Work Text:
Seokjin wasn’t familiar with this part of town, but it was nice, quaint, not cookie cutter like the bigger part of the area. All the houses had a pretty, cottage charm to them, they weren’t like the boring modern homes he was used too.
Every home felt the same now days, that same boring beige mom type of home. Seokjin had always preferred the more retro style, it was what he grew up in, it feels safe and familiar. The bright beige and white is actually be pretty under stimulating to the hybrids, Seokjin knows that well.
It must be expensive out here, all the houses are stocked with a full front and back yard, two stories on each one. But to hire Seokjin he knows all his clients have money, because to need his help, they have to have a hybrid, and hybrids and /expensive/.
Still quite new, Seokjins grand parents generation were the first to be introduced to them. First they were just commercial, strong dog and bull hybrids for labour. Then hybrids for general work and companionship, now theres a hybrid for pretty much anything.
Finally he pulls up, switching off the maps on his phone and double checking the address. He wore a fluffy light blue sweater and joggers, bunny hybrids are very sensitive to textures and colours. Seokjin spent four years to get his hybrid care qualification, he knows it well.
The man gathers his things, mainly just his phone, notepad and business card for the client. Seokjin couldn’t lie, he was excited, his first client, and a bunny hybrid at that! They were one of the rarer ones, Seokjin just hopes he remembers all his years of training right now.
He clears his throat, walking up the little steps that lead to the house, the front garden is covered in different coloured flowers. Bubble bees fly in casually, it looks like something from a Disney movie. Finally, he gets to the door, straightening his sweater before knocking on the door.
After only a few moments the door opens, a very smiley man is there, looking happy to see him. He extends his hand for a greeting, “Hoseok right? Im Seokjin” He introduces, Hoseok steps aside to allow him in. The inside of the house matches the outside, looking bright and colourful but not overwhelmingly so.
Hoseok matches too, looking exactly like what Seokjin imagines a pre school teacher to look like. “How are you doing? Make it here alright?” Hoseok asks, shutting the door behind them. Seokjin toes off his shoes, lining them up with all the other shoes on the floor.
“Im fine thank you, and luckily there wasn’t any bad traffic or anything” Hoseok nods his head, offering a drink to which Seokjin accepts some water. Theres no sign of the bunny yet, ‘Jungkook’ is what it said on the profile Hoseok submitted.
“So before we discuss anything id just like to be a fly on the wall for today, ill just observe and note down anything Ill want to talk about, then you can talk about concerns too” Its the protocol, Seokjin has to know how the hybrid behaviours without any prejudgments on what to look for.
Seokjin has to pick up on things himself, that way it backs up the owners on their concerns too. Hoseok just nods before heading back over into the front room. “Kookie?” He calls in a sweet tone, he gets down on his knees, side of his head touching the floor looking down low for him.
“He always does this when he hears the door, or any sort of commotion really” Hoseok says, and Seokjin notes that down on his pad, taking a seat on the sofa. “Theres someone who wants to meet you~” He sing songs, he must finally spot him because he gets up.
Hoseok goes to the couch opposite, pointing behind it, ah, Jungkook is hiding behind it. “If we go upstairs he will follow” Hoseok nods, prompting Seokjin to follow him, and as promised, by the time they’re up on the landing, theres a little bunny crouched over the bottom step.
Seokjin has always found bunnies cute, who doesn’t? But this one is especially adorable. This looks like extreme anxiety and separation anxiety, a chaotic duo. Hoseok heads down the stairs, picking the hybrid up and Seokjin follows once again.
Jungkook plants his head in Hoseoks neck, refusing to pay Seokjin any attention. Seokjin does say a little hello, not expecting anything back, he doesn’t force Jungkook to do anything. “Sorry, he really doesn’t like strangers” Hoseok nervously laughs, trying to put Jungkook back on the floor but the bunny’s grip does not let up.
