as nuzzling into him. And not that Jungkook minded in the slightest, and instead loved it.
Loved the feeling of lying against the hybrid’s chest and the pure feeling of safety. It’s not that Jungkook had a very dangerous job, but it could be stressful and tiring and taxing. But all of those stresses disappeared whenever he was in his hybrid’s arms.
And Taehyung adored his cute little human that felt so right in his arms. He took his whole scary-predator-bodyguard job quite seriously and would protect the man in his arms with his life.
Not that he ever really needed life or death protection, but Taehyung would be damned if he ever let anything happen to him.
But now… he didn’t need much protection. He was in their home, safe and sound. This meant that the tiger could selfishly take in any attention and pats that the human would give him.
Jungkook’s hand was gentle and soft as it raked through the hybrid’s hair, only pausing to leave blissful scratches behind his tiger ears. Taehyung chuffed even louder, squinting his eyes in bliss as he tightened his grip on the human, tail swirling up and wrapping around the human’s waist.
The human chuckled, having become accustomed to the hybrid’s adorable sounds of contentment and joy. At first, after Taehyung had started to get truly comfortable, he mistook the chuffs for growls and was nervous that he was upsetting the man in some way.
But he was quick to learn, after some nuzzle and hugs, that it just meant that he was happy and pleased and content. This leads to countless amounts of chuffs, and chest rumbling under the human’s head. And Jungkook was delighted to supply all of the attention and contact that the hybrid required.
As the two lay comfortably in each other's embrace, the telltale sound of the elevator rising to their level could be heard.
Immediately the tiger tensed, letting out a loud growl as he whipped his head around to face the elevator. He carefully manoeuvred the human safely behind him, out of harm’s way as he placed himself closer to the threat. His gaze darkened, happy sparkle leaving as he furrowed his brows and bared his fangs.
When the elevator dinged and the doors opened, the tiger let out a loud, deep, and threatening snarl that shook Jungkook even if he was the one being protected.
And it seemed to affect the intruders–that being Jungkooks’s friends in the form of the keyholder Hoseok and his hybrid Yoongi, who he completely forgot was coming over today–who jumped back in place, eyes wide as they took in the roaring tiger who did not seem pleased in the slightest at their arrival.
Just as Taehyung took a heavy step forwards, muscles flexing as he prepared to deal with the ‘intruders’, Jungkook quickly hurried forwards and grabbed at his bicep.
Taehyung looked back, eyes narrowing in on the human’s hold. “It’s okay, Taehyung-ah, they’re just friends. I forgot I invited them over, I’m sorry.”
At that, however, the tiger seemed to light up when his eyes met Jungkook’s. “No worries,” he grinned at him, immediately going and wrapping himself around the human.
“We can go if this is a bad time?” Hoseok piped up, clearly still a bit shaken up by the impromptu snarling.
“I’m sorry, you can stay,” Taehyung said in assurance, taking a step back as a way of welcoming the guests into their home.
Hoseok paused, looking at Taehyung somewhat anxiously.
Yoongi however, a fellow cat, was quick to take the tiger’s acceptance, walking in and plopping himself down on the couch. His calculating gaze stayed on the predator as Hoseok tip-toed over to his hybrid’s side.
Taehyung didn’t say anything hostile to the duo, nor make any threatening growls or huffs. Instead, he just stayed at his human’s side, purely focusing on him.
Nervously chuckling, Jungkook sat up and clapped his hands. “I’ll get everyone some drinks, yeah?” he offered, hoping that it would somewhat relieve the tension between them.
As soon as he slowly stood up, an awkward smile still on his face, his hybrid shot up. He wrapped his tail around the human’s waist, arm over his shoulder as they headed towards the kitchen.
Once out of earshot, Jungkook glared at him, whispering with built-up emotion, “please, just, play nice, Taehyungie. They’re my friends, they’re not going to do anything. I appreciate you protecting me but you don’t have to with them, okay?”
The tiger frowned, saddened that he had upset his human to the point of near tears. He wasn’t a good bodyguard if he harmed him in any way…and, beyond that, to harm someone that he cared for so dearly. “I’m sorry, love, I won’t. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” he admitted honestly, wanting the human to know that all he wanted was to take care of him.