“Usually now I’ll let him have some outside time but I doubt he will go anywhere” Hoseok proves that by opening the backdoor to his beautiful backyard. Jungkook is still putting up a fight, not wanting Hoseok to put him down at all. “Come on, let’s get your toys!” He attempts to encourage.
Seokjin notes down all the lovely stimulation Jungkook has, he is certainly not a bored bunny. After some time of refusing to do anything, Jungkook releases Hoseok with the tempt of food. Being clingy isn’t usually an issue but for Jungkook, it’s extreme.
The bunny hoovers down his food before hiding under the table away from Seokjin once again. Hoseok has some of his own food after offering Seokjin some which he declines this time. “Now I’ll try and get some work done, luckily I can work from home, it was the main reason I decided to get a hybrid” Hoseok smiles.
He heads upstairs, Seokjin following and sitting in Hoseoks office, “He knows he isn’t allowed in here” Hoseok points, and sure enough Jungkook is peaking his ears and eyes around the corner. After some time he begins whining and whimpering, scratching at the door.
“He knows it gets to me and eventually I’ll allow him in” Hoseok stops typing on his laptop, frowning as he watches Jungkook sulk by the door. “I imagine it’s hard to say no” Seokjin laughs, and Hoseok nods in agreement.
“I know I shouldn’t but I always give in, I hate seeing him upset” The owner gets up, picking up Jungkook and sitting the bunny back down on his lap. Seokjin writes that down, that will certainly be something he will talk about tomorrow.
They have dinner afterwards, Seokjin joins them in a meal before watching Hoseok easily put Jungkook to sleep. He has a lot noted down and can tell Hoseok is eager to read what he has written. “This was really good, i’ve noted a lot down, good and bad, and we can discuss that all tomorrow alright? You’re a really great owner Hoseok”
Hoseok looks relieved at that, physically relaxing and letting out a breath. “Thanks so much, I cant wait” He replies before showing Seokjin out the door. It’s dark out now, but hopefully it’s past all the rush hour traffic. Seokjin has a lot he wants to discuss with Hoseok and he is very excited to get going.
He wakes up extra early to write everything down neatly, putting it all into bullet points. Seokjin even leaves a little early, reading over his notes once again after he has already pulled up. Hoseok welcomes him in once again, offering him a water before they sit at the dining room table. Jungkook is nowhere to be seen, probably hiding away somewhere from Seokjin.
He clears his throat before opening his note pad, “First I just wanted to say how impressed I am, Jungkook is being given all the proper love and stimulation. Being given full access to the house, garden and lots of toys is very good. I can tell he eats well and is /very/ fond of you, it goes to show how much you take care of him”
Hoseok blushes at the praise and compliment, showing his heart shaped smile proudly. Seokjin then flicks to the next page, rolling his shoulder in preparation. “But of course there are a lot of issues I picked up on, mainly Jungkooks anxiety. Bunnies are usually shy by nature but never to this extent, is this something you were worried about?”
Hoseok sighs, looking around for the bunny, it’s eerily quiet for a house with a hybrid. “This is why I called you, when I got him from the shelter they said they knew very little about his past but that he was /rescued/“ He admits, Seokjin nods, writing that down quickly.
“Its common for abused hybrids to withdraw, it happens to humans too, but that doesn’t mean we cant help and that Jungkook isn’t happy” Seokjin promises, Hoseok smiles once again, even if it is a little pained.
He flips the page again, this one has a list of things Hoseok can do to help, things they can try today. “So you probably know this but praise is /just/ as important as food when it comes to teach hybrids, so whenever Jungkook does a good behaviour we both need to praise him. Also, does he go to any hybrid socialisation groups or clubs?”