“I’m okay you big oaf,” he chuckled warmly, “now let's go get them some water or something.”
Nodding, the tiger rushed to go and get them all some water, encouraging Jungkook to go and spend some time with his friends. Which would give him enough time to collect his thoughts, to convince himself that the two of them were not threats and he didn’t need to protect Jungkook from them. They were Jungkook’s friends, and he should try to be their friend, too. For Jungkook’s sake.
After he had brought them all water, offering a smile that he hoped wasn’t fang-filled and threatening. He apologized to the two for practically threatening them just for coming to visit their friend.
Yoongi was quick to accept his apology, knowing the feeling of wanting to protect his human and defend his territory, and given that Yoongi understood and accepted the apology, Hoseok did too.
With the tension relieved, Jungkook was soon to relax and thus was Taehyung.
“I’m glad that Kookie finally got a hybrid,” Yoongi chuckled to aid in easing the tension, “he was so stuck up and miserable and lonely before. But now he’s all better and lovey-dovey. Whatever you’re doing, Taehyung-ah, keep doing it.”
Immediately the tiger hybrid’s face lit up, beaming as he couldn’t hold back the happy chuff that escaped his throat. Happy and smug and confident, he tightens the grip of his tail around his human’s waist. He was a good protector, good hybrid and good partner. He made Jungkook happy . Hopefully as happy as Jungkook made him.
When he looked over at Jungkook to gauge his reaction, the human was a blushing mess. A look that frequently graced the human’s face, but one that Taehyung thought was adorable and suited him well, that it looked good on him.
For the rest of the night, Taehyung made leaps and bounds toward a good friendship, immediately coming to good terms with Yoongi. It could have been either out of understanding for their fellow hybrid or that they were just alike and got along well. Given that Hoseok was literally tied to Yoongi’s waist given the cat’s tail, it was only natural to get closer to him as well.
When the duo had left, Jungkook had expressed how he was proud of the hybrid for putting aside his original reaction and instinct towards his friends.
Proud to just have made him happy, the tiger chuffed repeatedly, snuggling and nuzzling him as the two made their way to bed. The tiger’s chest rumbled happily as he held the human close in his arms as they both fell into a peaceful slumber.
~~
A ding sounded through the quiet apartment in the late hours of the night. Taehyung immediately untangled himself from Jungkook’s grasp, rolling out of bed as adrenaline shot through his body.
He hoped that he just… imagined the ding or was hallucinating. Maybe it was Hoseok and Yoongi coming back in case they forgot something or another of Jungkook’s friends who he trusted enough to give a key.
But Jungkook didn’t say anything, and rather instead groggily sat up, rubbing his eyes and asking what was going on.
Taehyung ignored the human’s comments and focused on the possible perpetrator who dared to enter his and Jungkook’s territory. He stalked forwards with all the stealth and skill of a trained predatory killer, peeking his head around the corner and zoning his gaze in on the invader.
And the man who was sneaking around the condo was certainly not any of Jungkook’s friends unless they were to wear a mask and an all-black outside that would make him blend in well to the dark night to the human eye.
Unfortunately for the invader, Taehyung wasn’t human.
The tiger hybrid let out a furious roar, full of pure, unadulterated rage. His tail lashed furiously behind him, ears pressed tightly against his head as he bared his fangs, clear indicators that he was ready to defend and attack.
At the cry of his hybrid, Jungkook ran into the room, gaze whipping around as he tried to take everything in. The invader, a gut-wrenchingly familiar figure standing in his living room, with his hybrid poised to strike.
With another deep and spine-chilling growl, the tiger launched himself forwards, outstretching his arms as he aimed for the criminal’s neck.
The invader’s eyes went comically wide upon seeing the attacking predator, grasping at the tiger’s hands as they fell backwards, Taehyung landing on top of the assailant and letting out another furious growl. He tightened his grip on the man, enough that all the man could do was put his full weight into tossing him aside.
Before Taehyung could even stand up, the perpetrator rolled on top of him, reaching into his pocket and revealing a sharp blade.
Taehyung’s eyes widened, growl pausing in sheer panic at the sight of a weapon before he snarled louder, reaching up with his free hand to grasp at the knife.
But he was just shy as the assailant pulled back his hand.
Jungkook felt time slow down, watching as the man pulled his arm back, gripping tighter onto the blade as he prepared to swing his arm down.
And Jungkook refused to see his hybrid harmed in any way. Sure, he may have gotten the hybrid initially for self-defence. But now, to him, Taehyung’s security was far more important than his own.
Sprinting forward as fast as he could, the human dived in front of his hybrid, just as the knife was struck down.
Taehyung saw red.
His Jungkook had risked himself for the hybrid’s sake, paying the price as the knife was dug into his shoulder.
When the human let out a pained cry, Taehyug felt rage shoot through his veins as it gifted him with adrenaline-fueled strength.
He pushed up against the assailant’s chest with all of his furious predator strength, growling as the man was tossed aside.
Taehyung quickly picked up the sad excuse of a man, snarling as he slammed him against the wall. They groaned in response, which only enraged the hybrid further.
The tiger crashed him into the wall again until the man dropped the weapon, successfully incapacitated. Satisfied that they could cause no further damage to his human, he quickly whipped around and hurried to Jungkook’s side.
“Shit–Jungkookie, just focus on me, okay?” He quickly pressed his hand firmly against the wound and scanned the human for any more injuries.
Jungkook groaned in response, shutting his eyes as he took in a shallow breath.
“You’re going to be okay, I’m here, I’ll call the paramedics, it’s going to be okay,” he assured, eyes brimming with tears seeing his beloved injured.
“Are-” Jungkook tried, wincing in pain, “are you alright?”
The tiger huffed, “I’m fine, Kookie, you’re focusing on me right now? You’re the one that’s hurt!” He pressed Jungkook’s hand to his wound as he rushed to get a phone to call the police and the paramedics, hurrying back to his human’s side as he called.
Jungkook wheezed, struggling to sit up and failing to do so when Taehyung held him still as the first responders rushed to the scene.
~~~~~
It didn’t take long for the paramedics to properly treat Jungkook’s wound and for the police to arrest the invader.
Upon police investigation, they discovered the aforementioned invader, it seemed, was Jungkook’s former secretary. The who was the one to steal his boss’ key that he assumed to have lost. The man became a hire from one of Jungkook’s enemy companies who was hired to steal private company information that was kept on the CEO’s personal laptop, that he knew Jungkook kept on his person for such reasons 24/7.
Relieved for the threat to be gone, Taehyung stuck to Jungkook’s side like glue. He held the human’s hand all through the ambulance ride, growling whenever his human winced from the medic’s treatment.
Even when they got to the hospital, the tiger would bare his fangs and snarl whenever a doctor made a move that didn’t sit right with him. Even if it was just to stitch up the wound or give him his medications, that often involved needles and those could hurt .
Taehyung saw Jungkook in enough pain to last a lifetime, and he’d be damned if he was ever in pain again.
“Thank you, Taetae, but I’m fine, you don’t need to worry about me.” Jungkook wheezed, chest rattling with effort.
The tiger let out a mix of a growl and a huff–clearly a dissatisfied noise in regards to his human’s remark. “That’s my job, you loveable idiot,” he chuffed, nuzzling closer to him.
Jungkook chuckled lovingly, smiling brightly as he accepted the warm embrace of his beloved tiger. “And my job is to figure out what happened with my laptop and the burglar, I need to–”
“What you need to do is rest ,” Taehyung assured, strong and yet still somehow gentle arms pushing him into his hospital bed, careful not to tangle any of the wires that he was hooked up to. “You’re staying in bed until you get better, and I’ll take care of you as long as you need. Okay?”
Jungkook tried to sit back up, nearly straining himself if it were not for gentle hands that pinned him still. Deciding that it was not worth it to put himself through further possible injury and that he didn’t have the strength at the moment to fight against the stronger tiger hybrid above him, he sighed and dropped his arms.
Satisfied, Taehyung grinned wickedly, sharp fangs on display as his tail curled up around the human’s thigh. “Until then, you have unlimited access to tiger cuddles,” he hummed as he cuddled up next to Jungkook, which was difficult given the small size of a hospital bed but he managed. The tiger opened his arms in invitation, smiling at his adorable little human.
And Jungkook was more than happy to accept his fate: cuddled to death by a big teddy bear tiger.