Hoseok nervously scratches his head at that, coughing, “Well, he did /once/, but he hated it so much so we never went back” Hoseok is nervous because he knows he’s about to get told off. Seokjin shakes his head, “He needs time, of course Jungkook isn’t going to be comfortable straight away, he needs to be with other hybrids, they will encourage him to come out of his shell”
The owner nods, probably already knowing that, “Yeah… I guess I just baby him, I just think of everything he must have been through and…” Hoseok shrugs, his voice dying out, maybe even a few tears gathering. Seokjin extends a hand across, he knows how hard it is, he had to see a lot of abuse in his studies.
He had to know the signs, how to help, it had been sickening, but worth it because now he knew what to do to help. “You’re a really good owner Hoseok, trust me, i’ve seen a lot of horrible things. I can come with you for support, I know its tough leaving him but it’ll be for his own good”
Hoseok nods, sniffling a little, Seokjin could really tell how much Hoseok loves Jungkook. It was good, sweet, Seokjin could tell Hoseok was going to make this smooth and easy. Seokjin then gets up, snapping his note pad shut and leaving it on the table.
“I noticed you had a crate that wasn’t set up?” Seokjin asks, gesturing to the folded up crate tucked away in the kitchen. Hoseok gives it a little confused look, “I just never saw the need for it” He shrugs, Seokjin picks it up, taking it into the living room, a very confused Hoseok follows him.
“So crates aren’t just for locking hybrids away, they can provide a safe space for them to tuck themselves away in. It’s especially normal for bunnies in particular to want to burrow away. So we will need to set this up, fill it with lots of comfy and homly things, providing something for him to hide in beside a cupboard or behind the sofa”
Hoseok understands right away, popping away for a few moments and coming back with some blankets. This way, Hoseok should just /know/ where Jungkook is hiding, he shouldn’t have to look around.
“Also in regard to your work, I know it’s hard, but you either allow him in the office, or you don’t. You’ll only end up sending mixed messages if you tell him no but then allow him to come in. You can set him up with some toys, give him some warning that you’re going to work and you work”
Hoseok becomes nervous again, he gives in to the bunny so easily, so this will be hard for him. “He wont die from lack of attention, you need to work” Seokjin reminds and Hoseok nods, fluffing out a pillow inside the crate, looking back at their handiwork.
“Why don’t we practice now? Call out and just give a ten minute warning that you’ll be working, we’ll set up some toys for him to play with” Seokjin instructs, so Hoseok does, saying out loud that he has work in ten minutes. They both watch Jungkooks head peak out behind the TV stand, shuffling over to Hoseok.
He then see the crate, curiously peaking his head in, but he doesn’t go in yet. Instead he plays with some of the toys that Hoseok has left out, Seokjin keeps his distance in order not to interrupt. “Alright now give a five minute warning” He then says after a couple minutes have gone by
Hoseok is crouched beside him, “Im going to start working in five minutes ok bun?” He asks, of course he doesn’t get an answer back but Jungkook understands. Then the time is here, “Alright Jungkook, i’m going to work upstairs, ill be back in an hour ok?” He says before heading up.
Hoseok is really surprised when Jungkook doesn’t follow them up, looking out for him but he doesn’t come. “The warnings are really important for structure, he knows you will come back if you tell him you. Its all about routine and trust. If he comes back up you’ll remind him you’re working and put him back with his toys, if he does it again its just a reminder, again and you just ignore him”
The owner looks uneasy about the thought of ignoring Jungkook, and Seokjin doesn’t blame him, but it’s important that Jungkook knows he cant push Hoseok around any longer. As predicted, Jungkook makes his way back up to the office around half an hour in, Hoseok gets up and places him back down stairs, promising to be half an hour.
After another ten minutes he’s back, and Hoseok gives Seokjin an uneasy look. “Just a reminder now” Seokjin pushes, so Hoseok clears his throat. “Im working now sweetheart, I’ll be 20 minutes” He says, Jungkook just lets out a guttural whine, whimpering like he’s hurt.
“He will survive Hoseok, you get on with your work” Seokjin reminds, and Hoseok rips his eyes away from the sad little bunny in the doorway. He feels bad, all this time he’s been letting Jungkook get away with it and now he’s suffering from the consequences.
After a full ten minutes of acting wounded at the door, Jungkook leaves, heading back downstairs and into the living room. Hoseok is throughly surprised, checking the security cameras and seeing him fine, playing with his toys again.
“See, he’s learning that he cant cry his way in here anymore” Hoseok nods at that still surprised and wrapping up his work early. “I cant believe he’s down stairs all by himself, absolutely fine!” Hoseok is stunned, not quite believing thats /his/ little bunny down there.
When the hour is up and they head downstairs, Jungkook heads straight into the crate to hide from Seokjin. They both take a seat on opposite sides of the sofa, “If you follow those steps every time you go for work, eventually he will just understand. I wrote down the steps for you, ill leave them with you when I leave today”
Seokjin then leans forward slightly, “So with his anxiety around strangers there are a few things I want to say. Don’t force interaction, it’ll only make things worse, and don’t let anyone near his crate, if there are people forcing their hands in there and trying to get to him, it instantly becomes an /un/ safe space and he wont use it, thats only for Jungkook, thats his”
He says, gesturing to the crate, Hoseok nods once again, fully agreeing. Jungkook is crawling out, scrambling over to Hoseok and slotting himself perfectly on his lap. “I would also tell people to ignore him, notice how I haven’t smothered him and he’s getting a little more comfortable around me? Its clear he doesn’t want to be the centre of attention”
Seokjin gets the impression Hoseok has a lot of friends, his house has a lot of cutlery for only himself and Jungkook. Every wall is plastered with happy photos and theres a lot of chairs, and not ones that look like an Ikea display. “So next time you have people over, let them all know to say a little hello then just ignore him, and leave his crate alone”
Hoseok scratches in between Jungkooks ears, the bunny lets out a happy little purr. “I cant believe I didn’t think of those things, they seem so simple but I never would have thought about it” Hoseok tells him and Seokjin lets out a laugh.
“Love can cloud the mind, you don’t realise you need to take a step beck until someone taps your shoulder from behind” Seokjin remembers his teacher saying that, and it stuck in his mind all throughout they hears, even after that particular teacher left the school.
It doesn’t take a whole degree to know Hoseok loves Jungkook, he’s just been doing what he’s thought was best for him. Seokjin knows Hoseok wouldn’t do anything with bad intentions to the bunny. But sometimes you can accidentally enable a hybrid with bad behaviours.
It happens too often, people thinking a hybrid will be easy until they get one and have no idea how to look after them. Seokjin hates the fact that most people only get hybrids for some social status and some sort of cool party trick. It’s like they forget that they aren’t a new shiny car, they’re living breathing creatures.
“Tomorrow we will go to the hybrid social club, get Jungkook to make some friends and take it from there alright?” Seokjin pushes up off of his knees, collecting his things but leaving the steps on Hoseoks table. He knows Hoseok will do really well, it’s clear he loves the bunny and wants the best for him.
“Thanks so much for today, I’ll see you tomorrow, get home safe!” Hoseok tells him as he waves Seokjin goodbye from the door. Jungkook is on the floor behind his legs, slowly watching Seokjin leave.
In the morning, Seokjin heads straight to the Hybrid social club, luckily it’s not too far from where he lives. Seokjin had to visit this place a lot during his training, studying about different hybrids and natural behaviours. They have a room for each, cats, dogs, bunny’s and hamsters, the more common house hybrids.
Hoseok turns up just ahead of schedule, Jungkook is clinging on him, it’s making it hard to walk for him. “Good morning” Hoseok says, muffled from where Jungkooks arm is wrapped around him. “Morning” Seokjin smiles, amused by the image in front of him.
He opens the door for them both, checking Jungkook in before showing Hoseok the bunny room. It has one way windows, allowing owners to watch but the hybrids feel they can be themselves. Jungkook shrieks as soon as Hoseok tries to set him down, he looks to Seokjin for help.
“So sit down with him at first, get some of the toys and play with him, then say you’ll give him ten minutes to play before you come back and then leave alright?” Hoseok nods before slowly sitting down, Jungkook now in his lap. Some of the other bunnies are shuffling over, being intrigued by the new hybrid.
Eventually Jungkook is sat on the floor, one of the toys in his hand, so Hoseok makes his move. “I’ll give you ten minutes to play and I’ll be back ok baby? I love you” He kisses him on the head before getting up and walking to the door. Jungkook instantly panics, screeching and Hoseok attempts to leave.
Seokjin has to be the one to pick the bunny up and place him back, allowing them both to leave and look through the one way window. Hoseok is very upset, wiping away a few tears, “This is why I couldn’t leave him last time, I feel like he will hate me and think i’m abandoning him” He confesses.
Seokjin shakes his head, rubbing circles into Hoseoks back, “But you’re not Hoseok, when you go back out there it’ll only reinforce the trust he has in you. He’s trying something new for the first time, surrounded by new people in a new environment. We need to let him get comfortable before deciding if this is good for him”
Hoseok knows he’s right, so he wipes the stray tears away, taking a deep breath before looking through the windows. Jungkook is right by the door, hanging onto the toy and looking at all the other bunnies running around.
It looks like Jungkook is desperate to join in, Hoseok wants him too, waits for him too. “Ok so now, go back in, give some praise and then another ten minutes alright? He’s not distressed or anything anymore” They take a deep breath together before Hoseok heads back in. Jungkook jumps straight back into his injured bunny routine, whimpering and wobbling his lip to try and get Hoseok to hold him.
“Well done bunny, you having fun with your friends? I’ll be back in another ten minutes ok?” This time, Jungkook doesn’t panic as much, just lets out a loud whine. But when Hoseok is gone, he snaps his head back around to the other bunnies, completely forgetting about him.
It’s clear that Jungkook wants to get up and be involved, he’s just holding back. He’s not miserable though, the bunny does play with some of the toys by himself, eventually even with another hybrid. They re do the praise and ten minutes until Jungkook is completely fine with Hoseok leaving him alone.
He’s actually /playing/ with the others, Hoseok whips out his phone to proudly record him. It makes Seokjin happy, happy that he’s made Hoseok happy, happy that Jungkook is happy. When they finally go to leave, the bunny actually doesn’t want too, be wants to stay with the others and all the toys. “We can come back later this week ok? I promise” Hoseok tells Jungkook.
But of course when they’re out he goes back to clinging to Hoseok like his life depends on it. “I cant believe how much he’s improved already” Hoseok tells him as they leave, its a but warmer out now. Seokjin gives him a smile, “Just remember to follow through, this is only works if you keep up”
Hoseok tilts Jungkooks head up, the bunnies ears go from straight up to a relaxed stance. “Oh we will wont we?” He says before kissing the hybrids face. “Ok so from here, i’ve given you all the tools, you try and use them, you can call me at any time, but this certainly isn’t the last time we’ll meet. I’ll message you a specific date later but in about two weeks time we’ll meet up, check on how things are going and we will reassess alright?”
Seokjin is actually a little sad, he only met the pair yesterday but has already grown attached. But Hoseok needs to learn to use the techniques by himself. But of course their communication wont be cut off, if Hoseok really needs to see him before the two weeks, all he has to do is call.
But Seokjin has a feeling Hoseok will do really well, it’ll be hard to say no to the bunny but as long as he sees its for good, they’ll both be fine. Seokjin says his goodbyes to them before hopping back in his car. He writes down that they’ll need a meeting in two weeks and he will need to message Hoseok the date and time.
Just as he goes to start the car, his phone rings, it’s an unknown number, Seokjin clears his throat. “Kim Seokjin speaking” He answers, it’s his business phone calling, maybe someone saw an ad, or got a recommendation from someone. “Hey so this is the hybrid therapist right? The vet gave me this number- Taehyung let go!”